Just listed - 67410 Medano in Cathedral City

Does this pool look inviting or what? Our Mark Freeman just listed this beauty in Cathedral City for $344,900. It's a fabulous Rio Vista home recently updated with designer style and taste. Open floor plan features 3bdrms + 1.75baths. Entertainer's backyard with beautiful pool and spa, covered patio and large grassy area with fruit trees and gorgeous mountain views. This is a fantastic full time or part time affordable desert residence. Move in ready. Your desert paradise awaits!  Please contact Mark at remarkks@aol.com for more info or to view.

Just listed: adorable "Snow White" cottage in Burbank for $759,000

Judy Graff Properties' agent Dayna Cussler has just listed this cutie at 313 N. Hollywood Way, in the middle of Burbank's media district. Rumor has it that this home, and the several other "Snow White" cottages like it on the block, were designed and built by Disney artists.  It has been repurposed for today's standards with an open beam ceiling, big open kitchen with all-new counter tops and appliances, redone bath and two bedrooms.  Of course, there is HVAC, swanky light fixtures, a fireplace, and brand new wood floors.  There's a sunny backyard and a parking pad from the alley as well.  The location is stellar too -- it's close to one of the outstanding Burbank public schools and is a short distance to both the studios and Toluca Lake.  The property specs are: built in 1950, 840 sf, 2500+ sf lot, and a list price of $759,000. For a private showing, please call or text Dayna at 818-590-5944.

Another Burbank flip sold

Dayna Cussler listed this classic flip at 229 N. Whitnall, Burbank 91505 and sold it just five weeks later for $795,000.  The buyers (one of whom is a real estate agent) were thrilled to be getting a house in the coveted Stevenson Elementary school district.  The 1,037 square hoot house features a redone kitchen and bath, 2 bedrooms, den, and large lot.  Nice work, Dayna!

Gorgeous Mission-style townhouse in South Pasadena

Judy Graff Properties' agent Cameron Stephens has just listed this killer townhouse at 727 Meridian Ave., #U, in South Pasadena, for $825,000.  Check it out and contact Cameron at cameronstephensRE@gmail.com if you'd like a private showing:

Designed by award-winning architects Moule & Polyzoides in 2005, this desirable Craftsman home is located in Mission Meridian Village, the heart of South Pasadena's Mission West District. Privately tucked away from the street, this townhome is bright and spacious, with a powder room on the main floor and two full bedrooms and bathrooms above, the skylight streaming light throughout. Listen to the peaceful courtyard fountain from your light filled balcony or cozy up by fireplace in the evening. Thousands in owner upgrades including brand new waterproof composite wood floors throughout, solid wood shutters, reverse osmosis water filtration system, and more. Stainless steel appliances and granite countertops in the kitchen next to the dining room make entertaining easy. In-unit laundry and two covered and gated parking spaces add to the convenience and security. Browse the Thursday afternoon Farmers Market located just down the street. Centrally located blocks away from restaurants like Heirloom Bakery and Cafe, La Monarca, and Bistro De La Gare as well as shopping, tree filled parks, and the Gold Line station. With coveted award-winning public schools, this is the best of what South Pasadena has to offer.

241 Valle Vista in Monrovia just sold to my buyers

Monrovia is an adorable community just east of Pasadena and nestled next to the mountains.  My buyers, Nayiri and Krikor, just purchased this cute two-houses-on-one-lot property as it's perfect for their extended family.  The picture shows the front house; the back house is much bigger; and there's a gorgeous oak tree (peeking over the roof) between the two homes.  The property sold for $710,000; Monrovia properties tend to be a little less expensive than properties closer to central L.A.

3051 Tyburn in Atwater Village just closed for $850,000

My clients just landed a home in their dream neighborhood -- Atwater Village in east L.A.  It wasn't easy -- this neighborhood has been on real estate fire for about a year now, and this was my clients' third offer (and certainly this house was the best of the three).  We started working together about a year ago and I'm delighted to have gotten to know Alec and Cait.

The house features two bedrooms, one redone bath and a redone kitchen in 650 square feet.  It also has a partially converted garage -- complete with working beer taps! -- a green front yard surrounded by tall hedges, raised vegetable beds and built-in outdoor seating.  The area is hipster heaven and features a weekend farmers' market along with many cool eateries and shops.  Congratulations, A&C!

You say there aren't any affordable homes in great neighborhoods? Check out 229 Whitnall in Burbank.

Judy Graff Properties' agent Dayna Cussler has just listed this sweet traditional at 229 Whitnall in Burbank.  It features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1037 sf. and a family room/bonus room.  As you see, the period details are still there but everything else has been refreshed. It has a big backyard (7500 sf lot), is in a great school area, and is ripe for an addition or ADU.  And -- it is listed for $795,000.  This makes it a steal compared to other similarly-sized L.A. properties.  If you think this is for you, come see this at the open houses on March 14 and 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 each day.

Bragging on my agents

Yes, here comes more bragging on Judy Graff Properties' agents.  Gabriel Browne, top, just closed a duplex for his buyers in Long Beach.  But this wasn't just any escrow.  Gabriel had to deal with an AWOL listing agent, tenants that didn't know they had to leave, extension after extension, etc.  The problems just didn't stop, but he brought this transaction to a successful close for his sister buyers.  The sellers were so impressed with his work that they have decided to use him for their next purchase! Gabriel can be reached at soldbygabrielbrowne@gmail.com.

And Cameron Stephens killed it recently in San Marino.  He had been working with his buyers for a year and they finally found their dream home.  Cameron piloted the two week escrow and all-cash deal to a happy landing.  Check out Cameron's podcast at LAConversations.com or email him at cameronstephensRE@gmail.com.  Cameron is to be congratulated for another reason as well -- he is getting married next month to the lovely Lindsay.

Property tax repeal was passed by the House of Representatives yesterday. But don't open the bubbly yet.

The House of Representatives repealed the measure that limited property tax deductions to $10,000 or less.  While many people view this as a "millionaires' tax," people here in California routinely pay that amount for normal, middle-class homes.  The Senate will not vote to pass the repeal, however.

Here's the article from New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/19/business/salt-tax-repeal.html

Please welcome Cameron Stephens to Judy Graff Properties

I'm pleased to announce that Cameron Stephens has joined Judy Graff Properties!  Here is his bio:

Graduating from Wake Forest University with degrees in Business, Psychology, and Entrepreneurship, as well as over seven years in animation and visual effects production management including the Oscar Award winning film Zootopia, Cameron came to Los Angeles in search of palm trees and movies and stayed for his long time passion for real estate.

Cameron represents property across a variety of the diverse greater Los Angeles communities from cozy condominiums and first time single family homes, all the way to gorgeous hilltop masterpieces, celebrated estates, and historic multifamily properties.

As a local resident of Los Angeles, Cameron has a passion for contributing to this incredibly unique and thriving city through volunteer programs, public speaking and education, and content creation with the Ruby Cannon Foundation.

"Real estate is difficult and emotional. But I always show up with a big smile, communicate clearly, and navigate through any problems we might encounter. I pride myself on 'showing up', because this has and always will be a business of people working with people...in person."

One of the best ways to keep in touch with Cameron is through his social presence across platforms: @CameronStephensRE as well as through his podcast L.A. Conversations.

Does it seem like it's a desert for property listings lately? That's because it is, with one exception.

There you are, all ready to hit some open houses in Los Angeles over the weekend.  But you sadly realize that there are no homes for sale to see.  Hey, it's the holidays! Listings slow way down at this time of year!

However, there is a certain type of home that still pops up around this time -- flips.  Property flippers don't care about the time of year that their listings show up; they just want to make their money back on their extensive house remodels asap.  And most of the flipped homes are pretty nice.  So, if your goal is to purchase something that's in move-in condition, a flipped home may be for you.  Caveat: these houses are usually NOT sold at a discount; the opposite is often true.  And with the L.A. area's history of multiple offers, the house you like may actually go over the purchase price.  Even if not, you may have to wait for January for any price reductions.

Old Town Realtor Rap (Old Town Road Parody) Lil Nas X Ft. Billy Ray Cyru...

Mark Freeman has just joined Judy Graff Properties

We are proud to announce that Mark Freeman has just joined Judy Graff Properties!  Mark is a long-time veteran of the Los Angeles-area real estate scene and we last did a deal together in 2005.  Mark and his partner now live in the Palm Springs area which will provide us an extra presence for those who would like to buy and sell real estate in the desert.  Here's Mark's bio:

Knowledge, Personal Attention & Customer Service - The Mark of Excellence in Real Estate.

Mark Freeman has successfully represented buyers and sellers in the sale and purchase of residential estates, homes, townhomes and condominium properties throughout the Los Angeles metro areas including the San Fernando and Conejo Valleys. And now, Mark’s representation extends to the breathtaking areas of the Coachella Valley.

Mark’s background includes careers in marketing, design, retail and management. A perfect foundation   necessary to effectively generate positive results for his clients.

Mark’s trusted and knowledgeable representation focuses on providing each client with an understanding of current real estate trends, effective marketing and staying connected with his clients during the nuanced real estate contract and escrow process.

Whether you are buying or selling a full time or seasonal residence, Mark’s keen ability to identify the needs of his clients together with his strong negotiations skills and attention to detail lead to successful closed transactions for both buyers and sellers.

Strong client commitment, ethics and knowledge of the real estate market are the keys to Mark’s success. His love of real estate, interior design and architecture, positive outlook and genuine smile offer a capable and caring business environment to each client.

Mark and his partner reside full time in the desert. Mark is excited to provide his services exclusively to buyers and sellers in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and surrounding desert communities.

“The desert is a glorious place to work and play. And an even better place to live! I look forward to working with you...”

Mark can be reached @ Markfreemanhomes@gmail.com or (818) 388-3905.

Buying. Selling. Leasing. The Mark of Excellence in Real Estate.

609 E. Palm in Burbank just sold

I helped my buyer, Ed, find this fabulous condo in Burbank and it closed just yesterday.  Ed was recently widowed, and moved all the way from Maryland to live closer to his daughter and her family. This unit is truly special as it not only has 2 beds and 2 baths, but the kitchen and baths have been redone, there's a loft office/bonus space, and best of all, a big private roof-top deck.  Ed now has a place to entertain his grandson and he is looking forward to putting down roots in Burbank.  Congrats, Ed!

You may be paying too much in closing costs for your real estate.

Recently, a client of mine closed a purchase money loan with a big lender, who shall remain nameless but whose initials are Quicken. (oops) Although the client paid the going rate for interest that any other lender would charge, the fees the lender tacked on were way high -- 2% origination fee, processing, underwriting, etc. And then both the title and escrow company loaded on what we call garbage fees. These, too, were higher than what's competitive in the market. If you are buying or selling a home, please ask your Realtor to review the lender estimates and the final estimates before you automatically pay them -- you could save a $1000 or more out-of-pocket closing costs.

Once again...here we grow at Judy Graff Properties

This handsome guy is Gabriel Browne, and he is the newest associate agent at Judy Graff Properties.  Gabriel comes to us from KW and Owners.com, and has sold all over this state!  His background is as a paralegal for law firms, which has prepared him well for the challenging contractual aspect of real estate.  Gabriel can be reached at 323-274-9663 or soldbygabrielbrowne@gmail.com.

Why condos aren't easy

It seems that it should be easy for a Realtor to sell a condo or townhouse, no? After all, they cost less than houses (in some areas), the inspections are easier, etc. etc.  But no.

There are two reasons for this: First, most lenders need home owners association financial documents and the HOA management companies can be all over the map with competence.  Some are super-professional and get docs out right away.  Others...just aren't as heads up.  You'll have to beg for documents to be produced, pay rush fees in advance, etc.

The second reason is the lenders themselves, especially the big banks like BofA, Chase, Wells, etc.  Yes, I know their interest rates are better than mortgage brokers' rates now, but they have very tight underwriting standards and restrictions.  And when they do get what they need, it usually sits on somebody's desk for a few days before it gets processed.

So if you're buying a condo or townhome, make sure you're on top of your lender and the HOA management company.  And allow extra time for the escrow to close.

4080 Tujunga #107 in Studio City is now on the market!

Love Tujunga Village and Woodbridge Park in Studio City? Always wished you could live within an easy walk of both? In a fabulous townhouse with 2 beds and 2.5 baths? Here ya go -- 4080 Tujunga Ave. #107 is now on the market for $599,999. This refreshed townhome features 1311 sq. ft., new paint, new carpet, bright kitchen with new heating appliances, darling patio, fireplace, two parking spaces and more.  Each bedroom has its own bath and plenty of closet space.  The HOA is proactive, features earthquake insurance, allows pets and dues are $410/mo.  The security building also has a nice green back area, a spa, bbq and a gym.  This area of Studio City is one of the most highly desired areas in the city and there are lots of shops and restaurants -- including Aroma Cafe! -- close by  See 4080Tujunga107.com for more pictures (some are virtually staged) and call me for showings.

Great news from FHA re condo rules

FHA announced that it is relaxing some of its condo rules to make condo loans easier to get.  This is huge and ought to improve affordability as well.  As it exists, condo complexes need to be approved by FHA in order for lenders to make FHA loans on them.  FHA loans differ from conventional loans in that the down payment and qualifying credit scores can be lower.  That makes these loans perfect for first-time buyers.  Here's the catch -- the approvals include lots of Byzantine rules and restrictions, and home owners associations have to pay to be FHA-approved.  This effectively cuts out many would-be buyers, who need to rely on FHA mortgages to get a mortgage at all.

Specifically, the new guidance extends certifications from two years to three, allows for single-unit mortgage approvals, provides more flexibility with owner/occupancy ratios, and increases the allowable number of FHA loans in a single project. The rule will go into effect in mid-October – 60 days from publication. HUD believes the changes will extend critical benefits to aspiring homeowners and confirm the agency is properly serving the public.

I will miss you, Starr and Alex

Remember Egbert? Whose house I had for sale? The humans above are his parents, Starr and Alex.  I met Starr and Alex six years ago when I helped them find their first home in Burbank.  We've stayed in touch and have had a lot of laughs over the years.  And I've been honored to sell their home at 2112 Hilton, pictured in another post below.  We listed the house in early July, had an open house which 116 people attended, and accepted an offer from another great couple later that week.  The escrow only took three weeks.  I will miss Starr and Alex -- their good humor, their sensibilities, and the fun we had when we got together.  Good luck, guys, and I hope to visit you in WA some day soon.