Risa Liebster, Toluca Lake Real Estate

If you were to do an Internet search on where many Los Angeles actors and celebrities call home (or have in the past), don't be surprised if Beverly Hills isn't at the top of your query results. With certain searches you will find my little Village of Toluca Lake coming out the big winner. Located between Burbank and Studio City, Toluca Lake is considered a neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley. Back in the day, the boundaries were strictly defined, but now a few streets in Burbank are referred to as "the Burbank side of Toluca Lake" which I believe is well-earned. To outsiders, this lovely area may seem rarefied and exclusive as numerous celebs do reside here (I won't tell for discretion's sake). On any given day the paparazzi can be observed here or there doing what they do best and the occasional tourist van may be gently encouraged to stop blocking a super-star's private drive. Still, there are numerous "regular folk" like myself that count themselves as loyal denizens of Toluca Lake.

To me, the weather always seems a little nicer, the trees slightly fuller and the people friendlier each time I return from even a brief trip. Perhaps there is something in the water - LOL! Kidding aside, the Toluca Lake area truly is gorgeous. On satellite views of certain streets during the height of summer the 80-year-old tree canopies are so dense you can barely see the houses below. I am thankful to the leaders of both the Cities of Los Angeles and Burbank that they realize the multiple benefits these old but healthy giants bring: cooling shade, enduring beauty and an enhancement of local property values. Shouldn't a grand old house have grand old trees? Of course. We in the Toluca Lake area reserve this as a privilege and a right.

With so many wonderful restaurants and boutiques within walking distance and short proximity to the ocean and mountains, sometimes one has to remind themselves that downtown Los Angeles is barely 10 miles away - this is part of what makes Toluca Lake special and a great place to buy a home. So, the next time you are in Von's on Pass Avenue or Trader Joe's on Riverside Drive and run into your favorite celebrity, do what we do in Toluca Lake: be polite, say a quick hello and keep walking. They will appreciate being treated in such a respectful way and will probably say "hello" right back atcha!

There has been a lot of talk lately about the lack of civility in politics, business and everyday interpersonal interaction. Based on my own observations and what I've heard from colleagues and friends it is clear that a new, abysmal level of manners and courtesy, actually a lack there of, is taking hold in today's society. When all one has to do to "cancel" an appointment (I use quotations because I really mean "blow off") is a quick, cold text 5 minutes before, things do not bode well. I try, however, to be an optimist and lead by example while at the same time hoping that someone is paying attention. Although we cannot always speak with others face to face and the constraints of modern business / life do not allow for the extra time to write flowery regrets to be delivered by snail mail, the basics of manners such as returning calls promptly, rescheduling appointments well in advance when possible and the oft-forgotten pleases and thanks are hungered for by most everyone. I believe this is especially true in real estate between agents and their potential home buyers and sellers.

Here, in Los Angeles, the real estate game is extremely competitive. I've witnessed burnt-out agents quadruple booking showings in order to make a single trip to a far-off property that week instead of giving one on one face time to each prospective buyer. We all have heard complaints from consumers about agents who never return calls or of those who go missing in action once they nab a listing. Picture what must go on in a buyer's mind when he/she thinks they are setting up a private showing and, instead, there is a virtual stampede into the home. Imagine the angst a seller certainly experiences when the agent they hired is nowhere to be found. Not good.

On the flip side are the lookie-loo faux buyers who cancel and re-cancel property viewings or have some poor, eager agent chauffeur them around yet have absolutely no intention of purchasing. Ever. Yes, there are people who do this on weekends for fun, or so I've been told. Recently, after many months of hand-holding, guidance and a slam-dunk listing appointment, a colleague of mine was verbally hired by a seller but the contract signing kept being pushed off. Little did they know there was a friend of the family waiting in the wings who was given their pricing information, market research and the listing. Ouch!

Nobody, regardless of who they THINK they are, has the right to to use, be rude or abusive, disrespect another's time, etc., etc. We are ALL busy with work, family and trying to get by. The next time you find yourself in a situation similar to any of the above, for just a moment, step into the other person's shoes. If more folks would do this, the World would be a much nicer place.

Real estate agents are not door mats; prospective home buyers and sellers are not punching bags. We all have to do better and respect each other. I began a career in real estate to be of service and believe there is no time like the present to begin to change the public's perception. I am confident there are many agents out there who, like me, possess scruples and provide actual customer service. I say to the consumer: Even if you've had a bad experience in the past, please realize that in any industry there may be a few bad apples. Shop around, be selective and interview as many agents as you need to until you find someone like me - someone who cares about your future and family, has integrity and who is ready to commit to you. Aah, but there's a catch, though it's a good one. You the customer will be asked to commit to me. We will behave will mutual courtesy and respect and, together, we will make your dreams come true. How civilized, indeed!

When the weather gets to be this hot, it is in human nature to slow down a bit and do a little less. If you're preparing to sell your home, however, now is not the time to become complacent. Today's home buyers are more savvy than ever. Every little "tweak" you can make to your property to bring it as close as possible to showplace condition will surely pay concrete dividends in the end. This includes dealing with your pets, their belongings and any evidence thereof.

Although it may be hard for a pet lover to comprehend, not everybody may be as enthusiastic about Rex or Fluffy as you are. In preparation for showings, be sure to:

• De-fur your home. A good cleaning to remove pet hair and dander from all surfaces is absolutely necessary.

• Check home for smells, stains and pet damage. Many pet stores sell special stain detecting lights. If your nose is desensitized, invite a friend over to give a sniff. You may be surprised what you get used to after years of living with dogs and/or cats. Clean smelling is great; heavy perfumes not so as one may wonder what you are trying to cover up.

• Examine yard and clean up any messes. If you have time, spot-treating urine burns on grass with the right quick growing product will make your lawn much more presentable.

• Immediately before showings, consolidate all pet beds, bowls, blankets and supplies and store out of view.

From you pet's perspective, a potential buyer and their agent will be complete strangers. Since a barking, guarding or frightened animal will certainly make a negative impact (and could be dangerous and unpredictable), whenever possible make plans to take your pets out of the home for all showings. If you cannot, nominate a trusted relative or friend to take Fido or Fifi for a few hours. In doing so, prospective buyers truly get to see, smell and experience the best of your home without any distractions.

Ever drive by a home with a "for sale" sign in the yard and wonder why the lawn remains unkempt or dried-out, newspapers are piled high on the stoop and mail is bulging out of the mailbox? This could be a situation why the seller's real estate agent simply cannot get to the property often due to the fact that they neither live nor work in the immediate area. Obviously, most agents are professional and have good intentions. But when hectic schedules and personal demands on time meet an extended commute, intentions are not what keep a listing property in showcase condition. Yes, there could be extenuating circumstances which may explain why details are falling through the cracks, i.e., the sellers won't pay for basic upkeep or the home is vacant and in foreclosure, but a savvy real estate professional should be able to get around many obstacles that could prevent their listings from looking their best. If a busy agent CAN'T GET TO THE PROPERTY regularly, out of sight could mean out of mind and that is not in the best interest of the client.

When a seller chooses an acquaintance or family member to list their home without taking the time to think about actual qualifications or ramifications, problems can ensue. Although it may seem convenient to call upon a licensed friend or family member and they would, of course, be eager to get the potential sale (and one may feel pressure in some ways to do so), the reality is: the decision to sell your home is a huge one which should be done with a clear mind and without any pressure from external sources as the stakes are far too high. When a seller hires an experienced real estate agent who lives and works in their actual neighborhood, they get far more "bang" for their buck at the close of escrow. Not only does your neighborhood Realtor have a good link to buyers and their agents in the area, they know which details and benefits of the community are attractive and should be advertised to consumers, are familiar with competing properties nearby and why your home stands out, and just as importantly will ensure that whether occupied or vacant your listed property will be visited frequently, be kept secure and consistently maintained to the highest of standards for the duration.

Well, it's finally done and it looks amazing! The City of Burbank has finished upgrading the street lights in the Toluca Lake area. As you can see from the photo included, the replacement lamps are lovely. Save for a few injured patches of grass, only do the look great, they are much brighter which adds to the security of the neighborhood.

While driving on Riverside last week, the full impact of the improvements hit home. Glancing down Clybourn Ave., I noticed that the lamps on the Los Angeles side of the street were dim and spaced far apart while the brighter, more frequently placed lamps on the Burbank side sparkled brightly in the night. I will say once again: A job well done!