I found this information on Yahoo real estate and wanted to share with everyone! When you purchase your first home, I'm sure this will be helpful... Are you a new homeowner looking for ways to save some money? Here are some great places to start. Tip #1 - If You Can, Get a Shorter-Term Mortgage Tip #2 - Get Rid of Your Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Tip #3 - Shop for the Best Home Insurance Rate Tip #4 - Consider a Home Contractor for Some Projects, But Not All Tip #5 - Consider Bundling Your Internet, Cable, and Phone Search for homes in your city: Bel Air | Beverly Hills | Calabasas | Culver City | El Segundo | Hancock Park | Hermosa Beach | Malibu | Manhattan Beach | Mar Vista | Marina del Rey | Pacific Palisades | Palms | Playa Vista | Playa del Rey | Redondo Beach | Santa Monica ... 09/23/2012

I felt this article is important to share. I ran across it while on realestate.msn.com There are a lot of people who have lost their homes and are now needing to rent. The rental market has become a very agressive and fast paced market here in Los Angeles! Most applicants will show up to the showing with their applications completed, copies of credit reports, references and security deposit checks.. In recent years, unemployment and other issues have slashed many Americans' credit scores. At the same time, foreclosures and tighter lending criteria have also sent one-time homeowners back to the rental market and kept others renting longer. If you have credit issues, getting approved for a rental isn't always easy because many landlords and management companies run a credit check on prosp... 09/23/2012

This is a very interesting article from MarketWatch.com Interestingly enough, I was having a conversation with my wife last night trying to decide what and where we are going to invest in. Here is a piece of the article: Some of the best markets to invest in single-family homes as rentals are small towns in the heartland, according to recent rankings from HomeVestors of America and Local Market Monitor. “Many of these markets not only have unemployment rates well below the national average, but they show strong job growth and housing prices have bottomed out,” said Ingo Winzer, president and founder of Local Market Monitor, a real-estate forecasting firm, in a statement. HomeVestors is a real-estate investment company. Small cities may have less risk for investors than big ones, but for... 09/23/2012

by Jodi Summers It’s been a delightful summer at the beach; the ocean breezes make life much so much easier. Those in search of the good life come here, and that’s why the Santa Monica and Venice real estate markets have been gaining momentum all year. If you contrast August 2012 with August 2011, you’ll notice that the median sold price for properties has risen 5% since last year – from an average of $1,195,000 to $1,260,000. They say good ideas start on the coast and move inland. The June S&P/Case-Shiller report on housing prices checks in with positive across the country. All markets in its 20-city composite are showing gains for the second month in a row. The sample represented by the chart covers about 21% of all of the zip codes in the nation, and is based (like Case-Shiller) on a... 09/11/2012

Labor Day, is synonymous with The Muscle Beach Championship in Venice CA In turn The Muscle Beach Championship in Venice CA is synonymous with Joe Weider, Ben Wider & Betty Weider.  Joe Weider  is immediately associated it with bodybuilding, he has been a legend in the world of weights and for co-founding the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), and  being the creator of bodybuilding competitions Mr. Olympia and Ms. Olympia with his brother Ben Weider When Joe was 17 he published the first issue of Your Physiqueen in 1936; and is now known as Muscle & Fitness.  Joe Weider has developed numerous magazines dedicated to topics related to bodybuilding, among them Muscle Power, Shape, Men’s Fitness, Living Fit, Prime Health and Fitness, Fit Pregnancy, Cooks, Senior Go... 09/01/2012

Do you know where the world’s smallest front yard is? Well, if you were not sure, let me tell you, it is in Venice, CA. close to the ocean north of Washington Blvd.  Millions of tourist and even locals often walk by and are amazed. It is probably one of the most photographed front yards in the greater Los Angeles area. We decided to take the afternoon off and give ourselves a well deserved brake. We went for a stroll on the beach. So on the way back we decided to walk on the walkway in front of the homes. Most people who live here consider the beach as their back yard and put up with the nuisance of everyone walking by their homes. Others have some fun with it. That is the category I would place this home owner       If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, inv... 08/26/2012

20ft Great White Shark spotted off the shore at Venice Beach, CABreaking news: a 20ft great white shark was spotted off the shores of Venice Beach yesterday. I am not trying to be sensationalistic, rather just to caution you that since we have this Summer Heat Wave going on, you might want to reconsider going in the waters near Venice Beach, CA. I am of the generation when the movie “Jaws” came out, hence I am not trying to be an alarmist, just want to put a word of caution out there. Please watch the video in case you are one of the non believers keep in mind it is about 53 seconds long and full of F…words from the person filming it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqL20b7BYlY According to marine biologists in the area no reason to be alarmed, because they are just “curious” well OK I f... 08/11/2012

What is in a Name? What is in a Bag? I am a firm believer that it is important to have name recognition. When you consider selling a home, a condominium or a vacant land in the Hollywood Hills, CA name recognition is important. When you see the name WWW.ENDREBARATH.COM  you think SOLD! When you see DKNY you think of a sharp looking outfit. Something recognizable, whether it is a shirt, a jacket or a pair of blue jean, it is something you will be proud of and happy to wear. Now all you have to do is look on the outside of the bag and you know you got something good inside the bag. As you can see Douggy feels the same way, he wants to see what is in the bag? Should you need a Pet Friendly Realtor you know the name www.endrebarath.com If you are a consumer who is considering buying or sell... 06/15/2012

  We went to: The Venice Meet Up on June 9th, 2012. I received an e-mail blast this past Friday about the “Venice Meet Up” this is one of the coolest blocks, not just in the Greater Los Angeles Area, but in the entire country. Generally they hold these events on the first Friday of the month. As many of us who work 5 to 7 days a week a week, generally Friday is not a good time to relax. Since this was planned for Saturday I figured we could take a couple hours off and check it out.  Diane and I strolled on the trendy Abbott Kinney Blvd, which is full of shops and restaurants and of course the attraction was the Food Trucks and music at the Westminster Elementary School. More than 50 L.A.-area vendors will be showcasing their wares at what Venice Neighborhood Meet organizers say is a col... 06/10/2012

  Beach Cities Car Wash in Venice, CA not your ordinary Car Wash! 2305 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291     Not your ordinary Car Wash! I have owned many cars and washed them all over the country and the world. The Beach Cities Car Wash is my most favorite place to wash my car. It is not just an ordinary Car Wash. It is a destination place! This view is of Lincoln Blvd in Venice CA on a relatively quite morning. Hardly any traffic. Check out the pictures and tell me if I am wrong. How many places do you know that have Pirates hanging around the Car Wash? There are more pictures but I figured you get the idea:))  If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, W... 06/01/2012

Lloyd Cullen Real Estate is a local Venice Short Sale Realtor. As a Venice Short Sale Company that specializes in short sales, you are assured the highest standard of professionalism and can always count on our Venice Short Sale Realtor to help answer any questions you have in regards to Venice Short Sales. Venice Short Sale Realtor Lloyd Cullen is a local Venice Short Sale Expert with experienced Venice Short Sale Agents here to assist you.   Venice Short Sale Realtor We specialize in Short Sales for Venice and Surrounding Areas If you need Venice short sale agents to help you buy a home, call us first. Our agents have handled many, many Venice real estate short sale transactions. We know that the process can be frustrating and complicated at times, but our Venice Short Sale Agents are... 05/28/2012

New Venice real estate listings | Monday May 14th 2012 Here are the newest real estate sales and rentals listings in Venice: Westside Properties is a full-service real estate boutique brokerage based in Venice serving the entire Westside of Los Angeles.  We proudly represent the finest properties throughout the Westside. We work as a team and combine our extensive real estate experience, powerful resources and… Read More 05/14/2012

Lenders are using a variety of tools to prevent mortgage fraud Happy Monday everyone! We hope you had a great weekend and had a chance to spoil your moms yesterday. Take a look at this important news article from the Los Angeles Times: Don’t even think about fudging on your application for a mortgage by inflating your income a tad, checking the box to indicate you’re…Read More   05/14/2012

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a fabulous weekend and enjoyed some rest. I have to share this news article from MarketWatch.. Homeowners who had a mortgage in any stage of the foreclosure process in 2009 and 2010 and who think they may have been victims of errors or other problems in the process may be eligible for compensation. But time is running out. The Federal Reserve Board issued enforcement actions against 14 major mortgage servicers last year, requiring them to retain independent consultants to review foreclosure cases from that time period. The reviews are to determine if a consumer suffered “financial harm” due to errors or other problems during the foreclosure process. Request for review forms must be postmarked or submitted to the independent foreclosure review admini... 05/07/2012

Venice, California is one of the Most desired Real Estate Markets in the nation!  The Venice Real Estate Market has been very active lately. Here is the latest Venice Real Estate Market Statistics and Average Home Listing Prices for the local area. BEST VENICE REAL ESTATE AGENTS Thinking of Selling your Home or Property? Find out what it is currently worth here, just enter your address and information to get your current property value now, Click Here    VIEW SOME OF THE GREAT REAL ESTATE DEALS AVAILABLE IN VENICE BELOW: Showing properties 1 - 50 of 53. See more city of Venice real estate. (all data current as of 1/17/2012) $1,150,000 : 2512 Ocean Avenue, Venice 2 beds, 1 full bath Home size: 765 sq ft Lot size: 2,702 sqft Year built: 1922 Parking spots: 2 Days on market: 3 Walk Score®:... 01/16/2012

A Letter To My Son.  Yesterday, was simply magical.  The California sky was a gorgeous blue, the sun shined brightly on my face, and the sights and sounds of Venice Beach were fascinating to say the least.  But the day was simply magical because you were in it. It's rare that we get to spend time together, but when we do, I cherish every second.  It's not every day that a 26 year old man wants to hang out with his parents... but you do... and it's very special.  Walking along the bike path and chatting about life was a mother's dream come true.  And the little nuances that caught my eye... seemed to catch yours too!  We marvel at the same things and we both have that little smirk of a smile when something strikes our fancy.  It's funny... I see myself in you. It seems like yesterday... ... 11/26/2011

Happy Tuesday everyone! I'm off to Broker Caravan and am excited to view Dennis Hoppers Venice home. It's beautiful!! Here's a link to view the pictures on my website: http://www.westsidehomefinder.com/home-buyer/home-search#PropertyID=38141805    Westside Properties is a full-service real estate boutique brokerage based in Pacific Palisades serving the entire Westside of Los Angeles.  We proudly represent the finest properties throughout the Westside. We work as a team and combine our extensive real estate experience, powerful resources and connections to benefit you whether you are looking you buy or sell a home in today's exciting and lucrative real estate market. Call us now to get started on the road to buying or selling your next home. 310.459.8191 or email info@wsprops.com       ... 11/15/2011

Happy Sunday everyone! Here is today's Venice CA real estate hotsheet: 1. SFR  1147 LAKE ST $987,999 4 3.00 s.f.2,600 lot6,368 yb1954 MLS#11-566239   11/12/11 New Listing Not too much to report in Venice today but we will report hopefully more information tomorrow. Have a great evening! Best, Dominic Naidoo    Westside Properties is a full-service real estate boutique brokerage based in Pacific Palisades serving the entire Westside of Los Angeles.  We proudly represent the finest properties throughout the Westside. We work as a team and combine our extensive real estate experience, powerful resources and connections to benefit you whether you are looking you buy or sell a home in today's exciting and lucrative real estate market. Call us now to get started on the road to buying or selli... 11/13/2011

Westside Properties is a full-service real estate boutique brokerage based in Pacific Palisades serving the entire Westside of Los Angeles.  We proudly represent the finest properties throughout the Westside. We work as a team and combine our extensive real estate experience, powerful resources and connections to benefit you whether you are looking you buy or sell a home in today's exciting and lucrative real estate market. Call us now to get started on the road to buying or selling your next home. 310.459.8191 or email info@wsprops.com     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, Westwood, Century City, Marina Del Rey & Mar Vista please visit our website: ht... 11/11/2011

Happy Thursday everyone! I hope you are surviving the week! Tomorrow is Veterans Day. Here is a snip from wikipedia about Veterans Day: Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is an annual United States holiday honoring militaryveterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It is coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.) The holiday is commonly printed as Veteran's Day or Veterans' Day in calendars and advertisements. While these spellings are grammatica... 11/10/2011