Silver Lake Are Homes and Information

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Adorable Silver Lake California craftsman home for sale

Adorable Silver Lake California craftsman home for sale

Are you in the market for a Silver Lake CA home?  If you have been looking for a Calfornia bungalow, this adorable craftsman home could be just the ticket.  The Lightfoots' new listing at 1441 Coronado Terrace is a great little house.  I saw it on broker's caravan during the week and thought it was one of the best properties open that day.

Silver Lake CA craftsman home for sale

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath classic offer alot of original details with updates in all the right places and completely keeping with the craftsman style of the home. The house has hardwood floors, built-in china cabinets, wood moldings and period details throughout. 

If you'd like to see it and you are available this weekend, there is a public open house scheduled for 9/26/2009 from 2-5pm.  If that doesn't work for you, give me a shout and I'll arrange to show it to you.

For more information on this particular property and buying or selling property in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Jenny Durling signature

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

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Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved *Adorable Silver Lake California craftsman home for sale* 

Fire Safety Tips in Your Home

fire safety in your L.A. homeDuring fire emergencies, you and your family only have a few crucial minutes to spare in order to get to a safe place outside your home. A fire safety plan which accommodates children, adults, the elderly, and family members with special needs is critical to ensure the safety of the entire family. To achieve this, below are vital points you need to consider:

1.       Guard your family and your home. Set up smoke alarms in every story and bedroom of the home including the outside of all sleeping areas. Also, using the test button, test the smoke alarms on a monthly basis. Orient family members on what the fire alarm sounds like and ensure they understand what it indicates and the best way to get out of the house.

2.       To be safe, prepare in advance by making a fire escape plan and involve all the members in your family. With everyone in the home, including small children and the elderly, take note of all likely exits including windows by walking through the house. Pencil in a simple floor plan of the house and point out two possible exits from every room.

3.       In preparation for fire drills and fire emergencies, select a place to meet other family members after leaving the exit points such as the mailbox across the street or other similar landmarks. Designate two reliable family members to assist the elderly, small children, infants, and anyone with mobility problems. It’s possible that these designated people may need to help other family members, so it’s a must to teach older children to go through exit points without assistance. Train every family member to contact 911 from a mobile phone or from a neighbor’s house nearby.

4.       Carry out fire drills at least two times a year and consider doing one at night while your family is asleep. Take note from mistakes and learn from them.

fire safety in your L.A. home5.       In case a fire emergency occurs, select the route where there is the least amount of heat and smoke. If the first exit point is blocked by fire or smoke, make your way to the next. If you pass through smoke to reach an exit, crawl on the floor rather than walking, as the cleanest air is near the floor. If you are trapped in a room, seal the door to block smoke from coming in. Never stop to call the fire department while inside the house. If you see smoke coming from under or around a door, don’t open it. Likewise, close doors as you pass through them to block smoke. Do not take any belongings with you while escaping. Once you’re out of the house, go to your predetermined meeting place and call the fire department. Stay at the meeting place and wait for them to arrive.

Fire Safety in…

Two Story Homes

Prepare fire escape ladders in each bedroom and ensure that each person in the home knows how to use them.

Condos

Through your home owners’ association, make sure that the fire detection and the automatic fire suppression systems are in tip top shape at all times. Be sure to check that the fire exit stair doors are equipped with a panic device, are self-closing and  snap shut.

For more information on fire safety in your home, pricing and selling or buying property in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com.

Broker Associate, HAFA certified, E-pro
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
info@LApropertySolutions.com
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *Fire Safety Tips in Your Home*

Franklin Hills Short Sale in Los Feliz!

Franklin Hills Short Sale in Los Feliz!

If you thought that the only distressed properties in Los Angeles were in less desirable neighborhoods, this Franklin Hills Short Sale should be a pleasant surprise. If you are new to short sales and seek more information, you can read a prior post here to understand what a short sale is.  You may have heard that short sales are a nightmare and a giant waste of time. This is not necessarily true and when you are working with agent who know the ropes and use professional short sale negotiators, a short sale can be a great opportunity for a buyer.

Check out this adorable 3 bedroom and 1 bath Cape Cod Traditional in the Franklin Hills area of Los Feliz.  Last sold for almost $800,000 in 2005, this property is a steal at $660,000. It's on a great little corner surround with mature landscaping and citrus trees. Thought not a large house, it's got a nice sized living room and great storage space in the updated kitchen. 

 

To see this property or for more information on shorts sales in Los Angeles County and buying or selling property in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Jenny Durling signature

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

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Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved *Franklin Hills Short Sale in Los Feliz!* 

10 Surefire Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

1. First, you have to put credit cards away to stop debt from mounting up. Refraining from making credit card purchases will help you have more control of your credit situation.

2. Recognize what you need to work on by acquiring a copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus. This gives you an idea which accounts are fine and which are the ones you need to focus on.
3. Contact the credit bureau to correct any inaccurate entries stated in your credit report to avoid being denied in future credit-based applications. After all, you have the right to have invalid information taken out of your credit report.
4. Since 35% of your credit score is made up of your payment history, you might want to update yourself with delinquent accounts. Doing so will have an immense effect on your credit.
5. While trying to improve your credit score, avoid putting in any more credit applications. The odds are you will get denied and furthermore, these applications will only decrease your credit score.
6. Maintain accounts with balances open. Before closing delinquent accounts, make sure that doing so won’t have negative effects on your credit score.
7. You might want to try talking to your creditors about your circumstances. You just might be surprised how willing they are to help. Ask them about their temporary hardship programs to help trim your monthly payments down until you have recovered from this financial setback.
8. Start paying your debts. This will help you recover from your credit situation. If you are a little low on cash, consider selling some of your belongings or properties.  These may be difficult to let go of but in the long run, your sacrifice will be worth the financial freedom you’ll achieve.
9. Ask for a professional to assist you if problems regarding your credit become too overwhelming to be handled on your own. Through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, you can also find a credit counseling agency that can help you in your area.
10.  Be patient in applying these approaches to improve your credit score. If you follow these tips and explore even more ways to increase your credit score, you’ll ultimately see a vast amount of progress in your credit situation!

 

For more information on improving your credit score and buying or selling property in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com.

JD.JPG

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

BM.JPG

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved *10 Surefire Ways to Improve Your Credit Score*

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Lark Cake Shop in Silver Lake

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Lark Cake Shop in Silver Lake

Cupcakes are definitely back in style and I know of no better place to get one in Silver Lake than Lark Cake Shop.

Lark Cake Shop is the brain child of owners James and Colleen Standish who opened this lovely piece of Silver Lake heaven back in 2007. The Standishs' have been Silver residents for more than 20 years and they wanted to create a local business for friends and neighbors to enjoy.  Lark Cake Shop in Silver Lake provides a great selection of  cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies and bars and all things yummy.  Their pastry chef, Sarah Hirata, uses nothing but the best ingredients - real eggs and pure cane sugar, Callebuat chocolate, Dutch cocoa powder and Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. Dairy products are growth hormone free and come from the Challenge Dairy Cooperative and this adorable bakery stays greens by using only compostable  packaging and utensils.

cupcakes at Lark Cake Shop in Silver Lake, CA

Lark Cake shop in Silver Lake is open 7 days a week and they even deliver.  On Wednesday, buy a cupcake and you get a coupon for a free cupcake on another day. Now that's a good reason to stop by on a Wednesday- don't we all need a little something to help us get through the rest of the week?! You can also drop in for one of their weekend special treats and watch for the changing seasonal favorites. There must be something pumpkin coming up soon with fall just a couple of days away!

 I'm glad to have Lark Cake shop as part of the Silver Lake Scene. It's a great stop for a cup of coffee and a yummy treat (their cream cheese frosting is devine!), but also a perfect place to buy cakes for a birthday party or special even. They've got cards and candles too so it's a one-stop shop if you're putting a party together or grabbing a last minute cake or dozen cupcakes for the office.

 Located at 3337 W Sunset Blvd in Silver Lake, Lark Cake Shop is open Tuesday - Thursday 10 - 8, Friday and Saturday 10 - 10, and Sunday- Monday 12 - 6.

For more information on local businesses of interst or buying  property in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com.

Broker Associate, HAFA certified, E-pro
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
info@LApropertySolutions.com
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved *Satisfy your sweet tooth at Lark Cake Shop in Silver Lake* 

How Do I Price My Home Right Without Giving it Away?

How Do I Price My Home Right Without Giving it Away?

How Do I Price My Home Right Without Giving it Away

There are a number of ways to come up with the market value of your home. First, you should know the prices of comparable homes in your neighborhood. Pay close attention to neighborhood dividing lines, square footage, and age.  You can explore open houses in your area to compare prices and talk to friends and family who have sold a home lately. Who knows, they might have great tips or ideas you might want to try so that you can price your home just right. Of course, your best options is to have your real estate agent do a Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA, at no cost and without obligation. A Comparative Market Analysis will assess the value of your home based on local market data which taking into account homes similar to yours which have been sold recently, how much these homes were sold for, how long they have stayed on the market, how speedy the closing can be if you decide to sell your home without delay, and which homes would be the competition.
In the current market, it’s very important to price your home properly.  A house that comes on the market too high may sit for a long time and end up chasing the market down with a series of price reductions.  Your best bet is to price the property just below the current market value. This will get you considerably more attention and potentially multiple offers.  Although a comparative market analysis can  give you a great deal of information regarding the probability of the sale of your home in the local market, your Realtor’s expertise in the area is your best source of information. Agents who have seen the properties used in their CMA are much more prepared to evaluate your home against others.  Don’t rely on online pricing sites such as Zillow. These are typically way off the mark. A Realtor  is trained to evaluate all aspects of the home and can give you the best suggestions on where your property should be priced for your desired outcome.
For more information on pricing, selling or buying  property in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com.

Broker Associate, HAFA certified, E-pro
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
info@LApropertySolutions.com
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved *How Do I Price My Home Right Without Giving it Away?*

The DO’s and DON’Ts of Buying Investment Properties

The DO’s and DON’Ts of Buying Investment Properties

There has never been a better time to buy investment properties than right now. It has become such a lucrative market that experienced investors who know just what to do can’t wait to take the plunge and capitalize on such a smart opportunity presented to them. Novice investors might, however, need a little more help as they find their way in the multifaceted world of real estate in the hope of acquiring a quality investment property.

If you consider yourself as one of these up-and-coming financiers, it is essential that you arm yourself with the following do’s and don’ts which I believe are vital in buying investment properties

investment properties

DO evaluate your funds and ensure you can meet the expense of investing in properties. Save yourself form future financial headaches by not over extending yourself and making sure you have extra funds set aside for any unexpected expenses.

DO make certain that you get prequalified for a loan. This ensures that you will only be searching for investment properties which fit your price range. Shopping without a loan approval is simply window shopping and could very well be a waste of time should you find the “perfect” property only to determine after the fact that you cannot actually afford it.

DO check recent sales for similar properties in the area and know the current market trend in that district.

DO employ a proficient agent to represent and assist you with formalities and documents. They will ensure that contracts will be favorable on your behalf.

DO prepare yourself for risks that come with investing and make sure to put your money on properties which you can best profit from.

DO have the properties fully inspected to make sure that the repair and maintenance costs will not outstandingly alter the total amount you’ll be shelling out for your investment.

DON’T misjudge rental properties in terms of their value. Be prepared because rental properties may be unoccupied for some time and there is a possibility that your would-be rental revenue might not cover the amount needed for mortgage payments and operating expenses.

DON’T be influenced so easily into a deal that seems too good to be true. In choosing the properties to invest in, look the transaction as a business proposal and not a personal purchase. You can trust your instincts, but you use your head first.

DON’T get emotionally invested in properties that you have been trying to purchase. If buying that property will become too much of an inconvenience in the future, know when to call it quits.

investment properties

DON’T rely solely on the seller’s documents. Make sure that you have your own independent specialist who can authenticate valuations, inspections, and clearances.

DON’T attempt to go through the transactions just by yourself. To ensure that nothing is missed and that every detail is taken care of, hire skilled professionals to assist you with inspections and paperwork.

DON’T rush into buying investment properties. Take your time and avoid impulsive and poorly thought out decisions. Be patient and find the best properties to fit your investment needs.

For more information on buying or selling income property in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

 

 

Broker Associate, HAFA certified, E-pro
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758 
info@LApropertySolutions.com
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved *The DO’s and DON’Ts of Buying Investment Properties*

 

 

 

Los Feliz Real Estate Market Update: September 2010

Los Feliz Real Estate Market Update: September 2010

Low priced Los Feliz real estate is selling relatively quickly, however there is a relatively large inventory homes for sale in the area right now. The mls show the current active listing inventory in the 90027 zip code to be 54 homes. The following chart shows Los Feliz Real Estate Market activity for the Month of August, 2010.

 Los Feliz Market update August 2010

Now let's take a look at some year to date figures from January 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010. These figures are for single family homes in Los Feliz only and to not include Los Feliz condos or income properties.

Los Feliz Home Sales Year-to-date from January 1st, 2010 through August 31, 2010

  • Highest price -  $4,895,000
  • Median price -$882,000
  • Average price -$1,102,519
  • Lowest price - $4,000
  • Average Days on the Market - 75
  • Average Square footage 2,445.59
  • Average price per square foot- $425.99

 Year to date, houses in Los Feliz are selling at an average of 4.87% below the asking price.  According to the information provided in the MLS, of the total number of single family homes sold in Los Feliz so far this year, 5 where short sales and 6 where bank owned. So approximately 13% of the total where distressed sales.

Los Feliz prices vary by location, school district, property size and condition.  The following chart shows that the majority of sale of Los Feliz single family homes this year have sold between $500,000 and $1,500,000.  If you have been hoping to find a house in Los Feliz for less than $500,000 you'll see that relatively few homes have sold in that range.  This price range is not only very competitive, but the majority of the properties are major fixers, very small, and/or in less desirable areas.

Los Feliz Market sold property break down August 2010

 For more information on Los Feliz, Silver LakeEcho Park and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

 

  

Broker Associate, HAFA certified, E-pro
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758 
info@LApropertySolutions.com
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved *Silver Lake Real Estate Market Update: September 2010*

Silver Lake Real Estate Market Update: September 2010

Silver Lake Real Estate Market Update: September 2010

Well priced Silver Lake real estate is selling relatively quickly.  There is not a particularly large inventory homes for sale in the area right now. The mls shows the current active listing inventory to be only 52 homes. The follow chart shows Silver Lake Real Estate Market activity for the Month of August, 2010.

Silver Lake Market statistics Sept 2010

Now let's take a look at some year to date figures from January 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010. These figures are for single family homes in Silver Lake only and to not include Silver Lake condos or income properties.

Silver Lake Home Sales Year-to-date from January 1st, 2010 through August 31, 2010 

  • Number of Single Family Homes SOLD: 80
  • Highest price - $1,890,000
  • Median price -$735,000
  • Average price -$733,989
  • Lowest price - $172,000
  • Average Days on the Market - 43
  • Average Square footage 1,533.44
  • Average price per square foot- $438.80
  • Silver Lake prices vary by location, school district, property size and condition.  The following chart shows that the majority of sale of Silver Lake single family homes this year have sold between $500,000 and $1,000,000.  If you have been hoping to find a house in Silver Lake for less than $500,000 you'll see that relatively few homes have sold in that range.  This price range is not only very competitive, but the majority of the properties are major fixers, very small, and/or in less desirable areas.

    YTD Sold properties in Silver Lake CA

     For more information on Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

      

    Broker Associate, HAFA certified, E-pro
    Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
    213-215-4758 
    info@LApropertySolutions.com
    http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

    Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved *Silver Lake Real Estate Market Update: September 2010*