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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. Sadly, 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 t...
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By Angela Bond, Los Angeles Real Estate | 310 666 5052
(Keller Williams Realty)
I began my day at 540 S Arden and not just because Janet and Sue put on the best lunch in town, but because the price, size and location were all calling my name.  This is the kind of house you hope a long lost relative leaves you and when you use the key to open the front door for the first time, the decades flood over you and an inspired renovation begins.  So here's what you get...it's a classic Colonial with the coveted center hall floor plan.  5 beds and 4 baths mean room for everyone and when that's spread over 3,714 sq/ft you can run and hide from the family if you need to. Then you step outside on to the 12,600 sq/ft lot and whether it's kids parties, summer brunches, evening dinners or old fashioned sleeping under the tree time, your heart just goes pitter patter at the possib...
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By Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Monterey Hills CA Meet a Candidate for City Council Come meet Rudy Martinez hosts a coffee to hear the Candidate for the 14th Council District in the city of Los Angeles.  Mr. Martinez will talk about the community.  He is running for the seat currently held by Councilman Jose Huizar who is running for re-election. The meeting will be held at 4224 Via Arbolada(Marshall Villas Recreation Room) in Monterey Hills on Tuesday, February 11, 2011 at 7PM.  There will be light refreshments served.  If interested in attending, please send an email to the Monterey Hills Federation at mhfederaton@gmail.com.  This event according to The Monterey Hills Federation is being hosted by Mr. Martinez and not at the expense of the Monterey Hills Federation.  The election for city council district 14  is bei...
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By Jayne Clement, Los Angeles Short Sale Agents
(Keller Williams Realty)
I met with a new Seller this week who wants to sell his beautiful 2BR condo in the Westwood area of Los Angeles.  This particular area, north of Wilshire is very affluent, just adjacent to UCLA (but too expensive for student housing...but they do have a couple professors in their building).  Within less than a mile you have the vibrant center of Westwood just at the base of the campus, which is bustling with shops, restaurants, movie theatres, home to the live theatre venue The Geffen, etc.  There are only 3 other condos for sale within a 1/2 mile radius...and only an additional 5 or 6 more are on the market going out to a mile radius.  It seems like this would be a big advantage to listing this condo right now...except for one tiny, little thing.  Of the 3 that are currently on the mar...
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By Jane Peters, Los Angeles real estate concierge services
(Home Jane Realty)
If you own Los Angeles rental property the IRS are going to want their share. Even if you are a casual investor in Los Angeles rental property as of the beginning of 2011 any payment made to vendors over $600 must be followed with a 1099. Owners of larger Los Angeles properties have had to do this for many years, but when the 2010 Small Business Jobs Act (H.R. 5297) was enacted it extended the requirement to owners of any rental property. What do you need to get from your vendor? Any vendor who has worked on your Los Angeles rental property, and has been paid in excess of $600, needs to provide you with their name, address, and tax identification of Social Security No. Keep a record on the amount you have paid them and at the end of the year issue a 1099 for that amount. Are their any e...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Why Do I need to be Pre-Approved before you start showing me homes? There are many first time buyers out there who have asked me this question. I constantly have to educate them about this question. My answer is very clear to the buyers: •1.       The issue is I want them to be sure, that they are in a position to 'buy' the particular home they found and like. •2.       I want to be sure that they are searching in the price point they can actually buy. •3.       I do not want them to miss out on a home they loved, but were unable to get because they did not have the Pre-Approval Letter to submit with their offer. •4.       Then my own selfish reason:  I do not want to waste my time and gas with lookers who cannot qualify to buy anything due to bad credit or the bank's more restrictive u...
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By Danny Batsalkin, Los Angeles Real Estate | 310.432.5706
(Keller Williams Realty - Beverly Hills)
5 Reasons To Price Your Beverly Grove Area Home Right, And How To Do It! (Part 1 of 2) If you are planning on moving and will need to sell your Beverly Grove, Los Angeles home, the most important aspect of selling your home will be the initial price that you set on your home. That's right ... the initial price is the most critical aspect of getting your home sold quickly and for top market price.   Here are 5 reasons why ... 1. The INITIAL price is the MOST important because ... according to online statistics, brand new listings get 4 TIMES as many viewings in the initial week as they do afterwards. Serious buyers looking at Beverly Grove homes and other homes in the Los Angeles area are searching online every day and get very excited about a brand new listing. If you blow the initial p...
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By Dorene Slavitz, Experienced. Ethical. Outstanding Results!
(Residential & Commercial Real Estate)
Architecture is one reason we Travel     Many people schlep thousands of miles just to look at abuilding. Is it worth the journey? Why do we travel? What makes us yearn tovisit Europe or Asia or New York? As often as not, we journey to far off placesso that we can see monuments, cathedrals, shrines, historic homes, and othergreat works of architecture. Traveling offers a chance of seeing andexperiencing fascinating buildings first-hand, in ways that cannot bereplicated through photos or videos. This new section offers a glimpse to world locales witharchitectural eye candy.    A (very brief) Guide to Prague Known as the “golden city of spires,” Prague in the Czech Republic has architectural splendors that span a thousand years. This post is an introduction to the Medieval, Baroque, and ...
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By Richard Ruggaber, California Real Estate - (818) 422-5035
(Metro Life Homes)
  So you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life! Why not spend the day at the Topanga State Park in Los Angeles, California. This beautiful park is considered the world’s largest wildlife park within city limits. The Topanga State Park is perfect for hiking, riding horses, picnics and just enjoying the scenery! The park is also a great place to go exploring for marine fossils, numerous sedimentary formations and volcanic intrusions. For more information regarding the Topanga State Park please visit the link below: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=629 What a great place to spend the day exploring and just have some fun! CHEERS
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By Jayne Clement, Los Angeles Short Sale Agents
(Keller Williams Realty)
Ugh...this one breaks my heart.  This great 4+3.5 home on Talmadge St., which is the hills of Los Feliz, with almost 10,000 sq. ft. of park-like grounds for a back yard, went on the market in early December.  I sent it to my buyer...someone who's been searching in this area for roughly 6 months.  It fit his criteria to a tee...it had the 4 BR's he needs with his growing family...it had the large yard to accommodate all of their play and entertainment needs...it was in his target area...it was fully upgraded and in move-in condition...it had  gorgeous views and decks from which to appreciate them...it had the open floor plan that his family wants.  And the kicker...it was below his price range!  Whaaaaatttt?!  Yes, BELOW his price range. BUT...my buyer was "too busy" during the holidays ...
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By Jayne Clement, Los Angeles Short Sale Agents
(Keller Williams Realty)
I was out doing some "shopping" for a client this weekend and decided to take a look at some of the Westwood condos, south of Wilshire Blvd.  I saw about seven different units today...all ranging from your basic "college kid rental" to "cozy townhome'ish," to "sleek mid-century."  My two favorites were on Kelton, the first at 1870 Kelton, #101 with the sleek, sexy mid-century vibe going on.  The kicker is that it's actually built in 1981, but it looks like it was built in 1961.  It is a corner unit that is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows on two sides, with a street facing balcony that is actually more like a "front facing patio," and feels like an outside dining area, just off the inside dining room. There are these amazing large, leafy trees right outside of the windows, providi...
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By Jane Peters, Los Angeles real estate concierge services
(Home Jane Realty)
Echo Park Los Angeles is a culturally diverse neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Echo Park you may want to check out the latest housing market statistics. The Echo Park real estate report below is for single family homes over 2010. Condos are a small part of the Echo Park real estate market. Also, the boundaries of Echo Park are rather loosely defined, and the Los Angeles Multiple Listing Service (MLS) combines Echo Park with Silver Lake for its home search purposes. Echo Park Boundary Map So the report below is a rough overview of last year's Echo Park housing trend . Echo Park Real Estate is leaning towards a buyers' market. The average sales price is up a little, but the sales vs list price is down, and average days on the mark...
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By Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Surfwood Monterey - 2010 Market Recap Surfwood  Monterey is a 92 unit condominium complex in the Highland Park/Hermon neighborhood in 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 - 2010 Market Recap There were two sales in Surfwood Monterey in 2010 according to multiple listing service records.  Both of the sales in Surfwood  were short sales.  The average sales price for the units sold were $252,500 with an average price per square foot of $254.03(average square feet for sold in Surfwood Monter...
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By Jayne Clement, Los Angeles Short Sale Agents
(Keller Williams Realty)
So, this charming, (and I mean absolutely charming!) 2BR+1bath home has been a short sale in the Echo Park area near Silver Lake for about three months.  The home is situated on a "stair street," meaning that the only access to the home is to park your car at the base of the hill (competing for street parking with the other residents) and then hoof it up the stairs to the front door.  There are 5 other homes on this stair street, traversing the hillside, many with even more stairs past the 40 to this sale property, albeit with beautiful views.  Suffice it to say, that trying to sell a home on a stair street siginificantly reduces your pool of buyers.  The home was originally priced at $589k, about $100k over priced for the size and area and parking situation.  It sat there without any b...
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By Jane Peters, Los Angeles real estate concierge services
(Home Jane Realty)
You are relocating to Los Angeles, or are in-between situations. Maybe you are downsizing your Los Angeles home and would like to try leasing a condo in West Los Angeles before making the final decision about where you would like to live. There are a number of condos available for lease in West Los Angeles. Prime areas to look include the Wilshire Corridor and Century City. Wilshire Corridor condos for lease There are presently 68 Wilshire Corridor condos for lease. Average price = $8,481 Low price = $2,450 at the Crown Towers High price = $32,000 at The Carlyle Century City condos for lease There are presently 34 Century City condos for lease. Average price = $4,565 Low price = $2,100 at 2160 Century Park East High price = $14,750 at Century Woods Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Es...
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By Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Monterey Hills CA --- Do You Want to Live Here But Not Buy?   Leases Available The Monterey Hills area is a very desirable setting...convenient yet hidden away from the hustle and bustle of a more congested lifestyle.  You will find people strolling the walkways of the community with dogs in tow.   Located within the city limits of Los Angeles, the community is a collection of condominums and townhouses plus one 16 unit single family home development.  Most complexes feature a community pool and spa.  Some offer sport courts, gyms, recreation rooms and other amenities.  Depending on location of the home, you may have hillside or city light views.   Monterey Hills CA --- Do You Want to Live Here But Not Buy?  Leases Available With close proximity to Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, the Va...
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By Ralph Gorgoglione, California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407
(Metro Life Homes)
So you need some wonderful ideas to romance that special someone in your life! Why not spend some time in Los Angeles, California for those special or just plain fun occasions with your special someone! In Los Angeles, you will always find something for everyone such as romantic strolls through the beautiful gardens, that Los Angeles has to offer. Los Angeles has some beautiful beaches as well as light houses that you can enjoy and take in a sunset. Why not enjoy a romantic dinner for two at any of the amazing restaurants that this lively city has to offer! If you are one for more excitement, there is always the fun and exciting nightclubs where you and your loved one can dance the night away. For more great ideas for fun and romantic things to do in Los Angeles check out the link: htt...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Will the seller take a contingent offer, subject to the buyer's sale of their home? Will the seller take a contingent offer, subject to the buyer's sale of their home? We really like this Condominium and we want to relocate to the Beach in Malibu with ocean views, rather than living in the Hollywood hills with mountain views. I was recently asked this question; I thought I would share this with other potential buyers & potential sellers who have the same question. The answer is not a simple cut and dry yes or no. This depends on many variables: •1.       Is the buyer's home on the Market? Is it properly marketed with the intent to sell? •2.       How well priced is the home? How is the absorption rate in the neighborhood? •3.       How motivated is the Seller on the property that is bei...
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By Jayne Clement, Los Angeles Short Sale Agents
(Keller Williams Realty)
I've been working with a young married couple looking to buy in Los Angeles, who are targeting the Los Feliz hills area, as well as the Hollywood Hills East.  We've been searching for them for about three months without any luck.  They are very discerning buyers and their deal breaker list can sometimes be tough to meet in the hills, even at the price range of $1.5 million...you still have to compromise, believe it or not.  I recently sent them a listing for a gorgeous Mediterranean that was built in the 1920's located in the Hollywood Hills, near Beachwood Canyon.  Within 30 seconds I had his reply email..."I love this house!!  What's wrong with it?"    The home is a stunning example of the period, set into the hillside, with views that reach out over LA and Hollywood, with twinkling "...
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By Jane Peters, Los Angeles real estate concierge services
(Home Jane Realty)
You know the story.  The kids are gone. You have more space than you could ever use.  The maintenance of the home is becoming more than you can handle and you are thinking, "should I downsize my Los Angeles home?"You have decided that you are ready and are wondering how to proceed: Should I wait to sell my Los Angeles home? The good news is that any time you are thinking of selling your Los Angeles home is the right time.  You are worried that prices are down and now is not the time.  But think.  You are also buying when prices are down.  The same applies when prices are up. Should I sell before I buy? This would be the best course of action. Buying a home contingent on the sale of your own property is not the best course of action.   You can always rent before you have found a new home...
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By Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
Monterey Hills CA 2010 Market Recap - Austin Terrace Austin Terrace is a 45 unit condominium complex in the Monterey Hills area within the city of Los Angeles.  The convenient Monterey Hills location offers a great lifestyle with easy access to transportation with many shopping, dining and entertainment options available in Pasadena, South Pasadena, Alhambra and Highland Park.  Austin Terrace is located adjacent to Budd Weiner Park and its pool and spa area offer wonderful hillside and city views.  The complex was constructed in 1982. Monterey Hills CA 2010 Market Recap - Austin Terrace There were two sales in Austin Terrace in 2010 according to multiple listing sources.  A one bedroom, one bath unit with 799 square feet that closed escrow in December for $225,000(original list price $2...
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