Friday, January 31, 2014

Last Friday of the Month is always Ladies' Night Out in Magnolia Park - Burbank, CA

Relax, it's not just for the ladies - all are invited to join in the fun.  Come enjoy the sights and multiple food trucks!   Always a great time so hope to see you there!


By Philip and Jill Keppel
#philandjill
www.homesalesburbank.com

Monday, January 27, 2014

What? Two Blogs from Team Keppel?!



Yes, Phil and Jill Keppel #philandjill now have two blogs.  To make a long story short, our original blog domain name - www.magnoliaparkexperts.com. one day expired without any notice from the host site.  Unfortunately, before I could fix the problem, our name was picked up by a predatory company who proceeded to hold it hostage for hundreds of dollars.  Not one to be extorted, I walked away and just changed our address to its current form.

Over the weekend I noticed our old name was once again back on the market  - this time at a regular entry price.  Feeling a bit nostalgic - I picked it back up and have decided to use it on a new blog - one that concentrates on its namesake - the Magnolia Park section of Burbank.  So if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell in Magnolia Park - know there is now a blog for it.  It's a bit light on material at the moment but keep an eye out for new news and information.  Once again our new blog is www.magnoliaparkexperts.com

By Philip Keppel
#philandjill
www.homesalesburbank.com
BRE  01875431
philipkeppel@yahoo.com



Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Magnolia Park - Luna Vine Wine Bar - Opening Next Week!

While out this morning I noticed the Luna Vine Wine Bar on Magnolia Blvd. is getting closer to opening.  Their latest facebook post says they are anticipating next week!   Great news for us Magnolia Park residents!  Looking forward to my first visit! 



By Philip Keppel
Media West Realty Inc.
BRE # 01875431
philipkeppel@yahoo.com
www.homesalesburbank.com


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

15122 Roxford #13 Sylmar CA 91342 - Price Reduced!

Sylmar Opportunity - Great Home! - $305,000
$305,000


Click to view
View the Virtual Tour
Come home to this private gated community of detached homes with private outdoor spaces and low HOA dues! This beautiful 3 bedroom x 2-1/2 bath home features a bright and airy floor plan. Easily one of the gems of the community, it's located on one of the best private end lots within the complex. Entering the home, one finds an open living room with a warm fireplace and attractive wood flooring. Just off the living room is a spacious dining area with sliding glass doors leading to an extra large private patio retreat. The kitchen is updated and open for entertaining. A shared 1/2 bath completes the downstairs living space. Upstairs one finds 3 bedrooms and two full bathrooms. One bath is shared between two junior bedrooms and the other is part of the master bedroom suite. To complete this offering - there is a 2 car attached garage with a dedicated laundry area.
3 Bedrooms

1,257 Sq Ft

Central Air and Heat

Wood Floors

2-1/2 Bathrooms

Open Floor Plan

Fireplace - Living room

Large Entertainer's Patio Space


MLS:
BB13142613
Sq Ft:
1,257
Yr Built:
2000
Bdrms:
3
Baths:
2.5
Pool:
No
Parking:
2 Car Garage
Asking:
$305,000
15122 Roxford Street 13
Sylmar, CA
91342
Philip Keppel
1-818-516-7387
Lic#: 01875431
Media West Realty

4105 W. Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA91505

1-818-516-7387
Real Estate Email Flyers by EmailFlyers.net

Friday, April 5, 2013

BURBANK ON PARADE 2013 - SATURDAY 04/06/2013 11am-2pm

Come join Media West Realty and the rest of Burbank tomorrow morning as we celebrate all things Burbank with our annual Parade!  The parade starts at 11 am on Olive Ave, between Keystone and Lomita but you will want to arrive earlier to find side street parking and get a good spot.  For more information, go to http://burbankonparade.com/


Hope to see you all there!


Philip Keppel 
REALTOR®
DRE#01875431
Media West Realty
4105 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
818.845.9703 Fax
818.516.7387 Cell

Monday, March 11, 2013

New Burbank, CA Police Activity Information Link




Our Burbank, CA Police Department now pays for a service called Nixle.com, to inform free subscribers about local police activity via email or text. View Burbank PD activity and subscribe to updates at:
http://local.nixle.com/burbank-police-department-california/

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Looking for a Real Estate Agent? This may help...



 Picking a real estate agent to represent you these days can be pretty stressful since there are so many to choose from.  Some may think one is as good as the next but that is certainly not the case.  I see differences on a daily basis while dealing with other agents so why don't we discuss a few so you know what to expect..

1) Unavailable Agents - these are agents who get to things on their own time.  Easily recognized - they are slow returning phone calls - if at all.  These agents  tend to limit their access and usually have voice messages stating that calls made after a certain time will be returned the next business day.  On the surface you may think that sounds reasonable - until the day you stumble across your dream home at 6pm while out and about and cannot reach your agent.  Unfortunately - the home sellers are reviewing offers that very night and your agent will not be around to help you get your offer in.  Oh, well... maybe next time. If you have this type of agent representing you on the selling side, you may want to consider the possibilities as well.  Can you really afford to have an agent responding to calls the next day?  Let's say you have interested buyers just steps away from your front door but they were unable to reach anyone for an appointment.  They would have written an offer on your home if only they had gotten access.  Luckily for them, they did find a home that night - your neighbor's home down the street. Their agent answered the phone and got the buyers in that night.

2) Bull Dog Agents - this is my name for overly aggressive agents.  Everyone would ideally want these types representing them since they are tenacious.  They are the ones proudly telling their clients how they are protecting them by fighting for every nickle.  Getting the best deal is not even good enough for they want their side to win and the other side to lose.  You may be wondering what can possibly be wrong with that?  Nothing - until you find out no other agent wants to deal with them.  
Let's say you and another buyer make an offer on the same home.  You have your bull dog agent chomping at the bit to get you the best deal.  Perhaps he or she even calls the listing agent to set the tone - explaining all the various reasons why their seller's home is overpriced and how they should feel lucky to have such a well qualified person as yourself submitting an offer. The competing buyer has an agent who also fights for clients but chooses a softer approach.  He or she may also call the list agent, but only to say how much their buyer appreciates the home and how they would love the opportunity to get into escrow.  Money wise - both offers are close or possibly your offer is even higher.  Unfortunately for  you the other offer is chosen. You may find this to be the trend but you never understand why?  Many do not realize that their agent's approach can be the deciding factor.  Offending the other side or giving an impression that any potential deal will be a fight to the very end can be a negative. Overall everyone wants to feel they negotiated a good deal so successful agents will structure their approach to facilitate the sale while still protecting their clients.

3) Tell Me What I Want To Hear Agents - The last type of agent we'll talk about are those who regularly take overpriced listings - telling homeowners they can secure for them whatever price they want.  These agents beat other agents by selling hope of a better payday over the realities of the market.  Selling hope is not a bad thing in itself and sometimes it may even work out but most times it just brings problems for the sellers.  For instance since the homeowner is convinced they can get an unrealistic amount, they may turn down fair market value offers. Days begin to pass and potential buyers start to assume that something is wrong with the home.  Eventually, any offers received may be less than market value since remaining buyers are afraid of dealing with potential issues so offer less to protect themselves. 
Even though pricing is not an exact science, there are ways to tell if you are in your general range.  Agents should always be able to provide comps of recent sales within a close proximity of your home.  If none are available, then either their search area or timeline will need to be adjusted.  Everyone wants the highest amount for their home but one must still be realistic.

Before assuming all agents are the same, take the time to investigate your targeted agent's knowledge and availability.  Expand your criteria and don't rely on any specific area. If you are only looking for the most experienced agents, you may find ones who are the most burnt out.  Looking for enthusiasm may bring the greenest agents who are still developing knowledge of the industry.  Deciding that you will only work with the biggest agents in the area may result in your taking a backseat to higher priced clients or being passed onto assistants who are still learning the ropes. Your
 ideal agent should have a good range of knowledge and availability.  Granted, not everyone will pick up their phone on the first ring or return your email immediately but they should be able to regularly get back to you within a reasonable amount of time.  Before signing with anyone - try contacting them at different time of the day and ask plenty of questions about the buying/selling process to check their knowledge. That should help you find out who'll represent you the best because not all agent s are the same.


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

OK Turkey - Let's go for a Run!

Looking to work up an appetite before the big meal on Thursday?  In the Los Angles, CA for Thanksgiving?  If so - come on down to beautiful downtown Burbank Thursday morning for the 3rd annual Run for Your Life Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, and Kiddie 1K for children 7 and under.

 Early registration is happening now, but one can still show up on the day of the event to secure a spot between 6:30 and 7:30am at the downtown Burbank YMCA.

Want more Information? Click this link below:
 RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

Have a great Holiday!

Philip Keppel
REALTOR®
DRE#01875431
Media West Realty
4105 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
818.845.9703 Fax
818.516.7387 Cell








Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Holiday in the Park - Magnolia Park - Burbank, CA Friday November 16th 5:00 -9:00PM

Come join Jill and I as we kick off the Holiday season with our Magnolia Park neighbors this coming Friday 5:00-9:00PM! 
 
For more information click the link: Holiday in the Park
 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Open House - 432 Glenwood Place Burbank, CA 91506 - Sunday 10/28/12 1-4pm

You may recognize this home since Jill and I listed and sold it a couple of months ago.  Well, the investors have worked their magic and it is now ready for  the next lucky house hunter!  Join us this coming Sunday 1-4pm for its first public open  house!  Hope to see you there!

Monday, June 18, 2012

FREE Home Buyer Workshop - Saturday June 23rd 10:30-11:30AM - Burbank, CA

***The market has been drastically changing due to our low inventory.  The result has been sellers receiving multiple offers on their properties - making it difficult for many to compete for the homes they want.  Invest an hour this Saturday and come to our workshop to learn how to make clean offers and put yourself in the best position to get that home you desire!  Don't just hope for the best, get the info you need to beat the competition!***

Friday, May 25, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend = Great Time to Buy!


Before embarking on your extended holiday weekend, Jill and I have one message to prospective home buyers - holidays are a great time to purchase your new home! This is especially true for those who have been having problems getting their offers accepted due to the increased competition! Decreased buyer activity during holidays can be a God send to many who have been losing out, so if you have been experiencing this problem... it may be your best time to act!

Jill and I plan to keep close to home for the weekend and will be at the ready for anyone out there with the desire to act. Just let us know. Have a happy and safe weekend folks!

Philip Keppel
REALTOR®
DRE#01875431
Media West Realty
4105 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
www.philandjill.com
philipkeppel@yahoo.com
818.845.9700 Office
818.845.9703 Fax
818.516.7387 Cell

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

National Open House Event - Burbank, CA

Come join Jill and I, along with the rest of our Media West Realty office Thursday night 4:30 - 7:30pm at the Burbank Association of REALTORS® - 2006 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91506.  Jill and I will be manning the information table and giving out our swag so arrive early to score our best stuff! 
In addition to an association full of REALTORS, there will be food trucks on hand for your dining pleasure!  Don't forget to visit all the homes on the tour for your chance to win the iPad being given out by the Association!  Hope to see you there!

Philip Keppel
REALTOR®
DRE#01875431
Media West Realty
4105 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
818.845.9700 Office
818.845.9703 Fax
818.516.7387 Cell
The accuracy of all information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Burbank, CA on Parade - April 14th - 11am


Come join our Media West Realty office, and a good portion of the City of Burbank for, "Burbank on Parade" tomorrow morning Saturday April 14, 2012 at 11 am.  This year's theme is the world of aviation and its heroes so one should expect to see some great costumes and floats!

The parade route will be on Olive Ave. and run between Keystone and Lomita.  Parking can be easily found on side streets but do arrive early since good spots go quickly.


We hope to see you there!

Philip Keppel
REALTOR®
DRE#01875431
Media West Realty
4105 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
818.516.7387 Cell

The accuracy of all information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Burbank Hills Opportunity! OPEN HOUSE - Sunday 04/15/2012 1-4PM


Join us for another Phil and Jill Keppel hosted Open House this Sunday in the Hills of Burbank, CA as we celebrate 1906 Karen Street!  This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home proudly boast 2,662 sq ft (per owner) of living space on a 6,986 sq ft lot! 

If great schools are on your wish list, look no further!  This home feeds into the highly desirable Burbank Unified School District  - Thomas Jefferson Elementary, John Muir Middle, and Burbank High School. 

Great curb appeal and open floor plan awaits potential buyers looking for a property to put their own stamp on!  All this plus Burbank amenities - Police, Fire, utilities, and lifestyle!   

Can't wait until the weekend, dislike open houses or just prefer a private showing?  No problem, call, text or email me and I will arrange a viewing appointment.  Otherwise, come on out this Sunday and explore the possibilities!  Hope to see you this Sunday 1-4pm!


Philip Keppel
REALTOR®
DRE#01875431
Media West Realty
4105 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
818.516.7387 Cell

The accuracy of all information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.


Monday, March 19, 2012

Burbank, CA Inventory is Down - It May Be Time To List Your Home!


If you live in Burbank, CA and have been wondering if it is a good time to list your home.  You may want to consider the following information. For the past few weeks, we've been noticing a decrease in the amount of new listings coming to the Burbank market.  To see how much, I put together a snapshot of available homes for sale in Burbank, CA that covers the past two years - February 2010 to February 2012. These numbers represent all single family, town homes, and condos  currently for sale in the city of Burbank, CA.  Even though the overall numbers have fluctuated, the chart shows that inventory is at its lowest amount in two years with February 2012 being 60% lower than February 2010!



Ah, but what about demand?  One may assume inventory is down because demand is down as well?  To answer this question, lets look at the amount of sales over the same period.  If sales have dropped, then demand surely has dropped as well?


As one can see, overall sales per month has hovered in the thirty to sixty properties per month range over the past two years - never dropping below thirty. And sales for February 2012 are actually up 9% from February 2010. With demand holding steady and inventory being low, it may be a great time to take advantage of the drop in supply and sell your home while at an advantage.

Call today and we can investigate if the time is right for you to sell. We'll investigate what your home is worth in today's market and see what your net profit is after paying off.

Philip Keppel
REALTOR®
DRE#01875431
Media West Realty
4105 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
818.845.9700 Office
818.845.9703 Fax
818.516.7387 Cell

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Good News for Potential Buyers and Sellers in Burbank, CA


The Burbank City Council decided last night - Tuesday February 21, 2012 to extend the wood shingle and wood shake replacement Ordinance #3296 that was set for enforcement August 12 2012. The City Council extended the deadline to the following:
  • 2 years for exposed wood shake
  • 8 years for wood shingle covered with composite materials.
In a time where the housing industry is still in a state of recovery, we applaud the Burbank City Council for providing this relief for buyers and sellers!

Philip Keppel
REALTOR®
DRE#01875431
Media West Realty
4105 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
818.516.7387 Cell

Monday, January 30, 2012

City of Burbank - Beware of Wood Shake Roof Ordinance No.3296


Burbank, CA homeowners, potential buyers, and sellers need to be aware of local ordinance No. 3296  enacted in 1992 which requires all Burbank, CA homes to be free of wood shake or shingle material by August 14, 2012. This rule applies to both exposed wood shake, and roofs with wood shake material as an underlayment. Also, physical condition or age is not a consideration. If the law is left unchanged, a mandate will place a restriction/encumbrance on the title of all homes that are out of compliance. The encumbrance would then need to be cleared in order to refinance, transfer, or sell one's property.

Due to the difficult economic times, and state of the current real estate market, the Burbank Board of REALTORS has been trying to have a review of the ordinance by City Council at the Tuesday February 21st, 2012 6:00PM meeting. We are told that the city may consider three options:

1. Leave the current law unchanged.

2. Provide a 5 year extension for composition over wood shake roofs and continue the mandate to replace all exposed wood shake roofs by August 2012

3. Provide a ten year extension for all wood shake roofs.


The Burbank Association of REALTORS is asking Burbank homeowners to voice their opinions by either contacting their local Burbank REALTOR,  the Burbank Association of REALTORS (818-845-7643), or their local city council representative. Local council representatives can be reached by email at citycouncil@ci.burbank.ca.us

The current version of the ordinance will surely present some difficulties as buyers and sellers negotiate wood shake roof issues before the close of escrow. Be sure to investigate if the home you plan to purchase has exposed wood shake or shingle underlayment and how/if the seller intends to bring the home into compliance before making your offer. Feel free to contact me with questions or if you would like more information.

Best,

Philip Keppel
REALTOR®
DRE#01875431
Media West Realty
4105 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
818.516.7387 Cell