Cape Cod in California
February, 2012 - Issue #88 
When John Rocke and his partner Kathleen J. Burns moved into their Valencia home a year ago, their intentions were clear. “We wanted a great place to entertain and we wanted to create a hotel-like atmosphere for our guests,” says Rocke. Remodeling began not long after the couple took residence.
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What We Loved in 2011
January, 2012 - Issue #87
photography by Ted Dayton
Even old dogs - or long-time homeowners - can learn new tricks. This year we had the privilege to work with some of Santa Clarita’s most talented home improvement specialists. Here’s what we learned.
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Right at Home
December, 2011 - Issue #86
From kitchen inspiration to a quick remodel before the holidays, we've got some great ideas to make you feel right at home...
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‘Tis the Season
November, 2011 - Issue #85
Recent rains and chilly weather have blasted us with an inevitable reminder: Fall is here. And the holidays are right around the corner. You could panic - but why not prepare instead?
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The Director’s Cut
October, 2011 - Issue #84
photography by Ted Dayton
Stevenson Ranch resident Spiro Razatos has served as a stunt director for films like “Fast & Furious,” “Bad Boys II” and “Talladega Nights,” but his impressive resume doesn’t end at the cinema. With the guidance of interior designer Alia Marks of Alia Interior Design (733-0133), Razatos has transformed his suburban home into a Hollywood blockbuster.
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Right at Home
October, 2011 - Issue #84
A sneak peek at fall home trends, great deals and the Tip of the Month!
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Let the Sunshine In
September, 2011 - Issue #83
A look at three beautiful properties in SCV and an in-depth look at how to own your own power plant!
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Enjoy the SCV Climate Year-round
September, 2011 - Issue #83
Plan now for four season fun in the SCV and a sneak peak at the design of the new Patios at Westfield Town Center!
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Save Smart
September, 2011 - Issue #83
The best time to buy patio furniture, saving dollars with screens that make 'scents' and great savings on beautiful furniture!
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To Go Green, Respect theBlue
September, 2011 - Issue #83
With little rainfall and hot and dry summer months, the valley must carefully manage limited water supplies. So throughout the year, Castaic Lake Water Agency is asking all customers to rethink water consumption and to reduce water usage by 10 percent. Here are the top 10 easy ways you can conserve:
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California-style Living
August, 2011 - Issue #82
Tammy and Les Delmarter will be celebrating their 30-year wedding anniversary this month. Over the last three decades, they’ve raised a son (David, now an attorney); founded a business (HR Technologies, a software development company in Newhall); and created a home (a Tuscan-inspired place in Stevenson Ranch) that embodies the California-style living they both love.
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Vacation in theYard
June, 2011 - Issue #80
The sound of water - tink, tink, tink - gently cascading around a bend. Birds chirping. You, lounging on a chaise that could pull double duty as a cloud, sipping your favorite beverage. It’s 5 p.m. on a Wednesday, and you’re in heaven. You’re also in your own backyard.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
June, 2011 - Issue #80
There is so much conflicting information floating around out there about short sales. It’s time to separate fact from fiction.
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Making Wood Work
May, 2011 - Issue #79
There’s simply nothing better than a custom-built piece, whether it be a desk or a kitchen cabinet. In a world that mandates near-constant compromise, a custom addition is many a homeowner’s way of declaring, “Yes! I, too, deserve something in my life that is the exact size, shape and color I desire!” Of course, we all have to “make it work” some of the time. But here are four examples, courtesy of Dave West - owner of David Bryan Woodworks - that show how “custom” is the only way to go.
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Down & Dirty
June, 2011 - Issue #80
Isn’t it so much more fun to spend one’s hard-earned cash on pretty things? I will choose new pillows over pipes any day. (Actually, that is what I did do, and it worked out great - until we had a pipe burst and drip plaster-tinged water all over the previously-mentioned pillows.) The moral of this cautionary tale? Home repairs might not be a glamorous use of funds, but it’s a whole lot more attractive than sewage leaking into your home office (Yeah, that happened, too.). Let’s get started!
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
May, 2011 - Issue #79
One of the best things you can do as a homeowner is to invest in quality home improvements. Not only will the additions make your home more attractive and pleasant to live in, but certain projects will bring a significant return on investment when the time comes to sell your home. The following five projects have been proven to add extra dollars to the average home resell prices.
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Save Money & Resources
April, 2011 - Issue #78
How energy-efficient and eco-friendly changes affect your bottom dollar.
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Grow On!
April, 2011 - Issue #78
Every parent has a “my kid did the funniest thing” moment. For Eric and me, ours usually begin with the phrase, “We were in the garden and…” There is the time that Olive, 2, couldn’t detach a not-yet-ripe strawberry from the vine - so she bent down, stuck her head in the raised bed and gnawed it off at the stem. William, 4, and Kati, 11, once turned giant zucchini into makeshift swords. (We knew something was up when we heard Will yell out, “On guard!”)
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Eclectic Treasures in Valencia
March, 2011 - Issue #77
It’s not unusual for those gifted in interior design to spend weekends browsing home furnishing and accessory stores incessantly in search of the next great find. And some frequent antique shops, hoping to capture some curiosity from ages long ago. Few, however, would (albeit bashfully) admit that some of their most coveted treasures were discovered, not through a well-known retailer, but at a garage sale.
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Save with Solar
February, 2011 - Issue #76
How high was your electric bill last month? Have you noticed that, despite your regimented practice of turning off lights, unplugging the space heater and reducing consumption wherever you can, your bill just keeps climbing? You aren’t alone - and that’s why so many of your neighbors are opting out of the system and going solar.
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What We Love
February, 2011 - Issue #76
Style. Grace. Panache. Each month, Inside SCV Magazine features a local home that has all three qualities in spades. Choosing favorites is more than hard; it’s near impossible. But after a round of intense debate (Who knew that some of us felt so strongly about chenille fabric?) we were able to reach a consensus.
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SCV Real Estate Update
February, 2011 - Issue #76
This month's update includes a sneak peek on what to expect in 2011 and a head's up on Homeowner's Insurance.
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SCV Real Estate Update
January, 2011 - Issue #75
How the Suess Home Selling Team is helping the hungry and what you need to know about rental properties.
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SCV Real Estate Market Update – the Holiday Edition
January, 2011 - Issue #75
Is the real estate market picking up or is it slowing down for the holidays? Let’s review the statistics for Santa Clarita Valley this month. Currently there are 405 contracts pending in the market overall, leaving 1,233 homes still for sale. The resulting pending ratio is 24.7 percent (405 divided by 1,233). But what does that mean?
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Right At Home
December, 2010 - Issue #74
Outdoor Home Improvement Tips to get you through the Holidays and beyond!
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
December, 2010 - Issue #74
Local Real Estate Professionals answer your questions about buying and selling a home in Santa Clarita.
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Internal Ramblings of a Semi-reformed Type-A Personality
November, 2010 - Issue #73
My youngest is only 2 and I am certain I’ve already destined her to a senseless, soul-killing, life-long quest for unobtainable perfection. “Do it right or not at all, Olive,” I tisk. And then I realize my mistake. “Actually, Olive, it’s best to ‘leave well enough alone.’” I should leave it there, but I don’t. “You know, Olive, maybe Mommy will help you separate the Legos from the Lincoln Logs, just this once.” Sigh. My perfection-seeking, order-craving, Type-A side won out again.
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French at Heart
November, 2010 - Issue #73
Since studying French in high school, I have been enamored with all things French: cuisine, language and definitely French architecture and interior design. When it came time to decorate our Valencia home, naturally I turned to France for my inspiration.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
November, 2010 - Issue #73
An inside look at Open Houses and Foreclosures and how they affect you in the current Real Estate Market.
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Prepare Now, Thrive Later
October, 2010 - Issue #72
Are you Prepared for Theft, Fire, Earthquakes or Floods? Finally, there is a better, more efficient way for people to inventory their household assets. Now, when an emergency happens, you can expedite the reporting of your loss or damage to the police and insurance company.
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Outdoor Enjoyment Year-round
October, 2010 - Issue #72
Yes, it gets cold in the SCV. But even on the chilliest days, the weather is more than accommodating for backyard relaxation when you plan ahead.
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Fast Finishing Touches
October, 2010 - Issue #72
These finishing touches will have you well on your way to an updated look in no time at all!
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Remodeling the Way we Buy Homes
October, 2010 - Issue #72
In California, contracts must contain consideration to be valid. It’s a good faith deposit not to be confused with a down payment. When buyers execute a purchase contract, the contract specifies how much money the buyer is initially putting up to secure the contract, to show “good faith,” and how much money all together will be deposited as a down payment.
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Gorgeous New Twists on Old Flooring Favorites
October, 2010 - Issue #72
“The flooring in a room accounts for as much as 50 PERCENT of the room’s impact. It has the ability to transform the look and feel of a home. Since many types of flooring are relatively permanent, the flooring you choose should be tailored to HOW YOU WILL USE THE ROOM and how practical it needs to be,”
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Fab Furnishing Finds
October, 2010 - Issue #72
Home décor treasures that save you money!
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Kitchen & Bath Revitalization
October, 2010 - Issue #72
Maximize Storage Space, Great New Countertops and Quick Changes to make Major Impact.
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Add Drama
October, 2010 - Issue #72
Four local professionals share thier favorite quick tips for adding drama to your space
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
September, 2010 - Issue #71
You’re torn. You’re thinking of moving in a few years, and you’re also moved to tears by your current interior paint (We agree. That purple-painted bathroom was a good concept, but…). Fashionable, neutral paint is the solution.
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Interior Home Improvement Preview
September, 2010 - Issue #71
Eight home improvement specialists share their tips on how to get the most for your money...
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Feel Right at Home
September, 2010 - Issue #71
Inside SCV Magazine explores Home Equity, Solar Electricity and preparing your home for Wildfire Season...
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Wow!
September, 2010 - Issue #71
See beyond the dirt and grime and give new life to your home with these quick fixes!
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It’s a Beautiful Life
September, 2010 - Issue #71
Spruce up your outdoor spaces with these great tips!
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Match Granite to your Personality
September, 2010 - Issue #71
Just like people, no two granites are exactly alike. With the enormous variety of color combinations and veining patterns available, choosing the right granite for your home can be a bit overwhelming. So how do you decide which color, pattern, or finish will best suit your unique personality, theme or style?
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And Time Stood Still
August, 2010 - Issue #70
Some people collect stamps. Others, baseball cards. And though the answer to “What do you collect?” is limitless, most often the space to store it is not.
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Tick Tock
August, 2010 - Issue #70
Whether you have a few seconds or a few weeks, we've compiled a listing of Quick Home Improvements that can make All the Difference
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
August, 2010 - Issue #70
From Investment Real Estate to Home Owners Associations, this months installation of the Santa Clarita Real Estate Update gives you the information you need to decide what's right for you!
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
July, 2010 - Issue #69
Let’s take a look at the real estate market for Santa Clarita Valley this month...
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Right at Home
July, 2010 - Issue #69
Old World Heritage, Outdoor Living and Anniverseries
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An Artist’s Canvas
July, 2010 - Issue #69
Manuela Marino has yet to complete her degree in fine arts, but she is already well on her way to finishing a masterpiece.
For 11 years, the College of the Canyons/ California State University, Northridge student has worked to personalize her family’s five-bedroom, three-bath Stevenson Ranch home as only an artist can.
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Just Kidding Around
May, 2010 - Issue #67
Gina Miles story can be told, at least in part, in numbers. Thirty is the number of years she’s been married; five is the number of children she has raised. Greater than five is the number of grandchildren who call her house a second home (there’s another on the way).
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Beat the Heat
May, 2010 - Issue #67
photography by Ted Dayton
The experts chime in on energy and money saving tips on getting your home ready for Summer - inside and out!
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
May, 2010 - Issue #67
From buying and selling in the SCV to California's tax policies on forgiven debts... this month's update has the information you are looking for!
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The Finest Touch
May, 2010 - Issue #67
There are cabinets and furniture - dated and generic in style, function and materials. And then there are custom cabinets and furniture, created to serve you and your home for a lifetime.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
May, 2010 - Issue #67
Did you know SCV real estate inventory is down 63 percent compared to this time last year? You may have heard about home buyers recently losing out in multiple-bidding situations.
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Expand your Space
April, 2010 - Issue #66
The weather is warm and the real estate market is cold. A bigger house might not be in your future, but a few low-cost improvements to your backyard will make you feel “right” at home.
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Don’t Judge a Book - or a Sofa - by its Cover
April, 2010 - Issue #66
Maybe your sofa or sectional is on its last legs, or perhaps you’re just desperate for a change. Before you invest time and money in the “perfect sofa” search, peruse this list of must-ask questions.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
April, 2010 - Issue #66
“Curb appeal” is the good impression or feeling made when looking at a home from the curb to the front door. It is taking the best exterior feature of the house or yard and enhancing it to the fullest potential.
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Favorite Spaces
March, 2010 - Issue #65
Selecting our favorite photos from 2009: difficult. Borrowing key design tips from the collection: easy.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
March, 2010 - Issue #65
An in-depth look at the real estate market and tips on listing your home.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
February, 2010 - Issue #64
A look at what's new in Real Estate - from helping homeowners in danger of foreclusre to ethics that should be present in all Real Estate transactions.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
January, 2010 - Issue #63
An inside look at what's happening in the Santa Clarita Housing Market.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
December, 2009 - Issue #62
Holiday Real Estate tips and tricks for those determined to sell!
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Holiday Spirit Inside & Out
December, 2009 - Issue #62
Nothing lifts a neighborhood’s communal spirit more than festively-decorated homes. This year, gift your neighbors and guests with a lighting display that energizes spirits and inspires smiles. Let the pros do the dangerous ladder climbing; just relax and take in the (bright) sights.
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Holiday Entertaining Hit Lists
December, 2009 - Issue #62
Because sometimes all you need is a good idea.
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12 Days of Christmas
December, 2009 - Issue #62
A Pro’s Guide to Affordable Holiday Home Improvements that can be Finished in Two Weeks or Less
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
November, 2009 - Issue #61
A look at the state of the current market, and what to look for to avoid Foreclosure Rescue scams
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
October, 2009 - Issue #60
Homeowners are hungry for an advantage - something that can give their home an edge over the competition. These advantages fall into one of two categories: price and condition. But for a great deal of homeowners, prices are already low enough… and that leaves option two.
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Tour of Kitchens
October, 2009 - Issue #60
Self-guided Tour on October 18 Showcases 10 Designer Kitchens to Benefit Michael Hoefflin Foundation
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Just do It
October, 2009 - Issue #60
In the entryway of my last home lay what I considered a great aesthetic offence: dramatically cracked and chipped tile flooring. Being clever (and cheap), I covered it with a throw rug - that never stayed put. Like Edgar Allan Poe’s Telltale Heart, those marred pieces of porcelain refused to remain silent, loudly announcing their ugliness anew every time a guest strolled through the door.
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House of Carrs
October, 2009 - Issue #60
photography by Ted Dayton
Maya and Jim Carr’s Woodlands home exhibits a refined attention to detail, making it an exquisite example of interior home improvement at its finest.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
September, 2009 - Issue #59
An in-depth look at some of Santa Clarita's finest listings and quick tips on giving your house some 'curb appeal'.
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Trends that won’t Break the Bank
September, 2009 - Issue #59
Unless you’re considering a “for sale” sign as your newest front-yard décor, you may wonder why “curb appeal” matters to you. Yes, the outside of your home may be the first thing everyone else sees when they check out your digs, but it’s also the first thing you see when pulling into your driveway. The exterior of your home sets the tone for how you feel about where you live. If you aren’t “going anywhere” any time soon, it’s time to fall back in love with your space. Here’s how.
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A (Catty) Girl’s Guide to an Endless Summer
September, 2009 - Issue #59
No snooty “better homes” magazine is going to tell me that it’s time to say “See ya!” to my backyard because the calendar has announced the near arrival of fall. I’m a California girl and I’m just getting started, Baby. Join me in making our exterior escape a year-round paradise (on the cheap, no less…).
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Go Green to Save Green
September, 2009 - Issue #59
Summer heat always reminds us we live in a desert and we need water. Experts all agree - your green lawn drinks a lot of it. If conservation is at the top of your list these days (and who wouldn’t like lower water bills?), saving the lawn in this climate can sometimes be just a matter of readjusting, reusing and conserving.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
August, 2009 - Issue #58
Creating wealth and financial freedom through real estate can be somewhat easy if you know where to go and how to get there.
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Summer Yard
August, 2009 - Issue #58
Local experts answer your questions about making your backyard the perfect place for a "stay-cation".
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Love your Space
August, 2009 - Issue #58
Just like any long-term romance, the relationship between you and your home requires a little effort now and then. Banish boredom with accents that are sure to put the “spark” back where it belongs.
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Santa Clarita Real Estate Update
July, 2009 - Issue #57
A sneak peek at a some of the beautiful Santa Clarita homes available and some exciting news on tax credits for home buyers.
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The Elements of a RelaxingBedroom
July, 2009 - Issue #57
photography by Ted Dayton
Informative ideas and Feng Shui tips to turn your bedroom into a relaxing retreat.
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Inside Real Estate
June, 2009 - Issue #56
If you haven’t already noticed, this is a fantastic time to buy real estate in the Santa Clarita Valley. What most need to remember is, when stock prices fall, it’s usually the best time to buy. Buy low and sell high, right? The same is true in real estate.
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Beautiful Windows
June, 2009 - Issue #56
When the temperature starts creeping up, we all know our energy bills will be doing the same. Everyone is trying to save money these days and there is a great way to help keep utility costs down while increasing the value of your home. With a little investment and usually in one day, new windows can lower you energy bills, help keep out unwanted sounds of traffic and noise pollution and eliminate rattles and drafts. New windows also add a quick pick-me-up for older homes, which add value to your biggest investment.
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Feng Shui in the SCV
May, 2009 - Issue #55
A quick look at some do-it-yourself Feng Shui fixes.
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Have we Hit the Bottom?
May, 2009 - Issue #55
So, has the housing market finally bottomed out? This is a topic where everyone seems to have a different opinion. The media certainly doesn’t help clarify the situation and tends to cause more confusion for home buyers and sellers. Let’s take a look at the statistics to get an unbiased, factual point of view about our local Santa Clarita real estate market.
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Warm Woods for Cool Windows
May, 2009 - Issue #55
Sometimes, turning a stucco-covered SCV house into a warm, ambience-filled home is easier said than done. Designers agree, though, that one of the most important components in your pursuit to beautify your space are window coverings.
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What's New in Kitchen and Bath
May, 2009 - Issue #55
Few places need to incorporate design and function better than your home’s kitchen and baths. “Pretty to look at” isn’t enough in these high-traffic locales. With that in mind, check out these new trends that combine beauty and quality.
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Add it Up
May, 2009 - Issue #55
Dreaming of a remodel? Ready to take a stairway to heaven? Finally ready to claim custom cabinetry for your very own?
We’re with you. These home improvements not only enhance your day-to-day living experiences, they can impressively increase the value of your home.
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Flooring Trends
May, 2009 - Issue #55
These days, it’s all about “saving,” and the world of flooring is no different. Here are three ways that you can save while still cashing in on style.
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Hot Times
May, 2009 - Issue #55
There are usually two kinds of home improvements: the kind you need to make (think: replacing the pipes) and the kind you want to make (like new furniture).
When it comes to getting ready for another long, hot SCV summer, however, you can combine your practical needs with your aesthetic wants.
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Seating Solutions for every Home
May, 2009 - Issue #55
Thoughtfully and creatively designed, an otherwise “old fashioned” sofa can have an elegant breath of fresh air.
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The Green Scene
May, 2009 - Issue #55
This month, we ring in the new (“green” paint with a super-low carbon footprint!) and celebrate the old (two local companies have made multi-decade investments in green technology).
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What the Stimulus does for the Housing Market
April, 2009 - Issue #54
There are several provisions in the overall $789 billion stimulus package that will be beneficial for many people - and will help stimulate demand for housing.
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5 Tips to Better Curb (and Yard) Appeal
April, 2009 - Issue #54
Your home’s value might be in the gutter, but that shouldn’t mean that your rain gutter goes into disrepair. The old adage, “What goes up must come down,” surely is inversely true when it comes to SCV housing. As you wait to see home values climb again, don’t put off pragmatically (or aesthetically) necessary improvements. Because while your home may only be a good investment some of the time, it’s the place you live all of the time.
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Getting Bang for your Gardening Buck
April, 2009 - Issue #54
When it comes to landscaping, getting the biggest “bang for your buck” means choosing the right changes to your yard. Recently, I met with a customer who was considering some changes to her space. She wanted to add some brick ribbons to her existing concrete, plus build some planters here and there.
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Green Thumb
April, 2009 - Issue #54
Green Thumb Garden Center was started in 1946 by Dale Bergquist, who was followed in the business by his brothers Max and Bob. Bergquist family members are still involved in the running of the seven stores. Green Thumb Nursery in Newhall opened in 1970.
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Spring’s Must-have Outdoor Elements
April, 2009 - Issue #54
Classic Comfort, Rain or Shine
Santa Clarita’s most popular deep-seating outdoor furniture set is made by Hanamint, a company known for its innovative craftsmanship. Customize your set with a wide array of cushions; there’s a design available for every taste.
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Third Time's A Charm
March, 2009 - Issue #53
Here’s an understatement: John and Debbie Miller enjoy living in Valencia’s Summit. You could say that it was love at first sight. The couple camped out in front of the sales office for a full week when word hit that the then-newly-built homes were available. Since then, they’ve lived in three homes in the popular Santa Clarita development.
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Protecting the Value of your Home
March, 2009 - Issue #53
With enough warning, you can protect your home from a flood or fire (or purchase insurance to do the protecting for you). But in today’s real estate market, you can’t put sandbags around your investment to prevent the value from rapidly declining.
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