Special offer

Los Angeles, CA Real Estate News

By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Diane and I have been going to the Festival of Books for the past 24+ years. If memory serves me correctly, we only missed the first two... Now with that said this year we did not get a new coffee mug. Usually, we get one every year commemorating our visit to the Festival of Books. This year was a total disappointment.The marketing was too vague and too discouraging. In the old days if you wanted to see an author you did not have to pay to enter. This year the message was mistakenly focused on, that you cannot get to see a panel or an author unless you pay for a ticket. Really??? False messaging. Sadly, many bought into this message including us.I told Diane it was just poor English and not clear messaging... we disagreed... on a side note I was right.So, with that said, let me tell you...
Comments 43
By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Friday Funday: I thought how about a fun dinner.... I always cruise the Internet, and I saw someone post a recipe for baked cabbage. Loved the idea and it so happened I had cabbage in the fridge as well as I always have olive oil.Now I thought this would go well with bake Argentinian Red Shrimp.Then I figured how about some great Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Bisquists to accompany the dinner Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly! If you are looking for a pet friendly Beverly Hills Realtor who can handle and sell the most difficult properties that no one else could, please reach ...
Comments 30
By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
2401 San Marco Dr. Los Angeles CA 90068: Accepting Backup Offers...Directions : Head East on Franklin Ave to Cahuenga BLVD (N) first right (E)on to Dix St and first left (n) on Holly Dr. to the end turn (L) to San Marco, land is just past 2407 San Marco Dr.Remarks: Best priced vacant land in the Beach Wood Canyon area. Truly a fantastic opportunity to build your dream home in the highly desirable Hollywood Dell section of the Hollywood Hills East. This lot is equally desirable for a developer to build for spec. The house next to this lot on a more difficult upslope with smaller frontage was built recently. This up sloped lot has about 58 ft of frontage with panoramic canyon views. Just imagine being surrounded by nature and multimillion dollar homes and still be minutes from the city an...
Comments 20
By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
As most of you who read my posts, we have been supporting the Los Angeles Festival of Books for the past 24 plus years. We missed the first two and then we became loyal supporters year after year. Yesterday we went and you can read my post of what I thought. Now with that said we did not go this year the second day, like we always did two days in a row. Ironically, I had an easy day with real estate today.Well, not to dwell on it here are a few Fotos that I did not post yesterday.No matter what I wish you a wonderful week ahead and if you have time enjoy reading books. Please buy and read books. Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you ach...
Comments 8
By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
As most of you, Tuesday is Broker's Open. It's the glorious day when we get to see what new properties have hit the market, how the prices are trending, and where the exceptional deals are! Caravan (the official name for Broker's Open) is also a nice opportunity to catch up with agents and to find out about any new listings or pockets that will be coming down the pipeline. As I looked throughthe list of properties to preview today, there are definitely some homes on my radar that look interesting. If possible, I try to always see listings before I show them to my clients or blog about them. Photoshop is a wonderful tool and as Michael K says in my favorite gossip blog (www.dlisted.com), there are many that should win a "Photoshop Lifetime Achievement Award" because I am often wondering ...
Comments 0
By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Last weekend I blogged about a $6,495,000 REO in Los Angeles - 10772 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles. Today I noticed another surprising multi-million dollar REO on The MLS: 33730 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 - Listed at $14,950,000 The estate was listed in 2006 for $20 Million but it didn't sell. It was re-listed in 2007 for $19,950,000 and again, the listing expired unsold. In 2008 it was re-listed yet again, this time at $19,900,000. After 6 months the price was reduced to $17,995,000. Another six months later and the price was reduced to $16,495,000. A Notice of Default was served in May 2009 and in February 2010 the bank took back the property and has listed the property for sale at $14,950,000. Records indicate that there was over $13 Million secured against the property with a ...
Comments 3
By Jane Peterson
(Alliluja)
Yesterday I watched once again my favorite movie about James Bond. I’ve seen all of them. And the film made me think about a present day James Bond. What devices would he use today? Of course, a flashy Ferrari car, a sports model.  If he needed a bike, it would be a Harley Davidson. What about clothes? I guess it would be something from Armani (here you can introduce your own ideas). But the most interesting things are spy devices that would help him in his work. I think they would be a spy earpiece, a digital pen with image capture and the possibility of video recording, a spy camera watch, sun glasses camera and some others.      What do you think?
Comments 2
By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Certainly Not Your Average REO - 10772 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077 Chalon Road in Bel Air / Holmby Hills (Los Angeles) is one of the most expensive streets in Los Angeles with homes selling for up to $28 Million. Current listings range between $6,495,000 - $28,900,000. It's therefore surprising to find this REO listing at 10772 Chalon Road for $6,495,000. The MLS listing describes thie property as an elegantly restored 1930's Hollywood Regency design with architectural details: "Dramatic formal entry, massive living room, 4 bedrooms + staff, 8 baths, pool, gym, game room and professional 35MM screening room. Set on almost an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds, terraces overlooking verdant vistas. Fabulous for entertaining and serene living. Completely private. Originally develo...
Comments 14
By Jane Peters, Los Angeles real estate concierge services
(Home Jane Realty)
The chart below reflects the sales of homes in Westwood and the Westside of Los Angeles for March 2010.  The report is taken from the MLS CLAW, is for single family homes, and does not include condos, income property, and private sales. The zip codes covered are 90024 and 90025. Overall the figures are promising.  From one home sold in February to 10 in March, with a 70% drop for days on the market for the homes sold, a 63% increase in homes under contract and a drop of 40% in months supply of inventory, this shows a healthy recovery in Westwood homes sales last month. Although the Federal home buyers tax incentive is due to end on April 30th, thoughts are that buyers will wait to close in May to take advantage of the California first time home buyers credit which starts May 1.  April ...
Comments 9
By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
Today was supposed to be the second part of my "to be continued" special on properties that would make interesting investments. The bad news is that the property I wanted to feature just went into escrow after being on the market for only 10 days. The good news  for buyers is that it is becoming quiteeasy to spot homes that have enormous potential and are priced correctly. Just to give you a little overview on the house, Evanview is located off of prime Sunset Plaza (one of the best sections of the Hollywood Hills). What makes this home so special is the explosive city views from almost every room and the ample outdoor decking perfect for lounging, entertaining, or cocktailing. A house like this was built to showcase the views and the floor to ceiling windows do just that. Priced at $99...
Comments 0
By Dom Naidoo, Malibu to the Marina Real Estate
(Westside Properties)
Happy Friday everyone! Here are just a few of the Westside Weekend Happenings....   The Scene: Brewery ArtwalkBuy paintings and photos directly from more than 100 resident artists at the biannual open studio event.If you're in Culver City: Check out painter Joshua Petker's new show at Corey Helford Gallery starting on Saturday night.Sat & Sun 11a-6p. The Brewery Art Complex, 2100 N. Main St. Free. Nearby: Barbara's at the Brewery; Dino's Burgers Number One; Blue Dahlia Cafe Happy Hour: Half-price share plates at bar210Get boneless chicken wings injected with blue cheese and other high-end bar bites from Top Chef alum Marcel Vigneron.Drinks, too: $7 specialty cocktails, $5 for wine and beer.Tonight and tomorrow 7-9p. bar210, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills (310-887-6060). Nearby: Mais...
Comments 4
By Jane Peters, Los Angeles real estate concierge services
(Home Jane Realty)
The 23rd Annual Brentwood Spring Art Show will take place in downtown Brentwood on April 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The fair runs along the eastbound lanes of San Vicente Boulevard from Saltair, east to Darlington. The event features fine artists and craftspeople and there will be plenty of things to buy and entertain you. There will be live jazz from the Ed Wing Trio, the Jammin Foundation Jazz Ensemble, and the Jazzzone Ensemble.  A food court and play area for children will also be set up. If you are a serious art collector or just like to browse, the Brentwood Art Show is a fun day out.                
Comments 16
By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
The highly publicized auction of the historic El Dorado Lofts in downtown Los Angeles scheduled for April 25, 2010 has been canceled. The auction had been scheduled for that date so buyers could take advantage of a soon-to-expire federal homebuyers tax credit. "The building’s timeline for opening is now uncertain," said Bill Stevenson, a partner in Downtown Properties. Located in the old bank district at 416 S Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles, the historic El Dorado Hotel has been converted to 65 lofts and penthouses situated on 12 floors. According to the El Dorado website, the auction has been cancelled, but they will be moving forward with a traditional sales program. Apparently water pressure issues have delayed the building’s ability to attain a certificate of occupancy.
Comments 0
By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
The good news for sellers and buyers alike is that there is some well priced inventory out there that is actually moving under thirty days or less. As usual, all the main components need to be in tact for a quick sale to occur: price, location, and the perceived value of the property itself. Over the last 10 days, I've received a couple of calls from buyers interested in purchasing property that would allow them to acquire at a decent price and then do some basic updates to be placed back on the market a short time later. There have been two properties that I have had my eye on for just that purpose. Only because I know you are hanging on my every word, I thought I would tease you by making this as a two part series - a real estate 80's style "to be continued" if you will (kind of like ...
Comments 0
By Risa Liebster, Toluca Lake Real Estate
(Ramsey-Shilling Associates)
Toluca Lake - Why We Live Here In no particular order, I will list 10 reasons so many celebrities and "normal folks" like us love living in the Toluca Lake area: 1.  Location, location location - situated near the Hollywood / Burbank / North Hollywood borders. 2.  A veritable oasis in the middle of the City; the lake and golf course provide refuge to a wide variety of wildlife. 3.  Warner Brothers, Disney and Universal Studios. 4.  Proximity to the ocean, mountains and freeways. 5.  Beautiful homes with old trees and great neighbors - famous and not-so-famous. 6.  Award-winning schools for the kids. 7.  Safety, privacy, peace and quiet. 8.  Dining, entertainment and nightlife is a short stroll away. 9.  Temperate micro-climate. 10. Overall a great place for couples, for retirees or to r...
Comments 6
By Fred Sweezer Sr. CMI, LLC., HUD 203k Consultant
(Hud Certified 203K Consultant)
  Clothes Closet Lighting   People don’t often think about the fire risks posed by the light in their clothes closet, but it’s one of the few places in the house where a source of high heat can get too close to flammable materials. Lighting must be installed safely with adequate separation from clothes, boxes and other flammables stored in the closet.  Additionally, the quality of the light, as well as bulb efficiency, will influence your lighting choices.   The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) on "Permitted Luminaires and Clearance from Clothing"   The IRC defines a "luminaire" as follows: a complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps, together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamps and ballast (where applicable), and to con...
Comments 5
By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Change to California State Tax - No More State Tax on Forgiven Debt The California Association of Realtors has distributed an email advising that "Distressed homeowners no longer have to pay California state income tax on debt forgiven in a short sale, foreclosure, or loan modification".  The California Franchise Tax Board's website records that on April 12, 2010, SB 401, the Conformity Act of 2010 was enacted. It allows taxpayers who had all or part of the loan balance on their principal residence forgiven by their lender to exclude the forgiven debt from California gross income. The new law applies to discharges of qualified principal residence indebtedness on or after January 1, 2009, and before January 1, 2013. Additional information is available on the California Franchise Tax Boa...
Comments 1
California state income tax on forgiven debt resulting from a short sale, foreclosure, or loan modification will no longer be imposed on homeowners in California. Senate Bill 401 makes California’s tax treatment of mortgage debt relief income the same as federal law. Be advised, however, that only the debt stemming from the loan secured by a "qualified principal residence," will be exempt from both federal and state income tax consequences. While the federal exemption amount is up to $2 million, the California exemption is up to $800,000 and forgiven debt up to $500,000. Now, I know you’re thinking … what is a "Qualified principal residence." This means that only the debt incurred in connection with acquiring, constructing, or substantially improving a principal residence is the subject...
Comments 0
By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
We've seen price reductions across the board, and this listing I came across today proves to be no exception. "Le Belvedere" - 630 Nimes Road in Bel Air (Los Angeles) was listed in February 2009 for $85 Million. It was then reduced by $13 Million to $72 Million in August 2009. That's a 15% price reduction! This colossal all-steel mansion is 48,000 sq ft in size and sits on 2.2 acres. The grand  residence includes 10 Bedrooms, 14 Bathrooms, 19 fireplaces, a ballroom that can seat 200 guests, a 5000 bottle wine cellar, a gymnasium and a professional screening room. The property is surrounded by a 1000-foot long by 36-feet high wall, has a swimming pool and swan pond, but does not have a tennis court. There is secure parking for 20 cars. Current public records indicate property taxes in ex...
Comments 14
By Jane Peters, Los Angeles real estate concierge services
(Home Jane Realty)
All through the winter months we sat here in Los Angeles in awe of all the snow around the country.  Well, awe is rather the wrong word, more like glee smugness.  April 12th.  The weather should be in the low 70s by the beach.  It is in the low 60s.Last night we had a huge rainstorm.  One of those storms that rattles the rafters.I don't like the rain and I don't like the cold.  I didn't move here from the U.K. for this!However, for those of you thinking of relocating to Los Angeles, don't think twice.See below how good our weather really is: Courtesy The Weather Channel http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/USCA0638_f.html  
Comments 37
By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
We've all heard about "Living Walls" and "Green Roofs"  - but have you heard about an "Edible Wall"? CNNMoney.com featured an interesting story about Mozza's "Edible Wall". Mario Batali - one of the owners of Pizzeria Mozza - decided to install an Edible Wall in keeping with his philosophy of sustainability. The wall contains mint, endive, Chinese celery, rosemary, parsley, chicory, sage, and edible geraniums and is 72 square feet in size, Not only is the wall aesthetically pleasing, it's useful too. Click on either of the pics below to see the video clip.
Comments 10
By Michelle Minch, Home Staging Los Angeles and Orange County, CA
(Moving Mountains Design Home Staging, Pasadena, CA)
This past week, Los Angeles home stagers Moving Mountains Design, took on a big, beautiful Hancock Park luxury home. I initially was hired for a home staging consultation, as the home owners wanted to tone down their personal design style and make the home appealing to a wider audience. Don't get me wrong...every thing they owned was beautiful (they are art collectors), there was just too much of it. And being artistic types, the homeowners' furnishing taste was eclectic, in a very architecturally traditional home. My goal was to showcase the home's best architectural feautures without losing the joie de vivre so evident in the home. I gave the home owners an extensive list of the furniture and art that had to be removed (as I said, it was beautiful, but there was just too much of it) a...
Comments 10
By Dom Naidoo, Malibu to the Marina Real Estate
(Westside Properties)
The home of your dreams may come with a bonus: a tax credit. Search for homes in your city: PACIFIC PALISADES - SANTA MONICA - MALIBU - BRENTWOOD BEVERLY HILLS - WESTWOOD/CENTURY CITY - MARINA DEL REY VENICE - TOPANGA - CULVER CITY - PLAYA DEL REY - PLAYA VISTA WEST L.A. - BEL-AIR - BEVERLY HILLS PO - BEVERLY CENTER/MIRACLE MILE There’s happy news for current homeowners: If you intend to sell your home and buy another in 2009 or 2010, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $6,500. The Extended Homebuyer Tax Credit legislation, passed in November 2009, also shares the wealth with first-time homebuyers—up to $8,000. Are you eligible? You’re considered a current homeowner under IRS rules if you’ve used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecu...
Comments 0
By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Earthquake Tips Post  #3 As you know, previously I have written a couple of post about' earthquake myths'. We just had one in the not too distant past, a week ago to be exact, a 7.2 Earthquake. This one was larger than the Northridge quake of 1994. It went relatively unnoticed in the major media outlets for a number of reasons. One as you know the Media likes sensationalism, l for one am grateful that there was less than five people who died, hence it was not newsworthy. Diane (my other half) was on the East Coast and she told me, it did not even make it in the news, only as a one liner. As you know Southern California is big on earthquake readiness and response services. Our teams have helped all over the world, Haiti being to most recent one. There is no substitute for keeping your fa...
Comments 10
Explore Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA Real Estate Professionals