Rodeo Realty Journal September 2013

RODEO REALTY JOURNAL

local expertise, global presence.

September 2013

September 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Rodeo Realty Welcomes New Agents 2,3 Rodeo Realty Economic Report-August 2013 4 Advanced Classes Schedule 5,6 Hot Properties 7,8 Hot Sales 9, 10, 11 Agent Appreciation Letters 12 Day at the Races 13 Events

14 Rodeo Realty in the News

INDEX

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RODEO REALTY

Welcomes You

Beverly Hills Northridge Brenda Lee Wildred Orellana Irma Hopkins Andrea Thompson Jonathan Sands Masaki Fujishima Tina Bchakjian Brentwood Jynnette Lewis

Calabasas Sherman Oaks Soulla Kountouris Corinne Aghabi Charles Khajeh Marci Marom Studio City Farzad Khorshidian Yesenia Rodarte

Encino Sunset Strip Ludy Ortiz Jana Sunset Angel Salvador Dawn Wilson Igor Shekhtman Westlake Village Linda Marcum Jeff Drechsel Darrell Warner

Woodland Hills

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

Welcome to the Rodeo Realty family -- Syd Leibovitch

JULY 2013 ECONOMIC WRAP-UP

The Dow finished August at 14,810.31 down -4.45% from last month’s 15,449.54 close but still up 13.13% from the end of August 2012. The Nasdaq ended the month at 3,589.87 down -1.01% from last month’s 3,626.37 close but up 17.05% year over year. The S&P 500 closed out the month at 1632.97 down -3.14% from last month’s 1685.96 close but up 16.09% year over year. The 10-year Treasury note yield rate ended the month at 2.78%. It began the month at 2.74% and was 1.57% at the close of August in 2012.

Mortgage interest rates ended the month mostly flat for the 30 year fixed at about 4.5% conforming, 4.875% high balance conforming and 5% for jumbo loans. 15 year fixed are about 3.5% for conforming, 3.875% for high balance conforming and about 4% for jumbo loans. The Freddie Mac Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed the 30-year fixed rate down from last week’s 4.58% to 4.54%. The 30-year rate started August at 4.39%. The 15-year rate fell from 3.6% to 3.54% last week. It started August at 3.43%. A year ago this week according to the survey, the 30-year rate was at 2.59% while the 15-year rate was at 2.86%. All in all rates have been very stable and have not moved much in July or August after moving up over a full percentage point in May and June.

The California Association of Realtors reported that the statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home rose up a modest 1.2% from June’s median price of $428,620 to $433,760 in July. The median shows that half the homes sold for less and half for more. July’s price was 29.8% higher than the revised $334,220 recorded in July 2012, marking 17 straight months of annual price increases and the 13th consecutive month of double-digit annual gains.

The C.A.R. report showed that the inventory level statewide was 2.9 months in July compared to 3.5 months in July 2012. Normal inventory is around 7 months so we are still well below normal levels.

DataQuick’s numbers showed that buyers purchased 25,419 new and resale houses and condos in July, 23.5% more than a year ago making this the strongest July since 2005. Sales were up 17.6% from June. The LA Times reported that the median sales price in the six-county region

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AUGUST 2013 ECONOMIC WRAP-UP was $385,000 last month, unchanged from June but still 25.8% higher than July 2012. In Los Angeles County the median price of a home in Los Angeles County increased by 28.8% in July to $425,000 up from $330,000 in July 2012.

The latest S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index released for June showed that home prices were up 12.1% from a year earlier and all 20 cities in the index posted gains on a monthly basis. Although prices are still rising the data shows that the pace of the increases may be slowing down and could continue to slow as interest rates rise. Los Angeles has seen a 19.9% increase year over year and rose 2.1% in June. The bottom line is that prices are beginning to flatten we move toward fall and the holidays. I’d expect huge price increases next year beginning in February.

Overall, economic indicators are strong. The national unemployment rate fell in July from 7.6% to 7.4%, a 4 ½-year low. Unemployment rates fell in two-thirds of large U.S. metro areas in July, a sign of widespread improvement in the job market.

-Syd Leibovitch

ADVANCED TRAINING CLASSES Skirball Cultural Center 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd.

Los Angeles, 90049 1-3pm Haas Room, Conference Center Rodeo Realty’s Advanced Training classes are provided for our agents to help keep you informed and help grow your business.

SEPTEMBER 23rd – Paul Stafford: “Ethics” – Arbitration/Mediation; Procuring Cause; Dispute resolution; the difference between the Valley, Westside, and CAR 30th – Ken Davis: “Loss Mitigation” – How to stay out of Court OCTOBER 7th – Deidre Woollard: “Advanced Social Media” (in the L-1 room) 14th – 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! 21th – John Gould: “Creative approach to Geographical Farming” – How to, How often, How to Budget 28th - Cary Hoffman: “Rentals/Leases/Referrals” – What paperwork is required, what to look out for; Gathering information so your Landlord can properly screen tenants.

NOVEMBER: 4th – Syd Leibovitch: “Psychology of Real Estate Sales” – How to help your clients make the right decision.

11th – HOLIDAY (Veterans Day) 18th - Kris Mooney. “Slump Proof your Business” – Energy driven ways to position yourself for success.

25th – Jason Katzman: “Rodeo E-Marketing” – How to use the Rodeo E-Mail Marketing System.

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HOT PROPERTIES GOT A HOT PROPERTY with celebrity credentials?

Tell us about it: mediarelations@rodeore.com

Joe Babajian represents 1146 Tower Road, a beautiful property recently featured in the Beverly Hills Patch.

The landmark Spanish Colonial Revival estate was originally built in 1927 by architect Harry E. Werner 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. It is ideally 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.

It is listed for $35 million.

Barbara Stover has the listing for this Marina Del Rey Mediterranean which was featured in Curbed LA. and in the Marina Del Rey Patch The four-bedroom home on a corner lot has an elevator, wine cellar, rooftop sun deck and ocean and canal views. It has large living and dining spaces with plenty of light as well as a home office or study. The home is located minutes from the beach and includes a gourmet kitchen, large master suite, and three-car garage.

It is listed at $3.925 million.

Gloria Hicks has the listing for 25858 Dark Creek which has been previously featured in the LA Times magazine. The Calabasas home is located in the quiet secluded “Monte Nido� neighborhood. It features authentic styling including Rustico Mexican tile, custom dual paned doors made in Placitias, New Mexico and stacked vintage tile roof from San Gabriel Mission School. It is extremely private and gated with a separate tack or workshop and a covered corral at the end of the property. The front porch faces a beautiful Spanish fountain and the back porch has a swing overlooking a huge flat lawn with massive trees and a meandering creek. It is listed for $1,980,000.

HOT PROPERTIES

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Michelle Hirsch has the listing for this entertainer’s dream in Sherman Oaks owned by Paradigm executive Brad Turell. The home was featured in the LA Times Hot Property section. The three-level, 9400-square-foot estate was inspired by Mediterranean and European design & architecture. The social rooms of the main floor include the living and dining rooms, chef ’s kitchen and a private home office. The lower level has a fully equipped movie theatre, large gym, dry sauna, wet steam, arcade room, a bar big enough for most clubs, wine storage room and a private entrance on this level leading to a guest suite.

Outside there is a mosaic swimming pool, serene gardens, and a waterfall.

Ben Salem has the listing for this 6,458-square-foot home in the gated community of Brentwood Hills. The home belongs to Joe Hahn of the band Linkin Park and was featured in The LA Times Hot Property section. The 5-bedroom estate was designed by award- winning architect James Porter FAIA. The striking contemporary home boasts amazing city, ocean and canyon views. The tranquil master bedroom has a large master bath with large walk-in closet which opens up to a charming terrace. The grounds have been transformed into a modern serene oasis with hiking paths, exceptional views and a complete compost center. Additional features include a three-car garage, maids quarters and an elevator.

This post & beam architectural estate by Buff & Hensman A.I.A. sits down a gated drive with pool, expansive city, mountain and landmark views. Nearly every room has walls of floor to ceiling glass to take in the stunning setting. It was recently featured in the popular real estate blog: Curbed LA. The home has undergone a thoughtful restoration that features beautiful hardwood floors, cabinetry and period correct tile and terrazzo surfaces. The property offers the feel of a compound with a separate guest house and sun-drenched pool down a lushly landscaped path. It is listed by John Galich and Dan Schott.

The Ford Estate was featured on the popular home decor blog Hooked on Houses in August. The post received over 40 comments about the beauty of the home.

The elegant estate in Ojai, California was designed for William Ford, Board Chairman and controlling stockholder of one the largest glass companies in the world, by famed architect to the stars, Paul Revere Williams. The extremely private gated estate sits on 3 plus acres with mature oak trees and a working tangerine grove. The property is listed with Rob Johnson.

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HOT SALES

Michelle Cohan was the listing agent for this Malibu property snapped up by Brandon and Leah Jenner. Brandon is the son of Bruce Jenner and has appeared on “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.” Trulia’s Luxe Living blog called the home “ an amazing 2 acre property located in secluded Ramirez Canyon with scenic views.” It sold for $1,455,000.

Laura Piller was the buyer’s agent on Wayne Brady’s new condo in Pacific Palisades. The $1.75 million purchase by the comedian and “Let’s Make A Deal” host was featured in the LA Times Hot Property section which called attention to the unit’s terraces and ocean views.

Ryan Yamauchi was the listing agent for this Mar Vista property that was the subject of a bidding war chronicled by Curbed LA. The mid-century fixer sold for $1.03 million with Diana Kaye as the buyer’s agent.

HOT SALES

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Gus Bolona was the listing agent for the Tarzana home belonging to the family of Anton Yelchin who plays Chekov in the new “Star Trek” movies. The $900,000 sale was featured in the LA Times Hot Property section.

Prrof that LA Times ads really get people’s attention. Tia Hughes was the listing agent for this Brentwood home.

The buyer saw the ad in the LA Times, came to the open house, and wrote an offer over asking. Rodeo Realty agent Matthew Paul was the buyer’s agent.

Peter Maurice and Tregg Rustad were the listing agents for the sale of guitarist and songwriter Billy Howerdel’s home. The sale of the Studio City property was featured in the LA Times Hot Property section.

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APPRECIATION LETTERS FROM CLIENTS

Carol Wolfe My purpose in writing is two-fold; the first to thank you for the professionalism, efficiency, and ability you brought to the recent transaction we participtated in, but more importantly, number two, to let you have this letter to show to anyone interested in retaining you as their Real Estate Broker.

I’ve had my Broker’s licence since 1974, and in my capacity as Business Manager to high net worth individuals have closed litterally hundreds of real estate purchase, sales, and trades: I can honestly say that your participation in any deal adds great dimension, efficacy, and techinical skills too few Brokers possess.

I have no hestiation in recommending you to others.

--Howard M. Borris, CPA/PFS, ChFC, CLU

Besides being a joy to work with, your team acted very professionally throughout the entire assignment. Being in the Real Estate business myself for thirty (30) years, I have dealt with many many agents and brokers. What I found best about working with you and your team was that when you said you were going to do something it got done.

You were a real asset to our sale. Not only did you achieve what you hoped to do, your negotiation skills proved to be an outstanding advantage to the end result.

Please know that I would without reservation reccomend your service to others.

--Bradley C. Stone, President--Managing Director, Stone Miller

APPRECIATION LETTERS FROM CLIENTS

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Tai Savet I want to take this time to let you know that you have an amazing person on your team, Tai Savet, that you can always always count on! My home buying experience gave me the opportunity to see the worst and best agents to deal with, but most importantly, it came down to an ethics issue and I truly have indeed seen the worst and best of it all. I won’t waste your time telling you the bad side of my experience.

I do want you to let you know about the best side of this though, besides all these issues, problems, headaches, anger which was initiated by listing agent, this experience taught me something which I will treasure for life. With all the issues we encountered, Tai truly pulled me back and made me realize my blessings. It was so easy to get caught up with all these problems and I would never made it without Tai’s amazing help and support. He just really went way above and beyond!! It taught me a valuable lesson in patience and endurance under difficult circumstances, and to never forget our blessings for what we have besides challenges that comes our way.

I can’t thank him enough. It could have been a totally miserable and bad experience but Tai taught me to focus how lucky I am to be in this position, , thankful for my blessings and to look forward to the ultimate outcome. I truly have blocked all the negative things, stayed positive and I am very happy to have Tai in this process. I would have been lost and on a completely different situation without him, Also, one thing truly amazed me about Tai, he protected me…….he single handedly went to bat for me. Just truly amazing, and it shows you how he truly cares and backs you up no matter what.

I won’t go on and on about how great Tai is, these simple words truly show you Tai’s character and commitment and how he helps people.

With this experience, I was lucky enough to work with Tai and learned valuable lessons. Our world will be on a much better place with more people like him. I look forward working with him in the future but most importantly, a great friendship.

The process finally concluded and I now have my dream home and can’t thank Tai enough for all his help.

Happy New Homeowner, John Guzman

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Appreciation Letters From Clients

Shelhee Gal-Kossover I have worked with you on selling one house and purchasing another and, quite honestly, I don’t know how I would have done it without you. You were informed, knowledgeable, competent, and always were able to answer my questions, or your got back to me right away with the answer. I would recommend you without any reserve and have actually told everyone how happy I was with your services and care. You went above and beyond what was necessary and for a novice like me that meant everything. You also understood my needs for my animals and that made me comfortable.

I know we will work together again and that I can look forward to that without any qualms.

--Ricky Alexandros, Encino/Lake Balboa

Stephen Walton To whom it may concern, We just finished the process of purchasing our first home with Stephen Walton.

We had a great experience and we were very lucky to have him as our agent. We met Stephen by chance while looking at an open house on a Sunday afternoon.

The no-pressure attitude and his strong market knowledge made us move forward with him to guide us through the process of purchasing our first home.

As first time home buyers we did not know much about the process but Stephen was very patient in answering all of our questions and concerns. He made us feel really comfortable and guided us through the process step by step. He spent time in understanding our needs and addressing our concerns. He was very responsive at all times and the whole process of purchasing our first home went very smoothly.

The best part is that we got the keys to our new home in exactly 20 days from the moment we put in our offer!!!

We strongly recommend Stephen if you are looking for a real estate agent. He is a man of integrity and he will make your home buying experience easy and enjoyable.

Sincerely, Dany and Romina Tomas

2013 Day at the Races

Join Rodeo Realty for a Day At The Races, Thursday, October 17 Santa Anita Racetrack Arcadia, California Agents who have achieved $1 million in production since the start of the year are invited to attend.

Please contact your Office Administrator for details.

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CISCO HOME EVENT

Spend an afternoon with 4 design-build professionals at Cisco Home in Brentwood for a panel discussion on how to create your dream home from remodeling to furnishings.

Gain an insider’s grasp of how to avoid irritating, time-consuming & costly remodeling mistakes from an outstanding panel with over 97 years combined mastery of Feng Shui, Construction, Interior and Architectural Design. Moderated by an elite Real Estate, professional that knows what will maximize the value of your home. This is a unique opportunity for those who demand excellence to tap into the creative talents of these accomplished professionals who have created more than 500 dream homes with remarkable results. Let this brilliant panel take the guess work out of having a cost-efficient remodel with a flair for sustainable, ecofriendly design. You can turn to them with confidence to create your dream home that suits your lifestyle.

The presentation will be followed by a reception where you will have a chance to speak to the panelists and moderator and see the sustainable furnishings Cisco Home offers.

Please RSVP to Abby at Cisco Home via e-mail to abbyh@ciscohome.net or call Abby at (310) 476-7126.

For questions about the panel or panel topics, please contact any of the 4 Panelist: • P.K. Odle - Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor, Speaker, Author & Publisher, (626) 288-1669, PK@FengShuiAdvantage.com • David Keeton, super service general contractor (Angie’s List), of D.C. Keeton Home Improvements, (213) 232-4783 / DavidKeeton68@gmail.com • Beth Devermont, ASID, one of L.A.’s top interior design talents, of Devermont Design Group, Inc., (310) 472-6449 / devdizn@gmail.com • Richard Blumenberg , AIA, LEED AP, award-winning architect of RLB Architecture, (310) 459-0244 / Richard@RLBarchitecture.com • Moderator: Barbra Stover, highly successful Rodeo Realty real estate luxury property specialist and TV personality, (310) 902-7122 / Stover@StoverEstates.com We look forward to seeing you Saturday, October 5th at 2:30 p.m.

RODEO REALTY IN THE NEWS

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Rock Life has appointed Rodeo Realty Calabasas agent Tai Savet as an Ambassador for Strategic Community Partnerships in Calabasas. Rock Life is dedicated to bringing awareness to the seriousness of bullying and related issues like depression, eating disorders, obesity, self-mutilation and suicide .The group hosts awareness events including celebrity basketball games and offers support for local youth.

Mitch “The Rock” Richmond, a 14-year veteran of the NBA including seven seasons with the Sacramento Kings and an owner of the franchise is the Founding Ambassador of Rock Life,. The work this group does was recently featured in The Acorn in advance of a community basketball event which was held on September 7.

When it was time to do a little house hunting for a new family home, rapper, actor, and reality TV star “The Game” turned to Rodeo Realty agent Ken Marker. Marker was featured on a recent episode of the popular reality television program on VH1, “Marrying The Game,” showing “The Game” and Tiffney a new five-bedroom estate in Calabasas.

Rodeo Realty agents know real estate even the fictional variety. The Chicago Tribune asked Roger Perry about the value of Barbie’s Malibu Dream House.

“In real estate it’s all about the location,” Roger told the Tribune. “This house has 150 feet of ocean frontage and an unobstructed view because it only has three walls. In Iowa, the price would be much lower.”

It was announced in the Palisades Post that Rodeo Realty closed escrow on the historic Palisadian-Post building at 839 Via de la Paz for $3 million. Syd Leibovitch, owner of Rodeo Realty was quoted as saying: “I’m always looking to expand and when the building came up for sale, I realized it’s the exact location I wanted.”

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