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Reflections on the economic and housing outlook on Thanksgiving evening
Reflections on the economic and housing outlook on Thanksgiving evening in the Greater Los Angeles area. Now that we are here and another Thanksgiving day is almost in the books, as we are relaxing after being with friends and family I thought it would be timely to start looking ahead to some observations about the Greater Los Angeles real estate market. Before I do that, I need to preface my comments with the fact that there are many people in the economic sector, billionaire investors and small to large investors who are bullish on the Real Estate and Economic outlook for 2014. I will keep my observations to the greater Los Angeles real estate market, since that is the market with which I am most familiar. Overall, the housing market has improved in the past year and I expect it to continue into 2014. I still have concerns that the economic recovery is fragile and the employment numbers (or should I say the unemployment numbers) will have a large impact on homeownership. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate increase will have a detrimental impact to the affordability index on West Los Angeles and vicinity for first time home buyers, i.e., eliminating many buyers who are on the cusp of being able to step into the Los Angeles real estate market. Equally challenging to home sales will be the long-term effects of the mortgage finance reform, the mortgage interest deduction changes and the affordable health care act. These factors will impact the real estate market even here in Los Angeles. One thing is for sure – people still will need to sell and buy homes. Hence the housing inventory will also have an impact as to what the home prices will be like in 2014. Up to this point, we have seen price increases from the low of 5% to the high of 68% depending which part of greater Los Angeles you were looking at. World-wide Investors are still seeing values and opportunities in the Los Angeles real estate Market, a clear indication that the real estate activity will continue in a positive direction for 2014. I hope this blog will help you in making some of your decisions about buying or selling a home. Should you need more specific details and advice, please does not hesitate to reach out to me directly for a “no obligation consultation”. If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, an ultra luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreWordless Wednesday: Diane & Chachi
Wordless Wednesday: Diane & Chachi! Wishing all my friends and readers a Happy Thanksgiving! If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreDo you know the difference between Propositions 60 & 90?
Do you know the difference between Propositions 60 & 90? If you and/or your spouse is 55 years and older and considering buying or selling a home you should consider this as a must read! These are California constitutional tax initiatives which allow senior citizens to transfer the base value from their current home to a replacement property provided certain requirements are met. This in turn translates to substantial tax savings, similar in some respects to a 1031 exchange provided the eligibility and qualification requirements are met. The biggest difference between Proposition 60 and Proposition 90 is that Proposition 60 is geared for transfers of property within the same count (intra-count) vs. Proposition 90 which relates to transfers from one California county to another (inter-count) As of September 19th, 2013 the following counties in California have an ordinance enabling Proposition 90: Alameda, El Dorado, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Ventura. Needless to say since ordinances are subject to change on a moment’s notice, I would strongly encourage you to contact the county that you are planning to move to and verify the Proposition 90 eligibility. For your convenience I am also enclosing a link to the California State Board of Equalization about this subject http://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/faqs/propositions60_90.htm#1 Please read the eligibility requirements closely. I will mention just a few here, keeping in mind it is not all of them: 1. You or your spouse residing with you must be of at least 55 years of age when the original property is being sold. 2. The replacement property must be your principal residence and must be eligible for the Homeowners’ Exemption or Disabled Veteran’s Exemption. 3. The replacement property must be of equal or lesser “current market value” than the original property. There are different levels of eligibility such as definition of spouse, formula for “equal or lesser value”, time periods to take advantage of this tax benefit, hence I strongly encourage you to contact either your tax accountant or your Title Officer before making a final decision. Keep in mind you can only do this once in your life time. Now if you are ready to buy and sell your primary residence feel free to reach out to me for a no obligation Market Analysis of your residence. If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreJust Listed 420 Beech street, Los Angeles, CA in the Mt Washington area!
Just Listed 420 Beech Street, Los Angeles, CA in the Mt Washington area! THIS IS A FANTASTIC LOT! Mt Washington is one of the trendiest places to be able to call home! Here is your opportunity to build your own dream home instead of having to take some one elses dream and having to readjust it to your taste! Oh did I tell you only $147,000.00 VIRTUALLY FLAT, GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME IN HISTORIC MT WASHINGTON AREA. CLEARLY A GREAT CLEAN SLATE TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME IN TRENDY MT. WASHINGTON! AS YOU WALK THE HILLS NEARBY DO NOT BE SURPRISED IF YOU RUN INTO THE FORMER MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES. IF YOU DO JUST WAVE AND SAY HELLO GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME. BRING YOUR ARCHITECT OR YOUR CONTRACTOR. SELLER IS READY TO SELL! If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read more2480 Bard St a.ka. 0 Avon St Vacant Lot in Echo Park, Los Angeles,
FANTASTIC GENTLE UPSLOPE ON THE PAVED PART OF THE STREET. TRULY A GREAT VALUE ONE OF THE LAST UPSLOPE LOTS ON A QUIET CUL-DE- SAC STREET. AVON ST FOR MAP DIRECTION PURPOSES. GOOGLE MAPS CONSIDERS IT BARD ST. ELECTRICITY, WATER & SEWER ARE IN STREET. BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME HERE. DEVELOPERS, BUILDERS DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS WELL PRICED LOT. BRING YOUR ARCHITECT AND DESIGN A GREAT HOME. If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreSpeechless Sunday: A Fall View of the historic Santa Monica Ocean!
Speechless Sunday: a Fall View of the historic Santa Monica Ocean Not often do you see Santa Monica, CA without the Signature bright SunshineJ thought I would share and I would also like to emphasize that this is a rare moment! If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreWine Pairing with Thanksgiving Dinner: No need to stress!
Wine Pairing with Thanksgiving Dinner: No need to stress! Over the years, I have been flattered to be asked to do a blog post suggesting wine pairings with the recipes that I write about. I have always side stepped the issue, preferring to write separate posts about wines. Many of my readers have asked why not put the two together? Allow me a moment to digress. I have always found that people who do wine tastings and are mostly “purists” are similar to university professors, telling you ‘how’ to taste and using different techniques for tasting, etc. They also suggest what foods to pair the wines with. By no means am I a wine professor, I am simply a greater Los Angeles Realtor who enjoys good food and good wine. Many people who enjoy wine with their meal are like me. My wine varies with my wine budget. When I sell a lot, my price point increases, and when Diane wants to curb the budget then my wine price points decrease, that’s when I really get to hunt for the value. With that said, the best advice I can give is: do not stress about the wine – drink the wine you like. If you like white, then drink white, if you like red then drink redJ. This is my over-simplified advice. To be a little more specific, because there are so many varieties of food at the Thanksgiving table, do not think of only pairing the wine with the Turkey, think of all the side dishes as well. There are three or four red and white wines that would go very well with the Thanksgiving meal in my opinion: Whites: 1. A Sauvignon Blanc, 2. A Gewürztraminer, 3. an Albarino and/or 4. a Dry Riesling. All are good choices. Needless to say, within these categories you will have a large selection from which to choose. They are based one’s likes and budget as well as geographic area preferences. Reds: 1. Pinot Noir, 2. Cabernet Franc, 3. Zinfandel (red- I am adding this note to the true novice not to be confused with white zinfandel) or 4. Beaujolais Cru (not to be confused with the Nouveau, but that will work as well). A word of caution with the reds – keep the wines with minimal tannins otherwise your guests will think that your Turkey is dryJ even if it is perfectly prepared; save the reds with heavy tannins for a red meat or pasta dinner. Keep in mind you are not going for the Sommelier’s exam, you are here to entertain and enjoy friends and family, so drink and eat what you like. I would suggest having more than one bottle of each type in case they are well received. And don’t forget – do it in moderationJ If you do not need wine advice, but want real estate help in buying or selling please reach out to me directly. If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to...
read moreMy Love Affair with Vintage Typewriters: it is never ending!
My Love Affair with Vintage Typewriters: it is never ending Vintage Typewriters: I have a love affair with vintage typewriters. It goes back to when I was stationed in West Germany. I was walking in Frankfurt, one of the main cities in Germany, very close to where I was stationed (Aschaffenburg) I came upon a flea market where I saw a few classic typewriters. Hard to believe now there was one for about $50 and I was too “frugal” so I didn’t buy it. Since then I have seen the same style of typewriters anywhere from $100-$400. Needless to say, it is not about the money it is about wanting and having a vintage typewriter. Then one day Diane and I went to the Santa Monica Airport Museum where my eyes zoomed in on J yes it was the typewriter. Today I have Blackberry phone with a keyboard, and they are the last of the dying breed. Diane has a Samsung Galaxy S4 and no keyboard. She misses her Android with the pull-out keyboard and complains about it daily. Lucky for me, I am still typing on my Dell laptop but sooner or later I will have to face facts: we will not have typing tools. It will only be on the screen. I am going to miss the typewriter, the various ways of touching the keys to generate a letter, an article, it is all very intimate. How will I write a post and who knows what next? Will I have to become a ‘swyper’? One day I will have my vintage typewriter, not to type on it, but just to enjoy looking at it and reminisce about earlier days when we actually typed on them. I can still see Hemmingway, Ludlum, Follett and many other writers typing away, creating some of the most amazing novels. On a side note did you see the movie “Atonement”? If you have the soundtrack, a vintage typewriter keyboard plays a large role. If you would like me to type an offer on any of the Greater Los Angeles Homes, feel free to reach out to me and I will be happy to type it and send it to you via DocuSignJ If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreFruitanthropy & Food Forward have you heard of them?
Fruitanthropy & Food Forward have you heard of them? Are you familiar with the word Fruitanthropy? If it is not already in your vocabulary please add it! The definition is clear: The picking, donating, or distributing fruit for humanitarian purposes. Living here in Southern California, we are blessed with a fantastic climate, one that means that probably 11 out of 12 months we have different fruits growing within arm’s reach. Oranges, lemons, avocadoes and figs all of many varieties just to name a few are plentiful in the greater Los Angeles area. This translates to a simple fact that often times you may find these trees right in your back yard, or your neighbor’s back yard. We are always excited to pick and share them with our friends and neighbors. Sometimes there is an over abundance of these fruits and sadly they fall to the ground where they stay or are thrown away. What a waste. Now there is an organization which was the brain child of a local Angelino, Rick Nahmias, who felt that with so many people who cannot afford to buy fruit for their families something needed to be done. Hence, about 4 or 5 years ago, Rick started http://www.Foodforward.org . The organization consists of volunteers reaching out to homeowners who have an abundance of fruit trees and offers an alternative option not to let it go to waste. Volunteers go to the homeowners’ yards and pick the fruit and deliver it to the local needy. What a fantastic idea. Foodforward.org does some recovery at local Farmers Markets as well; in Los Angeles County there are at least 128 Farmers Markets. (As some of you know I have been blogging about a handful of them.) They basically give the Farmers empty boxes and the ones they could not sell the farmers donate to this organization who in turn distributes them to the local needy. I could go on and on about this great organization. The purpose of my blog today is to ask you, the local homeowner with over-abundant fruit trees: please consider reaching out to me and donate your fruit that would go to waste. If you are a home owner in the Greater Los Angeles Area and you have some extra fruit trees that you would like donate to this great organization let me know. I will do the rest. They are insured, will only pick the fruit that you allow them and leave what you want to leave. The best part is 100% of your fruit will go to the hungry. Money that is donated goes to providing insurance for the volunteers when they enter your back yard, so there is no down side. I look forward to your emails or your phone calls. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has been supporting this great organization since its inception, not only with finding homeowners with fruit to donate, but donating money to support them as well. If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to...
read moreWordless Wednesdays: It is clear Jill, you got caugth reading!
Wordless Wednesdays: It is clear Jill you got caught reading! As most of you know we are voracious readers and so are our catsJ!!! Check out Jill with New York Times best selling author Khaled Hosseini’s latest Book If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
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