I am so amazed how quickly February went by. Part of it I attribute, since I have been very busy with buyers as well as sellers trying to find out what their property is worth in today' market. Not taking into consideration that the month is three days shorter then the others.  It is very interesting to see now that the numbers are in. For the month of February there were 185 active condominium listings on the market that is a 9.7% increase of the inventory over January. There were 13 condominiums accepting back up offers and 15 condominiums that were pending that is a 27% increase over the January numbers. That is just amazing. There was a decline in the Sold numbers. For the month of February there were only 7 Condominiums Sold. This is a huge decline by about 63%. (See last months Re... 03/03/2009

I have been monitoring the Marina Del Rey Condominium Sales activity for quite some time. I have been receiving requests from buyers and sellers to give a year to year comparison of these statistics. Here is a New Year, a new President, so here we go; this is my first Market Report for Marina Del Rey Condominiums. This will be a monthly report with a year end summary. Therefore instead of just giving a snap shot of the Market I would like to frame the current Activity in relationship to the past two year.  For the month of January 2007 there were 16 Condominiums that sold in Marina Del Rey. For the month of January 2008, there were 12 Condominiums, which sold in Marina Del Rey. Now before I give the 2009 figures I would like to bring to every one's attention. That we had a tightening of... 02/02/2009

Well here it is beginning of January, 2009; I have seen the weather reports on the East Coast, freezing, wind chill -10 degrees. Yes, I remember those days, since I lived in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. People ask me what is the attraction to Southern California? Why do people gravitate to Southern California?  My answer is easy, it is the climate. I have decided to relax this Sunday, not work until late afternoon. This is a luxury I do not often experience. We went for a late breakfast early lunch to the best breakfast place in Marina Del Rey, Café Buna on Washington Street. (I will have to do a post about them). Then we decided to walk on the Beach from the Channel all the way back to the Pier. By the time we got there we were ready for a fantastic Coldstone Dairy Ice crea... 01/12/2009

LA Investment Capital Real Estate Equity Funds are discretionary, private real estate investment funds formed to provide joint venture equity to real estate projects. The investment capital for the Funds comes from select private sources, including private accredited investors, institutional fund managers, foundations, and trusts.   LA Investment Capital invests in a diversified group of value-added and opportunistic projects that typically consist of the acquisition, development, and/or redevelopment of commercial and select residential real estate assets located throughout the United States. While each project is managed by an experienced, third party real estate company that acquires, develops, operates, and ultimately sells the project, the LA Investment Capital executive team provi... 01/08/2009

  As I mentioned in my previous Market Report (#5 Part I) we shall do an analysis of 2008 and how it fared with 2007. The numbers are in. So let us look at the statistics.  From January 01, 2008 to December 31 2008 we had 195 Condominiums that were sold.  The most expensive sale was $2,600,000 directly on the beach, not a penthouse a 3 bedroom 3 bathroom under 2000 sq ft Condominium. The least expensive sale was $280,000 for a studio with one bath approximately 450 sq ft of living space steps from the beach.  For the same period in 2007 as in 2008, there were 233 Condominiums that were sold.   The most expensive sale was $5,495,000 for a 3 bedroom 4.5 bathroom for a 5, 462 sq ft Condominium on the beach. There was also a PH unit that sold for $4,650,000 5 bedrooms 5.5.bathroom about 5,5... 01/04/2009

Well here we are 2008 is in the history books now.  Last night as I stopped in to visit one of my clients to wish them a prosperous New Year, they informed me, that we even "added an extra second" to 2008. I am sure it did not help with last years numbers.  As promised last month, I will do the Market Report in two parts. Part I: the statistics for December and Part II will be a comparison of 2007 vs. 2008 numbers. Part II is more an analysis and clarification of Fact vs. Fiction. Too many people have been giving analysis without facts and statistics in this past year. So let us see the real numbers.  Marina Del Rey Condominium Market Report Part I (December 2008):  There are 180 Condominiums on the Market for Sale as of today.  There are    17 Condominiums that are in Escrow as of toda... 01/01/2009

Dec 13   Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade Marina del Rey Boat Parade Saturday, December 13th Festively decorated boats illuminate the main channel in one of the Marina's most visually exciting events.  The Saturday evening parade will run between 6 and 8 P.M. Traditional fireworks will be shot off the south jetty of the marina at 5:55 P.M.The theme for this year's boat parade is Santa Claus Is Coming To Town The parade boats will circle the Marina main channel several times.   As in previous years, the parade boats will be judged on Saturday evening. Best viewing: Burton Chace Park & Fisherman's Village Burton Chace Park is where the judges viewing stand is with music being played throughout the length of the parade! Live commentary will be provided by our favorite announcers: Lisa O... 12/14/2008

I hope everyone has enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgivings weekend. Mine was great as well, hence the delay of this important report.  This reporting period covers the Condominiums which sold from October 28th 2008 to November 28th,2008. The Pending (in Escrow) as well as the Back - Up (in Escrow contingencies not removed) to date. Also I have included the Condominiums which are currently active on the Market to date.  Last month we had 18 sold vs. this month we had only 14 sold. Keep in mind traditionally when the holiday season enters, normally there is a drop in the Sales Activity for Real Estate. A large majority of the consumer is focusing on activities other then Real Estate Sales.  The Highest Priced Sale was $1,450,000.00 the least expensive sale was $351,000.00.  There are 15 Pendin... 12/02/2008

Without sounding repetitious another 30 days flew by. This reporting period includes one of the worst weeks on record for The Stock Market,( an 18% drop for the week of October 13,2008) Continued fears and anxiety about the credit freeze had a devastating effect for Lenders. Money became scarce.  So let us look at the facts. My last report was September 29, 2008. Let me summarize what has occurred since then.  There are currently on the market, for sale 199 Condominiums.  As of today, there are 26 Condominiums that are pending. That is a drop of 10 since last month. Numbers like this, with the financial turmoil that is quite good in my perception.  September- October (30 day period) there were 18 Condominiums that SOLD. Interestingly that is one more then during the previous thirty day ... 10/30/2008

I brought a client to see The Lofts on Beach yesterday.  They are truly stunning, especially for those of us that love living in an open, airy and decidedly white space.  It does not surprise me that in only a few months they are down to their last 3 lofts.  Two are penthouses at just over 1,800 and almost 2,000 square feet.  Prices are $970,000 and $1,080,000.  The third is a 2nd floor unit, 1,690 square feet and priced at $799,000. My favorite of the three is PH 303, located on the north side of the building.  It has dark wood floors, a spectacular white kitchen with movable island, high ceilings and an open patio with fireplace that stretches the length of the unit....plenty of space to grow your organic veggies! Call Brandi at 310-383-3314 to set up an appointment to view these last... 10/28/2008

The Marina Del Rey area of Los Angeles ranks among the most amazing places to live in the world.  Ideally situated on the California coastline The Marina is considered a true Los Angeles gem with its collection of places to eat, outdoorsy things to do, and a lifestyle that is uncommonly relaxed.  The Marina boasts excellent air quality, ideal weather year round, sand and sea at your feet, biking along the ocean, concerts in the park, and offers central access to the  rest of the Westside and the Southbay. Marina Del Rey is one of the largest man-made small craft harbors in the nation. The Marina accommodates more than 5,300 vessels, and offers comprehensive public and private boating facilities and services.  Bordered by Venice, Santa Monica, and Playa del Rey, the choices of beaches, ... 10/09/2008

As I was researching my last post and looking at land size vs. living square feet in the Marina Del Rey Peninsula and the Silver Strand it occurred to me.  Just as I was interested to see, what the Market Snapshot was for Single Family Residences the community would be equally interested to see, what the numbers are in this turbulent real estate market?  Presently there are twenty three Single Family Residences on the Market for Sale.  Two homes are in Escrow and ten sold year to date.  The least expensive home on the Market is listed for $1,950,000.00 and the most expensive is listed for $5,999,000.00. From the homes, that sold year to date, the least expensive home sold for $1,412,500.00. Interestingly enough it sold for $14,000.00 above the asking price. Obviously it was in a bidding... 10/06/2008

I do not want to sound radical or revolutionairy, we need to look at the recently passed Building Restriction Laws. There has been a lot discussion about ‘Mansionization Curbing in Los Angeles', prior to the Market turning. Subsequently there were legislation that passed and were signed into Law. I am a firm believer we need to revisit or modify some of these regulations. Please do not misunderstand my point I am trying to make. I have watched numerous oversized boxes, which contractors called houses on small lots, sprouted up everywhere, from Beverly Hills to Beverlywood. I am not in favor of building oversized boxes.  I am all for having tastefully designed homes on any size lots. My concern is, that with the downturn of the Real Estate Market we have lost another buying segment from ... 10/04/2008

  It is hard to believe another 30 days flew by. Many events occurred and the Media has been relentless in reporting how bad the Financial Markets are and continues reporting about the Real Estate Market being slow at best.  So let us look at the facts. My last report was August 29, 2008 let me summarize what has occurred.    June-July (30 day period) there were 16 Condominiums that SOLD   July- August (30 day period) there were 19 Condominiums that SOLD   August - September (30 day period) there were 17 Condominiums that SOLD   As of today there are 36 Condominium that are Pending. Interestingly last month there were the same amounts of Condominiums pending. Due to the financial turmoil it appears that the days of 30 day Escrow period is of the past. Now it takes about 45 days to 60 da... 09/27/2008

Please visit my new website for real estate information on the Marina del Rey condo, townhomes, and the new lofts district.  I'm constantly updating so check back frequently.  If there is a particular complex of interest you want more information on, please let me know and I will get you the answers!! Have a great weekend!! Kirstin 09/25/2008

  One of the benefits of this Global Economy is the ability to purchase and own Real Estate Globally. The current Real Estate situation in Southern California makes it particularly interesting for International Investors to purchase Real Estate here. The strong Euro and weak Dollar makes an investment in Southern California very appealing proposition to European investors.   I have just referred a for sale property in Germany to a German Realtor (Deutscher Immobilienmakler).  The Seller lives and lived in Southern California for  the past 16 years and had the place rented to an elderly woman, who is moving into a Retirement home. The difficulties of finding an agent who was Customer friendly, trustworthy and local was not easy. From this experience I got the idea for this post.   If it ... 09/20/2008

For someone who has moved around the world between Europe and within the continental US more then twenty times, I can safely say I am an expert at Relocating. My last move was a short distance from Century City, (Los Angeles) CA to Marina Del Rey, CA. Nevertheless I swore I will only move one possibly twice more in my life. Needless to say I understand what it means to make drastic changes, to leave your family and friends and neighbors are sometimes emotionally painful. Then with that comes the anxiety to pack, what to get rid of and what to keep. (I am a pack-rat so I know the anxiety).  Keep in mind the better organized, the better you plan ahead, the easier the Relocation will be. Also plan on things going wrong and the more you anticipate what could go wrong the more you plan for t... 09/19/2008

Last year more than 60,000 volunteers worked together to collect more than 900,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from our beaches, lakes, and waterways. California Coastal Cleanup Day has been hailed by the Guinness Book of World Records as "the largest garbage collection" (1993). Since the program started in 1985, over 800,000 Californians have removed more than 12 million pounds of debris from our state's shorelines and coast. You will be provided with all the bags and gloves you need. bring some friends and make a game of it.   Team up and see how much you can pick up in 30 min and then try to beat that record over and over again.   Be part of the solution to marine pollution! 2008 Coordinators for Los Angeles County To participate, contact one of the coordinators listed below, use... 09/17/2008

As I sit infront of my computer screen I am reflecting on seven years ago the tragedy we faced in this country that changed everything. Here we are on the  night of 9/11 and I was wondering what if something happened here in the Marina. Where would a new person that just moved here go, if they had an emergency, a medical crisis. I am one who last wants to see a Hospital or a Doctor, but there are many people that relocate, come to visit would like to know, especially if there is an emergency.  So as I did my research I discovered we have: Marina Del Rey Hospital(formerly Centinela Feeeman Regional Medical Center, Marina Campus). Also known as Daniel Feeman Marina Hopital It is a 144-bed accredited hospital that offers basic medical and surgical services and has a 24/7 emergency care to ... 09/10/2008

This small Coastal Community of Marina Del Rey, CA has a lot to offer, not only superb restaurants, hotels, grocery stores as well as Bookstores & Libraries.There is Barnes & Noble Bookseller on 13400 Maxella, Marina del Rey, CA 310.306.3213. It is a three-story bookstore with over 150,000 books. Fantastic selections for whatever you are looking for, you will find it here.We are so used to seeing  Large Bookstore chains,  it is refreshing to see an Independent bookstore as well. Technically it is not in Marina Del Rey,CA( it is 500 yards from the border in Venice, CA )right on the Boardwalk is Small World Books at 1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice CA  90291  (tel) 310.399.2360This bookstore has a nice selection of signed first editions books. As well a wide selection poetry and magazines ar... 09/07/2008