Kathleen Finnegan

Author Archive

Orange-Cranberry Gin and Tonic

  This tasty little number is really great all year, but something just says holiday to me! Ingredients 1 (2-inch) orange rind strip 1 tablespoon fresh cranberries* 1 teaspoon sugar 1 cup ice cubes 3 tablespoons gin 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice 1/4 cup tonic water Preparation Muddle orange rind strip, fresh cranberries, and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add ice cubes, gin, and fresh orange juice. Cover with lid, and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled (about 30 seconds). Pour into an 8-oz. glass; top with tonic water. Serve immediately. *Frozen cranberries,... Continue Reading >

6 tips to prevent identity theft

  Once identity thieves gain access to personal information, they can purchase items on your credit card, open new credit cards, or even file a fraudulent tax return in your name. Consider these tips to help keep your personal information safe and secure and protect you from identity theft: 1. Create Strong Passwords and Update them Frequently. Remember to create a strong password, by avoiding common or easy-to-guess passwords. Common passwords often include a birth date, a pet’s name, a mother’s maiden name,... Continue Reading >

where are mortgage rates heading?

Mortgage rates will likely rise above 5 percent in 2014 and average 5.3 percent by the end of 2015, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s forecast. That would mark a big jump over where mortgage rates stand now. The MBA reported this week that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.33 percent, the lowest average since June. The MBA expects that the Federal Reserve will decide to taper its $85-billion per month bond-purchasing program in early 2014 and end it altogether in September... Continue Reading >

the 10th annual Calabasas family fun run

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2013 800AM The 10th Annual Calabasas Classic 5K, 10K and Family Fun Run 1 Miler will start at 8 a.m. on Sunday, November 10th next to the Calabasas Civic Center at 23975 Park Sorrento. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Talbert Family Foundation, which provides support to local families with members suffering from catastrophic illnesses. This is one of the largest, best organized community races in the area. There are over 2,600 participants and the pre/post race expo... Continue Reading >

appraisals – how to maximize value

So, you’ve got an offer on your house from a qualified buyer and you’re ready to call the movers. Before you pick up the phone, remember that a few hurdles still have to be overcome before settlement day—in particular, the home appraisal. An appraisal, paid for by the buyer, is required by the buyer’s lender to ensure that the property’s value is equal to or higher than the loan amount. If your buyer has offered $250,000 on your home and intends... Continue Reading >

tips for kitchen remodels

Unequivocally, the kitchen is… (1) the most important space in a home today. From a home value perspective this means it is the most important space to get right. (2) where we all spend our time. Therefore, it is the space you most want to tailor to support you and your family’s lifestyle. Create your win-win kitchen remodel: Build a fantastic space to live in and add value to your home at the same time — provided you make the right choices for... Continue Reading >

more buyers go for ‘green’

 With rising heating bills expected this fall, more home buyers may be lured to energy-efficient home features. Nearly nine out of 10 recent home buyers say that heating and cooling costs were “somewhat important” or “very important” in choosing a home to purchase, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. Twenty-four percent of respondents also said energy-efficient appliances and lighting were important. Buyers in the North and South place a greater weight on heating and... Continue Reading >

Calabasas Library upcoming events

  Recently I was walking through the Calabasas Library and I notice there was more happening than I remember.  A woman at the front desk was kind enough to circle me in on all of the exciting ways to enjoy the Library - Yoga? Movies? Who knew there was so much more than renting books! Included below are a few upcoming events. Wednesday Morning Book Club Join us at the Library on the third Wednesday of each month at 11am! The next meeting will take... Continue Reading >

shaken or stirred?

  Its almost time to start thinking about Holiday parties and when I am entertaining one of my favorite things to do is think up interesting cocktails - with a twist! With Halloween around the corner, here are a few of my favorites! Cactus Pear Margarita What's the Twist? Cactus Pear. The concoction is blended with 2 ounces silver tequila, 1 ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec, 1 ounce cactus pear syrup (available at cherisdesertharvest.com) and a 1/2-ounce fresh lime juice. Pour all the liquids into a... Continue Reading >

you’re all settled in – now what?

After buyers move in to their new home, they should be prepared for some home fixes to present themselves each season. Below is a checklist of routine maintenance and small home repairs that home buyers should expect to do their first year to help avoid more costly problems from surfacing later on: During move-in week: Turn on all major appliances and run them for a complete cycle. Even if the buyer already completed a home inspection, they should test again, experts say. After... Continue Reading >