After quiet days on Monday and Tuesday, the Dow soared ahead on Wednesday and Thursday, stalled on Friday.  The overall weak trend in the data reported works in favor of a rate cut next week.  It should be noted however that the stronger numbers in the payroll report could prove troublesome in the Fed’s decision making process. Items of note: President Bush and Treasury Secretary Paulson unveiled details of the “Hope Now” plan to “rescue” ARM borrowers……essentially it targets roughly 1.2 million borrowers and has been labeled as too little too late.  For more details, here are some good articles…Bloomberg, LA Times, New York Times.Under the heading of “Are you kidding me?” State of Florida short term fund for cities and counties has suffered huge losses due to investments in SIV’s(stru... 12/07/2007

Burbank Homes For Sale & San Fernando Valley Real Estate by Lupe Soto 818 276 6882 Find automated home appraisals and home values for FREE!.It is easy!, all you have to do is text the address, city and state and in seconds you will have the following information. Estimated Value (that house is worth what?!) Number of Bedrooms (where will Aunt Irma sleep?) Number of Bathrooms (less sibling fights?) Square Footage (yep, enough room for the pool table too) Lot Size (Man's Best Friend will appreciate it) Year Built (Do more creaks in the floor mean more ‘character?') This is a great tool for anyone, buyers, sellers or investors, of course, the value is based on computer information is not a full appraisal but it is a great tool. Lupe will be happy to email you a full CMA Comparable Market ... 12/05/2007

Burbank Homes For Sale, San Fernando Homes For Sale by Lupe Soto (hablo espanol) The HOPE NOW Alliance announced Monday the establishment of a consumer hotline for homeowners facing foreclosure. The HOPE Homeowner's hotline is being managed by the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, and provides free, independent, bilingual, HUDapproved counseling and advice 24 hours a day for homeowners who have questions about their mortgage loans, and may be in danger of losing their homes.The HOPE NOW Alliance was organized at the urging of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and members from the U.S. Dept. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in November, and consists of consumer credit counseling organizations, mortgage service providers, lenders, investor groups, and 10 trade associations serving ... 12/05/2007

As we approach the waning weeks of 2007, we can look back and begin to take stock of what was, what is, and what will be.  In just five months we've seen market index drop from 0.26, to 0.17, a decline of 0.09 points.  Last November Burbank was at 0.50.  Recall that a seller's market is above 1.20, a neutral market is between 1.20  and 0.80, so Burbank is sliding deeper into a buyer's market.The big question buyers have is, "When are the prices going to drop to where I can afford a home?"Great question.  The average price in November, 2006 was $628,727 and the average price in 2007 was $641,025.  Remember that the average is a statistic comprised of the homes that sold.  For example, in July of 2007 the average price was $674,922, so the November 2007 figure of $641,0252 represents an o... 12/05/2007

Every year the Burbank Civic Pride Committee invites all Burbank residents and businesses to enter the Holiday Outdoor Decorating Contest. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the event!!! Only locations which have submitted entries will be judged. This year the categories are residential, commercial, and youth (age 16 and under). Entry forms were sent out in all City utility bills during November, additionally they are also available at all City libraries and at City Hall in the City Clerk’s office and the Public Information Office.  You can also access an entry form here.  Deadline for entries is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 11. The Civic Pride Committee will do the judging on Thursday, December 13.  For further information, contact the City of Burbank Public Information Office at ... 12/04/2007

Burbank Homes For Sale, San Fernando Homes For Sale by Lupe Soto 818-276-6882 The plan would apply to homeowners who got adjustable-rate subprime mortgages between Jan. 1, 2005, and July 31 of this year and are facing a sharp jump in their rates before July 31, 2010. It would also offer to put them on a fast track to refinance their mortgages through lenders or through state and local housing authorities.On of the requirements to qualify for this proposal is to make enough income to be able to pay existing mortgage payment, please read more Source:  Washington Post by David Cho & Neil Irwin. 12/6/07----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Bush administration and major financial institutions are close ... 12/03/2007

    The time of the year has come. First installment 2007 for Property taxes are due.  The purpose of my post has two reasons, first to remind you to avoid late penalties and to inform you that it is easy to pay on line, just plan ahead and avoid making online payment same day, worst case scenario your last option is to go to the post office and make sure your envelope is postmarked no later than 12/10.  Second, to inform you, dear Homeowners that if you believe your current home value has declined, you can apply for "Decline-In-Value Reassestment" Proposition 8. Please do your own due diligence and feel free to email me any questions to sotolupe@charter.net The first installment 2007 of the annual property taxes is due on November 1st, and will be accepted without penalty, if payment i... 12/03/2007

Ever wonder if there is an easy way to know what’s going on in your neighborhood with respect to proposed projects? The Burbank Planning Department has now made it much easier for you to see what is going in your neighborhood!  Proposed and current projects are available via the Planning Projects Map! With a simple click you can see what’s going on, not only in your area, but throughout the City of Burbank.  The benefits are many as it allows you and other residents to weigh in on proposed projects. Once you click on a specific project it will bring up the project information, click on that link and it will take you to the alphabetized list for all projects.  I clicked on one of the projects to give you an example of what you will see: 1322 CLYBOURN AVE Project No. 070008044 Description... 12/03/2007

Monday 5 ISM Non Manufacturing Survey Consensus 54 This survey consists of almost 400 firms across 60 different sectors. Analysts like to keep an eye on the business activity index of this survey as it gives an indication of economic health. 3 & 6 Month Bill AuctionTuesday  4 ICSC-USB Store Sales Tracks comparable weekly sales from major retail chains and represents 10% of total retail sales. Is considered to be one of the most timely indicators of consumer spending. Redbook a timely indicator of consumer spending and also represents about 10% of total retail sales. This measure tracks weekly sales from discounters, chain and department stores. Bank of Canada Monetary Policy Announcement 4 Week Bill Auction Wednesday 5 Pending Homes Sales Index-Release from NAR Gauges demand and moment... 12/02/2007

Burbank Wire: free newsletter & website serving community needs in the greater media cities network known as the Media Capital Of The World.  Community Events - from BurbankWire.com  Saturday, October 18, at 2 PM the second of two fascinating documentary films the Burbank Central Library will screen this month: Great Writers: Jack London.  All programs are free to the public. 818-238-5600. Burbank Public Library Events>>>http://www.burbankwire.com/bwire/calendar/2008103101.shtmlOctober 18, 6:30-9:00 pm, Beer Tasting at the Autry. The Autry National Center of the American West ushers in the fall with a toast to spirits and songs with the second of a three-part food series titled Wine, Whiskey, and Song. Enjoy dinner provided by Cheers Catering Inc., live music by a local band, and learn ... 12/01/2007

Burbank Homes For Sale, San Fernando Valley Homes For Sale, Los Angeles County Homes for Sale by Lupe Soto 818-968-3718.When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations -- shopping, entertaining, children's pageants, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in "showtime" condition. And that could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken.       It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. If you are too busy, buyers may be also, and you may find your efforts unrewarded with not enough showings. And what if you do get an of... 12/01/2007

Lupe Soto, Burbank & SFV Realtor, Feng Shui Lower & Follower 818-968-3718, Bilingual Agent Spanish/English Your best and worst directions are based on your Kua Number.  Knowing ones kua number is very important as this helps in identifying colors and directions that will enhance ones life. The directions and colors are different for each person. There are (4) four good and (4) bad locations for each person. Once you know your kua number, use it and get aligned with the universe.  Activate your good directions such as: growth, wealth, good health, good relationships, etc.   Kua Number Calculator The Four Best Directions Below are the four auspicious directions for each Kua number. Each direction attracts a different kind of luck. It is suggested that you sleep with the top or crown of yo... 11/30/2007

  This week saw volatile trading sessions, again, with the Dow down 237 points on Monday, up 217 points on Tuesday, up 332 points on Wednesday, up 20 points on Thursday and up 60 on Friday. Concerns over credit woes continued as well as rumors of Citigroup layoffs. Items of note: New Home Sales for October rose by 1.7%, but that figure is misleading as September sales, originally reported at a 770k annual pace were decreased to 716k, October sales came in at 728k, which although lower than expected looked better than it was due to the September revisions.The Case-Shiller Home Price Index showed a year to year decline of 4.5%.Existing Home Sales fell to an annualized pace of 4.97M in October, lowest level since 1999, with inventory levels at a 8.5 month supply, year to year sales were d... 11/30/2007

Monday 263 & 6 Month Bill Auction 2 & 5 Year Note Announcement Tuesday 27 ICSC-USB Store Sales Tracks comparable weekly sales from major retail chains and represents 10% of total retail sales. Is considered to be one of the most timely indicators of consumer spending. Redbook a timely indicator of consumer spending and also represents about 10% of total retail sales. This measure tracks weekly sales from discounters, chain and department stores. Consumer Confidence Consensus 90.5 4 Week Bill Auction Wednesday 28 Existing Home Sales-consensus 4.95M….. Last month sales fell 8.0% , down 19.1% from September 2006. Housing supply for September was at 10.5 months, highest level since 1999. Durable Goods Orders Consensus .3%-This number was down 1.7% in September and posted a sharp revised 5.3... 11/25/2007

click on any picture for more information and price click on any picture for more information and priceA beautiful home filled with charm. Living room with refinished hardwood floors, crown molding, fireplace, brand new kitchen, new custom tiled bath, large private yard with built-in bbq, full size curner lot, c/a, shows very well! A MUST SEE!! To preview the finest Real Estate in Burbank, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades please visit my website. When you are ready to view homes or have any questions regarding selling your home, please contact me. 11/23/2007

Very volatile day again! Some of the volatility has been blamed on Japanese currency traders who were said to be “unwinding” some positions. Rumors continued about Countrywide possibly having to go into bankruptcy, Countrywide did come out and deny these rumors late yesterday. Jobless Claims came in as expected but there was quite a bit of volatility and the Dow ended the day down 211 points on very light volume.   Light volume tends to magnify moves in either direction, so it will be interesting to see what Friday and next week bring. Categories Blogroll (74) Buyer Information (5) City News (17) Economic Market Reports (39) Events (5) Go Green! (10) Government Issues! (18) Housing Information/Stats (10) Neighborhood Info (5) Off the Beaten Path (3) Seller Information (6) Zoning Issues... 11/21/2007

Buyer's Exclusive Agent, Lupe Soto serving Burbank CA, San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley including Palmdale, Lancaster, Littlerock, Lake Los Angeles in Los Angeles County.Why is it important for a homebuyer or savvy investor to choose LUPE SOTO as your Exclusive Buyer's Agent?Well for one reason, it's the difference between service and selling.  The Buyer's Agent offers you service - The Listing Agent is selling their product.Whether you are searching for a condo or townhouse new construction properties or resale homes, income property duplex, triplex or fourplex , leases with option to purchase in Burbank, San Fernando Valley, Palmdale/Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, in Los Angeles County, there are two sides to a real estate transaction, the Buyers side, and the Sellers side.  In... 11/21/2007

 Items of note from the last Burbank City Council meeting: Quiet zone was established on the Metrolink Ventura Subdivision at Buena Vista Street and Vanowen crossing. Vote was unanimous.The new California building and fire codes were unanimously adopted.   Because of past complaints this ordinance will change the Burbank Municipal Code with respect to construction hours.   The new hours will be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  No work will be allowed on Sundays and holidays.  For homeowners working on their own houses, they will be allowed to work on Sundays and holidays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Unanimous adoption of the wind power agreement between Burbank and the Pebble Springs Wind project in Oregon.  Through these and other efforts our power r... 11/19/2007

Well, we had quite a volatile day as the Dow closed below the psychological 13,000 mark. Dow was down 218 points and closed at 12958. Items of note: Goldman Sachs downgraded Citigroup to a sell. Lowe’s lost 7.6% today on weak earnings.The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Index came in at 19 for the second straight month, this is the lowest since the record keeping began in 1985.Goldman Sachs forecasted that the current credit problems will result in $2 trillion of reduced bank lending for next year. I certainly hope that many of these reports are wrong, but I have heard from many sources that lending will be extremely tight if not non-existent for certain segments of the market. Most likely to be impacted are the $500k-1,000M housing segment. The yield on the two year n... 11/19/2007

 This chart includes housing data for each respective zip code listed for the October 2007 period and percent change from October 2006 levels. As you can see from the table below, housing prices for the month have varied by area, but it’s interesting to note that the higher end of the market has not been as affected, at least as far as median price, by the slow down. Most notably in Toluca Lake(91602) we saw a 42.7% increase in the median home price, Studio City(91604) experienced a 3.3% increase and the Hollywood Hills(90068) saw a 12.8% increase in the median home price. What’s been most impacted in many areas is the volume of sales. The main reason for this is that it has become harder for many to obtain a mortgage loan, especially if it’s above the conforming limit of $417,000, whic... 11/18/2007