Marina Del Rey Real Estate

Is Opting to Default on Your Mortgage Wrong?Outrageously Bad Economic Advice

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:31:44 -0600

Is opting to default on your mortgage wrong? The opinion and belief of this writers is YES, unlike Professor Brent T.White's advice from the University of Arizona.

I just read a very disturbing article in the Los Angeles Times, syndicated from the Washington Post about a Law School Professor who teaches at the University of Arizona and his disgraceful advice.

This professor's advice to the average person, who is under water in their mortgage is to' default on their mortgage'; under the guise of writing a "new academic paper" he suggests, that you should not feel guilty about defaulting on your mortgage. He does not think it is morally wrong to do that, and goes further that the estimated 15 million US homeowners, who are underwater on their mortgages, should stiff their lenders.

I am outraged at the lack of ethics, principles and morals this Law school professor has. It is bad enough that he lacks all that, what is disturbing me more, that he has a platform: The University of Arizona, which is allowing him to distribute his incendiary message to the masses under the guise of a scholarly paper.

In addition to the lack of principals, he is giving bad advice to people that have limited understanding what defaulting on a mortgage will translate to their economic report card and, that a Bankruptcy will stay with them for at least ten years. There are serious consequences to borrowers who walk away from their mortgage obligations from a contractual as well as economic aspect.

I suggest to anyone who has read the article I am referencing by Professor Brent T. White or just my summary or the Newspaper's version, should be outraged and complain vehemently to the University of Arizona about the poor advice their Professor is giving

If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at EndreBarath@TheMLS.Com or visit one of my websites at http://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of My commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations.hat you think:

Playa Vista Market Report for October 2009

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:24:13 -0600

I have been so consumed by three different transactions that I just did not have any time for the Market Report for Playa Vista for the month of October. Late as it may be, here it is. To make up for the lateness I have added the following for added value.

Monthly Statistics - Condo - October 2009

Sales Volume
No.	Area	Oct 2008	Oct 2009	Sep 2009	2009 To Date	2008 To Date	SP/LP	SP/OLP
39	Playa Vista	$5,033,117	$3,702,156	$2,779,250	$35,440,455	$35,909,772	97.05%	94.61%

Sales Volume
No.	Area	Oct 2008	Oct 2009	Sep 2009	2009 To Date	2008 To Date	SP/LP	SP/OLP
All Selected Areas	$5,033,117	$3,702,156	$2,779,250	$35,440,455	$35,909,772	97.05%	94.61%

Median Sales Price
No.	Area	Oct 2008	Oct 2009	Sep 2009	2009 To Date	2008 To Date
39	Playa Vista	$690,000	$457,500	$564,000	$535,000	$625,000

Number of Listings and Days on Market
	#Sold	#New	#A	#B	#P	#E	#W
No.	Area	%	Mth	Dom	Ytd	Dom	%	Mth	Ytd	Ytd	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom
39	Playa Vista	12.31	8	49	65	63	4.59	5	109	31	142	8	46	5	79	7	187	0	0

Number of Listings and Days on Market
	#Sold	#New	#A	#B	#P	#E	#W
No.	Area	%	Mth	Dom	Ytd	Dom	%	Mth	Ytd	Ytd	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom
All Selected Areas	12.31	8	49	65	63	4.59	5	109	31	142	8	46	5	79	7	187	0	0

I think the numbers are very telling, I would be interested in your comments and observations.

Marina Del Rey,CA. Condominium Market Report for October 2009

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:23:32 -0600

I have been so consumed by three different transactions that I just did not have any time for the Market Report for Marina Del Rey for the month of October. Late as it may be, here it is. To make up for the lateness I have added the following for added value. Let me know what you think:

Monthly Statistics - Condo - October 2009

Sales Volume
No.	Area	Oct 2008	Oct 2009	Sep 2009	2009 To Date	2008 To Date	SP/LP	SP/OLP
12	Marina Del Rey	$15,143,000	$12,756,600	$16,359,300	$108,001,678	$140,598,919	94.35%	91.64%

Sales Volume
No.	Area	Oct 2008	Oct 2009	Sep 2009	2009 To Date	2008 To Date	SP/LP	SP/OLP
All Selected Areas	$15,143,000	$12,756,600	$16,359,300	$108,001,678	$140,598,919	94.35%	91.64%

Median Sales Price
No.	Area	Oct 2008	Oct 2009	Sep 2009	2009 To Date	2008 To Date
12	Marina Del Rey	$640,000	$566,300	$555,000	$570,000	$739,900

Number of Listings and Days on Market
	#Sold	#New	#A	#B	#P	#E	#W
No.	Area	%	Mth	Dom	Ytd	Dom	%	Mth	Ytd	Ytd	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom
12	Marina Del Rey	11.63	20	41	172	94	7.87	30	381	187	135	17	66	15	73	17	201	18	144

Number of Listings and Days on Market
	#Sold	#New	#A	#B	#P	#E	#W
No.	Area	%	Mth	Dom	Ytd	Dom	%	Mth	Ytd	Ytd	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom
All Selected Areas	11.63	20	41	172	94	7.87	30	381	187	135	17	66	15	73	17	201	18	144

I find the numbers very telling. I would be interested in your comments and input.

-If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at EndreBarath@TheMLS.Com or visit one of my websites at http://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of My commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations.

October 2009 Condominium Market Report for Century City/Westwood ,CA

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:34:57 -0600

I have been so consumed by three different transactions, that I just did not have any time for publishing the Market Report for Century City/ Westwood for the month of October. Late as it may be here it is. To make up for the lateness I have made the following changes for added value. Let me know what you think:

Monthly Statistics - Condo - October 2009

Sales Volume
No.	Area	Oct 2008	Oct 2009	Sep 2009	2009 To Date	2008 To Date	SP/LP	SP/OLP
5	Westwood - Century City	$40,822,452	$22,288,936	$30,308,750	$203,683,363	$288,943,465	95.46%	91.60%

Sales Volume
No.	Area	Oct 2008	Oct 2009	Sep 2009	2009 To Date	2008 To Date	SP/LP	SP/OLP
All Selected Areas	$40,822,452	$22,288,936	$30,308,750	$203,683,363	$288,943,465	95.46%	91.60%

Median Sales Price
No.	Area	Oct 2008	Oct 2009	Sep 2009	2009 To Date	2008 To Date
5	Westwood - Century City	$665,000	$610,000	$645,000	$625,000	$675,000

Number of Listings and Days on Market
	#Sold	#New	#A	#B	#P	#E	#W
No.	Area	%	Mth	Dom	Ytd	Dom	%	Mth	Ytd	Ytd	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom
5	Westwood - Centu	12.09	33	75	273	86	11.47	82	715	395	149	35	79	23	71	73	220	44	121

Number of Listings and Days on Market
	#Sold	#New	#A	#B	#P	#E	#W
No.	Area	%	Mth	Dom	Ytd	Dom	%	Mth	Ytd	Ytd	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom
All Selected Areas	12.09	33	75	273	86	11.47	82	715	395	149	35	79	23	71	73	220	44	121

I find the numbers are very interesting and telling. My first impression is the Price Drop for starters is very interesting month over month as well as year over year. Also interesting is the sales volume month over month as well as comparing it to year over year.

California National Bank a Los Angeles based bank seized by Regulators

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:02:01 -0600

Friday night regulators seized a Los Angeles based bank, California National. No fanfare, almost hidden in the Halloween revelry. I am outraged it is not front page news. This bank is the fourth-largest bank failure this year and no one is talking about it.

As soon as the regulators seized it, they sold it immediately to US Bancorp a Minneapolis based bank. How could this happen? All the tax payer money could not save this bank? I am outraged, where are the politicians? Where are the banking regulators?

California National Bank with $7.8 billion in assets and $6.2 billion in deposits, again how could this be allowed?

Well the answer is attributed to losses on securities issued by the giant mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. As you might recall the government takeover made Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stocks worthless. California National had $855 million in preferred shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stocks. California National bank had been working on trying to obtain money from the Treasury Department's $700-billion financial bailout fund, but at the end of the day the Treasury Department did not come thru. How ironic is that? I look forward to your views on this subject.

I have a House in Tarzana, Should I sell Now or in January??

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:25:13 -0500

One of my client's contacted me today and left a voice mail and asked me: '...I have an investment home in Tarzana, Should I sell now or wait until January when there are more intrested buyers?..." You can imagine how interesting this voice mail was to me. I have blogged about the need to sell now vs. later.

Reference: Tarzana real estate market. I have analyzed the data and wanted to share with you. There are some serious price decreases. I have enclosed some of the statistics for your review. In comparison to September 2008 and September 2009 the median Sold Price has dropped by 44%. The Inventory supply is about 14 months. What that means is a long Marketing and Sales process is what we will be facing.

Reference: The question of waiting until January to market your house would be a mistake in my opinion, because the prices although are not free falling anymore, they are still decreasing. The serious buyers are still out during the holiday season. The buyers that are out there are generally not lookers; rather they are serious buyers, since the lookers are busy with the holidays. We would have a three months advantage over other sellers who would wait until January to market their home. We maybe even sell it before the end of the year, because some people need to buy for Tax purposes and others need to relocating.

A large parcel of vacant land at 8429 W Walnut Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90046

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:21:33 -0500

This large parcel of vacant land is nestled in the Hollywood Hills west of Laurel Cyn in the Wonderland School District. A half an acre of land secluded from the hussle of this large Metropolitan city, nevertheless only five minutes to the Sunset Strip. Build a large private View Estate. Gentle topography.

STATUS: Active

ADDRESS: 8429 W Walnut DR , LOS ANGELES ,CA 90046

LP: $349,000

Add'l Photos

Larger Map Aerial Map Plat Map

RESIDENTIAL LAND	AREA: (3) Sunset Strip - Hollywood Hills West	MLS# 09-395617	MAP: 593/A4
APN: 5556-010-013	SUB:	GAS: Other	WATER: In Street	ELECTRIC: In Street
ADP: No	ZONE: LAR1	TELEPHONE: No	TV/CABLE: No	SEWER: In Street
APX ACREAGE: N/A	VIEW: Yes	STAKED:	APX LDM:	APX LSZ: 24,000/VN
HORSE PROP:No	BONDS/ASSESSMENTS:
ELEM: check with city	JRHS: check with city	SRHS: check with city

DIRECTIONS: Laurel Cyn, Kirkwood to Ridpath, between 8408 & 8416 Ridpath

REMARKS: Fantastic parcell of land for large estate and additional 40,000sf is also available for a larger project. Call or email listing agent for details.

GAS: Other
WATER: In Street
ELECTRIC: In Street
TOPOGRAPHY: Pad,Uphill
SITE: Canyon
STREET: Asphalt,Dirt/Gravel
ON FILE: None
VIEW TYPE: Canyon,City Lights	WATERFRONT: None
SEC:	FIN: Cash To New Loan,Owner May Carry
SEWER: In Street	POSS: Close Of Escrow
DISC: As Is	SZONE: Other

Call or email me for more details.

Vancant Land Collingwood Dr. Los Angeles,CA 90069

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:00:32 -0500

Here is another great Lot for Sale north of the world famous Sunset Blvd. Surrounded by the who is who from the entertainment industry. Fantastic views, there is not one house under $2million in this area.

STATUS: Active

ADDRESS: 0 Collingwood , LOS ANGELES ,CA 90069

LP: $189,000

Add'l Photos

Larger Map Aerial Map Plat Map

RESIDENTIAL LAND	AREA: (3) Sunset Strip - Hollywood Hills West	MLS# 09-405459	MAP: 592/H4
APN: 5560-002-013	SUB:	GAS:	WATER: In Street	ELECTRIC: In Street
ADP: No	ZONE: LAR1	TELEPHONE: No	TV/CABLE: No	SEWER: In Street
APX ACREAGE: N/A	VIEW: Yes	STAKED: No	APX LDM:	APX LSZ: 2,680/VN
HORSE PROP:No	BONDS/ASSESSMENTS:
ELEM: Check w/City	JRHS: Check w/City	SRHS: Check w/City

DIRECTIONS: North of Sunset

REMARKS: Best priced view lot north of Sunset Blvd. Great Development pontential to build a Statement Estate in a multimilliondollar neighborhood in the most prestigious part north of sunset. Seller lives out of state, has architectural plans. Land needs Variance.

GAS:
WATER: In Street
ELECTRIC: In Street
TOPOGRAPHY: Uphill
SITE: City,Hillside
STREET: Asphalt
ON FILE: Topography Report
VIEW TYPE: City Lights	WATERFRONT: None
SEC:	FIN: Cash To New Loan
SEWER: In Street	POSS:
DISC: As Is	SZONE: Property Report
OCC/SHOW: Call LA 1

IF you would like more details please e-mail me with your questions or call my mobile.

8351 Kirkwood Dr., Los Angeles,CA 90046 Single Family Home with 11 additional Lots

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:45:23 -0500

Here is an opportunity to build a huge gated Celebrity Private Estate five minutes to the Sunset Strip. Alternatively a developer could put up four to six homes.

STATUS: Active

ADDRESS: 8351 KIRKWOOD DR , LOS ANGELES ,CA 90046

LP: $1,495,000

Add'l Photos

Larger Map Aerial Map Plat Map

RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY	AREA: (3) Sunset Strip - Hollywood Hills West	MLS#: 09-384745	MAP: 592/J4	BR: 1
STYLE: Tear-Down	SUB:	PUD:	YB: 1927	BA: 1.00
APN: 5556-011-048	ZONE: LAR1	HOD: $0.00	STO: 1	APX SF: 1,358/VN
ADP:	VU: Yes	PL: No	APX LDM: 73x65/AS	APX LSZ: 40,202/OW
APX ACREAGE:	GH: N/A	FP:	PKGT:
HORSE PROP:	LSE:	LOP:	FUR: No	PKGC:
ELEM: Check w/City	JRHS: Check w/City	SRHS: Check w/City

DIRECTIONS: North of Sunset, West on to Kirkwood off Laurel Cyn

REMARKS: There are 11 lots side by side with 6 separate APN numbers as well as a house. Seller has street approval to potentially do a Development. Build a dream home with city views on top of a hill with a Guest house on the bottom and parking for the biggest party imaginable on an almost one acre lot. Contact Listing Agent if interested in six additional lots for about another half an acre. The opportunities are limitless.

ROOMS: Other
EQUIP: None
AIR: None	HEAT: None
FLOOR: Other	LAUNDRY: None
FIREPL: None	ROOF:
POOL:	TENNIS:
PARK: Other	SPA:
VIEW TYPE: Canyon,City Lights	WATERFRONT: None
SEC:	FIN: Cash To New Loan
SEWER:	POSS: Close Of Escrow
DISC: As Is

There is another half an acre available for an additional $349,000. The possibilities are limitless depending how large a project one wants to take on.

Marina Del Rey, CA Condominium Market Activity Report for September 2009

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:20:52 -0500

Marina Del Rey, CA Condominium Market Activity Report for September 2009

September was a very busy month for many Realtors in the Marina. Every one I spoke to seemed to be going into or coming out of Escrow. I have noticed many times that it takes two attempts before something closes.

Looking at the Active Condominiums as of October 1^st there has been a nine per cent drop in the inventory. Coming from 184 Active listing to 169 tells a lot, fewer choices in the next few months to pick from.

The Condominiums that are currently in Escrow consist of 23 still waiting to remove their contingencies and 40 are solidly pending. The total number is identical to the month before. How fascinating is that?

Interestingly there were more sales in the month of September then in August. There was a 9% increase in Sales month over month.

As I mentioned above the inventory is shrinking(see chart)

A Sunday Stroll in Marina Del Rey,CA

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:34:23 -0500

I love writing about Marina Del Rey, CA. I live here and I am passionate about this seaside town that is only 47 years old. Los Angeles is famous for many things, one is the Entertainment industry and the other is Los Angeles loves everything that is new. Hence in the big picture Marina Del Rey is New. A suburb of Los Angeles,CA.

Thanks to President Eisenhower's signing of the River and Harbor Act in 1954 the building of Marina Del Rey came about. The workers broke ground around 1957 and the rest is history.

With that introduction let me show you the pictures we took this past Sunday on a casual stroll. How can you not be passionate about living here?

I understand it is starting to get cold everywhere else but here:)

If you look at the slip to the right of the boat you will see the Sea Lions sunbathing. So San Francisco eat your heart out we have our own Sea Lions:))

Century City Market Report for September 2009

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 22:49:31 -0500

Although my report is late again, it is still interesting. The Century City Condominium Market Report for September 2009 is amazing.

The Active Listings went up by a small margin from the previous month. Currently we had 313 Active Condominium listings as of October 1^st 2009 vs. 309 from the month before.

The Condominiums that are in Escrow waiting to remove contingencies have increased as well from the previous month. The previous month there were 34 and in September there were 39 waiting to remove their contingencies. The properties that were pending in the previous month were at an all time high since the Economic Meltdown. There were 56 pending and as the large number of Pending Condominiums indicated the numbers were still high for September, it was amazingly 48 properties.

Here are some interesting comparisons between September 2008 and September 2009

Let me know if you have any observations or questions.

Median Sales Price
No.	Area	Sep 2008	Sep 2009	Aug 2009	2009 To Date	2008 To Date
5	Westwood - Century City	$685,194	$645,000	$648,500	$631,000	$680,000

Number of Listings and Days on Market
	#Sold	#New	#A	#B	#P	#E	#W
No.	Area	%	Mth	Dom	Ytd	Dom	%	Mth	Ytd	Ytd	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom	Mth	Dom
5	Westwood - Centu	16.25	39	70	240	87	11.22	71	633	378	154	31	85	19	107	40	248	15	10

Playa Vista Market Report for September 2009

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:34:05 -0500

Playa Vista Market Report for September 2009 First I want to let all my readers know there are a few changes I made to the normal monthly market report. I was very intrigued how little the inventory was, so I did a comparison between September 2008 to September 2009 as well as the month to month in between. I found this quite fascinating and I wanted to share it with you

There were only 26 Active Listings. I was just totally amazed. Compared to September 2008 that is a huge change. Even if you compare it July as well as August you will see this is dramatic. I imdediately started to wonder what this will do to the next few months referrence sales?

At the same time I wanted to let everyone know there were 17 Properties that were in Escrow and the Buyers have not removed their investigation or loan contingencies. In addition to it there were 16 Pending, where the Buyers have removed their Investigation Contingencies.

This is truly an indication, that the loans are taking longer and longer, in light of the fact that compared to last months statistics in Escrow should have generated more sales. Instead there were only five(5) sold in the month of September. I am very much interested what October will have to offer with that many in Escrow.

Race for the Rescues Event Agenda at the Rose Bowl, Pasedena,CA

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:02:20 -0500

I have been supporting the race for Rescues for the past few years. This is a great cause to help the various Local Pet Rescue Organizations. This is a great fundraiser for the Animal Rescue Organizations. Please help. Participate in anyway that you can. This is also a great fun time for young and old. See last year's event's photos http://activerain.com/blogsview/683286/help-homeless-animals-of-los-angeles-race-for-the-rescues

This event is FREE to the public unless you want to run in the 5K.

Race Registration Open -- 7:00 am - 8:30 am
Dog & Cat Adoption -- 7:00 am - 12:30 pm
SILENT AUCTION -- 7:00 am-11:30 am
LA Lakers Cheerleaders Appearance -- 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Sean Kanan & Albert Reed kick off race -- 8:30
5K Run/Walk -- 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Dancing With Dogs Demo -- 9:00 am - 9:30 am
1Mile Kids Fun Run -- 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Race Awards Ceremony -- 10:00 am
Adoption Celebration -- 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Rockin' Adoption Show -- 10:00 am - 11:00 am

To run in the 5K, register here:
http://www.facebook.com/l/4b5f6;RaceForTheRescues.org
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If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at EndreBarath@TheMLS.Com or visit one of my websites at http://www.endrebarath.com A pet friendly Realtor who contributes from every one of his commissions to Local Animal Rescue Organizations!

If you had $15,000, where would you invest it, General Motors or Bel Air Land?

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:38:56 -0500

As we all know there is limited amount of Vacant Land left. Particularly in the Greater Los Angeles area there is less and less of it available. I have been selling these investment lots for over 13+ years it takes a long time to sell, it is not as liquid as Stock, nevertheless I never had anyone loose money on it. Every one has increased their net worth over the years. Including in today's economic times, I found it to be a solid investment.

The value has been solid and not volatile. Can you build a home on it? It does not pencil out yet, since you have to build a road to the land. If you accumulate enough parcels, where you can build 3-4 homes then you can divide the cost of the road amongst the homes and then it will pencil out.

If you like to buy for long term investments, this is the safest way to go. This is better then Gold, Silver or Stocks, since there is no volatility. If you are interested get in touch with me.

If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at EndreBarath@TheMLS.Com or visit one of my websites at http://www.endrebarath.com A pet friendly Realtor who contributes from every one of his commissions to Local Animal Rescue Organizations!

The Dilemma: Should I sell now or next year?

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:21:25 -0500

The dilemma: Should I sell now or next year? Many sellers are asking themselves this question. As a trusted advisor you have to give good advice. I am constantly asked this question as I sit in front of my prospective clients. To me the answer is very clear. There are many reasons to sell now rather then wait until next year.

Even though the economic recovery is appearing to be improving, the economy remains very fragile. As long it is fragile, that means consumer confidence is still lacking. As long as consumer confidence is weak, prices are vulnerable to new shock waves that can be seen on the news outlets daily.

Add to this the unemployment figures. As long as the job market remains weak the answer is clear. There will be a great deal more economic mess, due to the banking sector remaining reluctant to lend money, home owners struggling to maintain without income.

So there are many questions to ask. Will the Job Market be better next year? Will interest rates remain low? Will consumer confidence be stronger? Will the buyers return to the real estate buying in stronger numbers then this year? Depends how you answer this questions will determine in your mind whether you will decide to sell now or next year.

I just want to pose the question: what if the prices drop another 10-15% next year? Would you sell now or next year?

Did you know that in Korea 'dog' is still served as a Meal in Restaurants?

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:21:25 -0500

Did you know that in Korea 'dog' is still served as a Meal in Restaurants? I was catching up on my LA Times reading today and I was so shocked at what I read in the September 4^th Issue of the LA Times written by John Glionna & Ju-Min Park of Seoul, South Korea, I had to post this. Some of you might not want to read this, others of you might want to take action and others of you might just want to spread the word.

The Hero of the story is Lee Won-Bok, he is a 45 year old animal rights activist. Every Saturday he places very graphic pictures (I opted not to post pictures) at a busy mall depicting images of dogs in cages, to different stages of the process all the way to the Restaurant table. (I will not describe the graphic parts you get the idea) He is a one man warrior. He says he has collected over 300,000 signatures over a period of nine years.

The Goal is to stop the despicable tradition of eating cats and dogs. Even though national laws prohibit the eating of these critters, the government rarely enforces it.

I was so outraged about this activity; I had to write about it. How could a society still allow, tolerate such activity? How could anyone have their pets at home and then go out to a Restaurant and eat "boshintang" (dog soup)? How could a Government, Politicians and Judicial members still allow this despicable practice? How could a society still tolerate this? How could we stand by and not do something? I urge each and all of you to take action, how ever small or large.

As a caretaker of three cats and supporter of Local Animal Rescue Organizations I have to speak out against this deplorable practice and the lack of caring by a Society and its People. I commend Lee Won-bok and the two LA Times Reporter John Glionna & JU-Min Park in spreading his crusade. Too bad the LA Times only put this on page 26 rather then the front page.

If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at EndreBarath@TheMLS.Com or visit one of my websites at http://www.endrebarath.com A pet friendly Realtor who contributes from every one of his commissions to Local Animal Rescue Organizations!

Appraisals Delays and the Cause and Effect of these delays to all involved.

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:23:46 -0500

Appraisals Delays and the Cause and Effect of these delays to all involved is just amazing.More often then I would like to know, Appraisals have been consistently reaching Lenders late. There have been a number of discussions about Appraisals by Realtors and Mortgage Brokers and the delays that this has caused in obtaining loans for the Buyers.

As the Real Estate market continues to move slower then we would like, Sellers, Buyers, Realtors and Mortgage Lenders all remain uncertain. We are looking at these trends and first thing we need to do is to adjust our way of doing business.

Gone are the days of 17 days Loan Contingency Removal and 30 day Escrow periods when it comes getting a loan? In the heyday of our market Mortgage Brokers could assure Realtors that they could remove the loan contingency within 12 days. Now that is not the case.

From a Buyer's perspective, what would a reasonable time be, to remove the loan contingency? As Realtors we need to be responsible in competently and carefully advising our buyers to make sure that their interests are protected. The sellers need to be educated, counseled regarding Loan and Appraisal Contingency Periods and the time it takes to achieve this.

The most important commodity we as Realtors have to bring to the Table is a sense of Fair play, patience and educating the buyers as well as the sellers of the process. Most Buyers and sellers would agree that a transaction should be fair and equitable to all parties.

We must not only educate, but we have to verbalize the pros and cons of each action and then ultimately we have to remind ourselves that we are the Realtors and that the final decision must come from our clients the principals.

The Cause and Effect of all this is, we need more Time to close an Escrow. We need more patience by all parties involved and more education by the Realtors involved. The final Effect more stress can be avoided by better educating the Principals involved.

So in conclusion I am very optimistic that we will continue to have a robust summer into the Fall Real Estate Season as long as we stay on top of these issues and continue to educate all parties involved.

Century City,CA. Condominium Market Report for August 2009

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:08:14 -0500

Here we are the Century City, CA Condominium Market Report a bit late, nevertheless still interesting. I find it always interesting when you talk to people who like to generalize how the real estate market is, based on their feelings, emotions or what they have heard in

The Active listings have decreased by about five from last month. In the big picture that is negligible when you see that there are currently 309 Condominiums on the Market.

The ones that are in Escrow and have not removed their contingencies are identical to the month before. There are 34 accepting Backup Offers.

Now what I find very telling is there has been a huge increase in the Pending. These are the ones that the buyers have removed all their contingencies and are waiting to close Escrow. These will be September's Closed Transactions a very large increase of 7.6% over the previous month. That is there are 56 properties that are waiting to close.

The closed transactions over the previous month are almost identical. There were 32 Actual Sales for the month of August.

These are very interesting numbers. The buyers are out there and are rushing to close Escrow, before the Tax incentive disappears.(November 30^th) I am very much amazed with all this activity, in spite of Appraisers slowing down the Sales Process as well as Mortgage lenders.

So in conclusion I am very optimistic that we will continue to have a robust summer into the Fall Real Estate Season.

Market Report for the month of August 2009 Playa Vista, CA.

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:50:42 -0500

The Market Report for August 2009 for Playa Vista, CA. is quite different from the previous month. There is a larger inventory to choose from. There are currently 40 Active listings about a 7.5% increase in the inventory from previous month.

The Pending inventory consists of 15 buyers who have not removed their contingencies and 11 who have for a total of 26 which is an 8.5% decrease from the previous month.

There has been a 7% drop in the Sold as well month over month. This is the first time in eight months we have seen a decline.

Playa Vista community is different from the neighboring communities, since it is a Planned Urban Development and it is a very new project. Hence you either love it or you don not. Interestingly this community is the next door to Marina Del Rey, where for the eight month in a row the numbers have increased.

I just want to remind everyone, that the first time buyer's Tax credit is nearing its end. Therefore do not miss out on it.

Marina Del Rey Condominium Market Report for August

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:21:04 -0500

I have compiled the Marina Del Rey Condominium Market report for August.

The numbers seem very consistent with July’s Active Listings. Currently there are 184 Active Condominiums on the Market, compared to July it is one more.

Properties that are in Escrow and Accepting Backup offers as well as Pending are amazingly similar as well. There are 26 properties where the Buyers have not removed their contingencies and there are 37 that have removed all their contingencies. The numbers are virtually identical.

I just read somewhere that the Pending Sales Index has only been tracked since 2001. This I found quite interesting, since the Pending numbers are the indication what the following month will look like. As I look at these numbers I can see that the momentum continues for the better and I anticipate a robust sales numbers for the month of September as well.

The most important number outside predicting next month is the Sold numbers. Last month there were 26 Condominiums that changed hands in Marina Del Rey, CA. that is an increase of 8 per cent again. Compared to the national statistics, Marina Del Rey, CA has had an increase month over month in sales now for the past 8 months vs. the national numbers have been six months in a row in creasing.

I just want to remind everyone do not wait too long, since the tax incentive for buying will be ending on November 30th. That means you have less then 60 days to take advantage of this great benefit.

Marina Del Rey, CA Condominium Market Report for July 2009

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:40:05 -0500

Marina Del Rey, CA Condominium Market Report for July 2009. I have been covering three different micro market areas on the West Side of Los Angeles and the trends are very similar. Month over month since January the volume of sales have increased.

This is interesting news for the over well being of the Real Estate Market. I am particularly interested in the Marina Del Rey Condominium Market, since not only do I sell here, but I live here as well.

Currently as of July 31^st 2009 there are 183 Active Condominiums on the Market

Accepting Back Up Offers are 26 Condominiums

There are 33 Condominiums where the buyers have removed all contingencies and are solidly pending.

For the month of July we had 22 Condominiums that Sold.

If you compare to the month of June you will be pleasantly surprised that the sales almost tripled month over month. I find that quite impressive, in spite of the Fourth of July celebration, when Real Estate activity ceases in Marina Del Rey. There are street closings all over Via Marina, the Peninsula and Pacific Ave to name a few.

If you would like to see the previous statistics I have enclosed the Midyear Report's Link for your convenience ( http://activerain.com/blogsview/1141254/midyear-assessment-of-the-condominium-sales-in-marina-del-rey-ca )

Playa Vista,CA July 2009 Real Estate Market Report

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:31:02 -0500

Here is the Playa Vista, CA. July 2009 Real Estate Market Report. I have been extremely busy and grateful for it, hence the delay in my monthly Real Estate Market Report for Playa Vista, CA. I finally started seeing in various media headlines about the Real Estate Market getting some life into it.

I find it ironic and rewarding at the same time. Ironically I have been saying this with my monthly Real Estate Market Reports since January of this year, that month over month I have seen this trend and the numbers prove that there have been steady increases.

I find it rewarding, that finally the Media is publishing the information which I have been saying, since the beginning of this year i.e.: That there have been increases month over month in sales. I am some what disappointed that now the information that is stated in the media is that the past five months the Real Estate Sales have been increasing. Why did they not just as I reported the Statistics? Why could the Media not do the same? (That of course is a subject of another post)

Now with this introduction:

There were 40 Active Listings in Playa Vista, CA as of July 31, 2009.

There were 13 Properties where the buyers have not removed their contingencies.

As well as 17 Escrows where the buyers have removed their contingencies and the properties are solidly pending.

July we had 10 Closed Sales transactions in the Playa Vista CA community.

If you would like to compare last months' numbers or for the past six months statistics, feel free to visit the enclosed link and you will be pleasantly surprised. In spite of the fact that July has traditionally been a slower month due to the Fourth of July Celebration, as well as the fact that many people take summer vacations.( http://activerain.com/blogsview/1141281/playa-vista-ca-midyear-market-report )

Feel free to comment, your thoughts and input are welcome.

Century City,CA. Condominium Market Report July 2009

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:21:09 -0500

Century City, CA. Market Report for July 2009. Well here we are and another month just flew by. I have been quite busy and productive, hence the delay of my monthly market report.

Since the beginning of 2009 you have read my reports and I have been showing the numbers and you could see that the Real Estate Market has been improving month over month in Century City, CA. The volume of sales has been quietly increasing from the previous month as well as year. So it should not come as a surprise to any of my loyal readers what now the media has started to bring up, such as headlines "...Is the Real Estate Bear Market Beginning to Bottom Out?"....Signs of Life in the Los Angeles Real Estate Market...." I could go on and on.

So let's see how Condominium Market for the month of July fared in Century City, CA. :

There were 314 Active Condominium Listings as of July 31, 2009

There were 34 Condominiums in Escrow where the buyers have not removed their contingencies and the Sellers were looking for back up Offers.

There were 43 Condominiums were the buyers removed all their contingencies, i.e.: solidly pending.

Now let us look at the Sales, there were 35 Closed Transactions. Keep in mind this month had many detractors such as Summer Vacations and the Fourth of July celebrations. These all historically cut into the Real Estate sales. So feel free to visit the enclosed link and you will be pleasantly surprised with this month statistics vs. last month's (http://activerain.com/blogsview/1141582/century-city-ca-midyear-market-report)

So in conclusion I am very optimistic that we will continue to have a robust summer into the Fall Real Estate Season.

10712 Tabor St, Los Angeles, CA 90034, Tuscan Duplex

Endre Barath,Jr. (Beverly Hills,CA.310.486.1002 Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:38:45 -0500

STATUS: Active

ADDRESS: 10712 TABOR ST , LOS ANGELES ,CA 90034

LP: $699,000

Virtual/Photo Tour Add'l Photos

Larger Map Aerial Map Plat Map

RESIDENTIAL INCOME	DOM: 17	AREA: (13) Palms - Mar Vista	MLS#: 09-382755	LD: 07/07/2009
APN: 4252-034-035	ADP: No	STYLE: Country French	MAP: 672/E1	SP:
NUM UNITS: 2	APX LSZ: 4,922/VN	POOL: No	CVD PKG: 2	SD:
APX SF: 1,757/VN	APX LDM:	TRASH:	NUM PKG: 3
YB: 1906	GI: $0	GRM: 0.00	SCHED/ACT: Scheduled	WATER:
RC:	GOI: 0	CAP:	TAXES: $3,949	VAC: 0%
CONST:	AOE:	INS:	GRDN:	MGMNT:
NUM STO: 2	ATE: $0	ELEC:	MAINT:	POOL EXP:
ZONE: LAR3	NOI: $0	GAS:	MGR:	ELEV:
ASSED IMP VAL: $57,198	ASSED TOT VAL:	ASSED LND VAL: $272,000	LT: ER

Type	Number of Units	Bedrooms	Baths	Furnished(y/n)	Revenue
Unit 1	1	2	2.00	No	$0
Unit 2	1	1	1.00	No	$0

DIRECTIONS: N. of Venice, S. of Pico, W. of Overland

REMARKS: Welcome to Tuscany Duplex. Entrance opens to rich hardwoodflooring, spacious liv/din room, 2 bedrooms each with their own bath, mstr with luxurious marble. Kitchen with granite counters - leads to charming sun porch. Door opens to beautiful romantic flower garden. Upstairs unit 1 bedroom, 1 bath, newer Berber carpeting. Kitchen, TV room. Motivated seller.

AIR: Central	HEAT: Central
ROOF:	FIN: Cash To New Loan
WATERFRONT: None	DISC: As Is,Probate
SEWER: In Street	TYPE: Duplex
EQUIP: Alarm System,Cable	TENANT PAYS: Other
OWNER PAYS: Other	OCC/SHOW: Call LA 1,Combo Lock Box
SPA:

LP: $699,000	DOM: 17	SP:	SSP:	OLP: $699,000
LD: 07/07/2009	CD:	SD:	WD:

This Duplex is less then 10 minutes drive to the ocean and less then 10 minutes to Beverly Hills, one of the best neighborhood streets in the area. Great owner user downstairs and additional income from the upstairs unit. Do not miss out! Will not last! If this does not work for you but would like me to help you find another property feel free to call or e-mail me.