Real estate investment waters are deep but if you’re looking to take the plunge be sure to vet the properties so you won’t sink instead of swim.

The most important thing to consider is whether the investment is cash-flow positive and provides you a fair rate of return on your investment.

Take a look at this tale of two townhomes scenario as a cash-flow example.

With lower home prices and mortgage rates it could be tempting to dive into real estate investing but make sure you’re equipped with a sturdy life line by doing your due diligence before you buy.

What should you review when buying an investment home?

Via Zillow.com

Diving into Real Estate Investment Waters – Westlake Village Homes Update is a post from: Westlake Village Real Estate-Westlake Village Homes For Sale

Come to the meet and greet with our Founding Fathers and first ladies too during the 20th Annual Presidents Day Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

February 20th from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. will be filled with fun for the whole family, including musical entertainment, storytelling, arts and crafts, and presidential and first lady look-alikes! Hot dogs, pie, and other all-American foods will be available for purchase.

Free parking and shuttle pick-up will be available along Presidential Drive. All Presidents Day activities are free (except to see the Ferdinand Magellan Train, which is inside the exhibits). Museum admission applies to view the exhibits. For more information, please call 800-410-8354 or visit www.reaganlibrary.com.

via Conejo Valley Guide

Conejo Weekender – President’s Day Celebration at Reagan Library is a post from: Westlake Village Real Estate-Westlake Village Homes For Sale

You say “I do” to a certain décor, but your new spouse says “I don’t”. When merging two households, you need to handle your mate with a little design TLC so you both get the look you want in your newlywed home.

My Home Ideas gives some ideas on how to keep the love (and peace) in decorating the nuptial abode.

Size matters for example.  If your husband is tall, make sure there’s a chair with a deep enough seat for his legs. Decorate with a man’s larger frame and seating habits in mind. If he likes to put his feet up, put an ottoman table in front of his favorite chair.

“I Do” Decorating for Valentine’s Day is a post from: Westlake Village Real Estate-Westlake Village Homes For Sale

Love and laughter will be in the air at Ventura Improv this weekend. Celebrate love, and all that comes with it, through improvisation.

Singles, couples and families are welcome on Saturday, February 11 at 8 pm. to enjoy complimentary chocolates, champagne or sparkling cider, photos and lots of laughs.

Prepaid tickets can be reserved at www.venturaimprove.com/valentines or by calling 805.643.5701. Group rates are available and range from $15 to $12 each.

Conejo Weekender – Valentine’s at Ventura Improv is a post from: Westlake Village Real Estate-Westlake Village Homes For Sale

Deciding what to do with that tax refund? You may have some home repairs to do but are considering putting them on hold. The #1 repair that just can’t wait is electrical. Possible fire and electrocution trumps that spring break vacation, new landscaping or outdoor patio set .

Danger signs: Circuit breakers that trip frequently, lights that dim when you turn on the vacuum or outlets that are loose, hot, or accept only two-prong plugs.

How to check: Spend $300 to $500 for a licensed electrician to open up your main panel to look for trouble and to tighten any loose connections. He’ll also spot-check switches, outlets and light fixtures to ensure that the wiring is in safe working order.

Replacement cost: $4,000 to $10,000 to rewire the house.

Prolong its life: Flip every circuit breaker off and on again once a year to prevent corrosion. Add new circuits ($100 to $500 each) to take the heaviest electrical loads, like window air conditioners, off the old wires.

Check out the other four at CNN Money

Homes in Westlake Village – 5 Home Repairs that Can’t Wait is a post from: Westlake Village Real Estate-Westlake Village Homes For Sale

Spend Super Bowl Sunday morning doing something good for you and your community at the 8^th Annual Amanda McPherson Foundation Family Walk, Carnival and 5K.

It is the goal of the Amanda McPherson Foundation to have an Amanda’s Corner in every elementary school in Ventura County starting with Simi Valley Unified School District.

An Amanda’s Corner consists of the equipment and supplies needed to support the education of the special education students at a particular school. This can include computers, special software, adaptive equipment and other items that support children that require additional assistance to be successful in the classroom.

Learn more and register at www.amandamcphersonfoundation.org

Join other families at the Oakridge Athletic Club and Simi Town Center at 8 am for the walk/run and enjoy the carnival afterwards.

via Conejo Valley Guide

Conejo Weekender – Amanda McPherson Foundation Family Walk and Carnival is a post from: Westlake Village Real Estate-Westlake Village Homes For Sale

The rain held off, snow remained intact, kids made snowmen and had snowball fights, and Casa Pacifica received over 600 coats. Thank you community!

 “Casa Pacifica supports so many Ventura County families in need and we are so grateful that the weather held up and people came from all over the area to support Casa again”, said Lydia Gable, co-sponsor of the event.

“The community responded so well last year (with over 500 coats), we couldn’t wait to do it again. Many thanks to the City of Westlake Village for allowing us to bring the snow this time to make it even more festive and special”, says co-sponsor Rick Winters of Winters Financial Group.

For some kids, seeing “snow” was a first, but not a last time experience. See you next year!

Check out this video and Ventura County Star’s coverage of the event.

Casa Pacifica welcomes donations of all kinds so visit www.casapacifica.org for more information.

2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Draws Over 600 Coat Donations! is a post from: Westlake Village Real Estate-Westlake Village Homes For Sale

If you vowed to lose weight in 2012, read on. Four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, vaulted ceilings, open kitchen to family room, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, big backyard…these are typical must-haves on the house hunting checklist. But did you know that the type of home you buy could help you gain weight?

Oddly enough, there are other features that should be considered when comparing homes.

Two-story vs. single level. Climbing stairs increases your heart rate and metabolism. In fact, carrying groceries up a flight of steps burns 430 calories an hour.

Home office vs. kitchen work space. Telecommuting is more popular than ever, but setting up shop at the kitchen, built-in desk area means more trips to the fridge and microwave. If the home is lacking a designated office space, see if the garage or covered patio offers a spot for a home office.

Hot tub vs. Jacuzzi bathtub. If the home doesn’t have a hot tub, take note of the backyard space to put one. Soaking in a hot spa simulates exercise, aids weight loss and diminishes the appearance of cellulite. It also relaxes skin and muscles and increases your heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Soaking in a hot tub for 30 minutes a day can shed up to a pound a week.

California Realty Site

Buying a Home Might be Fattening is a post from: Westlake Village Real Estate-Westlake Village Homes For Sale

Maybe it’s the owl jewelry, shoe lazy susan, or that red velvet pancake recipe. Like it? Then pin it!

Pinterest is an online pinboard that lets you organize and share the things you love, or just find super cool. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, log their travels, keep up with hobbies, or even organize their favorite homes for sale.

Best of all, you can browse, like and comment on pinboards created by other people. It’s a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. There’s even an app for that!

Just go to pinterest.com, request an invite, get registered, and start pinning away.

Pin Your Interest in Westlake Village Homes for Sale is a post from: Westlake Village Real Estate-Westlake Village Homes For Sale

Buying a new home or investment property outside of your area doesn’t have to be an unfamiliar process. With Google Maps you can familiarize yourself with the surrounding businesses, amenities, leisure activities, and a street view of the home you’re considering before you see it in person.

The Map View

The number one reason to utilize Google Maps when looking for a new home outside of your area is that it is free. All you have to do is log onto Google Maps and type in the address for the property you are considering purchasing.

The great thing about this version of the maps offered by Google Maps is that you can often determine everything from the nearest grocery store to nearby schools. You can then click “directions” to quickly find the directions from the home you are considering and other areas of interest such as work, school, and shopping.

The Satellite View

Along with the map view of Google Maps, you can also click “satellite” on the upper right hand corner of the screen in order to see an actual satellite view of the area. Zoom in to see details such as the neighborhood layout. Plus, some addresses will even enable you to take a street view of the property providing you with a better idea of what your home looks like from the road.

While utilizing the satellite feature, you can also determine the general neighborhood condition, including the upkeep of nearby homes.

Learn more about using Google Maps at eforeclosuremagazine.com

Google Map Your Way to a New Home is a post from: Westlake Village Real Estate-Westlake Village Homes For Sale