Monday, January 3, 2011

Happy New Year... now what?

So we made it through the holidays and now it is back to work for most of us. For those of you who shut down the home search -  it's time to start back up. But where to begin? Like most things in life - it is best to have a game plan for success. The best way to start is to take a little time to determine what is most important to you and make a list of all your wants and needs - ranking least to most important. Then go over your list with your Realtor to find a home with as many qualities from that list as possible.

 The New Year may also be a good time to evaluate your Realtor and how they are responding to your needs. Are they available for your phone calls, and do they return emails in a timely manner? How available are they to take you out or show your home? Do they plan outings or just direct you to open houses? Remember, the most important aspect of any Realtor is how they respond to you. Many deals are timing based and one does not want to miss out on a sale or miss getting an offer accepted due to the slow actions of her realtor.

Jill and I are always amazed how difficult it can be to get return phone calls from listing Realtors. We recommend people periodically check from time to time how fast their realtor is responding to calls by having a friend test the system. If your realtor is slow or does not return calls - it may be time to find somebody else or refuse to renew your listing. When searching for a new Realtor - don't always believe the hype.

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!