West Vancouver "user fee" (read: tax) on home fire alarm systems

In 2009 West Vancouver introduced a new tax levied on monitored home fire alarm systems.

Instead of the municipality rewarding home owners for paying an alarm company in an effort to prevent or reduce fire damage and as a result the use of services of the fire department - as insurance companies do - the West Vancouver municipality sees alarm systems as an opportunity to get more money out of the residents. The municipality calls this tax a "user fee" - the only problem is that the "user" does not use anything.
Homeowners also get fined for false alarms. Even if one agrees that this tax is a user fee, how can there be a user fee and a fine for the same service?

If the fire department has to attend to a fire in a home without a fire alarm system, the homeowner does not get charged a user fee even if the fire could have been wholly or partly prevented with an alarm system. So there is no tax/user fee for preventable use of the fire department but there is a tax/user fee for trying to prevent or minimize their use.

What is next? A tax on hardwood floors, showers? Kitchens would be a good source of revenue because every home is sure to have one. Let's think how that can be interpreted as a user fee.

Burzum - Belus (2010)

Artist: Burzum

Album: Belus
Year: 2010
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Norway
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 119 MB

1. Leukes Renkespill (Introduksjon) 00:32
2. Belus' Doed 06:12
3. Glemselens Elv 11:36
4. Kaimadalthas' Nedstigning 06:31
5. Sverddans 02:23
6. Keliohesten 05:35
7. Morgenroede 08:38
8. Belus' Tilbakekomst (Konklusjon) 09:10

Total playing time 50:37

CD-RIP

Download
Download

 

Stunning well priced condo in Two Harbour Green, recent sold condo in Fairmont Pacific Rim

SOLD

2509-1011 W Cordova, Coal Harbour (Fairmont Pacific Rim Estates) sold on 14 Febr 2010 not far below the asking price of CAD 5,488,000. This condo faces North West, is 2,669 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a den and 2 parking.

ACTIVE listing
I have a great listing at 1139 W Cordova, Coal Harbour (Two Harbour Green): NW facing as well, slightly higher floor, 3,363 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 parking and CAD 400,000 spent on upgrades. Asking price of this impressive condo is CAD 6.6mil. See the listing details of the condo at 1139 W Cordova.
Other condos for sale at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Estates
Please contact me at 604 926 3936 or at christinelouw@shaw.ca for further information or to make an appointment to view these or any other condos.

Residential Reports for Mobile and Baldwin County from Center for Real Estate Studies

We recently received the Real Estate Reports for Residential sales for January 2010 for both Mobile County and Baldwin County generated by the Center for Real Estate Studies at the Mitchell School of Business at University of South Alabama. We have posted these reports to our website. These reports have very interesting information and charts.


Click here to see the January reports.

Leviathan - Tentacles of Whorror (2004)

Artist: Leviathan
Album: Tentacles of Whorror
Year: 2004
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: United States
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 164 MB 

 

1. What Fresh Hell 04:24 
2. Heir to the Noose of Ghoul 04:27 
3. Cut, With the Night Into Mine Heart 05:13 
4. A Bouquet of Blood For Skull 04:16 
5. Deciphering Legend Within the Serpent's Briar 06:48
6. A Necessary Mutilation 04:40 
7. Vexed and Vomit Hexed 06:48
8. Tentacles of Whorror (Revel the Tyrant) 09:09 
9. Requiem For a Turd World 07:45 
10. Blood Red and True: Part 3 (Plummeting Obscure) 03:42
11. Mouth Orifice Bizarre 06:49 
12. The History of Rape 08:19

 

Total playing time 01:12:28

 

Download

Download

 

Lacey Brown Hairstyle

Credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Lacey Brown, I love the look, soulfoul voice, she's cute and I love her hair too.
Her rendition of "What a Wonderful World" from Hollywood round was great and very endearing and what a great attitude about not getting through last year. I really liked Megan Joy (who got thru instead of her) but Megan didn't quite deliver although she was good. I'm glad Lacey was given another chance this week. Some people say her hairstyle is called "The Suspicious Duchess".

Must Watch - What A Wonderful World

Lacey Brown - Somewhere Over the Rainbow Audition

Stielas Storhett - SKD (2010)

Artist: Stielas Storhett
Album: SKD
Year: 2010
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Russia
Quality: mp3@VBR276kbps
Size: 33 MB 

 

1. SKD I 08:08

2. SKD II 07:18

  

Total playing time 15:26

 

Download

Download

 

Jumbo Loans - Lowest Rates in 5 Years, Lending Requirements Loosened; National New Home Sales Fall to Record Lows

News about the housing market is erratic. First there is favorable news (Los Angeles rated #7 housing market in nation in 2009 -- prices flat!) and then some dispatches of not so good news. But first, a little more good news.

Last week, jumbo loans rates were around 5.79% -- down from above 7% in 2008 -- the lowest rates in 5 years. (In Los Angeles County, jumbo loans are above $729,750.) Some lenders have also reduced downpayment requirements for jumbo loans from 25% to 20%. "Stated income" loans are also reappearing on the market after being almost absent from two years.

How will this affect the Los Angeles market? In a big way. One reason for the decline in home prices in the $1 million + range is the lack of financing available to qualified buyers. Stories abound about high-earning individuals with substantial assets and excellent credit being denied loans which they could easily afford. As panic has subsided, lenders are tiptoeing into the jumbo loan market which should provide much-needed support to the upper housing tier.

Before we start kvelling about a housing recovery, we must also consider what's happening on a national level. New home sales in January 2010 fell to a record low of 309,000 homes annually -- the lowest number since records have been kept (starting in 1963!) Mortgage applications in January 2010 also fell to the lowest level in 13 years.

In spite of continued government stimulus, the housing market is afflicted by consumers' woes: high unemployment, high debt loads and plenty of uncertainty. Although it is our belief that each month the housing market moves towards recovery -- it is still ill, weak and at best going from the ICU to bed rest.

Morte Incandescente - ...Relembrando Um Túmulo Esquecido (2010)

Artist: Morte Incandescente
Album: ...Relembrando Um Túmulo Esquecido
Year: 2010
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Portugal
Quality: mp3@VBR236kbps
Size: 68 MB 

 

1. Fuga Constante 03:16 
2. Cobrindo Os Céus De Sangue 05:19 
3. De Relâmpagos E Suspiros 04:28 
4. Necromaniaco 04:16 
5. Caixão De Velhas Memórias 03:34 
6. Renegada Existência 04:54 
7. UM Dia Entre Luas 05:32 
8. Tumultuosa Entidade 03:09 
9. Velhos Vultos 03:50

  

Total playing time 38:18

 

Download

Download

 

Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for sale

Find Palm Springs homes for sale on our Palm Springs real estate blog. Now is a fantastic time to buy a Palm Springs vacation home or full-time residence.  We can show you a good selection of mid-century modern, California Ranch, Spanish Revival or Ranch, cottage and single-level condos located in many of Palm Springs' most popular neighborhoods and condo communities.

When you buy or sell in Palm Springs, contact us for professional and friendly representation.

Call or text: 760.902.3121 / 760.333.2264

E-mail: RussellHill@dc.rr.com

RS Associates - Russell Hill & Steve Frank

Below is the activity for February 19, 20 and 21, 2010. 

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:

155 W Hermosa Pl., #24, Villa Hermosa, 1/1, $99,900.

155 W Hermosa Pl., #22, Villa Hermosa, 1/1, $172,000. (foreclosure)

286 N Hermosa Dr., Palm Regency, 2/2.5, $275,000.

179 Villagio W., The Villas in Old PS, 3/3.5, $839,690.

592 N Orchid Tree Ln., Sun Villas, 3/3, $445,000.

In Escrow:

801 E Vista Chino #4, Desert Arches, 2/2, $79,500.

1328 E Alejo Rd., Ruth Hardy Park, 2/1.5, $199,900. (foreclosure)

1949 NW Cerritos Dr., Sunrise Park, 3/2, $270,000. (foreclosure)

4326 Vivant Way, Escena, 3/2.5, $384,000.

1133 E Tachevah Dr., Ruth Hardy Park, 4/3, $535,000.

Sold:

438 Village W., Village Racquet Club, 2/3, $152,500. (over asking)

455 N Calle Rolph, Greenhouse East, 2/2, $345,000.

593 N Juanita Dr., Sunrise Park, 3/2, $239,000.

2005 E Calle Felicia, Sunrise Park, 4/3, $478,000.

1425 N Vine Ave., Las Palmas, 3/3.5, $2,000,000.

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:

1766 Firestone, Fairways, 2/2, $115,000.
141 Desert Lakes Dr., Seven Lakes Country Club, 2/2, $269,000.
2882 N Greco Ct., Canyon Heights, 2/2.5, $329,500.

670 S El Cielo Rd., Demuth Park, 3/2, $199,000.
3002 E Sonora Rd., Los Compadres, 3/2, $225,000.
560 S Beverly Dr., Los Compadres, 3/2, $349,985.
2802 Pintura Cir., N., Pintura, 2/3, $425,000.
1326 S Calle Rolph, Deepwell, 3/2.5, $449,000.
320 Big Canyon Dr., S., Canyons at Belardo, 3/3.5, $859,000.
1505 Avenida Sevilla, Andreas Hills, 5/5.5, $1,695,000.
2433 Southridge Dr., Southridge, 4/6, $5,500,000.

In Escrow:
2841 Calle Arandas Cathedral Canyon Country Club, 3/2, $289,000.

207 E Palo Verde Ave., Tahquitz River Estates, 3/3, $350,000.
165 E Mesquite Ave., Tahquitz River Estates, 3/2, $399,000.

Sold:
1552 S Camino Real, #327, Biltmore, 2/2, $92,500. (foreclosure, over asking)
2014 Southridge Dr., Rimcrest, 2/2, $135,000.

605 E Calle Roca, Warm Sands, 3/2, $153,350. (foreclosure)

Source: Desert Area MLS.  Listings are not necessarily those of Zephyr Real Estate/RS Associates

Russell Hill  Lic #0427657  760.203.2959/902.3121  RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Bedding Design Ideas

Bedding Ideas

Bedding Design
Sleeping in the bed is the tapered part of human life. So comfortable bed and bedding design that the overall bedroom decor is necessary supplements. Since the plates are the most visible part of the bedding can be quite a difference in appearance and comfort make the bedroom. Here are some tips for choosing the right type of bedding design.


Bedding Design Ideas
While most mattresses come in standard sizes such as "King Size" mattresses "may be associated great Queen" with custom pillows and other accessories with them, enlarge them and more broadly, and bedding design are higher than standard available on the market. So it is better in bed and mattress measure in advance, so that bedding are used to purchase amounts.Bedding are usually made of cotton, but can be used, flannel and cotton blended fabrics such as bedding ideas, according to our taste.


Bedding Design
At the end of the high level of comfort and fashion, satin and silk, with its soft feeling on the skin won almost all the romantic heart. Colors and designs of bedding design to the general theme and color scheme of the bedroom, it may be deeper than the shade of the color of the walls. Bright colors adapt Summer to Autumn Decor bedrooms offer space for more light and bright colors.



Bedding Design
Bedding Design
Modern Bedding Ideas
Luxury and modern LINEN bed sheets



Bedding Design Ideas
Bedding Design
Modern Bedding Ideas
Luxury and modern LINEN bed sheets


Bedding Ideas
Bedding Design
Modern Bedding Ideas
Luxury and modern LINEN bed sheets



Bedding Design Ideas
Bedding Design
Modern Bedding Ideas
Luxury and modern LINEN bed sheets

Modern Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom
A master bedroom is a room of the head of the family. This is usually more space than other rooms in the house. This space is used mainly by young couples should be given special attention to the development of master bedroom. When it comes to choosing the right furniture bedroom to comfort the most important thing to consider. The master bedroom is usually include a double bed, bedside tables, wardrobe, desk and dressing table. If you have a larger surface and to your liking, you can also include a sofa, a small bar, etc.


Master Bedroom
With different styles of master bedroom furniture on the market than traditional basketry, modern, mission, Victoria, etc. You can choose for your definition of comfort and style is appropriate. In addition to furniture, do not forget, you, the right lighting to add zing they give a romantic bedroom.Dresser furniture is important, therefore, in the bedroom. In the most widely practiced standard of the master bedroom is an elegant chest of drawers on the left side of the bed. You can choose a cloak of Victorian style of the modern, depending on the theme of the master bedroom.


Modern Master Bedroom
Generally recommended, buffet, to meet the style of the modern bed must, because it will give your modern master bedroom a very attractive appearance. Make sure the cabinets that you have selected, enough space, because it is always good when beauty and utility go shoulder to shoulder. Chest is decorated almost mandatory for the master bedroom. Master bedroom decor is simply incomplete without the nightstand and mirror. Bedside table usually consists of one or two drawers and placed beside the bed.


Modern Master Bedroom
Decorative mirrors are usually placed over the chest. After about the master bedroom, take various pieces of furniture to maintain the harmony. Make sure modern furniture in a way that destroys the beauty spot. Proper adjustment and placement of modern furniture can make a big difference in the beauty of your modern master bedroom. Then, you can always pictures and wall hangings, compliments your modern bedroom furniture and put your taste.


Modern Master Bedroom

Palm Desert Real Estate - Just Sold!

We recently sold 74340 Old Prospector Trl in South Palm Desert.

We represented the buyer in this sale.  Our client found us on the internet.......contact us and we can find a terrific desert home for you too!

When you buy or sell in the desert, call us for professional and friendly representation.

Call or text: 760.902.3121 / 760.333.2264

E-mail: RussellHill@dc.rr.com

RS Associates - Russell Hill & Steve Frank

Source: Desert Area MLS.  Listings are not necessarily those of Zephyr Real Estate/RS Associates

Russell Hill Lic #0427657  760.203.2959/902.3121  RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for sale

Find Palm Springs homes for sale on our Palm Springs real estate blog.  Now is a fantastic time to buy a Palm Springs vacation home or full-time residence. We can show you a good selection of mid-century modern, California Ranch, Spanish Revival or Ranch, cottage and single-level condos located in many of Palm Springs' most popular neighborhoods and condo communities.

When you buy or sell in Palm Springs contact us for professional and friendly representation.

Call or text: 760.902.3121 / 760.333.2264

E-mail: RussellHill@dc.rr.com

RS Associates - Russell Hill & Steve Frank

Here's the activity for 2/18/10.

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:

400 N Avenida Caballeros, #10, 1/1, $175,000.

366 N Orchid Tree Ln., Sunrise Park, 3/2, $537,950.

1701 Royal Palm Ct., Little Tuscany, 3/4.5, $1,275,000.

In Escrow:

470 S Calle Encillia, #B24, Biarritz, 1/1, $110,000.

400 W Arenas Rd, #8, 400 West, 2/2, $299,000.

2295 E Park Dr., Sunrise Park, 3/3, $362,500.

501 N Belardo Rd., Las Palmas, 7/8.5, $1,500,000.

Sold:

1190 E Paseo El Mirador, Ruth Hardy Park, 4/4, $265,000. (foreclosure)

610 N Hermosa Dr., Ruth Hardy Park, 2/1.5, $315,000.

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:

2396 S Palm Canyon Dr., #2, Canyon View Condos, 2/2, $139,876

151 Desert Lakes Dr., Seven Lakes Country club, 2/2, $238,000. (foreclosure)

In Escrow:

2301 S Skyview Dr., #32, Canyon View Condos, 2/1.5, $114,900. (foreclosure)

5115 E Waverly Dr., #D32, Palm Canyon villas, 2/2, $119,900. (foreclosure)

646 E Morongo Rd., Tahquitz River Estates, 3/3, $419,000.

Sold:

None

Source: Desert Area MLS.  Listings are not necessarily those of Zephyr Real Estate/RS Associates

Russell Hill Lic# 01427657  760.203.2959/902.3121  RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Archgoat - Whore of Bethlehem (2006)

Artist: Archgoat
Album: Whore of Bethlehem
Year: 2006
Genre: Death/Black Metal
Country: Finland
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 84 MB 

 

1. Invocation 02:11

2. Angel of Sodomy 02:57

3. Lord of the Void 05:07

4. Dawn of the Black Light 04:55

5. Luciferian Darkness 02:59

6. Desecration 04:34

7. Black Crusade 03:32

8. Whore of Bethlehem 04:10

9. Grand Marshall of the Black Tower 02:56

10. Hammer of Satan 02:15

 

Total playing time 41:21

 

Download

Download

 

Investor Watch: Tiptoe into Commercial Real Estate

Investor attitudes towards commercial real estate may be changing from toxic to opportunistic.

According to the New York Times, financial advisors are recommending that those who have an appetite for real estate investment look for some distressed, discounted properties, as real estate may present "tremendous opportunities".

Passive investors may want to allocate funds to REITs. Active investors might want to purchase a building or the underlying debt of a property in distress.

We may have crossed the threshold where a market that had been in steep decline is creating an economic upside in its aftermath.

Prophecy of Doom - Matrix (1992)

Artist: Prophecy of Doom
Album: Matrix
Year: 1992
Genre: Grinding Death/Doom Metal
Country: United Kingdom
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 110 MB

1. Onward Ever Backward 06:19

2. Raze Against Time 05:11

3. Instrumental 07:46

4. Vortex Dreamer 04:40

5. The Way Of The Way 07:05

6. Matrix 09:32

7. Until You Remember the Again 04:38

Total playing time 45:14

Download

10 Reasons Professional Investors and Real Estate Agents might want to consider outsourcing their Short Sales

With statistics now showing that 1 in 4 mortgages in the United States are upside down, there is no shortage of short sale business to be found. The question is what are you doing with them? Here are some thoughts to consider on whether to outsource the negotiations or try and negotiate yourself....

1) You have to have a Buyer to start the Short Sale process with the Lender. They will not even look at your package without an offer.

2) Short Sales can take a very long time to negotiate. You risk losing buyers because people want to buy NOW!

3) Short Sales can take a lot of time and effort. As a successful Real Estate Agent, you have better things to do than negotiating with the banks, you should be focused on listing and market properties, finding sellers, and finding buyers.

4) There are some states states where attempting to work a short sale for a homeowner can be looked at as breaking the law because you are “acting as a lawyer.”

5) The Lender will battle you on all aspects of your offer, including the commission. You must be prepared to fight the lender for what you are worth

6) You’re a professional Real Estate Agent, not a professional loss mitigator. Good negotiators have years of experience in the loss mitigation departments and understand how the loss mitigation process works.

7) Working with a negotiation company can benefit you because they have developed relationships with the Lenders that can expedite the Short Sale negotiation process.

8) A Short Sale requires stacks and stacks of extra paperwork that is outside of the normal forms you may be used to. Partnering with a loss mitigation team can help you because they already know the items each Lender requires and can provide them to the lender ahead of time to shorten the Short Sale process.

9) Meeting the BPO agent. Most good short sale negotiation companies will send someone out to meet the BPO agent so you can spend your time on more important things.

10) Short Sales will take your focus from the things you know you need to do in order to be a successful Real Estate Agent and have you working on tedious time consuming tasks. In my opinion its better to hand it over to someone else who has the experience doing the negotiations and focus on getting more business!!!

What has been you biggest challenge with short sales?

Contact me if you would like help finding a company to outsource your short sale negotiations too.


To your success,

Oliver Graf
Real Estate Expert




*** Make sure you sign up for our FREE mailing list today! ***

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San Diego Based Real Estate Blog

Mobile listed as #5 City for Real Estate Steals by US News and World Report

US News and World Report recently published an article called - 10 Cities for Real Estate Steals.  Mobile was listed as #5 on the list.
 The U.S. housing boom and then bust has had a number of affects on real estate nationally.  Prices are much lower, inventory levels are higher, and the affect on our economy is well documented.  The U.S. News and Report says that it may be a blessing in disguise for some home buyers.  Home prices in certain areas are undervalued when compared with their longer-term averages.  US News and World Report asked Moody's Economy.com to perform a study. The economics firm provided average and quarterly home price-to-income data for each of the nation's 384 distinct metropolitan statistical areas. By comparing the most recent figures with longer-term averages, they were able to compile a list of 10 cities for real estate steals.

What does it mean for Mobile?  It means that homes are very affordable right now and compared to past and future expectations, the current prices for homes in our area are at bargain levels.

Broadcast your cause: YouTube Nonprofit Program now in Aus

Editor's Note: This is a cross post from the YouTube Australia blog.

Thousands of organisations have joined the YouTube Nonprofit Program since it first launched in the US in 2007 to raise awareness for a range of issues - from kids in need to people with disabilities, animal welfare to ending poverty. Some have even raised tens of thousands of dollars in a single day by urging the community to donate with a call-to-action overlay.

Now nonprofits in Australia can join as well! Starting today, eligible Australian organisations can apply to receive a free brand channel, increased upload capacity, placement on the Nonprofit Channels page, and the ability to add a call-to-action overlay to their videos. These organisations can also join YouTube Video Volunteers to find a skilled YouTube user to create a video for their cause.

Aussie organisations that join the YouTube Nonprofit Program by March 12 can also be eligible for the global DoGooder NonProfit Video Awards to honour the best nonprofit videos of 2009. YouTube has partnered with See3 Communications and the Nonprofit Technology conference to make these awards possible, and will feature the winning videos on the YouTube homepage, as well as award $2500 to each winner and recognise them at NTEN, the world's largest nonprofit technology conference, in the US. Visit the Nonprofit Video Awards channel to find out more.

Want to know how to get started? We worked with three great nonprofits in Australia already using YouTube - Plan Australia, AIME - Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience and NAPCAN National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect - to create a video about their experiences. Check it out below and visit the YouTube Nonprofit Program's homepage to learn more.



Posted by Leticia Lentini, Nonprofit Lead in Australia

Modern Child Bedroom

Modern Child Bedroom Furniture

Child Bedrooms
Children learn faster with the ever-growing minds than we imagine. So it is a good idea, your child decorate the bedroom, his creativity. While planning to decorate the bedroom of your children, make sure it is safe to be bright and beautiful for the promotion of creativity in him. You should also note that the bedroom furniture for the children plenty of bedroom for toys and other things the child should have to save. Like all parents want to fill their lives with the child colors to start with his bedroom, there is this young age, his bedroom the whole world about it.

Modern Child Bedrooms Furniture
Modern furniture child should revolve around topics that excite the flexibility. It is important that the modern bedroom furniture must have for this special room style and functionality. It must be modern, fashionable and proud until your child feel to it. You can even make decorative items on your own. In this way you can decorate your child in the bedroom according to their inclinations. For example, you can print the Superman theme for boys or Barbie theme for little girls with bedding, curtains and posters with these pictures.


Child Bedrooms Furniture
When buying a child's bedroom furniture, you can, follow a particular theme such as sports, butterflies, sea kingdom, stars and heavens, even so you can roll with the beds for the little ones. These layers give a playful look at the room. So, if you decide to shopping for furniture for the nursery, look for bedroom furniture, the brightness in the room and go see a lot more interesting. You can even ask your child to the idea of a topic, because of it used for child bedroom furniture.


Modern Child Bedrooms
Modern Child Beds
Children Bedroom Furniture
Child Bedroom Design
Modern Children Bedroom Design
Modern Kids Beds Design
Modern Child Bedroom Furniture
Modern Kids Bedroom



Modern Child Bedrooms
Modern Child Beds
Children Bedroom Furniture
Child Bedroom Design
Modern Children Bedroom Design
Modern Kids Beds Design
Modern Child Bedroom Furniture
Modern Kids Bedroom


Modern Child Bedrooms
Modern Child Beds
Children Bedroom Furniture
Child Bedroom Design
Modern Children Bedroom Design
Modern Kids Beds Design
Modern Child Bedroom Furniture
Modern Kids Bedroom



Modern Child Bedrooms
Modern Child Beds
Children Bedroom Furniture
Child Bedroom Design
Modern Children Bedroom Design
Modern Kids Beds Design
Modern Child Bedroom Furniture
Modern Kids Bedroom

Los Angeles High-End Homes On Chopping Block: Price Cuts Inevitable as Buyers' Ranks and Means Thin

Price reductions were once the province of only low-priced homes that were forced to compete with foreclosures.

Not anymore. The bubble has burst in a big way and now high-end properties are competing with high-end foreclosures, short sales, and properties whose owners are in distress.

Over-leveraged high-end homeowners who had pushed themselves to the limit of affordability are also finding they have to sell in time when a dollar (or a million) has been revalued.

To take a few examples in the Sunset Strip area:
1380 Mockingbird Place - Listed for $29,500,000 in March 2009. Now $21,950,000. 26% reduction.
1235 Sierra Alta Way - Listed for $22,000,000 in October 2007. Now $9,900,000. 55% reduction.
1754 Sunset Plaza Drive - Listed for $19,800,000 in April 2009. Now $13,995,000. 30% reduction.
9066 St Ives Drive - Listed for $8,495,000 in June 2009. Now $6,595,000. 22% reduction.
1162 Sunset Hills Drive - Listed at $8,500,000 in April 2009. Now $5,895,000. 31% reduction.

Although high-end properties are notoriously difficult to price, they become doubly so during the current market because of a lack of sales comps and a dynamic market that seems to be heading in only one direction.

Sellers who don't price aggressively run a serious risk of "chasing the market down" and always remaining above the current market price, even after a price reduction.

Many well capitalized buyers will be able to weather the storm and not sell at distressed levels. Others won't be so lucky.

[See "High End Home Sellers Lower Their Sights", from Saturday's Los Angeles Times.]