For Sale...Agoura Estate with Panoramic Views!!!

Cielo Farms For Sale! 21+ Acres with Vineyard and nearly 9000 SF estate!

10 things NOT to do in a listing appointment

BLINDS WiDE OPEN -day 382 Envious

A while back we attended a birthday party of a dear friend and client celebrating his 75th birthday and to close out his party, he stated "this may seem a bit awkward to say, but I'm envious of my own life." It was an amazing party any those words now ring in my head constantly. Tonight while enjoying a warm, beautiful and breezy evening at M Cafe with my 3 gifts/girls, I could only reflect on my friend's statement; "I'm envious of my own life." Yes, I do have a good life, a super fun job, lots of friends and so much more, but these 3, happy, healthy, beautiful, funny and oh so loving daughters and I said healthy, make my life pretty special. So yes, I am envious of my own life. Kelsey came home from Dallas, so we surprised Miley and when she saw her big sis, it was like the stadium lights at the Rose Bowl turned on! Taking pictures, corn ball (a game at the restaurant), great food, stories, Kinsey boasting about how many likes she will get on Instagram, and the peace of knowing all is well with the 3. The day began with a little flag football, merged into mid day house showings, twighlighted at the cafe, and will end with a humble prayer, a wink in the mirror and dreams of ,"Man alive, I'm envious of my own life!!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 382 Home Ownership and Boat Ownership

So following the rains of the last few days, I was left to ponder boat ownership and the costs vs. rewards. As you can see, there will be some costs in the next few days because with anything that requires some type of technical savvy, I am not your guy. Oh, the good times on the boat; the parties on the water, towing the kids around the lake on the paddle boards, back and forth to the rope swing, throwing a line out for a bass and then there is this morning's image. Certainly, there will be a rehab fee of some amount just to get it going, the motor is probably shot, that batteries have been underwater for two days and some seats need new upholstery. Here are the alternatives; untie it, let it float over the dam to Malibu, sink it and use it as a fishing reef or get out the checkbook. It's the same thing with your home, the answer is always get out the checkbook. As much as we would like to just let it go sometimes or scream, the benefits of home ownership are as sweet as the benefits of boat ownership. So get out the checkbook, fix the recent roof leaks, the plugged yard drains, the broken ice maker and just think of all the good, fun times yet to be had (and tax write offs) in your beautiful home/boat!


This is Dave, from the McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 380 Just Another Day in Paradise

Yeah it's ok. It's so nice.
It's just another day in paradise.
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the lord every night
For just another day in paradise

Lyrics from Phil Vassar's Song

Quite fitting for our new listing in North Ranch

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 379 Hall of Fame

How many of us are called by our high school to be inducted into their Hall of Fame? Most of us are remembered for our funky hair, clever "notes" from home, funny teeth or outstanding disco dancing.  Dave was honored last weekend for his distinguished high school and collegiate football career. Amazing! He still has it! Congratulations Dave!

This is Laurie, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN-day 378 A Market Reality

Beautiful end unit townhome in Newbury Park;one day on the market and 5 offers. Love when that happens!
This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 377 Termite, Appraisal & Fire

Just your regular realtor day: Termite at 9:00, appraisal at 9:30 and whoa...Brush Fire at 10:00. Good news, no termites.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 376 Action Jackson

Jackson is making us all look bad on Malibou Lake. He buys a house out on the lake, decides to rig up and here are the results. A nice 3 plus pounder right off the dock. Just think about the next 15 years he has ahead of him on the lake with mom, dad and grandma..a great life, a special way of life and a life of unchartered waters yet to navigate! Welcome Jones Family to Malibou Lake!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 375 Follow the Light to Tomorrow

On the drive home after viewing "The Croods" with my 2 daughters, we came around the corner and right there in front of the car was the message from the movie...Follow the Light.  Right there before us, there it was: Pursue the light, stay away from the darkness and live your life...Great movie, fun, great message and what a visual to drive home with. The light represented tomorrow and how true that is, so here is tomorrow, leave the past behind and follow the light! What great things lie ahead of us tomorrow.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, see you tomorrow and still keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 374 On the Rocks

Coming Tuesday on the MLS is this cool custom, built "On the Rocks." Superb location with fantastic views of the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains with Sugarloaf Mountain front and center. 3 + 3.5, views from everywhere, and comfortable living on all levels. All this for under 900K. Check out all the pictures and details at www.themclaughlingroup.com.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 373 Wow in Woodland Hills

Awesome new listing that will be available to see on Saturday. Fantastic yard, pool, sports court, BBQ, lawns and all this comes with a classic ranch style at over 2800 sq. ft. remodeled and gorgeous. Woodland Hills never looked so good and felt so comfy! Check out all the photos at www.themclaughlingroup.com

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 372 Wings

A joint adventure with The McLaughlin Group and The Marx Team at the Camarillo airport with Mark Beushausen a fellow KW agent and accomplished pilot. A great day with lunch at the cafe amongst all the top gun pilots, an entirely different culture and atmosphere. It's like lunch at the Rock Store with all the bikers or dinner at Old Place with the locals. I must say that the girls were more enthused with the lunch crowd consisting of multiple pilots with call signs similar to "Goose," "Maverick," and "Ice," but so be it, Dylan and I were able to take comfort in the knowledge that going 500 miles per hour is not nearly as exciting as placing a lock box on the front door of  a condo. In all seriousness, being up close, next to some of those jets was really cool. Maybe we will sell a house for some pilot and exchange services so we can get our wings. I'd love the group to have to call me "Raptor."

This is Raptor, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 371 Grab Your Pot O Gold at Vintage

Only 4 left of what is sure to be one of the best estate communities in our area. This rainbow appeared last week while I was showing and I was accused of staging the setting. Gosh, I wish I had that power but right after that we opened the door to another one and in the back yard, there were 3 deer. Who needs furniture when you have nature staging things for you. Hurry, only 4 pots of gold left.

This is Dave from, The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 370 Take a Ride

Life is a roller coaster. Close your eyes on the way down and keep your eyes wide open on the way up! Jump on! Happy Valentine's Day.

This is Laurie, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 369 Pure Bliss

Welcome to suburban solace in this Newbury Park secret! This home has a fantastic floor plan with 4/4.5, plus a downstairs bonus room adjacent to a full bathroom, huge upstairs loft and an additional bonus room/office. Another highlight is the wrap around backyard sanctuary with honeysuckly vines covering all the romantic sitting areas, BBQ w/ sit up bar, stone fireplace, pool and an exotic multi colored show from the poolside spa! See more at www.TheMcLaughlinGroup.com!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 367 Brewster Beauty

Exceptional buy in Tarzana 4+2 Pool and spa, 829K. Fun to post these when it will probably sell in a minute! 4600 Brewster Drive. Check it out on TheMcLaughlinGroup.com

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 366 Giving Back

Chris Hendricks from On Q financial and The McLaughlin Group were able to make a 4k donation to the Agoura High Charger Club as a result of an affiliation with Community Funding Solutions. We take 20% of our commission and give back to the local schools. We hope this program grows and grows. The schools need the funding and what a great opportunity to help with the athletic programs.  My daughters are benefiting from these programs and hundreds of other kids, and the lessons that athletics provide parallel the lessons in life, so we will continue to help support these great programs.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 365 Group Getaway

What a superb day for the group last week. We cleared the schedules and boarded the Amtrak to Santa Barbara. What looked liked a dull drizzly day turned into a goal oriented day of team build up and team fun. Up and down State street with a bite here, a sip there, a chocolate delight consumed and all the while talking real estate.  All of us discussed what we would like to do in 2013 personally and professionally and the group came out swinging with some big numbers. It's so nice to see motivated people aim high, leave the comfort zone and shoot for the stars. I will say this as the leader of the group, if the numbers come in, I'm in big trouble... For next year will not be on steel rails, rather, the getaway, will be on aluminum wings at 35000 feet with a bite here and a few sips there. Here..(raise the glass) is to THERE!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 364 Dylan's Day

Well, here he is, the youngest member of our group. It's Dylan's birthday today and I must confess he has grown up to be a fine young man, exceptional realtor and a great nephew. He does have the weakest throwing arm of all of the boys but we won't hold that against him. Happy Birthday big guy!

This is Uncle Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 363 Bob McLaughlin's Memorial Service

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BOB MCLAUGHLIN

A memorial celebration in my dad's honor will be held at Calvary Community Church (5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village) on Friday, January 11th at 11:00am with a reception following from 1-3 at the Malibou Lake Mountain Clubhouse (29033 W. Lake Vista Dr., Agoura). In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the WOUNDED WARRIORS FOUNDATION.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN = day 362 Kick Some Bass

Did a little fishing this New Year's morning! Not bad at all. She went about 6 pounds and now off to lunch and football. 2013 is shaping up just fine!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 361 Xmas Exchange

Every year our family does an exchange of hand made gifts. Last year I was a complete failure attempting a candle. This year hiking around, I came across a cut down Oak Tree and found the pieces of bark that I have made into planters, one sitting and a couple hanging. I think they will be a hit this year, redemption from last year, I hope. Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays to all.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 360 This Old Guitar.....Follow up.

A few days back I posted a blog to and about my dad. I entitled it "This Old Guitar" after the John Denver song because the song reminded me of my dad and the lessons and love that he gave us. At 1:31 this afternoon, looking out over the lake he loved, he passed. I thought this was a fitting shot of him to post, long jumping as a senior at Fremont High. Fitting, because he believed that he would leap into eternity and this is my shot of my dad leaping into forever. He was the best dad!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 359 The Honey House

The little gem next door to the folk's house is on the market. So many thoughts and memories when a neighbor decides to sell, especially the next door neighbor. This home ties 5 what we call laker kids, to all of us, plus one very special lady. She has poured her life and love into this home and it truly reflects a passion for nature and life. Yes it's old and needs a little work but there is heart & soul in this home. I once earned a 10 gallon jar of honey by helping harvest the honey from the bees that were kept on the property. I probably got stung 30 times in that hour but it was a great life lesson...I would never grow up to be a beekeeper, but I still love honey from the honeycomb!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 358 This Old Guitar

John Denver wrote a great song titled "This Old Guitar". In this song Denver writes about the old guitar and the things the old guitar taught him.  As I sit at my parent's house tonight with the morning rushing us into a new day, I could not help but to reflect back on the life that the stud in the middle of this family photo lived and the things he taught us.  This photo is before 3 more grand kids and 2 great grand kids.  Yes, my dad is battling to live after a long bout with Parkinson's disease but most recently a massive stroke.  His will is strong but the body is weak.  Sitting next to the old stone fireplace, the stories, lessons and love echo though my chambers like a shout across the lake on a still quiet evening.  If you know the Denver song it begins with "This old guitar taught me to sing a love song" and it strums its way through some other magical lyrics.  This song makes me think of my dad.  He taught us everything!  He taught us to work, he taught us to laugh, he taught us to love, he taught us to sacrifice, he taught us to fish, he taught us to tie knots, he taught us to be respectful, he taught us to honor others, he taught us common sense, he taught us to camp, he taught us courage, he taught us discipline, he taught us how to swim and dive and as you can see, he taught us most everything any child would need.  You see, my dad was not a brilliant or learned man, but he was so much more.  Compassionate, simple, practical, kind, caring, wise and strong in body, mind and spirit.  My dad is a great dad and before he passes, this life, his life, needs the praise, he so well deserves.  My dad does not need this but I do.  His life counted, his life counts and my life, my brothers and sister and all our kids are filled with the DNA of one strong, loving and special man. Dad, we are so grateful for the life you gave us, the lessons you taught us and the life we have shared with you. You were and are that old guitar in our lives!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLIND WIDE OPEN - day 357 Our New Neighbors

We moved to a new office behind Costco in Westlake Village a few months ago. Right next door they are building a huge complex with a Target, a new Total Woman gym and several restaurants. We are happy to have them as our next door neighbors. They are clearing the land for construction and we have a front row seat. Future plans? Maybe a gym membership, first dibs on Target sales and fresh sushi!!!!!!

This is Laurie, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 356 Giving Back

This Saturday the 1st of December, Keller Williams Westlake Village is having a holiday boutique. What a perfect time to pick up some unique gifts for your friends and family and at the same time contribute to our "KW Cares" charity fund. A great cause and a lot of fun! Please join us this weekend!

This is Laurie, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 355 Easy Pickens!

Stop and think how easy we have it on Thanksgiving compared to these three characters. We swing by the market and pick up a turkey, yams, pumpkin pie and some egg nog and sit around and enjoy family and football. I came across these three this morning trying to rustle up some chow for the day. I was a little slow with the camera otherwise you might have seen a rat being finished off. Everyday they battle for survival and we have the luxury of calling Dominos. Let's just say we have much to be thankful for. Happy Turkey Day or Happy Rat Day! I'll take the turkey option but I'm quite sure they would too!

This is the Coyotes and this is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!