Where are we really at in the real estate cycle?

So should we be surprised by news like the following from the LA Times this morning about New Home sales: “New home sales fall 3.6% Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Sales of new homes dropped unexpectedly last month as the effects of a soon-to-expire tax credit for first-time owners starte...

Are coyotes eating all our cats and dogs?

My new listing in Tarzana is located south of Ventura Boulevard by one block so most people would assume this is an urban area with commercial properties close by. Well, the proximity to heavy human population does not deter Wiley coyote one bit!  Coyotes in southern California have become very adaptable and are flourishing in many neighborhoods, including this on...

No lie! Inventory in my area at an all time low - know anyone that might want to sell?

Yes, it's true - there's a housing inventory shortage in my area. It helps that I live in a highly desirable neighborhood (Woodland Hills, south of Ventura Boulevard, in the Woodland Hills Elementary School district)  but inventory for homes under 500k is low in most areas of the San Fernando Valley now.

So how does that help sellers that are conisdering putting their homes on the market? Well, pick a savvy Realtor to help prepare your home for sale, come up with a competitive...

Where are our local Woodland Hills businesses going?

2 weeks ago I drove by one of my favorite little shopping areas, Topanga & Dumetz, to see a "Sale, store closing!" sign on Jean Shack. I've lived in this area south of the Boulevard since 1994 and that store has been around a while. My two teenage daughters were regular shoppers there and I must say I've bought a few things as well.

So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to see a For Rent sign yesterday when I drove by, and yet I was. And across the street, the Ma...

Outbid on every offer? Be patient, I say!

Do you find that you are getting outbid on all your offers? Well, join the club - all my buyers have had it happen at least a few times. The key is patience and perseverance as well as having a Realtor with a lot of energy to keep going when you feel like giving up.

There are rapid signs that the decrease in available housing inventory, the increase in median price and the eventual end to the $8000 first time home buyer credit is attracting all those buyers that were...

Going Green

I was out at dinner last night and the topic of our next home came up. When asked if I would consider an earth-sheltered style, I immediately said "no"!  How could anyone stand being underground, with little natural light, living like a troll??

Obviously, I didn't know much about the process because the advantages are many and natural light is very eas...

To Stage of Not to Stage?

Let's face it, empty homes are not easy to picture yourself in. Even for a real estate professional that has purchased investment properties I sometimes find it difficult to imagine how the "end result" will look without a touch of emotion that furnishings can bring. That is, if the home I'm viewing is owned by an interior designer who knows exactly the right mix of  furnishings and accessories!! And how often does THAT scenario exist? So should the home seller invest i...