Saturday, July 6, 2013
Just Sold! 1412 E Wingate, Covina CA
Just sold this lovely home to Guy and Jessica. They are first time home buyers and are very excited about being home owners
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Still Waiting For The Right Time To Buy? You May Be Missing Your Window
Don't look back in a year from now and wish you would have done something. Yes, prices on homes have been rising and the market has been competitive. And yes, now we are seeing rates on loans go up as well. But are you sitting back watching all this, and waiting for the right time to buy? Are you waiting for that "bubble" to burst and the rates to go back down so that you can get that good deal on a house. I wouldn't hold your breathe if I were you. We've already watched the market take off so fast it could have given us a whip lash. And we have sat back and watched all these people buy homes in multiple offers and bid over asking for these homes. And it seems that you may think those people bought at the wrong time? Well...I believe the people who have purchased homes so far this year were right on the money. While they may have had to jump through some hoops to get that house and they may have had to bid over asking, they were able to lock in these unbelievable rates on loans...and that is where the real money is saved. Because, here is the math...if you paid $30k more for a $500k home (with 20% down) than it was worth 6 months ago...well, that is $30k, and nothing more. But if your interest rate, when you bought this house at $530k, was 3.6% then you really got a great deal. If you buy a house for $530k today (same 20% down) and you lock in a rate of 4.6% then you will be paying over $88k more for that home...and the rates will eventually only be going up. (See the math below) The real savings and deals on homes are found in the interest rates we have today. So don't look back in a year from now and wish you could have made a move...go ahead and do it today.
$530,000 price
$106,000 is 20% down payment
$424,000 total amount borrowed
3.6% loan for $424,000 = $1,927/ month
$1,927/mo x 360 months = $693,720
-----------------------------------------------------
$530,000 price
$106,000 is 20% down payment
$424,000 total amount borrowed
4.6% loan for $424,000 = $2,173/ month
$2,173/mo x 360 months = $782,280
------------------------------------------------------
(total you pay with 4.6%) - (total you pay with 3.6%)
$782,280 - $693,720 = $88,560
$530,000 price
$106,000 is 20% down payment
$424,000 total amount borrowed
3.6% loan for $424,000 = $1,927/ month
$1,927/mo x 360 months = $693,720
-----------------------------------------------------
$530,000 price
$106,000 is 20% down payment
$424,000 total amount borrowed
4.6% loan for $424,000 = $2,173/ month
$2,173/mo x 360 months = $782,280
------------------------------------------------------
(total you pay with 4.6%) - (total you pay with 3.6%)
$782,280 - $693,720 = $88,560
Friday, June 28, 2013
Where Can I See Fireworks in LA?
All of these times and addresses have been copied straight from ABC's website so please check their website as well for any updates http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/feature?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=7497480
Alhambra
Almansor Park
800 S. Almansor St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
See the show from anywhere in the park. Limited parking, so arrive early.
http://www.cityofalhambra.org
Artesia
Artesia Park
18750 Clarkdale Ave.
Artesia, CA 90701
7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
(562) 860-3361
Avalon/Catalina
Annual 4th of July Parade, Fireworks Display, Dinner at the Casino
Golf cart parade down Crescent Avenue begins at 1 p.m.
Activities and fireworks at the Casino Ballroom
1 Casino Way
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-1520
Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for children
http://www.catalinachamber.com
Burbank
Starlight Bowl - July 4th Salute to America
1249 Lockheed View Dr.
Burbank, CA 91505
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Entertainment from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $17-22 for adults, $14-18 for seniors (60+), Children 2 and under are free
Purchase tickets online or at the Community Services Building, located at 150 North Third Street.
http://www.starlightbowl.com
Calabasas
Calabasas High School
Gates open at 5 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Celebration includes live music, rides, crafts and games
2855 W. Mulholland Highway
Calabasas, CA 91302
$10 admission price includes parking, entertainment and all activities; Children under 2 are free
Tickets must be purchased in advance
http://www.cityofcalabasas.com
Castaic
Castaic Lake Recreation Area
Independence Day celebration and fireworks
Mustic from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; fireworks start at 9 p.m.
32132 Castaic Lake Dr.
Castaic, CA 91384
All day for $25 a caroload at gate, $5 per person walk-in, children 5 and under are free
(661) 257-4050
http://www.castaiclake.com
Cerritos
Let Freedom Ring Celebration
Begins at 4 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Free event open to the public
Cerritos Civic Center
18125 Bloomfield Ave.
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 916-1254
http://www.cerritos.us
Claremont
4th of July Festival & Contests
Memorial Park
840 N. Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.; Tickets are $5 each
Opening Ceremonies at 10 a.m.
T. Willard Hunter Speakers Corner from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Festival Booths and tables from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us
Claremont
4th of July Celebration Parade
Beginning at 4 p.m. at the corner of Indian Hill Boulevard & 10th Street
Parade route moves south to Harrison then west to Mountain Avenue, ending at Larkin Park
Spectators are encouraged to select their spot early
http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us
Claremont
Fireworks Spectacular at Pomona College (Strehle Track)
333 North College Way
Claremont, CA 91711
Gates open at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 6:45 p.m.
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Tickets available to purchase for $8 pre-sale, $10 at the gate
http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us
Commerce
Rosewood Park (parking lot of youth center)
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, CA 90040
(323) 887-4427
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Downtown Los Angeles
4rth of July Block Party in Grand Park
200 North Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 887-4427
Attendance is free, event begins at 3 p.m.
http://www.grandparkla.org
El Monte
4th of July Pancake Breakfast
El Monte Police/City Hall rear parking lot
11333 Valley Blvd.
El Monte, 91731
8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $5
Music, bike raffle and other prizes
http://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us
Gardena
Rowley Park (Baseball Field)
13220 S. Van Ness Ave.
(310) 217-9537
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Hansen Dam
11770 Foothill Blvd.
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
Celebration includes gourmet food trucks, music, raffles and live entertainment
4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.;
Event is free to the public; Parking costs $10
(818) 891-9399
https://www.facebook.com/4thOfJulyCelebrationatHansenDam
Hollywood
Hollywood Bowl
2301 North Highland Ave
Tuesday, July 2, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 4, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
(323) 850-2000
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com
Irwindale
Irwindale Park
4th of July Fiesta and Fireworks Spectacular
Fiesta begins at noon, Firewroks at 9 p.m.
(626) 430-2224
La Crescenta
La Crescenta Elementary School Playground
4343 La Crescenta Ave.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA 91214-3806
Gates open at 4 p.m., close at 8:30 p.m.
Event features live music, carnival rides, food trucks and a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $7 each pre-sale and $10 at the gate, Children 2 and under are free
(818) 248-2271
http://www.cvfireworks.com
Lancaster
4th of July Fireworks and Professional Bull Riders Show
Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, Entrance Gate 1
2551 West Avenue H
Lancaster, CA 93536
Professional Bull Riders Show begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets are required; $5 - $150
4th of July Fireworks Spectacular following PBR show (9:15 p.m.)
(661) 273-1336 or (661) 948-6060
http://www.avfair.com/
Long Beach
4th of July Bike Parade
Granada Avenue Boat Launch Ramp
1 Granada Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90803
Ride your decorated bike along the Shoreline Bike Path
Contests for patriot speech and costume and watermelon seed spitting
Parade registration opens at 9:15 a.m.; bike ride begins at 10 a.m.
http://www.100daysofsummer.org/
Long Beach
Long Beach Municipal Band Concert
Marine Stadium
E Appian Way & E Colorado St.
Long Beach, CA 90841
"Star Spangled Special" with vocalist Tony Galla
Free concert begins at 6:30 p.m.
(562) 570-3100
http://www.100daysofsummer.org/
Long Beach
Jazz Concert
Long View Point in Willow Springs Park
2745 Orange Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90806
Begins at 7 p.m., free to the public
Bring low chairs and a picnic dinner and see area fireworks
(562) 570-3215
http://www.100daysofsummer.org/
Long Beach
Party on the Pier July 4th
Belmont Pier
Long Beach, CA 90803
A day-long celebration with music, BBQ, kids zone, vendors and a fireworks display
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission is $20, $10 for kids which includes all-day pier pass and a BBQ plate
Fireworks display begins at 9 p.m.
(562) 477-6820
http://www.lbseafest.com/
Long Beach
The Queen Mary
1126 Queen's Highway
Festivities begin at noon, with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $39.99 for adults ($59.99 for VIP), $19.99 for children 3 and up ($39.99 for VIP), Children 2 and under are free
Free general admission to active duty military w/ID and military in uniform; $5 off for military veterans w/proof of service
Cost includes: ship access, walking tour, firework show and live entertainment
(877) 342-0738
http://www.queenmary.com
Lynwood
Lynwood City Park (Baseball Fields)
Bullis Road and Century Boulevard
Lynwood, CA 90262
Admission is free
Festivities begin at 3 p.m.
(310) 603-0220
Marina del Rey
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and are launched from barge across the Marina's main channel
9:15 p.m.
Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way) and Fisherman's Village (13755 Fiji Way) are premier viewing locations
Parking fees range from $7 - $10
(310) 305-9545
http://beaches.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dbh
Pacific Palisades
Red White and Palisades Blue 4th of July Parade
Sunset Boulevard, between Via de la Paz and Drummond
Pacific Palisades, CA
Parade starts at 2 p.m., with skydivers kicking it off at 1:50 p.m.
http://palisadesparade.org/Parade.php
Pacific Palisades
Palisades Charter High School
1577 Bowdoin St.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Admission: $6 at gate, $5 online in advance, children 12 and under are free
http://palisadesparade.org/Fireworks.php
Pasadena
"Americafest 2013" at Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Festival begins outside the stadium at 2 p.m.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with live music and entertainment at 7 p.m.
Americafest fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $13 each, children 7 and under and active Military w/ ID are free
Parking: $20
(626) 577-3100
http://www.rosebowlstadium.com
Pico Rivera
El Rancho High School
6501 S. Passons Blvd.
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Gates open at 6 p.m., live entertainment begins at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Parking and admission are free
(562) 801-4430
http://www.ci.pico-rivera.ca.us
Pomona
Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
Monster trucks, motocross and fireworks
Gates open at 5 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m., fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
Admission: price varies from $15 to $49, children 2 and under are free
http://www.fairplex.com/kaboom
Porter Ranch
Shepherd of the Hills Church
19700 Rinaldi St.
Porter Ranch, CA 91326
Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Event features live music, inflatable bounces, face painting, food vendors and fireworks
(818) 831-9333
http://www.theshepherd.org/4th
Redondo Beach
Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino Way
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Gates open at 2 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Event features food, swimming, live music, DJ and dancing, crafts, water sports, parade and more
Tickets start at $22 for adults, $15 for children 4 and up
http://www.redondofireworks.com
Rosemead
Rosemead 4th of July Parade, Carvinal, 5K and Fireworks
Begins at 8 a.m.
Rosemead Park 4343 Encinita Ave.
Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 569-2100
http://www.cityofrosemead.org
San Pedro - Cabrillo Beach
3720 Stephen M. White Dr.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Starts at 2 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Free to the public
(310) 548-7401
http://www.sanpedro.com/
Santa Clarita
4th of July Parade in Old Town Newhall
Parade starts at 9 a.m. at Hart Park
Goes down Main Street, turns onto Lyons Avenue, then up Orchard Village Road and disbanding at Newhall Park
http://www.scvtv.com/parade/
Santa Clarita
Free fireworks spectacular
Begins at approximately 9 p.m.
Valencia Town Center
24201 West Valencia Blvd.
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 250-3787
http://www.santa-clarita.com
Santa Monica
2013 4th of July Parade
Begins at 9:30 a.m.
Parade route travels down Main Street, starting at Pico Boulevard, turns right on Marine Street, then right on Barnard Way
Parking available at Civic Center garage, Santa Monica Place and parking meters west of Main St.
http://www.opa-sm.org
South El Monte
South El Monte High School
New Temple Park
1450 Lidcombe Ave.
South El Monte, CA 91733
(626) 579-2043
Waterslides, live boxing, basketball contests and more
Celebration begins at noon and ends at 9 p.m.
http://www.ci.south-el-monte.ca.us
South Gate
South Gate Park
9615 Pinehurst Avenue
South Gate, CA 90280
Carnival begins at 5 p.m. at Tweedy Blvd. and Hildreth Ave. and runs through entire weekend
Fireworks display at 9 p.m.
(323) 563-5479
http://www.sogate.org/
Stevenson Rach
Dr. Richard Rioux Memorial Park
26233 W Faulkner Dr.
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
Festivities begin at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
StubHub Center
Soccer game and fireworks
Watch the game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Columbus Crew, then stay for fireworks
Game starts at 7:30 p.m., fireworks to follow
18400 S Avalon Blvd
Carson, CA 90746
http://lagalaxy.com
Studio City
CBS Studio Center
4024 Radford Ave.
Studio City, CA 91604
Event runs from 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Celebration includes live music, food and fireworks
Tickets: $20 for adults, $10 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and under; VIP tickets available
(818) 655-5916
http://studiocitychamber.com
Sunland Tujunga
Parade on Foothill Boulevard at 10 a.m.
Starts at Mt. Gleason and proceeds down Foothill Boulevard to the Sunland Park
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at Verdugo Hills High School
Fireworks display at 9 p.m.
10625 Plainview Ave.
Tujunga, CA 91042
(818) 352-3420
http://stchamber.com
Walnut
Suzanne Park
625 Suzanne Rd
Walnut, CA 91789
Begins at 6 p.m.; enjoy face painting, games, a pie-eating contest and more!
Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Whittier (Private)
Friendly Hills Country Club
8500 Villaverde Dr.
Whittier, CA 90605
Celebration begins at 6 p.m. with games, face painting, live music and a BBQ buffet
Fireworks at 9 p.m.
http://www.friendlyhillscc.com
Woodland Hills
July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
Warner Ranch Park
21820 Califa St.
Woodland Hills, 91367
Concert begins at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:08 p.m.
http://valleycultural.org
Alhambra
Almansor Park
800 S. Almansor St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
See the show from anywhere in the park. Limited parking, so arrive early.
http://www.cityofalhambra.org
Artesia
Artesia Park
18750 Clarkdale Ave.
Artesia, CA 90701
7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
(562) 860-3361
Avalon/Catalina
Annual 4th of July Parade, Fireworks Display, Dinner at the Casino
Golf cart parade down Crescent Avenue begins at 1 p.m.
Activities and fireworks at the Casino Ballroom
1 Casino Way
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-1520
Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for children
http://www.catalinachamber.com
Burbank
Starlight Bowl - July 4th Salute to America
1249 Lockheed View Dr.
Burbank, CA 91505
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Entertainment from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $17-22 for adults, $14-18 for seniors (60+), Children 2 and under are free
Purchase tickets online or at the Community Services Building, located at 150 North Third Street.
http://www.starlightbowl.com
Calabasas
Calabasas High School
Gates open at 5 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Celebration includes live music, rides, crafts and games
2855 W. Mulholland Highway
Calabasas, CA 91302
$10 admission price includes parking, entertainment and all activities; Children under 2 are free
Tickets must be purchased in advance
http://www.cityofcalabasas.com
Castaic
Castaic Lake Recreation Area
Independence Day celebration and fireworks
Mustic from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; fireworks start at 9 p.m.
32132 Castaic Lake Dr.
Castaic, CA 91384
All day for $25 a caroload at gate, $5 per person walk-in, children 5 and under are free
(661) 257-4050
http://www.castaiclake.com
Cerritos
Let Freedom Ring Celebration
Begins at 4 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Free event open to the public
Cerritos Civic Center
18125 Bloomfield Ave.
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 916-1254
http://www.cerritos.us
Claremont
4th of July Festival & Contests
Memorial Park
840 N. Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.; Tickets are $5 each
Opening Ceremonies at 10 a.m.
T. Willard Hunter Speakers Corner from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Festival Booths and tables from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us
Claremont
4th of July Celebration Parade
Beginning at 4 p.m. at the corner of Indian Hill Boulevard & 10th Street
Parade route moves south to Harrison then west to Mountain Avenue, ending at Larkin Park
Spectators are encouraged to select their spot early
http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us
Claremont
Fireworks Spectacular at Pomona College (Strehle Track)
333 North College Way
Claremont, CA 91711
Gates open at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 6:45 p.m.
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Tickets available to purchase for $8 pre-sale, $10 at the gate
http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us
Commerce
Rosewood Park (parking lot of youth center)
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, CA 90040
(323) 887-4427
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Downtown Los Angeles
4rth of July Block Party in Grand Park
200 North Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 887-4427
Attendance is free, event begins at 3 p.m.
http://www.grandparkla.org
El Monte
4th of July Pancake Breakfast
El Monte Police/City Hall rear parking lot
11333 Valley Blvd.
El Monte, 91731
8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $5
Music, bike raffle and other prizes
http://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us
Gardena
Rowley Park (Baseball Field)
13220 S. Van Ness Ave.
(310) 217-9537
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Hansen Dam
11770 Foothill Blvd.
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
Celebration includes gourmet food trucks, music, raffles and live entertainment
4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.;
Event is free to the public; Parking costs $10
(818) 891-9399
https://www.facebook.com/4thOfJulyCelebrationatHansenDam
Hollywood
Hollywood Bowl
2301 North Highland Ave
Tuesday, July 2, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 4, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
(323) 850-2000
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com
Irwindale
Irwindale Park
4th of July Fiesta and Fireworks Spectacular
Fiesta begins at noon, Firewroks at 9 p.m.
(626) 430-2224
La Crescenta
La Crescenta Elementary School Playground
4343 La Crescenta Ave.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA 91214-3806
Gates open at 4 p.m., close at 8:30 p.m.
Event features live music, carnival rides, food trucks and a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $7 each pre-sale and $10 at the gate, Children 2 and under are free
(818) 248-2271
http://www.cvfireworks.com
Lancaster
4th of July Fireworks and Professional Bull Riders Show
Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, Entrance Gate 1
2551 West Avenue H
Lancaster, CA 93536
Professional Bull Riders Show begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets are required; $5 - $150
4th of July Fireworks Spectacular following PBR show (9:15 p.m.)
(661) 273-1336 or (661) 948-6060
http://www.avfair.com/
Long Beach
4th of July Bike Parade
Granada Avenue Boat Launch Ramp
1 Granada Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90803
Ride your decorated bike along the Shoreline Bike Path
Contests for patriot speech and costume and watermelon seed spitting
Parade registration opens at 9:15 a.m.; bike ride begins at 10 a.m.
http://www.100daysofsummer.org/
Long Beach
Long Beach Municipal Band Concert
Marine Stadium
E Appian Way & E Colorado St.
Long Beach, CA 90841
"Star Spangled Special" with vocalist Tony Galla
Free concert begins at 6:30 p.m.
(562) 570-3100
http://www.100daysofsummer.org/
Long Beach
Jazz Concert
Long View Point in Willow Springs Park
2745 Orange Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90806
Begins at 7 p.m., free to the public
Bring low chairs and a picnic dinner and see area fireworks
(562) 570-3215
http://www.100daysofsummer.org/
Long Beach
Party on the Pier July 4th
Belmont Pier
Long Beach, CA 90803
A day-long celebration with music, BBQ, kids zone, vendors and a fireworks display
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission is $20, $10 for kids which includes all-day pier pass and a BBQ plate
Fireworks display begins at 9 p.m.
(562) 477-6820
http://www.lbseafest.com/
Long Beach
The Queen Mary
1126 Queen's Highway
Festivities begin at noon, with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $39.99 for adults ($59.99 for VIP), $19.99 for children 3 and up ($39.99 for VIP), Children 2 and under are free
Free general admission to active duty military w/ID and military in uniform; $5 off for military veterans w/proof of service
Cost includes: ship access, walking tour, firework show and live entertainment
(877) 342-0738
http://www.queenmary.com
Lynwood
Lynwood City Park (Baseball Fields)
Bullis Road and Century Boulevard
Lynwood, CA 90262
Admission is free
Festivities begin at 3 p.m.
(310) 603-0220
Marina del Rey
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and are launched from barge across the Marina's main channel
9:15 p.m.
Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way) and Fisherman's Village (13755 Fiji Way) are premier viewing locations
Parking fees range from $7 - $10
(310) 305-9545
http://beaches.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dbh
Pacific Palisades
Red White and Palisades Blue 4th of July Parade
Sunset Boulevard, between Via de la Paz and Drummond
Pacific Palisades, CA
Parade starts at 2 p.m., with skydivers kicking it off at 1:50 p.m.
http://palisadesparade.org/Parade.php
Pacific Palisades
Palisades Charter High School
1577 Bowdoin St.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Admission: $6 at gate, $5 online in advance, children 12 and under are free
http://palisadesparade.org/Fireworks.php
Pasadena
"Americafest 2013" at Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Festival begins outside the stadium at 2 p.m.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with live music and entertainment at 7 p.m.
Americafest fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $13 each, children 7 and under and active Military w/ ID are free
Parking: $20
(626) 577-3100
http://www.rosebowlstadium.com
Pico Rivera
El Rancho High School
6501 S. Passons Blvd.
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Gates open at 6 p.m., live entertainment begins at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Parking and admission are free
(562) 801-4430
http://www.ci.pico-rivera.ca.us
Pomona
Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
Monster trucks, motocross and fireworks
Gates open at 5 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m., fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
Admission: price varies from $15 to $49, children 2 and under are free
http://www.fairplex.com/kaboom
Porter Ranch
Shepherd of the Hills Church
19700 Rinaldi St.
Porter Ranch, CA 91326
Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Event features live music, inflatable bounces, face painting, food vendors and fireworks
(818) 831-9333
http://www.theshepherd.org/4th
Redondo Beach
Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino Way
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Gates open at 2 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Event features food, swimming, live music, DJ and dancing, crafts, water sports, parade and more
Tickets start at $22 for adults, $15 for children 4 and up
http://www.redondofireworks.com
Rosemead
Rosemead 4th of July Parade, Carvinal, 5K and Fireworks
Begins at 8 a.m.
Rosemead Park 4343 Encinita Ave.
Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 569-2100
http://www.cityofrosemead.org
San Pedro - Cabrillo Beach
3720 Stephen M. White Dr.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Starts at 2 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Free to the public
(310) 548-7401
http://www.sanpedro.com/
Santa Clarita
4th of July Parade in Old Town Newhall
Parade starts at 9 a.m. at Hart Park
Goes down Main Street, turns onto Lyons Avenue, then up Orchard Village Road and disbanding at Newhall Park
http://www.scvtv.com/parade/
Santa Clarita
Free fireworks spectacular
Begins at approximately 9 p.m.
Valencia Town Center
24201 West Valencia Blvd.
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 250-3787
http://www.santa-clarita.com
Santa Monica
2013 4th of July Parade
Begins at 9:30 a.m.
Parade route travels down Main Street, starting at Pico Boulevard, turns right on Marine Street, then right on Barnard Way
Parking available at Civic Center garage, Santa Monica Place and parking meters west of Main St.
http://www.opa-sm.org
South El Monte
South El Monte High School
New Temple Park
1450 Lidcombe Ave.
South El Monte, CA 91733
(626) 579-2043
Waterslides, live boxing, basketball contests and more
Celebration begins at noon and ends at 9 p.m.
http://www.ci.south-el-monte.ca.us
South Gate
South Gate Park
9615 Pinehurst Avenue
South Gate, CA 90280
Carnival begins at 5 p.m. at Tweedy Blvd. and Hildreth Ave. and runs through entire weekend
Fireworks display at 9 p.m.
(323) 563-5479
http://www.sogate.org/
Stevenson Rach
Dr. Richard Rioux Memorial Park
26233 W Faulkner Dr.
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
Festivities begin at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
StubHub Center
Soccer game and fireworks
Watch the game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Columbus Crew, then stay for fireworks
Game starts at 7:30 p.m., fireworks to follow
18400 S Avalon Blvd
Carson, CA 90746
http://lagalaxy.com
Studio City
CBS Studio Center
4024 Radford Ave.
Studio City, CA 91604
Event runs from 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Celebration includes live music, food and fireworks
Tickets: $20 for adults, $10 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and under; VIP tickets available
(818) 655-5916
http://studiocitychamber.com
Sunland Tujunga
Parade on Foothill Boulevard at 10 a.m.
Starts at Mt. Gleason and proceeds down Foothill Boulevard to the Sunland Park
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at Verdugo Hills High School
Fireworks display at 9 p.m.
10625 Plainview Ave.
Tujunga, CA 91042
(818) 352-3420
http://stchamber.com
Walnut
Suzanne Park
625 Suzanne Rd
Walnut, CA 91789
Begins at 6 p.m.; enjoy face painting, games, a pie-eating contest and more!
Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Whittier (Private)
Friendly Hills Country Club
8500 Villaverde Dr.
Whittier, CA 90605
Celebration begins at 6 p.m. with games, face painting, live music and a BBQ buffet
Fireworks at 9 p.m.
http://www.friendlyhillscc.com
Woodland Hills
July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
Warner Ranch Park
21820 Califa St.
Woodland Hills, 91367
Concert begins at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:08 p.m.
http://valleycultural.org
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Transfer My Current Property Tax To A New Home? Can I Do This?
While I know that my target audience on this blog may not generally be home owners over 55 yrs old, it is very likely you have a family member or friend that this could be very useful for.
Yes, you may be eligible to transfer the amount you pay in property tax to a new home here in California. This is a great option for someone who has owned their home for a long time and are looking to buy a new home. It is a one-time option. Here is the basics of how it works:
- You must be 55 or be severely or permanently disabled
- Both homes must be in the same county or a participating county
- The new home must be equal or less in value of the home you are selling
Of course there are a lot more in's and out's of how this works so please check out this website for more details Prop 60, 90 & 110
Yes, you may be eligible to transfer the amount you pay in property tax to a new home here in California. This is a great option for someone who has owned their home for a long time and are looking to buy a new home. It is a one-time option. Here is the basics of how it works:
- You must be 55 or be severely or permanently disabled
- Both homes must be in the same county or a participating county
- The new home must be equal or less in value of the home you are selling
Of course there are a lot more in's and out's of how this works so please check out this website for more details Prop 60, 90 & 110
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Just Sold-Burbank
Congratulations to my clients George and Yvonne that just closed on their first home. This was a joint effort with Judy Graff, a great co worker of mine. This transaction was a long and a bit bumpy but well worth it. They got a lovely house in an amazing area of Burbank and they will be calling this home for many years to come. I'm counting on an invite to their first BBQ!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Important Tips When Selling Your House In Today's Market: Summer 2013
Summer 2013 is almost on us and the market is starting to make a little bit of a change again. Here in the Valley, the homes that were once selling in the $500,000 or less are practically gone. Home prices have risen and there are going to be little to no more houses selling around that price point in Burbank, Valley Village, Encino, Valley Glen, and most of Van Nuys, North Hollywood and Lake Balboa. A lot of the spike in home sales were in that price range and now that there is little left, those buyers have either moved to looking at areas further out, looking at condos or just given up all together. If you are selling your home and your house is in the price range of $600,000-$800,000, there are some important tips you will need to know. There aren't as many buyers right now in this price range as there are for the the homes just below this. So you can't market your house the same way. Some sellers have thought (or been advised) to price their home higher than what it will sell for. Some people think that just because there are multiple offers on homes, and that people are overbidding on homes, that they can simply list their home at a much higher price than the one that just sold up the street and it will get many offers as well. This isn't the case and buyers aren't going for it. The buyers see home prices now and automatically think they may have to add $10k-$40k (or more) to the price if they want to get the home. If your home is overpriced, people will simply ignore it and when it's been sitting on the market for a few weeks, buyers will automatically assume something is wrong with the house since most houses have been flying off the market in a week or two. And if you set yourself up with a high price in your mind that your house will sell for, and you don't get those type of offers, then you may disappoint yourself and loose out. So, if the most comparable house to yours just sold last month, then price yours $10k or $30k below that. If there are multiple buyers in that area for your home, that will leave a little wiggle room still. And although many sellers were making buyers jump through hoops for their home by saying "sold as is" and asking for contingencies to be removed, this too will be coming to an end. Don't put your buyers into a corner, they will walk away. We will start to slowly be noticing the amount of buyers per each home lessen as the months roll on. Interest rates have started to tease the market with upward movements, and with first-time buyer's home prices now reaching $600k or more in most areas, there are less people who will be able to afford this. So sellers: when marketing your home this summer, market it graciously and don't expect to have such a dramatic show of offers knocking on your door as there have been the first half of this year. Do your due diligence and make your home very presentable, work with a broker who is going to know this market well and not just feed you what you want to hear. If you have a good real estate agent and they market your home well, you will still find good buyers to sell your home too.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Condos in LA Going For Multiple Offers
Well, the market sure is on fire. We've been seeing houses with 10-30 (or more) offers on them since around December 2012 but now it's the condos turn. You will see the trend start in the same fashion that the housing market did, with the most desirable areas and most recently improved condos going into multiple offers. Then very soon, the housing market recovery will be complete with most all single family homes and most all condos being sold fairly quickly when marketed well. The many multiple offers are here to stay for a while though, at least until the interest rates start going up. And even after that, it will remain a seller's market but maybe just not as competitive for the buyers as it is right now. So what does this mean for you? Well, if you have a condo and you've been looking to sell it, you may want to start thinking about doing it now if your condo is in a good area and has been updated pretty recently. But this should be something you should really keep in mind in the next six months if your condo doesn't quite fit this description as well though. And if you have been thinking about selling your home, now is the time. This is the best seller's market we will see for a long time. The reason is, there are a lack of homes for sale, and interest rates are still very low, so these thing put together make for a very high demand on houses for sale which put you in a remarkable position as a seller. This will continue to be a seller's market for years to come if the market continues in the same direction, but this unique opportunity to position you and the sale of your house in the best way possible won't last for long. So please call me if you are thinking about selling so I can go into more detail about how to get you the best deal possible. And if you are thinking about buying, I have been busy helping buyers as well...but I'm never too busy to help you. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Before You Begin Looking At Homes For Sale, You Will Need This
It's June 2013 and the real estate market today is really in the seller's corner right now. Which means, as a buyer, you need to be as prepared as you can be when you are ready to start looking. Here are a few "must haves" before you even take your first step into an open house.
1. You absolutely must have a loan officer that has given you the go-ahead along with your budget to buy a home. This loan officer should have a pre approval letter ready to email to your agent on a last minute's notice. Things are moving quickly, and so should your loan officer.
2. If you are receiving any money from a parent to help with the purchase, you must have made all transfers into your account months before you are ready to buy a place. If you haven't done that and you are getting some money toward your down payment, ask your family member to put this money directly into escrow when your offer is accepted. (and be prepared that someone may ask for a paper trail of where any gifted money came from)
3. You must give your real estate agent a copy of your "Proof Of Funds". This is any account you have that can be easily liquidated and used for the down payment at the close of escrow. For example, if you are putting $200,000 down on a house, we are going to need a copy of a bank statement, IRA, stock holdings or another similar form of a financial account, that shows you have that money.
4. You must be careful about transferring sizable amounts of money in and out of your account around the time you wish to buy a home. So hold off on buying those new couches, and maybe reconsider selling your car until you are a new home owner. Banks are being meticulous about finding out where your money is coming from and going to when asking for this big loan for a home.
5. And last but not least, you must start your search with some extra patience stored away in your back pocket. It may feel a little rough for some buyers out there right now, but keep in mind, when the right house comes along, it will fall into place, as long as you just put your best foot forward and keep trying. It may take you 7 (or more) offers until the right home comes along and you find yourself in escrow.
And don't forget, call me if you have any questions about anything real estate related and when you are ready to buy or sell, I am here to help. (323) 828-7777
1. You absolutely must have a loan officer that has given you the go-ahead along with your budget to buy a home. This loan officer should have a pre approval letter ready to email to your agent on a last minute's notice. Things are moving quickly, and so should your loan officer.
2. If you are receiving any money from a parent to help with the purchase, you must have made all transfers into your account months before you are ready to buy a place. If you haven't done that and you are getting some money toward your down payment, ask your family member to put this money directly into escrow when your offer is accepted. (and be prepared that someone may ask for a paper trail of where any gifted money came from)
3. You must give your real estate agent a copy of your "Proof Of Funds". This is any account you have that can be easily liquidated and used for the down payment at the close of escrow. For example, if you are putting $200,000 down on a house, we are going to need a copy of a bank statement, IRA, stock holdings or another similar form of a financial account, that shows you have that money.
4. You must be careful about transferring sizable amounts of money in and out of your account around the time you wish to buy a home. So hold off on buying those new couches, and maybe reconsider selling your car until you are a new home owner. Banks are being meticulous about finding out where your money is coming from and going to when asking for this big loan for a home.
5. And last but not least, you must start your search with some extra patience stored away in your back pocket. It may feel a little rough for some buyers out there right now, but keep in mind, when the right house comes along, it will fall into place, as long as you just put your best foot forward and keep trying. It may take you 7 (or more) offers until the right home comes along and you find yourself in escrow.
And don't forget, call me if you have any questions about anything real estate related and when you are ready to buy or sell, I am here to help. (323) 828-7777
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
All-Cash, No Contingency Home Buyers. Where's It All Coming From?
If you are out looking for a home, and had have make a couple offers that were not accepted, chances are, you have heard that someone else with all-cash, and maybe even, no contingencies, got their offer accepted. These types of offers are spreading like wild fire. But...where is all this cash coming from? Who are all these people who have this type of money available? And no contingencies? That sounds crazy, right? To be honest, I have had a number of buyer ask me if all these people with all this cash are foreign investors. Everyone has their own idea, or conspiracy theory, of what is going on. Well...who better to ask than a real estate agent? So here we go:
Yes, there are foreign buyers out there right now, but...when has that not been the case? This is LA and we have always had a large variety of foreign money here. And no...I'm pretty sure there isn't someone sitting somewhere like China on the phone saying "buy now". So, yes, there are a lot of foreign buyers in the market right now, but that isn't everyone with all-cash.
What about the real estate investors or "flippers"? Is it them doing these deals with all-cash? Yes, there are a number of investors and flippers out there buying houses with all-cash. But fact is, I've been on the buying side of a lot of deals, and I've seen houses being sold to all-cash buyers that weren't worth flipping because they were in good shape and there wouldn't have been enough room for someone to buy the house, put $ into it, then resell for a profit. And the people buying it, weren't going to rent it out, so, it's not totally all the investors either. Although, some investors are buying houses to rent out and sell in a few years hoping to turn a profit that way.
So...let me turn this article back on to you, the reader. Chances are, if you are reading this, that you are out looking for a home to buy. Well, where did you get the money for your down payment? Have you been saving it for when you felt comfortable buying? Or maybe it was left to you in an inheritance? Perhaps a family member who may have thought of leaving you some money after their passing decided to go ahead and gift it to you now while it was a good time to buy? Well, these are the other people with all-cash. Some people are very meticulous about saving money and now that time has come where they feel comfortable about the economy and where it is headed, they are ready to spend it, on what they hope will be a good investment in their future. And there are a lot of people that inherited money years ago, or even just recently, but now this is the time to put it towards a home before prices soar again.
So, there you have it. That is a mix of where the all-cash buyers are coming from. And it's no conspiracy. I mean, why are you looking to buy right now? Well, whatever your answer is, there are a lot of other people thinking the exact same thing. It's no secret. Prices are going up, rates are incredibly low, and people are feeling good about the economy.
And last but not least, the "no contingency" buyers. I honestly don't know what to make of this one. It is a risky move but if this is what you think will get you the house, and there is a good chance it might, than maybe it is something you are up for. Or maybe not. It really is a person to person decision you and your real estate agent should talk about. As always, if you are looking to buy or sell, feel free to call me. I will be available to answer any questions you may have about the real estate market any time as well.
Yes, there are foreign buyers out there right now, but...when has that not been the case? This is LA and we have always had a large variety of foreign money here. And no...I'm pretty sure there isn't someone sitting somewhere like China on the phone saying "buy now". So, yes, there are a lot of foreign buyers in the market right now, but that isn't everyone with all-cash.
What about the real estate investors or "flippers"? Is it them doing these deals with all-cash? Yes, there are a number of investors and flippers out there buying houses with all-cash. But fact is, I've been on the buying side of a lot of deals, and I've seen houses being sold to all-cash buyers that weren't worth flipping because they were in good shape and there wouldn't have been enough room for someone to buy the house, put $ into it, then resell for a profit. And the people buying it, weren't going to rent it out, so, it's not totally all the investors either. Although, some investors are buying houses to rent out and sell in a few years hoping to turn a profit that way.
So...let me turn this article back on to you, the reader. Chances are, if you are reading this, that you are out looking for a home to buy. Well, where did you get the money for your down payment? Have you been saving it for when you felt comfortable buying? Or maybe it was left to you in an inheritance? Perhaps a family member who may have thought of leaving you some money after their passing decided to go ahead and gift it to you now while it was a good time to buy? Well, these are the other people with all-cash. Some people are very meticulous about saving money and now that time has come where they feel comfortable about the economy and where it is headed, they are ready to spend it, on what they hope will be a good investment in their future. And there are a lot of people that inherited money years ago, or even just recently, but now this is the time to put it towards a home before prices soar again.
So, there you have it. That is a mix of where the all-cash buyers are coming from. And it's no conspiracy. I mean, why are you looking to buy right now? Well, whatever your answer is, there are a lot of other people thinking the exact same thing. It's no secret. Prices are going up, rates are incredibly low, and people are feeling good about the economy.
And last but not least, the "no contingency" buyers. I honestly don't know what to make of this one. It is a risky move but if this is what you think will get you the house, and there is a good chance it might, than maybe it is something you are up for. Or maybe not. It really is a person to person decision you and your real estate agent should talk about. As always, if you are looking to buy or sell, feel free to call me. I will be available to answer any questions you may have about the real estate market any time as well.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Good Home Inspections VS Bad Home Inspections
Have you ever wondered what makes a good home inspection good? Or just the same, a bad home inspection bad? Here are some clues to look for when choosing your inspector:
I hear it time and time (and time) again from people buying a home "I want an inspector that is going to be very detailed and go over everything" But, do you think that is the only thing you should want in an inspection? I hope not. Or sometimes I will get the buyers who choose an inspector based on price. Maybe the cheap inspection will save you some money, right? Not in the long run folks. If he misses things or doesn't recommend further inspections that may be needed, then you could be left buying a house and finding out very soon that there were things that were overlooked that can cost you a pretty penny to rectify. And at the other end of the spectrum, maybe the guy who charges more will be extra good, right? Not necessarily. So then what makes a good inspector and where do I find one? Well, the best place to find one is to ask your real estate agent. We see dozens of inspections each year, so it is likely that we have a few people's names and numbers that we can give you to choose from. It is also likely we have a few names and numbers you should avoid.
Finding a good inspector is really like finding a good doctor. And sometimes you want someone who delivers the news in a way that best suits your personality. Some people like it as frank as you can give it. Others need gentle explanations of what is going on. And a good inspector should be able to read you, read the situation, and do the same. They should treat a first time home buyer the way a first time mother-to-be should be looked after. You don't want an inspector to overload you with negative news delivered in a harsh, cold, matter-of-fact way. You want someone who is going to give you all the important news, in a way that you can understand, and also let you know that there are solutions to just about everything. And this is VERY important so listen up here...some inspectors like the roof, chimney and sewer inspectors may also give you news in the hope that they can benefit by fixing what they find (and I have seen inaccurate diagnoses plenty of times). I hope you got that point.
Here are a couple of real stories from inspections:
During a recent sewer inspection the man doing the job said there were a lot of roots in the pipes (by the way, no trees anywhere near the front yard where the pipes are) as well as some separation. (This man was hired based on his low quote to do the inspection) He estimated anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 to fix the problem. Another sewer inspector came out for a second opinion (this company cost a only $100 more than the other one) and wound up cleaning the pipes out, which were just filled with bathroom products and viewing the separation with a higher grade camera to point out that the separation was extremely small and minor. The total cost from this company for repairs was about $200.
At a home inspection this week the buyers chose an inspector that was recommended by their friends because he was said to be thorough. This inspector delivered his findings to the buyers in the same manner Rush Limbaugh delivers his news. This inspector was so over the top, matter-of-fact, and dramatic. And the clients are first time buyers. Some of the issues he pointed out were that the board along the floor surrounding the water heater in the closet it too high and could cause you to trip and that, to him, was a big safety issue. To paint a clear picture to you about this, the closet was only big enough to hold the water heater and not much else...therefore walking into it is not an option. He also mentioned that a small pipe that drains water from the A/C needs to be looked at since the water coming from this pipe can create a puddle in the dirt on the side of the house. When I asked him why this was a problem his answer was "Because mosquitoes like water and you don't want that" This puddle is situated just near their pool, by the way.
So hiring the right inspector is a very important decision and the cost of a good inspection is worth more than you will ever know. Your real estate agent most likely knows a number of good ones you can call, or they should easily be able to find some from other agents they know. So please take the time to find a good one, and listen to your real estate agent's advice. After all, our main job is to look after you and your best interest. And if you live in the LA area and would like any recommendations on good inspectors, feel free to give me a call and I would be happy to help. And when you are ready to buy or sell, I am happy to help with that as well.
I hear it time and time (and time) again from people buying a home "I want an inspector that is going to be very detailed and go over everything" But, do you think that is the only thing you should want in an inspection? I hope not. Or sometimes I will get the buyers who choose an inspector based on price. Maybe the cheap inspection will save you some money, right? Not in the long run folks. If he misses things or doesn't recommend further inspections that may be needed, then you could be left buying a house and finding out very soon that there were things that were overlooked that can cost you a pretty penny to rectify. And at the other end of the spectrum, maybe the guy who charges more will be extra good, right? Not necessarily. So then what makes a good inspector and where do I find one? Well, the best place to find one is to ask your real estate agent. We see dozens of inspections each year, so it is likely that we have a few people's names and numbers that we can give you to choose from. It is also likely we have a few names and numbers you should avoid.
Finding a good inspector is really like finding a good doctor. And sometimes you want someone who delivers the news in a way that best suits your personality. Some people like it as frank as you can give it. Others need gentle explanations of what is going on. And a good inspector should be able to read you, read the situation, and do the same. They should treat a first time home buyer the way a first time mother-to-be should be looked after. You don't want an inspector to overload you with negative news delivered in a harsh, cold, matter-of-fact way. You want someone who is going to give you all the important news, in a way that you can understand, and also let you know that there are solutions to just about everything. And this is VERY important so listen up here...some inspectors like the roof, chimney and sewer inspectors may also give you news in the hope that they can benefit by fixing what they find (and I have seen inaccurate diagnoses plenty of times). I hope you got that point.
Here are a couple of real stories from inspections:
During a recent sewer inspection the man doing the job said there were a lot of roots in the pipes (by the way, no trees anywhere near the front yard where the pipes are) as well as some separation. (This man was hired based on his low quote to do the inspection) He estimated anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 to fix the problem. Another sewer inspector came out for a second opinion (this company cost a only $100 more than the other one) and wound up cleaning the pipes out, which were just filled with bathroom products and viewing the separation with a higher grade camera to point out that the separation was extremely small and minor. The total cost from this company for repairs was about $200.
At a home inspection this week the buyers chose an inspector that was recommended by their friends because he was said to be thorough. This inspector delivered his findings to the buyers in the same manner Rush Limbaugh delivers his news. This inspector was so over the top, matter-of-fact, and dramatic. And the clients are first time buyers. Some of the issues he pointed out were that the board along the floor surrounding the water heater in the closet it too high and could cause you to trip and that, to him, was a big safety issue. To paint a clear picture to you about this, the closet was only big enough to hold the water heater and not much else...therefore walking into it is not an option. He also mentioned that a small pipe that drains water from the A/C needs to be looked at since the water coming from this pipe can create a puddle in the dirt on the side of the house. When I asked him why this was a problem his answer was "Because mosquitoes like water and you don't want that" This puddle is situated just near their pool, by the way.
So hiring the right inspector is a very important decision and the cost of a good inspection is worth more than you will ever know. Your real estate agent most likely knows a number of good ones you can call, or they should easily be able to find some from other agents they know. So please take the time to find a good one, and listen to your real estate agent's advice. After all, our main job is to look after you and your best interest. And if you live in the LA area and would like any recommendations on good inspectors, feel free to give me a call and I would be happy to help. And when you are ready to buy or sell, I am happy to help with that as well.
My First Time Home Buyers Just Got Their Keys
Congratulations Justin and Kelly on your very first home together! After over a year of trying to buy a home, we crossed paths and just a few short months later, they had the keys to their first house.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Pocket Listings: Real Estate's Hottest Password That May Get You In The Door
It's May 2013 and the real estate market here in Los Angeles looks like the grand finale of the 4th of July Fireworks. It is just exploding. There is so much demand to buy a home right now, that there are a number of growing trends to help both buyers and sellers get the best outcome they desire. One thing that is popping up everywhere are Pocket Listings. So, what are pocket listings, how do they work and how can you find out about them? Well, here are all those answers:
A pocket listing is an agreement between the seller and their agent that they prefer not to have their home publicly listed on the MLS (multiple listing service). There are a number of reasons a seller may choose to do this. One may be that the seller lives in an home where they don't want just anyone off the streets to come walking though it. This is typical of homes in affluent neighborhoods where the seller prefers that their agent find only qualified buyers through resources other than the MLS. In today's market a seller may have other important reason to not have their home publicly advertised. I have heard a number of sellers say that prospective buyers have just knocked on their front door with no appointment or realtor by their side. This is not invasive but it may be a safety issue for the seller as well. Therefore, some sellers are choosing to have their agent go out and find buyers themselves. Another thing that is happening all over is that some houses are getting 20 or more offers on them. Now I know what you may be thinking "How is having 20 offers bad thing?" right? Well folks, to sell a home, all you need is one good, strong offer. Having 20 offers in front of you can, not only, be overwhelming, but there is a good chance that 18 of them aren't strong buyers that will be able to close the deal. If you have your eye on the market right now, you are seeing a lot of houses come "back on the market". This can be frustrating and time consuming for a seller to think their home is being bought...and then it's not. Buyers don't believe they have the luxury of time where they can see the house a couple of times, think things through, weigh their options and then make an offer....and they are kind of right. They may not. So they are making offers on home just because the home is in their desired location and the price range is what they are looking for. Buyers are also assuming their offer may not be accepted so sometimes, they aren't even serious about making this offer. If I am listing your house and we decided that we are not going to put in on the MLS, I can find serious and well qualified buyers that are more likely to get you that good price you are looking for and actually follow through with the purchase. If you are a well connected real estate agent in the community, then you have surely been speaking with other agents that you know have good buyers ready to make a purchase, and that is how we find you one, or a few good buyers to choose from as oppose to the 20 that may or may not be real. Another reason to not publicly list your home may just be a convenience factor. You may not have a flexible schedule where you can make your home available for showings all the time. Or maybe you don't live in your house and you have tenants there. They may not want to open their doors a dozen times a day to let people in to see this house. So maybe, you just want your agent to bring a few serious buyers in to see and get an offer that way.
There are a number of reasons, as a buyer, you will want an agent that has their finger on the pulse of this market as well. Not only should your agent be connected with the agents in their office, but they should also be connected with the agents that are listing a lot of homes right now. I get to hear about these pocket listings and if I believe that my buyer will put in an offer at a respectable price, with good terms and conditions, then I may be able to get you into seeing these houses that aren't on the MLS. But please realize this, just because you are in the market to buy a home, doesn't mean that any agent will be willing to help you. Because the market is so competitive, your agent may need to know and understand that you are ready, willing and able to make a purchase before they decide to work with you. So if you are someone who is looking to buy or sell your home, and you have questions about how to go about doing it in the best possible way, call me and lets talk over your options. I look forward to hearing from you!
A pocket listing is an agreement between the seller and their agent that they prefer not to have their home publicly listed on the MLS (multiple listing service). There are a number of reasons a seller may choose to do this. One may be that the seller lives in an home where they don't want just anyone off the streets to come walking though it. This is typical of homes in affluent neighborhoods where the seller prefers that their agent find only qualified buyers through resources other than the MLS. In today's market a seller may have other important reason to not have their home publicly advertised. I have heard a number of sellers say that prospective buyers have just knocked on their front door with no appointment or realtor by their side. This is not invasive but it may be a safety issue for the seller as well. Therefore, some sellers are choosing to have their agent go out and find buyers themselves. Another thing that is happening all over is that some houses are getting 20 or more offers on them. Now I know what you may be thinking "How is having 20 offers bad thing?" right? Well folks, to sell a home, all you need is one good, strong offer. Having 20 offers in front of you can, not only, be overwhelming, but there is a good chance that 18 of them aren't strong buyers that will be able to close the deal. If you have your eye on the market right now, you are seeing a lot of houses come "back on the market". This can be frustrating and time consuming for a seller to think their home is being bought...and then it's not. Buyers don't believe they have the luxury of time where they can see the house a couple of times, think things through, weigh their options and then make an offer....and they are kind of right. They may not. So they are making offers on home just because the home is in their desired location and the price range is what they are looking for. Buyers are also assuming their offer may not be accepted so sometimes, they aren't even serious about making this offer. If I am listing your house and we decided that we are not going to put in on the MLS, I can find serious and well qualified buyers that are more likely to get you that good price you are looking for and actually follow through with the purchase. If you are a well connected real estate agent in the community, then you have surely been speaking with other agents that you know have good buyers ready to make a purchase, and that is how we find you one, or a few good buyers to choose from as oppose to the 20 that may or may not be real. Another reason to not publicly list your home may just be a convenience factor. You may not have a flexible schedule where you can make your home available for showings all the time. Or maybe you don't live in your house and you have tenants there. They may not want to open their doors a dozen times a day to let people in to see this house. So maybe, you just want your agent to bring a few serious buyers in to see and get an offer that way.
There are a number of reasons, as a buyer, you will want an agent that has their finger on the pulse of this market as well. Not only should your agent be connected with the agents in their office, but they should also be connected with the agents that are listing a lot of homes right now. I get to hear about these pocket listings and if I believe that my buyer will put in an offer at a respectable price, with good terms and conditions, then I may be able to get you into seeing these houses that aren't on the MLS. But please realize this, just because you are in the market to buy a home, doesn't mean that any agent will be willing to help you. Because the market is so competitive, your agent may need to know and understand that you are ready, willing and able to make a purchase before they decide to work with you. So if you are someone who is looking to buy or sell your home, and you have questions about how to go about doing it in the best possible way, call me and lets talk over your options. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Getting the 411 On Houses Before Seeing Them
So you are out looking for a home to buy and you have a lot to consider when buying a house. But you'd like to keep your search to homes that better fit your criteria rather than seeing every house out there, right? What can you do to find out more about a home before going to see it that can help you keep your search more focused and time efficient for your busy schedule? Well, there are a number of things you can do, so let me tell you about some of them.
Are you wondering about a potential house but don't know how safe the area is? Well one way to tell is by going to this site www.CrimeMapping.com Type in the address of the house you are looking for and see what comes up on the crime map. Now, don't jump too quick at what you see. Try entering in an area that you already feel safe in, or live in and really like, and now compare what see. And remember, you may see more crimes in busy shopping areas so keep that in mind as well.
Maybe you have kids or think that having some may be in your future and you would like to find out about where they may go to school if you bought a particular house. Well this site may help you some when it comes to the local school systems GreatSchools.org When you enter in the address of a home, it will tell you what school is closest to that home. But be reminded that this does not guarantee that your child will be able to attend that particular school. Please also check with the school by calling them or visiting the principal to ask about future enrollment of your child.
There is actually a lot you can find out about a house by going to this site Google Maps Either you are already using this method to find out about a home or you think I'm giving simple advice by pointing out that you can see where a home is located on a map right? Well try this..go to the site and type in the address of the home and hit the search key. Okay, so now you see the pin point of where the home is located. Now go back to the search bar and erase the address and try typing in something like "restaurants" or "parks". You can zoom in and out and the map will show you where these types of locations are in your area. So if you are someone who likes to be near a lot of restaurants or maybe you want to know where you can take you dog to the park, this is a great way to find out. Now you can also re-enter your potential home's address back in the search bar and search it again. But this time when it points it out on the map, look to the left of the map and see if there is a photo of the property. If there is, then there should be a little orange symbol of a person in the corner of that photo. If you click on this orange person symbol, it will show you a front view of the home. Once the picture shows up on your main screen you can use your mouse pointer to move around the angle and position of where the camera is coming from. Here are a number of things you can find out about the house just from these photos:
Do you see any new additions in the listing that weren't in the google map photos? Maybe an extra wing of the house? If so, you may want to go to your local building and safety and see if that was permitted. What about a garage? Do you see one? Sometimes we forget to look for one in the listing because it's not pointed out to us in the listing that there isn't one. Or maybe there is one, but it's only accessible by an alley and in order to get to it, you have to manually open a gate in the alley to enter into it. You can sometimes see this on google map too. So the listing says the lot is 21,000 sqft in the hills? Wow, that is a lot of land here in LA. But maybe if you have searched the house on Google Maps, you can zoom in with the Satellite View and maybe see that most of that properties land is really hillside? Have you ever gone to a listed house and not even recognized it from the street? Maybe because there is a large wall that surrounds the house? Well, the photographer of the listing may not have wanted that part of the house featured but Google Maps will show that big wall just fine. And what about the neighbors and the street the home is on? You can preview that on Google Maps as well. And there are other things you can see from this site as well. Like maybe this home backs up to the rear of a grocery store. Or you would like your home to have some elements of Feng Shui? Well, you can see if this home's front door faces the South from Google Maps as well.
And last but not least, just try entering the potential home's address into a search engine and see if anything of interest comes up...you never know what you could find out there as well.
So before you set aside a whole day to go look at houses, try using some online resources and seeing if you can weed out the ones that already may not fit into your criteria and when you are ready to go out and start seeing some homes, call me. I am happy to help you with all your Real Estate needs (323)828-7777
Are you wondering about a potential house but don't know how safe the area is? Well one way to tell is by going to this site www.CrimeMapping.com Type in the address of the house you are looking for and see what comes up on the crime map. Now, don't jump too quick at what you see. Try entering in an area that you already feel safe in, or live in and really like, and now compare what see. And remember, you may see more crimes in busy shopping areas so keep that in mind as well.
Maybe you have kids or think that having some may be in your future and you would like to find out about where they may go to school if you bought a particular house. Well this site may help you some when it comes to the local school systems GreatSchools.org When you enter in the address of a home, it will tell you what school is closest to that home. But be reminded that this does not guarantee that your child will be able to attend that particular school. Please also check with the school by calling them or visiting the principal to ask about future enrollment of your child.
There is actually a lot you can find out about a house by going to this site Google Maps Either you are already using this method to find out about a home or you think I'm giving simple advice by pointing out that you can see where a home is located on a map right? Well try this..go to the site and type in the address of the home and hit the search key. Okay, so now you see the pin point of where the home is located. Now go back to the search bar and erase the address and try typing in something like "restaurants" or "parks". You can zoom in and out and the map will show you where these types of locations are in your area. So if you are someone who likes to be near a lot of restaurants or maybe you want to know where you can take you dog to the park, this is a great way to find out. Now you can also re-enter your potential home's address back in the search bar and search it again. But this time when it points it out on the map, look to the left of the map and see if there is a photo of the property. If there is, then there should be a little orange symbol of a person in the corner of that photo. If you click on this orange person symbol, it will show you a front view of the home. Once the picture shows up on your main screen you can use your mouse pointer to move around the angle and position of where the camera is coming from. Here are a number of things you can find out about the house just from these photos:
Do you see any new additions in the listing that weren't in the google map photos? Maybe an extra wing of the house? If so, you may want to go to your local building and safety and see if that was permitted. What about a garage? Do you see one? Sometimes we forget to look for one in the listing because it's not pointed out to us in the listing that there isn't one. Or maybe there is one, but it's only accessible by an alley and in order to get to it, you have to manually open a gate in the alley to enter into it. You can sometimes see this on google map too. So the listing says the lot is 21,000 sqft in the hills? Wow, that is a lot of land here in LA. But maybe if you have searched the house on Google Maps, you can zoom in with the Satellite View and maybe see that most of that properties land is really hillside? Have you ever gone to a listed house and not even recognized it from the street? Maybe because there is a large wall that surrounds the house? Well, the photographer of the listing may not have wanted that part of the house featured but Google Maps will show that big wall just fine. And what about the neighbors and the street the home is on? You can preview that on Google Maps as well. And there are other things you can see from this site as well. Like maybe this home backs up to the rear of a grocery store. Or you would like your home to have some elements of Feng Shui? Well, you can see if this home's front door faces the South from Google Maps as well.
And last but not least, just try entering the potential home's address into a search engine and see if anything of interest comes up...you never know what you could find out there as well.
So before you set aside a whole day to go look at houses, try using some online resources and seeing if you can weed out the ones that already may not fit into your criteria and when you are ready to go out and start seeing some homes, call me. I am happy to help you with all your Real Estate needs (323)828-7777
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Does My Agent Get Kick Backs From Recommending Certain Businesses Or Vendors?
Something tells me that you have thought to yourself, "Why is my real estate agent recommending these certain professional people and what do they get out it?". Sometimes I can tell that my clients think this even if they don't ask...but, why not ask? I say go ahead and see what your agent says. Because here is the scoop you've all been waiting for:
There are a number of people your agent might suggest you call and see if they can help you during your home buying process. Some of these people are general inspectors, roof, chimney and sewer inspectors. You may get the contact info of a few different loan officers and also an escrow company. So why are you getting these people's contact information? And what do I get out of giving them to you? Well.....I get peace of mind. Not the answer you thought you'd hear, right? Well, it's true. These people are people that I have worked with before or have been referred to me by other people I trust. When it comes to getting a house sold, whether you are on the selling side or buying, it is important that you use people that are good at what they do. It's not just as simple as calling an inspector and asking for their prices. I mean, does this inspector really know what they are talking about? Are they going to explain it to you in a way that you can understand? Are they going to point out the difference between what type of work needs to be done now and what can be done in the future? If you were looking to get your car repaired, would you just look over the yellow pages and choose someone or would you go with a person that is recommended to you? Well, who could be a better person to ask than someone who works with these people on a regular basis?
And if you think getting a loan funded and closed on time is just a matter of going over your financial papers and checking your credit then sitting back and waiting to hear a "yes" or "no" about the loan, then you are really in need of some recommendations. The loan officers are much more than the fees they charge. They really need to know there way around HUD houses, FHA loans, investor ratios in condos, and all the lovely hiccups that are almost inevitable in every loan process.
So, yes, I may ask if you want me to send you some numbers of some loan people. And yes, I will ask you if you already have some inspectors names in mind. But to answer that burning question...No, I don't get anything when you call them besides knowing who they are as professionals and understanding how they work.
There are a number of people your agent might suggest you call and see if they can help you during your home buying process. Some of these people are general inspectors, roof, chimney and sewer inspectors. You may get the contact info of a few different loan officers and also an escrow company. So why are you getting these people's contact information? And what do I get out of giving them to you? Well.....I get peace of mind. Not the answer you thought you'd hear, right? Well, it's true. These people are people that I have worked with before or have been referred to me by other people I trust. When it comes to getting a house sold, whether you are on the selling side or buying, it is important that you use people that are good at what they do. It's not just as simple as calling an inspector and asking for their prices. I mean, does this inspector really know what they are talking about? Are they going to explain it to you in a way that you can understand? Are they going to point out the difference between what type of work needs to be done now and what can be done in the future? If you were looking to get your car repaired, would you just look over the yellow pages and choose someone or would you go with a person that is recommended to you? Well, who could be a better person to ask than someone who works with these people on a regular basis?
And if you think getting a loan funded and closed on time is just a matter of going over your financial papers and checking your credit then sitting back and waiting to hear a "yes" or "no" about the loan, then you are really in need of some recommendations. The loan officers are much more than the fees they charge. They really need to know there way around HUD houses, FHA loans, investor ratios in condos, and all the lovely hiccups that are almost inevitable in every loan process.
So, yes, I may ask if you want me to send you some numbers of some loan people. And yes, I will ask you if you already have some inspectors names in mind. But to answer that burning question...No, I don't get anything when you call them besides knowing who they are as professionals and understanding how they work.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Hot Tips For BuyersTo Use In This Hot Seller's Market
I've recently been working with a lot of buyers and I've heard a number of them ask about the comps (comparable recent sales) of a house they are interested in putting an offer in on. There have been a number of times that once the buyers find out what the comps are for a house, whether it be from me telling them or the online Real Estate websites (zzznot the place to look for za compz!) that they base their offer on the average comp price. No no no no.....In case you were wondering, we are now in a seller's market and a very competitive one at that. If your goal is to get a house then you must try to be the highest and best offer. So if you are making an offer that is not close to, at, or above the highest comp out there, then truly, you are not in the market to buy a house at this time. If the house is priced well, and in a desirable area, and you make an offer at or under the listed price, you are most certainly not getting the house. I know that it is hard to come out of a market, where not too long ago, there were a lot of short sales to choose from and you could negotiate the home price with the seller, but that time is gone. And I highly urge anyone in the market to buy a home right now to go into the process with the goal of buying a home, and not trying to get "a deal". The deals are still out there which is why the market is so hot right now. And here are the deals: the low loan rates, the houses (while going over list price a lot) may still continue to rise for years from now. Those are the deals. If you choose to look for any others, you may be out of luck and spend good time getting beat out of the market. And when putting your offer together, ask your Realtor what else you can put in your offer to make it desirable, other than the price.
There are many other things in the offer that you can include, or not include, that may get the seller's attention and get your offer chosen. Here are a few things you should talk with your Realtor about concerning the offer:
1. Do you really need the refrigerator and washer/dryer? Maybe don't ask for those and if you really want them, maybe offer to purchase them separate from the home purchase.
2. Can you offer a shorter escrow time period? Seller's would love to see the money from the sale sooner than later.
3. Can you shorten your contingency periods and maybe do your inspections in the first few days? Or talk over the other contingencies with your Realtor and see if those may be shortened.
4. What about the costs for Retrofitting and certifications for this? Ask your real estate agent what this may cost and is this something you can pay for?
5. Home warranties are great! I recommend having one. The average home warranty may run $400-$600. Is the house you want to buy worth you paying for this yourself?
6. Ask your broker about the NHD report. This is usually at or under $100. Do you need the seller to pay for this?
7. And what about the termite and pest inspection and correction? Depending on what the inspection says, if you offer to pay for this, it could be in the thousands...but maybe this is something you are willing to do as a buyer?
8. And last but not least, and this one doesn't cost you a dime; write a letter to the seller with your intentions for the house, and be honest. Are you going to move into the home and make it your home for years to come? Are you going to care for the house and yard the way the sellers have done for so many years? While a letter like this may not mean much to some sellers, it may make a huge difference to others...and it's totally free.
Talk about all these options and more with your real estate agent and good luck with buying and selling your home. And when you are ready to list your house, I can walk you through the best way to get the best dollar for your home, so call me anytime.
There are many other things in the offer that you can include, or not include, that may get the seller's attention and get your offer chosen. Here are a few things you should talk with your Realtor about concerning the offer:
1. Do you really need the refrigerator and washer/dryer? Maybe don't ask for those and if you really want them, maybe offer to purchase them separate from the home purchase.
2. Can you offer a shorter escrow time period? Seller's would love to see the money from the sale sooner than later.
3. Can you shorten your contingency periods and maybe do your inspections in the first few days? Or talk over the other contingencies with your Realtor and see if those may be shortened.
4. What about the costs for Retrofitting and certifications for this? Ask your real estate agent what this may cost and is this something you can pay for?
5. Home warranties are great! I recommend having one. The average home warranty may run $400-$600. Is the house you want to buy worth you paying for this yourself?
6. Ask your broker about the NHD report. This is usually at or under $100. Do you need the seller to pay for this?
7. And what about the termite and pest inspection and correction? Depending on what the inspection says, if you offer to pay for this, it could be in the thousands...but maybe this is something you are willing to do as a buyer?
8. And last but not least, and this one doesn't cost you a dime; write a letter to the seller with your intentions for the house, and be honest. Are you going to move into the home and make it your home for years to come? Are you going to care for the house and yard the way the sellers have done for so many years? While a letter like this may not mean much to some sellers, it may make a huge difference to others...and it's totally free.
Talk about all these options and more with your real estate agent and good luck with buying and selling your home. And when you are ready to list your house, I can walk you through the best way to get the best dollar for your home, so call me anytime.
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