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Friday, June 29, 2012

Top places to view Fireworks for Fourth of July in Los Angeles


Fourth of July is just around the corner! We are excited to celebrate America's Independence.  So we thought we should put together our top picks to view fireworks in Los Angeles.  




4th of July AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena


Biggest and Best firework show ever!! Food, music and get atmosphere. 


When: July 4th, parking lot opens at 10am. Food court opens at 2pm.  Stadium opens at 6:30pm.  Opening ceremonies begins at 7pm.  Fireworks at 9:05pm.


Cost: $13 General Admission, Kids 7 and under are free.  Active Military with ID FREE.  Parking is about $20 cash.


Palisades Americanism Parade


Independence Day Parade followed by entertainment and a firework display.


When: July 4th, Skydivers 1:50pm, Parade 2:00pm, 6:30pm Entertainment and fireworks at the Palisades Charter High School.  


Cost: Parade Free, Concert $5


July 4th Fireworks at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum


Free 60 minutes firework show 


When: July 4th 8:45pm-ish


Where: LA Memorial Coliseum 3911 S Figueroa St Los Angeles


Cost: FREE


Parking: Available at 39th and Figueroa St, Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Hoover St and also at USC campus. 


July 4th Baseball and Fireworks at Dodger Stadium


LA Dodgers vs Cincinnati Red


When: July 4, 6:10pm


Cost: $12.50 to $650 tickets


Parking: $10.


4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific


Enjoy the Aquarium at night!! Combo tickets include admission at the aquarium plus an Independence Day BBQ buffet with home style grilled entrees and desserts. 


When: July 4, 5-10pm, Dinner 6-8pm and Aquarium opens at 9am.


Cost: Admission is $12.95 for everyone after 5pm.  Regular admission is $24.95 adult, $13.95 child 3-11, $21.95 seniors.  Aquarium plus dinner $37 Adult, $29 child.  Advance reservation is required for dinner. 


Queen Mary BBQ, Brews and Red, White & Blue


2 stages of live music, strolling entertainers and a children's area.


When: July 4th, 10am to 10pm, fireworks on the 4th at 9:00pm.


Cost: $39.95 Adult, $19.95 children 5-11, $34.95 non active military/seniors/free for active military, tickets at the box office or online.


Parking: $15 


4th of July Celebration in San Pedro


Live music, U.S military exhibits, tours of a Navy frigate, armed forces, and US Coast Guard.  Also, Washington Artillery Reenactment group followed by fireworks.


When: July 4
Cost: Free


for more places to view fireworks, go to GoLosAngeles.about.com



Monday, June 25, 2012

Economists Predict 2013 Home Price to Rebound


According to more than 100 economists, real estate experts and investment strategists, home prices will see a modest increase in 2013 through 2016.  

The economists survey the trajectory of national home prices and the most optimistic panelists predict an average 1 percent increase in home prices this year.  However, some panelist expect a 2 percent decline. But one thing is agreed on, after the first quarter's decrease this year, home prices will rise for the rest of 2012.  

The fact that half of the panelist believe that the homeownership rate will fall lower should be a reminder that significant challenges remain ahead for the housing market.

For example,  when you compare the economists' projections two years ago, the expected pace of the housing recovery is still a working process.  In my professional opinion,  certain areas are seeing a boom in market price and only time will tell if the prices will continue to see a price increase nationwide. 





Friday, June 22, 2012

Upcoming Listing in Sherman Oaks


For more information on this listing, go to www.facebook.com/BetancourtRealEstateGroup under the Feature Listing section for more info.  Weekly updates on the property will be made on our main website BetancourtRealEstateGroup.com.  

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Top 7 Picnic Spots in Los Angeles


The weather is getting warmer and that means a couple of things...spending more time outdoors!! Take a look at seven top picnic spots in Los Angeles....


1) Malibu Bluffs Park - 24250 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265


2) Switer Falls in Angeles National Forest - Angeles Crest Hwy, La Canada, CA 91011


3) El Dorado Park - 2800 N Studebaker Rd, Long Beach, CA 90815


4) Will Rogers Memorial Park - 9650 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211


5) Roxbury Park - 471 Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 


6) Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027


7) Corona Del Mar State Beach - Ocean Blvd and Iris Ave, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625



Why Are Mortgage Rates So Low?

While the housing conditions improve, mortgage interest rates remain near record-low levels.  At the end of June 14th, a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged at 3.71%!  

What is going on? 

If you apply the supply-and-demand logic to the housing market where if there is more demand of the housing market, shouldn't the cost to borrow be on the rise as well?

Not really. In fact mortgage rates are influenced by a number of factors that include policy decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve and the overall economic picture of the U.S. and abroad. 

As part of The Fed's Operation Twist program, interests rates remain low to the end of this month.  The program involves buying long-term securities and selling short-term debt.  The Federal Open Market committee is thinking about the possibility of extending the program or taking other steps to keep long-term interest rates low.  

Another factor is the uncertainty in Europe that includes the worry about whether the euro zone will remain integrated and new concerns about Spain's economy.   

While improvements in the U.S. economy can influence mortgage rates, "there hasn't been enough good news domestically to drive mortgage rates higher" Amy Hoak, MarketWatch.com

A recent report form Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies suggest that housing recovery is still in its early stages and faces obstacles including foreclosure inventory that has yet to hit the market and drop in the median household incomes.  

So what does this mean for Buyers?

Low Mortgage rates aren't expected to go away anytime soon.  


Friday, June 15, 2012

Open House Pick for the Weekend


Great Open House for this weekend! South of the blvd on Coldwater Cyn! Newly updated and priced to sell.  Stop by and take a peek. 


5445 Coldwater Cyn
Sunday June 17th from Noon to 4pm.


For more information or flyer on Coldwater Cyn, email me


Listing Courtesy of Nerses Ananyan of Titus Realty, Inc

To all the Dad/soon-to-be Dad's/ Father figures


Thursday, June 14, 2012

Living Green in Eagle Rock at Rock Row

Model Unit at Rock Row

While homeowner have options to turn their own homes into a green home, for home buyers the option of buying green homes is becoming a hot market.  Rock row in Eagle Rock, CA is the first small lot subdivision in the City of Los Angeles to be LEED Certified under the new LEED for Homes program.  With the LEED certification, Rock Row guarantees excellent indoor air quality, very low utility bills, and energy efficient and sustainable design and construction. 

Rock Row Features:

LEED Certified

10' Ceiling Heights

Integrated Sound System

Multiple Decks and Balconies

Private Yards

Skylights in Stairwells and Baths

Green Roofs

Building Systems:

Grass Pave System reduces reflected heat and absorbs water.

Tankless Water Heaters save energy and last longer.  Saves $200 per year over conventional water heaters.

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Solar Array - 60%-80% of household electric costs.

Central Vacuum System exhausts to the outside for better indoor air quality. 


Floor Plan
I have to applaud Heyday Development for designing and building Rock Row.  It's a great example of how design and sustainable can create wonderful sustainable lifestyle for the economy and the environment. Rock Row isn't their first sustainable project but their FOURTH!! Bravo!!


For more information on HeyDay Development, go to www.heyday-la.com to see their most current projects.  


Currently Rock Row is sold out but are accepting backup offer. If you would like to learn how to submit a backup offer, contact me at betancourtrealestategroup.com.  


For more information on Rock Row, go to www.leangreenlivingmachine.com 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Mortgage rates set record low for sixth week in row

Mortgage rates fell to new lows for the sixth straight week! According to Freddie MAc, lenders are offering the 30-year fixed rate loan at the average 3.67% down from 3.75% a week ago.  


15-year fixed-rate loan average 2.94% down from 2.97% last week.  


Why are rates dropping?


Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac economist, claims that reports showing weak growth in jobs and the economy.  This puts pressure to central bankers to keep rates down.  


With rent prices continuing to climb, home buying is becoming more appealing for some renters. 




To read the LATimes article, click here.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Father's Day in Los Angeles

Father's Day is just around the corner! Here are a few ideas and activities for you and that special father figure in your life.  


1) James Bond Double Feature @ Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Blvd (between Las Palmas and McCadden) 
Screening start at 7:30pm 


Take your pop to the movies for a Timothy Dalton era Bond double showcase: The Living Daylights and License to Kill brought to you by the American Cinematheque.  The author of the James Bond Unmasked book will sign copies of his book at 6:30pm in the theatre lobby.  


2) Drago Centro
525 S Flower St
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.228.8998


Check out Drago Centro's six-course Father's day tasting menu ($60).  Beer pairing are an extra $30.


3) Magnolia Bakery
8389 W. Third St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323.951.0636


If your father has a sweet tooth, consider a dozen mini vanilla and chocolate cupcakes adorned with edible tools  ( Tool Kit $24) or a rich chocolate fudge brownie and chocolate chunk blond ( Dad's Toolkit $10) or decorated cupcakes with your choice of golf, tie, or tool decors ($3.25 each).  


4) Morton's The Steakhouse


Burbank:
3400 W Olive Ave
Burbank, CA 91505
818.238.0424


Beverly Hills Adjacent:
SLS Hotel 
435 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310.246.1501


If your dad's favorite plate is steak and potatoes, then you can't go wrong at Morton's.  $69 will get you a special Father's Day menu that consist of soup or salad course, entree (including a filet mignon) and vegetable of your choice.  


5) Rock & Brews Local Craft Beer Festival
143 Main St
El Segundo Ca 900245
310.615.9890


11am to 4pm.  Southern California breweries will be serving beers on tap and portion of proceeds will go to the City Year Los Angeles.  There will be pizza, Bavarian pretzels and Italian sausages.  Tickets are $50 per person that includes eight four ounce pours, a lunch buffet ticket and commemorative beer glass.


6) Rancho Park Golf Course
10450 Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310.838.7373


Treat your dad to an afternoon of golf or just some time on the driving range.  The greens fee is only $23.


7) Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance


Every year, on Dad's special day, rodeo Drive closes for it's Concours D'Elegance vintage car show.  Hot rods, muscle cars, Woodys, 1920s cars and European vehicles.  Event takes place from 10am to 4pm and its free!


8) Father's Day Lunch and Bocce at Eberie Winery
3810 Hwy 46E 
Paso Robles, CA 93446
805.238.9607


Only a short distance from Los Angeles.  When you arrive at this vineyard you'll be lavished with a gourmet lunch.  Gorgeous views of the winery and a relaxing bocce ball game make for the perfect Father's Day.  Luncheon event takes place between 12-2pm.  Cost is $35 per adult (includes wine) and $15 for children ages six to 12 and children under five dine for free!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Advantages of Being Pre-Approved

As the housing market is warming up in many areas, and multiple offers becoming more common, buyers who want an advantage in the bidding process will need more than just getting themselves pre-qualified, rather you will need to be pre-approved from a lender. 


What is the difference?


Being pre-qualified is based on what you disclose to the loan officer or broker about your earnings, credit score and total assets, including what is available for a down payment.  Being pre-qualified gives you a basic guidance on range of prices you may be able to afford.


Being pre-approved requires borrowers to provide documentation of their income and their assets and employment.  The lender will pull your credit report and score while the borrower will provide the mortgage underwriter items such as W-2 wage statements, 1099s, recent pay stubs, current bank statements, and etc.


Remember that lenders treat pre approvals as an opinion of your ability to borrow and it not a guarantee to lend.  Once a borrower has chosen a property, have an offer accepted by the seller, and then have the property appraised before you can expect a firm commitment from a lender.


When should I get pre approved?


Buyers should aim to obtain a pre approval letter from a lender within 30 to 60 days of the expected purchase date.  Pre approval letter normally expire in 90 days or so.  Within in those days, your income and bank statements will need to be updated between pre approval to the close of escrow.  




For more information about getting pre approved, visit your bank or talk to a mortgage broker. 

Friday, June 8, 2012

How to View An Open House

Whether you are just looking because you are considering to jump into the market or you have been searching for weeks and come across an open house near your neighborhood... here are some guidelines to make your Open House tour a pleasant experience.  


1. Have a Game Plan:  If you plan to give up an hour on a Sunday to view local open houses, set aside most of the afternoon.  This will allow yourself enough time to see each home and travel to the next one. 


2. Be Polite to the Real Estate Host: Even if you already are working with a real estate agent, don't give the agent house the cold shoulder. Smile and greet them.  Sign In, if you wish.  If the agent seems pushy or is trying to solicit your business, kindly tell him you already have an agent.  Thank them when you leave.  


3. Focus on the Property:  Prepared sellers will hand out a property description sheet with information like square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and special features.  Use it to take notes and check off things as you walk through the house. 


4. Ask before you take pictures or record video:  The home is still someone's private residence so before you snap a photo or pull out the camcorder, ask permission. 


5.  Feel before you sit:  Some homes for sale are empty and staged with furniture.  Make sure to check the furniture is stable before plopping on the sofa or chairs. 


6. Look In (Not Rummage through) Closets, Built-In Drawers, and Cabinets:  Make sure there's enough storage in the home, but don't go through someone else's private belongings.  Check the width and depth of the closets, kitchen and bathrooms drawers, and cabinets.  And while you're at it, see if anything is broken or squeaks.  


7. Hold the Criticism til after you leave:  The seller calls the place home, so don't badmouth it during the tour.  Who knows who may be listening - the seller, a neighbor, a friend?  If you end up in a multiple offer situation where price and terms are similar, you don't want the seller choosing the other buyer because he heard you criticizing his home. 


8. Avoid TMI (too much information): There is nothing wrong with a conversation but keep the conversation foucs on the property and not about your situation and how your home search is going and when you need to move.  Use your best poker face.  Even if you've walked inot your ultimate dream home, don't show any emotion.  


Remember, the agent works for the seller so you don't want to share any information that could compromise your bargaining position.  


9.  Ask probing questions, politely:  It's okay to ask about the seller's motivation and if there are any offers.  Find out if there are special assessments or other fees.  It doesn't hurt to get the agent's insight on the neighborhood and nearby schools. 


NOTE: sometimes the open house is filled with open house agent than the actual listing agent who may or may not know the answers to your question.  


10. Listen to other buyers:  They may be your competition, but they may know something you don't about the property or he/she can't answer certain questions (like those that fall under fair housing laws).  


For more tips, advice and information on open house, visit FRONTDOOR's openhouse website.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Green Home in California

One of only a few LEED Platinum Certified homes in the country, project7ten was built as green as possible to serve as an educational model that creates a forum for smart discussion about environmental awareness.

Project7ten is one of the few homes that was conceived an educational model for environmental awareness. It showcase how design can be integrated with a sustainable lifestyle. I've seen this home in person and the amount of detail and sustainable features will amaze you!  This home makes you think that sustainable isn't just being green but creating a sustainable lifestyle for our world and ourselves.


Home Features:


•Low Energy Consumption
•Water Conservation 
•FSC-certified lumber
•locally source building materials
•solar panels
•Grey-Water Recycling
•Energy Efficient Appliances
•Water Efficient Fixtures
•much more

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

7th Annual LA WineFest - June 9-10, 2012


Come and join the LA WineFest this Saturday June 9th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm and Sunday June 10th from Noon to 5pm at Hollywood's Historic Raleigh Studios.  

LA Wine Fest will offer Angelenos an opportunity to sample award-winning wines from more than a dozen countries, alongside food truck nibbles and gourmet treats.  Come and experience tasting classes taught by wine and spirits professionals, international cuisines, live entertainment and hundreds of wines, beers and spirits!  

Monday, June 4, 2012

This Month in Real Estate Video for June 2012

Number of Homes on Market Down as Prices Pick Up

Buyers are battling over tight inventory with for-sale homes that are currently sell up to twice as fast than a year ago and drawing multiple offers.  In certain areas of California, asking prices and sale prices are up significantly from just a year ago.


The market has turned but the big question hoovers over this current market - How high will prices go?  Things have clearly improved but the problems aren't resolved.


Today, home Buyers are taking advantage of record low interest rates and home prices that many more buyers who are making offers.  This is creating current inventory to be low due to properties selling right away. 

Friday, June 1, 2012

Open House Pick for Sunday June 3, 2012

Listing Provided Courtesy of: Neil Klemow, Pinnacle Estate Properties, IDRE #00760837


Are you currently on the hunt for available Open Houses this Sunday? Take a look at this brand new listing in Encino. 


Info:


Open House on Sunday June 3rd from 2pm-5pm
5961 Yarmouth Ave 


For more information, contact us