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

Valerie was again interview by the folks over at LX.tv for their show Open House LA. The segment, entitled The Hunt, originally aired on NBC April 14th, but you can see it here. The Hunt follows Valerie and her client around as they tour houses for sale, hoping to find the perfect home.To see Valerie’s first appearance on LX.tv click here. Click here for more information about 1040 N. Bundy…and… Click here for more information about 15101 Mulholland Drive Read the original article here:1040 N. Bundy and 15101 Mulholland Drive on NBC  04/22/2008

  This is a picture from an online version of the Beverly Hills Examiner.   Any change in the skyline is exciting.   In this picture, the building has that omnipresent, holy glow to it.      I hope the building is soundproof.$400 Million Century City/Beverly Hills High Rise Project UnveiledThis is an artist's rendering of th eporposed highrise --45 stories up in the air and bamboo stalk thin.  The luxury condos will be th emomst expensive yet on the west side.  A French architect called Jean Nouvel had been hired to design the project.  He's known for his daring designs.  $400,000,000.00 is invested in the project.From what I've read about th eproject, a great deal of greenery will be incorporated into the whole project making it more desirable, I'm sure.  I imagine there will be flowin... 04/10/2008

6:15  You rise from a satisfying slumber to watch the sun creep over the horizon and shine on the Los Angeles skyline while enjoying freshly squeezed orange juice.7:15 You enjoy a brisk work out in the either the fitness center or swim laps in the heated pool and treat yourself to ten minutes in the state-of-the-art sauna.8:15 You reach into your concierge closet to find your Prada suit cleaned, pressed and delivered.9:00 Elegant glass doors swish open as the Doorman nods good morning.  You step into the fresh LA morning and decide to walk the three blocks to work.11:45 The Doorman tips his hat hello as you usher your business guests into the state-of- the-art conference room, where you will be hosting a catered lunch prepared in the adjoining chef's kitchen.2:00 Your luncheon meeting w... 04/03/2008

Congratulations! You've decided that you would like to purchase an REO because you've heard a great success story from a friend who acquired a great home, it might need a little work, but they got it at a great price.  You've enlisted the help of a professional realtor such as myself, who has a proven track record.  If you live in the Los Angeles area I hope you've decided to work with me, I firmly believe in treating yourself to the best.  You've begun to look at properties with your realtor, always mindful to be looking for value. When looking for typical real estate your realtor will talk about "comps", the recent sale price of comparable properties in your area.  When looking at REO's your realtor will talk with you about writing an offer and how the bank has determined their asking... 04/02/2008

Beverly Hills is still hot.  Are prices coming down? Perhaps.  But as I check the recent solds in the area, I'm surprised at how close the SOLD price is to the asking price.  In some cases, for the more expensive condos, there's a marked difference in Sale Price vs. List Price, but in those same cases, it seems that Days on Market was shorter too.   Much of the west side seems to be holding its own.  Many of my foreign clients are waiting for that perfect deal in Beverly Hills, and they are still waiting.  I believe that time is on their side--that eventually, something will pop up that my buyers think is the answer, but when.... Now may be the perfect time to buy.       For properties on the market for several days or months, you see price improvements.  To me this is a signifcant sign... 03/24/2008

The parkway trees that line the streets of Beverly Hills, as well as the trees in the parks of the City, comprise the City's urban forest. The management of the City of Beverly Hills urban forest is the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Department-Urban Forestry Division. It is a violation of City of Beverly Hills Municipal Code (Sec. 5-6.1001) for people who are not official representatives or authorized agents of the City of Beverly Hills to prune, remove, make attachment to, or otherwise damage a City street or park tree. From its inception, the management of the City of Beverly Hills urban forest has been a master planned effort. The Green and Cook Community Plan of 1906 is credited with the original planting of trees along the streets of the City. The idea of this plan wa... 03/06/2008

for more information and pictures, click on the property picture or this link: Beverly Hills homeStunning new construction, over 14,000 sq. feet of incredible quality and craftsmanship on a spectacular lushly landscaped 9/10 of a flat acre lot. Completely walled and gated, total privacy, large motor court, 4-car garage, formal gardens, outside BBQ. Grand 2 story entry, huge public rooms, master with his and hers.....absolute perfection!!! To preview the finest Real Estate in Beverly Hills, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Burbank please visit my website. When you are ready to view homes or have any questions regarding selling your home, please contact me. 12/12/2007

Convenience, elegance and style, that's what living on the Westside of Los Angeles is all about.  Today I want to feature a Westwood property that shines in "The Jewel" of Los Angeles: The Westford.  This sumptuous residence was built in 1980 and adds a dignified silhouette to the famous Wilshire Corridor.  The Westford's famous floor-to-ceiling windows provide a breath taking view of the green hillsides of Bel Air, the sun setting of the Pacific Ocean and the twinkling lights of Wilshire Boulevard. This full service building is chock full of luxurious amenities from its valet parking to their well appointed exercise room, this residence places a premium on comfort, convenience and gracious living.  In a world of "Location, location, location!" the Westford takes top honors.  Within clo... 12/06/2007

     Buying a condominium is slightly different than a detached home purchase.  When you buy a condo you aren't just purchasing a property, you are buying a lifestyle.  In today's market, condominium communities are offering more and more amenities designed to attract home owners.  These amenities range from heated lap pools to temperature controlled wine storage, from 24 hour guarded parking to 24 hour concierge service. So who is right for the condo lifestyle?      An obvious candidate for the condo lifestyle is someone who is single and looking to make their first real estate investment.  A condo offers a lower entry price and freedom from having to deal with maintenance issues. For these reasons, the condo lifestyle is also ideal for small families, just starting out.  One of the be... 11/06/2007

Click on any picture for more information and price Celebrity Owned Italian Villa in the prestigious guard gated community of Mulholland Estates. Soaring 2 story foyer open to generously scaled rms. This luxurious home features French doors, hardwood floors, expansive ceilings & a gourmet kitchen w/every conceivable amenity. All bedrooms en suite, pool, spa, private north/south tennis court, BBQ, numerous gardens & yard. Please visit website for further details about this one of a kind property. Please visit my website to preview the finest real estate in Beverly Hills, Malibu, Pacific Palisades,Santa Monica and Brentwood. When you are ready to view homes or have any questions regarding selling your home, please contact me. 11/02/2007