Rebecca's Blog

The Vue now Leasing-San Pedro

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:43:11 -0500

The Vue is now leasing at least 4 units which showed up on the MLS today. They are 2 bedrooms listed for lease for between $2200 and $4500 a month.

They also listed one unit for sale on the MLS for $554,204. This one is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath 1045 sf unit.

The MLS can be viewed through my website at www.RebeccaChambliss.com

I also spoke to another attorney who explained how they organize the purchase contracts to be "iron clad." That developments now use these contracts that are virtually impossible for the buyer to regain their deposit if they default.

The issue is always being sure to READ the contract and understand it so you know what you are getting into. The other issue is making sure in any real estate purchase that you have excellent single sided representation, whether that be your own Realtor, or attorney or both.

Los Angeles ends spay/neuter voucher program

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:42:38 -0500

The Los Angeles city council voted almost unanimously to mandate spaying and neutering in Los Angeles. It became law last October (2008) and was passed with the assurance that all residents of the city would be able to comply because the city made free and low cost spay/neuter vouchers available to low income, disabled and senior citizens.

The law was passed with no extra funding for spay/neuter, and no funding for enforcement. The city controller, Laura Chick found after through investigation that the law should never have been passed, it was essentially unenforceable and made a mockery of "law."

Just this week, the city quietly ended the voucher program stating budget concerns left them unable to provide the promised vouchers for the rest of the year and eluded to the fact that they will not be available next year.

This leaves many low income, disabled and senior residents of the city unable to abide by the law. The surgery to alter a pet can be as high as $700. With no outside help, many of these people leave themselves open to fines up to $500, being charged with a misdemeanor and ultimately animal control can take their beloved pets away.

The L.A. city council must now undo it's wrong and repeal the mandatory spay/neuter law. It is unacceptable to mandate action which many residents simply are unable to comply with due to financial situations. Owning a pet should not be only for the elite.

I have contacted the city council and asked them to address this issue. I believe the mandatory spay and neuter law should be repealed. I encourage all residents of Los Angeles to contact their city council person and demand that the law be repealed.

In these challenging economic times, it is inhumane and unaceptable that the second largest city in the country thinks it's appropriate to mandate the residents of the city spend a large fee on complying with an uneforcable law.

UPDATE 3-14-09 Thanks to the Daily News for covering this story

And to the Associated Press for running with it. The world now knows that passing the law was a mistake.

This news has made it to outlets all over the country. It is significant National news because it shows the other cities considering MSN that it does not work. Los Angeles needs to act fast to save face and repeal this law.

$8000 Tax Credit Details

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:56:05 -0600

The recently passed federal stimulous package provides for a $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers. So what constitutes a first time home buyer? As with all things government, first time homebuyer doesn't mean exactly what it says. It applies to legitimate first time buyers, but also to those who haven't purchased in 3 full years.

The credit has a few rules:

1. The purchase must be for the buyer's primary residence. It can be a single family home, condo, even a mobile home, but must be purchased with the intention to live in by the buyer.

2. The buyer must close escrow no sooner than 3 years from a prior purchase. So if the buyer closed escrow on March 1, 2006, he can enter into escrow before March 1, 2009 but can not close escrow prior to then to get the credit.

3. There are income limits to the credit. A single person can not make more than $75,00 adjusted gross income and married people no more than $150,000.

That is about it. If all 3 rules apply to you, 2009 is a great time to purchase. Prices are at 6-7 year lows and interest rates remain lower than they've been in half a century.

Vue Update, San Pedro

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:16:45 -0600

As the calls and emails continue to come in asking for information about what is going on with the condos downtown, I am well overdue for an update.

The Vue has been renegotiating contracts with buyers apparently. Price and terms are both up for negotiation, I also hear they are working with a new lender who might be a little more flexible with buyers.

There are a number of people who have said they are walking away. There is an attorney negotiating with the Vue attorneys to settle with a group of buyers who are unable or unwilling to close. There are other buyers who are closing and planning to move in. I haven't seen anyone there yet but I do know they are leaving lots of lights on at night to make it appear well lived in.

I haven't seen the offering plan, but I might suggest those of you who are still somewhere between a signed contract and closing to seek it out. It should spell out the requirements of The Vue to enforce the contract, including a mminimum number of units that must be sold in order to enforce the remaining contracts. It should be on file with the state and is a public document.

Interest rates are WAY down and if you are thinking of closing, it would be a good time to get locked in. I suppose the units will need an appraisal and hopefully that will be reflected in the purchase price if they will renegotiate.

The Center Street lofts just down the way has reduced the sales price of all available units (they say there are 20 left.) They start now in the low $200s and they are offering a 4% fixed rate to new buyers. Not a bad deal at all.

The Bank Street lofts have gone to leasing them out after selling only 6 units apparently. The plan to finish the second project is to NOT finish it from what I understand.

Spay Day L.A.

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:01:46 -0500

October 24-26 we will be once again having Spay Day LA to provide free spay/neuter services throughout Los Angeles.

Oct. 1 a new ordinance making it law that pets must be spayed/neutered in Los Angeles goes into affect. Many people can not afford the surgery, especially in today's economy. Spay Day LA provides a resource to those people who want to spay/neuter their pets.

Clinics will include mobile clinics in San Pedro, N. Hollywood, and West LA and private vet clinics in Lomita, Malibu and Los Angeles.

Oct. 25 there will be a big event at the WLA city shelter that will include a spay/neuter clinic, lots of vendor booths, a special adoption event (where all animals will be already spayed/neutered and groomed on site that day to take home right away) KIIS FM will be there broadcasting and giving away tickets and prizes, you don't want to miss it.

Spay Day LA is organized by FOCAS LA in partnership with LAAS

The Vue

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:54:57 -0500

Today I called the sales office for the Vue. I identified myself and was quickly transferred to the sales manager. I started to ask questions and she refused to answer them. She was quite rude and with a raised voice said, "We KNOW who you are!" Gosh, the power of a little blog.

She insisted that 80% of the units were sold and that they were closing in October. I asked how many units were still available and it was, "80% sold! 80 sold!" like a robot. I find that odd since the ads have claimed 80% have been sold for over a year.

She questioned my motivation for wanting information and refused to give me any information. At one point she asked if I'd like to come down and look at their sales record and my reply was, "if that is an invitation, then yes." She then told me it was none of my business and I would not be allowed to view any records.

I informed her that I get hundreds of emails and phone calls looking for information and that my goal was to share information with Vue Buyers. I have no interest in trying to sway people from buying or not buying anywhere. I do think people have the right to know the true benefits and risks and I encourage anyone who is interested in buying to bring outside representation to protect their interests.

If Buyers get the same sort of secretive rude response, it's no wonder they are looking wherever they can for information.

If the Vue is interested in continuing to find Buyers, they might look for a new sales manager first and then offer incentives like Center Street lofts is offering of 4% 30 year fixed financing. Now that is a deal.

I am totally supportive of development in down town San Pedro, however just building residential units won't do it. There has to be more business that support the people who want to live there, a grocery store, clothing stores, more restaurants. One can not exist without the other.

Papadakis is now for sale, Catwalk shoes lasted less than a year and I just don't see new buisness coming to downtown San Pedro that is thriving, (well maybe Nosh that is a terrific little place.)

I think it's hilarious that the sales manager at the VUE thinks I have any input over her sales or lack of, and as always she should learn it's always better to treat people with respect and offer true information in any sort of sales if one expects to be successful.

MB Tree Section Bargain!

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:37:54 -0500

3 Bedrooms 3 Bath 2200sf remodeled home just listed for $1,199,000. Best deal in Manhattan Beach currently.

Remodeled kitchen with Subzero and Therm-adore appliances, high end cabinetry.

Family room and separate living room BOTH with fireplaces

Large master with 3rd fireplace, huge master bath with spa tub and walk in shower for two.

Fenced front courtyard area has patio and lawn, plenty of room for kids' playset. Second yard space has deck for entertaining and another grassy area.

This is a must see, do not miss opportunity in Manhattan Beach.

3412 Pacific Ave.

http://www.rebeccachambliss.com/

McCowans Market Site

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:34:56 -0600

So many interesting developments here. It appears Michael J. Rosenthal who purchased the property LESS THAN A YEAR AGO from John McCowan for $1.815 Million never really intended to keep the store open.

Although he claimed he was selling the property to "developers" he is still has full title to the property and is clearly trying to develop it himself. Not a very honest guy apparently.

Mr. Rosenthal has a very high percentage mortgage for the property, only putting $400,000 down for the purchase. Now I've dealt with some true business people in my career and most have a little more cash to put down, especially on something like a grocery store...that is if they are planning to actually make the business work.

Here's another interesting tidbit...Rosenthal purchased his primary residence just a few years ago at 12131 Ballantine in Los Alamitos, CA for just $622,000 (public record.) We're not dealing with a Bob Bisno here folks. I've got a client I am working with to purchase the neighboring property. His plan is to turn it into a recovery home for woman and children. Rosenthal and his family should be pleased.

Rosenthal is saying he will bring a lawyer into fight (His lawyer appears to be David Jimenez of Los Alamitos) if he is not allowed to build his condos...I say, bring it on. I would bet that lawyer will get mighty costly after a while and since Rosenthal has very low equity in both the McCowans site and his primary residence...It looks like it wouldn't make good fiscal sense to take on city hall.

Another thought, since commercial property taxes are kept low ($6422 per year for McCowans currently), since the building has been torn down...shouldn't the property value be reassessed? He wants residential...how about 1.25% of the current value? The tax assessor has a form to trigger reassessment.

One last thought. I know no thought was given to asbestos management when the store was torn down. I live upwind of the site and have had a cough ever since it was torn down. Anyone else?

Okay really...last thought..NYC has Gramercy park. The last privately owned park in the city that has equal ownership of the owners of the surrounding buildings. Couldn't the surrounding property owners get together and purchase the land for a private park? It would increase property values for those with ownership rights dramatically. 100 owners @ $18,000 each?

Spay Day LA

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:25:31 -0600

I'm very excited to be part of such an exciting event!

Spay Day LA will take place Sunday, February 24, 2008.

A number of private and public groups have come together to provide FREE spay and neuter throughout Los Angeles for one day. All of the LAAS centers will have spay/neuter information as well as vouchers available for those who qualify and give-aways for all who come by to visit.

Please stop by the website, support our sponsors and partners and come see us on the 24th at all of Los Angeles City Shelters.

Sand Section R2 Full Size Lot

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:49:31 -0600

3 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths 2 blocks from the beach in wonderful gaslamp area. Walk to everything. Zoned R-2 on full size lot with ocean view. Not yet on MLS...Less than $1.6M.

For those looking to live near the beach, remodeled kitchen, new hardwood floors, great back yard with play set, living and family rooms and remodeled master suite.

For builders/developers: Great opportunity. Almost identical lot next door just sold for $1.7+

Seller's have found a new home and are motivated to move.

Contact me for additional information on this fabulous deal.

www.SandSectionRealtor.com

DREAM Big

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:29:57 -0600

Remember when you were a kid...You had big dreams, you knew what you were going to be when you grew up. If anyone asked, you were quick to tell them your plans for your life. You never thought, "I can't do that" or "that's not practical" or "It'll never work."

At what point in life did we turn from anything is possible to doubting ourselves and others?

Believing in a dream is half way there. Believing while ignoring those that say, "It can't be done."

A simple acronym to help us get back to that childhood belief:

D is for Dare (dare to dream while others don't)
R is for Relentless (relentlessly pursue your dream no matter what)
E is for Excellence (strive for excellence in all you do)
A is for Abandon (abandon any other alternative plans)
M is for Measure (constantly measure where you are in your dream journey)

Okay, that's great and motivating, but what about the practical stuff? No matter how lofty your dream, no matter how spectacular, you will live most of your life in the mundane. Richard Nixon said of the presidency that you "campaign with poetry, but govern with prose." The vision is beautiful, the actual is mundane (not bad but "everyday" so to speak).

If you are to achieve your dream, you need to plan and work at it. Decide that you will do it. Most people never decide and commit fully to their dream. They simply keep "thinking" about it. Tell others that you are going to do it. It makes you accountable. It will help you do it if for no other reason than to avoid embarrassment.

After putting it out there, you'll need a plan, be sure to write it down:

1. A time-line. How long will it take to the end?

2. Action steps. Point-by-point, what you will do and when you will do them.

3. Resources you will need to draw from. What will it take? Who will need to be involved for help or advice?

4. An evaluation tool. You need to evaluate from time to time whether you are progressing or not.

5. A celebration...Plan your reward when you've achieved your dream.

There is no better time than now to start. Sit back and remember the strength of your childhood dreams and with that same strength of mind, set out to achieve your latest dreams.

Perfect Christmas Gift

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:10:54 -0600

This year, give someone the opportunity to truly change the life of a person living in poverty in the developing world. Kiva.org, the world's first microlending website, lets individuals purchase gift certificates for friends and family, allowing them to make a loan directly to a developing world entrepreneur.

"A Kiva.org gift certificate is much more than a gift -- it's the start of a very positive cycle of loaning to a deserving entrepreneur, getting paid back and loaning again," said Matt Flannery, CEO and Co-Founder of Kiva.org.

How it works

Kiva.org gift certificates are easily purchased in multiples of $25. Once received, the gift recipients go to www.kiva.org, redeem their gift online and then choose an entrepreneur to lend to, such as Damaso Clares of Bolivia, who needs $600 to buy a dairy cow, or Judith Mumbo of Kenya who needs $175 to purchase a machine for her candle-making business. Lenders then choose the amount they would like to contribute to the loan, starting at $25. Throughout the course of the loan (typically 12 months) lenders receive email updates on repayments made and the progress of the business. When the loan is repaid, the funds are returned in full to the lenders -- the ultimate recycling of money!

Why Lend?

Kiva Lenders are attracted to the personal connection they feel with the entrepreneur whose business they have invested in, and the feeling of mutual respect and dignity encouraged through lending rather than donating. Ann, a lender from Seattle, said: "This was my opportunity to invest in someone else's dream. It's rewarding to know that you don't have to give much to make a huge difference in someone's life."

Lenders even find themselves "addicted" to the Kiva.org website, watching their portfolio of investments grow as loans are repaid, reloaned and new loans added. Kiva Lender Steve, of Illinois, compares his Kiva portfolio to his personal banking investment portfolio: "Conventional investment wisdom is to have a diversified portfolio of investments; this was the first time I considered emotional rewards as something I could expect besides the occasional dividend. It certainly is habit-forming."

Since its launch in 2005, more than $14 million has been loaned by 140,000 Kiva Lenders to 22,000 entrepreneurs in 37 countries.

Must haves for Luxury Homes

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:02:32 -0600

Luxury home buyers are always looking for new upgrades. The latest must haves in top tier homes are:

Elevator car lifts, indoor car washes - The more garage space the better. Mega garages are being built on several levels with lifts to save lot space. Indoor car washes make keeping the fleet clean a breeze.

Walk-in refrigerators - Professional kitchens are desirable in luxury homes. Multiple dishwashers, ovens and islands provide space for catering staff.

Spas, gyms and yoga and Pilates studios - The home gym is out and full professional in house wellness studios are in.

Wine cellars and tasting rooms - These continue to be popular with a dining area to be able to entertain in the wine cellar.

Concierge services - Professional concierge service serving individual households or entire neighborhoods.

Media rooms- Media rooms continue to be a necessity in luxury homes, however they are getting larger and more involved with the experience rivaling the local megaplex.

Wrapping and sewing rooms - Entire rooms dedicated to gift wrapping or sewing or other crafts keep the household and staff highly organized.

Structured wiring and security - Wireless homes with everything at the touch of a button.

Home elevators - As homes are increasing in size, and are being built higher to accommodate several floors, home elevators are becoming an accessory of convenience as well as necessity.

www.SandSectionRealtor.com

Give me SOMETHING to comment about

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:09:36 -0600

So I've taken Mike Jones advice about commenting:

1: Find a blog to read that is of interest, now read it.

2: Leave a comment

3: Read all the comments

4: Find a comment that is interesting, now go to their blog and repeat.

It's been fun to find blogs I wouldn't have found otherwise...however I keep getting drawn back to the SAME blogs...certain people just have a way with words I guess. Often I go to a new blog and scroll down and down and down and can't find a single blog to comment on...pretty frustrating.

I understand some here write ONLY for consumers but once in a while, throw in something for the rest of us!

McCowans Market

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:44:14 -0600

is closing. Very sad news.

The new owner did a fabulous job of rehabbing the store and turned it into a lovely place from the eyesore it had become in recent years.

Apparently San Pedro was not supporting McCowans and the owner was losing money.

I personally don't think he gave it enough time, but I understand it's tough when the financial picture isn't coming together. Still, had he started a "SAVE MCCOWANS" campaign, I feel certain San Pedro would have woken up and supported the store.

McCowans is one of the things that makes San Pedro so unique and special and replacing it with new homes (the property is in escrow with a developer) just snuffs out that much more of the charm in this old town.

www.RebeccaChambliss.com

Manhattan Beach 5K

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 14:42:11 -0600

The Yuletide 5K sunset run is coming up December 22 on the sand in Manhattan Beach, don't panic, the hard packed sand near the water..not the soft sand!

Kids and strollers are welcome and there are festivities follwing the run at the MB pier.

I had such a great time at the Turkey Trot in Torrance on Thanksgiving, I'm looking forward to this run which finishes with the sunset.

www.SandSectionRealtor.com

South Bay Dog Beaches

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 13:39:18 -0600

Unfortunately dogs are prohibitted from most beaches in the South Bay, however we have a hidden jewel in Rancho Palos Verdes.

If you follow the trails down at Ocean Trails (or Trump's trails) whatever you want to call them...I prefer the orignal name myself, you'll come to an opening which leads to a switchback trail to a beautiful secluded beach. Dogs can run freely there and the greatest part is, the only way in or out is up the trail, so no chasing Fido for miles and miles when it's time to come home!

There is free parking in the lot or on the street, the walk down to the beach is gorgeous and the dogs have a great time. Just please keep your dog on lead while walking the trails and don't forget to bring poop bags that you'll need to carry out with you. No trash bins along the way (another thing that needs to change.)

Long Beach is the only other place around that has a designated "Dog Beach"..and is a great place to spend the day with the dogs.

Rolling Hills Demographics

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:37:05 -0600

Geography

Rolling Hills is located at 33°45′34″N, 118°20′30″W (33.759350, -118.341550)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.0 km² (3.1 mi²), all land.

Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 1,871 people, 645 households, and 554 families residing in the city. The population density was 234.5/km² (607.7/mi²). There were 682 housing units at an average density of 85.5/km² (221.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 79.80% White, 2.03% African American, 14.00% Asian, 0.48% Pacific Islander, 1.18% from other races, and 2.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.54% of the population.

There were 645 households out of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 80.6% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.1% were non-families. 12.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city the population was spread out with 25.9% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 15.1% from 25 to 44, 32.8% from 45 to 64, and 22.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was in excess of $200,000, as is the median income for a family. Males have a median income in excess of $100,000 versus $52,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $111,031. None of the families and 1.3% of the population were below the poverty line. No one under the age of 18 or 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Education

The city is served by Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. PVPUSD schools have constantly ranked among the best in California and the nation. The Washington Post once ranked Palos Verdes Peninsula High School as the 8th best public or private high school in the nation. Also, Chadwick School is well known K-12 private school that serves the area.

www.RollingHillsInfo.com

Trump's Trees

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:43:48 -0600

Rancho Palos Verdes City Council has spoken, Trump must remove his ficus trees which were planted without authorization on his RPV golf course.

The trees were planted to shield the homes that sit just outside of the new driving range from balls and to "beautify" the range.

The property owners preferred their view of the ocean, not the greenery that blocked the view.

Trump's organization has been given until January 18th to remove the trees or risk losing his use permit for the driving range.

www.RPVLuxuryProperty.com

Rollling Hills Real Estate

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:37:41 -0600

Currently there are 22 homes for sale in Rolling Hills, the most there has been on the market at one time in the past 14 months which equals 22 months of inventory (span of time it would take to sell all listed properties if no other properties came on the market.)

There is one property in Rolling Hills selling every 2-3 months with the average price per square foot at $838 which is up there with past sales.

Properties are currently selling at 82% of actual list price.

This is great news. In the luxury property market across the country, these numbers are great and indicate Rolling Hills holds it's value and remains an incredibly desirable location to live.

In today's market, it's important to hire the right agent, price the property appropriately, have patients to find the right buyer and to be sure your property shows at it's absolute best.

http://www.RollingHillsRealEstate.com

Thanks for Running Me Over!

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 08:59:04 -0600

Thanks for running me over!

To the big white SUV that hit me and took off, Thank You.

Since you broke my pelvis in 3 places, gave me lots of cuts and bruises and scared the bejezus out of me, you might think it odd that I am seeking you out to thank you.

You see, I've never been cared for, treated well or loved. I was dumped as a puppy into a cold County shelter, I was scared and alone. One day a woman came in to adopt me and I was so happy. She took me home and chained me in the backyard and kicked me when I barked or peed. I slept on the concrete in the cold and my skin got infected, but she didn't help me. I wished for better days back at the shelter.

One day my person untied me and took me out front and let me run free..boy was that fun, but when I came back home she was gone. There was no food or water, even my chain was gone. I waited and waited and cried, but she never came back for me.

I was getting really hungry and thirsty and hit the streets. Sometimes someone would throw me food, or I'd find garbage and I'd drink the water in the street. I was cold at night and my skin was hot and itchy. This was no life.

Then one day as I ran across the street, you hit me..oh boy did it hurt, but I was so lucky that a nice person came to help me. It was the first kindness I'd seen in my short life. They wraped me up in a warm towel and took me to the emergency vet. I heard them talking and the nice person couldn't afford to pay for all the vet care I needed, but he got me some pain pills and food and water and a pretty purple collar..collars are sure better than chains.

He took me home and kept me warm, even let me sleep on his couch! Who knew there were such things? He found someone who thought I should go see the Vet again and what a great place...I'm warm and I get lots of attention and IV fluids, not to mention the pain medication and they hand feed me..I feel like a king! I should have gotten hit by you a long time ago.

Now I need surgery which I hear someone is going to pay a lot of money for..who knew I was so special? I knew in my heart if I waited long enough I'd find someone to love me. I'm such a good boy.

I still need a FOSTER HOME to help me get through my recovery and a PERMANENT HOME, but I know you are out there. If I was lucky enough to be hit by a car and cared for by these great people, I know I'm lucky enough to find someone to love me and give me a REAL HOME.

Someday I'll go back to visit my friends in the shelter and tell them there are happy endings, sometimes they just come in strange ways.

So don't worry about me, hope your car wasn't as hurt as my pelvis...I'm a happy, lucky boy.

www.RebeccaChambliss.com

Come meet the Breeds

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:02:20 -0600

This weekend (December 1 & 2) the Eukanuba dog show is taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Besides the ongoing show, there is lots to see; There is a HUGE meet the breeds set up, representatives from all the different AKC breeds will have booths set up to provide information about the various breeds as well as dogs to meet. It's a great opportunity to learn about the breeds, ask questions and find the right dog for your own family.

Downstairs there will be lots of vendors with great stuff for your own dogs and a chance to buy gifts for your friends with dogs.

I'll be at the Tibetan Mastiff booth, stop by and say hello!

www.RebeccaChambliss.com

Los Angeles County Transfer Tax

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:47:48 -0600

When a property is sold in Los Angeles County, transfer tax is charged at a rate of $1.10 per thousand of sales price.

In addition to the County transfer tax, certain cities charge and ADDITIONAL transfer tax:

Los Angeles City, including Harbor City, San Pedro and Wilmington charges $4.40 per thousand

Redondo Beach charges $2.20 per thousand

Palos Verdes, Rancho Palos Verdes Rolling Hills, Torrance and Manhattan Beach all do not have a seperate city transfer tax.

Traditionally the seller pays the transfer tax, but it like all other aspects of a Real Estate sale can be negotiated.

Pet limits in Rolling Hills, Palos Verdes, RPV, RHE

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 10:08:21 -0600

Believe it or not, in places like New York City, there are no pet limit laws and no barking dog laws.

Although much of the Palos Verdes Penninsula has semi rural areas zoned for horses, they all have small animal limit laws. Residents can only have 3 dogs but as many horses as can be "well cared for" and there is "adequate space for." Cats are supposed to be limited to 3, but all of the cities recognize cats are difficult if not impossible to account for.

Rolling Hills property is only allowed post and rail fencing, so although it's a great place for a dog to live, they can not be contained safely in their own yard without the use invisible fencing or chicken wire inside the post and rail. Driving through Rolling Hills, you'll frequently see dogs running loose.

One of the cities on the hill does not have a dog limit, but you'll have to contact me to find out which one!

All of the cities on the hill contract their animal control out to Los Angeles County.

All of the hill is a great place for people to live with their animals.

www.RPVLuxuryProperty.com

Abalone Cove Bluff Property

Rebecca Chambliss (Keller Williams) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:13:49 -0600

Stunning Gated Estate perched atop Abalone Cove. 5 Bedrooms, 5 baths 7,607 SF on almost an acre lot including free form pool, spa, gazebo and Koi pond.

This location rarely comes to market. Stunning ocean and Catalina views from all major rooms.

Very private estate has a 4 car garage and room for plenty of parking off the private street.

Enter into the magnificent marble Foyer and gaze out the rear windows to the once in a life time view.

Huge custom catering kitchen has two islands and wonderful view. Master bedroom enjoys his and her walk in closets, up to date master bath with sauna.

Please contact me for a private showing of this magnificent ocean front estate.