BR's RE BLOGATERIA!

Well it’s a little late this year but here is the Christmas list for the last minute shopper in you. Check out these cool media gadgets for under $300.00. One of these will probably change the internet exponentially in the next few years.

http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/12/15/pm_gadget_gifts/

For the music fan , the newish Motorhead album is out and will take you back to the early days, http://www.imotorhead.com/. If you like guitars and great song writing you can never go wrong with You AM I. Tim Rogers is probably the most under-rated singer songwriter in the western world. Their latest album “Diletanttes” Diletanttes is a little close to some recent solo work but oh so tasty. If you haven’t discovered these guys you really need to get out of the house more.

With interest rates dropping and housing still becoming more affordable Feburary could be the beginning of a mini-boom. Some estimates have home interest rates falling into the low 4% range, That coupled with U.S. Government backing could lead to a bit of a run on housing and refinance.

In tough times as we are experiencing now, people and groups of people often make rash decisions, when your looking at condo’s and townhomes, as I always remind you, make sure the association is well managed and takes care of the property. This article in the Daily Breeze is a harbinger of things to come and happens all too often around the country.

Condo Tenants fight for their homes in Torrance

I know many are struggling and its going to be challenging for a while but there is always the opportunity for great success when everything looks bleak. Think outside the box and you may find the answer to what your looking for.

Have a Happy & Safe Holiday Season!!! We appreciate your business in 2008 and look forward to providing great service in 2009 whatever the market brings.

Bob & Linda Robb

info@yoursbl.com or Linda@milestonemtg.com

Now that we all exhaled from that wacky election and are all waiting to see "what's he going to do for me" here are some new options available should you or someone you know be looking for rentals.

We have a very comfortable 4-5 bedroom 2400 sqft home for Lease in West Torrance available 3502 Sara Drive  it's in the West High area and close to everything.

We also have through our partners at the office a 4 bd townhome, w/ ocean view, furnished in Manhattan Beach (2 blocks to the water) and a 5 bedroom in the Tree section of Manhattan beach, unfurnished. Call for details.

Our local Rep Ted Lieu and Arnold are working up some interesting contingencies for the housing crisis here in California. Could it be a model for the rest of the country, You decide  Ted & The Govenator, only time will tell.

There are alot of great deals out there, and new ones coming available daily. Give us a ring if you have any questions about anything happening in the markets.

Bob   (310) 200-2691

Linda (310) 480-6155

or email us @ info@yoursbl.com

Most of you have asked how to get the latest Distressed, Foreclosure,   & Pre-foreclosure listings around Los Angeles & beyond. We've partnered with Foreclosure.com to get that information to you through a single website.

We've added a link at the top of the site & at the bottom of each page to allow you to search on your own for the best deals in Southern California.  Let us know what you think and we'll do our best to make sure your getting the information your need.

It's a buyers market, but great homes are still selling when presented correctly. You can also read up on the FHA 203/K loan that may be the solution for you folks that are handy or need to do some remodeling.

For more information on these and other loan options:

 Visit FHA203kPresentation.pdf  or call Linda @ (310) 480-6155.

If you have any questions about anything going on in the market we're here day or night @ info@yoursbl.com or (310) 200-2691.

HAPPY Halloween....

Ok. Now that you've got all the kettle corn, Tri-tip and other BBQ out of your system and got your butt back in the gym after watching football you should be fresh enough to get it all together this month.

The kids are back in school, and its a great time for you savvy buyers to go aggressive. Only a few more months in the tax season. This market never ceases to suprise but what it does consistently show is that people still want to buy and sell.  Bargains abound and there are some excellent homes within reach that you may not have considered before.

We have a variety of private lots available in Venice & Hollywood this month CALL FOR DETAILS before they hit the MLS.

We also have a private listing in Pacific Palisades that is perfect for a writer, actor, or busy exec who want a home office in the backyard, wine cellar and a basement space big enough to build a recording studio. Pottery Barn quality throughout. Did I mention, shopping around the corner and the surf is just minutes away.

Congratulations to Matt & Steph, Mark & Kahla and Joe Don & Tiffany on the new additions to there families.

Congratulations to Terry & Kae on their new home.

There are awesome deals all over Southern California. 3% down is possible in many parts of the Southbay and beyond. The foreclosure market continues to provide excellent opportunities for all markets. Chat with Linda to see if the property your interested in qualifies lindar@milestonemtg.com. Now that Fed has stepped in on Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae some are predicting a downturn in interest rates. The coming days will see...

The Non Sequitur Section

Want someone to clean you floor, watch the dog, and the house while you at the office and never go into your home? Well the Robots are here...I recently joined the advisory committee for IRobot. Check out the really cool new product the will be releasing soon. IRobot ConnectR I should be testing one soon an will give you feedback.

While I was watching the Gaelic Football Semifinals recently with my Irish friend (way too early in the morning, thank God for the Irish breakfast) I remembered how hard it is to get some international programming here in the US. Want to watch Wheel of Fortune in German or miss something on Sky TV that you can get here....Check out SlingBox... watch you favorite shows anywhere and fake out everybody.

Feel the need for some night putting or just gotta get that Ice plant in the ground. Check out Guerrilla Gardeners... some people really want to make LA more naturally beautiful....

Move over Catalina, when we run out of options this side of the 405, there always is the option of the Floating City. Always an Ocean View and no more sitting in traffic.

Alright... Get back to work and then give us a call, too many great deals to pass up at this point......

Bob info@yoursbl.com  (310) 200-2691

Linda Lindar@milestonemtg.com (310) 480-6155

Just a quick reminder that July 1st is the first day of Handfree phones in your car. I've had several calls from folks who have been pulled over already, so be careful out there. Check out www.freeheadsets.com for free headsets if you need one.

We have a number new short sale listings coming in the next few weeks,

1) Christmas tree section of Torrance

2) 3 bed 2 bath, Torrance 90503

3) Lomita/Torrance 3 Bed 2 bath, Townhome, huge backyard, $499,000

NEW LISTINGS

4) Nicely finished home in Westchester, 85th St.

5) nicely decorated, Townhome, 3 Bed 2 bath in Marina Del Rey

Our Manhattan Beach luxury homes have been recently reduced.

If you have any questions about any of these, give us a call @ (310) 200-2691 or email info@yoursbl.com.

Have a safe week.

IT's officially official. The loan limits are increasing for $417,000 to $729,250 in Los Angeles County and other high income areas. For a list of adjustments around the country and in California email us at info@yoursbl.com not every county in this state is the same and this is not the case everywhere.

Your probably being inundated with this information, what they are not telling you is that the banks haven't all reset for this change yet, so if you in the loan process or considering a loan talk to Linda before you get to far into the process or you have questions. We'll always tell you if you've got a great deal and it can't be beat.

The rites of spring our upon us, the trees are blooming everybody has cabin fever and spring break is just around the corner. Don't party too hard on this weekend because your losing on Sunday (Daylight Savings Time) and St. Patrick's day's next week anyway.

Have a great weekend, we're available 24x7 if you have any questions at all.

Bob (310) 200-2691, Linda (310) 480-6155, TEXT MESSAGE CAPABLE or email us @ info@yoursbl.com we'll get it immediately and get back to you within minutes.

It may be grey and gloomy where you are but the SUN is shining on buyers in key markets around the country.

With the foreclosure epidemic taking another turn it’s a great time to make a move. If you have good credit and a downpayment your in the drivers seat. The banks want to make deals and are willing to negotiate.

This NYT article says in all…… In Parts of U.S., Foreclosures Top Sales

If your selling, it’s still the same story, the better you present your home the better price your going to get. It’s like going on a first date. You want to put your best foot forward, first impressions last a lifetime. Sales of quality homes in the Southbay are pulling excellent numbers. This is the time transition into the your next home where ever that may be.

If your struggling, DO NOT wait for the sky to fall, call someone. The banks are ready and willing to work with you they want you to keep you home and equity, the longer you wait to speak with someone, the greater the risk of losing it all. We’re working right now with people just like you to help them through this process. If you want to keep you home and equity or you don’t know what your next move should be give us a call. We’re working on this every day and we may have many of the answers you need.

Bob (310) 200-2691, Linda (310) 480-6155, or email us at info@yoursbl.com

Make some soup, curl up with a good book, take the kids & the dog to the park, then give us a call.

Things happen for a reason. From a cultural standpoint I had to see the Ben Affleck/Jimmy Kimmel thing just to cover all the bases. The good news is it lead me to this really interesting new sound.

Again, I may alittle late to the party but you won't need that double espresso if you have this to listen too.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jBfXxCsKBXc&feature=related

M.I.A.
Kala  (2007)

Burn those calories people....

Oh yeah housing is down, the sky's falling, the economy is crap and sales are up in the Southbay.

 Ramblings of a man who can sleep at 2:45 AM

Many years ago, back in my college days, I was fortunate enough to see the legendary Carl Perkins in a tiny little bar somewhere in Lake Worth Florida. I was a big rockabilly fan back then and this was almost like meeting Elvis. My buddy and roommate Pat indulged me, as we were going to have REM slept in our dorm room the next night for a show we were promoting & I was losing my bed (before they were really famous). 

What stands out in my mind that night, separate from being able to talk the music legend, was the simple conversation with the waitress about drinks.

It kinda went like this, "what flavor of beer would you like honey". My youthful yet naive response was "well what do you have".  As matter of factly as a stupid question gets an answer, the response was " that'd be Bud or Bud Lite" (inject your own southern accent here. Yes even in parts of Palm Beach County the twang can be heard)

Where I'm going with this is, sometimes things are alot more simple that most people make them. When in comes to real estate, One person wants to buy and one person wants to sell. Almost always, there is so much posturing and over analysis that the joy of the actual event is lost in translation (great movie BTW having lived it)

It would be great to get back to basics. There is going to be a period in the near future when deals will get back to this kind of joy. The change is happening as of this writing and its fun to work on these deals. I love talking business with all of you and all the other interesting things we chat about.

Check out the great article about what true craftsmanship and artistry is. Then check out the line up for the Stagecoach Festival this year, our friends from Rascal Flatts will be among some of the great line ups.

A Journey Shaped by a Guitar

Stage Coach Festival !

STAY DRY THIS WEEKEND!!

It's likely we'll have a new President that doesn't really have a plan to fix the economy. While historic, that don't pay the bills. Our present President is giving away what's left of our cash to Africa, who can us it, but how about taking care of America first!

From the "Sky is Falling" file come this scary prediction from folks who seem to have it down...

America's economy risks the mother of all meltdowns  

courtesy: Financial Times

Now I think there is hope, but without a plan your have to kind of wonder. Silly people are walking away from homes and properties because it hurts their credit less if they go into foreclosure, than to make late payments on their credit cards. FACT.  Along with George allowing people to walk away from bad loans without a scratch we'll all be paying for this at some point.

On the bright side, AND THERE ALWAYS IS A BRIGHT SIDE, those of you who buy on dips can really get some great value for you money now. This is the time for consolidation and great time to get out there and get or expand you tax break.

LINDA is chomping at the bit to save you money. There are great programs with great savings. I'm just waiting for you to see the light and get into the game. It's there for the taking, you're only be more unhappy when you get that next tax bill and realize you missed out on the discounts.

Give us a call (310) 200-2691-(310) 480-6155 or drop an email for details info@yoursbl.com.

Finally our leaders found a way to get something done for the American Public. Whether you agree with the principals of the deal or not this means good news for stuggling homeowners, first-time buyers & lets Not forget those struggling Sellers! This should create a nice groundswell in this market and across the country.

With new conforming rates at the $729,750 for single family homes, child and business depreciation rebates should help on some level. Those of you that have it together should be able to pad your exisiting equity with smart re-investment and restructured debt. Take advantage of the market here or regionally, there is always a profitable deal somewhere and with alittle help we'll find it for you.

We're here when you have questions, don't walk, run to these great deals, and you next mattress is free.........

Sorry the radio is on in the background. We here day or night if you have questions....

info@yoursbl.com or (310) 200-2691, (310) 480-6155.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Your always going to have a few in every category that just don't get it. They watch info-mercials about quick foreclosure deals and no money down, etc.

While this is technically possible, anyone that is successful doing it will tell you its a full time job and the information isn't always easy to come by. Ultimately Good credit and a Down-payment of any kind usually wins. We always hope the information we provide you helps you get the best deal possible. By the way since it's rain here like cats & dogs, this is a really good time to get out there and check out that house your thinking of buying. It's always a good idea to see where all the water's going before it's too late.

It's still a buyers market for a few weeks more but there are an increasing number of multiple offers finding there way back into the system all over california, so the is a short surge at the present time. The fence sitters may have waited to long for some of the great opportunities here in the Southbay but around Los Angeles there are pockets of amazing deals, still available.

The Good News is the next generation of refi's should stimulate this market in a very good small business way, so GET ON THE PHONE AND GET SOME SAVINGS as soon as the conforming rates change. Save yourself money, build your equity faster, build your future.

Too many of Seller's still just don't get it and the reality is, they fail to understand the concept of Opportunity Cost .  Click on the link for the book definition, but simply put, everyday you don't sell that house because of unrealistic expectations is another day you don't have an opportunity to invest YOUR MONEY in to something that produces a profit.

Take a look at what kind of remodeling brings the best returns:

2007 Cost vs.Value Report

http://www.costvsvalue.com/index.html

Stay dry and warm this weekend......

Our friends at the Fed and Congress finally found common ground and now it appears the financial markets see this as a good thing. With the stimulus package proposal conforming loan limits would increase from $417,000 to $625,00 OR $725,000 IN certain high income areas (the Southbay fitting that category).  Stimulus May be a Boon for High-Priced Housing

What that mean to you as a buyer, a seller, or a home owner with high priced mortgages is that there will soon be additional options in maximizing your value. If you looking to grow that equity exponentially this is the best economic news you can get.

Get ready for some big action in the markets. A nice way to start the new year. All the more reason to speak to Linda about this really cool program.

http://www.macquarie.com/us/acrobat/mmusa_video.swf

There are opportunities all over Los Angeles at the moment. Give us a ring (310) 200-2691 Bob, (310) 480-6155 Linda,  if you have any questions on anything your seeing out there or email,  info@yoursbl.com. We work late so you don't have to.

Late last week Los Angeles County was added to Lenders declining values list. While in the short term this appears to be a negative, if your a buyer with good credit and any kind of down-payment this means opportunity! The deals are still happening, not at the breakneck pace of a few years ago, but good people are finding good homes at good values.

If you have equity and want to take advantage of an opportunity to grow it exponentially, Linda has a new program with her partner Mcquaire Mortgage that isn't for everyone but can make a huge difference in you future. Check out the video and give Linda a call.

http://www.macquarie.com/us/acrobat/mmusa_video.swf

There are opportunities all over Los Angeles at the moment. Give us a ring (310) 200-2691 Bob, (310) 480-6155 Linda,  if you have any questions on anything your seeing out there or email,  info@yoursbl.com. We work late so you don't have to.