Resources
Have questions about the real estate transaction? I am interviewing the specialists for their take on everything from spotting “good bones” when evaluating a home to working with the movers. Click here to review titles and watch the videos. Check back from time to time to see new videos.
Contractors:
Avanca Woodworks, Inc - avancawoodworks@adelphia.net
Zeiler Construction, Inc. - Pete@zeilerconstruction.com
www.zeilerconstruction.com
Contractor Licenses:
Before hiring anyone to do work or even evaluate a property’s potential, please check their credentials. Checking their license is only the first step.
www.cslb.ca.gov
www.labds.org/lic_status_ck.htm
www.contractorcheck.com
Furniture Sales:
Moving is often an opportunity to change design styles, but what to do with the stuff you have? There are three different alternatives: consignment, house sale and auction.
Online consignment - www.formerfurniture.com
Private Estate Sales – Nelson Anderson njamelroseplace@yahoo.com
Auction – A. N. Abell - don@abell.com; www.abell.com
Home Alarm/Entertainment Technology:
Digitronic - service@digitronic.us
www.digitronic.us
Home Insurance:
Liberty Mutual Group - adam.glazer@libertymutual.com
Interior Designers:
BJ Peterson Design – bj@bjpetersondesign.com, www.bjpetersondesign.com
Velvet Hammerschmidt Design - velveth@v-hdesign.com , www.v-hdesign.com
LA County and Cities:
In the process of buying or remodeling a home many issues such as zoning, real estate tax, building and safety arise. You should communicate directly with the appropriate government office to answer all your questions.
portal.lacounty.gov
www.lacity.org
www.beverlyhills.org
www.ci.malibu.ca.us
www.smgov.net
www.weho.org
Mortgage:
Dan Millstone dmillstoen@firstcaptialmtg.com
www.firstcaptialmtg.com
Movers:
There are two moving companies named Pink. This one, founded in 1928, is the only one I have references for.
Pink Transfer Inc. - www.pinkmovers.com
888-746-5668
888-Pinkmov
My Brokers:
Coldwell Banker was founded on a commitment to professionalism and customer service that continues to be the core of its business philosophy today. The Coldwell Banker brand has a global reach, with offices on six continents, 46 countries and territories. Approximately 100,000 sales associates and brokers are affiliated with the Coldwell Banker organization.
www.camoves.com
I also hold a real estate license in Connecticut and am proud to be affiliated with William Raveis Real Estate, New England’s largest, independent brokerage.
www.raveis.com
Organizers:
Organizers can help you prepare your home to go on the market, your move or help organize your new home.
My House In Order/Cynthia Smith – yourhouseinorder@verizon.net, 310-827-3706
Regina Leeds - laguanaslm@aol.com
Kristen McManus - kristentheorganizer@gmail.com
Permits:
If you are considering buying a home and a remodel or addition has been disclosed or is just suspected, I recommend that clients check what permits have been issued.
www.thepermitreport.com
www.permitresearch.com
Preservation:
Cultural landmarks, historic preservation overlay zones, community architectural review boards. It can be very confusing. These websites can help you understand the differences, any tax benefits (search on Mills Act) and find resources for your historic and antique home.
www.laconservancy.org
www.preservationnation.org
www.lacountypropertytax.com
www.assessor.lacounty.gov
www.preservation.org
Schools:
For families, one of the most important attributes of a home is the accessibility of the school of their choice. Great Schools has information on private and public schools. The LAUSD site covers all of the City of Los Angeles, including Pacific Palisades,
Brentwood, Holmby Hills/Bel Air, Westwood, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Marina Del Rey and Venice. LAUSD also covers the City of West Hollywood . Beverly Hills, Culver City and, Malibu and Santa Monica have their own school districts.
www.greatschools.net
www.localschooldirectory.net
www.lausd.net
Los Angeles Unified School District – School Finder
www.beverlyhills.k12.ca.us
www.smmusd.org
Note: West Hollywood is part of LAUSD.
Taxes:
Home sales trigger new assessments and supplemental tax bills. The owner is responsible for paying these taxes regardless of whether or not a tax bill has been received. Also, real estate taxes can be paid online.
www.lacountypropertytax.com
www.assessor.lacounty.gov
