Jason's Blog

Incredible Sealife with Birds, Whales, Fish, and Crazy Paddlers.. Amazing

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:57:15 -0600

On November 17, 2009 off the coast of Palos Verdes in the Los Angeles Bay, there were thousands of birds gathering around a huge bait ball. The "Seagasm" was probably four football fields large, and had whales and all sorts of sealife feeding on it. There were several brave paddelboards and kayaks that made the journey a few miles offshore, and got very close to the action. I did see activity all week long, but this was the most magnificent gathering I have seen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAA3XjKZ5HI

In one of my titles I called this a "seagasm" - is that inappropiate in the work force? Just wondering, and I mean no offense, however, I feel it represents a lot of what is going on out there. Amazing indeed.

The video is a little long, but with great footage. The music is SundaySkool, a live improv jam session recorded every Sunday nite at the Sea Palace Studio. http://www.stickam.com/sundayskool

Fin Whales in Palos Verdes

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:30:28 -0600

This past week I have seen Fin Whales in the channel to Santa Catalina Island. One evening during sunset a large group was splashing and creating huge boils as they raced towards the cliffs of PV. My friends and I believe they were chasing squid.

Palos Verdes is famous for hosting Grey Whales from November to April. The Palos Verdes Interpretive Center is a great focal point and the museum is nice too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE6IayHV0V0

I shot this video the next eve and put together some music that I produce here at my home studio.

Enjoy, and please do your best to make a difference in conservation.

Work from home saves time in Commuting

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:20:00 -0500

Its hard to believe how incredibly gorgeous it is today. Its 87 degree's plus, clear with a slight breeze, and a wonderful time to work at the Beach. At 200 Pier Ave, one block from the beach in Hermosa, there are 52 office condo units for sale. With the internet capabilities and keeping a conscious effort to become "green", more business people are choosing to work from home. Having an office at 200 Pier Ave keeps you close to home, in the social mix at the hub of the city, and motivated to get your work done so you can enjoy the other parts of living instead of wasting time sitting in traffic daily. Be more productive and stop wasting time~!

Luckily I have enough room in my house to work from home. I have a pretty remarkable ocean view and its plenty of inspiration looking out at the sea for a few minutes to help me concentrate on the grind so I can afford this place. I am lucky, and thank those that bless me, and want to help as many as possible in return. If you are interested in finding a paradise at home, lets talk about the ways to acheive your goal.

Have a great day.

Jason

Kitchen Design in the South Bay

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:52:08 -0500

Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? As a lifelong resident of Palos Verdes with a Eco-Broker designation, I have great pride in helping my friends and clients choose healty products, practice conservation, and recognize the importance of sustainability. In my decade long experience with real estate on "the hill", I found that the kitchen is the leading attribute in purchasing a home and would like to introduce National Capital Kitchens West to the South Bay.

How National Capital Kitchens got started:

National Capital Kitchens grew out of a start-up business dating back to 2001. Byron Buck and Vicki Glass bought a house on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC with the intention of moving. Circumstances caused the closing to be delayed for over 6 months and Byron and Vicki made arrangements to live in another house. When the first house finally closed Byron and Vicki still wanted to have someone remodel the house so they could live there, but something happened that changed their minds. A contractor offered them $50,000 to walk away from the new purchase. Realizing that there might be significant profit to be made in buying and remodeling houses they decided to remodel the house themselves and sell it.

Byron had never remodeled anything before. After careful consideration they decided to give it a try. 9 months later the house sold for a six-figure profit. This started Byron and Vicki on a remodeling career that carried through 8 houses. They called themselves BV Builders, created an LLC and became a licensed home remodeling contracting company. They never lived in any of the remodels save the last one, which is now their personal home with the offices of National Capital Kitchens in the basement. The entire house has become a showroom. The kitchen can be seen on the company website: www.nationalcapitalkitchens.com.

By 2005 the market for remodeling homes in Washington had changed, as it did across most of the country. It was becoming more and more difficult to remodel houses profitably. BV Builders was finding it difficult to find properties that met their criteria for remodeling. Again something happened. A friend introduced them to kitchen remodeling. He was a kitchen designer who wanted to go out on his own. He asked BV Builders if they would consider remodeling kitchens for clients he had met. This launched a new kitchen remodeling business. Within a year BV Builders was remodeling dozens of kitchens. In order to focus more specifically on kitchen remodeling BV Builders changed the name to National Capital Kitchens. Their business was throughout the District of Columbia and Byron and Vicki wanted a name that reflected this.

Today there are multiple designers working for the company. Instead of remodeling dozens of kitchens a year, we are remodeling dozens of kitchens at a time. This business started on "Capitol Hill" but now it reaches out to every quadrant of the District. National Capital Kitchens represents three cabinet manufacturers and several countertop companies. It has direct relationships with specific contractors who provide kitchen remodeling services to the company. Every week several interested clients contact National Capital Kitchens to explore kitchen remodeling projects.

How National Capital Kitchens -West got started:

National Capital Kitchens - West is the West coast division of National Capital Kitchens. It started in 2009 in Palos Verdes, California. The business started in Washington, DC in an area called "Capitol Hill". This movement West is to an area also called "the hill". The similarities between these two areas are more than just a name. Both communities suffer from the economic downturn of 2008/2009 where homeowners found it difficult to move or to sell their homes. Many turned to remodeling to improve their living conditions and to add value to their homes. In effect they elected to transfer funds from their equity accounts into equity of their homes. Done well, a kitchen remodel adds more equity to the home than the equity required to remodel.

National Capital Kitchens might not have realized this economic opportunity had it not been for Jason Buck, Byron's son. Jason lives in Palos Verdes. He was born in this community, grew up there, and has been a real estate agent there for the past decade. He knows Palos Verdes very well, and he is well-know in the area.

In addition to this, Jason has a history of working with his father. In the 1990s, after graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in Business, Jason joined his father's business as a production manager. When the business decided to move to Virginia, Jason elected to remain in California, where he became a real estate agent.

The mutual business experience of Jason and Byron and the economic opportunity that Palos Verdes offers were right for the creation of National Capital Kitchens - West. Together they bring the experience and expertise of this DC-based company to the South Bay area of Southern California. The business relationships, the resources, the knowledge of kitchen design, the ability to manage complex remodeling projects and the unique business philosophy of National Capital Kitchens are the DNA of this new company. National Capital Kitchens - West is built on the success of NCK, DC and has the full support and availability of its personnel and resources.

The business philosophy of National Capital Kitchens (NCK) and National Capital Kitchens - West (NCK-W) is based on four key principles:

locally based
quality work
client-centered approach
transparency

If you would like more information or perhaps an appointment to discuss your dream kitchen, please call Jason Buck at 310.383.2578 or visit www.nationalcapitalkitchens.com

Save Millions of gallons of Water~!!

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:29:24 -0500

Conserve Water and Save Money

Did you know the average lawn uses 40,000 gallons of water a year or more! No wonder we have a water crisis, it’s time to change your thinking. Now you can have a perfect lawn year around while saving the environment and money. Call us now for a FREE estimate or come by our model home and see for yourself.

GO GREEN!GO GRASSFREE!STOP WASTING WATER!

http://www.grassfree.com/

50 % OFF- SOME CITIES PAY UP TO 50% OF THE ENTIRE COST !

SANTA MONICA IS JUST ONE CITY THAT UNDERSTANDS THE LONG TERM BENEFIT OF THIS PRODUCT.
RESPONSIBILITY – IMAGINE HAVING A BETTER LOOKING LAWN THAT WILL SAVE MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER OVER IT’S LIFESPAN.
MORE MENTAL ENERGY FOR YOU- HOW MUCH MENTAL ENERGY DO YOU SPEND FUSSING OVER YOUR LAWN THAT IS NEVER PERFECT. NOW IT CAN BE ALL DAY EVERYDAY.
NO LAWN MOWING – Put the mower ,weed wacker and edger away for good. Spend your time enjoying your lawn instead of working on it.
PET FRIENDLY - NO BURN SPOTS OR DISCOLORATION.
MASSIVE CURB APPEAL – BE THE ENVY OF THE NEBORHOOD AND FEEL GREAT AS YOU PULL INTO YOUR HOME WHERE THE FRONT IS ALWAYS PERFECT.
FAST INSTALLATION- 1 DAY IN SOME LOCATION 2 DAYS IS STANDARD. IMAGINE 48 HOURS TO A PERFECT LAWN.

Palos Verdes Home Tour 3-31-09

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:48:34 -0500

There is a very special home on the tour this week. It is behind the gates in Portuguese Bend with a huge nature preserve int he backyard and interesting architecture. Originally 1950's Frank Lloyd Wright style, with open ceilings and lots of skylights - there is a huge Eco-remodel opportunity here. Let me know if you would like a closer look.

I have started to host a few of the homes on the weekly Brokers Open for Palos Verdes. Here is a link to my home tour this week, sorry the footage is a little shakey - just trying to get as much in there as possible and I am doing this all by myself - everything :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS55EQm2SnM

There has been a large increase in the amount of homes on the market and there were roughly 60 homes on Brokers Open this week.

Music performed by Sunday Skool - can be viewed on http://www.stickam.com/sundayskool If you would like a list of homes please email me. If you would like a special video of any home please let me know and I will work to help you. Free MLS search @ http://jasonbuck.listingbook.com Have a great day.

Palos Verdes Home Tour 3-24-09

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:03:18 -0500

http://www.youtube.com/user/jasonbuckpvrealest

There has been a large increase in the amount of homes on the market and there were roughly 60 homes on Brokers Open this week.

Home Tour Video of Palos Verdes

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:36:53 -0500

On St. Patricks day I hosted a tour of the acitve listings in Palos Verdes on Brokers Open. These were a few of my favorite homes for the week, with views or big yards. If you would like a personal list of homes in my area, or for me to shoot a property you are interested in please let me know and I will do so.

I am having trouble with the embed - here is the link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/user/jasonbuckpvrealest

Palos Verdes is in Los Angeles County and is a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. With Catalina Island framing the horizon, whales and dolphins are a common sight. With homes in the hills overlooking the sea, many of the homes are Spanish style with a mix of Mediteranian or Italian Villa influences.

Fundraiser for Children with disabilities in Brentwood

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:10:51 -0500

No Boundaries is performing in Brentwood this weekend, Saturday. Best Buddies is a wonderful organization helping people with disabilities, kinda like Big Brother. No Boundaries has been playing together for three years and has almost completed their first solo album. They have performed for Special Olympics, shared the stage with Jay Leno, and went to China and performed on the Great Wall. For more info on the band please go to http://www.myspace.com/exmusic8

Here is the link for the gig this weekend:
http://www.bestbuddiescalifornia.org/site/c.frKUI1PzEoE/b.1289925/k.BE84/Home.htm

Hope to see you there, its for a great cause.

Changes in Office and Home

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:55:30 -0600

One "green" person won't change the world, but every little bit of help will make a difference. Here are a few ideas to implement around the office. Get everyone involved and make a conscious effort to change.

US businesses throw away enough paper to build a 12 foot high wall from New York to San Francisco. Offices use nearly 1.5 pounds of paper per person per day. You can cut this number by using less paper, and reusing paper where appropriate. Create hard copies only when necessary. Train yourself to review and edit documents on line, resist printing web material, and instead bookmark web pages. A simple easy task of using a routing label on the first page of your fax, instead of an entire cover sheet makes a difference.

Reuse office paper and supplies whenever possible. Turn printed paper over and use for scrap paper, phone messages, and drafts. Save used manila envelopes and padded mailing envelopes, and reuse them with a new mailing label and fresh postage. When purchasing stationary, photocopy paper and even colored paper, look for brands that contain 30% or more post-consumer content.

Set up a recycling program for your business. Collect paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles for recycle. A ton of paper recycled saves the equivalent of 4,100 kWh of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of CO2 and 3 cubic yards of landfill space.

Studies show that lighting accounts for 30% or more of the energy use in a typical office. Reduce your lighting use by installing occupancy sensors that will automatically turn off the lights when the room is empty, and turn on the lights when people enter. Or, consider an old fashioned remedy of "last one out turns off the lights."

Lower your heating and cooling demands which account for about 40% of the energy use in a typical office. Install a thermostat which automatically lowers settings for evenings and weekends. Agree with your work colleagues on a temperature setting, even if it requires sweaters in the winter. Each degree of heating or cooling is approximately 1% of your utility bill. If you control the hot water heater, set the temperature at 120 degrees or lower. If possible, install an "on demand" water heater. Your hot water tank can account for 9% of the total energy load.

Save water by adding aerators to existing faucets. These simple devices can cut faucet water consumption in half. Replace standard toilets, which use 5-6 gallons per flush, with low-flush toilets that use only 2-3 gallons of water. Reach agreement among your office staff to flush toilets when necessary, and not after every use. Yellow is mellow!

Repair water leaks as soon as you find them. A single dripping faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day.

Reduce equipment energy consumption, which accounts for 16% of an office's energy use. Cut equipment electricity use by over 60% simply by turning off your computers and copiers at night. Anything plugged into a wall socket - clocks, computers, printers, desk lights, cell phone re-chargers, TV's, digital coffee makers etc. - generate a "phantom" load of electricity. The small red or green lights let you know the phantom is working. Connect as many items as possible to a surge protector strip and turn off the strip, and your equipment, at night.

Lets Go Green Together :)

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:49:24 -0500

“Going green” and being “Eco-Conscious” are hot topics these days and gaining more attention with the urgent need to stop global warming. Costa Rica will plant seven million trees in 2008 to soak up as many greenhouse gas emissions as it produces, in a bid to become the world's first carbon neutral nation, a top official said Monday. "The stated goal is to be the first neutral country as far as greenhouse gas emissions is concerned," said Energy and Environment Minister Roberto Dobles. "To get there, this administration is betting on halting deforestation and on the 'Plant a Tree' project," he added, referring to an ongoing government initiative to plant as many trees as possible in the country. The project aims to "plant seven million trees this year, meaning that in our country there would be 1.5 trees for each Costa Rican. He added that in 2007 the country managed to plant five million trees, spurred by the desire to forestall an impending environmental catastrophe. "Climate change is the main threat facing humanity and, even so, the world still can't agree to fight this problem," Dobles said. Every country can help in the struggle, even a small nation like his own, Dobles said. "We all know developed countries and big developing nations like China, Brazil and India are chiefly responsible for most of the greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer. "That doesn't mean a country like Costa Rica should stand by doing nothing. On the contrary, we're working on a series of initiatives on the national and global levels to lessen the impact" of climate change, the minister said. The effort is spurred in part by the perilous signs of global warming that have already appeared in the Central American nation. Costa Rican scientists have blamed the loss of more than a dozen amphibian species, including the shiny yellow "golden toad", on higher temperatures caused by global warming. By the end of 2007, Costa Rica will have planted nearly 6.5 million trees, which should absorb 111,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, Environment Minister Roberto Dobles said. There are several things the public can do to support the environment like recycling, car pooling, walking, and reusing as many products as possible; every little bit helps. Another great idea is to post this simple message on your outbound emails. Please consider the environment before printing this email. Go to your options menu in your email and create a signature for your emails. The picture of the tree that is being used in this case is actually the letter P using the Webdings font. Then, simply write the message and make the whole thing green. Now you are all set! How many people print out emails these days? I bet there are several small tasks each of us can do to make a small change that will one day affect our big world. The challenge is to take action and make a difference.

Do you know me?

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:56:18 -0500

Jason Buck moved to Palos Verdes at the age of 3 and lives in the same home he grew up in. He attended all PV schools including PV High before it closed. In ’91 Jason went to Loyola Marymount and excelled to the Dean’s list before leaving the country to study abroad in Australia. He returned to major in music at USC, and then changed majors to graduate from Boulder University in Colorado with an International Business degree.

In 1995 Jason was accepted in the Peace Corps in Guatemala. Family matters brought him back to Los Angeles to help in the family business, Rollcut, a rotary die manufacturing plant with 40 employees. After a few years the business finally closed its doors and resulted in his parents divorcing. Jason then found his way to real estate and was able to save the family home. Jason received his Realtor license in 1998 and sold the first million dollar home for the small company he worked with. In 2000 he joined Fred Sands PV Realty and started working with the best agents on the “hill” quickly excelling his career to the top 10%.

Combing his new interest in real estate with his degree, Jason completed a designation as an International Property Specialist with a focus in Latin America. Jason attends several conferences around the world including Panama, Costa Rica, Spain, France, and Mexico. He also belongs to FIABCI, and International Federation of agents, builders, and developers from around the world. His five years of experience with this group has developed several great contacts and opportunities. His database of associates is in the thousands and he attends annual meetings to continue those relationships.

Jason has also brought another lifelong love of music back into his life and currently plays with a disabled person band called No Boundaries. This band was asked to go to China in the summer of 2006 to promote people with disabilities and they were the first to perform at the Great Wall of China. Recently the band performed with Jay Leno for a Special Olympic fundraiser and there is talk of returning to China in October for the Special Olympics.

Jason also continues his interest in the environment and is a registered Eco-Broker with the National Association of Realtors. His goal is to improve air quality in homes while advocating “green” methods of generating electricity. This education is also valuable in the numerous eco-resorts he is representing in Costa Rica and Panama. He is also working with the Aqua Clara Foundation to provide a water purifier with no moving parts or need for electricity, using local materials to save the lives of children. These units are being placed in Kenya and parts of Mexico. Positive performance plus profitability are fundamental to sustainability. Aquaclara can save lives by water remediation while assisting local business and communities.

Is there such a thing as Second World?

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:19:01 -0500

Panama is hot, and it’s not the weather that is creating the most heat. There are 40 freighters with International cargo on either side of the Panama Canal right now waiting four days for their pass of the Mirimar locks. With the announcement of the canal expansion approved, an enormous amount of International Banks and Five Star developers including Trump are pouring money into the development of Panama. The new canal will bring an abundance of white collar jobs to Panama including the mass amount of various construction jobs which is bustling with energy. Currently, Balboa Avenue is under construction from 10pm- 6am every evening as the current President is trying to finish the expansion of Balboa Greenway during his presidency. An enormous project of constructing a 4 line each way road with a center greenbelt, parks, and features.

Development is not only occurring in the city, although, there is still little development south of the city towards Colombia, where several indigenous Indians still thrive. The most popular destination where numerous projects are developing is along the Pacific Coastline especially in the Coronado area about an hour north of the city. Santa Catalina hosts the best surfing wave in the country and is rumored to be seeing a lot of development in the near future including an airport which would save a five hour drive from Panama City. The Pacific Coastal port of David has enjoyed steady improvement in jobs and infrastructure. With a strong fishing business out of the Boca Chica area, islands and large farms are being purchased by savvy Americans who see the potential for development over the years to come.

Just up the road from David is Boquette, rated the #1 place to retire in numerous travel and leisure magazines and continues to grow in an ecological fashion with valleys of beautiful orchids in the trees in a cool climate. The Caribbean coast is the next hot spot and is now beginning to see projects with interest. There are several great land bank deals on this coast in Costa Abajo and Costa Arriba near Portobello. There is a merchandise mart under contract offering foreign manufacturers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, sales agents and business people from around the world the chance to rent or buy permanent showroom in an unique international wholesale market environment

There are several 2200 square foot 3 bedroom 2 bath homes with granite and American appliances investments in for $300,000 with gorgeous ocean or valley views throughout the country. There are no property taxes for most properties for the next 20 years, as well as other tax and banking incentives. The Panamaians are friendly and with 96 percent literacy technologically advanced with a tropical style.

Azulera in Costa Rica

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:07:57 -0500

About 150 real estate brokers, tourism industry leaders, bankers and business owners gathered in Brasilito, Guanacaste to mark the start of construction of the $300 million Hyatt Hotel Resort project. A group of 75 people, about half of them brokers from both the United States and Canada, had been flown into the country to get a first hand look at the building site. Both the Ministers of Tourism and of Public Works and Transport, as well as the Mayor of Santa Cruz Municipality lent a hand with the symbolic planting of a Guanacaste tree as part of the ground-breaking ceremony. The Minister of Tourism, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, told the audience the government was willing to open its arms to projects such as the Hyatt, because of its style and the respect it has for the local community. “This will give employment to the local community, but within a sustainable development,” he said. Construction on the 184-room hotel and the accompanying 18-hole golf course is expected to eventually create 2000 to 2500 jobs. The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Karla González, in outlining the government’s record in the region, told the developers her government did not want the country to be ashamed of its infrastructure again. “Today we have a challenge to repair and maintain the gravel roads, which account for about 80 per cent of Guanacaste. We need to do this without filling the province with asphalt.” She issued a challenge to the Mayor of Santa Cruz, Jorge Chavarría, saying Costa Rica had failed to pay attention to infrastructure, like walkways, for tourists and other pedestrians.

For his part, Mayor Chavarría said he had promised the developers the municipality would give them all his help, within the law, to speed up the construction process. “We are proud to have been chosen for such a prestigious project,” Mr Chavarría said. Also part of the ceremonies was the Australian golfer Greg Norman, who has agreed to design the resort’s 18-hole golf course. He promised his design would be sensitive to the diverse environment in the region. Three banks will fund the $100-million-plus first phase of the project, which is being developed by the New Jersey-based, Global Financial Group. The deal is understood to have been put together by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE), which bought in Banco de Costa Rica and Banco Nacional. The first phase of the project will include the hotel, to be known as Hyatt Regency Azulera Resort and Spa, the golf course plus 64 condominiums. The Chief Executive Officer of the Global Financial Group, Anil Kothari, said the hotel is timed to be completed at the same time as the golf course, probably within 18 to 24 months, depending upon weather conditions. Phase one will be built on 225 hectares (557 acres) just north of the town of Brasilito. The entire project, built over five to seven years and including the resort, 100 condominiums, up to 240 villas around the golf course, an unspecified number of single dwelling homes, a spa, gymnasium, six restaurants, a banquet room seating 350, various salt and fresh water swimming pools and a commercial center, is likely to cost more than $300 million. The total residential component is likely to be as high as 1000.

For more info please visit www.discoverlapuravida.com or write me an email about how we can work together with referrals.

Costa Rica Interest ~ join our webinar today

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:12:08 -0600

Optimum Realty presents an

Exclusive Phase One Opportunity

Thursday February 21st @ 5:30PM PST

http://OptimumRealtyLLC.com/KaliaWebinar

http

Join us for an informational presentation on this new master-planned destination resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Thursday February 21st

3:30pm HST - 5:30pm PST - 7:30pm CST - 8:30pm EST

**You will register and login online for the visual presentation. You will need to call the number and access code provided once you register to receive the audio**

International emerging markets are the hot ticket for real estate investors and retirees. As four million baby boomers turn 60 every year, many look to retire outside the US. Costa Rica offers a temperate climate, low cost of living, stable government, favorable taxes, low crime rate, rich culture and access to healthcare.

This is an exclusive opportunity in phase one of four high-end, ultra modern sustainable destination resorts and villages on over 1,000 acres of forest and beachfront. Only seven percent of the land will be developed. This is the luxurious ecological development known as Kalia Modern Eco-Living.

You will learn about:

Why Costa Rica as an investment
Why Kalia as a developer
Current models and lots available
The investment opportunity
"Fly and Buy" Program

Additional information is available at...

Buyers: http://OptimumRealtyLLC.com/KaliaPhaseOne

Brokers: http://OptimumRealtyLLC.com/KaliaBroker

Join the Webinar: http://OptimumRealtyLLC.com/KaliaWebinar

You may have to cut and paste the webinar address and hope to see you there

Last Minute Invitation~!

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:58:27 -0600

I am inviting you to learn more about Costa Rica and a wonderful eco-village project TODAY at 5:30pmEST.

Please join us as we talk about the wonderful attributes of this unique Phase I opportunity near Nosara, a holistic community with Yoga studios, recycling bins, and an earthy free-spiritual mentality thoughout the entire coastline.

Please register for our webinar for brokers by going to http://www.optimumrealtyllc.com/kaliawebinar

We will be having a webinar for your clients on Feb 21st at 8:30 EST.

International emerging markets are the hot ticket for real estate investors and retirees. As four million baby boomers turn 60 every year, many look to retire outside the US. Costa Rica offers a temperate climate, lower cost of living, stable government, favorable taxes, low crime rate, rich culture and healthcare.

Kalia is more than an investment, it’s an acknowledgement of lifestyle featuring a biodiverse and holistic environment. More than just a “green” project, Kalia combines the highest level of eco-friendly building materials and exemplary craftsmanship with an incredibly beautiful location. Experience Kalia. Experience Costa Rica.

Warm Regards,

Jason Buck

310.383.2578

http://www.jasonbuck.com/

Wanna Get AWAY~?

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:44:02 -0600

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to learn about a wonderful eco-village resort in the heart of Costa Rica. Featuring state of the art eco-construction and a village with communial lifestyle as a priority ~ this is truly a new frontier. Do you think about yoga, better spirituality, health and helping the environment? Just take a moment to learn about the exciting opportunities on our webinar this Tuesday - February 12th at 5:30pm EST.

The first webinar is intended to teach brokers about the project, how we plan to handle referrals and visits, and general knowledge of the Costa Rican pura vida lifestyle, culture, economics, and geography. The second webinar will be more intended for Buyers and will cover the same topics. We want to invite Brokers to attend and then attract your clients. We are not looking for referral fee's ~ we want to help you to work with your clients and everyone wins. Come see why Costa Ricans are called Tico's and why they always say "Pura Vida".

You will be suprised you didn't think of doing this a long time ago.

Jason Buck

310.383.2578

Costa Rica Webinar~!

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:41:55 -0600

I am inviting all realtors, investors, and home buyers to a special webinar we will be hosting this month. Featuring a gorgeous new eco-village in Nosara in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, this webinar will give you a great understanding of the brilliant marketplace in Costa Rica.

International emerging market are the hot ticket for real estate investors and retirees. Capture your clients that are thinking of making an International move and we can help them together. I have been traveling through Costa Rica and Panama for the last five years, and all of my hard work is coming together with some great projects and opportunities. As four million baby boomers turn 60 every year, many look to retire outside the US. Costa Rica offers a temperate climate, lower cost of living, stable government, favorable taxes, low crime rate, rich culture and good /low priced healthcare ( there is a SIMA in San Jose).

Plesae email me back with your interest in attending this event.

Panama is Hot~!

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:22:15 -0600

Fantastic Beach~hut Paradise

Located in Costa Arriba on the Carribean Coast of Panama just east of the entrance to the Panama Canal lies this fantastic beachfront opportunity. Over 7,000 Hectares of prime beach with over a kilometer of large sand beachfront. White sand matched with crystaline waters of the Carribean with lush tropical primary forests. $20,000,000.

After returning from a recent conference in Panama, I learned of several new properties and opportunites that I am very excited about. Real Estate is booming in Panama with the arrival of Donald Trump and the worlds largest building under construction in the city. I met some very caluable contacts and have lots of information to help you make a good decision in this country. My affiliation with CIPS and FIABCI has helped me meet some very influential people in this business and continuing to find ways to give back to my local and International community have provided wonderful joy. More information and listings are located at www.discoverpuravida.com

www.pvblogs.com

For more information on this and other listings - www.jasonbuck.com

Fun Stuff ~ Free Music

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:13:10 -0600

I really enjoy the fun stuff - and a lot of it has to do with music.

I built a home recording studio that is "top notch" and in my free time I invite over a group of supertalented musicians and jam away. The foundation is funk music, with a jazz emphasis on stretching, then I would say there is just plain harmony. This band is called Sunday Skool and we specialize in FLOW. We really listen to one another, play off one another, and smile and laugh a lot.

Soo, for those of you that are busy getting stuff done (I am too, but I'm on break) here is a song you can play in the background and download if you like it:)

http://islalorado.com

On 11-11-07 studiolorado hosted special group of friends for the ultimate jam. We couldn’t get out of the key of “D” and named our first track Delirious. Its a 23 minute journey of sounds, vibes, thought, and passion and I feel blessed to be a part of this movement.

Featuring two keyboardists and two guitarists, bass and drums, all recorded live, unrehearsed, and raw.

Good luck getting your work done - if you have anyone who is thinking about property in Costa Rica or Panama, I have several contacts and deals to talk to you about.

Warm Regards,

Jason Buck

CIPS

FIABCI

www.jasonbuck.com

Eco Lodge Costa Rica

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:37:08 -0600

Uvita Costa Rica Eco-Lodge

The Whales and Dolphins hotel is one of the best opportunities available for sale along the south coast near the coast community of Uvita. Uvita is in a stage of major growth with several commercial centers under construction along the recently paved coast highway, mostly due to two major factors, one being the construction of the highway linking up Quepos-Manuel Antonio to Dominical, and the proposed international airport to be constructed 40 minutes south in Palmar Sur. The village has one bank at present with 5 others to open in the near future showing that there are signs of growth coming into the zone.

Exclusive Eco Resort and Spa nestled into the lush tropical mountainsides above the famous sand bar and rocky point better known as the "Whales Tail" located along the "Costa Ballena" in the southern Pacific. Project offers 4 master suites and 16 standard rooms all with huge pacific whitewater views, two infinity edge pools, a world class restaurant, rain forest bar, gift shop, and an observation deck.

The owners of the project are from Argentina, and the 8,000 km distance makes it very difficult for them to manage their business the way they would like to, making this an opportune moment for the ready to go buyer. 2.72 acres $2,450,000.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for more details,

Jason Buck
Certified International Property Specialist
FIABCI
310.383.2578
www.jasonbuck.com

Where is this city?

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:21:10 -0600

Do you know where this city is?

I thought it would be fun to play a little game. Many people have no idea how fast Central America is growing. This city is currently in the spotlight for huge expansion projects and tourism. Trump has just landed and started to build, and there will soon be the worlds tallest building constructed within view of this photo.

Do you know where this is?

I wanted to hide the answer a bit to build excitement -- == Panama - with the canal expansion, babyboomer flocking to retire, and huge developments projects; this city never sleeps and can be known as the Las Vegas of Central America. There is incredible opportnity here with International Banking, a stable economy and political stsmophere, and beacutiful beaches just up the coast. The mild climate of the mountains is attracting folks looking to retire while obseving orchids in the trees.

I have been traveling to Costa Rica and Panama and have several clients, opportunities, and relationships I can share with you. Please let me know what you are looking for and I will guide you to a peacefull opportunity with professionals who can assist your move. Land in Panama may be owned by foreign residents, there is title insurance and loans available, and something for everyone. All you need to do is think about your dream, and let me know - I will show you where its located :)

Have a great day.

Regards,

Jason Buck

Certified International Property Specialist

www.jasonbuck.com

310.383.2578

This is AMAZING!!!

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:22:06 -0500

I have been suffering from power problems in my neighborhood. There has been no effort by the power company to inform or contact the residents and the City does not want to get involved. I wrote a letter to 240 or my neighbors and asked them to write to me or to this blog http://thepvlife.com

And its WORKING!

My neighbors have started to write their concerns, complaints, and experiences with this problem. I am soo stoked that I created a platform for our neighborhood to communicate and hopefully get some attention to our dilema. I also plan on promoting PV to mean Photo Voltaic, which is solar power.

Much more to come soon so please watch how this unfolds :)

Jason Buck

Should Utility Companies be Held Accountable?

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:57:31 -0500

This article was written by a Rancho Palos Verdes resident who is suffereing from the power problems in the Pt. Vicente area. It was published in the Daily Breeze Tuesday August 14th, 2007.

We all seem eager to voice our contempt of airline companies lately! Whether for late flights, crying babies, baggage losses, or cramped seats, we take the opportunity to give the airlines a "piece of our mind" at the least glimpse of a problem. We expect them to be perfect in matters of our travel, and many actually think its our right to have it so. The airlines are viewed as a utility company would be, always expected to be on the top of their service game, with no slip ups, no delays, no crew or passenger routing mistakes.

If they do encounter these problems, interrupted passengers become very vocal about compensation, and other perks that go with our inconvenience. We expect telephone notification for delays, free meals and hotels for our troubled trips, free tickets for flight interruptions. Then why is it when our electrical utility goes out, the phone company lines go down, or the water main breaks, you get no warning, no update, no apologies and no compensation?

My area had trouble with electrical service recently. The electrical provider scheduled a planned maintenance that would take the power out for approximately 20 hours, (told this over the phone when I called in to check the status of the outage). There was no notice that work was scheduled, no communication when it continued beyond the maintenance stage, and indeed, no word at all unless the customers called to inquire what the problem was. Then we received only estimated times for information updates. We understand that there are going to be circumstances beyond human control, like broken water mains or snapped phone lines, but why do we accept these so readily without wrath?

Why are airlines expected to compensate passengers for their mistakes, some, like weather, air traffic control problems, and connecting flight interruptions or flight safety issues, which are totally out of their control? We expect them to issue vouchers for meals, hotels, free tickets, and the like, but have nothing to say when our home food supply is ruined, though we may have been able to salvage it with a little fore warning.

No, our utility companies are NOT the same. I just experienced a two-day electrical interruption. No warning, no compensation, little communication and $200 worth of food that had to be tossed out due to spoilage. The only comment? "We're sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you!" And a recorded message at that, received in the early morning as the power went back on, and every alarm on every appliance and system in the house was sounding.

I'm wondering if we'd put up with that from the airlines?

www.gemcorptraining.blogspot.com
is a blog on various thoughts on good customer service, the benefits, the techniques, and where its offered.

For more informaiton on the current situation please visit http://palosverdeslife.blogspot.com/

Where are the foreclosures?

Jason Buck (Coldwell Banker Malaga Cove) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:54:35 -0500

The foreclosure market has been getting a lot of attention lately especially in the news. The real handicap at this point is the mortgage industry with loans getting harder to find and fund. The Palos Verdes and surrounding cities of Los Angeles have had a small amount of foreclosures. There is still plenty of buyers along the coast looking for homes and not a surplus of inventory to promote foreclosure. However, in Palmdale, Lancaster, Temecula, and Murrieta there are currently more than 100 foreclosures. Surrounding cities have plenty as well. Its the large multi-home projects that were overbuilt and now suffering.

I have a great graphic that I couldn't post here - not sure why, if you would like to see it please go to http://palosverdesrealestatenews.blogspot.com/

If you would like me to e-mail you the map please let me know.

Have a great day :)