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Life’s Stress Test

By: Gracee Arthur

As a realtor, two of my great pleasures are locating the ideal buyer for my seller’s property or finding my buyer their dream home.  But as the dream is fulfilled the nightmare begins…..MOVING DAY!

Now it is my turn to live the nightmare as I make an interim move while between houses.  This effort has been complicated by some sleepless nights fighting off mosquitoes (not very successfully) at my current rental where standing water has become a problem since the most recent rains and poor on site drainage.

There are few things in life more stressful than moving.  Whether you are relocating one mile away or cross country, the anxiety level and chaos are the same. When you also have an at home office and will be interrupting your work schedule things are additionally complicated and disruptive.  By now you are probably thinking, “Tell me something I do not know,” which I will do here in hopes of making your move, if not blissful at least manageable without prescription meds.

1.  This is the perfect time to part with the items you no longer use. Whether they are stored in the garage, attic or a costly storage facility this is the time to take inventory. Take advantage of the “trash to treasure” theory and have a garage sale. If a garage sale is not your thing then advertise on Craig’s List or your local paper to sell your most marketable items. Also remember that many charities are hurting right now and would welcome your donations (often picking them up at your door) for which you will receive a tax deduction. The bonus is the money you will save on moving or storing items which you no longer use.

2.   Arrange all your utility transfers well in advance of your move.  When you are moving phone, internet, cable etc. it can take as long as 3 weeks in advance to get a suitable appointment. Make sure to check out where all your outlets are in case you will need to add additional ones.

3.   If you do not have a mover that you like, get referrals from your realtor and friends who have recently moved.  Everyone has horror stories of the broken antique heirloom but only a few sing the praises of their moving company.  Whomever you choose, if you have a lot of valuable items insurance is a must.

4.    If you have painting, carpet cleaning etc. to be done having it done before you move in is a good idea.  If you are moving into a rental make sure your landlord plans to have the place professionally cleaned
prior to move- in as well as any needed repairs.

5.   Although the internet has decreased our need for the post office, you will still need to file for change of address (can now be done on line) at least 2 weeks prior to moving and notify any publications and vendors and the DMV separately for your driver’s license and auto registration (can be done on line) they will automatically change your voter registration if you do not change counties.  Additionally, your insurance, auto, health, home (prices may change if you move to a new county) and all professional such as doctors, dentist etc. with whom you have relationships, banks, credit card companies etc.

6.    Do yourself a favor if you can afford it, hire your movers to pack for you.  They are much better and faster at it than we are and do not pause for a nostalgic moment to admire old photos. The money spent
will be returned to you in time, efficiency and stress relief.

7.    Pets go last. If you cannot confine them to their kennel, a room or outside bring them to the vet or groomer for a bath.  Pets are happier when they are the last to arrive at home when the movers have left and
their favorite sofa is back in place.

8.    Most importantly, ”do unto others” whether you are a renter or a seller be considerate of the people moving into your home.  No matter how smoothly it goes, moving is difficult for everyone and there is nothing worse than arriving with your cherished belongings to find your new home a mess.  Yes, when the last box is loaded up all you want to do is close the door for the last time but please leave your house in the same condition you would like to find your new one!

Here are some links I hope will help with your move!  Good Luck and know “this to shall pass!”

DMV
USPS
Unique Mover
Marthastewart.com
Dino’s Moving and Storage – 323-467-3466

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Gracee Arthur on March 8th, 2010

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Road Trip Part III, Dinner

By: Gracee Arthur

When I moved to Malibu in the early 1980’s  Kanan Road was a sparsely developed, beautiful mountain pass and my main route to the Conejo Valley.When a longtime Malibu local told me tales of a famous restaurant located just off Kanan Rd.  at a place called Malibou Lake my curiosity and sense of adventure led me there.  The Old Place Restaurant, a rustic mining car with an old upright piano and a long wooden bar, was run by Barbara a salty woman with a long gray braid and no nonsense friendly personality.  The only wine served was in big jugs choices, red and white. Barbara’s husband Tom was the cook and the menu consisted of steak or claims, a garnish consisting of a piece of lettuce, garbanzo beans and sour dough toast. The food was fantastic, the crowd an eclectic mix of celebrities, red necks and Malibu locals with many a would be talent playing the piano and breaking out in song. Legend has it that Jason Robards, Steve McQueen and Burgess Meredith were among the participants in all night poker games in the back room where they would take turns cooking on the 75 year old stove and occasionally breaking into a skirmish!

Flash forward to 2010, Tom has sadly passed on but his son, Morgan, has given the Old Place a new life as a still rustic but trendy bar and restaurant. The Saturday night my friends and I dined there we were surprised to find the establishment already crowded at 6 PM (reservations a must) as we waited for our table to clear! The room is composed of a 20’ long antique bar down the center of the restaurant that serves as a giant dining table where seating is on a first serve basis, and 5 booths, 2 tables which are reservation only for 4 or more people. The dinner menu is small and appealing with dishes like Oak grilled Black Angus Steak, Wild Rosemary Pale Ale Chicken and Special Dave’s Selection  of exotic game (boar, elk, venison) and Fish of the Day. The famous “Old Place” steamed clams are a favorite on the Appetizer menu.

I enjoyed the Old Place beef stew which is delicious and reminiscent of Tom’s version which used to be served every Sunday. My friend Campbell enjoyed the Grilled Veggie salad and her husband Marty had the chicken so I got a taste of each, all delicious.

The only disappointment was the small wine list.* Marty was puzzled as to why there were not more of the terrific wines from the Cornell Winery next door on the restaurant menu. I agree that an expanded wine list with some of the terrific wines from Cornell would greatly enhance the fine dining experience at the Old Place. As for the finish, there is a delectable but small selection for dessert, (if you have room), among them a Mixed Berry Cobbler with cinnamon whipped cream and an Apple Crisp with vanilla whipped cream. All said, our entire road trip to Cornell was a great deal of fun, food, wine and nostalgia! I speak for all of us when I say we will happily be back soon.

As a side note, those of you who enjoy weekend brunch, the Old Place is open Saturday and Sunday from 9AM-2PM serving goodies like Blue Corn Meal Flap Jacks and Rustic Thick Cut Sourdough French Toast.

The Old Place is located at 29983 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills  and serves dinner Thursday-Sunday from 5PM-10PM. Reservations required for parties of 4 or more 818-706-9001. If you would like to visit the Cornell Tasting Room first phone 818-735-3542 for the schedule.

*Diners purchasing wine from Cornell may enjoy it at the Old Place with a corkage fee of only five dollars

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Gracee Arthur on February 25th, 2010

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The Art of Daniel Stern & Jacqueline Cedar

By: Gracee Arthur

The Tracy Park Gallery has fabulous new digs in the Malibu Country Mart adjacent to world famous Nobu Restaurant!  Now located at the quaint center at 3835 Cross Creek road in the center of Malibu, the gallery will be hosting its first cocktail reception of the New Year on Saturday February 27th from 7:00 to 10:00PM.

Daniel Stern is a familiar face in the entertainment world.  A multifaceted talented actor and director, he first caught our attention portraying Shrevie the obsessive record collector in the much acclaimed Barry Levinson film “Diner.” He was also featured in the hilarious Billy Crystal film “City Slickers” and has numerous television credits both as actor and director (Wonder Years). Now we will have the opportunity to view his work as a sculptor at the Tracy Park Gallery on February 27th.  Daniel relates to each of his sculptures as if they are a “frame of film”, singular moments in time. The actor /sculptor has been sculpting from his Culver City studio for the past five years and will be displaying some of his newest artistic expressions in bronze at the gallery.

Native Los Angeles resident Jacqueline Cedar received her BA in Art from UCLA and her MFA at Columbia University. She is currently working as Artist teacher at the Joan Mitchell Foundation.  Jacqueline’s work was featured in the 2007 Pacific Coast edition of New American Paintings and she has had exhibits at many museums and galleries including the Dinaburg Arts in New York and The Papillon Gallery in Los Angeles.

The cocktail receptions at the Tracy Park Gallery are always exciting and often bring out local celebrities and art lovers to view the best of the new talent on the art scene.  What a great way to spend a Saturday night in Malibu with sushi at Nobu and a walk next door for a cocktail and fine art.

Tracy Park Jacqueline Cedar Nobu Papillon Gallery Dina Burgarts

Click here to download the invitation: Tracy Park Invitation

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Gracee Arthur on February 17th, 2010

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Road Trip Part II

By: Gracee Arthur

Our scenic drive up the canyon from Malibu had finally brought us to our destination at the Cornell Winery and we were excited about the pleasure that awaited us.  My tasting companions, producer Marty Katz, his wife Campbell, and I entered the small charming wine shop, with its walls lined in art and admired the ambiance.  While we waited for our hostess to set up our places in the tasting room we browsed the fine wines from local vineyards such as Rosenthal, Mulholland Highway, and Stafford and examined the creative gift items on display.

Our hostess soon escorted us into the tasting room with its beautiful chandelier and we were seated at a large rustic table which we shared with a happy bachelorette party!  The waitress brought us a basket of delicious bread and the tasting began with a pleasant, crisp Pinot Gris from Rosenthal /Surfrider.  Our next wine was Chardonnay also by Rosenthal Newton Canyon which Marty liked quite a bit. Tim Skogstrom, our host, sent us a beautiful cured meat and cheese plate which was lavished with goodies like hand cut Sopressta Salami, and Prosciutto di Parma. The mahogany plank also contained 3 cheeses (varieties rotate) this night the cheeses were Danish Fontina, Gorgonzola (Italian Bleu) and Parmigian Reggiano (out of this world)!!  All accompanied by olive oil with a few drops of Balsamic to compliment the toast points made from rustic sour dough bread, and grapes.

Among the eight wines offered for tasting that night were a Syrah/Grenache Rose (Rom, Corral Canyon), a 2005 Merlot (Stafford, San Luis Obispo County) and a 2006 Syrah (Stafford, Santa Ynez Valley).
My favorites were the Pinot Noir and despite the “Sideways” jokes, the Merlot with a notes of pepper and licorice.

Our wine cards full of cryptic notes we left the celebrating bride to be, her friends and family and ambled next door to the “new” Old Place for our much anticipated dinner.  Road Trip Part III “The Old Place” a bit of history coming soon. Bon Appetite!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Gracee Arthur on February 9th, 2010

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Broad Beach Rescue Effort

By: Gracee Arthur

The LA Times  reporter Bob Poole explores the peril facing Broad Beach’s celebrity residents in his article “Malibu residents seek a narrow escape for Broad Beach” (February 2, 1010).

The full moon at its closest point to earth illuminated and exasperated the recent erosion of the coastline on Malibu beaches.  One of the most impacted beaches has been the celebrity inhabited Broad Beach (now a misnomer) which has lost so much sand it is posing a threat to multi-million dollar beach homes on its shore.   Yesterday, work began on a $4,000,000 sea wall which will be 4100 feet long to mitigate the damage until a long term project to dredge up sand restore the beach can be put in motion.  The project began by stockpiling the huge rocks at the west end of Zuma beach where the huge cranes have been housed.

City Councilman Andy Stern cited the pubic health hazard of erosion which can unearth septic systems as the reason for the rapid action to shore up the beach. The 8 foot high rock sea wall, when completed will protect the residents, Pierce Brosnan and Steve Spielberg among them, from the rising water threatening their beach front homes.

Read more about this story at LA Times

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Gracee Arthur on February 2nd, 2010

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Road Trip Part I

By: Gracee Arthur

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon there is no more visually stunning pleasure to experience than a drive through the now lush and green Santa Monica Mountains. What else could possibly bring more joy? As the old adage goes —“A day without wine is a day without sunshine!” Not to worry, there are more than 50 independent vineyards in these Mountains, just a scenic 10 mile drive from Malibu off of Kanan Dume Rd. (Highway N1). The vineyards vary in size from ½ acre backyards to 1,000 acre estates. One such estate on almost 37 acres is Rocky Oaks which not only has a large vineyard but a 9,000 square foot mansion as well, all of which can be yours for $65,000,000.

Luckily, for those of us who are unable to buy a vineyard, the Cornell Winery is a terrific place to taste the grapes!  Located at 29975 Mulholland Hwy in Agoura, Cornell is open 10AM to 9PM Thursday-Sunday and is also available for private parties and events.

The proprietors, Tim and Denise Skogstrom, who have 20 years experience in the wine industry, put together a fabulous collection of local boutique vintages for tasting, drinking and purchase. The comfortable, yet elegant back room is where the tasting of wines from vineyards like Rosenthal and Corral Canyon are enjoyed with delectables like the ‘cured meat and cheese plate” which is served on a plank of Mahogany. The featured art is by Douglas Tharalson who is also curator seeking out other original art works to adorn the walls of the wine shop and tasting room. Adjacent to the winery are the “new” Old Place restaurant, now reopened and serving fantastic food in an old West setting and antique dealer Charme D’Antan which specializes in French treasures.

So, if you are looking for a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon or an evening in wine country just hop in the car and be transported to a special, peaceful place just a short drive but a world away from the clatter of the city! The Cornell Winery 818-735-3542.  www.cornellwinery.com thataralart@aol.com

Coming Soon!  Road Trip part II “The Tasting”

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Gracee Arthur on February 1st, 2010

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It’s Always a Good Time to Invest in Malibu!

By: Gracee Arthur

The year was 1926 and the Marblehead Land Company was offering ten year beach front leases for 1 dollar per front foot. The Malibu Colony was being born as celebrities like Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck were building beach cottages for $2600 (summer rentals now go for up to $150,000 per month)!!!  In that same year, beach front property on exclusive Carbon Beach was for sale at up to $800 per front foot.

A bit more history: in 1804 the entire 13,000 acre Rancho Topanga Malibu Sestomo Semi Sequit was granted to Don Jose Bartoleme Tapia by the King of Spain; Bartoleme re-sold it to Leon Victor Prudhomme for 400 pesos, half in cash and half in wine!! Prudhomme sold it in 1864 to Matthew Keller for 10 cents an acre ($1,300) and by the time Fredrick Hastings Rindge bought it in 1891 the price was $10 per acre. The land extended 20 miles north from Las Flores Canyon and Rindge eventually became the owner of a full 25 miles along the sea coast.

Flash forward to 1993 , a “buyer’s” market, where homes in the still celebrity- studded Colony for upward of $2.5 million and front foot of beach is going for more than $20,000. Flash Forward again to 2010 where the 28 ocean view acres once destined to be the 146 room Adamson hotel will be auctioned off on January 27th due to a mortgage debt of $22 million.  Malibu may have experienced its worst market ever in 2009 and that includes land sales. There were 187 land listings from $21 million to a low of $18,500 and only 21 sales.  An ocean front bluff property (adjacent to a property owned by Brad Pitt)  sold in 2007 for  $8,750,000  without permits or current reports, it eventually resold in the winter of 2009 with reports and permits, for the same price.  At the low end of the 2009 sales was a parcel listed $99,000 which sold for $51,000.

History has proved Malibu to be a great investment and the best time to invest is in a “buyer’s market.” Coastal property is always at a premium and not only is it a terrific investment, but  a terrific place to experience life. Currently a home on 80’ of  Carbon Beach is listed at $29 million and that is a great return  on the $800 a front foot of less than a century ago.

The visit Malibu Chamber click here.

www.graceearthur.com

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Gracee Arthur on January 21st, 2010

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John Wayne Rocks!

By: Gracee Arthur

I recently came across a terrific story in the LA Times by Steve Harvey about sculptor Brett-Livingston Strong. The story was about 116 ton boulder which was teetering over Pacific Coast Highway in a threatening manner.  Some years later, 2005 to be exact, another large boulder was threatening to roll onto PCH between Big Rock and Las Tunas forcing Cal Trans to shut down that segment of the highway (to the consternation of many local residents) including me! For more on this Malibu Times story, click here.

It was the first week of March 2005 and I was just recovering from the flu when I was driving to a home inspection on a house I had put in escrow the week before, just across from street from the hanging rock. I had to beg the sheriff to let me park my car and walk

the 2 miles down the muddy post rainstorm highway to my listing, hoping all the way that this “minor inconvenience” was not going to cause a case of buyer’s remorse. I walked quickly past the large boulder being worked on by Cal Trans praying I had not walked this far for naught!  Luckily the buyers were a hardy pair and the boulder was a great topic of conversation. When I finally walked back to my car at the end of the day there it sat with a totally flat tire but the house was still in escrow, the rock still suspended. The house closed escrow, the rock was blown up into smaller pieces for removal whereabouts unknown.

Back to 1979 where the exciting drama to remove the 116 ton boulder culminated in sculptor Livingstone Strong purchasing a 12.5 ton chunk of the rock which he carved into the image of actor John Wayne!

The Wayne bust was donated to Lubbock Christian University where in 2010 it still sits in the university library. Click here to view more information about the photo to the right.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Gracee Arthur on January 8th, 2010

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Promising signs for the 2010 Real Estate Market

By: Gracee Arthur

Just before Christmas writer Ann Brenoff contacted me for an article she was writing about the December real estate market.  The common belief is that there is little real estate activity at this time of the year, however anecdotal stories prove this may be simply a myth.  I went into the files in the deep recesses of my brain and lo and behold recalled my own terrific Christmas sale story which also, as it turns out, was the precursor to a terrific market in the year that was to come!

The year was 2003 and I had a listing that had been on the market for over 170 days.  The home, formerly belonging to the late comedian Sam Kineson  and built by local architect Harry Gesner, was located on the Encinal Bluffs with beach access.  The architectural with an ocean view was round and that made it a special house that needed a creative thinking buyer.  Dredging up this forgotten story reminded me of what a good year 2004 was in real estate

Now, back to Christmas 2009 during which I was out showing property both weeks of the holiday season including 6 showings on a condo I have listed (and which has an offer coming in on it)!  I think 2010 is going to be a good news year for the real estate market and if you are a Buyer sitting on the sidelines this may be the moment you want to take the plunge. If you would like to read more Christmas real estate stories including mine go to Housing Watch.

Happy New Year!!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy. Gracee Arthur Real Estate Agent at Ewing and Sotheby’s.

Posted by Gracee Arthur on January 4th, 2010

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Chief Dwellings

By: Gracee Arthur

My friend Ann Brenoff (formerly of the LA Times) is now writing a great new column for the LA Business Journal.  This week’s articles include a piece on the home of Larry Pollack, owner of the Saddle Ranch Chop House restaurant chain. Pollack placed his 6 bedroom, 10 bath compound on the market in January for $27 million and has now reduced the price to $9.95 million!  Also, former model Cathleen Gallagher just sold her spec house in Pacific Palisades for $3.5million. The house on the Lomas Bluffs has 7 bedrooms and 7.5 baths and was decorated with authentic French Provence materials she purchased on French eBay.

The column features homes being sold and purchased by prominent business people and I was pleased to have my client Jim Castleberry, a former vice president of Wickes Companies Inc.

as one of the featured home sellers.  I sold Jim his beautiful ocean view town home 15 years ago.  The stunning ocean view architectural overlooks the ocean above Broad Beach and offers glorious views of the winter sunsets!

Listed at $1,169,000 (below the last previous sale) the Malibu Colony west condo has 2 bedroom, 2.5 baths and an ocean view loft/office.  The corner unit has lots of light from its clerestory windows and skylights, 2 fireplaces  and a 2 car garage.  The small (14 unit) elegant complex has a pool, spa tennis court, lush grounds and is gated. There are also deeded beach rights at West Sea Level Beach.

If you would like to read Ann’s article in its entirety go to www.labusinessjournal.com

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy. Gracee Arthur Real Estate Agent Ewing and Sotheby’s.

Posted by Gracee Arthur on December 21st, 2009

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