New Townhouse Listing in Westwood! 10793 Ashton Ave. Unit #3

List Price- $865,000

This is an extensively upgraded three bedroom townhome with over $250,000 of improvements (per Seller). It features a huge living room and eat-in kitchen with bamboo floors. The kitchen also features a Viking stove/oven, Caesar stone counters with glass tile backsplash, glass front cabinets, Bosch dishwasher and more.

The master suite has bamboo floors as well and also features high ceilings, a built-in work station, remodeled bath with double porcelain sinks, steam shower with Carrera marble and a walk-in closet with custom wood drawers. There are two additional bedrooms, a loft and over-sized roof deck.

The living room opens to a remodeled flag stone patio with tropical gardens. The unit is climate controlled by central air and heating system and the secure garage features side-by-side parking and extra storage. This listing is located in the Fairburn Avenue school district.

This is a very special townhome that you won't want to miss. For more information, photos and showings, contact Mickey Kessler of Coldwell Banker at 310-367-2322.

Interest rate Update

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian for Friday September 25th.

Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of September 25th, 2009for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 4.875%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$729,750) -5.125%

And there is a fixed 10-year- 5.5%

with the best deal for a 5-1 arm for loans under $417,000-3.5%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage
at 310-434-1703.

Posted by: Leesel Boulware

Interest Rate Update

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian for Friday September 18th.

Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of September 18th, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 4.875%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$729,750) -5.125%

And there is a fixed 10-year- 5.5%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage

at 310-434-1703.

Posted by: Leesel Boulware

Interest Rate Update

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian for Friday September 11th.

Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of September 25th, 2009for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 4.875%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$729,750) -5.125%

And there is a fixed 10-year- 5.5%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

Posted by: Leesel Boulware

Interest Rate Update!

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian for Friday June 26th.

Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of June 26, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 5.25%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$729,750) -5.50%

Jumbo loan (loan amount over $729,750)- 6.625%

And there is a fixed 10-year- 5.5%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

Posted by: Leesel Boulware

New Listing in Westwood!

10511 Eastborne Avenue

This is the lowest priced home listed in Westwood, north of Santa Monica Blvd!

This bright, airy three bedroom (or 2 + den), 1.75 bath home with family room is very spacious and opens to tropical gardens, patio and a pool with spa. The home features hardwood floors, vintage moldings and central air & heat. The public record shows the homes square footage at apx. 1,450, however several rooms have been extended. The actual square footage of the home is likely considerably larger. The lot size, per public record, is 6,500 square feet.

The master suite is like a private retreat, with an over-sized spa tub and sliding doors that open to the pool area. This home is located in the Fairburn Avenue School district and is minutes from Century City, Beverly Hills and Westwood Village.

Although a little updating would do it well, this home is in move-in condition. Don't Miss!

For showings and more information contact Mickey Kessler at 310-367-2322 or mkessler@verizon.net.

Interest Rate Update

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodianfor Friday May 15th.

Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of May 15, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 4.625%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$625,500) -4.75%

Jumbo loan (loan amount over $625,500)- 6.5%


And there is a fixed 10-year- 5.375%


This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage
at 310-434-1703.


Posted by: Leesel Boulware

What's New in Westwood Real Estate?

Interest Rate Update

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodianfor Friday May 8th.

Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of May 8, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 4.75%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$625,500) -4.875%

Jumbo loan with a 5-1 arm (loan amount over $625,500)- 5%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage

at 310-434-1703.

Posted by: Leesel Boulware

Interest Rate Update

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodianfor Friday April 10th.

Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of April 10, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 4.75%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$625,500) -5%

Jumbo loan (loan amount over $625,500- 6.5%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage
at 310-434-1703.

Posted by: Leesel Boulware

Interest Rate Update!!!

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian for Friday March 27th.


Rates are down slightly from last week. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of March 27, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):


Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 4.625%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$625,500) -5%

And an Attractive 5-1 arm at 5%


This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.




Posted by: Leesel Boulware

It's Spring! Time to Plant!

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Spring is a time of bounty and endless possibilities. It's the time of year when we enjoy some of the most wonderful of holidays and of course it's the time of year when I start my vegetable garden.

I used to have a garden as a kid, but for many years as a young adult my living situation would not permit having one. I have had a spring vegetable garden now for many years and I always look forward to it with great anticipation. Among other things it puts an exclamation point on Spring.

If you don't have a huge yard or intense sun light, don't worry. There are many ways you can have a satisfying garden with limited sunlight and space. You don't need to be a "flat-lander" either. As seen in this picture, you can have a successful garden on a steep hillside, on a terraced slope and even on a patio.

There are so many varieties of fruits and vegetables you can grow. As a rule I try to grow things that taste notably better than their counterparts in the markets For example: tomatoes, corn, beans, squash and melons (space permitting) and did I say tomatoes???

Homegrown tomatoes are the best! They're fun and easy to grow, usually disease resistant and taste so much better than the tomatoes you typically find at the market. And these days you can find hundreds of varieties for sale at your local nurseries and/or in online or mail order seed catalogs.

Their are in fact so many varieties that it can be a little daunting as to which plants to select. I like the heirloom tomatoes because they're unique, they have such exceptional flavor and at prices of up to $6.00 a pound in the local markets they're very cost-effective to grow.

A little background on heirloom tomatoes:
Heirloom tomatoes are grown from seeds that have been handed down within in a family from generation to generation over these many, many years, like a family heirloom. They are prized for their unique shapes, colors and above all- TASTE!

Here are my five favorite tomato pics:

1. Sun Gold- in my opinion this is the sweetest tomato of all. Literally sweet as sugar. They are large cherry-type tomatoes about the size of, (but a little smaller than) a ping pong ball. They are a light orange color and they grow in clusters like a grape vine.

2. Striped German- a very large, slightly flattened tomato with blotches of red, orange and yellow inside and out. Great tomato taste with a kick, great for sandwiches.

3. Yellow Brandywine- similar to the classic Brandywine tomato, similarly large in size but with a slightly mellow-er flavor. Also great for sandwiches.

4. Moskvich- a Russian tomato that has a very robust flavor. It is a medium size tomato with a uniform, deep orange-red color. Great for salads, sandwiches and capreses!

5. Cherokee Purple- a plum-shaped tomato with a deep brick red color with purple-brown shoulders. They have a mild tomato flavor, not quite as juicy as some of the other tomatoes listed here, but that makes them a good paste tomato.

Honorable mention- Pineapple, Great White, Green Marble, Moramoto and Rose.

Let me know, what's your favorite variety of tomatoe?

If you want to check out a great event where you can buy tomato plants and more visit Tomato Mania at Tapia Brothers farms in Encino from March 27th through March 29th and in Beverly Hills April 18th. Click here for more information about TomatoMania and other event locations and dates. For on line seed sales I've always had success with Johnny Seeds and their are many other resources on line as well. Just search Google and above all: get out there, plant your garden and have fun!

Interest Rate Update

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian for Friday March 13, 2009.

Interest rates are down just slightly from last week. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of March 13, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 4.875%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$625,00) -5.125%

Jumbo Loan (over $625,000) - 6.5%

There is also an apealing option of a 5-1 arm at 5.25%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

Posted by: Leesel Boulware

Interest Rate Update

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian for Friday February 27th. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of February 27, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 5.00%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$625,00) -5.625%

Jumbo Loan (over $625,000) - 5.25%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

Posted by: Leesel Boulware

Interest Rate Update

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian for Friday February 13th. Rates have dropped since last week, particularly the conforming loan. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of February 13, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):



Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 4.75%



Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$625,00) -5.5%



Jumbo Loan (over $625,000) - 6.25%


(in addition there is a 5-1 ARM available at 5.257%)


This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

Senate approves $15,000 tax credit for homebuyers

The Senate recently passed a bill allowing a $15,000 tax credit (actually an increase from the existing $7,500 tax credit) to home buyers that purchase a home in 2009. This bill was passed in an effort to jump-start the real estate market. Passage of this bill is seen as a victory for Republicans eager to leave their mark on the mammoth economic stimulus bill at the heart of President Barack Obama's recovery plan. The tax break was adopted without dissent.

Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., who advanced the home buyers tax break bill, said it was intended to help revive the housing industry, which has virtually collapsed in the wake of a credit crisis that began last fall. The proposal would allow a tax credit of 10 percent of the value of new or existing residences, up to a $15,000 limit. Current law provides for a $7,500 tax break for the purchase of new homes only. Isakson's office said the proposal would cost the government an estimated $19 billion. You can click here to view the actual bill.

For additional information, Q and A and discussion about this bill you may refer to the following links posted by: the Associated Press , Boston Globe , Zillow Blog , Yahoo Answers

What do you think about this bill? Do you think it will accomplish what it is designed to address?

Do you think it will have a significant impact on the Westside real estate market?

Two New Listings Open Tuesday In Westwood

Back on the Market: Same Home, Different Broker, New Price

253 Conway Avenue

Open Tuesday 11-2

This 6 bedroom, 5.5 Bath home was previously listed for $3,800,000 and is now back on the market for $3,495,000. It is a Stately English Tudor home in Little Holmby. Living room spans front to back with a romantic fireplace, tall pitched beamed ceilings, a swanky bar and a Juliet balcony.

The adjacent den has another fireplace and a third graces the master bedroom. Original paned and leaded windows, heavy wooden doors and wood floors. There is an updated cook’s kitchen with Viking appliances and updated baths, a formal entry hall, sizable formal dining room and housekeeper's quarters. The rear yard features a pool and this home is located in the Warner Avenue School district. For more information or to see this listing please contact For more information please contact Mickey and Jamie at the Westwoodian at 310-442-1398, 310-339-3525 or mkessler@veriszon.net or jtheis@camoves.com

New On Market

10513 Homman Avenue

Open Tuesday 11-2 PM

This 5 bedroom, 3 bath 1920's Tudor Style home is new on the market for $1,850,000. It has many original features, including hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings. Beautiful kitchen with Viking stove. Newly land/hardscaped backyard with sparkling solar heated pool and hot tub, pergola covered outdoor living room area, built -in BBQ and refrig.

Huge master suite with wood built-in closets and space for office or sitting room. Great flow, with family room and dinning room off kitchen. New AC. Move right in and enjoy!

For more information please contact Mickey and Jamie at the Westwoodian at 310-442-1398, 310-339-3525 or mkessler@veriszon.net or jtheis@camoves.com

Interest Rate Update

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian for Friday February 6th. There has not been much change in interest rates since last week. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of January 16, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 5.25%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$625,00) -5.75%

Jumbo Loan (over $625,000) - 6.5% (in addition there is a 5-1 ARM available at 5.125%)

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

INTEREST RATE UPDATE!

Interest Rate Update
Interest rates move up a touch. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of January 30, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 5.375%
Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$625,00) - 5.75%
Jumbo Loan (over $625,000) - 6.625% (Alternatively there are a 10 Year at 6% and a 5 Year at 5.125%)

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

Posted by Leesel Boulware

INTEREST RATE UPDATE

Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian.

Due to all of the renewed interest in re-financing coupled with some poor numbers from the treasury, interest rates have ticked up slightly but continue to be at all-time lows. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of January 16, 2009 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,525) - 4.875%

Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000-$625,00) -5.5%

Jumbo Loan (over $625,000) - 6.5% (in addition there is a 7-1 ARM available at 5.625%)

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

Posted by Leesel Boulware

Mickey Kessler Featured Panelist at Beverly Hills Bar Family Law Symposioum

Mickey Kessler of Coldwell Banker was one of the panelists for the “A House Divided: The Impact of California’s Housing Crisis on Family Law Practice” panel at the Beverly Hills Bar Symposium held December 6th at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The panelists included Jack Zuckerman, CPA of White, Zuckerman, Warsavsky, Luna & Wolf, Larry Sommer of Sommer Appraisal Service, Kenneth Young, Esq. of Kaufman, Young, Spiegel, Robinson & Kenerson and Hon. Thomas Trent Lewis.

The purpose of this panel was to discuss various aspects of real estate and how they apply to and are impacting the family law practice. While many provisions were discussed, Mickey was responsible for discussing both current trends in real estate and short sales. Specifically, Mickey was asked to discuss both of these topics and how they are impacting family law cases. In addition, Mickey was asked to discuss the state of real estate, current trends and where the real estate market is headed.

To aid Mickey’s presentation he displayed several charts (see below) showing changes in inventory and absorption rates of properties on the Westside and how this year’s activity compares to the activity for several prior years. In addition he provided graphic representation for condos and leases.

What is evident from these graphs is that the inventory of homes on the market for sale is growing while the number of sales is declining. Note that there has been a steady and substantial increase of expired and withdrawn listings (homes that have failed to sell). While this factor is offsetting the growing inventory it is also an indication that it is becoming yet more difficult to sell homes. Moreover, it is a clear indication that many home sellers are not willing to price their homes at an appropriate price (an “energy price” if you will) that will get their home sold.

In response many home owners are opting to list their homes for lease. These homeowners would prefer to lease their home rather than sell at the reduced prices the market now dictates. As you can see from the chart below however, many home owners have the same idea as evidenced by the growing number of lease listings coming on the market. Not surprisingly, the increasing inventory of lease listings is creating apathy among prospective tenants. Like homes sold, the number of homes being leased over the last half of 2008 has declined which is bound to create downward pressure on lease prices as well.

Based on my discussions with home sellers and lessors, there is some wishful thinking going on out there that they would be better off waiting until next spring when “the market will be better”. If 2008 is any indication (see single family 2008 chart), there will be a steady increase of homes coming on the market and a swelling of the inventory while sales will only pick up slightly, resulting in more downward pressure on home prices.

These forecasts are my opinions based on analysis of the current data available. These are not guarantees and as we all know, the future can offer a multitude of unforeseen events. One thing for sure, the real estate market is certainly holding our attention. . . Stay tuned.

If you have questions or for more information and data, you're welcome to contact Mickey Kessler of Coldwell Banker at 310-442-1398 or email Mickey at mkessler@verizon.net

BACK ON MARKET!

1938 Westholme Ave.

This Spectacular 2-Story home has been brought back on the market by Michael Shore (son of real estate legend Marni Shore) at the new price of $2,595,000 (previously listed for $2,769,000).

It is a stunning example of Hampton's-style Cape Cod architecture. It is new construction and consists of a 5,164 sq.ft. home on a flat 7,250 sq.ft. lot. The home has 6 large bedrooms and 5.5 baths. The luxurious master suite features a large sitting area and an exquisite bathroom. Downstairs, there is a maid's room and a huge gourmet kitchen that opens to the adjacent family room creating the perfect spacious atmoshphere for entertaining. The large grassy yard offers privacy and the perfect setting for a game of soccer.

The home features all designer finishes and every amenity you can think of. This is one of those homes that will make you say "Wow, I want one of those!"


For more information contact Mickey and Jamie at the Westwoodian at 310-442-1398, 310-339-3523 or mkessler@verizon.net, jtheis@camoves.com or Michael or Marni Shore of Shore Real Estate at 310-435-2351