Archive for April, 2009
We Love: Mint.com
April 21st, 2009 Categories: Buying a Home, Real Estate Tools, Tips & Tools
Believe it or not, there’s a fun and easy way to manage your money! We love how the folks at mint.com have innovated budget planning, and wanted to share it with you. Let us know what you think and if you have any money managing tools you’d like to share with us. Happy bookkeeping!
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Stabilizing at Last?
April 15th, 2009 Categories: Buying a Home, Real Estate Tools
Our topsy-turvy Los Angeles market is finally leveling off, it seems! With median home prices holding steady for three entire months in a row, both the L.A. Times and Bloomberg are reporting that the freefall has finally reachced its end. We think.
Any questions about the local market? Still wondering whether it’s a good time for you to buy or sell? The answer is probably “yes” — but feel free to drop me an email or call the office if you’d like to chat about it!
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Five Rules for Buying…Abroad
April 14th, 2009 Categories: Buying a Home, Tips & Tools
The local real estate market may be picking up, but what about Prague or Pamplona? The Times (of London, that is) gives you five great rules of thumb for buying property abroad. Whether you’re considering a second home, a vacation rental or an investment property, there’s a lot to be taken into consideration. That amazing little villa two hours outside of Dijon might not be a great rental if no one can get to it…and is that condo in Frankfurt such a steal because it’s adjacent to the worst neighborhood in town? Do plenty of research, and definitely work with a seasoned local real estate professional…you might just end up with the vacation home of your dreams!
PS: If you’re interested in international real estate, check out some of our own international listings at thevaleriefitzgeraldgroup.com!
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Real Estate Price Declines – How Does L.A. Compare?
April 9th, 2009 Categories: Buying a Home, Real Estate Tools
We’re finally seeing local home prices level off, and we’re also seeing an increase in listing and sales activity — both great news for the Los Angeles real estate market. But the last year or so has been a pretty wild ride…and not just for us. This great interactive chart from the New York Times compares how prices in major U.S. cities have risen and fallen (and risen, and fallen, and risen, and…) over the last few years. We’re looking forward to seeing those bars go back up again!
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Cooking Demonstrations At Two Rodeo Drive
April 7th, 2009 Categories: Real Estate Tools, events in los angeles
Every Saturday in April from 11am to 4pm, Two Rodeo Drive will host cooking demonstrations on Via Rodeo. Come watch as culinary masterpieces are prepared by the executive chefs of some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants! Wine pairings will be offered for each prepared dish by a sommelier and will offer a 10% discount on all purchases. Live entertainment too! Fun and all for a good cause: Provide a donation to the LA Foodbank in the form of canned goods, non-perishables or a donation of $5 or more and get $7 off your all-day parking at Two Rodeo on the day of the show.
Click here if you need more info — we hope to see you there!
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What does a trillion dollars look like?
April 3rd, 2009 Categories: Real Estate Tools, Tips & Tools
With all the news about financial crises, stock market volumes and bailout plans lately, we’ve been hearing some pretty big numbers thrown around. It’s one thing seeing them written out (that’s a LOT of zeroes), but seeing a physical representation of that much cash is a lot different. Pagetutor.com decided to show us exactly what a trillion dollars looks like in bundles of hundred dollar bills…and it’s absolutely mind-blowing!
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Mortgage Rates are at Historical Lows!
April 1st, 2009 Categories: Buying a Home, Real Estate Tools
Mortgage rates are at historical lows. This article from U.S. News & World Report clearly explains all the moving parts and how it impacts borrowers. There are some great deals out there, so please email me with any questions.
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