Welcome to the Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

Cinco de Julio!  It’s Saturday… We made it through another 4^th!  Today we have your open house guide.  We hope your 4^th was safe.

The fires making California headlines.  Between Big Sur and Goleta both north of LA 4,500 homes are endangered.  Please be careful with things that can cause fires.

Today’s weather on the Westside; partly cloudy mid  80’s.  Add 10 degrees for the valleys. Here is the open house guide.  www.themlsweekendopenhouseguide.com

Good luck!  Call us if you need us. 310 888 3357.

Found a real interesting article on the net regarding 6 things not to sell a car salesman when buying a new a new car.  Courtesy of CNN money matters.

1. I love, love, love this car

Even if a car has your heartstrings in a white-knuckled stranglehold, never let on. Stay calm and pretend you're looking over a microwave oven.

By admitting that you're smitten, you've given a salesman - and the sales manager and everyone else in the process - the combination to your personal safe.

The salesman will, of course, sympathize and want to help you out. But he'll tell you the sales manager, you see, well... That's a really hot car and we had someone in here just the other day and... He just won't take less than...

They know you're not about to walk away. Bottom line: Cars you're not in love with are usually a lot cheaper.

2. I need to get a car by tomorrow

If there's anything worse than being in love, it's being in desperate need. Letting on that you need a set of wheels immediately is, basically, telling the salesman "I won't be thinking too much about any of this."

He knows you won't be looking too closely at the particulars of the deal and you aren't likely to drive across town to try to get a better price.

It also means you're more likely to accept whatever he shows you from the dealership's inventory even if it doesn't exactly suit you. In other words, you may be presenting yourself as an opportunity to unload a bit of slow-moving inventory.

Even if you really do need a car quickly, act like you have a month to decide. But you would consider buying today if you found a car that really pleases you at a price you like.

3. I need a monthly payment of...

It's understandable that many car shoppers are "payment shoppers." Most of us have no idea how much car we can afford except by looking at how much it would cost us each month.

But saying "I want a payment of less than $350 a month" is like going into a box store and asking for a two-inch box. You'll notice that some dimensions are missing. You could end up with a box that's 12 feet long.

Almost any given monthly payment is possible provided the loan is long enough and the downpayment is big enough. Over the course of, say, seven years, $350 a month can add up to a lot more than $350 a month for three or four years.

To understand how much car you can really afford, you need more than a monthly payment figure. Know what monthly payment you want, for how long and how much you want to pay up front. You also need a fairly good idea of what your trade-in is worth.

To keep it really simple, just figure out what price you can afford for the car -based on your monthly budget and trade-in value - and negotiate that one big number. Talk about downpayment and monthly payment and negotiate the value of your trade-in after that.

4. My trade-in's outside

A salesperson will usually want to know, early on, if you have a vehicle to trade in. If you tell him that you do and that it's parked, conveniently, right outside, he'll ask you for the keys.

That way the used car manager can assess its value while you're negotiating. It'll save time.

Well, he has a point there. But consider the downsides. You've just handed the salesperson your car keys and he's given them off to someone else.

Guess what's going to happen if you reach an impasse in the negotiations and decide it's time to leave. You'll have to ask for you car keys back. And, odds are good, they will have been misplaced.

You'll be negotiating a while longer.

5. I don't know anything about leasing

Even if you're never going to lease a car, you need to know about leasing, if only to know exactly why you're never going to lease a car.

That's because there's a good chance someone will try to sell you on the idea. And they might be right. It could be a good choice for you. But it probably isn't.

First of all, leasing makes sense only for people who know - really know - they will not be keeping a car for more than a few years.

Beyond that, you need to understand the terminology and costs of leasing beyond the monthly payments, the number salesperson will focus on. You need to know how many miles are included in the lease and if there's additional money you need to pay up front or at the close of the lease.

6. My credit's a little spotty

Many people underestimate their own credit rating - and they're the people who are big moneymakers for car dealers. Part of the interest you pay is shared with the dealership, so they might be pleased to confirm your belief that you don't qualify for a low interest rate.

To make sure you're getting the best financing deal, secure your own financing before you start shopping. Having another loan in place - one you can use if you don't like what the dealership is offering - gives you negotiating power. It also lets you know exactly what you qualify for.

In most cases, a dealership's finance office - working with a manufacturer-affiliated auto financing company - should be able to get you a more-than-competitive rate.

Our Advice:  My brother a car buying says always tell the salesman “not good enough” and walk away at last 2 times. 

Tips from Beverly Hills Real Estate blog!  See you tomrrow!

Welcome to the Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

Blogging from The Central Coast of California happy 4^th of July.  It’s going to be warm here to… the mid 90’s.  This evening we are going to the beach near Cambria to watch the fireworks.  On the way up here; fires in Goleta (n of Santa Barbara) &The Indians fire (n of Paso Robles) contained and the Big Sur fire to the north have added a haze to the air.  Please be careful with your fireworks.

My brother is a broker in the area and is feeling the effects of a soft market.  He feels the market will slowly recover next spring.  Living in this area poses another problem for realtors---driving people to view homes can be very expensive.  He pre-qualifies his buyers making  sure they are pre qualified and have the money to buy.

Question:  Have you noticed a change in agent protocol while looking for houses?

Tomorrow the weekend open house guide…  Till then HAPPY 4^TH!

As always if you need us:  www.patandmelody.com and check out our individual sites:

www.melodyrogers.tv and www.paraquatkelley.com Thanks!

Welcome to the Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

It’s your Thursday Beverly Hills Real Estate blog post.  Today the heat continues to rise.  Look for mid 80’s downtown and up to the 100’s out in the valleys. Try to stay cool… We’re going north to Paso Robles for the 4^th holiday… warm up ther too,

Speaking of hot… How about the new center the Glendale Galleria?    On this side of the hill we have The Grove which was built by the same developer.  The absolute best of the best shopping center ever… That’s how we feel about it.  Today’s Times Home Sections front page is devouted to the new center.  It looks great.  Give it a read.

Question:  Have you been to either mall and if so…What’s your take on them?

Here are a couple of headlines from CAR:

SALES OF NEW HOMES DECLINE 2.5 PERCENT IN MAY
Sales of new, single-family homes across the country in May declined 2.5 percent to 512,000 units, compared to 525,000 units sold in April, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. HOMEOWNERS TURNING TO ENERGY UPGRADES TO OFFSET HIGHER FOOD, GAS PRICES
In an effort to offset the rising costs of gas, food, and other consumer goods, homeowners are turning to remodeling firms to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes, according to the results of the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) quarterly Remodeling Market Index (RMI) survey. Replacing older air conditioners, installing new insulation and high-efficiency water-saving devices are among the top requested upgrades, the survey shows.

"It's no surprise with rising energy prices and other costs draining the piggy bank that homeowners want to maximize home performance with green remodeling options," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Lonny Rutherford.

So that’s it from our front… The market continues to skid but will be back (stock market).  The local housing market remains pretty good… just better prices for buyers and less $ for sellers.

As always if you need us:  www.patandmelody.com and check out our individual sites: 

www.melodyrogers.tv and www.paraquatkelley.com Thanks!

Welcome to the Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

Even warmer today.  What’s going on?  It’s Wednesday and as the week goes on the temperatures will continue to rise.  It’s going to be a hot 4^th of July weekend.  Bet the beaches will be really crowded. 

Question:  What are you planning to do over the 4^th?

We’re headed to Paso Robles to visit my brother and his wife, bbq, and watch fireworks.  Should be a good time.  We’re wondering if there will be a noticeable drop in traffic with the gas prices the way they are.  The way we see it; this gas crunch will finally force automakers to develop more fuel efficient cars.

A story in today’s paper about the big car companies losing sales due to gas prices.  Something good may come of this fuel crisis.

There was a picture in the LA Times of someone getting a ticket for using a cell phone in the car. 

The market opened slightly up today after posting in the positive territory yesterday.

Real estate news; talking to agents out on the street… It’s tough out there though some we know are doing really good.  One friend of ours suggested; if agents can hang in there for the next couple of years---they’ll make a lot of money.  It’s true… but there are those doing alright right now.

Overall, we sense a slow up tick in the market.  High end properties 2 million plus are moving pretty good.

If you need us:   www.patandmelody.com Have a great day!  See you tomorrow.

 Welcome to the Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

Warmer, that is what the forecasters are saying about today.  As if we need more heat.  Yesterday on the Westside was warm but tolerable.  In the valleys… well.  So Tuesday will kick off July with a warming trend.

Today begins “hands free” day for cell phone users while driving.  This should be interesting. 

Question: Have you had an unusual driving/cell phone incident?

We were driving to Paso Robles going through Lost Hills, an arid cross roads community on highway 46.  The car in front of me moves into the left turn lane… as I begin to pass, the driver suddenly swerves back into my lane.  I hit the breaks, go into a power skid off the highway and zig-zag through the desert narrowly missing a huge wall protecting a gas station… jump the curb and skid to a stop,

The young girl, cell phone in hand, races to my car calling out… “Are you alright? I’m so sorry.”  I was worried about maybe having damaged the underside of my car… jumping curbs, hitting boulders and shrubs in the desert.  We exchanged info.  (I gave her my Beverly Hills Real Estate business card.  She apologized profusely and we drove on.

2 weeks later, my insurance company informs me I’m being sued for causing an accident and damaging the girl’s car.  I spoke with her agent… and the deal was dropped.  Being a realtor, I had my digital camera, and Melody took photos of both cars… It became the proof we needed.

Send us your “tales of Cell Phone woe.”

The market open lower amid oil fears, European markets, etc.  (Remember, the turnaround is coming soon!)

The 4^th of July is coming so today’s brokers caravan is lighter than usual.

And we are always just a click away if you need us: www.patandmelody.com

Our blog address: www.patandmelody.com/blogs Please share it with your friends.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Welcome to the Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

It’s Monday and we start all over again.  The weather will be hot again today as a mini- heat wave builds up around the southland.  It will be a short work week with Friday being the 4^th of July.  Mid 80’s forecast for downtown.  Stay cool!

Hands-free cell phone use goes into effect for California on the first.  Please don’t get a ticket for driving using your cell.  There is a big article in the LA Times today basically saying; the jury is still out on the correlation between brain tumors and cell phones.  Maybe this new law will have a side benefit… preventing health issues caused by cell phone use.

Oil prices continue to act as an anchor to our economy.  The market opened flat this morning.  Prediction; it will come roaring back.  This country most certainly needs to investigate sources of alternative energy. 

Think of all the money we could save by not being dependant on Middle Eastern oil.  We  must put an end to the blackmailing.  One would have thought we’d have learned our lessons from the 70’s oil crisis.  We didn’t

The real estate market in our area is moving along.  Like the stock market, smart investors are making deals. Now’s the time.  If you need us; www.patandmelody.com. Or call us 310 888 3357.  We are here to help you!

For first time visitors to Beverly Hills real Estate blog.  Here are our areas of service:

Los Angeles area including Westside, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Malibu, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Mar Vista, Palms, Culver City, Century City, Beach Cities,  West Hollywood, West Los Angeles,  Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista and beyond. . .

Let us help you relocate to a new home or property in Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, Sunset Strip, Los Feliz and laceName>HancocklaceName> laceType>ParklaceType> as well as the laceName>Los AngeleslaceName> laceType>CountylaceType> areas. We can direct you to a church or synagogue, a hotel, local news, maps, city info, city statistics, and more - everything you need to become familiar with any of these beautiful areas.

Beverly Hills is a city in the western part of Los Angeles County, California, almost entirely surrounded by the city of Los Angeles. It is part of the so-called "Golden Triangle" of Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and Holmby Hills. It is bordered on the north by the foothills of the laceName>Santa MonicalaceName> laceType>MountainslaceType>, on the east by the City of West Hollywood and the Fairfax District of the City of Los Angeles.   On the valley side from Westlake to Pasadena and all points in between.

Have a great Monday, stay cool and we will see you tomorrow!  Beverly Hills Real Estate Blog.

Welcome to the Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

Sunday and a mini heat wave is brewing in the inland areas… be prepared.  Drink lots of fluids and stay out of the direct sunlight.  It will be cooler, naturally, by the beaches. I have a friend who went to play golf in Palm Springs last week. After 18 holes he was talking like he was drunk.  He hadn’t had a drink.  It was 115 that day.  Turns out he had a heat stroke.  He’s okay now but you have to be careful.

When I lived in Palm Springs while working on the radio there… I had a couple of beers out in the sun and took a nap… The same thing happened.  I went on the radio slurring words and confused.  It took some time to clear up but…  The lesson here… when it’s hot and sunny exercise caution.

A big article in the real estate section about people swapping homes… Page One LA Times.  There is also an item about buying in Belize…

And Sunday is always all about the Open House Guide.  www.themlsweekendopenhouseguide.com  If you haven’t tested this link yet… now is the time.  It is full of information.

Remember if you see something of interest we’re here at www.patandmelody.com or www.patandmelody.com/blogs

Have a great weekend!  We’ll see you tomorrow!

Welcome to the Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

It’s Saturday, the weekend, Southern California, beautiful weather; what else could you ask for?   How about the Open House Guide.  www.themlsweekendopenhouseguide.com

Everything you need, except us, is in this cyber-guide.  Open houses, new houses on the market, search by zip code. Please take a minute to open the link and check it out.  You may have a friend looking…Send them the link and tell them about www.patandmelody.com/blogs

Here is the weekly update from LA City Council Member Tom LaBonge’s office.

Here are the issues that Council District Four has been working on this week.  For more information on these stories, please visit our Website at:  www.tomlabonge.com

- Councilmember LaBonge pressed the Department of Water and Power to launch a "Take it From the Tap" campaign to prevent the littering of plastic bottles.

- Public bus service to laceName>JohnlaceName> laceName>MarshalllaceName> laceName>High SchoollaceName> has been preserved for one more year, thanks to a concerted campaign involving Councilmember LaBonge, the Marshall community and neighborhood leaders.  Students sent hundreds of letters to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority urging its board to maintain this vital transportation link for their school.  Lesson learned?  Get involved.

- Residents of the Hollywood Hills will have improved ambulance service beginning July 1, thanks to lobbying from the Councilmember to maintain the budget of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

- The end of school year newsletter is attached.  It covers some of the work that Councilmember LaBonge and the CD4 staff have done for city public schools this year.

Have a great weekend and continue to love and enjoy Los Angeles!

Thanks for stopping by this Morning, we’ll see you tomorrow!  Pat Kelley and Melody Rogers -- Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

Welcome to the Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

Friday is here and not too soon enough.  It will be a touch warmer today.  Yesterday was perfect.  Today a couple of degrees warmer.  SoCal the best place on this planet to live.

Although the signs are grim… We remain confident the housing market is on the up turn.  In our area anyway.

The market this morning.

 NEW YORK (MarketWatch) – U.S. stock futures came off earlier lows on Friday after a report showing a lower-than-expected measure of inflation, but overall remained under pressure after the previous session’s plunge and as oil continued to hit new highs above $142 a barrel.

With crude oil last at $142.26 a barrel, the market remained worried about the impact of surging commodities prices on consumers in the fore ahead of a report on consumer confidence at 10 a.m. Eastern.

Futures still came off earlier lows after May core inflation, which excludes food and energy, came in lower than forecast, reducing speculation that the Federal Reserve will have reason to raise interest rates this year.

We have some real estate news for you from the California Association of Realtors.

U.S. economy:  Consumer confidence, house prices slide

Consumer confidence plunged to a 16-year low in June and home prices fell in April for the twenty-first consecutive month as measured by the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Index for 20 cities.  Separately, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Tuesday that recent economic data suggest the U.S. is on the brink of a recession.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

The Conference Board reported that its confidence index fell from 57.2 in May to 50.4 in June thanks to the housing downturn, higher unemployment and the rising cost of food and fuel.  The last time the index was this low was in February 1992, when the economy was beginning to recover from the 1990-91 economic downturn.

The S&P/Case-Shiller index fell by 15.3 percent in April from the previous April, continuing March’s 14.4 percent year-over-year decline.  However, eight of the 20 cities included in the index experienced month-over-month increases in prices.  That shows cities “are beginning to sort themselves into the bad and not-so-bad,” said economics professor and index co-founder Karl Case.  “It’s not like the whole market is collapsing.”

 California cities included in the index continued to experience price declines:  In Los Angeles, the index fell 2.2 percent from March to April and 32.1 percent year over year.  San Diego was down 2.6 percent for the month and 22.4 percent compared with April 2007, and San Francisco declined 2.2 percent in April and was 22.1 percent below last April’s index.

Tomorrow, the open house guide to be published here.  We hope to see you www.patandmelody.com

Welcome to the Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.

It is going to be a hazy Thursday in the southland.  Cooler temperatures because of the marine layer. We are so happy to be living in southern California.

From the Beverly Hills Real Estate news desk:

C.A.R. REPORTS SALES INCREASED 18.1 PERCENT; MEDIAN HOME PRICE FELL 35.3 PERCENT IN MAY
Home sales increased 18.1 percent in May in California compared with the same period a year ago, while the median price of an existing home fell 35.3 percent, C.A.R. reported today.

"Home sales exceeded 400,000 last month for the first time since early 2007. While this is a welcome sign for the market, it was due in part to the large share of distressed homes for sale in many parts of the state," said C.A.R. President William E. Brown. "Sales also rose above their year ago levels for the second month in a row after 30 consecutive months of year-to-year decreases. The lower prices associated with distressed sales along with favorable interest rates both contributed to higher sales levels."

The median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during May 2008 was $384,840, a 35.3 percent decrease from the revised $594,530 median for May 2007, C.A.R. reported. The May 2008 median price fell 4.7 percent compared with April's $403,870 median price.

Again this is the picture of all of California… there are some “pockets of success.”

Need more info?  www.patandmelody.com drop us an e-mail and we’ll call you.

And this item:

FEDERAL RESERVE LEAVES KEY SHORT-TERM INTEREST RATE UNCHANGED AT 2 PERCENT
Against a backdrop of growing concern about the direction of the economy and inflation fears, The Federal Reserve left a key short-term interest rate unchanged Wednesday ending a pattern of rate decreases that began last fall. The Fed announced its federal funds rate, the interest rate banks charge each other, would hold at 2 percent.

"Recent information indicates that overall economic activity continues to expand, partly reflecting some firming in household spending," the Fed said in a statement announcing the interest rate decision. "However, labor markets have softened further and financial markets remain under considerable stress. Tight credit conditions, the ongoing housing contraction, and the rise in energy prices are likely to weigh on economic growth over the next few quarters."

Meantime the market slumped this morning amid news that Goldman Sachs is advising a sell of GM stock. 

So there’s your Thursday blog.  We’ll see you tomorrow on Beverly Hills Real Estate blog.