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Los Angeles, CA Real Estate News

By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Diane and I have been going to the Festival of Books for the past 24+ years. If memory serves me correctly, we only missed the first two... Now with that said this year we did not get a new coffee mug. Usually, we get one every year commemorating our visit to the Festival of Books. This year was a total disappointment.The marketing was too vague and too discouraging. In the old days if you wanted to see an author you did not have to pay to enter. This year the message was mistakenly focused on, that you cannot get to see a panel or an author unless you pay for a ticket. Really??? False messaging. Sadly, many bought into this message including us.I told Diane it was just poor English and not clear messaging... we disagreed... on a side note I was right.So, with that said, let me tell you...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Friday Funday: I thought how about a fun dinner.... I always cruise the Internet, and I saw someone post a recipe for baked cabbage. Loved the idea and it so happened I had cabbage in the fridge as well as I always have olive oil.Now I thought this would go well with bake Argentinian Red Shrimp.Then I figured how about some great Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Bisquists to accompany the dinner Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly! If you are looking for a pet friendly Beverly Hills Realtor who can handle and sell the most difficult properties that no one else could, please reach ...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
2401 San Marco Dr. Los Angeles CA 90068: Accepting Backup Offers...Directions : Head East on Franklin Ave to Cahuenga BLVD (N) first right (E)on to Dix St and first left (n) on Holly Dr. to the end turn (L) to San Marco, land is just past 2407 San Marco Dr.Remarks: Best priced vacant land in the Beach Wood Canyon area. Truly a fantastic opportunity to build your dream home in the highly desirable Hollywood Dell section of the Hollywood Hills East. This lot is equally desirable for a developer to build for spec. The house next to this lot on a more difficult upslope with smaller frontage was built recently. This up sloped lot has about 58 ft of frontage with panoramic canyon views. Just imagine being surrounded by nature and multimillion dollar homes and still be minutes from the city an...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
This recipe was inspired by a cookbook I received from our friend Dick Greenberg  many years ago. Sady, he left the platform many years ago as well... He sent me this cookbook, once he discovered that I was a gourmet cook but did not have this book.So let me share the ingredients (the key is having all this to make it work):1. black truffle oil2. black truffle mushroom3. morrell mushrooms (in my case dried ones)4. Fresh Trumpet Mushrooms5. two garlic cloves6. quarter of an onion (I always use sweet onions)7. little butter with seasonings, parsley, tarragon, thyme and oregano8. Chicken Stock preferably a good one9. 1/2 cup of half and half or heavy cream (today I used half and half)10. any kind of pasta, I used some colorful ones just to make it more interesting.Needless to say, Diane th...
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By Mirela Monte, Myrtle Beach Real Estate
(Buyers' Choice Realty)
At a time when the richest people are becoming richer, what the Republicans say the answer is - let us give millionaires and billionaires even more in tax breaks. At a time when the middle class is in decline, poverty is increasing, what our Republican friends are saying - let us attack virtually every significant program that improves lives for low income or moderate income people. Rich get richer, they get more. Middle class gets poorer, they get less. Maybe that sense of morality makes sense to some people, but it does not make sense to this Senator and I do not believe that it makes sense to the vast majority of the American people. Bernie Sanders
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By Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Surfwood Monterey -- March 2011/First Quarter 2011 Market Update Surfwood  Monterey is a 92 unit condominium complex in the Highland Park/Hermon neighborhood within the city of Los Angeles.  Built in 1989(first move-ins were in 1990) the complex features subterranean parking, two elevators, pool, spa and gym.   The homes are two bedrooms and two baths in a variety of floor plans.  Each unit has washer-dryer hook-ups.   The top floor units have higher ceilings with clerestory windows. Surfwood Monterey -- March 2011/First Quarter 2011 Market Update There were no sales in Surfwood Monterey during March 2011.  The only sale in 2011 closed on February 1, 2011 according to multiple listing service records.  It is the largest floor plan with 1177 approximate square feet.  This floor plan feat...
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By Chaz Johnson, Los Angeles Properties - Short Sales/ Investment Property Expert
(Keller Williams Realty (The Louvet Group))
Hello,  I like to introduce my self. My name is Chaz Johnson and I'm a partner with Keller Williams Realty Brokerage firm ( The Louvet Group) in Beverly Hills, CA. The Short Sale & Investment Properties in the Los Angeles area is showing excellent growth in the Southern California market. Most investors wonder what is the benefit for purchasing short sales & investment properties. Well ther is the state of California, because California is a mortgage forgiveness state. The howeowner nor the new investor is liable for any back taxes, mortgage loans, or any taxes associated with that property. Investing or purchasing a short sale would be a very good business decision in this market, due to the banks huge invetory. If you have any questions about the LA area markets, and need assistance w...
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By Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Monterey Hills CA --- March 2011 Sales and Market Recap TheMonterey Hills community  is located within the city limits of Los Angeles and offers a variety of condominiums, townhomes and one single family development in a planned environment.  Most communities within Monterey Hills offer a pool, spa and a recreation/meeting room with some complexes boasting saunas, tennis courts and other amenities.  The desirable close-in location offers a relatively easy commute to Downtown Los Angeles, the Valleys and Los Angeles' westside.   Due to its close proximity to USC School of Medicine, many find Monterey Hills an excellent opportunity to purchase and live during residency or as an investment property. The first communities in Monterey Hills were constructed in 1979 with Bradley Court the 16 ...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
The Combined LA/Westside Multiple Listing Service has published the graph below indicating the first quarter market trends for Single Family Homes in Los Angeles from Downtown to the Ocean. There's good news and bad news. The good news is that Median Prices has risen consistently from 2009 to 2011 - up from $473,750 to $728,667. However, the bad news is that despite this increase in Median Prices, actual Sales Volume in dollar terms is down from the increase seen in 2010 from 2009. Also disconcerting is that the number of Sold Listings is down from 2010, and even lower than the same period in 2009. It will be interesting to watch how the second quarter of 2011 market activity fares when compared to 2010 and 2009. Information obtained from the MLS is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
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Eastsider Series in Atwater today and we're checking out this cutie 3 bedroom, 2 bath Spanish charmer off of Hollydale. Awesome curb appeal, great entertaining backyard, and a great layout, this home is perfect for those looking for some privacy, but looking to stay close to everything by trendy Glendale Blvd. At 1596 sq feet, this home affords a spacious layout, complete with new appliances, cabinets, countertops, and flooring. Priced at 569,900, this home is a great option for those looking to live in Atwater. www.CarolineSellsTheCity.com
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It's the Eastsider Series and we're in Atwater Village in this great 2 bedroom, 1 bath Craftsman off of La Clede. Built in 1923, this home has been completely remodeled -- complete with granite countertops, cabinets, tiled living room and kitchen, new electrical, and recessed lighting. A detached garage can serve nicely as a storage space, studio, detached office, or workshop. With a 5400 sf lot, there's always the option of expanding the home out if you so desire in the future. Priced at 449,000, this home is perfect for a starter home. www.CarolineSellsTheCity.com
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
There have been a number of recent articles concerning high-end condo developments in and around Los Angeles that highlights the significant drop in prices in these new developments. The Hollywood Reporter's article titled "LA's Newest Luxury Properties Struggle Through a Lethargic Market" describes huge price cuts of as much as 30 percent on new multi-million dollar condo developments because these condos "had the misfortune of being conceived before the economic downturn took hold".       "Despite being open for as long as a year, the developments range from 6% to 45% sold, though several of the developers' original projections called for the units to sell out before opening" the article explains. Curbed L.A. reports that "Sotheby’s is handing back its exclusive listing for the Reside...
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By Fred Sweezer Sr. CMI, LLC., HUD 203k Consultant
(Hud Certified 203K Consultant)
  There are positives and negatives associated with crawl spaces. The positive is that everything including structure, plumbing, wiring and ductwork is more accessible. The negative is that by the nature of the design crawl spaces are cultures for mold, mildew and termites. A crawlspace is a shallow and uninhabitable area, usually between the soil and the first floor of the home. Crawlspaces usually provide access to the electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems located below the first floor. The following general guidelines are required in new homes:  Minimum access opening is 18 inches by 24 inches if the is access through the floor and 16 inches by 24 inches if access is through the wall.  Minimum access opening if mechanical equipment, if an H...
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By Jane Peters, Los Angeles real estate concierge services
(Home Jane Realty)
Information from MLS/CLAW deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. If you are looking for a lease on the Wilshire Corridor find out what is available in different price brackets. There are 15 Wilshire Corridor condos under $3,000 per month available. With 30 having been leased over the past year, that leaves about 6 months of inventory. Somewhat of a balanced market. From $3,000 to $5,000 there are 16 units available. 38 were leased over the past year. Again this is 6 months of inventory indicating a balanced market. 33 condos are available over $5,000. With 40 available this leaves about 14 months of inventory which is in the prospective tenants' favor. If you are looking for a Wilshire Corridor condo in this price range, make an offer. Map of Wilshire Corridor Condos for Lease View Wilsh...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
Despite a weak real estate market, Los Angeles-based KB Home plans to build more than 350 homes featuring solar energy systems in the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys. The company will start taking orders Sunday for the first 224 homes in Santa Clarita, said Steve Ruffner, president of the company's Southern California division. "We already have a waiting list," Ruffner said. "We're really excited about opening a new community." KB Home's first solar development in Los Angeles County will consist of two tracts - Echo Point and Echo Ridge. They will be built on 215 acres near Plum Canyon Road and Christopher Lane. Each home's solar unit will produce 1.4 kilowatts of power - enough to reduce the homeowner's electric bill by about 30 percent. A $5,000 upgrade to a 3.2 kilowatt system is...
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By Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Monterey Hills Community Yard Sale Coming Soon The Monterey Hillscommunity within the city limits of Los Angeles and adjacent to South Pasadena will be holding a community yard sale on Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 8AM until 12noon in Budd Weiner Park.  Monterey Hills residents are invited to join as either seller or buyer.  There will be 60 spaces(approximately 10' x 17') available for sellers but reservations are necessary.  The cost is FREE!  Come join the fun and sell or buy on Saturday, April 16. Monterey Hills is a wonderful community of primarily condominiums and townhomes along with one sixteen unit single family development in a unique hillside setting.  Close to freeways and two Gold Line light rail stations(Highland Park and Mission Station in South Pasadena) Monterey Hills i...
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By Jane Peters, Los Angeles real estate concierge services
(Home Jane Realty)
If you are buying or selling Echo Park real estate, find out how the market is doing on a monthly basis.   So how is the Echo Park real estate market doing? The statistics to take note of are February 2010 and February 2011 as these take the seasonality out of the equation.  Be sure to click on each chart for more detail: The median sold price is down only 2%. The number of homes sold in Echo Park is up by 3. Average days on the market of homes sold is up 50%. The number of new homes on the market dropped by 3, but the total on the market is up by 6. There is not too much difference in the median list price vs median sold price.  Echo Park home buyers and sellers seem to be on the same wavelength. Here’s the good news for Echo Park home sellers, inventory is up 15% and buyer demand 75%....
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By Andi Grant, Helping 1st time buyers and home sellers in LA!
(310-508-4354 | FirstTimeHomeBuyerRealEstate.com)
Activerain blog lead told me "I will be sad after closing...    ...because I'll miss you." This is what was written to me by a happy home buyer and ACTIVERAIN blog lead who found me online when researching  first-time homebuyer programs in Los Angeles!  She will be signing loan documents TODAY as we close escrow on a beautiful completely remodeled Spanish style home in Los Angeles, CA!   I told her not to worry because we are friends and that means I'll be at the housewarming party, tree-trimming parties and most certainly she would be my soul food buddy!  She is a transplant from the south and has been scouring the land, searching every ristorante, hole-in-the-wall, ma & pa joint for good soul food and I've been more than happy to accompany her during these yummy and delicious outings!...
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By Adam Brett, The Adam and Eric Group, Fullerton's Finest
(The Adam and Eric Group)
3 Factors That Can Negatively Affect Your Mortgage Application There are many factors that can affect your mortgage application and possibly get you denied. Lenders want to see an applicant who is credit worthy and can show ability to repay. It is important to understand what factors will hurt you and to plan ahead to be sure you present the best financial picture to the lender at the time of the application. 1. Credit Credit is a huge factor is approving a mortgage. If you don't have a good credit score, you won't qualify for a conventional mortgage, leaving you with only sub-prime options. These are very costly with higher interest rates. It is crucial to know your score before you apply. This gives you time to fix any problems on your report. If your score is low, a few months can ma...
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By Jane Peters, Los Angeles real estate concierge services
(Home Jane Realty)
If you are a first-time home buyer in Los Angeles and think that you have to settle for one of those starter homes, think again! Los Angeles home prices are somewhat stable, and mortgage interests are still historically low.  First time home buyers can afford more than in previous times.  Also, they don’t have to offload a house to be able to buy and new one. However, buyers should be prepared to stay in these homes for a while as prices are not expected to rise significantly in the near future. Also, the lending environment is tight.  First time home buyers need to keep an eye on the credit scores.  Pay off your credit cards, student loans, etc and don’t open or close any accounts. The FHA loan is a popular one, as it requires a low down-payment of 3.5%, lower interest rates, and is ea...
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It's the DTLA Series and we're checking out this 710 sq foot unit at the Douglas Building located at 257 S Spring in DTLA. This historic building built in 1898 also affords owners a substantial property tax savings due to it's Mills Act classification. With stainless steel countertops, backsplash, and appliances, the modern kitchen - juxtaposed against the original wood floors - creates a wonderful historic feeling while bringing forward to the present. And with HOAs at $518/mo and an approved short sale price of $190,000, this unit is hard to beat. Come check it out! www.CarolineSellsTheCity.com
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By Donne Knudsen, CalState Realty Services
(Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA)
If I Buy a Duplex, Can I Use the Tenants Rent Towards My Mortgage and Can I Still Use the Down Payment Assistance (dpa) that I've Been Approved for?   As a Mortgage Loan Originators (MLO) here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties, I work with a lot of low-medium income first time buyers who are using dpa to purchase their first home.  I personally love it when my borrowers are thinking about their future investment needs. In my continuing series of answering some of the frequently asked questions that I get from prospects and clients, in Part 9, I want to answer a question that can present some rewarding opportunities for first time buyers who are upto the challenges. I say opportunities because in this particular scenario, I can not only help my borrowers buy their first home but their fi...
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By Connie Tebyani, Platinum Home Staging, Los Angeles and Ventura County
(Platinum Home Staging, Inc. : RESA-Pro)
So many times Buyers ask for an open-floor concept when shopping for a new home.  While Buyers ask for this, the open-floor concept often leaves them "stumped" as to where to place furniture and how to define each living space. When it comes to helping Realtors, Home Owners and Developers sell their homes in the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties quickly; they know to call  Platinum Home Staging, Inc.  as we know exactly how to make sense of open-floor concepts. This home in Los Angeles was Staged by our Professionals within 48 hours of receiving the very first call for "help!" and completed in just one day. The results are amazing.  But don't take our word for it ~ see for yourself!   For the protection of you, and your investment, Platinum Home Staging, Inc. is FULLY Licensed and Insure...
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By Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Can I Find An Affordable Home in Northeast Los Angeles? There are a total of 395 properties for sale in the northeast foothill communities within the city of Los Angeles.  For the purposes of this report this includes the communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Garvanza, Hermon, Monterey Hills, El Sereno, Rose Hills, Montecito Heights, Mount Washington, Lincoln Heights, Cypress Park and Sagamore Park. Prices range from $79,000 for a short sale condominium in the Highland Park area to $5,999,000.   The most expensive property is located in Eagle Rock and is called Chateau Emanuel.  It is situated on three acres includes a bistro cafe, multiple guest houses, pool and spa. The city of Los Angeles' northeast foothill communities offer easy access to transportation with Gold Line light rai...
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