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Did you ever have the’ hungry horrors’?
Did you ever have the’ hungry horrors’? Did you ever have the ‘hungry horrors’? IF you did, then you can relate to my experience. This past Saturday, we were driving back from Palmdale, CA. As you might know there is a number of animal safe havens, hence the visit to Palmdale, CA) at the same time I was checking out the number of for sale signs. It seemed there was less for sale signs, than a few months ago. Sadly there were more for sale signs than Joshua Trees. Anyway, I was starving so on the way back to Marina Del Rey, CA. I saw this really great Water Tower with a McDonald’s Logo. Had to pull off the 14 highway and satisfy my hunger as well as my curiosity of this place. After my large fries and chicken sandwich and the viewing of this Western Style McDonalds, we were back on the road towards Los Angeles. So if you are near this area, please check it out. Mc Donald’s 3750 Sierra Hwy, Acton, CA (661) 269-4008 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 moreWhat is a Reverse Mortgage? What are the Pros & Cons? (Part II)
What is a Reverse Mortgage? What are the Pros & Cons? (Part II) As I mentioned in Part I here I will address some of the pitfalls. The Reverse Mortgage has some Borrower Requirements: The borrower must be at the minimum 62 years old. The property must be either free and clear or have a small mortgage balance. There should not be any delinquent payments, or any federal tax lien on the home. The mortgage amount is based on current interest rate plus one or two per cent more and also the age of the youngest borrower. The loan can be repaid in full when the borrower dies or sells the home. The loan becomes due if the property taxes or hazard insurance is not paid by the home owner. In most cases the heirs do not keep the house due to the large financial obligations, so they end up selling the home. Most importantly if you want more information you can contact the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This information is free. Do not fall for Reverse Mortgage scam artists who want to charge thousands of dollars for free information. 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 moreThe Guitar Center in Hollywood, CA
The Guitar Center in Hollywood, CA is the flagship Guitar Center Store and a museum at the same time. It is hard to believe that in 1964 the Guitar Center started and today there are hundreds of stores across the entire United States. They have one of the most impressive memorabilia on display. Recently I saw the world premier of a new Television Show called “The Guitar Center Sessions “where they interview musicians who have made it in the industry. They are in front of a live audience of fans and want to be musicians in an intimate setting. Peter Gabriel was their first interview subject. Then there is the “Rock walk” at the Guitar Center, where you will see hand imprints of the Doobie Brothers as an example and icons like Frank Zappa’s hands on the sidewalk. Over the years the area has become known as “guitar Row” There is “Valdez’ Guitar” at 7420 Sunset Blvd. Then there is” High Voltage” where they have vintage and rare guitars. There is a bustling trade of guitars going on in this small patch of Sunset Blvd. Nearby, there is a Ralphs Grocery store which has been nicknamed “Rock ‘n’ Roll Ralphs”. This is because it is frequented by the” who is who” of music and movie industry. If you are into watching, spotting celebrities, this is the place to hang out. Next time you drive on Sunset Blvd and you see a long line outside the Guitar Center, then you know that someone who is now famous in the industry is there. More than likely they are there for either an ” a CD release & signing” or are doing a Session for the Guitar Center. If you want more information: The Guitar Center Hollywood is located at 7425 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90046 or visit their website at http://www.guitarcenter.com 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 moreWhat is a Reverse Mortgage? What are the Pros & Cons?
What is a Reverse Mortgage? Recently I was asked this very same question “what is a reverse mortgage” by a friend at a party. Then I received a couple of e-mails praising the benefits of a reverse mortgage. Then I watched Robert Wagner doing a commercial about Reverse Mortgages. I guess it was an omen for me to tell you what it is. With that said: It is a special type of loan, used by many “older” Americans in converting the equity of their homes into cash. This can be accomplished by issuing a loan to the home owner, but the owner does not make payments on the loan. Instead the homeowner may receive a line of credit for some portion of the equity or an annuity like payment that will be guaranteed for life. So how does this work? A first position lien is placed on the property. The loan is never paid off; instead the balance continues to grow, month after month. Upon the passing of the homeowner, the mortgage company takes possession of the house unless the heirs repay the debt. So what are the pros? One of the benefits is if the homeowner is at or near retirement age, instead of struggling to make ends meet due to the mortgage payment can get relief. The home owner can use the equity of their home as a retirement fund without having to sell and downsize. So what are the cons? The most important one is higher than normal mortgage rates. Generally the loan is 1-2 per cent higher. The loan origination fees are higher as well. This is just scraping the surface. Since it is such an important issue, I will give more details about this very important subject in a follow up blog. 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 moreWhat does this mean “XIV”? Good Food or 14?
What does this mean”XIV”? Good Food or 14? If you are a student of Latin, then the answer is easy it means 14. So let me ask again, what does 14 mean? If you are a Foodie and like good restaurants the answer is easy it is a Michael Mina Restaurant. First time I was introduced to his cooking was several years ago when we went to San Francisco and at Aqua. I had one of my more memorable dinners there. Not surprisingly, I was hooked. He has won the James Beard Award, Michelin Rated, and Best Chef by Bon Appétit, the list goes on and on. Then on one of my trips to Las Vegas I discovered that Michael Mina had a restaurant in the Bellagio hotel. Now it was a necessary visit. Again it was one a great dining experience. As a home cook I truly enjoy his Trio Dishes with the individual and predominant flavors. Truth be told I have tried a few times at home with rave reviews. Now with that said. It is hard to believe that Michael Mina opened his fourteenth restaurant in Los Angeles on the corner of Laurel Canyon and Sunset Blvd almost two years ago. I have every excuse, I have been so busy and it is still on the list to visit. If you want complex flavors and good food, XIV is a must for your next special occasion or no occasion dinner. http://www.michaelmina.net/michaelmina.php XIV is located at 8117 Sunset Boulevard (North West corner of Laurel Cyn & Sunset Blvd) West Hollywood, CA. 90046 323.656.1414 http://www.michaelmina.net/restaurant.php?restaurant_id=11 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 moreThe World Memorial Tour will start at the Santa Monica Pier in California
The World Memorial Tour will start at the Santa Monica Pier in California this Saturday on September 11, 2010. The World Memorial is a federal charity foundation and will tour the country and plans on flying the” flag” in all 50 states. The “flag” is a 30 by 58 feet US flag which has been named the “Patriot Flag”. It will be flown at the September 11 memorial on the Santa Monica Pier. The event will begin from 9 am and last till 9pm. On display will be a 200 pound steel piece from the World Trade Center among other items. In addition to the Patriot Flag, there will be approximately 200 other flags flown. These will consist of the 50 US State flags and each of the countries that lost citizens during the attacks. The mission statement of the World Memorial Group is”… to keep the memories alive and never to forget what happened….” They want to “…educate and teach truth and tolerance…” They do not have any political nor religious agenda. I am enclosing a few links here for you to get more information: http://www.world-memorial.org/ http://www.thepatriotflag.us/ I have found a link that shows the Santa Monica Pier live every four seconds so you should be able to click on this link and see it during the day. There will be a candle-light vigil underneath the US and international flags around 8pm. http://www.westland.net/piercam/#more_beach_cams/ 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 moreWe like this home! Great let’s write an Offer!
We like this home! Great let’s write an Offer! We like this home! Great, let’s write an Offer! I love this part of the conversation with a buyer. Now comes the more interesting part, when I have to explain what it will take to accomplish this. This does not matter if you are buying a Luxury home in Beverly Hills or a Waterfront Ocean View Home in Marina Del Rey or Malibu. In California there is more paperwork to be completed than many other states. Why is that? Part of the reason is, because we live in a very litigious state as well as, since we have Escrow Companies involved in the transaction, rather than attorneys. I represent many out of country home buyers (foreign nationals) as well as out of state home buyers; hence I have to explain this phenomenon many times over. The First step is easy; we determine what the Value of the home is. Then we strategize where we should start the negotiation and where we want to end up at. Then the paperwork begins. There are approximately 32 pages that have to be filled out. Of which 12 pages are Contractual Forms and 20 pages of Disclosures. Then Proof of Funds, pre-approval letter and of course an earnest money check for 3 per cent of the purchase offer. Keep in mind these pages have to be explained and the time depends on the level of understanding as well as the experience of the home buyers. First time home buyers are very similar in this respect to out of state home buyers and out of country home buyers. They are just as unaware of the vast amount of paperwork that it takes to buy a home. So I find that patience, understanding and time are all integral part of submitting an Offer in California. The more knowledgeable and patient your Realtor is the easier this process will be. 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 moreThe vision of Abbot Kinney “The American Venice Canals” in Venice, CA
The vision of Abbot Kinney “The American Venice Canals” in Venice, CA. The vision of Abbot Kinney “The American Venice Canals” materialized in the late 1890’s to early 1900’s in spite the opposition and the lack of belief by many in the Greater Los Angeles area. Abbot Kinney hired a landscape architect from Boston, MA. Shortly thereafter the Grand Canal stared to get dug up. His goal was to make a small town in the “Venetian Renaissance” style. As with any dream delays are unpredictable if they are caused by nature. Two very disastrous winter storms delayed the project. Nevertheless by the Fourth of July weekend of 1905 the project was done to the point, where people could have yacht racing and swimming in the lagoons. In Venice’s Glory days there were 16 miles of Canals complete with singing gondoliers and an amusement park called “Ocean Park”. Let’s fast forward a hundred years and we now have only about four blocks of canals left nestled in between Ocean- , Venice-, and Washington Boulevards. There are many entertainment industry people quietly living near the beach in middle hidden in plain sight. If you seen “Because I said so” with Diane Keaton & Mandy Moore you can see one of the real Venice Canal’s small homes. If you never have seen the movie or never have been to the Canals, then enjoy these few photos. The best time to come and see the canals in their full Glory is in the winter, when they have boat parades, decorate their homes for Halloween and then as well as for Christmas. It is truly a memorable site. 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 moreNot the everyday Labor Day Weekend at Venice Beach/Marina Del Rey, CA
Not the everyday Labor Day Weekend at Venice Beach/Marina Del Rey, CA Not the everyday Labor Day Weekend at Venice Beach/Marina Del Rey, CA . I am accustomed to the usually very crowded event. I remember hundreds of people circling, looking for parking spaces as they were trying to avoid paying a fee for parking. This year I did not see that. So I decided to take a stroll and walk to the beach to see what was going on? I found the beach vacant, hardly anyone out there. I understand the Weather Forecasters missed their predictions. They said there will be a strong marine layer with a cold front moving in. Needless to say it was 70+ degrees and sunshine. Nevertheless most people would not listen to the Weather and would go to the beach anyway. So I wonder where the people are. Anyway see for yourself and enjoy the photos. 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 moreWhen you see the three letters LAX, what image comes to your mind?
When you see the three letters LAX, what image comes to your mind? Yes, everyone thinks of Los Angeles International Airport, but what image comes to your mind? At the center of Los Angeles International Airport is the landmark building and the home to the Encounter Restaurant and Bar. The building was completed in 1961. The building was designed as an integral part of “The Los Angeles Jet Age Terminal”, by Paul Williams, Pereira & Luckman and Robert H Carter. It was intended to be very futuristic. The building has large 135-foot high parabolic arches. Paul Williams is well known in the Greater Los Angeles, CA Real Estate community. He has designed and built numerous luxury homes in the Hollywood Hills, Bel Air, Beverly Hills and other surrounding communities. There is an added value to own a home designed by this great architect. The restaurant opened in 1997 with a 360 degree view of the airport. Most people who visit the restaurant are surprised to discover, that it does not rotate. Sadly the Observation Deck became obsolete due the 9/11/01 for security reasons. It used to be fun before and after eating to stroll on the observation deck. Next time you are visiting Los Angeles or have a layover of a few hours, you should make the Encounter as a must visit destination. Lunch is served from 11:00 am to 4:00pm seven days a week and then dinner from 4:00pm to 9:30pm Thursday thru Sunday. Encounter Restaurant, 209 World Way, Los Angeles, CA. 90045 If you want more information visit their website http://www.encounterrestaurant.com call them at 310.215.5151. 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...
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