Seller's Net Sheet

A net sheet is a breakdown of the costs associated with selling a home.   Emile L'Eplattenier, a writer for FitSmallBusiness.com asked me whether or not I use a Net Sheet when I am talking to potential sellers or not.  He included me in his article which you can read here: 

                               Seller’s Net Sheet: Free Template & Tips From the Pros

What’s Good in the Hood? Six Ways to Check Your Neighborhood’s Vibe

I'm in another article regarding real estate. Check it Out

 What's Good In The Hood? Six Ways To Check Your Neighborhood's Vibe

A Look Behind The Curtain As To How The Process of Multiple Offers Go From A Seller's Point Of View

We just accepted an offer on my listing on Enadia Way and I will give you a little insight as to how this process goes from our side when I get multiple offers.  This should be a very interesting read for the buyers out there wondering how this process looks from the seller's point of view. 

Every transaction is different as every seller and buyer's needs are different.  I really try to tailor each transaction to each clients' particular needs while staying in-tune with what is going on with the market.  I knew when we put this house up on the market that there was a deep shortage of homes that were move-in ready in the price range.  The sellers and I agreed on a price to list it at that would most likely draw in multiple offers. Along with pricing the home I did a lot of pre-market advertising including paid Facebook ads, a "coming soon" sign in the yard, Newsletter emails and going to office meetings to pitch the upcoming listing. This type of advertising gets the attention of buyers and their agents who have been out looking for a home just like this and allows them to plan to come see the home as soon as it hits the market.  The sellers have small children so I knew that showing appointments throughout the day and evening would be challenging.  We decided on 3 back-to-back open houses to try to consolidate the showings and make cleaning up and vacating the home a little easier on the family.  We had a huge crowd of people for each open house.  It's not always possible for buyer's agents to join them for open houses however, if a buyer is interested, it is always a good idea for the agent to reach out and ask what they seller is looking for and what to expect when submitting an offer.  I had a number of agents speak to me about this.  While it is still a strong seller's market and buyers are putting a strong effort into getting a home, it benefits no one to try and "wheel and deal" with prospective buyers.  I've seen strong buyers walking away from putting in offers or countering offers when it is perceived that they are being toyed with.  For this reason, I asked the buyer's agents to submit their best offer and we would just choose one.  It is very common these days for multiple buyers to submit offers and then receive a Multiple Counter Offer back that says "Best and Final".  This means you are blindly bidding against yourself and/or other buyers.  This can irritate many buyers and leaving them feeling at the mercy of the sellers.  It is my personal opinion to try to start off a transaction on a positive note and so that's why we did it this way instead.  We received at least 6 offers, some great, some good.  I don't just read offers for what they say the price will be, but also, how well the offer was put together.  I personally find it Very important that buyers work with agents that really know what they are doing because when they don't, it can show up right away in things such as how the offer is written. And the way in which a buyer's agent engages with me also makes a huge difference.  Best case scenario is to try to get a buyer with a good offer and an agent who seems to be professional and knowledgable.  I also prefer that buyers work with direct lenders.  They have more control over how the loan will go and although the loan process is a very behind-the-scenes thing, it can be very tricky and a seasoned direct lender will know how to navigate foreseeable problems the best.  In my experience, if you have a good agent and a good lender, that can speak volumes and sometimes go further than the price of an offer.  So we choose the offer we felt was most appropriate and from here on out, we hope for the best.  I hope this gives some good insight to buyers out there on what to do, or how things work from the other side when you are in a seller's market.

 If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, please give me a call. I'm always here to help.  

                                                                     

Congratulations to my sellers Barbara And Craig on the sale of their first home

Congratulations to Barbara and Craig for the sale of their first home.  They got 8 offers and well over asking! Thanks for letting me help you on selling your home! 

What A Million Dollars Buys You In LA in 2017

I've done this article before and I'm doing it again this year for homes in 2017.  Here are homes that sold for around $1 Million here in LA

Westchester

This area has been growing in price year after year.  Surrounded by other well-to-do neighborhoods such as Playa Del Rey, Culver City, and Venice it is a great location for those who are working in the area or want to get to the beach quickly. 

This home is 1,400sqft with 3 bedrooms and 2 bath

West Adams

Before there was Beverly Hills, there was West Adams.  The homes were mostly built in the late 1800's to early 1900's and they are an architecturally historical place to see.  The area declined quite a bit for many years with other areas being being around Los Angeles that people turned to for living.  Thankfully people have been coming back here to live and bringing a revitalization to the neighborhood with the knowledge that it is close to Downtown LA, which also is being transformed, and the USC campus as well as it being a beautiful place for an amazing piece of LA's history. 

This home is almost 3,500 sqft with 5 Bedrooms and 4 Bathrooms

Eagle Rock

This neighborhood has been a sought-after place for many years for the creative types.  And there is a good reason why.  It has a wide variety of home styles, people, economic statuses, restaurants and other entertainment.  Sandwiched between Glendale and Pasadena and not too far from DTLA. 

This home has 1,700 Sqft with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms

 

Burbank
Burbank is it's own city within LA.  This means it has it's own school system separate from LA's.  Many people find this to be an appealing draw, especially when they are thinking about kids.  Other than the schools, it is very close to a number of different Studio lots where they film shows and movies. It also has an equestrian area where most of the homes have stables and owners can ride their horses to Griffith Park which is adjacent to the area.
This home has 1,690 sqft with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

Sherman Oaks

Sherman Oaks is a neighborhood in the Valley. (technically the San Fernando Valley but the locals just say the Valley)  It includes homes in the hills and homes in more flat areas.  Sherman Oaks and surrounding neighborhoods have long been home to many celebrity types who wanted to get away from the "city" feel of LA.  With a lot of great restaurants, hiking areas and shopping, many choose to come here when other parts of LA seem too pricey.  That's not to say this area isn't pricey by any means.  But compared to others, you can get more for your money here. 

This home has 1,748 sqft with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

West Hollywood

If you live in West Hollywood, there is a good chance you moved there to have fun.  You can live pretty much anywhere here and easily walk to a local hot spot.  And there are a lot of hot spots.  I too lived here in my 20's and I loved the mix of people and proximity to everything.  Although West Hollywood has rent control for those who lease, if you were to buy something here today,  this is what you might find for about a million dollars. 

This condo has 1,137 sqft with 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms

Westlake Village

If you like open spaces, nature, golf, wine tasting and being a short drive to Malibu, then this is where you may want to live.  This area of the valley is home to some A listers (as Hollywood calls them).  Out here you fill find gated neighborhoods with extravagant homes with a lot of land which isn't easy to come by in LA.  Those homes go for well over our Million dollar price we are looking at today but what you can buy for $1 million is still very lovely! 

This home has 2,246 sqft with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home here in Los Angeles, please consider me.  I'm a local expert and always here to help

Valley Glen 4 Bedroom Townhome with 2 Car Attached Garage-Coming Next Week

Don't Miss This Great Townhome in Valley Glen!

Four Bedrooms

Three Bathrooms

Bonus Room

Two Car Attached Private Garage

Washer/Dryer Hookups Inside

Beautiful New Floors

Low HOA's

Asking $445,000

Call Me Now Before It's Gone! 

LA Schools And Real Estate: What You Need To Know.

                                                   
                                                     Attention Parents!

Attention Parents To-be!

   Attention People Who Know People With Children! 

I work with so many people who would like to buy a home in a "Good School District".  And, I work with people who don't have young children, however, they are curious about the future resale value of their home based on the district it is in.  So, if you would like to know about about the Los Angeles Schools, this is for you. I've personally worked with this organization before for my own family needs. I've also held events where I invited them to come speak about how to get into the school of your choosing. And most of of their seminars are FREE.  They cover a wide variety of topics regarding school and here are just a few:

1. How to navigate Public elementary schools and admissions

2. How to navigate Private elementary schools and admissions

3. Understanding typical language development in preschool and elementary school ages

4. LAUSD gifted/talented programs

5. Summer is Coming! What do I do with my kids now? (okay, I made up the title but the event is real) 

Parent's Education League is a non-profit organization that helps parents in LA understand our schools and what they have to offer.  For a list of calendar events they offer click HERE 

Best Time To Buy A Home Is When It Is Raining

Yes, that's right.  The best time to buy a home is when it's raining.  And here's why...if you haven't heard, most people in LA melt in the rain. So there typically aren't a lot of people looking at homes when it's rainy.  So if you happen to see a home on a weekend when it's been raining and put an offer on it, you are likely to be up to less competition from other buyer.  Another great reason to buy a home during a rainy time is that is the best time to see what an inspector has to say about the home when it's been through some wetter weather.  Can he see any leaks from the roof? Are there any areas of the home where water intrusion is happening? Does the landscaping or slope of the property puddle or hold water? And if you are in the hills, what does the street the home is on look like during a down pour?  Do you see any structures you would worry about because of the rain? So, while we love our sunny warm weather here in LA, our city and homes weren't always designed with a lot of rain in mind and therefore something as simple as rain can tell us a lot about whether or not a home will be a good buy.  So, while it's raining, get out there and see some houses. I have my rain boots and jacket ready to go so call me when you are ready to buy or sell. 

Rebates and Credits For Your Home

I have put together a list of where you can look for possible rebates and credits for your home.  From A/C units to a new roof and even pool pumps, you may find great value here in one of these.

1. Home upgrade package up to $3,000 or Advanced Home Upgrade Package up to $6,500 toward energy saving upgrades Click Here or Click Here

2. Turf Replacement Programs Click Here

3. Clothes Washer Rebate Click Here

4. Premium High Efficiency toilets rebates Click Here

5. Rain Barrels Click Here

6. Electrical Vehicle Charger Click Here

7. Get Free Trees For Your Yard Click Here

8. Refrigerator Exchange Click Here

9. Pool Pumps Click Here

10. Solar Rebates Click Here

11. A/C Unit Click Here

13. Smart Thermostats Click Here



                                                                   

New Earthquake Retrofit Requirements May Have You Paying Out Some Hefty Fees Soon

Earthquakes are an inevitable part of living in LA.  And our city is always trying to stay on the safer side of things when it comes to a major earthquake.  There are a lot of buildings, most of which are in the valley, that are going to need upgrades in order to comply with the city's new standards for earthquake retrofitting.  

Owners of condo units that will need these earthquake retrofits will have to cover the costs needed to make the building comply with the city.  Renters may also be asked to cover the costs as well.  

According to the LA Times "The law requires owners to front the retrofit costs, which can range from $60,000 to $130,000 — possibly even more for larger buildings. The city recently agreed to allow owners to pass on half the costs to tenants through a rent increase of up to $38 more per month."

Is your building on this list? Find out here
And you can read the full article from the LA Times Here

Free Hiking On Black Friday

Are you one of many who will NOT be going to a mall on Black Friday?  Well, then go for a hike. Literally.  116 California State parks are offering free parking and admission on that day.  Here is a link where you can book your visit http://www.greenfriday.org/

                                                                           

Loans Specifically For Doctors

I know most people think doctors must be doing quite well in terms of livelihood but fact is, most doctors can be strained by high student loans.  And those can take a very long time to repay.  Unfortunately for them, student loans are one of those forms of debt that can make getting a loan difficult.  But there is a new program out there that can help.  Here are some of the guidelines.

DOCTOR LOAN PROGRAM FEATURES:

-95% Financing up to $1,000,000 with no mortgage insurance

-89.90% Financing up to $1,500,000 with no mortgage insurance

-85% Financing to $2,000,000 with no mortgage insurance on 2 Units

-Close on your home up to 60 days prior to new employment start date (with an executed contract)

-Eligible professions include Residents, MS, DDS, DO, DS, and Veterinarians

-Student loans may be excluded from the DTI with proof of 12 months deferment/forbearance

– 700 + FICO score required for 89.90% financing, 720+ FICO for 95% financing

– Eligible Properties Types: One Unit Single Family, PUDs, 2 Unit Attached, Condos

– Eligible Products: 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 ARM with fully amortized payment.

So, if you are a doctor and looking to buy a home, give me a call

How To Find A Home That Is Not Listed To The Public

Shhhhh!! It's a secret.  

I have been very successful at helping both buyers and sellers with pocket listings.  Over the years, I have been able to get a great deal of buyers into homes that were not listed to the public.  In fact, I have another one at this very moment that I found for my buyer.  So, what is a "pocket listing" you ask?  They are homes for sale that aren't listed to the public.  And why would someone want to sell their home and not list it publicly?  Well, there are a lot of reasons.  Such as: Someone may have a small baby or sick family member and they don't want a lot of people in and out of their home.  They may be strategizing the sale of their home in hopes that if they find a buyer who is getting a home that no one else knows about, the buyer will put their best-foot-foward to make the deal happen.  The sellers may be asking to put the home on the MLS but, through word of mouth and close-working relationships, an agent could get a buyer into a home before it becomes listed on the MLS. 

And I have a wide reach of people I know that help me find homes not listed on the MLS.  And it's not just about finding a home that isn't listed...but also getting the other agent to accept my offer rather than putting it out for the public and hoping to get multiple offers.  It's not an easy task.  So, call me if you are ready to find that home that no one knows is out there.  

Did you hear me on NPR?

Ben Bergman from NPR called me the other day to ask me about sales in Porter Ranch after the gas leak.  He read my name in an article from the LA Times when they called me to ask about the same subject a few months back.  I had a number of people reach out to me telling me they heard me on the segment on the radio.  I've been very lucky to be the go-to realtor in the valley for many media sources like the LA Times, Trulia, Realtor Magazine and more.  Adding NPR to that list makes me very proud and I am blessed that I keep getting the opportunities.  But more so, I work hard to stay on top of what is going on the market in my area.  And when you are looking for a realtor, they should know all the things about the local market and what may be causing a change or any foreseeable changes that may come.  All these media sources trust that I am in-the-know of real estate here in the valley.  So if you are looking to buy or sell your home, give me a call. Listen here (corrected link if you read this before) http://www.scpr.org/news/2016/10/07/65419/home-prices-in-porter-ranch-not-effected-by-gas-le/

                                                                               

Something To Keep In Mind While Trick or Treating This Year

We live in LA where there are a gazillion people.  So, with that many people, there are bound to be some you'd like to avoid especially if they pose a potential threat.  When going out trick-or-treating with kids, please be aware of any neighbors you may have that are on the sexual offenders list.  You can search by radius around an address or using someone's name.  Here is the website https://www.nsopw.gov/en/Search