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Santa Monica, CA Real Estate News

By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
Looking through the multitude of properties among the extensive listings of Santa Monica real estate for sale can be a daunting process. There are many excellent homes, offering everything from easy beach access to some of the greatest views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Mountains. Whatever your tastes, you’re sure to find a home that will satisfy your every whim. SEARCH ALL CONDOS FOR SALE IN SANTA MONICA, CA   Located right on Santa Monica Bay, covering about 8.3 square miles of land, Santa Monica offers 3.5 miles of beach and the Pacific Ocean on its western side; to the North is the exclusive community of Pacific Palisades, to the east is West Los Angeles, and Venice is to the South. Popular with swimmers, surfers, joggers, skateboarders, and fitness buffs, the level of ...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
In the much admired, sought-after area that is known as Westside Los Angeles, is the city of Santa Monica – one of the unforgettable gems of southern California. This charming and popular seaside city draws countless visitors and residents to its shores throughout the year. Boasting over 340 days of sunshine, 3.5 miles of beaches, and the pristine waters of Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica homes for sale are always some of the most sought after real estate on the Pacific coast.    Incorporated in 1886, Santa Monica has a rich history as a resort town; historic hotels provided access to the popular beach lifestyle, and amusement piers were abundant in the early 1900’s. Santa Monica’s economy thrived until the Great Depression, but bounced back quickly during and after the war thanks to th...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
Santa Monica is one of the most beautiful places to live in California and the entire West Coast.  Are you moving to Santa Monica and looking for a home for rent or houses for lease?   There are some gorgeous homes currently on the market available for rent or lease in Santa Monica, Ca. Here are some great Santa Monica House Rentals- Click Here to View All the Homes and Houses for Rent in Santa Monica.       SEARCH ALL HOMES FOR RENT IN SANTA MONICA   $4,750 : 933 East 15th Street, Unit A, Santa Monica 2 beds, 2.5 baths Size: 1,697 sq ft Lot size: 6,647 sq ft Year built: 2000 Parking spots: 2 Walk Score ® : 91 $3,300 : 2700 Neilson Way, Unit 1229, Santa Monica$4,300 : 1524 11th Street, Unit B, Santa Monica 2 beds, 1 full, 2 part baths Size: 1,581 sq ft Lot size: n/a Year built: 2008 Par...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Santa Monica Condos - Sales Activity for March 2011: () February 2011 Number of Units Sold: 34 (17) Average Days on the Market: 74 (39) Median Price: $667,500 ($682,500) Average List Price: $768,000 ($749,000) Average Selling Price: $749,000 ($722,800) Lowest Price Condo Sold: $308,000 ($300,000) Highest Price Condo Sold: $1,800,000 ($1,200,000) Total Sold in Dollars: $25,462,000 ($12,289,000) Stewart Penn - Realtor for homes, condos & lofts in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood Hiils, the Sunset Strip and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Now also selling Mid-Century Modern homes & condos in Palm Springs. Stewart Penn - (310) 844-6515 | (310) 866-1818 Realtor | Broker  - Los Angeles Condo Specialist Penn Properties - "An Independent Real Estate B...
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By Kim & Kristine Halverson, Sisters, Realtors
(Sotheby's & Knipe ERA)
It's extremely rare to read a newspaper article that is dead center, right on target with one of our top 5 strategies.  When we meet with a client whether it's a homeowner selling or a person buying our intial meeting is mainly about strategy.  Sellers want the most money possible for their home and buyers want a deal.  To acheive these goals you need strategies!  We just sold a listing in a very popular neighborhood.  Most of the neighbors know each other and so do the real estate agents.  One of our strategies was to keep the details of the listing between us and the homeowners.  This article in the Los Angeles Times discusses in detail why it's important to hold your cards close to get maximum dollar.  If not be prepared to deal with the unintended consequences of a casual comment. L...
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By Jodi Summers, Our reputation assures your satisfaction.
(Sotheby's International Realty)
By Jodi Summers Congratulations property owners! Santa Monica is moving closer to market parity. Parity in the local real estate market is said to be 3.7 months of inventory. Comparing March 2011 to March 2009, you’ll notice that in the past two years, our inventory is down -57.5%, according to Clarus Market Metrics. We currently have 7.2 months of inventory on the market, in Mar-09, it was 27.2 months, and viable properties are again selling in multiple offers. Statewide, the inventory of unsold homes rose to 7.3 months in February, from 6.0 months in February 2010. The amount of time homes are spending on the market also rose.   Of course, we are blessed here in Santa Monica, it is not like everyplace else. As the key spring selling season looms, Southern California’s housing market r...
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By Kim & Kristine Halverson, Sisters, Realtors
(Sotheby's & Knipe ERA)
As I'm getting ready for our open house today in Santa Monica, North of Montana.  I'm reflecting on the recent events in Japan.  I chose this video today from the Black Eyed Peas.  It was filmed in Japan 1 week before the earthquake and Tsunami hit.  My thoughts go out to all the people in Japan for a quick recovery and ethical rehab of their community.  Please enjoy the music and have a beautiful Sunday!
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How many of you operate with a Buyers Exclusive Contract?  Will you start working for buyers before they sign one? How many are afraid of asking in these rough times? Most of all what is your comeback when you do ask and the buyers say they don't want to have an exclusive contract and that they will work with the first agent that brings them the house they want. Anyone can search for a Santa Monica House and anyone agent can get lucky by sending them the perfect Brentwood Condominiums. These are simple questions and our brains give us quick responses but our emotions say wait one second. Who can walk away from a potential client today? I know I have Santa Monica Houses for sale; will I walk away from a potential double sided deal because they didn't sign an exclusive buyer's agreement? ...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
How Do I Price My Home For Sale-I Want to Sell My Home for the Most Money I can Get!!! This is a very common statement by sellers.  Here is some information to help you know how much to list your home for sale.  When selling your home, their are alot of factors that go into selling it, however one of the most important aspects of getting a successful sale of your home starts at the very beginning!  It's Pricing your home.   This is a Flyer I provide all of my sellers with to help them understand how important it is to accurately set their listing price correctly right from the beginning.   Accurately pricing your home for sale is the #1 way to help you get closer to a successful close and allow you to move onto your next chapter of your life.  A good Realtor should provide you with all ...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
Applications for home mortgages jumped to the highest level in three months last week, buoyed by improvements in the job market, an industry group said on Wednesday. The Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage application activity, which includes both refinancing and home purchase demand, rose 15.5 percent in the week ended March 4. It was the highest level since the week ended December 10 and was the biggest increase since June 11. The MBA's seasonally adjusted index of refinancing applications climbed 17.2 percent, while the gauge of loan requests for home purchases gained 12.5 percent. "An improving job market is beginning to pave the way for an improving housing market," Michael Fratantoni, MBA's vice president of research and economics, said in ...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
Is our long national foreclosure nightmare ending? The number of foreclosure notices filed in February dropped 14% compared with a month earlier and 27% compared with a year earlier, according to RealtyTrac. That was the biggest year-over-year decline the company has ever recorded. But the improvement may be exaggerated, according to RealtyTrac CEO James Saccacio, who traced some of the decline to the fallout over robo-signing issues. "Allegations of improper foreclosure processing continued to dog the mortgage servicing industry and disrupt court dockets," he said. "The industry is in the midst of a major overhaul that has severely restricted its capacity to process foreclosures." Another contributing factor was the harsh winter weather that covered much of the country during the mont...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
  When your house no longer suits you, you can move or remodel. Find out which big change is the right investment of your housing dollars.   Deciding whether you should move or remodel? The most important things you need to consider are the four things you can't change: your home's value compared to the rest of the neighborhood, how much you love your neighborhood, the size of your lot, and the cost to move your stuff to a new house. Just about everything else-remodeling costs, the hassle of living in a construction zone, or the ability to live happily without one more bathroom--is a personal preference. After all, your home isn't just your largest investment; it's also the place where your family lives. 1. Will remodeling make your home better than everyone else's? To make the right mo...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
Don't let pet odors derail your home sale. Having pet odors inside your home can turn off potential home buyers and keep your home from selling. Ask your real estate agent for an honest opinion about whether your home has a pet smell. If your agent holds her nose, here's how to get rid of the smell: Air your house out. While you're cleaning, throw open all the windows in your home to allow fresh air to circulate and sweep out unpleasant scents. Once your house is free of pet odors, do what you can to keep the smells from returning. Crate your dog when you're out or keep it outdoors. Limit the cat to one floor or room, if possible. Remove or replace pet bedding. Scrub thoroughly. Scrub bare floors and walls soiled by pets with vinegar, wood floor cleaner, or an odor-neutralizing product...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
  Repair wood floors and scratches that make rooms look worn out. We'll show you easy ways to put the luster back into your floors.   Dogs chase kids, pans drop, chairs scrape, and soon you must repair wood floors and erase scratches that make a mess of your red oak or Brazilian cherry (http://www.myflooringhelper.com/types-of-hardwood-floors.html). A professional floor refinisher will charge $1 to $4 per sq. ft. to apply a new coat of finish. No worries. We've got inexpensive ways to remove wood scratches and repair deep gouges in a few easy steps. Camouflage scratches Take some artistic license to hide minor scratches in wood floors by rubbing on stain-matching crayons and Sharpie pens. Wax sticks, such as Minwax Stain Markers, (http://www.minwax.com/products/maintenance_and_repair/wo...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
  Your credit score affects how much you'll pay for a mortgage or refinance-or even if you can get one at all. Master the six ways to manage home-related spending to keep your credit score braggingly high.   How you manage your home ownership finances affects your credit score--and your ability to refinance later. 1. Postpone that refinance until your credit is squeaky clean Even a small blemish on a credit report can cost you at closing. Money expert Denise Winston found that out firsthand: Her husband hadn't paid a $40 pager charge. The unpaid bill was turned over to a collection agency and ended up damaging his credit score. Because of that one small unpaid bill, the interest rate on the couple's mortgage was 0.25% higher than if he'd had a clean score. Put another way, that's $13,0...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time. Many buyers today want move-in-ready homes and will quickly eliminate an otherwise great home by focusing on a few visible flaws. Unless your home shines, you may endure showing after showing and open house after open house-and end up with a lower sales price. Before the first prospect walks through your door, consider some smart options for casting your home in its best light. 1. Have a home inspection Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. For $250 to $400, an inspector will warn you about troubles that could make potential buyers balk. Make repairs before putting your home on the market. In some states, you may have to disclose what the inspection turns up. 2. Get...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
Here's how to clean up your credit so you get the least-expensive home loan possible. Getting the loan that suits your situation at the best possible price and terms makes home buying easier and more affordable. Here are seven ways to boost your credit score so you can do just that. 1. Know your credit score Credit scores range from 300 to 850, and the higher, the better. They're based on whether you've paid personal loans, car loans, credit cards, and other debt in full and on time in the past. You'll need a score of at least 620 to qualify for a home loan and 740 to get the best interest rates and terms.  You're entitled to a free copy of your credit report annually from each of the major credit-reporting bureaus, Equifax (http://www.equifax.com), Experian (http://www.experian.com), ...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
  Many people believe a 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage is the Best Home Loan to Get When Buying a Home, here is a little more details about finding the right home loan for you. MYTH:  A 30-year mortgage with a fixed interest rate is always the most desirable option when buying a home. REALITY: Following the crowd isn't always smart. So just because a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most common home loan – more than two-thirds of borrowers applied for one last month – that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. Certainly there's a peace-of-mind that comes with a fixed payment schedule, but homeowners who need a lower monthly bill may find a hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage is a sound option. It's important to understand that ARMs begin with a fixed-rate period, say five years, before the i...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
Buying a Home is now the "In Thing" Again! Home buyer confidence is back...More Americans signed contracts to buy homes in February, but sales were uneven across the country and not enough to signal a rebound in the housing market. I wanted to share some of the latest statistics with you all.  The real estate market is definitely improving, many areas are seeing multiple offers again and buyer activity is up in most areas.  Sales agreements for homes rose 2.1 percent last month to a reading of 90.8, according to the National Association of Realtors' pending home sales index released Monday. Sales rose in every region but the Northeast. Signings were 19.6 percent above June's index reading, the low point since the housing bust. Still, the index is below 100, which is considered a health...
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By Heather Paul, Realtor,Top Selling Real Estate Agent
(Expert 1 Realty)
  Don't rouse the IRS or pay more taxes than necessary--know the score on each home tax deduction and credit.     As you calculate your tax returns, consider each home tax deduction and credit you are-and are not-entitled to. Running afoul of any of these 10 home-related tax mistakes-which tax pros say are especially common-can cost you money or draw the IRS to your doorstep. Sin #1: Deducting the wrong year for property taxes You take a tax deduction for property taxes in the year you (or the holder of your escrow account) actually paid them. Some taxing authorities work a year behind-that is, you're not billed for 2010 property taxes until 2011. But that's irrelevant to the feds. Enter on your federal forms whatever amount you actually paid in 2010, no matter what the date is on your...
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