Green City

Average (Net After Tax Dedution) Interest Rate Under 2.93%

2010-05-13T10:22:00.001-07:00

The Los Angeles Times just reported via Fannie Mae that the average 30 year fix loan interest rate has droped to 4.93% down from 5.00%.

PleasePlease contact all mortgage broker for interast rate quote and your CPA for what your net after tax deduction interest would be based on tax bracket. Happy home shopping.

2010-05-13T10:21:00.001-07:00

Now Introducing...Ocean Park Top 5

2010-05-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

From now on, we will also be showcasing the top available properties in the popular Ocean Park neighborhood of Santa Monica on a regular basis. And the Top 5 now are...

1. 2911 4th Street #118
Make an offer and take advantage of this bank-owned property! It’s a rare opportunity to find a 3 bedroom 3 bathroom for under 700K in the Ocean Park area. Enjoy summer nights on an extra large main floor balcony.

2. 425 Marine Street #5
Take in the sunshine with this great 2 bedroom townhouse and loft with floor to ceiling windows. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and mountains and cozy up to the fireplace on chilly nights.

3. 2225 4th Street Unit B
Enjoy the sunsets from your private roof top deck! This is an amazing price for an 1800+ square foot townhouse that truly feels like a private home, complete with bright and airy rooms and a private grassy yard.

4. 2115 3rd Street #406
Another beautiful condo in one of the Sea View Collection buildings! Known for the architectural appeal and clean design lines, a top floor unit does not come around often. This space also boasts 2 fireplaces and beautiful hand-carved wooden doors.

5. 2513 3rd Street
This is your chance to own and restore a beautiful Vintage California Bungalow. Go ahead...you won’t be disappointed, especially with the period detailing through, the large elevated lot and sweeping Ocean views.

Venice Top Ten--May 11

2010-05-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

1. 818 Crestmoore Place
One of our favorite neighborhoods in Venice AND located in the Coeur d ‘Alene school district. This stunning home offers tranquility in the city yet is steps away from Abbott Kinney. Built in 2010, this home more green features than any other home currently on the market in Venice!

2. 1121 Abbot Kinney
With First Fridays just this past weekend, we couldn’t help but think that having an ultra cool pad like this one would be a great place to have a party and hang out on the balcony while enjoying the festivities. This is the signature unit in this Michael Sant-designed live/work masterpiece!

3. 2500 Abbot Kinney
Abbot Kinney strikes again, with the most affordable 2 bedroom 2 baths under $550K. This contemporary townhouse boasts a cozy fireplace and spacious patio. Walk just a block to the shops and restaurants!

4. 512 Rose
With such amazing mixed use possibilities, we just had to keep this one on the list. So, find some partners and $9 million and gives us a call!

5. 255 Main Street
The “clown building” presents a spectacular penthouse. No expense spared—chef’s kitchen, custom finishes and sweeping views. Must see!

6. 2316 Strongs Canal
This is the 2nd most affordable home on the canals with rustic features and as close to the beach as you can get with a canal home. Cathedral ceilings, a grand brick wood-burning fireplace and a charming outdoor water feature are just a few of this home’s amazing features.

7. 420 Carrol Canal
We had to keep this on the list because it is just so stunning. This beautiful Mediterranean compound enjoys 90‘ Venice Canals frontage & incredible water vistas. Spanish tile, balconies, 4 fireplaces...we could go on...
Come see this beauty for yourself!

8. 856 Veneniza
One of our favorite streets (wide with giant palms) this home boasts so many amazing features, including a cook’s kitchen with Viking appliances with eye-catching granite counters & a porcelain farmhouse kitchen sink. Enjoy a romantic dinner on the treetops-surrounded patio -- complete with 6 working chandeliers in the trees!

9. 419 Ocean Front
This brand new single family home on ocean front could be a live/work space, or live in part and rent out the rest. This home boasts unique architectural details such as pivot windows, a glass bridge and many designer finishes. And then there’s the ocean view and the relaxing sound of the waves...

10. 2473 Glencoe
This 3 bed 2 bath is really affordable. Located east of Lincoln and south of Venice in a hidden pocket with numerous charming details and handcrafted woodwork. This home also features a backyard designed for entertaining, complete with a mini kitchen, barbeque and flowing waterfall.

Santa Monica, CA - Ocean Park - Monthly Market Update - 2010

2010-05-10T22:37:00.001-07:00

Here it is April's monthly market update. If you have questions about Santa Monica Real Estate, Los Angeles Real Estate or Green Homes please contact us at 310-754-8103. Laura

Venice, CA - Monthly Market Update - April 2010

2010-05-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

If you would like more information about Venice Real Estate, Los Angeles Real Estate or Green Properties please contact us. Enjoy the video. Jeffrey

Realogy CEO Richard Smith appearing on CNBC with Yale economics professor Robert Shiller as they discuss whether the housing market will continue.

2010-05-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

This is a great video to bring you up-t0-speed on the current status in the overall US real estate market place. Please contact Green City Coldwell Banker 310-754-8148 for information on you local micro market. Jeffrey

Venice Top Ten-April 2010

2010-04-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

Our monthly showcase of the best real estate offerings in Venice...

1. 736 Amorosa Place-Definitely #1 on our list! Beautifully updated original Craftsman on a highly sought-after Venice walk street...and it's a double-lot. Truly a rare find!

2. 512 Rose Ave- This one has made it on our list before--we can't believe it's still available. Amazing mixed-use development opportunity on the up-and-coming trendy Rose Ave. Don't let this one slip away!

3. 806 Valita Ave.- Hands-down, the best price for a 2 bedroom, 3 bath in Venice. Loads of charm and just waiting for a little update!

4. 420 Carroll Canal- Simply amazing Mediterranean compound on the Venice Canals. Spanish tile and wood floors, expansive patios and six fireplaces! This beautiful home has it all...for a cool $6.5 million.

5. 1301 Preston Ave.- LEED Platinum certified--the highest tier available, beautiful floor plan, top-quality finishes and a great neighborhood. Need we say more?

6. 29 Brooks Ave.- 7 unit income property on Venice walk-street. Close to the beach and all recently updated. And, don't forget the best Gross Rent Multiplier (12.9) in Venice.

7. 819 Commonwealth Ave.- The most affordable income property in Venice! Newly remodeled Spanish duplex with all new landscaping.

8. 255 Main Street #305- Impeccably redesigned Main Street Penthouse in one of our favorite buildings. This 3 bedroom
SoHo-like loft has a spa-like bathroom, tons of sleek features and amazing ocean and city views!

9. 1642 Crescent Place- Absolutely delightful Petite Normandy, two story cottage! With vaulted ceilings, custom Italian kitchen and artisan details, this home oozes with European charm. One of a kind!

10. 837 Marco Place- Just reduced! Beautiful Craftsmen home on Venice walk street. Come home to a lush garden oasis, grand fireplace, arched ceilings, showcase windows, legal guest house...and more. A remarkable home!

REO Property of The Week - Playa del Rey

2010-04-02T13:36:00.003-07:00

This week we are happy to announce we are launching a weekly video blog series of an, interesting or intriguing REO (bank owned) property that is currently for sale on the westside of Los Angeles. This week we focused our attention on Playa del Rey inside of an ocean front condominium community. Enjoy the videos. (PLEASE NOTE THIS WAS SHOT IN hd ALTHOUGH THE Blogger VIDEO TOOL WE ARE USING WILL BE SWAPPED OUT FOR BETTER RESOLUTION IN THE FUTURE) If you have any questions about this property buying and selling Los Angeles real estate or green properties connect with us at 310-754-8104 or facebook.com/greencityrealestate.

Part 2

Part 3

"Helpful Tools For Our Clients" - The View

2010-03-30T14:10:00.001-07:00

Over the next couple of months we will be posting a series of blog entries “Helpful Tools For Our Clients”. These tools can be categorized as a seller, buyer or the tool(s) will benefit both. We are sharing this with you because Green City - Coldwell Banker believes in offering as much help to our clients to educate them on the real estate transaction they are planning to take on. It is our belief that real estate is better for everyone if there is complete and total access to data because a home owner or buyer whom has the data and knowledgeable is the best candidate for us to help achieve their real estate goals. Enjoy the series and as always be good!

Toys for Tots

2009-11-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

This year, there are children in your own local communities who won't know the simple joy of opening one gift this holiday season. The offices of Coldwell Banker are teaming up once again to collect toys for the Marine Corps Reserve sponsored Toys for Tots program. Please help by donating new, unwrapped toys valued at $10 or more. Toys suitable for teens are especially needed. Educational toys are great choices, and there are many green options as well. Check out greentoys.com for info on where to find green toys made in Cali. Toys "R" Us has also launched a line of eco-friendly toys--click here for more info.

You can drop the toys off at any Coldwell Banker location, including Green City-Coldwell Banker or bring them to any event where you know you'll see me. I'd also be happy to pick up any items as I make my way around town. Just shoot me an email at jeffrey@greencityrealestate.com, visit me on Facebook at Green City's Fan Page or leave a comment below.

Be good!

Image from toysfortots-socal.org

Mapping LA

2009-11-13T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder exactly where the many neighborhoods--114 in total--in LA begin and end? How often have you driven down the road with an out-of-towner and tried to pinpoint when you crossed over into a different neighborhood? City and county boundaries are clear enough, but so many of us in LA identify strongest with the neighborhoods we live, work, or play in. So, the folks over at LA Times decided to settle this boundary dilemma with Mapping L.A.

You simply click on an area on their city map, and up pops the name of the neighborhood with the boundaries highlighted. You can also look up the demographics of any neighborhood, including population, median income, average age, etc.
Some comments on the website about the project site discrepancies with certain boundaries, and Venice is one of the neighborhoods with said questionable boundaries. This is largely due to the fact that half of Venice receives its mail through the Marina del Rey post office and uses the Marina zip code, 90292. So, if you are one of the folks living in the Oxford Triangle, say, what do you think--Venice or Marina del Rey? Which one do you identify with?

Happy mapping! Be good!

Venice Top Ten Properties

2009-11-06T14:16:00.001-08:00

1. 1301 Preston Way – This LEED Platinum certified home with solar and a ton more has a beautiful indoor outdoor floor plan and located in great neighborhood east of Lincoln Blvd.

2. 418 Westminster Avenue – This home is gorgeous! If you ever wanted to feel as though you were vacationing in the far East but as close to home as Abbot Kinney than this is your spot. This is hidden sanctuary in an otherwise busy beach town.

3. 434 Rialto Avenue – Located in one of the best neighborhoods in Venice. The streets are tree lined and it is just a hop, skip and a jump to Abbot Kinney and the beach.

4. 736 Amoroso Place – Arguably one of the best walk streets in Venice. This home is classic original craftsman with exquisite wood working and cabinetry. Not to mention the grounds and the studio space.

5. 687 Washington Boulevard – Architectural SHORT SALE. This home is up for negotiations. Make an offer.

6. 17 27th Avenue – One of the cutest beach bungalow under 1 Million dollars. What else is there to say?

7. 546 S Broadway Street – New construction short sale! This is what we all have been waiting for. New York brownstone couple blocks from Abbot Kinney, Rose & Main Street.

8. 29 Brooks – This is a 7 unit craftsman on walk street 1 block to the beach. Not to mention it is priced at 12.9 x gross.

9. 22 Navy Street #102 – This lowest priced condo, ½ block from the beach with 2 parking spaces.

10. 512 Rose Ave – This property is a great development opportunity. We all have driven down Rose and thought what we would do with this lot. Do I hear “mixed use project”.

Contact us for more information on these Venice Beach Green Properties!

350 Day Was A Great Sucess

2009-10-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an amazing experience for my wife and me. Being apart of a global movement through participation within our local community made me further understand how our daily actions can impact all of us around the world. According to 350.0rg's official website, "many people in 181 countries at over 5400 events participated yesterday". The mission for 350 day is "to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis—to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet."

Kristen and I attended the Community Tree Planting at Coeur d'Alene Elementary. Volunteers, parents and children helped plant trees & shrubs throughout the play ground of the school campus. The Tree Planting was the culmination of 9 months of hard work by many of the parents and supporters of Coeur d'Alene Elementary. It was great to see the excitement in the kids eyes as they dug, planted, watered and laughed with each other. I look forward to more days like this not only with my wife but with our community as we all work together to help product our environment and stop climate change.

For more information, photos and reports on 350 day events visit 350.org. Also if you are interested in learning more or donating to a great school located in Venice, CA visit Coeur d'Alene Elementary.

I hope all of you had a great time yesterday and if you did not get a chance to attend or participate in an event remember we all have the ability to do something daily in our lives to help stop climate change so have at! Be good.

Give to your favorite charity just by searching the internet!

2009-10-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

Next time you are searching the internet, consider searching through GoodSearch.com. Just enter the name of the charity or school you wish to support and start searching as you normally would. They'll donate to your cause for every search. How easy is that! There are thousands of organizations to choose from. Some local environmental ones include: Heal the Bay, Garden School Foundation in Santa Monica, Green Wish, Los Angeles Parks Foundation and the Ocean Conservation Society. Just click on the button below to get started.

Happy searching and be good!

International Day of Climate Action-Oct. 24

2009-10-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

Next Saturday, October 24 is International Day of Climate Action--more succinctly known as 350, which, according to the website 350.org ,
is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide—measured in "Parts Per Million" in our atmosphere. 350 PPM—it's the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change.

So far there will be over 3000 actions (all volunteers) taking place in 158 countries, so I decided to find out if an action was being planned here in Venice (the website lets you search for an existing action in your area or create your own and invite others to join). Turns out The Green Team at Coeur d'Alene Elementary, with TreePeople, has an event planned for next Saturday called "Butterflies and Boulders: A School Greening Project."

The goal is to plant 28 trees and 128 shrubs to help educate kids, parents and community about global warming and the importance of green space. There will also art for the kids, guest speakers and entertainment. So, my wife and I decided to sign up, and I'm inviting others to join us for this community event! To learn more, click here.

Hope to see you there!

I'm Getting This Blog Going!

2009-07-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

So this has been a long time coming but I'm about to get this blog going. Stay tuned and please if you have any questions, comments or complaining please don't hesitate to reach out. Be good!