A Weekend in Los Angeles

I recently chaired my high school reunion and after so many years, we had an amazing turnout.  We graduated from Los Angeles High School, located close to Hancock Park, Miracle Mile, Larchmont Village, Koreatown and best of all the Farmers Market, where we would hang out, eat at Dupars, watch cake decorating at the bakery, visit the household pets at the pet shop – In fact my first job was at the “Bread Bin” there.  Anyhow, back to the reunion. . . Our main event was Saturday night at the Hilton Hotel, Universal City, in their beautiful ballroom.  It was a perfect location, since we had classmates coming from all over the country and staying at the hotel.  Many hadn’t been back to LA for years, so it was a perfect destination point. They could visit Universal City, take the tour or stroll the Universal CityWalk - with all it’s shops, restaurants & fun things to do, including people watching!!  Also, close by, is the Universal City MetroLink station -  where you can take the rail ride to Union Station downtown- checking out each stop en route to admire the amazing artistically designed stations.  By the way, my favorite stop is  Hollywood and Vine – the walls & ceilings are covered with solid “gold” records! Very cool!

Union Station downtown is located within a few blocks (give or take a few) of Olvera Street, Chinatown, and Little Tokyo…with a variety of food choices and stores to shop and/or window shop.  Of course, you could always grab a bite at  ” Philippes “, also nearby, and famous for their french dipped sandwiches. Needless to say – a wonderful day is enjoyed by all.    

Sunday morning  Brunch was at one of my favorite destinations – blending our past memories with the new…The one and only Grove LA  at  Farmers Market – Third and Fairfax.  

Farmers Market Landmark

There was a wonderful brunch at the Marmalade Cafe and then a beautiful day to experience the magic of a trolley ride between the old memories of our after school visits at the Farmer’s Market with it’s original clock tower and gas pump, and making new memories strolling through the Grove.  

The Grove at Farmers Market

Outdoor music, water features and some of the best eateries in town and be sure to check them out at holiday times – they really know how to put on a show & shine!  Stop by the Grove Concierge while there & become a member (it’s free) and receive announcements/emails of weekly events and promotions.

A great weekend for us and can be fun for you too!!

Federal & California Home Buying Incentives You Want To Know About!

Buying a home is very attractive right now with the low, competitive interest rates – 5% – 6% (since they change daily, please check with your favorite lender or contact me for my favorite recommendations); lower home prices including foreclosures; and if that isn’t enough, check out the Federal &  State of California incentive programs.  NOTE:   When the monies allocated for these programs are gone…the program is gone, so be sure to check on the appropriate sites for updates.

If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, or make your first home purchase since 3+ years ago…This is your year!  Interest rates are hovering 5% in many cases, and prices are down – the Federal government has a temporary tax credit available for sales completed Jan. 1, 2009 through the end of December 2009.  It is equal to 10% of  the purchase price, with a maximum credit of $8,000.  It’s important to note that there are guidelines for this program which you will find on their site.

The State of California wants you to focus on New Housing for their incentive program with a $10,000 possible tax credit on the purchase of a property never lived in.  Their money is going quickly – so if you are seriously considering taking advantage of this opportunity – follow their updates daily, and let me help you  find that new home!

Terms and guidelines for each of these programs are different,
so as always, be sure to seek the advice & confirmation of
the details from your tax/legal advisor.

If you would like to explore these programs or have a real estate need or interest, I can easily be found - I look forward to hearing from you and keeping in touch.

Remember, my business is based on your referrals,
which I greatly appreciate.

Federal Tax Credit

If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, or make your first home purchase since 3+ years ago…This is your year!  With interest rates lower than 5% in many cases, and prices down – the Federal government has a temporary tax credit available for sales completed Jan. 1, 2009 through the end of December 2009.  It is equal to 10% of  the purchase price, with a maximum credit of $8,000.

 

Claim the credit on your federal tax return to reduce the tax liability or get a refund check if it exceeds your taxes owed.  It’s important to know that there are guidelines regarding your income…You are eligible for the full tax credit with an adjusted gross income up to $75,000 ($150,000 if filing jointly);  Up to $95,000, the tax credit is adjusted down and is not available if your income is over $95,000.

 

If  you stay in the home a minimum of three (3)  years the tax credit does not have to be repaid, however, if the home is sold prior to that, the full amount is due on the sale.

 

These terms apply to the Year 2009 Federal tax credit only and as always be sure to seek the advice & confirmation of these details from your tax/legal advisor.

 

Contact me to help you find the best home value and to explore the Tax Credit further.

 

Remember that my business is based on your referrals, which I greatly appreciate.

 

 

Moving In The Right Direction One Step at a Time

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!

 

Stuff Going On In and Around L.A>

Living in Los Angeles, reading local stuff, I come across some interesting and sometimes entertaining news/highlights to share.

1. Maybe I’m a little naive, it never occurred to me that some cities using the red light cameras might even consider adjusting the timing change from yellow to red! Apparently that helps to boost the profit… but wait – I thought we were in this for safety at our intersections.
2. The feuding continues between Los Angeles and San Francisco – Apparently research on this one has been going on for a quite a while – Which city was the First to introduce/invent the Fortune Cookie? I found each city’s beginning story interesting. I wonder if they will ever resolve this one?
3. With gas prices rising what seems to be daily, it makes sense that the MTA needs to come up with a rapid transit system on the Westside, making a decision sooner than later!
4. Speaking of Gas prices, Have you considered “vacationing” close to home – check out this post for some great sightseeing ideas & places right here in and around my favorite city L.A.
5. Remember that “DWT” – is coming up fast…July 1, to be exact! Safety first and dodge the ticket violations by checking out some options for safe Driving While Talking!
6. One man’s dream and passion for protecting rare Gibbons, is being disrupted by encroaching development that is creating an unhealthy environment for their survival & procreation!
7. Did you realize that Craigslist is by far one of top sites for online classified ads. They have become a major force with realtors advertising their properties. Guess who couldn’t compete…