The Internet Can’t Replace Your Agent

We live in the information age; the Internet offers advice on every topic and real estate is no exception. With more and more home buyers starting their home search online, they are bombarded with advice and information – it can be easy to think that you can learn everything you need to know just by reading articles online.

The truth is your real estate agent does much more than answer your questions and open doors with a special key. A professional real estate agent will be there every step of the way. They have the experience necessary to navigate the complicated home buying process and solve common hiccups that present themselves in every real estate transactions.

Your real estate agent is a local professional. They will start by presenting themselves to the buyer’s agent as someone who will work with them to see the transaction through to a successful conclusion. They have a network of professionals who will work as a team to help you through the process. These include such professionals as: lenders, title reps, escrow officers, transaction coordinators, home inspectors, contractors and handymen, among others.

Most importantly, your agent is your ally in the home buying process. They negotiate on your behalf – armed with experience and understanding of customary charges, costs and terms. They will ensure that the price you pay for the home is fair for the condition and neighborhood. They will negotiate repairs, if needed and make sure you are protected with the proper contingencies. The Internet offers lots of great information, but the most important step you can take when buying a new home, is hiring a local professional real estate agent. Their knowledge and expertise can’t be found by reading an article or two online.

I have been in the business since 2006 and I enjoy what I do! I love to educate you during this process so you UNDERSTAND the process and can be wise with your money.

Start your Los Angeles Area home search now! www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com

Painting Your Own Home: Tips to Make the Process Painless

Painting Your Own Home: Tips to Make the Process Painless

While it’s might seem easier to hire professionals to paint the house, but with a little research you can find the job is not as intimidating as it seems. With a few free days set aside and some preparation, painting one room (or multiple) is easily doable for anyone. Here are a few things to consider before you start.

Apply a Primer Coat

Preparation entails most of the painting process. It’s easy to become frustrated during the preparation stage, because prepping to paint can take longer than the actual painting component of the project.

Interior walls aren’t always perfect, and painting the walls is a perfect opportunity to fix those imperfections. If you’re using a putty or a filler to patch holes, the paint will react differently to those substances than it will the wall itself. The solution here is to prime your walls, so the new paint color has a uniform surface to adhere to. It’s one simple step that doesn’t seem like much, but could end up saving you a whole lot of work at the end of the process.

Factor in taping time

Taping up the room is tedious work, but will be worth it when you don’t have to waste time being ultra-careful or nervous when getting close to edges. Instead of trying to take the tape off while the paint is still dry, wait at least 24 hours for the paint to dry, and use a knife to slice the tape off at the edge. If the paint is still even a little wet or gummy, don’t continue. Make sure the knife is sharp enough and pull the tape away at a 45-degree angle, making sure not to rip the paint.

Set up with clean-up in mind

To protect floors, a drop cloth is a necessity. In some cases, cotton or canvas drop clothes can work better than plastic. Plastic drop cloths can be slippery and don’t easily stay in place, especially when ladders are involved. Any splatters or drips of paint that fall onto a plastic drop cloth won’t dry or absorb right away and can be easily tracked throughout the rest of your house. A canvas or cotton drop cloth will be more stable and will protect the floors better. Tape the edges of the drop cloth to the tops of the trim to protect both the floor and the trims from any splattering or dripping paint.

Work top down

Not only does it prevent drips from ruining anything you’ve already painted, but it keeps the walls and baseboards free of any dust or debris from sticking to wet trim. Paint the ceiling first, move to the walls and possible crown moldings. Only then should you move to any trims around windows or doors and finish with the baseboards. Not only will this keep a system in place to ensure there’s no questioning what’s been painted and what hasn’t, but it’ll keep things clean.

Check thickness of previous paint layers

Cracks on an exterior paint job don’t reflect the owner’s best intentions and should be fixed before the damage is too much to fix. Too thick of a layer of paint means that the paint might just be too heavy to stay, and will start to crack and to peel off. It loses its grip and can’t attach to the other layers of paint. In older homes, it’s likely that some of those layers of paint have lead in them, in which case you’ll need to look into how to remove it safely. The EPA has guidelines here. This could be the one step that requires you to outsource, if the layer of paint is extremely thick, because removing it completely (and correctly) will ensure the next coat of paint will attach correctly. Hiring a home washing company can help you identify these cracks in exterior paint as well. If anything, have the exterior of your home professionally power washed, so the paint will have a clean surface to adhere to.

Using these tips, ideally the house-painting process will be doable for anyone. Prepare yourself to set aside time for set-up, knowing that it will help when you’re done painting and ready to clean up. Instead of hiring painting professionals, save some money for decorating and tackle the job yourself.

Curious to know how much your Southern California home is worth! Get an instant report now! www.CaliOnTheMove.com 

Bio: Matt Lawler is an Internet marketing specialist from Tempe, Arizona where he attended Arizona State University. Whenever he can step away from the computer, Matt enjoys playing sports, traveling and exploring the great outdoors. Follow him on Twitter.

Laura Key, REALTOR® Cal BRE 01908085 310-866-8422 Laura.A.Key@gmail.com www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com

Types of Real Estate Sales - Coffee Time with the Realty Goddess

https://youtu.be/swxL643JKYw  

When you are purchasing a home you will come across many different "types" of sales. Short-Sales, Stand, HUD, Trust, REO...it can be confusing. This broadcast will look into the terms and untangle the mystery.

If you are in the Los Angeles area, I would love the opportunity to earn your business.

Laura Key, REALTOR Cal BRE 01908085 Laura.A.Key@gmail.com www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com

Follow me on: Periscope & Twitter: @RealtyGoddess Snapchat: @RealtyGoddess Instagram: @realtygoddess1 Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RealtyGoddess

Happier Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors make for a beautiful, stunning addition to your home. However, they can bring new cleaning and maintenance challenges that aren’t present with carpet. Here are some tips for simple, efficient, and thorough hardwood floor cleaning.

Make the job easier Place mats on either side of your exterior doors and always remove your shoes before entering your home—and make sure your guests do the same. Protect the floors by placing felt (or similar) protectors on the feet of your furniture, and use area rugs to designate play areas for the kids. This will reduce extra dirt, dust, and floor scratches.

Weekly cleaning Sweeping with a standard broom will remove some dirt and dust, but not as much as a mop, wipe, or broom that’s been treated with a dusting agent such as a Swiffer. You could also invest in a vacuum that is designed for hardwood floors. Just be sure that the vacuum won’t leave scratches!

Deeper cleaning Regular sweeping will remove most dirt and dust, but occasionally you’ll need to give the floors a deeper cleaning to remove the dirt and grime that builds up in your floors’ seams. Use a wood-cleaning soap to thoroughly mop your floors, but make sure the mop isn’t sopping wet—you don’t want to leave standing water.

Spots and scuffs Most of the marks that occasionally show up on your floors, such as scuffs from rubber soles on boots and shoes—can be wiped away with a rag or very fine steel wool.

To find your next home: www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com To find the value of your current home: www.CaliOnTheMove.com

The "KEY" to your real estate dreams!

Lots of Los Angeles Real Estate Agents want to be stars as big as the celebrities they cater to. Me? I just want to help people find the homes that make them happy and help them to create a sanctuary for future dreams and lasting memories.

Laura Key 310-866-8422 Laura.A.Key@gmail.com Cal BRE #01908085

Beautiful Patio Tile Work

I can just see myself sitting on the patio

with a nice cup of tea with a warm blanket!

www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com

Long Beach

I just love the homes around my Long Beach office. They even have yards!!! www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com

Tree Falls Over Property Line: Who Pays? Who Picks Up the Pieces?

Tree Falls Over Property Line: Who Pays? Who Picks Up the Pieces?

By: Ann Cochran

Published: March 23, 2011

If a neighbor’s tree falls over your property line, file an insurance claim for repairs and cleanup. No house damage? Check if chopping and hauling debris is covered.

When a neighbor’s tree falls over your property line, yell TIMBER, then call your insurance company. Home owners policies cover tree damage caused by perils like wind and winter storms. Most policies cover hauling away tree debris if the mess is associated with house damage; some will cover cleanup even if no structures were harmed.

When a Tree Falls

Your neighbor is responsible when a tree falls over your shared property line only if you can prove he was aware that his tree was a hazard and refused to remedy the problem. Regardless, your insurance company restores your property first, and later decides whether or not to pursue reimbursement from the neighbor or his insurer if the neighbor was negligent in maintaining the tree.

Before a Tree Falls

Write a letter to your neighbor before his dead, diseased or listing tree falls through your roof or over your property line.

The letter should include:

• Description of the problem

• Photographs

• Request for action

• Attorney letterhead--not necessary but indicates you mean business.

Trim Their Trees

If the limbs of a tree hang over your property line, you may trim the branches up to the property line, but not cut down the entire tree. If a tree dies after your little pruning, the neighbor can pursue a claim against you in civil or small claims court. Depending on the laws of your state, your neighbor may have to prove the damage was deliberate or caused by negligence, but may also be able to recover up to three times the value of the tree.

Before you cut, tell your neighbors what you intend to do to protect your property. They may offer to trim the whole tree instead of risking your half-oaked job.

Your Tree Falls

It’s always a good idea to take care of your big and beautiful trees, and keep receipts for trimmings and other care.

But if your tree falls over a neighbor’s property line, do nothing until their insurance company contacts you. You may not be liable unless you knew or should have known the tree was in a dangerous condition.  If you pruned a tree or shored up trunks to prevent problems, gather your receipts to prove your diligence.

Lots of Los Angeles Real Estate Agents want to be stars as big as the celebrities they cater to. Me? I just want to help people find the homes that make them happy and help them to create a sanctuary for future dreams and lasting memories. Contact me today!

How to Replace a Toilet Handle

How to Replace a Toilet Handle

By: Oliver Marks

Published: December 14, 2012

Replacing a toilet handle is one of the easiest — and most-common — DIY projects. Here’s what you need to know.

Is your toilet flush handle broken, rusted, pocked, or just plain and old-fashioned looking? Maybe it’s always loose, no matter how many times you tighten that nut on the inside of the tank?

Replacing it with a new flush handle updates the look of the toilet -- and therefore, the whole bathroom — and takes care of annoying wiggles.

It’s an affordable, easy, do-it-yourself job, says Mt Pleasant, S.C., handyman Tim Shaw, who specializes in low-cost bathroom makeovers.

1) Open the tank. Remove the tank lid and set it on a spread-out towel in an out-of-the-way spot (be careful — porcelain is brittle). Look for a model name or number printed inside the tank (as well as the brand name on the outside), and write that information down. It may come in handy when you buy a replacement handle.

2) Unhook the lift chain. You’ll see that the handle is attached to a long arm inside the tank, and that the arm is linked to a chain that lifts the flush valve. Note which hole the chain is hooked to (there are usually three or more holes on the arm) and then unhook the clasp that holds the chain to the arm.

3) Remove the old handle. Use a crescent wrench to remove the nut inside the tank that holds the handle in place. Be careful: For the vast majority of toilets, the nut has left-handed threads, which means they turn in the reverse direction of a normal nut. If you were to face the nut directly, you’d turn it clockwise to loosen it.

Don’t force it, because if you turn it hard the wrong way (or the wrench slips and slams into the tank wall), you could crack the porcelain. If the nut is rusted in place, give it a shot of lubricant, such as WD-40, and try again. Once you loosen the nut, remove it by hand, and slide the arm through the hole.

4) Purchase a replacement. The replacement part you need is called a “toilet trip lever” and it includes the handle and swing arm. They retail for under $20, but models for high-end toilets may cost $50 to $100. Though some trip levers are labeled as universal replacements, there really is no such thing. There are differences between the length and angles of the arms, the placement on the tank (left or right, front or side), and the style and finish of the handle.

Go to a plumbing supply or home center that sells your toilet brand, and ask your retailer for help choosing the right fit. Show them the model number and brand name of your toilet.

“Bring the old handle to the store with you to help select a matching new one,” advises Shaw. “That way you can compare the old piece to the new products being sold.”

5) Attach the new handle. Use a soapy scrub sponge to clean any mildew or rust stains off the porcelain around the handle hole. Remove the nut from the new handle, and insert the arm into the hole. Slide the nut back over the arm and hand-turn it onto the handle base — again, remembering that it’s likely a left-handed thread.

Use a crescent wrench to firm it up, but don’t over-tighten or you could crack the porcelain.

6) Attach the chain. Clip it to the same hole as on the old arm. Then do some test flushes. You want the flush mechanism to open and close fully. If the chain is too loose, the tank won’t drain fully. If too tight, the chain may prevent the flush valve from seating properly, causing it to leak continually.

Adjust by switching which hole the chain is clipped to, or by adjusting the chain up or down a link or two. Keep testing until the flush works just right. Once you’re satisfied, replace the tank lid and you’re done.

Find your next home with me! Text LKHOMES to 87778 or

visit http://87778.mobi/LKHOMES for your FREE search.

 

Laura Key, CalBRELic #0198085

www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com

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15-Minute Home Makeovers

15-Minute Home Makeovers

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: January 2, 2013

Here are 7 house pick-me-ups that take about as much time as brewing a pot of coffee and fit your schedule whenever you have a few extra minutes.

1. Switch the plates. Upgrade your drab, plastic switch plates with snazzy covers that match or accent your décor. Even the most expensive brass switch plates cost less than $20 each.

Or, spend a buck for a plastic plate and decorate it yourself. Use craft paint, or cover the plate with decorative paper.

You also can switch outlet covers, but don’t get too fancy. Outlet covers should blend with the wall.

2. Touch-up boo-boos. A bit of new paint gives any room a fresh face, which is why you should keep extra color-matched paint after you remodel. Touch up banged-up baseboards, door and window trim, and wall marks that won’t wash away. Even spot painting requires care; use a drop cloth to protect other surfaces.

3. Change out drawer and door hardware. Upgrade your kitchen or bathroom by installing new pulls and knobs. Be sure to measure drawer pulls so you won’t have to drill new holes. Check out these cute and economical ($4.95 for 8) zoo dresser drawer knobs on Esty. Home improvement centers have a large selection of inexpensive pulls and knobs.

4. Update your mailbox. Bump up curb appeal by spray-painting your old mailbox. You can freshen the same color, or go wild with bright hues. Don’t forget to scrub off dirt and rust before painting with rust-proof paint ($6-$12 for a 10-oz. can; lots of decorative textures and colors).

5. Play the numbers game. Decorative house numbers and plates give your home a custom and classy look. Some numbers are quick peel-and-stick affairs; others you’ll have to screw in. They’re made of wood, plastic, brass, stainless steel, and other materials; $6 to $30 each.

6. Embellish your throne. A new toilet seat gives you a regal bearing. Plastic and enameled seats ($12-$25) in a rainbow of colors add a dash of panache; a solid wood mahogany or walnut seat ($45-$60) makes an executive statement; cushioned seats ($15-$20) won’t make a lasting impression — and that’s a good thing.

7. Declutter. You’ll be amazed how a 15-minute daily declutter can make a room look like new. First, get rid of stuff from your fridge door: that large, blank canvas will immediately brighten your kitchen. Corral mail and papers in decorative boxes with tops that can close and hide the mess. Organize school supplies in caddies. Every day, tame a new spot.

Find your next home with me! Text LKHOMES to 87778 or visit http://87778.mobi/LKHOMES for your FREE search.

Laura Key, CalBRELic #0198085

www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com

Read more: http://members.houselogic.com/articles/easy-quick-house-makeovers/preview/#ixzz2zB5rre1C Follow us: @houselogic on Twitter | houselogic on Facebook

Raised Garden Beds - Grow Your Own Food

When you have a home you can save yourself a lot of money by growing a few items in your own backyard!  Here is a great way to get started!

Find your next home with me! Text LKHOMES to 87778 to download the MLS on  your mobile phone, or visit http://87778.mobi/lkhomes to download the FREE app on your iPad/Tablet

Making Your House A Home!

Recycled pallets, sanded & finished as a table!

Love the branding and varying colors of stain!

Find your next home with me! Text LKHOMES to 87778 to download the MLS on  your mobile phone, or visit http://87778.mobi/lkhomes to download the FREE app on your iPad/Tablet

Repurpose An Old Door

You would be surprised what you can do with old items that normally put in the trash! Great imagination!

An old door as a bookshelf - brilliant!

Find your next home with me! Text LKHOMES to 87778 to download the MLS on  your mobile phone, or visit http://87778.mobi/lkhomes to download the FREE app on your iPad/Tablet

Distressed Housing Market Shrinks Dramatically in Last 5 Years

Distressed housing market shrinks dramatically since housing downturn of Great Recession

LOS ANGELES (March 10) – Vastly improved home prices over the past five years have changed the landscape of California’s distressed housing market, which is now just a fraction of what it was during the Great Recession, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) said today.

In January 2009, 69.5 percent of all homes sold in California were distressed, which includes short sales and real estate-owned (REOs) properties. Five years later, that figure has shrunk to 15.6 percent.  More specifically, REOs comprised 60 percent of all sales in January 2009, while short sales made up 9.1 percent of all sales but rose to as high as 25.6 percent in January 2012. Short sales currently make up 9.2 percent of all sales.

During the same time period, California’s median home price has soared more than 64 percent from $249,960 in January 2009 to $410,990 in January 2014.

“The dramatic drop in the share of distressed sales throughout the state reflects a market that is fully transitioning from the housing downturn,” said C.A.R. President Kevin Brown.  “Significant home price appreciation over the past five years has lifted the market value of many underwater homes, and as a result, many homeowners have gained significant equity in their homes, resulting in fewer short sales and foreclosures.”

The statewide share of equity sales hit a high of 86.4 percent in November 2013 and has been above 80 percent for the past seven months.

In some of the hardest hit California counties, the distressed market in January 2009 was 93.6 percent in Stanislaus County, 93 percent in San Joaquin County, 89.5 percent in San Benito County, 86.1 percent in Kern County, 85.6 percent in Sacramento County, 84.2 percent in Fresno County, and 83.6 percent in Monterey County.  The distressed market now has shrunk to 24.8 percent in Stanislaus, 25.1 percent in San Joaquin, 17.5 percent in San Benito, 18.4 percent in Kern, 19.9 percent in Sacramento, 26.3 percent in Fresno, and 16.9 percent in Monterey counties.

Of the reporting counties, San Luis Obispo, Orange, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties held the lowest share of distressed sales in January 2014 at 10.2 percent, 9.5 percent, 7.7 percent, and 6.8 percent, respectively.

Leading the way...® in California real estate for more than 100 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with 165,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.

Single-family Distressed Home Sales by Select Counties

Distressed Sales by County	Jan. 2014	Jan. 2009
CA	15.6%	69.5%
El Dorado	20.1%	63.0%
Fresno	26.3%	84.2%
Kern	18.4%	86.1%
Los Angeles	15.8%	62.4%
Monterey	16.9%	83.6%
Orange	9.5%	60.3%
Placer	15.1%	68.1%
Riverside	15.6%	79.4%
Sacramento	19.9%	85.6%
San Benito	17.5%	89.5%
San Bernardino	21.7%	81.9%
San Joaquin	25.1%	93.0%
San Luis Obispo	10.2%	52.2%
San Mateo	6.8%	48.2%
Santa Clara	7.7%	68.0%
Santa Cruz	11.6%	56.6%
Stanislaus	24.8%	93.6%
Tulare	20.0%	45.8%
Yolo	13.3%	74.5%

How to Claim Your Energy Tax Credits

How to Claim Your Energy Tax Credits

By: Donna Fuscaldo

Published: January 30, 2014

Energy tax credits on select improvements available through the end of tax year 2013.

Image

Limits on IRS energy tax credits besides $500 max

• Credit only extends to 10% of the cost (not the 30% of yesteryear), so you have to spend $5,000 to get $500.

• $500 is a lifetime limit. If you pocketed $500 or more in past years combined, you’re not entitled to any more money for energy-efficient improvements in the above categories. But if you took $300 back then, for example, you can get up to $200 now.

• With some systems, your cap is even lower than $500.

• $500 is the max for all qualified improvements combined.

Certain systems capped below $500

No matter how much you spend on some approved items, you’ll never get the $500 credit -- though you could combine some of these:

System

Cap

New windows

$200 max (and no, not per window—overall)

Advanced main air-circulating fan

$50 max

Qualified natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or hot water boiler

$150 max

Approved electric and geothermal heat pumps; central air-conditioning systems; and natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters

$300 max

And not all products are created equal in the feds' eyes. Improvements have to meet IRS energy-efficiency standards to qualify for the tax credit. In the case of boilers and furnaces, they have to meet the 95 AFUE standard. EnergyStar.gov has the details.

Tax credits cover installation — sometimes

Rule of thumb: If installation is either particularly difficult or critical to safe functioning, the credit will cover labor. Otherwise, not. (Yes, you’d have to be pretty handy to install your own windows and roof, but the feds put these squarely in the “not covered” category.)

Installation covered for:

• Biomass stoves

• HVAC

• Non-solar water heaters

Installation not covered for:

• Insulation

• Roofs

• Windows, doors, and skylights

How to claim the energy tax credit

• Determine if the system you installed is eligible for the credits. Go to Energy Star's websitefor detailed descriptions of what’s covered; then talk to your vendor.

• Save system receipts and manufacturer certifications. You’ll need them if the IRS asks for proof.

• File IRS Form 5695 with the rest of your tax forms.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but isn’t intended to be relied upon as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Consult a tax professional for such advice, and remember that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.

Find your next home with me! Text LKHOMES to 87778 or visit http://87778.mobi/LKHOMES  for your FREE search.

Laura Key, CalBRELic #0198085

310.866.8422

www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com

Home Design Inspiration For Your Bathroom

A few candles, a dimming light, a glass of bubbly, some music and some bubbles....YEAP!

Start your home search out RIGHT! Access homes from a direct source! Text LKHOMES to 87778 today or go to http://87778.mobi/LKHOMES Available on iPad/Tablet/Smartphones

Source: http://homedesignboard.com/bathroom/home-design-inspiration-for-your-bathroom-12/

Tree Hugging REALTOR®

This weekend I had a wonderful time previewing homes in Hancock Park.  You would think that since I see so many homes with clients the last thing I would want to do on a rare off Sunday is go see more homes! Sometimes you find treasures worth more than gold.  Such is the finding of this fabulous tree.  This great maze of branches and leaves still lives behind a multi-million fixer upper.

The minute you see this fallen beauty you know it has stories to tell.  Children climbing it's branches, picnics under it's once upright limbs. You just don't see things like this everyday.  And even though this old tree has fallen, it will still have many stories to tell.  I do hope that the new owners leave it right where it is, so it can create future stories for all to wonder at.  

There is something so rare, so beautiful and so peaceful about standing beside it.  I could not fit the whole tree in a single photo.  Look at the first photo, you will see the base and some of it's exposed roots.

Now, look in your left hand corner at the person standing beside the tree.  You can clearly see just how majestic this beautiful tree actually is! In fact it reminds me of the trees that come to life in "Lord of the Rings" the ones who can hold you tight in their grasp while traveling great distances.

Memories, precious memories this tree holds! I feel all the more wiser just for seeing this classic beauty!

Ready to start making memories of your own?  Find your new home today! Text LKHOMES to 87778 for your FREE. Or call me today and let's get started on your personal journey! 310.866.8422

Hancock Park, Memories, California Homes, Holiday Joy, Childhood Dreams, Trees, Old Trees, Wisdom, Peace, Peaceful, Joy, Majestic, Realty Goddess, Realtor Goddess, Real Estate Agent, #1 Agent, Windsor Square, Mid-Wilshire

Hard at Work In Real Estate

Looking for A New Home? Text LKHOMES to 87778 to get instant free access to the MLS!  Or Call me at 310.866.8422

Homes are turning over quickly in Los Angeles!  Let me work hard for you!

California Real Estate, Los Angeles Homes, Homes for Sale, Larchmont Homes for Sale, Hancock Park Homes for Sale, Windsor Square Homes for Sale, West Hollywood Homes for Sale, Koreatown Homes for Sale, Realty Goddess, Top Los Angeles Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Agent, Realtor, MLS, Home Search

My New Favorite House in Hancock Park

Call Me for More Details 310.866.8422

I see  a lot of homes daily, so when I came across this beautifully restored home located in Hancock Park my heart leap.  For the past two years I have driven by this beauty on my way home, but one day I saw a fellow agent placing a "For Sale" sign outside beside the lovely rose garden!  I rushed home to look up the details and saw it was going to be an open house.  That Sunday my first agenda was to see this house and what I found made me fall in love more.

• 8 bedrooms 8 Bathrooms
• 12 foot ceilings
• 3 Floors
• Private nooks
• Garage with additional living/working space
• Rose Garden
• Porch
• Mature tree in the front yard
• Apx SF 6000 on a 9470 Lot

This home has history, it was been LOVINGLY restored to it's original glory and no detail was spared.  This home is one that you simply must see and in my opinion is priced perfectly.

The time is perfect to purchase your new home! Text LKHOMES to 87778 to find your next home FREE! My app gives you DIRECT access to the SoCal MLS.  No more fluff, no more outdated listings....just homes at your fingertips!  Call me today! 310.866.8422

What Buyers Want and Are Willing to Pay For It!

Find homes from your phone for FREE!  Text LKHOMES to 87778 and download the MLS application! No fluff, no signing up...just homes at your fingertips!

Beware of Rental Scams

Warning Regarding Online Rental Schemes

By Wayne S. Bell, Real Estate Commissioner California Bureau of Real Estate

Issued: October 2013

In prior consumer alerts, the California Department of Real Estate, the predecessor of the  California Bureau of Real Estate (“CalBRE”) issued warnings to prospective renters about (i) imposter landlords and (ii) scams perpetrated by or in connection with Prepaid Rental Listing Services.

There are almost endless varieties of real estate and rental fraud. Some are new. Many are old, and some are just variations on timeworn scams.

CalBRE has received reports and been made aware of online rental scams (often using such Internet sites such as Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist, and HotPads), and we want to warn the public about some of the most common ones.

Included in this warning is a list of “red” flags or signs to look for, suggestions on how prospective renters can protect themselves, and reporting recommendations for those potential renters who have been victimized.

Common Scams

In most cases, the fraud involves a scammer who:

• Duplicates or “hijacks” an actual listing of a property that is for rent. 
• Creates a fake or fictitious listing for a rental property. 
• Offers for rent a real, but unavailable, property. 
• Rents a property that is in foreclosure and which will soon be sold, or that has been fully foreclosed (or is in pre-foreclosure).

In the cases mentioned above, the perpetrators do not own the properties (although they oft-times pretend to be the owners) and they are not authorized or licensed to rent the properties.

In most of these cases, the scammers collect money (usually via wire transfer) from the victims for deposits, fees and rents, and in a number of the cases obtain enough personal information, such as social security, driver license and bank account numbers, to steal the identities of the “renter” victims.

For the fraudsters, these are crimes of opportunity and they are simply taking advantage of individuals who are looking for rental housing in a tight real estate market. The perpetrators engage in these crimes (via the Internet ether) because they have found success with such scams and continue to find victims who send money and/or who provide personally identifying information that can be used by the scammers to commit additional crimes.

Please see Consumer Alert – Beware of Imposter Landlords and Consumer Fraud Alert and Warning – Prepaid Listing Services (PRLS).

Because of the anonymity and widespread availability of the Internet, an online rental scam can be started and operated from anywhere in the United States or in other countries.

“Red” Flags

While none of the “red” flags below is definitive proof of fraud, the following are warning signs of a possible scam:

• The advertised rental rates are low (many times very low) compared to other rentals in the area. Always remember the time-tested adage that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 
• The purported landlord or agent requests that the advance payment of rents and deposits (and possibly other fees) be made via cash or wire transfer (such as Western Union), and/or asks for personal information such as social security number, bank account information, and driver license number. It is important to note that payments made by cash or wire transfer provide little – and usually no – recourse, especially since the scammer to whom the funds are wired usually disappears and cannot be found. While credit card payments are not accepted by many landlords or property rental agents, prospective renters should – to provide an amount of self-protection – ask to pay for rents, deposits and fees by credit card. 
• The supposed owner or rental agent is either out of the country or in another State, or is in a hurry to leave California, and states that the rental property cannot be shown or toured. 
• The prospective landlord or property agent is not willing to meet in person, and/or applies pressure to complete the rental transaction as soon as possible.

Ways that Prospective Renters Can Protect Themselves

The best advice for prospective renters is to be wary, and to conduct their own diligence and investigate the person with whom they are dealing or negotiating, and the property itself. In this regard, potential renters should:

• Confirm or verify the identity of the supposed landlord or property agent. To see who owns the property, contact a licensed California real estate agent, the county recorder’s office in the county where the property is located, and/or a title company. Talk with neighbors about the property and ask who owns it, and ask a lot of questions about the rental history of the property. If dealing with a property manager or leasing agent (who does not live at the property), look them up on the CalBRE website (www.bre.ca.gov) to see if they are licensed. If they are, check to see if they are disciplined or otherwise restricted in the real estate practice that they can do. Also, check the person out on Google or other search engines, and through the Better Business Bureau. 
• Confirm that the property is not in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure. This is especially true when renting a house. The mortgage loan should be in good standing and not in default. 
• Not rent a property without viewing and touring it in person. 
• Not pay or transfer any money without reviewing all rental documents, and getting copies of all writings pertaining to the property. 
• Demand to meet and then actually meet the supposed owner or property manager in person, and ask many questions about the property and the neighborhood. 
• Work with an experienced, competent, and licensed California real estate broker, or salesperson working under the supervision of a broker. 
• Take photographs of the property. 
• Not pay anything in cash or wire transfer money. 
• Do research on what comparable properties rent for.

The essential point here is that prospective renters, in order to protect their interests, and not become a scammer’s next victim, must remain skeptical, proceed cautiously, do their own investigation of the property and individuals involved with the rental(s), and be aware of and look for revealing signs of fraud.

After Falling Victim or Becoming Aware of an Online Rental Scam

If a prospective renter has been scammed, or becomes aware of an online rental scam, he or she should immediately report the fraud and file complaints with one, more or all of the following:

• The relevant Internet provider (e.g., Zillow, Trulia, etc.).
• CalBRE if a real estate licensee is involved, or if the scammer is unlicensed and purporting to be a real estate agent. Please contact CalBRE at www.bre.ca.gov.
• The California Attorney General, at www.oag.ca.gov/consumers.
• The District Attorney, Sheriff, local police and local prosecutor in your community.
• The Federal Trade Commission, at www.ftc.gov.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), at www.fbi.gov.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at www.cfpb.gov.

Issued: October 2013

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