We have a contest going for our new listing on 2646 29th St Santa Monica in Sunset Park.  All you have to do is guess the final sales price and win this eco-friendly gift basket worth over $150 from Green Life on Main St.

Plus, you get a fabulous bottle of David Bruce wine, from your favorite real estate agent, WestsideDB.  (yeah, my name is David Bruce, “DB” and it’s shameless self promotion, but at least I’m honest about it)

This fabulous home was designed by the “Architect to the Stars” Peter Choate.  He sold it to Raymond Hansen, LA’s premier landscape architect who then sold it to the current owner.  Listed at $1,699,000 this Spanish Revival home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3 fireplaces, and about 2768 square feet.  Upon entering the gated compound, the lush greenery invites you in while the soothing water feature lets you know you are in the security of your lovely home.  The kitchen is an entertainer’s dream with loads of space and fine finishes.

Enjoy a glass of wine on the back veranda while listening to the bubbling water fountain complete with Koi and enjoy the efforts of Raymond Hanson’s handwork in the landscaping.

Feel miles away from it all and have the best that Santa Monica has to offer just outside your door.

I was out today looking at homes for sale and found this poor guy.  He is entering his golden years (he’s 50) and will need a home soon.  I believe he’s an African tortoise and he’s about two feet wide.

The owners have a short sale on their hands and will be unable to take him with them when they move.  Anyone have a good home for the guy?

Looking for a deal on a short sale?  I’ve got just the place.  And you get a free tortoise as well.

Check out this Santa Monica link for a completely free download of how to buy a home in Santa Monica or anywhere on the westside.  All you need to do is follow the link and put in your name.  One click and how to purchase a Santa Monica home or condo is demystified and explained in simple terms.  It’s really easy to read and super cool.

Have at it and let em know SamoLive sent you.

Here’s a sample:

I wish I could figure out how to spend a week in this place for sale.  I mean, I couldn’t bring myself to take a picture of the insides of this penthouse condo on the beach of Santa Monica (even though it was pretty excellent)…I was too taken by the views. After all, this Santa Monica condo for sale is the cream of the upper end of Santa Monica condos. 360 degree views of the ocean and mountains which are unparalleled in other homes I get to see every Tuesday on Caravan for real estate agents. 3100 sq feet of penthouse living with a 24 hour doorman here at 101 California Ave.

If you have the means, I would highly recommend checking this place out. If you can afford the 7.4 MM price tag and a home owners dues at $2025/month, then you should be enjoying some of the most incredible entertaining space and tranquility that Santa Monica has to offer.  If you can afford the price of admission, then the monthly shouldn’t be a problem.  Right?

You get to start here. With your own private key to the elevator that lands you in the hallway to the kitchen.

You can pretty much see something spectacular in every single space of the condo.

The exterior is covered in fake grass which lends itself to a luxurious setting and the expensive furniture didn’t hurt either. I mean, I was previewing this for clients, and all I wanted to do was just sit down and have a chat with whoever came by because this place was off the hook.

Can you imagine being in this tub with these views?  I’d like to rent this place for a night.  Or a week.  Or a lifetime.

Wouldn’t you?

A great primer on short sales and what’s happening in real estate on a national level.

The good folks over at YoVenice have a good write up on what’s happening this summer at the pier.  The line up is included.

http://www.yovenice.com/2010/06/10/twilight-dance-series-at-the-santa-monica-pier-schedule-2010/

If you want to be involved, here’s the place to do it!

June 1 — SMC Board of Trustees – 7 PM – Business Building, Rm. 117, 1900 Pico -                Agendas posted at: http://www.smc.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=544&B=1

June 3 and 18 – SMMUSD Board of Education – 5:30 PM – 1651 16th St. – Agendas posted at: http://www.smmusd.org/board/meetings.html

June 3 and 16 – Planning Commission – 6 PM – City Hall, 2nd floor, 1685 Main St. – The Planning Commission will continue its series of public hearings on the Draft Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) for 2010-2030 to take public input and make  recommendations to the City Council regarding adoption of the LUCE and certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report. Agendas posted at:  http://www01.smgov.net/planning/planningcomm/planningagendas.htm

June 4 — 5 PM — Deadline for submitting hard copy “comments” on the SMC 2010 Master Plan Update Draft Draft EIR – http://www.smc.edu/facilities_masterplan/

The plan includes demolishing and rebuilding the 3-story cement Corsair Stadium  bleachers on 16th St. between Pico Blvd. and Pearl St. – Hard copy comments must be received by Randal Lawson, Executive VP, Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405, by 5 PM.

June 6 – Urban Forest Task Force – 1 PM – Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

June 6 – Samohi Jazz Band concert – 3 to 6 PM – SM Bay Women’s Club – 1210 4th St.

June 8 – Last day of FAA departure flight path “test” – Complaints can be filed at
noise@smgov.net and 310-458-8692 until June 15.

June 8 and ___ – City Council – 6:45 PM – City Hall, 2nd floor, 1685 Main St. -  Agendas posted at: http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/

June 8 – Orchestra concert – 7 PM – John Adams Middle School

June 8 – Band “Pops” concert – 7 PM – Santa Monica High School

June 9 – Band concert 7 PM – John Adams Middle School

June 10 – FOSP Board/Membership meeting – 7 PM – Mt. Olive Church

June 10 – Choir concert – 7 PM – John Adams Middle School

June 11 – Spring Choral Concert – 7 PM – Senior Gala Concert – 7 PM -
Santa Monica High School

June 15 – Deadline to apply for appointment to City Boards and Commissions -
http://www01.smgov.net/cityclerk/boards/

June 19 – Neighborhood Council – 10 AM – Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St. -
All Santa Monica residents welcome to attend.

June 19 – Juneteenth Celebration – 12 noon to 5 PM – Virginia Avenue Park

June 19 – Green Living Workshop series begins – 2 PM – Mt. Olive Church,
1343 Ocean Park Blvd. – www.SustainableWorks.org

June 28 — Airport Commission – 7:30 PM – City Hall 2nd floor, 1685 Main St. -Agenda:  http://www.smgov.net/Departments/Airport/Airport_Commission/Airport_Commission.aspx

July 21 — SMC Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee – oversees spending from
Measure U, Measure S, and Measure AA, and meets quarterly. The next
meeting, which must be open to the public, will be on July 21 at 8 AM
“at a Santa Monica College location,” according to SMC Board of Trustees
minutes. This group oversees expenditure of $590 million in bond funds.

Watching the real estate market here in Santa Monica is kind of like watching a slug make its way across the street. You gotta be patient because you might miss something. And then there are those times where you gotta sprint to the finish line because timing is everything. Let’s look at the monthly data for single family homes.

Santa Monica homes for sale April 2010

Overall, it looks like we are starting to gain some momentum – more homes sold in April than the preceding months and more are in a backup position setting the tone for May.

Demand is consistently up while supply is rising as well.

The Santa Monica real estate market is a fairly unpredictable thing on a micro level.  You never know how a local or global event or market incident might alter an owner’s decision to sell their home.  A Realtor I know likes to say its an “efficient machine” meaning it takes care of itself and becomes efficient as buyers and sellers determine the market and what is truly market value.  After all, a home or anything else for that matter is only worth what one person is willing to pay for it.  Let’s look at 512 Georgina.

Did you see this house?  The asking price of 3.1 Million however set me in a better mood.  This place is an amazing home.  Incredible street and location and ungodly amounts of square footage – a finished basement and attic.  Where did it end up? 4 Million.  25% over asking.  Now that is how you sell a house.  Listing agents are friends of mine – Amanda Contreras and James Anderson with Keller Williams Santa Monica.

Apparently 13 people were sprinting for the finish line and competing for this home.  And what matters at the end of the day is that one lucky person gets to live in a beautiful city and in an incredible home.  Santa Monica.  Where else?

I have an incredible broker who gives lots of free advice.  If you know of someone who is considering a short sale or is concerned about selling their home, this free seminar in Santa Monica is just for them.  All they have to do is register.

On April 22, 2010 Marty Mead, Broker of Record at Keller Williams Santa Monica will be a panelist at a “Town Hall” for distressed property owners, where they can learn from a panel consisting of an attorney, a CPA, a loan officer, a broker of record for a real estate office, and a short sale negotiator (ALM – Access Loss Mitigation) about the various options available to them.

The idea is to provide a one-stop location where homeowners who are considering listing their homes as a short sale can hear (and mull over) a number of the issues that similar owners face (and where they can ask questions directly of the panelists).

The Town Hall will be April 22, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. at the Santa Monica Main Public Library on Santa Monica & 6th in the Martin Luther King Meeting Room.

The room capacity is only 75, so please be sure to RSVP to Mike Ferrantino of Access Loss Mitigation at mferrantino@accesslossmitigation.com or 877-256-5450 ext. 553 if you or your clients are planning to attend.  Admission will be limited to the first 75 responses.

I am happy to say I work with a great company who gives back to the community.  If you are able to donate some food to support our cause, please let us know.

In connection with RED Day, Keller Williams Santa Monica & Pacific Palisades are holding a food drive to support the Westside Food Bank & Safe Haven (a community model for chronically homeless individuals).  The food drive begins TODAY and ends on May 13th.  We would appreciate your support.

You can drop off your donation at the Keller Williams Community Event on Thursday, May 13, 2010 between the hours of noon and 3pm at Clover Park on Ocean Park Blvd near 28th street.  Pizza Fusion has generously donated a free lunch.  Additionally, you will receive an eco-friendly grocery bag.

You can also drop off your donation to the Keller Williams Santa Monica office Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm between now and May 13th.
2801 Ocean Park Blvd Suite 140
Santa Monica, CA 90405

If you are unable to drop off and attend the event, please call 424-229-1626 to arrange for a Keller Williams agent to pick up your donation.

Your help is vitally important.  Visit the organization websites at
http://www.westsidefoodbankca.org
http://www.opcc.net/OurProjects/SafeHaven/tabid/115/Default.aspx

http://www.kw.com/kw/RedDay.html

Thank you for your support,

Sincerely,
Keller Williams Santa Monica & Pacific Palisades

What is Keller Williams RED Day?
RED (Renew, Energize, and Donate) Day is a Keller Williams Realty service initiative dedicated to improving our local communities.  All Keller Williams Realty associate in the US and Canada donate their time on May 13, 2010 to renewing and energizing aspects of their local communities.  RED Day is one of the single biggest events ever undertaken int he real estate industry that we consider a great chance to make a difference in our community in an effort to help out less fortunate neighbors.

How can you help?
Much needed food items include:
Canned protein such as tuna, sardines, stew, soups
Peanut butter and jelly
Canned fruits and vegetables
Fruit juices
Beans, rice, pasta
Personal care items including lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

Last Month’s Santa Monica homes for sale stats show some interesting activity.  1 in 3 homes sold last month and almost half are pending while still, very little inventory exists on the market.  This data is for all of Santa Monica, including the luxury market North and South of Montana.  If you are interested in what’s happening in your own local market, say Ocean Park or Stewart Park, give me a call and let me know what kind of data you are looking for.  Try that call button on the right or just email us through the contact form.

For February stats for homes for sale and January’s too

I was doorknocking the neighborhood for clients of mine who are looking to buy in Sunset Park and found this sign on the front door.

Guess this address and win a Starbucks card

While I completely empathize and respect their wishes, I thought it would be fun to see if anyone knew this house, especially since it won’t involve paper on their doorstep and sales persons since its obvious that’s what they are looking to avoid.  If you can name the address in the comments, I’ll mail you a Starbucks card.

Look for more contests soon.

Spring at the Beach House

Spring is here! Celebrate the warmer weather and longer days by spending the day at the pool, or by jumping into a dance workshop with our Artist in Residence choreographer Holly Rothschild.

Spring Break Splash!
The pool will be open
Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 2, 3, 4 from 11am-3pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 8, 9, 10 from 11am-3pm
Admission prices: $10 for Adults
$5 for Seniors, aged 60+
$4 for Youth age 1-17
$24 Family Pass (two Adults and
two Youths)
All members of your party must be present when purchasing pool passes. Passes are not available for advance purchase.
Dates and times may change due to weather conditions.

Check out more information at http://www.annenbergbeachhouse.com

And be sure to read my blog post about how fun Annenberg can be with the kids.

From our Friends of Sunset Park:

Calendar for April

March 27 to April 11 — “A Wrinkle in Time,” based on the children’s book
by Madeleine L’Engle – Morgan-Wixson Theatre – 2627 Pico -
Saturdays at 2 PM, Sundays at 11 AM
****************************************************************************************
March 29 — Resource Recovery Center – Public Meeting to update the community -
City staff and the consultant team, along with representatives from
Southern California Disposal and Allan Company will provide an update
on the public/private partnership and improvements to the Transfer Station
and Recycling Facility at 2401 Delaware, located near Pico neighborhood
residents in the Mountain View Mobile Home Park.
Virginia Avenue Park – 7 PM
**********************************************************************************************
March 31 to April 28 – Financial Literacy for Women – Santa Monica YWCA -
www.smywca.org
***********************************************************************************************
April 1 — National Census Day – Fill it out, mail it in! – http://2010.census.gov/2010census/
As of March 26, the participate rate in Sunset Park was only 21-40%.
**********************************************************************************************************
April 1, 8, 15, 22 — What’s New this Week? – Fairview Library – 1 PM
************************************************************************************
April 2, 23, and 30 — “The Night Sky” – Planetarium, 2nd floor, Drescher Hall,
Santa Monica College – www.smc.edu/planetarium
***************************************************************************************
April 3 — 18th Annual Peter Rabbit Day — Easter egg hunt, games,
egg coloring – Douglas Park – 9 to 12 noon
************************************************************************************
April 3 — LEGO Club – ages 4 and up — Fairview Library – 3 PM
************************************************************************************
April 5, 12, 19, 26 — Bridge & SCRABBLE – age 50+ – Fairview Library – 1 PM
*****************************************************************************************
April 6, 13, 20, 27 — Write-Away – Support for writers – Fairview Library – 12 PM
*********************************************************************************************
April 6 — SMC Board of Trustees – 7 PM – Business Building, Rm. 117
1900 Pico Blvd. – Agendas posted at www.smc.edu
********************************************************************************************
April 7 — Planning Commission – 7 PM – City Hall -
http://www01.smgov.net/planning/planningcomm/planningagendas.htm
*********************************************************************************************
April 8 — FOSP Board/Membership Meeting – 7 PM
Mt. Olive Church, 14h & Ocean Park Blvd.
www.FriendsofSunsetPark.org
***********************************************************************************************
April 10 and 24 — Fairview Knitters – Fairview Library – 11 AM
********************************************************************************************
April 13 — City Council – City Hall – 6:45 PM -
http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/
********************************************************************************************
April 14, 22, 26, 27 — SMMUSD Board of Education -
http://www.smmusd.org/board/meetings.html
*******************************************************************************
April 15 — Orchestra concert – Santa Monica High School – 7 PM
***************************************************************************************
April 16 — Heal the Bay’s Earth Day Beach Clean Up – 10 AM to 12 Noon
****************************************************************************************
April 17 — Neighborhood Council — 10 AM — Ken Edwards Center –
All Santa Monica residents are welcome to attend. www.sm4residents.net
***************************************************************************************
April 17 — Teen Writers Workshop – Grades 6-9 – Fairview Library – 1 PM
***************************************************************************************
April 18 — Redcat International Children’s Film Festival – 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM
SMC Performing Arts Center – 11th and Santa Monica Blvd.
***********************************************************************************************
April 20 – Westside Subway update – 6 to 8 PM – Main Library
***********************************************************************************************
April 20 — Band concert – Santa Monica High School – 7 PM
***************************************************************************************
April 21 — Planning Commission – 7 PM – City Hall -
http://www01.smgov.net/planning/planningcomm/planningagendas.htm
*********************************************************************************************
April 24 – “Women Shine in Santa Monica” – Commission on the Status of Women -
8:30 AM to 12 noon – Ken Edwards Center – RSVP by 4/16 to 458-8701
or to HumanServices.mailbox@smgov.net/hsd/cosw – More info at
www.smgov.net/hsd/cosw
*********************************************************************************************
April 26 — Airport Commission – 7:30 PM – City Hall -
http://www.smgov.net/departments/airport/ -
Click on “Airport Commission” for the agenda.
**********************************************************************************************
April 27 — City Council – 6:45 PM – City Hall – Agendas posted at:
http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/
**********************************************************************************************
April 27 — Choir concert – Santa Monica High School – 7 PM

I smell opportunity.  Whenever I see homes like these two, I know that someone with an ounce of smarts and know-how can turn these traditional Sunset Park homes into a gem.  Real estate for sale in Santa Monica can have all sorts of flavors – and these two need some love to bring them to glory.  And look at the pricing!  749K and 699K – this is truly the low end of single family Santa Monica real estate for sale and an entry level starter home or potential flip for someone.  Let me know if you would like to see these homes and if you want more information.

$699,000 Santa Monica Sunset Park Traditional for sale

$749,000 Santa Monica Sunset Park Traditional for sale

Both of these are on 6750 ft lots and in amazing neighborhoods, not to mention both are in different school districts – 699K is in Grant and 749K is in Will Rogers.  And both need work.  Did I mention that?

If you take into consideration that FHA financing’s loan amount is capped at $729,750, with 3.5% down, these homes are attainable through FHA.  Granted, you may have to do a 203K construction loan on them due to current conditions, and it gives you an “in” to great school districts and a lifestyle that for many is the lifestyle they will never leave.

Need an FHA primer?  Call me using the widget on the right – Google will connect you for free.   Or you can check out WestsideDB’s post about FHA financing.

Are you thinking about buying a home or selling a home?  Let WestsideDB know how he can assist you in finding great deals like these two.  Have a general question?  We’re here for that too.  See you in the neighborhood.

Santa Monica Welcomes the LA Marathon!

Santa Monica Welcomes the LA Marathon

This Sunday, March 21, approximately 25,000 runners will race on the world-premiere course through four cities and past dozens of  Los Angeles landmarks before finally heading through Santa Monica on the way to a finish line that’s just steps from the Santa Monica Pier and beach.  The new “Stadium to the Sea” course enters Santa Monica at San Vicente Blvd. and 26th Street. The course will continue west on San Vicente Blvd. and turn south on Ocean Avenue, heading for the finish line at Ocean Avenue and Santa Monica Blvd.

The wheelchair/hand crank race will come through Santa Monica around 8:15 a.m., and the first runners are expected to cross into Santa Monica around 8:30 a.m.

During and after the race, residents and fans are welcome to enjoy the festivities planned in the parking lot north of the Santa Monica Pier.  The Finish Line Beach Party will feature live music, food and beverage, exhibitors and other interactive exhibits. Fans are welcome to come early to watch the race on the big screen video board.

Spectators are strongly encouraged to walk, bike or take public transportation to view the race. With family and friends of 25,000 runners plus spectators joining regular Sunday crowds, parking in the Downtown area will be extremely challenging at different points during the day. Use the city’s live parking information website www.smgov.net/parkingspacenow to monitor parking space availability.

FREE!  Bike Valet parking will be available in the 1550 Beach Lot (north of the Pier) and on Arizona Avenue just east of Ocean Avenue from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For the safety of race participants, residents and visitors, the race course is sealed from vehicles. Street closures will be in effect in Santa Monica and throughout Los Angeles along the length of the course. The City website, www.smgov.net/lamarathon, CityTV cable channel 16 and Radio KRSM-AM 1680 will be providing continuous information and updates on street closures starting at midnight on Sunday, March 21.  KTLA-TV 5 will carry the live broadcast of the race beginning at 7:00 a.m.

What streets will be closed and when?

Street closures will begin between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on March 21 and are expected to begin reopening at the east end of the city at 1:00 p.m. and be completely reopened by 3:00 p.m., at the sole discretion of the Santa Monica Police Department.

Ocean Avenue may be closed near the finish line until 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The westbound lanes of San Vicente Blvd. will be OPEN.  The eastbound lanes of San Vicente Blvd. will be CLOSED.

Ocean Avenue will be CLOSED to all vehicle travel between San Vicente Blvd. and Colorado Avenue; advanced signage will be installed to notify motorists of the roadway closure at Colorado Avenue.

Main Street will be closed between Pico Blvd. and Colorado Avenue during the morning pre-event loading period and until Santa Monica Police authorize a re-opening.  After that, the west side of Main Street between City Hall and the RAND building is a designated runner pick-up area – no parking or standing at any time will be allowed.

The California Incline will be CLOSED.

To access points SOUTH of San Vicente Blvd. from the north, we recommend using 7th Street or Ocean Avenue (northbound) to access the Pacific Coast Highway to travel southbound and access points south of San Vicente Blvd.  Remember, the WESTBOUND lanes of San Vicente Blvd. will be open.

To access points NORTH of San Vicente Blvd. from the south, the I-405 or Pacific Coast Highway is recommended as a means of crossing the race course.

If you have a Marathon-related issue on the day of the race, contact Ginger Williams, Director of Community Relations for the LA MARATHON at ginger@lamarathon.com, 310.271.7200 x103.

Normal service requests or complaints, including blocked driveways, noise or other non-life threatening safety issues, should be directed to the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491.

As always, call 9-1-1 in the event of a life-threatening emergency.  Also, please be aware that several news and public safety helicopters will be tracking the race and will be present in Santa Monica between approximately 8:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.  Please do not be alarmed by them – it just means the race is here!

The LA Marathon is a total community effort.  Hosting the finish line of the 25th annual LA Marathon is a great honor for the city, and we truly appreciate your cooperation and support.  We’d like to know how we can improve residents’ experience with this exciting event should we be asked to host it in future years.  Please send your comments to manager@smgov.net and ginger@lamarathon.com.

Much more marathon information is available at www.smgov.net/lamarathon!

I love Tuesdays.  I get to go and look at anywhere from 15 to 20 Santa Monica homes and condos for sale.  Even with such little inventory compared to last year, there’s plenty to see in 3 hours.  This Santa Monica Canyon listing really caught my eye mostly because of the opportunity it offers to a visionary buyer.  List price is just 899,000 for a 2 bedroom home built into the hill and with AN OCEAN VIEW.  Not to mention the Santa Monica Canyon as well.

Santa Monica Canyon view from the upstairs level

I counted 86 steps up to get to these views and granted, bringing in your groceries will keep you in shape (maybe you could install a gondola – be the first in Santa Monica to have one!)  This is definitely a Santa Monica fixer home.  The first level you come to has a narrow stairwell on the left, and two rooms off to the right – very odd flow to the house.  And of course, the upstairs has the amenities and an outside deck.  Bring your vision as you will undoubtedly need it.  Location, location, location.  For an address and viewing instructions, contact WestsideDB and mention the Santa Monica Canyon Deal.

Also on broker’s caravan was a Santa Monica Canyon listing on Entrada which appears to be a flip.  At just under 2 million, boasting 4 bedrooms and 3 bath, it has a particular sterile feel to me, however its just under 2700 square feet was impressive – $724 per foot.  It has the feel that neutral colors would be best to attract the broadest range of buyers, however, I really like it when a flipper or developer takes a stand and does something bold to make it stand out.  Like this last post – someone had a vision and took a chance.  I’m curious to see if it pans out.

Leave a comment – or let me know if you want to see anything that is currently on the market – or possibly off market properties as well.

My Realtor association is hosting a free event for anyone interested in buying a Santa Monica home for the first time.  Its at the Santa Monica Public Library on March 27th at 11am – 12:30pm.

Seating is limited, so please rsvp.  Call me if you want more information as well by clicking on the google “call me” icon on the right.  Here is the flyer:

FirstTimeHomeBuyersSeminar03-27-10

On broker’s caravan, I saw a spec home with a flavor that is so unique, I just had to blog about it.  Its a modern contemporary with a farmhouse feel for just under 4 million in the Santa Monica Canyon.  What a Santa Monica house for sale!  If you have the means, go and check it out.  Or call me with that widget on the right side of the page and I can tell you more about it.

Farmhouse meets modern chic

It is designed by architect Bob Easton from Montecito and has the most amazing ceilings that soar into light.  It also has an open floor plan with extensive wood details from reclaimed timbers.  Of course, the gourmet kitchen and fine details throughout.  Boasting 4000 ft of living space on a 7100 lot with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths.

Check out those beams!

If you have the means, I recommend checking this one out, as its truly a unique Santa Monica home for sale.

While keeping in mind February only has 28 days this year, the monthly stats for real estate sold and for sale in Santa Monica is pretty low.  Take a look at these numbers from the Multiple Listing Service:

So only 12 homes sold last month.  With 29 active, the market activity is off from last year.  Interestingly enough, days on market (the number of days on the market before being put into escrow) are 77!  Over two months to sell a home.  Granted, this is also all of Santa Monica, and different neighborhoods bring different prices and inventory.  Contact WestsideDB if you want more information about your neighborhood.

For a free search for properties in Santa Monica and the Westside of Los Angeles visit this awesome free page.

Yes, they are that cool

I was out meeting people in the neighborhood and found this incredible placard on someone’s house.  And you know what?

It made me want to get one too.  I have no idea what it takes to be a part of the nwf.org group – but I’m about to find out.

Any one know these folks or have some insight as to how to be a green, sustainable, open space, wildlife habitat loving homeowner in Santa Monica?  I would love to hear about it.

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs Committee met on Wednesday (Feb. 3), and some interesting information was presented. I’m on the committee, reprsenting Green Building Solutions, Inc., a Chamber member.

Sustainable Works (http://sustainableworks.org) coordinates Santa Monica’s Green Business Certification program and their residential greening program, as part of their mission to foster a climate of sustainability. They work with businesses to make feasible recommendations, and some businesses may be certified as green businesses. The residential program includes a free Green Living workshop that meets once a week for six weeks, and teaches Santa Monica residents about concepts of sustainability. See http://sustainableworks.org/resident.html.

I didn’t know that Santa Monica is working on a single use bag ordnance; the city already encourages use of reusable bags in various ways. Several cities have been working together on the required Environmental Impact Report, which should be completed by the end of this month.

And the City bans use of Styrofoam cups, although the police won’t come get you

CVS has a “GreenBagTag™” program: get a tag on your reusable bag, swipe it every time you buy at CVS, and $1 will be credited to you at every fourth use.

The Committee is working on adding a list of books on “green” topics to the monthly newsletter, and starting a series of talks on environmentally oriented subjects that would be recorded and put onto the Chamber website for the public to enjoy at their leisure.

Lots of good stuff going on through the Chamber Environmental Affairs committee. We did a beach cleanup last fall, and a cleaning of Main Street is coming up April 3 from 8AM to 12 PM; to participate, just show up.

Calendar for February:

Friends of Sunset Park — Board/Membership meetings — Feb 11, Mar 11, April 8, May 13

February 1 — Bridge & Scrabble — Mondays, 1 to 3 — Fairview Library — 21st & OPB

February 2 — “Write-Away” — Tuesdays, 12 to 2:30 — Fairview Library

February 2 — SMC Board of Trustees — 7 PM – Business Building, Rm. 117, 1900 Pico –
Agenda: http://www.smc.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=544&B=1

February 3 — Youth & Family Chess Club — Tuesdays, 3 to 6 PM — location moved
from Fairview to the Ocean Park Branch Library, OPB & Main St.

February 3 — Planning Commission — 7 PM — City Hall — Paseo Nebraska development agreement
“float-up” — 5-story 58-ft high, 356,000 sq ft facility, with 545 residential units averaging
500 sq ft, 80,000 sq ft commercial, and 1,000 parking spaces, on Olympic Blvd. between
28th/Stewart & Centinela. Staff report for agenda item 7-A posted at
http://www01.smgov.net/Planning/PlanningComm/PlanningAgendas.htm. Email comments
for the Public Record to Roxanne.Tanemori@smgov.net and Kyle.Ferstead@smgov.net

February 4 — “What’s New this Week?” moderated by Jack Nordhaus — Wednesdays, 1 to 2:30 PM –
Fairview Library

February 6, 7, 13, 14 — William Steig’s “The Amazing Bone!” – A musical pig tale for kids 4 to 104 –
Saturdays & Sundays at 11 AM — 2627 Pico Blvd. — www.morgan-wixson.com

February 9 — City Council — 6:45 PM — City Hall — Item 3-A: Study Session on the LUCE
Environmental Impact Report (posted online at http://www.shapethefuture2025.org) –
Agenda: http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/

February 10 — S.M. Planning Commission — 7 PM — City Hall –
Draft LUCE Environmental Impact Report — Study Session.

February 11 — L.A. Planning Commission — Bundy Village & Medical Park — Development on
Olympic & Centinela, wrapping around Martin Cadillac to Bundy — 1.3 million sq ft;
12 stories high; 20,073 new daily car trips, impacting many intersections
in Sunset Park. Phone L.A. Councilman Bill Rosendahl at 310-575-8461 to comment,
and/or email Councilman.Rosendahl@lacity.org , Luciralia.Ibarra@lacity.org
(L.A. Planning Department), and info@BrentwoodCommunityCouncil.org
(www.StopBundyVillage.com)  — refer to “Bundy Village, Case No. VTT-66732-CN-DB-GB”
Draft EIR: www.CityPlanning.LACity.org/EIR/BundyVillage/DEIR/Index.html

February 11 — FOSP Board/Membership meeting — 7 PM — Mt. Olive Church,
14th & Ocean Park Blvd. — www.FriendsofSunsetPark.org — Updates on S.M. Airport
(City of Santa Monica vs. FAA), Big Blue Bus (fares tripling for seniors/disabled),
Crime/Safety (NRO Artis Williams out of the office due to injury), SMMUSD
(parcel tax on May 25th ballot), Development agreement “float-ups” — Agensys,
Bergamot Village, Paseo Nebraska, Roberts Business Center, 2834 Colorado,
plus Bundy Village & Medical Park, New Roads School expansion, SMC Academy
of Entertainment & Technology expansion — 3.3 million square feet of
development being planned directly north of Sunset Park –
Draft LUCE Environmental Impact Report.

February 11 — LA Chamber Orchestra — 7 PM — SMC Performing Arts Center — Broad Stage –
11th & Santa Monica Blvd.

February 13 — Resume Assistance — 10 AM — Fairview Library (Call for appointment: 310-458-8681)

February 13 — Literature Book Group — monthly — 11 AM — Fairview Library — Things Fall Apart

February 14 — Musica Angelica — 4 PM — SMC Performing Arts Center — Broad Stage –
11th & Santa Monica Blvd.

February 16 — 1st day of spring semester at SMC! — traffic & parking alert!

February 17 — Planning Commission — 7 PM — City Hall — Public hearing for a Development Agreement
“float up” for Agensys, Inc. – 1800 Stewart/28th — 153,000 sq ft with 300 parking spaces.
Email comments to Planner Brad.Misner@smgov.net and Planning Commission Secretary
Kyle.Ferstead@smgov.net
Agenda: http://www01.smgov.net/planning/commission/agendas/pc2010/index.htm

February 18, 19, 20, 26, 27 — “Rent” — Santa Monica High School — http://www.SamohiTheatre.org

February 18 — SMMUSD Board of Education — 5:30 PM — District Office, 1651 16th St. –
www.smmusd.org

February 20 — Neighborhood Council — 10 to 12:30 PM — Ken Edwards Center — www.sm4residents.net

February 20 — SMC Board of Trustees — Winter Study Session — www.smc.edu

February 20 — “Citywide Reads” — 1:30 PM — Main Library — Little Bee — author Chris Cleave –
www.smpl.org

February 22 — Airport Commission — 7:30 PM — City Hall — Annual Environmental Workshop –
Agenda: http://www01.smgov.net/airport/

February 23 — City Council — 6:45 PM — Agenda: http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/

February 27 — “Citywide Reads” — 11 AM — Fairview Library — Little Bee — www.smpl.org

March 2 — SMC Board of Trustees — 7 PM — Business Building, 1900 Pico — www.smc.edu

Do numbers baffle you?  Its my job to look at numbers and make sense of the real estate market in Santa Monica.  After all, my clients depend on me for trends, analysis, and letting them know of a great deal when it becomes available (or maybe even before it comes to market).  Here are the condo and single family home stats for January 2010.  We can see that inventory is still tight and I suspect that it will start to grow in the coming months as spring is upon us.  Plenty of overpriced listings are still sitting on the market unsold as well.

Condos for sale in Santa Monica

Single Family Homes for sale in Santa Monica

I do love that homes sold are withing 93 to 95 percent of the original list price.  This tells us that sellers who are realistic and really want to sell their homes are doing so and in just a little over 2 months time.  And of course, there are the tired expired listings.  Which one would you rather be?  And which one would you rather buy?  Check out the stuff on the right of the page for more information.

We make real estate fun because we are always

Working Hard So You Don’t Have To.

Are you one of the fortunate ones who can get a loan with FHA?  Well, after April 5^th 2010 the times they are a-changing as the song goes.  The window of opportunity is shrinking on current conditions.

The Federal Housing Administration is making a few changes to its guidelines and if you are an FHA buyer, it will affect your purchasing ability.

Increase in Upfront Premiums for FHA Mortgage Insurance

FHA loans with a case number assigned on or after April 5, 2010, will have a 2.25% upfront mortgage insurance premium. This is a .5% increase. Case numbers are generally assigned when there is a contract with a property address, and a closing date AND the borrower has committed to go forward with the loan.

Please go to http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/letters/mortgagee/files/10-02ml.pdf. for more information.

Other changes include:

New borrowers will now be required to have a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for FHA’s 3.5% down payment program. Borrowers with less than a 580 FICO score will be required to put at least 10% down.
NOTE: Most lenders will not make loans to borrowers with FICO scores lower than 620.

Seller concessions will be reduced from 6% to 3%. HUD has not yet released an effective date for this change.

Currently, to my knowledge, there are two Santa Monica Condominium buildings that are FHA approved.  I have a pocket listing in both of them – one for $380k and another at $550K.  If you are interested in hearing about them, please call me (up there on the right – click the button to call with Google) and I can tell you more.

If you are a single family home buyer in Santa Monica, you are hard pressed to find something that will conform to the loan limit of $729,750 – And there are some gems out there.  Santa Monica homes for sale can be found using the buttons on the side of the page – all for free!

A good friend of mine has been working with this organization for awhile now.  Its a perfect opportunity to learn more about how you can be connected to your community as well as be a part of family wellness.  Check it out and tell them DB sent ya!

I just read about this new site where you can report about leaf blowers in Santa Monica (after all, the gas powered polluting kind are illegal).

The Santa Monica Daily Press wrote about it and you can check out the site for yourself at http://stopleafblowers.com/

Appropriated from the stopleafblowers site

I once knew a guy who owned a gas powered leaf blower who made a lot of extra cash when he was down and out on his luck.  He’d drive around Hollywood looking for film shoots in neighborhoods and crank the sucker up just when the film crew would start to roll film (horrible for recording sound).  Fifty bucks from the Production Manager would make him go away until he started to be recognized and film crews started calling the cops.  I guess people are innovative when they want to get something done, just like the creator of this website.

Drop a comment and let us know what you think!

The City of Santa Monica Solid Waste Division is offering free Christmas tree recycling for the entire month of January.

Residents with curbside recycling service may place their cut-up tree in their yard waste collection container.  Please remove tinsel, ornaments, and stands from the tree.

It is unlawful and a fire hazard to leave trees at the curb or in the alleys.  Please carry on the tradition and recycle your Christmas tree, using one of these convenient alternatives:

**********************************************************************************************************************

Santa Monica drop-off services at these parks:

Douglas Park – Chelsea & Wilshire
Reed Park – Lincoln & California
Los Amigos Park – 5th & Hollister
Clover Park – 25th & Ocean Park

OR you can bring it here:

Santa Monica Refuse & Recycling Transfer Station:

Throughout January, Santa Monica residents may drop off trees free of charge at
the City’s Refuse & Recycling Transfer Station

2401 Delaware Ave.

Monday to Saturday — 6 AM to 2 PM

We’re back!  After a little holiday hiatus, samolive is back in full swing.  Here’s the calendar of activities sent to us by our friends over at Friends of Sunset Park:

Calendar for January

Friends of Sunset Park Board/Membership meetings – Jan 14, Feb 11, Mar 11, April 8, May 13

January 4 — SMMUSD Board of Ed – 5:30 PM – Special meeting re Race to the Top – www.smmusd.org <http://www.smmusd.org/>

January 6 — Planning Commission – 7:00 PM – City Hall -
- Agenda item 3 — LUCE study session
- Agenda item 8-B — Text Amendment (TA) 09-003, LOCATION: C2 Zoning District. A request to amend the Santa Monica Municipal Code (Article 9 – Zoning) to allow the reestablishment of a prior non-conforming ground floor office use that has become conforming due to occupancy by a charitable, youth or welfare organization. As an alternative to amending the specific Code section (SMMC 9.04.18.030: Legal, Non-Conforming Uses) requested by the applicant, the Planning Commission will also consider modifying other Code sections that could achieve the applicant’s objectives in filing this request.  [Planner: Liz Bar-El, AICP] APPLICANT: Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, 2525 Ocean Park Boulevard.

January 8, 15, 22, 29 — Night Sky Show – 7 PM – SMC Drescher Planetarium – 310-434-3000

January 12 — City Council – 6:45 PM – City Hall – http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/

January 12 – SMC Board of Trustees – 7 PM – Business Building, Rm. 117 – 1900 Pico – www.smc.edu <http://www.smc.edu/>

January 13 — Commission on the Status of Women – 7 PM – Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St.

January 14 — SMMUSD Board of Ed – 5:30 PM – regular meeting – District Office – 1651 16th St.

January 14 — FOSP Board/Membership meeting – 7 PM – Big Blue Bus (bus stop
redevelopment and branding) – Mt. Olive Church, 14th & Ocean Park Blvd.

January 15 — Band concert – 7 PM – Santa Monica High School, Barnum Hall

January 16 — Neighborhood Council – 10 AM – Ken Edwards Center – 1527 4th St.

January 17 — Santa Monica Symphony Family Concert – 3:30 PM – SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire – music by Mussorsky (Night on Bald Mountain), Stravinsky (Firebird Suite), Vaughan Williams (Tuba Concerto)

January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration – 9 AM – SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire

January 18 — Arts Commission – 6:30 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 18 — Task Force on the Environment – 7 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 19 — Jazz band concert – 7 PM – Santa Monica High School, Barnum Hall

January 20 – Planning Commission – 7 PM – City Hall

January 21 — Housing Commission – 4:30 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 21 — Recreation & Parks Commission – 7:30 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 24 — USC Symphony with cellist Alisa Wellerstein – 4 PM – SMC Broad Stage -
11th & Santa Monica Blvd.

January 25 — Big Blue Bus community meeting – 6 to 8 PM – Fairview Library – discuss bus stop redevelopment, fare restructure proposal, Tide Ride redevelopment, web site redevelopment, new hybrid buses. http://www.BigBlueBus.com/meetings/community-meetings.html

January 25 — Social Services Commission – 7 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 25 — Airport Commission – 7:30 PM – City Hall – agenda at www.SantaMonicaAirport.org <http://www.santamonicaairport.org/> , click on “SMAC Meeting Agenda”

January 26 — City Council – 6:45 PM – Set budget priorities for FY 2010-11 – Use the online suggestion form at http://www.smgov.net/departments/cmo/BudgetSuggestForm.aspx or email suggestions to budget@smgov.net

January 27 — Commission for the Senior Community – 1:30 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 30 — Big Blue Bus community meeting – 2 to 4 PM – Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. – (repeat of January 25th meeting – see above)