Great news from our lender at the Citron complex...
Loans for a 5 year fixed, with zero points are now available at 4.875%!
That's right, 4.875% with no points!!!
This rate is incredibly low and can be a great money saver during the mortgate crisis we're in.
For more information, please don't hesitate to call Renee 323-459-6890
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Eminent Domain - Propositions 98 & 99
I just got my sample June 3rd ballot in the mail and since I don’t know any of the judges and/or politicians on the ballot, I figured I’d talk a little bit about something else on the ballot that I do know something about.
Initiatives 98 and 99 deal with real estate, particularly a subject called eminent domain. The government’s right to repossess private land for public use through a process known as condemnation. It’s a right that the government established in the 5th amendment that also calls for “just compensation,” usually market value for the property.
Traditionally, public use meant things like roads and schools. Over the past several decades, however, some believe the government has abused its power by routinely condemning property and turning it over to well-connected private developers as a way of subsidizing economic development and increasing tax revenues.
Some well-known examples would be the building of Dodger Stadium on Chavez Ravine or the expansion of Disneyland in Anaheim.
The main issue with eminent domain is what is actually considered a “public use”… Disneyland & Dodgers baseball vs. Brand new condos and/or homes?
The attached link gives another example of the use of eminent domain in California.
http://reason.tv/video/show/56.html
Now back to the actual initiatives:
Proposition 99 would forbid California redevelopment agencies and other government entities from using eminent domain to take homes, businesses and farms for private development, which in my opinion sounds great.
Prop 98 is a little trickier because it includes a provision that would phase out rent control and limits protection for our land, air, wildlife and coastlines, in addition to threatening our state water supply. According to our Governor, “it undermines California's ability to build dams, water delivery systems and other public works projects.”
While I would like to see an overhaul of our rent control regulations since it discourages renters from all the benefits of home-ownership and limits the government’s tax revenue, I believe the restrictions on our water supply, wildlife and air are more important to protect.
So join me in voting “No” on 98 and “Yes” on 99.
Initiatives 98 and 99 deal with real estate, particularly a subject called eminent domain. The government’s right to repossess private land for public use through a process known as condemnation. It’s a right that the government established in the 5th amendment that also calls for “just compensation,” usually market value for the property.
Traditionally, public use meant things like roads and schools. Over the past several decades, however, some believe the government has abused its power by routinely condemning property and turning it over to well-connected private developers as a way of subsidizing economic development and increasing tax revenues.
Some well-known examples would be the building of Dodger Stadium on Chavez Ravine or the expansion of Disneyland in Anaheim.
The main issue with eminent domain is what is actually considered a “public use”… Disneyland & Dodgers baseball vs. Brand new condos and/or homes?
The attached link gives another example of the use of eminent domain in California.
http://reason.tv/video/show/56.html
Now back to the actual initiatives:
Proposition 99 would forbid California redevelopment agencies and other government entities from using eminent domain to take homes, businesses and farms for private development, which in my opinion sounds great.
Prop 98 is a little trickier because it includes a provision that would phase out rent control and limits protection for our land, air, wildlife and coastlines, in addition to threatening our state water supply. According to our Governor, “it undermines California's ability to build dams, water delivery systems and other public works projects.”
While I would like to see an overhaul of our rent control regulations since it discourages renters from all the benefits of home-ownership and limits the government’s tax revenue, I believe the restrictions on our water supply, wildlife and air are more important to protect.
So join me in voting “No” on 98 and “Yes” on 99.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Los Angeles Goes "Green"
In honor of Earth Day, Los Angeles became the largest city in the US to join in the battle against global warming. The LA City Council unanimously adopted regulations that require builders of large commercial and residential developements to adhere to measures such as planting drought-resistant landscaping and using recycled materials and energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting.
The law requires new commercial buildings and high-rise residential structures with more than 50,000 square feet of floor space to meet a nationally recognized "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) standard. It also would cover major renovations and low-rise developments of 50 units or more. The rules would amount to preventing about 85,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the next five years, the equivalent of removing 15,000 cars from the roads.
For a city that houses over 10 million people and over 3.3 million housing units, it's not a bad start. Now let's hope we can convince small-time developers that the benefits of green building far outweigh the costs.
The law requires new commercial buildings and high-rise residential structures with more than 50,000 square feet of floor space to meet a nationally recognized "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) standard. It also would cover major renovations and low-rise developments of 50 units or more. The rules would amount to preventing about 85,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the next five years, the equivalent of removing 15,000 cars from the roads.
For a city that houses over 10 million people and over 3.3 million housing units, it's not a bad start. Now let's hope we can convince small-time developers that the benefits of green building far outweigh the costs.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Citron Launch
Today, Landmark Realtors and Renee Zamir are extremely pleased to announce the listing of 16 brand new modern condominium units in the heart of the Beverly Grove Area near shops, restaurants and places of worship.
Unique and spacious floor plans with ultra modern and top of the line amenities. All units are corner units with hardwood floors throughout, Walker Zanger tiles, fireplaces, high ceilings, with great views and natural light. Complex has a breathtaking open courtyard with subterranean parking and security.
Choose from 3bedrooms/2 baths or 2 bedrooms/2 baths starting at $695,000.
357 N. Hayworth Ave. Fairfax at Beverly.
Grand opening on Tuesday April, 22 from 11-4pm and open houses every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm.
Own yours today!!!
http://www.circlepix.com/home/5NS6D6
Unique and spacious floor plans with ultra modern and top of the line amenities. All units are corner units with hardwood floors throughout, Walker Zanger tiles, fireplaces, high ceilings, with great views and natural light. Complex has a breathtaking open courtyard with subterranean parking and security.
Choose from 3bedrooms/2 baths or 2 bedrooms/2 baths starting at $695,000.
357 N. Hayworth Ave. Fairfax at Beverly.
Grand opening on Tuesday April, 22 from 11-4pm and open houses every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm.
Own yours today!!!
http://www.circlepix.com/home/5NS6D6
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spring "Green" Cleaning
Now that Passover is just around the corner and some of us are busy cleaning our homes, I thought some "green" cleaning tips for are in order. These little recipes can provide a cheap, easy and eco-friendly alternative to commercial cleaning products.
All Purpose Household Cleaner (good for counter tops, floors, walls, rugs & more):
1 quart warm water
1 tsp liquid hand soap
1 squeeze of a lemon
Clothing Stain Remover
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
mix to create a paste, spread it over the stain and allow it to dry before washing clothes
Carpet Stain Remover
Baking soda or club soda
Mirror and Window Cleaner
1 Tsp rubbing alcohol
1/2 cub white vinegar
1 quart water
Newspaper
Combine the liquids and place in a spray bottle. Spray contents on windows or mirror and dry with newspaper
Paint Remover for Your Hands
Use Vegetable Oil instead of paint thinner
Hope these handy tips can be a cost effective and practical tool to help the environment.
All Purpose Household Cleaner (good for counter tops, floors, walls, rugs & more):
1 quart warm water
1 tsp liquid hand soap
1 squeeze of a lemon
Clothing Stain Remover
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
mix to create a paste, spread it over the stain and allow it to dry before washing clothes
Carpet Stain Remover
Baking soda or club soda
Mirror and Window Cleaner
1 Tsp rubbing alcohol
1/2 cub white vinegar
1 quart water
Newspaper
Combine the liquids and place in a spray bottle. Spray contents on windows or mirror and dry with newspaper
Paint Remover for Your Hands
Use Vegetable Oil instead of paint thinner
Hope these handy tips can be a cost effective and practical tool to help the environment.
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