April Newsletter

RODEO REALTY JOURNAL

local expertise, global presence.

APRIL 2013

April 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. RODEO REALTY Welcomes New Agents 2. RODEO REALTY Market update 4/12 3-4 Awards Luncheon 5-8 HOT PROPERTIES IN THE PRESS 9. HOT SALES 10. Agent Appreciation Letters 11. Beverly Hills HOME Project 12. Advanced Training Classes

INDEX

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RODEO REALTY

Welcomes You

Beverly Hills Calabasas Marlene Fritz Kourosh Izadpanahi Brett Thomas Hovsep Dovlatian Oren Soffer Stacy Halfon

Woodland Hills Westlake Village Jennifer Ragland

Brentwood Studio City Mitra Yaghoobian Karen Gibbs Amanda Contreras Penny Townsend Richard Benavides Oxana Davydova

Sherman Oaks Sunset Strip Rex Ward James Cook Dana Williams Polina Chmyreva

Encino Northridge Beverly Alvarez Angela Panameno Scott Daniels

Thank you for the confidence you have entrusted in me and my team.

Welcome to the Rodeo Realty family -- Syd Leibovitch

MARKET UPDATE 4/12

Interest rates dropped again this week nearing all time lows on disappointing economic news.

Although the DOW finished up again for the week it was reported that retail sales showed the largest decline in six months in March. Consumer prices also dropped showing no inflation in March, mostly due to a 6.8% drop in gas prices. This was good news for interest rates which rise upon signs of inflation. Talk of the Fed cutting back on buying mortgage securities was nonexistent this week after 2 weeks of worse than expected economic numbers. Once again, the most positive economic results came from the real estate and construction sectors. This is no surprise to us as we continue to see a “red hot” real estate market.

Inventory levels are finally beginning to show some signs of rising as we are seeing an uptick in listings coming on the market. We are seeing more listings in all of our markets and in all price ranges. Perhaps people are feeling that they finally have enough equity to sell! I can’t talk about the economy or real estate market without mentioning that both property tax, federal and state income tax were due this week! We usually see a lull as consumers pull back for a few weeks at this time of year after paying their taxes. It doesn’t look like we will see much effect this year at least with Real Estate sales.

Average rates on fixed mortgages fell sharply this week and moved closer to historic lows. The average rate for 30-year fixed loans fell to 3.43% from 3.54% last week—lowest level since January. That’s near the 3.31% reached in November, which was the lowest on records dating to 1971.

The average rate on 15-year fixed mortgages dipped to 2.65% from 2.74% last week. That’s slightly above the record low of 2.63%, reached in November. The 15-year fixed rate has remained below 3 percent for nearly a year, last year at this time the rate was 3.11%.

Mortgage rates have been low because they tend to track the yield on 10-year Treasury notes. The yield has fallen in recent weeks and went as low as 1.71% April 5, after a weak report on March hiring drove investors to seek the safety of a U.S. Treasury bonds. When demand rises, bond yields fall. This week hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages also declined. The average rate on a oneyear adjustable-rate mortgage edged down to 2.62% from 2.63% last week. The fee for one-year adjustable-rate loans slipped to 0.3 point from 0.4. The average rate on a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage fell to 2.62% from 2.65%--lowest level since January. The fee held at 0.5 point. As mortgage rates edged down the week, mortgage applications increased.

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2012 TOP AGENT AWARDS LUNCHEON

2012 TOP AGENT AWARDS LUNCHEON

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HOT PROPERTIES

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GOT A HOT PROPERTY with celebrity credentials?

Contact Rodeo Realty’s publicist.

Joe Babajian holds a new listing in Bel Air. Home to model and actress, Cheryl Tiegs. This Balinese inspired resort estate is located through the prestigious East Gate in prime Bel Air. Situated on approximately 1.43 acres, the property sits behind gates with a long driveway that opens into a large motor court. The one story home, designed by famed interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, is on a promontory offering panoramic city views. The public rooms are arranged in an open floor plan under a soaring ceiling and main pavilion. A spacious chef ’s eat-in kitchen and wine cellar are also featured. The private and lushly landscaped grounds feature a private pool, guest house and bath, meandering pathways, fountains and beautiful views of the city.

Josh Flagg holds a stunning new construction located in Lobo Highlands area of Agoura Hills. The homes boasts 4 bed/4 bath, wood burning fireplace and beautiful 360 degree views of the surrounding canyon and mountains.

On over 15 acres, this stunning property is perfect for a vineyard or horse property. With a wine tasting room, theater room and private office this estate is the perfect secluded property with unbelievable views.

Josh Flagg holds the listing for one of Bel Air’s legendary homes, The Merv Griffin Estate at 3051 Antelo View Dr has been owned by everyone from Albert Brooks to Polly Bergen, and is now available again for you! Set on over 2 acres and with more than 1 acre flat, this majestic estate is reminiscent of an old movie star’s playground. The property features a giant motor court, swimming pool, lush trees and a championship tennis court that hosted Merv Griffin’s legendary tennis matches. The lovely 5,100 square foot home features 3 bedrooms plus a master sitting room as well as a maids quarters. The layout of the house is superb and the 20 foot ceilings only add to the grandeur of this magnificent home. This site on the famous celebrity studded Antelo is perfect for any one who wants to make a statement.

HOT PROPERTIES

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Joe Babajian represents a new property for actress and model Mischa Barton. They are looking for a new tenant for her gated Beverly Hills Crest-area compound listed at $35,000 a month. The main house and three separate guest quarters have six fireplaces, eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and 9,800 square feet of living space. The 1.2 acres include a swimming pool and spa.

Barton, 27, starred in “The Beautiful Life” (2009) and “The O.C.” (2003-06). Her films include “Don’t Fade Away” (2010), “The Sibling” (2012) and the upcoming drama “Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain.”

Michelle Weiss of Studio City has a new listing in Tarzana. A beautiful Ranch Style Home, formerly owned

by NFL Hall of Fame star, Gale Sayers. This lovely 4bed/3bath home features a huge Master Suite with closets for two, a master bath with granite vanity, tile floors, spa shower & clawfoot tub. Walk out from the master to patio, pool & hot tub. This home has great flow, perfect for entertaining. Rustic, cozy, inviting, with tremendous charm and warmth.

Joe Babajian and Judy Cycon hold a famed Beverly Hills listing. This landmark Spanish Colonial Revival estate was originally built in 1927 by architect Harry E. Werner. It was built for George and Freda Kolb and later owned by the actor James Coburn and also by a relative of the Sultan of Brunei. The property has undergone a painstaking restoration and remodel by the legendary architects/designers Tim Morrison and Tom Proctor.

The property is located north of Sunset Blvd. and the famed Beverly Hills Hotel and is sited on close to 1 3/4 acres on an extraordinary promontory with wonderful views of the City. This 14,000 sq/ft estate is listed for $38 million.

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HOT PROPERTIES

Desriee Zuckerman represented both sides in the transaction for this Woodland Hills estate which was purchased

by Karina Smirnoff, the seasoned Dancing with the Stars dancer.

Pat Phillips is representing comedian, Kevin Hart’s tuscan estate located in Encino. This luxurious estate is a custombuilt, walled & gated Tuscan estate with every amenity for a luxury lifestyle. See it on TV on “Real Husbands of Hollywood”. The list price for sale is $3.5 million. The list price for lease is $18,000/mo. for a 1-year or more lease. For a shorter term, the lease list price is $25,000.

HOT PROPERTIES Harry Kapukchyan has listed a majestic gated mediterranean estate in Studio City. Located on a cul-de-sac with mind blowing dramatic city, mountain and valley views from almost every room. Large open Formal Living Room with 23ft Ceiling, Grand Dining Room, Granite floors in Main Floor and Kitchen. Features a Lush Split Staircase leading to the upstairs. Master Bedroom is fit for a Royal Experience with a large walk-in closet, private balcony and huge on-suite with Jacuzzi Tube, standing shower and powder area. This home has 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, custom built kitchen with breakfast nook, professional grade appliances and granite counter-tops, 3 car garage and 6500+ sq ft of living space. Listed for sale $3.199 million.

Myra Haklili of the Studio City office holds a new stunning listing. Resting on 5+ acres promontory with amazing views of the Valley. This beautiful estate perched on the hillside is located at the end of a gated private drive, this magnificent celebrity-style estate provides the ultimate in luxury surrounded by breathtaking 360 degree panoramic views. This listing was just featured in Wall Street Journal’s International Real Estate “Home of the day” feature. The estate is listed for $3.98 million.

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HOT SALES Cynthia Land and Robert Leighton just sold 1119 CORONADO TERRACE, in Silverlake for $874,000.

The seller was International Actor JUAN FERNANDEZ. Fernandez, born in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, is leaving LA to return to his birth place.

Juan is best known for his roles as the “bad guy” in starring roles in over 30 films. Some of his most recognizable roles are in the films ‘THE COLLECTOR”, “SALOME”,” FEAR CITY”,” CROCODILE DUNDEE 2”, “ARACHNAPHOBIA”,” LA TAKEDOWN”, and “LIQUID DREAMS.”

Ted Fleming and Peter Maurice’s iconic Hollywood estate just sold for $2.1 Million. The house is famous for its film debut in A Nightmare on Elm Street. This spectacular Traditional/Modernist Fusion in this 2 -story, Spaulding Square home. Situated mid-block on a picturesque tree-lined street, your buyers are greeted by a classic center hall floor plan, with formal rooms to the front of the home, and open-plan kitchen/family room to the rear, flowing to lovely pool, garden and full ‘guest house’ with kitchen and bath. Upstairs, 3 gracious bedrooms, including custom built-ins, designer closets and en suite baths, including master suite with floating spa tub and floor to ceiling tile, custom designed walk-in closet and so much more.

APPRECIATION LETTERS FROM CLIENTS

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Michelle Hirsch, Calabasas Michelle is a true professional. I cannot speak to her knowledge elsewhere in Los Angeles, but she is a TRUE EXPERT on the SF Valley. She’s incredible honest and forthright, so if she tells you she knows a different area that you are looking in, I’d believe it. She helped us buy our first house with a newborn baby. We ended up in the most kid-friendly, adorable neighborhood.

We never imagined we could afford to live in this neighborhood, and she really made it happen. We’ve been here 4 months now and have never been happier. She’s a tough negotiator and

always fought for us, despite dually representing us and the sellers. She replies to texts and answers calls on off hours, always within minutes (we tried not to do that to her a lot, but she never minded!). She was tireless and diligent about finding us the

best house for our family, despite the fact that she herself was selling a house that fit every specification (which we did end up

buying in the end). There were multiple offers on the house, but Michelle made sure it ended up in our hands. When Michelle says she’s going to make it happen, it happens! She’s certainly made our dreams come true.

FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE AGENT WINNERS The Five Star program, now entering its eleventh year, is the largest and most widely published award program in North America. Five Star Professional

conducts

market-specific

research

throughout

the

U.S.

and

Canada to identify service professionals who provide quality services to their clients. Research results undergo a thorough regulatory review.

Five Star Professional joins forces with city and regional magazines to make the research results available to consumers in more than 45 markets across the United States and Canada. Congrats to our agents who were selected for this award!

Kristina Kaminski Studio City #1 Agent

Roger Perry Beverly Hills #1 Agent

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BEVERLY HILLS H.O.M.E. PROJECT

The group will be participating in “Big Sunday” again this year. It takes place the first weekend of May and consists of hundreds and hundreds of volunteer opportunities throughout LA County. Last year, the group participated in Heal the Bay’s cleanup of local beaches.

In the upcoming months HOME Project plan to participate in a variety of other upcoming volunteer opportunities: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Assisting seniors at the Beverly Hills Active Adult Club at Roxbury Park.

LA Marathon VA Hospital and Veterans Senior Sunrise Home Musical Production

ADVANCED TRAINING CLASSES

Skirball Cultural Center 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd.

Los Angeles, 90049 Haas Room, Conference Center Free Parking

Rodeo Realty’s Advanced Training classes are provided for our agents to help keep you informed and help grow your business.

APRIL: 1st – Syd Leibovitch: “Goal Setting and Business Planning” 8th – Chris David/Caleb Sweeney: “Tablets and I-Pads” – How to do a listing presentation on your I-Pad; How to access ZipForms on your I-pad; How to do a purchase agreement on your I-pad; How to do a live signature on your I-Pad; What of the above can I do on my Android and how.

15th - Mike Weaver: “Working your Past Clients” 22nd – Paul Stafford: “Ethics” – Arbitration/Mediation; Procuring Cause; Dispute resolution; the difference between the Valley, Westside, and CAR 29th – Ken David: “Loss Mitigation” – How to stay out of Court MAY: 6th – Caleb Sweeney: “Advance Social Media” 13th – Wendy Cox: “Problem Solving your Escrows” – Wendy will present common problems that she has run across over the years with her agents in closing escrows. Come with your escrow problems and get Wendy’s take on how to solve it! OPEN FORUM / QUESTIONS WELCOME! 20th – Cary Hoffman: “Rentals/Leases/Referrals” – What paperwork is required, what to look out for; Gathering information so your Landlord can properly screen tenants.

JUNE: 3rd – Syd Leibovitch: “Physiology of Real Estate Sales” – How to help your clients make the right decision.

10th – John Gould: “Creative approach to Geographical Farming” – How to, How often, How to Budget 17th - Kris Mooney. “Slump Proof your Business” – Energy driven ways to position yourself for success.

24th – Lu Duffy: “Rodeo E-Marketing” – How to use the Rodeo E-Mail Marketing System.

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2012 TOP AGENT AWARDS LUNCHEON

2012 TOP AGENT AWARDS LUNCHEON

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