BR's RE BLOGATERIA!

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.

Our Washington DC contacts are letting it be known there is strong impedus for the Fed to raise conforming rates from 417,000 to 650,000 which would stimulate both the stock market and the housing sector dramatically.

The opportunities abound when this comes to fruition. Stay tuned as this year gets more interesting by the minute.....  01:13:22 PM

Our friends at CNBC are reporting the same thing I heard earlier in the day so this could have a very interesting effect on the entire economy. Stayed tuned.  05:19:32 PM

Don’t tell me that realtor’s don’t go the extra mile. (really only 250 yards I haven’t been to the gym in a while) I’m on my way out to show smart buyers some great homes and a cute grey bunny runs out in front of the car. I had to go get him so by time I sort of corralled the Wascally Wabbit, 6 more people had joined the chase…. Lynda (the local rabbit rescue expert) tells me that one actually herds rabbits and they have an exploding population on the island at Alondra Park… Go figure…. Good news is, after a lot of lateral herding, (a good workout before playoff weekend) our friend the floppy eared bunny was back with his crew and knoshing on some lettuce later in the day.

Whew....

It appears our friends from the Continent & Asia are here on a shopping spree and looking for bargains with a weak dollar and a stressed housing market. They are definitely keeping me busy and the referral network continues to grow. Our friends in private equity are somewhat over the previous year's hangover and are starting to motivate again. It’s just a matter of time before were all driving on the left, and NY becomes East Dubai. Who's gonna drive the cabs though. (Trump would never let that happen) and what was he thinking firing Tiffany Fallon, that girl is one Class Act!

With all the Fear & Loathing about the presidential primaries along with Citibank, Countywide, and Wachovia laying off their profit generating employees, it appear that word recession is popping up more and more in conversation. It’s not slowing us down any!!  Smart folks are still making sound deals, building wealth, and finding a warm place to rest their heads at night. It’s a great time to get into the market.

It’s never too late to get started and there are NO stupid questions.

Give us a ring 1 (310) 200-2691 or drop us a line @ info@yoursbl.com. We’ll be adding a new mortgage information page, along with some very compelling information on a program that will allow you to exponentially grow your equity. It’s really an exciting program.

IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR!!! LET’S GET BUSY…..

Ok it's not real estate but if you had your own home you could listen all this great music while getting a tax break....

Probably the best band a very select few know about in the U.S. If you want to really impress your music snob (insert relationship type here) check out any and all YOU AM I. They been through the U.S. twice this year if you missed it you missed alot....... Buy any of it and all of it. Tim Rogers ranks with some of the greatest song writers, and the live show are spot on amazing.

http://www.youami.net/

 BR’s Christmas List

A lefty Gretch ( preferably hollow body 1957-59)

An Ocean Kayak so I can get slammed by an Orca see video……http://youtube.com/watch?v=xEUJSalHI_A

Roland electronic drum kit with headphones (I live it a nice neighborhood, they wouldn’t like the noise)

The IRobot with the video camera (iRobot^® ConnectR^™) to see what those slacker guests are up to while your working...             http://irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=338

A touch screen GPS with the ability to change the voice to the local accent for directions. (That female voice works my last..... Chris, can you say Harry Enfield)

A Spam filter that really works.

A nice diving trip to Indo.

A small piece of land near running water with Trout in it.

Private Equity to get back to business.

A bigger bed so the little one can stop kicking me in the head.

May all your Holiday wishes come true! Health,Wealth & Prosperity in the coming year to all of you from all of us. Stay in touch we love to hear from you where ever you are out there….

They might be on the Time Life infomercials late night but they aren't selling any houses.

REO is the key word you'll be reading about for the next 12-18 months. Even if credit confidence comes back in the markets next year there is a full funnel of bank owns properties across the country. Good news for buyers, investors,and in the long-term families. Neighborhoods that seemed unaccessible will become the American Dream for many of you next year. We hope to be part of your journey to getting to the next level.

If you on the selling side, you'll probably be considering renting you home to keep you equity and looking at other markets to invest in to rebuild that nest egg. All is not lost, like a first date, if your home has spectacular feature, is clean, and shows well you will still get your price if your realistic.

It's a very interesting time in real estate. If you talk to the feet on the ground you'll get the best picture of what is really happening out there. There are a lot of outside factors that will influence the housing market. Stayed tuned for regular updates.....

Happy and Safe Holidays to all of you out there, where ever you are. We'd love to hear from you the farther away you are. If your reading this the world is that much smaller.

Well the National Association of Realtors latest report has "pending" home sales trending upwards which is a positive sign for those of you who were smart shoppers and listened and took advantage of multiple factors that made for good deals.

While this is positive "pending" means in escrow but not necessarily sold, any good real estate agent will tell you that more deals have fallen out of escrow this year for a variety of reasons that in a long time. This being said, the folks that got great deals this fall, Mark, Mark, Mark, & Terry got great deals and took advantage of the REO/bank market effectively.

With the Fed announcement tomorrow expected to be .25 to .50% perhaps credit will gain some momentum but this isn't likely until everybody sobers up after the New Year.

You friends with alternate currency can really take advantage of this opportunity after you do your jeans and rolex shopping in NY.  Check out the Holiday windows here. http://www.amny.com/entertainment/holiday/am-holidaywindows2007-gallery,0,4792654.photogallery

It's still and will be a great time to buy for another 9-12 months. The banks are still looking to ease their pain on the write downs. Deals are being made and you can even be POSITIVE CASH FLOW here in Los Angeles. You'd be surprised what is available in good neighborhoods..... But you'll have to call or write if you want the details.

Oh by the way, you're in BIG TROUBLE if you didn't get you Chanukah gifts yet.... Get it together people........

Stay tuned for BR's holiday wish list.........................