Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving!

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

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.

 

 

My Real Estate Business This Week

We work with what we have and for me this can mean so many things.  Today I have an opportunity to share an insight into my real estate business…

 

We are in the midst of challenging times for marketing properties, so I have decided to use this platform to tell you a little bit about the homes I am featuring for sale or lease.

 

 

10326 ALMAYO AVE. #204 – CENTURY CITY/RANCHO PARK

 New Lease Listing – $2600 MONTH

 

Wonderful updated 2 bedroom condo – adjacent to Century City, Rancho Park, Centrally located to reach all of the Westside, close to transportation, restaurants, Park, shopping, not to mention Beverly Hills, Westwood…etc! Check out the virtual tour & photos

 

6000 CANTERBURY #D314 - CULVER CITY 

We have an accepted offer, and getting ready to close escrow!!

 

$284,000 – Upgraded 1 bedroom condo, top floor with tree top views; Remodeled with appliances, bamboo floors, recessed lights, fixtures, and more.  The seller’s have many reasons they’ve been happy at the Pines. They are now ready to move on and will consider all offers.  Click here for photos/virtual tour

 

 

125 S. ELM DRIVE  #201, BEVERLY HILLS LEASE 

$3,400 Monthly Rent -  Long Term preferred

 

Nothing like it at this price!  Best Beverly Hills location - just south of Wilshire and within a few blocks Beverly Drive, Rodeo Drive – the best of upscale shopping, restaurants, etc. Elegant 2 bedroom + den condo, in small building, beautifully  renovated in 2008. Gourmet kitchen, plantation shutters throughout, crown moldings and so much more. Everything is like new! Click here for photos/virtual tour

 

If you or someone you know would like more information about any of these properties, contact me. 

 I appreciate your loyalty & referrals.

Thank you for letting me share what I have & what I am working on today

 

 

 

 

Have A wonderful Holiday Season

It’s hard to believe the Winter Holidays are here, which means the New Year “2009” is right around the corner.  The year 2008 will long be remembered in History Books as a year of challenges!

 

If you have the cash and the strong credit rating – this is the real estate market for you.  Loans up to $625,000 are definitely more accessible than the Jumbo’s, however, Jumbo loans are out there. It just takes a professional with the expertise in arranging and placing loans to guide you through the process.  Please seek advice from a professional loan/mortgage broker.  Contact me for recommendations of long time trusted individuals who do just that!

 

There is no shortage in the number of homes & condos for sale…so you now have an opportunity to make a pretty good deal on an investment for the future.  Some areas have many foreclosures and/or short sales, and yet there are other areas with very few…time will tell.  We just have to watch the real estate market as it continues its adjustment.

 

And that’s exactly what I do and have done for over 25 years, actively selling properties for my clients for their personal use and investments, and helping them to buy the home or investment of their dreams. 

 

My Office is in Brentwood/West Los Angeles and I live in the Sherman Oaks area of the San Fernando Valley… I am prepared to offer you the highest quality in professionalism, commitment and the full service real estate that you deserve. 

 

Every morning I take a few moments to be grateful for the good things in my life, for the love of family & friends and I ask you to please join me in giving thanks to the brave men & women who are defending us 24 hours a day, at “home” and in places foreign to them, so we can enjoy a sense of peace, security and freedom here in the USA.

 

It gives me great pleasure to extend my very best wishes to you and those who are dearest to you an especially warm, healthy and happy Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year.

 

 

 

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!

 

Muholland Drive

Neighborhood of the Day
I love what I do – helping my clients find their home investment.  Mulholland Drives seems to divide neighborhoods of  West Los Angeles, from the neighborhoods of San Fernando Valley and has a very special appeal from either side. You haven’t experienced the amazing views of LA basin & beyond until you have perched yourself at the top of Mulholland. Looking toward the South from East, the beautiful skyline of dowtown to the West, reaching out to the ocean and the curves of the coastline. And yet across the road overlooking the San Fernando Valley, facing North from the East, as far as you can see, your eyes can follow the magnificent mountain ranges, as they sweep around to the west offering some of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable. Getting close to the 405 freeway, it is a stop above Bel Air and Sherman Oaks that you want to be sure to visit.