An action to quiet title is a lawsuit filed to establish ownership of real property (land and buildings affixed to land). The plaintiff in a quiet title action seeks a court order that prevents the respondent from making any subsequent claim to the property. Quiet title actions are necessary because real estate may change hands often, and it is not always easy to determine who has title to the property. Please find attached my title representative's latest title piece that explains Quiet Title and describes some of the typical grounds for a quiet tile complaint.  Click here to view the newsletter: Quiet Title Please contact me if you would like me to check any particular properties for a recorded Lis Pendens or if you have any Real Estate related questions or requests that I can assist ... 09/14/2009

I noticed the heightened traffic in the village this week. More SUVs around. I am happy to report that a LOT of those vehicles were hybrid and/or smaller in size!! It's one of the reasons why I love this neighborhood soo much. People are earth conscious and aware. Here is the article from the Palisades Post... September 10, 2009 The quiet summer idle in Pacific Palisades shifted to overdrive as the nine private and public elementary schools, Paul Revere Middle School and Palisades High started school this week with most schools filled to capacity. Corpus Christi and Calvary Christian School students returned to classes on Tuesday. The following day, students from St. Matthew's, Village, Westside Waldorf, Palisades, Marquez, Canyon, Revere and PaliHi started their first day. The last sch... 09/13/2009

Should I buy a home first or sell a home first...In this real estate market many individuals are at a crossroad concerning the buy and sell process.  What should be your first step? Should buy your new home first or sell your existing home first?   The correct answer depends on a few factors.  The most important factor being, how hot the real estate market is.  When the market is hot, like it was in recent years, it was very tough getting an offer accepted that had a home sale contingency.  In a slower market, you could end up selling your home and then find it impossible to locate the perfect home for you.   It is also important to remember that every real estate transaction involves the needs of both the buyer and the seller in every type of market.  With that in mind, you can sell yo... 08/19/2009

Pacific Palisades Real Estate Market Results Comparing July 09 & July 08 - The numbers from July 2009 are not that much different from the total we experienced in 2008.  There was a slight increase (2 %) in the average selling price in Pacific Palisades from $2,400,441 in July08 to $2,449,001 in July 09. Also, the average list price in Pacific Palisades increased by only $21,709 during July 09.  Those numbers were $2,563,260 in 08 to $2,584,969.  Where we see some negative changein the Pacific Palisades market is in Median Price and Average Days on Market. In July 08 the Pacific Palisades median price, a robust $2.3 million, dropped to $1.975 million during July 09.  The Average Days on Market in Pacific Palisades increased from 95 days in 08 to 117 days in 09.  As we look deeper into t... 08/18/2009

I must have been too excited to have Sushi and Saki at Pearl Dragon last night because I did not click the post button. Here is the my post which was suppose to been on my blog last night.. Happy TGIF everyone! I was very surprised to read in the Palisadian Post that basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal visited the Palisades to endorse MicroFueler. Here is the article....  Throughout his storied pro basketball career, Shaquille O'Neal has referred to himself by so many nicknames he can hardly keep track of them all. Some of his favorites are "Superman," "The Diesel," "Shaq Fu," "The Big Elvis" and "The Big Aristotle." Now he's adding one more to the list. "The Big Ethanol," he joked after witnessing the new MicroFueler in action last Thursday in Pacific Palisades. "I heard about this t... 08/15/2009

Happy Monday everyone! I found this article on CNN very insightful!! Please let me know if you have any questions or would like an updated list of foreclosure/REO inventory in your area. Have a great week ahead! from CNNMoney.com  In many markets, if you want to buy a repossessed property, you better come with your best offer first -- and fast.  NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- You've heard of speed dating? It's got nothin' on foreclosure buying these days. In many places, anyone who wants to buy a foreclosure better act fast, or they're going to come away with bupkus. REOs, the industry term for homes repossessed by lenders and put back on the market, are often selling in a day -- sometimes in less. "We're seeing REOs go very quickly. Offers come in immediately after the listing comes on the... 08/10/2009

Market Analysis Report - Pacific Palisades      # of Listings Average DOM Low Price $ Median Price $ High Price $ Average Price Total $ *Avg. Price w/ Sq.Ft. $ *Average Sq. Ft. *Avg. Price/Sq.Ft. $ ***Avg. Price w/ LSZ $ ***Average LSZ ***Average Price/LSZ $ Average SP/Average LP Active 48 17 285,000 1,759,500 7,495,000 2,102,600 2,110,138 3,069.74 687.40 2,326,195 9,426.45 246.77 -- Backup 12 124 849,000 1,481,500 3,680,000 1,564,458 1,564,458 2,661.50 587.81 1,702,500 8,261.40 206.08 -- Hold -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pending 7 79 649,000 1,169,000 2,995,000 1,662,429 1,781,333 2,709.67 657.40 1,998,600 8,346.60 239.45 -- Sold LP 37 102 95,000 1,599,000 9,995,000 2,192,149 2,056,363 2,824.85 727.96 2,556,327 10,674.14 239.49 -- Sold SP ** 37 102 75,000 1,450,000 9,500,000 ... 08/09/2009

Thank you for choosing   Westside Properties   (310) 459-8191 office (310) 494-0169 fax   www.WestsideHomeFinder.com     Active   PH PTYPE S AR ADDRESS LP BR BA #U SF LSZ YB DOM LD ST DATE MLS   1. 23 SFR  A  15 16578 VIA FLORESTA $2,499,000 4 4.00   4,216 15,002 1986 74 05/27/09 05/27/09 09-372749 2. 27 SFR  A  15 16031 TEMECULA ST $3,495,000 5 4.50   4,035 8,625 2009 73 05/28/09 05/28/09 09-373049 3. 13 SFR  A  15 16578 VIA FLORESTA $2,399,000 4 4.00   4,216 15,002   74 05/27/09 05/27/09 09-373089 4. 39 SFR  A  15 16730 CALLE DE CATALINA $1,879,000 5 3.75   3,289 9,757 1996 73 05/28/09 05/28/09 09-373513 5. 1 SFR  A  15 521 AMALFI DR $3,200,000 3 5.00   2,784 14,000 1949 72 05/29/09 05/29/09 09-373605 6. 29 SFR  A  15 1067 CORSICA DR $4,100,000 4 3.50   3,149 15,000 1941 72 05/29/09 ... 08/09/2009

Closing The closing is the day you've been waiting for: when ownership of the home officially transfers from the seller to you! Prior to the closing, the escrow agent will present you with scores of legal documents to review and sign, and you'll be expected to pay your downpayment and closing costs. In addition, a number of other legal procedures must be completed before the sale can close, including approving the mortgage application, clearing the title, appraising the property and recording the deed. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) provides specific protection to buyers before, during and after closing. If a settlement service has referred you to a REALTOR® with whom the service has a business connection, an Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure is required prio... 08/06/2009

Home Inspections vs. Appraisals  Home inspections vary greatly. Some check the home's structure, construction and mechanical systems, and appliances, which may be transferred with the property. Although different inspectors look for and test different things and may not discover everything that is wrong with a property, obtaining inspections is the best way to become informed of necessary repairs or problems with the home. Be advised that inspectors do not assess the value of your home. According to HUD, an inspector typically checks the electrical system, plumbing and waste disposal, the water heater, insulation and ventilation, the HVAC system, water source and quality, ceilings, walls, floors, and roof. In addition to being inspected, the home will undergo an appraisal by a trained p... 08/04/2009

 Now that you've found the perfect home, it's time to get the deal rolling. You'll need to sign a residential purchase agreement, make an offer, possibly put down a deposit, conduct inspections and close the sale. If this all sounds overwhelming to you, don't worry; your REALTOR® will guide you through each step. Making an offer/Residential Purchase Agreements and Buyer Representation Agreements If you're ready to purchase the home, you must get all the details in writing. The offer begins with a written proposal spelling out your price and any stipulations regarding the purchase. If the seller has agreed to pay part of the closing costs, for example, that needs to be specified in the accepted offer. In addition, sometimes offers to purchase are contingent upon factors like the buyers' ... 08/02/2009

A+ Currency Exchange-Western Union1454 Fourth StreetSanta Monica, CA 90401ph: (310) 394-7211 ACTS Church1231 Fourth StreetSanta Monica, CA 90401ph: (310) 393-4107 Website Bank of America1301 Fourth StreetSanta Monica, CA 90401ph: (310) 319-2368 Website Bank of the West407 Colorado AvenueSanta Monica, CA 90401ph: (310) 393-9329 Website beadniks 203 ArizonaSanta Monica, CA 90401ph: (310) 395-0033 Website Berlitz Language Center616 Santa Monica Blvd.Santa Monica, CA 90401ph: (310) 458-0330 Website Boto Design619 Arizona Ave.Santa Monica, CA 90401ph: (310) 451-2400 Burton Copeland Hearing Aid Center1425 Fifth StreetSanta Monica, CA 90401ph: (310) 451-0848 California Bank & Trust100 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica , CA 90401ph: (310) 587-1888 Website California Karate Club1297 7th StreetSanta M... 07/28/2009

The fifth season of Movies in the Park will begin on Saturday, August 1, with the free showing of 'Men In Black' on the Field of Dreams at the Palisades Recreation Center. This perfect summer romp (rated PG-13) from 1997 stars Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith as top-secret agents 'Men in Black' (MiB) who monitor and police alien activity on Earth. Barry Sonnenfeld directed this science fiction, comedy action film. Movies in the Park-Pacific Palisades, Inc., in association with the Palisadian-Post & Post Printing, presents old-fashioned family fun every Saturday in August. Additional films are 'Kung Fu Panda,' sponsored by Caf' Vida (August 8); 'Beauty and the Beast,' sponsored by Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association (August 15); 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl,'... 07/27/2009

With the current economic climate, "staycations" are becoming more and more popular. Keep your family in the area, but get away and relax with these staycation ideas. Be a Local Tourist. Do a little bit of research and see what your visitor's bureau or local goverment recommends for visitors. Chances are, there are plenty of attractions you haven't explored! Don a ridiculous Hawaiian shirt, put a camera around your neck, and set out on a local adventure. Backyard Camping. Pitch a tent in your backyard and sleep outside. Best part is if it rains or someone is not feeling well, the conveniences of home are only a few feet away! Look at Local Deals. Check out what deals local hotels are offering. Even if you're close to home, staying the night in a hotel and sitting by the pool gives every... 07/25/2009

From Luxury Real Estate - Malibu, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, BrentwoodDont miss the Squirrel Nut Zippers at the Santa Monica Pier tonite! Performances start at 7pm. Get there early as it get BUSY!! To preview the finest real estate and the best deals on the Westside of Los Angeles including Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Malibu, Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, West L.A., Marina Del Rey & Mar Vista please visit our website: http://www.westsidehomefinder.com/ When you are ready to view the properties or just have a question, please contact us: 310.459.8191 or info@wsprops.com PACIFIC PALISADES SANTA MONICA MALIBU BRENTWOOD BEVERLY HILLS WESTWOOD/CENTURY CITY MARINA DEL REY VENICE TOPANGA CULVER CITY PLAYA DEL REY PLAYA VISTA WEST L.A. BEL-AIR BEVERLY HILLS PO BEV... 07/23/2009

With construction of Palisades Charter High School's Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center well under way, community members want to know what hours the pool will be available for public use. Jeanne Goldsmith, a consultant PaliHi hired to fundraise for the pool, told the Palisadian-Post on Monday that the school definitely plans to offer free public swimming on Sundays once the pool opens next March.   'Our aim is to have [the pool available] all day,' Goldsmith said, but PaliHi may rent out the entire pool for part of the day to aquatic user groups such as swim and water-polo teams.   'We have to make this pool self-sustaining,' Goldsmith said, stressing that the school will not use taxpayer money from its general fund to construct or operate the pool.   Private donors have contributed $3 mill... 07/20/2009

Sunday Open Houses Report      July 12, 2009       N-New R- Review C -Cancelled P-Price Reduction            Lunch     Refreshments TC-Tennis Court PL-Pool FP-Fireplace VU-View GH-Guest House MDS-Maid's Quarters  (15)    PACIFIC PALISADES SINGLE FAMILY 2/ 1.75  14505 W SUNSET $ 975,000  R    FP/VU SF:1120  2 - 5 4/ 3.00  15022 W SUNSET BLVD $ 1,099,000  R    FP SF:2059  1 - 5 2/ 2.50  971 CHATTANOOGA AVE $ 1,185,000  R    FP/VU SF:1590  2 - 5 3/ 2.50  17299 AVENIDA DE LA HERRADURA $ 1,199,000  R    TC/PL/FP SF:2113  1 - 4 3/ 2.00  15042 W SUNSET $ 1,199,000  R    FP/VU SF:2044  2 - 5 4/ 3.00  17206 AVENIDA DE LA HERRADURA $ 1,399,000  R    TC/PL/FP/VU SF:2644  2 - 5 4/ 2.50  275 MONTE GRIGIO DR $ 1,488,000  N    FP/VU SF:2719  2 - 5 4/ 3.50  16780 CALLE DE MARISA $ 1,549,000  R    TC/P... 07/12/2009

Here are the open houses in Pacific Palisades: 7/11/2009         N-New R- Review C -Cancelled P-Price Reduction          TC-Tennis Court PL-Pool FP-Fireplace VU-View GH-Guest House MDS-Maid's Quarters SINGLE FAMILY 4/ 5.50 556 BIENVENEDA AVE$ 1,683,000  FP/VU SF:5350 2-5pm 4/ 3.00 15022 W SUNSET BLVD $ 1,099,000  FP SF:2059 12-3pm 4/ 3.50 16553 AKRON ST $ 2,295,000  FP/VU SF:3097 2-5pm CONDO 2/ 3.00 16123 SUNSET BOULEVARD #202 #202$ 749,000  VU SF:1560 1-5pm 3/ 3.00 16123 SUNSET BLVD 404 #404$ 1,289,000   VU SF:2091 1-5pm 4/ 4.00 16123 SUNSET BLVD 105 #105$ 1,299,000   SF:2740 1-5pm LEASES 2/ 2.00 16123 SUNSET BLVD 207 #207$ 3,654   VU SF:1309 1-5pm 3/ 3.00 16123 W SUNSET BLVD 106 #106$ 5,250   SF:2000 1-5pm 4/ 4.00 16123 SUNSET BLVD 105 #105$ 6,500   VU SF:2740 1-5pm To preview the fin... 07/11/2009

In celebration of the life and work of Michael Jackson, The GRAMMY Museum is sharing a collection of Jackson's most iconic wardrobe pieces (including the suit he wore on the cover of Thriller). Starting Friday, June 26, 2009, these will be exhibited on the Museum's third floor alongside video of some of Jackson's most exciting GRAMMY performances. I hope this exhibit will serve as a fitting tribute to one of the most significant entertainers in music history. The Museum will open to the public on Friday at 11:30am. For thousands of years, royalty has called attention to itself with extravagant clothing and other finery. Jewels, fine fabrics, and elaborate accessories can complete the transformation of a person into a brightly-shining star that holds its audience spellbound. As the "King... 07/09/2009

7/23 and 5/25 Mortgages: Mortgages with a one-time rate adjustment after seven years and five years, respectively.   3/1, 5/1, 7/1 and 10/1 ARMs: Adjustable-rate mortgages in which the rate is fixed for three-year, five-year, seven-year and 10-year periods, respectively, but may adjust annually after that.   A Acceleration: The right of the mortgagee (lender) to demand the immediate repayment of the mortgage loan balance upon the default of the mortgager (borrower), or by using the right vested in the due-on-sale clause. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): A loan on which the monthly payments will increase or decrease over time, based on changes in the ARM?s interest rate index. ARM payments typically are adjusted every six months or once a year. Common indices to which ARMs are tied includ... 07/08/2009