With the Spring and Summer wedding seasons not so far off, it won’t be too long until we hear the forks and knives ringing out against wine and water glasses alike. Celebrations call for toasts, and you might just be called upon to make one yourself--for a son, a daughter, or even an associate who is up for retirement.   Here are a few classic wedding toasts, sampled from around the web: which I would like to share with my West Hills friends and clients.   “May you both live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.”   “May you live each day like your last, and live each night like your first.”   “Here’s to the two secrets to a long-lasting and happy marriage: A good sense of humor and a short memory!”   While the etiquette of toasting varies across cultures and situation... 01/20/2013

West Hills Ca-Homes-What’s the best way for my clients to reach you? I hope this letter finds you well! I’m working on a project right now that I thought you might benefit from, and wanted to drop you a line about it.   Periodically my West Hills  clients ask me for referrals for all sorts of services from home repair to gardeners to accountants. The range is really all over the map. I’d like to be able to refer my clients to people I know, like, and trust.   Right now I’m refreshing my “who does what?” database of clients and contacts. Would you let me know what you’re up to these days? A lot of people have changed jobs and started new businesses in the past few years here in West Hills.   If you have a moment, please let me know:   What are you up to professionally right now?   2) Wha... 01/19/2013

West Hills Ca- Real Estate-My empty chair- What would you tell me?   My empty chair- What would you tell me?     I recently heard a great story from the writer Dan Pink about Amazon.com, and the important meetings regularly held when CEO Jeff Bezos and his executive team are all present. Around the table at each one of these “red letter” meetings, Bezos makes sure there’s at least one empty chair.   That empty chair is there to remind everyone in the room that the most important person isn’t actually in the room. It represents the customer, the person for whom the meeting exists in the first place. What would they say? What do they need?   In between meetings, appointments, and showings, I’ve been looking at the empty chair in my West Hills office with this anecdote in mind. It has me t... 01/18/2013

West Hills Ca-Homes for Sale- How to prevent the moving company blues   There are lots of good reasons to hire a moving company whenever you move to or from West Hills. It lowers your moving day stress, saves your back, and with the right company can ensure that your goods are safe from accidental damage.   But for every sweet song of a smooth move, there are an equal number of “moving company blues” tunes out there. From a few sad notes of regret to total devastation, making a mistake when hiring a moving company can be an experience you’ll never forget.   Here are some tips for my West Hills neighbors to help make the right move when it comes to choosing partners for your next relocation:   1) Get in-house estimates for your move from anywhere between 2 to 4 companies. Many may say th... 01/17/2013

I put a few thoughts together recently on the art of selling a home here in West Hills. You might find the approach interesting if you’re wondering how agents generate quick home sales for top dollar:   Marketing a home is not like marketing a commodity, such as bottled water. While everyone needs shelter, it would be a serious oversimplification to say that’s all a home offers.   Many agents take the perspective that a home is the right home for a buyer simply because they happen to be selling it. The truth is it can be a real waste of time and effort convincing people that a home’s qualities are exactly what they’re looking for. It’s far more efficient to market a West Hills home’s qualities to the segment of buyers who have a natural lifestyle fit for the home.   Profiling and segmen... 01/15/2013

I’m not even kidding. This is probably the best cosmetic upgrade you can make (on limited budget) before you list your West Hills home:   When you’re preparing your house for the market, almost every agent will explain how valuable curb appeal is when it comes to marketing your home. Curb appeal can mean a lot of things, of course, ranging from wholesale replacement of the roof, paint, and landscaping, to a few tidy details designed to spruce up the place.     One of the best (and most cost-effective!) tune-ups you can make works both from the curb and from up close. It’s kind of like Botox for your home’s face. It’s a little something I like to think of as the “Front Door Tune-up.”     The front door is a focal point on your home, both from a distance and up close. Here’s how to levera... 01/14/2013

 West Hills Homes/Welcome to the New Year- Here’s to your own “Lucky ’13,"   Dear West Hills Friends I wanted to share these thoughts with you on New Year’s Day. I was sidetracked by an escrow closing, my husband’s hospitalization, now he  with his pacemaker is a bionic man. Also I take care of my 91year young Dad. So I was tied up.   Now I’m not- so here we go!!!   Happy New Year!!!! The fresh start in January is always a welcome reminder that much of life is what we make of it, and I hope you’re feeling good about your prospects this year.   Despite what the news cycle chooses to deliver on a nightly basis, I’m pretty optimistic about what I see in the market and among my colleagues. If nothing else, I have faith that good friends and good neighbors make us resourceful and resilient. ... 01/13/2013

West Hills Ca-Real Estate-Are space heaters all expensive death traps?   With temperatures dropping, some people in West Hills are turning to space heaters to take the edge off the chill. Used correctly and safely, they can save a little money.   The humble space heater gets a bad rap, but when used correctly it can actually represent a good option for taking the edge off the winter chill. Here are some tips about how to safely use a space heater and when it’s a good choice:   Are you heating your whole West Hills house when the family is concentrated in the living room? Turn down the central heat and use a modern space heater rather than heat the empty rooms.   1. A space heater can be a wise choice when you live in an uninsulated or poorly insulated home.   2. Avoid unvented combustio... 01/12/2013

West Hills CA-Home Buyers-West Hills Real Estate   Dear Mr. Mrs.West Hills Home Buyer   This month I’ve been reaching out to friends and clients who were swept up in the real estate downturn to check in and see how they’re doing.           Many have been in touch recently about the possibility of returning to West Hills home ownership.   You might have some of the same questions they have.For instance: Can I get a mortgage? Have home values stabilized? Is it possible to buy again for what I’m paying in rent now? How can I be sure I won’t end up in the same situation?   The truth is, many people who lost their homes in West Hills as little as two years ago may already be in a good position to buy again. Home prices and fixed-rate mortgage rates are quite favorable. There are many excelle... 01/11/2013

West Hills Real Estate,Short Sale Homes/Esperanza's Videos   West Hills Real Estate,West Hills Homes. Find Single Family Homes from $300,000 to 2,000,000+ Foreclosures, Bank Owned Homes, REO's, Short Sales, Fixer upper homes for lease Condos and West Hills Community     West Hills is a nice quiet area in the West San Fernando Valley.     West Hills real estate includes many entry level homes with tree lined streets and well kept yards. West Hills postal codes are 91307, 91304                                                                                                                                       The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans of the Tongva tribe that lived close to the Los Angeles River, which originates in West Hills from El Escorpion and Bell Creeks.... 12/19/2012

West Hills Ca-Selling your home?-10 little fixes to sell a home faster           Sometimes clients ask me what my secret weapon is to help sell a home faster.               The devil is really in the details when buyers look at a home. Lots of everyday wear and tear that you don’t even notice can ding your home in the eyes of potential buyers. Here’s my list of ten simple improvements you can do to help your home sell faster:   1.    Spruce up your baseboards: Pets, kids, and stumbling husbands in the dark can make a mess of your baseboards. Repainting baseboards after repairing scratches with putty can make the border of any room look new.   2.    Fill in nail holes: Part of interior repainting should be careful attention to those errant nail holes from pictures, shelves, and other wal... 12/18/2012

West Hills CA-First Time Home Buyers-3 big Myths about Home buying    There are myths about the home shopping experience that must be addressed.      I’m here to save you pain, buyers.  I like to make the home buying experience as stress-free as possible, so please hear me out on these three big myths about home buying:    Myth #1: “That house has been on the market so long I bet we can work the seller down easily.” Not necessarily. Exceptionally high days on market could mean almost anything. The seller could be bullheaded about their price. The seller may not be particularly motivated to sell for emotional or other personal reasons. Don’t forget: A sales-weary seller isn’t likely to respond to your host of rational reasons why their house should be a bargain.    Myth #2: “I want to lo... 12/17/2012

West Hills Ca Real Estate/First Time Home Buyers                              First Time Home Buyers              Do You Really Need a Buyer's Agent?  Why hire a buyer’s agent? For the simple reason that it will make your life easier and your home search time shorter.   In my last letter I explained my method of narrowing down the choices, so you only spend time looking at homes that are suitable. You’ll also know about every new listing as soon as it hits the market, because I get that information every morning. When I see a home that fits your “must have” list, I’ll alert you immediately. You won’t miss out on the perfect home because you didn’t notice it until it was under contract to someone else.   The second reason to have a buyer’s agent is to have someone who is working for you ... 12/17/2012

ARE YOU  SELLING  YOUR WEST HILLS CA. HOME?   "If You're Going To Be Selling Your West Hills House In The Next 6 - 12 Months, What You Do Right Now Could Mean A Difference Of Thousands Of Dollars -- Especially If You're Going To Be Buying Another Home..." And you are unsure of the next step? Click here for a FREE Market Evaluation Report!!   West Hills Sellers- Get your FREE 2013 Report on West Hills House Prices. If You're going to sell your West Hills House in the next 6 months   Selling your West Hills house?, use these Tips when Selling your House Tips for holding a yard sale   West Hills Ca-- Even though your West Hills house isn't on the market yet, the buyer for your house is already starting to read the real estate magazines --News papers, and Internet just like you are right n... 12/16/2012

How to Obtain My Credit Report-West Hills,Ca-Real Estate   Dear Esperanza, (Q) As a first time home buyer I would like to know how to obtain my credit report. Also find out what my FICO score is. Your help would be greatly appreciated.                                                         (A) Take a close look at your credit report and FICO Score Having a good credit score is essential to getting the very best mortgage rates and loan programs. Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO) is doing some "Tweaking" of their credit scoring system that may help improve, or at least make more accurate, a consumer's credit score.   Your Credit History is one of the principal measures used by a lender to determine your interest rate. The better your credit, the better lending terms your bank or lending institutio... 12/16/2012

West Hills Short Sale Homes Under $500,000   Looking for a West Hills Home? Should You Consider a Short Sale Listing?   Look no further, I've got everything you need in one place                                                                                                                                                  West Hills Community Welcomes you!! West Hills is a district in the San Fernando Valley region of the City of Los Angeles, California. West Hills is a nice quiet area in the West San Fernando Valley. West Hills real estate includes many entry level homes with tree lined streets and well kept yards. Parks, shopping and restaurants are all close by or just a walk away.   West Hills is a growing community in the San Fernando Valley.  West Hill residents are within a 30-mi... 12/14/2012

Los Angeles Toy Wrap     Children's Hunger Fund Children's Hunger Fund is a Christian 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to alleviate the suffering of children in impoverished regions across America and around the world. Through strategic partnerships in targeted communities, CHF works to improve the lives of poor children and their families comprehensively, meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.   What The 2012 Children's Hunger Fund Toy Wrap   When Saturday, December 1st from 9 AM - 12 PM Saturday, December 1st from 3 PM - 6 PM Where Children's Hunger Fund Warehouse 13931 Balboa Blvd Los Angeles, CA 91342 Email : events@childrenshungerfund.org Phone:   818-979-7100       11/30/2012

  Dear Mr, Seller, My name is Esperanza Butler and I’m a real estate agent here in West Hills and Woodland Hills with Exit Platinum Realty.    If you are here reading my blog there is a good possibility that you are trying to sell your house by yourself.    If this is the case and that is what you are doing I want to share a little information with you that might ensure you get the maximum value for your property.    I respect your decision to sell your home without representation, but I thought you should know that often buyers’ agents will have sophisticated market analysis data about your property that you may not have access to. In my opinion, this can put you at a disadvantage and may end up costing you significantly in the event you’ve priced your home lower than a professional ma... 11/28/2012

                                               Stoney Point Park   If you just moved into the San Fernando Valley and are looking for hiking and Trails to walk there is a good one for you to try.   The Stoney Point Park is one of many hiking places you can easy find in the Valley.   Located in the northwest corner of the San Fernando Valley.   Weekends at the point are normally crowded with serious climbers. If you want to find out more about Stone Point you can see Cole Gibson’s documentary and find it at stoneypointdocumentary     They have a DVD and you can see the Story of Stoney Point Watch the trailer and more.   Be safe and have fun!! 365 Things To Do In West Hills, Ca/Woodland Hills/SF Valley Real Estate Guide   11/27/2012

  Que debe buscar a la hora de elegir un Agente Inmobiliario?...esperanza4homes Perseverancia   En el Mercado inmobiliario actual, la perseverancia es mas importante que nunca. Como professional de Bienes Raices de tiempo completo,realizare mi tarea con paciencia y Perseverancia durante el tiempo que sea necesario. Necesita a alguien a su lado para atravesar esta experiencia emocional. Tengo la firmeza y la determinacion para ayudarlo a cumplir sus suenos Y objetivos inmobiliarios. Esperanza Butler. (818) 926-5425                     My Website For Sellers For Buyers Monthly Newsletter Call me! eMail me! Canoga Park-Winnetka SF Valley Face Book Listing Book West Hills LA Gas Prices Rentals Housing Trends You Tube   West Hills Woodland Hills Calabasas Hidden Hills Canoga Winnetka Tarzana... 11/27/2012