When it comes to real estate in Toluca Lake, Lori King of Ramsey-Shilling Associates says the neighborhood’s prized properties will always be exclusive and desirable, regardless of market conditions or limited inventory. “Each year, Toluca Lake becomes a focus on people’s radar,” she shares. “After all, the community has been home to many well-known individuals and its popularity is rapidly growing.”
King adds that the area is particularly appealing to a younger demographic because of everything it has to offer. This was evident during a recent property sale, where King helped a young couple with a newborn reach the milestone of closing on their forever home. “It was extremely gratifying to find the home where they would raise their family,” she says. “Knowing that this child would grow up in such a sweet neighborhood — making friends, playing in the yard and being part of a community — was incredibly meaningful.”
Toluca Lake’s safe, small-town feel is one of the many qualities that attract prospective homeowners. The area also boasts an array of fine dining along Riverside Drive, eclectic small businesses and family-friendly events throughout the year. In her 37 years in real estate, King has watched the neighborhood evolve from its village roots into a now-thriving destination that blends historical charm with modern flair. Its timeless appeal and prime location in L.A. continue to draw buyers and sellers from near and far. Over the course of her career, King has closed numerous escrows and sold many homes, all while providing exceptional service and expertly navigating any obstacles that arise.
Recent challenges have included the uncertainty of the market following January’s wildfires, which decimated thousands of homes in parts of L.A. County, but King has remained a steady, trusted guide in helping her clients reach their goals. “In my tenure, the market has always been ever-changing and volatile. We have endured wildfires, earthquakes and a multitude of societal changes over the years,” she notes. “It is especially heartbreaking for the people who lost their homes; however, California is resilient and will always come back and be desirable.”
King draws on her extensive experience to help her clients navigate these changes with ease, educating them along the way by dispelling common misconceptions about the market. For instance, “[many believe that] the negotiation is over once settled on a price; however, the truth is everything is a negotiation — from the price to the close of escrow date. Buyers and sellers must remain amiable toward each other so that escrow can close and everybody wins,” she advises.
She also simplifies the process for sellers, advocating for straightforward, time-tested strategies over flashy innovations to help maximize home values before listing. “There are simple ideas that you should keep to: presentation, cleanliness and organization. We are in a world now where less is more,” she says. “I strive to have the house appeal from the minute a buyer pulls up on the street to entering and feeling the energy flow and the overall environment. This is all important so that buyers may envision a space that they want to create their forever home in.”
Additionally, for sellers in Toluca Lake, where there’s a mix of historic and modern homes, she says the best strategy is to price properties appropriately. “When a property is listed at the true price, it will attract buyers,” she explains. “As your real estate agent, I can advise you on your home’s value, so that you sell your home at its maximum price.”
For more information, visit lorikingestates.com or call (818) 402-4175.