Dreaming of Luxury in the City of Angels Welcome to our comprehensive exploration of the luxury real estate market trends in Los Angeles, honing in on elite locales such as Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village, and Simi Valley. Tailored for both the seasoned investor and the first-time high-end property purchaser, this article blends insightful analysis with practical guidance. Join us as we navigate these prestigious markets together. The State of Luxury Real Estate: A Glimpse into Calabasas and Beyond In esteemed neighborhoods like Calabasas and Hidden Hills, luxury real estate is more than just property; it's a symbol of status and aspiration, like a coveted piece of art in an exclusive gallery. The demand in these areas is driven by their unparalleled exclusivity, stunning natural beauty, and a sense of community that resonates with those seeking a refined lifestyle. Interest Rates and Market Dynamics Consider interest rates as the heartbeat of the real estate market, each fluctuation setting the pace for buying and selling activities. The recent rise in rates has cooled the previously overheated market, particularly in luxury areas like Calabasas and Hidden Hills, creating unique opportunities for buyers. This shift filters out less serious buyers, potentially lessening competition and opening up more room for negotiation. However, it also increases the cost of borrowing, necessitating a careful balance of caution and boldness in decision-making. The luxury market, known for its stability and long-term appreciation potential, remains attractive for those with diverse income sources and investment portfolios. With a range of properties entering the market, buyers now have access to a more varied selection, from modern homes to historical estates. Navigating these dynamics requires expertise to guide buyers towards informed, strategic decisions in this evolving market landscape. A Silver Lining in Investment Opportunities Despite the heightened prices, the luxury market in locales like Westlake Village and Simi Valley offers robust investment potential. These properties aren't just homes; they are legacies, promising enduring value and prestige. For those looking to diversify their portfolio, these areas present a golden opportunity to invest in real estate that transcends the ordinary.   The Ripple Effect of Economic Trends Beyond local dynamics, broader economic trends have a profound impact on luxury real estate. Global economic shifts, such as changes in foreign investment policies or international trade relations, can have a cascading effect on the demand for high-end properties in these areas. International buyers, drawn to the allure and prestige of these neighborhoods, play a significant role in shaping market trends, often bringing a different perspective on value and investment potential. Additionally, fluctuations in currency exchange rates can either encourage or deter foreign investment, further affecting the market's buoyancy. Therefore, a keen awareness of these global economic patterns is essential for anyone looking to make informed and strategic decisions in the luxury real estate sector, where the local market is a microcosm of the world's economic ebbs and flows. Navigating Affordability in a Competitive Market In a market as dynamic as Los Angeles's luxury segment, finding an affordable dream home is akin to discovering a hidden gem in a vast ocean. Strategic navigation through this complex market can lead to rewarding destinations.   Leveraging Financial Tools In this arena, financial acumen is key. A deep understanding of various financial products, such as adjustable-rate mortgages, interest-only loans, and jumbo loans, tailored for high-priced markets, can dramatically alter the landscape of possibilities. These financial instruments, when utilized judiciously, can transform seemingly unattainable luxury properties into achievable dreams, serving as bridges over the often-daunting financial gaps. Moreover, exploring creative financing options, like leveraging existing assets or exploring lines of credit, can provide additional pathways to property acquisition. It's important for potential buyers to work closely with financial experts who can offer tailored advice and strategies, ensuring that the chosen financial tools align perfectly with both short-term affordability and long-term investment goals. The Role of Timing Mastering the art of timing in real estate, particularly in luxury markets such as those in and around Los Angeles, is akin to performing a well-choreographed dance with the ever-shifting market trends. It's about keenly observing the subtleties of the market, discerning the impact of seasonal shifts that can influence buyer and seller behavior, and identifying those pivotal moments when the market conditions are most advantageous. This process often requires a blend of intuition and meticulous research, coupled with expert advice to accurately pinpoint the opportune moment to make a purchase. In luxury markets, where investment stakes are high, timing can mean the difference between securing a property at a value-driven price or missing out on a potential gem. Understanding the local market's historical patterns, current economic indicators, and future projections is crucial in making informed decisions that align with one's real estate goals and investment strategy. Expanding Horizons Broadening your search area can be likened to exploring uncharted territories on a treasure map. This exploration might lead you to neighborhoods on the cusp of becoming the next luxury hotspots, offering a similar lifestyle at a more accessible price point. Often, these emerging areas provide excellent value and potential for appreciation. Your Path to Luxury Real Estate Ownership Embarking on the journey to luxury real estate ownership in Los Angeles is an exciting venture, blending dreams with strategic planning. Our mission is to guide you on this path, offering insights and expertise every step of the way. To ensure you're always at the forefront of the latest trends, market insights, and exclusive opportunities, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter. It's your personal gateway to the most current and relevant information in luxury real estate, tailored to your interests and investment goals. Subscribe below and start shaping your future in luxury real estate today.   Manifest Your Dream Home with Expert Guidance The complexities of the luxury real estate market are navigable with the right guidance and expertise. Whether you are an experienced investor or a first-time luxury home buyer, our team is here to provide personalized advice and support. Contact us to

Understanding Market Dynamics Real estate markets are inherently dynamic, characterized by fluctuations in property values, interest rates, and consumer sentiment. In the Los Angeles area, including sought-after cities like Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Westlake Village, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, and Beverly Hills, understanding these dynamics is crucial. The key is to recognize the ebb and flow of the market, especially in times of elevated interest rates. A deeper understanding of these trends empowers buyers and sellers to make informed decisions to achieve real estate success. Adapting to Elevated Interest Rates Elevated interest rates can significantly impact the real estate market. Higher rates mean higher borrowing costs, which can cool down overheated markets. In the Los Angeles area, where property values are typically high, this cooling effect can be more pronounced. Adapting to these conditions requires a strategic approach. Buyers might need to adjust their budget expectations, while sellers may need to be more flexible with pricing and terms. Trust-Based Client Relationships In the real estate world, trust is the cornerstone of every successful transaction. Stephen's approach to real estate is deeply rooted in transparency and trust, ensuring that every client, whether in Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, or surrounding Los Angeles areas, receives a level of service that respects their individual needs and goals. With Stephen, it's not just about transactions; it's about understanding and responding to your unique aspirations in the property market. His commitment to clear communication and honest advice provides a sense of ease and confidence in your real estate journey, making him an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable and thoughtful partner in navigating the complexities of buying or selling a home. Market Analysis and Research Comprehensive market analysis and research are vital in any real estate strategy, especially in diverse and dynamic regions like Los Angeles County. This involves studying current market trends, historical data, and future forecasts. Understanding the specific characteristics of neighborhoods in Calabasas, Sherman Oaks, or Beverly Hills, for example, allows for tailored strategies that align with each area's unique market conditions. Realistic Pricing Strategies Setting realistic prices is crucial, particularly in a market experiencing elevated interest rates. Overpricing can lead to extended time on the market, while underpricing might result in financial loss. Conducting thorough comparative market analysis ensures pricing strategies are in line with current market conditions. This approach not only attracts serious buyers but also instills confidence in sellers, knowing their property is valued appropriately. Negotiation Skills and Tactics Negotiation is an art in the real estate business. Skilled negotiation tactics can help navigate through the challenges posed by elevated interest rates. This includes understanding the buyer's and seller's priorities, being flexible with terms, and finding a middle ground that benefits all parties involved. Effective negotiation stems from a place of understanding and respect, aligning with the principles of trust and transparency. Continuous Education and Adaptability In a market as dynamic as real estate, staying informed is key to real estate success. Stephen offers a solution through his professionally curated newsletter, a valuable tool for anyone interested in the Los Angeles real estate scene. This concise, insightful publication brings you the latest market trends, news, and tips, right to your inbox. For those keen on making informed real estate decisions in areas like Beverly Hills or Sherman Oaks, subscribing to this free newsletter is a smart move. Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing below. Take Your Next Step with Stephen In navigating the complexities of the Los Angeles real estate market, especially during times of elevated interest rates, having a knowledgeable and trustworthy partner is invaluable. Whether you're looking to buy in Beverly Hills, sell in Sherman Oaks, or explore opportunities in Calabasas and surrounding areas, Stephen is here to guide you through every step. With a commitment to transparency, trust, and continuous learning, Stephen ensures that your real estate journey aligns with your dreams and goals. Don't let market uncertainties hold you back. Reach out to Stephen today, and take the first step towards turning your real estate aspirations into reality. {{ vc_btn: title=Contact+Stephen+White&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.com%252Fcontact-stephen-white%252F%7Ctitle%3AContact%2520Stephen%2520White }}

Navigating the exclusive and dynamic real estate landscape of Calabasas and its surrounding areas, savvy investors and seasoned property enthusiasts are often on a quest for something beyond the ordinary. This region, known for its luxury and high-profile residents, holds more than meets the eye. As we delve into this guide, crafted for those with a keen eye for quality and potential, our journey leads us to an exciting destination: uncovering Hidden Gems in the Real Estate Market. With Stephen's expert guidance, blending industry knowledge with a gratitude-driven approach, this exploration promises not just insights but a pathway to exceptional real estate opportunities. Welcome to the Calabasas Area Nestled in the heart of Southern California, Calabasas and its neighboring communities present a treasure trove of hidden real estate gems. Known for upscale living and high-profile residents, this region extends its reach across a range of cities, each conveniently located within a reasonable distance. The area boasts a unique blend of luxury homes, top-tier amenities, and stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal choice for discerning buyers seeking both exclusivity and accessibility. The Art of Finding Undervalued Properties The pursuit of undervalued properties in and around Calabasas is a nuanced art. It's about identifying those listings that have lingered on the market or properties that, with a touch of creativity and investment, can transform into luxurious abodes. However, tread carefully; some properties may seem like bargains but come with underlying issues, less-than-ideal locations or features. This is where partnering with Stephen becomes invaluable. His keen insight and experience help navigate these complexities, ensuring you invest wisely. Emerging Neighborhoods and Developments The areas surrounding Calabasas, including but not limited to Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, and Westlake Village, are in a constant state of evolution. Emerging neighborhoods and new developments present unique investment opportunities. Staying ahead of the curve in these up-and-coming areas can yield significant benefits. Stephen’s deep understanding of the local market dynamics places you in an advantageous position to capitalize on these emerging opportunities. The Impact of Market Trends and Economic Indicators Understanding the broader economic and market trends is crucial for identifying real estate opportunities. Interest rate trends, housing market forecasts, and local economic developments play a significant role in property values. Changes like the introduction of new tech hubs, commercial developments, or transportation improvements can significantly impact the desirability and value of properties in these areas. Stephen’s expertise and network enable you to harness these trends effectively, making informed and strategic investment decisions. Utilizing Technology and Data in Your Search In today's dynamic real estate market, the integration of technology and data into your property search is not just beneficial, it's essential. With advanced property search tools and comprehensive demographic data at your fingertips, you gain a significant edge in finding your ideal home. However, the true value lies in coupling these technological resources with the expertise of a seasoned realtor like Stephen. His approach goes beyond simple data analysis; it's about interpreting this information to align perfectly with your unique needs and aspirations, a fundamental aspect of his mission to guide you in realizing your dream home and lifestyle. Stephen's expertise particularly shines when exploring off-market properties and private listings, areas where solo searches may fall short. His extensive network and deep market knowledge open doors to exclusive opportunities, often unseen in public listings. This personalized approach, rooted in Stephen's brand promise of gratitude, manifestation, and building authentic relationships, ensures a real estate experience that is not only successful but also deeply aligned with your values and vision. With Stephen, your journey towards owning your ideal home is taken with a trusted advisor by your side, transforming the complex process into a journey of discovery and fulfillment. Embarking on Your Real Estate Journey with Stephen The journey to uncovering the hidden gems in the Calabasas area and its neighboring communities requires more than just market knowledge; it requires the right guidance and insight. Whether you’re exploring undervalued properties, emerging neighborhoods, or leveraging market trends and technology, Stephen’s unique real estate philosophy ensures a more insightful and rewarding experience. Ready to explore the real estate opportunities in the Calabasas area? Connect with Stephen today to begin your journey. His expertise and personalized approach will not only help you find a property but also assist you in manifesting your ideal home and lifestyle. Reach out at [email protected] or (310) 919-6676 to start uncovering the hidden potential in this exclusive area. Together, you can explore the hidden gems in the real estate market and discover the opportunities that await. {{ vc_btn: title=Contact+Stephen+White&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.com%252Fcontact-stephen-white%252F%7Ctitle%3AContact%2520Stephen%2520White }}

As the year draws to a close and the festive season approaches, there’s an air of magic and possibility that surrounds us. It’s a time for gratitude, reflection, and, for many, the pursuit of new beginnings. For those dreaming of owning their ideal home, the holiday season might just be the perfect time to make that dream a reality. Let's delve into how the seasonal dip in interest rates presents a unique window for homebuyers, and how you can leverage this to seize seasonal opportunities and secure your new home for the holidays. Understanding Seasonal Interest Rate Trends Understanding the nuances of the real estate market, you'll appreciate that there is often a slowdown during the holiday season. This trend typically results in more competitive interest rates, as lenders seek to stimulate borrowing in these less active months. Such seasonal shifts can offer long-term financial benefits in terms of mortgage savings. With your insight into the market, this could be an opportune moment to advance towards securing your ideal property and bringing you closer to your dream home for the holidays. Less Competition, More Opportunities The holiday season typically sees fewer buyers in the market, meaning less competition for you. This can be a boon, especially in a seller's market, allowing more room for negotiation and a better chance of getting your offer accepted. Remember, buying a home is not just a transaction; it's about building authentic relationships and finding a space that resonates with your aspirations. Harnessing the Power of Gratitude and Manifestation As we embrace the spirit of the holidays, it’s important to lead with gratitude and manifestation. Visualize the home you want to create memories in, the space where you'll celebrate many more holidays to come. This positive mindset is not just uplifting but can also be a powerful tool in your home-buying journey. Navigating the Market with Transparency and Trust In a season filled with joy and occasional complexities, the guidance of a trusted real estate advisor like Stephen White is invaluable. Stephen brings transparency in understanding the market and the unique aspects of holiday home buying, coupled with a trustworthy approach to ensure a smooth and successful journey towards your home purchase. If you're considering navigating these waters, Stephen invites you to contact him for a consultation to discuss your needs and how he can assist you to seize seasonal opportunities this year. Closing the Deal: A Gift That Keeps on Giving The experience of securing a home during the holiday season can be compared to the enduring joy of giving a timeless gift to yourself and your loved ones. This process marks the beginning of a new, exciting chapter in your life, filled with the monumental joy of creating new memories in a space you can call your own. This time of year often brings the advantage of potentially lower closing costs and a market with motivated sellers, which can translate into more favorable terms for your purchase. It's an opportunity to capitalize on unique market conditions that could make your home buying experience not just more economical but also more memorable. As clients navigate this process, it's important to remember that the decision to buy a home is not just a transaction, but a heartwarming investment in their future that will resonate for years to come. With Stephen's expertise and dedication, he is prepared to guide clients through every step, ensuring a smooth journey towards this significant milestone. A New Home for the Holidays: Beyond the Transaction Imagine starting the New Year in a new home, a space that aligns with your dreams and aspirations. This isn’t just about buying property; it's about embarking on a journey towards the lifestyle you've always envisioned. Your new home is a canvas for future memories, a place where gratitude and dreams coalesce. Embracing Peace and Joy in Your Home Search Finally, remember to approach your home search with a sense of peace and joy. The holiday season, with its emphasis on warmth and family, is the perfect backdrop for finding a place that feels like home. The holiday season, with its unique market dynamics, presents a wonderful opportunity for those looking to purchase or sell a home. It’s a time when the stars may just align, offering lower interest rates, less competition, and the chance to start the New Year in a new home. As your realtor, Stephen White is here to guide you through this journey with gratitude, trust, and a commitment to finding not just a house, but a home that resonates with your heart's desires. Let's embrace this seize seasonal opportunities together and make your dream home a reality. {{ vc_btn: title=Contact+Stephen+White&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.com%252Fcontact-stephen-white%252F%7Ctitle%3AContact%2520Stephen%2520White }}

In the realm of luxury real estate, opulence has long been associated with excess and extravagance. However, a paradigm shift is underway, challenging traditional notions of grandeur by integrating sustainability into the very fabric of luxurious living. Nowhere is this more evident than in the stunning and environmentally conscious properties gracing the sun-kissed landscapes of Southern California. These architectural marvels not only epitomize the epitome of high-end living but also epitomize a commitment to preserving our planet for generations to come. The Green Revolution Redefining Real Estate Amidst the panoramic splendor of Southern California's coveted neighborhoods, a remarkable movement has taken root, one that merges the height of luxury with a conscientious approach to environmental sustainability. Unveiling a seamless fusion of innovative technology, cutting-edge design, and eco-friendly construction materials, these sustainable properties are redefining the very essence of opulence in the real estate market. Harnessing Natural Elements for Efficiency Southern California's eco-luxury homes are ingeniously designed to harness the region's abundant natural resources. With an emphasis on harnessing solar power, these homes effortlessly integrate solar panels, ensuring a self-sustaining and energy-efficient living environment. From heating and cooling systems to lighting and water heating, the integration of solar technology not only reduces the carbon footprint but also translates into substantial cost savings for the homeowners, making it an attractive investment proposition for the environmentally conscious elite. Innovative Green Architecture and Design Venturing beyond conventional architectural norms, these sustainable luxury homes exemplify the perfect synergy between sophisticated design and eco-consciousness. From intricately designed green roofs that naturally regulate indoor temperatures to intelligent use of sustainable building materials like bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood, and recycled glass, each element is thoughtfully curated to minimize environmental impact without compromising on elegance and grandeur. Smart Home Technology for a Sustainable Lifestyle In an era defined by technological innovation, Southern California's eco-luxury homes are at the forefront of the smart home revolution. Integrated with state-of-the-art smart home technology, these properties empower homeowners to effortlessly manage energy consumption, optimize resource usage, and monitor environmental impact in real-time. From automated climate control systems to intelligent lighting and water conservation solutions, every aspect of sustainable living is seamlessly integrated into the fabric of these luxurious abodes. The Investment Potential of Sustainable Eco-Luxury Beyond their exquisite allure, Southern California's eco-friendly luxury properties present an unparalleled investment opportunity for the discerning investor. As the global focus on environmental sustainability intensifies, these homes hold the promise of not just preserving the planet but also securing robust returns on investment. With an ever-growing market demand for eco-conscious living spaces, these properties are poised to stand the test of time, offering a secure and sustainable investment avenue for those with a vision for the future. Embrace the Future of Opulent Living Southern California's eco-friendly luxury homes represent a marriage of sophistication and sustainability, a testament to the evolving landscape of high-end real estate. By embracing the ethos of eco-consciousness without compromising on luxury, these properties redefine opulence, catering to the refined tastes of the elite while championing the cause of environmental preservation. It's time to embrace a lifestyle that not only exudes elegance but also champions the noble cause of safeguarding our planet for generations to come. When it comes to Southern California's landscape of eco-luxury homes, several cities stand out for their unparalleled blend of opulence and sustainability. From the iconic beaches of Malibu to the serene communities of Santa Barbara, the region offers a diverse array of locales where eco-conscious living intertwines seamlessly with high-end real estate. Cities like Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Hidden Hills, Beverly Hills, and Santa Barbara have become hotspots for those seeking sustainable luxury living. For more information on Southern California's sustainable luxury properties, get in touch with Stephen White. Discover the epitome of opulent living harmoniously intertwined with environmental consciousness. Embrace a lifestyle that not only defines luxury but also embodies a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. {{ vc_btn: title=Contact+Stephen+for+Eco-Luxury+Homes&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.com%252Fcontact-stephen-white%252F%7Ctitle%3AContact%2520Stephen%2520White }}

As the allure of Southern California's opulent lifestyle continues to captivate discerning individuals and investors alike, the demand for the most exclusive residential enclaves has never been higher. Whether you seek breathtaking oceanfront estates, stunning hillside mansions with panoramic views, or vibrant communities brimming with cultural richness, Southern California boasts an array of luxurious neighborhoods that redefine the concept of high-end living. As a seasoned realtor specializing in catering to the demands of elite clientele, Stephen White is thrilled to unveil the most sought-after neighborhoods in this golden region, each offering a unique blend of elegance, privacy, and sophistication. Malibu: Where Celestial Luxury Meets Coastal Serenity Nestled along the Pacific coastline, Malibu epitomizes the epitome of luxury living. Renowned for its pristine beaches, celebrity residences, and an ambiance that exudes laid-back elegance, this exclusive enclave offers a diverse selection of multi-million dollar properties that epitomize coastal opulence. From contemporary architectural marvels overlooking the glistening ocean to sprawling estates with private beach access, Malibu remains a magnet for those seeking an unrivaled blend of tranquility and glamour. {{ vc_btn: title=Search+Malibu+Homes&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&i_icon_fontawesome=fas+fa-search&add_icon=true&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.com%252Fcommunities%252Fmalibu-homes%252F%7Ctitle%3AMalibu%2520Residential%2520Homes }} Beverly Hills: A Timeless Haven of Prestige and Glamour No mention of exclusive Southern California neighborhoods would be complete without the iconic Beverly Hills. Recognized worldwide as a symbol of affluence, this neighborhood embodies the pinnacle of luxury living. From the legendary Rodeo Drive's haute couture boutiques to the majestic mansions nestled within tree-lined avenues, Beverly Hills remains the epicenter of sophistication and prestige, drawing in investors and high-end clientele from every corner of the globe. {{ vc_btn: title=Search+Beverly+Hills+Homes&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&i_icon_fontawesome=fas+fa-search&add_icon=true&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.com%252Fcommunities%252Fbeverly-hills-homes%252F%7Ctitle%3ABeverly%2520Hills%2520Residential%2520Homes }} Hidden Hills: A Serene Enclave of Exclusivity and Privacy Nestled discreetly within the San Fernando Valley, Hidden Hills offers a secluded haven for those seeking utmost privacy and exclusivity. Known for its sprawling estates, equestrian properties, and unparalleled security, Hidden Hills provides an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling energy of Southern California. With its lush landscapes, sprawling lots, and an atmosphere of seclusion, Hidden Hills continues to be a coveted destination for high-end clientele and investors seeking a retreat from the fast-paced urban lifestyle. {{ vc_btn: title=Search+Hidden+Hills+Homes&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&i_icon_fontawesome=fas+fa-search&add_icon=true&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.com%252Fcommunities%252Fhidden-hills-homes%252F%7Ctitle%3AHidden%2520Hills%2520Residential%2520Homes }} Westlake Village: A Picturesque Blend of Luxury and Community Embraced by the Santa Monica Mountains, Westlake Village offers an elegant fusion of upscale living and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Known for its waterfront properties, expansive golf course estates, and serene neighborhoods, Westlake Village provides an ideal balance of natural beauty and modern amenities. With its scenic surroundings, exclusive country clubs, and a thriving cultural scene, Westlake Village stands as a prime location for those seeking a luxurious yet welcoming residential experience in Southern California. {{ vc_btn: title=Search+Westlake+Village+Homes&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&i_icon_fontawesome=fas+fa-search&add_icon=true&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.com%252Fcommunities%252Fwestlake-village-homes%252F%7Ctitle%3AWestlake%2520Village%2520Residential%2520Homes }} Newport Beach: A Sailing Paradise with Unparalleled Coastal Luxury Famed for its picturesque harbor, Newport Beach offers a fusion of nautical charm and lavish coastal living. Boasting an array of waterfront properties, from expansive estates on Balboa Island to contemporary villas overlooking the Newport Bay, this neighborhood provides an idyllic setting for those seeking a seamless blend of aquatic leisure and luxurious comfort. The thriving art scene, upscale shopping, and culinary delights add to the appeal for both residents and investors looking for a vibrant yet exclusive community. {{ vc_btn: title=Search+Newport+Beach+Homes&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&i_icon_fontawesome=fas+fa-search&add_icon=true&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.idxbroker.com%252Fidx%252Fresults%252Flistings%253FidxID%253Dd025%2526pt%253D1%2526a_propStatus%25255B%25255D%253DActive%2526ccz%253Dcity%2526city%25255B%25255D%253D32882%7Ctitle%3ANewport%2520Beach%2520Residential%2520Homes }} Calabasas: Where Luxury Meets Serene Landscapes Nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas offers a perfect blend of luxurious estates, picturesque landscapes, and a tight-knit community. Known for its gated communities, sprawling properties, and a tranquil ambiance, Calabasas provides an ideal setting for those seeking a serene yet upscale lifestyle in Southern California. With its exclusive amenities, scenic hiking trails, and a thriving local scene, Calabasas remains a favored destination for high-end clientele and investors seeking a harmonious blend of luxury and natural beauty. {{ vc_btn: title=Search+Calabasas+Homes&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&i_icon_fontawesome=fas+fa-search&add_icon=true&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.com%252Fcommunities%252Fcalabasas-homes%252F%7Ctitle%3ANewport%2520Beach%2520Residential%2520Homes }} Discover Your Dream Home Today! Southern California's most exclusive neighborhoods are not just residential areas; they are investments in a lifestyle that exemplifies luxury and sophistication. Whether you seek a prestigious address or a promising addition to your investment portfolio, these neighborhoods offer an unmatched blend of opulence, privacy, and comfort. If you are ready to explore the exceptional properties that Southern California has to offer or wish to discuss investment opportunities in these exclusive neighborhoods, please reach out to me, Stephen White, your trusted realtor for Southern California's luxury real estate market. Together, let's turn your dreams of luxury living into a remarkable reality.

Welcome to the world of luxury horse properties in the beautiful state of California! I'm Stephen White, your trusted realtor, and I'm excited to be your guide through this unique and potentially lucrative real estate market. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the real estate game, there are plenty of opportunities awaiting you in the world of luxury horse properties. Why Invest in Luxury Horse Properties in California? California is renowned for its stunning landscapes, and if you're considering investing in real estate, luxury horse properties should be on your radar. Here are some compelling reasons why: Scenic Beauty: California's diverse landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop for luxury horse properties. From the rolling hills of wine country to the picturesque beaches of the coast, or to the equestrian-friendly gated communities like Hidden Hills, there's something for every taste. Profit Potential: The demand for luxury horse properties in California is strong, making it a potentially profitable investment. Equestrian enthusiasts and wealthy buyers often seek these properties for personal enjoyment or as investments. Tax Benefits: Depending on how you manage your investment, you may be eligible for tax benefits such as depreciation, deductions for maintenance costs, and more. Consult with a tax professional for specifics. Considerations When Investing in Luxury Horse Properties Before you jump into the market, there are some key considerations to keep in mind: Location Matters: California is a large and diverse state. Consider the location of your horse property carefully. Proximity to amenities, equestrian facilities, and potential clients can significantly impact the property's value. Cost of Ownership: Owning and maintaining a luxury horse property can be expensive. Calculate the costs of stabling, feeding, and caring for horses, as well as property maintenance and taxes. Zoning and Permits: In California, zoning regulations can vary widely. Check local zoning laws and permits to ensure your intended use aligns with the property's zoning. Permitting may be required for certain activities, such as running a commercial equestrian facility. Market Trends: Stay informed about the real estate market trends in your chosen location. This will help you make informed decisions and maximize your investment's potential. Key Points for Experienced Investors If you're an experienced real estate investor, here are some additional strategies to consider: Diversify Your Portfolio: Luxury horse properties can be an excellent addition to a diversified real estate portfolio. They often provide a hedge against market fluctuations due to their unique appeal. Leverage Your Network: Finding the right horse property can sometimes just come down to who you know. Looking to find the right match? Contact Stephen White to find off-market opportunities and gain insights from fellow investors and professionals. Key Points for Beginner Investors If you're new to real estate investing, start with these fundamental principles: Education: Invest time in learning about real estate investing, especially in the luxury horse property niche. Attending seminars and reading books could help build a solid foundation for investing in a horse property for the first time. Of course, you can always seek guidance from experienced professional in horse properties like me. Start Small: Consider beginning with a smaller investment and gradually scaling up as you gain experience and confidence in the market. Take the Reins and Contact Stephen! Investing in luxury horse properties in California offers a unique opportunity to merge passion with profit. Whether you're a seasoned investor looking to diversify your portfolio or a beginner taking your first steps, I'm here to help you navigate this exciting market. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Contact Stephen White today to explore the wealth of luxury horse properties waiting for you in California. Together, we can turn your equestrian dreams into a lucrative reality. Let's take the reins of your real estate journey and set you on the path to success. Get in touch now and let's make your real estate dreams come true!

9655 Wentworth St., Shadow Hills CA 4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,240 SF | Equestrian Property | 5 Acre Lot | $7,500,000   Welcome to Gibson Ranch—a lifestyle like no other awaits you.   You're invited to embark on a journey of discovery, where history and modern amenities converge seamlessly. Welcome to the illustrious Gibson Ranch, a captivating oasis nestled on a sprawling 5-acre expanse in Shadow Hills, CA. As your trusted realtor, I am thrilled to introduce you to this remarkable property that transcends the ordinary and offers a lifestyle that is both opulent and practical. About 9655 Wentworth St., Shadow Hills CA For those with a passion for equestrian pursuits, Gibson Ranch at 9655 Wentworth St., Shadow Hills CA is a haven of horse-centric amenities like no other. The property boasts a rich legacy of equestrian excellence and extravagant gatherings, with a unique and coveted conditional use permit that has been grandfathered in for an impressive 90-year span, allowing for unforgettable events. Imagine the possibilities for horse shows, training, or hosting memorable occasions in this unparalleled setting. With a staggering 78 meticulously maintained horse stalls, Gibson Ranch places the care and comfort of your beloved companions as the top priority. Expansive and well-groomed trails invite leisurely rides through the picturesque landscape, allowing you to explore the beauty of nature right at your doorstep. Two state-of-the-art arenas provide the perfect stage for equestrian events and training, ensuring that riders of all levels can thrive and achieve their best. Equestrian Excellence Unleashed: A Home of Comfort and Elegance Amidst these remarkable equestrian features, you'll find a comfortable and charming 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence spanning 2,240 square feet. The house offers a sanctuary for those who appreciate both the elegance of country living and the proximity to the vibrant energy of Los Angeles. Imagine waking up to panoramic horse property and mountain views every day, embracing the best of both worlds. This welcoming home is meticulously designed to provide the utmost comfort and style. A sparkling pool beckons on warm Southern California days, inviting you to relax and unwind. Whether it's a cozy evening by the fireplace or entertaining friends and family in the spacious living areas, this home seamlessly combines luxury and practicality. A Rare Gem Awaits You Gibson Ranch is not just a property; it's a rare gem that awaits those who seek an exceptional equestrian center, a venue for unforgettable gatherings, or a beautiful home in an unbeatable location. The three elegant barns, turnouts, and round pens offer ample space for exercise and training, creating a haven where horses can flourish. Whether you're a professional or simply passionate about the equestrian world, this property is your dream come true. Don't let this unparalleled luxury slip away. Contact me, Stephen White, today to schedule a viewing and take the first step toward making Gibson Ranch your own. Together, we can unlock the doors to this remarkable estate and create a future filled with equestrian excellence, unforgettable gatherings, and the serenity of country living, all within reach of the vibrant heart of Los Angeles. Let's make your dreams a reality. Contact Stephen White at Stephen White and embark on this incredible journey today.

I'm thrilled to share the incredible success stories of three recent home sales that truly define luxury living. From the breathtaking views to the impeccable designs, these homes exemplify the epitome of comfort and elegance. Let's dive into the details of each property that found its perfect match: 24554 Palermo Dr, Calabasas, CA 91302: A Golfer's Paradise 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 3,975 SF | $2,420,000  🤝 Represented the Seller   I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have assisted a wonderful client turned great friend in the sale of their cherished home in the Vista Pointe Calabasas Community. With an impressive 30 years of memories, my client was ready for a new adventure, and it was an honor to guide them through this transition. Collaboration was key in preparing this home for its market debut. My client heeded the advice I shared, and together we embarked on a journey of updates and enhancements. We invested in new floors, a refreshed kitchen, updated bathrooms, and even a fresh exterior paint job. These thoughtful changes added not only value but also captured the essence of modern living. The result? A stunning transformation that led to an incredible $220,000 over the asking price, a net profit that truly exceeded expectations. Prepping a home for listing is an art that involves aligning your vision with that of your realtor. By working together, we crafted the perfect solution that resonated with the local community's desires and expectations. This experience stands as a testament to the value of collaboration and strategic planning in achieving remarkable outcomes. {{ vc_btn: title=See+24554+Palermo+Listing&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&css_animation=fadeIn&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.idxbroker.com%252Fidx%252Fdetails%252Flisting%252Fd025%252FSR23101377%252F24554-Palermo-Drive-Calabasas-CA-91302%253FwidgetReferer%253Dtrue%7Ctitle%3A24554%2520Palermo }} 11755 N Ainsley Ct, Porter Ranch, CA 91326: Modern Sophistication 5 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 5,318 SF | $3,225,000  🤝 Represented the Seller & Buyer   A masterpiece of modern design, this newly constructed home in the Westcliffe at Porter Ranch Skyline Collection redefines elegance. With 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and an impressive 5,318 square feet of living space, this home embodies luxury at its finest. Sold for $3,225,000, this residence is a true testament to the value of exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Upon entering, you're greeted by stunning floating staircases on each side of the foyer, leading to the primary and guest bedrooms. The great room with floor-to-ceiling windows is the heart of the home, and the gourmet Chef's kitchen with its calacatta marble countertops and high-end appliances is a true delight. The panoramic views from the primary bedroom and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces make this home a dream come true. {{ vc_btn: title=See+11755+N+Ainsley+Ct.+Listing&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&css_animation=fadeIn&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.idxbroker.com%252Fidx%252Fdetails%252Flisting%252Fd025%252FSR23096084%252F11755-N-Ainsley-Court-Porter-Ranch-CA-91326%253FwidgetReferer%253Dtrue%7Ctitle%3A11755%2520N%2520Ainseley }} 23038 Park Privado, Calabasas, CA 91302: Mediterranean Charm 3 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,241 SF | $1,275,000  🤝 Represented the Buyer   Nestled in the serene gated neighborhood of Creekside Calabasas Park, this Mediterranean townhouse offers comfort and convenience. With 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,241 square feet of living space, this property sold for $1,275,000, presenting an incredible opportunity to own a piece of paradise in a highly desirable location. From the private courtyard entrance to the high ceilings and travertine floors, this townhouse exudes charm. The chef's kitchen, primary suite with a private balcony, and a backyard featuring a pool and spa create a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. Proximity to Calabasas Lake, upscale dining, and shopping options further enhance the appeal of this wonderful home. {{ vc_btn: title=See+23038+Park+Privado+Listing&style=flat&shape=square&color=black&size=lg&align=center&css_animation=fadeIn&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwhiteluxuryhomes.idxbroker.com%252Fidx%252Fdetails%252Flisting%252Fd025%252F23256361%252F23038-Park-Privado-Calabasas-CA-91302%7Ctitle%3A23038%2520Park%2520Privado }} Ready to Sell or Find Your Dream Home? Contact Stephen White Today! If these homes have left you inspired and dreaming of your own slice of luxury, don't hesitate to reach out. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Contact Stephen White to start your journey toward finding your perfect home sweet home. Let's turn your real estate dreams into reality!

Learn how a 1031 exchange can help you save money on taxes when selling your property. As your dedicated real estate agent, it is my priority to provide you with insightful information that can aid you in making informed decisions about your property. With that in mind, I would like to discuss some essential details about 1031 exchanges and the important factors you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and trouble-free process. A Short Into to 1031 Exchanges So, what exactly is a 1031 exchange? A 1031 exchange, also referred to as a "Like-Kind" exchange, is a provision in the U.S. tax code that allows investors to defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of certain types of property by reinvesting the proceeds into a similar property. This can be a powerful tool for property owners who want to sell their property and reinvest the proceeds into another property while deferring taxes. Here are Some of the Pros and Cons of a 1031 Exchange: Pros: Defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of your property. Allows you to reinvest your profits into a similar property, potentially increasing your returns. Could be used for both residential and commercial properties. Cons: Requires strict adherence to IRS regulations, which can be complicated. The property being sold and the new property must meet certain requirements to qualify for the exchange. If you sell the property without a 1031 exchange, you will have to pay capital gains taxes on the profit. Why Consider a 1031 Exchange? A 1031 exchange is a powerful tool for property owners who want to sell their property and reinvest the proceeds into another property while avoiding taxes on the same of the property. This is because a 1031 exchange allows investors to defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of certain types of property, potentially increasing their returns by reinvesting their profits into a similar property. However, the process can be complicated and requires strict adherence to IRS regulations. Every persons circumstances are unique, and while a 1031 exchange may work for some, there will be cases where it is not possible or the best move. For example, some property owners may choose not to do a 1031 exchange if they prefer to pay the taxes on their profits, are planning to sell at a loss, or if they are not planning to reinvest the proceeds into another property. A Final Word to the Wise You should always be wary of improper use of 1031 exchanges. Some may promote exchanging nonqualifying vacation or second homes and refer to it as "tax-free" instead of "tax-deferred," which can be misleading. It is important to remember that gain is deferred, but not forgiven, in a like-kind exchange. Some may also advise claiming an exchange even if cash proceeds were taken, which is not allowed by the IRS. There are specific also other specific requirements to benefit from a 1031 exchange. This is why it is so important to work with reputable real estate agent and tax professionals who can guide you through the process and ensure compliance with regulations. If you're thinking about a 1031 exchange, working with a skilled real estate agent is the key to a successful and stress-free process. I'm happy to be your guide and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements. Contact me with any questions or to discuss your options further. I'm always here to help you make the best decision for your property.

Experts predict a boost in US home sales due to recent decline in mortgage rates. According to Lawrence Yun, the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, the recent decline in mortgage rates is expected to boost U.S. home sales by more than 200,000 homes. This is due to cheaper financing resulting in more people qualifying for loans, which ultimately leads to more sales. Yun stated that each half a percentage point drop in mortgage rates results in an additional 200,000 home sales, and even more than that. The average U.S. rate for a 30-year fixed home loan dropped to 6.28% last week from 6.73% in March's first week, according to Freddie Mac. The benefits of lower mortgage rates for US home buyers This decline in the cost of financing reduces monthly payments, meaning more buyers will pass the debt-to-income test lenders use to qualify applications. “Lower mortgage rates open the gate – not for everyone, but for people who were on the margins,” Yun said. Yun predicts that mortgage rates will likely remain near the current level in the short term and decline further in the coming months. The average U.S. rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage probably will be 6.3% in the second quarter and 5.9% in the third quarter, he said. This is good news for the housing market as about 40% of U.S. home sales go under contract in the April to June period, according to data from NAR. Key benefits to home buyers when mortgage rates lower: Lower mortgage rates reduce monthly payments, making homes more affordable for buyers. Cheaper financing results in more people qualifying for loans, which ultimately leads to more sales. With lower mortgage rates, buyers can afford to purchase more expensive homes or opt for shorter loan terms. Lower mortgage rates make homeownership a more attractive option than renting, as it can be more affordable in the long run. Reasons behind the decline in mortgage rates Bill Banfield, executive vice president of capital markets for Rocket Mortgage, believes that the peak of the spring home-buying season is upon us, and people want to settle their families in a home before the new school year starts. This is why lower mortgage rates have come at the perfect time. John Hardesty, general manager of the mortgage division at Argyle, believes that whenever there is unrest in the markets, mortgage rates tend to drop. Mortgage rates hit 20-year highs at the end of October and again in early November last year. This was due to inflation spooking investors and the Federal Reserve ending a bond-buying program aimed at supporting the economy during the worst of the pandemic. Rates remained near those peaks until last month’s failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, which caused financial instability and sent Wall Street investors scurrying for the perceived safety of the bonds markets. Outlook for the US housing market with declining mortgage rates The increase in competition for fixed assets sent the average yield on 10-year Treasuries, a benchmark for mortgage rates, to a seven-month low last week. Overall, the decline in mortgage rates is good news for the housing market. Cheaper financing will result in more people qualifying for loans, which will ultimately lead to more sales. This is especially beneficial now as we’re in the peak of the spring home-buying season. With rates expected to remain low in the short term and decline further in the coming months, the future looks bright for the housing market. The recent decline in mortgage rates is expected to have a positive impact on the housing market, with the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, predicting an increase of more than 200,000 home sales. The reduction in the cost of financing means more buyers will qualify for loans and pass the debt-to-income test lenders use to approve applications. This is great news, particularly as we are in the peak of the spring home-buying season. With rates likely to remain low in the short term and decrease further in the coming months, the future looks promising for the housing market. Thinking of jumping into the market to catch interest rates at a low? I'm here to help with all your real estate needs! Whether you have questions or are looking to buy or sell your home, don't hesitate to reach out. You can reply to me here or give me a call anytime. I'm excited to hear from you!

Assemblymember Matt Haney Proposes Office to Housing Conversion Act for California The pandemic has brought about some unexpected changes to the real estate market, particularly in California's downtown areas. With the shift to remote work, many office spaces have become empty, and lawmakers are now proposing a solution to this problem - converting office buildings into desperately needed housing. This idea could provide an opportunity for developers to revitalize downtown areas and create more affordable housing options for Californians. Assemblymember Matt Haney is introducing a bill that would make it easier and faster to convert office buildings into new apartments and condos. With the proposed rules, property owners throughout the entire state could take advantage of this opportunity, including low-rise office buildings in suburban communities that have long resisted building more homes. This bill could also help cities revitalize downtowns from a 9-to-5 office hub into a more balanced mix of offices, housing, entertainment, retail, and other amenities. Potential pros and cons of the bill The Pros: More affordable housing options: The conversion of office buildings into housing could provide more affordable housing options for Californians, particularly in downtown areas. Revitalization of downtown areas: The bill could help revitalize downtown areas, making them more livable and attractive to residents. Easier and faster conversion process: The proposed rules could significantly cut down on the time and costs associated with converting office buildings into housing. Financial incentives: The bill could make use of $400 million in grants Gov. Gavin Newsom has outlined in his recent budget proposal specifically for such projects. The Cons: Lack of local control: The bill would strip nearly all local control over conversion projects, which may not be desirable for some cities and counties. Financial feasibility: Redeveloping an office building into housing is an expensive proposition, and rising building costs and interest rates for construction loans could make it even more costly. Uncertainty about demand: There may be uncertainty about the demand for housing in downtown areas, particularly in light of the pandemic. Environmental concerns: The bill would exempt office-to-housing projects from the state's strict environmental review process, which may raise concerns among some residents. In its current form, the bill would require conversions to be allowed in all areas regardless of local zoning laws, limit development fees on conversion projects, and require that all conversion projects set aside 10% of housing units for low- or middle-income residents. While some cities and counties may lobby Sacramento to push back on Haney's proposal, he remains confident about the bill's chances. The "Office to Housing Conversion Act" could provide an opportunity to revitalize downtown areas and create more affordable housing options for Californians. While there are potential pros and cons to the bill, it's important to stay informed and engaged in the legislative process. As always, if you have any real estate questions or looking to buy or sell your home, you're always welcome to reply to me here or send give me a call!

From Luxurious Beverly Hills to Laid-Back Santa Monica and Beyond Beverly Hills, CA Discover the Luxurious Lifestyle of LA's Iconic Neighborhood Beverly Hills is one of the most well-known and prestigious neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. Known for its luxurious homes, high-end shopping, and celebrity residents, Beverly Hills is a popular destination for those seeking upscale living. The neighborhood is located in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, with many homes offering stunning views of the city. Beverly Hills is home to many historic properties, including Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, and Georgian-style homes, as well as more modern mansions. The neighborhood's famous shopping district, Rodeo Drive, is home to many high-end fashion and jewelry boutiques. Beverly Hills also boasts a thriving culinary scene, with many upscale restaurants and cafes. Encino, CA Escape to Suburban Paradise: Why Encino is the Ultimate Destination for LA Living Encino is an upscale neighborhood located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County, making it a popular choice for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities. The neighborhood boasts a mix of architectural styles, including mid-century modern and Spanish-style homes. Encino is also home to many parks and recreational areas, including the popular Los Encinos State Historic Park and the Encino Golf Course. The community offers a range of shopping and dining options, with many upscale stores and restaurants located in the neighborhood's main commercial district, Ventura Boulevard. With its excellent schools and prime location, Encino has become a sought-after destination for families and investors alike. Brentwood, CA The Wealthy LA Neighborhood with Stunning Parks, Art, and Architecture Brentwood is a wealthy neighborhood located on the west side of Los Angeles. The community is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, including the popular Brentwood Country Club and the sprawling Getty Center museum and gardens. The neighborhood offers a mix of architectural styles, from Spanish Colonial to modern, and is home to many trendy restaurants and shops. Brentwood is also known for its excellent schools, making it a popular destination for families. Santa Monica, CA Experience the Best of Beachfront Living in Santa Monica Located on the beachfront, Santa Monica is a popular destination for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle with access to high-end shopping and dining options. The neighborhood offers a mix of luxury homes and more affordable housing options, with many properties boasting stunning ocean views. Santa Monica is also home to the famous Santa Monica Pier, which features an amusement park and aquarium, as well as a lively dining and entertainment scene. Pasadena, CA Discover the Charm and Culture of Historic Pasadena, LA's Hidden Gem Pasadena is a historic neighborhood located in the eastern part of Los Angeles County. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful architecture, including many historic homes and buildings. Pasadena is home to the famous Rose Bowl, which hosts the annual Rose Bowl football game as well as many other events throughout the year. The neighborhood also has a lively downtown area, with many trendy restaurants and bars, as well as the popular Norton Simon Museum. Overall, these five neighborhoods offer a range of options for those seeking to invest or purchase a home in Los Angeles County. From the luxurious properties of Beverly Hills to the beachfront lifestyle of Santa Monica, there is something for everyone in these popular neighborhoods. If you are considering investing in real estate in or around the Los Angeles area, I offer years of professional real estate experience and am well-equipped to guide you through all aspects of your residential or commercial transaction. Please do not hesitate to contact me via phone call, text message, or email to explore how we can work together towards achieving your real estate goals.

Market Trends Calabasas Residential Real Estate January 2023 The Calabasas residential real estate market had a strong start to the year with multiple sales ranging from $500,000 to $6 million. The majority of properties sold in January closed in less than 30 days after listing. Although a few properties remained on the market for over three months, there was no identifiable pattern with regard to location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and most likely reflected the overall condition of the property or sale conditions. On average, homes sold in Calabasas had a size of approximately 2,000 square feet. About Calabasas Calabasas is a highly desirable location for home buyers due to its natural beauty, upscale neighborhoods, and proximity to Los Angeles. The city offers residents a high standard of living, with a low crime rate, excellent schools, and plenty of recreational activities, including hiking, golfing, and shopping. Additionally, Calabasas is home to many celebrities, adding to its glamour and exclusivity. Los Angeles Multi-Family Commercial Properties January 2023 The commercial multi-family real estate market had a limited number of sales, which were in high demand and sold rapidly, lasting less than 28 days on the market. The properties sold for an average of $1.5 million each and comprised buildings ranging from one to eight units. Remarkably, the majority of the properties sold above the asking price, signaling significant competition among interested buyers. This trend reflects the robust demand for multi-family real estate in the current market, and highlights the benefits of investing in this asset class. About Los Angeles County Commercial Property Los Angeles County is an excellent location for purchasing a commercial multi-family real estate building due to its strong rental market and high demand for housing. The county has a diverse population and a thriving economy, attracting people from all over the world. Additionally, the area offers a wide range of amenities, including world-class entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions, making it an attractive location for renters.

New Listings 5533 Edward E Horton Ln #9, Encino 2 beds | 2 baths | 1,807 SF | $799,000 5937 Ranchitos Ave., Valley Glen 4 beds | 4 baths | 2,350 SF | $1,500,000 412 S Wilton Pl #401, Los Angeles 3 beds | 3 baths | 1,810 SF | $999,980 In Escrow 13202 Chandler Blvd, Sherman Oaks 6 Bed l 6.5 Bath l 6,105 SF l 13,941 Lot | $3,750,000 8693 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles 3 beds | 4 baths | 3,288 SF | 5,497 lot | $5,395,000

Written by: Laurie Abner   If you’re in the market for a great rental property, a multi-family home should be one of the best options to consider. Compared to single occupancy units, multi-family homes typically have longer leases, higher rent, and are occupied by families (with one or more earners). But, on the flip side, it will require a higher level of investment and maintenance. In this article by White & Associates, we’ll explore the steps one can take to find the best multifamily unit and become a successful landlord. Create a Budget Purchasing a second property is only going to increase expenses, at least in the short term. In addition to managing your current home, you’ll now need to spend towards the upkeep of the second one as well. Hence, sound financial planning is integral to earning a good return on investment. Buying a multifamily home will include the following costs: At least a 25% down payment Closing costs Repairs and improvements (if needed) Application fees Additionally, you need to factor in the long-term costs of paying off a mortgage. Given the consistent changes in fiscal policy by the FED, the safe option will be to choose a fixed-interest mortgage. While there is a chance that rates will reduce in the coming year, they can go up as well, according to Reuters. A fixed-interest mortgage safeguards you from these fluctuations and makes it easier to create a repayment plan. Work with a Licensed Realtor Real estate websites are a great place to start the house-hunting process. Within a few clicks, you’ll be given a list of properties that fit your needs or budget, space, location, etc. However, buying the right multi-family home goes deeper than finding a rental property. Not all apartment complexes or housing communities allow owners to rent properties. Others may impose a charge towards rentals that can reduce revenue coming into your pockets. Navigating these fine details singlehandedly is understandably difficult. But don’t fret, as working with a licensed realtor will make the process significantly easier. Realtors are experts in finding the best properties, managing paperwork, and ensuring everything is up to your expectations. Here’s what you should do during your first visit with a realtor: Bring a shortlist of expectations such as two-story home, backyard, 3+ bedrooms, etc. Discuss the best locations to buy a multifamily property, which can include Los Angeles (CA), Dallas (TX), and Boise (ID). Gain clarity on what the total cost of buying a home will be (including closing costs, commissions, appraisal fees, etc.). Use this information to modify your budget. Additionally, rental laws differ greatly between states. Having a realtor by your side will ensure contracts are drawn in accordance to local, state, and federal level requirements and include clauses that protect your best interests. Real Estate NewsletterStay in the loop on the latest real estate statsJoin my newsletter to receive a once a month newsletter with the latest market trends, stats, and news. {{ vc_btn: link=url%3A%2523newsletter-signup&title=Newsletter+Sign-Up&style=modern&gradient_color_1=turquoise&gradient_color_2=blue&gradient_custom_color_1=%23dd3333&gradient_custom_color_2=%23eeee22&gradient_text_color=%23ffffff&custom_background=%23ededed&custom_text=%23666&outline_custom_color=%23666&outline_custom_hover_background=%23666&outline_custom_hover_text=%23fff&shape=rounded&color=black&size=md&align=center&i_align=left&i_type=fontawesome&i_icon_fontawesome=fas+fa-adjust&i_icon_openiconic=vc-oi+vc-oi-dial&i_icon_typicons=typcn+typcn-adjust-brightness&i_icon_entypo=entypo-icon+entypo-icon-note&i_icon_linecons=vc_li+vc_li-heart&i_icon_monosocial=vc-mono+vc-mono-fivehundredpx&i_icon_material=vc-material+vc-material-cake&i_icon_pixelicons=vc_pixel_icon+vc_pixel_icon-alert }} Purchase Multi-Family Home Warranty and Home Insurance As a homeowner, you already understand the importance of having home insurance. Whether you’ve owned a property for a few years or across decades, it’s safe to say that you’ve made at least one insurance claim that has saved you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Having homeowner’s insurance for a rental property is important for protecting your finances. But, purchasing a home warranty is equally important. This is a contract you enter into with a home warranty company that agrees to repair or replace home systems and appliances when needed. A home warranty covers areas of the home that the home insurance does not, such as your refrigerator, HVAC unit, and more. Given that tenants will be the ones using these appliances, having a home warranty will safeguard you from hefty repairs in case of damage or theft. Here is a resource to help you make up your mind if you’re still on the fence regarding whether a home warranty is required. Buying a multi-family home is a great way to develop a reliable secondary stream of income. Working with a realtor will no doubt make the process easy and quick. Additionally, remember to purchase home insurance and home warranty policies to safeguard yourself from unforeseen circumstances. Contact Stephen White Looking to buy or sell a multi-family property? Get professional real estate guidance from expert realtor Stephen White.  It doesn't matter if you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Los Angeles, California, or across the US, Stephen White can help you with all your real estate needs. Want to stay in the loop on the latest trends in real estate? Sign-up for my free newsletter below.

It’s easy to get used to the good times and also, unfortunately, easy to become complacent about them too. Since 2011, the US housing market has seen a decade of the longest and strongest periods of growth that has ever been seen. On average, if you had bought a home on the West Coast, say in California in 2011, then the average appreciation of your home value would have been 173%. While it may seem like things have fallen on hard times for the residential housing market, keeping in mind a decade of strong growth can be important to remember to take a look at the bigger picture, especially since for many home buyers, real estate is a long-term investment. In this article, we will examine the health of the California real estate market by looking at the past and the big picture across the country to better understand the present and perhaps the future too. What if I want to sell my home in 2022? In "What You Need to Know and Do to Buy or Sell Your Home in 2022", our earlier research forecasted that the housing market could remain strong in some areas, stay relatively flat in others, and decrease depending on the neighborhood and housing condition, which is why staging a renovation would become increasingly more important to sell your home for top dollar. If you’re thinking of selling your home but not sure if making some upgrades can help boost your home’s sale value and net you a better profit, contact me today and ask about how Compass Concierge services with White & Associates can help. Looking to the Past to understand the Present and Future of Real Estate Over the last 30 years, housing prices across the country have risen on average by 271%, and if you bought a home in California, your home value would have increased by about 360%. In 1990, the average home price in California was $242,360, which fast-forward 30 years, would mean your home would now be worth around $872,000. As you will see in the chart below, there have been two periods of recessionary growth on the West Coast, which occurred modestly from 1993 to late-1996, and the other during the Great Recession from 2007 to 2011. The slight contraction that occurred on the West Coast from 1993 to late-1996 has relatively similar factors that have caused the housing market to cool down in current times. For instance, interest rates in late 1993 started to increase again after a 3-year fall, while unemployment rates had also fallen off quickly around this time, similar to current times. According to the US Census Bureau, the three primary reasons why families and individuals could not afford to purchase a home included a lack of cash or financial assets for a down payment and closing costs, insufficient income to make mortgage payments, or having too much debt to meet debt-to-income requirements for a loan. During this timeframe, however, the total US housing market actually steadily increased at a faster rate than the West Coast, which was the only time in the past 30 years it had ever happened. It is also necessary to highlight some significant differences. From 1993 to 1996, inflation across the United States remained relatively steady and even decreased, which is a stark contrast to conditions in 2022. Additionally, unemployment in 2022 is about 36% less than what it was during that time frame. Although there was a spike in interest rates from 1993 to 1996, after a slow 3-year slide, the change was from 7.1% to about 9.2% at its peak. This is a pretty drastic difference from about 3% to 5.8% so far in 2022, considering it is still almost two points less than the lowest interest rate in the time frame from 1993 to 1996. Real Estate NewsletterStay in the loop on the latest real estate statsJoin my newsletter to receive a once a month newsletter with the latest market trends, stats, and news. {{ vc_btn: link=url%3A%2523newsletter-signup&title=Newsletter+Sign-Up&style=modern&gradient_color_1=turquoise&gradient_color_2=blue&gradient_custom_color_1=%23dd3333&gradient_custom_color_2=%23eeee22&gradient_text_color=%23ffffff&custom_background=%23ededed&custom_text=%23666&outline_custom_color=%23666&outline_custom_hover_background=%23666&outline_custom_hover_text=%23fff&shape=rounded&color=black&size=md&align=center&i_align=left&i_type=fontawesome&i_icon_fontawesome=fas+fa-adjust&i_icon_openiconic=vc-oi+vc-oi-dial&i_icon_typicons=typcn+typcn-adjust-brightness&i_icon_entypo=entypo-icon+entypo-icon-note&i_icon_linecons=vc_li+vc_li-heart&i_icon_monosocial=vc-mono+vc-mono-fivehundredpx&i_icon_material=vc-material+vc-material-cake&i_icon_pixelicons=vc_pixel_icon+vc_pixel_icon-alert }} The Subprime Mortgage Crisis (2006 – 2011) The second, more noticeable, contraction in housing prices had roughly the same impact on both California and US housing prices. This contraction, however, was actually caused by the housing market and is often referred to as the Subprime Mortgage Crisis. Many real estate researchers confirm that the US housing bubble that led to the Great Recession emerged in 2002 and initially started to decline in 2006, which led to the housing market collapse from 2007 through 2011. Sparing the long and complicated history lesson, there were many factors that led to the Subprime Mortgage Crisis, but suffice it to say that low to non-existent credit and capital requirements allowed people who were not properly qualified to buy homes to purchase houses that were beyond their means. Furthermore, these mortgages were then repackaged and sold as mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which is why when the housing market started to decline in 2006, it took the stock market and global economy down with it. Housing Price Index (HPI) Legend | Bars: Pacific HPI | Orange Line: US HPI During the Subprime Mortgage Crisis-induced downturn, unemployment rates spiked and stayed high for years, inflation inverted and even went negative at one point, US GDP shrank, and 30-year mortgage rates fell from 6.5% to 4.2%. After almost 2 years of economic slippage, Congress finally stepped in and passed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, which provided taxpayers within specific income brackets and/or who had eligible dependents with stimulus money. Post analysis found the tax rebates did provide moderate stimulus, which slowed the economy's decline, which buoyed the housing market in 2009, which later slipped afterwards but not at the same clip as before. The US Housing Market Reorganizes and Restructures Since the Subprime Mortgage Crisis, a lot in the world of real estate has changed. Loan requirements have become much stricter, such as tougher credit and asset requirements, more debt-to-income ratio requirements, and the elimination of

So far, 2022 has been shaping up to be a bit of a tougher year in the residential real estate market than past years. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rates for residential properties went back up to levels that hadn’t been seen in almost 12 to 13 years. While there were some ups and downs, mortgage rates had, for the most part, been on a slow and steady decline since the early 1980’s when the 30-year fixed rate mortgage average in the United States was over 17%, yikes! Luckily, there’s a good chance that mortgage rates will never be that high again, but when the mortgage rate moves from about 2.5% to over 5.5% in a year’s time, it can be hard to ignore. It’s also important to keep in mind that the average mortgage rates since 2019 have been the lowest they have ever been, so anything over the lowest rates ever is going to seem high. Commercial real estate sales, on the other hand, have had a very strong year in sales across Los Angeles and the United States. This is because commercial real estate is different fundamentally. Additionally, commercial real estate loans are not the same as residential loans. Some of the commercial real estate loans come from banks and lenders, but they also come from government agencies such as the 504 loans from Small Business Administration (SBA). In some cases, depending on the position of the investor, they may or may not use a loan all together, such as in the case of a hard money loan. If you are in the market for a commercial property, here are some market stats that you will want to know in 2022. Commercial Real Estate Statistics in Los Angeles While the residential markets have cooled a bit recently, commercial real estate seemed to be in a league of its own in Los Angeles during the first two quarters of this year. Commercial real estate sales increased by 226% in Q1 and 128% in Q2, which is quite remarkable in and of itself. That growth trend is yet to be determined if it continues on the trajectory at the time this research for this article concluded. While the research seems to indicate this will likely not be the case, there is still a little time left in August and the full month of September left in Q3 2022 to close the $28,000,000 break-even gap. Overall, commercial real estate has continued to sell, with some commercial property types doing better than others. In 2021, the total commercial real estate sales in Los Angeles topped $106,000,000 in sales, just $6,000,000 under asking. As of the beginning of Q3 2021, the total commercial real estate sales were at $98,000,000 in Los Angeles, with about $5,000,000 under asking. So far, 2022 commercial real estate sales in Los Angeles are trending at a higher rate than the previous year, and based on the historical information, could be forecasted even higher than 2021. It is important to point out that correlation does not equal causation, and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. At this point, all commercial real estate in Los Angeles would have to halt immediately and take a holiday to not eclipse last year’s total aggregated sales. Although this is not impossible, it is not likely, considering that the average number of commercial sales per month in Los Angeles is around 6 per month with an average closing price of $1.5 million per transaction. Additionally, almost every category of commercial real estate in Los Angeles is already seeing a year-over-year (Y/Y) increase from 2021 to 2022. For example, retail commercial property sales have almost tripled, warehouse sales are already seeing a 4-fold increase, and other categories such as industrial properties, commercial offices, and specialty properties are posting modest gains year over year in Los Angeles. This is quite impressive with 4 months left in 2022, which means there’s still a ways to go. There are a few exceptions, such as business properties, mixed use, multi-family, and unimproved land that have total aggregated sales below last year. It is still important, however, to remember that there is plenty of time for most of those other lagging commercial real estate categories to catch up.   Commercial Real Estate in the US It is not an anomaly that commercial real estate sales have been climbing in Los Angeles, considering the overarching trend across the US is also up. According to an IBIS World study, total commercial real estate sales amounted to $1.1 trillion in 2021, which as of late August 2022 is already at $1.2 trillion. This study also estimates that total commercial real estate sales in the US will grow by at least 2.8%. At this pace, commercial real estate sales in the US are on track to finish the year in the top 3 total commercial real estate sales of all time. Contact Stephen White If you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in commercial properties in Los Angeles, California, or across the US, then get in contact  with Stephen White today!

Over time, it is only natural that the market shifts and adapts to the needs and desires of successive generations. By generations of home buyers and sellers, we are referring to a generalized grouping of people, or cohorts, born around the same time. For instance, they are often referred to by nicknames like Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials, etc. As each generation evolves, the markets also react to changes in preferences, shifts in purchasing power, and behaviors, with real estate being no exception. In this article, we will be diving into how the real estate market is being shaped by each of the generations and what to keep in mind in the years to come. Age of Generations Before going into the similarities and what makes each generation unique, it is important to have a clear idea of the age ranges these generations describe. While you will often find some interpretations of generations shifting a year or two in one direction or another, the following is the generally accepted scale, plus or minus a year or two.   Lost Generation: 1883-1990 (98 and Up) Silent Generation: 1925-1945 (Ages 76-97) Boomers: 1946 – 1964 (Ages 57 – 75) Gen X: 1965 – 1979 (Ages 42 – 56) Millennials: 1980 – 1998 (Ages 23 – 41) Gen Z: 1999 – 2011 (Ages 11 – 22) Generation Alpha: 2012 – Present (Ages 0 – 10)   Another important consideration when observing generations is that the Boomer and Millennial generations are the biggest cohorts by population, and as such, it is common practice to observe both groups into separate cohorts, often referred to as Older Boomers, Younger Boomers, Older Millennials, and Younger Millennials. The Average Home Buyer and Seller in 2022 According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), each generation has different needs when they are searching for their ideal homes. Of course, there will always be exceptions to the norm. In the following, we will breakdown what the average home buyer and seller looks like by generation. Gen Z Home Buyers and Sellers Gen Z home buyers are just making their way into the market, with the total number of buyers and sellers representing less than 2% combined. Compared to all of the other generations, Gen Z represents the 3rd largest cohort by population. While the overall buying numbers for this generation are currently low, early research conducted by the National Association of Realtors indicates that home ownership is important to this group, and will likely see an increase in home purchases from this cohort in the next 5 to 10 years. Gen Z also represented 2% of all home sellers, which is a bit surprising considering most of their generation is not in their prime selling years. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this group represented the largest group of first-time sellers. The reason most of Gen Z sold their homes was because their homes were too small. Millennial Home Buyers and Sellers The next generation up is Millennials, who currently represent 43% of all home buyers in the market, with over 60% of that percentage being comprised of buyers that are Older Millennials. The research seems to indicate that this number is likely to grow over time, as the Younger Millennials come closer to their prime home-buying years. Currently, Millennials represent the largest share of home buyers, which has remained the case since 2014. A majority of this generation of buyers were first-time home buyers, represented the highest share of married couples, and were the most educated age group. Some of the most important considerations for these home buyers were being in close proximity to their work and lowering their overall commuting costs. By percentage, Millennials represented 26% of all home sellers. Compared to all cohorts, they were the most likely to be married with one or more children living in their household. Second to Gen Z, Millennials were the second largest group of first-time sellers. Interestingly, most Millennials that sold their houses, and bought another house in the same state within about 12 to 15 miles from their previous home. Their primary reason for selling was that their house was too small, which was followed by a change in their family situation (i.e., getting married, having a baby, etc.). They were also the most likely to sell due to relocating to a new job or to being in a more desirable neighborhood. Gen X Home Buyers and Sellers Gen X, although a statistically smaller cohort by population, still accounted for 22% of all recent home purchases. Compared to all other cohorts, Gen X currently has the highest median income as of 2020, and are buying the most expensive homes when looking at the median housing price. Like Millennials, they also represent one of the higher shares of married couples and dual incomes. One of the primary drivers for this generation choosing to purchase a new home was work-related or relocating for a new career. Gen X was also the most determined of the cohorts to purchase a multi-generational home to stay in for a while, so they can care for their parents and children. With 24% of all homes sold, Gen X was the second largest group of home sellers. These sellers were more than twice as likely to be repeat sellers than first-time sellers, but still the third largest group of first-time home sellers. Like Millennials, Gen X typically bought a new house in the same state within 15 miles of the house they just sold. This age group was the most likely to move due to a job relocation, and the most likely to have two or more children living in their household. Boomer Home Buyers and Sellers Boomers, who represent the second largest cohort by population, accounted for 28% of all recent home purchases. Reasons for purchasing, however, varied much more than the other generations, ranging from wanting to be closer to friends and family, retirement reasons, or a desire to have a smaller home with less maintenance. Boomers were

Are you wondering if you should buy or sell your home in 2022? White & Associates believes that honesty and integrity should always be at the core of all real estate transactions and dealings with all buyers and sellers. The plain and simple truth is that the market has been shifting, and you’ve probably felt the effects. It is no wonder that times can feel a little uncertain with elevated prices at the gas pump, higher grocery prices, increases on everyday purchases, and about a 2 point increase on 30-year fixed rate mortgages. This is why we feel that it is important to dispel some of the myths and rumors surrounding the real estate market today.   Although nobody has a crystal ball that can tell you exactly what the future will be, the truth can still be found in some realities that will not change regardless of uncertain times. For instance, people will still be buying and selling homes, as they always have. However, it is also important to realign expectations, because the real estate market today and tomorrow will not be like how it was over the past couple of years. Should You Buy or Sell Your Home in 2022? The Federal Reserve Bank, whose purpose is to promote price stability, economic growth, and fostering a sound financial system, recently indicated that there will likely be higher mortgage rates than the historically low rates that many enjoyed over the past few years. One of the key considerations is that the historically low-rate mortgages were not set during a time of high inflation, like that which is currently being faced in 2022. In our current economy, inflation right now is one of the key drivers in the rise of interest rates. This is because all fixed mortgage debt is nominal, meaning that it does change for factors like inflation.   So on one hand, if you are holding a mortgage at a lower rate than the current fixed rate, you’re probably enjoying a good deal. On the other hand, if inflation causes all prices to rise, especially including wages, then one might consider that new mortgage rates to be a good deal even with higher rates because of inflation. So really, whether it is a good time to buy or sell is really based on your individual circumstances. Although past performance is no promise of future performance, it is important to consider that high inflation will likely not last forever. Historically speaking, if inflation remains around it’s estimated rate of about 8%, it will be the first time and only time in 30 years where inflation was over 5%.   If you’re ready to buy or sell your home, or not sure if it’s the right time for you, contact Stephen White for a professional home evaluation. If you prefer to know for now the value of your home, you can sign up here for a free monthly home evaluation tool provided by White & Associates. How has the market changed? From 2019 to early 2022 mortgage rates were at all time and historical lows. This meant money was “cheaper”, which allowed people to afford more. In this market, both buyers and sellers were winning. People were able to afford more home with low mortgage rates, which meant more buyers in the market. With more buyers, more sellers took the opportunity to capitalize on the increase in demand. This caused bidding wars on homes, with many houses barely being listed for more than a week or two before having multiple buyers regardless of the condition of the home, and oftentimes for well over the asking price. While mortgage rates were likely set to have increased earlier, Covid continued to suppress rates even longer. Raising mortgage rates during Covid would have likely caused greater economic turmoil, which was likely one of the reasons for this short-term windfall.   With mortgage rates poised to be at a higher elevation for the foreseeable future, the market turbulence and higher rates meant less buyers. Consequently, like Sir Issac Newton's third law of equal and opposite reactions, sellers saw the drop in demand and reacted accordingly by retracting from listing right away. This happened relatively quickly, likely due to the fact that technology today puts more real-time market stats in the hands of more people. This has empowered people to make better decisions faster, which is likely how the market as a whole was able to move so fast. This has brought an overall balance to the supply and demand side at its current state, with less housing demand equaling less housing supply. Quite understandably, with less buyers in the market means that houses will likely stay on the market a bit longer than last year.   This brings into focus the tried and true rules and fundamentals of real estate taking center stage again. One of them being all about location, location, location. In the slower market, housing prices are likely to be a mixed bag as a trend towards normalizing or “right sizing” of housing prices will likely occur as the dust starts to settle. Even in the near-term with higher mortgage rates, some neighborhoods are still seeing housing prices rise. As long as the housing market stays in equilibrium within a given neighborhood, there will also likely be stability in some housing prices. For others, some housing prices will fall, likely due to factors related to location and the condition of the home. Did you know that with Compass Concierge services, our team will help you with home improvement services with no interest, to help you get the most money for your home? Contact Stephen White to learn more about Compass Concierge Services. How has the market changed? With high inflation, there will likely be higher mortgage rates than the previously historical lows With less buyers in the market, there will also be less sellers too Houses will likely stay on the market a bit longer than last year Housing prices

There are many reasons why you would be in the market for buying a second home. It may be time to upgrade to a new house, while maintaining your first home as a rental property. Some people want a vacation home for quick trips and weekend getaways. Some people want to buy a second home to have so that they can live there during retirement. Some people see a second home purchase as an investment that they plan to buy to rent or renovate and flip. Whatever your personal reasons are for buying a second home, there are a lot of things you’ll want to know and having the right experience in your corner can truly make all the difference. If you're ready to buy your second home now, contact Stephen White, he is ready to help you make all your real estate dreams come true. If you are just looking for some additional information for now, here’s some tips to help make purchasing your second home a big success. Quick Tips for Buying a Second Home Clearly define your goals. Having a definiteness of purpose in your plan will help you get focused on the pros and cons, and what you ultimately wish to accomplish with buying your second home. Set your budget. Buying a second home can be a lot like buying your first, but some  essential requirements like insurance and mortgages will be more stringent, and requires thoughtful planning. Determine Financing. Will you need to get a second mortgage or will you be making an all cash offer? Determining your financing and getting preapproved will help speed up the final step in getting your second home. Find your Second Home. You'll want to work with a realtor experienced in helping people buy their second, third, and more homes, which is why when you work with Stephen White he can help you navigate through everything you need to know about buying your second home. Working with Stephen, you will not only find the home you are looking for, but you can also save lots of time and money in navigating the real estate landscape to find and own your next dream home. Determining Your Budget and Financing to Purchase a Second Home Buying a second home can be a lot like the first home you purchased, but there are a few differences to consider. Like your first home, you will be required to make a down payment and regular mortgage payments, unless you are planning to make an all cash offer. However, unless you are paying in all cash, your down payment requirement for your second home is going to be higher. The reason down payment requirements are higher is due to the fact that most mortgage lenders view a second home purchase as having more risk. The same logic is also often applied to interest rates as well. Like your first home purchase, your lender is also going to make sure you can meet the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which in most cases for a second home is at least 43% or less to get approved. A quick way to estimate your DTI is to add up your monthly debts you pay and divide it by your monthly pre tax salary. Most people require obtaining a mortgage for their second home, which is why it is important to get pre approved as soon as your budget  is in order. This is also because the process for obtaining a second mortgage can take more time than your first mortgage, in addition to the stricter requirements. Finding Your Second Home Once you have a preapproval from your lender you are ready to find your second dream home. Working with the right real estate agent, can truly be the difference in expertly navigating and negotiating your next real estate transaction. Stephen White has years of experience in both commercial and residential real estate, and can help you avoid the pitfalls in buying a second home and help you own a second home that you’ll love. These days, thanks in part to technology and market factors, the real estate market moves more quickly than it ever has before. This is why it’s so critical to work with the right agent. Stephen knows the ins and outs of the buying process, is technologically savvy, and can help you get your second home fast while making the entire process intuitive and easy. So if you are interested in buying your second home as an upgrade, vacation property, retirement house, or investment in Southern California, get in contact with Stephen White today!

615,400 SF | Shopping Mall | 33.96 Acre Lot | $150,000,000 Since March of 2022, rumors have been going around about who bought the vacant Woodland Hills Promenade Mall, which has been home to the AMC Promenade 16, Maggiano's, Ruth's Chris Steak House, and P.F. Changs for years. Finally, in the beginning of May it was officially announced that Ram's owner, Stanley Kroenke, would be the new owner and has taken over the property. The shopping mall sits on nearly 34 acres of land with over 615,000 square feet of usable space in a prime location in Woodland Hills, California. The property sits adjacent to the Westfield Topanga and The Village which are owned by the Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield group, the previous owners of the Promenade Mall. Mr. Kroenke has announced that they may not follow through with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield's former plans for Promenade 2035, but instead they may convert the property into a practice facility for the Los Angeles Rams football team. History of the Promenade Mall, Woodland Hills, CA Since the Promenade's initial opening in March of 1973, the Mall has changed hands quite a few times. The initial developers of the property were Kaiser Aetna as part of a master commercial-retail-residential project now known as Warner Center. Shortly after the mall opened, Kaiser Aetna sold their interest to Continental Illinois Properties for about $15,000,000. In 1989, the property changed hands to the O'Connor Group from Pan American Properties, which was briefly sold to the Simon Property Group in 1997, before being sold just one year later to the Westfield Group in 1998. In 2016, the Promenade was slated to become a mixed-use residential and retail development including upscale housing, with a grocery store, pharmacy, hotel, office complex, as well as an entertainment and sporting center. The project was originally called the Promenade 2035, which was scheduled to begin development in 2020. However after push back from the local residents due to traffic and transportation concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020, and being unable to secure a sports team to play in the arena, the property was sold to an unnamed investor in March of 2022, which was later confirmed to be Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams. Commercial Property in Woodland Hills, California Woodland Hills, California, has a mixture of both commercial and residential properties co-mingled together. Although over the years the city of Woodland Hills has seen a steady increase in population, the city is actually noted as one of the least dense neighborhoods in all of Los Angeles County. According to Data USA, within the city of Woodland Hills there are a wide range of business types and industries that are represented, but the most common employers in the city are; restaurants, construction firms, insurance companies, legal services, and other professional businesses. Woodland Hills, CA is sprawled out over almost 15 square miles, and shares borders with Calabasas, Tarzana, West Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, Reseda, and the Santa Monica Mountain range. The U.S. 101 freeway also cuts through the southernmost part of Woodland Hills, making it ideal for commuting to and across the many cities around Los Angeles. The 118 freeway is also just about 7 miles North of Woodland Hills, 14 miles from Malibu through the historic Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and about 20 miles West of Burbank Airport. It's central location to neighboring cities, the California freeway system, and close proximity to airports and other attractions is what makes Woodland Hills, California a prime location for both residential homeowners and businesses. Contact Stephen White If you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in commercial properties like the Promenade in Woodland Hills, California, contact with Stephen White today!

26,880 SF | Office Building | 57,373 SF Lot | $5,700,000  🤝 Represented the Buyer   Welcome to this private office campus complex with lots of natural light, large windows, and abundant parking, located just two-miles from the 118 freeway and four-miles to the 101 freeway. This 26,880 square foot office building on a 1.3 acre lot was just sold at 9430 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Chatsworth, California for $5,700,000.   About 9430 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Chatsworth, CA 9430 Topanga Canyon offers many tenant opportunities to lease suites from 1,600 to 9,330 SF. This office campus complex also has build to suit spaces and is centrally located minutes away from two of the main freeways in Los Angeles. The property is also conveniently located near many desirable residential neighborhoods and several restaurants, gyms, and amenities including Stripes Doughnuts, LA Fitness, Starbucks, and McDonalds. The office building was listed by Jay Rubin, Realtor, and Eugene Kim, Realtor, with Lee and Associates LA North, who represented the seller. Stephen White represented the buyers on the transaction in partnership with Compass Realtor, Essi Shilati. Commercial Property in Chatsworth, California Chatsworth, California, is a very diverse neighborhood with a mixture of both commercial and residential areas. It is actually noted as having one of the lowest population densities in all of Los Angeles, which means there is much more space in the city than most areas across LA County. There are many types of commercial businesses in Chatsworth, with the most popular being healthcare, retail, education, professional, manufacturing, and finance. Many professional businesses find the Chatsworth area appealing because it is close to many residential areas, with easy commuting access across Los Angeles, and it's proximity to restaurants, activities, and shopping. In addition to being just a few minutes from the 101 and 118 freeways, Chatsworth is also located just 3.5 miles North from the popular Westfield Topanga & The Village shopping center, 7 miles to the 405 freeway, and 14 miles West of the Burbank Airport. Chatsworth is nestled between desirable residential areas including West Hills, Porter Ranch, and Northridge. Although there are residential sectors in Chatsworth, California, commercial businesses have always been a part of the city's DNA. In 1979, Seltzer Motor Industries produced first ever transverse inline-four cylinder engines for the public in Chatsworth, which is now widely used in many fuel efficient vehicles. Additionally, the headquarters for the National Notary Association, Premier America (formally known as the Litton Federal Credit Union), and the Matadors Community Credit Union are all located in Chatsworth. Capstone Turbine, Natel Engineering, Hydraulics International, and Lamps Plus all have production and distribution facilities here as well. Statistical Atlas reports that the biggest commercial sectors in Chatsworth today relative to all of Los Angles are more heavily related to utilities, management, finance and insurance. While a majority of all jobs within Chatsworth being in the Healthcare field in various capacities. If you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in commercial properties like 9430 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Chatsworth, California, get in contact with Stephen White today!

  The Future of the California Real Estate   The 500 pound elephant in the room that very few are having the courage to address in the California real estate market is interest rates are going up. In fact, 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgages in the United States are averaging 5% now, which is the highest they have been in 11 years after years at being historically low.   It is important to remember that past performance is no promise of future performance. In other words, just because the market reacted in a certain way when interest rates went up before does not mean things will be the same exact way as it did last time. That is because the real estate market, and the world are in very different places today than they were even just a decade ago. And as an industry, we have learned a lot and there are more measures in place to safeguard buyers and sellers, as well as the real estate market in general.   In my last newsletter, I shared an article about the California Housing Marketing [being] in a league of its own, which talked about how much the housing market conditions had improved in just one year's time. For instance, the median sale price from 2021 to 2022 in Los Angeles rose by 11% from $850,000 to $945,000. Sometimes it can be easy to stay in the zone and keep going forward without taking a moment to stop and reflect on how much we have actually accomplished, but when we do it is amazing to see all that has been done in a relatively short amount of time.   So yes, interest rates are rising and housing prices have gone up, and there are early indications that they will continue to go up even higher at some point. All this means, is that we will need to make some adjustments to overcome those challenges, which is why choosing the right real estate team can make such a huge difference in buying or selling a home.   Ready to buy or sell real estate in California? Contact Stephen White today. Real Estate Today Everything you need to know The average 30-Year Mortgage Rate is up to 5%, which is the highest it has been since February 2011 Google to triple California real estate spending in 2022 to $3.5 billion Technology pushes the boundaries for what is possible in real estate, with advancements in AR/VR, big data, and smart contracts changing the landscape for future real estate buyers and sellers A California Housing Speculation Act that if passed, could impose a whopping 25% capital gains tax as a deterrent for real estate investors making short-term gains

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel 44,500 SF | Industrial Building | 2.7 AC | $14,560,000  🤝 Represented the Seller   Welcome to this huge commercial property that has a very large warehouse space with property improvements including food processing and cold storage, located just one-mile from the 710 highway and 13 miles to the Port of Long Beach shipping terminal. This 44,500 square foot industrial building on a 2.7 acre lot was just sold at 10615 Ruchti Road in South Gate, California for $14,560,000.   About 10615 Ruchti Road, South Gate, CA 10615 Ruchti Road is a great investment opportunity. The property is 100% occupied, with a triple net lease, and offers a stable cash flow with fixed annual 3% rent increases over the lease term. Inside this huge 44,500 SF food processing and cold storage warehouse facility sits 3000 square feet of offices, 13 Docks with High Doors, 2000 Amps of power, and ample parking around the facility. Stephen White partnered with Essi Shilati, Compass Realtor, to represent the sellers on the the transaction. 10615 Rutchti Road Tennent Details The lease at 10615 Rutchti Road is backed by BPCP SALSA HOLDINGS LLC, part of Blue Point Capital Partners and its Blue Point III portfolio company, Italian Rose Gourmet Products. This deal was part of the acquisition of La Mexicana Food Products, a fresh, refrigerated salsa manufacturer based in Los Angeles, California. This transaction represents the first add-on acquisition for Italian Rose since Blue Point acquired the platform investment in November of 2017. Italian Rose, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of premium salsas, dips, sauces and spreads to major retail and foodservice channels. The addition of La Mexicana’s West Coast operations to Italian Rose’s East Coast presence will put the combined Company in a select universe of truly national salsa producers, as well as provide increased scale, production diversity and product breadth to both companies’ customers.   Commercial Property in South Gate, California South Gate, California, is the 17th largest city in Los Angeles that sits on 7.4 square miles of land. Many commercial distributors and manufactures find the South Gate area appealing due to it being centrally located to many logistical hubs and highways across Southern California. South Gate is located only 7 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles, and is part of the Gateway Cities region of Los Angeles County. Commercial business has been a big part of the city of South Gate, many of which attribute to being one of General Motors automobile facility that was originally built in 1936 to manufacture Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and Pontiac vehicles. In the 1940s, the facility was converted to build aircraft engines for the B-24 Liberator, Douglas C-47 Skytrain, and the Douglas C-54 Skymaster. For many decades their commercial building in South Gate severed as their highest producing facility in the world. Data USA reports that today South Gate is home to many commercial businesses including high-end denim jean distribution, food processing and distribution, automotive companies, marketing companies, leisure and hospitality, and other industrial distribution. If you are interested in buying, selling, or investing in commercial properties like 10615 Ruchti Road in South Gate, California, contact Stephen White to get started!

21 Bed | 42 Bath | 105,000 SF | 174,240 SF lot | $295,000,000 This megamansion at 944 Airole Way in Bel Air is referred to as the "Space Station", the most expensive home in America, but is best known as "The One".  The Bel Air home has been 10 years in the making, and was built by a film producer-turned-real estate developer Nile Niami. Inside the Most Expensive Home in America The home has 21 bedrooms, 42 bathrooms, 30-car garage, 10,000 square foot wine cellar, 10,000 square foot sky deck, 40-person movie theater, private nightclub, putting green, salon, bowling alley, and much more. Nile listed the home for sell for $295,000,000 in January 2022, but as of February 7th, the home will go to auction and sold to the highest bidder. The One is truly one-of-a-kind, not only for being the most expensive in America, but especially since local laws have changed to prevent the building supersized homes ever again. Life in Bel Air, California While the megamansion 944 Airole Way in Bel Air is not the typical home, there are many homes that are just as amazing without such a high price tag. Bel Air is one of the hundreds of neighborhoods that make up the city of Los Angeles, but is actually one of the smaller neighborhoods spanning about 6 square miles. Yet despite it's size, it’s one of the most well known towns in America. Bel Air, Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills, form what is called the Platinum Triangle in Los Angeles. This is an area of Westside affluence in Los Angeles. The Platinum Triangle is where some of Los Angeles' wealthiest people live, and also has ultra-high-end shopping, dining experiences, and several celebrities. Living in Bel Air gives access to amazing schools in the Los Angeles School District, such as the Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School, Downtown Business High School, and the LA County High School for the Arts. Additionally, there are the hundreds of private academies spread throughout the city and surrounding areas. Bel Air has a relatively small population with just over 8700 residents, and is very spaciously spread out over 6 square miles. Bel Air ranks among some of the wealthiest and most affluent neighborhoods in all of California and the United States. If you are interested in buying, selling, or investing in homes in Bel Air, contact me to get started!

2021 has been a challenging year for some of us with many obstacles to overcome. Well, 2022 may be as challenging however, we are going to do something about it! This year is your year to redirect your mindset and reconfigure your goals my friends. Let’s Get It 🙏 and remember in 2022, giving is living! Watch until the end… #LikeShareComment

6 Bed | 7 Bath | 7,750 SF | 44,431 SF lot | $2,925,000  🤝 Represented both sides   Welcome to one of the most exclusive world renowned equestrian communities in Southern California, Bell Canyon. This beautiful 6 bedroom and 7 bath home was just sold at 163 Dapplegray Rd for $2,925,000. Once you step into this classic Mediterranean home you are met with gorgeous high ceilings with 18 foot windows which allow you to take in the breath taking canyon views. Beautiful white Italian porcelain floors throughout the entire home. Wide curving staircase leading you up to the second floor into the master bedroom. The spacious kitchen is equipped with high end appliances and a relaxing breakfast nook. The formal dining room has plenty of space to entertain friends and family. Be sure to take a nice cool dip in your private sparkling pool/jacuzzi on a hot summers day. You also have a 3 car garage with plenty of guest parking. Award winning Las Virgenes school district. Life in Bell Canyon, California There are many amazing homes like 163 Dapplegray Rd in Bell Canyon, which is in a gated community that boarders West Hills and the Simi Valley Hills. Due to the main entrance to Bell Canyon being located just off Valley Circle Road, many people think of Bell Canyon being in Los Angeles due to it's location, but technically it is a unincorporated community in eastern Ventura County. This gives homeowner's the benefits of living in Ventura County, and also being in the Las Virgenes Unified School District, where students can award attned wining schools, including Round Meadow Elementary, Alice C. Stelle Middle School, and Calabasas High School, which are all actually in Los Angeles County. Bell Canyon has a relatively small population with just over 2000 residents, but is very spaciously spread out over 3.62 square miles. The community also features many amenities, such as an equestrian center, community center, hiking, the Waterfall Trail, and so much more. According to the Financial Word report, Bell Canyon ranks the seventh wealthiest community in the entire state of California, with incomes in the area typically being upwards of millions of dollars annually. If you are interested in buying, selling, or investing in homes in Bell Canyon, contact me to get started!

First impressions matter, and you only get one chance to make a great one. Whether you’re thinking of selling in the near future, or you’re vying for the unofficial title of the best house on the block, help your home look its best this fall with simple yet impressive updates. It’s like self-care, but for your house.     Front Door.Make your main entrance a focal point by adding a wreath of fall foliage. You might even paint the door a standout color like red, black, or yellow. Fall Flowers.Mums and autumn beauties deliver a cheerful pop of color as the leaves turn. Use planters at the entry way or hang baskets for quick and easy appeal. Outdoor lighting. Highlight your lighting decor and extend your living space outside. Illuminate walkways and brighten your front porch and patios with lanterns or flood lights. Not only does landscape lighting improve livability, it keeps your home safe and secure. According to NAR’s 2018 Remodeling Impact Report on Outdoor Features, homeowners can expect to recoup 50% of the costs of adding landscape lighting. New welcome mat.Change it out! It’s one of the most cost-efficient ways to update your entryway. Add a Bench.Garden or porch seating looks welcoming and cozy year-round. Window boxes.A wood or metal planter box beneath a window adds idyllic charm instantly. House Numbers.This is the first thing visitors look for when arriving at your home, so make sure they’re visible from the street. House numbers that complement the style of your home, whether modern or rustic, add personalization and a welcoming touch. According to HomeLight’s recent Top Agent Insights report, 94 percent of agents agree that buyers are willing to pay more for houses with great curb appeal. If you’re ready to prepare your home for sale, Compass Concierge with White & Associates covers upfront costs for painting, landscaping, staging, and other upgrades to present your home at its best. Contact me to learn more about this one-of-a-kind program.

Gone are the days of waiting weeks or months for an acceptable offer. Today’s buyers are motivated, empowered by low interest rates, and driven to act fast by constricted inventory. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid to sell your home: 1. Your home will likely sell quickly. According to NAR’s Realtors Confidence Index, homes are selling in just 17 days on average. This indicates strong demand, which is great news for sellers. 2. Buyers will be competing for your home. The same NAR survey shows sellers receiving more than 4 offers on average. In certain markets, this number can average even higher. Multiple offers allow sellers to accept the best scenario for their financial well-being. 3. Buyers are qualified and move fast. Historically low-interest rates brought buyers into the market, allowing many to qualify for higher-priced homes. Due to plenty of qualified buyers with cash and pre-approval, average days on market for new listings remains low. (Compass California Q2 Market Report) 4. Inventory is low, shining the spotlight on your home. Inventory constraints continue to result in multiple offers and bidding wars as standard operating procedure. Sellers of remodeled and updated homes in desirable locations were inundated with multiple offers often far above asking prices, according to Compass California’s Q2 Market Report. If you’re ready to make a move, there isn’t a better time to list your home. Contact Stephen White today to get started.

Source – Unsplash Written by: Bob Shannon (10/13/21) As we get older, it is only natural to want to move closer to family and potentially buy a bigger place so you can pursue your passions, enjoy your hobbies, and have more space for entertaining your loved ones. If you do decide to go forward with this plan, then there are many considerations you will need to keep in mind along the way. Here at White Luxury Homes, we want you to find the perfect home for your retirement years, so we have some tips to make that happen. Finding A New Home Once you decide that you want to buy a new home, you need to make a plan on where you want to live and how to handle selling your current home and buying a new property. Think about where you would want to live. Since you are retired, you’ll likely want to live near your family so find a few houses near them and narrow the list down from there. If you go house hunting and find a property that you absolutely love, you should jump on it quickly. Some people wait until they have sold their existing home, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be the way you do things. Instead, you can buy and sell at the same time by contacting a real estate agent to help you work through the details and potentially extend your closing date so you have more of a cushion to do what you need to do. You could also rent your existing home to make money while you move into the new property. To ensure that the sale of your existing home goes off without a hitch, be sure to have an inspection completed ahead of time and fix all issues so buyers have no reason not to sign on the dotted line. This maintenance list includes fixing up the floors, improving curb appeal, and replacing any old windows. Cracked windows can lead to wasted energy and can let in cold drafts. When looking for window repair services, make sure to read customer reviews on sites such as Angi.com and get price quotes so you know you are getting the best deal possible. If Your Passion Is Business If you are retired but you still want to keep busy, then starting a business may be a good idea, and if you find the right space then you can work from home. If a home office is the goal, then make sure to research potential houses that have the square footage that you require, and if you can have an extra room for a private office, then that is even better. When creating your business, it is a good idea to form a limited liability corporation (LLC). This is a great way to go because it will require less paperwork, provide unique tax advantages, and simplify the organization process. A professional can help with LLC formation in California and ensure that you can start running your business as soon as you move in. Room For Family And Hobbies If your plan is to simply enjoy your retirement years doing things you love, then look for a house that will allow you to do just that. If you plan on having the grandkids over on a regular basis, then find a property with an extra room that can act as a playroom. Or you could find a home with a large yard where you could put a playground. Remember that this is also a time for you to enjoy your golden years so find a place where you can also do the hobbies that you love. One extra room can allow you to do any number of hobbies, from knitting to woodworking. If you have any outdoor hobbies that you enjoy like gardening then make sure there is room for that as well. In the end, home is what you make of it, so be sure to take the time to choose the perfect house that will suit all of your retirement needs. For assistance with finding the best properties, contact White Luxury Homes at 310-919-6676.

I am excited to announce my newest JUST SOLD property here at 11171 Presilla Rd. in Santa Rosa Valley. Thank you to my amazing sellers and congratulations to the buyers who purchased this impeccable home! 11171 Presilla Rd. features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a 4 car garage, sitting on 4 1/2 acres with 4,000 square feet of living space. This house has been completely updated from floor to ceiling with an amazing kitchen that is fully equipped with a Miele Coffee Bar, Subzero refrigerator, Thermador range and hood. It also has a clean modern design and features ample storage with a luxurious center island. Entertaining guests is a breeze from the kitchen to the dining room, through the sliding doors and out to the open balcony, you are surrounded by nature with incredible scenic views of Santa Rosa Valley that will relax you and your guests! Why Live in Santa Rosa Valley? With a population of just over 3,000 residents and a 6.9 square mile radius, Santa Rosa Valley is one of the smallest and one of the fastest growing housing markets in Southern California. This city offers equestrian style, countryside living while still residing in a luxurious and upscale community and only 30 minutes from central Los Angeles. Santa Rosa Valley has come a long way in the past 5 years as it’s housing market has grown above 100% in value. The canyon views that you will get when buying a home in the hills is breathtaking. Some of the homes range from Spanish, Tutor, Mediterranean, and Modern styles, all with an ample amount of indoor and outdoor living spaces. The city lies right north of the Conejo Valley and along Arroyo Santa Rosa and Arroyo Conejo. Most of the area consists of agricultural lands and it is home to a variety of wildlife such as bobcats, gray foxes, mule deer, and more. When moving to this amazing place, you are moving to a city escape where you can get amazing real estate for half the cost compared to other areas of the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County. If you are interested in buying, selling, or investing here in the Santa Rosa Valley, please contact me for more information!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on July 20th, 2021 The Tokyo Summer Olympics are finally here and we can’t wait to start watching! The upcoming international multi-sport event is scheduled to be held from the 23rd of July to the 8th of August in Tokyo, Japan. Originally scheduled to take place from the 24th of July to the 9th of August in 2020, the event was postponed in March of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being rescheduled to 2021, the event retains the Tokyo 2020 name for marketing and branding purposes. This is the first time that the Olympic Games have been postponed and rescheduled, rather than cancelled, so it is understandable that the company chose to keep 2020 in their branding. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics will see the introduction of new competitions including 3×3 basketball, freestyle BMX, and Madison cycling, as well as further mixed events. The games will also see karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding make their Olympic debuts, as well as the return of basketball and softball for the first time since 2008. Where to Watch the Tokyo Olympics? This year NBC is broadcasting a whole day of day one Olympics coverage, including the opening ceremony. You’ll be able to watch it live coast-to-coast. NBC will be broadcasting across all US time zones starting at 6:55 a.m. EDT (3:55 a.m. PDT) for the very first time. NBC will also re-broadcast the event at 7:30 p.m. EDT (4:30 p.m. PDT). Typically Olympics opening ceremonies celebrate the culture of the host country, augmented by some theme. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, for example, the theme was unity. These events can be expensive, often costing upwards of $100 million. Japanese opening ceremonies have traditionally celebrated ancient Japanese culture, but previous Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dressed up as Mario during the handover at the Rio Olympics closing ceremony, so many expect Nintendo’s mascot to show up in an opening ceremony during the Tokyo Olympics as its more dedicated to Japan’s impact on technology and popular culture.  A Message from Stephen White Thanks for stopping by our blog page! We hope you enjoy watching the Tokyo Olympics and are just as excited as us! Be sure to stay up to date on our fitness content by subscribing to Stephen White Real Estate on YouTube! Thank you and Happy Olympics!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on July 16th, 2021 A modern day gymnasium (as gym used to be called way back in Ancient Greece) is a place for indoor physical workouts where various equipment and machines are typically used. For some people, a typical gym is a place where you focus on weight lifting and similar activities. While it is true that gyms used to be reserved for weight training and were rarely frequented by women, that’s not the case nowadays. Both men and women work out at the gym, and there is a great variety of machines, including cardiovascular machines. Today, we are visiting my home gym – LA Fitness, which is an amazing, high end facility that features an indoor pool, fitness classes, and a expanded gym floor with various equipment and cardio machines. In this episode, we are focusing on legs. Performing leg exercises not only builds muscles in your legs, but also helps to tone and lean the abdominal area. It also plays a significant role in building your testosterone levels! Leg day is important to incorporate in every workout routine, and you should never skip it! Posture is everything when doing leg workouts! For example, when we do squats, it is important to keep your toes straight, push off the back of your heals, and look up to find your focal point to help keep your back straight. Another example would be walking lunges, which are great for core, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and mental balance. Just like squats, when doing walking lunges, make sure your feet stay straight and you bend your back knee to 90 degrees. With these helpful tips, you will avoid straining your back or injuring yourself when performing these exercises at the gym. Whether you like to weight train at the gym, CrossFit, or do yoga, it is imperative that you adopt a fitness routine. Be sure to stay tuned in for next week as we will visit Precision CrossFit in Agoura Hills for an amazing CrossFit training. Be sure to check us out on YouTube and read more blogs to watch more fitness and gym routines!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on July 7th, 2021 The Real Estate Fitness Guy is back at it again with more helpful exercise and fitness content for you to enjoy, learn, and grow with in your own fitness journey! This week, we are visiting a home gym on the beautiful, Calabasas Lake! Having a home gym is an incredible way to improve your physique without needing to spend extra money on a fitness membership or compete for equipment with the masses. If you are interested in creating a home gym of your own, we have a blog detailing all the steps! Click here to read more! This home gym is a perfect example of an amazing home gym experience, with equipment ranging from a bench press, battle ropes, cardio equipment and acrobatic gymnastic rings, all outfitted with black toned mat flooring and wood wall paneling. Follow along to see our 3 – step workout plan that you can do in a home gym of your own! Exercise #1: Lat Pulldowns Lat pulldowns help build your latissimus, biceps, and rear deltoids. It’s also great for your posture and spinal stretching if done correctly. It is one of our favorite exercises when starting my back routine! Exercise #2: Bent Over Rows Bent over rows are an amazing back workout that is also great for strength and balance! Using your back, legs, and mental focus, will help you maximize this particular routine. Optional grips can be used for this exercise to target various small muscle groups in your back, such as: straight grip, reverse grip, and suicide grip. Make sure to not look in the mirror when doing this exercise, as you can risk throwing out your back! Exercise #3: Reverse Dumbbell Flys Reverse flys are best known for cutting and defining your back and it is all about formation! Lightweight and increasing reps are key for maximizing successful results! Reverse flys, bent over rows, and lat pulldowns are all old-school back exercise techniques that are extremely effective, when done correctly! Stay Tuned Join us next week for an amazing leg workout at LA Fitness in Woodland Hills! Make sure to not miss next week’s episode by subscribing to Stephen White Real Estate on YouTube and hitting the notifications bell! Enjoy your new found workout skills and good luck on your fitness journey!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on July 2nd, 2021 California officially reopened June 15th, which means this Fourth of July weekend is the first major holiday we can gather and celebrate in large groups since the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020. As of right now, more than half of the state is fully vaccinated and virus cases are down to numbers that we haven’t seen since the early days of the pandemic! And what better way to celebrate reopening, then the celebrations of the birth of our country! On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, an historical document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to today, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of America, with celebrations like fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings. This year, July 4th is on a Sunday and the federal holiday will be observed on Monday, July 5th. Venues and cities across Los Angeles are planning in-person events this Fourth of July, and here are some of them! The Hollywood Bowl Concerts have returned and so has the iconic, Hollywood Bowl! This Fourth of July, the Hollywood Bowl is throwing a fireworks extravaganza with Kool & the Gang, which will be joined by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and its principal conductor, Thomas Wilkins. Tickets start at $26 per person, which includes a fireworks spectacular. Click here to purchase tickets! According to its website, the Bowl will be at 100% capacity in July. Mask-wearing is encouraged for those who are unvaccinated! Hollywood Forever Cemetery Starting at 7:15 p.m., Cinespia celebrates the holiday weekend with “Dazed and Confused,” directed by Richard Linklater on July 3rd, and “Dirty Dancing” starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze on July 4th. Both movies will conclude with a fireworks display, and tickets start at just $15! This is an amazing way to spend time with family and friends outside! All you need is a blanket and a picnic! Fourth of July at Marina del Rey Marina del Rey fireworks are back for an amazing day of celebrations! Starting at 9 p.m., fireworks will light up Marina del Rey with a 10-minute show that can be viewed from the Venice Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach. For an up close view, visitors can enjoy the show at Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village, where synchronized music accompanies the fireworks! But make sure to arrive early and coordinate parking ahead of time, as these parks fill up fast! And of course, if you own a boat, feel free to drop anchor in the marina and enjoy the show from the water! A Message from Stephen White Fourth of July is one of our favorite holidays to celebrate, as it gives us the chance to break away from work and celebrate our freedom with our loved ones! I think this year, more then others, we are even more fortunate to be celebrating like normal and cannot wait to watch the firework spectaculars! From all of us here at Stephen White Real Estate, thank you for your business and have a Happy 4th of July!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on June 16th, 2021 Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 20th, and what better way to celebrate the day then doing fun activities with your father throughout Los Angeles? As of today, we are officially opened back up, California!! That means, no social distancing, capacity limits back to normal, and most importantly, no masks! This couldn’t have come at a better time then now for the holiday – and the activities are endless! Follow along for our top 3 Father’s Day picks that you should do this Sunday with Dad! Father’s Day Catch on the Field – Dodger Stadium Dodger Stadium is back in full swing and what better way to spend fathers day then watching good ol’ fashion baseball. This year, Dodger Stadium is offering a special event post game just for our special Dad’s. After the LA Dodgers play the Chicago Cubs, the whole family is invited to participate in the annual Catch on the Field, a free event available to all ticketed fans. Game starts at 4:05pm, tickets on sale at the Dodgers website. BBQ & Brews at Imperial Western Beer Company Located at historic Union Station in Downtown LA, Imperial Western Beer Company is hosting Father’s Day BBQ & Brews from noon to 6pm. For $25, Dad gets a plate with all the fixings—BBQ chicken, ribs, beans, coleslaw, and dinner roll. All Dads receive a complimentary pint with purchase! Specials include $5 pints, $18 pitchers, and $30 crowler 3-packs to go. You may also be able to get a tour of the brewery, if your lucky! Peterson Automotive Museum If Dad is a car aficionado, there’s no better place to be on Father’s Day Weekend than the Petersen Automotive Museum. From the 1989 Batmobile to the 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III, the Petersen Automobile Museum will be an amazing time spent with Dad, looking at rare automobile craftsmanship! Father’s Day House Hunting And if a new home is in order this year and a more low-key activity is needed, try house hunting your local neighborhoods. The real estate market is at an all time high and homes are moving fast! With open houses back in action, visiting some cool and unique homes could be an exciting way to spend your day with dad! And, if you need assistance from a local realtor, look no further than Stephen White Real Estate. Stephen White will find you your dream home, just in time for summer – guaranteed! Happy Father’s Day!!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on June 8th, 2021 2020 has brought massive changes to almost every area of our lives, and the real estate market is no exception. We have seen record numbers and record sales during the pandemic and as we are easing out of it, nothing is changing. So the question is: Is the current market optimal for flipping homes here in Los Angeles? It’s important to look at the current state of the market before getting started. Flipping Profits Are At a 20-Year High You heard that right! If you’ve been wondering whether its time to push forward with that fix-and-flip investment strategy, the data suggests it now may be the best time to flip homes in Los Angeles. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, house flipping profits have soared to their highest level in 20 years. In the third quarter of 2020, the average gross profit on a flip was $73,766, up from $61,800 in the third quarter of 2019! Note that this data does not include renovation prices, as it only includes the difference between an investor’s purchase price and the eventual sale price for the property. Make sure to budget accordingly and have a comprehensive plan before diving into any fix-and-flip project. The Drawbacks… Although jumping into a fix-and-flip project could end in a great profit, there are risks that come with it. First of all, you may have to offer more than you’d expect on that fixer. Since the pandemic, inventory levels were down a record-setting 23% since 2019. There are way more buyers than ever before and way less sellers than ever before, so when a listing gets put on the market nowadays, it goes fast – and sometimes, over the original listing price with multiple offers. Now, when you have a hot commodity like a fixer opportunity, there is much greater competition. So make sure to budget accordingly, in case this scenario occurs. The bottom line is to have a strong budget in mind, a firm idea of the state of the market in Los Angeles, and if you need assistance, you should reach out to your local real estate agent, Stephen White, for help pulling up local market statistics, gathering comparables, and determining after-renovation values.

Written by Jason Kritzberg on June 3rd, 2021 Whether you live in an oceanfront studio in Malibu or an industrial loft in Downtown, you can have many different design challenges . Granted since your views are top notch, wall space definitely lacks in these scenarios. Designing a small space can be tricky, especially if all of your furniture is better suited for a larger living space. And while it can feel like an impossible challenge, with some small space furniture hacks – even the smallest of rooms can feel completely transformed. Follow along to see our personal hacks to make your space feel grand! Hack #1: Build Storage High “When you can’t build out, build up,” says James Tabb, designer at Laurel & Wolf. This can be done in many ways, but the most popular way of designing it is using floating shelves, running the perimeter of the room. Adding books, photo albums, accessories, and other collectables which you would normal store in a box, can now be displayed beautifully using this hack. Not only is it a great way to minimize clutter, but a beautiful way to decorate, creating similar effects to crown molding. Hack #2: Pick Double-Duty Pieces One example of this hack is the use of Murphy beds. What is a Murphy bed? Also called a wall bed, a Murphy bed is a bed that is hinged at one end to store vertically against the wall, or inside a cabinet or closet. This would be a great option in a small space because when you are entertaining guests, it’s as easy as pushing the bed up into the wall to transform it into a dining room and seating area for your company. When it is time for bed and the room is cleared, just pull down the bed and voila your back in a bedroom! Another great hack is buying a storage bed. This might not fold into a wall however, it will have ample storage and drawers underneath the bed itself to allow for extra space to put your clothes, blankets, etc… if closet space is scarce! Hack #3: Use Large Scale Pieces What?? Large scale pieces? While it may seem silly to bring in larger furniture to an already small space, there is a method to the madness! Smaller pieces can actually make the room feel even smaller. While you need to think of function above all in a small space, try to edit down your furniture needs to a few larger pieces, as opposed to a bunch of smaller ones. This will not only make your apartment feel larger, but also make it more comfortable. For Even More… View the graphic below for even more small space furniture hacks, provided by Stephen White Real Estate! If you are in the market to sell your small space – or size down and move into a smaller space, give Stephen White a call today! Not only are we experts of outsmarting small spaces, but we will meticulously and seamlessly find you your perfect smaller space – and we can’t wait for the new home journey to begin!

Memorial Day is coming up fast and people want to know, what is there to do this year? Well, with the world opening up even more and getting closer to the June 15th reopening date, more and more events are popping up throughout Los Angeles. But first, why do we celebrate Memorial Day? It is important to know that Memorial Day isn’t just a holiday to party, it has a much deeper meaning. Keep reading below to find out what this holiday is all about, and some insight into the most happening Memorial Day events this year! History of Memorial Day Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. It also unofficially marks the beginning of the summer season. The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers. For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30th, the date General Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. Where to Celebrate? Now that we’ve got the history out of the way, lets talk about the fun stuff! What to do this upcoming Memorial Day and where to celebrate! If you’re looking to put together a lighthearted day trip or three-day weekend, the options in the list below cover a wide territory, from San Diego to Santa Catalina Islands! San Diego’s Waterfront: In just 10 miles, the Harbor Drive delivers multiple hotspots to stop and enjoy the surroundings! Starting with vintage ships, to delicious seafood and lobster rolls, a ballpark, and an aircraft carrier – this Harbor Drive has it all! The best part of it all is its only 3 hours away from Los Angeles and is the perfect getaway (not only for its weather) for a long Memorial Day weekend! Catalina Island Escape: Just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island offers an escape like no other. Taking a short ferry ride with Catalina Express, departing from either San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point, you will experience the picturesque town of Avalon filled with activities on land and sea. As well as the rustic village of Two Harbors, with spectacular campgrounds and beautiful beaches. Los Angeles River Recreation If you want to stay local to Los Angeles, we have good news for you! Starting on Memorial Day, the Los Angeles River is set to open to the public to kayak, fish, and participate in guided tours! LA Sanitation and Environment will also operate visual “water quality beacons” to keep visitors apprised of conditions in the river. While kayaking and fishing are permitted, swimming is prohibited in the river. More information at http://lariverrecreation.org. From all of us at Stephen White Real Estate, we hope you have a great Memorial Day, whether thats a long weekend getaway or commemorating our fallen soldiers, and we look forward to being of real estate service to you real soon!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on May 19th, 2021 With COVID-19 cases at an all time low and the state of California easing into opening up even more, you might be happy to see some new changes in the real estate world. Whether you are a buyer, seller, or a real estate agent the relaxation of COVID-19 Shown Property protocols and Open Houses are sure to make your life and business easier; in addition to making that sale come quicker! Open Houses Open Houses without the stress of appointments are back! Advertising of Open Houses is now permitted, subject to local requirements as long as all other COVID-19 protocols are followed, including social distancing. This is great news as you will be able to visit a new listing as easy as pre-pandemic, or if you are a realtor, you don’t have to worry about booking multiple appointments a day. Just to note, some counties are still in a more restrictive tier and open houses are not allowed, so it is best to check with your local guidelines before visiting or conducting an open house. What Restrictions are Still in Place? Although they are easing the restrictions on appointments for Open Houses, some restrictions are still in place. Like masks. Face masks are still required for entry and hand sanitization, with all windows and doors open (weather permitting). There is still a sign-in requirement on-site. The new Property Sign-In (PSI) form can be used for this purpose. However, you can still sign a PEAD form on-site. The PEAD forms have been combined and simplified into one shorter PEAD-ALL form that is available if agents prefer to use it instead of the on-site sign-in protocols. For the realtors only, you should still provide the Mandatory Government Showing Requirements, including Best Practices Guidelines and Prevention Plan, even if it is just a link. In addition, the property must be cleaned once a day consistent with the CDC guidelines. Most importantly, you should continue washing hands regularly and avoid touching surfaces, whether you are the realtor on-site or the buyer visiting the open house. We are all excited to see California’s relaxation on these Open House rules, and look forward to even more regulations being relaxed in the near future, as COVID cases continue to decrease! If you are looking to buy or sell a home or visit an Open House contact your trusted realtor, Stephen White, today!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on May 14th, 2021 With summer creeping around the corner and weather heating up, you might be wondering where to escape the high temps. Thankfully, California is the best place you could be. Not only does California have an amazing and diverse culture, architecture, cuisine, and recreation; California also boasts the most exquisite beaches on the Pacific! Just an hour away from Downtown Los Angeles and less then 30 minutes away from the San Fernando Valley is Malibu. A star studded beach town with canyons, waterfalls, grasslands, beach front estates, and gourmet eats, Malibu hosts some of the most amazing beaches you can visit. Follow this list below to see where you’re going on your next beach day! Malibu Surfrider Beach Malibu Surfrider Beach is a recreational beach known for its amazing surfing conditions and the famous Malibu Pier for saltwater fishing and gourmet dining. Here, you will find many paddle boarders, kayakers, boating enthusiasts, and surfers (hence the name, Surfrider). Malibu Pier, located on the same beach, is an awesome place to grab a bite to eat mid beach day at local favorites Malibu Farm and Malibu Pier Cafe. This beach is also centrally located to the Malibu Country Mart, where you will find even more dining and shopping! Point Dume Just down the coast, you are met with Point Dume! This beach definitely attracts the crowd that likes a little more seclusion, while still soaking up the sun. Point Dume boasts bluff trails, views, and ancient sand dune! Point Dume is a promontory on the coast of Malibu, California that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. The point, a long bluff, forms the northern end of the Santa Monica Bay. Point Dume Natural Area affords a vista of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Santa Catalina Island. Zuma lies to its immediate northwest. And speaking of Zuma, that’s next on our list so keep reading! Zuma Beach About 10 minutes away from Point Dume is Zuma, a large stretch of sand that goes on for miles. The beach has wide sandy beaches, great surfing conditions, clean water conditions, and lifeguards on duty. It consistently ranks among the healthiest beaches for clean water conditions in Los Angeles County. The beach is also close by to the Trancas Country Market, where you have multiple dining options and a gourmet supermarket, Vintage Grocers. Come on the right day and you can get smoked bbq meat sandwiches, made to order! The origin of the name of the beach may be related to the origin of the name of nearby [promontory] Point Dume. Point Dume was named by George Vancouver in 1793 in honor of Padre Francisco Dumetz of Mission San Buenaventura. The name was misspelled on Vancouver’s map as “Dume” and was never corrected. On a plat map of the Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit finally confirmed to new owner Matthew Keller in August 1870, the point is marked on the map as “Point Zuma or Duma”. A Note From Stephen White Malibu is an amazing place to visit for a beach day; however, Malibu is way more than its beaches. Malibu is known to have the most beautiful beachfront and mountain estates, with sweeping views for miles. If you are ready to be among the star-studded community here in Malibu, give my office a call to get started. To learn even more about Malibu and its hotspots, watch our Malibu City Tour, below!

In 2020, the world was faced with a global pandemic that changed the lives of many. Not only did California suffer from COVID-19 (some may say the worst at a point), but also faced massive budget cuts and rampant fires. 2020 will have lasting impacts on our families, communities, and state parks. This is why Earth Day cannot come soon enough! Now that we are in a better place in our state, with increasing numbers being vaccinated and COVID cases at its all time lowest, many volunteer centers are opening up – just in time for Earth Day! Read more below to see how you can get involved this month and the lasting impacts you will bring from volunteering. Earth Day Volunteering – Surfrider Foundation & Heal the Bay In addition to some virtual volunteering, which can be found here, the first event that you can participate in at your leisure is a beach cleanup! The Surfrider Foundation and Heal the Bay are the two most popular beach clean up volunteer events held in Los Angeles. However, due to COVID-19, all events are cancelled. This doesn’t mean that you can’t participate on your own. In fact, the Surfrider Foundations advises you to continue with your solo and single-family beach clean up events and prep’s you with all you need to know here. When things calm down some more with COVID-19, you can count on Heal the Bay and The Surfrider Foundation to be back in action! Both foundations host public beach cleanups each month at various locations throughout LA County. Through their programs, they help volunteers understand the impacts of our throwaway society and a convenience culture built on single-use plastics. An estimated 10 million metric tons of plastic enters the ocean each year, the equivalent of one garbage truck load per minute! Participating this Earth Day on a beach cleanup, even if its just in passing on a relaxing beach day, will have lasting impacts on our environment! Earth Day Volunteering – Tree People An organization that you can actually participate in as a group this Earth Day is through Tree People. Tree People inspires and supports the people of LA to come together to plant and care for trees, harvest the rain, and renew depleted landscapes. This Saturday (4/17/2021) Tree People and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in the beautiful San Francisquito Canyon of the Angeles National Forest will be holding an event for those who sign up to restore the area of the woodlands damaged by the Copper Fire. Volunteers will be asked to care for the native chaparral plants which provide deer, coyotes, and others with food and shelter. To sign up for this event, click here. Another great event to participate on Earth Day is the L.A. River Greenway Trail with Tree People. On Earth Day, 4/22/2021, volunteers will be caring for this newly planted woodland which increases rainwater capture, cleans water draining to the ocean, bolsters air quality, lowers wildfire risk and heals fractured habitat connectivity for Los Angeles County. Sign up here for next weeks event, and to find even more events that fit your schedule! Tree People is open and operating on multiple days each week! A Note From Stephen White Thank you for doing your part to help our planet. Earth Day is an amazing way to come together with your community to clean up our towns and continue to make California the best state to live in! Make sure to tag @StephenWhiteRe on Instagram so we can see your Earth Day stories! The best Earth Day volunteer story will have a chance to win a White Luxury Homes prize! If you are in the market to buy or sell your home after you’re finished volunteering, give your local realtor a call for assistance! Thank you and Happy Volunteering!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on April 7, 2021 It’s a sellers market. By now, we know the story, home prices are appreciating rapidly, inventory is scarce, and if you are selling your home you can basically command almost anything from your buyers. But do you know just how high our market has gotten too since the new year? We have seen numbers that we haven’t seen in over 15 years. Nationwide, home prices grew at a record year-over-year rate of 11.6% in February, according to Black Knight. In addition, daily home sales data by the company’s Collateral Analytics group showed an annual 15.9% jump in the median single-family sales price. You can thank the record low interest rates for this jump, and with the rates staying low, it might be a good time to consider selling your home too! Unfortunate for buyers, as housing is now the least affordable its been since 2019, factoring in interest rates, home prices, income, and closing costs, but a very fortunate circumstance for sellers! Black Night’s Data & Analytics President, stated that “it now takes 20% of the median household income to make the monthly payment on an average-priced home – back to the five-year average after several years of low-interest rates mitigating the impact of rising prices on affordability.” He also stated that “any hopes of 2021 bringing an influx of homes to the market and lessening pressure on prices appear to be dashed for now, as new for-sale listings were down 16% and 21% year-over-year in January and February, respectively.” Currently, there are 125,000 fewer listings then in comparison to the first two months of 2020, driving for-sale inventory 40% below last years level. With lower interest rates and a continuing shortage of inventory, it will be important to keep a careful eye on both home prices and affordability metrics in the coming months. If you are thinking about selling your home, there is no better time than now. Sellers are in a good position to potentially make more on their current home investment ,which may increase the down payment for their next home. To learn more about the latest market trends and to get started with your home selling process, contact your local realtor, Stephen White, today! For any mortgage questions, contact Victoria Lynch at 818.456.7307.

Written by Jason Kritzberg on March 31, 2021 Hi everyone and welcome back! Today, I am giving you an exclusive look at my newest listing here in Encino, California! This beautiful single story view home has everything you need. From its sparkling pool ,with its 180-degree views that extend for miles through the SFV, to the entertainer’s dream open floor plan. You could also add value to this home for a potential future investment opportunity. But before we take a closer look at this beautiful listing, lets go take a look at what Encino has to offer! Are you hungry? Let’s go eat! Encino, California In 1769, the Spanish Portola expedition, first Europeans to see inland areas of California, traveled north through Sepulveda pass into the San Fernando Valley on August 5 and stayed two nights at a native village near what is now Los Encinos State Historic Park. Fray Juan Crespi, a Franciscan missionary travelling with the expedition, named the valley “El Valle de Santa Catalina de Bolonia de Los Encinos” (The Valley of St. Catherine of Bologna of the Holm Oaks). All of Crespi’s name was later dropped except “Encino”. Encino is a beautiful city to live in, with nearby shopping, entertainment and delicious restaurants with multiple cuisines for you to choose from. In fact, not too far from my newest listing, is the famous Encino Commons. The Encino Commons is a unique collection of eateries, shops, and theatres in the Valley. With a diverse mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, this is a part of the Valley with a rich history and unparalleled resources.   Today we are showcasing my favorite place to eat here in Encino, Yamato. Yamato is a dramatically lit Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi and meats cooked on a tableside grill. Check out Yamato for amazing teppanyaki cooking and high quality sushi! Now, back to the house! 4315 Coronet Drive Welcome to 4315 Coronet Dr. in Encino, California. This 3-bedroom, 3 bath single story mid-century modern home has breath taking views of the mountains and the valley.  With its beautiful center island, fireplace and an open floor plan that offers spacious living and dining! Just outside, you’ll find your private oasis, complete with pool, spa and an outdoor BBQ kitchen island. This home is one of a kind!  Contact Your Local Realtor… When you’re ready for a tour of this beautiful home, contact me and I will be happy to accommodate you with a private showing. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and stay up to date with more real-estate content. Have a great day!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on March 18th, 2021 Hey everyone! Stephen White here, welcome back and thank you for tuning in. I really appreciate your support. As your Calabasas and Los Angeles Realtor it’s only right that I take you on a tour of my beautiful city, Calabasas California! History of Calabasas Calabasas dates back to 1795, with one of the oldest structures that was built in 1844 The Leonis Adobe. Today, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Greater Los Angeles area and it’s now a museum for you to visit! Calabasas was incorporated on April 5th, 1991, making it the newest city in Los Angeles County. Our Communities First on my list is the amazing Calabasas Lake. This man-made, 21-acre, Y shaped lake was created in the late 60s and is the only body of water in the city. It is a private lake that only the members in the homeowner’s association can enjoy. The neighborhood consists of lake front properties ranging from townhouses to single family homes, most with updated interiors and beautiful lakefront views! If you buy a house in this neighborhood, you have access to all the lake has to offer; including recreational boating and fishing (catch and release)!  Just moments away from Calabasas Lake is the private guard gated community: The Oaks of Calabasas. This community has beautiful Spanish and Ranch-style homes. A large number of these properties are comprised of swimming pools, intricate water fountains, and spacious lots. All of the properties in this community are single-family homes, which can extend from 3,000-11,000 square feet in size! In addition, the community is star-studded, ranging from some of your favorite movie stars to your favorite basketball players. Hidden Hills is world-renowned and one of the most prestigious equestrian communities in Southern California. From music videos to your favorite film or TV show, Hidden Hills has showcased its city in almost every top production within the entertainment industry.    Even though Hidden Hills shares the same zip code as Calabasas it is actually its own city since 1961. Back in 1957, you could purchase a home in Hidden Hills for as low as $27,500. Today, for a house in Hidden Hills that is about 5k sqft, give or take, you’re going to spend a whopping $4,000,000 or better. This beautiful equestrian community has amazing horseback trails, stunning estates, a community pool, and has its very own farmer’s market, that exclusively caters to the residents of Hidden Hills! Calabasas’ Restaurants and Activities On top of the beautiful real-estate that makes up Calabasas, this city also has some amazing local restaurants and shopping. After making my morning calls in the office, my favorite go-to restaurant is Lovi’s Deli! Are you hungry? Cmon let’s go eat! A classic deli that has a vast menu including deli sandwiches, sushi, all day breakfast, and cocktails, served in a chic and modern space! It even has a full sports bar separate from the dining room! Today we are going to order some food to show you how delicious this restaurant really is! My favorite sandwich to order from their menu is the Reuben Sandwich, which might not be the healthiest lunch, however lucky for me today is my cheat day! It is made up of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut topped with their famous Russian dressing. Their Reuben sandwich is grilled and pressed served between two pieces of rye bread. They have an extensive menu with some of your favorite dishes. The Reuben Sandwich is by far the best cheat meal here at Lovi’s in Calabasas! Just next door, The Commons of Calabasas has some of the best shopping the city has to offer! Whether you’re looking to buy a new shirt, get some groceries, or have a bite to eat – the Commons is the place to visit! Finally, I want to show you an amazing workout activity to do during your free time when you decide to move to Calabasas. Our hiking trails are the best! There are many hiking trails that we’ve covered here on my channel, from The Calabasas Stairs to Victory Trailhead, however, today we are highlighting one of the best views you can hike to in the city of Calabasas. Stunt Canyon! Stunt Canyon has multiple trails, and the cool thing is that they all connect together. So, you could essentially hike from the road all the way to the peak of the mountain. When you get to the top, you are met with amazing views of Malibu and the San Fernando Valley. Another great and unique spot in Stunt Canyon is the Topanga Lookout. The remaining platform of this former fire department observation tower is now covered in graffiti as it peers out for miles above the Red Rock Canyon Park. It is the highest part of the Santa Monica Mountains. You’ve got to check this place out! Call me and we can hike together.   A Note From Stephen… Thank you so much for coming along on this tour of the beautiful city of Calabasas. With the amazing views, restaurants, and homes, what’s stopping you from living here? If you are interested in buying a home in Calabasas, give me a call and I’ll be happy to accommodate your request! Have a fantastic day!

St. Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. The day is also celebrated as the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Usually, celebrations include public parades and festivals, céilí (a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering), eating authentic Irish foods, and wearing the color green or shamrocks. Although, this year may look a little different then what we are normally used to! Follow along for three local spots in the SFV to celebrate and get your local Irish fix in! JJ Sullivan’s Irish Pub The first on the list is JJ Sullivan’s Irish Pub, a traditional Irish tavern with old-world flair and happy hours, plus live music and TVs showing sports. The restaurant touts itself as “the most authentic Irish pub in the Valley.” Located in close proximity to Calabasas, JJ Sullivan’s is right on Ventura Blvd. located at 22917 Ventura. You can get your St. Patrick’s Day fix in here as you will find classic dishes like corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes along with a cold beverage! Make sure to contact the restaurant for seating as today might get busy! For more information, check out their Yelp! The White Harte Pub Next door to JJ Sullivans, The White Harte Pub offers up more of a gourmet eatery then its contenders. This informal British-style pub has dark woods, exposed beams and a patio, plus American eats. This is a great pub to go to if you’re looking for a little less traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner and something with a little more variety! Here you can find classics like Bangers & Mash, an English dish with sausage links and mashed potatoes, or Shepherds Pie, a pie that incorporates ground beef simmered with carrots and onions, topped with mashed potatoes and panko bread crumbs. The White Harte Pub is located at 22456 Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills. For more information, visit their website! Pickwick’s Pub Last on the list is Pickwick’s Pub, a laid-back hangout for English and Irish pub goers alike, weekday happy hour, and events (when we go back to normal) like live music and trivia nights. Pickwick’s has been around since 1974, making it the oldest pub in the SFV! In 2005, a fire struck the restaurant and had they had to rebuild from scratch; however its better then ever today! Some specialties include Irish beer stew and English sausage rolls! What is nice about all three of these places is that they are all located within close proximity of each other and a few on the same exact street, so you have plenty of options to choose from this St. Patrick’s Day! To learn more, visit their website! A Note From Stephen… When you’re all tired out from eating amazing local Irish and English food this St. Patricks Day and are realizing a new home might be in order, give me a call! I am your local Calabasas realtor, here to help you every step of your real estate way, including giving you great local recommendations! Enjoy your corned beef and cabbage and have a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on March 4th, 2021 Many might be under the notion that writing off “property” refers only to the home you live in. However, this is not the case! Did you know there are many other combinations of property taxes that can be written off? To learn more, keep on reading! What is a Property Tax Write Off? This deduction is one of many benefits of being a homeowner, but you don’t need to own a house to get this tax break! You are able to deduct up to $10,000.00, $5,000.00 if married filing separately, for a combination of property taxes and either state and local income taxes or sales taxes. So what can you deduct? If you pay property taxes on your home, you can potentially deduct them from your federal taxes: primary home, co-op apartment, vacation homes, land, property outside of the United States, cars, RVs, and other vehicles, and lastly, boats! What can’t you deduct? Well, the IRS doesn’t allow property tax deductions for: property taxes on property you don’t own, property taxes that you haven’t paid yet, assessments for building streets, sidewalks, or water and sewer systems in your neighborhood, your regular water, trash, electric bills, transfer taxes, HOA’s, and payments on loans. It is important to know what you can and cannot deduct come tax season so you are better prepared! How To Write Off The Deduction Make sure to find all of your tax records. Your local taxing authority can obtain copies of your tax bill for your home, however, you should also gain access to the registration paperwork for your other properties (ie. car, RV, boat, etc). These properties may be deductible. You can deduct only if it’s assessed uniformly at a similar rate for similar property in the community. The proceeds have to help the community, not pay for a special privilege or service for you. Sometimes counties make assessments for improvements. Those may not be deductible if they are not a tax. Use Schedule A when you file your return. That’s where you figure your deduction. Note: This means you’ll need to itemize your taxes instead of taking the standard deduction. It’ll probably take more time to do your taxes if you itemize, but you could end up with a lower tax bill. Note: Please be sure to contact your licensed CPA or tax advisor and ask if you qualify for these types of deductions. What if You Bought, Sold, or are Planning to This Year? If that’s the case, then contact Stephen White, your local Calabasas realtor for more information. He and his team will be able to guide you through your transaction and answer any questions you may have about buying and/or selling a home.

Written by Jason Kritzberg on February 27th, 2021 If you are like many people and wanting to buy a home in Los Angeles, sometimes you might need a loan to help out. Los Angeles is notorious for high home prices and the listing price might not fit completely in your budget. What if the home you want to buy is more than $548,250 and you need some assistance? Then you should look into applying for a Jumbo Loan! For 2021, if you require a loan amount surpassing the $548,250 – $822,375 (depending on the county your buying in) conforming loan limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), then you’ll need to get a jumbo loan. In certain “high-cost areas,” this limit may be set higher to account for higher average home values. Jumbo loans are not backed by government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Otherwise, jumbo loans are just like conforming loans, as they come in fixed-rate and adjustable-rate variations with multiple lengths. Requirements for the Loan Before you Contact Stephen White, your local realtor, to begin your home search process, its always best to have a good idea of how much house you can afford. If you are earning a large income, have some significant savings, and have a good credit history, a jumbo loan may be an option for you. Qualifying for this loan is definitely more difficult then qualifying for a conforming loan! For starters, many lenders will require a credit score of 700 or higher for you to even be approved for the loan. A conforming loan can get approved with much lower scores by making a larger down payment. Next, you will need to prove how financially stable you say you are. Your lender might ask for you to provide tax returns, W-2 or 1099 forms as well as bank statements. These factors will determine how much of an interest rate you will get on the loan. Less to show = higher interest rate or possible disapproval for the loan. Jumbo Loan vs Conforming Loan If you’re buying an expensive home, you can expect its peripheral costs to also be a bit pricey. The same applies to jumbo loans. While many lenders will consider lowering their down payment requirements for jumbo loan applicants, most still call for the industry standard of 20%. If you make a down payment lower then 20%, you may have to buy into private mortgage insurance which isn’t cheap. Any time you’re dealing with a larger mortgage, fees are inherently going to be higher as well. These usually include origination fees, title insurance, inspection fees and service fees, which are known as “closing costs.” Be prepared to pay these when you close on your new home. Great news! Did you know that VA loans in California no longer have a county limit for 2021? The VA announced that Former President Trump signed the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act that removes all county loan limits for Veterans. To learn more about how you can purchase a home with VA, Jumbo, and Conventional Loans, contact Stephen! The bottom line is that buying a home is a major financial move. If you can’t afford it yet, keep saving until you can. Consider hiring a financial advisior if your worried how your purchase could affect your financial plan. A trusted realtor, like Stephen White, can also assist in the process!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on February 26th, 2021 What is Mortgage Interest Deduction? The mortgage interest deduction is a tax deduction for mortgage interest paid on the first $1 million of mortgage debt. In simpler terms, it is a way for homeowners to deduct the interest they pay on any loan; whether that is used to pay off a build, a purchase, or to make improvements on their residence, for taxable income. This specific deduction is actually offered as an incentive for homeowners. The amount that’s deductible is reported each year by the mortgage company on a 1098 Form. So, How Does it Work? This incentive allows you to reduce your taxable income by the amount of money you already paid in mortgage interest during the past year. So if you still have mortgage on your property, keep paying it off every month and on time! The interest that you’re paying on your home loan could help cut your tax bill come tax season. The mortgage interest deduction allows you to deduct on the first $1 million of your mortgage debt for your primary or a secondary home (ie. a vacation home or rental property). If you bought a property after December 15, 2017, then good news for you! As of today, you can deduct the interest you paid on the first $750,000 of your mortgage! However, if you bought a home in 2020, the deduction might be a bit smaller. This is because the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act limited the deduction to the interest. What am I Allowed to Deduct? The mortgage interest deduction allows you to deduct on a mortgage of your main home if it is a: property that is a house, co-op apartment, condo, mobile home, house trailer, or a house boat. The home must have collateral for the loan and have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities to count. You can also deduct off a second home. You don’t have to use the home during the year, it can be collateral for the loan, and it can be rented out; however, you have to be present in the home for more than 10% of the number of days you rented it out. What is Not Mortgage Interest Deductible? You are not allowed to deduct homeowners insurance, extra principle payments you make on your mortgage, title insurance, settlement costs (most of the time), deposits, down payments, earnest money that you forfeited, or interest accrued on a reverse mortgage. To learn more about Mortgage Interest Deductions or if you need help with finding a new home, please give your local Los Angeles realtor, Stephen White, a call. We have well trained professionals that are ready to help you at any given notice!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on February 12, 2021 Malibu! A city best known for its celebrity homes, beaches, gourmet restaurants, high end shops, and the best surf spots! We are in Malibu today to showcase my newest beachfront estate that just sold for $5.4 million dollars. We also want to give you a tour of Malibu so you can see for yourself all that this city has to offer! To watch the full video, including a glimpse at my newest property, click on the video above! Malibu has a rich history dating back to the 1500s when Juan Cabrillo sailed into the Malibu Lagoon and claimed 13,000 acres of land for the King of Spain; subsequently, the land was left untouched for more than 200 years. In 1776, King Charles III of Spain sent a group of settlers to set up camp in the area now know as Malibu Creek. One of those settlers was Jose Bartolome Tapia, who established a ranch in Malibu Canyon and would later become the first owner of the area. His ranch was know as the “Rancho Topanga Malibu Simi Sequit.” Tapia was given the land by the commander of the Spanish army as a “use” concession in recognition of his spectacular military service. Malibu changed hands several times in the 1800s, finally being sold to the wealthy Rindge Family from Massachusetts in 1891 for $300,000. The patriarch of the family, businessman Frederick Hastings Rindge, who hailed from Cambridge, Massachusetts, established the Conservative Life Insurance Company, was a director of the Los Angeles Edison Electric Company, was president of the Harvard Club in Los Angeles, and was a vice president of Union Oil Company. Today, Malibu is home to the most exquisite homes, restaurants, shopping, and beaches unlike any other beachfront town. Some restaurants worth noting in the city region are: Moonshadows, a tiki-themed restaurant with a New American menu & handcrafted drinks, Nobu, a modern, beachfront Japanese and California luxury restaurant, and Sunset, a unique California dining experience on the sands of Zuma Beach. This city is also home to many hiking trails that you and your family can explore, like Tuna Canyon Park with breathtaking views of Malibu cove, Solstice Canyon, a trail that leads to the ruins of Roberts Ranch House, called the Tropical Terrace, and Malibu Creek State Park, the city’s own 8,215 acre state park established in 1974. If hiking is not your thing, you can definitely find fun in the sun at any of Malibus amazing beaches. One of Malibu’s most famous beach is Surfrider Beach, located right next to the Malibu Pier. Here, you will find many people surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and enjoying some family fun! If you or anyone you know are looking to move to this beautiful city or are interested in learning even more of what this place has to offer, give your local realtor, Stephen White, a call! He is ready to help with your next home transition!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on February 13, 2021 Valentines Day is coming up this weekend and you know what that means! Chocolate, roses, and spending the day with that special someone. This holiday is a day where lovers can express their affection to each other, showering gifts and greetings. However, you might ask yourself, “why do we celebrate Valentines Day?” Keep reading to learn more! The History of Valentines Day The history of Valentines Day dates back to the Roman century, where festival of Lupercalia would be held every February. The festival was most notably celebrated for Spring arriving; although, included the paring off of women with men by lottery. It later became known as St. Valentines Day at the end of the 5th century! Around the 14th century is when the holiday formed its modern origins of celebrating love. But What Made This Holiday Associated to Love? The day may have been taken from a priest who was martyred about 270 CE from the emperor Claudius II Gothicus. According to the legend, the priest signed a letter to his daughter in jail with quote “from your Valentine.” Other accounts hold that it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop, for whom the holiday was named, though it is possible the two saints were actually one person. Another common legend states that St. Valentine defied the emperor’s orders and secretly married couples to spare the husbands from war. It is for this reason that his feast day is associated with love. Formal messages, or what we call “Valentines” appeared in the 1500s and by the late 1700s, were commercially printed on cards. By the 1800s, the US were printing their first Valentines Day cards! Valentines commonly depict Cupid, the Roman god of love, along with hearts, traditionally the seat of emotion. Because it was thought that the avian mating season begins in mid-February, birds also became a symbol of the day. Traditional gifts include candy and flowers, particularly red roses, a symbol of beauty and love. The day is most popular in The United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, France, Mexico, and South Korea. The holiday has also expanded past your significant other, but also relatives, friends, and even co-workers. It is common to see schoolchildren also exchanging valentines and having parties to celebrate. Valentines Day 2021 This year, Valentines Day is on Sunday, February 14th. which is the best possible day to celebrate! If you are like many and have the weekend off, you might want to consider taking a day trip somewhere special; or if you want to stay more low-key, a romantic night in with your favorite takeout! Many local restaurants are serving up delicious price fixed menus so consider checking that out and supporting your local businesses! If you are entertaining the thought this Valentines Day that a new home is in order for you and you’re special someone, give Stephen White, your local realtor, a call. With just transitioning to Compass, Stephen White Real Estate has so much more to offer and cannot wait to get you in your forever home! Happy Valentines Day! <3

Good-morning everyone and welcome to my personal home gym! As we continue living this new normal, we have to adapt to find ways to stay healthy and fit. Did you know that 80% of the people in our country that starts a New Years resolution quit within their first 45 days? What’s even worse is that 50% of the people who commits to a New Years resolution, never even starts! That is why I’m here today to demonstrate 3 workout hacks you can do in the comfort of your own home or neighborhood and keep your New Years Resolution alive! Hack #1: Resistance Training The first thing I love to do right when I wake up is hit some respiratory training. Getting your pump on in the morning really sets off your day right and gives you the energy to tackle on whatever else you have to do throughout the day; whether thats more fitness, work, etc. Some exercises I like to do are: TRX Oblique Crunches, Squats, Bicep Curls, and Bent Over Tricep Kickbacks. I usually like to do a set of 3 for each of these exercises with a 30-45 second break in between. If you’d like to learn more about how to perform each of these exercises, watch the video above! Hack #2: Cardiovascular Training After some early morning respiratory training, I then like to venture off on either a hike, run, or one of my favorite spots, the Calabasas Stairs. This place is the best because the first half is a hike which curves and leads you to this amazing stair incline, surrounded by beauty and nature! I tend to hit the stairs 4 times, 4 up and 4 down, after my resistance training. Its a great way to end an amazing workout. Now, we are onto nutrition, which is the most important part! Hack #3: Nutrition People say you are what you eat, and that is actually very true! Nutrition takes up 80% of your fitness results. If you workout hard but eat poorly, you will never see the results you are looking for. Enjoying a healthy post-workout lunch, filled with protein and veggies, is important to lock in all of that physical work you provided for your body. So thats why today we are at Porta Via in Calabasas, one of my all time favorites when it comes to my nutrition post-workout meal. Today, I ordered an arugula and chicken salad chopped and tossed to fulfill my nutritional workout routine. A Note from Stephen: As your realtor, it is important for me to exercise my mind, body, and spirit. This gives me that competitive edge to help overcome any obstacles we may face during a transaction. Thank you for watching my 3 fitness hacks and reading my blog! This is something you should implement everyday in your morning routine, or at least 3-4 times per week. What is your New Years resolution? Message me on any of my socials and let me know, I’d love to hear about it! Hope you have a great day and thank you for watching!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on January 28th, 2021 If you haven’t heard by now, I have made the exciting move over to Compass in Calabasas. I am looking forward to making new connections and working with some amazing clients! We’re here today to discuss one of Compass’ most attractive services provided at no cost to you, Compass Concierge! Compass Concierge Just imagine if you were able to update your kitchen or even replace your floors throughout your entire home! Or just imagine getting all of your necessary home improvements completed and staged prior to listing your home on the MLS so that you can maximize your net proceeds on the close of escrow. Well, I have good news for you! Compass will front the cost for your home improvement services with no interest! So what’s the catch? The catch is is that Compass will front you the cost for any necessary home improvements and/or repairs until you close escrow. There is an application and approval process along with other small requirements before we can approve your home as one of our exclusive Compass Concierge service candidates. To Learn More… To learn more about our exclusive Compass Concierge service, please click here and contact me today! I’ll be more then happy to explain to you about our Compass Concierge service and how it will benefit your overall net profit! Thank you all for your continued support and stay tuned for more informative real-estate content!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on January 22, 2021 Buying a home is a huge life goal for many, no matter where the location is. It’s a huge longterm investment and a great way to build equity, while settling down in a place you can call home. However, have you ever thought about the differences a home will get you in Los Angeles versus The San Fernando Valley? There’s definitely its pros and cons with each location, so we broke it down for you to make your life easier when its time to decide where you will move! The San Fernando Valley Known locally as, “The Valley,” is an urbanized valley in Los Angeles County. It is located just north of the Los Angeles Basin and incorporates part of the City of Los Angeles, as well ass cities of Glendale, Burbank, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and San Fernando. Recently, The Valley has seen an increase in new businesses and restaurants, attracting more buyers north of the city. Check out this video to see what Downtown Warner Center has to offer! So what’s so great about The Valley? Well, choosing to live in The Valley gets you more bang for your buck. You will definitely be able to find a larger home, with more square footage, and for less the amount you would find over the hill. This would give you more space for your family and ample backyard space to entertain for days. Depending on where you choose to live, it can also be a much safer place to live than the city; however, there are many safe neighborhoods in the city too. On the other hand, The Valley is pretty far from many places. It will take you at least 20 minutes with no traffic to get over the hill to the city, and Los Angeles is notorious for bumper to bumper gridlock. If your workplace is located in the city, you might want to reconsider moving to the valley for this reason alone. Also, The Valley is spaced out quite a bit. Unless you buy a home close to Ventura Blvd., your commute just to the grocery store will be longer then if you lived in the city. Take into consideration these cons when looking for your home. The City Being in the city can be a great move decision depending on where you live. The West Side (Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood) boasts some of the best nightlife, restaurants, and shopping – all walking distance from your home. This can be great if you want to save gas by walking to do your errands. The neighborhoods are also very safe to live and usually houses the more higher end individuals. You can also utilize the amazing public transportation, Metro, and ditch your car completely! At the end of the day, if you choose to live in the city, you are completely central to everything going on! Although the city has many pros, there are some cons that might make you reconsider and circle back to The Valley. For starters, it’s noisy, sometimes. If you are more mid-city to Downtown area, don’t expect peaceful quietness and birds chirping. The loudness could be quite a disturbance, especially when sleeping. In addition, the cost of living is much higher and the space you get is limited. Expect to pay higher prices when moving over the hill, and throw away the notion that you’ll be getting that same square footage and large backyard you had in The Valley. The cost of living is so high due to the high concentration of people and therefore, higher living demand. Also, it is desirable to live in the city, a reason why the cost can be quite high. Make sure you have a firm budget figured out before committing to a move to Los Angeles County. All In All Whether you choose to live in The Valley vs The City, you will have its pros and cons for each. Even if you move to a different state, nothing will be perfect. When searching for your next home, be open minded, have a budget in mind, and spend a lot of time in the area you are looking in before packing your bags. Living in The Valley can be an amazing place to raise a family and living in the City can be great if you want to be central. Wherever you choose to live, Stephen White Real Estate can help in that process! If you are entertaining the thought to buy a new home either in The San Fernando Valley or Los Angeles County, give your trusted realtor, Stephen White a call. We guarantee we will find you your forever home!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on January 13, 2021 If you haven’t already heard, Bitcoin surpassed an all time record high last week on January 8th, 2021, hitting $40,657.80 a share! This made the market value of all the world’s cryptocurrencies surpass $1 trillion. The record came at the end of a supercharged six-month bull run and now makes crypto the world’s fifth-most circulated currency by value! So lets say you are lucky enough to own 1 of these crypto-coins, maybe you invested in the beginning and made a huge profit! What should you do with all of that money? Well, if you’ve ever entertained the thought of buying a home, you might want to consider doing so with your earnings! Let us explain how that works! Buying a Home with Your Bitcoin Earnings Buying a house with Bitcoin might not be as hard as you think! You really only need one thing – for both the buyer and seller to agree on the transaction. The first real estate transaction using Bitcoin was a single-family home in Austin, Texas. The seller wanted the bitcoins converted to USD, so they used a service called BitPay, a global bitcoin payment service provider, to complete the transaction. However; be aware that it fluctuates, so there is a risk on the buyers side if a fixed amount is agreed upon. There are many more services out there to help you buy a home with Bitcoin, such as a site called Open Listing, are making it easier to find properties you can purchase Bitcoin with! What’s The Pros of This Decision? Well for starters, paying with crypto is safer and more efficient then paying with cash or dealing with banks. It is a fast transaction and is protected online. Once everything is signed off, the transaction can be completed within 10 minutes to a day, depending on network congestion. However, its important to know one thing! If you need to reverse the transaction due to any litigation, then you will need both parties to agree. If one does not comply, you are stuck with that transaction. Bitcoin transactions are not reversible. So What Are You Waiting For? The future is here! If you have some Bitcoins laying around, buy a home! Whether thats your next dream home or an additional investment property, buying into real estate can be one of the best and more financially smart decisions a person can make. You are buying into an appreciating value, and this one decision can make you quite a bit of profit down the road. If you are looking to buy your next home using Bitcoin, our team at Stephen White Real Estate can help! Contact us today to learn more!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on January 5th, 2021 2021 has officially arrived and after a difficult 2020, many are looking at the new year for positive change and going back to some type of normalcy. However; regardless of the year, New Years has always been a positive holiday as many of us like to create New Years Resolutions to better ourselves in the upcoming next year. We thought, what better way to kick off the New Year then sharing what we found to be the Top 4 New Years Resolutions of 2021! Feel free to read the list and maybe steal some of these ideas to make yourself a better person in 2021! #4: Save More Money Now more than ever, it is important to stow away some extra cash. These days, it is unknown what will happen tomorrow, and having some extra dough laying around could be beneficial for a “rainy day.” In addition, this is a much easier resolution to actually follow through with nowadays because most places you would be spending money at like movie theaters and bars are closed right now. Saving can potentially put you in the right place to buy that new house you’ve been eyeing or invest in a retirement fund! The most important thing is to stay on top with your resolution! Consider putting away a portion of your paycheck, we suggest anywhere from 10-15%, and then not to touch this money unless its crucial to do so! You will be surprised how much money you were able to save when 2022 rolls around. #3: Learn a New Skill This resolution can be challenging for some, but don’t fret! Theres plenty of new skills you can learn! While we’re all cooped up at home, some resort to binging TV or eating way too much. Why not pick up that guitar laying in the closet or strap on the apron and get to cooking instead? Learning skills keeps you mentally and physically healthy; as well as increases your adaptivity and likability! It’s also a great conversation topic during this time when there is not much to talk about! So what are you waiting for? #2: Get Organized This could be more of a short-term resolution or long-term for some! Being organized and having a cohesive environment not only improves mental health but makes your space more comfortable. I can assure, you will be less stressed with a clean space! Being organized, whether thats your workload, bedroom clutter, or day to day schedule, is a simple task to accomplish! The first thing we suggest is making a list on everything you would like to accomplish! It’s easier to see on paper what needs to be done, and feels great when you get to check something off that list! Next, act on it! Pump up those favorite tunes and start organizing! You will soon see all that you have accomplished with this resolution and feel great knowing you’ve improved your physical and/or mental space! #1: Lose Weight Our most popular 2021 New Years resolution – to lose weight! A common want for many; however, an unfulfilled resolution most of the time! This year, let’s fulfill it! This year, many of us gained a few extra pounds then we hoped for, and with gyms closed it makes it even harder to keep the weight off! But with just a little creativity and some drive, you can fulfill this goal this year! Check out our blog, “3 Ways To Spice Up Your Home Workout Routine,” for insider tips on having at-home workouts! What’s Your Resolution? Let us know on our Instagram or Facebook pages what your New Years Resolutions are! If we think your resolution is unique and noteworthy, we might feature it on our main page and give you a free prize! From all of us at Stephen White Real Estate, Happy New Year, and we hope you have a fulfilled 2021 with all of your resolutions!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on December 30th, 2020 Hello everyone and welcome back for our next Business of the Month! We are actually in Downtown Los Angeles today and we are here visiting an amazing man who migrated from Chile to Los Angeles to create his own custom suit and tailor company. Introducing Art Lewin Bespoke LLC! The Business Art Lewin has been in business for over 31 years and is one of the country’s top custom clothiers, specializing in bespoke suits, shirts, and tailoring for men and women. “We also do custom alterations for clothes bought “on the rack,” that need tailoring. We will usually taper clothing in to make it fit better for our clients!’ Originally from Chile, Art moved to Los Angeles to chase his dream. Before entering the bespoke business, he had 26 different jobs by the age of 22. In 1989, Art was selling pagers door to door and one client he was selling to liked his style and recruited him in the business – and the rest is history! Art has also a successful history of investing into real estate! To learn more about Art’s real estate investments, continue watching the video above! To book with Art, call him at (800) 994-SUIT! A Note from Stephen: Thank you Art for participating in the Business of the Month Series, and thank you everyone who’s been watching my videos and staying up to date with my blogs! I really hope you’re enjoying it! If you or anyone you know own and operate a business and would like Stephen White Real Estate to showcase their company, please visit whiteluxuryhomes.com, navigate to the contact button, and register today! Thank you and enjoy your day!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on December 22, 2020 Foreclosures are normally at a high. Just last year, in November of 2019 we saw an average of 50,000 foreclosures. You’d think that with the ongoing pandemic, job loss, and market crashing, we’d see an increase in foreclosures in 2020? Well, you’d might be surprised to read this! This year in November, we only saw around 10,000 foreclosures. So you might ask the question, “how is this possible?” Well, its all because of a big thing called the CARES act. Let me explain more. What is the CARES Act? The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill which was passed by the 116th U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 27th, 2020, in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The act also included a couple provisions to help homebuyers avoid foreclosure. This act has brought a substantial reprieve to struggling homebuyers. One prevision that was under the CARES Act was forbearance, or the right to stop mortgage payments for up to 360 days. The other prevision was a federal moratorium on foreclosures for government-backed home loans. It has since expired but is still being backed by individual agencies, such as Fannie Mae. These reliefs are noteworthy as it has allowed homeowners to put money elsewhere and avoid foreclosure as most individuals are living on a savings account. What Happens After CARES? Will foreclosures just become a thing again after the CARES Act expires? We don’t know yet. The good news is is that lawmakers are working hard on a second CARES Act to give more stimulus to homebuyers; however, the notion that it will be ready by January 1st, 2021 is slim to none. After the year end, homeowners might be out of luck and might have to start back up with their loans. There’s a chance moratoriums may be extended to allow struggling borrowers to get back on their feet and avoid foreclosure. Time will tell and Stephen White Real Estate will keep you and your families updated throughout the process. We know this year has been tough, but the holidays are here and we hope you and your family can enjoy some relaxing time away from the computers, smartphones, and news. Everyone here at Stephen White Real Estate wishes you and your family HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! If you are looking to buy or sell your home next year, give Stephen White Real Estate a call to get started!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on December 21, 2020 A delicious and flavorful Christmas dinner is something you want to spend the next 364 days thinking about! Creating the perfect Christmas dinner for your family to share and enjoy together could be a daunting and overwhelming task, so us at Stephen White Real Estate want to make things easy! Follow our top pick recipes to ensure you have a successful cooking process and produce the most mouth watering, appetizing, and flavorsome holiday meal! Peppered Jelly & Orange Glazed Ham Everyone loves that tangy and sweet flavor so we thought this would be a great main entree pick for the dinner table! Ham is a Christmas dinner staple, and you will have the entire dinner table impressed with this orange-red pepper jelly glaze that adds a tangy yet sweet taste to the dish. With robust flavors of red pepper jelly, mixed with the citrus that the navel oranges provide, topped with the tartness of red wine vinegar, this recipe will be the show stopper! Follow the recipe below: INGREDIENTS 1/2 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 7 pounds total; preferably shank end) 1 navel orange 2 8-ounce jars sweet red pepper jelly 1/3 c. red wine vinegar DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the ham cut-side down on a rack set in a roasting pan; add 1/4 cup water to the pan. Score the ham, if desired. Cover the ham and the pan with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Meanwhile, finely grate the orange zest into a small bowl, then squeeze in 3 tablespoons juice. Add the pepper jelly and vinegar and whisk to combine. Transfer 3/4 cup glaze to a bowl and reserve for serving. Brush half the remaining glaze over the ham and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham and bake until the ham is heated through and the internal temperature registers 140 degrees F, 15 to 20 minutes more. Serve with the reserved glaze. Merry Christmas! Roasted Maple Pears with Cranberries & Thyme Alongside the basic Christmas side dishes like mashed potatoes, Mac & cheese, veggies, etc, this dish is quite the unique side dish which is why we figured having it on this list would be well suited! Who doesn’t love roasted pears?? This dish brings a party in your mouth with the sweetness burst in the pears and the herby flavor from the thyme. Having this sweetness along with the tart ham above would be not only a great pallet cleanser, but also just a delicious side! You know what to do, follow the recipe below: INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 4 firm pears (such as Bosc), cored and quartered Kosher salt and pepper 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1/4 c. pure maple syrup 1 1/2 c. fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed, if frozen) 6 sprigs fresh thyme 1 tbsp. packed dark brown sugar DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 375°F with the rack in the middle. Melt butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet on medium until foamy. Cook pears on cut sides, turning once, until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove from the heat. Turn pears skin-side down and season with 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup water and lemon juice to the pan, then drizzle with maple syrup. Add cranberries, then sprinkle with sugar and thyme sprigs. Transfer to the oven and cook, basting occasionally with pan juices, until pears are tender but still hold their shape, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm with pan juices for a delicious Christmas side!  White Peppermint Bark My favorites Christmas dessert treat is by far white peppermint bark chocolate! I just had to share it because its such a classic! This bark is topped with mini meringue pieces and white-chocolate coated pretzels; again, giving you that sweet yet salty flavor for a delicious treat (see the trend yet?) Follow our recipe to make this Christmas classic: INGREDIENTS 1 lb. white chocolate 1/8 tsp. pure peppermint extract white chocolate–coated pretzels puffed-rice cereal meringue cookie pieces white and silver sprinkles crushed peppermint candies DIRECTIONS Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place 1 lb white chocolate in a bowl and microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Add in 1/8 tsp pure peppermint extract. Spread onto prepared sheet into roughly 8- by 10-in. rectangle shape. Sprinkle with white chocolate–coated pretzels, puffed-rice cereal, meringue cookie pieces, white and silver sprinkles, and crushed peppermint candies. Refrigerate until set, at least 30 minutes and cut into pieces before serving. Your Christmas Dinner And thats all folks! We hope you enjoy these featured recipes we love! If you end up making these recipes, be sure to take a picture and tag us @whiteluxuryhomes_ on Instagram so we can see how they came out! From all of us at Stephen White Real Estate, we wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year! Here’s to a better tomorrow in 2021! Cheers!  

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on December 16, 2020 What is Proposition 19? Proposition 19, billed as “The Property Tax Transfers, Exemptions, and Revenue for Wildfire Agencies and Counties Amendment,” allows eligible homeowners to transfer their tax assessments anywhere within the state and allow tax assessments to be transferred to a more expensive home with an upward adjustment. (Source: ballotpedia) Proposition 19 also increased the number of times that people over 55 years old with severe disabilities can transfer their tax assessments from one to three. In addition, it requires that inherited homes that are not used as principle residences, such as second homes or rentals, must be reassessed at market value when transferred; and finally, allocates additional revenue or net savings resulting from the ballot measure to wildfire agencies and counties. Why is Proposition 19 GREAT for Homeowners? Proposition 19 (which passed, by the way) was favorable because it may result in tax savings for qualifying homeowners by allowing the assessed value of their principal residence to be transferred to a replacement residence in any California county. This might provide a significant benefit even if the replacement is higher in price then the previous residence. Biggest Winners By far, Proposition 19 was the most complicated measures on the 2020 ballot, so let us explain! The people who are benefiting the most from this prop are homeowners over the age of 55 who would pay lower taxes when moving to a new, more expensive residence. Essentially, homeowners will receive more benefits the longer they remain in their homes because their tax bills stay restricted even as their homes market value goes up. Biggest Losers Those who won’t benefit from Prop 19 are the children who inherit their parent’s home and intend to keep it as a second home or rent it out. Their property taxes will go up a lot. They would pay taxes on market value; however, if they move into the home they would be able to retain the tax break. To stay up to date with the latest real-estate news, house walkthroughs, and video blogs, visit whiteluxuryhomes.com weekly and navigate to Stephen White Real Estate on YouTube to subscribe today! Thank you and enjoy your day!

Welcome to 13452 Andalusia Drive and we are sold! This equestrian estate just sold for $2,499,000! My sellers are ecstatic and the buyers can’t wait to move in! Inside one of the most exclusive equestrian communities in Santa Rosa Valley, Hidden Meadows Estates, you will drive through your own majestic gates up a long private drive to the top of the hill where a gorgeous Manor house awaits. You will immediately be welcomed with expansive views of the surrounding hills and meadows. One of the amazing attributes to this home is the rich abundance of plants native to California which thrive on this property, including different species of sage, cacti and artemisia. There are approx. 340 Hass avocado trees along with an abundance of grape vines with a recently upgraded automated drip system. Enter the double front doors into a vaulted ceiling foyer with custom winding wood and iron staircase.  Recently remodeled custom cabinetry in chef’s kitchen with built-in Sub Zero refrigerator and Thermador range. While cooking in this beautifully appointed kitchen the open floor plan allows you to also be with family or friends gathering in the great room which includes a fireplace and a pub style bar for cocktails and conversation. First-floor master bedroom has an amazing view and wonderful romantic ambiance with fireplace and vaulted ceiling. Multiple arch windows wash this home in stunning natural light through-out.  This nearly 14-acre property has many other attributes you must see to appreciate. Majestic oaks growing alongside a natural creek-bed, large area already set up for possible horse arena and tack room or small studio. Congratulations to the buyer on their beautiful new home! Also, congratulations to my seller and thank you for putting your trust in me! Are you looking to sell your home? Stephen White Real Estate has got you covered! We will do everything we can to seamlessly sell your home and get you into your next home as safely as possible! So what are you waiting for? Give Stephen White a call today to move forward in your home search process! Welcome Home!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on December 8th, 2020 What’s Happening Today? Way before COVID-19, housing inventory had hit record lows, and the problem has only gotten worse as housing demand continues to go up. Contradictory, real-estate has been at an all time high. But how could this be? Well, total home sales are outpacing new listings by a wide margin every month. But, this can’t be good right? Wrong! Home prices have risen as a result of the rising demand in home buying. According to Homesnap, “the average list price for properties that sold rose 6.7% from September to October this year, which Homesnap said is significantly higher than the same figure in 2018 and 2019.” This means that people who originally planned to sell their home later on in the future are opting to put their home on the market now to make more of a profit, ultimately freeing up more housing on the market. Housing Forbearance 2020 What is Forbearance? In simplest terms, it is a special agreement between the lender and the borrower to delay a foreclosure. The literal meaning of forbearance is to “hold back.” At the beginning of 2020, over 5,760,000 United States families granted forbearance on their housing situation. These numbers are surprising and one can think to themselves, “this means a housing market crash is in our future.” Well, according to Keeping Current Matters, “nearly 44% [of those that granted forbearance] have either paid off their mortgage or opted out. It also shows that of all the homeowners in forbearance, only 80,000 are at risk of moving into foreclosures”. Check out the graph to see more: In 2008, the market was flooded with homes that were foreclosed upon. Today, we are looking at much different numbers. Not only can most homeowners sell their home today, but they can walk away with making a profit from it due to the rise in housing prices! This just goes to show that the housing market will not be crashing come January 1, 2021. The Bottom Line The bottom line is that this year has been tough. COVID-19 has stricken our country and many have seen extreme hardship – wether thats financial or health. However; the good news is is at the housing market is predicted to succeed come 2021. We are in a much different state then we were in 2008, pandemic and all! With housing prices increasing, more people listing their home, and more purchases in rural areas, the market will see exponential growths in the new year! If you are looking to increase these numbers and put your home on the market, give Stephen White Real Estate a call! This is the best time to sell your home to get a large profit return, so why not start the process now?

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on December 2nd, 2020 Hello everyone and thank you for coming back to our second episode of Business of the Month. I’m going to showcase each month a local small business owner to help boost their business during these unprecedented times. To watch the first episode, check out my YouTube (Stephen White) and subscribe today so you never miss another video! We are here at The Oaks of Calabasas, a private guard gated community that houses some of the most famous celebrities and most exquisite homes! This community is one of the most desirable places to buy a home! Although, this video is not about The Oaks, its not about the celebrities, or even Calabasas real estate – this video is about one man who started a career in the entertainment industry working a non-entertaining job! The Business: This man is named Bill Kreke. Bill cashed in his 9-5 and invested in his own dog walking business. Looking back on his day to day compared to now, his only regret, he didn’t do it sooner! His main clients are dogs, cats, fish, and even desert tortoises! Bill is a California incorporated company. He is also bonded and insured! Calabasas, West Hills, and Woodland Hills are the main areas where he works! In addition to dog walking, Bill provides a variety of in-home pet sitting options. At the end of this year, Bill is starting a weekly group hike! To learn more and register today, go to kahunadogwalking.com or call him at (818) 806-WALK! A Note From Stephen: Thank you Bill for participating in the Business of the Month Series, and thank you everyone who’s been watching my videos and staying up to date with my blogs! I really hope you’re enjoying it! If you or anyone you know own and operate a business and would like Stephen White Real Estate to showcase their company, please visit whiteluxuryhomes.com, navigate to the contact button, and register today! Thank you and enjoy your day!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on November 25th, 2020 Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday by far. It’s a day where it’s okay to pig out on good food and be surrounded by the ones you love. It’s a day where giving thanks to what you’re grateful for is encourage and eating a little bit too much pie is persuaded. However, with the rising cases in COVID-19 in our country, some are worried that Thanksgiving is out right cancelled! As a realtor, the most rewarding aspect of the job is seeing families come together in the comfort of their own home. So because of this, we would like to offer our audience with a list of safe tips so Thanksgiving can commence this year! Follow these guidelines for a safe and healthy holiday with you and your family: Prepare Your Turkey The Day Before, Safely Having your turkey prepared the day before will make life a lot less stressful on the actual holiday! That way on Thanksgiving, you can kick back, relax, watch the parade or some football and not have to worry about cooking. If you are serving your turkey to some guests, make sure when transporting the cooked turkey to wear a mask and gloves so everything stays sanitized. Alternatively, you can also reheat it before the dinner begins. If you do reheat it, make sure to cook the turkey in its drippings or gravy, to make the turkey juicy and flavorful! Keep the Party Small This Thanksgiving, consider having your guest list to just the VIP’s! Keeping your gathering small (under 10 people) and maintaining social distance from each other is important. I know! It’s hard to do that with your family; however, it is crucial to lessening the spread of this horrible virus – so do it for your family members sake! Having less people is also much better for conversation, so there’s that! Oh, and also less people = more food to eat! A win win! Have a Virtual Dinner! If all of the above sounds too troublesome (especially if you’re hosting), then don’t rule out virtual communication! Having a Zoom or FaceTime dinner with your family can be just as enjoyable, and you will be less worried about this dang virus! All in all, stay flexible this holiday season and keep up with the news on the latest statistics of the COVID-19 virus! I hope that soon enough, we can all gather with no worries! Until then, be safe and Happy Holidays! All of us here at Stephen White Real Estate would like to wish you and your family members a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! May this year bring positivity and safety to you and those around you! If you are looking to buy or sell a home post-Thanksgiving, give your trusted realtor, Stephen White, a call! Thank you!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on November 23rd, 2020 It’s crazy to think that Thanksgiving is just a few days away. All of that turkey, stuffing, and sweet potatoes might be getting to your head. All of us here at Stephen White Real Estate would like to help alleviate the stress of gaining 5 pounds come Thursday with a 4 day workout plan. We can guarantee doing these exercises daily will not only prepare you for the big dinner ahead, but will also allow you to loose some weight before you potentially gain it back! The Challenge It is important to live a healthy lifestyle daily! That includes eating healthy, using your mind, and most importantly, moving your body! Studies have shown that “exercise helps you lose weight by burning mostly fat; diet alone won’t do that” (allinahealth.org). With that being said, we all know Thanksgiving is an unhealthy day – but that’s okay! We definitely all deserve a day to indulge. However, if you’re worried about the weight gain, consider participating in this challenge before, during, and even after Thanksgiving! In addition to your daily cardio exercise, we recommend you perform each of these exercises daily: 50 JUMPING JACKS, 5 PUSH UPS, 20 SIT UPS, 20 MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS, 30-60 SECOND PLANK, 10 BURPEES, 5 SQUATS, 30 SECOND WALL SIT, AND REPEAT! Perform these workouts 3 times daily until Turkey Day! This workout is short but definitely gets your heart rate up. It’s great to do as you wake up in the morning, right after work, or before bed! Do this workout everyday this week, starting right now, devour that delicious piece of pie on Thanksgiving, and feel no guilt! Thats our plan! And most importantly, Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you and your family enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving dinner at home. We know how hard this year has been for many, but we hope you and your family can give thanks for the many good things that have also happened this year! If you are ever in the market to buy or sell a home, contact me! It is my passion to find families their forever home, and look forward to helping yours too!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on November 18, 2020 Please Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking: HERE Hey everyone, thank you for coming back for our final episode of the Fix & Live Series, Your Neighborhood. If you’re stopping here and thinking “final episode, where are the other episodes?,” then you need to catch up! You can easily navigate back to the blog section and click on “Fix & Live Series – Episode 1” to start from the beginning! Now that we’ve remodeled your home, your workload has definitely died down! So, what better to do than explore your new neighborhood of Woodland Hills? Did you know that Woodland Hills has a rich history dating back to the beginning of 1940? Most of the land was owned by Harry Warner, co-founder of the Warner Brothers. When Harry died in 1958, his family sold a large chunk of land later in 1967, which has now become Warner Center – the downtown neighborhood district of Woodland Hills! In Warner Center today, you can find premium restaurants, shopping, and living. You can find the majority of our high end restaurants in the Westfield Village. We will visit JOEY which is one of my all time favorite premium, casual restaurant offering global dishes in a fun, club like atmosphere. I love coming here for lunch and ordering their famous chicken wings, fries, with a cold 805! The village is adjacent to the Westfield Topanga Mall, which is the only mall outside of Beverly Hills with the most luxurious stores, including: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry – just to name a few! Coming in 2021, the Topanga Mall is adding an upscale food hall which will add rooftop dining options and extra entertainment. This could potentially raise the value of homes in your neighborhood! Amazon Fresh, Amazon’s newest high-tech grocery store, just made its debut to our neighborhood a few months ago! This place is so cool because upon entering, you easily connect your Amazon account to your automated shopping cart, then you pick up an item you want, and once you place it in your cart, smart sensors and cameras capture what the item is and automatically adds the item to your virtual shopping cart. “But Stephen, what if I picked up the wrong item?” Don’t worry, because the smart sensors will also track if you take out an item from the cart – making a seamless shopping trip for all! Because everything is virtually added to your online shopping cart – you can simply walk out of the store when you’re done shopping, no waiting in lines, dealing with cashiers, or baggers! This makes shopping easy, especially during this time we are living in! In addition to entertainment, your neighborhood hosts some of the greatest parks and hiking trails to offer in the San Fernando Valley! Our main park is Warner Center Park, a beautiful community green space featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and a stage. During the summertime, Warner Center Park brings the community together by offering live Concerts on the Green and Saturday Movies on the Green. Check the Valley Cultural Center for a list of events coming soon! Whether you like biking, hiking, or running, our local trail, Victory Trailhead, offers scenic views while getting an incredible workout! Thank you for watching, and please stay tuned in for our next 3 part video series, coming soon! Make sure to like, love, comment and share as this means the world to me! Also, please give me a call for any of your real-estate needs – whether thats buying or selling a fixer or a move in ready estate! Thank you everyone and see you next week!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on November 2, 2020 Welcome back to Episode 2 : Your Remodeled Home! Episode 1 we discussed about your fixer and all of the great possibilities on how you could turn your home into a multi-million-dollar compound. If you missed the first episode, go back to the blog section and click on Episode 1: Your Fixer, you can easily start from the beginning! My great friend, Andy Guzman, from Sunset Group Realty, gave us this great opportunity to showcase his beautiful remodeled fixer here at 5424 Woodlake Ave. in Woodland Hills California. Today, we will walk you through this magnificent updated home to help give you an insight on the fix and live process! This remodeled house is the future of smart homes! This home is completely automated from the moment you pull up to your secure gate to when you step foot into your new home. Every light, door, tv, temperature is unlocked and set with just one click of a button. Just like what we’ve discussed in episode one, the people who remodeled this home chose an open floor concept to combine living and dining in one space. They tore down walls, added square footage and replaced all of the appliances! Take a look at these before pictures: In the kitchen, the people who remodeled the home chose a quartz countertop, giving you that clean look and modern design! They also replaced all of the appliances and added a smart touch screen refrigerator. Believe it or not with these small touches could increase the value of your home. As we enter into the bedroom area, you are met with a ton of space in each bedroom. With the amount of lighting coming from outside it will definitely keep you mesmerized. Each bathroom has a unique tile floorplan which helps give this home lots of character along with that homey atmosphere that you envisioned. Jet stream shower heads and marble tile walls within the primary bathroom makes you feel royalty.   Do you like to watch movies? I got news for you! This built-in movie screen wall is my favorite feature in the entire home. This is perfect for friends, family or even business partners to showcase any PowerPoint presentation through the lens of your projector!  Thank you everyone for watching and allowing me to host you through this beautifully remodeled fixer today. This just goes to show with a little work and proper updates, you can bring a decrepit, outdated home to a multi-million-dollar compound. Be sure to stick around for next week’s episode as I will guid you through your new neighborhood here in Woodland Hills, it’s going to be fun! If you’re interested in buying or selling a fixer, contact me! My team is ready to find you your next home project!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on November 2, 2020 Welcome to Episode 1 of our 3 part video series of the Fix & Live process! Ash Ghavami, from ReMax Realty, gave us this great opportunity to showcase his latest purchase to help give you an insight on the fix and live process. Whats great about purchasing a fixer is that you’re able to invest your money at a below market value. You’ll also have the potential to resell your home above market value, if done correctly! The Living Room Most people prefer an open floor plan when remodeling their home. Sometimes they will tear down walls from the front entrance to the kitchen, to help give you that seamless open floor concept. Once all walls are torn down, you can now focus on the details of your home! Like Your favorite colors, light fixtures, floors, or maybe even add a floating fireplace to help give you that extra pizazz! The Kitchen This is where I can recommend certain appliances and fixtures I’ve seen throughout my extensive home tours and research to my clients. Viking, Miele, Thermador – the list goes on when talking about appliances! In addition, quartz counter tops has become the most popular counter top choice for your kitchen as its easy to clean, brightens up your space, and is relatively the same cost as granite to install. Updating your kitchen can potentially increase the value of your home! The Primary Bedroom This room is one of the most important living areas in the entire home. Whether it’s sleeping, reading, watching television, and/or, whatever else you like to do in the bedroom; however, your private space has to feel comfortable! Updating your primary bathroom is an essential. Some ideas include: double sink counter tops, steam showers, stone resin bathtub, Toto toilets will help create your very own luxury spa. My Team My team and I have fully licensed general contractors, engineers, and architects that can help you design any style home that you desire! No job is too large or too small for Stephen White Real Estate! Please give me a call for your free home valuation! Stay tuned for next week for Episode 2: Your Remodeled Home! See you next week!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on October 29th, 2020 With presidential debates coming to a close last week, America is gearing up to the Presidential Election Day on November 3rd! With just 6 days left, we would like to remind you to vote! It is your American duty to go out and vote on or before Election Day, and yes, your vote counts! As it stands right now, Joe Biden maintains a polling lead over President Donal Trump nationally and in key battleground states, but as Hillary Clinton learned four years ago, the only thing that matters is reaching the 270 crucial electoral votes. According to USA Today, more than 62 million people had already voted early as of Monday, either in person or by mail, and the figure could reach more than 85 million before the Presidential Election Day. We might see numbers as high as 150 million! The Bottom Line: Biden will need to win Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin that Trump won by razor thin margins in order to win the presidential election! Trump will need to win at least one of the states, unless he pull off a major surprise elsewhere to win re-election. Supporters from both ends have been seen throughout the United States rallying for their presidential nominee, and the support has been great on both ends. It should be really interesting to see who takes home the win next Tuesday. As always, the best way to make your voice heard is voting. As of right now, voting by mail is risky because the USPS might not receive it in time by next week – so to ensure your vote gets counted for, drop your ballot off at a certified ballot drop-off box, which can be found using this dropbox locator here: https://www.vote.org/dropbox-locator/ In addition, you can also go vote on Election Day at a voting center near you! And on election night, take a seat in the comfort of your own home as you watch who will be the next President of the United States! If you are interested in buying or selling a home pre or post election, contact me! I look forward to meeting with you soon.

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on October 28th, 2020 I am so excited to announce the launch of our new monthly series, Local Business of the Month. Each month, I will go to a favorite local business of mine to promote and market their business. During these challenging times, small businesses need some help and I hope with my promotional marketing, I can be of service. In this first episode, we visit KevinB Salon, located at 9873 S Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills, CA. Kevin has been my long time friend for the past 5 years. Growing up in Iran, Kevin has always dreamed about owning a business in Los Angeles. Now, he has successfully opened up KevinB Salon, a boutique salon and Oribe exclusive distributor. He will soon move across the street to a spot in the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Check out the video above to learn about all that KevinB Salon offers, and if you’re interested in making an appointment with them, give them a call at (310) 849-8228. As always, if you are interested in looking to sell or buy a home, contact me! I’m looking forward to meeting with you!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on October 27th, 2020 Hey guys! Welcome back to Episode 3: Buying Your Home! If you missed the first two episodes of the Home Selling and Buying series, please be sure to navigate back to the blog section to start from the beginning! Buying Your Home: Now that we’ve sold your house, chances are we have found your house to purchase prior to closing escrow. If we have not identified your house to purchase, then it is my job to search and find you your dream home. I would first introduce you to my in-house lender, where you will get pre-approved for a mortgage. Then we can go shopping! I will set up around 5-10 home tours a day until you find and choose your forever home. You will submit an offer (whether thats lower, same price, or sometimes even higher). If the seller does not agree to our terms, there is a counter process until both parties come to terms with each other. Once the seller accepts our offer, they have 7 days to deliver the transfer disclosure statements, or TDS. By law, they have to fill out the entire TDS, C.A.R forms, and provide us with all of the details inside and outside of the home that is possibly wrong that would deter the buyer from purchasing the home. Then my escrow officer, May Alcala, will reach out to all parties involved as they get started with the opening packages (check out Episode 2 for more information on the escrow process). Meanwhile, I will be at the home with my inspector as they do the necessary inspections. Once I see your investment is protected, we will remove all and any contingencies that are remaining. Once escrow is funded means we’re set to close! Congratulations on your new home! A personal note from Stephen White: Thank you to everyone that has tuned in the last three weeks, read the blogs, and commented/liked/shared this new series! It was so much fun to shoot these episodes and be able to provide informative blogs to my audience. I have good news! We are continuing the video blog series next month with a completely new series: The Fix and Live Process, with episode 1 dropping November 4th. So stay tuned for additional fun and informational content! If you have any questions, or looking to sell or buy a home, contact me – I’m excited to meet you! Thank you all and enjoy your day! See you next week!

Hey everyone! Welcome back to Episode 2, where myself and May Alcala from Escrow Hub in Woodland Hills, will guide you through the entire escrow process! May Alcala is my go-to escrow officer who I use when my clients are entering escrow, and her expertise, experience, and knowledge will promise you a smooth escrow process! Once you sign all necessary contracts for the home you’re about to buy, we will open escrow. The officer will reach out to the parties involved and request the buyers earnest money deposit. While waiting, they will order various reports. Once the deposit is received, the escrow team will send out an opening package which consist of escrow instructions that basically reiterates the majority of what the purchase agreement states. Once all contingencies are removed, the officer will send out the loan documents back to the buyers lender in order for it to fund. The following day, escrow is closed. Now that escrow is closed, the buyer can take possession and move in their new home ASAP and the seller has more money in the bank! Now that we’ve sold your home, now we have to shop and find you a new home! This is a fun and exciting process, and very rewarding to find my clients there forever home. So please, be sure to watch Episode 3 next week as I guide you through the home buying process from beginning to end! I would love to hear your feedback so make sure to like, love, comment and share as this means the world to me! If you’re looking to sell your home or have any questions about the selling, escrow, or buying process – or just anything about real estate, please contact me! I’m looking forward to meeting and working with you soon!

Your dream home awaits in Simi Valley. Just North of the 118 Freeway, this highly sought-after single-story home with an entertainer’s dream backyard just hit the market and can be yours today! Recently remodeled front yard, circle paver driveway surrounds a professionally landscaped rock seating ring encircling an evergreen tree, pathways lead out of the area with automatic night lighting highlighting the trees setting off the front of the home beautifully. Large flagstone entryway leads to an amazing home designed so the living, family and dining room have a natural flow. Kitchen has granite countertops, upgraded stainless appliances, prep sink and built in refrigerator freezer. Spacious dining room fits a large family style table and sliding door to the patio makes access for entertaining seamless.  Family room has wood ceiling with exposed beams, built in TV cabinet equipped with electrical hidden storage drawers on each side along with glass shelving lighted for displaying items and large stone fire place. Master bedroom and bath has access to outdoor pool/spa area and has been remodeled with maple cabinets and double sinks with Grohe fixtures and a fantastic steam shower, perfect for cold mornings. An inviting pool and spa, outdoor kitchen with gas grill, separate 480 sqft pool/guest house with bathroom on approximately 1/2 acre awaits you and your family! Entertainment bar with a fire pit offers a warm place to sit year-round and fruit trees line the backyard including grapefruit, avacado, tangerine lemon, lime, and pomegranate. $1,050,000 4 Bedrooms, 3 1/2 Bathrooms, 2,729 SQFT Welcome Home! Stephen WhiteLicensed Realtor® CalBre: 02009880 m: (310) 919-6676e: [email protected]

Hey everyone, thank you so much for tuning in! I am so excited to launch my new video blog series, Home Selling & Buying! This is a 3 part weekly series, where I will guide you through the entire home selling and buying process for those beginners just starting the home process, or for those that need some refreshers! We will continue these monthly video blog series for months to come (in addition to our regularly scheduled weekly blogs), so stay tuned for more as we dive into the selling process today! Once we have established a realtor and seller relationship, we will then sit down to discuss the details of your home. Certain things to take into account before selling your home is if it needs any fixes or updates to meet the standards of other homes in your neighborhood. It’s important to make these updates as it will be a small investment for a greater return when selling. Something else to consider is your front lawn! If your lawns looking rough, I suggest hiring a professional landscape to brighten up your front yard. This will make your home pop for incoming buyers touring your home. Once all updates have been made, I will do a comparable marketing analysis where I will research similar homes in your area to find an accurate number for your listing price. We will then stage your home to make the space more inviting and neutral. Before we hit the MLS, we need to market your home through photography and videography. Finally were listed on the MLS! I will advertise, market, and book private tours to find the absolute right buyer for your home! Once an offer is made, we can accept as long as it fits within your net profit. Now get ready, because were going into escrow! Check in next week as we dive into the escrow process with May Alcala from Escrow Hub, located in Woodland Hills, CA. If you’re interested in selling your home, contact me! I’m looking forward to working with you soon!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on September 30, 2020 Venturing off on a journey to begin fixing and flipping homes is an exciting thought. Fix and flip homes can be a great investment and potential profit when sold – if executed correctly. Follow these steps below to ensure you have the proper knowledge before committing to a fix and flip project! Tip #1: Develop Great Relationships with a Contractor and Realtor If you’re planning to fix and flip properties, developing a great relationship with a contractor you can trust is very important. You will be working together with this contractor throughout the entire demolition and rebuild of your fix and flip property. Knowing you can trust someone that will guide you if any issues arise, or in the process of breaking down and building properly will be beneficial to your success! Another important partner in your process is your realtor. A great realtor, like Stephen White, will guide you throughout the home search process and bargain for you to ensure you’re getting the lowest possible deal so you can make the highest possible profit. Your realtor will also teach you about the value of the homes in the area you are looking in, and give you tips on the best ways to make your home pop come open house! Tip #2: Know Your Budget Knowing how much you’re comfortable with spending before diving into a fix and flip project is crucial for your wellbeing. If you somehow end up going over budget and not being able to complete the project, the effects could be detrimental not only on you, but your finances. By properly planning ahead of time and taking into consideration every possible expense that might come up, you will be prepared when you start remodeling the home. Keep in mind, this is a short-term investment compared to your personal home, so make sure that you can buy the house and fix it up for significantly less than what the house will be worth when you’re ready to sell. Tip #3: Patience is a Virtue To be frank, fixing and flipping homes are challenging and grueling tasks. You won’t see money in your bank account overnight. However; that is not to say it is not worth while in the long run. There will be delays in the process and times when you’ll struggle with having inspections go wrong, renovations that don’t go according to plan, or a house that sits on the market longer than anticipated. With patience, however, fixing and flipping houses can become a reasonable source of income. Learn to fix and flip homes properly takes time and investment, but you will eventually sell your house and see the money return in greater forms! Overall, fixing and flipping is an effective business venture to bring you financial success and freedom. It may be challenging, but when you look at the final product you will be proud of the work you put into transforming a once rundown home to a beautiful and elegant residence! If you need assistance finding your next fix and flip, contact Stephen White today!

Written by Jason Kritzberg on September 23, 2020 Next Tuesday, September 29, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will go head to head in the first of a series of high-stakes debates. There will be an additional two presidential debates after the first, scheduled to go live on October 15 and October 22. So mark your calendars, grab your popcorn, and find the best seat in the house (your couch) to witness the history go down! Candidates Participating in Debates: What Will the Presidential Debates Include? The presidential debate, live from 9pm to 10:30pm EST, will be moderated by Chris Wallace, host of “Fox News Sunday”. After the first presidential debate, there will be one vice-president debate on October 7th which will be moderated by Susan Page, the Washington bureau chief for USA Today. The second debate on October 15 will be moderated by Steve Scully, the political editor of C-SPAN. Unlike the other debates, it will be held in a town hall format, with members of the public asking questions. The third and final debate will will be held Oct. 22 at Belmont University, in Nashville. The debate will be moderated by Kristen Welker, NBC News’ White House correspondent. These presidential debates will be no-hold, no-barred political battles. Each candidate will have a certain time length to educate, and potentially sway, listeners to support their individualized beliefs and what they will try to achieve as President of the United States. While many candidates over the years have spent quite a bit of time prepping for presidential debates, President Trump has indicated he will not do so! He has said his work at the White House prepares him for the debates. Biden has said he doesn’t want to “get baited into a brawl” with Trump, but that he’ll be ready for tough and personal attacks, while trying to fact-check the president on policy. Where Can I Watch the Debates? The debates will be live on every major news channel on each specific night. You can watch the debates either on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and/or C-SPAN. You will also be able to watch live streams via YouTube! However you watch, grab your family and take your cozy seat in the living room to tune into the debates live to see who will take the W as President in 2020. If you are looking for a larger and more comfortable space to watch the debates live with your family, contact your local trusted realtor, Stephen White, today so he can get you into your new home before the debates begin!

Written by: Jason Kritzberg on September 15, 2020 Here at Stephen White Real Estate, we see our fair share of immaculate and regal looking kitchens. An elegant kitchen that also houses all of the necessities you need in a cooking space is crucial for any home – especially if you are looking to sell your home to get the most profit possible! Nowadays, clients don’t neccessarily want to tear down and renovate a home they’ve already spent so much money on. That’s why renovating your kitchen before you sell your home is key to an easy sale. Even if you aren’t looking to sell your home, a kitchen renovation in your home may be just what you need to get you back in the kitchen cooking and bring a nice refresh to your home (considering were spending lots of time at home nowadays). Check out these inspo ideas below for your next kitchen renovation, you’ll thank me later! Quartz Countertops Quartz countertops have been on the uptrend lately for the go-to kitchen counter top choice. Not only is quartz elegant and sleek with bright colors to make any room feel open, but it is also way more durable then granite! In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible. It has no cracks or holes in the counter, making quartz bacteria free and an extremely seamless countertop for cleaning. Be aware though, because quartz is known to be damaged with excessive heat so make sure you aren’t putting any hot pans directly on the counter without any protective material. Unconventional Materials Have you ever heard of gold backsplash? How about a mirror backsplash that has a touch screen television built right into the wall? Or perhaps leather wrapped cabinets? More and more kitchen renovations are seeing bigger and bolder transformations, and it seems like people are one upping each other with more creative and out there ideas! Consider adding a unique touch to your kitchen renovation to make your kitchen stand out from the rest of the “basic” kitchens out on the market. It may be the deciding factor for a potential buyer… Floor to Ceiling Concept Especially now more than ever, we are spending more time at home cooking and eating. If you’re feeling the cooped up vibes like I am, you might want to upgrade your boring kitchen window floor to ceiling windows in your next kitchen renovation. Many floor to ceiling windows offer the option to open up your wall fully to get that nice indoor/outdoor feel. With floor to ceiling windows, you will get the feeling of ultimate luxury to expand your square footage of your kitchen space – without the cost of building onto your home. With a cozy outdoor and indoor eating set up, you will now have the ultimate luxury to enjoy a breeze on a cool summer night while eating inside or outside! Whatever you choose to do with your next kitchen renovation, be sure to consult with your trusted local realtor, Stephen White, first to get the best tips and information on your reno! If you’re looking to sell your house and newly remodeled kitchen, Stephen will seamlessly walk you through the entire process to get you into your next home! Contact him today at (310) 919-6676 or by visiting his website @ whiteluxuryhomes.com!

Most gym-goers around the country are finding themselves in a frustrating situation right about now. With gyms closed, workouts can become difficult and home workouts can become repetitive and boring. Most of us are used to big authentic clubs with every piece of equipment at our fingertips to now being sequestered to our kitchens, garages, and living rooms. Despite this fact, you can still achieve a very challenging and successful workout. Below are three ways to spice up your home workout routine, making it more enjoyable and worthwhile: Use Your Surroundings. No gym equipment, no problem! Look around your home and try to find heavy objects, household items, or furniture to incorporate in your workouts! Did you know that a gallon water weighs about eight and a half pounds? That sounds like a great alternative to a dumbbell, if you ask me! Ever considered stuffing a backpack with heavy objects and strapping around your back for weighted workouts? These tips will change your home workout routine for good and provide you with a proper pump! Utilize Your Neighborhood. If you are lucky enough to live in the hills, or even on a flat lands, you can use your new knowledge of a weighted backpack and go on walks or jogs around your neighborhood. You can also consider buying a weighted vest! This will give you a killer leg and cardio workout, especially with those living in hill-top neighborhoods. You can also incorporate lunge squats, punches, and side steps in your neighborhood cardio workout! Include Isometric Workouts. The term isometric refers to a type of exercise that helps maintain strength. During isometric exercises, the muscle doesn’t noticeably change length and the affected joint doesn’t move. Our favorite type of isometric workout is a plank. You can spice up your isometric home workout by choosing a wall sit, side bridge, or various yoga poses. Yoga incorporates many isometric exercises such as tree pose and static lunge and it is an incredible home workout that lets your mind escape and sets your intentions for the day ahead. With hard times like these, it is crucial to keep up with your home workout routine daily and sticking to it. We can understand how home workout can be repetitive and boring, which is why we hope this list has helped you brainstorm and think of some new ideas to spice up your routine! A consistent workout schedule will not only improve your health and physical shape, but also your mental wellbeing. If you are interested in upgrading your home space to better fit a workout space, or even a home gym, contact Stephen White Real Estate today!

This newly remodeled 4 bedroom 6 bath home in the prestigious guard-gated equestrian community of Bell Canyon just sold for $1,340,000. As you enter this incredible home, you are immediately dazzled by the out of this world panoramic mountain views from nearly every window. Beautifully upgraded kitchen with sleek modern cabinetry with wood floating upper shelving and large sparkling quartz countertop. High-end appliances throughout, Viking refrigerator, under counter wine refrigerator, Viking 6 -burner cooktop/oven/hood and Viking microwave and dishwasher. There is a butler pantry style space with additional prep counter and sink off the main kitchen. The first floor has a glistening Italian porcelain floor which makes this home feel both warm and elegant. The living room, where you can sit and enjoy the breathtaking views while the fireplace roars, the French doors open to a private large grassy area. The outside space has a large deck, approximately 760 sq. ft. where you can relax, dine al fresco and entertain guests. Up the beautiful staircase presents you with large picture window, to take in the gorgeous mountain views. You will find the Master suite with his and her walk- in closets and a private balcony. The Master bath has a large dry sauna separate shower and a large soaking tub in an alcove where you can relax and enjoy the view. There is a second large bedroom with fireplace and a private balcony. Two kids/guest bedrooms. Award-winning Las Virgenes Unified School District. 61 Saddlebow Rd. was once in escrow back in February of this year. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, the economy decreased drastically – effecting sellers, buyers, and 61 Saddlebow Rd. The first set of buyers decided to cancel escrow and the sellers had no choice but to cancel the listing. After 40 days, the sellers decided to put Saddlebow back on the market. We were fortunate enough to find another buyer; however COVID’s impact on the financial lending industry throughout California made it difficult to close. After extending escrow multiple times, we are happy to announce that 61 Saddlebow has sold for $1,340,000! Congratulation to the buyer on their beautiful new home! Also, congratulations to my seller and thank you for your business! Are you looking to sell your home? Stephen White Real Estate has got you covered! We will do everything we can to seamlessly sell your home and get you into your next home as safely as possible! So what are you waiting for? Give Stephen White a call today to move forward in your home search process! Welcome Home! Stephen WhiteLicensed Realtor® CalBre: 02009880 m: (310) 919-6676e: [email protected]

Labor Day is the first Monday of September and was created due to the labor movement. The Labor Movement, which happened in Pittsburg on November 15th, 1881,  led efforts to stop child labor, give health benefits and provide aid to workers who were injured or retired. Labor Day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Usually, we spend Labor Day with parades and large backyard bar-be-ques – however, it is a little different this year. Although we have to stay at home for this years Labor Day, that doesn’t mean that it has to be boring! Follow the list below to ensure you have a fun and safe Labor Day! Turn Your Backyard into a Movie Theater Wait until the cool of the early evening and when the lighting is just right to set up your stay at home movie theater! Consider adding string lights around an inflatable projector screen to maximize twilight lighting. Throw in some comfortable outdoor furniture or bean bags, grab your popcorn and snacks, gather with your loved ones, and turn on that favorite movie of yours for a lively Labor Day evening! Throw a Barbecue Cookout Turn up the flame on that grill and pull out the hotdogs, because Labor Day barbecue is not cancelled this year! Maybe your trying a new and unique recipe this year for your cookout, such as these sweet tea fried chicken sliders from halfbakedharvest.com, or going with something more OG like hamburgers and a side of baked beans. You definitely don’t get more American then a backyard barbecue and celebrating with friends and family! Organize Your Own Labor Day Parade Although we have to stay at home this year doesn’t mean we are sequestered to our homes! A fun way to get out of the house is organize a social distanced parade with friends, family, and neighbors. Dress up your kids in fun patriotic gear, make festive signs, and ride around in cars and wagons for a fun and friendly neighborhood parade! Whatever you choose to do this Labor Day, we hope you have a great one celebrating with friends and family! As long as your staying safe at home, you can still do many things fun and festive this year! If your looking to upgrade your home to better fit your family and friends on holidays like this, reach out to Stephen White Real Estate today! We will make sure to find you a home big enough for future backyard movie nights and barbecues; and of course, a friendly neighborhood for festive parades!

The housing market in California has seen a surprising steady increase this year, taking into account the Covid-19 pandemic. 35,300 new and resale home transactions closed escrow in California this past month. There has been significant progress on the market and economy and lots of demand from homebuyers. With lowered interest rates and a healing economy brings great flexibility on where to live. In addition, California added another 140,400 jobs in July, bringing us back to roughly 817,000 with three consecutive month increases. This means more people are coming off unemployment, which ultimately means more money in the market that can be spent on new homes. For a more clear picture on how the housing market has been doing, check out this informative infographic below provided by the California Association of Realtors: As you can see, the housing market is seeing a steady increase by +4% in sales closing, +5% in entering escrow, and +7% in property listings. Even though there were a -5.8% in closed sales per day last week, realtors are optimistic that sales will be up next week going into September. They also believe that prices will be up next week and moving forward into the new month. Many signs remain positive in the broader economy and the housing market. Although, with home inventory being low, this bares a serious obstacle in home buying going into the fall months. It will indeed be interesting to see how the housing market continues to go in the next couple months. Be sure to stay tuned as Stephen White Real Estate will be giving you monthly housing market updates so you have the latest information at your fingertips! As always, if you are interested in purchasing a home and helping the housing market continue to grow, contact Stephen White today!

Have you just moved into your new home and looking to complete some stay at home projects? Are you searching for your next home and looking for backyard inspo? Is your backyard completely bare and needs some love and attention? Stephen White Real Estate has got you covered with this essential list to completely transform your backyard – making it a stay at home oasis and retreat! Follow these tips to luxuriously metamorphose your backyard today! Create an Outdoor Living Space Most single-family homes in the United States have outdoor spaces that include a patio, grassy area, and sometimes a pool or other outdoor amenity. Why not turn your patio space into a comfortable living space – complete with couches, coffee tables, and maybe even a fire pit? The great thing about an outdoor living room is that it’s a space of relaxation that puts you in arm’s reach of nature: shrubs, trees, scented flowers, water features and outdoor accessories. However, there are a few things to consider before starting your stay at home project: Where is your patio located? Preferably, your outdoor living space should be close to a kitchen or bathroom for easy access in and out of your house, especially when entertaining. Your space should be big enough to fit at least a couch. Make the necessary measurements before committing to furniture so you know your items will fit in your space. Try to continue the same design and feel you have made in your house into your outdoor space. For example, if you have a mid-century modern design in your home, choose similar outdoor furniture to match and create a cohesive environment! Some ideas for your outdoor space includes: Create Shade With a Pergola Here in California, our summer days can be brutal! What better way to enjoy stay at home living then with a pergola over your new outdoor space? This pergola will not only add much needed shade on hotter days, but it will also be a crucial design element to the rest of your backyard! In addition, it can be easily done on your own as a fun family stay at home project! All you need are the right materials and tools! Follow this guide from DIY network! Once you’ve successfully built your pergola, we suggest to spruce it up a little by either adding curtains or adding plants that can easily grow on a vine. Outfit a pergola with durable, UV-resistant outdoor drapery for a resort-worthy patio. The billowy curtains add a touch of luxury and provide privacy when needed. In addition, there are a wide range of plants a pergola can support! Some include: honeysuckle, Passion flowers, potato vine, grapevines, etc. You can find even more plants that support your new pergola on Gardener’s World’s website! Whatever you choose to do with your new (or future) backyard, all of us at Stephen White Real Estate hope we helped in the process! If you or anyone you know are looking to find a new home and get started on that next backyard project, contact Stephen White today! We will do everything we can for our clients to get them in their dream home as quickly and safely as possible!

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I wonder how much the most expensive house on the market is?” Well good news, because we’re going to tell you today! The most expensive home for sale in Los Angeles is 9505 Lania Ln, Beverly Hills. A unique Mediterranean style estate, The Palazzo di Amore is just minutes from the heart of Beverly Hills and rests on a rare approx. 25-acre with spectacular panoramic city to ocean views. The listing price for this 50,000 square foot estate is normally $129,000,000; however, today it is available for rent! If you can come up with $250,000 a month, this beautiful equestrian property can be yours to live in! The amenities are remarkable for a home for sale in Los Angeles, while still embodying both majesty and family. The estate offers a quarter-mile tree lined drive way where your met with luxurious garden waterfalls and and lap pools. Other amenities include a grand dining and wine tasting room, grand chefs kitchen, Turkish-style spa, guesthouse with terraced acreage, pool, spa, tennis court, theater, bowling alley, and ballroom! The 25-acre property also boasts wine producing vineyards along the mountain side of the property. This property is truly estate living and has more then enough room for your entire family, and then some! In addition to the 50,000 square foot living space that The Palazzo di Amore offers, there is a separate 12,500 square foot entertainment space which houses the bowling alley, theater, stage, and ballroom. Suited for royalty, Palazzo di Amore presents a unique and exceptional opportunity to own a vast estate of incredible excellence in this most impressive location Los Angeles, minutes away from the core of Beverly Hills. And even better – you can rent this home for sale in Los Angeles for a lot less then what you would pay to purchase it! But act fast, because according to Trulia, this house has been online for 12 days. If you’re interested in this property, or another home for sale in Los Angeles, contact Stephen White Real Estate today to begin your searching process! Our full service concierge team will get you in your dream home quickly, safely, and seamlessly!

As indoor restaurants continue to stay closed, more and more people are cooking at home. This can be a challenge to many who are not used to cooking or do not know how to cook. Some resort to frozen dinners, others stick with the same dish over and over again. If your longing for a change like the rest of us, check out these recipes for healthy eating below! These dishes will not only be nutritious and good for our bodies, but delicious too! Baked Salmon Chimichurri Recipe Salmon has some impressive health benefits, including being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, a great source of protein, good source of potassium, and high in B vitamins! Salmon is the perfect dish to eat after working out in your home gym or a run around your neighborhood. This recipe is simple, and only involves a few ingredients: salmon and the various ingredients for making the low-fat/low-cal chimichurri sauce! For the salmon* 1 1/2 pounds Fresh Atlantic Salmon Side Kosher salt Stonemill Ground Black Pepper For the chimichurri 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, tightly packed (about 1large bunch) 1 cup fresh parsley leaves and tender stems, tightly packed (about 1large bunch) 2 green onions (tops only) 1 garlic clove 1/2 cup SimplyNature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon SimplyNature Oregano 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Several grinds Stonemill Ground Black Pepper INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 450F. While the oven preheats, let the salmon sit at room temperature. Generously sprinkle the salmon with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake the salmon for about 10 minutes until flaky and just cooked; test it with a fork to assess doneness. Watch the salmon to make sure not to overcook; the timing can vary based on the thickness of the salmon and variations between ovens. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri: Slice off the tops of the green onions. In a blender, blend all ingredients until a smooth sauce forms, (if necessary, stop and mix the ingredients to allow them to fully blend). To serve, drizzle the salmon with chimichurri, and serve with potatoes. For more great home cooked healthy eating recipes like this one, check out acouplecooks.com! Healthy Orange Chicken I’m sure we can all agree, Orange Chicken is by far a fan-favorite! It is the most popular dish in any Chinese Restaurant here in America. According to chain-restaurant, Panda Express, “70 million pounds of Orange Chicken” were sold just last year! Although it is quite delicious, it is horrible for our bodies and packed with MSG! In addition, it is the worst thing to put into our bodies after a workout or any physical activity and will basically un-do everything you worked hard to lose. This healthy Orange Chicken dish is a perfect alternative for those interested in healthy eating but also want to taste the flavor of an old classic! Ingredients 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 cups steamed broccoli or green beans 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil Sauce 2 cups orange juice 1/4 cup chicken broth optional 1/4 cup coconut aminos 3 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons fresh ginger*** 1/2 tablespoon orange zest 1/2 teaspoon pepper Instructions Clean + cut chicken into 1 inch cubes.  In a large frying pan, heat sesame oil. Cook the chicken until the edges are brown and slightly crispy (Approx 12-15 minutes) As the chicken is cooking, stir together the sauce mixture in a separate bowl Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked remove it from the pan and place it off to the side in a separate bowl. Pour the sauce mixture into the same pan you cooked the chicken in. Bring the sauce mixture to a boil for 15-20 minutes, stirring every minute or so until it starts to thicken. (You will know it has thickened when you scrape the pan and it pulls away from the pan) When the sauce thickens, add the cooked chicken back in + stir to coat the chicken Serve over steamed broccoli or green beans for a paleo option, or rice/quinoa.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds + enjoy! *** If substituting ground ginger for fresh ginger, cut the amount to 1/2 teaspoon For more great recipes like this one, check out: https://thecleaneatingcouple.com Cooking doesn’t have to be challenging with the right ingredients and a kitchen! If you’re looking for a new home with a bigger kitchen to better adapt your new cooking skills, reach out to Stephen White Real Estate today! He will surely find you your dream home, equipped with everything you want in a kitchen so you can make more healthy dinners at home! PS: Take a snapshot of your delicious healthy home cooked dishes and tag us @stephenwhitere on Instagram for a chance to win a free prize! Get cooking!

Let’s face it, the holidays will be here before YOU even know it! Planning, organizing, scheduling, etc..etc. Your next move doesn’t fit anywhere within your daily agenda; however, that is okay because we are here to help! Whether you’re upsizing or downsizing, be sure to keep in mind that August and September are the most popular months of the year to purchase your home before the holidays. This will give you enough time to pack, move, unpack and relax in just enough time! Your favorite holiday with family and friends are the most memorable moments to gather, reminisce, and celebrate while you entertain guest within your forever home. Stephen White Real Estate is here to dedicated our soul, sweat and tears to our customer’s satisfaction! We do all of the FUN planning, organizing, and scheduling to help alleviate all of our clients stress as they focus on their everyday lifestyle. Here in Los Angeles, California, you will need professional real estate agent, Stephen White, to help navigate you through the entire transaction – beginning to end. Stephen White Real Estate has got you covered. We will be the guiding force in your move! Research! Nowadays, we can understand how you might not have time to spend hours researching your next home! No problem, because Stephen White Real Estate will do all of the work for you! We will compile a list of properties in your home list criteria! Once you find your next home, you will need help transitioning. Stephen White’s team will do everything for you even after finding your home! His team will find your preferred moving company, set up the moving date, and get everything organized in your new home so you can sit back and relax! Allied Moving Company will come to your home, pack up everything for you, and completely dissemble in your new home! Got Insurance? Picking up your life from one point to another is already stressful enough, and having to worry about your furniture and personal belongings getting damaged from point A to point B should not be a worry. Our team recommends to consider purchasing moving insurance to make you feel more at ease during your transition. Look around and get the best quotes possible! All of us here at Stephen White Real Estate wish you a successful and safe move! Reach out to Stephen White and he will start your home searching process today!

Many people right about now are worried about the same thing: will my house sell? This is a troubling thought to battle, especially during an ongoing pandemic with uncertainty in our near future. In a recent survey from Qualtrics, 87% of people say they are worried their home won’t sell in this current housing market climate. We can understand how people might think this; however, based on analytics and internally through working in real estate, we have seen quite the opposite. According to the National Association of Realtors, 340,000 single family homes have sold in the United States – just in the last month! The appointments to see homes (both virtual home tours and in-person open houses) have increased, as well. In addition, the existing home sales in the current housing market climate is up 20.7%! With these facts, it is obvious to see that the housing market is pretty up right now, and people are eager to still search for homes, and sell. On top of all of this, bidding wars have reached an all time high. If you think you’re going to be getting some type of deal on a future house, you might want to think again. According to the National Association of Realtors, “there were about 3 offers on a home back in May.” This has forced buyers to put up a higher offer in order to receive the home they want. The bottom line is, don’t worry about your home not selling, because it will. Buyers are active and you will get the amount you’re asking for, if not more. If you are interested in selling your home or looking to buy, reach out to Stephen White today and we will get you in a home as quickly and safely as possible!

The world as we know it is a little different right about now, and businesses are having to adapt to meet the requirements of our new normal due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here at Stephen White Real Estate, we are taking all of the precautions necessary to keep you and your loved ones safe, while seamlessly getting you into your new home. Check out the steps we’re taking below so you know what to expect on your next house tour! Scheduling Tours Found a property you’re interested, although you’re worried about an open-house situation and potentially being around more people then need be? Don’t fret – we are scheduling each client individually for private home tours so only you and your family (maximum 4 clients in the house at once) can view the property in private. We then make sure to sanitize high touch areas such as door knobs and light switches after each individual showing! Property Entry Advisory Declaration Form Before entering any home, each client must read and sign a Property Entry Advisory Declaration Form, or PEAD Form. This form details the laws and regulations we as realtors have to take in order to safely show you a home. By signing the form, you are acknowledging these guidelines and safety precautions in relation to COVID-19. Face Mask & Shoe Coverings Because of COVID-19, California law states that it is mandatory to wear a face mask anytime you are out in public and we enforce this rule. You will not be allowed into any home without a face mask so that we can protect ourselves, you, and your loved ones. In addition, shoe coverings are mandatory, as well, before entering the home. Stephen White will provide shoe coverings upon entering the house. Moving Forward with the Home You Love! Found the perfect house? We are so happy for you! To move forward with the transaction process, reach out to your trusted realtor, Stephen White by telephone or in person at the time of showing. Want to look for more homes? Reach out to him to schedule more showings. In addition, be sure to ask him about virtual house tours! Need a mask for your next home tour? Stephen White has got you covered (literally). We are providing free masks to our loyal clients – but act quick, because our supply is limited! All of us here at Stephen White Real Estate hope we can be of assistance for your next home, while creating a safe environment for you and your family! We wish you all to stay safe and healthy! Contact us today!

With more and more time on our hands nowadays, all of us want to still feel productive, right? Well, Los Angeles Realtor, Stephen White has got you covered with this list of the top 5 most popular stay at home projects! Follow this list and you’re guaranteed a fun and productive way to keep busy at home! #5: Home Improvement Dust the cobwebs off that hammer and wrench and get to work on your home! From kitchen remodels to bedroom design, the opportunities are endless. Many homes that are selling high nowadays include open floorpans, modern kitchens using marble and white tiles, and midcentury modern design looks. Take a look through Pinterest to get some inspo on your next design! #4: De-clutter! Are you feeling overwhelmed with the amount of clutter in your home currently? You might want to consider spending some days decluttering your home to maximize space and comfort. Los Angeles Realtor, Stephen White, suggests “cleaning up one space at a time. Choose one room that’s the most cluttered and work through the rest of your house in steps. That way, you’ll insure productivity.” Remember: clutter in your physical space will clutter your mind. #3: Dive Into Your Artistic Abilities! Whether thats videography, graphic design, singing, cooking, drawing, etc., take this extra free time you have and find your artistic hobby! Wouldn’t it be nice to look back on this time and remember about everything you did and learned, instead of what you didn’t do? Spending time doing hobbies that you love to do will definitely pass time, while stimulating your mind and staying entertained! #2: Plant a Herb Garden Have you ever considered planting your own herb garden but were so bogged down with work or other responsibilities? Well, no excuse now! Planting an herb garden in your backyard is an amazing way to stay busy, build responsibilities, and produce food when you might not be feeling as comfortable to be going out and buying food! Look into easy foods to grow in your garden, such as: beets, carrots, cucumber, and kale, just to name a few! #1: Search for Your Next Home (Safely) If you’re looking for a new home, what better way to pass time then search for beautiful properties near you! Los Angeles Realtor, Stephen White, makes it easy to search for homes in your area safely! Just visit whiteluxuryhomes.com, go to properties, and then search homes! There you will be able to find pictures, virtual home tour videos, and information regarding each specific property you’re interested in! So what’re you waiting for? Go visit whiteluxuryhomes.com today to find your forever home and continue to stay busy and safe at home!

Let’s face it. During these unprecedented times, most of us are kicking back on the couch and eating way too much. Some are craving the feeling of going to the gym, even though right now we are unable to. Here at Stephen White Real Estate, we’ve seen some amazing home gyms throughout touring homes, so we thought to share with you all some tips that will change your fitness lifestyle for good! Step 1: Find the right space! Before you start pumping curls and swinging kettlebells, make sure you’ve picked out a space in your home that will fit your needs. At the very least, make sure you have enough space for a yoga mat for simple home workouts. If you’re fortunate enough to allocate a bigger space in your home, the possibilities are endless. For a simple HIIT workout, set up your home gym with enough space to perform push ups, jumping jacks, and running in place. For Yoga workouts, you need enough space for a yoga mat. If you’re installing a heavy lifting regimen, then a larger room is a necessity. Step 2: Stock your home gym! Cardio For smaller spaces, a simple jumprope or weighted jumprope will suffice, while getting your heart pumping and sweat on! With bigger spaces, a treadmill will give you a killer workout – if you’re willing to invest in that. Other cardio ideas include: elliptical, stationary bikes, and rowing machines. Again, you don’t need a lot of equipment to get a killer workout, but it definitely helps! Strength Dumbells, dumbbells, dumbells! Dumbbells and weights are the perfect addition for any home gym and the various types of strength workouts you can do with them are endless. Dumbbell workouts include bicep curls, squats, and deadlifts – just to name a few. For more advanced gym-goers, cable machines with interchangeable parts will give you an incredible strength workout. People on a budget can look for balance disks, which take up as much space as a plate! Recovery Recovery is essential after any workout, so picking out the right recovery equipment for your stretching needs is crucial for health and wellness! An extension band is perfect for stretching arms and legs after an intense workout and should be a necessity no matter what size home gym you have. However, if you have more space, an inversion table or stretching machine will get you that extra stretch that you wouldn’t be able to get without one! Step 3: Put it to Good Use! The most important part, putting your new home gym to use! I mean, after all you just spent all of that money on equipment – don’t let that or your health go to waste! Just like a real gym, the more you go – the quicker you’ll see the benefits! If you’re interested in upgrading your home to better fit your new home gym, give Stephen White a call! We’ll help you find your forever home!

During the ongoing pandemic, have you ever thought to yourself “this might be the time to move because housing prices are so low!” Many people have had this mindset for a while but might be surprised when searching for real estate. Expectations may be: lowered market prices on homes, free months of rent, negotiable prices, etc; however, this might not be the case. Here’s What Los Angeles Real Estate Experts Have to Say… Expert Joel Kan, Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry Forecasting, says “the recovery in housing is happening faster than expected. We anticipated a drop off in Q3. But, we don’t think that’s the case anymore. Adding onto Kan’s statement, Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for National Association of Realtors, said “sales completed in May reflect contract signings in March and April – during the strictest times of the pandemic lock down and hence the cyclical low point…Home sales will surely rise in the upcoming months with the economy reopening, and could even surpass one-year-ago figures in the second half of the year.” What Does This Mean? Well, theres good news and bad news. The good news is that the economy is getting back on its feet. The likelihood of a strong recession is low at this rate. The bad news is that you might not be getting that deal on your next home that you thought you would. If you paused your 2020 home search, you might want to think about reengaging that process. Reach out to your local Los Angeles real estate agent, Stephen White, today to allow him to help you negotiate that deal you had in mind!

When you think of 4th of July, what comes to your mind? Fireworks? Backyard bar-be-que? Spending time with family? Celebrating America’s independence? Although this year might feel a little different, it doesn’t have to be! Follow these three tips to ensure you have a fun and safe 4th of July in the comfort of your own home! Fireworks There’s plenty of ways to still enjoy a firework show this year and Stephen White Real Estate has got you covered! Many events are cancelled, but have transitioned to virtual online firework shows! Grand Park + the Music Center’s 4th of July Block Party 94th Annual Virtual Americafest Celebration Fontana’s Fourth of July Virtual Celebration Backyard Bar-be-que Grab your spatula and turn on your grill, because 4th of July BBQ with the family is not cancelled this year! Here are a few delicious backyard bar-be-que ideas to enjoy in the comfort of your own home! Turkey and fig burger with goat cheese, arugula, and roasted tomato on a fresh brioche bakery bun. Melon and prosciutto skewers with mozzarella and basil topped with balsamic reduction sauce. Red, white, and blue cheesecake strawberries made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cool whip – topped with fresh blueberries! Spending time with family! What better way to celebrate the holiday this weekend then to spend it with the ones you love the most! Here are some fun ideas you can do with your family at home! Get novelty sparklers to celebrate at night! Sparklers are a fun way to light up the backyard and a safer and legal alternative to fireworks. Have a backyard movie night! If you own a movie screen – or even just a laptop, set up your place with blankets and pillows and enjoy a classic movie out (in the backyard). Have a game night! LIFE? Monopoly? You name it! Brush off the old board games and enjoy a classic game night with the fam with lots of laughter and competition! And of course, celebrating America’s independence! From 1776 to today, Fourth of July has been celebrated as the birth of America’s independence. Whatever you choose to do this holiday, we hope you stay safe and healthy with the ones you love. If you are interested to cherish more family memories in a home of your own, call your trusted Los Angeles realtor, Stephen White, today to schedule a virtual home tour or for any other inquiries!

We ,SWRE, are taking this time very seriously and we want to make sure that everything we do in our real estate business is in the best interest of not only our clients but every person who could walk into a home.  During this time we are still listing homes, and we are very actively helping our buyers find homes. Only we are doing it very creatively.  This is NO time to be selfish, nonchalant or “sneaky”. Anything we do is a compound effect on our clients and community.  For our sellers: -We are communicating virtually using ZOOM or FaceTime. It’s working BEAUTIFULLY!  -Documents are all signed via DOCUSIGN, not in person  -The phone is our bestie. We are calling and texting frequently and as always, you are our priority and we respect all of your preferences and request.  For our buyers: -Communication is done via phone, text, ZOOM, and FaceTime -You are set up on automatic, real-time home search. Once a home comes on the market that matches your criteria, we can go to a home and do a virtual walkthrough for you. If it’s “the one”, we will make further arrangements.  -Paperwork, signing, offers is all done via DOCUSIGN, not in person.  Showing and Open Houses -Virtual, Virtual, Virtual -We are doing our best to accommodate our buyers, and sellers, but also following the CDC guidelines as well as those by our state governor.  So as you can see, IT CAN BE DONE AND IT CAN BE SIMPLE! We’ve accommodated many of our clients these exact ways this weekend and it was successful! We are sure that if we follow the rules as well as everyone else, we will be back to “normal” in no time at all! Thank you for your support, business and TRUST!

Doggie Day L.A. is hosted and created by Landon Realty Group to raise awareness and donations for dogs in need in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas.  “Because dog’s deserve homes too” is the theme of this free community event.  Dogs, their dog-parents and dog lovers can gather for fun in support of the  Welcome Home Dog Rescue, which help find loving forever homes for dog’s in need.   There will be a donation center on site to collect food, blankets and towels for area shelters.  An additional donation station is available at Whole Foods in Burbank (Time and Day TBD).  Monetary donations are also welcomed. Event Sponsors include:  Landon Realty Group, Good Dog K9 Training, Whole Foods, and Augusta Financial.  Check out their website for more information, volunteering opportunities, participation as a vendor info and/or if you would like to attend!

While opponents of homeownership claim it’s ”the American nightmare,” self-made millionaire David Bach is doubling down on his faith in real estate. He thinks that not prioritizing homeownership is “the single biggest mistake millennials are making.” Buying a home is “an escalator to wealth,” he tells CNBC. Young adults in particular aren’t hopping on this escalator, and it’s a costly mistake, Bach warns: “If millennials don’t buy a home, their chances of actually having any wealth in this country are little to none. The average homeowner to this day is 38 times wealthier than a renter.” The self-made millionaire is quick to say that the smartest investments he’s ever made have been the three homes he’s purchased. He tells CNBC: “I first bought a home in San Francisco. It skyrocketed in price. I moved to New York and bought another home. It skyrocketed in price. My net worth has gone up millions and millions of dollars, simply because I’ve lived.” Bach argues that you have to live somewhere for the rest of your life, so you might as well invest in a home that you could own permanently. As he writes in “The Automatic Millionaire,” “As a renter, you can easily spend half a million dollars or more on rent over the years ($1,500 a month for 30 years comes to $540,000), and in the end wind up just where you started — owning nothing. Or you can buy a house and spend the same amount paying down a mortgage, and in the end wind up owning your own home free and clear!” If you want to get in the game of homeownership, start by crunching the numbers, Bach says: “Actually do the math. Look and see what things costs, starting with the smallest options. This way, you’re really clear on your goals and you won’t just say to yourself, ‘I’ll never afford this.’” A good rule of thumb is to make sure your total monthly housing payment doesn’t consume more than 30 percent of your take-home pay. He also recommends having a down payment of at least 10 percent, though more is always better. Finally, recognize that “oftentimes, buying your first home means you’re not buying your dream home,” Bach tells CNBC. “You’re just getting into the market.” A lucrative market, that is. ”The fact is, you aren’t really in the game of building wealth until you own some real estate,” Bach writes.

By Ryan UngerBoredom Therapy Staff / SWRE Every homeowner knows that a backyard can act as a sanctuary for many activities: it can be a playground for your children, as well as the perfect testing ground for your hobbies and creations. After all, what better place is there to relax outdoors or get to work on some new and exciting project?When one family realized they were tired of their old, wretched backyard, they decided it was time to take it to the next level with a project of truly epic proportions. What they did with it, however, is nothing anyone saw coming…This is what their backyard looked like during the planning stages. There’s not a lot going on, but this family knew exactly what they were doing. They took their measurements with a plan in mind. Just wait to see what they come up with! Stephen White Real Estate First, they brought in a small bulldozer for excavating. This removed the dead grass and a layer of dirt. Then, it was time to start making a hole for a bigger project. It was time to get digging. And there was a lot of digging to do, so it was good they brought in an excavator to do the job quickly and efficiently. Imagine digging that by hand? That rock would not be kind to your fingernails! Things were finally coming into place after the excavating was finished, but there was still more work to be done. Before they tackled the main project, they started on a stone garden. This would give the space a natural feel. Stephen White Real Estate First, they had to remove the old stone that surrounded the yard to get ready for the new material that would go better with their planned motif. They also stripped the side of the fence bare to make room for a new look. Once the old stone was completely removed and the fence was stripped, it was time to add a small rock garden and some trees. It looked so clean and polished compared to what was there before. For the next phase, they added a felt liner to the ground to help shape the base. This would help them in building what would be on top and would stop any weeds from growing through in the future. Then, it was time to add another liner. The family placed the new one over the felt one. This time, the extra layer was custom ordered from Germany, and it was plastic and waterproof. Can you guess what they’re up to? Before they went any further with the backyard construction, they created a filtration system in their basement using four sturdy bins. This room was located underneath where they were digging. Stephen White Real Estate After the filtration system was in place, they went back to construct this rock lining by hand with the help of some friends. It took them eight-hours of hard, back-breaking work, and when they finished, they laid down tile for the flooring. When that was finished, they added more rocks to the surrounding area and pumped in the water. The water spilled over the edge of the rock lining to create a beautiful, flowing natural pool! They also painted the rear fence with an eye-popping orange color to accent the trees and scenery behind it. How gorgeous does that look? Lights were added as well so they could swim at night. Their project took so long to complete, it spanned over several seasons. During the winter months when the water froze over, some of the family members actually used the pool as a skating rink! Once spring finally rolled around again, there was really only one thing the pool needed: an awesome deck! They laid the frame of the deck down to carefully overlap the lip of the pool. It’s hard to believe the yard started out as an empty lot and was quickly turning into something so scenic and beautiful! Soon, friends and family would be able to lounge out and enjoy the warm weather properly. Once they finished half of the deck, they moved their furniture on top and got to work on the other half. They were planning on extending the deck all the way around the pool so people could stand on either side. It was coming along quite nicely; all of the colors of the fence and natural elements were coming together. It combined the beauty of nature with the rustic, modern, and tranquil look of their home. Not long after the first half of the deck was complete, so was the second wrap-around section. They added a nice swinging bench to make it feel like a real getaway! Who wouldn’t want to spend summer days on this porch? Finally, after the deck was finished and furniture was all moved into place, the family stepped back and admired the hard work they put in. The most amazing natural swimming pool was finally complete! Can you imagine waking up to this in your yard? On those hot sweltering days all you’d have to do is walk five feet out the back door to an oasis of comfort. This family better be ready to do a lot of hosting with a backyard like that! Stephen White Real Estate We know this family clearly must’ve been a bit craftier than your typical suburban clan. So if DIY-ing an elegant in-ground pool seems to be too steep of an at-home project, then you might as well start with a classic, good ol’ wooden deck. It’s safe to say that nobody enjoys unbearably hot weather of summer unless there’s a cold, refreshing pool available for a dip. And every pool needs a pool deck! This homeowner agreed — he decided to start his own DIY deck project, which you can make by following these steps! First, he needed to clear away the area… To Be Continued SWRE

61 Saddlebow Rd, Bell Canyon CA 4 Beds | 6 Baths | 3,134 sf | 1.08 Acres Your dream home awaits inside the prestigious guard-gated equestrian community of Bell Canyon. As you enter this newly remodeled 4 bedroom 6 bath home you are immediately dazzled by the out of this world panoramic mountain views from nearly every window in this home. Beautifully upgraded kitchen with sleek modern cabinetry with wood floating upper shelving and large sparkling quartz countertop. High-end appliances throughout, Viking refrigerator, under counter wine refrigerator, Viking 6 -burner cooktop/oven/hood and Viking microwave and dishwasher. There is a butler pantry style space with additional prep counter and sink off the main kitchen. The first floor has a glistening Italian porcelain floor which makes this home feel both warm and elegant. The living room, where you can sit and enjoy the breathtaking views while the fireplace roars, the French doors open to a private large grassy area. The outside space has a large deck, approximately 760 sq. ft. where you can relax, dine al fresco and entertain guests. Up the beautifully staircase with large picture window, to take in the gorgeous mountain views, you will find the Master suite with his and her walk- in closets and a private balcony. The Master bath has a large dry sauna separate shower and a large soaking tub in an alcove where you can relax and enjoy the view. There is a second large bedroom with fireplace and a private balcony. Two kids/guest bedrooms. Award-winning Las Virgenes Unified School District. $1,499,000 Welcome Home! Personal Note From Stephen White Please use my website as a valuable resource for all your Los Angeles area real estate needs, helpful real estate tips, our communities, luxury homes and more. I welcome you to contact me to answer any of your real estate questions, provide professional expertise in buying or selling your home, finding a luxury home, and locating the right investment properties. Together, we can achieve all your real estate goals. Thank you for visiting WhiteLuxuryHomes.com, I look forward to serving you.

Woodland Hills | Walnut Acres | 3 beds | 2.5 baths | single story ranch style home | SOLD for $880,000 Off Market to a beautiful family! If you’re looking for your dream home, sell your home, find the right investment property your search is over! Stephen White can help you accomplish all your real estate goals. Stephen WhiteLicensed Realtor® CalBre: 02009880 m: (310) 919-6676p:  (818) 564-4098e: [email protected] Based on information the CHRIS-Net Regional MLS as of 07/29/2019. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent. Landon Realty Group does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or features of the property by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection with appropriate licensed professionals. This is not a solicitation if you are currently with another broker.

1711 N Catalina St. Burbank You can have it all! Beautifully expanded 3 bedroom, 1 ¾ bath with pool, deck and attached garage has everything your heart desires. Features include: hardwood floors, central air/heat, fireplace, dual pane windows, mirrored closet doors and ceiling fans. The remodeled and expanded kitchen overlooks the backyard and features granite counter tops, custom cabinets, walk-in pantry, stainless appliances including: professional chef oven /stove with stainless steel hood, dishwasher and fridge. The expansive master suite has sliding doors that lead to the deck and pool, a walk-in closet and master bath with walk in shower with frameless glass doors. Entertaining is easy with sparkling pool, sunning deck, play yard and even a vegetable garden. Located on a quiet interior street, this home is the perfect place to hang your hat. Sweet Home California! Please contact me for further details – 310.919.6676 Dream it. Want it. Own it. Personal Note from Stephen White Welcome Home! Please use my website as a valuable resource for all your Los Angeles area real estate needs, helpful real estate tips, our communities, luxury homes and more. I welcome you to contact me to answer any of your real estate questions, provide professional expertise in buying or selling your home, finding a luxury home, and locating the right investment properties. Together, we can achieve all your real estate goals. Thank you for visiting WhiteLuxuryHomes.com, I look forward to serving you.

The Costly Mistake of Not Buying Now Monday August 5th, 2019  Buying Myths, Demographics, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Millennials, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy On his personal website, self-made millionaire David Bach makes a striking statement:  “Not prioritizing homeownership is the single biggest mistake millennials are making.”  He further stated, “Buying a home is an escalator to wealth.” Bach explains: “Young adults in particular aren’t hopping on this escalator, and it’s a costly mistake…If millennials don’t buy a home, their chances of actually having any wealth in this country are little to none.” He then elaborates on the game of homeownership: “Start by crunching the numbers…actually do the math…This way, you’re really clear on your goals and you won’t just say to yourself, ‘I’ll never afford this!’ A good rule of thumb is to make sure your total monthly housing payment doesn’t consume more than 30 percent of your take-home pay.”  Bach concludes by saying, “Oftentimes, buying your first home means you’re not buying your dream home…You’re just getting into the market.” Bottom Line Whenever a well-respected millionaire gives investment advice, listeners usually clamor to hear it. This millionaire shares some simple and straightforward insights: “The fact is, you aren’t really in the game of building wealth until you own some real estate.” Who is David Bach? Bach is a self-made millionaire who has written nine consecutive New York Times bestsellers. His book, “The Automatic Millionaire,” spent 31 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. He is one of the only business authors in history to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, and USA Today bestseller lists. He has been a contributor to NBC’s Today Show, appearing more than 100 times, as well as a regular on ABC, CBS, Fox, CNBC, CNN, Yahoo, The View, and PBS. He has also been profiled in many major publications, including the New York Times, BusinessWeek, USA Today, People, Reader’s Digest, Time, Financial Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Working Woman, Glamour, Family Circle, Redbook, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Investors’ Business Daily, and Forbes.

Dates: 8/24 – 8/25 | Time: 1-5pm 6 beds | 5.5 baths | 6983 sf | Lot 22,000 sf | Pool Hosted By: Stephen White Located in the prime Walnut Acres neighborhood of Woodland Hills, this absolutely gorgeous masterpiece is on a spacious flat lot. Spanning approximately 6,983 square feet of quality and elegance. Features include 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The downstairs boasts an unbelievable master retreat with a spa bathroom and dual walk-in closets overlooking the private pool and spa. The formal living room, family room, dining room, office and theater room all work together in a seamless open floor plan that leads to a lavish outdoor entertainment garden, brand new built-in BBQ and fire pit to enjoy an outdoor living space. Custom chef’s kitchen with brand new Thermador appliances, quartz counters, wine cellar, walk-in pantry, brand new elegant french oak floors, 3 car garage and three-zone A/C units. The home is automated with Smart Home technology on an Apple iPad features control built-in speakers, nest thermostat, and security locks and cameras 24 hours a day. 22938 Hatteras St, Woodland Hills     $2,350,000 Personal Note From Stephen White Welcome Home! Please use my website White Luxury Homes as a valuable resource for all of your Los Angeles real estate needs, helpful real estate tips, luxury homes and much more. I welcome you to contact me to answer any of your real estate questions. I will provide you with my professional expertise in buying or selling your home, locating the right lease or any investment property you choose to purchase. Together, we can achieve all your real estate goals. Thank you for visiting my Open House. I look forward to serving you,

“The outlook for the U.S. economy remains favorable, and this action is designed to support that outlook,” said the Fed chair, Jerome H. Powell.CreditCreditJim Lo Scalzo/EPA, via Shutterstock By Jeanna Smialek July 31, 2019 WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve cut interest rates on Wednesday for the first time in more than a decade, as it tried to keep America’s record-long economic expansion going by insulating the economy from mounting global risks. The widely expected quarter-point decrease was the Fed’s first since it slashed rates to near zero in 2008. But unlike those cuts, which were intended to rescue a failing economy, Wednesday’s move was seen as a precautionary effort to protect the United States from slowing growth in China and Europe and uncertainty over President Trump’s trade war. “The outlook for the U.S. economy remains favorable, and this action is designed to support that outlook,” the Fed chair, Jerome H. Powell, said at a news conference after the decision. The cut, Mr. Powell said, was “intended to ensure against downside risks from weak global growth and trade tensions.” It was a turning point, but one that disappointed both markets and Mr. Trump, who were hoping for a bigger rate cut. The Fed, which dropped its target rate to a range of 2 percent to 2.25 percent, stopped short of signaling the beginning of an aggressive rate-cutting campaign. By the end of the day, the S&P 500 was down 1.1 percent, the benchmark index’s worst decline since May 31. The Fed suggested its move was a small adjustment meant to help the economy weather uncertainty. While Mr. Powell left the door open to additional cuts, he said officials did not expect this to turn into the sort of deep cutting cycle that the Fed has done in the past to avert or offset recessions. “It’s not the beginning of a long series of rate cuts — I didn’t say it’s just one,” Mr. Powell said. “What we’re seeing is that it’s appropriate to adjust policy to a somewhat more accommodative stance over time, and that’s how we’re looking at it.”Why the Federal Reserve Cut Interest RatesThe move is what’s called an “insurance cut” — one that central bankers are making to keep growth chugging along. Not every Fed official agreed with cutting rates at a moment when the economy continues to grow, unemployment is at a 50-year low and wages are beginning to rise. Both Eric Rosengren, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, and Esther George, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, voted against Wednesday’s decision, preferring instead to leave rates unchanged. Those were the second and third dissents of Mr. Powell’s term as chair. Officials also announced an early end to their efforts to shrink the Fed’s balance sheet, another attempt to keep the economy moving. The central bank’s holdings of government-backed bonds swelled during the financial crisis as the Fed bought assets to try to reinvigorate growth. Policymakers have been siphoning off securities to return the balance sheet to a more normal size, and that process — known as quantitative tightening — was scheduled to end after September. It will now conclude on Thursday. Central bankers are operating against a fraught political backdrop as they navigate an uncertain outlook. Manufacturing is slumping the world over, and growth is slowing in China and Europe. Mr. Trump’s trade fights have also thrown the Fed a curveball, as the president zigzags between fighting and negotiating with China and threatening tariffs on large trading partners, like Mexico. That unpredictability has begun to weigh on business investment in the United States and abroad, sowing concern among Fed officials and prompting the central bank to shift policy. The Fed has gone from a steady campaign of raising rates in 2018 to signaling a patient approach throughout the spring to ushering in a rate cut in July. While the economy is strong and jobs are plentiful, Mr. Powell nodded to the impact Mr. Trump’s trade approach is having on the Fed, saying the policy uncertainty is complicating its decision-making. “I would love to be more precise, but with trade, it is a factor that we have to assess in kind of a new way,” Mr. Powell said. Mr. Trump has blamed the Fed for slowing the American economy, criticizing its four 2018 rate increases and denouncing Mr. Powell’s leadership. The president continued to assail the Fed on Wednesday, saying its move was too small. “What the Market wanted to hear from Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve was that this was the beginning of a lengthy and aggressive rate-cutting cycle which would keep pace with China,” Mr. Trump said in a tweet, adding, “As usual, Powell let us down.” Donald J. Trump✔@realDonaldTrump · 5h What the Market wanted to hear from Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve was that this was the beginning of a lengthy and aggressive rate-cutting cycle which would keep pace with China, The European Union and other countries around the world…. Donald J. Trump✔@realDonaldTrump ….As usual, Powell let us down, but at least he is ending quantitative tightening, which shouldn’t have started in the first place – no inflation. We are winning anyway, but I am certainly not getting much help from the Federal Reserve!46.9K1:41 PM – Jul 31, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy16.2K people are talking about this Mr. Powell has repeatedly said the Fed operates independently of the White House and does not factor its views into decision making. Markets were also looking to Mr. Powell for more. The widely expected move from the central bank was initially greeted with a shrug in financial markets, where investors have been factoring in a rate cut for months. But the stock market turned lower after Mr. Powell began his news conference at 2:30 p.m., as investors absorbed the chair’s comments that the Fed was making a “midcycle adjustment” as a signal that the Fed was not headed toward a string of rate cuts, as investors had hoped. “People are saying,

This absolutely beautiful remodeled home is now yours and ready to move in! Sherman Oaks is one of the most desirable communities within the entire San Fernando Valley – FALL IN LOVE! Absolutely Gorgeous Views Providing You That Serene Relaxation You Always Imagined! Living space is filled with natural light and the perfect split-level open floor plan from kitchen to dining and living area. Chefs kitchen is equipped with top of the line appliances, sub zero refrigerator, wolf appliances and center Island designed for people who like to cook and entertain at the same time! Large master bedroom has walk-in closet and a custom designed bathroom. Extremely PRIVATE home South of Ventura Blvd and conveniently close to shopping, restaurants and entertainment. This home is fully equipped and is ratted the #1 neighborhood in Sherman Oaks! 3 beds | 2 1/2 Baths | 2060 sf | 9800 sf lot | 2 car attached garage |NO HOA FEES | 180 degrees of city lights, canyon and mountain views! $1,765,000

MOLD: AN UNINVITED AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS GUEST IN YOUR HOME Mold is a type of fungus that grows from microscopic spores that can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. It appears in a wide range of colors, including black, white, orange, green, or purple. If you’ve ever forgotten about a container of leftover food, you’ve probably received a crash course in mold growth. Bathtub tile and shower curtains are prime candidates for household mold. In small quantities, mold is unsightly but typically harmless. That doesn’t mean you should ignore it. If mold takes up residence, it can pose potentially dangerous issues to your health and your home. Health Issues Some people are sensitive to molds and will experience nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, red eyes, or skin irritations when exposed to it. Someone with mold allergies, asthma, or chronic lung disease will experience more severe reactions. Certain types of mold are more dangerous than others, including some varieties of black mold, which release harmful toxins into the environment called mycotoxins. In rare instances, long-term exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to severe mental and neurological symptoms like memory loss, anxiety, and numbness in hands and feet. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that some studies suggest a possible link between early mold exposure in children and the potential to develop asthma. Damage to Physical Structures Mold feasts on organic materials, including paper, wood, and fabrics. In most homes, wood plays a significant structural role, supporting floors, walls, and ceilings. Organic materials are also prevalent in drywall, wallpaper, carpeting, and ceiling tiles. It takes time, but in extreme cases, unrestrained mold can weaken structural beams, cause walls to crumble, and make floors and ceilings collapse. As with any home maintenance concern, the sooner problems are caught, stopped, and repaired, the better. Tell-Tale Signs Mold loves moisture. If your house has experienced flooding, leaking pipes, or other water damage—or you’ve noticed condensation or high humidity indoors—your home is creating an inviting place for mold to grow. When searching for mold, recognize that you may not be able to see it. It can grow behind walls, under flooring, in HVAC ducts, and other less-than-visible places. Other warning signs that your home may have conditions that invite mold growth include: Smell – any parts of your home that smell musty or damp are potential candidates. Physical changes – look for wallboards or woodwork that is warped or peeling paint. Rusty pipes can also indicate a moisture problem. Address mold immediately before it spreads to other areas. If, for instance, humidity and condensation in your HVAC ducts have resulted in mold growth, heating and cooling your home can move those spores into every room. If you discover a mold issue, don’t disturb it until you know how to handle it safely. DIY methods are typically appropriate for small problems. However, major or dangerous infestations require professional remediation services. FIND A BUYER’S REP Buying a home is a major endeavor and enjoying a successful real estate transaction requires knowledge and experience. Our Accredited Buyer’s Representatives understand your perspective and are committed to helping you achieve your goals. FRIRST TIME HOME BUYER? To assist you and other homebuyers, we created a comprehensive home buying guide that walks you through each step in the buying process.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Homeownership is a financial commitment, pre- and post-purchase Buying may make sense if you plan to stay in your home for at least five to seven years The math behind renting vs. buying Buying a home is a big financial investment – perhaps the biggest one you’ll make in your life. Be sure to do your homework and carefully evaluate how you want to live and how much you can comfortably afford. Homeownership can be very rewarding if you are properly prepared, know what to expect, and make informed financial decisions. Is buying a home right for you? It may make sense if you: Have reliable income, good credit, and documentation to verify your savings. Can afford at least a 3% down payment and related closing costs. Want a chance to build equity and be eligible for homeowner tax breaks and credits. Have the time and money required for home maintenance and improvement projects. Have an adequate cash reserve to withstand a loss of job, illness, or other financial setback. Are planning on staying in your home for at least five years. Rent vs. Buy: Crunching the Numbers The costs of renting or buying are varied, making it hard to tell which makes better financial sense.  Use our Rent vs. Buy calculator to evaluate the costs as illustrated for Sally and Darren in the example below. Sally and Darren want to know if it makes better financial sense to rent or buy given their current $1,400 rent payment. How much home can they buy knowing they can afford a $1,400 monthly mortgage payment and can make a 5% down payment? THE SCENARIOS RENTAL SCENARIO HOME­OWNERSHIP SCENARIO* Monthly rent = $1,400Monthly renter’s insurance = $10Annual rent increase = 3.6% Purchase price = $200,000 Down payment = 5% ($10,000) Annual property tax = $2,000 Annual homeowners insurance = $500 Annual home maintenance = $2,000 Mortgage rate = 4.5%* These inputs will result in a monthly mortgage payment around $1,400 when factoring in PMI We’ve also put in other assumptions and costs for Sally and Darren, including: a 3% home appreciation rate, a $1,500 origination charge, $1,000 for settlement services, 3% for selling costs, a 33.8% state and federal tax rate, and a savings rate of zero. The Outcome With this scenario, Sally and Darren will save $92,216 by buying instead of renting over a seven year period. If they stay in their home for 15 years, they will save $273,558. Over 30 years, they’ll save $887,450. Armed with this knowledge, Sally and Darren are better prepared to answer the rent vs. buy question.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Homeownership is a long-term financial commitment Comparing the financial differences between renting and buying is complex.  Use our calculator. Long-term, Sally and Darren would benefit financially from homeownership http://myhome.freddiemac.com/buy/planning-to-buy.html

Making a good first impression with an open house is a great way to impress buyers and get your home sold quickly. The following are a few helpful tips for successfully staging an open house to sell your home.

Thank you for visiting WhiteLuxuryHomes.com. We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website. This website is designed to help give you real estate resources, tips, tools, and relevant information.