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Speechless 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. ...
read moreCoto De Hayas Centenaria Granacha: another Wine Recommendation by Endre Barath
Coto De Hayas Centenaria Granacha: 2011 another Wine Recommendations by Endre Barath As most of you who read my blog on a regular basis know I love good wines as well as I also love a good value. This wine happens to meet both of those criteria: it is a fantastic value and a great wine. Thanksgiving is right around the corner please do not forget to add this wine to the table! The wine is made out of 100% Granacha Grapes which we call here in the United States Grenache. It is a great full bodied dry red wine with lots of tannins and very concentrated. For an under $20 bottle I could drink it on a regular basis. I love wines that have a long finish. I am not a big fan of fruity red wines hence this is just the opposite it has a balanced structure that I can enjoy sip after sip. Now keep in mind, not only to I rave about it but so does Wine Spectator, they rated it as a solid 91 points. Here is a cut and paste of what Wine Spectator had to say: 91 points Wine Spectator: “[$21 list] This fleshy red delivers a rich core of blackberry and blueberry compote, accented by toasty vanilla, sweet licorice and cinnamon spice. Well-integrated tannins give this backbone. A bold, modern style. Drink now through 2017. (4/30/13)” Keep in mind most wine stores sell them under $15 a bottle!!! So if you are looking for a potent but good wine under $20 a bottle do not dismiss this great Spanish Wine, rather embrace it. Now if you are not drinking wine and would like to sell or buy a home in the Greater Los Angeles feel free to 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 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 moreFinally we have a Court Date for the 857 Loma Vista St El Segundo home
Finally we have received a Court Date for the 857 Loma Vista St property in El Segundo, CA!! This home is ideal for a Developer who would either add on square feet or start fresh. The home is equally well suited for someone who would love to live near the beach as an owner user. Close to LAX! Easy to show! This is a Probate Sale with court confirmation. Sold with no contingencies, easy to show! Court Confirmation Date is on Dec. 27th, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 9, located at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, 90012. Current Accepted Offer is at $610,000.00 First over bid has to be 5% above = $641,000. Need to bring 10% Cashier’s Check. Contact listing agent re: disclosures, showing and whom to make check out to and to provide Proof of Funds. 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: Why are you guys parked here in front of our home?
Speechless Sunday: Why are you guys parked here in front of our home? Well Diane and I were in Palmdale today and she said “..look at the goats…” so I stopped the car and they all came to the fence, by the time we grabbed the phone to take a picture of them looking at us…they lost interest and were only partially interested in us 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...
read moreWelcome to Palmdale: The Real Estate Recovery is in full bloom!
Welcome to Palmdale: The Real Estate Recovery is in full bloom! Not too long ago the Real Estate Crash coupled with the Economic Downturn was recognized by most as being the toughest hit in three areas: 1. Florida, 2. Arizona/Nevada 3. Lancaster/Palmdale, CA. These three areas were considered as the Epicenter of the Real Estate Crash. Now days we see so many headlines and potential investors, potential sellers as well as potential buyers whoare confused as to what to believe. The majority of the Realtors try diligently in all areas to provide the investors, sellers and buyers with actual facts such as Market Reports, Market Trends and Market Snapshots. Never the less there are some skeptics who are moved more by the headlines than the facts. There is an old saying: a picture is worth a thousand words. Now with that said I am enclosing a couple of pictures for the skeptics, since if I wrote a two to three thousand word blog post about the Real Estate Recovery no one would read it nor believe it, but I am confident everyone will look at these pictures. This afternoon Diane and I had to go to Palmdale to see of one of her favorite dogs, who is being fostered in Palmdale, generally we used to make this trip once a month, time permitting. Lately that has not been the case. It has been a while since we were in Palmdale, needless to say I was thrilled to see these pictures. It was not too long ago when for sale signs covered the landscape and homes were just about given away. There were many REO’s, Short Sales and no buyers, that it felt like there were more For Sale Signs than Joshua Trees in Palmdale. There were many vacant lots for sale too in those days I used to say to Diane,”… no one will buy the vacant lots when there are so many homes for sale. Since there is no incentive to build when there are so many homes for sale…” As you can imagine I hardly saw a For Sale Sign on this trip. I was thrilled to see that where there used to be a vacant lot for sale as we used to drive by on our way back to Los Angeles (near the entrance to the Freeway), now there were two homes being built. This to me was validation of what I have been saying that the Real Estate Market is back, maybe not be back in full force, never the less there is life in it. Clearly I am right when investors are building in Palmdale again. If you have any questions about a particular area you are considering buying a home in, 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 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...
read moreThanksgiving Day is only eleven days away: Have you started planning?
Thanksgiving Day is only eleven days away: Have you started planning for it? Thanksgiving is right around the corner and over the years I have written quite a few Thanksgiving Posts since it is one of my favorite holidays. Today I will provide the links to some of them here for your convenience, in case you missed them. At the same time this is a good way to take the stress out of this year’s planning phase. All you have to do is read my blog posts and modify to your liking. This post was about the planning phase (20 days and counting post http://actvra.in/KTh) so if you read this post with the enclosed link above, then you know where I will be two days before ThanksgivingJ. Interestingly we are only eleven days away from the Thanksgiving Day Festivities. Speaking of planning you need to have a menu and needless to say no need to stress. Last year’s Thanksgiving Day Meal was a success so why mess with it. It worked so I am doing the same menu this year too (http://actvra.in/LSv). The only difference is that his year we are having a couple more people over for the Thanksgiving meal, the good news is I do not have to make any more food. Last year we could have had four or five more people and everyone would have had enough to eat and still could have taken leftovers home tooJ. Part of the planning is to prevent kitchen disasters; this blog post covered that very subject (http://actvra.in/LNm ). Yesterday, I spent the better part of the afternoon at home running the Self Cleaning Cycle of the Oven. Keep in mind it is not as simple as pushing the button and making it workJ. We have three cats with various ailments and one happens to have Asthma. So I had to keep them in the boudoir. Thereby keeping the cats from the dining room, living room and kitchen areas so that it would not turn into a medical disaster, needless to say this was the most challenging partJ (that is a blog post for another day).Needless to say the fans were at full blast and so was the fan which withdraws the air above the stove to the outside. Now with that said I wish you all happy planning for a successful Thanksgiving Day activities! If you have Real Estate related questions feel free to 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 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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