Home Buyers

 The Northeast Los Angeles communities have much opportunity for a present day home buyer to act upon.  Have you had some confusion about your options in today’s real estate market? Let me, Raphael, help you narrow down the choices that are right for you. The communities of Eagle Rock, Mt. Washington, Highland Park, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Los Feliz and more have more benefits for you than just location. You have regular sales, short-sales, bank-owned and probate properties on the market and knowing the differences are to your benefit. Knowing the specifics are what you can expect in a Realtor as myself for sensational service and trustworthy advice.

But woe to the buyer that is overconfident and unwilling to listen. A home buyer in today’s real estate market needs to have a Realtor that in knowledgeable, trustworthy and a strong negotiator to bring cricial issues to the table.

Here are common missteps that first-time home buyers often make;

1. Snubbing the Realtor by not listening to the reality of a particular house for sale.
2. Guesstimating how much house you can afford to buy without loan approval.
3. Focusing on the house, not the immediate surrounding neighborhood.
4. Making arbitrary low offers just to test the seller.

So the question brought to you the home buyer is…How are things working for you in your current home search? What has not worked for you in the home buying process? As a local Realtor, a proven strategy is presented to you for a remarkable purchase experience. You need to be aware of the entire picture a home presents in preparing a practical offer.  Lastly, be ready to make a decision and listen to your Realtor for the right move. Act now and ask for more details…

Be reminded your privacy is respected and please share this site with others. Recommendations are appreciated and never an obligation or commitment with Raphael. Just good old fashioned service to assist you in your home purchase.

RELIEF

 Northeast Los Angeles is a vast community with a variety of different home sellers. The communities, of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mt. Washington, Glassell Park, Silver Lake / Atwater Village, Los Feliz, Echo Park and more all offer remarkable benefits. A home seller may have an extraordinary breakthrough in preparing for a sensational sale is the right Realtor is utilized.

Raphael handles only the Northeast Los Angeles area and I know that the knowledge and trust will be a comfort to you. Most agents do not have a customized plan other than placing a sign on the property and putting it on the listing service. Call today and see how Raphael can save you money, save you time, save you stress and guide you in obtaining a notable offer.

A FEW HOME SELLER TIPS:

1. Define Your Goal. Do you want the highest sales price — or the biggest check at closing? You must have a strong negotiator such as Raphael, in your corner. Trust & honesty with your Realtor supports a remarkable sale.
2. Times Have Changed. Today’s real estate marketplace is radically different compared to only a few years ago. Purchasers now use the Internet to evaluate and discover amazing information. The result is that buyers are better prepared than in the past.
3. Sparkle And Shine. Sellers must think ‘out of the box’ and energize their home with pizazz. Get rid of things you don’t want to move, organize closets and storage areas, and clean everywhere. Raphael can guide you for best value. The payoff is a higher sales price.
4. Condition. Buyers expect everything to work. You will discover the key areas to focus on in an honest manner with Raphael to bring an easy offer. 

Understanding the plan made  special for you is exciting and fun.  Real estate marketing involves far more than a sign in the yard, the MLS and an ad in the paper. Successful brokers use a variety of methods to attract and qualify prospects, including the latest Internet and communication advances. The plan is what supports obtaining the best and most offers on a property. The agent must be flexible and understand various markets and areas to be of true value to the seller.

A seller needs a professional who earns the commission not an agent who brings a ‘minimal’ amount of service and value. You will appreciate all that Raphael offers you in value and positive programs so ‘act now’ and contact me. A fast and superior Comparative Market Analysis of your home will be done with no obligation or commitment. You will be thrilled with the results and game plan customized for you.

All information is confidential and your privacy respected. Should you not be fully ready to engage right now and know of someone else that is please recommend me.

Open House

 Well if Northeast Los Angeles is the place you want to buy that new home then here is some helpful news for you. Home buyers have such a broad range of options that it is remarkable that such options are made available to you as a home buyer. You will find this list of open houses posted on the multiple listing service of Realtors to make it easier for you to see what is out there in houses for sale.

Sunday-Open House List- 8/29

$ 699k, 3543 Dover, 3+1, Atwater Village, Spanish, vacant, 1200 sq. ft.

$ 449k, 4744 Toland Way, 4+3, Highland Park, Spanish, occupied, 2037 sq. ft.

$ 519k, 2531 Medlow, 3+2, Eagle Rock, Contemporary, occupied, 1417 sq. ft.

$ 469k, 952 N. Ave 49, 4+2, Highland Park, Remodeled, vacant, 1500 sq. ft.

$ 425k, 4013 W. Ave. 40, 2+1, Glassell Park, Traditional, occupied, 1500 sq. ft.

The time frame for open house is from 2:00 to 5:00 in most cases. Have a Realtor to work with and accompany you then great. Should you not have a reliable, knowledegeable Realtor for the area then contact Raphael.

Raphael specializes in the Northeast Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Echo Park, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Mt. Washington, Los Feliz, Glassell Park just to name a few. Interest rates are at record lows as we all know and inventory has recently increased. It has never been a more opportunistic time to invest in real estate for the ‘long term’. Act now and contact me to assist you and discuss your plans. My only purpose is to deliver successful results to you, my client.

Never an obligation or a commitment with Raphael for it is a people business. Should you not be active at this time and know of another person that is then I would appreciate your recommendation. Much information is made available on this site for your benefit so please pass the word and if there is an issue not discussed then please drop me a note be you a home seller or a home buyer.

Information received is strictly confidential and your privacy is respected…

N.E.L.A Home Buying

 Home buyers in search of that sensational property in the Northeast Los Angeles Communities now have a new resource coming on board to be of service. The U.S. Government is in the process of implementing a new agency that will help maintain the rights and legality of process for today’s home buyer. The communities of Mt. Washington, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Atwater Village, Silver Lake and others have much to offer a buyer besides prime location. The inventory of homes for sale are right and with Raphael, a local resident Realtor, the specifics of each neighborhood can be clearly identified.

So let’s get to this new agency that is being put in place to assist and protect active qualified home buyers. What the new consumer protection bureau will do is to be part of the financial reform bill signed into law by President Obama which includes the creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which will write new rules and monitor problems and abuses in areas such as residential real estate settlements, credit scores, “truth in lending,” and equal credit opportunity. It is all definitely needed to ensure property transactions are done the right way with the reliable assistance of a professional Realtor.
One of the earliest and most widely anticipated changes expected to take effect impacts home appraisals.  By law, the agency must create new interim rules on appraisal accuracy and independence to replace the Home Valuation Code of Conduct rules imposed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2009.  Many in the real estate industry, as well as home buyers and sellers, report that previous standards led to low home valuations that, in some instances, derailed home sales transactions in many instances. It is a matter that local Realtors in N.E.L.A had to deal with in the past at various times depending on the individual transaction.
A national hotline system will also will be developed that will allow aggrieved mortgage borrowers and others to issue complaints and alert the Bureau to unfair and deceptive practices. We have all seen and heard of a variety of bizarre processes that have been in operation by certain providers to the real estate community.

Seeking to purchase that custom, craftsman, vintage or view home in Northeast los Angeles then stay in touch with Raphael. Numerous ideas and assistance is presented in this site so take a few minutes to see all the free benefits brought to YOU the home buyer. The ease of purchase with interest rates in the 4% range  make it a real bargain to purchase that new home today. So don’t hesitate and act now to contact Raphael for more reliable and updated information on any N.E.L.A neighborhood.

All details are confidential and feel comfortable to share your information on this site…

Trust

 Echo Park and Los Feliz have just introduced two new listings as we draw close to the end of July. The homes are both regular sales and each offers certain amenities that would interest those buyers seeking something special. The Northeast Los Angeles communities remain in demand and multiple offers can be seen on those remarkable homes priced for a quick sale. Compare these two homes with what you have previously seen and evaluate if it is a fit for you and your family.

Echo Park- $829k, 3+2, 3714 Effie St., 1794 sq. ft. on a 3183 sq. ft. lot

Los Feliz- $699k, 3+1, 4351 Russell Ave., 1055 sq. ft. on a 5052 sq. ft. lot

The Echo Park house for sale is a nice Spanish charater home in the Silver Lake area. The Los Feliz house for sale is a nice California Bungalow with detailed woodwork and close to all the trendy shops of the area.

Interested in knowing more about these two newly listed houses for sale then act now to contact me to arrange a showing. These are two new homes with others that are exciting and stylish also available at this current time. The interest rates remain low with new programs to assist those new buyers and those seeking to downsize or upgrade. The inventory of homes remains at a steady figure but not in a mode of abundance in listings.

As your local Realtor I bring you value in knowing the area and specifics that only a resident would be aware of. Let’s not hesitate and let the opportunity that today’s real estate market offers. View my custom home search page for additional details and let me know of any questions you may have and obtain a quick reply.

Your information is all confidential and never shared with anyone…

Real Estate Reference Guide;

Seeking some input on Architectural Design relating to homes then check out;

american institute of architects
http://www.aia.org/index.htm

KNOWLEDGE

 The neighborhoods of Northeast Los Angeles have a large percentage of home sellers that are respectable and realistic. Numerous houses for sale are being priced right the first time and sellers are more helpful in house related details. Mt.Washington, Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, Highland Park and Glassell Park presently have a fair amount of houses for sale priced well in the $400k to $600k range. Obviously, being your local resident Realtor is knowledge of the community along with the benefits to present the best in a marketing sales plan.

Pricing Your Home Is Critical; Consider comparables. Review current data presented to you to include local numbers in the past 90 days of movement. What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently needs to be looked at accounting for pros and cons. How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities is all part of the equation.

All my clients are also presented with competition in the housing market inside and outside of their immediate neighborhood. Time must also be discussed as it will mean a smooth transition if planned well. The home seller may also go for an officail appraisal just to state the current value in the sales market. A written appraisal is also a great marketing element in obtaining an acceptable offer.

Home Sellers need to be realistic and discuss the lowest price that would be accepted while being honest to themselves and the Realtor. Northeast Los Angeles is where my expertise, knowledge and experience support the seller in meeting objective set. Obtain that ‘free’ Comparative Market Analysis for a documented value to your house. Act Now, it is something every home owner should keep updated for reference. Homework is what I do best.

Your PRIVACY is always RESPECTED…be comfortable on this site…

Hot News

 Echo Park now has just seen two new income properties posted for sale. The week has shown that opportunity still exist for those who are able to make a decision and act now. These two Bank-Owned properties are one in central Echo Park and the other in the Silver Lake community.

You want to know a few details as a wise person and I will oblige you but you must act now…

$425k, Tri-Plex, 241 N. Union Ave. 2+2, 2+1, 1+1 and a separate house on a lot that is 14k sq. ft.

$562k, Tri-Plex, 1428 Silver Lake Blvd. 2+1, 2+1, 1+1, lot size is about 5k sq. ft.

Keep in mind that these income properties in Northeast Los Angeles are sold as-is with no reports etc. as they are bank-owned. A ‘local’ Realtor will be the benefit brought to any investor willing to view. I offer the skill of negotiations and am certified in this process for the ultimate win-win transaction. Financial strength is a major factor as the banks are only interested in the bottom line which is $$$. Act now and contact me for additional information as well as comparables which will be quickly supplied.

The real estate market is still with awesome opportunities to be had by the wise investor. Cosmetic fixes are a definite but a workable condition. A strong inspection and a savy Realtor will be key to make it happen. Contact me today for a quick response to your questions…

Local news to use;

Seeking to find a free wi-fi hot spot? Just check out this site and see some benefit to assist you.

http://www.wififreespot.com/ Should you wonder what else is goin on in any of the communities in Northeast Los Angeles than please ask and you will receive a rapid response. As a ‘local” Realtor and a resident information ia always available. No obligation just service being presented.

Your privacy is always respected on this site…

Northeast Los Angeles

 Eagle Rock, Atwater Village, Highland Park have new developments for condominiums in process for the very near future. The area of Northeast Los Angeles is extremely desirable to all developers primarily due to its location. The communities keep an awesome watch via the neighborhood councils on all projects proposed for ading residential properties by any developer. The specific plan for building is quite strict and even more so when it involves hillside structures.

Not long ago a developer who wanted to do a variety of large homes in Moon Canyon lost the battle with the Mt. Washington residents. It took years of court dates and due process only to have the land taken as ‘eminent domain’ and the property turned over to become a park. Will developers ever learn that Northeast Los Angeles is not Burger King and they cannot have it their way… Residents have a say in their community and always will regarding any development.

Here are a few developments that are presently in process with the City Of Los Angeles;

1. Highland Park Transit Village – 101 units between Avenue 56 and Avenue 59, four stories. http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2010/06/will-the-city-finally-strike-a-deal-over-the-highland-park-transit-village/

2. 4200 Eagle Rock Boulevard – 56 Unit proposed 98% low income house with only 27 parking spaces. With the density bonus the amount of units was able to be increased by 77% from 18 units to 56. – http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2010/06/affordable-housing-developer-wants-to-build-big-on-eagle-rock-boulevard/#more-5395

3. Menlo Condo Project at Fletcher and Riverside Drive – 120 units, http://redcarproperty.blogspot.com/2010/05/menlo-property-red-car-property.html (120 proposed units on the old red car property)

4.Durbin Condo Project in Echo Park – 36 units – http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2010/06/unfinished-echo-park-condo-project-gets-a-trim/

So don’t you agree that this is worthwhile information to know? Should you be a resident or planning on being a resident stay in tune with what is going on in the various communities of N.E.L.A.

As a ‘local’ RealtorI keep my clients informed to bring complete value in the benefits that are offered. The assistance given to all clients is a result of constant training and experience. A Realtor number one and a Certified e-PRO on internet technology and Certified Short-Sale and Bank-Owned Specialist give my clients what they deserve and more.

Professional

 Your privacy is always respected and I work to exceed my clients expectations. Contact me now with any request regarding all the neighborhoods of Northeast Los Angeles…

Home Buyer

Northeast Los Angeles home buyers of recently upgraded or remodeled  homes should ask the seller for all construction-related documents. It is always in the best practices to have these related reports for future reference.

Reports that the home seller could give would be; geotechnical report, engineering drawings, letters to the planning department  and confirmation of all permits being completed.

Verifying livable square footage is a big issue in today’s real estate market. Many lenders won’t count additions or renovations that add square footage in the appraised valuation of the property.

If the sellers can’t provide any supporting documentation, such as copies of approved permits, the property could appraise for less than the agreed upon sales price. This could jeopardize the transaction if the lender approved a lower mortgage amount than you requested.

It’s a good idea to check the permit history at the planning department yourself if the sellers can’t provide copies of permits for work done. This should let you know if renovations were done with permits and if the permits received final approval. You should have this information ‘before’ removing the inspection contingency.

N.E.L.A Home

The Dept. of Building and Safety is not suppose to issue a new permit if there is a permit on record that never received final approval. The new owners might incur fees to clear up any outstanding permits before they can move forward with possible new improvements. Every home buyer should check the City files for it only takes a little time to accomplish this.

In California, 70 percent of the homes bought by investors in 2009 were distressed-sale properties, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Fixers priced over $500k aren’t as easy to sell today. Most buyers in higher price ranges are buying a home to live in. They want a home in move-in condition that will suit their long-term needs.

One will always have exceptions. In high-demand market niches with few listings, like Mt. Washington, there is occasionally a fixer-upper that draws a lot of attention. Usually, these fixers sell to buyers who will live in the property and fix it up themselves to save money. Often this is the only way they can afford to move into one of the neighborhoods in N.E.L.A. such as Mt. Washington, Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, Glassell Park, Highland Park and El Sereno just to mention a few.

Cosmetic improvements, such as painting, replacing outdated floors, or refinishing worn hardwood floors can pay off. Complete Presale inspections by licensed quality inspectors will help buyers make a sound decision whether or not to tackle a project.

Sellers who have equity in their home and cash to invest in fix-up for-sale work should consider making cost-effective renovations, like a kitchen upgrade, but not an entire renovation. It is an important factor to review  what the home would sell for with and without certain improvements as only your ‘local’ Realtor would truly know.

I maintain a list of proven and reliable service providers to assist an owner in any type of home renovation at a reasonable price.

Homework is what I do best to properly advise all my clients when buying or selling a home. Today’s real estate market is like a jungle and requires a local guide to be on the positive side of thing.

All information is strictly confidential and privacy always respected.

Audubon Center

 Highland Park and El Sereno share a large piece of real estate known as ‘Debs Park’ which encompasses the Audubon Center. A great place for home owners to enjoy and current home buyers to be aware of as a true community benefit.

Audubon Center at Debs Park
4700 N. Griffin Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca 90031
323-221-2255
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

The Audubon Center opened in 2003 as an environmental education and conservation center for the communities of Northeast Los Angeles. The Center is located in the third largest park in the city of Los Angeles. The Center’s mission is to inspire people to experience, understand and care for the local natural world.

The nature-based education and community programs are designed to engage children and their families in the outdoor world, and give them a personal stake in its protection by making environmental issues relevant to their lives. The Center is operated by Audubon California, a state field program of National Audubon Society, and is a vital part of Audubon’s national outreach to all audiences. The Center is a unique gathering place and dynamic focal point for outdoor recreation, environmental education and conservation action.

July Calendar

Every Sunday Morning (8:30 – 9:30 am)
Free Tai Chi Class

Enjoy a peaceful early morning in our courtyard. Volunteer instructor, Wayne Qian, will teach you techniques to ease your tension and stress, and improve your balance and breathing.

Friday, July 16 (6:45 – 10:00 pm)
Audubon Film Fridays
In partnership with Los Angeles and Pasadena Audubon, we are pleased to present Audubon Film Fridays. Our summer film nights start off with an optional bird walk at 6:45 pm, and then at 8:00 pm we start our films. Showing this month is Paddle to the Sea and Rock the Boat in English, no subtitles. Gather under the stars to watch films about the natural world that surrounds us.

Saturday, July 17 (9:00 – 11:00 am, rain or shine)

Women’s Fitness Hike

Ladies: Get movin’ with Maria from Azteca Training Center. She will lead a moderate hike up and down the hills of Debs Park.

Bring water, wear workout/hiking shoes. Free child care for ages 4 and up will be provided. English and Spanish speakers welcome.

Saturday, July 24 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Old Time String Band Jam Session
Listen and dance to local area musicians strum Southern Appalachian style fiddle and banjo tunes. Bring your own instrument to join in on the fun!

Well here you have it, another tidb it from your ‘local’ Realtoron great events that take place in Northeast Los Angeles. The communities of Highland Park, Mt. Washington, El Sereno, Montecito Heights, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Silver Lake and others all benefit from the programs offered. 

Learn more about this area now simply by ‘asking me’ what’s happening. Looking to buy in the area then do the same ‘ask me’. Check out my custom home search page for accurate information on the real estate market per your specific requirements. Remember, no-obligation / no-commitment, so get the facts and invest wisely.

Your privacy is always respected and confidentiality is #1, act now for a postive real estate transaction