Friday's Tip of Wisdom

Life is like a mirror, if you frown at it, it frowns back;
if you smile, it returns the greeting.

Grateful People Are Happier and Healthier

It turns out, giving thanks is good for your health.

A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being.

Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade. They're also less likely to be depressed, envious, greedy or alcoholics. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly and have greater resistance to viral infections.

Now, researchers are finding that gratitude brings similar benefits in children and adolescents. Kids who feel and act grateful tend to be less materialistic, get better grades, set higher goals, complain of fewer headaches and stomach aches and feel more satisfied with their friends, families and schools than those who don't, studies show.

Read more at The Wall Street Journal "Thank You. No, Thank You" article published November 23, 2010

5 Strategies to Rebuild Your Credit after Foreclosure

If you’ve been through a foreclosure, you may wonder if there is hope for you to become a homeowner again. The answer is yes, but it will take a while. [...] Here's what you need to do to rebuild your credit to qualify again for a mortgage.

Pay your bills on time: The FICO score, the dominant credit score used by lenders, gives the greatest weight to payment history, so make sure you consistently pay your bills on time. “Stability is the key,” said Craig Jarrell, president of the Dallas region of IberiaBank Mortgage Co. “Have you demonstrated that you are now capable of owning a home and paying the bills, and have recovered from whatever circumstance caused the original foreclosure?”

Review your credit report: You’re entitled to a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three national credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You should get a copy and check it for any inaccuracies.

To get your free credit report, go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com. “Make sure it is about you and only you,” said Gail Cunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. “If you find errors, dispute them. If you discover old debts, it will weigh in your favor to satisfy them. Paid late looks better than not paid at all. Make sure that debts older than seven years have rotated off your report, as these could be dragging your score down unnecessarily.”

Check your mortgage: You want to be sure that you don’t still owe anything on your old mortgage. Sometimes proceeds from a foreclosure sale aren’t enough to cover what’s owed on the mortgage, which would leave you owing the difference.

"Make sure there is a zero balance reflected, and if you are responsible for a shortfall, make arrangements to repay the remaining balance," Cunningham said.

Many lenders are willing to settle that "deficiency judgment" for less than what's owed because "it's better than getting no money at all," Jarrel said.

Apply for credit: In particular, apply for different varieties of credit. “Credit scoring models value having different types of credit,” Cunningham said. “Having some revolving accounts, typically credit cards, and some installment fixed-payment loans, such as a car payment, can improve your score.” But don’t apply for too much credit at once. “This can appear as though you’re desperate for credit and perhaps make lenders less inclined to extend credit to you,” Cunningham said. “Further, too many credit inquiries can have a negative impact on your credit score.”

Don’t fall prey: Watch out for credit repair companies that promise to clean up your credit report so you can get a car loan, a home mortgage, insurance, or even a job—after paying a fee for the service. “The truth is, that no one can remove accurate, negative information from your credit report,” according to the Federal Trade Commission. “It’s illegal.” Only the passage of time can assure that negative, but accurate, information on your credit report will be removed.

When it comes to repairing your credit, there are no quick fixes, the experts say. What lenders want to see is responsible financial behavior over time.

“Know that time is your friend, as the farther you move away from the financial distress, the less negative impact it has,” Cunningham said. “Follow with responsible behavior with your new credit, and you’ll soon have a solid credit file.”

As published in The Dallas Morning News, 2010.

Inspirational Thought

"When you have come to the edge of all light that you know,
And are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown,
Faith is knowing one of two things will happen:
There will be something solid to stand on
or you will be taught to fly."

-Patrick Overton

New Listing: Contemporary Mediterranean Home

Large, bright and open 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath Contemporary Mediterranean with unique and romantic architectural details. Private grass yard with charming entertaining patio.

374 Arno Way, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Offered at $2,450,000

For pictures and information of this and other wonderful properties

please go to Michael Edlen's Featured Homes webpage

Learn Sarver Heart Center's Continuous Chest Compression CPR

Every three days, more Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest than the number who died in the 9-11 attacks. You can lessen this recurring loss by learning Continuous Chest Compression CPR, a hands-only CPR method that doubles a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. It’s easy and does not require mouth-to-mouth contact, making it more likely bystanders will try to help, and it was developed at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

For more information see the University of Arizona College of Medicine news article or the YouTube video.

Open Houses: Pros and Cons, Dos and Don’ts

“We are concerned about a lot of strangers and curious neighbors coming through our home, but most agents tell us we have to do an open house. Is it that important?”

–A longtime Santa Monica homeowner

One “open house” time that is essential is the broker’s preview period, often termed “caravan.” In most Westside areas this is scheduled for three hours on a Tuesday when the marketing of the home starts. Many agents bring their buyer clients during this time, or simply send them over when they know it will be open for previewing. In some areas, agents supplement this with an additional preview period later the same day. This will accommodate people who would like to come back for a second viewing or those who were not able to come during the regular time.

The main benefit to a seller of having Sunday open houses is that it gives greater exposure to more people, hopefully including some good prospects. Surveys have found that about 2 percent of people who became actual buyers would most likely not have seen the property if it had not been open during their Sunday drive. An open house also makes it easier for real estate agents to send or bring clients during a three-hour period rather than scheduling a time-specific appointment. Some sellers prefer to leave their house for one three-hour period in the hope that this will replace several shorter periods to accommodate some showings to prospective buyers by appointment.

There are several possible drawbacks of an open house including, greater wear on the home and the possibility of accidental damage due to a large number of people in the house. There is also some risk of theft.

There are benefits to a real estate agent who does an open house. Possibly a lot of people will be coming through in a brief period. However, the open house agent is less likely to have good quality time with any one prospective buyer when others are coming and going. The agent may be more focused on the opportunity to meet neighbors and prospective future clients rather than focusing on the sale of the listed house. Of course, that is less likely to occur if the agent doing the open house is the actual listing agent.

If you decide to have your house open

on Sunday:

• Plan on being away for more than three hours, and take any cats or dogs with you.

• The house should be cleaned and neatened-up. Have fresh flowers to add to the appeal.

• A good level of lighting and comfortable temperature will help make the house feel more inviting.

• If there are any pet or other strong household odors noticeable, see if these can be eliminated before the open house time.

• Put away any small and particularly fragile objects that may be especially tempting to young children coming through with their parents.

• Hide away any relatively small or valuable objects that may offer a temptation.

• Please do not leave any cash, jewelry, or prescription drugs accessible.

• Check to be sure there are no potential trip hazards left exposed.

All of the above having been said, most real estate agents derive a great deal of potential business from Sunday open houses, and many buyers report that they had seen the home they later purchased during a Sunday open house. Therefore, a case can be made for having an open house. Before you decide which agent to hire to represent you in the marketing of your home, ask what they think about open houses. Find out what procedures they use and if they have a system and checklist for holding open houses.

Michael Edlen provides counseling services to prospective buyers and sellers and helps more than 40 clients move each year. Most of his business is derived from a referral base of over 900 past clients. More tips and information are available on his website, www.MichaelEdlen.com.

Post from Santa Monica Mirror, December 2, 2010

"Practice Being Like a Child" by Jim Rohn

Remember the master teacher once said 2,000 years ago, “Unless you can become like little children, your chances are zero, you haven’t got a prayer.” A major consideration for adults.

Be like children and remember there are four ways to be more like a child no matter how old you get :

Curiosity

Be curious. Childish curiosity. Learn to be curious like a child. What will kids do if they want to know something bad enough? You’re right. They will bug you. Kids can ask a million questions. You think they’re through. They’ve got another million. They will keep plaguing you. They can drive you right to the brink.

Also kids use their curiosity to learn. Have you ever noticed that while adults are stepping on ants, children are studying them? A child’s curiosity is what helps them to reach, learn and grow.

Excitement

Learn to get excited like a child. There is nothing that has more magic than childish excitement. So excited you hate to go to bed at night. Can’t wait to get up in the morning. So excited that you’re about to explode. How can anyone resist that kind of childish magic? Now, once in a while I meet someone who says, “Well, I’m a little too mature for all that childish excitement.” Isn’t that pitiful? You’ve got to weep for these kinds of people. All I’ve got to say is, “If you’re too old to get excited, you’re old.” Don’t get that old.

Faith

Faith like a child. Faith is childish. How else would you describe it? Some people say, “Let’s be adult about it.” Oh no. No. Adults too often have a tendency to be overly skeptical. Some adults even have a tendency to be cynical. Adults say, “Yeah. I’ve heard that old positive line before. It will be a long day in June before I fall for that positive line. You’ve got to prove to me it’s any good.” See, that’s adult, but kids aren’t that way. Kids think you can get anything. They are really funny. You tell kids, “We’re going to have three swimming pools.” And they say, “Yeah. Three. One each. Stay out of my swimming pool.” See, they start dividing them up right away, but adults are not like that. Adults say, “Three swimming pools? You’re out of your mind. Most people don’t even have one swimming pool. You’ll be lucky to get a tub in the back yard.” You notice the difference? No wonder the master teacher said, “Unless you can become like little children, your chances, they’re skinny.”

Trust

Trust is a childish virtue, but it has great merit. Have you heard the expression “sleep like a baby”? That’s it. Childish trust. After you’ve gotten an A+ for the day, leave it in somebody else’s hands.

Curiosity, excitement, faith and trust. Wow, what a powerful combination to bring (back) into our lives.

New Listing: Hamptons-Style Home with Ocean Views

Just completed! Five large bedroom suites, formal living and dining rooms, library/office, plus family room off chef's dream kitchen and breakfast area. Beautiful sun room opens to spacious, private grass yard. Fabulous rooftop deck includes BBQ area with wine refrigerator, plus fireplace and TV area...all with beautiful, panoramic views of the ocean and mountains!

17050 Livorno Dr., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Offered at $3,199,000

For pictures and information of this and other wonderful properties

please go to Michael Edlen's Featured Homes webpage

New Listing: Cape Cod Charmer in the Palisades

Charming and romantic 3-bedroom, 2-bath with office and den. Wonderful indoor/outdoor flow. Just three blocks from Palisades Village.

15001 Bestor Boulevard, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Offered at $1,825,000

For pictures and information of this and other wonderful properties

please go to Michael Edlen's Featured Homes webpage.

Inspirational Thought

"A mind that is stretched by a new experience
can never go back to its old dimensions." 

- Oliver Wendell Holmes 

American writer and professor at Harvard, 1809-1894

New Listing: Beautiful Home at the top of Pacific View Estates

Four bedroom, 2.5 bath + den/office on over half an acre at the top of Pacific View Estates. Large, private yard, plus views of mountains and ocean. Near hiking trails. 

 467 Surfview Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Offered at $2,175,000

For pictures and information of this and other wonderful properties 

please go to Michael Edlen's Featured Homes webpage

New Listing: Panroamic Mountain and Ocean Views in the Palisades

Panoramic mountain and ocean views from light, open and airy 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath single-level home

950 Glenhaven Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

 Offered at $2,000,000

For pictures and information of this and other wonderful properties 

please go to Michael Edlen's Featured Homes webpage

“Wait-and-See” Buyers May Lose Out

By Michael Edlen, Real Estate Consultant

Published in Palisadian-Post and Santa Monica Mirror

Real estate agents have seen increasing numbers of prospective buyers repeating what has become a familiar pattern.  In the current slower market, many buyers hesitate to make a purchase decision even when their search criteria have almost all been met by a property they have viewed. However, many prospective buyers may look back with regret if they are not prepared to make offers when a home meets their needs.

Of course this reluctance has served well from one point of view. Clearly prices have been in a downward trend for quite a while even in relatively stronger market areas such as the Westside of Los Angeles. 


However, it has long been noticed in real estate as well as other financial arenas that no one “rings a bell” at the bottom of the market. In some neighborhoods the bottom may already be occurring, despite the overall general news and market statistics. In fact, it is not uncommon for there to be multiple offers in some of the more desirable areas when a home is priced very competitively. In recent months we have had multiple offers on two of our listings north of Montana, both of them sold for more than the list price.

Another example occurred in the Palisades with a new home that had been on the market for several months. The seller finally decided to adjust the asking price by approximately 10% with the intent to make it extremely attractive to buyers so that at least one of the prospective buyers with a “wait-and-see” attitude might be incentivized to present an offer. Within a few days three buyers wrote offers, and within the week it was sold at a higher price than the reduced price point. One of the unsuccessful buyers was very sorry they lost out because they waited too long to decide. This put them in the middle of a bidding war that they lost in the end. During the two-week contingency period they even offered to increase the price.

Many buyers seem to feel that nothing is well-priced today, and eventually can be purchased for lower prices. While this may be true of some listings, those which are well-priced to begin with are sold rather quickly even in this slower market. Moreover, decisive buyers usually do not regret negotiating the best terms on purchasing a home that meets most of their criteria. A client of ours recently thanked us for encouraging them to move forward rather than continuing on the sidelines in the hopes that an even better opportunity might show up. They also benefited from their timely decision because of the historically low cost loans still available.

No one has an infallible crystal ball to know when the best timing for a purchase will be. However, unless someone intends on selling within a few years, odds are that they will look back and feel good about having bought sooner rather than later.

For more articles about the home buying and selling process and current real estate trends see MichaelEdlen.com

Palisades Housing Market Update 10/20/10

As of today there are 149 homes for sale in the general Palisades market area, which is slightly lower then last year at the same time.  At the current rate of sales per month, there is now approximately seven-month inventory of homes for sale, which reflects the market which is almost in balance between buyers and sellers.

There are 38 homes in escrow, with a median list price of $2,200,000 and there have been approx 200 sales so far this year with a median price of $1,950,000. (Which is about 5% lower then last year at this time)

There have been several cases of multiple offers in the past month.  For example, about seven of the current escrows involve multiple offers! (Which is close to 20% of those in escrow)

The Palisades’ areas with the greatest number of sales so far this year are the Highlands, El Medio to Marquez area, and the Alphabet Streets.  Prices have ranged this year so far from $635,000 to $26,000,000!

The above summary verifies that the Pacific Palisades remains robust in homes sales, and decidedly is a market that could be moving up at any time in the near future. 

Inspirational Thought

"It is better to try to light a candle than to curse the dark."

                                            -ancient Chinese proverb

Now There is Help in Remembering Song Lyrics

Every once in while most of us have three or four words running through our heads - a little snippet that pops up from song from the past. And sometimes it drives us batty wondering what the name of that song was!

At Lyreach all you need to do is enter the words you are hearing - and Shazam - the program will give you all of the possibilities that contain that phrase (from their collection of more than 470000 song lyrics).

Just click on the song you want more lyrics from and you're in business. And, of course, this neat service is on the house!

Ideas Worth Spreading are featured at TED.com

Looking to enrich your mind? Many regularly visit this amazingly rich trove of "Ideas Worth Spreading". This non- profit organization presents on line videos from their conferences that bring together people from the worlds of Technology, Entertainment, and Design and more.

You can listen to the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the "talk of their lives" in just a few minutes. They make these enriching (and often very entertaining) talks available to the world without any cost. There are now more than 700 searchable titles available -- with more added each week.

Check out TED.com

New Listing: Breathtaking Andalusian Estate Masterpiece on Amalfi Drive

Breathtaking masterpiece with stunning and dramatic architectural details in Riviera Palisades. Private & tranquil Andalusian estate that has been featured in several publications, including Architectural Digest. 

581 Amalfi Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

 Offered at $14,000,000.

For pictures and information of this and other wonderful properties 

please go to Michael Edlen's Featured Homes webpage

Inspirational Thought

  “Know what your values are and then stick with them…Don’t let people talk you out of what you know is right.” 

- Flip Saunders

Short Sale Opportunities

Beautiful Short Sale Just Three Blocks from the Village

637 Haverford Ave., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 - $1,900,000

 Set on tree-lined street just three blocks from Village shops, restaurants, schools, etc. with private grass yard and plenty of room for a pool. 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms.

 Ocean View Short Sale

 269 Monte Grigio Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 - $1,299,000

Lovely front patio and romantically-landscaped yard with ocean and mountain views. Overlooking the Getty Villa and surrounded by many mature trees.  3 bedrooms 1.75 baths.

Rustic Canyon One-of-a-Kind

 35 Haldeman Road, Santa Monica, CA 90402 - $2,295,000

 Gated privacy in tranquil Rustic Canyon setting surrounded by mature trees with expansive panoramic views. 5 bedrooms (master on lower level), 4 baths + office.

Free Home Inventory Software

At What You Own you can find free software to assist in taking inventory of your possessions.  It is an easy to use interface that will organize your inventory by room and category.  You can add multiple pictures of your items, rooms and household as you go along. When you are done, you can save your file and print a report.  

Home Inventory Software Example

This software seems to be a great way to be prepared in case you suffer a loss from a fire, hurricane, burglary or other disaster.  Feel free to leave feedback about your experiences with home inventory here on Michael Edlen's Real Estate Blog.

Inspirational Thought

     “The fact is that you deserve all the good things in life that you can possibly imagine…as long as you achieve them by doing or contributing something of value to other people and to your world.”

- Brian Tracy

Inspirational Thought

“No matter what the statistics say…there’s always a way.” 

- Bernard Siegel

Academic Performance Index (API) Going Up for Palisades' Schools

"Four of the five public schools in Pacific Palisades improved their Academic Performance Index (API) scores, and Marquez Charter Elementary School made the most significant gains, according to results released on Monday by the California Department of Education.

For the second year in a row, Marquez Elementary led the way among Palisades schools. In 2009, Marquez increased its score by 31 points to 906, and this year, the school improved its mark by 14 points to 920.

API is a state standard that measures every public school's progress from year to year, and it is based on test results from the Standardized Testing and Reporting program (STAR) and the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE).

Students in second through 11th grade take a series of tests in math, English, history and science as part of the STAR program. The CAHSEE is first administered in the 10th grade, and students who do not pass can retake the test in the 11th and 12th grades. API scores range from 200 to 1,000, with the goal that all schools statewide reach 800.

'I'm thrilled,' Principal Phillip Hollis told the Palisadian-Post. 'It shows the hard work we are doing despite the budget cuts.'

After the Los Angeles Unified School District cut the school's funding for general and special education, Marquez parents raised enough money to pay for two teachers, which allowed the school to keep class sizes averaging 25 students.

Hollis also credited his teachers, saying they do an excellent job of providing struggling students with additional help. He pointed to the success of the CATCH (Caring Adults Teaching Children How) program, where adult volunteers from the Palisades community mentor at-risk third, fourth and fifth graders in reading or math. About 35 students and 25 volunteers participated in the program.

This school year, the CATCH program will be expanded to include the second grade, and teachers will continue to focus on technology by having their students use laptops and iPods in the classroom. Hollis hopes these efforts will improve the school's API score even more. "

For a detailed look at the four schools making improvements, see The Palisadian-Post's original article, "Four Palisades Schools Raise API Scores" by Danielle Gillespie, 9/16/2010

Protect Yourself When Filing A Home Insurance Claim

Most people buy homeowners insurance and then go years without filing a claim. When the need arises, they may not know where to start. Here’s good advice from the Insurance Information Institute: 
  
Call your insurance agent. He or she should guide you through the process.

Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Save the receipts; you will be reimbursed.

Make a list of the things lost and damaged and take photos if possible.
If you need to move out of the house until repairs are made, save lodging and restaurant receipts. They, too, may be reimbursed. Your insurance company will do the rest. They will provide you with a claims form and will send an insurance adjustor to inspect the damage and prepare an estimate for repairs.

There is one exception to this sequence:  
If the damage is the result of vandalism or burglary, call the police. You will need a police report for the claims process.

Inspirational Thought

  “A year from now…you may wish you had started today.”

 - Karen Lamb

Tax Laws Scheduled to Change in 2011...

These changes are scheduled for 2011 unless Congress changes or extends the existing tax laws, which is probable to happen before the end of 2010.

Higher Tax Rates
Beginning in 2011, tax rates that were in effect prior to 2001 return. The top income tax rate goes back to 39.6 percent, and the special low 10 percent bracket is eliminated. Whether this will actually happen will be at the heart of a spirited battle in Congress during 2010.

Estate Tax Revived
For individuals dying after 2010, the federal estate tax returns with a $1,000,000 exemption and a 50 percent maximum rate. Congress is likely to take some action on these rules during 2010.

Increase in Capital Gains and Dividend Tax Rates
The tax rate reductions for long-term capital gains and dividends is scheduled to expire this year.
In 2011, the maximum long-term capital gains tax rate goes back up to 20 percent from 15 percent. A lower 10 percent tax rate is used by individuals who are in the 15 percent tax bracket. Their long-term capital gains had been tax-free since 2008.
In 2011, dividend income (other than capital gain distributions from mutual funds) is taxed as ordinary income at your highest marginal tax rate.

Child Tax Credit
The credit of $1,000 per eligible child reverts to $500 after 2010. After 2010, none of the child tax credit will be refundable to taxpayers unless their earned income is more than $12,550. This is one of the many Bush tax cuts currently scheduled to expire after 2010.

Payroll Tax Credit
Starting in 2011, the partial credit for payroll taxes paid is no longer available.

Section 179 Expense Deduction
The maximum amount of equipment placed in service that businesses can expense drops to $25,000, down from $135,000 in 2010.

College Savings Plans
Beginning in 2011, 529 Plans can no longer be tapped tax-free to pay for a computer or Internet access.

Tax Credit for College Tuition
The Hope credit is again limited to the first two years of college and is capped at $1,800. None of the credit is refundable if it is more than your regular income tax liability.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Temporary increases in the Earned Income Tax Credit for filers with three or more children and the higher income levels for the phaseout of the credit are repealed.

Mortgage Insurance Premiums
The special itemized deduction for mortgage insurance premiums paid on mortgages taken out after 2006 expires on Dec. 31, 2010.

Are Your Side Mirrors Adjusted Correctly?

Side mirrors are there to cover your blind spot while driving and not to see what is in the rear; for that you have the front rear view mirror.  Many accidents happen because most people adjust their side mirrors improperly, hence missing the blind spots at the sides of the car. 

This video will show the proper way to adjust your left and right rear view mirrors and be safe out on the road.

New Listing: Beautiful Cape-Cod Style House near Pacific Palisades' Village

776 Radcliffe Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA
Remodeled 4-Bedroom Cape Cod-Style Near Village

$1,750,000

For pictures and information of this and other wonderful properties 

please go to Michael Edlen's Featured Homes webpage

Improve Your Life With This Easy Step

Find many more great tips at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Lifestyle website!

No Arms No Legs No Worries!

An incredible inspiration that we can all take something away from.

After watching, if you would like more information on the inspirational story of Nick Vujicic including more videos, speaking dates and booking information take a look at his website here.

June's Real Estate Cyber Tips

72 Hour Survival Kit

I recently found this information on disaster preparedness and thought it would be prudent to pass along. As much as we hope a natural disaster does not happen it is important to take the time to be prepared, just in case! Here is WisdomTips.com's suggestions for what to include in a 72 hour survival kit.

1. Flashlight and spare batteries, or one of the crank flashlights.

2. Radio and batteries or one of the crank type radios.

3. First aid kit.

4. Candles and waterproof matches or a lighter.

5. Extra car keys and cash including coins for pay phones as the debit machines might not work, and make sure you have your cell phone and your charger for the car.

6. Important papers identification for everyone, and personal documents.

7. Food and bottled water for everyone in the family at least 3 days worth.

8. Disposable plates, knives, forks, spoons, cups, and garbage bags.

9. Fuel stove such as a Coleman stove for cooking.

10. Clothing and footwear one change per person for 3 days.

11. Blankets and sleeping bags for each person.

12. Toilet paper, diapers and personal needs for each person.

13. Medication, (and what it is for) eyeglasses, list of prescriptions, and doctors name and phone number.

14. Pet supplies for your pets and their recent vaccination records.

15. Playing cards, games, and toys to occupy your time.

16. Get a large plastic tote label it Emergency Kit put a sticker on it as to the date when the food, water, medications, and the pet food was put in so that there is no out of date things in your kit.

Have at least 4 liters of water per person per day and 3 liters per pet.

Food for the kit should be, canned meats, soups, stews, beans, vegetables, fruits, honey, peanut butter, jams, and canned milk. The dry food should be crackers, biscuits, cookies, instant coffee, tea bags, sugar, salt, pepper, and powdered milk.

Now you can feel with confidence that you and your family are prepared for just about anything. Now lets hope you never have to use it!

National Realty Trust Recognition

Just recently, NRT, the largest residential real estate brokerage company in the nation and Coldwell Banker's parent company, which includes certain Sotheby’s and Corcoran Groups, sent a letter congratulating my team and I for being within the top 2 percent of performers among NRT's 46,000 sales associates. We were ranked 17 among their top 1,000 sales associates!

Our New Look

Photograph by Chuck Gardner Photography
310.472.0170
chuckgardner.com

Will Smith's Inspirational Message

The Three Basic Stages of Foreclosure

Many prospective buyers are lured by the rock bottom prices to purchase a home in foreclosure. Before attempting to do so it is important to understand the various stages of foreclosure and the unique challenges of each.

The first phase of foreclosure is pre-foreclosure. This means that the house is in the foreclosure process but it has yet to be auctioned. The bank does not own the home at this stage. Being in pre foreclosure may mean that the owner of the property owes more on the home than what it is currently worth but they definitely are not making their mortgage payments. When in this position, many homeowners, if they qualify, seek to sell their home through a short sale. As written in a previous blog post, the name “short sale” has nothing to do with the time duration of the sale. In fact, this can be a complicated and lengthy process. It is important when involved in a short sale to be working with an agent that is familiar with this process and can anticipate its nuances. With a short sale the buyer is entitled to an inspection before purchase. When buying during other stages of foreclosure this is not always true.

The second stage of foreclosure is the public auction at a foreclosure or trustee’s sale. At this stage, the homes are generally sold without prior inspection and so it is important to budget for repairs that may arise after purchase. The other outcome of the auction may be that the bank takes the home legally as a Real Estate Owned or REO property. Therefore, if a third party does not purchase the home at a price that works for the bank, the bank takes the property, which is the final stage of the foreclosure process. If taken by the bank the property will eventually go back on the market for sale as an REO.

This is a brief explanation of the basic stages of foreclosure taken from a larger article that can be found at cnn.com.

The Website below will show you various foreclosure properties on the market in your area by simply clicking on your region of California.

Distressed Property Specialists

Our Transaction History

Each of those red dots is a unique, fulfilling and special experience that comes from selling your home.

NEW Featured Listing With a Past

One of our new featured listings 35 Haldeman Drive in Rustic Canyon was featured in a 1994 LA Times article about its historical past.
Currently it is three story 1920's Tudor Mediterranean with gated privacy in tranquil Rustic Canyon setting. Surrounded by mature trees and expansive panoramic views.
There is a large living room, with high ceiling, french doors and Bachelder fireplace.
Romantic and spacious dining room off gourmet kitchen











Five bedrooms, four baths + office. Charming pathways and patio/deck areas.
It is truly a one-of-a-kind property!


Previously this property was owned and built by "Dr. Frank McCoy, a '20s diet king whose nonalcoholic health regimen was popular with movie stars. It is unusual for its circular card room pictured here and the 128 steps that lead from the street to the front door.






"The bedroom of the McCoys's (teen-age) daughter is said to have been furnished with Rudolph Valentino's former bed," says Francie Allen, who lives here with her husband. Allen, an animation artist, uses the room as a studio. "(Russell, 1994). To read the full article from the LA Times and learn more about notable Rustic Canyon properties click HERE.



Russell,Ron. "An Oasis of the Past." LA Times 28 June 1994. 19 April 2010.