Tag Archives: real estate agent

Over the past few years we have seen a tremendous increase in Los Angeles area Real Estate prices.  Over the past few months, we have seen less of an increase.  Properties are now sitting on the market for well over 50 days, whereas in previous times, it would not be unusual for a property to go into escrow in under 14 Days on Market.  We are seeing sellers who are banking on the same past market acceleration and are pricing their properties in anticipation of that increase.  It is the exact opposite of the issues we were having in a quickly growing market where appraiser data was not catching up fast enough with prices.  In some cases, this leads to difficulty in getting properties appraised for their sale price.  We have the inverse happening now, where sellers are OVER pricing their properties.  The result of overpricing your property is twofold.  One is that it will sit on the market for longer and today’s savvy buyers look at Days on Market (DOM) when shopping online for Real Estate.  Two is related to #1, in that when a property has over 30 DOM, buyers start to ask “What’s wrong with it?” and the property can acquire a stigma which repels certain buyers.

So what should you do if you a buyer?  What about if you are a seller?

Talk to me.

I work with my clients individually and we consult together to come up with a customized plan suited specifically to their needs and Real Estate goals.  There is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to Real Estate Acquisition and Sale.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Revi Mendelsohn, Realtor 310-963-7384

The Mendelsohn Group | Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills

Another Moms Night Success and Plans for the Next

Moms Night Out Number 3 was a success! Wednesday, March 30th was our last Moms Night Out at Seasons 52 in Santa Monica, as this location will be closing next week. The events crew at the restaurant took such great care of us, by giving us FREE happy hour food and drinks for the first two events! We are sad to see them go, but are very excited about exploring new locations for future Moms Night.

Click photos to enlarge

Our next Moms Night is going to be held a bit more centrally located for those of you coming from the Valley or the East. We will be meeting on April 19th at En Sushi at 6:30 PM. Get there before 7 PM to take advantage of their fabulous happy hour deals! If you haven’t received e-vites yet for Moms Nights yet, be sure to sign up by clicking the link below!

Click here to join us!

We plan to continue meeting once a month at different restaurants around the greater Los Angeles area. The Mendelsohn Group has a Google Form and closed Facebook Groups to send out information about future meet ups. We would love for you to join us at one of our nights out, and feel free to tell your friends! Just fill out your name, email, and what part of town you are in, and we will send you official invites to each upcoming event. If you are interested, click the link below to add yourself to our list.

Click here to receive an invite!

We’ve also got a closed Facebook group for moms to ask questions, set up play dates, and arrange to get together. We would also appreciate any feedback and ideas about events, locations, etc. If you’d like to be a part of this forum, please direct message Revi on Facebook expressing your interest (click here)! Include your full name, email address, and where you are from.
We can’t wait to meet you at our next Moms Night Out on April 19th!
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Top 5 Tips for Opening a New Escrow!


Opening escrow, especially for the first time, can be a bit like navigating uncharted waters. Based on our experience opening multiple escrows for over 12 years, The Mendelsohn Group has compiled a list of useful tips to help homebuyers through escrow with ease!

  1. Read through all paperwork and stay on top of all signatures. If you were to print out every single piece of paper involved in the purchase or sale of a home, the file would easily be three inches thick! As you can imagine, it can be a bit overwhelming to deal with all of that paper. Do your best to stay on top of it and READ and sign as it is sent to you. Don’t hesitate to call your agent with any questions before you sign.
  2. If you are currently renting, DO NOT GIVE NOTICE of your intended move-out date until ALL CONTINGENCIES are removed on your sale. This is incredibly important because if something falls through, you could potentially be out of a place to live! As Revi always says, “I’d rather you have two places to live than none!”
  3. Avoid posting anything on social media regarding the sale. This helps protect you against your landlord finding out of your plans to move prematurely. Posting on social media during negotiations could also affect you negatively because you never know which friends buyers/sellers have in common. When Revi is representing you, she is always planning strategically to get you the best possible deal! As Revi says, she keeps things “in her back pocket” to benefit you in the deal.
  4. Do not discuss any repair or inspection matters with your lender under any circumstances. This is key to ensuring a smooth lending process. If you are unsure of any matters, consult your real estate agent. Bringing inspection matters to the lender’s attention can complicate the loan, and potentially cause the deal to fall apart.
  5. While in escrow, do not make any large purchases such as a new car, furniture, or anything that can affect your credit score and ability to get the loan. The lender repeatedly checks your credit ratios during and up to the close of the loan. Before making any changes such as employment, opening or closing bank accounts, or making large deposits, speak to your realtor and your lender to confirm it has been set up properly. Revi and The Mendelsohn Group team are here to help you every step of the way — no question is too big or too small!

If you have any questions regarding the escrow process, or real estate in general, do not hesitate to contact Revi Mendelsohn at 310-963-7384!

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TOP 8 reasons Why Home Buyers Want The Mendelsohn Group on Their Side

Are you thinking of buying property? Maybe you are looking for investment opportunities. Or maybe you are ready to take the big leap into owning your first home. The thought can be overwhelming if you don’t have the guidance of an experienced team on your side. The Mendelsohn Group has over 12 years of residential purchase experience. We specialize in the following to ensure a positive home-buying experience, and get the best possible outcome for our clients:

  • We help our clients pay an average of 3% UNDER asking price
  • We offer a proprietary “Top Five Deal Breaker System” to help clients determine what is most important in their next home
  • We make our clients feel like they are our only clients through award-winning* customer service and sales experience
  • We provide outstanding project management skills. We have an excellent reputation amongst our peers, as evidenced by listing agents preferring to work with The Mendelsohn Group
  • We regularly secure property from multiple offer situation through successful packaging buyers to listing agent
  • We have excellent negotiation of repair credits due to experience and understanding of home repair
  • We practice solution-oriented strategies to bring all parties of the sale together
  • We present top notch service providers for any repairs after the sale, as well as follow-up with clients to ensure they are settled in their new home

*Rodeo Realty’s Vice-President’s, President’s, and Executive Circle awards 2010-2015  and Coldwell Banker’s Prestigious President’s Circle 2007

Another happy family in front of their first home!

Another happy family in front of their new home!

Last week we closed escrow for a family on a wonderful home in West LA. After several months of searching, we were able to secure 2nd backup position on a home (2nd backup means that 1st backup is in front of us, but 1st backup is behind the buyers in escrow). It was a bit of a challenge for our buyers, as they had access to a special loan program for Military Veterans. This Veterans Administration loan is unfamiliar to most agents in LA.  We had to educate the listing agent and sell her on our buyers. In a matter of 4 days, the 2 other buyers both in escrow and 1st backup dropped out and we won the house! Now our clients’ kids have a yard to play in and to plant a vegetable garden in. They never imagined that they would have two extra bedrooms, one for a home office and the other, a playroom.

For more stories of The Mendelsohn Group’s successful purchase negotiations, click here! If you are looking for these types of results in this highly competitive Real Estate market, call Revi at 310-963-7384.

 

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First Moms Night Out Success!

After seeing an anonymous post on social media from a mom new to Los Angeles discussing how hard it was to make friends in a new place, The Mendelsohn Group got inspired. We thought, why not put the feelers out to see if we could get a group together? From this idea, the first Moms Night Out came to be!

Having moved from Canada to Los Angeles nearly 15 years ago, I understand how difficult it can be to meet people. Even if you haven’t moved, being a mom and finding ways to make friends sometimes prove challenging. This resonated with me, and I wanted to make it easier for us moms to have a night to ourselves!

On January 19th at the Season 52 in Santa Monica, thirteen ladies got together to mingle with other moms new to Southern California. We had people from not only all over the country, but all over the world! The night was a blast — Seasons 52 was generous enough to support our evening with complimentary happy hour food and drinks for the first hour! We talked about our hometowns, kids, hobbies, and so much more, and enjoyed getting to know each other.

 

We plan to arrange a meeting once a month, at various restaurants all around Los Angeles. The Mendelsohn Group has started a Google Form and closed Facebook Groups to get information about future meet ups. We would love for you to join us at one of our nights out. You don’t have to be from out of town to come, and feel free to tell your friends! Just fill out your name, email, and what part of town you are in, and we will send you official invites to each upcoming event. We want to keep the momentum going, and continue the growth of this wonderful community. If you are interested, click the link below to add yourself to our list.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1je95Gm9xyQGdPbVAh9jIkLKxFnE3YWqj9BWwpTejTHw/edit

We’ve also created a closed Facebook group for moms to ask questions, set up play dates, and arrange to get together. If you’d like to be a part of this forum, please direct message Revi on Facebook expressing your interest (click here)! Include your full name, email address, and where you are from.
We can’t wait to meet you at our next Moms Night Out!
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Why Do We Need CO Detectors?

Have you owned your home since before 2011? If so, do you know if you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home? Since the California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 was passed in early 2011, it is now a requirement by law, and a retrofit requirement when selling your home that CO monitor be present. 

 How do you know if you are exposed to carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is virtually undetectable by humans. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Accidental over-exposure to carbon monoxide results nearly 200 deaths every year. It is emitted by various equipment in and around your house such as:

  • Fuel fired furnaces and fireplaces
  • Gas water heaters
  • Gas stoves
  • Gas dryers
  • Charcoal grills
  • Lawnmowers and other yard equipment
  • Automobiles

How do I prevent CO exposure?

1. The best defenses against carbon monoxide poisoning is installation of a CO detector.

2. Proper installation, use, and maintenance of household cooking and heating equipment, and safe use of vehicles and other gas-powered equipment.

 

 

How should I install my CO Detectors?

1. Centrally located outside of each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms

2. At least 6 inches from all exterior walls , and at least 3 feet from supply or return vents

3. Avoid locations that can be covered by furniture or draperies.

arm-4How do you test the CO Detector to ensure it is working?

Consumers should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a test button tests whether the circuitry is operating correctly, not the accuracy of the sensor.

What should you do if the CO alarm sounds?

1. Never ignore an alarming CO alarm!

2. Immediately move outside to fresh air.

3. Call your emergency services, fire department, or 911.

4. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. DO NOT reenter the premises until the emergency services responders have given you permission.

Are CO Detectors reliable?

CO alarms always have been and still are designed to alarm before potentially life-threatening levels of CO are reached. The safety standards for CO alarms have been continually improved and currently marketed CO alarms are not as susceptible to nuisance alarms as earlier models.

 

Even if you aren’t planning to sell your home, it is best to air on the side of caution and have CO detectors installed as soon as possible. These inexpensive devices (costing around $100) can potentially save a life. If you are unsure about the maintenance of gas-powered appliances in your home, consider having a qualified technician inspect your appliances to ensure their safety, and discuss proper installation of detectors. This small measure can prevent you and your family from falling victim to carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

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5 Tips To Help You KEEP Your New Year’s Resolutions

We all want to start the new year off on the right foot, so we set goals for ourselves to accomplish in the bright year ahead. We’ve all been there – life starts to get in the way of those goals, and the task of re-starting begins to feel daunting and almost impossible. In hopes of creating our best year yet, we’ve created a list of the top five ways to help stay on track and achieve those resolutions we’ve made for ourselves. We hope this list helps all of our readers.

 

  1. Be realistic and specific.

By saying you want to win the lottery in the new year, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. It is important to set achievable goals that are detail oriented. For example, if your hope is to lose 50 pounds, it is very realistic to say you plan to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week by focusing daily on better food choices and consistent exercise!

2. Make your resolutions a few things you really want.

It is so much easier to stay motivated when you really want something. Take the time to clearly focus on how each goal will improve your life, and how much of each day you would like to devote to making those improvements. If it is something you really do want, it won’t seem like such a chore. Keep the positivity and motivation alive by remembering the reward once you achieve said goal.

3. Make a plan and write down your progress!

It is key to not only make the plan, but to continue writing down each step you are taking to get there. This goes back to being specific – making a plan that has a schedule (say, going to the gym at 5:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) will improve your chances tenfold of you actually committing. Once you have figured out the specifics, keeping track of what you are doing to make it happen helps keep you accountable and makes the finish line seem much closer. It is also very self-motivating to take a moment to remind yourself that you are in fact doing what you have set out to do!

4. Automate.

According to BankRate.com, if you have financial goals, the best way to help keep you on track is to automate your transactions. Set up your bank accounts to take “X” amount from you checking and put it into a savings account, depending on how much you wish to save at the end of the year. This applies to many other goals as well, as with new technologies you can now automate many different services and reminders.

5. Remember you are in charge, and don’t give up!

It is easy to let distractions get in the way of the changes you want to make, but making sure to remember you are in control of your life can help combat those distractions. Of course there will be slip-ups and set backs, but make an effort to not let those moments overwhelm and defeat you. Don’t be too hard on yourself either – we are all human and we deserve self-love and praise! Be confident and vigilant, and your New Year’s resolutions will become a reality!

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7 Reasons to List Your Home During the Holidays

Holiday-Proof-Your-Real-Estate-BusinessYou’ve probably heard the misconception that the Holiday season is not a good time to list your home for sale. The truth is, the winter months are the perfect opportunity for you to have success with selling your home. Below is a list of reasons explaining why the holidays are a great time to put your home on the market:

  1. While there may be less buyers out there, people who look for a home during the holidays are serious. They are ready to buy.Holiday Money

  2. There are fewer homes for buyers to look at during the holidays, which means less competition for you. Less competition equals more money.

  3. Your home shows better when it’s decorated for the holidays! Lights on your home and garland on the stairs are a nice touch to give your home that warm feeling of the holidays.

  4. After the holidays, the supply of listings increases substantially, which lowers the demand for your home. More competition equals less money.

  5. Many buyers have more time to look for property during the holidays – as opposed to a normal work week.

  6. You can restrict the showings on your home to the times you want it shown. You can even agree to have ‘blackout dates’ for showings. You remain in control.

  7. You can delay the closing, or even extend occupancy into next year when moving is more convenient. Sell now for more and not have to move until January or February…as opposed to starting the whole process at that time.

 

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Top 5 Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving can sometimes feel like a holiday for everyone but the host. This year, why not make it fun for everyone? Just follow these helpful tips to prepare you for your most successful, worry free feast!

 

  1. Make a timeline and master list of everything that needs to get done.

Avoid last-minute overload by counting backwards from the time dinner is served and scheduling out prep time and oven time. Map out the timing for what can share the oven, and what can be served at room temperature. Stick to your plans to ensure everything runs smoothly. It may help to set alarms on your phone for really key moments, like putting the turkey in the oven

2.  Make as much ahead as possible.

When you’re planning your menu, look for dishes that can be made the night before. Desserts can easily be made ahead and re-heated. Even if you can’t make a full dish ahead, look for ways to prep the big stuff as much as you can, like toasting nuts or breadcrumbs.

3.  Set the table the night before — and embrace the kids’ table idea!

Set the table the night before, and think through who will sit where. Save yourself from rooting around in your messiest cupboard for the turkey platter in front of guests. And don’t fuss too much over decorations for the table … click here for quick and simple ways to make household items into perfect turkey day centerpieces. Keeping the kids at their own table can give you the opportunity to dress the table with the nice china and not worry about an accident.

4.  Never turn down help.

Most Thanksgiving parties embrace some sort of potluck rule, and that’s the beauty of it. Let friends and family bring appetizers, side dishes, or desserts. You can even buy pre-made items from the grocery store. This will free up your oven a bit and take some of your plate. Also, don’t be ashamed to ask for a hand in the kitchen, and gather a crew to help carry the dishes to the table.

 

5.  Don’t bite.

There may be someone in your family or in your circle that wants to start a heated discussion. Don’t take the bait just because that someone brings a hot topic up at the dinner table. The best way to keep everyone happy is to keep the conversation light and neutral. You can’t pick your family as they say, so take every opportunity to enjoy their company and your time together!

We hope you have fun in your preparations for your Thanksgiving party. Remember to relax and enjoy it! Maybe even find a moment in the chaos to remind yourself to be grateful for the opportunity to host your loved ones on this special day.

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Will Your Will Be Enough?

Congratulations, you have taken the big leap and have purchased a home! Now that you own a home, have you thought about protecting your assets? Is having a WILL good enough?

When one dies with assets to his/her name over $150,000, his/her estate goes through Probate Court – and that happens whether or not he/she left a Will. The only instance when a decedent’s estate (that exceeds the probate threshold of $150,000) stays out of Probate Court is if the assets are titled in a Trust. For purposes of meeting the $150,000 threshold, the probate court looks at GROSS, and not NET value of the Estate.

For that reason, your new home–which you just added to your estate–most definitely pushed your assets above the probate threshold of $150,000. Therefore it would be wise to set up a Trust and transfer your home into Trust to prevent it from undergoing probate.

Even if spouses take title to their home jointly, that only protects the surviving spouse from probate at the first death. At the second death the home (which is now only in the survivor’s name alone) will most likely need to be probated.

Unlike the costs for setting up and administering a Trust, probate costs are much higher. Few people know that the probate fees are set in the Probate Code as a percentage of the gross value of the estate. It costs $46,000 to probate a $1 million dollar estate, $56,000 to probate a $1.5 million dollar estate, $66,000 $2 million dollar estate, and so on. Half of these go to the attorney for the estate, and the other half go to the estate representative. Those should be assets going to your heirs instead.

Protect your assets and your family – save your money for your beneficiaries and consult with an Estate Planner to convey your new home and your other assets in a living Trust.

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  This post is not intended to replace legal advice. It was put together with the assistance and guidance of attorney Maria N. Jonsson. We personally use Maria for our estate planning.

Maria N. Jonsson, Esq. (310) 802-9961, [email protected], www.mariajonssonlaw.com

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