Pacific Palisades Real Estate Report

Google Announces "Street View" option for Pacific Palisades!

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:06:27 -0500

Until now, mapping features usually gave visitors a "Birds Eye" view of a particular area or property. Now Google has announced a new feature called "Street View". This gives the site visitor the option to go to a particular neighborhood and take a look at the surrounding homes as though you were standing on the curb. This is a very impressive feature that will help consumers get to know areas much more in detail than before. Google will also be addding real estate information such as recent sales and active listings in the areas you are looking. To take a peek at this cool new feature, click on the link below and type in "Pacific Palisades" in the mapping browser. Also, feel free to call me if you need any assistance using this special feature. 310-230-3773 www.90272.com

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Village Bluff in Hi-Demand!

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:15:44 -0500

Calculationg from my open house last weekend on Via de La Paz, the village bluff area is in very hi-demand. This of course is no surprise to us locals. People are looking for a home walking distance to the village, schools, shopping and so much more. I had over 40 people who are looking for homes right now attend my open house. Call me if you have a home you are looking to sell, chances are very good I have the buyer for it right now! 310-230-3773 www.90272.com Also, if you are an outside broker, 30% referral fees paid at closing.

Pacific Palisades Updated School Information

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:03:57 -0500

Elementary and Middle Schools

Calvary Christian School (PK-8)
(Private School)
701 Palisades Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: (310) 573-0082

Corpus Christi Catholic School (K-8)
(Catholic School)
890 Toyopa Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: (310) 454-9411

Marquez Elementary School (K-5)
(LA Unified School District)
16821 Marquez Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: (310) 454-4019

Pacific Palisades Elementary School (K-5)
(LA Unified School District)
800 Via De La Paz, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: (310) 454-3700

Saint Matthews Episcopal School (PK-8)
(Private School)
1031 Bienveneda Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: (310) 454-1350

Village School (K-6)
(Private School)
780 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: (310) 459-8411

High Schools

Palisades Senior High Math/Science Magnet (9-12)
(LA Unified School - Palisades High School)
15777 Bowdoin Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: (310) 454-0611

Palisades Senior High School (9-12)
(LA Unified School District - Palisades High School)
15777 Bowdoin Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: (310) 454-0611

Continuation Schools

Temescal Canyon Continuation Senior High School (9-12)
(LA Unified School - University High School)
777 Temescal Canyon Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: (310) 454-0315

Great Mar Vista Home $1,1,44,000

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:51:52 -0500

WONDERFUL MAR VISTA LOCATION. 2-STORY HOME IN PRIME LOCATION. 4 BEDS + 3 BATHS. ENTRY LEADS TO BRIGHT FRONT LIVING ROOM. OVER 2,650 SQUARE FEET! BEAUTIFUL GOURMET KITCHEN OVERLOOKING BACKYARD OPENS TO LARGE FAMILY AND DINING ROOMS. SPACIOUS MASTER SUITE + OFFICE OR 4TH BEDROOM ON LOWER LEVEL. UPSTAIRS FEATURES TWO HUGE BEDROOMS WITH SEPARATE FAMILY ROOM. ALL OFFERS. CALL FOR SHOWING TODAY. 310-230-3773 WWW.90272.COM

City Zip Code domains combined for maximum real estate marketing and lead generation!

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:14:15 -0500

With the internet focusing towards local zip code marketplaces, I have decided to combine my city zip code domain names into one website to better serve my clients.

These zip code domains now point to my main website at www.rodaragon.com. I have noticed an immediate impact of qualified leads and referrals to my personal website with traffic increasing over 500% in the last 60 days! To view my entire list of city zip code domains that point to my personal website, click below.

http://rodaragon.prudentialcal.com/Content/Content.aspx?ContentID=510564

Hi-Demand in 90272!

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:11:27 -0500

"Hey Rod, How's the market?" - There are currently only 121 single family homes available. The average price per square foot for an active listing today is $909.00. With just over 9,000 homes in Pacific Palisades and only 121 listings, this represents about 1% of the homes available proving that we are still in VERY hi-demand here in beautiful Pacific Palisades. Call me now to book a free one hour consultation and get all the facts! 310-230-3773 www.90272.com Look at this photo. Why would you ever want to leave?

Free Buyer & Seller Consultations now available

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:17:23 -0500

Do you want to know what is really happening in our local Pacific Palisades marketplace?. Take advantage of Rod Aragon's Free private in office consultation. In less than one hour you will understand the market like a pro! Get the latest REAL sales information in your desired areas of choice. Find out what's going on in this crazy mortgage market and how who can qualify. Get a Free Market analysis of your property and so much more. Call 310-230-3773 to book your appointment. Private consultations are Monday-Thursday from 5:00-8:00PM located at 881 Alma Real Drive #100 Pacific Palisades, 90272.

The Sky is Far from Falling!

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:14:12 -0500

Hello Friends - We all know that the real estate market and the economy is a bit crazy right now. However, I had over 40 people attend my open house this past Sunday! People are out there making offers and YES GETTING FINANCING! Come visit me at my open house this Sunday at 630 Via de La Paz. This is a wonderful family home - brand new construction - 6 bedroom home near the village. Listed at: $ 3,745,000. www.90272.com

Pacific Palisades Village Condo 2+2 $529,000!

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:02:39 -0500

Incredible value for this 2+2 Pacific Palisades Village condo.

1,200 Square feet - newer floors, lots of storage -2 car parking. Building has POOL GYM and rec room. Walk to schools, shopping and the beach. Was purchased two years ago for $599,000. Call now for showing. Subject to short sale bank approval. Call for showing. Rod Aragon 310-230-3773. www.90272.com

Homes NOT in MLS - for Sale in Pacific Palisades

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:42:34 -0500

All Homes are located on the Village bluff. ( Via de La Paz Bluff)

1. Stunning Traditional 4+4 7,200 Square foot lot with incredible curb appeal. Built in 2000. $ 2,795,000.

2. Beautiful 3 Story Tudor Style Home. 4+4 + Seperate detached Studio or Office with bathroom. Features outdoor fireplace and beautiful POOL. $ 2,895,000.

3. Impeccable Traditional 5 Bedroom + office. 7,500 Sq foot Lot. Room for pool. Features stuning open floor plan perfect for entertaining. Finished basement with wine room and huge media room or gym area. $ 4,395,000.

Call now for private showing. 310-230-3773. www.90272.com http://rodaragon.blogspot.com/

Buying Road Map

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:34:44 -0500

Before you start sending out housewarming invitations, there are steps you should probably take to make sure you're going to fulfill all the obligations necessary to make this new home possible.

First order of business, of course, is to find the house. http://www.rodaragon.com/ is a great place to start. On this website you can: Search the MLS, get great tips on buying, selling and getting a mortgage, and when you are ready to go to the next step, schedule a free consultation with Pacific Palisades most referred Realtor.

www.90272.com http://rodaragon.blogspot.com/

Short Sale Process

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:29:01 -0500

When housing prices in many parts of the country were booming a couple of years ago, there wasn't much national attention given to short sales. But with the current subprime debacle and increasing mortgage delinquencies, many people are wondering if the short sale process is a way to avoid foreclosure.

Basically, the definition of the short sale process is when the lender of a property allows the property to be sold for less than the amount due on the mortgage loan.

The obvious benefit to the short sale process is that it allows the seller to avoid the credit report damage associated with a foreclosure. A foreclosure can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years and can take an emotional and financial toll on you and your family.

But the pitfalls of the short sale process should be considered as well. The I.R.S. may consider any debt forgiveness as taxable income, thus resulting in a tax liability. In addition, lenders can often pursue a borrower for the deficiency balance (the difference between the amount owed and the amount paid).
In some cases you may be able to avoid taxation if you can prove you are insolvent. But if insolvency is unsuccessful, and you are faced with a tax liability resulting from the deficiency amount, it may make more financial sense for you to let the lender foreclose.

The short sale process can vary, but it will generally work as follows:

1) The lender is contacted to discuss the possibility of a short sale and to determine the lender's process for completing the sale.
2) The seller issues a letter authorizing the release of personal information about the loan and the property to the buyer or escrow agency.
3) The lender will review a settlement statement, which will indicate the proposed selling price, remaining loan balances and itemize all expenses, including real estate commissions and other fees and expenses associated with the closing.
4) The seller will complete a "hardship letter," which will detail and explain all financial difficulties. Lenders will usually want to validate the seller's financial situation by looking at bank statements, investment accounts, along with examining paystubs and other financial records.
5) The lender will then look to the broker to provide a price opinion by examining the condition of the house and the market value of comparable properties.
6) The lender will then want to scrutinize the purchase agreement to determine if all amounts are reasonable and the real estate commission is acceptable.
Because of the documentation required, the short sale process can be lengthy. But if done correctly, it can work well for all parties involved. The lender avoids the uncertainty of the foreclosure process, the seller avoids a foreclosure on his or her credit report (along with potential bankruptcy), and the buyer hopefully got a good deal on a property.

Considering the complexity of the short sale process, you must be educated. If you are considering a short sale, make sure that you discuss your situation with a competent lawyer and accountant. The more educated you are on the process, the easier the transaction will be, and the better the impression you will make on the lender.

www.90272.com http://rodaragon.blogspot.com/

Selling Process

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:31:20 -0500

Rod's Selling Roadmap

Let's get to the nuts and bolts of home selling.

Understanding your expectations is key for your agent to make sure that your needs are being met every step of the way. Here are some questions that can help you:
1. Communication. How important is regular communication with your real estate professional? What information is important to you? How often do you want to be contacted, and what is your preferred method of staying in touch?
2. Motivation. Why are you considering selling your property at this time?
3. Time frame. Is there a certain date by which the sale of the property needs to close? How flexible are you with the time frame?
4. Relocation assistance. Will you need information or assistance in moving to a new area?
5. Home selling decisions. Are there any other individuals who will be involved in your property sale decision?
6. Price. Do you have specific expectations as to the selling price of your property? If so, what do you base this figure on? Do you anticipate a certain amount of the net proceeds from this sale?
7. Expectations. What are your expectations from your real estate professional? What specific services and support do you look forward to receiving? Prepare to Sell
Each property has special features that may interest buyers. Here are some questions that can help you:
1. What do you feel are the most appealing features of your property?
2. What features does this property have that differentiate it from other similar properties?
3. What changes to you see important that need to be made right away to make your property as saleable as possible?
4. What do you regard as the most attractive features of the surrounding neighborhood?
5. Are you prepared to do improvements if necessary for a successful sale? Set a Price
The most important thing to do is to get current comparable property information. Getting sales prices from last year does not reflect current conditions. If a buyer is financing your property, most banks are looking at comparable sales over the last three months, not 6-12 months. It is important to be thinking in-line with how the banks are looking at your home to make sure that you are priced accurately and to limit potential appraisal issues once your property is in escrow. Rod will show you properties that best compare with your property for best results.
Market sensitive pricing can be the key to maximum market exposure and, ultimately, a successful sale.

The existing pool of buyers determines a property's value on:
1. Location, design, amenities and condition.
2. Availability of comparable (competing) properties.
3. Economic conditions that affect real property transactions.

Factors that have little or no influence on the market value of a house include:
1. What price the seller paid for the property.
2. The seller's expected net proceeds.
3. The amount spent on improvements.

www.90272.com http://rodaragon.blogspot.com/

Neighborhood Pricing Report - July 2008

Rod Aragon (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:51:46 -0500

Homes in Area / Median Sold Price / Highest Price Sold YTD

Riviera 901 $ 10,000,000 $ 11,850,000

Will Rogers/ 318 $ 2,670,000 $ 3,025,000
Rustic Canyon

SM Canyon 780 $ 2,350,000 $ 4,200,000

Huntington 494 $ 3,050,000 $ 16,000,000

Alphabets 877 $ 1,825,000 $ 3,800,000

Above Alphabets 362 $ 2,550,000 $ 5,000,000

Village Bluff 648 $ 1,275,000 $ 3,105,000

El Medio Bluffs 740 $ 1,505,000 $ 4,150,000

El Medio to upper 1,426 $ 1,635,000 $ 5,500,000
Marquez/ Bienveneda

Lower Marquez 341 $ 1,559,000 $ 1,559,000

Highlands 757 $ 3,185,000 $ 5,440,000

Castellammare/ 386 $ 1,910,000 $ 3,200,000
Paseo

Sunset Mesa/ 572 $ 2,690,000 $ 2,837,000
Pacific View Estates