CRISTIE ST JAMES ON REAL ESTATE TODAY

Schwarzenegger Expected to Sign New Tax Credit!

2010-03-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

What do you think about this new opportunity for first time home buyers?

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/03/24/2629239/schwarzenegger-expected-to-sign.html

Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Home Value

2010-02-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

Top 10 ways to improve the value of your home

Whether it’s to prepare your property for selling, or even just to enhance the enjoyment of your single largest investment — you don’t need to win the lottery in order to maximize the value of your home.

Here’s a recap of the most value-adding tips you can use:

•10: Purchase new windows! They not only add to the value of your house, they help you save money by keeping your home more energy efficient.

•9: Bring your family room up to date, by adding enough room work out with the Wii! Get some exercise in your home theatre room — a feature potential buyers will love!

•8: Spruce up the insides of your kitchen drawers by adding rollout trays and other organizers. Save some space, and make them more attractive to buyers.

•7: Consider investing in a power generator, to keep the light on, when the electricity goes out!

•6: Do a ‘floor space audit’ in your home. Look for square footage that isn’t being used, or used well, and try to put it better use. With some drywall and a bit of imagination, you can add a new room at little cost.

•5: Add a deck! One of the best ways to add value is to create a brand new room outdoors! And just think, your grille will love you for it.

•4: Upgrade your garage door opener to a keyless touchpad entry system to provide a bit of convenience and high-tech flair!

•3: Fix up that basement. Whether you do a whole renovation or just a coat of paint, it make a big difference in the value of your home.

•2: Consider using that attic space for more than just storage, by adding a room. You’ll see a big return on your investment, there.

•1: Update your light fixtures – a small cost, for a big return!

This is Fantastic News!!!!!

2009-12-28T12:54:00.000-08:00

Check out this article summarizing economic activity in the real estate industry for November 2009!

Home Sales Surge 7.4 % in November!

An Article Answering Your Top Ten Questions!

2009-12-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

Here's an article that accurately answers your questions, will help calm your fears, and provide some well over due positive information for sellers and buyers alike.

Top Ten Questions in Today's Market

Real Estate Today.... forecasting Tomorrow....

2009-11-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

The biggest news this week is news that home sales should rise by a huge margin in the coming year! According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the economic forecast is calling for a 13.6% jump, to 5.7 million units, boosting both the housing market and the overall economy.
The NAR reports the first-time homebuyer tax credit was far more successful than anyone anticipated in terms of enticing buyers and boosting home sales in 2009. And economists there say there is no reason to believe that will stop. In its annual economic forecast, the NAR predicts the extension of the tax credit through mid-2010 will further stabilize home prices, which is a major contributor to stabilizing the entire economy.

The NAR study, released last week, showed that first time buyers accounted for a record 47% of home sales over the past year, up from 41% in 2008 and much, much higher than the mere 36% in 2006.
And of course, buyers have been having enjoying record opportunities this past year…but looking ahead, the NAR sees some relief in sight for sellers too!
If there are no unforeseen shocks to the economy, the NAR reports said home prices should rise, between 3 and 5% in 2010, but with wide geographic differences.

VP of the National Association of Realtors Makes a Timeless Point

2009-11-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

I read this article on the NAR website and felt it had a great point. As you will read, it may bring some value to today's market and a new fresh perspective on the economy and Realtors®. It emphasizes the joys every Realtor® experiences in helping clients discover their dreams, and illuminates the fact that for Realtors®, our job means a great deal more to us than a paycheck. Read it over and let me know what you think...

Giving the Money Real Meaning

Last week I received a call from one of my past clients to list his home. Like most sellers right now, the facts looked as though he would, at best, break even. Of course, this kind of news is not easy or fun to deliver. But again like most sellers, he expected it.

As we discussed the sale, it didn't take a psychologist to figure out that this fellow was more than a little depressed. I asked him why he was so down. And candidly he answered, "Because I haven't been able to make any real money".

So we talked about the economy and how so many people were hurting. But as we talked, I realized this conversation was not helping him feel better in any way. That's when I said, "But you're a doctor...you have helped heal people. You have helped give birth to hundreds of babies. You have saved lives. Yes, money is down right now, but you must feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in your service to humanity."

His answer was "not really". With insurance costs and all the changes in the medical field, he said he could make more money as a bartender than as a doctor.

Don't get me wrong. I am not judging my client. Financial strain can take a devastating toll on any person. It just struck me that this fellow had lost sight of other forms of compensation we receive from our work...compensation for the untold hours we spend day in and day out, for the risk s we take in setting up our businesses, for the heartache we have when something goes wrong....

Yes, my monetary compensation is down this year in real estate sales, but my sense of satisfaction in knowing I have helped a fellow human being find a home is not at all down.

How can you not feel successful and fulfilled when you sell first-time homebuyers their first home, and they shake your hand as though they just won the lottery? Or when you can sell a widow back the house she abandoned years earlier after her husband died suddenly? What more satisfaction is there than selling that retiree's condo so they can now move closer to their children and grandchildren?

Profit is essential to what we do, but it is not the only reason real estate is in the blood of so many REALTORS®. Look around. Successful agents are the ones who are passionate, not only about the money, but about the joy they have when they help someone realize their dreams.

NAR is there to help give us the tools to succeed. But NAR can't give us the passion to serve our fellow human beings. That's something each of us individually has to bring to the table. Ultimately, this is what makes our work so rewarding and fulfilling and gives the money real meaning. -- Steve Brown, 2009 NAR Vice President and Liaison to Committees

The Economy.... and Looking towards 2010....

2009-11-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

I wanted to give my opinion on the economy as it stands going into the new year... I've perused many different articles, and heard all the financial gurus of our time and I have come to the following conclusions...

For the next few months, I think the economy is likely to feel fairly good. After four straight quarters of contraction, third quarter growth pegged at an annual rate of 3.5% will buoy the spirits of consumers and business managers, raising hopes that layoffs are over and net job gains are imminent. Joel Prakken, chairman of Macroeconomic Advisers, says the U.S. has escaped what could have been another Great Depression.

But by early spring: A test of the recovery as well as of the credit system, 18 months after it teetered on the edge of collapse. Not to mention another trial of the Federal Reserve’s skill, as officials try to keep nurturing the credit market with low interest rates, without providing so much monetary slack for so long that a new financial bubble develops.

Second, inventories will need more replenishing. Over the past five quarters, businesses cut back production and sold off inventory to meet recession-reduced demand. Now, available supplies have gotten too low and there’s evidence that factories are starting to hum again. Industrial production has posted three straight months of solid gains.Several upward forces are at work. There’s the federal stimulus of $787 billion. It will continue to prime the pump, adding about $90 billion a quarter to GDP next year and creating jobs that will help lift consumer confidence.

Low interest rates remain a key support, not only encouraging would-be home buyers to take the plunge, but also spurring companies to sell bonds, raising money for investment in plants and equipment. Odds are slim that Fed policymakers will hike rates before the middle of next year.

The recent pickup in housing construction should continue into 2010 and even enjoy a bit of a seasonal increase come spring. In addition to the attractive interest rates, a likely extension of the first time buyers’ tax credit -- and possibly an expansion of the credit to long-time homeowners who opt to buy a new abode -- will help buoy new-home starts.

For any questions regarding this article, e-mail me @ StJamesEst@aol.com

-Cristie

Obama Adminstration Releases New Data on Making Home Affordable Program, Incldues State-Specific Modifications to Date

2009-11-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

Today, the Obama Administration released the next monthly report for the Making Home Affordable (MHA) loan modification program. As part of an ongoing commitment to transparency, the report includes for the first time state-specific trial modification numbers. With more than 650,000 modifications under way across the country, the program is on track to meet its goals over the next several years.

“As this report demonstrates, struggling homeowners in every state now benefit from reduced monthly mortgage payments and have an opportunity to stay in their homes,” said Treasury Assistant Secretary Michael S. Barr. “The program is having a pronounced impact in areas particularly hard hit by the housing crisis. We’re reaching borrowers at a larger scale than any other modification program to date, but there is still much more work to be done.”

If you are a homeowner who is current on your mortgage payments but unable to refinance to a lower interest rate because your home value has decreased, you may be able to refinance.

Below is the link to check your eligibility:

Are You Eligible?

-Cristie

It's a gorgeous day in Beverly Hills, I love this time of year!!!

2009-11-10T15:10:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from cristiestjames's posterous

A Turn-Key Condo in Serene Santa Monica Setting

2009-11-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

I was really excited to list this renovated condo in Santa Monica! The majority of my listings are in the West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West L.A. zip codes so when opportunities arise, I enjoy expanding my repertoire! 17th Street, is a quaint street and this 2 Bedroom +2.5 Bath townhouse is set in a beautiful courtyard setting!

Check out the photos below, We have a video in the making....

The owner has given a fresh look to this condo by updating and adding features such as hardwood floors, plantation shutters, stainless steel appliances gleam in the kitchen, and the master bathroom has a steam shower! This condo is so beautiful it has a lot of courtyard and patio space and is spacious bright open floor plan!

Rock Star Pad Video

2009-10-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

Markus shot this amazing video of the Rock Star Pad in West Hollywood:

Check it out below!

Bachelor Pad

Hudson Villa Video

2009-10-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of The Hudson Villas my assistant Erica took a few days ago...

We've already sold the Penthouse, only three are left!!!!

Hudson Villa Video Tour

New Listings in Hollywood !!!

2009-10-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a great buy for first time buyers in today's market. Rarely does one see 2 bedroom, let alone 3 bedroom condos for under $500,000 in move in condition. Well here you are! 3 Bedroom/2 bath, BRAND NEW condo's and ready to move in, right around the corner from the quaint Larchmont Village.

We have four left in the building.......Here's the price list.

ULTRA-SEXY “ROCKNROLL” BACHELOR PAD W/VIEWS!

2009-10-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here is my newest listing !

HUGE OPEN FLOOR PLAN ENTERTAINING SPACE IS CUSTOM SOUND-PROOFED!

BOASTS: CUSTOM ALNO KITCHEN, SUB-ZERO, VIKING, & BOSCH APPLIANCES, BLACK GRANITE COUNTERS.

BLACK WOOD FLOORS,ELECTRIC BLACKOUT SHADES, BATH W/BLACK GRANITE FLOORS, LARGE BALCONY

HANSGROHE ‘PHARO’ SHOWER, WATER WORKS SINKS HANSA FIXTURES.

100” MOVIE SCREEN/LCD PROJECTOR, WIRED FOR 5.1 SOUND.

24 HR. SECURITY, POOL & SPA, TENNIS, & FITNESS CENTER. ROOM SERVICE FROM FAMOUS LOCAL HOTEL.

BRING YOUR ROCKSTARS, FILM MAKERS, AND BACHELORS, THIS UNIT IS ONE-OF-A-KIND AND IS A MUST SEE!!!