Blog
Traffic & Los Angeles Real Estate Illustrated here with Photos. What is your Traffic like?
Traffic & Los Angeles Real Estate Illustrated here with Photos. What is your Traffic like? Traffic & Los Angeles Real Estate illustrated here with Photos. Traffic has always been interesting at best and more and more challenging as the years go by. I have enclosed here a few pictures to illustrate my point. More cars, more people and longer drives to get to the Property we as Realtors want to show. We have an unwritten Rule of 10-15 minutes are normal if someone is running late to a showing on the West Side of Los Angeles. As you some of you know, we are by Appointment only on 90 per cent of the Property Showings. It would be nice to get a phone call, text or an e-mail from the prospective home buyer or the agent representing the home buyer that they are running late. Never the less, most of us Realtors understand that there are uncontrollable circumstances such as the Los Angeles Traffic. I was going to a couple of showings in the morning after “rush hour” i.e.: after 11:00am and before 1:30pm. How is your Traffic in your part of the world? By the way Traffic was light during this day. If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations...
read moreDo you Door Knock in your Real Estate neighborhood? What do you give out that is valuable to the home owner?
Do you Door Knock in your Real Estate neighborhood? What do you give out that is valuable to the owner ? Just the other day I was having a conversation with another agent about lead generation and what seems to work and what does not. Then she asked if I ever door knocked? My first reaction was “… I used to when I was new in the real estate business…” When I was a New Real Estate Agent, I listened to my Manger who told me that “Door knocking is the most effective way of making face to face contact”. Then next thing I know is that it became a “Lost Art “for me. “This made me pause. Why did I stop? Was it because I started to get successful? I would send out Mailers instead of the Face to Face? Was it because it was uncomfortable? Was it because I was too busy? So I looked in the mirror I saw this older, more mature and pleasantly plum agent, what if he came to your door would you let him in? Would you talk to him? When would be the best time to knock and you would not growl at him? I remember I used to go on Saturdays in the afternoons before dinner and when it was still light out. I used to give out Notepads, Market Statistics and Business Cards. What do you give out if you door knock? How do you communicate value for the homeowner who’s Door you are knocking on? Do you think it is still a good way to meet the home owner? Or do you think it is an intrusion into their lives and just being on the internet is a better way? Are you claiming to be a “Neighborhood Realtor” without walking the neighborhood? If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations ...
read moreAre you a Generalist or a Specialist?Red Doors? Brick Doors? Or Yellow Doors?
Are you a Generalist or a Specialist? Red Doors? Brick Doors? Or Yellow Doors? Are you a generalist or a Specialist that was the question I was asked the other day? Being a Relocation Specialist, being an International buyer’s specialist, being a Land Expert I was surprised by the question. More so I was having a difficult time answering, that I am both a generalist and a specialist. As most of my readers know I live in Marina Del Rey, CA and my office is in Beverly Hills and I work for Coldwell Banker Realtors. Thanks to the advent of the Internet and now that almost 85% of potential Buyers and Sellers of Real Estate start their search for a home or search for a Realtor on the internet. I have the privilege of working from my home. I do not have to fight the daily traffic, only if I have an appointment. Being a Beverly Hills Realtor, but more specifically being a Coldwell Banker Beverly Hills Realtor I never have to explain, justify if I am qualified to list or represent a Seller or a Buyer in a Specific area. It is understood I would not be able to survive, make a living, if I was not knowledgeable Realtor. Skills of Marketing, Skills of Negotiating the Sale and People Skills to help buying or selling properties, these seem to be the most important requirements and skills that I posses and of course I also know the Geographic Territory which is equally important. So I was shocked that in the past two or three weeks, I was asked to help someone find a “good realtor” to represent them in an area that I could have helped them in their purchase. I diplomatically suggested that I could be that person, but it was clear, since they were coming from the East Coast they wanted a “specialist for a particular area”. Not wanting to lose them as clients, I recommended a Seasoned Veteran Assistant Manager. She had over 30 years of Experience, knew the market inside and out and knew me personally so she asked why I would not represent them? I tried explaining to her that they were coming from the East Coast and were not familiar with the area and were of the impression that Agents are Specialist and not Generalist. The Last time they were here was about a year ago and I have showed them homes for three days on the West Side of Los Angeles. They realized, understood that I was a knowledgeable Realtor with many years of experience. They trusted me to find them another Realtor when they decided to go to the San Fernando Valley. I was unable to convince them that I was just as familiar with the San Fernando Valley as the West Side of Los Angeles. I have listed and Sold Homes, Condominiums and Land in Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks and Studio City. So obviously I knew the territory. So here I am and for a 25% referral fee I have passed the Clients on to a lucky agent who has high respect of my skills, knowledge and knowhow, she knew I could have helped these Relocation Clients but the Clients did not. So with that said are you a Generalist...
read moreChinese Real Estate Investors Head to Beverly Hills
Chinese Real Estate Investors Head to Beverly Hills Chinese Real Estate Investors Head to Beverly Hills and then consider buying their first Real Estate in the US. Many of you have seen the Headlines: The Chinese are considering buying Real Estate for investment in the US. Who are these Chinese Investors? It may seem like what a strange question. Upon closer analysis you discover that there are at least four groups of Chinese Property Investors: (1) The Hong Kong residents, (2) The Mainland Chinese, (3) The Taiwanese residents and (4) the Canadian Immigrant Chinese. Now then comes the question which buyer are you dealing with? The Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese or the Shanghais, they all have different languages, cultural backgrounds and goals in investing in the US Real Estate. Do you know who your Chinese Real Estate buyer is? There are many cash rich Chinese and they are coming to the US to buy cheap Real Estate. There are even Tourist Flights from Mainland China to buy the bargain Southern California Real Estate. To some of these buyers, Real Estate and Los Angeles are synonymous with cheapest housing in the US. The way I see it, the big challenge they face, is that there are only a few Realtors they can turn to get good and Trustworthy advice. Just like in Baseball, Location is the most important Point they need to consider in a down market. Yes there are areas that have had 50-80% depreciation, but the most important question is what the Timeline is for the Return on Their Investment? The Golden Rule in a Down Market, buy in the Best Location to get the Best and Safest Return Period! If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue...
read morePlaya Del Rey, CA Condominium Market Report for May 2011
Playa Del Rey, CA Condominium Market Report for May 2011 As most of you who read my post consistently, know I am a firm believer that you have to look at a Real Estate Market Report not just as a snap shot of the previous months activities, but rather as what the Trend is. If we observe and monitor the trend, than we can make educated predictions of activity for the near future of the Real Estate activity in a particular pocket. Unfortunately there are events that are beyond our control that will impact the local Real Estate activity. Last month there was a slowdown of the growth in the US Economy. A large part can be attributed to the earthquake in Japan, which created a shortage of parts and had a global as well as a local impact. Then there was a huge rise in the oil prices, which caused consumers to cut back on spending. Even though the oil prices have dropped back to $100 per barrel the damage was done. The slowdown occurred. Now with that said let us see what the May numbers looked like: There was an decrease in the inventory to 44 Active Listings and not surprisingly there was a decrease in Accepting Backup offers to 5, as one would have anticipated based on the turbulent events. There was One Unit in Hold position an indication of shorter approval time for Short sales. Previously they were taking such a long time that one had to put them on Hold Status in the MLS. The pending not surprisingly had a decreased as well to 4 Units. Equally surprising that there was an increase in the Sold category as well from the previous month’s the current one of 10. This just confirms what I have been saying all along that, there are micro markets in Real Estate and you need a knowledgeable Realtor to provide you with the guidance and data. So for your convenience I am going to include the previous five month’s Condominium Market Reports for Playa Del Rey, CA. This way you can look at the Trends yourself conveniently. (See Below) http://actvra.in/4T (Published February 2011) http://actvra.in/6dY (Published March 2011) http://actvra.in/7Vj (Published April 2011) http://actvra.in/9vl (Published May 2011) If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations. ...
read moreMarina Del Rey Condominium Market Report for May 2011
Marina Del Rey Condominium Market Report for May 2011 As most of you who read my post consistently, know I am a firm believer that you have to look at a Real Estate Market Report not just as a snap shot of the previous months activities, but rather as what the Trend is. If we observe and monitor the trend, than we can make educated predictions of activity for the near future of the Real Estate activity in a particular pocket. Unfortunately there are events that are beyond our control that will impact the local Real Estate activity. Last month there was a slowdown of the growth in the US Economy. A large part can be attributed to the earthquake in Japan, which created a shortage of parts and had a global as well as a local impact. Then there was a huge rise in the oil prices, which caused consumers to cut back on spending. Even though the oil prices have dropped back to $100 per barrel the damage was done. The slowdown occurred. Now with that said let us see what the May numbers looked like: There was an increase in the inventory to 165 Active Listings and surprisingly there was a slight increase in Accepting Backup offers to 11, not as one would have anticipated based on the turbulent events. There were No Units in Hold position an indication of shorter approval time for Short sales. Previously they were taking such a long time that one had to put them on Hold Status in the MLS. The pending not surprisingly had a slight decreased to 15 Units. Equally surprising that there was an increase in the Sold category as well from the previous month’s the current one of 22. This just confirms what I have been saying all along that, there are micro markets in Real Estate and you need a knowledgeable Realtor to provide you with the guidance and data. So for your convenience I am going to include the previous five month’s Condominium Market Reports for Marina Del Rey, CA. This way you can look at the Trends yourself conveniently. (See Below) http://actvra.in/JT (Published January 2011) http://actvra.in/4T8 (Published February 2011) http://actvra.in/6gy (Published March 2011) http://actvra.in/7YN (Published April 2011) http://actvra.in/9xL (Published May 2011) If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations. ...
read moreCentury City Condominium Market Report for May 2011
Century City Condominium Market Report for May 2011 As most of my regular readers know I am a firm believer that you have to look at a Real Estate Market Report not just as a snap shot of the previous months activities, but rather as what the Trend is. If we observe and monitor the trend, than we can make educated predictions of activity for the near future of the Real Estate activity in a particular pocket. Unfortunately there are events that are beyond our control that will impact the local Real Estate activity. Last month there was a slowdown of the growth in the US Economy. A large part can be attributed to the earthquake in Japan, which created a shortage of parts and had a global as well as a local impact. Then there was a huge rise in the oil prices, which caused consumers to cut back on spending. Even though the oil prices have dropped back to $100 per barrel the damage was done. The slowdown occurred. Now with that said let us see what the May numbers looked like: There was an increase in the inventory to 287 Active Listings and not surprisingly there was a drop in Accepting Backup offers to 21. Overall not such a drastic drop from 39, as one would have anticipated based on the turbulent events. There was only one in Hold position an indication of shorter approval time for Short sales. Previously they were taking such a long time that one had to put them on Hold Status in the MLS. There was a drop in the Sold category as well from the previous month’s 43 to the current one of 26. So for your convenience I am going to include the previous five month’s Condominium Market Reports for Century City /Westwood, CA. This way you can look at the Trends yourself conveniently. (See Below) http://actvra.in/K6 (Published in January 2011) http://actvra.in/52T (Published in February 2011) http://actvra.in/6gq (Published in March 2011) http://actvra.in/82D (Published in April 2011) http://actvra.in/9kc (Published in May 2011) If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations. ...
read morePlaya Vista Condominium Market Report for May 2011
Playa Vista Condominium Market Report for May 2011 As most of my regular readers know I am a firm believer that you have to look at a Real Estate Market Report not just as a snap shot of the previous months activities, but rather as what the Trend is. If we observe and monitor the trend, than we can make educated predictions of activity for the near future of the Real Estate activity in a particular pocket. Unfortunately there are events that are beyond our control that will impact the local Real Estate activity. Last month there was a slowdown of the growth in the US Economy. A large part can be attributed to the earthquake in Japan, which created a shortage of parts and had a global as well as a local impact. Then there was a huge rise in the oil prices, which caused consumers to cut back on spending. Even though the oil prices have dropped back to $100 per barrel the damage was done. The slowdown occurred. Now with that said let’s see how the Playa Vista Real Estate Activity fared for the month of May. There were 28 Active Condominiums on the market for sale. This is a slight increase from the previous month. There were 4 accepting Backup Offers; 1 was on Hold status and 3 were pending. This is a huge drop from the previous month; hence it confirms that the consumer spending took a pause. The Sold numbers for the month of May were 7 a drop from the previous month’s 13. So it should be interesting to see if we have a rebound during the month of June. So for your convenience I am going to include the previous five month’s Condominium Market Reports for Playa Vista, CA. This way you can look at the Trends yourself conveniently. (See Below) http://actvra.in/Jw (published January 2011) http://actvra.in/4T5 (published February 2011) http://actvra.in/6dx (published March 2011) http://actvra.in/7Vj (published April 2011) http://actvra.in/9mD (published May 2011) If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue...
read morePlease welcome Luke Gibson, Photographer to Active Rain
Please welcome Luke Gibson, Photographer to Active Rain. The other day I saw that someone subscribed to my blog. I then went to see who it was. Much to my surprise I saw that it was Luke Gibson my Real Estate Photographer. http://www.lukegibsonphotography.com I was so excited he is the photographer who made my 221S Gale Dr. Condominium in Beverly Hills, CA look so good. He is also the photographer who took those great pictures of my 5330 Yarmouth Ave in Encino, CA. Most of you kept praising how great the pictures are. Now the man himself is on Active Rain. In hindsight I should have invited him. Oh Well. Give him a huge welcome and if you need a good Real Estate Photographer in the Greater Los Angeles area, he is your go to guy. If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations. ...
read moreDo you know what a Homestead is? This is another Title Insurance Question
Do you know what a Homestead is? This is another Title Insurance Question you might want to be familiar with and inquire about when you are purchasing a home. As most of you know I have written a few blog posts about Title Insurance. I find it is very important to be familiar with Title issues; it can make a great deal of difference whether it will be an easier Escrow Period or a harder one. The more knowledgeable you are the easier it will be. The Homestead Act is very complex in nature and if it is not properly prepared may be invalid. Therefore I suggest that you consult an attorney for your specific situation or at least a Title Officer before you take title on a property. Generally most people want to know how the Homestead Exemption works. In simple terms it may protect your equity from creditors. In other words in f you own or are about to buy a condominium, a house, a duplex or a mobile home this could be beneficial to you. Every home owner who resides in his or her home is entitled to this protection until the house is sold or the homestead is abandoned. There generally is a limit to the amount of equity that is protected. Hence, depending on your situation you could be protecting anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 of your equity. So talk to your Title Officer or his or her representative before you close on your purchase. For your convenience I have enclosed some of my previous post about Title questions and issues. http://actvra.in/bK2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2248000/the-importance-of-using-a-reputable-respected-trusted-title-escrow-company http://activerain.com/blogsview/2315072/do-you-know-what-a-title-binder-is- http://actvra.in/bK4 http://actvra.in/bK5 http://actvra.in/bK6 If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 (USA) or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations. ...
read more