About Burbank's Media District

For those of you in the areas of Burbank, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Hollywood Hills and Universal City, I believe you owe it to yourselves to become acquainted with Universal City's planned expansion. Specifically, Universal wants to build about 2700 homes on its backlot. Traffic on Barham and Lankershim are already a nightmare, and the developers have joke-like plans to mitigate it. Please see articles in the L.A. Times on this, or my other blog at http://sfvrealestate.blogspot.com and also the excellent Burbank, CA blog for discussion of the issues.

Late this afternoon, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 183 into law. The Homebuyer Tax Credit legislation provides $200 million for home buyer tax credits. Allocating $100 million for qualified first-time home buyers of resale home & $100 million for purchasers of newly built homes.

A taxpayer who purchases a qualified personal residence after April 30, 2010, and before Jan 1, 2011 or has an enforceable contract executed between April 30 2010, and Jan 1 2011 will be able to take the allowed tax credit. The credit is equal to 5% of the purchase price or $10,000 which ever is lesser in equal installments over three consecutive years. Under AB 183, purchasers will be required to live in the home for at least two years or forfeit the credit and pay it back to the state.

So California steps up and filled the federal tax credit through the end of 2011.

I got a call from Amber Fonzen, Event Coordinator for Hollywood Billiards, to photograph their facilities. I had heard of Hollywood Billiards from my husband's stories of studio wrap parties there. Other than that, I had no idea what to expect. I was very excited to see what I was up against. I was very pleasantly surprised to see such a cool building! There are some really great nooks and crannies around for parties or just a nice night out playing pool. This place has great ambiance and a great feel. All in all, I think I was there for 2 hours photographing still photos and virtual tours. Amber, the owner Jeff, and the staff were really great to work with and so helpful.

I'll definitely be back to Hollywood Billiards. I plan on adding HDR(high dynamic range) into my photography and I think their building would be a perfect test. Also, Jeff and Amber offered me a few free games of pool...we're definitely taking them up on their offer! Thanks Amber and Jeff!

I started out in this industry photographing apartments and rentals. I feel like that aspect of photography is something I know and really enjoy....I know there really isn't much difference. My real goal when I photograph a rental or a house for sale is to show the room size and the extras that make it special. Pamela Rich from Condos LA gave me a call to photograph her house. I have been to her home before and just love it. It's a very young, fun house. Modern and just the right amount of space. They decided to rent out this home and move to the coast...I'm very envious! Take a look...