Beverly Hills, CA Real Estate News

By Coco Clayman-Cook
(LA Condo Lifestyles)
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...
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By Valerie Fitzgerald, Luxury Real Estate in Beverly Hills & West LA
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
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...
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By Coco Clayman-Cook
(LA Condo Lifestyles)
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...
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By Coco Clayman-Cook
(LA Condo Lifestyles)
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.
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By Valerie Fitzgerald, Luxury Real Estate in Beverly Hills & West LA
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
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 
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By Lynn LeGlaire
(Keller Williams)
  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...
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By Coco Clayman-Cook
(LA Condo Lifestyles)
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...
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By Coco Clayman-Cook
(LA Condo Lifestyles)
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...
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By Lynn LeGlaire
(Keller Williams)
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...
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By Dom Naidoo, Malibu to the Marina Real Estate
(Westside Properties)
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...
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By Dom Naidoo, Malibu to the Marina Real Estate
(Westside Properties)
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.
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By Coco Clayman-Cook
(LA Condo Lifestyles)
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...
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By Coco Clayman-Cook
(LA Condo Lifestyles)
     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...
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By Dom Naidoo, Malibu to the Marina Real Estate
(Westside Properties)
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.
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By Hayden Gerson
(HPM Financial LLC)
In the last year over 100 mortgage lenders have gone out of business due to the "mortgage meltdown" as most of you might now it is getting much more difficult to qualify for mortgages in Beverly Hills. The reason it is difficult to qualify for your Beverly Hills mortgage is because guidelines have changed drastically. Even reverse mortgages in Beverly Hills are getting harder to qualify for, leaving many looking for a honest mortgage company in Beverly Hills.Since many mortgage brokers in Beverly Hills are going out of business, and others are not able to get you qualified, you need to call a reputable company to help you with your home mortgage in Beverly Hills. We here at America One Mortgage Group are a national company headquartered out of Southern California. We have offices in man...
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By Hayden Gerson
(HPM Financial LLC)
This coming week should be another juicy one as far as the economic calendar is concerned, with several reports and releases that will have the power to move the markets.Of special note, Tuesday brings the release of the "Meeting Minutes" from the last Federal Reserve Board meeting - and unlike the carefully crafted wording of the formal Policy Statement that is released just following the meeting - the Minutes are the "Fed Unplugged", including commentary and conversation during the meeting by all attending Fed Board members. Dallas Fed President Richard "Loose Lips" Fisher is often a loose cannon, sometimes blurting out off the cuff comments on the economy almost uncontrollably...so it will be interesting to see if the meeting contained any wild cards.Remembering that when Bond prices...
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Often times some of my wealthy borrowers call me to see what is happening in climate is in the luxury lending market. The good news is AFFLUENT BORROWERS HAVE AS MANY OPTIONS NOW AS THEY DID LAST YEAR. Many wealthy borrowers who are looking to buy a luxury home are faced with a important decision. To borrow, or not to borrow, that is the question.Lenders are cutting back on high risk loans, but are ready to fund on the super jumbo programs. The reason is simple, high net worth borrowers have a pattern of paying back mortgages. While many first time buyers and subprime borrowers are unable to afford rising costs, affluent borrowers have the funds to make sure that their mortgage is paid. Below are two secenarios, you tell me who you would rather lend to:1. A couple who make $8000 per mon...
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By Sharon King
(MoneyManagerPlus.Org)
DONALD TRUMP uses a POWERFUL STRATEGY for STAYING IN FRONT OF HIS COMPETITION.   It appears that eliciting a 'favorable opinion about himself' is not as important as seeking someone who HAS An OPINION OF HIM!  Thus, 'WHAT his market believes' is not as important as that 'THEY REMEMBER HIS NAME, which more often than not, EQUATES to an 'AIR of CREDIBILITY'  BECAUSE  MOST  PEOPLE  KNOW  WHO  HE  IS (or at least they feel that they do) wherever they go ......and THAT is BECAUSE 'big D' DOES WHATEVER it TAKES to GRAB 'audience ATTENTION'.   Does he do that pretty well?Working in REAL ESTATE RELOCATION and FINANCING for INDIVIDUALS, INVESTORS and DEVELOPERS, it is even more important today, to GET YOUR HOME or PROJECT SEEN by MORE of the MARKET, regardless of current inventory on the market ...
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By Roberta Murphy, Carlsbad Real Estate and Homes
(San Diego Previews Real Estate)
Luxury real estate circles are abuzz with the latest report that two top producing Beverly Hills agents have been indicted for their alleged participation in a mortgage fraud scheme. The LA Daily News reports that Joseph Babajian and Kyle Grasso have been suspended by Prudential California Realty, and are under orders not to conduct any real estate business until federal charges against them have been resolved. Both men deny any wrongdoing in the charges leveled against them, which reportedly include multiple counts of conspiracy, bank fraud and loan fraud. Included in the the indictment are two licensed appraisers. According to RISMedia, the foursome allegedly duped lenders out “of more than $40 million in fraudulent loans for homes in some of Southern California’s most expensive neigh...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Beverly Hills, California is synonymous with luxury.  For most people that is probably what they think of first when they hear Beverly Hills. And why not?Beverly Hills is home to one of the most exclusive shopping districts around, Rodeo Drive. And it is also known for the celebrities who live there and the lifestyles of the rich and famous so often portrayed by the media. The allure of Beverly Hills is perhaps as much a product of the attention paid to it by the media, films and magazines as it is the lifestyle one can enjoy if you can afford it.From a real estate perspective, Beverly Hills is one of the more expensive zip codes in the US, although it is eclipsed by communities such as Rancho Santa Fenear me in San Diego, and Sagaponack, New York (for 2006 rated the most expensive zip ...
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