los angeles real estate: Gen Y Is Ready to Buy - 07/29/14 04:42 AM
Here's an interesting info-graphic from California Association of Realtors!
 

(0 comments)

los angeles real estate: Kids, The New Voice Driving Home Buyers - 06/06/14 05:33 AM

For ages we have always considered our children when we purchase a home. We used to look at the bed/bathroom count appropriate for the size of the family, and proximity to local schools.  But gone are the days that Mom and Dad simply chose a house, packed up the family and the dog and said "It's moving day!"
  Today we are raising a generation of children whose individuality, leadership, and decision making skills are encouraged more than ever. Therefore, parents are turning to the little ones for their input on homes which they are considering for a purchase.  Parents are … (1 comments)

los angeles real estate: Greedy Home Sellers + Cautious Home Buyers = Flat Market - 05/19/14 08:23 AM

Greedy Home Sellers + Cautious Home Buyers = Flat Market 
  More & more indicating factors are leading us to a cooling off of the crazy hot market we experienced in Southern Cal for all of 2013. Recent surveys show that over 40% of Home Sellers this spring are planning to price their homes ABOVE market value! This strategy is not wise folks! Buyers in today's market have very little tolerance for over-priced homes this year and will likely pass them up letting listing after listing sit on the market stagnant until the Seller is forced to take action by … (0 comments)

los angeles real estate: San Fernando Valley Housing Market 2014 - 03/06/14 01:40 AM
 San Fernando Valley Housing Market 2014
The housing market in the San Fernando Valley is off to a slow yet steady start.  According to a recent article from Los Angeles Daily News and data pulled from Southland Association of Realtors, resale homes fell 11% from January last year, 393 closed in 2013 whereas 349 closed in 2014.  Even with the dip in closed sales however, the median home price has gone up from $420,000 last year to $485,000 this year and up 2% from December 2013.
San Fernando Valley Housing Market 2014
This slow increase in sales is promising as we … (1 comments)

los angeles real estate: How Well Do You Know Your Landlord/Tenant Laws? - 02/27/14 05:28 AM

 
How Well Do You Know Your Landlord/Tenant Laws?
According to a recent Zillow press release, an overwhelming amount of tenants and even landlords have vast misconceptions about current laws in place to protect both parties.  It's always important for anyone to understand their rights when it comes to entering into a contract, real estate or otherwise.  The results of this Zillow Rentals Survey is a bit shocking.
How Well Do You Know Your Landlord/Tenant Laws?
A whopping 82% of tenants and 76% of landlords have a misunderstanding of laws on security deposits, credit and background checks.  
Landlords and … (0 comments)

los angeles real estate: Political Correctness In Real Estate Advertising - 02/03/14 08:10 AM

Political Correctness In Real Estate Advertising
Political correctness is increasingly becoming an issue in Real Estate advertising. As an agent I am constantly looking for words to describe my listings in a positive light without offending anyone who may be reading my descriptions...
For example, you cannot say "steps to the elementary school" or "walking distance to shopping and restaurants" because that is considered discrimination against individuals who are physically incapable of walking.
Political Correctness In Real Estate Advertising
Or, when describing a large home with an expansive master suite, it's now not appropriate to say "his & hers closets or bathrooms" … (2 comments)

los angeles real estate: 2014 Real Estate Predictions... - 12/27/13 01:57 AM

 
2014 Real Estate Predictions...
Happy holidays! It's that magical week between Christmas & New Year's Eve when there's NO traffic on Los Angeles freeways, and everyone is catching up with friends & family enjoying some down time from the daily grind marathon called life!
All of my trusted market analyst sources have been gearing up for 2014 and I'd like to share a few predictions with you....
2014 Real Estate Predictions...
1. The Real Estate market in 2014 will most likely be kinder to well qualified Buyers! More homes to choose from & more strict lending guidelines will thin … (1 comments)

los angeles real estate: Dreams of a Sherman Oaks FIXER! - 12/20/13 07:48 AM
Dreams of a Sherman Oaks FIXER!
The demand for great homes has definitely not subsided in the best parts of northern Los Angeles in these final hours of 2013. I have never been busier in November/December than I have this year!
Dreams of a Sherman Oaks FIXER!
Especially when I came across the famous and ever so hard to find "cosmetic fixer" in the coveted Fashion Square neighborhood of Sherman Oaks CA that motivated buyers salivate over & dream of calling their own. Even more so than a completely "done done done" upgraded home in the same area, a cosmetic fixer offers a … (2 comments)

los angeles real estate: Top Ten Turnaround Cities - Real Estate Recovery - 12/03/13 04:35 AM
Top Ten Turnaround Cities - Real Estate Recovery   Great news for my fellow Los Angeleans....Los Angeles made the list for the Top 10 Turnaround Towns in the housing recovery!! Our median price is UP 30% from this time last year! And our days on market have been reduced by 27%!! Although we cannot sustain this kind of growth, it's nice to see such positive reports, and let's hope that we slow down to a sustainable recovery rate in 2014!! With interest rates rising and the elusive QM taking effect in January, I think those factors will help to give our … (0 comments)

los angeles real estate: This Month In Real Estate - November 2013 - 11/19/13 06:38 AM
This Month In Real Estate - November 2013
 Check out the latest Real Estate news for November 2013 and watch the video HERE.
 

This Month In Real Estate - November 2013
(1 comments)

los angeles real estate: Discouraged Buyers - "We missed the boat!" - 10/09/13 08:13 AM

Discouraged Buyers - "We missed the boat!"
I've been hearing repeatedly from my Buyer clients and new prospective Buyers I meet at my listings lately that they are frustrated with current market conditions. Understandably so! There are 5-10 if not more, qualified buyers in my area competing for every well priced listing in desirable locations.
Discouraged Buyers - "We missed the boat!"
But look on the bright side my friends, this number is down significantly from recent months during the 2013 Spring & Summer buying frenzy that we saw this year where I had no joke 30+ offers on several … (0 comments)

los angeles real estate: Winter Is Coming, Market Slowing Down, or Leveling Out? - 09/17/13 01:15 PM
Winter Is Coming, Market Slowing Down, or Leveling Out?
As usual this time of year, Real Estate agents see a decrease in listing and buying with summer in the rear view mirror.  A report came out last month and you may have heard about it on the news, "HOME SALES DOWN 13%!!!!" well, what some of you may have missed in that report was NEW home sales were down 13%.  Most of the real estate transactions I, and many of my colleagues deal with are existing home sales, which actually have continued to slightly increase.  But the shocking stats like the … (1 comments)

los angeles real estate: How Much Does Safety Factor Into the Home Buying Process? - 05/13/13 06:51 AM
How Much Does Safety Factor Into the Home Buying Process?
A bit of a no brainer, but a recent study shows it can be more important than price to most home buyers.  John Burns Real Estate Consulting conducted a survey of almost 20,000 home buyers and had them rank key factors in making a decision to buy in order of importance.  Safety came in a close third only behind location and home design.  Price was ranked fourth.
How Much Does Safety Factor Into the Home Buying Process?
As we all have seen the news and felt the changes in our communites, … (1 comments)

los angeles real estate: Real Estate Market Feeling Kind of Bubbly? - 04/26/13 07:08 AM
Real Estate Market Feeling Kind of Bubbly?
For me?  The answer is Yes and No.  While sales are increasing and demand is high right now, it's not like the bubbles of Real Estate past where buyers are purchasing above their means and creating more debt.  Sales may have increased, but so have the amount of cash buyers, or financed buyers with large down payments and sufficient funds to back it up.
Real Estate Market Feeling Kind of Bubbly?
I've seen it first hand in my own business.  Not only do I represent several cash buyers (not all of them investors either) but many of … (2 comments)

los angeles real estate: Renting or Buying? Which Will Save You More? - 03/29/13 06:39 AM
Renting or Buying?  Which Will Save You More?
The answer to this question really depends on where you are, market conditions, etc.  The California Association of Realtors has compiled information on the monthly cost of buying versus renting in a few major counties in California.  As you can see below, overall, buying is much more beneficial to consumers even when you take property taxes and insurance into account.  On average, buying yields a 32% savings in California!
 

(1 comments)

los angeles real estate: Should We Remodel, Or Buy A New House? - 03/22/13 07:16 AM
Should We Remodel, Or Buy A New House?
Many growing families who are finding themselves running out of room or just not happy with the current finishes their home has are now contemplating the age-old question, should we remodel our house or buy a new one?
Although prices are beginning to increase, many people are still under water, so even if they feel they need to expand or upgrade, they fear sinking more money into their investment.  On the flip side, shopping for a new home with such limited inventory on the market for sale poses a huge challenge of its … (0 comments)

los angeles real estate: Fabulous Sherman Oaks Contemporary View Home! - 02/26/13 06:57 AM
Check out the VIEWS!!!!!
 
15079 Encanto Drive, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
 
Drop-dead gorgeous views await you at this awesome Sherman Oaks contemporary home! Open and bright floorplan with walls of glass facing the most stunning panoramic setting overlooking the valley, city lights, mountains and lush green canyon hillside! This gem features updated kitchen with all new stainless steel appliances included, updated bathrooms, lower master bath featuring incredible spa tub overlooking the fabulous view, refinished hardwood floors, vaulted beam ceilings and beautiful contemporary curb appeal. Viewing deck located just off the living room upstairs along with a huge entertainers paradise … (2 comments)

los angeles real estate: 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Sherman Oaks Library Square Home With Guest Unit! - 02/26/13 06:42 AM
I wanted to share my latest listing in Library Square! 
 
14300 Hortense Street, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Welcome to this lovely home plus guest studio nestled on a beautiful tree lined block of the Sherman Oaks Library Square Community. Charming curb appeal, circular driveway, and gorgeous mature willow tree greet you as you approach the formal entry and step inside this wonderful 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home with over 1800 sq ft of comfortable living space set around a center courtyard enclosed as a sunroom with its own AC unit making it the perfect in home gym w/indoor spa! The … (0 comments)

los angeles real estate: California Home Prices on the Rise - 12/21/12 07:52 AM
California Home Prices on the RiseAn increase in the median home sale prices , the largest increase in 8 years is happening right now. From November last year to November 2012, the median price has risen 25%!  A single-family detached home was $349,300 last month, up from $279,910 the year before.California Home Prices on the RiseIn the Los Angeles market, the average price was $327,840 last month, up 22% from a year earlier and 2.9% percent from October.California Home Prices on the RiseThis isn't necessarily a true sign of an economy bouncing back, which don't get me wrong, part of it … (0 comments)

los angeles real estate: Advantage to House Hunting During The Holidays - 12/08/12 08:37 AM
Advantage to House Hunting During The Holidays
As Realtors, we all know that the market slows down significantly during the holidays.  Buyers and Sellers are more concerned with kids home from school, turkey dinners and gift giving.
Patience is a virtue.  Buyers that remain steadfast thru the low inventory and competition of investors, can find a diamond in the rough that they otherwise may have missed while jingling all the way to spring.
According to DataQuick, homes sales have increased from October to November only FOUR times in the last 24 years. In other years inbetween, transactions have decreased anywhere from … (4 comments)