Kathleen Finnegan

Author Archive

mortgage rates roll back to July levels

Mortgage rates continue to fall, following the Federal Reserve’s decision to delay tapering its bond purchase program. The Federal Reserve announced last week that it would delay winding down its $85 billion per month bond purchasing program, which has helped to keep mortgage rates near record lows in recent years “These low rates should somewhat offset the house price gains seen the last number of months and keep housing affordability elevated,” says Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. The average rate on... Continue Reading >

rise to new heights – Bershire Hathaway announced

Warren Buffett’s new real estate franchise is officially open for business.  This change has little effect on daily operations, but we are excited by the opportunity to collaborate with such a wonderful network of brilliant minds. Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, has launched its Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties division with about 3,200 agents in more than 62 offices across Southern California and the Central Coast. San Diego-based Prudential California Realty became the first brokerage to relaunch under the HomeServices franchise. The franchise... Continue Reading >

take back your backyard

Even if you're not trying to sell your home, you can increase its value by landscaping your lawn and creating a retreat that you, your family and friends can enjoy. Quality landscape design and installation will add value to your property and help it sell faster, landscape pros agree. If you're on a tight budget, hire a landscape architect or designer to create a design then install the landscaping yourself -- over time, if you have to. 1. Plant Rambling Vines Clematis... Continue Reading >

the 2013 Calabasas pumpkin festival

  There is no better way to celebrate the arrival of Fall than a good ole fashion pumpkin carving contest! Whether your a pumpkin lover or not, there is something for everyone. Below I have included a run down of the events, also a link to find out more and buy tickets. See you there! The 2013 Calabasas Pumpkin Festival Saturday & Sunday, October 19th & 20th 10:00am - 5:00pm Daily at Juan Bautista de Anza Park Admission Price: $5.00, Kids under 2 are free Saturday Special:... Continue Reading >

spotlight the arts theater company

Send my regards to Broadway! It's great to see people doing good in the community so when I  heard about this group that was promoting self expression through theater, I  wanted find out more. I have included a little overview, but I would definitely encourage any budding artists to reach out to them - who knows, maybe we'll see your name in lights one day! The Spotlight The Arts Foundation was formed by a group of Calabasas residents in 2004 to promote the arts in our community.... Continue Reading >

now you know – Calabasas fun facts

Did you know that the City of Calabasas is home to one of the oldest buildings in LA? That's right. It is the Leonis Adobe structure which dates back to 1844! Or, are you aware that the city's Pumpkin Festival, which happens every October, is to honor the name of the city, Calabasas, which is believed to be named after a pumpkin or a squash, from the Spanish word Calabaza? Located only 10 miles east of the beaches of Malibu, Calabasas... Continue Reading >

what’s in a wine glass?

Figuring that out can be tricky, even embarrassing, for casual tasters and experts alike. And that raises the question: Should we spring for the expensive labels or settle for box wine? In the most recent of these experiments, British psychologist Richard Wiseman asked 578 visitors to the Edinburgh Science Fair to taste eight pairs of wine, evenly divided between red and white. In each pair, one wine cost significantly more than the other. Yet, overall, the tasters correctly identified the wines by... Continue Reading >

Is now a good time for a mortgage?

Before you apply for a home loan, evaluate your personal finances. How much you earn versus how much you owe will likely determine how much a lender will let you borrow. Add Up Your Income First, determine your gross monthly income. This includes any regular and recurring income that you can document. If you can’t document the income, or if it doesn’t show up on your tax return, then you can’t list it to qualify for a loan. However, you can use... Continue Reading >

Frankie say’s relax

3 easy steps to stress-less If your like me then you have a schedule that at times can feel hectic, and that's putting it mildly! One thing I am always on the lookout for are new ways to stress less, relax and enjoy. After all I love what I do, so why stress? Here are a few tips I found super helpful, things that don't take a lot of time or energy, just a little more effort on my part to... Continue Reading >

a walk in the woods

Calabasas Peak offers panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Red Rock Canyon Park, and a sliver of the Pacific Ocean. To the north, the peak looks down on the city of Calabasas and a wide stretch of the San Fernando Valley. The 3.6-mile round-trip hike to Calabasas Peak travels an easy-to-follow fire road. There is 1,000 feet of elevation gain along the way, but that effort is rewarded by great views at every turn. The wide dirt trail leaves Stunt... Continue Reading >