REAL ESTATE.....It's My Passion

I share with you a little tid bit that most don't know about me on why I got into the business of Real Estate.

New Listing in the Topanga Plaza Area, Woodland Hills- Warner Center Adjacent

Love shopping, dining, and entertainment and want to live in a tight knit community on a tree-line street??? My partner Tori Lee and I just listed this charming Ranch style home in the Topanga Plaza Area in Woodland Hills!!! This move-in-ready Woodland Hills home is within walking distance of Westfield Topanga Mall, fine dining (Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion & Fleming’s Steak House, to name a few). Enjoy summer concerts and movies in Warner Center Park conveniently because it’s Warner Center Adjacent! Warner Center, Woodland Hills, is the West Valley’s premier business and entertainment destination and attracts visitors all over LA and surrounding cities because of all the amenities it has to offer.

This turn-key home offers 3 beds (can easily be converted into a 4 bedroom) 1.75 baths, upgraded a/c, copper plumbing, refinished hardwood floors, new paint, with lots of outdoor space set on a 7,500 sq. ft lot. It’s one of the most well-priced per square foot homes in Woodland Hills and can be purchased with as little 3.5% down!! Priced at $429,000 this home is a steal and waiting for you to call your home. For more information please call me at 818.414.1914 and please checkout http://www.6461HannaAve.com to view the virtual tour!!!

REAL ESTATE MARKETS ARE LOCAL, SOME LA AREAS SEE DOUBLE DIGIT GAINS

Nationally, the real estate market has been declining in most major cities. But what the general public and media fail to see is that real estate markets are local. Each city and areas within cities have different industries that fuel their local economies. As a result, appreciation rates vary tremendously across the country and in different zip codes and towns. The Los Angeles area has a well diversified economy with one industry that is unique and indigenious to the city; the Entertainment Industry. The Entertainment Industry offers executives, celebrities, and creative professionals high salaries that help increase median prices in the most desirable areas of the county.

The Los Angeles County median price sales data for July 2008 proves that real estate markets are local. There were 20 areas in Los Angeles County where median prices rose in July 2008 from July 2007. The most notable area, Playa del Rey zip code 90293, tops the list for the highest gain in median sales price for July 2008 at 41.40% with a median price of $1,238,000. Other areas include, LA/Westwood zip code 90024, where the median price for properties sold in July 2008 was $1,791,000, an astounding 32.60% gain in value from July 2007. Beverly Hills zip codes 90210 and 90212 saw appreciation rates of 23.5% and 26% respectively. Malibu had median price gain of 18.3% and Pasadena zip code 91105 had a gain of 25.90%.

Please copy and paste this link in a new tab to see the median home sales data for all cities and areas in Los Angeles county.

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For more information please visit www.MarkSellsLA.com
Written by Mark Gonzales Copyright 2008
Mark Gonzales, Realtor, real estate agent specializing in marketing and selling residential homes, condos, and commercial real estate sales in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana, Calabasas. Please visit www.MarkSellsLA.com for more information.

REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK

National Association of Realtors (NAR) President Dick Gaylord sits down with NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun to discuss what is happening in the market and what REALTORS® can expect in the coming months. Click the video feed to see their thoughts on the future of the Real Estate Market in 2009.




For more information please visit www.MarkSellsLA.com
Written by Mark Gonzales Copyright 2008
Mark Gonzales, Realtor, real estate agent specializing in marketing and selling residential homes, condos, and commercial real estate sales in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana, Calabasas. Please visit www.MarkSellsLA.com for more information.

2008 SUCCESS!!! MARK’S SUCCESS TRACKER

Thanks to all my clients for making 2008 a success so far! I’ve sold 16 homes and over $6.5 million in residential real estate this year!!

MY RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF!

THANKS TO ALL OF MY CLIENTS FOR MAKING 2008 A PHENOMENAL YEAR!

2008 HOME SALES:

6850 BOVEY AVE. $460,000

19630 SATICOY ST. $299,000

6534 AURA AVE. $369,000

20134 LEADWELL #334 $275,000

5500 OWENSMOUTH #318 $260,000

18433 HATTERAS #507 $355,000

9174 LANGDON AVE. $390,000

6501 RANDI AVE. $475,000

22652 PAUL REVERE $840,000

23745 BURTON ST. $585,000

20232 LORNE ST. $430,000

10179 LARWIN AVE. #2 $379,000

13320 ROSCOE BLVD. $360,000

11542 BURBANK BLVD. #4 $292,500 IN ESCROW

7836 SHOUP AVE. $439,000 IN ESCROW

5354 DENNY AVE. $339,000 IN ESCROW

$6,547,500 GROSS SALES

For more information please visit www.MarkSellsLA.com

Written by Mark Gonzales Copyright 2008

Mark Gonzales, Realtor, real estate agent specializing in marketing and selling residential homes, condos, and commercial real estate sales in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana, Calabasas. Please visit www.MarkSellsLA.com for more information.

JUST A QUICK REAL ESTATE THOUGHT

Being at the forefront of current Los Angeles real estate market as a Realtor who entered the industry in 2005 (at 22 years old) I can truly say that this is my best year yet. There are many buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines to fulfill the need and dream to own their own home. They are looking to live and own a home for the sake of owning long term regardless of where the market will be 2-3 years. They have great credit, choose fixed financing and are able to afford these homes with their real, tax-documented income. As such buyer’s absorb the inventory, we will we begin to see stabilization in the depreciation of homes and begin to see modest returns 3-6% until the next economic expansion where incomes begin to rise.
In fact, I sold over 14 properties homes in the last 120 days days which is amazing considering we have over 18,000 Realtors in the San Fernando Valley and there are 900-1600 sales per month. So yes, I believe the market is beginning to rebound, there are multiple offers on well priced properties and there are bargains out there for those who are willing to work at submitting offers on multiple properties until the right property is found for the right price.
Please contact me if you’re interested in seeking representation in your next real estate transaction!

For more information please visit www.MarkSellsLA.com
Written by Mark Gonzales Copyright 2008
Mark Gonzales, Realtor, real estate agent specializing in marketing and selling residential homes, condos, and commercial real estate sales in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana, Calabasas. Please visit www.MarkSellsLA.com for more information.

FORECLOSURES, GREAT DEALS WITH HIGHER RISK PT. II

To continue my rant on this hot topic on foreclosures here’s Part II explaining why buying foreclosures have higher risk:

• Foreclosures are sold AS-IS. I tell all my clients that when you buy a foreclosed property you are purchasing it AS-IS, which means the bank who owns the property will not agree to complete repairs or provide any credits in advance. So the tactic of buying a foreclosure and then asking for a HUGE repair credit won’t work. However, the buyer sill has a right to ask, after all the worst thing that could happen is that they say NO! I encourage credit or repair requests especially if there are significant repairs that involve mold, water damage, tenting the home for termite repairs. Some banks will often provide the termite and retrofitting reports during negotiations. If the cost of such repairs proves to be a significant amount of money, I will always advise the client to ask for a credit upfront to help pay for those repairs. With that said, I would advise anyone looking to purchase a foreclosure to not buy one if you assume the bank will do repairs or provide credits. It’s just not realistic in our current market.

Stay tune for Part III....

For more information please visit www.MarkSellsLA.com
Written by Mark Gonzales Copyright 2008
Mark Gonzales, Realtor, real estate agent specializing in marketing and selling residential homes, condos, and commercial real estate sales in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana, Calabasas. Please visit www.MarkSellsLA.com for more information.

FORECLOSURES, GREAT DEALS WITH HIGHER RISK

To the 1sttime homebuyer or novice real estate investor, the word FORECLOSURE or REO means a good deal. While in most cases this is true, many buyers are surprised to learn that buying Foreclosures are riskier than purchasing a home owned by a traditional home seller who is not in distress. So you may ask what makes purchasing a foreclosure so risky? Having recently represented several buyers in the last 60 days, I’ve learned the pitfalls and risks associated with purchasing these GOOD DEALS. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• A hot foreclosure deal usually gets many buyers to compete for the same property. After all that’s the point of buying in a buyer’s market, to get a good deal. About 65% of the foreclosure properties I’m selling have multiple offers. Multiple offers have been so evident lately, that one of my friends who represents banks as a listing agent had 30 offers on a property. Point is be prepared to bid over list price if you really want the property. Of course it has to make sense to do so. I provide all my buyer clients with a Buyer Comparative Market Analysis, which is a list of comparable homes for sale, in escrow, and that have sold. If the price you’re willing to offer (plus estimated repairs) is 10-15% below market value, it may be a wise decision to jump ship and place that offer. Besides, you can always cancel the sale if you find something you don’t like within the agreed upon timeframes.

SO THAT I DON’T LOSE MY READERS WITH A.D.D., I WILL BE COMPLETING THIS POST IN A 3 PART SERIES.

MULTIPLE OFFERS! HAPPENING AGAIN?

Yes it’s true! I’m seeing multiple offer situations on well priced properties. Multiple offers can be seen on Foreclosure and Short-sale listings the most. The general impression out there is that Real Estate isn’t doing so hot right now. While it may be true that number of sales are their lowest in over a decade. Single family homes in the $300k-$400k range are attracting multiple offers from qualified buyers who are utilizing special FHA loans which require only 3% down payment and to everyone’s surprise there are buyers who are placing offers with ALL CASH and 20-50% down payment. With inflation at its highest level in years, the dismal performance of the stock market, many savvy investors still bet that purchasing Los Angeles real estate is a secure long term investment. I agree with this due to basic laws of economics; supply and demand factors: they’re not making any more land, developments are becoming more vertical than horizontal, and the glitz and glamour continues to lure more people to the city resulting in appreciating values over next 7-10 years.

A TYPICAL LA SUNDAY..POOL PARTY!

One of my best friends Stacey Dell, manager of Fleet Operations at the Sheraton Gateway @ LAX along with the event production company L7 has have produced JetSet Sundays; weekly pool parties which will premier this Sunday, May 25th. Over 400 guests have reserved their place to party poolside at this ultra-modern and swanky hotel.

According to L7's website "Jean Louis from Louis XIV, Terry Newsom and Sugar Ant Invasion will spin intoxicating poolside grooves for your dancing or listening pleasure. Bring your appetite because the Gateway is going all-out for the launch event with $15 unlimited selections from the poolside menu including a Brazilian Steak Sandwich, Lime Jumbo Shrimp with Avocado Chili Sauce ("From the Grill"), a Roasted Corn Salad and Grilled Eggplant with Sesame and Soy ("From the Farm Stand"). Ice Cream Bars and Cones will also be served liberally from the "Good Humor Truck.""

So if you wanna party on Sunday the LA way. Stop by and say hi to me and all my friends. Go to L7's website for RSVP and directions:
http://www.l7scene.com/eventDetail.asp?eventID=321

FREE GYM MEMBERSHIP WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF DOWNTOWN TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN

Getting caught in the hustle and bustle in this ultra competitive city can be draining. As Angelenos we often forget the natural beauty of the canyons and parkland reserves that help define the Valley from the City.

Want a killer workout that will have your legs and glutes yearning for more? Head up to Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills. There you will find 130 acres of natural hiking trails that cater to every fitness level. The hike paths take anywhere between 20 minutes and 45 minutes and offer spectacular views of the Downtown Skyline to the Pacific Ocean. Regular celeb sightings make this a popular workout/people watching recreation area for those in the entertainment industry and others who wanna be. Parking is best in the early morning on weekdays prior to 8am and becomes difficult on the weekends.

Cool tidbit: Bottled water, bananas, and granola bars are available at the Fuller Street entrance for $1. No attendant is present and they just sit in a basket. Payment is based on the honor system. I’ve been wondering…who fills it up and collects the money? Also Yoga Classes are offered as well, best part is it’s GRATIS (for you non-spanish understanding peeps that means FREE!)

You can get more info and directions to Runyon Canyon at http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=122
If you see me there don’t forget to stop and say hi!

VALLEY HANGOUTS

Towards the east end of the main thoroughfare of the South Valley called Ventura Blvd, (also know to Valley residents as The Boulevard) lies hip-happening bars. If you’re looking to have a good time on a Friday or Saturday night, but don’t want to make the trek over the hill to Weho or drive through the Cahuenga Pass through Hollywood, CLEAR in Studio City maybe a great alternative to the long wait lines and expensive drinks and not-so-awesome service that WEHO and H-WOOD offer.

CLEAR is perfect for the party goer looking to sip on a Cosmo or Dirty Martini while satisfying the urge to shake the bootay. There is a DJ propped up in a corner booth showcased by a clear window spinning top 40 and a bit of old school 90’s rap, hip-hop and r&b. Booths are spacious and decor is ultra-modern. The cozy interior can get a bit pack during peak hours (11PM-1AM), but have no fear, there is a spacious outdoor patio provides a zen-like ambiance complete with bamboo gardens and large outdoor beds that allow for relaxation after you’ve had too many cocktails.

CLEAR is located at 11916 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City. You can check them out on their website at http://www.clearlounge.net/ and on their myspace at http://www.myspace.com/clearlounge

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

If you're in the housing market you need to do your homework before hitting the listings! Analyze your income vs. debt and use the how much can I afford? tool so the housing dollar signs don't grow bigger than your maximum wallet capacity.

Other tools of the trade to help ease your money mind: mortgage payment amortization, mortgage calculator

Already own a home? Test out this handy tool: should I refinance?

IS IT WORTH THE COMMUTE?

With the rising gas prices home owners in the Inland Empire area of So. Cal are re-thinking their commute to the inner city. Commuters are paying $4 at the pump and as the summer draws closer the prices creep up a little higher each day. So what is a homeowner suppose to do? Many are considering leaving their mansion like homes to move into the city. Walking to work, shopping and cafes seems like a rising commodity in Los Angeles. Neighborhoods in downtown and the east side are growing dramatically to fulfill the anti-commute demands.

This shift may boost the economy for the bustling city but severely hurt the suburbs causing a slum effect as the New York Times real estate blog reports - "The next slums will take shape in soon-to-be neglected suburban cul-de-sacs: " ... many low-density suburbs and McMansion subdivisions, including some that are lovely and affluent today, may become what inner cities became in the 1960s and ’70s — slums characterized by poverty, crime, and decay."

My Brag Sheet

I pride myself in having the academic knowledge and theoretical skills to help clients make educated decisions. After a long and treacherous journey through college, I am proud to say that I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Business and Real Estate from California State University, Northridge . Whereas most agents have only taken relatively few courses in Real Estate, I have formal training in the fields of Real Estate & Business Law, Real Estate Finance, Business Communications, and Economics. I love to talk and make sure that I’m fighting for your best interests. By using my negotiation skills I have helped save homebuyers significant amounts of money, while home sellers I represented received top dollar for their homes. In addition to my academic accolades, I’m a self proclaimed internet marketing geek!! I make sure that the homes I sell are listed on of the country’s most powerful internet real estate websites. My client’s homes can be seen REALTOR.COM, HOMEGAIN.COM, ZILLOW.COM, and RE/MAX.COM. Shoot me an e-mail or if it's really important call me and I'll show you how I can help you reach your real estate goals!

Buying and Selling...It's Serious Stuff!

Buying and selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make in their life. With the dynamics of the real estate market and the increasingly important role of technology and the internet, it is important who you choose to represent you in the purchase and selling of your home. An excellent Realtor must have the experience, knowledge, and innovation to successfully sell homes in today's real estate market. Recognizing that Los Angeles’ real estate consumers are savvy, sophisticated, and of course hip and stylish, I have created a plan and system that successfully helps clients reach their real estate goals while making the experience positive and fun.