https://activerain.com/blogs/coastallosangeles en-us https://activerain.com/blogsview/1677269/moving--here-s-how-to-take-some-stress-out-of-that-big-move--think-instant-household Hello out there in "Yikes!-I'm-Moving" land. Take it from me, as a former International flight attendant with Pan Am, I often left town for 2 weeks at a time.  Plus, I changed domiciles (bases) 4 times.  1. LAX; 2. SFO; 3. LHR; 4. Home (LA).   It doesn't take too many 2-week trips without shoes to get your attention, LOL! No kidding, whether it's around the country, around the world, or around the block, just remember this one simple rule (LOL, sound familiar?) to cut down on SEVERAL meltdown-style headaches. HERE IT IS: When you pack to move, pack as if you're going away for 1 month.  Make sure your ESSENTIALS are within your grasp, the moment the moving van arrives.  Everything from special pillows to meds, kitchen cooking utensils to work clothes (SHOES!).  Put them in suitcases and/or get them properly marked.  Don't let the movers pack your essentials. MAKE A LIST OF INSTANT MUST HAVES so they're at your finger tips.  Have them put on the truck LAST, FIRST OFF!   Whatever you would need to smooth the stress of a move (IF YOU COULDN"T FIND IT FOR A MONTH), pack it yourself and MAKE SURE THE BOXES ARE WELL-MARKED.  i.e. #1 KITCHEN. If you have kids, you know that their satisfaction-level = your sanity-level during stressful times.  Have children's boxes, music instruments, meds, sleep gear, special pillows...really handy. Good luck! Oh BTW!!  Thumbs UP on this article!! http://blog.onesimplemove.com/2009/05/20/where-are-people-moving-the-most-popular-and-unpopular-u-s-cities/ K.C. SollSotheby's International Realty11911 San Vicente Blvd. #200Los Angeles, Ca 90049 310.454.1525 K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:50:50 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/1677269/moving--here-s-how-to-take-some-stress-out-of-that-big-move--think-instant-household https://activerain.com/blogsview/1059568/april-sales-statistics-and-current-inventory-for-brentwood--california-90049 April 2009 Sales Statistics and Current Inventory as of May 1The K.C. Soll Group Sotheby's International Realty 11911 San Vicente Blvd. #200Los Angeles, 90049310.245.6161 In April there were 16 closed sales ranging in price from $970,000 (3 Bedrooms/1.75 Baths, approx. 1,919 Sq. Ft.) in Brentwood Glen to $5.1Mil (5 Bedrooms/5 Baths, approx. 5,709 SF) on Tigertail Rd. The median sales price was $1,668,130. The average DOM (Days On Market) was 38. The Average $ Per Sq. Ft. (April 2009) was $636.50. In 2008, the average $ Per Sq. Ft. for 2008 sales was $875. Currently there are 166 SFR's ranging in price from $959,000 to $65Mil. The median asking price is $2,849,500. The average $ Per Sq. Ft. (currently listed) is $1,059.37. Please note the disparity between the $ Per Sq. Ft. ASKING VS. SOLD. It appears that asking prices ($ per SF) and Sold ($ per SF) are $400 per SF apart. There are 30 pending sales, at this writing. That is the highest in the first quarter. 2008 Sales Statistics, and Current Listings for Brentwood, Ca (90049) Single Family Residences and CondominiumsSFR (single family residences) There were 146 sales of SFRs in 2008. The prices ranged from $751,000 (closed 12/2008) to $15,045,000 (closed 06/2008). The median price for homes sold in Brentwood 90049, 2008 was about $2.1Mil. The average Days On Market (DOM) was 64.  Currently, the Median Asking Price is $2,849,500. Condominiums/Townhouses: Currently (as of May 1, 2009), there are about 92 condos/townhouse for sale ranging in price from 339,000 for a 1+1 (approx. 683 SF) on Chenault, to $2.2Mil for a penthouse unit in the Brentwood Park on Montana Ave. The unit has about 2,275 SF with 2 Bedrooms/2.5 Baths. The median asking price is $885,000. The average DOM (days on market)= 102. April 2009 sales stats: There were 16 closed escrows in April. They ranged in price from $350,000 for a 1 Bedroom condo (listed for $242,000!), to $1,386,500 for a lovely Townhouse residence with over 2,700 SF (3 Bedrooms/3.5 Baths) on Wellesley, just south of Montana/west of Bundy ($497 per SF). Currently the Average asking price per SF is $538. The average $ per SF for April sales was $457. The average $ per SF of properties in escrow is $439. Prices are still dropping. In 2008, there were 130 sales of condominiums in Brentwood, 90049. The average DOM (Days On Market) was 83. The median price was $682,000. The average Sq. Ft. was 1,529. The average $ Per Sq. Ft. was $515. Spring prognosis: Buyer's Market, no doubt about it! Please don't hesitate to call me for informed, confidential real estate consultation. I have worked in Westside real estate sales and leasing for 30 years. Let me be your guide. Best regards,K.C. SollSotheby's Intl. Realty11911 San Vicente Blvd. #200Los Angeles, Ca. 90049310.454.1525 K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Sat, 02 May 2009 05:12:20 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/1059568/april-sales-statistics-and-current-inventory-for-brentwood--california-90049 https://activerain.com/blogsview/1059549/update--april-sales-statistics--current-active-listings-for-santa-monica--california-in-zip-codes-90402-90403 April Sales and May active listing Market Report for Single Family Homes in the City of Santa Monica: zip code 90402 and Condominiums in zip code 90403 - K.C. Soll - Sotheby's Realty, 310.245.6161 Santa Monica (City of), Zip code 90402 (north of Montana Ave.), is regarded as one of the best family (luxury) neighborhoods in the country. With its on-shore breezes and beach proximity, highly-rated public schools (Franklin and Roosevelt Elementary schools; Lincoln Middle School), it fills the busy family's requirements for recreation, safety (Police, Fire, Hospitals), convenience (it's all here!), economy (public schools paid for by property taxes), and prestige.. Current SFR active/sale April (2009) listing statistics in Zip codes 90402 and CONDOMINIUMS in 90403. As of May 1, 2009 there are 36 Single Family Residences (SFR) for sale in the area north of Montana, city of Santa Monica, zip code 90402. The homes range in price from $1,690,000 for a 2 bedroom/1 bath home on 7th Street (approx. 1,100 SF), to a 7 bedroom/8 bath home (approx. 10,300 SF), listed for $16,500,000, on San Vicente Blvd. This Contemporary Traditional overlooks the Riviera (Country Club) Golf Course and the Santa Monica Mountains. The lot size is over an acre. The location, view and lot size embody the best Santa Monica has to offer. In the last 30 days there have been 5 sales. They range in price from $1.7Mil for a 3 Bed/ 3 Bth home (approx. 2,200 SF) to $10.6Mil for a 7 Bed/10 Bth home (approx. 10,629 SF) on a lot of approx. 24,000 SF. This Mediterranean Estate-sized home was built in 2008. The walled and gated edifice had a motor court, grounds and a pool. The home boasts views of ocean and mountains. Of note: There are currently 11 properties in escrow. They range in price from $1,399,000 to $7,350,000 (asking prices). Prognosis: With price-reduced listing inventory steady at around 35 homes and interest lates at an all-year low, the balance of the Spring, and early Summer sales should be up over last year.. There has been more than one sale that went under contract within days of the listing. Buyers for these neighborhoods are advised to be thoroughly pre-approved by a well-known loan agent, thus...ready to act.  In 2008, there were 85 sales of SFRs in Zip 90402. The sales prices ranged from $1,452,000 to $6,500,000. The median price was $3,347,188. The average Sq. Ft. was 3,750; the average $ per Sq. Ft. was 897.89. The average Days On Market (DOM) was 36. Currently, the average DOM for ACTIVE LISTINGS is 72. CONDOMINIUMS AND TOWNHOUSES, Zip Code 90403: Currently there are 64 condominiums (including townhouses) available. The average Days On Market (DOM) is 88. They range in price from $337,000 for a one bedroom, to an ocean view condominium listed for $3.999Mil in one of Ocean Ave.'s best (and newest) buildings. The median price is $838,500. The average Sq. Ft. is 1,486. Currently, there are 19 PENDING sales. Since April 1 there have been 6 sales ranging in price from $450,000 to $1,050,000. The median price was $841,000. The average $ Per Sq. Ft. was $593. The average $ Per Sq. Ft. in asking prices is $703. 90403 SALES IN 2008: There were 111 condominiums sold in 2008. The average DAYS ON MARKET (DOM) was 62. The low sale ranged was $317,000 for a 2 bedroom RENT-CONTROLLED condo with long-term tenant. Long-term tenants may not be evicted for owner-occupancy in Santa Monica. THe high sales was a penthouse condominium at 101 California Ave. with dramatic 360 views of the entire coastline and West Side of Los Angeles. The median price was $747,000 and the average Sq. Ft. was 1,292. Please don't hesitate to call me for weekly updates or a relocation package. Best regards,K.C. SollSotheby's Intl. Realty11911 San Vicente Blvd. #200Los Angeles, Ca 90049310.454.1525 K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Sat, 02 May 2009 04:55:23 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/1059549/update--april-sales-statistics--current-active-listings-for-santa-monica--california-in-zip-codes-90402-90403 https://activerain.com/blogsview/1059541/update--april-sales-statistics--current-active-listings-for-pacific-palisades April-May 2009 sales and listing statistics for Pacific Palisades, California 90272; Market Opinion From K.C. Soll, SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTYMarket conditions in Pacific Palisades, current listings and April sales stats and summary of 2007/2008 sales: In April 2009 there were 11 closed sales ranging in price from $1,375,000 to $6Mil. The median sales price was $2.4Mil. As of May 1, there are 29 pending sales ranging in price from $1,149,000 (asking price) to $9.295Mil. This dramatic upswing in sales since January and February should continue through July, judging by open house activity. Currently, there are 184 SFR (single family residences) for sale. They range in price from $798,000 for a major fixer-upper (tear-down) probate sale, to $25Mil for a home plus acreage in Las Pulgas Canyon (address and access from Pacific Coast Highway). The median asking price is $2,499,000. The average DOM (days on market) = 100. The Average Price per SF = $859.43 (currently listed homes) compared to the current Average Price per SF (recently sold) of $742. 2007 closed sales of Single Family Residences = 271 homes ranging in price from $1,075,000 to $11,980,000. The average dollar per Sq. Ft. was $860. The average Sq. Ft. was 2,960. 2008 closed sales of Single Family Residences = 188 homes ranging in price from $830,000 to $16,000,000. The average $ per Sq. Ft. was $841.71. The average Sq. Ft. was 3,377. The real estate market in Pacific Palisades (and throughout the Westside of LA) is soft. Sellers are motivated and encouraging offers (beating the bushes). Sellers are dealing. I will gladly provide a list of "must sell" properties. Please call for details regarding condominium inventory. The price range for condominiums is from about $500,000 for a 2 bedroom *in the Village* to $1.3Mil for a canyon view townhome in the Palisades Highlands. Best regards,- K.C. SollSotheby's Intl. Realty11911 San Vicente Blvd. #200Los Angeles, 90049310.454.1525 K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Sat, 02 May 2009 04:49:37 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/1059541/update--april-sales-statistics--current-active-listings-for-pacific-palisades https://activerain.com/blogsview/966969/what-s-the-difference-between-a-short-payoff-and-a-short-sale--how-can-i-avoid-foreclosure- There has never been a time that I have been more proud to be a Realtor. Hello there.  My name is K.C. Soll.  I'm a Realtor with Sotheby's Realty (Brentwood, Ca) who has worked in Westside Los Angeles Real Estate for over 35 years.  I've sold and/or located hundreds of homes for singles, couples and families from all over the world. In my experience, our current nose-dive in property values, and the desperation it has generated gives me an ache in the pit of my stomach.   I decided to learn how to help those I can by finding out exactly what lenders will/can do (changes weekly if not daily) to help struggling homeowners keep their homes, or at least avoid the lengthy credit demise of foreclosure.  In Loan Modification (owner keeps home).  This is rare in So California, because few properties meet the criteria.  Too much debt to market value. This is a rudimentary explanation about the difference between short pay-offs and short sales. A Short Payoff:  The lender agrees to release the debt/lien(s) on the property, and allow it to be conveyed (sold) to a new owner.  The lender agrees to accept less than the amount owed on the property and to release the lien, however they extend a negotiated amount of credit to the borrower in the form of an unsecured line of credit or promissory note.  Said promissory note can have an interest rate as low as 1% or 2%.  The borrower should receive no negative feedback, AND, in the event the borrower is unable to pay the note, the ramifications to their credit are significantly smaller. In a Short Payoff the mortgage is current, the borrower has good credit, the borrower initially QUALIFIED for the loan, and can demonstrate the ability to pay off the debt.  Not all lenders allow Short Payoffs, but it's worth a try. In a Short Sale, the lender or investor agrees to accept an amount less than actually owed on the property, and pays other liens (HOA dues and property taxes). Sometimes there are more than one loan and several liens. The borrower must be able to verify long-term hardship. In 2007, the tax laws were changed so that the loan forgiveness may not be taxable (as was previously).  Check with your accountant on that.     Also, in a short pay, the borrower's credit is tainted for 2 years, however the same borrower may be able to purchase a home as a first-time buyer thereafter.  In a foreclosure, the credit is tainted for at least 4 - 7 years. I hope this explanation was helpful.  If you have general questions or would like to have a confidential discussion of how I may guide you through a distress sale on your home, please don't hesitate to call. Best regards, K.C. SollSotheby's Realty310.454.1525 Disclaimer: I'm not an attorney or accountant.  If you are having severe financial problems, please call your tax advisor and/or an attorney, for realistic options to foreclosure. K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:34:53 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/966969/what-s-the-difference-between-a-short-payoff-and-a-short-sale--how-can-i-avoid-foreclosure- https://activerain.com/blogsview/762278/santa-monica--california---the-best-little-city-within-a-city Santa Monica, California Zip Codes 90402, 90403 Best air quality and self-contained little city-within-a-city in Southern California.  Buy a home in Santa Monica for its inspirational sunshine, deep beaches, meandering coastal bike-paths, highly-rated schools, local City services, renowned hospitals, movie complexes, convenience, shopping, and a wide range of restaurants to choose from, to suit every taste and pocket book. Santa Monica 90402 and 90403 are the two most desirable Zips in Santa Monica, in fact, 90402 continues to be included in the top 10 most desirable in the country, due in part to the high scholastic ratings of Franklin and Roosevelt Elementary Schools, and Lincoln Middle School. 90402 is predominently large, single family homes in an area north of Montana Avenue (renowned for its chic stores and restaurants).  The two main architectural styles are Mediterranean and Cape Cod.  The lot sizes are approx. 60 X150.  There is a pocket of this neighborhood that is called Gillettes Regent Square.  The lots are slightly larger and have no alleys behind.  The quiet, tree-lined streets are reminiscent of elegant East Coast neighborhoods in the quality and complimentary landscaping of the homes. Santa Monica 90403 has a large condo population, but is beginning to step into the lime-light for its high value re-sale for single family residences.   90403 is the area north of Wilshire and west of Centinela. A boon to value, parts of 90403 are adjacent to the 3rd Street Promenade, teeming with shops and restaurants, a Farmer's Market (Weds. And Sats.) which attracts chefs from all over Los Angeles. Homes in 90402 sell in the range of $2.2Mil (tear-down) to $12Mil (Riviera Country Club - Golf Course views). Condominiums in 90403 range from about $400K (1 bedroom) to $8Mil (Ocean Avenue). In my opinion, Santa Monica is the quintessential city in Southern California for an up-beat, beach city life-style, excellent City services, convenient to the entire West Side and Downtown.  LAX is only 5 miles south. Call K.C. Soll - Sotheby's International Realty - 310.454.1525 K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:55:16 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/762278/santa-monica--california---the-best-little-city-within-a-city https://activerain.com/blogsview/762124/practically-perfect--pacific-palisades-basks-in-sunny-so-cal-between-santa-monica-and-malibu-- Pacific Palisades, California 90272 Practically perfect, Pacific Palisades has good air-quality, immediate access to the Santa Monica Mountains for energetic hiking, Will Rogers State Beach for sunning, swimming and biking, and a charming Village where locals dine, shop and commune. A politically active community, Pacific Palisades residents have continually thwarted oil interests, keeping the Santa Monica Bay and Pacific Palisades coastlines free from oil drilling. Pacific Palisades is comprised of several distinct neighborhoods.  Some areas boast dramatic ocean views, some attract families with their relatively level streets with sidewalks.  There is a townhouse community, as well as hillside, canyon and luxury estate neighborhoods.   A few neighborhoods within ½ mile of the Village, have turned out to be the most popular in recent years. Beginning in December 2001, likely due to of the emotional devastation from 9/11, the Village-proximate areas experienced a leap in sales activity, prices and subsequent remodeling.  The boom caused the prices to climb to about $1.3Mil for a teardown. People flocked to the Village to commune.  Restaurants and shops prospered.  The Village instituted a Farmer's Market on Sunday mornings. North of Sunset, in the so-called Alphabet streets (named after Methodist ministers), there are still remnants of the 1920's-‘30's bungalow homes built by the Methodist community, founders of the town.  The average lot dimensions are 40'X120'. Huntington Palisades (south of Sunset) is adjacent to the Palisades Park, The Village, and the new Library. The lot sizes average about 7,700 (70X110) which leaves an intimate back yard for entertaining, but little room for a pool.  This area is prized by families with infants because of the beautiful tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and minimal traffic. The home prices in this area range from $3Mil to $15Mil. Some homes have ocean and canyon views.The Palisades Riviera, crown jewel of Pacific Palisades, lies north and south of Sunset from Amalfi Drive to Capri Drive, near the Riviera Country Club (circa 1930).  . The area boasts wide, graceful streets, large lots, privacy, an architectural jury with strict guidelines.  Most of  the Riviera was planned without sidewalks, and is a car jaunt (or bus ride) to either the Village or Brentwood.  The prices range from $3.5 Mil for a tear-down on a 13,000 SF lot, to about $27Mil. There are one or two properties that could sell for over $50Mil, however, they are rarely listed for sale.   The area is star-studded, and was at one time the home of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan (then Governor of California). The Palisades Highlands is home to several up-scale townhome communities.  This quiet area boasts hiking trails, pools, tennis courts, and is only about 7 minutes to Pacific Coast Highway.  Prices range from about $650,000 for a 2 bedroom townhouse to $6Mil for a home with private tennis court in a gated community.Community ambiance, fine weather, reputation of the local schools, and its quiet elegance has made Pacific Palisades a magnet for the film industry. Pacific Palisades is a part of the city of Los Angeles (for services) with it's own name and zip code. Previously, the public schools were under the auspices of the Los Angeles Unified School District but have gained independence through State Charter. The average summer day temperature is 78 degrees. Nights range from 55 to 60 degrees. Winter temps can sink below 40 degrees at night.  Beach community though it is, The Palisades (as locals call it) enjoys relatively low humidity and a low population of worrisome insects. The local hiking can't be beat. Our own Temescal Canyon Association shares all the wonders of local hiking through Weekly night hikes in the Summer and intense Sunday hikes in the Winter and Spring. Pacific Palisades has religious services for most denominations.  There are several private kindergarten - 6th grade schools.  A Montessori and French Language Grade School, major banks, a post-office, a car-wash and 2 good super-markets. Plenty of excellent restaurants, hair salons, gift and clothing shops, camera stores. About this Realtor: K.C. Soll, Sotheby's Intl. Realty - Pacific Palisades, 90272 310.255.5404 A native of Pacific Palisades, let me be your guide.  There are few agents more knowledgeable about neighborhoods and values.   I have specialized in Pacific Palisades Real Estate sales since 1976. K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:59:09 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/762124/practically-perfect--pacific-palisades-basks-in-sunny-so-cal-between-santa-monica-and-malibu-- https://activerain.com/blogsview/731921/home-sellers--get-serious-or-get-out-of-the-market- With the passage of the $700Bil package to shore up the credit industry, some troubled homeowners see a ray of hope.   However, the trickle-down effect of mortgage availability may take months while home sales continue to slump.   Home prices will further erode as those who must sell drop their asking prices dramatically. After the last two hair-raising weeks in the financial markets, one would think buyers hesitant to jump in at this point.  Well, guess what?  In the coastal cities from Santa Barbara to Palos Verdes, attendance at open houses is UP.  Yes! Buyers are exercising extreme caution, but well-priced homes are selling. SELLERS:  Remember that you are in competition for qualified buyers.  Find a Realtor whose opinion you value, and price your home well below comparable properties. OR, wait until next year when the credit crunch has (hopefully) eased.   Why sell now?  You'd better have a very good reason. BUYERS: Stay in contact with your mortgage lender. Pay down your credit card debt monthly.    Find an aggressive, well-informed Realtor and go shopping.  Informed buyers get the good properties.  Be ready to pounce.  There are some outstanding properties on the market.  And, DO NOT HESITATE TO MAKE AN OFFER.  You don't know how motivated the seller may be. At your service, K.C. SollSotheby's International RealtyPacific Palisades, California310.454.1525 K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:31:37 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/731921/home-sellers--get-serious-or-get-out-of-the-market- https://activerain.com/blogsview/646289/santa-monica--california--market-statistics-and-general-information Market Report for Single Family Homes in the City of Santa Monica: zip code 90402 and Condominiums in zip code 90403 - K.C. SollSotheby's International Realty, 310.245.6161 Santa Monica (City of), north of Wilshire Blvd., is perceived as a safe haven, clean air, beach proximity, highly-regarded public schools (Franklin and Roosevelt Elementary schools and Lincoln Middle School). It fills the busy family's requirements for prestige, recreation, safety (local city services Police, Fire) , convenience, economy (the public schools are paid for by property taxes). Current active, pending and sale activity, since July 1, 2008. Currently, there are 23 active listings in the area north of Montana, city of Santa Monica, zip code 90402. Currently, homes range in price from $1,799,000, to over $7,950,000 (special 1928 ocean view Villa). The median asking price for a home is about $3,295,000 (House Sq. Ft. about 3,000). Average lot size is about 9,600 Sq. Ft. Average asking price per SF is about $1,018. Since July 1, 3 properties have accepted offers, subject to contingency removal (LOOKING FOR BACKUP), 5 are PENDING (most contingencies removed), and 14 have SOLD. The median SOLD price was $3,300,000. Average Sq. Ft. of homes was about 3,476. The average *days on market* was 62. I sold one of the pending properties. This was a multiple offer scenario. The success of my buyer's bid can be partially attributed to the reputation of her loan agent. His experience and reputation lent credibility to the buyer, by the mere affirmation of her ability to perform. CONDOMINIUMS AND TOWNHOUSES, Zip Code 90403: Since July 1, there have been 13 sales ranging in price from $579,000 (2+2, approx. 954 SF) to $1,300,000 (2+1.75, approx. 1,232 SF). There are currently 14 condominiums in escrow. The median sales price was $810,000 (approx. 1,332 SF). Currently there are 54 condominiums (and townhouses)available. These range in price from $415,000 (for a tenant-occupied,1 bedroom), to an ocean view condominium on Ocean Ave., listed for $3,695,000 (2+2.5, appriox. 3,239 SF). There are 5 accepted offers (LOOKING FOR BACKUP) and 9 PENDING sales. 90402 and 90403 are the most sought after Zip Codes in Santa Monica, in fact, they could be the most sought after in Los Angeles County, in this price range. This is due, in part, to fine ratings of Franklin and Roosevelt Elementary Schools. 90403 has a large condo population. It is the area north of Wilshire and west of Centinela. Terrific boon to re-sale values, it is close to the 3rd Street Promenade, restaurants, and 90403 shares the Franklin and Roosevelt Elementary schools. The other residential zip codes, 90404 Sunset Park and Ocean Park 90405, have skyrocketed in value. These are the areas south of Pico Blvd. and North of the SM Airport. The average home is now listed for $1.3Mil. I believe that Santa Monica can't be beat for life-style and convenience. To Santa Monica sellers: I will create a comprehensive and confidential market analysis and marketing proposal, based on your needs and the current sales statistics. Within 24 hours of viewing your home, I will have a RELIABLE market analysis in your hands. GENERAL SANTA MONICA INFORMATION Practically perfect, from weather to recreational resources, shopping to air-quality this incorporated city boasts its own school district, excellent hospitals and health-care resources, and full-response Police and Fire Departments. The city also has its own courthouse, trash and recycling Centers, excellent hospitals and school district (The Santa Monica - Malibu Unified School District). Santa Monica, a beach-side city has a high percentage of apartment buildings which means housing is plentiful (if not cheap). On Wednesday and Saturday AM's, Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade, a large open-air mall, hosts a farmer's market of fresh organic produce, cheese, flowers and fresh fish. It also hosts a popular indoor shopping mall, several movie theatre complexes and a fun, entertaining and educational Pier complex, all within about 5 miles of LAX. Many consider this L.A. County's pearl. The 30-mile bike/roller-blade path on the beach, is family and health- enthusiast popular. It continues north and south from Pacific Palisades to Palos Verdes Peninsula. It even meanders under the fun-zone kid-friendly Santa Monica Pier. Local mountain hiking, swimming and beach-combing is a year-round attraction. Hotels, restaurants and shopping are second to none on California's LA Western Coast. The down-side is a high population of homeless (here because of the generous attitude of the population and our superb climate). Homes range from $1.4Mil ( tear-down.) to $17Mil with Riviera Country Club (golf course views). Average home price $3Mil (3,600 SF) 90402. Best wishes, K.C. Soll, Associate Broker, Sotheby's Intl. Realty.310.245.6161 K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:26:10 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/646289/santa-monica--california--market-statistics-and-general-information https://activerain.com/blogsview/646229/the-increasing-importance-of-a-highly-regarded-loan-agent August 17, 2008 Believe it or not, the reputation of the loan agent you work with can mean the difference between obtaining the property you want, or losing out in multiple offer scenarios. Multiple offers in this market, you ask? Indeed. As agents, savvy sellers, and alert home buyers are aware, pricing is key in a down market. Smart sellers listen to their Realtors when it comes to pricing their property for sale. Therefore, despite 3 houses for sale on the same block (Santa Monica), a new listing came on the market 2 weeks ago, and my well-prepared buyer snapped it up in a multiple offer scenario. Her success in the bidding was very much due to the sterling reputation of her loan agent. The listing agent and her office manager were well-acquainted with him. He proclaimed the buyer to be "....more than qualified" to purchase the home. The listing agent recommended her seller choose this buyer, in spite of the fact other offers were higher than asking price. Well-priced homes are selling, buyers know the market, and good loan agents are worth their weight in gold. K.C. Soll Sotheby's International Realty"Your Guide to Coastal Los Angeles Real Estate"310.245.6161 The K.C. Soll Group www.PalisadesRiviera.com www.InRealEstate.com www.MarVista90066.com K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:35:17 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/646229/the-increasing-importance-of-a-highly-regarded-loan-agent https://activerain.com/blogsview/628870/beach-communities-from-malibu-to-palos-verdes--southern-califonia No area of Los Angeles County has entirely eluded the foreclosure and short pay issues of its residents.  However, the coastal areas of Los Angeles have had the fewest NOD's and short pay problems.  In some areas (i.e. Hermosa Beach) prices are still on the rise. On Friday, a home was listed in Santa Monica.  A beautiful 6 bedroom (6,000 SF) home, north of Montana Ave., in an area renowned for its highly ranked public elementary schools.  By Sunday night (first open house was Sunday, Aug. 3) there were 4 offers. Needless to say, the home sold for over the asking price.  I'm happy to report that my buyer was the successful bidder.  But the point is that a home that is well-priced when it hits the market, will be snapped up within a week.  The key is to price a home correctly in the first place.   How is that accomplished?  Lazer sharp attention to the most recent sales, and a motivated seller.  If there are 3 other homes for sale on your block, be sure yours is the lowest price.  You can't under-price a home.  The buyers will bid the price up to its fair market value, as in days of yore. Worst case scenario in pricing, if your property is on the market for over 1 week, correct/drop the price by 5% each week, until it is sold.  It shouldn't take too many such reductions to find the true market value. Please don't hesitate to call, if I can be of service.  I have 30+ years of experience in the West Side Los Angeles sales and leasing.  I welcome referrals.  The price range I work in is from about $700,000 to $70Mil.  I have the most satisfying career imaginable.  Please allow me to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for the beach communities of Los Angeles.  I will help you actualize your residential dreams. Warmest best wishes, K.C. SollSotheby's International Realty310.454.1525 Please visit my Websites:  www.CoastalLosAngeles.com, www.Inrealestate.com, www.palisadesRiviera.com K.C. Soll, Broker Assoc. (Sotheby's International Realty) Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:09:08 -0700 https://activerain.com/blogsview/628870/beach-communities-from-malibu-to-palos-verdes--southern-califonia