Buying a Second Home "Investment Property" in Santa Monica

The Real Estate Market in Santa Monica is very active and now it truly one of the "BEST" times to invest in purchasing or buying a second home or investment property in Santa Monica.

Currently interest rates are at record lows and if you are going to be paying cash for your second home purchase, you can negotiate very heavily and turn an amazing deal!!

CBS News and Moneywatch have dubbed Santa Monica as One of the Best Places to Invest when purchasing a second home or investment property!!

Search Santa Monica Real Estate Listings-One of the Best Resources Available to Buyers is this Santa Monica Real Estate website:

http://santamonica-realestateagent.com/

Here is a recent article published from CBS News naming the 3 main reasons want to buy second homes, vacation properties, or investment properties:

1. Family vacation destination. The vast majority of vacation home buyers are looking for a place they can use to help create family memories. Renting out the property may not even be a part of the equation.
2. Future retirement home. Some vacation home buyers choose a location that suits their goals for retirement. These buyers might want to cover some of the mortgage and expenses by renting out the property part-time, but enjoy it themselves during the rest of the year.
3. Vacation property investment. Some investors believe vacation locations are a good choice for a real estate investment and they look to rent out the property enough to not only cover all of the expenses, but generate a profit. They may also be looking at price appreciation.

• Rentability. How many weeks will a prime property be rented during the course of a year? And, how easy is it to attract renters?
• Year-round rental. Is the location a place that draws visitors year-round? An example would be Aspen, Colorado, which offers plenty to do in the Winter and Summer (plus great celeb-sighting potential).
• Supply/demand is in balance. You don't want to have an oversupply of vacation rental properties or the price/week will drop substantially.
• Homes are affordable based on future rental income. Are prices at a point where you can defray the expenses with expected rental income?

Contact a Top Selling Santa Monica Real Estate Agent

Well, Santa Monica tops the charts in all of these categories and with the amazing weather, beach live style, outstanding shopping and restaurants, it is no wonder real estate values always are very high in this area.

Best Vacation Home Location: Santa Monica, California

Spending time in Santa Monica is always a joy. The weather is perfect nearly year-round. It's close to the beach, the Santa Monica Pier, great restaurants and shopping, and the city offers a fantastic farmer's market on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Turns out, Santa Monica is also a terrific vacation home location, with traveler demand up 104 percent in the first quarter of 2010 and few vacation homes for rent.

This Artist Retreat, offers 2 bedrooms, and 2 baths in about 1,100 square feet. It's located six blocks from the ocean, just behind Main Street, and has a huge private yard and lovely redwood deck. Amenities include high-speed Internet.

Click Here to View Great Investment Properties in Santa Monica 

If you are looking to buy, rent, or sell Real Estate Right Now-It truly is a great time to invest in Santa Monica Real Estate.  You can find great deals in Santa Monica, it just takes using a local professional real estate expert to achieve this.

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Selling the House: Prepare the Home, List it, Sell It Fast!

1. Have a home inspection

Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. For $250 to $400, an inspector will warn you about troubles that could make potential buyers balk. Make repairs before putting your home on the market. In some states, you may have to disclose what the inspection turns up.

2. Get replacement estimates

If your home inspection uncovers necessary repairs you can't fund, get estimates for the work. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home and the repairs. Also hunt down warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for your furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items you expect to remain with the house.

3. Make minor repairs

Not every repair costs a bundle. Fix as many small problems-sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, dripping faucets-as you can. These may seem trivial, but they'll give buyers the impression your house isn't well maintained. 4. Clear the clutter

Clear your kitchen counters of just about everything. Clean your closets by packing up little-used items like out-of-season clothes and old toys. Install closet organizers to maximize space. Put at least one-third of your furniture in storage, especially large pieces, such as entertainment centers and big televisions. Pack up family photos, knickknacks, and wall hangings to depersonalize your home. Store the items you've packed offsite or in boxes neatly arranged in your garage or basement.

5. Do a thorough cleaning

A clean house makes a strong first impression that your home has been well cared for. If you can afford it, consider hiring a cleaning service.

If not, wash windows and leave them open to air out your rooms. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Wash light fixtures and baseboards, mop and wax floors, and give your stove and refrigerator a thorough once-over.

Pay attention to details, too. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, clean inside the cabinets, and polish doorknobs. Don't forget to clean your garage, too.

 If you would like to find out exactly what  your property is currently worth, enter your property address and information here: 
http://santamonica-realestateagent.com/how-much-is-my-home-worth/

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MLS Home Search: Tips to Find and Buy a Home in Santa Monica, California

House hunting is just like any other shopping expedition. If you identify exactly what you want and do some research, you'll zoom in on the home you want at the best price. These eight tips will guide you through a smart home buying process.

1. Know thyself

Understand the type of home that suits your personality. Do you prefer a new or existing home? A ranch or a multi-story home? If you're leaning toward a fixer-upper, are you truly handy, or will you need to budget for contractors?

2. Research before you look

List the features you most want in a home and identify which are necessities and which are extras. Identify three to four neighborhoods you'd like to live in based on commute time, schools, recreation, crime, and price. Then hop onto REALTOR.com to get a feel for the homes available in your price range in your favorite neighborhoods. Use the results to prioritize your wants and needs so you can add in and weed out properties from the inventory you'd like to view.

3. Get your finances in order

Generally, lenders say you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Create a budget so you know how much you're comfortable spending each month on housing. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to investigate financing.

Gather your financial records and meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter spelling out how much you're eligible to borrow. The lender won't necessarily consider the extra fees you'll pay when you purchase or your plans to begin a family or purchase a new car, so shop in a price range you're comfortable with. Also, presenting an offer contingent on financing will make your bid less attractive to sellers.

4. Set a moving timeline

Do you have blemishes on your credit that will take time to clear up? If you already own, have you sold your current home? If not, you'll need to factor in the time needed to sell. If you rent, when is your lease up? Do you expect interest rates to jump anytime soon? All these factors will affect your buying, closing, and moving timelines.

5. Think long term

Your future plans may dictate the type of home you'll buy. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in the home for five to 10 years? With a starter, you may need to adjust your expectations. If you plan to nest, be sure your priority list helps you identify a home you'll still love years from now.

HIRE A LOCAL SANTA MONICA REAL ESTATE AGENT

6. Work with a REALTOR

Ask people you trust for referrals to a real estate professional they trust. Interview agents to determine which have expertise in the neighborhoods and type of homes you're interested in. Because homebuying triggers many emotions, consider whether an agent's style meshes with your personality.

Also ask if the agent specializes in buyer representation. Unlike listing agents, whose first duty is to the seller, buyers' reps work only for you even though they're typically paid by the seller. Finally, check whether agents are REALTORS, which means they're members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS & NAR has been a champion of homeownership rights for more than a century.

7. Be realistic

It's OK to be picky about the home and neighborhood you want, but don't be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out on great other issues-like noise levels-that can have a big impact on your quality of life. Use your priority list to evaluate each property, remembering there's no such thing as the perfect home.

Search Homes for Sale in Santa Monica

8. Limit the opinions you solicit

It's natural to seek reassurance when making a big financial decision. But you know that saying about too many cooks in the kitchen. If you need a second opinion, select one or two people. But remain true to your list of wants and needs so the final decision is based on criteria you've identified as important.

Search Santa Monica Real Estate Listings-One of the Best Resources Available to Buyers is thisSanta Monica Real Estate website:

http://santamonica-realestateagent.com/

If you are looking to buy, rent, or sell Real Estate Right Now-it truly is a great time again for Santa Monica Real Estate.  You can find great deals in Santa Monica, it just takes using a local professional to achieve this.

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Buying a Home in Santa Monica-Los Angeles, Ca

TIPS FOR BUYING A HOME IN SANTA MONICA

Buying a home can be emotional, but negotiating the price shouldn't be. The key to saving money when purchasing a home is sticking to a plan during the turbulence of high-stakes negotiations. A real estate agent who represents you can guide you and offer you advice, but you are the one who must make the final decision during each round of offers and counter offers.

HIRE A LOCAL SANTA MONICA REAL ESTATE AGENT

Here are six tips for negotiating the best price on a home.

1. Get Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage

Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage proves to sellers that you're serious about buying and capable of affording their home. That will push you to the head of the pack when sellers choose among offers; they'll go with buyers who are a sure financial bet, not those whose financing could flop.

2. Ask questions

Ask your agent for information to help you understand the sellers' financial position and motivation. Are they facing foreclosure or a short sale? Have they already purchased a home or relocated, which may make them eager to accept a lower price to avoid paying two mortgages? Has the home been on the market for a long time, or was it just listed? Have there been other offers? If so, why did they fall through? The more signs that sellers are eager to sell, the lower your offer can reasonably go.

Search Homes for Sale in Santa Monica

3. Work back from a final price to determine your initial offer

Know in advance the most you're willing to pay, and with your agent work back from that number to determine your initial offer, which can set the tone for the entire negotiation. A too-low bid may offend sellers emotionally invested in the sales price; a too-high bid may lead you to spend more than necessary to close the sale.

Work with your agent to evaluate the sellers' motivation and comparable home sales to arrive at an initial offer that engages the sellers yet keeps money in your wallet.

4. Avoid contingencies

Sellers favor offers that leave little to chance. Keep your bid free of complicated contingencies, such as making the purchase conditional on the sale of your current home. Do keep contingencies for mortgage approval, home inspection, and environmental checks typical in your area, like radon.

5. Remain unemotional

Buying a home is a business transaction, and treating it that way helps you save money. Consider any movement by the sellers, however slight, a sign of interest, and keep negotiating.

Each time you make a concession, ask for one in return. If the sellers ask you to boost your price, ask them to contribute to closing costs or pay for a home warranty. If sellers won't budge, make it clear you're willing to walk away; they may get nervous and accept your offer.

6. Don't let competition change your plan

Great homes and those competitively priced can draw multiple offers in any market. Don't let competition propel you to go beyond your predetermined price or agree to concessions-such as waiving an inspection-that aren't in your best interest.

Search Santa Monica Real Estate Listings-One of the Best Resources Available to Buyers is thisSanta Monica Real Estate website:

http://santamonica-realestateagent.com/

If you are looking to buy, rent, or sell Real Estate Right Now-it truly is a great time again for Santa Monica Real Estate.  You can find great deals in Santa Monica, it just takes using a local professional to achieve this.

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Buying a Home in Santa Monica: Santa Monica House Buying Tips to Get a Good Deal

Whether it's a buyer's market or a seller's market, all homebuyers have one thing in common: they don't want to get ripped off. But how do you know if you're getting a fair deal on the home you're prepared to place an offer on? Read on to find out how to evaluate the price of any home so you can make a sound investment decision.

SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE IN SANTA MONICA

Research Recently Sold, Comparable Properties

A comparable property is one that is similar in size, condition, neighborhood and amenities. One 1,200-square-foot, recently remodeled, one-story home with an attached garage should be listed at roughly the same price as a similar 1,200-square-foot home in the same neighborhood. That said, you can also gain valuable information by looking at how the property you're interested in compares in price to different properties. Is it considerably less expensive than larger or nicer properties? Is it more expensive than smaller or less attractive properties? Your real estate agent is the best source of accurate, up-to-date information on comparable properties (also known as "comps"). You can also look at comps that are currently in escrow, meaning that the property has a buyer but the sale is not yet complete.

In this case, you can actually visit other homes and get a true sense of how their size, condition and amenities compare to the property you're considering buying. Then you can compare prices and see what seems fair. Reasonable sellers know that they must price their properties similarly to market comparables if they want to be competitive.

Look at Comparables That Were on the Market Recently but Didn't Sell

If the house you're considering buying is priced similarly to homes that were taken off the market because they didn't sell, the property you're considering may be overpriced. Also, if there are a lot of similar properties on the market, prices should be lower, especially if those properties are vacant. Check out the unsold inventory index for information about current supply and demand in the housing market. This index attempts to measure how long it will take for all the homes currently on the market to be sold given the rate at which homes are currently selling.

SANTA MONICA REAL ESTATE MARKET CONDITIONS AND LATEST STATISTICS

Consider Market Conditions and Appreciation Rates in the Area

Have prices been going up recently or going down? In a seller's market, properties will probably be somewhat overpriced, and in a buyer's market, properties are apt to be underpriced. It all depends on where the market currently sits on the real estate boom-and-bust curve. Even in a seller's market, properties may not be overpriced if the market is on the upswing and not near its peak. Conversely, properties can be overpriced even in a buyer's market if prices have only recently begun to decline. Of course, it can be difficult to see the peaks and valleys until they're history. Also consider the impact of mortgage interest rates and the job market on the economy.

Are You Buying a For-Sale-by-Owner Property?

A for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) property should be discounted to reflect the fact that there is no 6% (on average) seller's agent commission, something that many sellers don't take into consideration when setting their prices. Another potential problem with FSBOs is that the seller may not have had an agent's guidance in setting a reasonable price in the first place, or may have been so unhappy with an agent's suggestion as to decide to go it alone. In any of these situations, the property may be overpriced.

What Is the Expected Appreciation for the Area?

The future prospects for your chosen neighborhood can have an impact on price. If positive development is planned, such as a major mall being built, the extension of light rail to the neighborhood, or a large new company moving to the area, the prospects of future home appreciation look good. Even small developments like plans to add more roads or build a new school can be a good sign. On the other hand, if grocery stores and gas stations are closing down, the home price should be lower to reflect that, and you should probably reconsider moving to the area. The development of new housing can go either way - it can mean that the area is hot and is likely to be in high demand in the future, increasing your home's value, or it can result in a surplus of housing, which will lower the value of all the homes in the area.

What Is Your Real Estate Agent's Opinion?

Without even analyzing the data, your real estate agent is likely to have a good gut sense (thanks to experience) of whether the property is priced appropriately or not and what a fair offering price might be.

FIND A SANTA MONICA REAL ESTATE AGENT

Does the Price Feel Fair to You?

If you're not happy with the property, the price will never seem fair, even if you get a bargain. Even if you pay a little over market value for a home you love, in the end, you won't really care.

Search All the Latest Real Estate Listings and Homes for Sale in Santa Monica

Test the Waters

Even in a seller's market, you can always offer below list price just to see how the seller reacts. Some sellers list properties for the lowest price they're willing to take because they don't want to negotiate, while others list their homes for higher than they expect to earn because they expect to negotiate downward or they want to see if someone will make an offer at the higher price. If the seller accepts your price or counteroffer, you'll get an indication that the property probably wasn't worth what it was listed for and you have a good chance at getting a fair deal. On the other hand, some sellers may underprice their properties in the hope of generating lots of interest and sparking a bidding war. Unlike on eBay, however, the seller doesn't have to simply sell to the highest bidder: sellers can reject any and all offers that don't meet their expectations. If you have your heart set on the property, be warned that some sellers may be offended by lowball offers and refuse to work with you if you chose to employ such a tactic. Also, when you offer less than the list price, you may increase your risk of being outbid by another buyer.

Get an Appraised Value and a Home Inspection

Once you're under contract, the lender will have an appraisal of the property done (usually at your expense) to protect its financial interests. The lender wants to make sure that if you stop making your mortgage payments, it'll be able to get a reasonable amount of its money back when it forecloses on your home. If the appraisal comes in at considerably less than your offering price, you may not be getting a fair deal. In fact, the lender may not even let you purchase the home unless the seller is willing to bring the price down. A home inspection, which is completed after you're under contract, will also give you a way to gauge your offering price. If the home needs many expensive repairs, you'll want to ask the seller to make the repairs for you or discount the purchase price so you can make them yourself.

Find out what your Santa Monica Home is worth now.

Find out what your home is worth now.  

If you are thinking of selling your Santa Monica or Westside home or would just like to find out what your home is currently worth, fill in all bedrooms, bath, property address, and full contact information below and a detailed home comparative market analysis report will be created for your home right away.

Click Here to Get Your Current Home Value

Conclusion

When you're shopping for a home, it's important to understand how homes are priced so you can make a sound investment and reach a fair agreement with the seller. Using these tips, you'll be able to make a confident and well-informed offer on any home in any market.

Heather Paul- “Santa Monica Real Estate Agent” Specializes in High End Luxury Real Estate Home Sales

If you are Thinking of Buying a Home in Los Angeles or Selling your Santa Monica Luxury High End Real Estate

Contact a Top Santa Monica Real Estate Agent Today!

(310)586-0364 or (424)625-1037

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

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NEW Real Estate Listings in Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica Real Estate is one of the Most Desired Real Estate Markets in the US.  Home prices and local condo prices hold their value very well due to the vast amount of jobs in the area and steady job growth with it's close proximity to Los Angeles.  The Santa Monica Real Estate Market is alive and moving very swiftly.  

If you are thinking of buying a home or condo in Santa Monica, this TRULY is an amazing time to buy with outstanding mortgage loan rates, reasonable priced homes, and property values increasing in the Santa Monica area.

Here is an update of all the NEW Real Estate Listings that just hit the market.

New Santa Monica Property Listings

Search Santa Monica Real Estate Listings-One of the Best Resources Available to Buyers is thisSanta Monica Real Estate website:

If you are looking to buy, rent, or sell Real Estate Right Now-it truly is a great time again for Santa Monica Real Estate.  You can find great deals in Santa Monica, it just takes using a local professional to achieve this.

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SANTA MONICA REAL ESTATE: FIND,BUY, AND SELL PROPERTIES WITH A SANTA MONICA REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL AGENT

SANTA MONICA REAL ESTATE: TIPS TO SEARCH, FIND, BUY, AND SELL PROPERTIES IN SANTA MONICA & THE WESTSIDE 

Whether you are in the market to sell your current home or looking to buy a great property in Santa Monica, or both-One of the Best Tips we have for you is to use a Local Santa Monica Real Estate Agent “Realtor” in the Real Estate transaction to represent you.  They will handle all the complicated forms and contracts, and negotiate the highest price for the sale of your home and the best price when buying a property.

BUYING A HOME IN SANTA MONICA, THE AGENT YOU CHOOSE SHOULD KNOW:

1.     The local area very well

2.    All the Neighborhoods in the Area your are Thinking of Buying the Home

3.    What properties are currently on the market

4.     Which properties are a Good Deal

5.     How Long the Property’s have been on the Market in the Area

Santa Monica Real Estate Agents-Click here for a list of the Best Santa Monica Real Estate Agents

SELLING A HOME IN SANTA MONICA, THE AGENT YOU CHOOSE SHOULD KNOW:

1.     What other competing properties are listed on the market and what they are selling for and the current days on the market

2.  What upgrades the other competing properties have compared to yours

3.     How to Market Your Home Online-Many Real Estate Agents are NOT very internet suave and Truly the First Showing of your Home Will be Online-Then most potential buyers schedule an appointment to come out and see the property

4.    Have a Customized Marketing Plan on Designed to Get Your Home Sold Quickly and For Top Dollar

5.   Hold Broker’s Open-This Brings in a Vast amount of Potential Agent’s & Outside Broker’s that have Buyers that are looking for homes to Buy in the Local Area

Their Expert Real Estate advice and consulting can help make your next home purchase or sale a success!  As well as the local experience and knowledge of the area. 

Here are some local Santa Monica Real Estate Agents that specialize in Selling Real Estate in Santa Monica and know the area extensively.

Santa Monica Real Estate Agents-Click here for a list of the Best Santa Monica Real Estate Agents

With the competitive Real Estate Market in Santa Monica, your Real Estate Agent can be a GOLD MINE and lead you to earning a lot more on the Sale of your home.  When selling a home in Santa Monica, get a good comparative market analysis.  My advice is DO NOT using an out of area real estate broker. 

Search Santa Monica Real Estate-One of the Best Resources Available to Buyers is this Santa Monica Real Estate website:

http://santamonica-realestateagent.com/

It contains every Homes for Sale, Condos for Sale, and Literally Every Real Estate Listing in Santa Monica currently on the Market as well as ALL Real Estate Listings in the Entire Southern California.  It is very easy to use and schedule showings for properties also.  It makes buying and searching for a home in and around Santa Monica very easy. 

Here are Some Reasons to NOT use a Real Estate Company or Real Estate Agent/Broker Outside of Santa Monica:

1. They will not be able to value your property as well as a local Santa Monica Real Estate Agent

2. They will have to drive out to Santa Monica every time to show your property, this will limit the showing you will in effect get for your home. 

Here is a Free Link to Find out What your Santa Monica Home is Worth:

http://santamonica-realestateagent.com/how-much-is-my-home-worth/

HERE ARE SOME HOT PROPERTIES CURRENTLY FOR SALE INSANTA MONICA:

1. $1,549,000 : 917 19th Street, Unit 107, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,319 sq ft

   Year built: 2011

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 16

   Walk Score®: 80
2. $1,099,000 : 804 Navy Street, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 3.0 baths

   Home size: 1,830 sq ft

   Lot size: 1,999 sq ft

   Year built: 2008

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 16

   Walk Score®: 80
3. $2,850,000 : 710 23rd Street, Santa Monica
   
   4 beds, 4.0 baths

   Home size: 2,848 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,851 sq ft

   Year built: 1937

   Days on market: 16

   Walk Score®: 69
4. $1,399,000 : 2618 2nd Street, Santa Monica
   
   7 beds, 6 full baths

   Home size: 2,800 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,500 sq ft

   Year built: 2009

   Days on market: 17

   Walk Score®: 78
5. $1,795,000 : 2002 Navy Street, Santa Monica
   
   4 beds, 4.0 baths

   Home size: 2,833 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,250 sq ft

   Year built: 1947

   Days on market: 19

   Walk Score®: 66
6. $1,649,000 : 1337 Ashland Avenue, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 2.75 baths

   Home size: 2,400 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,000 sq ft

   Year built: 1940

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 19

   Walk Score®: 69
7. $1,999,000 : 620 19th Street, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 2.5 baths

   Home size: 2,296 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,940 sq ft

   Year built: 1927

   Days on market: 20

   Walk Score®: 78

If you are looking to buy, rent, or sell Real Estate Right Now-it truly is a great time again for Santa Monica Real Estate.  You can find great deals inSanta Monica, it just takes using a local professional to achieve this. 

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Real Estate in Santa Monica is Competitive Using a Professional Santa Monica Real Estate Agent Favors Buyers & Sellers

The Real Estate Market in Santa Monica is ALWAYS desirable.  With the great weather, close proximity to the beach, amazing shopping, restaurants and nightlife, people flock to Santa Monica to buy real estate. Many people vacation to Santa Monica and decide to relocate here permanently.  Many areas have had huge declines in their property values but fortunately Santa Monica was not hit nearly as hard as many areas in the LA basin.  

Here are some local Santa Monica Real Estate Agents that specialize in Selling Real Estate in Santa Monica and know the area extensively.

Santa Monica Real Estate Agents-Click here for a list of the Best Santa Monica Real Estate Agents

Recent reports show that property values are rising again and have been steadily for over 5 months straight.  Many properties listed for sale are again receiving multiple offers, sometimes in a matter of days of hitting the real estate market.  With the extreme competition, using a local Santa Monica real estate professional is more important than ever.  They will know more in detail of the local areas, neighborhoods, and also pocket listings not listed in the MLS.  When buying a home in Santa Monica, also a local real estate agent will be able to negotiate much better than using an out of area agent as they will have a good knowledge of the values of the local properties. Their guidance can help you beat out your competition. 

When selling a home in Santa Monica, get a good comparative market analysis.  My advice is DO NOT using an out of area real estate broker. 

Here are some reasons to NOT use a Real Estate Company outside of Santa Monica to List your home for sale or buy a property with:

1. They will not be able to value your property as well as a local Santa Monica Real Estate Agent

2. They will have to drive out to Santa Monica every time to show your property, this will limit the showing you will in effect get for your home. 

Here is a Free Link to Find out What your Santa Monica Home is Worth:

http://santamonica-realestateagent.com/how-much-is-my-home-worth/

 If you are looking to buy, rent, or sell-it truly is a great time again for Santa Monica Real Estate.  You can find great deals in Santa Monica, it just takes using a local professional to achieve this.  

HERE ARE SOME HOT PROPERTIES CURRENTLY FOR SALE INSANTA MONICA, BELOW ARE LINKS TO SEARCH ALL REAL ESTATE HOME LISTINGS FOR SALE IN SANTA MONICA ALSO:

1. $1,549,000 : 917 19th Street, Unit 105, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,360 sq ft

   Year built: 2011

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 5

   Walk Score®: 80
2. $1,149,000 : 130 Ocean Park, Unit 432, Santa Monica
   
   1 bed, 1.5 baths

   Home size: 1,146 sq ft

   Year built: 1987

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 6

   Walk Score®: 49
3. $4,395,000 : 635 20th Street, Santa Monica
   
   4 beds, 5.5 baths

   Home size: 5,409 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,940 sq ft

   Parking spots: 4

   Days on market: 6

   Walk Score®: 68
4. $1,529,000 : 1040 22nd Street, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,575 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,048 sq ft

   Year built: 1931

   Parking spots: 4

   Days on market: 6

   Walk Score®: 85
5. $3,695,000 : 2020 San Vicente, Santa Monica
   
   5 beds, 5.5 baths

   Home size: 5,057 sq ft

   Lot size: 11,440 sq ft

   Year built: 1997

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 7

   Walk Score®: 48
6. $6,750,000 : 2224 Main Street, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 3,500 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,197 sq ft

   Year built: 1990

   Parking spots: 10

   Days on market: 7

   Walk Score®: 80
7. $3,995,000 : 681 Brooktree Road, Santa Monica
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,904 sq ft

   Lot size: 35,180 sq ft

   Year built: 1958

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 7

   Walk Score®: 49
8. $1,225,000 : 140 Ocean Park Boulevard, Unit 524, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 2.0 baths

   Home size: 1,521 sq ft

   Year built: 1987

   Days on market: 8

   Walk Score®: 78

   Contact a Local Luxury Santa Monica Real Estate Agent now.

    

   

    

    

    

    

    

   SEARCH ALL SANTA MONICA LUXURY HOMES-SANTA MONICA LUXURY REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

    

    

          Call Me Today for All Your Santa Monica Real Estate Needs!

       Heather Paul, Realtor (310)586-0364 or (424)625-1037

                    “Your Local Santa Monica Luxury Real Estate Expert”

                       www.HeatherPaulOnline.com

    

    

    

    

    

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Santa Monica Luxury Homes-Santa Monica Luxury Real Estate-Santa Monica Estates

Beautiful Santa Monica features some of the Most Luxurious Santa Monica Homes for sale in California.  

SEARCH ALL SANTA MONICA LUXURY HOMES-SANTA MONICA LUXURY REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

SEARCH ALL SANTA MONICA LUXURY HOMES BELOW

NEW LISTINGS-SANTA MONICA LUXURY HOMES-LUXURY REAL ESTATE IN SANTA MONICA, CA

Showing properties 1 - 50 of 144. See more city of Santa Monica real estate. 
(all data current as of 6/24/2011)

1. $1,459,000 : 2312 25th Street, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,409 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,789 sq ft

   Year built: 1940

   Days on market: 4

   Walk Score®: 77
2. $2,595,000 : 427 Sycamore Road, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 3.0 baths

   Home size: 2,859 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,270 sq ft

   Year built: 1960

   Days on market: 5

   Walk Score®: 55
3. $1,049,000 : 156 Hart Avenue, Unit 3, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 2.75 baths

   Home size: 1,734 sq ft

   Year built: 1973

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 5

   Walk Score®: 75
4. $1,100,000 : 2424 25th Street, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 2.0 baths

   Home size: 1,588 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,811 sq ft

   Year built: 1940

   Days on market: 5

   Walk Score®: 74
5. $2,695,000 : 416 4th Street, Santa Monica
   
   4 beds, 3.5 baths

   Home size: 3,120 sq ft

   Lot size: 9,796 sq ft

   Year built: 1974

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 6

   Walk Score®: 62
6. $2,895,000 : 523 11th Street, Santa Monica
   
   4 beds, 3.5 baths

   Home size: 3,224 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,500 sq ft

   Year built: 1928

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 8

   Walk Score®: 85
7. $1,195,000 : 820 Centinela Avenue, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 2.0 baths

   Home size: 1,083 sq ft

   Lot size: 11,859 sq ft

   Year built: 1938

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 10

   Walk Score®: 63
8. $1,598,000 : 2618 2nd Street, Santa Monica
   
   6 beds, 6.0 baths

   Home size: 3,005 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,496 sq ft

   Year built: 1907

   Days on market: 11

   Walk Score®: 78
9. $1,195,000 : 2622 34th Street, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 2.0 baths

   Lot size: 6,400 sq ft

   Year built: 1937

   Days on market: 12

   Walk Score®: 78
10. $1,949,000 : 438 Euclid Street, Santa Monica
    
    3 beds, 2.75 baths

    Home size: 2,380 sq ft

    Lot size: 7,500 sq ft

    Year built: 1948

    Parking spots: 2

    Days on market: 15

    Walk Score®: 68
11. $2,099,000 : 745 18th Street, Santa Monica
    
    5 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,614 sq ft

    Lot size: 8,940 sq ft

    Year built: 1927

    Parking spots: 4

    Days on market: 15

    Walk Score®: 82
12. $3,495,000 : 625 25th Street, Santa Monica
    
    5 beds, 5.0 baths

    Home size: 3,815 sq ft

    Lot size: 8,700 sq ft

    Year built: 1987

    Parking spots: 2

    Days on market: 15

    Walk Score®: 60
13. $3,100,000 : 201 Ocean Avenue, Unit B1901-1902, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 3.0 baths

    Home size: 1,745 sq ft

    Year built: 1971

    Parking spots: 3

    Days on market: 16

    Walk Score®: 60
14. $1,595,000 : 856 Princeton Street, Santa Monica
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,919 sq ft

    Lot size: 8,000 sq ft

    Year built: 1940

    Days on market: 17

    Walk Score®: 63

    1. Find out what your home is worth now.

       If you are thinking of selling your Los Angeles or would just like to find out what your home is currently worth, 

       fill in all bedrooms, bath, property address, and full contact information below and a 

       detailed home comparative market analysis report will be created for your home right away.

       Click Here to Get Your Current Home Value

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Best "Top Selling" Santa Monica Real Estate Agent-Heather Paul-Specializes in Short Sales & Foreclosures

Are you under water on your current home mortgage and unsure of what to do next? A Short Sale could be your answer! You are not alone, hundreds of thousands of people are facing the exact same feats as you.  Are you considering letting your home go to foreclosure?   

You DO have options, here are some of the options available to you that we highly recommend: 
1.  First- Talk to a local real estate agent Short Sale Specialist "Make sure you find One that specializes in Short Sales" They can be a huge asset to you and the future of your home.  We recommend Heather Paul, #1 Short Sale Real Estate Agent serving all areas of Los Angeles County.  Heather Paul, Realtor of Coldwell Banker specializes in helping homeowners avoid foreclosure and successfully sell their home as a short sale, having expert knowledge of the entire short sale process to help you expedite the relief available to you.  Do not let your home go to foreclosure, you may be done and out financially right now, however a foreclosure will affect you in every way for up to 10 years.   
Here is a website link to contact an Expert Short Sale Real Estate Agent in your area to assist you in  the short sale process for your home or property and answer any questions you may have.   
http://santamonica-realestateagent.com/contact-us/

2. Contact your Mortgage Lender right away!  Most mortgage lenders will be willing to work with you, but you must contact them and request a loan modification.  Approximately 2 out of 5 mortgage loan modifications are approved.  There are specific requirements for loan modifications, a loan short sale real estate agent can also assist you with a loan modification.  Be careful of loan modification companies advertising they can assist you to do this for a fee, only licensed real estate agents can assist you with a loan modification, and they should not charge you a fee for this service, also if the loan modification is not accepted they can easily assist you with performing a short sale on your property or home if you wish, and it's completely confidential. 

We highly recommend selling your home via short sale rather than allowing it to just go to foreclosure, this will detrimentally hurt you in the future.   

Contact a Short Sale Real Estate Agent Expert Now   (310)586-0364 or (424)625-1037

http://santamonica-realestateagent.com/contact-us/

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Living Green in Santa Monica: 2011 Santa Monica Green Design and Building Expo is Coming

8th Annual AltBuild Expo and Conference | Santa Monica, California

May 6th – May 7th, 2011 

The largest and most-respected green design and building expo in Southern California for both professionals and public.

Over 150 hand-picked exhibitors featuring the world’s best in green building and design materials; energy efficiency techniques and technologies; alternative energy; water conservation and management; environmental plumbing; municipal and state agencies, and non-profit organizations.

40 speakers in all sustainable and alternative building practices.

The Expo is free and open to the public and features free bike valet parking; automobile parking is $9.

URL: http://www.altbuildexpo.com

Santa Monica California has always been leaders in celebrating Green Living.

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH GREEN HOMES AND ALL HOMES & PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

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Santa Monica Real Estate: LaSalle Buying Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel for $80.1 Million

LaSalle Hotel Properties is buying the Viceroy Santa Monica hotel for $80.1 million.

The real estate investment trust said Thursday that the 162-room hotel is subject to a ground lease with the City of Santa Monica, Calif., which expires on Sept. 25, 2065.

The property, which is one block from Santa Monica Beach, will continue to be managed by Viceroy Hotel Group. The hotel opened as the Pacific Shores Hotel in 1967 and re-opened in 2002 as the Viceroy Santa Monica following a renovation.

LaSalle anticipates recognizing about $500,000 in expenses related to the transaction during the first quarter.

LaSalle owns 35 upscale hotels in nine states and the District of Columbia.

SEARCH FOR OTHER OUTSTANDING SANTA MONICA REAL ESTATE DEALS

1. $675,000 : 1244 18th Street, Unit A, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 2.5 baths

   Size: 1,397 sq ft

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1974

   Parking spots: 2

   Walk Score ® : 91

    

    

2. $625,000 : 1021 Hill Street, Unit 1, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 1,448 sq ft

   Lot size: 1,132 sq ft

   Year built: 1970

   Parking spots: 2

   Walk Score ® : 75

    

    

3. $699,000 : 725 Navy Street, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: 1,064 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,000 sq ft

   Year built: 1907

   Parking spots: 2

   Walk Score ® : 89

    

    

4. $599,000 : 1925 Montana Avenue, Unit 7, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 1.75 baths

   Size: 1,145 sq ft

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1962

   Parking spots: 1

   Walk Score ® : 75

    

    

5. $600,000 : 1244 12th Street, Unit 6, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 3 full baths

   Size: 1,265 sq ft

   Lot size: 1,246 sq ft

   Year built: 1979

   Parking spots: 2

   Walk Score ® : 95

    

    

6. $998,000 : 1351 Maple Street, Santa Monica
   
   5 beds, 3.0 baths

   Size: 1,998 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,302 sq ft

   Year built: 1940

   Parking spots: 4

   Walk Score ® : 83

    

    

7. $799,000 : 913 17th Street, Unit 5, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 2.5 baths

   Size: 1,284 sq ft

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1980

   Parking spots: 2

   Walk Score ® : 89

    

    

8. $699,000 : 948 16th Street, Unit A, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 1,008 sq ft

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1929

   Parking spots: 1

   Walk Score ® : 92

    

    

9. $689,000 : 521 Montana Avenue, Unit 210, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 2.0 baths

   Size: 1,424 sq ft

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1969

   Parking spots: 2

   Walk Score ® : 82

    

    

10. $659,000 : 735 Marine Street, Unit 4, Santa Monica
    
    3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

    Size: 1,221 sq ft

    Lot size: n/a

    Year built: 1974

    Parking spots: 3

    Walk Score ® : 83

     

     

11. $635,000 : 511 San Vicente, Unit 106, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

    Size: 1,108 sq ft

    Lot size: n/a

    Year built: 1969

    Parking spots: 4

    Walk Score ® : 57

     

     

12. $839,000 : 1308 California Avenue, Unit 3, Santa Monica
    
    3 beds, 2.5 baths

    Size: 1,456 sq ft

    Lot size: n/a

    Year built: 1989

    Parking spots: 2

    Walk Score ® : 97

     

     

13. $649,000 : 643 Navy Street, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 1 full bath

    Size: 680 sq ft

    Lot size: 1,999 sq ft

    Year built: 1924

    Parking spots: n/a

    Walk Score ® : 82

     

     

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Showing properties 1 – 25 of 131. See more city of Santa Monica real estate. 
(all data current as of 3/19/2011)

1. $1,199,000 : 1043 11th Street, Unit 1, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 3.5 baths

   Size: 1,980 sq ft

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1998

   Parking spots: 4

   Walk Score ® : 95

    

    

2. $11,995,000 : 336 Adelaide Drive, Santa Monica
   
   5 beds, 7.5 baths

   Size: 9,025 sq ft

   Lot size: 23,600 sq ft

   Year built: 1910

   Parking spots: 6

   Walk Score ® : 57

    

    

3. $3,675,000 : 943 Centinela Avenue, Santa Monica
   
   4 beds, 5.0 baths

   Size: 6,585 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,158 sq ft

   Year built: 1992

   Parking spots: 4

   Walk Score ® : 63

    

    

4. $1,900,000 : 425 26th Street, Santa Monica
   
   5 beds, 6 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 4,876 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,725 sq ft

   Year built: 2006

   Parking spots: 2

   Walk Score ® : 62

    

    

5. $1,320,000 : 122 Ocean Park Boulevard, Unit 410, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 1,502 sq ft

   Lot size: 1,403 sq ft

   Year built: 1987

   Parking spots: 4

   Walk Score ® : 88

    

    

6. $3,250,000 : 270 Palisades Beach Road, Unit 203, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 3.5 baths

   Size: 2,210 sq ft

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 1995

   Parking spots: 3

   Walk Score ® : 52

    

    

7. $5,375,000 : 345 21st Street, Santa Monica
   
   6 beds, 7.5 baths

   Size: 7,424 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,940 sq ft

   Year built: 2001

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score ® : 52

    

    

8. $1,495,000 : 2005 Idaho Avenue, Santa Monica
   
   2 beds, 2.5 baths

   Size: 2,100 sq ft

   Lot size: n/a

   Year built: 2008

   Parking spots: 2

   Walk Score ® : 80

    

    

9. $1,495,000 : 216 Bicknell Avenue, Santa Monica
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 3 part baths

   Size: 4,011 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,499 sq ft

   Year built: 1922

   Parking spots: n/a

   Walk Score ® : 85

    

    

10. $3,595,000 : 226 17th Street, Santa Monica
    
    6 beds, 5.5 baths

    Size: 5,071 sq ft

    Lot size: 7,500 sq ft

    Year built: 2003

    Parking spots: 2

    Walk Score ® : 35

     

     

11. $1,299,000 : 336 7th Street, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

    Size: 1,113 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,933 sq ft

    Year built: 1950

    Parking spots: 4

    Walk Score ® : 60

     

     

12. $1,740,000 : 704 15th Street, Santa Monica
    
    3 beds, 1.0 baths

    Size: 1,174 sq ft

    Lot size: 7,500 sq ft

    Year built: 1923

    Parking spots: n/a

    Walk Score ® : 85

     

     

13. $2,850,000 : 535 Ocean Avenue, Unit 7D, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 2.0 baths

    Size: 1,541 sq ft

    Lot size: n/a

    Year built: 1963

    Parking spots: 2

    Walk Score ® : 55

     

     

14. $1,195,000 : MLS # 11512455 in Santa Monica
    
    3 beds, 3.0 baths

    Size: 1,958 sq ft

    Lot size: 6,600 sq ft

    Year built: 1946

    Parking spots: 2

    Walk Score ® :

     

     

15. $2,450,000 : 2323 California Avenue, Santa Monica
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Size: 3,400 sq ft

    Lot size: n/a

    Year built: 1923

    Parking spots: 4

    Walk Score ® : 78

     

     

16. $1,280,000 : 818 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Size: 2,326 sq ft

    Lot size: 7,497 sq ft

    Year built: 1939

    Parking spots: 4

    Walk Score ® : 89

     

     

17. $1,295,000 : 1248 Pearl Street, Santa Monica
    
    3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

    Size: 1,708 sq ft

    Lot size: 6,000 sq ft

    Year built: 1936

    Parking spots: 2

    Walk Score ® : 78

     

     

18. $2,099,000 : 2010 Hill Street, Santa Monica
    
    5 beds, 4.5 baths

    Size: 3,864 sq ft

    Lot size: 7,000 sq ft

    Year built: 2010

    Parking spots: n/a

    Walk Score ® : 66

     

     

19. $1,149,000 : 2248 21st Street, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 2.0 baths

    Size: 1,488 sq ft

    Lot size: 6,750 sq ft

    Year built: 1926

    Parking spots: 3

    Walk Score ® : 82

     

     

20. $3,295,000 : 951 Ocean Avenue, Unit 102, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 3 full baths

    Size: 3,239 sq ft

    Lot size: n/a

    Year built: 1997

    Parking spots: n/a

    Walk Score ® : 78

     

     

21. $1,199,000 : 2226 6th Street, Unit A, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Size: 1,766 sq ft

    Lot size: n/a

    Year built: 1991

    Parking spots: 4

    Walk Score ® : 83

     

     

22. $1,295,000 : 323 San Vicente, Unit 19, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 2.5 baths

    Size: 2,127 sq ft

    Lot size: n/a

    Year built: 1977

    Parking spots: 2

    Walk Score ® : 55

     

     

23. $1,225,000 : 1118 21st Street, Unit 102, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 2.5 baths

    Size: 2,315 sq ft

    Lot size: n/a

    Year built: 1993

    Parking spots: 3

    Walk Score ® : 86

     

     

24. $1,369,000 : 718 Lincoln, Unit 3, Santa Monica
    
    2 beds, 3.0 baths

    Size: 1,757 sq ft

    Lot size: n/a

    Year built: 1998

    Parking spots: 2

    Walk Score ® :

     

     

25. $2,595,000 : 363 21st Place, Santa Monica
    
    4 beds, 3.75 baths

    Size: 2,567 sq ft

    Lot size: 7,600 sq ft

    Year built: 1926

    Parking spots: 2

    Walk Score ® : 55

     

     

     

    FIND A SANTA MONICA REAL ESTATE AGENT

     

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2011 LA Marathon Ends Santa Monica Pier with Huge Festivities-LA Marathon Map & Directions

Whether you’ll be cheering from the street or your living room, our Spectator Guide tells you the best places to watch the race, street closure information and times, and the locations of viewing parties along the route.

SPECTATOR GUIDE

Street Closure Information

CLICK HERE  for the LA Dept of Transportation map with Marathon route. Includes street re-opening times.

LA Marathon Route Map 

Getting Around LA on Race Day

Commuterama will be providing real time Road Closure information and how to get around the road closures for the Honda LA Marathon on race day.  Spectators, residents and businesses will be able to view the Course Map with related road closure and reopening info to better help navigate through the city. Check the map below for details.

View Larger Map

Getting to the Race
The 2011 Honda LA Marathon is a point-to-point course.  The start will be at Dodger Stadium and the finish in Santa Monica.  The best way to get around the city to see your runner is to use the Commuterama site, www.commuterama.com.

For directions to the start line at Dodger Stadium, click here.

For directions to the finish line and parking structures in Santa Monica, click here.

Parking Information

Parking is expected to be very limited with 25,000 runners, their families and spectators expected to fill the City’s 12,000 parking spaces plus available private facilities that choose to open to the public that day. We strongly encourage walking, biking and using public transit to get to a spot on the route if you would like to cheer on the runners.  View public transit options at www.bigbluebus.com.  Vehicle parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in Downtown Santa Monica at city-owned and private parking facilities and at city-owned beach lots.

Use the city’s live parking information website www.smgov.net/parkingspacenow to monitor parking space availability.

Finish Line Festival

The Finish Line Festival is open to the general public and is the perfect location to enjoy the entire 2011 Honda LA Marathon and post-race celebrations.   Located just south of Colorado Avenue and the Santa Monica Pier (open lot between Ocean Avenue and Main Street), the Finish Line Festival will feature a large screen broadcasting the live Marathon telecast, numerous sponsor exhibits and displays, the official Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden, food and beverage sales, live music and much more.   As access to the actual finish line is restricted to runners and race officials only, families and friends are directed to meet up with the runners at the Family Reunion Area located inside of the Finish Line Festival footprint.

CLICK HERE TO FIND CHEAP SANTA MONICA HOMES FOR SALE-SEARCH SANTA MONICA FORECLOSURES, CONDOS, & SANTA MONICA REAL ESTATE DEALS

Appearing live on the 104.3 MYfm Finish Line Festival!

 

Andy Grammer
  

 

BC Jean
  

 

Andrew Allen
  

 

Hot Spectator Spots

In 2011, the Honda LA Marathon will be staging Hot Spectator Spots on race day in each of the municipalities at key locations.  Each “Hot Spec Spot” is a large community celebration located directly adjacent to the Marathon route providing key viewing of the race.  This will be a focal point of race day entertainment with live music, a sponsor village featuring food and beverage sampling, sponsor exhibits, radio remotes with top Clear Channel stations and more.  Hot Spec Spots start at 7am and run through 2pm providing a great location to celebrate with your friends and neighbors.

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Best Tips for Winning Your Home Bid/Offer When There are Multiple Offers

Often times people find themselves in a multiple offer situation, whether it's the time of year, a very desirable home or an appealing listing price. How can you increase your chances of winning against competing home buyers? 

Although the winner is usually the most qualified home buyer with the best price and the fewest strings attached, there are some other secrets to winning the bid. Not all buyers are interested in more than just price, and that makes knowing what to offer in this type of situation critical.

9 Tips to Winning A Multiple Offer Home Bid 

HIGHEST OFFER 

The winning buyer in a multiple offer presentation is often the one who makes the highest offer, pure and simple. Learn as much as possible about local market values. Look at comparable properties. Ask your REALTOR® to prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) of the property that will tell you recent selling prices of comparable properties. When market values are rising, there may be a bit of guesswork involved in pricing. You may need to pay more than yesterday's comparable sales in order to be the successful bidder. 

CLEAN OFFER 

A clean offer means that it has few contingencies, which means certain conditions that must be satisfied in order for the sale to go through. Typical home purchase contract contingencies include financing, inspections and the sale of another home. Put yourself ahead of the crowd by limiting as many conditions as possible before presenting your offer, however, do not forego important - and expensive - things that need to be fixed, e.g. a cracked foundation or leaking roof. 

REQUEST A PRE-INSPECTION 

Home buyers who know they have competition will often have properties inspected before an offer is made. Ask your REALTOR® to find out if other buyers are having pre-sale inspections done. If so, you may want to ask the sellers for permission to complete a home inspection, and any other inspections you believe necessary. This will enable you to make an offer that doesn't include an inspection contingency. 

APPROVAL LETTER UP FRONT FROM YOUR LENDER 

Although you may not be able to get completely approved for financing on a new home before you make an offer, you can get preapproved for a loan. If you find a place to buy before you are preapproved, submit a loan application to a lender or mortgage broker and have your credit checked before writing an offer. The loan agent can then write a letter stating that the loan application was submitted and the credit is acceptable. This way the home sellers know the home sale will be more likely to go through without financing issues.

MONEY DOWN 

If you can put 10 to 20 percent down, the sellers will be more impressed with that amount than a five percent down payment. You may be able to change your financing terms later but what matters is the money is at the table at closing. 

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT 

Putting as much of your down payment into your earnest money deposit makes a very strong impression when you write the offer. The "earnest money" is part of your down payment which you simply put down a month earlier. This lets the seller know of your intentions because if the seller accepts your offer and you break the contract, you would lose your earnest money deposit. 

TRUST YOUR REALTOR® 

Your real estate agent has the ability and knowledge to influence and impact your decisions throughout the offer process and presenting the offer itself. Trust your Realtor's advice and guidance. They do this for a living and are working for your benefit. 

COPIES OF REPORTS 

Again, find out all you can about the property before writing an offer. Get copies of any existing reports and seller disclosures. If they seem adequate, let the sellers know that you have read and approved the reports. 

PERSONAL APPEAL 

Find out as much as you can about the home sellers and their situation. Attempt to meet the sellers face to face to let them know how much you love their home. Or write a letter about why you would love to live in the house. Some sellers are influenced by emotional appeal, particularly if they're looking at multiple, similar offers. Find out when the seller wants to close, and offer post-occupancy agreements in case the sellers need to stay while they find a new place to live. These steps will help you stand out from the rest.

These are a few ways to try to win a multiple bidding situation on a home. Trust your Realtor to help you beat out the competition and remember to appeal to the home seller's emotional side, especially if they have lived in the house a long time. It can't hurt to try! If you don't win the first time, you'll most likely be able to find another home you love. With any luck, next time perhaps you can avoid a bidding war.

Call Me Today for All Your Real Estate Needs!

Heather Paul, Realtor  (310)586-0364

"Your Local Real Estate Expert"

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LA SAYS “NO” TO SMOKING-NEW SMOKING LIMITS HIT THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Smokers are getting down to their last drags in the nation’s second-largest city with a new ban on

lighting up in outdoor dining areas.

The ban, which takes effect Tuesday, even includes areas near food trucks.

The prohibition makes Los Angeles the nation’s biggest city with a smoke-free outdoor dining policy and is believed to be one of few that includes mobile food vendors.

City officials on Thursday launched a public education campaign about the new law that was adopted in January 2010 with a one-year grace period to give business owners time to prepare.

Food tastes better “with a side of fresh air,” proclaim posters and radio announcements to be used in the campaign.

“We will be putting out cigarettes all over Los Angeles, and that’s a beautiful thing,” said Kathy Magliato, president of the American Heart Association.

Tobacco-toking is already prohibited at city beaches, farmers markets and parks, as well as within 25 feet of playgrounds, bleachers, sports fields and picnic areas.

Now it also will be off-limits within 10 feet of outdoor dining areas or within 40 feet of a food truck. Bars, clubs and private events at restaurants will be exempt.

The ordinance will be largely self-regulatory, said Councilman Tom LaBonge. Businesses will be required to post signs and request that patrons extinguish their cigarettes or face fines of up to $500 for the smoker and the business.

“We can clean up the city, as well,” LaBonge said. “How many butts go down the drains and onto our beaches?”

The new restriction has many restaurateurs fuming, particularly those who installed sidewalk tables and patios to accommodate smokers, said Daniel Conway, spokesman for the California Restaurant Association.

It seems, however, that the movement to snuff out smoking in al fresco dining areas is growing. A number of cities surrounding Los Angeles have similar bans, including Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Starbucks last year barred lighting up in the patio areas of its California coffee shops.

The ESPN Zone restaurant in downtown Los Angeles has had an outdoor smoking ban since it opened two years ago, and customers appreciate it, marketing manager Tim Whiteman said.

Advocates for smokers’ rights say outdoor bans particularly burn them up because there’s little evidence about the effects of secondhand smoke in fresh air. They say the vast majority of studies were conducted in confined environments.

“Sitting outside in L.A., the cars and smog are going to kill you faster than secondhand smoke,” noted Robert Best, western regional director of Citizens Freedom Alliance, a smokers’ rights organization.

For anti-smokers, it’s a matter of public health. Exposure to secondhand smoke increases incidence of heart disease and lung cancer by 30 percent, said Magliato, a heart surgeon.

“Smokers have a right to smoke, but non-smokers have a right to fresh air,” she said.

When smoking is restricted, studies show, the incidence of smoking-related disease in that area plunges anywhere from 6 to 47 percent, she said.

Smokers, who comprise 14.3 percent of Los Angeles County residents, say the anti-smoking lobby should simply butt out.

Longtime smoker Bonnetta Davis said the ban would affect her choice of restaurants.

“In a closed environment, I can understand. But come on, this is outdoors, in the air,” she said. “It’s discriminatory.”

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