CALIFORNIA HOME SALES UP 101%

California Home Sales up 101%

California Home Sales up 101%Quick Facts - Existing, single-family home sales increased 100.8 percent in January to a seasonally adjusted rate of 624,940 units.
The statewide median price of an existing single-family home decreased 40.5 percent in January to $254,350
The Unsold Inventory Index was 6.7 months in January, compared with 16.6 months in January 2008
The median number of days it took to sell a single-family home was 49.9 days in January 2009, compared with 70.8 days in January 2008

Source: California Association of Realtors®

Unique Homebuying Opportunities Abound

Although the newspapers and Wall Street is flooded with depressing information on the economy, and despite Dow Jones record lows as well as the recent news that the government will not be buying up bad debts from banks, there are still multiple opportunities in the Real Estate Market for buyers who hold a decent fico score and can validate their current income. This means that many buyers are still finding foreclosure and short sale deals well under the market value compared to 2005. To help buyers buy these properties, several programs have been created to help buyers qualify and receive funding from banks.

This is a recent article by the Southern Regional Association of Realtors which lists the different programs available to buyers today.

Unique Homebuying Opportunities Abound

Regardless of market conditions, an opportunity always exists in the residential real estate market. That tried and true maxim is particularly accurate today as aid programs appear that are designed to steady the residential housing market and reopen the doors of home ownership to a wide range or prospective buyers.

Even as some home owners still struggle with the excesses of the past, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to buy are available now or will soon emerge. No one knows how long these special programs will be available.

Remember, prices are at an all-time low. Interest rates are favorable. Lenders are making loans, albeit at higher qualifying standards. And, while not excessive, the inventory of homes listed for sale offers a wide selection. That inventory contains attractively priced homes being sold through foreclosure proceedings along with many listed for sale by traditional sellers, which often can offer a quicker, easier sale at a more attractive price.

There is ongoing debate as to whether rescue efforts from the nation's capital will prolong or speed the recovery, but several points seem crystal clear:

Recovery is, in fact, underway. More assistance programs are likely to emerge in coming weeks. At some point in the not to distant future, today's buyers' market will fade and a golden opportunity to buy a home and invest for the future will pass.

This is a brief overview of just a few of the many aid programs designed to help first-time and repeat home buyers. A more detailed version of this story aid programs are available at http://www.srar.com/.Contact your Realtor®for details.

Higher Loan Limits
The higher loan limit of $729,750 - due to be eliminates at the end of December - makes loans more affordable, especially in high-cost housing regions such as California.

FHA loans are back
FHA loans are back in force and are plentiful. In some instances the down payment required is as low as 3%. More than 20 percent of new loans are expected to have FHA financing.

Realtors offer $4,000 Grants
First-time home buyers who purchase a home in the San Fernando or Santa Clarita Valleys may be eligible to receive a $4,000 grant to ease the burden of closing costs. The grants are available from the Southland Regional Association of Realtors. For details, write via email to Rubenf@srar.com.

L.A.City and California Programs
An array of city and state programs are available to help low- to moderate-income buyers into a home. Many programs are aimed at first-time buyers, but repeat buyers are welcome, too, to get assistance with a down payment or closing costs.• The California Housing Finance Agency - CalHFA offers multiple programs to help families purchase a home. Call your Realtor today for details on these and a growing number of homebuying opportunities!

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.

Some Homebuying Tips in Today’s Market

Regardless of what you might have heard about the home buying market, the statistics in Southern California show that this is a great time to buy. First time buyers, investors, and even all cash buyers have found the current market conditions to make owning a home more affordable and easier than ever before. However, having sold Foreclosure and Short Sale properties much of the year, I have some tips to offer for those looking to purchase a home in the next few months.

Condominiums and Town-homes: While the inventory has increased on many of these desirable alternatives to the Single-Family home, there are a couple of things which you should keep in mind.

First, you should get as much information on the Home Owners Association (H.O.A.) as possible when you are in escrow on a Condo or Town-home. An experienced Buyer’s Agent will ensure you receive H.O.A. disclosure documents and help you digest the disclosures. You should pay special attention to the financial statements of an H.O.A. Many of these properties are located in complexes who have struggling H.O.A.’s and low cash reserves. This will affect your ability to get a loan on these properties. In addition, it could be a signal that higher monthly dues and assessments are foreseeable in the future.

Second, try to get information on how many units are currently-owner occupied verses tenant-occupied. These statistics will affect your ability to get a loan as well. Complexes with more than 15-25 percent based upon which lender you use, are finding it difficult to secure a loan. These standards are changing on a daily basis so contact your lender and find out their specific requirements regarding condos and town-homes.

Short Sales: From homes built in the 50’s to homes built in the 21st century, short sale homes have been coming onto the market as more and more people are faced with financial issues that make it difficult to pay their mortgages.

Homes that are classified as short sales, occur when the owners of such properties work with the banks to accept a lower amount than currently owed on the property. Such owners in a distressed situation as they can no longer afford to meet their mortgage obligations and opt to execute a short sale to avoid foreclosure as it is less detrimental to their credit. What today’s buyer needs to understand about these Short Sale situations is that it is a very long process, but often times it is worth the wait. If you are currently in a situation which will allow you to wait 3-6 months before moving into or taking ownership of your new home, these short sale deals are right for you.

The important thing is this: Have a good understanding of what the bank is looking for in its returns before you place your offer! Often times these properties are listed far below market value in hopes to receive multiple offers. Look at the comparables, at the amount owed by the current owner, and then make an informed decision on what your purchase price should be. Trying to low-ball these properties will only result in your offer being rejected 3-6 months after you place your offer and it most cases can be a waste of time for all parties involved.

In all purchase situations you should work with a knowledgeable and experienced Realtor as they will be able to guide you through the process while protecting your best interests.

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.

IT’S STILL HAPPENING….MULTIPLE OFFERS

Here’s an article written by Mary Funk, President of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors and David Walker. The recent improvements and change in lending guidelines have caused a surge in buying activity. Almost all properties I have sold have had multiple offers, this could be a signal of the bottom and we should start seeing values stabilize within the 2009 year.
Check the info for yourself:

Multiple Offers Reappearing

BY MARY FUNK, PRESIDENT, AND DAVID WALKER, SRAR

While many prospective home buyers are still waiting in hopes of catching the bottom, others are jumping into the residential real estate market feet first and, in a growing number of instances, they wind up competing with a swelling legion eager to capture a bargain.
At a recent meeting involving dozens of members of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors®, all of the Realtors® said they had recently encountered home purchases where a handful of buyers presented competing purchase offers.

"It's happening in all price ranges and in all communities," one participant said.
Many of the properties have list prices that had been discounted from year ago levels, including a number of bank-owned houses that had been involved in foreclosure proceedings.
The activity level is no where near the frenzy of the seller's boom, the participants said, but offers are coming ion, near and, in some instances, above the already discounted list price.
The reports represented a significant shift in a market that had been paralyzed by buyers who had been glued to the proverbial procrastinator's fence. Buyers' hesitancy created endless work but no sales for Realtors®, who typically are not compensated until an escrow closes.
That lack of urgency now appears to be fading as more buyers enter the market at a time when government-sponsored programs appear to be setting the finance industry, thus making home loans more available and affordable - albeit at stricter qualifying guidelines which require proof of income and down payments.

Buyers who are entering the market believe they have a secure source of income, faith in the local economy and realize that waiting to catch the top or bottom of any real estate cycle is risky business, with success hinging on a large close of luck.

The recent increases in government-insured mortgage limits are expected to provide much-needed liquidity and stability to housing markets across the country.

That is especially true in California - a region with particularly expensive homes - where tens of thousands of families could be eligible this year to purchase or refinance their homes thanks to the recently approved Economic Stimulus Act.

The higher loan limit expands the pool of eligible borrowers, enabling more families to qualify for safe, affordable FHA-insured mortgage loans which can be as high as $729,750.

By focusing on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages, FHA helps home owners avoid and escape the risks associated with exotic subprime mortgage products, which have resulted in rising default and foreclosure rates.

While still at historically low levels, rising sales suggest that the worst may be past and that more buyers believe that the time to buy is now.

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.

THE NUMBERS ARE IN!! SALES INCREASE 16% FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

The San Fernando Valley real estate market is reacting favorably to historically low interest rates and affordable pricing as existing single-family home sales have increased 16.2 percent in July from a year ago.

Mary Funk, President of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors states, "The numbers indicate that the market is at the bottom with sales on the upswing. Demand is increasing because people realize that what they could not afford before they probably can afford now. Come next year, people who are waiting will find that they will be paying more."
In fact the median price of a single-family home as increased a modest 1.0 percent from June to $435,000. Local experts believe that the market will remain busy and may pick up added momentum in the coming months. Pending escrows indicate future resale activity and show the market is picking up. There were 1,141 pending escrows at the end of July which is 39.2 percent higher than a year and up 1.2 percent from this June. This coupled with the fact that active inventory levels have been declining since November 2007 where the number of active listings were 7,505. As of the end of July there were 6,950 active listings. Seems like the law of economics may come to fruition as there is more demand and less supply; making way for the stabilization of the real estate market.

CHECK THE STATS FOR YOURSELF: http://www.srar.com/members/stats/summaries/2008/july/SFV.pdf

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.

SHERMAN OAKS GALLERIA RENOVATED IN LESS THAN A MINUTE

Here’s a cool video I found on YouTube showing the 2 year renovation of the Sherman Oaks Galleria from drab indoor mall to the outdoor lifestyle and entertainment center that attracts patrons from all over. It is home to many entertainment production companies and influential businesses. Check out the 2 year renovation in less than a Los Angeles minute.

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.

Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008...What does it mean???

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_and_Economic_Recovery_Act_of_2008
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Pub.L. 110-289, H.R. 3221) designed primarily to address the Subprime mortgage crisis, was passed by the United States Congress on July 24, 2008 and signed by President George W. Bush on July 30, 2008. It authorizes the Federal Housing Administration to guarantee up to $300 billion in new 30-year fixed rate mortgages for subprime borrowers if lenders write-down principal loan balances to 90 percent of current appraisal value. It's intended to restore confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by strengthening regulations and injecting capital into the two large U.S. suppliers of mortgage funding. States will be authorized to refinance subprime loans using mortgage revenue bonds.
Basically it will allow homeowners to keep their homes and refinance with loans at discounted rates for 90% of a home’s current appraisal value if the lender who holds the original note is willing to take a loss. You might think why would the lender want to take a loss? My feeling is that lenders should be willing to do so, due to the fact that that so many homes are going to Foreclosure and are being sold as a Short sale (real estate), which costs lenders more money as they can lose between 30-50% of the appraised value after factoring selling costs.
Here’s what the Government says:
An Excerpt taken from Department of Housing and Urban Development website at: http://www.hud.gov/news/recoveryactfaq.cfm
Q: How will the law help struggling homeowners keep their homes?A: Through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), an estimated 400,000 borrowers in danger of losing their homes will be able to refinance into more affordable government-insured mortgages. The program offers government insurance to lenders who voluntarily reduce mortgages for at-risk homeowners to at least 90% of the property's current value.
Q: How will this law make it more affordable to own a home?A: There are a number of provisions that will make homeownership more affordable:
Creates a refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers that works like an interest-free loan of up to $7,500 (to be paid back over 15 years).
Grants states $11 billion of additional tax-exempt bond authority in 2008 that they can use to refinance subprime loans, make loans to first-time homebuyers and to finance the building of affordable rental housing.
Raises conforming loan limits for the FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to $625,500. Because of the high cost of housing in California, a majority of the state's residents were previously shut out from these programs. Raising these loan limits will lead to lower interest rates on some loans, greater refinancing opportunities, and enable more borrowers in high cost areas to avoid the type of nontraditional and frequently abusive loans that led to the current crisis.
Provides couples using the standard deduction with up to an additional $1,000 deduction for property taxes ($500 for individuals).

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 III

Banks always have the buyer’s sign seller addendums. To protect the Bank/Seller, they always have the Buyer’s sign addendums in addition to a standard purchase agreement. Mind you, the addendums are drafted in such a way to protect the interest of the Bank and not the Buyer, so you must thoroughly read the contract and make sure that you understand the terms and conditions. Each time I sell a foreclosed property I spend at least a couple hours reading these addendums so that I can explain the terms to my Buyer clients and answer any questions that they may have. It is extremely important to know what you are signing as most Banks will have clauses. The following are clauses that can be included on the Seller Addendums:

1. Per Diem charges. Banks will require that a buyer pay per diem charges between $ 50.00-$150.00 per day for everyday that the transaction stays open beyond the close of escrow date indicated on their addendum. I always write in a later date on the contract to ensure that plenty of time is allotted so that we close prior to the date indicated on the addendum. If there is any indication that the Buyer cannot close on time due to the loan processing, delays in receiving reports, and any other extenuating circumstances, I make sure that an addendum is drafted extending the close of escrow date. I also indicate that the per diem will be waived if escrow is closed by the new close of escrow date.

2. Shorten Inspection Contingency Periods. In California, the standard contingency period for inspection is 14 days. Banks will try and shorten the period for this contingency to 5-7 days. In addition, they have the start of the inspection contingency period to begin on the date of the addendum. In my opinion this is pointless because the Buyer and Seller have yet to come to an agreement. In addition the offer is almost always subject to senior management or investor approval. Which simply put, means that you do not have a deal until both signatures are on the contract. I would never suggest that my Buyer’s sink $400-600 on inspections when the Bank hasn’t accepted the offer (unless it’s an extremely good deal and the condition of the property is questionable up front). To avoid this I write in the contract that contingency periods will begin the day after Buyer receives a copy of the executed contract signed by both Buyer and Seller.

There are others clauses that I have seen, but these are two most common ones that exist in most Bank addendums. The main point is that you must thoroughly read the contract, ask questions, and if in doubt, have a Real Estate attorney review the contract if you feel uncomfortable with the terms and conditions. Foreclosures and/or REO’s are complex transactions that can be unpredictable at times. Banks and their Asset Managers have strict guidelines they must adhere to and often hire escrow companies that are overwhelmed with files, so expect some challenges along the road. However, with the right real estate agent and with some risk management, purchasing a foreclosed property can reap you rewards in the form of instant equity at the close of escrow.

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.

NEIGHBORHOOD SHOWCASE: STUDIO CITY

Here’s a short video on some cool places to visit in Studio City:

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.

VALLEY EATS: CASA VEGA

Casa Vega is a hip and happening spot. Open 7 days a week for lunch thru dinner from 11:30 am- 2:00 am. This place to be seen and to see has good looking people in the bar, booths, and waiting areas looking to sip margaritas, take shots of tequila and gorge on big, gigantic burritos smothered in traditional Mexican sauces. Every night brings a crowd as there is most likely a 15-25 minute wait for a table. But the wait is worth it as the food is authentic and flavorful, while the drinks are well-balanced and offer a nice kick (for those of you who appreciate a strong drink). Many celebrities are known to frequent this well established bar which has been in business for decades.

If you want come dine in this intimate Mexi-fantastic place, visit: http://www.casavega.com/ or visit them on the cusp of the Sherman Oaks, Studio City border, corner of Ventura Blvd and Fulton Ave. 13301 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.

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.

THE GREAT WALK ON WILSHIRE FROM DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES TO SANTA MONICA

I thought this was a neat video:

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.

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.