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The James Beard Nominations have been announced!
The James Beard Nominations have been announced! I have been crazy busy so I have not have had the opportunity to write about this. On February 19th 2015 the James Beard Foundation’s Semi Finalist Nominees have been announced. The grumbling has begun shortly after the list came out and the grumbling have continued here in Los Angeles (at least here I am aware of it). They went from the polite to the downright nasty on the World Wide Web. Just to give you a couple examples: Los Angeles has so many fantastic Restaurants so why was only …..Nominated?? Then there was ….well it is clear, because there is only one person is on the Chefs Award Committee from Los Angeles… If you are interested in seeing see if your favorite Chef made the list check out this link ( http://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/2015-restaurant-and-chef-award-semifinalists ) Anyway you get the idea. So this made me wonder what the real reason was. In case you do not know who and what the James Beard Award represents, well let me tell you: It is the Oscars of the Food Service Industry. The Mission of the James Beard Foundation is: To celebrate, nurture, and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. There are many categories of Awards, such as cookbooks, scholarships etc. I am focusing on the James Beard award for Chefs and the Restaurants they represent. If you would like to learn more about the James Beard Foundation and the Awards please check out this link (http://www.jamesbeard.org/ ) The selection Committee consists of seventeen people. They are mostly members of Food Magazine and Newspaper Food Critics and just to name a few: The San Francisco Chronicle, St Louis Post-Dispatch, Food & Wine… The members are selected for their depth of knowledge in the restaurant industry and are somewhat removed from the chefs via a Journalistic distance. The names are public record so it is not a mysterious hidden committee that picks the Chefs and their Restaurants. Clearly this gives a bit of transparency one does not see in many other award selection processes. The Short List of nominees will be announced around March 19th or so and the Winners will be announced first week of May, 2015 If you are looking for a James Beard Caliber Beverly Hills Realtor, please reach out to me directly! If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commission to local animal rescue...
read moreJust Listed: A spectacular Parcel of land in Prime Beverly Hills, CA, 90210 List Price $22,500,000.00 (USD)
Just listed: A spectacular Parcel of land in Prime Beverly Hills, CA, 90210 ON A PRIME PROMONTORY HILLSIDE IN THE PRESTIGIOUS 90210 BEVERLY HILLS, LIES THIS SPECTACULAR PARCEL OF LAND WITH TWO APN NUMBERS. IT HAS UNOBSTRUCTED 270 DEGREE VIEWS AS FAR AS CATALINA ISLAND IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN, JUST MINUTES TO THE HEART OF BEVERLY HILLS. TRULY A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE TWO WORLD CLASS TROPHY HOMES WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS WITH COMPLETE PRIVACY. PERFECT FOR A DEVELOPER WITH A VISION OR FOR AN OWNER WHO WANTS TO BUILD AN ABSOLUTE DREAM HOME IN THE COVETED 90210 ZIP CODE. THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS, YOU CAN BUILD TWO HOMES WITH A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT FOLLOWED BY UP TO SEVEN MORE HOMES WITH A SUBDIVISION APPROVAL PROCESS. THE NEIGHBORING PROPERTY WITH A EXISTING HOME ON IT (APN 4385-019-001, 2883 KIRKLAND DR) HAS BEEN RECENTLY ADDED TO THE ASSET, PROVIDING A PRIVATE CUL DE SAC ACCESS MAKING IT FEASIBLE TO CREATE AN EXCLUSIVE AND PRIVATE GATED COMMUNITY IN THIS EXCLUSIVE LOCATION. HIGH QUALITY PLANS AND RENDERINGS OF THE FIRST MANSIONS ARE AVAILABLE ASK AGENT. If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002(m)10.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissio2 teasns to local animal rescue...
read moreCommunity Activism: alive and well in Sherman Oaks, CA
Community Activism: alive and well in Sherman Oaks, CA I find that no matter where you live there is community activism. As I was driving on Coldwater Canyon Blvd, I passed one of the most exclusive school of the Greater Los Angeles area Harvard-Westlake. Interestingly I could not help but notice all the signs. This made me think what do potential buyers think when they see signs like this? Will this encourage them to buy into the community? Or will it have a detrimental effect on the sales process? I would be interested what your thoughts are about this. Do you think will it take longer to sell a home surrounded with these signs and potential controversy? Will this affect the asking price as well as the purchase price? Now let’s go into it deeper: would you buy a home near a place that is considering building a three story parking structure? What effect will it have on the traffic patterns? Now I am just thinking out loud, everyday parents, nannies, chauffeurs bring the children to school and then pick them up in the evening, what difference would it make if there were parking spaces for these same people instead of creating traffic jams on Coldwater Canyon in the morning and evening? If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue...
read moreHeading Home on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, CA observations by a Relocation Realtor Endre Barath
Heading Home on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, CA I was enjoying a perfect day. All day was around 72 -74 degrees, no humidity. I was recalling when we made the decision to relocate to Los Angeles, CA. We contemplated analyzed and looked at all the pros and cons of our big move. Needless to say it was a lot to consider, Diane never worked in a management position, we have not known each other a very long time and we both would have to leave our friends, family and our comfort zone…. Needless to say these are some of the things one has to consider when relocating cross country or across the Globe. On a side note I have done that as well, hence I was more seasoned at this than Diane. As I watched this beautiful afternoon, I started taking pictures for all to see what life is like here in the Greater Los Angeles. I am confident these pictures will make you think harder about relocating here, especially if you are currently living on the East Coast. So if you are looking for Relocation Advice or Consultation, feel free to reach out to me. In Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 The Under Contract Properties, i.e.: the Condominiums are up by 20% year over year. In other word January 2014 vs. January 2015 there are 20% more properties in Pending status. This is a clear indication that in spite of the Price Increases the buyers see a value in purchasing Condominiums in Marina Del Rey,CA. 90292. Under Contract Property statistics are indication of how the next couple months will look like. To me it shows that even though it is still technically the winter, selling season is behaving as if it was the Spring Sales Market already. Not only is this a sign of improved consumer confidence, but it is a direct result of the artificially reduced interest rates. The buyers are savvy and recognize the value of their buying power due to the low interest rates If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue...
read moreThe Average Days on Market in Marina Del Rey CA is down by 44%
The Average Days on Market in Marina Del Rey, CA is down by 44%. That is clearly an indication of the fast paced activity of the Marina Del Rey Condominium Market. Coupled with Price increases of 5% month over month in January, then the fact that the Under Contract Activity has increased by 20%. Now add the fact that the days have decreased from 94 days on the market in January 2014 to 53 Days on the Market in January 2015 is virtually hard to fathom. Clearly the Buyers of Condominiums in Marina Del Rey are not hesitating but jumping in with confidence and knowledge of what is to come in the next few months. In Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 The Under Contract Properties, i.e.: the Condominiums are up by 20% year over year. In other word January 2014 vs. January 2015 there are 20% more properties in Pending status. This is a clear indication that in spite of the Price Increases the buyers see a value in purchasing Condominiums in Marina Del Rey,CA. 90292. Under Contract Property statistics are indication of how the next couple months will look like. To me it shows that even though it is still technically the winter, selling season is behaving as if it was the Spring Sales Market already. Not only is this a sign of improved consumer confidence, but it is a direct result of the artificially reduced interest rates. The buyers are savvy and recognize the value of their buying power due to the low interest rates If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue...
read moreIn Marina Del Rey,CA 90292 the Under Contract Properties are up by 20%
In Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 The Under Contract Properties, i.e.: the Condominiums are up by 20% year over year. In other word January 2014 vs. January 2015 there are 20% more properties in Pending status. This is a clear indication that in spite of the Price Increases the buyers see a value in purchasing Condominiums in Marina Del Rey,CA. 90292. Under Contract Property statistics are indication of how the next couple months will look like. To me it shows that even though it is still technically the winter, selling season is behaving as if it was the Spring Sales Market already. Not only is this a sign of improved consumer confidence, but it is a direct result of the artificially reduced interest rates. The buyers are savvy and recognize the value of their buying power due to the low interest rates If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue...
read moreThe Median Sold Price by Month in Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 is up by 5%
If you look at the Median Sold Price by Month in Marina Del Rey, CA, you will notice that in January 2014 the Median Sold Price was $775,000 for a Condominium. Now if you look at the Numbers for January 2015 you will notice that the Median Sold Price is $811,250. that is an upward change of $36,250. In other words that is an increase of 5%. Keep in mind these are all bedrooms not just one or two bedroom condominiums and it also includes all square Footage of living space. It is truly amazing. This is clearly an indication that Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 still have a huge desirability factor, in spite of all the construction and traffic jam, people do not mind as long as they can live near the Pacific Ocean. I have also notice there has been a significant increase in high end luxury vehicles driving on Via Marina.( I am referring to the $150,000 and up price tag range). If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue...
read moreThe importance of a Good Escrow Officer & Company can not be over emphasized!
The importance of a Good Escrow Officer & Company can not be over emphasized! A good Escrow Officer can navigate the transaction so that it becomes smooth sailing for both the buyers as well as the sellers. Not all Escrow Companies are created equal. Over the years I have found some fantastic Escrow Officers and being surrounded by an efficient team. Then again I also met many who were scary to work with. Inefficient, poor client service and lack of attention to detail. Not wanting to digress, so back to my story. When we represent the Buyers we have to often sacrifice the control of choosing the “right” Escrow Company, because we want the Buyer to get the Property. Due to this’ goal’ we might let the Listing Agent or the Seller Choose the Escrow Company and then we hope for the best that it will be a good one we end up with. Those of us who do a lot of transactions and are not strictly listing agents we get to meet all sorts of Escrow Companies and teams. When I represent the seller I am lucky I have two fantastic Escrow Officers and Companies that I can utilize and be one hundred per cent confident that we will have the best experience throughout the transaction. Needless to say there are certain activities that test my patience: 1. Lack of timely response to questions by the buyers, 2. Poor quality control and 3. Lack of awareness of timelines and deadlines. These three points can add some unnecessary challenges to a transaction. Keeping in mind the buyers and sellers are already stressed since generally it is the largest transaction of their life, so why create more stress? I am grateful that my clients are usually very gracious and handle adversity quite well. Part of this I attribute to the fact that they are seasoned professionals and few are first time buyers, rather they are move up or repeat buyers. The majority are Developers so they are used to these inefficiencies and the adversities that are thrown in front of them. If I work with first time buyers in the Greater Los Angeles area, I spend a great deal more time explaining how the process works and I try to manage their expectation and prepare them for the worst and then they can be thrilled when it turns out for the better. So if you are looking for smoother transaction in the Greater Los Angeles area, feel free to reach out to me and it does not matter if you are a buyer or a seller it will be a good experience. If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations!...
read more6163 Temple Hill, View Lot in Hollywood Hills, CA 90068 SOLD!
6163 Temple Hill, View Lot in the Hollywood Hills, CA 90068 SOLD! Developers understand the luxury buyer’s mentality, the luxury buyer wants a hip cool and trendy home with an infinity pool and post card views of Downtown Los Angeles. Now to have views of Griffith Observatory is just a bonus. What will it take to get there? Well just a few things, a lot line adjustment, a lot split, hillside ordinance and two years worth of drama. So once all that is done there is a huge payday at the end of the rainbow. Look forward to following the trials and tribulations of this fantastic development project. Keep in mind this is not for everyone, you need to have a good eye for a property. A great vision with money and most of all you need perseverance to endure what the Los Angeles Building Department throws in your way as obstacles and challenges. If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue...
read moreDiamond Lane: The Definition of being in the lane which is reserved for two or more passanger in a vehicle…
Diamond Lane: the definition of being on the lane what is reserved for two or more passengers in the vehicle hence given the privilege of moving in a lane that is faster than the rest of the traffic. When I see individuals abusing this privileged my blood starts boiling. As I drive obeying the law I see these “entitled” individuals abusing the system. So I start wondering about a lot of things: Where is the Highway Patrol Officer when you need it? What are these people thinking? Why are they willing to risk over $270+ dollars to supposedly get 5 to 10 minutes sooner to their destination? Needless to say you get the idea. Most of all I wonder why Motor Cycle owners, drivers feel that they are above the law and do not need to follow the rules of the road? So this makes me wonder since I am a Realtor would you want someone to follow the rules and laws of all the Real Estate Laws and be protected from lawsuits, legal violations and I could go on and on? Or would you want someone who blatantly ignores the laws or is not familiar with the Real Estate Laws in your community? If you are looking for an honest, law abiding Realtor who will protect your interest, than reach out to me. I only drive in the Diamond Lane when I have a passenger in my car! Amazingly enough I also follow the latest Real Estate Laws in the Greater Los Angeles Area. If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com. I am a pet friendly realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations!...
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