I am not a big fan of apathy.  Life is better when enjoyed with passion.  Apathy is for people who don't feel empowered to design their own lives.  That's not for me.  I live in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities in the world.  I am a short car ride away from snow capped mountains and close enough to the beach that I can feel fresh ocean breezes from my balcony.  My home literally nurtures my life style, providing me with valet parking and concierge services to see to my every need.  I don't need a gym membership as there is a state-of-the-art gym in my building.  I am within walking distance of world class shopping and dinning.  I have a veritable smorgasbord of cultural events to choose from on a daily basis, all of it practic... 06/19/2008

Come and enjoy a full day of fun at Greystone with Pink's Hot Dogs; Greystone Mansion tour; Greystone historic display, historic fire engine display, canine demonstrations (1:00pm and 3:00pm), music, face painting, balloons, marketplace and opportunity drawings. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Greystone, Beverly Hills Fire and Police Associations, Beverly Hills Fire and Police Departments, and the Community Services Department. Advanced Tickets a Must! Adults: $15 each Children (3-11 years): $10 each Children 2 and under Free Mail check only payable to Friends of Greystone to: PO Box 16938 Beverly Hills, CA 90209 Location: Greystone Estate google map Date: 6/21/2008 Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Contact: Friends of Greystone @ (310) 286-0119 To preview the finest Real Estate in Beverly Hills... 06/19/2008

The quickest most efficient way to build your business is through referrals.  This is true in any business, but most especially in real estate.  When clients are happy they talk about it and that leads to more business.  It always behooves us to make our clients happy.  So I have compiled a list of practical ways to make our clients happy.  They are basic and easy to do, but don't discount them.  You'd be surprised how many agents are not living by these simple principles: 1. Be polite - always, it will never serve you wrong.2. Treat your clients with respect - never base how you treat your client on how much money you stand to make.  Treat everyone like a billionaire client - I have had clients who purchased a $300,000 condo refer me to someone that bought for $3,000,000.3.  Keep in to... 06/18/2008

Rent Your House to America’s Next Top Model That’s what our client, Las Vegas businessman Nick Santucci, is doing with his Mulholland house. Santucci says of his pad, “There’s a very hip, Viceroy Hotel vibe.” Recently, Angelino Magazine ran an article describing the house by saying, “…the entry features a motorcycle hovering over a pond, while a boat floats in the pool. The interior public space - all gleaming white floors with Atomic space-age furnishings - is designed around a bar and conversation groupings. Plus, there’s a private hot tub room, tanning bed, theater, and outdoor bar.” Not long ago, the house was the location for a Kelly Rowland video shoot. Next up, you’ll see this Mulholland hide-away as the set of next season’s America’s Next Top Model hosted by Tyra Banks. If you a... 06/17/2008

If you haven't paid a visit to the fabulous Aqua Star Spa in the Beverly Hilton you need to treat yourself as soon as possible.  When The Beverly Hilton originally opened back in 1955 the Aqua Star Pool was considered the quintessential symbol of health, well being and LA glamour.  As part of its truly phenomenal restoration the essence of the Aqua Star pool lives on in the Aqua Star Spa.  This cutting edge spa offers its guest rejuvenation, invigoration and luxurious pampering on a scale that is epic in nature. The world class spa experience offered at Aqua Star Spa features Sothy's Institute treatments paired with European massage.  Whether you are looking for a restorative facial, or a full day of extreme pampering the Aqua Star Spa is the place to be.             06/16/2008

Just got this today and have seen before....need a getaway?  Or maybe your clients need one when they are visiting LA?  Great place to impress them with the views!! Enjoy!! June 16, 2008Pooling Your ResourcesRooftop Pool Bar in Beverly Hills Top of the world-been there, done that.Top of a Beverly Hills hotel in your swimsuit, with a stiff drink in your hand-been there...but happy to do it again. Welcome to ABH, the new rooftop pool bar atop the Thompson Hotel.As soon as you step out from the elevator lobby, you'll be greeted by the bar (so the design was well-conceived), shaded by a Sabal Blackburniana palm whose helicopter delivery shut down Wilshire over the weekend. Grab a drink and settle into your private corner cabana-the best place to fuel up for your complete lack of physical ac... 06/16/2008

 Priorities are important.  What you value shapes the way in which you live.  For people who are at the top of their field, who work hard to maintain a level of excellence in their chosen field, there is an unspoken understanding that the home you return to needs to be a haven to refresh your batteries.  You can't work as hard as you do, expend the energy that you do and come home to less than the perfect setting. It is not only your privilege for the work that you do, it is your right.  Ultimately it is necessary in order to accomplish the amazing feats that you create and complete on a daily basis. If you are still looking for the perfect setting, you need look no further.  The neighborhoods that comprise Los Angeles' elite Westside are a veritable treasure trove of spectacular homes ... 06/13/2008

Rates are Falling on Junior Jumbo Mortgages! The Los Angeles Times reports, “…Despite the government’s effort to address one of the repercussions of the sub-prime meltdown, jumbo mortgages — those exceeding $417,000 — have remained difficult to obtain and relatively expensive. But there are signs of normalcy returning to the jumbo market.” Read the entire article here. If I can help you, in any way, get into your dream house - call me at 310-285-7515 or visit www.ValerieFitzgerald.com to see our listings. To read the original article, click here - Rates are Falling on Junior Jumbo Mortgages. 06/12/2008

With summer quickly approaching it's a great time to enjoy the benefits of luxury condo living in Los Angeles.  As cool ocean breezes waft over lush balconies with divine city nightscape views it's great to acknowledge that all of those hours you spent in the state-of-the-art fitness room have left you bathing suit beach ready.  While other people are sitting in traffic contemplating the rising price of gas and its effect on their vacation savings, you enjoy a leisurely stroll to work and mull over whether you will spend your vacation in Cannes or if Rio de Janeiro will be this year's destination.  Until your vacation you will enjoy regular trips to the beach and continue to enjoy the nightlife that is practically right outside your front door.  This is the LA Condo Summer Lifestyle. 06/11/2008

by Coco Clayman-Cook One of the most comforting things about luxury vertical living is the ability to lock and leave.  I love my work and think nothing of putting in long hours, but when I have the opportunity to get away and take some time for myself, I take it.  I don't have to worry about who will water my plants or if I will have a break in.  I don't even have to wonder if I left my six burner gourmet stove on.  I can always call the concierge and ask him to check it.  I literally can lock my door and leave. For me this is peace of mind.  For some of my clients it is a way to enjoy stability.  I have one client who conducts business in 5 major cities around the world.  He might spend a total of three months out of the year in Los Angeles, but when he is here he wants to enjoy the co... 06/11/2008

By Lance Kettler Is there anything you wish you'd done, but didn't?  What about right now?  Is there anything that you are doing that you think you might beat yourself up about in 20 years time?  I'm more interested in what you aren't doing.  What aren't you doing right now that is going to lead to a Could've, Would've, Should've moment in your future?  Nobody can look into a crystal ball and tell the future, so I don't even try. But what about looking back?  There are lots of lessons to be learned from the past.  Everyone seems to be talking about the recession these days, are we in a recession, are we not in a recession?  The funny thing about a recession is that by definition in can only be called a recession after the fact.  We can only see true recessions in the past never in the p... 05/21/2008

REO Treasure By Lance Kettler Do you like to hunt for treasure?  Some people like to hunt for antiques.  Some people like to find bargains on EBay. Others like to hunt for real estate bargains and treasures.  I have to admit I love to hunt for treasure.  REO treasure comes in all different sizes and neighborhoods.  Not everyone is interested in looking for treasure and sometimes the treasure is somewhat hidden.  Some people walk into a home and are unhappy if they see flaws. For me it depends on the flaw.  For instance if I view a home that has multiple repair issues, a hole in the wall, a missing lighting fixture, a damaged counter top, I don't think, "What a shame." I literally hear a cash register singing "Chu-Ching" because I know that although these are minor repairs and easily fix... 05/21/2008

The City of Beverly Hills hosts Affaire in the Gardens this weekend, May 17 & 18, from 10am-6pm. This art show is considered one of the most highly-regarded, fine art shows in Southern California. With art, entertainment, food, and more you’ll have plenty to do. Click to see a video presentation from last year’s Affaire in the Garden To read the original article, click here.   05/16/2008

by Coco Clayman-CookThere are some exciting changes in store for the Beverly Hills Skyline, particularly the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard where two long awaited projects are poised to rise.  A spectacular high rise condo and retail center has been approved for the eight acre site that previously housed the Robinsons-May department store.  With the fashionable address of 9900 Wilshire and Getty Center architect, Richard Meier designing, this residence is destined to be a hot spot. According to the newly approved plans the complex will feature 235 ultra-luxury condos divided between two towers.  One tower topping off at 13 floors the other at 15 floors.  Plans also include a small amount of retail and restaurant space. A mere stone's throw away the Beverly... 05/07/2008

Isn't LA wonderful?  While the rest of the world is wringing its hands Los Angeles  has unveiled plans for several new luxury condominium complexes to grace its beautiful skyline. 10777 Wilshire Boulevard is the newest to get the construction go ahead. This Wilshire corridor property will be developed by The Standard Oil Investment Group. The property will be designed by the world-renowned architect, Philip Stark and will comprise 27 ultra luxury condominium estates.  The elite amenities are expected to include 24 hour concierge services, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a private movie theatre and, of course, a resort style pool, Jacuzzis and sundeck.  The project is expected to break ground later this year.  As yet there is no completion date. In the next blog I will share news ab... 05/07/2008

What do you do when things look bleak?  Do you eat more and gain weight?  Do find yourself paralyzed with fear and indecision?  Or do you view it as an opportunity to learn and grow?  Do you turn potential negatives into prize winning positives?  Sounds great doesn't it?  Why don't they teach that class in High School?  Life Skills 101 - What to do when things aren't working out.   The truth is there is bound to be a little rain fall in every life.  If you feel like you're stuck in a torrential down pour - take heart, the sun will shine again.  History is full of stories of people surviving the worst circumstances only to rise triumphant due to the things they learned in the heart of their difficulties.  Challenge yourself to find the silver lining.  Ask your brain to find the strength ... 04/29/2008

How happy do you want to be?  It's not a trick question.  Abraham Lincoln said "People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." So how happy do you want to be?  I find that I am as happy and as peaceful as the things and the people with which I surround myself.  If I start my day listening to a positive CD while walking on the treadmill, my day seems to flow and positive things abound. If I start my day standing on line at the local café listening to a woman wearing Jimmy Choo shoes complaining about how hard her life is - well my day carries the weight of that negativity. I make a conscious choice to surround myself with positive influences, whether it is friends, reading material or even clients.  When I find myself in the presence of someone who is clearly trapped in ne... 04/28/2008

Secrets Lenders Don’t Want You to Know….   The right or wrong decision when signing your home mortgage can mean thousands of dollars difference in interest paid. There are very important considerations to evaluate before you commit to a 15 or 30 year note. For many of us our mortgage payment is the most important financial decision we’ll ever make. Doesn’t it make sense to know as much as possible about the financing of our home? Take the time to thoroughly investigate all of your options!Unbelievably, many of us sign the first mortgage placed in front of us. Typically the excitement of the new home purchase reduces the mortgage to not much more than an afterthought. What you read here could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Your real estate professional has established re... 04/25/2008

Spring has sprung.  I love this time of year when everything seems to be new again.  There is something is the air, an electricity, a reminder that all things are possible.  For me Spring's arrival is a great excuse to be grateful.  I try to incorporate gratitude into my daily life by including it in my daily meditation.  But anytime I have an excuse to up the ante, I do so.  And Spring seems like a billboard for gratitude.  It is the reminder that nature has a way of overcoming everything.  The crocus that tunnels through the dirt to raise its head to the sun is a symbol of strength, faith and miracles.So today I offer thanks for my life and the fact that I can breathe and walk.  I am deeply grateful that my life has meaning and the work that I have chosen touches many lives.  I am tha... 04/24/2008

One of the many gifts of vertical living is the ability to entertain with ease. You can choose to have an intimate dinner party on your balcony featuring ocean breezes, the sun setting on the LA skyline and fine Californian wines. Or you can choose to have a sumptuous catered charity event for 300 of your colleagues, all with minimum of fuss.  Most luxury condominiums in Los Angeles offer at least one public dinning/meeting room with an attached kitchen for just such events.  So you never have to search for a venue no matter what size event you are planning. When you own a luxury condo, you own so much more than your own residence, you have ownership of an entire lifestyle that is centered on fulfilling your every need. 04/24/2008