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The World Series in April: Wow I can not believe it Red Sox vs. Yankees home opener!
As some of you, who know me, are aware I am a huge Red Sox fan. I am very excited that the home opener is also American League Opener and it will be at Fenway Park, Boston, MA. Even more exiting is that it will be on ESPN. So here we are Easter Sunday I am able to watch this great game, Red Sox vs. Yankees. It does not get much better than this. As I am getting ready for this historic Rivalry, I have been reading J.P.Morosi’s comments (a sports writer for FOXSports.com) and one particular question just made me pause. He asks “…will there be any extra venom among Red Sox fans this Sunday…” Is he kidding? Does he not understand the Red Sox Nation? The best rivalry in MLB: Red Sox vs. Yankees and he is wondering will there be extra venom? There will be, of course. Just the fact that it is not a day game is already fueling the Red Sox Nation on the East Coast. So this Realtor is not available this evening, all voice mails and/ or e-mails have to wait. This game is like the World Series. How often do you get to see the World Series in April? GO RED SOX!! 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 moreDid you know that more than half of the homes sold in 2009 were Short Sales or REO’s?
Recently I was reading about a very telling statistic. The California Association of Realtors has published that more than 50% of all first-time homebuyers sales were either short sales or foreclosure transactions. These short sales presented many first time buyers with great opportunities. To be able to step into the market which a few years ago looked like an impossible event? The buyers see many benefits to purchase a short sale. (As a Realtor who is in Escrow now for ten months on a short sale, I have a different perspective). Patience is an absolute necessity, for all parties, buyers, sellers, and Realtors representing all parties. This type of transaction as a Buyer you need to continue looking for other homes, otherwise it could be very disappointing if the property goes into foreclosure or the seller renegotiated with the lender and decides to stay in the home, rather than move on. Foreclosures can be very tricky to buy for a first time home buyer. In order to get the property, generally the buyer needs to give a very “clean offer” forgoing investigations, appraisal and other contingencies. The buyer should have done all their market investigations in advance, hence understanding that the property is worth the price they plan on offering. If it is not an all cash offer, the buyer should have -current pre-approval letter, proof of down payment and closing costs and solid credit worthiness. As well as a Seasoned Realtor to be able to present the Offer in the best possible light to the Listing Agent who in turn would do the same to the Lenders. If the buyer follows the above advice, the chances are better, that they will get the property and then ultimately get a great Value in a good neighborhood they would not have been able to get into a few years ago with the current prices. The best advice I can give is have patience riding thru all the emotional rollercoaster rides of Short Sale Offers and REO offers. Also a bit of good luck will not hurt either. 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 Dillema: Do you disclose Rumours & Gossip: Or do you tell the Buyer do your own investigation?
The San Fernando Valley is famous for many reasons. Some know it as the “valley of the stars” others recognize it as the’ other movie industry’s center’, that is the Porn Capital of the World. Different cities are vying for the title. Some of people consider it the Sherman Oaks hills. I was going on a listing appointment and the owner of the house was telling me, that two streets from her house, she knows someone who was a “neighbor” to a “studio”. She assured me, that the neighbors got together and shut the operation down. I find this an interesting dilemma. When you are a potential buyer, how do you feel about this? As a Realtor in Southern California, I am compelled to disclose what I just learned. There could be extra traffic in this upscale residential neighborhood. It could bring undesirable elements to the neighborhood. I am not a prude, rather I just want to make sure the potential buyer does not get blindsided. So where do we draw the line? Is two streets away idle gossip or is it important information a buyer needs to know? I always advise my buyers to check out the neighborhood at different times to make sure they are comfortable with the traffic and the type of traffic they see. They should also check out the police department and find out the crime statistics. So how bad could it be? Many world famous celebrities lived in the San Fernando Valley. To name a few celebrities: Bob Hope, John Wayne, Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Tom Selleck and Lucille Ball. Did they think it was OK? Does that justify not disclosing? I think not. If you are a buyer make sure you check out the neighborhood and decide for yourself. What do you think? Please share your thoughts. 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 more8413 Grandview Drive, Los Angeles, CA Escrow Closed!Hurrah!
8413 Grandview Drive, Los Angeles, CA Escrow Closed! Hurrah! As Realtors we encounter many challenges during the normal sales process. Then there are others that become more challenging as Escrow Progresses. This one falls into one of the latter category. I had an Italian Architect who came to Los Angeles to look for land. We found one and the story got more interesting. He was not buying it by himself, there were three total partners. We opened Escrow and then we had to do the due diligence, which on vacant land is challenging if you are local add the International Dimension, communication via e-mails telephone and then we had the geology report among other investigations. Then came the more interesting hurdle, they wanted to create an Limited Liability Corporation to protect all parties of the Partnership as well as from future Tax and Legal challenges. This of course added delays. It is not an overnight process to create an LLC from overseas. The funds were coming from three different directions, and then to keep the seller happy and calm was another challenge. Just as we were ready to close, the seller decided for Tax Shelter purposes he need to create a Trust. More delays and ultimately the Escrow Officer, Agents, Buyers and Sellers all got thru it. Happy Ending we closed today an Escrow which began in August of 2009. The cultural differences, the legal differences, the time zone differences, the different style of conducting business all finally were overcome to a happy conclusion. 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 moreDid you know, that Undisclosed Payment in a Short Sale Transaction May be Illegal?
Did you know that undisclosed payments in a Short Sale Transaction may be illegal? According to The California Association of Realtors undisclosed, specifically those payments that are paid outside of Escrow may violate the Law. In particular it could be a violation of RESPA, or it could be considered Lender Fraud and a violation of licensing laws just to name a few. An example they site is, when a Short sale Seller’s Senior Lender authorizes a payment to eliminate a junior lien. This would seem OK, but then the junior lender demands that the buyer pays an additional Dollar Amount outside of escrow. This is a Risky scenario for the Buyer, but to conceal this additional payment from a federally-insured senior lender may constitute lender fraud. My question is would you want your buyer to get this property? Understanding the fact that there are criminal penalties that go along with this maneuver, I would be very reluctant to advise my buyers to move forward with such a transaction. According to California Association of Realtors agents and their clients are encouraged to file complaints regarding this type of fraudulent activities to the authorities. Would you believe the Attorney General’s Office, HUD and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation? The fines are very strong not just monetarily but also punishable by imprisonment. I do not see that there is any house worth that. What do you say? 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 moreFantastic New Lease Listing!Walking distance to Trendy Shops on Melrose Ave
722 North La Jolla Ave, Hollywood, CA. I love this lease listing. Previously rented by TV and Movie Celebrity with his family. They loved it so much stayed for five years. Cool Landlord and a fantastic location. 722 LA JOLLA AVE $3,990Active 3 Bedrooms 3.00 Bathrooms MLS Number: 10-433745 Add’l Photos 722 LA JOLLA AVE LOS ANGELES, CA 90046 REMARKS: RECENTLY UPDATED DUPLEX WAS TASTEFULLY CONVERTED TO A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE; LANDLORD IS WILLING TO LEASE UP TO THREE YEARS. SO NEGOTIATE A GOOD PRICE AND LOCK IT FOR ONE TO THREE YEAR TERM. ALL APPLIANCES. (NO REFRIGERATOR). PERFECT FOR HOME OFFICE PROFESSIONAL. GREAT FOR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, ALL YOU NEED IS JUST FURNITURE. SHOW COLD. LIVE NEAR EVERYTHING, ONE BLOCK NORTH OF TRENDY MELROSE AVE. DIRECTIONS: N. OF MELROSE, S. OF SANTA MONICA ROOMS: BREAKFAST, DINING, FAMILY, LIVING, PATIO OPEN EQUIPMENT: CABLE, DISHWASHER, DRYER, HOOD FAN, RANGE/OVEN, WASHER 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 Beverly Hills,CA? It is a destination for the tourist,the rich and the famous
What is Beverly Hills, CA? It is a destination for the tourists, the rich, the famous and the infamous. One thinks of the zip code 90210, and the TV Show of the same name. When we think of Beverly Hills, we think of Glamour, Movie Stars and an Affluent Society. Beverly Hills is a destination place. People from all over the world want to visit and or live here. Beverly Hills was a prosperous location long before the entertainment industry discovered it. We might be wondering what the reason was. The answer is water. Southern California has fantastic climate all year around, but water is the most precious commodity and Beverly Hills was blessed with it. The primary reason for Tourist visiting Beverly Hills, from all over the world is to come here and to see the movie stars, where they eat, drink, and shop and live. The pioneers of the movie industry Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford led the rest of the movie moguls to live in Beverly Hills. They built their now famous Pickfair mansion in 1919. Then came Will Rogers, Gloria Swanson, John Barrymore and the rest is history. I am a Beverly Hills Realtor and my office is next to” Spago”, the flagship Restaurant of Wolfgang Puck, Celebrity Chef himself, and caterer to the rich and famous. When you think of the Oscars and wonder who prepared their dinner you know the answer: Wolfgang Puck of Spago fame. The city is in the middle of Los Angeles with a population of around 34,000 inhabitants. The inhabitants have the privilege of sending their children to Beverly Hills High School, the farm of future movie stars. The mystique of Beverly Hills continues to grow and the local residents appreciate this and try to preserve it. If you want to live here or nearby get in touch with me and I will make your dream a reality. 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 moreMarina Del Rey, CA Condominium Market Report for February, 2010
Marina Del Rey, CA Condominium Market Report for February, 2010 I live in Marina Del Rey, CA a small beach community, hence I am always asked (by neighbors and anyone who recognizes me as a Realtor in Restaurants, on the Beach or in the Grocery Store)”… How is the Market…?” I love the question and then I just want to talk….I finally realized it is not always possible to do that. Now I just have a small conversation and direct them to read my Market Report. So to all those who have been patiently waiting for my delayed report, (It was due to my old Laptop’s crashing that I am so late) without further delay…. In February there were 141 Active Condominiums listed on the Market. Almost identical to the previous month, the difference is negligible. The numbers of properties in Escrow have dropped a bit. For the month there were 6 Properties that were accepting Backup Offers and 14 pending. This is a huge drop from the month before. I was surprised at the large difference from the previous month. There seemed to be no logical explanation of why. Equally lackluster was the number of properties that Sold compared to the previous month. I find it interesting that our expectation is so short sited. February had 10 Sales. Last year the months that hit ten sales we were praising as a successful month. Now we are not satisfied with it because the last month was so fantastic. So with that let us look forward to next month’s Market Report. 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 February 2010
Century City Condominium Market Report for February 2010 February is always a short month, hence generally there are fewer transactions compared to the rest of the months. In spite of this natural phenomenon, there were 278 Active Condominium listings in what we call in the Multiple Listing Service as Century City/Westwood area. Interestingly there were 26 properties that were in Escrow, of which 15 buyers have removed all their contingencies and 11 buyers are still waiting to remove their investigation and loan contingencies. There were 17 Condominiums that Sold in the month of February. The least expensive sale was a 2 bedroom 2 bath 929 sq ft Condominium and it sold for $375,000.00 a great value for the size and location. At the opposite spectrum the most expensive sale was $1,900,000.00 which was a 3 bed 2.5 bath 2,757 sq ft of living space on Wilshire Blvd in one of the newer full service buildings. 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 moreFebruary 2010, Condominium Market Report for Playa Vista, CA
February 2010, Condominium Market Report for Playa Vista, CA As I was writing my January Market Report, I was lamenting that it appears there is little inventory on the Market. It was not just my imagination, there was very little inventory. Now comparatively there is a lot more. For the month of February there were 31 Active properties for sale in Playa Vista, CA. There seemed to be a large drop on the properties that were in Escrow compared to January. February only had two (2) Accepting Backup Offers as well as only four (4) that are pending. Although February is a short month and generally it has a normal dip in the numbers of Properties that are in Escrow as well as which have been sold, it does not justify the large drop between January and February. The consumer confidence is still not as strong as we would like. I attribute this to all the negative news about the direction our current political and economic environment is in. Ironically not since the 1950’s have rates been so low to purchase a home and the first time home buyer tax incentive is still available to use. It is still taking 45 days or longer to get a loan today, hence if you look at January’s Properties that are in Escrow the full effect will show two months later. So with that said there were 8 Sales that closed during the month of February. 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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