Beverly Hills, CA Real Estate News

By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
 It's been a while since I have blogged about my favorite financial guru of all times, Suze Orman. There is just something about her that really resonates with me.  Love her or hate her, she offers some pretty solid advice. My boyfriend (and father and many of my friends in the financial industry) are not her biggest fans.  Should I find myself watching her on TV and someone happens to walk into the room, trust me the channel is quickly change. I've blogged a few times about whether buyer or renting makes the most sense for you . Much of what I included in my original post is based off of many Suze-isms and overall common sense. As I was watching Suze last night alone in the privacy of my own living room, she can up with a pretty basic, no brain formula as to whether you should rent or ...
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By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
Guys, have you been spending one too many nights at Big Wangs drinking beer, eating wings, and "cougar hunting"?Are you ladies starting out "girls night" with a few low cal cocktails, but ending up at Barney's Beanery scarfing down potato skins and chili cheese fries in substitute of a man? Let's face it, summer is here and we all want to be in the best shape possible while we are downing watermelon mojitos poolside at The Standard. I get it, many of you are not going to get yourself off  the couch and to the gym without a little motivation. My friend Justin is here to kick your ass in to shape and for the gals/gays out there, a little eye candy to get you through the torture! Justin will customize a fitness plan for your phsyiqiue that will maximize your body's potential while expediti...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
While every one has been bussy worrying about the Swine-flu, the economy and  appraisal changes, quietly PetRelocation.com an independently-owned and privately funded company has unveield its new interactive pet travel and transportation website. This move makes them one of the first and one of its kind in the Pet Transportation Industry.I found out thanks to Rachel Farris, Director of PR & New Media at Petrelocation.com I met her on the internet in a pet discussion forum and then l saw her post on LinkedIn  I wanted to share this with all pet lovers who have not heared about this.Pet owners can now enjoy the following features on the new website:1. PetRelocation specialists answer  pet travel questions in the Ask Our Experts section2. PetRelocation Video Channel stars Bruno the dog and...
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By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
One activity that I really enjoy is going to vintage shops on Melrose to see what kind of great buys are out there. I have always loved great clothing, but don't typically want to shell out the major bucks to buy it. I discovered It's A Wrap about two years ago and think it's one of LA's hidden gems. It's located in a very unassuming store front just north of Pico next to the Starbucks on the eastern side of the street. What's great about this place is that they take designer clothing from movie sets (which has typically only been worn a few times) and then sell it at a bargain. I've purchased black label Armani dress shirts, D&G pants, some great Ben Sherman shirts from there - you name it, they have it! What's also fun is that they will tell you who's worn that particular article of c...
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By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
Since it's the middle of the week, I thought I would indulge us in a little fantasy real estate aka real estate porn. If this is your reality, call me immediately because this house is nothing short of amazing! Located in the west end Beverly Hills flats, this property embodies my dreams come to life. I've always loved the location and land of the BH flats, but preferthe sleek architecture of the "Bird Streets"/Sunset Plaza area. Today's Hot Prop combines my two loves into one fantastic estate! Taken down to the studs and then totally renovated with impeccable taste by Abramson and Teiger, there aren't enough words to describe how cool this house is! Instead, let's just drool over the pictures (I enhanced the image size so you could see the details)! Enjoy! 824 North Whittier Drive, Bev...
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By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
It's been a pretty slow day in the world of real estate, so I thought I would mention that they are having special rates on new memberships at The Sports Club/LA in Beverly Hills (http://www.thesportsclubla.com/clubs/beverly-hills). Summer is right around the corner and it's time to get yourself back into shape if you haven't started already! I can't emphasize how much going to the gym on a daily basis improves my state of mind, energy levels, and overall feeling of well being.  SCLA/BH has this killer class on Wednesday at 6:00pm called "Body Design". Don't let the name fool you - this class is a balls to the wall boot camp that will make even the most fit person want to call it quits within the first 15 minutes. If you can hang in there and keep coming back, it is one of the best clas...
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By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
This property is definitely for the rich kid who wants a superb location, privacy, and the finest building materials available. This newly renovated seven unit property is located in the heart of Beverly Hills in easy walking distance to Rodeo, Beverly, and all the city has to offer. Secluded by large hedges and a security gate (with security cameras), the minute you enter the property you feel like you are in another place. The units surround an enchanting slate courtyard with soft bubbling water treatments. The condos themselves feature dark hardwood floors, lavish Viking appliances in the kitchen with Carerra marble counter tops, Paul Ferrante lighting fixtures, and detailed crown moldings throughout. There are five, 1br units and two, 2 br units at are in the high 1.9 million range....
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By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
One of my favorite places in LA is a section of Beverly Hills that is south of Wilshire, west of Beverly, and before BHHS. The homes in this part of the city sit on large lots and tend to be of Spanish architecture. The turnover is not very high, so good listings don't pop up here too frequently. When I previewed the house below, I fell in love. It definitely needs some work, but if you updated sections of the interior you would have a really special property! 216 El Camino Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 - 4 br/3.5 ba/Pool - Roughly 3,085 sq ft - $1,999,000 GREAT DETAILS MAKE THIS WELL-KEPT SPANISH A WONDERFUL FAMILY HOME. STAINED/LEAD-GLASS WINDOWS, POOL AND BACKYARD SPACE, 3 + 2 UP + ANOTHER BED/BATH DOWN FOR GUESTS/FAMILY ROOM OR MAID'S, LARGE FORMAL DINING ROOM, SPACIOUS LIVING ROOM...
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By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
Since many of my clients are first time home buyers, I like to provide as much education as possible about the whole buying experience. I think there are some misconceptions about how working with an agent works. Here's the skinny: Agents are independent contractors and essentially business owners. We are paid solely on commission and do not receive a salary from our brokerage (ex: Keller Williams). Agents are responsible for all marketing materials, signs, gas, business cards, food at open houses, etc. When an agent represents you in the purchase of the home, it is the seller who pays our commission. The buyer's (or leasing) agent has to write the contract in order to receive payment for their services. On occasion buyer's will have an agent help them to find the property, but then go ...
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By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
I love a beautiful day like today! The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and people are out doing the things they do on a Saturday! All and all, it's a perfect day to hold an Open House! Although open houses are typically held on Sundays, sometimes I like to shake things up a bit and hold them on a Saturday! I've noticed that occasionally you get better foot traffic and better moods on Saturdays! Maybe it's because it's the start of the weekend, but everything about Saturday opens just feels more relaxed! Some agents love sitting open houses, while others would rather outsource to rookie agents. I actually quite enjoy holding a property open! It's a great way to meet neighbors and gauge the market! To make this a successful venture for both of us, here are some quick tips to preparin...
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By Matt Sweeney, Rich Kids Real Estate
(Rich Kids Real Estate: The Brokerage)
When I first became an agent and the market was white hot, if you were to submit an uber low ball offer to a seller, the agent would curtly tell you, "That's insulting to the seller. Please don't waste either of our time submitting that". Oh how the times have changed! The way I see it, most people are not selling because they want to test the market or just to see what they can get like back in the good old days. I suppose there are those that will sell if they get the price they want, but overall I think a large portion are selling because they have to (whatever that reason my be). This leaves the buyer in a fortunate situation. From my experience just this past week, it appears that sellers are considering offers that they never would have in the past and buyer's agents certainly do ...
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By Associate Broker Falmouth MA Cape Cod Heath Coker, Heath Coker Berkshire Hathaway HS Robert Paul Prop
(https://teamcoker.robertpaul.com)
What makes Hollywood East a better place to film movies and produce TV shows?  Well maybe it is the state of the art facilities.  Or it could be the fresh attitudes of the people and businesses in New England.  Or it could be the tax incentives that can transform a one million dollar budget into a one million two hundred fifty thousand dollar budget. Whether it is the tax incentives, the self contained facilities, or the fresh faces of the people, the Plymouth Rock Studios is building the future at Hollywood East.  With over 200 Colleges and Universities in the Boston area alone, new talent and creativity abounds.  With fresh ideas, and with the opportunity to construct a "made to order" production facility that will be the central location for movie and tv production in the Northeast. ...
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By Darlene E. Johnson
(J. Johnson Investments Group)
It look like we will be getting more activity on our short sales now. Please read the article about BofA changing their policy to make it easier for borrowers to sell their homes. All I have to say is, "it's about time". http://www.financial-planning.com/news/-2661597-1.html  
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By James Engel, KW Beverly Hills
(Keller Williams Realty Beverly Hills)
It is after the dreaded April 15th and everyone now is going to be looking at a market with low interest rates and some astounding prices, pretty carefully. Those who have sat on the fences and have waited for the storm of the century are going to start getting restless, seeing the clouds spreading thin and the sunshine coming through.   We can all expect our business to pick up during the next couple of months due to various reasons, but one thing is for certain, this is a seasonal wind and you need to be sitting on the lake with the sails up to catch it. Otherwise by the time you rig others will be miles away. So be prepared and get prepared to turn onlookers into buyers, indecisives into listings and doing some business. This might be the best wind we will catching in the near future...
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By Valerie Fitzgerald, Luxury Real Estate in Beverly Hills & West LA
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
http://losangelesrealestatetalk.com/2009/04/14/five-rules-for-buyingabroad/   The local real estate market may be picking up, but what about Prague or Pamplona? The Times (of London, that is) gives you five great rules of thumb for buying property abroad. Whether you’re considering a second home, a vacation rental or an investment property, there’s a lot to be taken into consideration. That amazing little villa two hours outside of Dijon might not be a great rental if no one can get to it…and is that condo in Frankfurt such a steal because it’s adjacent to the worst neighborhood in town? Do plenty of research, and definitely work with a seasoned local real estate professional…you might just end up with the vacation home of your dreams!   PS: If you’re interested in international real es...
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By James Engel, KW Beverly Hills
(Keller Williams Realty Beverly Hills)
Doing my 2008 Taxes, I realized one thing and one thing only, the amount of money I have wasted on conventional print advertising. For the X amount of dollars I have spent on print advertising my return in 2008 has been 0 (zero). The dominant figures of our markets print advertising LA Times and some magazines have yielded 0 (zero) leads. It is a good time to sit down and plan for 2009 and analyze new media and see what may work into our business model. The problem with Digital Media vs print is, Print cost money but less time and Digital Media (blogging, videos, websites,etc) they take a lot of time. So you need to be quite sure of the results before you jump into any one of these websites, blogs, tweets or whatever else is out there, as you are taking from your most prescious commodit...
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By Valerie Fitzgerald, Luxury Real Estate in Beverly Hills & West LA
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
http://losangelesrealestatetalk.com/2009/04/09/real-estate-price-declines-how-does-la-compare/ We’re finally seeing local home prices level off, and we’re also seeing an increase in listing and sales activity — both great news for the Los Angeles real estate market. But the last year or so has been a pretty wild ride…and not just for us. This great interactive chart from the New York Times compares how prices in major U.S. cities have risen and fallen (and risen, and fallen, and risen, and…) over the last few years. We’re looking forward to seeing those bars go back up again!   http://losangelesrealestatetalk.com/2009/04/09/real-estate-price-declines-how-does-la-compare/
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By Valerie Fitzgerald, Luxury Real Estate in Beverly Hills & West LA
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
http://losangelesrealestatetalk.com/2009/04/07/cooking-demonstrations-at-two-rodeo-drive/ Every Saturday in April from 11am to 4pm, Two Rodeo Drive will host cooking demonstrations on Via Rodeo. Come watch as culinary masterpieces are prepared by the executive chefs of some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants! Wine pairings will be offered for each prepared dish by a sommelier and will offer a 10% discount on all purchases. Live entertainment too! Fun and all for a good cause: Provide a donation to the LA Foodbank in the form of canned goods, non-perishables or a donation of $5 or more and get $7 off your all-day parking at Two Rodeo on the day of the show. Click here if you need more info — we hope to see you there! http://losangelesrealestatetalk.com/2009/04/07/cooking-demonstra...
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By Valerie Fitzgerald, Luxury Real Estate in Beverly Hills & West LA
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
What Does a Trillion Dollars Look Like?   With all the news about financial crises, stock market volumes and bailout plans lately, we’ve been hearing some pretty big numbers thrown around. It’s one thing seeing them written out (that’s a LOT of zeroes), but seeing a physical representation of that much cash is a lot different. Pagetutor.com decided to show us exactly what a trillion dollars looks like in bundles of hundred dollar bills…and it’s absolutely mind-blowing! To read the original article, click here:  What Does a Trillion Dollars Look Like?  
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By Valerie Fitzgerald, Luxury Real Estate in Beverly Hills & West LA
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Mortgage Rates are at Historical Lows!   Mortgage rates are at historical lows. This article from U.S. News & World Report clearly explains all the moving parts and how it impacts borrowers. To read the original article, click here: Mortgage Rates are at Historical Lows!    
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