Friday, December 17, 2010

Rainy Weekend in Burbank, CA

Now I know we don't have much to complain about weather wise here in Southern California but it does affect our work plans so here is my bit. Due to the rain (and fact that the home we were supposed to have an open house sold) Jill and I will not be hosting an open house this weekend. We will however but showing homes to a few clients so our weekend is not a total loss. For those interested - we do bring umbrellas and warm drinks so as to make the experience enjoyable. OK - see you out and about! Have a great weekend all!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

HOLIDAYS - A GREAT TIME TO BUY!

So here we are in the thick of the holiday season and Jill and I have one message to prospective home buyers: Holidays are a great time to buy a new home - especially for those out there who have been having problems getting offers accepted due to competition! Decreased holiday competition has been a God send to many of our FHA buyers in the past who had been losing out to the investors so if you have been experiencing this problem... now is the time to act!

Holidays can also benefit  those buyers looking for a great deal since many sellers would still like to sell before the New Year. Many are willing to cut their asking price in order to accomplish this! For our part, Jill and I will be at the ready for anyone out there with the desire. Just let us know. Have a great day folks!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving and Black Friday in Burbank, CA

With Thanksgiving upon us and knowing that people are in a shopping mood, Jill and I have put together a list of some of the must see properties in the Burbank, CA area. Let us know if you are brave enough to venture out this Friday - we are happy to schedule showing appointments! Buy now and get yourself into a new home by Christmas! Click on the addresses for more information.
NOTE: Some of these listings are represented by other Agents/offices.

BEST HOMES FOR SALE:
1) 4903 Sancola Ave, Toluca Lake, CA 91601
2) 620 N Maple St, Burbank, CA 91505  
3)  915 N Niagara St, Burbank, CA 91505
4) 3037 N Keystone St, Burbank, CA 91504 
5) 538 E Grinnell Dr, Burbank, CA 91501

OK - this is a good start but there are many more quality homes for sale. Interest rates are still low but they are starting to rise. Don't miss out on this golden opportunity! Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Holiday in Magnolia Park - Friday November 19th 5:30 -9:30 P.M.

Come out with the family this Friday November 19th 5:30-9:30p.m to Magnolia Park in Burbank, CA as the Magnolia Park Partnership presents their annual, "Holiday in the Park" celebration.  The event will take place on Magnolia Blvd between Hollywood Way and Buena Vista Street. Our family has made it a regular part of our holiday season and we hope you will too! Every year the organizers find a way to improve the experience and it sounds as if this year will be their best ever!

 Strolling carollers, free tasty treats, live stage entertainment, and great prizes await those who come out to enjoy the festivities. There will be free pictures with Santa, activities for the kids, and even an ice sculptor. For more information go to the Magnolia Park website: http://www.magnoliaparkburbank.org/ and make sure you download the passport for the evening. Get your passport stamped at the participating stores along the route to become eligible for prizes. We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

New Burbank Thanksgiving Tradition... RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!


The downtown Burbank, CA YMCA will be starting a new Thanksgiving tradition this year  - the 2010 Turkey Trot! This event will be held November 25th at 8am and will feature a 5k, 10k, and 1k Youngsters fun run. Let's face it - Thanksgiving should be all about eating anyway.

Highlights


■Fun for everyone

■$250 award for top male and female 5k and 10k finishers

■First three finishers in each age group (under 20, then every five years and over 60) receive a commemorative award

■All registered Fun Run participants receive a medal

■High-quality long-sleeve shirt for all registered participants

■All registered participants included in a raffle for a pair of JetBlue airline tickets, sporting goods, restaurant certificates and much more

■Chip timing included for everyone

■Pre-Race festival USA Track & Field certified course

■Plenty of free parking steps from the start/finish line

When

■Thursday • November 25, 2010

■6am-8:30am • Registration and Vendor Expo

■7:30am • Warm up and Announcements

■8am • 5K and 10K Starts

■9:15am • Youngsters' Fun Run Starts (12 & younger)

Where

Through Downtown Burbank


Participants

1,500 people drawn from YMCA members, Burbank community and the Los Angeles county 5K/10K and running communities



Price

Adults (13 and older) $30 through November 19;

$35 November 20- 25;

Youngsters' Fun Run (12 & younger) $15


 Now I just need someone to convince me to register! Click HERE for more details. Or just REGISTER. Maybe I'll see you there. I'll be the heavy guy out of shape and breath. Make your plans today!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Spooky Ooky Pet Time In Burbank!!!

So, you have a little Pomeranian pirate, or Bichon Frise firefighter but don't know where to take them for Halloween? Well, bring them to downtown Burbank on Sunday the 31st for the 3rd annual Downtown Howl-Oween Parade on the AMC Walkway.

Downtown Burbank Parnership is hosting the event which starts at 4pm. and concludes at 7pm. Do be sure to join in the Parade for Dogs in Costume which will start at 6pm. All well-behaved pets are welcome!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Condo Open House Extravaganza Sunday 10/17/2010 2-4 pm



Come to 225 N. Rose Street at the Burbank/ Toluca Lake, CA border this Sunday to celebrate all things condo. Jill and I will be hosting 3 - count them - 3 open houses in a daring display of REALTOR  showmanship! All three condos are different floor plans and prices. Something for everyone in this complex that is absolutely perfect for working professionals looking to live near the studios. Everything is within walking distance - restaurants, theatre, shops, grocery. Park the car and decrease your carbon footprint living here! Call for more information: (818)516-7387.
Hope to see you Sunday!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Activities to do in Los Angeles when you have little to no $...

OK - so you live in Burbank or surrounding areas and you want to do something but are a little light in the wallet. Never fear, we have the list of free things for you to do around town. Here is a link to 100 free things to do around Los Angeles. Please chime in and let us know where you went and how it was.  Have a great weekend folks!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Sunday Open House in Magnolia Park - Burbank, CA 1-4 P.M.



Come join Jill and I this coming Sunday in the Magnolia Park area of Burbank as we host an Open House at this charming 2 bedroom, 1 bath home with den. Built in 1941, this 1288sq ft home with 6750 sq ft lot is located in a highly desirable area - within walking distance to shops, restaurants, studios and one of the best Elementary Schools in Burbank. This home is priced for immediate sale $489,000 and will not last long. Feel free to contact us for more information.

The Run Down:
When: Sunday 10/03/2010
Where: 645 N Screenland, Burbank, CA 91505
Time: 1-4 P.M.

Contact:
Phil & Jill Keppel
(818)516-7387
philipkeppel@yahoo.com



Thursday, September 30, 2010

So you want some wine and cheese do ya?

For those of you who subscribe to the thinking, "If it's free - it's for me!" I present an opportunity to gorge one's self on a cornucopia of wine and cheeses tonight in Glendale, CA.

Our Office - Bill Toth and Associates  - Burbank, CA is hosting a twilight open house at our Glendale listing. Here is the information:

Location: 2655 E, Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale CA.
Time: Thursday, September 30 · 5:00pm - 7:00pm

What we're selling: Mid Century Modern 2 Story, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home is located in Beautiful Chevy Chase Canyon. A Master suite, large formal dining room, hardwood floors and a rear yard that seems to flow right into the house. 3 terrace patios, all with views and extremely private. A perfect home for entertaining priced reasonably at $679,500. Hope to see you all there!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Condo... get cha condo here!

Excellent opportunity for a studio professional to live close to work in the Burbank area of Toluca Lake. This 1 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath condo boasts a den which can easily be converted into a 2nd bedroom. In addition, this home has a very desirable location in the building that looks out to a street lined with mature trees. The condo itself has been updated tastefully with  wood flooring in the main living room, attractive tile in the bathrooms and kitchen and new carpeting in the bedroom and den areas.

Once moved in, residents will be able to enjoy the local Toluca Lake amenities - such as a wide array of shops, restaurants, and even a live theatre all within walking distance. Leave the car in your assigned subterranean parking space (NO FIGHTING FOR PARKING) because everything you need is right within your reach! If you would rather enjoy a night in - head to the in ground community pool or relax in the indoor sauna. There's even a community room for residents to use. The next move is yours.

Come to our Open House this Sunday September 19th, 2 - 5P.M. and have a look around. We're sure you will love what you find! Or call for your very own personal showing. Hope to hear from you soon!

Phil and Jill Keppel
(818) 516-7387

Thursday, August 12, 2010

And now... the NFL


Just happy to see that NFL football is on the Television again! I believe my wife is happy as well - but for different reasons. She sees it as a chance to get out here and there for a bit of shopping since while I'm home watching the games  - I'm also able to keep an eye on the kids. That's about as close to a win, win situation as anybody gets these days. Of course our Realtor lifestyle makes Sunday games difficult since we are usually hosting Open Houses here around Burbank and Los Angeles. Thank God for DVRs! OK, I'm off to watch the rest of the game. Have a great day folks!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Common Myth - Working with the listing agent will give you an edge...

There is a common assumption out today with many buyers that if they use the Listing Agent of the property they desire for their representative not only will they be able to get the property easier - but they will also get a better deal. Many think if the list agent represents both the seller and buyer that he will cut his commission in order to pass savings along to the buyer as gratitude for signing with him. The first thing one needs to know is that the commission on any house is decided/ fixed in a contract long before any buyers ever enters the property so that 6% is coming off the top no matter what. The goal of every agent is to make money on the properties they represent. When one is fortunate enough to cover both ends of a transaction - all there is to do is claim the whole commission for oneself. Not many Realtors will give up half of their commission for a buyer - especially when they are in the type of market where others are waiting to purchase the property.

I'm not convinced having the list agent as a duel agent is in any buyer's best interest. When an agent agrees to list a property, his duty is to fulfill the best interest of the seller in that transaction. Sure, he would also have the same responsibility to the buyer but how adept is anyone at debating and negotiating with oneself? The best one could hope for in duel representation is a compromise somewhere in the middle. I'm pretty sure I would rather have an outside agent representing me and not conceding my interest just to push a sale through. As for having an edge on the competition, one would be hard pressed to find any seller who would take a lesser offer because his agent represents the buyer and is advising him to do such. Would you? In fact, I would be very skeptical of my agent's motivation. It's plain and simple - the best offer will be accepted no matter who is representing whom.

Overall, the person you decide to represent you in any home transaction should be someone you feel confident will represent YOUR best interests. Buyers should review their agent's performance during the process leading up to the act of submitting an offer. Are they answering/returning phone calls and emails in a prompt manner? Are they properly advising you on the homes you are viewing - pointing out upgrades or potential problems? Do they know the market and how fast the homes are selling? There are no fool proof ways of getting around the sales process but having a knowledgeable, competent agent is your best bet.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Around Burbank: Handy Market - 2514 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505

"Whoa - what's that smell?" That is what is commonly heard each Saturday around 2514 W. Magnolia Blvd -known as Burbank's Handy Market. The reason is simple once you are on the spot - grilling meats! Every Saturday (year round) this little convenience market brings out their team of experts to grill up some of the areas best BBQ. One can regularly witness cars driving by - rolling down their windows in order to let the smokey aromas waft into their compartments for a  precious few seconds as they roll on by. Some slow down to extend the pleasure.

We at Team Keppel wholly endorse the establishment which has been voted Best of Burbank for just about every - if not all the years of the poll. Come down some Saturday and stand in line for a bit. One can actually feel the energy and excitement from the veterans in line waiting excitedly for their chance. We recommend the Tri-tip sandwiches which can be found inside at the deli counter (skip the outside lines) You will not be disappointed! Have a great weekend!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Team Keppel's now listed in Blog Catalog

We are happy to announce today that fans can now find us easier now that our blog is listed on the search engine - blog catalog.

Thursday has been a slow day so far. Outside of busy work - Jill and I have just finished with the realtor caravan. There were some interesting properties - new today so contact us if you, or anyone you know is currently looking in the Burbank or surrounding communities! Have a great day!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Exclusive Magnolia Park - Burbank, CA 91505 Listing Preview!!!!

Get a jump on the competition! For the next few weeks, Team Keppel and Bill Toth and Associates will be offering a sneak preview of our latest property coming to the market. This 2 bedroom, 1 bath probate fixer may be your way into the Burbank, CA Market! Again, one will only be able to preview this property through us or one of our office representatives so take advantage of the opportunity! Sorry - no Agents/Brokers, or their representatives. Clients may write early offers but all offers will be held for review until the property is officially on the market - August 17th. Contact us for more information. Have a great day!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

What to do?

Jill and I are trying to plan out what we are going to do for tonight's block party on Rose Street in Burbank, CA. We're undecided on what types of items to hand out or whether we should set up a game for the kids. We're leaning towards a lollipop game where kids pull the lollipops out of a board and get a prize determined by the color of the stick but we may just go boring and hand out our promotional materials. We have a few hours to decide so  no pressure for now. have a great day folks!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Have a Night Out...

Join Jill and I for the 2010 National Night Out/Annual Rose Street Block Party - Tuesday, August 3rd from 5 to 8:30p.m. Rose Street between Magnolia and Chandler in Burbank, CA. We will be there representing Bill Toth & Associates - handing our promotional materials, mingling with the crowd and answering any Real Estate questions. Jill and I enjoy participating in these community events and invite you to join us if you are in the area!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Out of the woods and into a Rock... Eagle Rock that is!

Well I'm back from a week of camping in the forest with our younger son at church camp. It was quite an experience sleeping in a tee pee for a whole week with a group of ten year olds. The kids had a great time and me... well... I'm exhausted. OK so now that I have all this energy... it's back to Real Estate!

Come join me at my Open House tomorrow, Saturday 07/31/10  1-4pm. Hope to see you there!

1219 Wildwood Dr, Eagle Rock, CA 90041 
List Date: 07/21/10
Price: $549,000
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.0
Approx Square Feet: 1225
Approx Lot Size (feet): 6590
Year built: 2004
MLS#: F1850707

Built in 2004, this beautiful Artist's Retreat offers 2 Bedrooms and 1 Bathroom upstairs, and 1 Bedroom/Bonus Room with Full Bathroom that has a spa tub downstairs. The upstairs deck provides amazing views of the City and Mountains. The Living Room, Kitchen and Dining Room offers an open floor plan. There is a 2 Car Over-sized Attached Finished Garage. Laundry Area with Washer and Dryer are located in the Garage


Sunday, July 25, 2010

BURBANK OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 07/25/10 - COME ONE ... COME ALL!!!

Come out today to check out our OPEN HOUSE in Burbank from 2-5 pm. Phil will be hosting and will love to see you!
 Here is the info:
1625 N. Niagara Street
Burbank, Ca 91505   Sunday 07/25/10  2-5 pm
  • 3 bedroom
  • 2 Bath
  • 1,760 Sq Ft
  • 6,400 Lot
  • Built  in 1940

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Good Deeds

Team Keppel will be out today volunteering time at Westminster Presbyterian Church  - 542 N. Buena Vista St, Burbank, CA 91505 serving food to the homeless as part of the program, "the Lord's Kitchen" Feel free to stop in and help if you have time. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The Best Day Ever...

Sometimes a little wishful thinking goes a long way. Today started as any other, wake up, a shower, some breakfast, and then off to the office. As I sat at my desk contemplating my day, a thought came to me. You know how sometimes one will have what they describe as the worst day ever. You know - wake up too tired to function... burn your breakfast, kids won't respond - slowing you down to the point you will be late for work. Once you leave the house you find all the traffic lights are working against you. You try to counteract the events by speeding up but - you get pulled over and receive a ticket. All this is before you even get to work! Well, my thought was then if all this bad can happen - why not the opposite?

With this thought in mind, I announced to anyone with enough coffee in their system within ear shot that I was declaring today, Tuesday 07/20/2010, the best day ever! Only great things were to happen to all in the office on this day! So how is it working so far? Well, I'm proud to say that the best day ever has already provided big rewards to me and at least one of my coworkers! Within a few minutes of my declaration I had received a shiny new quarter, and one of my coworkers received an invite to a formula one car race in September - Italian Grand Prix . Now I know what you are thinking but a quarter is a good start. I expect bigger and better as the day moves along!

Have a great day - perhaps your best day ever? Yes, none of this post was real estate related... or was it?

Monday, July 19, 2010

Ah... cooling down.


Not the housing market - just the temperature. Burbank has been in the high 90's the past week with higher humidity than what we are used to. Finally though, the temp is coming down. This should help bring the buyers out of their air conditioned hideaways in order to start viewing properties again. This past weekend's open houses were not as full as one would like so the cooler temps are definitely a welcome sight.

I'll be venturing into the Hollywood hills for some showings this afternoon after some phone time and door knocking this morning. Once again - It will be a relief to get outside again since most of our work was done inside this past week. We figured people would not enjoy talking to sweaty Realtors on their doorstep while their cool air rushed out of the house. OK see you in the hills. I'll be the one in the blue Mustang convertible - perhaps with the top down?

Have a great day folks!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

OPEN HOUSE 07/18/10 1-4 P.M. Burbank

Come join us today in the highly desirable Magnolia Park area of Burbank as we host another OPEN HOUSE!

Phil and Jill will be hosting. Here is the info:
915 N. Niagara Street Burbank, Ca 91505
Sunday 07/18/10 1-4 pm

POOL HOME
2 bedroom
2 Bath with den (can be used as 3rd bedroom)
1,593 Sq Ft
6,750 Lot
Built in 1936
$625,000

Come pay a visit - it's still hot in Burbank but never fear - we'll have plenty of cold water to pass out!
Hope to see you there!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

OPEN HOUSE - Saturday 17th 1-4pm 1625 North Niagara Street Burbank, CA 91505

Come out today to check out our OPEN HOUSE in Burbank from 1-4pm. Phil will be hosting and will love to see you!
 Here is the info:
1625 N. Niagara Street
Burbank, Ca 91505   Saturday 07/17/10 1-4 pm
  • 3 bedroom
  • 2 Bath
  • 1,760 Sq Ft
  • 6,400 Lot
  • Built  in 1940

Friday, July 16, 2010

A Grand Evening!

Bill Toth, Jill and Phil Keppel pose for a picture in front of the sponsor table.

Jill and I had a great time last night at Come Out and Dance - Downtown Burbank Partnership’s Summer concert series. The star attraction for the evening was the Grammy nominated Gary Tole and Legends of Swing who kept the crowd on its feet playing such hits as Glenn Miller’s, Pennsylvania 6 –5000 and In the Mood. We had had an absolute blast interacting with the community! We’ve made a lot of new friends last tonight and everyone loved the music! Jill I were even dancing in our seats! We spent the evening chatting with the music lovers, handing out informational and promotional materials, and also water bottles to an appreciative crowd who worked up a mighty thirst cutting loose on the dance floor. Thanks to everyone with the Downtown Burbank Partnership for organizing such a wonderful program for our citizens and allowing us to participate. We look forward to future events!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Don't forget tonight...

Is Come Out and Dance at the AMC walkway in downtown Burbank - Palm Ave. and San Fernando Blvd. Jill and I will be there to answer any real estate questions and hand out information and water. Come out - we would love to see you!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Come out and Dance! Downtown Burbank July 15th 6-9 P.M.

Join Jill and I Thursday July 15th 6-9P.M. at the AMC walkway (Palm Ave. and San Fernando Boulevard) in beautiful downtown Burbank as we enjoy music by Gary Tole and the Legends of Swing. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Burbank Partnership and is aptly titled, "Come out and Dance" Jill and I will be manning the Bill Toth & Associates sponsorship table, and handing out real estate materials. We hope to see you all there so come out, hear some great free music, and say hello!

Monday, July 5, 2010

July 5th - Did You Miss Your Golden Opportunity?

Jill and I look forward to holidays but for different reasons than most. We see holidays as a great opportunity for those struggling to get a home. Many of our past FHA clients who had been previously losing bidding wars were finally able to find homes over holidays with the dip in the competition. While the bulk of the shoppers were out enjoying themselves on holiday trips - our clients were out looking for homes and placing offers. Is it a sure fire way? No, but your odds of getting a home can go way up!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Jill Presents our South Korean Visitors to Burbank's Mayor and City Council

On Tuesday June 29th, 2010 Jill Presented our South Korean Visitors to Burbank's Mayor and City Council. Jill and I have been involved with Burbank Sister Cities Committee for the past two three years and think it is a wonderful program. Our son Brandon has travelled as a student delegate to Incheon South Korea two years ago and this year he will be visiting Ota Japan for two weeks.


City Council Meeting

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Happy Holiday Weekend!


Jill and I will be out on the streets of Burbank this weekend placing small American flags in the yards of the local residents. If you live in Burbank, California and would like a small flag for your yard - leave us a note and we will try to stop by. Act quickly - our supply is limited. Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Locked up for MDA


Please Help Me!!! I'm being arrested Wednesday 06/23/2010 and put in jail for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Lock-up. Don’t even bother asking what crime I have committed – it’s not really that important. I just have to raise my bail of $1250.00 before the Lock-Up and they will go easy on me, but I need your financial assistance to post my bond. Please lend your support during the:


MDA Lock Up June 23rd 12:00 P.M. - Smoke House Restaurant – Burbank

Your 100% tax-deductible donation will help MDA continue research into the cause and the possible cure of the 43 neuromuscular diseases they cover. Your support of the MDA Lock-Up will also help MDA provide medical equipment, clinic visits, support groups and a magical week of MDA Summer Camp for the families served by the Association in our local area.


Visit my site and make a donation today!

https://www.joinmda.org/burbank2010/philipkeppel


Thank you for your support!

Phil

Monday, June 21, 2010

Open House for June 27th 2010 1 - 4 P.M. Excellent Opportunity!


Come join Jill and I this Sunday as we host an open house at 707 N. Valley Street in Burbank, CA 91505 from 1-4 P.M. Here is the run down:

4 bedroom
3 bathroom
2,867 sq ft living space
6,000 sq ft lot
Year built 1941
Tree lined Street!

Hope to see you there. Wear comfortable shoes and proper offer writing attire!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

3rd Annual - Bill Toth and Associates Community Carnival!

Please join our office in celebrating community spirit as we host our 3rd annual carnival on Saturday June 26th. All are welcome. Hope to see you there!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Help - I'm FHA and having trouble landing a house!






This is not an uncommon problem in the Burbank/Los Angeles area. In the grand scheme of things, when a homebuyer is looking at offers, cash buyers are most preferred, followed by the large down payment crowd, next are the high FICO score group, then lastly the FHA people.

Unfair? Absolutely, but sellers all look for the sure thing with the least amount of problems. Think of how you would react to the before mentioned offers. If you have an all cash offer and an FHA buyer before you, you know that with the cash offer you will have less worries about appraisals, code requirements, or the buyer's ability to get their loan and close on time. Basically speaking, the higher the risk - the more concern a seller will have with potential buyers.

So how does an FHA buyer get a home then? I hear this from frustrated FHA buyers all the time. They tell me that they have been battling for months writing offers only to be beaten out each time by cash buyers. My answer is simple. Get an agent who is responsive and proactive. Jill and I work with FHA buyers all the time and have not had much problems finding and closing deals for them - mainly because we focus on working quickly and smartly.

Time is of the essence when finding a home for an FHA client. Also, one needs to be smart in the approach. One can not low-ball a competitively priced property that is new to the market and expect favorable returns. If you like the home and you are FHA - you need to go in quickly with as strong an offer as you are comfortable submitting. The goal is to get the seller to accept your offer before others come in. That is the key - plain and simple. Know the competition and play to win.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

So...shorts sales are great deals, huh?


As ShortSale and Foreclosure certification holders, Jill and I will sometimes come across friends who'll ask that we keep an eye out for promising short sales. When we ask why, they tell us how short sales are great deals selling under market value. I think this is interesting and is a perception shared by many out there due to all the misinformation around today.

Many people confuse short sales with REOs -which one can sometimes find good deals if the home is in need of TLC and the buyer doesn't mind investing some of their own money to fix it up. A Short Sale though is basically a program for sellers to settle a debt on their properties before going to foreclosure. It mainly benefit that seller - not the next buyer.

There are a few steps to a short sale that people need to know about before entering into the transaction. First, the process doesn't end after the first agreed upon price. This is because the bank, or investor the bank represents, are the ones taking the loss - so they will be the ones deciding the final amount. Ideally, the bank will want the home sold for TODAY'S MARKET VALUE so big deals will be unlikely unless the home sits for a long time. By that time the home will most likely be foreclosed upon anyway. Short sales become more of a hassle with every extra liens on the home since those will have to be taken care of as well, most likely out of pocket of the new buyer before the home will be allowed to close.

Overall, short sales work well for those trying to get out of bad situations but don't assume they will be easy, or a great deal. If you want a really great deal, be diligent in your home search and be ready to act as soon as you see your dream home no matter what type of listing it is.(short sale, foreclosure, standard sale) The early bird does get the worm :)

Friday, April 30, 2010

Burbank Home of the Week! 04/30/10



This weeks pick is a lovely home on Niagara Street in Burbank. Located in the highly desirable Magnolia Park area of Burbank, it is close to shopping, studios, and feeds into some of the best schools in Burbank. No slouch, this 2 bed, 2 bath home feels much larger than its 1,593 sq ft of living space on a 6,750 sq ft lot. Become the heroes of Niagara Street by inviting your neighbors over for get togethers under the covered patio or hosting a Hawaiian themed party beside your in-ground pool.
This California dream comes with a $625,000 price tag. Contact us for more details philipkeppel@yahoo.com . Until then... Cowabunga!

Monday, March 22, 2010

38 and counting...


Hello Folks, just a quick reminder that there are only 38 days left for the homebuyer tax credits which end April 30th 2010. Don't put off your home purchase = leaving money on the table. We can help - contact us today!
Up to $8,000 for new homebuyers
Up to $6500 for current homeowners

Monday, February 22, 2010

Home opportunity of the Week 2/22/10


Our hand picked opportunity for the week of 2/22 is a bank owned beauty on a well kept street here in Burbank. This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is located at 1315 N. Reese Place and features an open floor plan with hardwood flooring, updated kitchen with granite counter tops, and a 2 car detached garage. The sq footage is listed at 998 but feels much larger due to the open layout. This home is fresh to the market and listed at $473,900.00 Feel free to contact us for further information.
Disclaimer: This listing is not represented by Bill Toth and Associates or Phil and Jill Keppel.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Warning about Burbank Unified School Registration 02/19/2010

02/19/2010 - Burbank, CA
The Burbank Unified School district has started warning parents to register their children early for the upcoming 2010/2011 school year. Parents are being informed by letter and automated phone call that due to limited school site allotment, students may not be able to attend the schools in their immediate areas. Students may be forced into second or third choice schools. Our advice to those with school aged children who are thinking about moving to the Burbank area should check with the Burbank Unified School district as early as possible.

For more information contact the Burbank Unified School District at (818)729-4502 or check out their website:http://www.burbank.k12.ca.us/index.aspx?page=1

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Featured Burbank Home of the Week 02/18/10


Our featured Burbank home this week is at 2633 N Buena Vista Street Burbank, CA 91504 listed for $559,000.00. This home is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with approx 1624 sq feet of living space. The home features two fireplaces, a den, living room/dining room combination, and a detached two car garage. The home is in excellent condition and is convenient to highways, shopping, and located within the desirable Burbank Unified School district. This home is also in close proximity to Burbank's Woodbury University for those looking for a property to house their attending children. We are hosting an open house on this property on Sunday 02/21/2010 from 1 - 4PM. For more information, email us at either phil@philandjill.com, or jill@philandjill.com. Have a great week!

Monday, January 25, 2010

New Homebuyer Workshop

Free! No Obligation - Just Great Information
Bring a friend !
Saturday February 6th 10:30-11:30 Am
Where: Bill Toth and Associates
4417 West Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505

Seating is Limited
Reserve Your Spot Today
philipkeppel@yahoo.com

http://philandjill.com
 DRE #s 01868844, 01875431