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Considering buying a home for the first time check out these 7 points!
Considering buying a home for the first time check out these 7 points! If you are considering buying a home for the first time do you know what are the seven most important points you should consider? The first and most important point to decide is what is your budget? Home much house per month can you afford? Once you determined this critical point then it is time to connect with a Realtor who can refer you to a Mortgage Broker to figure out your buying power. Once you know what you can afford, now it is time to go to step two. The second step is to look at the various communities where you would like to live and figure out how much house you can buy. This is where you reach out to that Realtor and discuss your wants and needs. The Realtor should be able to offer you ideas what you can get in your price range. Once you have decided which pockets you are interested in, then it is time to go to the third step. The third step consists of being on a search program where you get the newest and freshest listings from the local Multiple Service which you can get in real time. Hence you and your Realtor will be looking at the same information. As you are looking the properties you get a feel for the values and after a while you will know what a truly good deal is. The fourth step should be done in conjunction with the third step, go to open houses in the neighborhoods you are considering.As you do that, you get a better understanding of the values as well as you get to see how much traffic there is in your price range as to who and how many competition you are facing. The fifth step should be also in conjunction with the third and fourth steps. Communicate with your Realtor about the pace of the market in your neighborhood as well as in your price range to get a better understanding of how to prepare a potential offer once you find your home that you want to buy. The sixth step is critical, when you have your proof of funds and your preapproval and you are motivated to buy the house that you would like to live in now, and then you need to move up your priorities. If you get a listing in the middle of the week, do not wait till the end of the week, call or email your Realtor immediately that you want to get into that house ASAP. That way you can be ready to decide if you want to submit an offer or not. The seventh step is easy, if you liked the house, and then submit an offer based on an understanding of the market and the value of the property and that will just about insure a guaranteed recipe to be able to buy your home. Guess what if you did not get it review the reasons and repeat steps five through seven on the next house. If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or...
read moreScallops with Celery Root Cream
Scallops with Celery Root Cream As I mentioned in a previous Blog Post that I would make Michel Richard’s Recipe and modify it. I hope he will love my version:)) (see previous post http://actvra.in/Yxt ) The ingredients: 2 medium Celery Root (julienned) about 8-10 ounces, 2 cups of Chicken or Vegetable Stock (I used chicken); pinch of freshly grated Nutmeg or already grated in a can; 1 cup of milk (I used 2 per cent milk) 6 fresh sea scallops, Canola oil; 3 tablespoon of unsalted butter; 1 table spoon of fresh lemon juice Carrots, Broccoli and Snow Peas (steam them in some chicken or vegetable stock) The Preparation: Simmer and cook the Celery in the Chicken Stock with the nutmeg (add cayenne pepper if you like a little kick to it, as well as a bit of sea salt if you are using a low sodium stock) remove from heat add the milk and pure with either a hand blender or any blender you have. Use a cooking strainer (I use a Stainless Steel Chinois some people call it a China Cap) Pour the pure through the strainer and keep pushing it until “the milk” is saved in another container and now you are left with a pure that looks and feels like mashed potatoes texture. Turn your oven on to 250 degrees and place the pure in there to keep it warm. Take the “celery milk” and the scallops put them in a pan and make sure the scallops are covered with the “celery milk” and simmer under low heat for about 6-7 minutes. While you are doing this steam the vegetables. The Plating: Once everything is ready plate the celery in the middle, place the scallops on top of the celery pure and decorate the plate with the vegetables and pour a little of the celery milk over the entire plate. Let me know what you think. BTW it is a fast and easy meal. 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 Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations...
read moreWordless Wednesday: Name this Statue at the Boston Common!
Wordless Wednesday: name this Statue at the Boston Common! 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 Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations ...
read moreHappy in the Kitchen, by Michel Richard
Happy in the Kitchen, by Michel Richard Over the years I had the opportunity to eat in a few of Michel Richard’s restaurants. He had a great Restaurant in the Melrose District of Los Angeles called Citrus, sadly he closed it and moved to Santa Barbara and opened Citronelle. Needless to say I was thrilled that he opened a restaurant there and we went to the Santa Barbara Inn just to have his dinner. One of the regrets I had was that I did not buy his cookbook then. BTW that was over ten plus years ago. Hence every time I go into a used bookstore I am always searching for his cookbook. Then in 2006 to my surprise I saw he had a new cookbook out. Of course not wanting to miss out again, I immediately bought his new cookbook’ Happy in the Kitchen’. I always rationalize that if I make once recipe from a cook book I bought, it is paid for it. Needless to say shortly after it I went through his recipe book and could hardly wait to make something out of it. Well I made his stuffed Salmon with Asparagus, which was truly out of this world. Since then the book has been on the counter waiting for me to make another recipe. Well I have been reading up on his recipes, since I bought the book we have been eating less and less meat so I gravitated to his Shellfish & Fish section as well as his vegetable section. Needless to say I found three great recipes that I will have to make and adopt to our taste. One is a Scallop with Celery Root Cream, the other is an Asian Bistro Mussel Soup and the third is a Tuna Beet Tartare. I can hardly wait to have time to go to my favorite Farmer’s Market and my favorite Fishmonger and make all three of these dishes. 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 Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations...
read moreMidyear assessment of the Greater Los Angeles Real Estate activity!
Midyear assessment of the Greater Los Angeles Real Estate activity by Endre Barath, Jr. ! I have been asked by potential buyers and sellers what my assessment of the current Real Estate Market consist of in the Greater Los Angeles area. The question seems simple, but the answer is not. Since late last year the Greater Los Angeles Real Estate Market has been on a rebound from very flat two year period, due to mainly the economic down turn and the meltdown of the Real Estate Market Nationwide. From January to about June of this year the consumer confidence returned with a very robust purchase activity of mostly single family homes on the West Side of Los Angeles. There were clearly a lot of foreign buyers with all cash transactions fueling this activity. The buyers understood that interest rates would not be staying at these artificially low rates supported by the Federal Government and the signs were clear that rates will be going up. Hence it was clear that this is the best time to buy before rates are going to increase. Unfortunately sellers were not on the same page as the buyers and were reluctant to list their homes especially those who tried in the past few years and their home did not sell. This created a huge shortage of inventory. Simple economic principle of “Supply & Demand” raised purchase prices anywhere from 5% to 25% depending which micro market of Los Angeles you were trying to get a property. by image Svilen Milev http://efffective.com As of the beginning of July, 2013 I have noticed that inventory has started increasing in the Single Family Residences on the West Side of Los Angeles. These in conjunction with about a one per cent increase of Interest rates have slowed the price increases as well as the sales activities to a more sustainable level. Now what makes it interesting to watch is the headlines on the Internet and all the Media Outlets are sending contradictory information. This of course confuses potential buyers as well as sellers. One head contradicts the other. One paints a Doomsday Scenario and the other total Exuberance. So what is the reality? I find that Reality consists of a myriad of different situations. Just as an example: There is the First Time Buyer market, then there is the Investor Market which consists of either Income Properties (units) , then there are the small investors who are buying individual units to lease out and then there are the Developers who are buying to either tear down , remodel or add on to a Single Family Residence. Now multiply this with a Price Variance for all these people I mentioned. Los Angles consists within a fifteen mile radius of price ranges from a low of $160,000.00 to a high of $100,000,000.00. Hence simply stated depends on a lot of variables what my answer will be and frankly it depends what price point and what type of Real Estate you are considering will also determine the answer. If you went with the headlines, then my answer might be contradictory and the difference is I would be able to back it up with factual data. Now to the short answer as I...
read moreThe Age Old Question: Should we go 100% paperless? You might want to..
The Age Old Question should we go 100% paperless? You might want to reconsider! I have had a very stressful afternoon, negotiations with a couple buyers about some of my listings and an intense telephone conversation with a potential seller…. Anyway someone sent me this link about “The Age Old Question should we go 100% paperless”, before you comment please watch this link and you might reconsider going Green 100% http://www.youtube.com/embed/V_gOZDWQj3Q?rel=0 After I watched this 39 second long video all my stress disappeared. Sadly so did my ambition to go 100% paperless. So do your best and go paperlessJ 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 Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations ...
read moreCheck out another easy Swordfish Dinner Recipe by Endre Barath, Jr.!
Check out another easy Swordfish Dinner Recipe by Endre Barath, Jr. ! As most of you who read my blog know, that I love to cook and seafood is often on the dinner menu here in our household in Marina Del Rey, CA. In case you missed my previous recipe on how I make Swordfish I am enclosing a link for your convenience (http://actvra.in/Sdb ) Since we have had a few heat waves, instead of baking the Swordfish, I decided on a stove top version. (Let me know what you think) Keep in mind I hardly use salt & pepper so add that according to your taste! Ingredients: · Olive Oil, garlic, shallots, sweet onions (sauté them in the pan) · Swordfish, mushrooms, tomatoes (brown the Swordfish in the same pan & add the mushrooms) · Remove skin of tomatoes (see photo) and remove seeds from tomatoes and add to pan · For broth either add white wine, chicken stock or vegetable stock to the same pan · Italian Parsley (chopped as flavor and decoration) If you would like to place the fish over a bed I find any one of these would work: · Rice · Couscous (Israeli or French) · Quinoa · Mashed potatoes Since I was in a rush Couscous was my choice since I could make it as I was cooking the Swordfish. Bon Appetite! 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 Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations ...
read more13700 Marina Point Dr Marina Del Rey CA 90292also known as the Azzurra
13700 Marina Point Dr, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 also known as the Azzurra! There are three Ultra Luxury High-rise Condominiums in Marina Del Rey, CA. I have blogged a few times about the The Cove ( http://actvra.in/YmR ), and The Regatta ( http://actvra.in/YmD ) in case you missed them here are a few of the most recent blog posts about them. The Azzurra was built in 2003 and consist of 450 Units. There are 19 Stories. It is considered truly a resort life style. The name Azzurra is Italian for “Blue Sky”. The Units range from one bedroom one baths of around 856 living square feet to three bedroom three baths to about 3100 living square feet of space. There is a very hip rooftop sky lounge with a kitchen & spa, fantastic pool with BBQs & spas; this is totally over-the-top. There is a conference room, exercise room and extra storage. The price points vary from a low of $400,000 to a high of $3,900,000. As well as the views vary from Mountain to head on Ocean Views. Currently there are 32 Units for sale in the Azzurra. They range from a low of $425,000 to a high of $3,950,000 The Home Owner Dues range from a low of $798 per month to a high of about $1300 per month. Not only do you get 24/7 security and Concierge Service, in addition you get the complementary Valet Service for you and your visitors. 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 Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations...
read moreSpeechless Sunday: Grand Canal Moment in Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Speechless Sunday: Grand Canal Moment in Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 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 Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue...
read more13650 Marina Point Dr, aka the Cove in Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
13650 Marina Point Dr aka the COVE in Marina Del Rey, CA. 90292 In case you read my blog about the Regatta and felt you only have two listings to choose from. Keep in mind the Cove is virtually reaching distance from the RegattaJ so let’s look at the activity later! The Cove was built in 2006 hence it is more up to date than the RegattaJ well not really; the same developers built the Regatta as well as the Cove. The only difference was that they probably got a better deal in the building process! The Cove is a Full Service Building with 24/7 Concierge/Security, Complementary parking for guests 7 residents. In addition there are full ranges of Resort Style amenities which include a lounge with catering kitchen, fitness center a conference room, library, guest suite and heated pool 7 Spa. In addition there are outdoor B-B-BQ areas, dining and an outdoor Fireplace. The Units are equally Luxurious to the Regatta. The units range from 1500+ square feet of living space to about 3800+ square feet of living space. As well as the units go from 1 bedroom 1.5 bathroom to 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The Price points range from the low of $600,000 to the high of $3,800,000, as well as the Home Owner Dues range from the low of $1,190 per month to $1,980. The best part is there are about 8 units available to purchase from the low of $939,000 to the high of $3,750,000.00. Should you consider buying or selling a home in the COVE 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 Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations ...
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