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!

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!

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!

100 Free Things to Do - LA Inc

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

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!

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

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!