STOP LOSING MONEY Stop Losing Money is the logo of American Homes Real Estate, co-owned by Mike Lefton and Joni Parkinson. Their combined years of active real estate experience exceeds thirty years of full-time service. Mike and Joni are currently celebrating their sixth year of operation within their Simi Valley office, located at 4511 Alamo Street. American Homes proudly represents both Sellers and Buyers within the Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The success of American Homes Real Estate is attributed to the commitment and professionalism that is demanded by today's knowledgeable clientele.  American Homes delivers both Service and Savings to today's home Seller, providing a substantial savings of thousands of dollars while still providing full service real estate. The expertise of... 08/03/2007

After reading Ana Connell’s blog about what Burbank is doing for the environment, I got to thinking what is Simi Valley doing…..well hers the answer.     Ventura County is helping you become greener.  If you own a gas powered lawn mower, and you turn it into the city they will give you a huge discount on any electric mower at Lowes.  This is for a limited time only, so if you would like more information regarding this program click here. 08/01/2007

I'm excited to start my new adventure in real estate. I know I got into the field after the boom has settled down but I feel confident that I can do well. Although people have good and bad views with their dealings in real estate. I will try my hardest to make them see nothing but the good view when dealing with me.  I'm hoping to network with other agents and to built my clientele and look forward to hearing from you all! ThanksAhmad AfzalDA/CA Financial GroupAgent/Loan Officer 07/02/2007

Music in the Park   Simi Valley will be hosting another great summer of Music at the Park.  The music will be at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Ave near the Firehouse Café.   This summer will be featuring:   June 16 Ticket to Ride (Beatles Tribute)   July 21 Raymond Michael (Elvis Tribute)   August 18 Dean Simmons (Garth Brooks Tribute)   All you need to bring is a blanket to sit on and a picnic.  The kids and adults will both enjoy these shows.  I hope to see you there.  If you have any questions please go to www.rsrpd.org.           www.bethbastian.com     06/12/2007

On June 9th and 10th, Simi Valley will be hosting the 6th annual Simi Valley Home and remodeling show.  The show will be hosted at the Santa Susana Park and Rec, the big park by the “s” turn.  This show is a great source of home improvement ideas, if you are looking for that new idea to make your house a home this is the place to be. So come on out with the kids, and check out the latest and greatest in home improvement.      If you would like free tickets, please contact Exit Family Realty at 805-522-2111.  www.bethbastian.com  05/31/2007

Looking for a way to Spice up your Memorial Weekend?  Look no further!  Come and enjoy great live music and  scrumptious Cajun Faire at the 18th Annual Cajun, Creaole Music Festival!  It is a fun time for the whole family! The Festival will once again be held at the Santa Susana Park site on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. This fundraising event created by the Simi Sunrise Rotary Club, gives nearly half of its proceeds to scholarships funds, education programs, and youth and family organizations. The other half is given to non-profits such as health and medical groups, senior organizations and homeless programs.   What an amazing event full of fun, flavor and Culture!  Having fun and giving back to the community… You can’t beat that!   Hours Saturday, May 26, 2007, 11am - 8... 05/25/2007

Looking for some Summer fun? Then head on over to the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center!  This is a fun place to expience difference plays and such throughout the year! This June and July they will be putting on the Rock Musical HAIR! This is in celebration of this musicals 40th anniversary.  Sounds like a lot of fun to me!   Flash back to yesteryear! See you there! 05/24/2007

Simi Valley Real Estate You may find this information useful and possibly even timely.  Above all, take it as an example and a possible inspiration to contact a professional accountant, CPA or attorney.  To determine your gain, you should go through a series of calculations.  An example:  You purchased your home for $250,000                      You sell it for $700,000                      You spent $20,000 in eligible purchases and upgrade expenses (taxes and major improvements and $49,000 in selling expenses (which includes real estate commission, exise taxes, title, escrow, etc. Be sure and check with your accountant for allowable expenses). Subtract the selling costs, approximately $49,000, from the closed sales price $700,000, giving you a total of $651,000. Add the cost of your m... 05/01/2007

Simi Valley Real Estate WendysHomes.com  Tips everyone should heed. Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, review these things that you can do in an emergency situation. Share with your spouse, your children, everyone you know. After reading these 9 crucial tips, send them to someone you care about.  It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in. 1. The elbow is the strongest point on your body.  If you are close enough to use it, do! 2.    A tourist guide in New Orleans suggests this;  If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM, toss it away from you.... chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.  Run like mad in the other direction!  3. If you are ever thrown into t... 05/01/2007

 Visit my Community Links page on my website to learn all about Simi Valley, schools, neighboring communities, youth activities, homes for sale, chambers of commerce, relocation tips and so much more.For even more information, please visit  WendysHomes.comYou can also search for active listings when you visit my website. I appreciate your time and hope that I can help you with your search for a home in the future. Wendy Pickard(805) 558-6624  04/26/2007

In Simi Valley California we are truly blessed to have the Ronald Reagan Library.  The Reagan Library will take you back to life as we knew it when Reagan was our president.  From the pictures on the walls, to the replica of the oval office, you will even get to see a piece of the wall.    Ronald Reagan was known and loved for his speeches; as you walk through out the Library will constantly hear the Gipper himself, talking about life as president and some of his most memorable speeches.    As you walk through the Library you will be greeted with the breath taking views of Simi Valley and Moorpark California.    One of the items we are most proud of is we have Air Force One, the air plane that Reagan used.  You are able to walk through the plane, and see the traveling office that our p... 04/24/2007

Simi Valley is having a Town Hall Meeting, on April 27,2007 at 6:30 P.M.  The meeting will be an open forum discussion regarding the Arroyo Simi.  We will learn about the long term plans on the Arroyo, and learn more about our city.  This meeting will be at City Hall, so please come by.   This information is from http://www.rsrpd.org/  04/24/2007

Simi Valley Street Fair is coming!!   This May 12 and every year the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce puts on a Street Fair, with over 250 booths and activities for all age levels, this is an event you do not want to miss. It is also a great time to get out and meet our firefighters, police and search and rescue. So grab your kids and get out to the Simi Valley Street Fair!   For more information please click here. 04/24/2007

Located at the far end of Simi Valley there is a great is a wonderful area called Corriganville Ranch.  Today it is known for excellent hiking and running trails.  It is located two minuets from the City, but you feel like you are out in nature, when you are hiking in on the beautiful trails.    However Corriganville has a somewhat sorted past, once it was filled with thieves, cowboys, Indians, and Kings.  Yes you read right, thieves and Kings…what am I talking about?  Corriganville was the back drop for many western movies, The Adventures of Robin Hood (with Errol Flynn) and countless other movies.    Movie Sets where built to look like a Western Town or houses on prairies, even a man make lake that has the ability to film underwater. However several fires, have destroyed most of the ... 04/20/2007

   Today after work I made my monthly trip to the Simi Valley Town Center to buy a new pair of sunglasses. (I usually have to buy the cheapest pair I can find, because I break or lose them within a month) I noticed when I was parking my car that once again the white Farmers' Market tents are set up in the parking lot.     The Farmers' Market and Family Festival first made it's debut in July of last year. This year it re-opened on March 16th, and is scheduled for every Friday through November 2nd from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. At Simi Valley's Certified Farmer's Market there are vendors set up selling fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods and other unique things. Also, there is a children's petting zoo that is great to take your kids to.                             It's a great place to spend time... 04/14/2007

            So what do you get when you put together and experienced loan officer, and an experienced Realtor?  One person who can find you the perfect home, and find you the perfect loan?  One person who you can call at all times of the day with any real estate question. Does this kind of person really exist, and if so how do you become one?  This person is called a Hybrid Agent.       Well in my case, I worked in the mortgage industry for about eight years; I did all aspects in the mortgage world from underwriting to being the broker owner of my own shop.  Then it happened, I had a client who wanted me to sell them a house.  So the next thing I knew I was selling homes, and working with the clients on their mortgages.        So, am I a Realtor, the answer is yes, am I a loan speciali... 04/09/2007

The 40 year fix   I am sure you have heard the media talk about the 40 year fix.  The 40 year fix is a new mortgage option, so I thought I would give you some information in this loan.   The 40 year fix has a .25 higher rate than your traditional 30 year fixes.  Even with the higher rate you can save as much as $125.00 a month by adding 10 years to your mortgage.    The 40 year fix, is a good alternative to an interest only loan.  Your monthly payment is about $100 a month more than an interest only, however you get the benefit lowering your balance a little every month.   The 40 year fix is, a great alternative to an adjustable, or an interest only.  If you would like more information about this loan please give us a call. 04/03/2007

The 30 year fixes the forgotten loan:   If you have an adjustable and found you payment going up, it might be time for you to refinance into a traditional 30 year fix.  This product is like old faithful, it will always be the same rate and the same payment, and there is comfort in knowing what your payment will be.    Right now a conventional 30 year with a loan amount under $417,000, fix rates are around 6.00%.  Some days it is a bit less, some days a bit more.  If your loan size is over $417,000 then the 30 year fix rate is 6.25, remember this is what it has been for the last month or so, I can not guarantee it will stay at this rate.   I have clients I talk to every week who ask me if I think rates are going up or back down.  My answer is I really have no way of knowing what future ... 04/03/2007

    Simi Valley California. is an incorporated city located in the extreme southeast corner of Ventura County, California, bordering the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles in the Greater Los Angeles Area.  Due to Simi Valley’s location it is close to everything.    Simi Valley is known today as the home of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. It currently ranks as the seventh safest U.S. city with a population between 100,000 and 500,000 but has been ranked top safest in the same class in many prior years.     With Simi Valley’s location, being so close to the movie studios you have seen Simi Valley in many movies.  For decades Simi Valley hills have been the back drop from everything to Robin Hood, most of the westerns from the 1040-1050’s.  Most recently we have been the back drop... 03/20/2007

              One of our Loan Officers made a mistake.  About six months ago he broke up with his long term girl friend, he was not sure if he was ready for marriage and he was confused.  Last month he told me he made a mistake and that he wanted to get back with her, but he was moving and making some adjustments in his life first.  Well you all know what happened next, she started seeing another guy.  My loan officer is hurt and traumatized.  So he does what any insane young man would do and he bought her a ring.  So today 12 people are going to walk up to her with a single rose, and say “so and so is sorry”, at the end he will come in and ask her to dinner.  How will this all play out?  I will let you know.               Now the reason I am telling you this, is because my loan office... 02/28/2007