REMINDER: CALIFORNIA PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT DEADLINE DECEMBER 12th!

The 1st installment of your California property taxes are technically due November 1st but it is not delinquent until December 12th. It is usually December 10th but since the 10th is a Saturday, it is extended until Monday. If you have not paid your property taxes, DO IT NOW otherwise it is a 10% penalty if not received or postmarked by the 12th!! 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT WEB-SITE

China's Looming Debt Crisis Could Mean Big Opportunities for U.S. Real Estate

The founding partner of Partners Trust China, Sean Mei, just penned an informative article on China’s growing debt problem and how it could mean more investment in the United State, specifically in real estate in the first part of 2017…I am a little more skeptical of Sean about how much money will come from China as foreign investment has fallen off the past six months but will see.

 Article: China's Looming Debt Crisis Could Mean Big Opportunities for US Real Estate

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza Slated for 2020 Completion…Real Estate Surging In Surrounding Areas

Baldwin Hills and its surrounding areas have been on fire from a real estate perspective for some time and we are expecting that to continue with Expo’s Crenshaw line slated to open in the next five years and information surfacing that the new Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza transformation will be completed in 2020.

Artist rendering of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

The Plaza is a much-anticipated project for the neighborhood with plans to turn it into an urban village much like Pasadena’s Americana, including a completely rehabbed retail space, hotel, offices and more.

With housing becoming difficult to afford on the Westside and beautification projects and mass transit redefining the outlook for areas like Baldwin Vista, Leimert Park and Crenhsaw Manor, it is no longer a secret that these areas are a hot spot with investors and young families and we still believe some great opportunities will be had in these up and coming areas for years to come.

Source: Partners Trust Company Blog

Mortgage Rates increase for the fifth consecutive week…hitting a new high in 2016

The 30 year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) increased to 4.13% for the week ending December 8th. This is up from last week’s 4.08% and 18 basis points higher than this time last year.

The 15-year FRM increased to 3.36%, slightly up from last week’s 3.34% and 3.19% last year. Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sean Becketti stated that the markets are 94% certain of a quarter-point-rate hike.

Interest Rate Chart since Dec. 2015

 Source- Housingwire

Alexis Antin Joins the Team!

Thanks to a wonderful network of clients who have passionately referred us, business has grown over 70% this year and we are excited to announce that Alexis Antin joined the team as an associate partner. Alexis has been a fantastic addition since coming on board providing a ton of positive energy and tremendous customer service. A native of Los Angeles with strong local knowledge of the micro markets of So Cal real estate, Alexis is an ideal teammate in representing the needs of our clients with enthusiasm, integrity and attention to detail. She has a very bright future in this business and looking forward to an even more successful year in 2017 with her on board.

Alexis and her husband Brandon currently reside on the Westside and are active supporters of many local charitable organizations and she is on the advisory board of the Wendy Walk, an annual fundraiser for cancer research.

Articles You Should Read- Real Estate trends for 2017, Realtor.com Housing Forecast and more!

Check out the following articles:

 1- Six things to know about LA’s plans to fix its awful sidewalks - 

 2- Los Angeles County Home Prices Are up 7 percent 

 3- 5 Big Real Estate Trends To Watch For in 2017 

 4- Realtor.Com 2017 Housing Forecast- The 2017 housing market will be a year of slowing, yet moderate growth, set against the backdrop of a changing composition of home buyers and a post-election interest rate jump that could potentially price some first-timers out of the market, according to the realtor.com® 2017 housing forecast.