Real Estate Information

A number of research studies have shown that home ownership provides social and societal benefits. Not only is home ownership one of the best ways to build long-term wealth, providing resources for a more comfortable retirement, but it also fosters an immeasurable sense of community and stability vital to growing families.

NAR’s "Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing" report reveals that home owners are happier and healthier. They tend to vote more, volunteer more and contribute more to their neighborhoods. Home owners do not move as frequently as renters, which encourages more neighborhood stability, and children of home owners are more likely to participate in organized activities and spend less time in front of the television.

Now take a look at how the Los Angeles real estate market performed in August.

Beverly Hills Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

Beverly Hills Post Office Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

Bel Air Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

Hollywood Hills East Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

Hollywood Hills West Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

West Hollywood Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

For the latest Los Angeles real estate market conditions visit our Blog at EileenWalshRealtor.com.

Search all Los Angeles homes for sale.

Eileen Walsh has a reputation for tough, yet fair, negotiation, and for facilitating real estate transactions to a successful close. She has earned the loyalty of repeat clients who rely on her for all of their real estate needs. Eileen's goals are to ensure Los Angeles real estate sellers that they receive top net dollar for their properties in the shortest amount of time and to help Los Angeles homebuyers find the property which best meets their objectives at the fairest price. 

Empowered with the appropriate people skills, market knowledge, deal-making track record and dedication to her clients, Eileen has shown that she is THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE to represent you in your next Los Angeles real estate transaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Los Angeles home, please call Eileen direct at 310-738-3807 or via email at eileenwalsh.realestate@gmail.com.

If you are a first-time home buyer, you have learned through the loan qualifying process some basic real estate terms and caveats. You understand the meaning and importance of PITI and know that your mortgage payment should not exceed 33% of your income. What you may not realize, however, is that there are many hidden costs associated with the purchase and ownership of Los Angeles real estate.

Maintenance, repairs, supplemental insurance, additional taxes, home improvements, and decorating can add up to thousands of dollars more than you expect. And then there’s your moving expenses, closing costs, home association dues, trash collection fees, and perhaps utility bills which are higher than you’re used to paying. Should these expenses dissuade you from buying the Los Angeles real estate you’ve decided on? Absolutely not! But you certainly should plan ahead in order to spare yourself unexpected and unpleasant surprises.

Most Realtors urge first-time buyers to anticipate the costs of desired improvements/repairs, set up a budget and a realistic timeline, and establish a “rainy day” fund to help cover the costs of the unanticipated expenses, such as a broken heat pump or a leaky roof. Eric Tyson, co-author of Home Buying for Dummies, recommends setting aside at least 1% of the purchase price of your Los Angeles real estate each year by putting 1/12th of this amount into the fund monthly.

The first step in anticipating additional expenses is to know your house well. How old is the roof? The heating system or air conditioning unit?  The appliances? Being aware of the age and condition of these items allows you to predict when they might need replacing. Check into house insurance before buying. Do you need protection against flooding or any other catastrophe? Look for a policy with a deductible that fits your needs and include this item in your budget. Is your house in need of better insulation and therefore likely to have higher utility bills? What is the condition of the plumbing? Could small leaks result in a larger water bill?

Although one of the joys of home ownership is the ability to improve it any way you want, without a landlord’s permission, be cautious about undertaking too much at once. A major kitchen or bathroom redo can cost thousands--and often far more than you planned for. Even painting the exterior of your Los Angeles real estate usually costs around $800. So proceed with a level-head and patience.

Above all, be aware that no matter how well you have planned and prepared, at some time or another your car’s transmission will go or the sewer line will break--events for which you do not have the money. Financial advisors suggest that you do not use a credit card to pay for these things because of the high interest rates; it’s better, they say, to liquidate a savings account on which you receive little income.

Do remember that although you will most likely face unexpected expenses--and almost always at the worst possible time--they do not outweigh the advantages and pleasure of owning your own home!

Search all Los Angeles homes for sale.

Eileen Walsh has a reputation for tough, yet fair, negotiation, and for facilitating real estate transactions to a successful close. She has earned the loyalty of repeat clients who rely on her for all of their real estate needs. Eileen's goals are to ensure Los Angeles real estate sellers that they receive top net dollar for their properties in the shortest amount of time and to help Los Angeles homebuyers find the property which best meets their objectives at the fairest price. 

Empowered with the appropriate people skills, market knowledge, deal-making track record and dedication to her clients, Eileen has shown that she is THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE to represent you in your next Los Angeles real estate transaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Los Angeles home, please call Eileen direct at 310-738-3807 or via email at eileenwalsh.realestate@gmail.com.

The Federal Housing Administration has recently signed up 18 specially selected lenders to participate in a pilot program that offers some owners of Los Angeles real estate “PowerSaver” loans of up to $25,000 to make their homes more energy efficient. Available only to homeowners with good credit, manageable debt, and some equity in their home, it is hoped that approximately 30,000 will qualify for the loans by installing insulation, duct work, doors and windows, HVAC systems, water heater, solar panels, and geothermal systems.

The loans will be backed by FHA insurance that will guarantee 90% of the amount in the case of default and promises a streamlined claims process; lenders will be liable for the remaining 10%to encourage responsible underwriting and lending standards. The length of the loan is 15 years (20 for renewable energy improvements), and it will be secured by the mortgage on the Los Angeles real estate. Lenders will offer the loans at a lowered interest rate and charge reduced fees in an effort to attract consumers who are motivated to make their property more energy efficient but are hesitant to undertake an expensive project. The PowerSaver program is especially beneficial for homeowners who are ineligible for a home equity loan or for those without access to an affordable consumer loan.

Applicants for the program must have a minimum credit score of 600 and a maximum debt -to-income ratio of 45%. The Los Angeles real estate to be improved must be a single unit, detached, owner-occupied home. Here is a list of the 18 participating lenders.

Lenders were selected largely based on their commitment to work in partnership with established home energy retrofit programs provided by states, cities, utilities, and home performance contractors primarily in areas of the U.S. participating in the Energy Department’s Better Building Program.

According to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, “We believe the market is right for a low-cost financing option for families who want energy-saving technologies in their home.” “Power Saver hits on all cylinders by helping credit-worthy homeowners finance these upgrades, cut their energy bills and boost the local job market in the process. While FHA and these lenders are jumpstarting this pilot, we hope its success will lead to a growing private sector interest in making these types of loans.”

Search all Los Angeles homes for sale.

Eileen Walsh has a reputation for tough, yet fair, negotiation, and for facilitating real estate transactions to a successful close. She has earned the loyalty of repeat clients who rely on her for all of their real estate needs. Eileen's goals are to ensure Los Angeles real estate sellers that they receive top net dollar for their properties in the shortest amount of time and to help Los Angeles homebuyers find the property which best meets their objectives at the fairest price. 

Empowered with the appropriate people skills, market knowledge, deal-making track record and dedication to her clients, Eileen has shown that she is THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE to represent you in your next Los Angeles real estate transaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Los Angeles home, please call Eileen direct at 310-738-3807 or via email at eileenwalsh.realestate@gmail.com.

In the midst of a depressed housing market, many real estate “experts” are looking to the first-time buyers, the Gen Xers, to take the lead in the recovery of Los Angeles real estate. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), for example, believes that the time is right for those between 30 and 45 years old to purchase their first home, and a recent survey done by that organization found that a majority of these potential buyers are optimistic about the prospect of doing so and feel that this is a good time to make that first purchase. This result, coupled with the fact that in the last quarter of 2010 the percentage of first-time buyers who could afford to buy Los Angeles real estate rose to 69%, a near-record high since 2009, signals a healthy trend in real estate recovery, according to NAHB.

Generally speaking, first-time buyers, unburdened by having a house they need to sell, have seriously considered becoming owners of Los Angeles real estate because of the wide availability of inventory, low prices, and attractive interest rates.

Other gurus in the know, however, are more hesitant to wear rose-colored glasses just yet. They point to newly-instituted higher mortgage fees (up 0.5%) and a spike in fees on mortgages involving smaller down payments as reasons for their caution. Add to that the facts that larger down payments are now being required by lenders and the future roles of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are uncertain, and potential new buyers may well be justified in being confused or adopting a “wait and see” attitude.

A reduction in government-backed mortgage loan size and a sharp hike in mortgage insurance premiums, both to go into effect in this fall, add yet more reasons for the concerns of those who urge the industry not to rely on young buyers to lead the resurgence of Los Angeles real estate sales.

In summary, the naysayers assert that it appears that the window of opportunity for first-time buyers may be closing. One thing is certain; the younger set will have to pay higher fees, come up with larger down payments, and consider alternative options for financing if they do intend to take a leading role in the journey along the road to real estate recovery.

Search all Los Angeles homes for sale.

Eileen Walsh has a reputation for tough, yet fair, negotiation, and for facilitating real estate transactions to a successful close. She has earned the loyalty of repeat clients who rely on her for all of their real estate needs. Eileen's goals are to ensure Los Angeles real estate sellers that they receive top net dollar for their properties in the shortest amount of time and to help Los Angeles homebuyers find the property which best meets their objectives at the fairest price. 

Empowered with the appropriate people skills, market knowledge, deal-making track record and dedication to her clients, Eileen has shown that she is THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE to represent you in your next Los Angeles real estate transaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Los Angeles home, please call Eileen direct at 310-738-3807 or via email at eileenwalsh.realestate@gmail.com.

TV shows, online videos, and real estate advice articles all counsel you to stage your Los Angeles home before putting it on the market, but many of their suggestions are too expensive, too complicated, or too time-consuming for today’s busy and budget-conscious seller. If you are one of those sellers feeling short of time, money, or creativity, read on for low-cost, easy to do, and imaginative ideas to show your home at its very best.

Top Ten Tips and Tricks To Stage Your Los Angeles Home

Lighting:

• Update lighting by using inexpensive glass fixtures. Pendant lights are quite popular.
• Install dimmer switches to control ambience (and save energy).
• Use a lamp, up light, and ceiling all in one room to provide layers of light.
• Add under-counter light strips.
• Dust bulbs frequently for brighter light.
• Use mirrors to reflect light..

Color:

• Today’s popular trend is to use different shades of one color throughout your Los Angeles home.
• Cut time and cost by painting only one accent wall in a room.
• Add color through accessories such as pillows, area rugs, lamps, and art pieces.

Furniture:

• Replace large, outdated pieces with smaller, more contemporary ones to improve traffic flow and increase the feeling of size.
• Buy ready-to-assemble pieces from Z Line or Ikea, e.g.
• Add slip covers to worn sofas and chairs.
• Paint mismatched pieces the same color to pull them together.
• Reuse old furniture in a new way. Try storage cubes as coffee tables or put a small bedroom chest in the foyer.

Accessories:

• Add color to your Los Angeles home with throw pillows, area rugs, vases, art.
• Mix textures for added interest. Combine smooth and woven pillows or lay a hemp rug.
• Don’t ignore the impact of colorful towels and linens.
• Experiment with new patterns or bold colors for a little pizzazz.

Flooring:

• Try inexpensive and unusual area rugs rather than re-carpeting or refinishing.
• Polish your wood floors ‘til they gleam!
• Lay do-it-yourself stick tiles found in a wide variety of finished.

Fabric:

• Purchase cheap remnants of this inexpensive and easy-to-do decorating tool.
• Cover old throw pillows or chair cushions.
• Consider using as a wall covering for a small accent area.

Greenery:

• Bring rooms to life with live green foliage.
• Place a small herb garden on a windowsill.
• Position plants in unexpected places such as bookshelves and bathrooms.

Windows:

• Replace heavy drapes with lightweight treatments such as sheers or matchstick shades.
• Use soft fabrics which billow and allow more light to come in.
• Use a bright color or design in your curtains as a accent.

Storage:

• Utilize old trunks for storage, use (as a coffee table, perhaps), and design interest.
• Add bookcases with doors to hide clutter.
• Rediscover the unused space inside a window seat.

Sources:

• Visit yard sales and used furniture stores for “new-to-you” treasures.
• Take advantage of Craigslist, eBay, or the classified ads in your local paper.
• Utilize the internet to locate overstock sales, free shipping, and discount home décor.

Search all Los Angeles homes for sale.

Eileen Walsh has a reputation for tough, yet fair, negotiation, and for facilitating real estate transactions to a successful close. She has earned the loyalty of repeat clients who rely on her for all of their real estate needs. Eileen's goals are to ensure Los Angeles real estate sellers that they receive top net dollar for their properties in the shortest amount of time and to help Los Angeles homebuyers find the property which best meets their objectives at the fairest price. 

Empowered with the appropriate people skills, market knowledge, deal-making track record and dedication to her clients, Eileen has shown that she is THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE to represent you in your next Los Angeles real estate transaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Los Angeles home, please call Eileen direct at 310-738-3807 or via email at eileenwalsh.realestate@gmail.com.

Whether you have decided to make improvements to your Los Angeles home or have just realized that your air conditioning system will soon need to be replaced, you need to find a source of funds to pay for these expenses. Obtaining extra money has never been easier for homeowners than it is today, thanks to two type of home equity lending offers which help make paying for both planned improvements and unexpected expenses a less stressful situation. Before you start shopping around, however, you should decide whether you want a closed-end second mortgage home equity loan (HEL) or a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Home Equity Loan

A Home Equity Loan refers to a second mortgage that is structured in a very similar way to your first. With a HEL, you choose a fixed amount that you want to borrow, close on the loan, and receive a check for the amount you have chosen. You have regular monthly principal and interest payments that are structured over a period of years. Upon completion of those payments, your Los Angeles home equity loan will be paid in full. If you decide later that you would like to draw additional funds, you will need to arrange for an additional loan with additional closing costs. HELs usually carry a fixed interest rate. HELs offer a straightforward plan for paying the money back.

Home Equity Line Of Credit

A HELOC (Home Equity Line Of Credit), on the other hand, is a line of credit from which you can withdraw money again and again. In many ways, a HELOC is just like a credit card, but the interest you pay is tax-deductible. You will close on a HELOC only one time, but if you decide after a few months that you need to withdraw additional money, you will be able to do so up to the value of the loan. HELOCs offer payment flexibility not available on HELs; you can make interest only payments for a number of years on a HELOC.

Consumers should consider several things before jumping into either financing option, experts say. That's because home equity lines of credit typically are a good deal for those who want a lower up-front rate and access to money at unpredictable times. However, home equity loans are better suited to those who need a specific amount of money and payment stability. Whichever you choose, be cautious about the amount that you borrow since both types of loans use your home as collateral. If you ever default on either type of loan, you put your Los Angeles home at risk.

Consider, too, the time factor, the closing costs, and annual fees associated with each type. Generally the closing costs are about the same for the equity loan and the line of credit, and the application process for each takes approximately two weeks. Those who opt for the line of credit, however, will have to apply and pay closing costs only one time, and they are subject to lender credit reviews (usually based on your credit score) only every one to three years to keep the credit line open to them.

Credit line upkeep can still lead to annual maintenance fees similar to those charged by credit card issuers, and some borrowers will also be charged fees if they don't use the line for a long enough period of time. The rate benefit of lines of credit can help offset those costs. The credit line rate is often even lower for at least some period because stiff competition among lenders has spurred many to offer introductory teaser rates and other incentives. Check local rates in your neighborhood. Despite all the benefits of a line of credit, experts still advise people who need to make purchases of predetermined amounts to go with a home equity loan. That is in part because payments will be locked in at signing, rather than fluctuate along with the outstanding balance.

Consult with your loan officer and financial planner to decide whether a HEL closed-end second mortgage or a HELOC would best suit your needs. Examine all the costs associated with the loan and do some thorough comparison shopping. If you do your homework and review all the options available, you will be well on your way to finding the right equity loan for you.

Search all Los Angeles homes for sale.

Eileen Walsh has a reputation for tough, yet fair, negotiation, and for facilitating real estate transactions to a successful close. She has earned the loyalty of repeat clients who rely on her for all of their real estate needs. Eileen's goals are to ensure Los Angeles real estate sellers that they receive top net dollar for their properties in the shortest amount of time and to help Los Angeles homebuyers find the property which best meets their objectives at the fairest price. 

Empowered with the appropriate people skills, market knowledge, deal-making track record and dedication to her clients, Eileen has shown that she is THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE to represent you in your next Los Angeles real estate transaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Los Angeles home, please call Eileen direct at 310-738-3807 or via email at eileenwalsh.realestate@gmail.com.

Have you ever chosen a paint color from one of those little paint chips only to get home and discover the newly painted wall in your Los Angeles home doesn’t look anything like the paint chip? Frustrating isn’t it? Sherwin Williams has a great tool to eliminate that frustration!

The Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer is an online color tool that allows you to choose the right colors for your Los Angeles home. You can view how your room will look when painted with one of their 1,500 colors. Once you have found your perfect paint colors, you can print the color information and a coupon to bring to your local Sherwin-Williams paint store. You can choose from one of their sample scenes or upload your own photo!

View the Demo.

Launch the Color Visualizer.

Have fun brightening up your ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Los Angeles home!

Around 37 million Americans move each year according to the Census Bureau, and, not surprisingly, moving rates high on the stress list. Here's how you can preserve your sanity when facing the move to your Los Angeles home with this round-up of handy iPhone apps:

YP - AT&T Yellow Pages

This app is like having your own personal assistant to help you find the stores and services you need in your new neighborhood. Find the nearest pizzeria to sustain you at the end of that first day of unpacking. Locate the nearest supermarket for milk. Find a plumber for that unexpected blocked pipe. Check out your gym options. Where's the nearest hardware store? All the necessities of your new life are just a few clicks away. YP searches based on your current location and shows the results on a map, plus now it flags deals and coupon you can use to save yourself some dollars. Cost: Free

Moving Van

Moving Van puts a stop to the age-old dilemma of "Where on earth did I pack that?" As each box is packed, use this app to detail the contents, and assign each box with a unique name or number. The room that the contents belong in can also be assigned. You can take photos of the items as they go into each box. Later, if need to find a specific item which is still not unpacked, you can simply search for that item and immediately identify the box you need to look in. Similarly, if you need to quickly remind yourself what is in each box, you can quickly view each box's content. Good for when you put boxes in long term storage and need documentation for insurance purposes. Cost: $1.99

Moving List

Moving List helps you plan and keep track of all the To Do items involved in a move. It has 95 pre-populated lists related to topics such as Movers (when to first contact them, remember to read the liability policy, etc), Packing (when to start packing electronics, etc). You can also add your own items if there is something not already on the list. For fun, there's a Packing Decider for when you can't make up your mind on whether to bring that favorite, but dilapidated armchair with you. Shake your iPhone and the app will give you the answer. Cost $2.99

Craigslist Pro

Craigs List Pro is handy for selling all those items that you've suddenly realized you don't want to take with you. And when you're in your new neighborhood, it's great for searching for items that you do need. It has all the features of Craiglist but also has a search function that keeps searching even when you are not on the app and alerts you of new matches. Cost $1.99

Search all Los Angeles homes for sale.

Eileen Walsh has a reputation for tough, yet fair, negotiation, and for facilitating real estate transactions to a successful close. She has earned the loyalty of repeat clients who rely on her for all of their real estate needs. Eileen's goals are to ensure Los Angeles real estate sellers that they receive top net dollar for their properties in the shortest amount of time and to help Los Angeles homebuyers find the property which best meets their objectives at the fairest price. 

Empowered with the appropriate people skills, market knowledge, deal-making track record and dedication to her clients, Eileen has shown that she is THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE to represent you in your next Los Angeles real estate transaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Los Angeles home, please call Eileen direct at 310-738-3807 or via email at eileenwalsh.realestate@gmail.com.

At least one fear was not realized amid last week’s stock market meltdown according to CNNMoney.com: the concern that mortgage rates would immediately shoot higher in response to Standard & Poor's downgrade of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored entities that are the 800-pound gorillas of the mortgage market. In fact, the initial response to Fannie and Freddie getting cut to AA+ from AAA was precisely the opposite. Mortgage rates were poised to continue declining.

Mortgage rates are set off of the interest rates on U.S. Treasury notes and bonds. Even though Standard & Poor's pulled its AAA rating of the United States, investors still rushed into U.S. Treasury securities as a safe haven, believing more in the "full faith and credit of the United States" than in the opinion of Standard & Poor's credit analysts. As investors snapped up Treasury notes and bonds they pushed down interest rates on those securities, which move inversely to prices.

Analysts warn the drop in interest rates may not last. If investment flows were to move back into stocks and out of bonds, interest rates on Treasury securities, and consequently mortgages, would rise. "Over the long-term, if the U.S. has to pay more in interest rates, consumer rates will likely go up," said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com.

For now, lower mortgage rates may offer only limited benefits to American consumers. Banks' lending standards have been tough recently, and consumers need the wherewithal to qualify for loans. That appears increasingly difficult as the economy continues to sputter.

Now take a look at how the Los Angeles real estate market performed in July.

Beverly Hills Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

Beverly Hills Post Office Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

Bel Air Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

Hollywood Hills East Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

Hollywood Hills West Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

West Hollywood Real Estate Sales Statistics - Single Family Homes

For the latest Los Angeles real estate market conditions visit our Blog at EileenWalshRealtor.com.

Search all Los Angeles homes for sale.

Eileen Walsh has a reputation for tough, yet fair, negotiation, and for facilitating real estate transactions to a successful close. She has earned the loyalty of repeat clients who rely on her for all of their real estate needs. Eileen's goals are to ensure Los Angeles real estate sellers that they receive top net dollar for their properties in the shortest amount of time and to help Los Angeles homebuyers find the property which best meets their objectives at the fairest price. 

Empowered with the appropriate people skills, market knowledge, deal-making track record and dedication to her clients, Eileen has shown that she is THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE to represent you in your next Los Angeles real estate transaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Los Angeles home, please call Eileen direct at 310-738-3807 or via email at eileenwalsh.realestate@gmail.com.