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RESOURCES
California Solar Center
The California Solar Center has compiled a list of financial incentives offered for using alternative energy sources.
Reuse Building Materials
Discover how you can help recycle construction and deconstruction products.
New Fannie Mae Guidelines
Effective March 1, 2009, Fannie Mae will start once again financing up to 10 properties for investors in order to help with lending recovery. Find out what this means for you.
Wall Street Journal
National and International Real Estate trends and news.
Go Green
Everyone has ideas about greening residential real estate, but what about commercial investment property going green. Share your experiences or questions…comment here!
House of Representatives
Learn about the Bills currently on the table and how to voice your opinions.
Pool and Spa Safety Laws
Pool Safety Laws and information including the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, 15 USC 8004.
Keeping Property Hot in a Cooling Market
Start with a good accountant. An accountant will let you know the tax benefits of various holding entities (corporation, LLC, TIC, trust) as well as what is deductible, tax savings, special considerations such as how to report payments to vendors who are not incorporated, etc.
- Maximize Rents. This doesn’t mean you always have to raise rents at precise annual anniversary dates. There may be a reason to keep a good Tenant who will go elsewhere rather than pay an increase. Sometimes Landlords are afraid to raise rents because of a bad experience with a Tenant and they now have someone who pays on time and they are afraid to lose them; so they don’t raise the rents even though the tenant has been on a month to month lease for over 6 months. Remember that the income determines the value or sales price of your building and even a modest increase factored into the annual revenue increases the overall value incrementally.
- Keep up with new regulations regarding rental regulations. At the beginning of 2006, the 60 day notice requirement reverted back to a 30 day notice, but some Landlords were unaware and continued to use outdated forms to serve notice on tenants to vacate. Now in 2007 we are back to the 60 day notice, so keep current.
- Track Zoning changes and regulations, even if you have no intention of selling in the near future. You may notice an opportunity to expand, change the use, or act sooner than later if you hear about proposed downzoning.
- Know your neighbors. If one of your neighbors is looking to acquire adjacent property to expand you may be in a better position to create more value than if you develop the lot on your own or opt out and lose the opportunity.
- Keep the property looking neat and attractive. Unless the site is a tear-down and you are selling it for land value, the psychological value of curb appeal shouldn’t be underestimated.
- Develop a strong marketing campaign to attract qualified tenants. Advertising on websites, local papers, and flyers should all be professional and clear and steer clear of any verbiage that could be construed as offensive or discriminatory.
- Ask your Realtor® to keep you informed about activity in your area, so that when you are ready to sell you will already have some knowledge about the Real Estate Market and can better plan for your future.
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REAL ESTATE
West Hollywood 3 Bedroom
Cute cottage with lovely front and backyards at 362 Huntley Drive. This charming 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath is located on a cul de sac between La Cienega and San Vicente. $773,000. See the MLS for more info
Development Opportunity or SFR on Culver Blvd
Culver City home at $549,000. Great Starter House… Priced Right With Nice Backyard & Mature Trees. Across From Bike/Pedestrian Path. Close To Freeways, Shopping, Public Transportation. Or Hold & Develop This R4 Property Later (Buyer To Confirm Current Zoning W/City). Court Confirmation Not Required
Santa Monica Extends Smoking Ban into Residential Territory
February, 2009- Santa Monica is known for its already severe anti-smoking legislation. City Council has passed further measures to safeguard residents against secondhand smoke. The new law regulates smoking in common areas of multi-family residences including apartment buildings and condos. Victims of secondhand smoke can file a civil action which can award them up to $100 in damages or order legal injunction. It is necessary that the victim of secondhand smoke attempts to reach a solution with the smoker and provides written notice before these matters are brought to court. Some tenants rights organizations feel that this bill goes too far into regulating residents lives, while some health organizations feel that these anti-smoking measures are too soft. This reaction is par for the course with the polarizing smoking issue.
Beverly Glen Condo
This extra large bright unit offers great flow for entertaining and you can’t beat the location. The condo is centrally located near bus stops, and minutes from the Rancho Park Golf Course, recreation center, Westfield shopping malls (Westside & Century City), movie theaters,
Westwood Village, UCLA, and a variety of neighborhood restaurants, shops and services. Huge living room with wet bar & fireplace opens up to huge seating area, separate dining area, and adjacent kitchen. Building offers controlled access, elevator, pool, and spa.
Investment Opportunities in Corona del Mar
There are uniques opportunities in this upscale community where duplex/condo conversions provide investment opportunities for the small investor. Corona del Mar is a fashionable beachside Orange County community with dazzling residential properties as well impressive shopping and entertainment options. Explore Corona del Mar