By Jodi Summers Happy New Year! 2011 will be a good year for real estate in Santa Monica. Our market has reached parity – buyers and sellers now carry equal weight. Our real estate dynamic has balance. Next accomplishment, peace on earth. 2011 is so very promising because 2010 was a very satisfying year for residential real estate in Santa Monica. So satisfying that we have many charts to share. According to Clarus Market Metrics, if we compare December 2008 residential property sales in Santa Monica with December 2010, the median sold price is up 11%. In ’08 properties were selling for a mean price of $830,000. In Dec ’10, the midrange sale price had grown $91,000 (11%) to $921,000. (Btw, if we look back a year at December ’09, the median sale price was $799,000, 15% below current mark... 01/04/2011

Sell now, avoid (some) regret later. That was Steve Harney's advice recently to a roomful of real estate agents. Harney is a housing industry consultant who told the assembled agents of John Greene Realtor in Naperville, Ill., that they should tell clients who have been sitting on the fence about selling that the time is now — if they want to sidestep more marketplace competition in a few months. Or, as he put it, the cork in the dam is about to pop. That "cork" is banks' indecisiveness. The "water" behind the dam is their stockpile of foreclosed homes, which has been growing with a vengeance for a couple of reasons, Harney said. Banks have been in a state of limbo this year about what to do with repossessed houses, and so they have mostly held on to them in order not to add to the nati... 01/03/2011

All in all, it was a healthy year for real estate in Santa Monica, CA. Here is the year-end analysis of Santa Monica CA real estate: Single Family Homes in Santa MonicaTotal Sales: 238Current Pending Sales: 41Active Listings: 67 If we look at this in an overall manner, it would only take 3.5 months to burn through the existing inventory, but actual days on market varies widely by price range. I'm happy to do a more specific analysis for any curious minds. Distressed Single Family Property Watch in Santa Monica, CA: There are no single family home Bank-Owned/REOs for sale in Santa Monica There are 5 single family Short Sales for sale in Santa Monica This represents that 7.5% of the Santa Monica single family home real estate market is distressed properties for sale. A total of 20 of the... 01/03/2011

Changes To The Big Wave Sculpture In Santa Monica  Steps from my office is the wave-like sculpture you see below that crosses Wilshire Blvd (at Franklin) in front of our door. THE BIG WAVE sculpture in Santa Monica was created by artist Tony DeLap in 1989. It's been described as "an iconic gateway to Santa Monica". For the past couple of months there has been a flutter of activity around The Big Wave with traffic cones, city workers teetering on man-lifts and bulb removed and replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting. I had no idea it originally LIT UP! This week's local paper The Argonaut wrote that it had deteriorated so much that it was suffering from rust and corrosion and the original lighting system had not been functional for a very long time. The new lighting system uses a mer... 12/28/2010

It's that time, the end of a decade, year, and month to see where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going. In this case, we'll be looking at the numbers on how far we've come. More specifically, the home sales for homes in Santa Monica, North of Montana (90402) and interest rate trends. A few weeks ago, we sent out a letter to our clients how there has never been a better time to invest in real estate. Interest rates are historically low and prices are the lowest they've been in over 5 years. To support these statements, see the data below on mortgage, interest rates, and home prices in Santa Monica's North of Montana neighborhood. In order to maximize the highest profit, as a seller, it is best to have a market like this where interest rates are low. For buyers, be prepa... 12/27/2010

FREE MLS HOME SEARCH-SEARCH THE MLS FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN SANTA MONICA, CA & THE SURROUNDING AREAS NOW Are you looking for homes for sale in Santa Monica, Ca?   Now, is one of the best times in years to purchase and buy a home or investment property.  Many buyers do not realize there is a great free tool available to them, if you are looking for homes for sale in Santa Monica, there is a great website available to search the MLS for free.  This website provides Free Mls home search for all properties in Southern California.  Visit the website now and you can immediately start searching for all available real estate and property listings in the MLS: http://www.HeatherPaul.ListingBook.com Home sales have once again been skyrocketing in the "Westside".  Four months in a row home values ha... 12/25/2010

 IS IT A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME OR HOUSE? "The Best Time in 50 Years to Buy a Home" As a Matter of Fact, NOW is a great time to buy a home or purchase your next house! Multibillionaire hedge fund operator John Paulson, the investment genius who made a killing going short subprime mortgages a few years ago recently spoke to a standing room only crowd at New York’s University Club about the U.S. economy and said the following about housing: As this is the best time in 50 years to buy homes, Paulson advised his listeners, crowded into three separate dining rooms, to issue 30 year mortgages to buy a home as "your debt and interest payments get locked in at record lows, while the price of your home will rise." "If you don’t own a home, buy one," Paulson recommended; "if you own one home, b... 12/25/2010

Are you relocation or moving to Santa Monica, Ca in the near future?  Relocating is a huge under taking, thoughtful planning is crucial for a smooth transition for moving a new area.  Santa Monica, Ca is a great place to move to.  It offers some of the BEST weather on the West Coast with it's beautiful beaches, world famous Santa Monica Pier, outstanding shopping all around, and fabulous places to eat.  However, moving to Santa Monica offers you many other great aspects to consider:  Santa Monica has many famous art galleries and some of the most top-rated schools in the State of California. If you are thinking of moving or relocating to Santa Monica, CA, it is highly recommended to seek the help of a local Santa Monica Real Estate Agent or Santa Monica Realtor to help you with your ho... 12/25/2010

SELLING YOUR SANTA MONICA HOUSE DURING THE HOLIDAYS Many Santa Monica home sellers think that the Holiday Season is the worst time of year to sell a home; however, in reality the Holiday Season may be one of the best times to sell your Santa Monica house.  Here are the Top 15 reasons why to List and Sell Your Santa Monica Home During the Holiday: 1.    There is less competition for buyers, since many sellers delay listing their homes until the Spring. 2.    Winter prospects are more generally more serious buyers, not just looky-loos. 3.   Buyers have more time to look at homes during the holidays, especially during vacations. This is a great time for buyers to take a dual-purpose trip to include both house hunting and family visits without extra cost. 4.   Buyers are more emotional dur... 12/25/2010

Where's the UPSIDE in Being Upside Down in Santa Monica? Hey, how 'bout those Bears?! Yes, I am changing the subject because it's not so nice to be underwater on your home and right now the options are slim.   #1 - If you can still make the payments on your house, bite the bullet and continue to do so.  #2 - If you really need to get out and can cover your expenses with rental income? Great! Go for it. #3 - Short sale (call me to discuss)* #4 - Renegotiate your mortgage (good luck!) For all those who chose #1, I've got some suggestions for making being upside down a little easier on your pocket book and may help you sleep at night. HIRE A REALLY GOOD REALTOR (like me!) - Knowing is half the battle. Do you know how much your home is worth? What are the comps in your area? What's the mark... 12/20/2010

  Take a trip to the Santa Monica Museum of Art in Santa Monica, California! At the Santa Monica Museum of Art you will get to see all the wonderful exhibits that present the different types of contemporary art. There are many different educational programs for all ages to explore and learn! The Santa Monica Museum of Art devotes its exhibition spaces to exploring and advancing the work of not only the local artists, but international artists as well. For more information regarding the Santa Monica Museum of Art please visit the link: http://www.smmoa.org What a great way to envelope yourself into art! CHEERS 12/16/2010

Secret Romantic Hotspots In Santa Monica! Guys (and Gals!), you've got the shoes, pulled the dry cleaner plastic off your new duds and had your car recently detailed. Now, where do you go?  You could resort to Zagats but this is a SPECIAL night...you need something different. Here are some SECRET romantic hotspots in Santa Monica that are sure to keep the sparks flying: 1) The Santa Monica pier is a great place to watch the sunset but try to sit comfortably and get a drink? Not happening. My suggestion, SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH.   Shutters has one of the coziest lounges in Santa Monica with great drinks and stellar service. You'll have VIP beachside seats to our gorgeous sunset. PLUS >>> Every Thurs, Fri & Sat from 6-11pm catch the Supa Lowery Brothers for jazz. 2) Is your special someone ... 12/16/2010

North of Montana, Santa Monica, CA Here are the November 2010 Market Analysis Report of real estate sales: The numbers include Homes, Condo's and Income property.   Sold: 10 Average Days On Market:71 Low Price: $715,000 Median Price: $1,740,000 High Price: $4,162,175 *Average Sale Price to List Price: 90.72% Home Selling Tip: Even if your entire house doesn't need to be painted, a fresh coat of paint in a new color on the door and trim may keep couple thousand dollars on your sale price. *Accepted Offers are within 90.72% of Listing Price. To search for more homes North of Montana, click here For more about how this report relates to your home. Contact Kim at 310-737-8173 or Info@KimAndKristine.com     To search for more homes North of Montana, click here   For more about how this repor... 12/13/2010

Spend The Winter Holiday In Santa Monica! I spent much of my adult life FREEZING in the sub-artic temperatures of the Windy City. I finally made my way West and have not regretted it one bit. Well, maybe just for the lack of good pizza here. Why should you spend winter in Santa Monica? Three good reasons come to mind: WARM SUNNY MID 70'S I've also found some great hotel deals in Santa Monica for folks thinking about escaping the snow drifts in the Midwest! CASA DEL MAR FALL GETAWAY - 1910 Ocean Way (310) 581-5533, Available thru December 29th. Includes $150 daily hotel credit FAIRMONT MIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS - 101 Wilshire Blvd (866) 540-4470, package includes two complimentary passes to the Santa Monica skating rink. Package available from December 1, 2010 - Dec... 12/13/2010

Ocean Park, Santa Monica, CA Here are the November 2010 Market Analysis Report of real estate sales: The numbers include Homes, Condo's and Income property. Sold: 13 Average Days On Market: 104 Low Price: $325,000 Median Price: $875,000 High Prince: $2,615,000 *Average Sale Price to List Price: 95.76% Home Selling Tip: Even if your entire house doesn't need to be painted, a fresh coat of paint in a new color on the door and trim may keep couple thousand dollars on your sale price.   *Accepted Offers are within 95.76% of Listing Price. 12/12/2010

There is a new Santa Monica Ocean front condo for sale at Park Plaza, 515 Ocean Ave. This is a 3 bed 2.5 bath, 1900 sq. ft. unit listed for $1,629,000.  HOA fees are $1,195 per month. This is the only unit to come on the market over the past year.  \ Search homes for sale and lease Park Plaza 12/09/2010

Santa Monica - Market Report for November 2010: () October's figures for comparison Number of Units Sold: 27 (23) Average Days on the Market: 78 (75) Median Price: $715,000 ($750,000) Average List Price: $840,200 ($806,000) Average Selling Price: $815,500 ($776,000) Lowest Price Condo Sold: $300,000 ($358,000) Highest Price Condo Sold: $2,100,000 ($1,561,000) Total Sold in Dollars: $22,020,000 ($17,855,000) Stewart Penn - Realtor for homes, condos & lofts in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Information obtained from The MLS is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. 12/07/2010

Exploding Cell Phones?! Fake iPhones?! Yikes! Exploding Cell Phones I've heard of explosing conversations but this takes the cake! We all have devices with Lithium Ion batteries. Phones, Laptops, cameras, etc.  Did you know that they can become unstable in either too cold or too hot conditions?  Leaving my phone in the car is something I am guilty of from time to time. Not any more! iPhones  - Instructions read "This mobile phone can make you to enjoy your work..." I have a Blackberry myself but I've been thinking of adding an iPhone to my stash of electronic gadgetry. Buying this on Ebay or Craigslist seemed like a good idea but now I know there are risks and I may get a counterfeit instead. Here's a great video on spotting the difference. Lessons learned? Take care of your technology ... 12/06/2010

So you have not started your holiday shopping yet! Why not spend the day shopping, eating and just enjoying your day at Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. There you can shop and dine all in the same place! On the 3rd Street Promenade, there is always an event going on for your entertainment. It is like being at a circus! There are so many wonderful restaurants to eat at where you can just sit down and relax from your day of shopping! For more information regarding the 3rd Street Promenade please visit the link below: http://www.downtownsm.com/visitors/index.html After that, it is only a short walk to the Santa Monica Pier, where you can catch a beautiful sunset to end your fantastic excursion! CHEERS   12/03/2010

Worst House On The Block! What impression is your house giving to prospective buyers? Is it welcoming, clean and well-kept? Or has it been dubbed the "Halloween haunted house" by the neighborhood kids?! Here are some surefire ways to keep buyers walkin' and achieve WORST HOUSE ON THE BLOCK status.... 1) Cook some fish and leave it burning on the stove. Odors are a HUGE turnoff to prospective home buyers so add some onions while you're at it. 2) Unleash the Hounds from Hell!Make sure that snaggle-toothed, pitbull mix who loves hanging from that old tire in the yard is hungry and ready to greet all visitors. 3) Don't flush. 'Nuff said. 4) Light some candles and throw in a lantern or two.Let buyers know that you're "old timey" and don't turn on any lights. It's those surprise ottomans they... 12/02/2010