It’s the Holiday Season – and nowhere is there more to see and enjoy than Southern California!

Looking for some ideas to entertain your family, friends, and visitors??
Whatever your price range-Free to Ultimate Luxury!

Follow these links for fun and something different to make this holiday season the best ever!

Candy Cane Lanes

Woodland Hills
Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

El Segundo
1200 Acacia
El Segundo, CA 90245
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages

Santa Clarita

http://www.santaclaritaguide.com/HolidaySCV.html

*Over a dozen neighborhoods brightly lit!*
(We provide an online map!)
*Limo Light Tours* – *Holiday performances* – *Seasonal Train Rides* – *Chat with Santa!*
**Includes Pasadena holiday lights and Events

Newport Beach

Christmas Boat Parade
http://www.christmasparadeboats.com/
Fashion Island Events
http://www.holidaystyleoc.com/ 

Beverly Hills
http://www.lovebeverlyhills.com/event-detail/Let-It-Sparkle-_-Holidays-in-Beverly-Hills.aspx

Santa Monica
http://iceatsantamonica.com/

Naples, Long Beach
Canal in Naples, Long Beach
http://www.gondolagetawayinc.com/  

Reseda
http://yolandalights.com/

Huntington Beach
http://www.cruiseoflights.org/

Dana Point
St Regis Hotel  /  “Gingerbread House academy”
http://www.stregismb.com/experience_holiday.aspx
 
Riverside
Mission Inn
http://www.missioninn.com/festival-of-lights/index.cfm   

Solvang
http://www.solvangusa.com/explore-solvang/what-to-do/julefest/

Santa Barbara
http://sblife.com/events.htm    (Scroll down to December events)
For an unusual twist to holiday sightseeing, take the Old Town Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights Tour. You’ll ride down State Street and pass private homes, aglow with Christmas lights. This 90-minute tour is offered until a few days prior to Christmas. Call for reservations. 805-965-0353. MAP IT!

Oxnard/ Ventura
http://www.visitoxnard.com/includes/media/docs/Holiday-Parade-Brochure-Final-Small.pdf
http://www.visitoxnard.com/events-things-to-do/
http://www.channelislandsharbor.org/thingstodo/events/index.html

Remember to share with me your favorite spots to visit!

Best wishes for a Happy, Happy Holiday Season.

 

It’s 158 years since California became the 31^st state of the union.  Members of the California State Capitol Museum, are celebrating Admissions Day with a public celebration on the lawn of the Capitol building, serving cake & ice cream to all visitors. Wandering in the halls and around the grounds are ladies dressed 1850’s period costurmes  This seems pretty tame compared to the wild parties they supposedly had back in 1850.

 

Santa Monica is gearing up for the 100 year celebration of the Santa Monica Pier, originally built in 1909.  The Pier & beach area have been under renovation including the new “green” ferris wheel and the much anticipated “Sand Tram” set to open in 2009, a vehicle powered by natural gas, will transport beachgoers across the sand to the pier and other locations,  including the soon to be completed Annenberg Beach House.

 

Who hasn’t had the dream to sleep in a castle?  I have heard that the evening tour at the Hearst Castle offers a different beautiful side to this magnificent castle & sensational sunset views.  Thanks to a non-profit group, you may now have your chance!  As a fundraiser to restore the vast art collection – you can go to eBay and join in on the auction to spend an overnight stay at this historic castle for one lucky couple & the opportunity to dine there with eight of your best friends.    

 

I love happy celebrations & if I can’t be there – Then to read about them & enjoy the photos, is the next best thing.   We really don’t have to go far from Los Angeles to enjoy celebrations and good times year round.  That’s why I love LA!

 

Have fun and keep smiling.

In California the Department of Real Estate put out an article that homeowners facing pre foreclosure/Notice of Default need to be made aware that they are easy targets by third party companies who ask for advanced payment to help the homeowner workout loan modification with their lender.  California Civil Code Section 2945, regulates “foreclosure consultants”, which would be anyone who considers themselves to be defined as a “foreclosure consultant”, including a real estate licensee.  The code forbids them from collecting any fees in advance for services they may offer Homeowners if a Notice of Default has been recorded against their property. With a Notice of Default issued by a lender, Homeowner should be warned to not pay advance fees for help offered by third party companies.

Homeowners should be advised to seek out the non-profit agencies that can assist these homeowners without charging a fee and real estate brokers who can represent the homeowner for a fee paid after they have completed their work.  There are programs that will go in effect the  middle of October - There is Hope! 

When I first started real estate some years ago (like 1979!) I was taught some very basic premises, that I use to this day.  When I side step or try to bend my own rules – there is usually trouble.  I know I have a great committed client, when they follow the necessary steps to keep their transaction moving in the right direction.

First, it is imperative, that I sit down with my potential buyers and we have a discussion, about your expectations, what is important, setting priorities, and then  I talk about my background & experience in RE sales, What I will do for you, to keep you on MLS alert for all new listings & price changes matching your criteria.  It is important for me to educate my clients on what happens when we find the right home and remind them that the first thing they need to do, if they haven’t already done it, is to contact a lender of their choice to be pre approved.   I am always glad to offer several lender referrals.   So when we find the home of their choice, and present our offer, we are prepared, pre approved and ready to move forward.  With the accepted offer the work begins. 

Second, One Step at a Time, works best for me, rather than spinning our wheels trying to anticipate what might happen down the road, I believe in taking one step at a time & keep everything moving in the right direction. 

Third,  at the same time keeping our focus on the BIG Picture – a smooth and successful transaction close, with all parties happy!   Most things work out the way they should, and getting past the “small battles” as they come up, (and I promise you they will!), moves us closer to our Happy Ending!!  Mine & yours!

Over and above all I have a smile in my voice & on my face – because I love what I do!

So have a happy day and remember to contact me  when you or someone you know is considering buying or selling real estate property in the Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley areas - I committed to putting a smile on your face!

 

Coming up this week is one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving!

These are challenging times, which is why I cherish this day.  Everyday I take a few moments to be grateful for good things in my life and give thanks.  On Thanksgiving Day I celebrate that I always have something to be grateful for and it becomes my anchor for the year to come. 

 

The feast I enjoy today is not too different from the holiday meal I enjoyed growing up – truly comfort food! Picture a traditional golden brown turkey, crispy skin on the outside & moist on the inside, basic tasty celery & mushroom stuffing, Campbell’s GreenBean casserole, and freshly baked candied yams cubed, smothered in Vermont Maid syrup (or brown sugar & butter) and topped with gooey marshmallows! Pumpkin and Pecan pies with freshly whipped cream to top it off!  How can we not be thankful!!

 

My giving thanks range from, my children, the grand children I have been blessed with, sunrises and sunsets, a warm fresh bagel with cream cheese, a roof over my head, my very old & sweet “kitty”, Peach, who still wakes me every morning, popcorn at the movies…and I could go on and on…I am most grateful to the brave men & women who put their lives in harms way 24 hours a day, at “home” and in places foreign to them, so you and I can enjoy a sense of peace, security, and freedom here in the USA.

 

Regardless of my mood, after several “thank you’s”, my spirit is lifted and I am smiling.  Have you taken a moment to consider your small and not so small things in life you may be thankful for?  Give it a try – it’s an energizing experience. 

 

Today our investments are being challenged, so I want to remind you that your real estate investment is still your most stable security.  Historically, recovery from a down trend in the real estate market has brought appreciation in values higher than ever before. . . Something to be grateful for!

 

Please remember to contact me with your questions, concerns and/or interest in making a real estate investment with today’s opportunities and challenges.  You have the benefit of my 25+ years experience in our ever changing markets, and if I don’t have the answer, I’ll make sure we figure out where to get it! 

 

Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a Grateful and Happy Thanksgiving

You may be aware that California now requires, single family residences to have carbon monoxide detectors along side your smoke detectors…It is not yet required as a point of sale compliance, and I’m not really sure how they will “police” it.  So people tend to not pay much attention to the risks. I received a troubling email from very dear cousins who live back east – I am so thankful they did use good judgement and survived their experience.  With their permission, I am passing this warning along…This is their story… 

“Dear Friends,
We had an experience yesterday that was both frightening and eye opening.  We have a carbon monoxide detector in our basement that the alarm went off.  We really did not see that anything was wrong, so Bob changed the batteries and we did not think about it again.  One half hour later the alarm went off again.  We called our Gas Company, they said they would send someone out but we should call 911 and leave the house.  We called 911 and the operator said she would send someone right out and to again leave the house.  We took the dog and went outside.  To make a long story short, Bob and I probably would not have gotten up this morning had we not had this inexpensive battery operated detector.  The fire department and the Gas Company found the gas/carbon monoxide leak.  The levels were high throughout the house but especially high in our bedroom.  Carbon Monoxide is both odorless and colorless and hard to detect.  Without symptoms of nausea, headaches, sleepy, of which neither of us had any of those symptoms.  Carbon Monoxide is a Killer.  According to the fire department if we had not had a detector warning regarding the carbon monoxide we probably would not have gotten up today.  The fireman’s words were “I am not sure who you believe in but whoever it is give extra thanks today” .”

Most of all, to all of my friends, family & clients,  these detectors, fire, smoke and carbon monoxide are so important.  My cousins are living proof that they do save lives.  If you do not have them please get them as soon as possible, be sure they have fresh batteries – and sleep in peace.
They Save Lives!!

LIFE CAN CHANGE IN A BLINK, SO BE RESPONSIBLE  &  MAKE SURE THAT THINGS WE CAN CONTROL ARE TAKEN CARE OF.

Here I am with 3 printers I am no longer using and need to dispose properly, not to mention a couple old mobile phones tucked away in a closet. After spending some time on the internet – I finally found the City of Los Angeles collection stations, known as S.A.F.E Centers: Permanent Collection Centers,  many are open Saturday & Sunday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.  Hopefully this will safe you some research time when you need to dispose these electronic items, no longer in use.  Check out the best location for you and confirm their open hours.

Besides these permanent collection centers, I also found the calendar for locations featuring mobile e waste stations throughout the Los Angeles County.  Calendar for August and September mobile locations are listed here.

So here it has always been – right under my nose!  Recycling is a must –  and we must all do our part for our environment!

Thank you for remembering me for all your Real Estate questions and needs

www.ItsRoz.com / www.RozMishkind.com
310-749-4201 / 818-344-0689
Roz@ItsRoz.com

 

Well it has been a busy year for me and I hope a good one for you.  It slowed down a few weeks ago, just in time for me to get hooked on watching the birth of 3 bald eagles in Decorah, Iowa.  What a concept – Live stream! If you haven’t had the chance – you will not believe how attached one can get.  I discovered them a few days after they hatched, and have been keeping my eye on them ever since. 

It has been an amazing education on something I would never have thought about, had I not landed there by accident. Mom and Dad Eagles got together about 3 years ago and seem very happy.  They have the 3 newbies born April 2, 3, and the last on the 6^th.  It is taking the littlest one a long time to catch up. Their nest is about 5-6 feet wide and 3-4 feet deep.  Check out this PBS video to see why this family is so special. Some 70,000-100,000 people watch the live streaming feed at any given time of day, 24/7.

To avoid some rude people in the discussion, a group of about 20 moved to a separate blog site and our techy one, set up the feed and a chat room. From this has grown a core group of about 10-20, where people from all over the country share the experience, their questions & knowledge and now we are becoming pretty close, getting to know each other.  Often we chat into the small hours of night – keeping an “eagle eye” on our Decorah Eagles.

Weather has been a big factor in their survival – I have watched them stay “under cover” – Mom or Dad’s wings/body, for a 24 hour period during a couple of “not so” spring snow storms.  One morning I woke up to a snow covered Mom Eagle, nest and the grounds around them. Another afternoon I watched as the rain was pouring down on the mom & dad and our web cam. But feeding time is my favorite! They are true survivors.

It is fascinating to me how the good parenting instinct is in all of G_ds creatures! I love when Dad Eagle shows up with some fresh fish from the Trout Hatchery just across the road.  Sometimes still flopping around!  Dad is also the “housekeeper”. When it is his turn to stay with the babies – he is very busy cleaning up the nest area, moving sticks around to make sure babies don’t wander too far and are well protected from the night owls, and any other intruders.

I have heard the babies will take their first flight end of June/July 4^th! What could be more appropriate!!  I hope you enjoy a glimpse without getting too addicted like me!

You can read about the listings on one of many online sites – What you may not learn is more about the location, What makes these listings special.

1231 – 24^th #2 – Santa Monica

OPEN SUNDAY MARCH 28, 2:00-5:00 PM

Prime location, ½ block south of Wilshire Blvd. and ½ block north of the McKinley grade school (Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District); a couple blocks from “Douglas Park“, wonderful neighborhood park, endearingly known as the “duck park”.  Whole Foods Market, Eclectic selection of  restaurants & eateries.  Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center is close by this charming townhome.  Of course, Third Street promenade & downtown Santa Monica are easy to reach with the Beaches & ocean views just beyond.  You will not want to miss one of the best open air farmer’s market in the area

Priced at $642,000, this townhome itself has so many fabulous attributes – Bright and renovated with quality finishing – throughout and by far the largest and loveliest landscaped patios with brick work & environmentally friendly plantings. Smaller building & low monthly homeowner fees include earthquake insurance.

15207 Magnolia Blvd. #133 – Sherman Oaks

Showing for Back Up Offers!

The OakPointe complex at Magnolia & Sepulveda Blvd. is a destination of it’s own.  Amenities include a sunfilled Pool and Spa area landscaped and adjacent to rec room, sauna & bathrooms.  There are Tennis Courts, and a delightful “park “ area which is very pet friendly.  Great landscaping trees & flowers all around…That’s just outside your door.  When you venture a few blocks – you are can easily access the 101 and 405 freeways, Ventura Blvd (Sherman Oaks village), Sherman Oaks Galleria with the Arclight theaters, Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs and other eateries and lots of shopping. Looking for more serious shopping you are not far from the Sherman Oaks Fashion Square with Bloomies and Macy’s and so much more.  I could go on – but I think you get the idea!

Priced at $329,000, this condo is an end unit. It has an open kitchen with breakfast bar, separate dining room area, and living room that opens to patio overlooking trees.  Master suite has a walk in closet. both bathrooms have windows. Ceiling fan lights were recently added in bedrooms, and recessed lights in the living areas.  Lots of storage space and hard to find side by side parking in security garage..

COME SEE FOR YOURSELF AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS  ABOUT THESE SPECIAL HOMES

15207 Magnolia Blvd. #133, Sherman Oaks –

It’s Time to “Spring Forward: a little earlier this year – so remember to move your clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 14^th.  This is also a good time to put fresh batteries in your smoke detectors and check that they are working properly;

Speaking of time – Here are my new listings and times they will be open this weekend…

Priced to Sell at $329,000!

2 bedroom, 1.75 baths,  Patio, Washer & dryer in unit,

Pool, Spa Tennis Courts

FHA approved  -

Time to take advantage of the Federal Housing

Tax incentives available through April 30, 3010.

OPEN SATURDAY March 13,

2:00PM – 5:00PM

____________________________

1231 – 24^th #2, Santa Monica

Offered at $642,000

2 bedroom, 1.5 baths Townhome,

Upgrades & renovation including new baths –

High Energy washer & dryer in unit  Lovely large landscaped patio.

Prime location, near Wilshire Blvd. shopping, restaurants,

Douglas Park and school near by.

OPEN SUNDAY March 14

2:00PM – 5:00PM

Hope to see you this weekend!

Please contact me if you or someone you know may be interested in more information on these homes.

Happy New Year!!

2010 entered with the glowing prescense of the Blue Moon, which is the 2^nd full moon in a month – Doesn’t happen too often!  Hope your holidays have been healthy, happy and safe.  During the holidays, I like to catch up on my movies, and there have been quite a few on my list.  My family also have the opportunity to celebrate my grandaugter’s birthday and this year was especially bigger than most.  

If you had any doubts about Los Angeles having a great downtown – Look again.   It seems like out of nowhere we have L.A. LIVE!!  Staples Center, and the Nokia Theater set the scene for a fabulous plaza with a sampling of the best of LA restaurants.  Jessica’s birthday was celebrated in a private suite at Staples, surrounded by family and cheering on our LA Kings hockey team.  I love going to the Staples Center.  I’ve been a Kings & Lakers fan for so many years.  My children were brought up on Ice hockey and now their children are hooked! – When the Kings are in town Staples Center is electrifying.   The only way to go!!

The lights, the glitz are brilliant and awesome – Add holiday lights and you feel like you are part of a Christmas tree!! Be sure to visit “L.A. LIVE” next chance you have!

Going to the movies, watching my Grandaughter ride on the Zamboni, &  did I mention – viewing the beautiful Newport Beach Holiday Boat Parade – What a fun season this has been.

Looking forward to 2010 – Real Estate business will be great, lower prices, low, low interest rates, possible buyer’s  incentives…a great mix for making your real estate investment a serious consideration.  Contact me to learn more.

Happy New Year to you and your family & friends!!

Last Week:

Licensed by the California Department of Corporations under the California ResidentialMortgage Lending Act Lin # 413‐0713  

A surprising sell-off in overseas markets triggered by Dubai debt concerns led to sharp losses in U.S. equity markets on Friday, wiping out the gains made earlier in the week.

What’s Ahead:

There are five pieces of economic news that may affect mortgage rates this week. There are relevant reports scheduled for release every day except for tomorrow, meaning it likely will be a fairly active week for mortgage rates. Even though there is no relevant data being posted tomorrow, we will still likely see a change in mortgage rates due to Friday’s market movements that came as a result of news from overseas-particularly Dubai. Many lenders were closed or on a skeleton staff Friday, so we should see those improvements reflected in tomorrow’s rates.

The Labor Department will post November’s Employment report early Friday morning. This is arguably the most important monthly report we see. It is comprised of many statistics and readings, but the most important ones are the unemployment rate, the number of news jobs added or lost during the month and average hourly earnings. Current forecasts call for no change in the unemployment rate of 10.2%, payrolls down approximately 114,000 and an increase of 0.2% in average earnings. An ideal scenario for mortgage shoppers would be a higher unemployment rate than 10.2%, a larger decline in jobs and no change in the earnings reading.

A Message from Jay Robertson | President of First Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARKET BRIEF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 30, 2009

 

 

 

Important Markets

 

 

 

 

Economic Update

 

 

 

 

(800) 957-0010

www.firstcapitalmtg.com

 

 

 

   

Home sales surged for the second month in a row in October, climbing to the highest level in 2 1/2 years as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of an expiring tax credit.

Home sales nationwide are now up almost 36 percent from their bottom in January, data Monday showed, though they are still 16 percent below the peak in autumn 2005. At the current sales pace, there is only a seven-month supply of homes on the market, and some areas have bidding wars.

The National Association of Realtors said home resales rose 10.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.1 million in October, from a downwardly revised pace of 5.54 million in September. It was the biggest monthly increase in a decade and far above the 5.65 million pace expected by economists, according to Thomson Reuters.

Without adjusting for seasonal factors, sales were up 21 percent from a year earlier and were up in all four regions of the country. The gains were led by a 26 percent increase in the Midwest. Sales were up 25 percent in the Northeast, 23 percent in the South and 10 percent in the West.       

Remember to contact me with any of your thoughts, ideas, questions regarding our Real Estate Market in Los Angeles county.      

Home Sales at Highest Level in 2 ½ Years

I started to write my Giving Thanks blog & realized I can’t do better than last years…My sentiments haven’t changed!

Coming up this week is one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving! These are challenging times, which is why I cherish this day.  Everyday I take a few moments to be grateful for good things in my life and give thanks.  On Thanksgiving Day I celebrate that I always have something to be grateful for and it becomes my anchor for the year to come. 

The feast I love the most  today is no different from the holiday meal I enjoyed growing up – true comfort food!  Picture a traditional golden brown turkey, crispy skin on the outside & moist on the inside, basic tasty celery & mushroom stuffing, Traditional Green Bean casserole, and freshly baked candied yams cubed, smothered in Vermont Maid syrup (or brown sugar & butter) and topped with lots of gooey marshmallows! Pumpkin and Pecan pies with freshly whipped cream finishes off what I consider a perfect feast!  How can we not be thankful!!

I am forever thankful for my friends and loyal clients, my children, my 5 amazing grandchildren I have been blessed with,  early evening crimson sunsets, loving animals of all kind, a warm fresh bagel with cream cheese & blueberry preserves, a roof over my head,  popcorn at the movies…I could go on and on!

Year round, I am most grateful to the brave men & women who put their lives in harms way 24 hours a day, at “home” and serving our country in places foreign to them, so you and I can enjoy a sense of peace, security, freedom, and celebration here in the USA.

Regardless of my mood,  remembering what I’m thankful for, lifts my spirit and brings out my smile.  Join me in taking a moment to consider our small and not so small things in life to be thankful for?  Give it a try for an energizing experience. 

Today many of our investments continue to be challenged, so I want to remind you that your real estate investment is still your most stable security.  Historically, recovery from a down trend in the real estate market has brought appreciation in values higher than ever before. . . Something to be grateful for!

Please remember to contact me with your questions, concerns and/or interest in making a real estate investment with today’s opportunities and challenges.  You have the benefit of my 25+ years experience in our ever changing markets, and if I don’t have the answer, then I’ll find it for you! 

Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a

Grateful and  Happy 2009 Thanksgiving

What a concept, neighbors get together and potluck for a fun evening of food & snacks for everyone. Driving in Sherman Oaks the day of Halloween - I passed a street closed off (probably with permits) and the neighbors, friends & families gathered. The children were in costumes & seemed very excited about being together.

Halloween evening I went to a “neighborhood”  block party on a cul de sac in Encino.  There was an amazing array of foods to taste and lots of choices for the children too.   Tables and chairs were in the cul de sac and neighbors, more friends & families met to have dinner and then set off in their groups to trick or treat the surrounding neighborhood. 

After the football game, world series, and return of trick or treaters, we were invited into one neighbors home for some serious Halloween desserts including a pumpkin bread pudding with caramel topping, we couldn’t get enough of, and coffee.  Some of the  kids gathered in one room to sort out their candies and trade what they don’t like for what they do like, etc.  Others tried out the new DJ Hero (a more difficult “type ” of Guitar Hero ).

All in all – a fun, safe and “tasty” evening was had by all – young, old & inbetween!