Mortgage Rates Hit Historic Low!

low rates

For the first time in history, mortgage rates have dropped below 4 percent on the average 30-year fixed rate loan. "This is an opportunity most people won't see again in their lifetimes," Zillow's chief economist, Stan Humphries said in a statement. If you are in the market for a new home, this means that your money will now get you more house, or you can purchase the same house for less. Let's look at a real life example.  If you are in the market for a home for $1,000,000 and you are … [Read more...]

Welcome to Casa De Fuentes!

Drexel

Welcome to Casa De Fuentes! This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath Spanish home is situated behind gates and is completely private from the street. This property promotes California living at its best. All rooms open onto a peaceful and tranquil oasis which features a pool, spa and outdoor entertaining spaces. Features include a sun filled living room with fireplace and bay window, formal dining room, and kitchen with top of the line appliances. There are hardwood floors throughout. Just minutes to … [Read more...]

Danny Batsalkin and Elena Dubinsky on cover of Top Agent Magazine!

Picture 021

Danny Batsalkin and Elena Dubinsky of The Batsalkin Group are featured as the cover story in the September, 2011 issue of Top Agent Magazine. "Here’s a riddle: what do you get when you cross an attorney with a real estate agent? Answer: you get a skilled, efficient, knowledgeable real estate professional with a trained legal mind." [read more ...] … [Read more...]

Fantastic Beverly Hills VIEW Condo!

Final-14

Reduced! Spectacular location and VIEWS! Commanding, unobstructed 180 degree views from every room of this spacious, light and bright Beverly Hills top floor condo! Double door entry leads to expansive living room with fireplace, large eat-in kitchen, laundry in-unit, new bamboo floors, wet bar, balcony, recessed lighting, central heating and air, two separate parking spaces. Impressive building features rooftop deck with amazing views, heated pool and sauna, and rec room with pool table. … [Read more...]

The time to buy real estate is NOW! Seriously, NOW!

cape cod home-1

Have you been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the real estate market to "bottom out" so you can jump in and buy? Waiting for interest rates to hit their lowest point so that you can lock in a great loan? Your time is here NOW! Seriously folks, there has NEVER, EVER, EVER been a better time to buy real estate, whether you are buying your first home, trading up to a larger home, downsizing or buying an investment property. Do it NOW or regret it later! Here are 3 reasons … [Read more...]

Does downgrade of U.S. Debt affect Real Estate?

dollar2341-300x226

In light of recent events, you may be asking the question "Does the downgrade of U.S. debt affect real estate?" To be frank, I do not see this making much of an impact on real estate sales in Southern California. Interest Rates are at a 50 year low.  As our mortgage partners concur, I do not see them rising due to the downgrade.  I certainly see interest rates rising as the economy recovers, especially if we also see some inflation. Many of our clients are currently in the process of … [Read more...]

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Now Required

carbonmonoxide

Effective July 1st, 2011, all residential homes in California require carbon monoxide detectors. Below is a Q&A regarding this new law. Q 1. What is carbon monoxide? A Carbon monoxide is a gas produced whenever any fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal, is burned.  A person cannot see or smell carbon monoxide.  However, at high levels carbon monoxide can kill a person in minutes. In addition, there are well-documented chronic health effects of acute carbon … [Read more...]

Housing Affordability Index Most Favorable in 30 Years!

housingrecovery

In 2011, the financial ability for Americans to buy a home reached its highest level in 30 years, according to the housing affordability index (HAI) produced by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Housing affordability considers home prices, mortgage rates and family income. NAR's housing affordability index shows that in the first half of 2011, the typical monthly mortgage payment for the purchase of a median-priced existing home is only 13 percent of gross household income, the … [Read more...]

Open House L.A. Films Pacific Palisades Home

RivasCanyon1

LXTV/OpenHouse LA filmed one of Rodeo Realty's listings in the Pacific Palisades! We don't have a firm air date yet, but stay tuned, because this house is incredible! The 11,000 square foot architectural property, built in 2010, sits on a ¾ acre lot that is elevated and poised against the mountain.  Mature Oak and Sycamore trees provide unmatched privacy and serenity. The resort-like estate boasts 7 bedrooms and 9 baths, showroom quality kitchen, extra large formal living and dining … [Read more...]

Home Prices Tumbling, OR ARE THEY?

question mark

You may have seen an article in the Los Angeles Daily News today entitled Home Prices Tumbling. I personally received several calls today from clients asking about the article and where I thought the real estate market was headed in the coming months. First and foremost, if you know me, you know that I don't really care for the news media (unless they're writing a good story about me!). They generally sensationalize everything, only report on negative news (that's what sells, isn't it?) … [Read more...]