Los Angeles Real Estate Blog

North Hollywood Condos and Artist Lofts

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:22:25 -0500

North Hollywood is booming with the construction of condos and Artist Lofts, Many projects are currently in development and opportunities are everywhere to get a good deal on a condo or loft in North Hollywood

Studio City Open House Sunday 2-5pm

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:14:39 -0500

OPEN SUNDAY 2-5pm
12702 Landale St Studio City CA 91604

Tujunga Hightech Hideaway

Mon, 11 May 2009 17:41:51 -0500

Spectacular brand new home in the hills of Tujunga California. A must see for any high tech fan and serious homebuyer. Completly wired 3200 Square foot 4 bedroom 4 bathroom mini estate just a quick drive from the heart of the entertainment capital of the world. You MUST SEE this pocket listing before its scooped up. See the Virtual Tour here

Call me for more information or to schedule a priovate showing 818-584-1922

Michael Leznik
Keller Williams
Twitter - @youragentmike
Phone - 818-584-1922
www.realestate-818.com/search-properties

Studio City Hills Private Celebrity Estate Open This Sunday

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:21:12 -0500

THIS PROPERTY WAS SOLD IN JUNE 2009
Call me to see other great listings in Studio City

Stunning Gated Celebrity Owned Studio City View Home

This private gated celebrity estate nestled in Studio City Hills is a one-of-a-kind jewel. The open flowing 3bd/3.5ba floor plan with 180 degree jetliner views and walk-out French doors to the patio from all bedrooms is a retreat away from the hustle of the city. The upstairs master suite has a romantic fireplace and wood beamed cathedral ceilings and expansive walk-in closet. The master bath with a spa tub and views complete the oasis. The gourmet entertainer’s kitchen with Viking, Bosch and Subzero appliances also includes beautiful Brazilian slate floors. The entertainer’s patio includes a mist cooling system, pool and spa. The outdoor kitchen includes a built-in Viking bbq and bar. Surround sound is wired throughout and mahogany wood floors complete this estate.

I am so excited to share this new Listing with you. An Amazing Studio City Hills Celebrity Owned Estate with unparalled Views of the San Fernando Valley From Burbank to Chatsworth. Nestled in the prestigeous Studio City Hills on Sunswept Drive this home is a Jewel. Words, Pictures and a Virtual Tour dont do this property Justice.

Please Join us for a Special Open House Sunday March 29th From 2pm - 5pm

Listed by Adrienne Kessler Keller Williams Sunset / Encino / Sherman Oaks

Dusk View From Back Patio

San Fernando Valley Home Sales Report Oct 08

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:21:58 -0600

Home Sales in the San Fernando Valley were up 110.5% for the month of October 08 compared to October 07 based on the latest numbers released by SRAR ( Southland Regional Association of REALTORS ) The "Valley" includes communities like Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Toluca lake, Burbank, Encino, North Hollywood and Calabasas

The spike in sales can be partially attributed to a 30% drop in Average Home Price to Approx $410,000 based on 745 Homes sold in the month compared to a peak of almost $640,000 in 2007. But Sellers and buyers are still showing signs of dementia and unrealistic thinking. Home owners still overvalue their properties in todays market and buyers are continuing to test the waters with incredible low ball offers to the dismay of listing agents citywide.

At the Same time Condo Prices in the Valley were down over 40% to approx $225,000 creating amazing opportunities for first time buyers to get a great property in a nice location at an amazing holiday discount.

Inventory in the San Fernando Valley is at approx 6000 Homes which amounts to a 6 month Supply compared to a 23 month supply during the last bursting bubble in the 90s.

Below is a Home price heat map courtesy of Cyberhomes.com that outlines Average prices in the San Fernando Valley

As a local REALTOR, my feeling is that prices will continue their downward momentum on most of the properties in the " Valley " for the next 3 - 6 months. Having said that I must also state that the properties that continue to see these declines are incredibly overpriced as it is. Homes in desirable areas like Studio city, Toluca Lake, Sherman Oaks and the Hollywood hills are still seeing multiple offer situations if they are priced right and marketed aggressively across all mediums.

To get a first hand look at available homes for sale in Studio City, homes for sale in Sherman oaks, homes for sale in North Hollywood, homes for sale in Toluca lake, homes for sale in Encino, homes for sale in Calabasas, homes for sale in Northridge, homes for sale in Burbank or anywhere else in the entire southern california Real estate market. visit my website www.realestate-818.com

Studio City Homes for Sale, Studio City Real Estate

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:02:05 -0600

We Just listed a new home for sale in Studio City, the property is amazing and is situated on over 23,000 square feet in a prime location. The House is 2700+ with 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms a gorgous pool and park like stting in the back yarg The homeowners are fantastic and we feel this is an amazing opportunity for a family that needs lots of room or a builder who can subdivide this giant half acre lot and build 2 large family homes.

Studio City is one of the most desireable areas of the San fernando Valley with easy Access to Shopping Dining and entertainment and is also a quick drive to the heart of Los Angeles.

Get More information from the homeowners perspective here www.12702landale.com

Listing information for 12702 Landale St Studio City, CA 91604

Country Living in the City. A very Special Property. flat In desirable Studio City location. Located at the end of a not through street. This Great Character, 2700+ square foot single level home includes a huge Family Room/Dining, Formal Living Room. Remodeled Gourmet Kithen with Stainless Appliances, Breakfast Bar, Pantry & Buit-in Recipe/Organizing Center & an adjoining large Laundry Center. Master bedroom w/charming dressing area and adjoining bath. Guest Wing/Office with Separate Entrance,Private Bath & Exercise room. A very Flexible floor plan. Amazing rear yard w/black bottom Pool & your very own grassy Private Park. Gated & Secure. Dixie Canyon Elementary(buyer to verify).Endless possibilites for future Expansion Or A Fantastic place to call home just the way it is.

Our St udio City Living Blog has more information about this property, we also cover local events, news, have information about Schools, preferred vendors and our favorite places to eat, Shop and play. Studio City Neighborhood Information, demographics and market Conditions

For More Information or to see other properties in Studio City Contact Michael Leznik or Mark Bua (818)584-1922

www.realestate-818.com

Studio City Property For Sale on Huge half acre lot

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:42:49 -0500

Studio City Property for Sale on half acre not yet in the MLS 12702 Landale St, Studio City CA 91406, Rare Studio City Investment Opportunity for Builder Contractor. Over 23,000 Square foot Lot with existing 2700 Square foot home in great condition, 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Excellent Location in Dixie Canyon School District. Amazing opportunity for Family that needs lots of room, entertainer who needs privacy and space to host friends or family for the holidays. Park Like setting in an incredibly desirable section of the San Fernado Valley. Showing by Appointment only. First Broker Open Scheduled for Tuesday Nov 4th Special Election day extravaganza for Brokers and Private Clients. Not Bank Owned, REO, or short sale, serious buyers / investors builder only.

Will be listed at $1,575,000.

Studio City Investment Opportunity for Builder

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:50:26 -0500

Mark Bua / Mike Leznik | Keller Williams | youragentmike@gmail.com | (818)231-6249

12702 Landale St, Studio City, CA

Amazing Opprtunity for Investor Builder in Prime Studio City Neighborhood

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $1,575,000

Year Built	1941
Sq Footage	2,745
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	23,300 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dining room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Granite countertop	Attic
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard	Swimming pool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Half Acre Park Like Setting

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Mark Bua / Mike Leznik

Keller Williams

youragentmike@gmail.com

(818)231-6249

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 29, 2008, 10:43am PDT

Torrance Townhouse Rental, Torrance Townhouse lease Available Now

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:01:17 -0500

BEAUTIFUL TORRANCE TOWNHOUSE CONDO APARTMENT BUILT IN 2005 ( Pocket Listing )

Perfect Location in a great neighborhood! Walk to great restaurants and parks in Old Town Torrance!

2 bedroom + 1 ½ baths. Two-story upper unit, 3 balconies/sun-decks! Approx. 1000 sq. feet. Close to Honda and Toyota.

Wood floors, Shutters, Stainless Appliances, Wood Cabinets, Granite Counters, Central Air, 2-car garage, tons of storage. Refrigerator and Washer/Dryer! Only 11 units in quiet complex. Cable hook-up, Gardner, Water, Trash included.

Please call for an appointment: 310-713-8704.

$2000 / 2br - Beautiful New Townhouse, 2Br+1.5Ba in Prime Location (Torrance - South Bay)
1323 Post Ave
Torrance, CA 90501
310-713-8704

Sherman Oaks Real Estate and Homes for Sale, Market Conditions

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:53:14 -0500

Sherman Oaks Homes for Sale. Real Estate in Sherman Oaks, California

Updated Sept 30th, 2008

Find Homes For Sale in Sherman Oaks. Search Sherman Oaks, California real estate , Sherman oaks CA Property Values, recently sold properties, foreclosures, bank owned homes, new homes, Condos, School Information and everything Real Estate related. CLICK HERE

Sherman Oaks is an 8.1-square-mile area in the San Fernando Valley which is part of the City of Los Angeles.Sherman Oaks is relatively urbanized, with commercial skyscrapers along Ventura Boulevard and Sepulveda.. In addition, residential densities are highly mixed, with apartment and condominium neighborhoods alongside single-story residential ones. The area is a hub for regional transportation, business, and shopping.

Right now there are over 350 Homes and Condos for sale in Shewrman Oaks ranging in price from 250K to $5,500,000 whith such a wide selection of availble homes it is impoortant that a neighborhood expert help you weed thru the glut of inventory, many house have been on the market over 9 months and price changes are frequent.

In the past 12 Months Pricing on homes in Zipcode 91403 is down over 22% with the Average home valued at $740,000

Below is a snapshot of a few available homes for sale in Sherman Oaks, CA. If you click on any of the properties you will get directly into a Real Time search of the MLS specifically in Sherman Oaks.

If you are looking for a bargain there are 11 Bank Owned Properties for Sale in Sherman oaks
Click here for more information

If you are looking for Bank Owned Homes in Studio City
Click Here for more information

If you are looking for bank owned Homes in Lake Balboa
Click here for more information

If you would like full VIP Buyer Concierge Service
Fill out the form below and we will do a custom search and email you the results.

Fill out my Wufoo form!</

This information is provided for you by

Michael Leznik
REALTOR - Managing Director
Los Angeles Bank Owned Homes Team
Keller Williams Realty
www.RealEstate-818.com
(818)584-1922 direct
youragentmike@gmail.com

Sherman Oaks CA Bank Owned Homes and Real Estate Blog

Studio City CA Bank Owned Homes and Real Estate Blog
Lake Balboa Bank Owned Homes and Real Estate Blog
Corona Del Mar CA Bank Owned Homes and Real Estate Blog

Bank Owned Homes Blog
SEARCH THE SOCAL MLS

STUDIO CITY CA MARKET CONDITIONS AND HOMES FOR SALE

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:10:51 -0500

Studio City CA Market Conditions and Homes for Sale

Studio City California is one of 24 communities located in the San fernando valley, Approx 12 miles from downtown LA, 15 Miles from Santa Monica, and just over the hills from Hollywood and the Los Angeles Westside. The Neighborhood is a haven for just about everyone looking to escape the hussle and bustle of the city. With great Schools, parks, entertainment, great shopping and dining the Studio City community is a perfect valley hub location for living and playing.

Basic Demographic Overview

Market Conditions Over view provided by Cyberhomes.com

qith Approx a 12% Drop in home prices in the past 12 months Studio City is flushed with inventory and opportunities for a great deal are available for qualified buyers.

Prices on quality homes that are well priced continue to increase with multiple offer situations popping up everywhere.

for the latest information on available homes in the MLS or to get on my exclusive VIP Buyer program with automatic updates of price reductions, new listings, foreclosures and Short Sales Click the following Link

Studio City Bank Owned Homes

Get Internet Enabled 101 for Beginners

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:19:01 -0500

Get Internet Enabled, the following is a list of websites that every agent should be familiar with. As a listing agent you should be aware that your listings will appear on most of these sites whether you like it or not. It is imperative that you know how information is updated and how your contact information is represented.

Real Estate Portals

REALTOR.com, Cyberhomes.com, Trulia.com, Zillow.com, Frontdoor.com, Homes.com, Housevalues.com

Real Estate Classified Sites

Craigslist, Google base, Yahoo Real estate, Hotpads.com

Online Broker Sites

Ziprealty.com, Redfin.com

Social Networking Sites

Activerain.com, Linkedin.com, Facebook.com, Myspace.com, Realtown.com Communities. Ning.com

Blog sites

Activerain.com, Wordpress.com, Blogger.com, Typepad.com

Multimedia Sites

Youtube, Google Video, Yahoo video,

How to get Internet Enabled 101

Step 1. The Basics

Setup an account on the following sites ( The following websites are all free )

www.linkedin.com (Business Networking portal, great for staying in touch with associates, business partners, vendors and clients ) You can easily import contacts and send invitations to join your network.

Sample - http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelleznik

www.trulia.com ( Trulia allows agents to set up a free profile page, you can also claim your listings and answer questions posed by consumers)

Sample - http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Encino-216114

www.Zillow.com ( Create free online real estate profile, claim your listings, post articles etc)

Sample - http://www.zillow.com/profile/818realestate

http://activerain.com (Real estate professional networking and Blog site, build profile, create blog, learn latest techniques, strategies and best practices )

Sample - http://activerain.com/losangelesrealestate

www.facebook.com ( Social networking site, great way to stay in touch with your internal sphere of influence, friends, family, special clients etc ) Limit exposure to people you really know, those that you interact with regularly)

Sample - http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=546627887

www.Cyberhomespro.com - (Set up an account in order to utilize the free tools available for your website including state of the art home valuation content)

www.grandcentral.com - great Tool for your website allows consumers to enter their phone number and the system will connect you directly.

Would you like to Join a real estate marketing revolution?

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:38:28 -0500

Disclosure - As well as being a REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty in the san fernado Valley, I am also a member of Fidelity's Cyberhomes.Com Sales and marketing team. We've been working diligently for a long time to develop a Marketing System that Helps Agents and brokers Reach out to consumers that are engaging in the home search or valuation process but are not ready just yet to make the leap. Our Stratagy is to empower agents with the tools and information that will help them stand out as a true local expert. I Invite you now to participate in our pre-launch Beta

I would like to personally invite all the Realtors / Brokers / Team Leaders and Real Estate Visionaries in my Network to participate in a private beta of our new NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT Program. Everyone that chooses to participate will have an exclusive opportunity to not only secure their neighborhood before the official launch later this year but also be a part of a revolutionary and exciting new approach to marketing your expertise to qualified home buyers, home owners and real estate enthusiasts. You will also have the ability to guide the direction of the Program with your feedback. We are looking for Real Estate Masterminds that are committed to marketing excellence and are driven by a need to provide exceptional service and expertise to their communites, clients, prospects, partners and associates.

Sneak Preview below or call me for a tour of the program

www.cyberhomesinfo.com/mike

or email me @michael.leznik@fnres.com

Direct Number 949-681-4808

Free Credit Monitoring Service - Thanks DOJ

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:33:58 -0500

Transunion just settled a class action lawsuit that will allow consumers to monitor their Trans Union Credit Report for Free and also give them access to their Version of a Fico Score called Transrisk. Anyone that has opened up a new credit line from January 1, 1987 until May 28, 2008 is eligable.

Exerpt from CNN.com

"ou may be eligible for these services if you had an open line of credit from January 1, 1987 until May 28, 2008. That means if you received a car loan, opened a department store credit card or took out a student loan in the past 21 years, you'll qualify. This credit monitoring service will give you unlimited access to your credit report and your TransUnion credit score. You'll also get a notice by e-mail if there have been any significant changes to your credit report, like delinquent accounts or if someone tries to open an account in your name. "

Link to Trans Union www.transunion.com

Great info to share with potential clients

Need some help with a Client Letter

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:22:48 -0500

I have a client that is writinbg several offers on shortpays, we are looking for a sample letter that she can write to the (Sellers/Bank/Listing Agent) that expresses her interest and her qualifications to buy the properties. There have to be some of you out there that have something basic that my client can use and expand on.

Thank you in advance

Michael

Wonderful Hancock Park Traditional Open Tuesday 4/22 11-2

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:26:37 -0500

John Giddins | Keller Williams Realty | 310-666-6365

935 S. Rimpau Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Open House Sunday April 20th from 2 to 5pm

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $1,239,000

Year Built	1923
Sq Footage	2,162
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	7,000 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This wonderful traditional home located in desirable Brookside neighborhood has four bedrooms, three baths plus bonus room and office nook. Gated for privacy, the romantic front courtyard with flagstone floors is lushly landscaped. Large living room features hardwood floors, high ceilings and fireplace. Formal dining room has built-in cabinets, crown moldings and French doors leading to pergola amidst a spectacular rose garden. The grassy yard, large play area and two car garage are enhanced by gorgeous landscaped yard with a tropical flair. Sleek gourmet kitchen with caeser stone countertops, custom tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and breakfast bar. Custom drapery, pre-wired for music throughout, separate laundry room, breakfast bar in kitchen, office nook, updated electrical and copper plumbing are just some additional features. MUST SEE!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Hardwood floor	Tile floor	Family room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Stainless steel appliances	Attic	Washer
Dryer	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

John Giddins

Keller Williams Realty

310-666-6365

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 18, 2008, 7:15pm PDT

How do you get buyers to commit?

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:54:32 -0500

The answer is "Qualify Qualify Qualify" not qualify the buyer, but instead qualify yourself to the buyer so that they don't have a choice but to commit. Most buyers assume hat they will not pay a fee to they buyers agent, but what most buyers don't realize is that although they pay no fee, the cost of using the wrong agent could be the differnce between a good deal and getting taken. Thats why it is imperative that you qualify yourself to each prospect and have the abilty to not just sell a house but educate your clients on the ins and outs of buying and selling a home. I learned a while back when I was doing phone sales that in order to close a deal you need to build rapport, trust and loyalty thru honesty integrity and an overall knowledge of what you are selling. To often realtors allow their egos to get the best of them and forget to really sell their skills. You must as a REALTOR add value to each side of the transaction. Although I've been in the business over 7 years on the marketing and advertising side I have only been a Licensed REALTOR for less that 90 days, on April 15th I closed my first escrow and it was because I qualified myself to a prospect that stopped into an open house I was working did this deal go as smooth as it did, less than 24 hours later the same stratagy has landed me another signed offer on a 900K home and 2 more buyers that I'm working with on properties in my area.

California Home Buyers Fair this weekend

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:45:08 -0500

Just in case there are some potential home buyers reading my blog today, I wanted to let you know about a great event sponsored by the California Association of Realtors and the LA Times.

From the C.A.R Newsletter

HOME BUYER'S FAIR THIS WEEKEND, COUPONS STILL AVAILABLE
The Southern California Home Buyer's Fair takes place this Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles.

C.A.R., in participation with the Los Angeles Times, will present the Southern California Home Buyer's Fair in an effort to support REALTORS® and educate consumers about current opportunities in today's challenging real estate market.

Admittance to the Southern California Home Buyer's Fair is free, however, event coupons are available. Members may obtain coupons from their local association, or download and print for distribution to their clients directly by going to www.homebuyersfair.com/pdfs/SCHBFCoupon.pdf

The Southern California Home Buyer's Fair will feature more than two dozen educational seminars presented in English and Spanish for consumers, designed to address many of the concerns of first-time home buyers and arm them with all of the practical information they need to know as they begin the road to homeownership.

In addition, the exhibit hall will feature nearly 75 exhibit booths where consumers can obtain information from industry experts about a vast range of programs pertaining to homeownership and the home-buying process.

I will be attending with some current clients that are actively looking for their first home in Southern Cal, The asked that I join them in order to help them weed thru all the info that will be available. Look forward to seeing some of you there as well

Michael Leznik
Keller Williams Realty Sherman Oaks / Encino
www.RealEstate-818.com

Sherman Oaks Homes for sale.

Be Prepared before buying an REO Property

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:26:35 -0500

Recent Foreclosure statistics for San Fernando Valley

There is a plethora of inventory available for bargain hunting homebuyers and Investors oin the Sanfernando valley and sourounding areas which makes even more improtant to educate yourself on the process and get expert advice from a knowledgable Agent in order to insure a smooth transaction. The Right information can be critical when buying a home or inverstment today.

Period	Foreclosurs	Home Sales
Jan - Feb 2008	1084	1335
Jan - Feb 2007	235	2481

Helpfull Information

# First-time buyers need to be pre-approved .
# bank that owns the home might require that you finance your purchase with them.
# Many buyers bid on multiple properties. Sometimes creating fierce competition
# Banks won’t accept offers that are contingent on selling your home.
# The best deals are those homes with the longest time on the market.
# Bank-owned homes typically sell for 10 to 20 percent less than their listing price.
# Get an inspection and consider the cost of repairs, missing appliances and general damage.
# The bank will most likely make a counter-offer. Be sure to consider this when submitting your first offer.
# Some banks will not accept an offer unless it is submitted by a REALTOR®.
# Banks generally are looking to close quickly, within two weeks to 45 days

Possible Additional Competition on the horizon.

A recent Nationl Association of REALTORS report stated that "Applications for mortgages soared nearly 50 percent last week and applications to refinance home loans jumped 82 percent as borrowers scrambled to lock-in lower rates".

Hope this is useful information.... Don't forget to use a qualified Local REALTOR to insure a smooth transaction and the best possible results.

Search The Entire MLS
CLICK HERE

LA Mayor attempting to ease building permit process

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:28:35 -0500

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa And Counsel Member Eric Garcetti announced on Wed a plan to streamline the process for getting building permits approved, the current process is incredibly time consuming anti growth. The new process will reduce the number of agencies involved from 12 to 2 and put the majority of the responsibility on The Department of Building safety and Public Works. The move is an effort to stimulate economic growth and the creation of Jobs. Several Local news sources have reported on this action and additional information is available from the mayor's office.

This will be a time consuming process to get this initiative approved although the mayor wants to fast track this plan. There will be opposition but I believe that this is a plus for local homeowners and contractors who have been waiting patiently for approval on their projects

5 Point Marketing Plan

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:26:22 -0500

Below is a visual representation of my 5 point marketing plan for home sellers, I've re-worked it several times to get the best visual impact and would love some comments. I've had good success with my Powerpoint Deck which includes 5 slides on each point, but a quick and easy image sometimes does the job better when the potential client is not as savvy.

Based on all your comments and feedback I've decided to redo the graphic and give you to different versions ( simple and complex ). More comments are welcome.

New 5 Point Marketing Plan for Web Savvy Sellers

Lower/ Adjust Your Property Taxes if your market is struggling

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 04:26:05 -0500

Cut your property taxes (edit/delete)

I was recently sent a link by a co-worker to the county assesors office that allows homeowners who's property values have decreased in the past year or so to apply to have their taxes adjusted/lowered, the application is a single page in length and easy to fill out, many firms here in Los Angeles have been charging upwards of 45% of the lowered taxes to do this for Homeowners but most can easily do it on their own, Just follow the link below

http://assessor.lacounty.gov/extranet/list/forms.aspx?catid=70

This is great information for REALTORS to share with their farm or sphere of influence, I'm sure most states have the same process it just takes a few clicks or a phoen call to get to the right resource, the link above is for LA County.

Cut your property taxes

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:35:46 -0500

http://assessor.lacounty.gov/extranet/list/forms.aspx?catid=70

SEO and International Traffic - Foreign Buyers/ Investors

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 05:49:26 -0500

I've noticed a significant increase in international traffic on our Site, over the last several months European Domains have been making a larger and larger footprint in my weekly stats, I decided to look at this a little bit closer and here's what I discovered. over 40% of the traffic and unique visitors for the month of February were international, now I know that a portion of this is because our group has a listing in Umbria, Italy and I've been blasting it out to every possible location to maximize exposure, but I think its important to note that with the Dollar being so weak internationally , more and more foreign buyers are looking at the US as a great investment opportunity. So here is a question for the community - What are you doing activly with your website/business to target these foreign investers and drive them to you, a year or 2 ago when talking to agents in Florida and Texas I would hear that many of their prospects / leads were coming from California and other states to take advantage of the taxes and investemnt opportunities, that stream has dwindled recently but I don't believe that many agents are taking advantage of an opportunity to tap into the earopean and other "Over the Pond" investors/buyers. Is any one out there aggresivly using SEO or other technics to attract this new demographic Whats working
In 2007 The National Association of REALTORS Survey of Internation Home Buying Activity had some great points. According to the 2007 NAR member Profile 33% of Agents did at least 1 deal with a foreign national . • the typical international buyer purchased a single-family home or townhouse • the buyer’s primary purpose in purchasing the home was as a vacation venue for family and friends • the median sales price paid by the typical foreign buyer was $299,500 and was financed through a mortgage loan • the typical foreign buyer in the U.S. spends 4.2 months in their U.S. property
Why They Buy ( From NAR Survey ) Most home buyers purchase a home as a primaryvresidence. But the majority of foreign buyers – because they are not U.S. residents – purchase homes for other reasons. Almost half of them –47 percent – buy a U.S. home to use as a vacation venue for family and friends. Twenty-two percent purchase a home as a rental property for investment. Nearly a third – 31 percent – of foreign buyers purchase home as both a vacationand rental/investment property.
So I ask the question once again, what are you doing to attract this demographic, Have you cosidered a foreign language version of your site, do you do SEO for sertain keywords, are you looking at international magazines or listing books, do you feature you property on worldpropoerties.com For those that have listings, there is a little known fact about REALOR.com, one of the partner sites is worldproperties.com, they get decent traffic and if tyou call the customer 800-878-4166 you can ask to have any of your listings internationally featured on the site for FREE.

Amazing New Listings -

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:01:49 -0500

	Exclusive gated south of the boulevard 5800+ square foot French country manor on over half an acre, completely rebuilt from the ground up. Extensive use of architectural stone and wood. A soaring entryway leads to step down extensive living room with vaulted ceilings and roaring fireplace. Classic chef's kitchen with travertine flooring, huge center island, walk in pantry, breakfast bar and computer niche. The family room that is adjacent to the kitchen features a stone fireplace, built-ins and French doors.
Formal dining room leads to double door office suite with hardwood floors, built-in desk and computer work area. Wonderful master suite with vaulted ceilings, sitting area, fireplace and huge balcony. Sumptuous master bath with steam shower, slipper tub and double sinks. Resort style yard with pool, spa, bocce ball court, grilling station, fire pit and grassy yard perfect for entertaining.
This is a must see for any luxury home buyer, we have already had 2 showing for celebrities and it has only been on the ML less than a week. Call me for more info if interested in a private tour or visit our website www.arichgroup.com and mention that you saw it on activerain. Thanks Michael Leznik Keller Williams (310)497-3033