1129 N. Screenland Drive 91505

Kerri Ann Panchuk of HousingWire reports that housing prices rose 2.9% over last year in October. But it’s the cost of renting that really skyrocketed, up 5.1% from 2011 levels (!) If you’re someone who feels like you’re paying too much rent, contact me today. I’ll help you find the right house and can also assist your search for a sensible mortgage loan. Oftentimes payments are comparable to or even lower than what you pay in rent, so call, text or email and we’ll explore your options.

It’s still cheap to borrow, great news obviously, but how long it will it last? Home buyers hoping to get in on these historically low rates (which can save you thousands if not tens of thousands per year) should get in touch with me asap. I’ll supercharge your search by getting you into homes that fly under the radar, and can also advise you on how to win a bidding war.

As for sellers, the combination of low rates and tight inventory puts you in the drivers seat. I’m happy to provide a complimentary valuation on your property, with no obligation to go to market until you’re ready to. Aren’t you just a little curious to hear what your home is worth today? It might be more than you think. Call, text or email me anytime by clicking here.

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Mortgage rate graphic courtesy of CNNMoney.

I had a wonderful open house yesterday, with a steady stream of buyers coming to check out my listing on Bellevue Avenue in Silver Lake. And while I got lots of positive feedback on the house (which already has offers), I also heard stories of frustration. I can understand why. This is a highly competitive time in the market, especially in some north east LA neighborhoods and at certain price points. So if you’re one of the many nice folks I’ve spoken with who has lost out on a house, or even missed out on your chance to put in a bid, here are three important things that might help you for next time.

Be ready. If you’re taking out a mortgage loan, as most buyers are, get pre-approved. And if you’re a cash buyer be sure to have your finances “in hand,” which is to say liquid and available. In both cases you are sending a signal to the seller  that yours is a serious offer and that you are prepared to make a purchase.

Be willing.  Sellers look for a buyer who demonstrates commitment. Your finances should be in place (see above) and you should do all you can to show your very genuine interest in the property.

Be able. By this I mean be informed. It’s easier than ever, right? Smart phones, real estate apps, but believe me, the best way to get plugged into this market is by working with a good local realtor. We communicate with each other all the time, exchanging info and intel that the internet cannot provide. So if you have any questions, or want to get a leg up in your home search, contact me anytime here.

To receive new listings by email, or to schedule a viewing click here!

This screen-capture from today’s LA Times might look familiar. It’s a house I sold back in June (posted 6/7/12) and for the second time it’s being used as an example, the poster child for what’s happening today in real estate.

I brought 1428 Mount Pleasant Street to market at a list price of $379,000, which was quite realistic at the time. I knew it would sell, but when 73 offers came in (!) I realized a shift was occurring. The final sale price wound up at $163K over asking, and the market for my listings hasn’t let up since. I’ve handled several of what you could call “lower priced homes,” (relative to prices in our local market). And I can tell you, buyers, that demand is high, inventory is low, prices are rising and competition is fierce. But there’s a simple way around this problem: Put me to work for you. I can give you an edge in this process, with top-shelf service that comes without any financial obligation to buyers. If you’re really serious about getting into a house, no matter the price point, contact me anytime here.

And sellers? The writing is on the wall. If you’re waiting for the market to get hot, it’s already sizzling. No realtor in LA or Pasadena will worker harder or smarter to sell your home, so call me anytime for a complimentary valuation and you can decide how to proceed from there.

You can read Alejandro Lazo’s excellent LA Times article here.

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I’m honored that ABC asked me to speak with them last night on their prime-time national news broadcast. And as nice as it is to be singled out as a go-to voice in real estate, the thing I like best is that 7-plus million people got to see my listing on Screenland Dr. in Burbank.

Helping my clients succeed is everything. Being an expert, that’s simply my job.

Watch the ABC News story by clicking the image above, or here.

To receive new listings by email, or to schedule a viewing click here!

Lots of good news about housing today. Chris Isidore of CNN Money reports that “according to the closely watched S&P/Case-Shiller national home price index… the typical home price in July rose 1.6% compared to the previous month.” It’s a return to 2003 levels…

Which, according to a New York Times article by Shaila Dewan, is most apparent at the lower end of the housing scale. “’It’s less that the top tier is cooling than that the bottom tier is strengthening,’” said Stan Humphries, the chief economist at Zillow. “’The bulk of the recovery is due to the changes in the bottom and middle tiers.’”

Finally, Jim Puzzanghera of our local LA Times informs us that “home prices in the nation’s largest cities rose 1.6% in July to their highest level in nearly two years… adding to recent data showing the housing market finally has begun its rebound from the deep recession.”

Taken together, what does it all mean? A good time to sell your home just got even better. For a complimentary valuation of your property, contact me here.

To receive new listings by email, or to schedule a viewing click here!

From the Wall Street Journal’s “Developments” blog comes a report on the declining number of for-sale homes, which matters because “falling inventories are a leading driver behind the recent rally in home prices, and… point to continued price-strength in many parts of the Western U.S.” I’ll say this again to any would-be sellers out there: it is a great time to list your home. If I don’t have a buyer for you, then someone else likely will. Call me anytime for a complimentary valuation of your property.

Last month I posted a NY Times article about the math of buying vs. renting (8/20). Well Trulia.com reports that for many people it’s 32% cheaper to buy than to rent in Los Angeles. Read the full article here, and after you do — call me. My top-shelf services come without any cost to homebuyers, so you’re not just going to love the house I find for you. Your bank account will love me, too.

To receive new listings by email, or to schedule a viewing click here!

Map graphic courtesy of Trulia.com.