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…

Los Feliz

 Well the Los Feliz real estate community has a number of houses posted in August for sale. The Los Feliz community is a very desirable place with homes that are priced in the upper price range. Los Feliz is a populat home buyer desirable neighborhood with the center of custom homes located north of Los Feliz Blvd near the Greek Theatre, The Observatory and Griffith Park. A total of 78 homes have been sold since the first of the year and the average price per square foor is $460.

The Los Feliz neighborhood has a variety of cafes and restaurants mostly located on Hillhurst Ave. and Vermont Ave. with great places to spend an afternoon or evening. The majority of homes for sale are custom view homes with a range of $600k to $900k on average.

Here are some new houses for sale posted this month north of the Blvd;

$ 2.8 million, 5+5, 5660 sq. ft. with 23k sq. ft. lot, 2640  Nottingham Ave.

$ 1.7 million, 4+4, 3862 sq. ft. with 18k sq. ft. lot, 2050  N Edgemont St.

Here are some new houses for sale posted this month south of the Blvd;

$ 725k, 3+3, 2288 sq. ft. with 6700 sq. ft. lot, 1518  Sanborn Ave. (Bank-Owned)

$ 699k, 3+2, 1988 sq. ft. with 6490 sq. ft. lot, 2246  Lyric Ave.

$ 650k, 2+1, 1231 sq. ft. with 5793 sq. ft. lot, 1928  Talmadge St.

This Northeast Los Angeles community is very desirable to those that commute to the film and entertainment industry as well as those that own their own business.  The homes on the average take about 90 to 100 days to enter a pending status and opening escrow. Inventory is high at the 5% monthly range and negotiations are a key factor in the sale of a home in this neighborhood.

As a local Realtor it is reliable to have the knowledge and know the real  value that the community offers to persons seeking this particular location. The amount of short-sales and bank-owned properties rae a small percentage but opportunities do exist. Allowing home buyers certain programs is only part of the service I offer. All buyers are given a credit by me towards the amount of the home inspection cost.

All informtion is confidential and privacy is always respected. Act now to secure more details on homes available and homes recently sold. All questions will be promptly answered and contact may be done via e-mail or cell phone…

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…

Street Fair

Well if you are in Los Feliz looking at what the real estate market has to offer then also check out the local street fair. It is just another opportunity for a person to get a better understanding of what the community is all about. My office will have a booth with tons of information regarding the current state of real estate so just look for the big Keller-Williams Realty Banner and stop by.

Presently, a total of 53 single family homes are listed for sale with a price range from $300k up to $4mill. The month of July has results of 9 homes sold ranging from $800k to $2mill. The community is wonderful to reside in with many custom homes with incredible views.

So come check out the upcoming Los Feliz Street Fair and enjoy the day;

Join the fun and celebrate at the sensational Los Feliz Village Summer Fair. Local businesses on Vermont, Hillhurst and Hollywood are celebrating summer with special offers and discounts!

Enjoy the best Los Feliz has to offer and appreciate strolling musicians, face painting, live entertainment & music and an exciting scavenger hunt. Enjoy your favorite hang-outs and get to know the community.

Pick up a comprehensive map of participating members & planned events on the complimentary transports. Free transportation is available throughout the Village.

Get a chance to win a 3G IPAD! $1 raffle tickets will be available at several locations throughout the Village. Proceeds to benefit the Barnsdall Art Center.

Please stop by the Keller Williams Los Feliz Office located at 1660 Hillhurst! Between 2 and 8 p.m. visit the Art Show; there will also be face painting, balloons, and refreshments. In addition, a Dog Adoption will be going on between 3 and 6 p.m.

Wondering more on the real estate market in Los Feliz and the surrounding communities? Contact me today to discover the opportunity available to a qualified home buyer. I am a resident Realtor that handles Northeast Los Angeles exclusively. Act now for more specifics.

Privacy is greatly respected and all your information is confidential

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…

Steady-Income

 The communities of Los Feliz and Silver Lake – Atwater Village have three hot new ‘income’ properties just listed for sale that are worth a look. Income properties are very often a great investment for the right individual seeking a sound property that generates good monthly income for the owner. The home buyer in this area must be familiar in knowing operational cost and total income received to see what the net result is on a regular basis.

So, has your interest sparked to know the price and location?

1. $385k, 3180 Casistas Avenue, duplex, bank-owned, 1300 sq. ft. living space on a 5400 sq. ft. lot with detached garage for both units.
2. $569k, 1936 Mayview Drive, 1926 Spanish Duplex, Los Feliz, regular sale, 1244 sq. ft. living space on a 3920 sq. ft. lot with updates.
3. $639k, 4020 Benis Street, 5-plex, regular sale, 2608 sq. ft. living space on a 10541 sq. ft. lot with updates and on-site parking.

The property in Los Feliz is a true charmer that will be quickly discovered by a selective buyer for its features and authentic spanish charm. The other two properties are in Atwater Village and are all one level with nice property layouts of the units. The 5-plex consist of two 2+1 and 3 1+1 units with updated plumbing and wood floors. Income properties are always popular in these communities because they are in trendy communities with great location regarding commuting. Great for long term investment value.

Cash Flow

 As a ‘local’ Realtor a win-win transaction can be negotiated if the buyer has all financials in order and ready to make decisions. The key is to look at condition and value in the long term to capture a true assessment of what a future return can be. Presenting a complete and detailed market analysis of the immediate area within 1/4 mile is the first action that is done to benefit my investor. A practical discussion follows so that all my clients concerns are evaluated in preparation of awesome negotiations.

All client information is private – confidential…be safe and secure.

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.