This is the beginning of a series, not unlike the serials of the old movie theater double feature. Back in the day – like the early to mid-20^th century – when you went to the movies on Saturday, you saw a newsreel, cartoons, and two feature movies. There was also an ongoing adventure with a new chapter every week to keep you coming back.

There won't be any hoof-pounding Western adventures in this series, but there will be interesting history, intriguing facts, and fascinating trivia about the communities of the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and the Westside of Los Angeles. Whether you are a native or newcomer, we hope you'll enjoy the journey. 

First on the tour is Encino. It is truly hard to go anywhere in the Los Angeles area without finding a connection to the movie industry. Homes of the stars and hangouts of the famous are everywhere. Even a well-known Realtor® chose Encino for his home base. Here in Encino, though, not only the people are stars; the district itself has played a role in film and literature.

Like much of this area, Encino was once mission land owned by the Spanish government. When the missions were abandoned in the early 1800's, about seven square miles was given to three Grabielino Indians and became known as Rancho Los Encinos (Ranch of the Oaks.) By the middle of the 19^th century the land had been a cattle ranch, grown wheat and barley, and had become a stop on the stage line between Los Angeles and San Francisco. According to the Encino Chamber of Commerce, some of the buildings from those days are still seen in the Los Encinos State Park.

Through all this, a massive California Live Oak tree stood on what became Ventura Boulevard, and watched over more than a thousand years of human history before falling during an El Niño storm in 1998.

Encino is now home to more than 40,000 people who live in the area bordered on the west by Tarzana, on the north by the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, on the east by Sherman Oaks, and on the south by the Encino Reservoir.

And now for the connections to film and literature we promised: (with thanks to Wikipedia)

 ·        In the glory days of filmmaking, Encino was also the site of RKO Studios "Encino Ranch" and the site of such iconic movies as It's a Wonderful Life and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

·        It is the setting of the 1992 comedy, Encino Man.

·        Encino is mentioned in Frank Zappa's 1982 hit song, "Valley Girl."

·        "The Point" from Fast Times at Ridgemont High was located in Encino (Encino Little League Field).

·        Encino was where Ali's family lived (Elisabeth Shue) in the movie The Karate Kid. Their country club was Encino Oaks and they lived on Alonzo Avenue.

·        Encino is where specials on the popular cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants take place.

·        Encino is the setting of the first half of Chilean author Alberto Fuguet's novel "Las Películas de mi Vida (The Movies Of My Life)"

·        According to a recurring on-air gag of the 1970's show Match Game, panelist Brett Somers would take host Gene Rayburn to a nice hotel in Encino after the show if she were "feeling frisky."

·        Encino has been home to many of Hollywood's stars, including Rudolph Valentino, Clark Gable, John Wayne, Michael Landon, and Phil Hartman.

Rich in history, Encino is one of the San Fernando Valley's treasures. That's the end of today's tour. Please join us again next time for…Tarzana!

Los Angeles Views Along Mulholland Drive

I took these photos one Sunday afternoon along Mulholland Drive.

Mulholland Drive is notable because it separates the ‘city side’ from the ‘valley’ side of LA.   This road runs along the back side of Bel Air (yes, as in the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air”) from Hollywood almost reaching the Pacific Ocean.

Mulholland traverses through many of LA and Beverly Hills’ most exclusive neighborhoods.

The views in these photos overlook Encino and Tarzana in the foreground and out over the entire mid/eastern San Fernando Valley in the background.

I grew up facing the other direction - on the other side of the "hill" - in LA "proper".

If you have any questions about LA, please feel free to send a comment/question. I would be pleased to help. I have lived and worked in Los Angeles all of my life.

Many people who sell an investment property believe that federal capital gains from that sale must always be handed over to the IRS.  This is not always the case.  IRS Code Section 1031 offers investors the opportunity to reinvest federal capital gains from a sale if you swap that property for another…and it does not always have to be for ‘like property’ either!  Instead, as an investor, you could have that money work for you rather than end up in the hands of the IRS. Further, you do not have to sell your property for the exact same type of property either!

The 1031 Code indicates that no gains or losses will be recognized on the exchange of any type of business use or investment property for any other business use or investment property.

So what does this mean?  How can this help you?

If you own a business or an investment property you should consider a 1031 exchange.   You would be able to defer 100% of both federal and state capital gains tax.  1031 Exchanges in essence become interest free loans; where the principal may increase through future exchanges allowing the Exchanger to never pay back, if the transactions are planned well.  Along with the guidance of an experienced realtor, www.michaeltrustrealty.com this can be one of the most profitable ventures you will ever enter into.

Are you apprehensive about the 1031 Exchanges?  Here are some interesting facts, which will make the decision easier.

1) At one time, exchanges were only done to switch like investment properties to the same person swapping for your own, but this is not the case anymore.  In fact, you can sell your own property to someone who does not have a relationship to the person from whom they are purchasing the replacement property.

2) It is important to know that like-properties once met the same, condo for condo, empty lot for empty lot but that is also no longer the case.  If you have invested your money in an empty lot but wish to exchange for an apartment building, this too is possible and again, no taxes would be paid for the sale of the vacant land when following the guidelines of the 1031 exchange. In fact, the owner of the empty lot can even sell that one lot and then purchase several others or just buy one and then sell others. Note, 1031 Exchanges only apply to investment properties and not residences.

3)  Many believe only investors of large commercial properties can utilize a 1031. One of the greatest features about a 1031 Exchange is that it applies to all investment properties, large and very small. 1031 Exchange works the same way for a corporation selling a large shopping mall as it would for an individual selling a single-family property used for rental or held for investment in a resort area.

4) Many believe 1031 Exchanges are very complicated and not worth investigating. Consider working with a qualified Realtor and Broker who can offer you professional advice and direction.  1031 Exchanges is a relatively smooth process and definitely worth considering but sound advice from an experienced realtor is the key to profitability.

5) The Exchanger can acquire a replacement property with greater income potential. For example, raw land can be sold to acquire income-producing property or a larger or more ideally located property.  A duplex rental property can be exchanged for a 4-family investment property offering greater income.

Should you wish to increase your buying flow due to greater cash flow, exchange investment or rental property for that with a greater income, acquire investment property that is easier to finance, or should you have the need to relocate or the desire to increase your current business or investment space for a larger area, the 1031 Exchange can accomplish any or all of these goals.

<%MainPageURL%>

Michael Trust is a native Angeleno having been born, raised, and educated in Los Angeles.  A homeowner himself, Michael is familiar with the challenges of buying, selling and owning real estate in the Greater Los Angeles area.

His background is unusual in Realtor® circles. With a baccalaureate degree from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master’s Degree in Management from the University of Southern California (USC), Michael offers 15-years of corporate management experience in Fortune 500 organizations, Michael Trust can help you look at your real estate transaction from a broader business perspective.

Not only is Michael a Realtor® but he is also a California Real Estate Broker/Officer. Many Realtors® work under the umbrella of a large real estate organization and are obliged to follow the dictates of that organization. As a Real Estate Broker, Michael does not have to answer to a large corporation. He is free to make decisions based entirely on your best interests.

As a member of the National Association of Realtors®, the California Association of Realtors®, the Southland Regional Association of Realtors® (CRISNET Multiple Listing Service), and the Simi Valley/Moorpark Association of Realtors®, as well as the Combined Los Angeles/Westside Multiple Listing Service, he keeps abreast of legal and market changes through daily communications from these organizations. Michael fully subscribes to and abides by the high ethical standards required of their members.  Michael is also a volunteer member of the Southland Regional Association's Multiple Listing Service Committee, and Regional User's Group Committee.

Michael and his Team specialize in residential, residential income, and commercial sale and lease properties. Michael and his Team are well versed in 1031 Exchanges as well.  Michael and his Team are backed up by a staff of assistants with specialties in marketing, transaction management, and general administrative support so that you can receive the best possible service.  Michael Trust Realty uses technology to the fullest to make your experience a smooth one. For more information, please contact Michael through www.michaeltrustrealty.com