Laura Dominguez-Vasquez and her husband, Luis, recently sold their Coral Gables, Fla., home to all-cash buyers for just under $1 million. They’re now shopping for a new home and intend to pay cash as well.   The busy professionals have three kids, aged 14 to 20, and they don’t have the time or inclination to mess around with homebuying. “The process has to be painless,” she said.   SEARCH FOR THE BEST HOME DEALS IN YOUR AREA   The Vasquezs are not unique; cash buys are becoming common. The number of homes bought with cash jumped to 32% in January compared to 26% a year earlier, according to the National Association of Realtors. In Southern California, about 30% of the sales in January were cash, according to DataQuick Information Systems. Same thing in Denver. In Phoenix and Las Vegas,... 03/16/2011

  Santa Monica,Ca  Real Estate Market Statistics Update HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST HOME DEALS AVAILABLE IN SANTA MONICA, CA CURRENTLY: $1,295,000 : 323 San Vicente, Unit 19, Santa Monica 2 beds, 2.5 baths Size: 2,127 sq ft Lot size: n/a Year built: 1977 Parking spots: 2 Walk Score ® : 55 $1,199,000 : 2226 6th Street, Unit A, Santa Monica 2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths Size: 1,766 sq ft Lot size: n/a Year built: 1991 Parking spots: 4 Walk Score ® : 83 $1,225,000 : 1118 21st Street, Unit 102, Santa Monica 2 beds, 2.5 baths Size: 2,315 sq ft Lot size: n/a Year built: 1993 Parking spots: 3 Walk Score ® : 86 $1,074,000 : 1351 Maple Street, Santa Monica 5 beds, 3.0 baths Size: 1,998 sq ft Lot size: 6,302 sq ft Year built: 1940 Parking spots: 4 Walk Score ® : 83 $1,369,000 : 718 Lincoln, Unit 3, ... 03/14/2011

Santa Monica New Construction - New Construction in Santa Monica Even though many people think there is no new construction along the coast in California, it is a pleasure to discover Water Stone in Santa Monica. Here is an exceprt from the Water Stone information found online -  Introducing Water Stone, an enclave of 48 townhomes located in an established residential area of Simi Valley, near schools, parks,shopping and entertainment.. Water Stone is all about VALUE, as evidenced by its attractive pricing, quality construction and creatively-designed two-story floor plans. A wealth of interior appointments complement the homes, including ceramic tile flooring, decorator-selected beech cabinetry throughout, plush wall-to wall carpeting, cultured marble countertops in bathrooms and much ... 03/14/2011

Santa Monica Santa Monica is arguably the most popular and well know of the Los Angeles coast cities. I have lived here and worked the Santa Monica Real Estate market for many years. With such a diverse socio-economic area Santa Monica Houses For Sale give people who are looking to move here a wide range to choose from. I also handle a lot of Santa Monica Condos with a heavy mixture of first time buyers and scaling down adults.                                                                                                                                             Before continuing here are a few basic facts: Median Household Income $60,012 Median Cost of a Single Family Home $828,000 Median Condo Cost $620,000 Population 92,000 With some of Los Angeles best restaurants and shopping it... 03/13/2011

Just took a listing in Culver City, and now heading to Brentwood for clients.  It's a beautiful Sunday!  All the dancing in the video is how I feel today.  :)  This video, Hollywood Tonite, is by Michael Jackson.  Enjoy! Did you change your clocks for daylight savings?  It's about 70 degrees and sunny in the Westside of So Cal.  Can't wait for the summer beach weather.  It's right around the corner.  Wishing you a beautiful Sunday.  Kristine   03/13/2011

Santa Monica - Market Report for February 2011: Number of Units Sold: 17 Average Days on the Market: 39 Median Price: $682,500 Average List Price: $749,000 Average Selling Price: $722,800 Lowest Price Condo Sold: $300,000 Highest Price Condo Sold: $1,200,000 Total Sold in Dollars: $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 Brokerage" Information obtained from The MLS is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Figures rounded for ... 03/12/2011

When buying a home, you'll need to consider how much cold, hard cash you'll need to cover the down payment as well as closing costs. Closing costs are fees associated with a home purchase that are paid at closing.* Since closing costs can run an additional $5,000 to $10,000 on top of your cash down payment, you will probably want know what those closing costs will include. It may take some work, but it will be worth in the end when you avoid spending unnecessary money. Here are eight tips for how you can reduce your closing costs: 1. Shop around for lendersMost lenders will volunteer their menu of products and corresponding interest rates, and many will provide an estimate for closing costs if you ask for one. Once you have a handful of estimates, compare the costs. Tip: If you have a ... 03/12/2011

Often times people find themselves in a multiple offer situation, whether it's the time of year, a very desirable home or an appealing listing price. How can you increase your chances of winning against competing home buyers? Although the winner is usually the most qualified home buyer with the best price and the fewest strings attached, there are some other secrets to winning the bid. Not all buyers are interested in more than just price, and that makes knowing what to offer in this type of situation critical. 9 Tips to Winning A Multiple Offer Home Bid HIGHEST OFFER The winning buyer in a multiple offer presentation is often the one who makes the highest offer, pure and simple. Learn as much as possible about local market values. Look at comparable properties. Ask your REALTOR® to pr... 03/12/2011

Fresh off the excitement of the 83rd annual Academy Awards, California’s quintessential beach city, Santa Monica, CA, is celebrating a successful year of awards and accolades. Recently named one of National Geographic’s “Top 10 Beach Cities in the world,” Santa Monica – and its hotels, restaurants and other attractions – have much to celebrate. From Zagat-rated restaurant decor and one of Angeleno magazine’s “Top 50 Restaurants in Los Angeles,” to Travel + Leisure’s “Best Hotel for Business in Los Angeles,” and the “Best Hotel Spa” according to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the list of honorees and recognition spans an esteemed array of local businesses.   “We recognize that such esteemed accolades don’t come easily,” said Santa Monica Mayor, Richard Bloom. “To be distinguished a... 03/12/2011

Santa Monica Home Sales and House Listing Prices are rising quickly in Santa Monica, California.   If you are thinking of buying a home or selling your current home in Santa Monica, good news is finally here!!  Buyers are out in droves and we are experiencing very limited inventory of the number of homes currently for sale.  It is getting very competitive for buyers and due to the demand, home prices have risen as well as property listing prices recently.   A few things to consider if you are in the market to buy a home or sell your current home, more than ever you need a local expert that knows the Santa Monica Real Estate Market, they will be able to provide you the knowledge and bring the experience of knowing the area to the table, this will significantly help you when negotiating t... 03/10/2011

The city of Santa Monica’s ban on plastic shopping bags took effect Wednesday with supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores and pharmacies barred from handing out single-use plastic bags. A six-month grace period will be in place before enforcement kicks in, with fines starting at $75 per infraction. Criminal prosecution is possible for repeat offenders. Recyclable paper bags will still be available in stores for 10 cents apiece. [Updated at 9:39 a.m.: Other types of stores, such as department, clothing and hardware, do not have to charge for their bags, but they are restricted in the types of plastic bags they can hand out, said Josephine Miller, an environmental analyst for the city.] The city’s ban follows similar initiatives in other upscale communities, including Malibu and... 03/10/2011

This is for my Soul Sister, biz partner and best friend.  Thanks for doing the open house today while I'm going on a listing appointment. Stop by: 2808 ARIZONA AVE, #3, SANTA MONICA, CA 90404. Corner of Arizona & Harvard, North of Santa Monica Blvd. Open Today, Sunday, March 6th 1-4pm.  Newer listing (2 weeks), 3 bed/2.5bat, 1,487 sq ft., roof top deck, only 4 units total. Side x Side parking, washer dryer inside, remodeled, really nice-clean, quiet. $749k.  More Homes in Santa Monica.     03/06/2011

By Jodi Summers In Los Angeles County home prices and sales volumes are down…unless you live in Santa Monica. According to the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, home sales in Southern California fell in January to 14,458 units (new and resale houses and condos), dropping by -5.9% compared with January 2010. This was the lowest level for a January since 2008 when 9,983 homes were sold and the second lowest since 1996. In Santa Monica, comparing Jan-10 vs. Jan-11 the story is somewhat more positive. Locally, the number of sold properties is up 47% from 34 properties in Jan-10, compared to 50 in Jan-11 - a +47% increase. Again we buck the trends. The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller National Home Price Index reports that U.S. home prices fell 3.9% during the last three months of ... 03/05/2011

I have been posting for about a week now on Active Rain. I compare it to a buyer I am selling a Santa Monica House to that tells me all his wants and needs and that has been looking at three bedrooms. At the 4th house he tells me we really only need 3 bedrooms. Knowing what to write is not the issue but learning all the ins and outs of what is needed to make a successful blog is as important as the content. I know my Santa Monica House buyer wants a house but if he keeps changing what is inside the house it will be like throwing darts at a moving target. Of course being a Santa Monica Real Estate professional I want my blogs to present an image of knowledge of Real Estate and of course the knowledge of Santa Monica Houses and Condos. I do my best in writing blogs to foster this. The pro... 03/05/2011

  Being a Santa Monica Realtor it seemed that since we think of ourselves as living in a "cool" section of the coolest state that there is not much out there beyond our small area of West Los Angeles Real Estate . It was like when I first left New York, some hmhmph years ago, I thought when I crossed the Hudson there were Indians in New Jersey and beyond. Active Rain is the great equalizer . From Peoria to New York and Salem to Raleigh, Bangor to Pacific Palisades, all are represented as equals. The smallest towns can have the biggest presence and influence while New York for a change can play a back up. The information from all parts of the country are heard, the influence from the smallest towns are felt. At first glance it is information overload. You scamper from one great Blog to ... 03/02/2011

West LA Real Estate Group is associated with Keller Williams Brentwood.  I am a Broker Associate and on the leadership committee in this market center. I specialize in Brentwood Real Estate and Santa Monica Real Estate, areas where I have lived and worked for over 25 years. I recently had the opportunity to attend Keller Williams' Family Reunion in Anaheim California and It was one of the best seminars I have ever attended. The break out classes was technology heavy and gave us so many tools we can use in marketing Brentwood houses for sale.  It has given me so many new and innovative methods of selling condos in Santa Monica or a house in Brentwood Having the knowledge of my neighborhoods has certainly increased my sales but Keller Williams and the training they supplied not only at Fa... 02/28/2011

Wishing you a beautiful Sunday!  I'm getting ready for my open house and will be silently singing, John Lennon.  It's important to sing especially when the weather isn't typical.  Also, there is a pretty big awards show on later today.  Her's to the cold and sunny weather in Santa Monica.   We are all looking foward to watching the Academy Awards tonite.  Off to Whole Foods for wine and cheese after the open house.  Let's sing!  (and learn some Spanish) Kristine :)   02/27/2011

Santa Monica Real Estate and Homes Free MLS Home Search for Santa Monica Property Listings       02/22/2011

Happy Presidents Day everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed the long holiday weekend! As for myself, I worked and played :) I found this information too helpful to not share with my readers and clients: information retrieved from Santa Monica Government Rent Control website Frequently Asked Questions    [download] Did vacancy decontrol end rent control in 1999? How is the rent determined and what is a MAR? How does someone find out the Maximum Allowable Rent for a unit? How much security deposit can a property owner collect when a tenant moves in? What can a tenant do if the property owner does not make necessary repairs? Is a tenant entitled to a parking space with the unit? Are roommates allowed? What does a new owner of controlled rental property need to do? Why is the rent increased each... 02/21/2011

On my trip to Santa Monica California which is a part of LA I strolled over to the Santa Monica Pier. I took some wonderful photographs and also captured some great video footage. Here is some wonderful video footage of a musician I captured singing “Lonely People” and being along at the pier myself I thought maybe he was singing this song to me. This man was selling CD’s but I never did get his name because I didn’t want to interfere from him wonderful singing. But I was able to slip him some money when I finished shooting the video when I walked by. “This is for all the Lonely People” 02/20/2011