Rodeo Realty February Journal 2014

RODEO REALTY JOURNAL

local expertise, global presence.

February 2014

February

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1-4

Rodeo Realty Welcomes New Agents

5

Rodeo Realty Economic Report January 2014

6

Advanced Classes Schedule

7,8

Hot Properties

9,10

Hot Sales

11,12

Agent Appreciation Letters

13,14

Rodeo Realty Sherman Oaks Renovation

15

Rodeo Realty Events

15

Syd Leibovitch Named To Who’s Who In LA Business

16

Sherman Oaks Office Renovation

17

Remembering Ben Baluyut

18

Rodeo Realty In The News

INDEX

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RODEO REALTY NEW HIRES

RODEO REALTY

Welcomes You

Jordana Leigh Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills Cell: (310) 383-1701 Email: jordana@rodeore.com Patricia Chi Rodeo Realty Studio City Cell: (310)594-9609 Email: patriciachi@rodeore.com

Arteom Bagian Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills Cell: (310)745-0747 Email: arteom@rodeore.com

Bita Goodman Rodeo Realty Brentwood Cell: (310) 721-4071 E-mail: donelb21@yahoo.com

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

Welcome to the Rodeo Realty family -- Syd Leibovitch

RODEO REALTY NEW HIRES

RODEO REALTY

Welcomes You

John Mallon Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills Cell: (310)560-5710 Email: sold@johnmallon.com

Noelle Hettlinger Rodeo Realty Brentwood Cell: (310)621-9800 Email: noelle@rodeore.com

Elena Lobito Rodeo Realty Brentwood Cell: (310) 490-6558 Email: elenalobito@gmail.com www.elenalobito.com Chase Bandy Rodeo Realty Studio City Cell: (323) 316-0841 Email: chasebandy@rodeore.com

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

Welcome to the Rodeo Realty family -- Syd Leibovitch

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RODEO REALTY NEW HIRES

RODEO REALTY

Welcomes You

Marcy Braiker Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills Cell: (310) 383-2382 Email: Braiker1@aol.com Katherine Potash Rodeo Realty Studio City Cell: (818) 276-6691 Email: katherinepotash@rodeore.com

Gerry Aguirre Rodeo Realty Northridge Cell: (818)314-1994 Email: gerry.aguirre@outlook.com

Carmen Stanfield Rodeo Realty Woodland Hills Cell: (818) 705-1718 Email: carmenstanfield@rodeore.com

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

Welcome to the Rodeo Realty family -- Syd Leibovitch

RODEO REALTY NEW HIRES Laura Lara Cell: (818) 968-3660 Email: laura@lauralara.com Website: www.LauraLara.com

Marlon Gonzalez Rodeo Realty Northridge Cell: (818) 256-5776 Email: marlongonzalez424@gmail.com Joanne Duncan Rodeo Realty Northridge Cell: (424)281-4646 Email: silvagroupre@gmail.com

Charity Potter Rodeo Realty Studio City Cell: (818) 325-7300 charitypotter@rodeore.com

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

Welcome to the Rodeo Realty family -- Syd Leibovitch

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JANUARY 2014 ECONOMIC WRAP-UP

Stocks: The Dow closed out the month at 15,698.85 down -5.3% from last month’s close of 16,576.60 and down -1.14% from last week’s close of 15,879.11.

The Nasdaq fared a bit better, ended the month at 4,103.88 down -1.7% from last month’s close of 4,166.66 and down -0.59% from last week’s 4,128.17 close.

The S&P 500 ended the month at 1782.59, a drop of -3.56% from last month’s 1,848.36 close and down -0.43% from last week’s 1790.29 close.

Interest Rates: Interest rates dropped during the month. The Freddie Mac Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed that the 30-year-fixed rate dropped to 4.32% from 4.39% last week and 4.53% at the start of the month. The 15-year-fixed fell to 3.40% from last week’s 3.44% and 3.55% at the start of the month. A year ago the 30-year fixed was at 3.53% and the 15-year was at 2.81%.

Unemployment: Los Angeles County’s unemployment rate fell to 9.2% in December down from 9.5% in November and 10.3% in December 2012. This is its lowest point in more than five years. The state rate is 8.3% and the national rate was 6.7% in December.

Real Estate News: The National Association of Realtors® reported that existing home sales were up 1.0% in December increasing to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.87 million in December from a downwardly revised 4.82 million in November. This is - 0.6% below the 4.90 million-unit level in December 2012. For all of 2013, there were 5.09 million sales, which is 9.1% higher than 2012. It was the strongest performance since 2006.

The California Association of Realtors® (C.A.R) reported that escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 361,890 units in December, down -6.7% from a revised 387,860 in November and down -18.6% from a revised 444,770 in December 2012. For 2013 as a whole, a preliminary 413,870 single-family homes closed escrow in California, -5.9% from a revised 2012 figure of 439,790. The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home rose 3.7% from November’s median price of $422,210 to $438,040 in December. December’s price was 19.7% higher than the revised $365,840 recorded in December 2012. For Los Angeles County the median sold price $439,590 was up 8.5% over November’s $405,260 price and up 19.6% over December 2012’s $367,400 price. The amount of sales was up 9.5% month over month but down -15.1% year over year.

ADVANCED TRAINING CLASSES

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Skirball Cultural Center 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd.

Los Angeles, 90049 1-3pm 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.

MARCH

3/3 Mike Weaver Building A Referral Business 3/10 Syd Leibovitch Psychology of Real Estate Sales 3/17 John Gould Creative Approach to Geographical Farming 3/24 Deidre Woollard Advanced Social Media 3/31 Syd Leibovitch The Brand called “You”.

Building Your Identity.

Increase Your Visibility, and spreading the word.

More Great Programs To Come This Spring. Stay Tuned!

CLAW DELAYS SYNDICATION FEEDS CLAW has decided to delay syndication feeds by 48 hours as a matter of practice. This does not impact MLS feeds or individual IDX accounts on agent websites. However it does impact the speed with which things get posted on Zillow and other networks we syndicate to. We have now created a direct feed to Zillow that will make sure that listings are posted in a timely manner and are not impacted by this new policy. Because of this, it’s important that your profile be active on Zillow so that your contact info and photo appear with your listing. If you haven’t created a profile go to Zillow.com to sign up. Please be sure to use the same email you use to enter listings in the MLS so that your listings will match up with your profile.

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HOT PROPERTIES GOT A HOT PROPERTY with celebrity credentials?

Tell us about it: mediarelations@rodeore.com

Curbed Los Angeles recently showcased the listing for one of the most sought after homes in Santa Monica by famed self-taught architect John Byers and listed with Wendy and Shel Kirshner. The Spanish Colonial Revival was built for E.J. Carrillo in the 1920s and displays the hacienda-like features Byers favored for much of his adobe construction. This is a home for the ages with a beautiful three bay veranda, brick enclosed patio, and hand finished lath and plaster walls among its many architectural features. It is listed for $5.5 million.

Orit Maimon has the listing for a Tarzana home which was featured by Los Angeles Confidential. The fivebedroom home is on 20,000+ sq ft flat land with 6’ high fences surrounding the whole property and privacy is assured with a camera system throughout the entire home. A circular staircase brings you to 4 large bedrooms each with its own bathroom, a glorious master suite including sitting area, large closets, and balconies.

The master bath is equipped with large steam shower, vintage tub and mosaic floors. This property has double access entry from two streets. It is listed for $1.98 million.

Joe Babajian and George Kahwahi have the listing for the Hutton House estate which was recently featured on the Mansions for Sale blog and also by the Los Angeles Confidential blog. The estate is on of the finest mansions in the Beverly Hills area. Positioned in a private community providing security and privacy behind an additional set of gateways. It has seven bedrooms, Fifteen baths, on roughly. 5.21 acres. It is listed for $37.5 million.

Ben Bacal has the listing for a desirable trophy property in the Bird streets area. The property was featured on Curbed LA and has received a lot of social media attention for its showcase infinity pool which is ringed with fountain jets and has amazing city views. The home also has a home theater, gym, upstairs and downstairs living rooms, and a master suite with a steam shower. It is listed for $25 million and is being sold fully furnished with top-of-the line appliances and the latest in designer furnishings.

HOT PROPERTIES

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The Los Angeles Times reported that a Hollywood Hills home owned by the late jazz musician George Duke was up for sale with Peter Maurice and Tregg Rustad. The traditional home is a classic center hall plan with narrow plank hardwood floors, stout plaster walls and sun-filled public spaces, including living room, large eat-in kitchen, and den, all opening to grassy yard and secluded pool. There are 3 or 4 bedrooms (den is convertible 4th bedroom), 4 baths, including 2 master suites, guest bedroom/bath, office, and large family room/media room with fireplace, formal dining room and prohibition style bar.

John Galich and Dan Schott are the listing agents for a striking mid-century modern property recently featured in the Los Angeles Times. The home in the Hollywood Hills West area which is currently owned by actor Adrian Bellani, is listed for sale at $2.195 million. The property was previously owned by talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres who is famed for her real estate good taste. The home offers 2,267 square feet of living space with vaulted ceilings, dark wood floors and walls of glass that open to a patio area. There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a three-car garage.

Josh Flagg has the listing for a home in Los Feliz which formerly belonged to Jason Priestley. This classic example of Los Angeles Spanish architecture is full of Art Deco flourishes including detailed tile work, wrought iron fixtures and stunning ceiling details that sweep you into a glamorous golden era (the home was built in 1930). The property is a mix of classic style with modern touches. Hardwood floors, custom hardware, a steam room, gym, French doors opening on to sun-drenched balconies, and an exquisite Deco movie theater worthy of a Hollywood premiere, all make this home as crushworthy as any teen idol. The home has lush canyon views and private yard with pool, spa and full kitchen. It is listed for $3.495 million.

Tom Otero has the listing for this Lake Hollywood compound which is being rented out by Adam Carolla, as reported by Trulia. The home features amazing views of downtown Hollywood, Lake Hollywood and the Valley. This is one of the first grand homes of Lake Hollywood built in 1928 and restored to its glory with arched doorways, leaded glass windows, hand-carved wood beams, Spanish-style chandeliers, tile floors and large courtyards for entertaining. The large pool has city and lake views. The home also features a custom-built large entertainment room, complete with a full bar and pool table, looking into the pool with glassview port-holes. It rents for $20,000 a month.

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HOT SALES

Joe Babajian and Judy Cycon have sold the Kent Kresa home in Beverly Hills. The property sold for $27.5 million and the transaction was covered by the LA Times Hot Property section.

Realtor.com noted that an architectural beauty listed recently with John Galich of Rodeo Realty, has been sold.

This post & beam architectural estate by Buff & Hensman A.I.A. was built in 1961, and carefully restored for the modern owner.

Ben Bacal handled the transactions when Megan Ellison bought a new compound in the Hollywood Hills West area for $30 million. Thepurchase was covered by the LA Times and the Real Estalker among others.

HOT SALES

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Desiree Zuckerman was Karina Smirnoff ’s agent when she picked up a three-bedroom home in the Hollywood Hills for $1.25 million. The purchase was covered by the Trulia blog and the LA Times.

As Trulia’s Luxe Living blog recently reported, actor Jeremy Sisto recently purchased a home in the Laurel Canyon area of Los Angeles from Hollywood producer Cassian Elwes. Rodeo Realty’s Verna Cornelius represented the seller in the transaction.

Allyson Carter handled the transaction for Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars when he sold his Malibu home.

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Appreciation Letters From Clients

Donna and Moti Haim Congratulations on having such a more than outstanding team of agents in Donna and Moti Haim. Without a doubt the very best of all of the agents we have been associated with over the decades (50+!). Beyond professional, great interface and lots of fun to be with. Their singular dedication to our property was the very reason we had six offers in the first five days, with three over asking. No worries closing escrow. Michelle Sandoval saw to that as well. Thank you, thank you Rodeo Realty for such an overwhelming success.

Best Regards, Thomas H. Brodek

Carmen Mormino Dear Carmen: First of all, Carmen, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything. From start to finish, we could not have asked for a more positive house-hunting experience.

The timing by which you came into our lives was perfect, and it really made all the difference. At our first meeting you made it your mission to get us into a house by Christmas, in time to have our first Christmas tree; it was an idea near to our hearts, and boy did you deliver. Thank you for being such a good listener, and having a keen knack for knowing what we were looking for in a home. Your sense of humor makes the most shy house-hunter feel at ease. There was never any pressure, and we really appreciate your availability by phone, text, or in person whenever a new house popped onto our radar.

We are so grateful, and will happily recommend you to anyone we know who is looking for their dream house.

You were able to find and get us into the perfect home very quickly, but to be honest, we miss hanging out with you every weekend. Thank you for your friendship and your hard work, Carmen, you’re truly one-in-a-million.

Of course, you and the rest of the Mormino family are welcome in our home, anytime.

Sincerely, The Rennies

Appreciation Letters From Clients

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Harry Kapukchyan What can we say about Harry Kapukchyan. We don’t even know where to start to sing his praises. We are first-time homebuyers who have been looking for the perfect house for years. We have been through several agents, and none can compare, or even come close to Harry.

Most agents would ask what we were looking for and then bombard our email with sometimes 30 listings a day, most of which did not meet our criteria and were not close to what we were looking for. They had us doing all the work.

Harry only sent a select few listings to our email, and they were always homes we could consider and that fit our criteria. Most agents would just stop calling us after a few weeks or a month if we did not find our perfect house.

Harry is the only one who stuck by our side for over two years. He was very patient and never made us feel that he was upset or frustrated with us for not finding a house in a month. A few times we put offers in with Harry, and when things didn’t work out because of circumstances beyond our control, he never got upset or gave up. He kept reassuring us we’d find our house, and he kept looking. He is a real go-getter and very ambitious. He is very knowledgeable about every aspect of the home-buying experience, and really held our hand and walked us through it every step of the way. We were never alone. He has gone way above and beyond the normal duties of a real estate agent. He was constantly on top of everything, making sure each person did their job properly and on time so we would have a smooth closing of escrow.

Most agents would be gone after the escrow papers are signed. Harry continues to help us, finding people for repairs, insurance, movers, etc. Despite his young age, he knows so much more than agents we have worked with who are twice his age. There are not enough nice things to say about Harry. He is exceptional, phenomenal, generous (he bought us a homeowner’s policy the seller was supposed to buy, to be sure we would have a good policy), trustworthy, honest (he never gave us lines other agents have to pressure us to buy), impressive, and a true gentleman. We consider him one of the family now.

If anyone is considering buying a home, we wouldn’t think of recommending anyone other than Harry Kapuckhyan. He’s the best. Forget the rest.

Sincerely.

May & Michelle Beshara

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Rodeo Realty Winter Conference

Rodeo Realty agents gathered for a conference to share knowledge and learn from some of the best. The keynote speaker was popular real estate trainer Rick DeLuca. Rick once sold over 200 homes per year and was once the 8th ranked real estage agent in the country but he also has perhaps one of the most interesting stories in real estate, working first as a homicide detective before getting into the real estate market. When DeLuca says he’s seen it all, it’s clear that it is true. Although he entered the market at a time when real estate was booming, he soon had to weather one of the toughest markets ever. This helped him learn to develop the good habits that led him to future success. His goal is always to see what others are doing and then figure out how he can top that. It’s a philosophy that Rodeo Realty agents already believe in but it’s always good to have a reminder. Creating good habits is also about consistency and goal setting. Connection doesn’t just happen when a person is buying or selling, it’s about listening, being available, sharing relevant data and helping people make informed decisions.

Throughout the conference agents shared tips and success stories.

Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills Manager John Gould led a panel that featured top-level wealth management professionals. Agents Barbra Stover, Matthew Paul, and Desiree Zuckerman shared their digital marketing strategies while Carol Wolfe, Elyse Arbor, Tom Otero, and Judy Handler discussed hyperlocal marketing in a panel moderated by Rodeo Realty Sherman Oaks Manager Jason Katzman.

Rodeo Realty agents came away from the conference with many ideas and lots of energy to make 2014 the best year yet!

Rodeo Realty Winter Conference

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Syd Leibovitch Chosen For Who’s Who List Rodeo Realty founder and president Syd Leibovitch was honored as one of the leaders in Los Angeles Residential Real Estate by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Their annual special report, “Who’s Who in Los Angeles Business” was published in early January. The report lists the executives in the biggest and most important companies and organizations across a variety of industries from aerospace/defense to software.

This is the second recent honor for Syd. He was also named to the Swanepoel Power 200 (SP200). This new list is designed to be the most comprehensive list of influential CEOs, thought leaders and executives ever assembled in the residential real estate brokerage business. Syd was named to the list for his role in leading Rodeo Realty to greatness as one of the leading independent brokerages in the nation.

Rodeo Realty Events Calendar March 5, 2014 11:30 AM top producer awards lunch. Invitation only Luxe Hotel Brentwood March 27, 2014 Architectural Division lecture AMC Century City 9:30 AM April 23, 2014 Arclight Sherman Oaks 9:30AM annual legal meeting with our attorney.

E and O insurance carriers require these yearly April 24, 2014 same legal meeting at AMC Century City 9:30AM May 17, 2014 Rodeo Realty Casino Night 7PM June 19, 2004 Rodeo Realty Summer Conference agenda to be announced

SHERMAN OAKS OFFICE RENOVATION

Congratulations to Rodeo Realty Sherman Oaks on the renovation. Looking good!

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Rodeo Realty Remembers Ben Baluyut

We are sad to report that Ben Baluyut, a Realtor in the Rodeo Realty Northridge office, passed away on February 14 after an illness.

Ben was a former teacher at San Beda College and International School in Manila. His 17 years of experience selling ideas to his students made him a proficient sales person. Through the years, he established an almost unparalleled level of salesmanship and customer service, helping hundreds of families realize the American Dream of home-ownership. For his outstanding achievements, Ben was honored as Top Salesperson of the Year, Multi-Million Dollar Club, Executive Circle, Senate Circle, Vice President Circle and the most coveted President Circle. Ben was also honored as one of the ten outstanding Filipino Professionals in Los Angeles, California in the year 2000 and Rodeo Realty Agent of the Year 2002.

Rodeo Realty Northridge Manager Teresa Todd remembers Ben as a very inspiring person, overcoming adversity and severe health challenges and coming back stronger with a passion for this business, his clients, and success built on repeat and referral business.

Rodeo Realty president Syd Leibovitch awarded Ben the Agent of the Year honor because of his success after recovering from brain surgery, Ben was a hero to all who knew him at Rodeo Realty. He was like a cat with 9 lives, always landing on his feet with a smile on his face. “Ben was a valued part of the Rodeo Realty family,” says Syd. “He always worked hard for his clients to help them achieve their real estate goals. He inspired all of us through his hard work and his ability to come back, challenge after challenge. I named him agent of the year over 10 years ago when he had a brain tumor removed, suffered paralysis, and still had a great year! His spirit will be much missed by all who knew him.”

Teresa says: “When he was admitted to the hospital, he had 2 offers pending, one open escrow, and was working with a few more clients. In order to provide him proper treatment, they had induced a coma. When he regained consciousness, his first words were ‘Call Teresa!’ because he wanted to get an update on his escrow and offers.

Ben wants you all to remember him as a happy, strong, vibrant person who loved this business, loved his clients who all became his friends. His strong zest for life helped him rebound after many health and personal challenges. He loved the ‘Glory Days’ of his successes. As you think of Ben, may you be inspired to live life to the fullest. Love your family and friends. And serve your clients well. This will keep a little bit of Ben alive in your hearts. Cherish him, dear friends. He has been a valued part of the Rodeo Family for many years.”

Ben’s Funeral Services will be at the Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary/Cemetery Viewing to be evening of Thursday Feb.27 from 5 to 9 pm (Rosary at 7pm) Funeral Mass Friday Feb. 28 – 1 to 2 pm, Lunch immediately following at the Mortuary. Please contact Teresa Todd for further details. Cards can be sent to the Baluyut Family at 8957 Eames Ave, Northridge, CA 91324

RODEO REALTY IN THE NEWS

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Real estate is in many ways a universal language and luxury real estate even more so. Rodeo Realty President Syd Leibovitch spent the last week in Europe, meeting with directors of some of the top real estate agencies in both Paris and Vienna. In Paris, in a meeting arranged by Prestige MLS, Syd met with Hugues de la Morandiere of Agence Varenne, Richard Bellanger of Haussman Prestige, Joseph Arida of Odgamm Prime Realty, and Thierry Tocaier of Ternes Elysees Immobilier. In Vienna, Syd met with Thilo Boerner of Boerner.at and other Viennese agents.The meetings paved the way for future collaborations between Rodeo Realty and leading international agents. We can’t wait to welcome members of Prestige MLS when they visit Los Angeles for a tour of luxury real estate in May.

Congratulations to Sophie Dabestani. Her daughter Mozhan Marnò debuted in House of Cards Season 2 playing Ayla Sayyad, the tenacious journalist for the Washington Telegraph who is determined to get to the bottom of the Underwood secrets.

Eydie Herrera has been appointed by the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, Inc. (SRAR) as a Committee Member to the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAF) for a second term.

Get some great press? Share it with us at mediarelations@rodeore.com