Home Interior 2011: March 2010

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The market for some entry level houses is hot

The market for entry level Eastside houses is hot. Listing Realtors will often advertise a one hour opportunity to view the house shortly after listing and frequently prospective Buyers and their Realtors will line up before the advertised time followed by a mass walk through. Houses in the $550K to $700K price range - if realistically priced - will often sell within a few days around asking price.
Two issues to investigate before lining up: height of ceiling in lower level and size of usable lot (lot minus right of way, covenant or other restriction).

Increased interest rates for fixed rate mortgages

TD, RBC and Laurentian bank have increased their rates for fixed rate mortgages by up to .8% and the other financial institutions will without a doubt follow. The increase of the bond yield is quoted as justification. The entry level market will be effected by this increase, higher priced homes will most likely continue to sell without change.
Variable rate mortgage rates are unchanged.

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, 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 Thursday, March 25 and Friday, March 26, 2010.

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:

1421 N Sunrise Way, #30, Ranch Club Estados, 2/2, $98,900.

899 Village S., Village Racquet Club, 2/2, $125,000. (foreclosure)

155 W Hermosa Pl., #8, Villa Hermosa, 1/1, $209,000.

1179 Via Tenis, Sunrise Racquet Club, 2/2, $225,000.

640 N Belardo Rd., Merito Place, 2/2, $329,900.

249 Villorio Dr., E., Villorio, 2/2.5, $379,000.

633 N Sunrise Way, Ruth Hardy Park, 3/1.5, $249,000.

216 N Helena cir., Sunrise Park, 3/0, $309,000.

294 N Sunset Way, Sunrise Park, 4/2, $699,000.

1121 N May Dr., Ruth Hardy Park, 3/3.5, $1,195,000.

In Escrow:

458 Bradshaw Ln., #17, Pueblo Sands, 2/2, $84,900. (foreclosure)

1050 E Ramon Rd., Ramon Estados, 3/2, $119,900. (foreclosure)

1091 E Olive Way, Ruth Hardy Park, 4/3, $549,000.

549 N Juanita Dr., Sunrise Park, 3/2, $565,000.

Sold:

314 E Stevens Rd., Lantana Lodge, studio, $25,000. (foreclosure/over asking)

400 W Arenas Rd., #8, 400 West, 2/2, $260,000.

211 N Sunset Way, Sunrise Park, 3/2, $375,000.

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:

6156 Saint Andrews, Fairways, 3/2, $94,900. (foreclosure)

2700 Golf Club Dr., #65, Esprit, 1/1, $95,800.

481 Desert Lakes Dr., Seven Lakes Country Club, 1/2, $126,000.

2487 S Gene Autry Trl., #A, Canyon Sands, 2/2, $205,000.

2403 Los Patos Dr., Villas De Las Flores, 2/2, $215,000.

2001 E Camino Parocela, #I-60, Mesquite Country Club, 2/2, $224,777.

2409 Madrona, Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $425,000.

3185 E Loma Vista Cir., Los Compadres, 4/2, $398,000.

956 E San Lorenzo Rd., Tahquitz River Estates, 3/3, $599,000.

2771 Kings Rd. W., Kings Point, 3/3.5, $789,000.

631 Big Canyon Dr., W., Canyons at Belardo, 3/3, $1,049,000.

In Escrow:

255 E Avenida Granada, #821, Canyon Granada, 2/2, $180,500. (foreclosure)

2701 E Mesquite Ave., Mesquite Country Club, 2/2, $190,000.

5723 E Palm Oasis St., Palm Oasis, 3/2.5, $299,000.

1774 S Araby Dr., Park Imperial South, 2/2, $385,000.

2139 Lawrence St., 4/2, $99,900.

1379 E Madrona Dr., Canyon North, 2/2, $399,000.

Sold:

1111 E Palm Canyon Dr., #222, Ocotillo Lodge, 1/1, $75,000.

1150 E Palm Canyon Dr., #33, Rancho La Paz, 2/2, $150,000. (foreclosure)

2841 Calle Arandas, Cathedral Canyon Country Club, 3/2, $269,000.

1321 S Calle Rolph, Deepwell, 2/2, $290,000.

390 E Santiago Way, Canyon North, 3/2.5, $332,442. (foreclosure)

1420 S Beverly Dr., Los Compadres, 3/2, $374,900.

2303 S Alhambra, Canyon North, 4/4.5, $717,000.

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

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

Behexen - From the Devil's Chalice (2008)

Artist: Behexen
Album: From the Devil's Chalice
Year: 2008
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Finland
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 72 MB

1. Canto I - Invocation Of Zabulus 05:03
2. Canto II - Melancholic Remembrances Of Dark Times 05:18

3. Canto III - From the Devils Chalice 04:50
4. Canto IV - Void... 04:48

5. Canto V - Holy Foul 05:05
6. Canto VI - Canticle (For Ye Lord) 05:10

Total playing time 30:26

Download

Scorched - Forever Dying Sun (2005)

Artist: Scorched
Album: Forever Dying Sun
Year: 2005
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Sweden
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 87 MB

1. The Rebel Souls 04:02

2. Demons of the Void 03:55

3. As the Soil Bleeds Red 04:58

4. Cthulhu 04:32

5. Forsaken 05:53

6. Hellspawn 05:19

7. Upon Damnation Storms 09:09

Total playing time 37:49

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 Ranch or Revival, cottage and single-level condos located in many of Palm Springs' most popular neighborhoods and condo communities.

When you buy or sell, 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 Tuesday Wednesday (3/23 and 3/24, 2010).

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:

1761 E El Alameda, Sunrise Oasis, 2/0, $230,000. (foreclosure)

500 E Amado Rd., #713, Deauville, 2/2, $299,000.

405 N Avenida Caballeros, Palomino, 2/2.5, $489,500.

577 N Hermosa Dr., Movie Colony, 4/3, $449,900.

In Escrow:

353 N Hermosa Dr., #7B2, Casa Verde, 1/1, $69,900.

401 S El Cielo Rd., #57, La Palme, 2/2, $135,000.

867 E Arenas Rd., Casitas Arenas, 2/2, $199,000.

555 W Baristo Rd., #9, Tennis Club (condos), 2/2, $560,000.

544 N Canterra Cir., Sun Villas, 3/2, $269,500.

360 W Pablo Dr., Tennis Club, 3/4, $1,195,000.

Sold:

1252 E Andreas Rd., Palm Regency, 2/2, $176,000. (foreclosure/over asking)

1952 E Chia Rd., Sagewood, 3/2, $182,500.

1949 NW Cerritos Dr., Sunrise Park, 3/2, $267,500. (foreclosure)

834 N Rose Ave., Vista Las Palmas, 4/3, $615,000. (foreclosure)

285 W Via Lola, Las Palmas, 6/7.5, $1,175,000.

425 Vereda Norte, Las Palmas, 4/5, $1,300,000.

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:

1655 E Palm Canyon Dr., #811, Smoketree Racquet Club, 1/1, $59,000. (foreclosure)

3001 Regency Dr., N., Cathedral Canyon Country Club, 3/2, $260,000.

2432 S Toledo Ave., Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $595,000.

2206 Toledo Ave., Canyon Estates, 4/3.5, $669,000.

1390 S Calle Marcus, Deepwell, 3/4, $425,000. (foreclosure)

1486 S Driftwood Dr., Deepwell, 3/4, $799,000.

2345 S Caliente Dr., Canyon North, 3/3.5, $849,000.

305 Patel Pl., Alta, 4/3.5, $933,685. (foreclosure)

In Escrow:

5301 E Waverly Dr., #184, Palm Canyon Villas, 2/2, $106,000.

2155 Southridge Dr., Southridge, 2/2, $128,520. (foreclosure)

1900 S Palm Canyon Dr., #7, Sandstone Villas, 2/2, $129,000.

2263 Miramonye Cir., E., #A, Canyon Sands, 2/2, $160,000.

2185 S Via Mazatlan, Canyon South 2, 2/2, $252,000.

273 E Palo Verde Ave., Tahquitz River Estates, 3/2, $395,900. (foreclosure)

1010 S Calle de Maria, Deepwell, 4/3, $679,000.

Sold:

1900 S Palm Canyon Dr., #172, Sandstone Villas, $61,500. (foreclosure/over asking)

1150 E Palm Canyon Dr., #46, Rancho La Paz, 1/1, $126,000.

2170 S Palm Canyon Dr., #16, Canyon CC Estados, 2/2, $128,000.

1150 E Palm Canyon Dr., #31, Rancho La Paz, 2/2, $206,000.

6702 Westwood Cir., Cathedral Canyon Country Club, 3/2, $239,000.

1010 Saint Thomas cir., Sunrise Villas, 2/2, $283,500.

2235 Casitas Way, Mesquite Canyon Estates, 2/2, $300,000.

1500 E Murray Canyon Dr., Canyon North, 4/3, $640,000.

182 E Morongo Rd., Tahquitz River Estates, 3/2.5, $705,000.

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

Russell Hill Lic # 01427657 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 Ranch or Revival, 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 3/21 and 3/22, 2010

Central Palm Springs
663 N Mojorca Cir., Sunrise Alejo, 3/2, $195,000.
400 N Avenida Caballeros, #1, 3/3, $399,000.
441 N Avenida Caballeros, Palomino, 2/2.5, $629,000.

4315 Vantage Ln., Escena, 3/2.5, $439,000.
1545 E Mel Ave., Ruth Hardy Park, 3/2, $499,000.
233 Camino Sur, Las Palmas, 4/3, $1,389,000.

In Escrow:
1050 E Ramon Rd., Ramon Estados, 2/2, $77,120. (foreclosure)
605 E amado Rd., #621, Plaza Villas, 2/2, $159,000.
260 N Hermosa Dr., Palm Regency, 2/2.5, $249,000.

1281 Linda Vista Rd., Ruth Hardy Park, 2/3, $330,000.
1211 Los Robles Dr., Vista Las Palmas, 4/3, $540,600. (foreclosure)
888 W Via Vadera, Vista Las Palmas, 3/3.5, $985,000.

Sold:
None

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:
5265 E Waverly Dr., #76, Palm Canyon Villas, 1/2, $94,500.
6066 Cleek Pl., Sandcastles, 2/2, $225,000.
2444 S Sierra Madre, Canyon View Estates, 2/2, $260,000.
750 S Calle Palo Fierro #10, Cocoterro, 2/2.25, $295,000. (foreclosure)
3119 Calle Morelos, Cathedral Canyon Country Club, 2/2, $324,900.
7514 Regency Dr., Cathedral Canyon Country Club, 3/2, $343,000.
2468 Paseo Del Rey, Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $450,000.

1311 Fuego Cir., Canyon North, 3/3.5, $529,900. (foreclosure)
1223 E San Lorenzo, Tahquitz River Estates, 4/3, $679,000.
1275 E Via Estrella, Canyon North, 5/5, $965,000.

In Escrow:
2601 S Broadmoor, Summerset Springs, 2/2, $132,500.
467 E Alto cir., Canyon View Estates, 2/2, $345,000.

4324 E Camino Parocela, Warm Sands, 3/0, $150,000.
1266 S San Mateo Dr., Los Compadres, 3/2, $379,000.

Sold:
922 Saint Bimini Cir., #A, Mesquite Greens, 2/2, $280,000.
34 Lakeview cir., Seven Lakes Country club, 2/2, $570,000.

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

Russell Hill lic #10427657 760.203.2959/902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

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 Ranch or Revival, 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 March 19 & 20, 2010

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:

1050 E Ramon Rd., #131, Ramon Estados, 3/2, $119,900. (foreclosure)

1361 Yermo Dr., Tierra Hermosa, 3/3, $299,000.

In Escrow:

139 Villagio W., The Villas in Old PS, 3/3.5, $760,000.

Sold:

1427 Tiffany Cir., S., Rose Garden, 3/2, $262,500.

1550 N Kaweah Rd., Compound, 3/2.5, $350,000.

1633 Via Roberto Miguel, El Rancho Vista Estates, 3/2, $423,800.

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:

1611 W Fairway Cir., Fairways, studio, $39,900. (foreclosure)

7 Pueblo Vista St., Los Pueblos, 3/3, $199,000.

3021 Calle Loreto, Cathedral Canyon Country Club, 2/2, $213,000.

2199 S Madrona Dr., Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $399,000.

780 Azalea Cir., W., Andreas Hills, 4/4.5, $1,297,000.

In Escrow

2345 S Cherokee Way, #149, Oasis Resort Condos, 2/2.5, $109,500. (foreclosure)

2270 N Sunshine Cir., Sunshine Villa, 3/2, $179,000.

2356 S Linden Way, #B, Canyon Sands, 2/2, $205,000.

2600 S Palm Canyon Dr., #8, Canyon Villas 3, 2/2, $225,000.

255 E Avenida Granada, #122, Canyon Granada, 2/2, $225,000.

505 S Farrell Dr., #O89, Mesquite Country Club, 2/2, $229,900.

3410 E Bogert Trl., Andreas Hills, 2/2, $295,000.

480 E Alto cir., Canyon View Estates, 2/2, $309,000.

3383 Andreas Hills Dr., Andreas Hills, 2/2, $342,000.

2321 S Araby Dr., Araby, 3/0, $150,000.

2471 S Caliente Dr., Canyon North, 3/3.5, $1,179,000.

sold:

1870 S Cresta Dr., Canyon Vista Estates, 2/2.5, $280,000. (foreclosure/over asking)

2555 E Jacaranda, Marabelle Estates, 3/3, $299,000.

624 S Vista Oro, Warm Sands, 2/2, $160,000.

1552 S Compadre Rd., Los Compadres, 3/2, $415,000.

1930 E Renee Cir., Los Compadres, 3/3.5, $425,000.

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

Russell Hill Lic #10427657 760.203.2959/902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Subdivisions in West Mobile - Sold Homes and For Sale Homes - Last 12 months

The data on the table shown below was extracted from the Mobile Alabama Area of Realtors MLS System for the West Mobile Area. Data was pulled for all homes listed from March 1, 2009 to March 2, 2010. Sales data was based on same period.

The West Mobile area is defined in the MLS system as being bordered by EAST of McFarland/Snow Roads, WEST of Sollie/Cody Roads, NORTH of 3 Notch Croner and SOUTH of Airport Boulevard.

The table will show the most active subdivisions in the West Mobile area of Mobile, Alabama as far as activity - Oak Forest, Spring Grove, Hamilton Bridges, and the Carrington subdivisions for example. The chart will also give you rough idea of value of homes in the neighborhoods in West Mobile area of Mobile.

This same analysis is also available for subdivisions in the North Cottage Hill area of Mobile and another blog entry for subdivisions in the South Cottage Hill area of Mobile. Please click here to see North Cottage Hill subdivisions or here to see South Cottage Hill subdivisions.

Please contact me if you are thinking about selling your home or would like a free no obligation market value report for your home. You can search for current homes for sale in the Mobile Alabama area by clicking on this link - Search for Mobile County homes.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Beware of Bogus Property Ads

Just as many as there are people moving to California everyday, there are also equally the number of scammers ready to take on their prey. Just because I’m new here doesn’t mean I would have to fall for them. I am strongly campaigning against them and there are many ways on how to spot a bogus ad and protect yourself from financial risk and manipulation. Below are buying property tips to protect you from scams.

• Real Estate ads that offer too good to be true property deals. While there are good buys, properties that totally defy the market trend should raise a red flag. If you think you’ve got the best catch, check if such a good deal is legitimate.

• To be told that the property may not be viewed or visited is such a phony. Agents (the real ones) are the ones who will really be interested to show you around for a greater chance to seal the deal.

• If money is being discussed upfront without any solid proof that the property will be yours (and that you haven’t even seen it) – this situation must be avoided. Chances are, once the money is sent, you’ll never hear from that scammer again.

• If the seller (or scammer) constantly tells you that the owner is overseas and this is the sole reason why you cannot see the place, at this point you should consider buying another property. Odds are the seller/scammer has no idea who owns the property or doesn’t even know if it is up for sale.

What you can do

• Take time to really visit and inspect the property. If he is the owner or knows the owner, it shouldn’t be so hard to come in and check the area. A drive-by should be a no-no, because frankly, anyone can do a drive-by and claim that the certain property is theirs.

• If the property is on another area or country, ask someone you trust to check on the place and make inquiries about the property’s ownership. If legitimate though, check local laws as well to avoid any inconvenience from the local government.

• If there are other modes of payment applicable, do not opt for money wire transfer.

• Government and real estate developers’ websites can offer information about their properties and contact details if you need further assistance.

• Keep a record of all transactions and communication between you and the seller. This can serve proof of ownership and will protect you from issues in the future. Make sure the seller signs all pertinent documents.

• If you have been conned, take note of the person and all the transactions that happened between the two of you so it will be easier to check on his modus.

Scammers are really everywhere, and especially in real estate business where transactions are dealt with in large amounts – and the risks are huge as well. It is always best to deal with legitimate service providers and sellers. With matters of money, it is always better not to rush things off. With this, you will be spared the headache and cost implications when legal matters set in.

Taake - Hordalands Doedskvad (2005)

Artist: Taake
Album: Hordalands Doedskvad
Year: 2005
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Norway
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 118 MB

1. Hordaland Doedskvad Part I 07:43
2. Hordaland Doedskvad Part II 06:02
3. Hordaland Doedskvad Part III 06:16
4. Hordaland Doedskvad Part IV 08:16
5. Hordaland Doedskvad Part V 06:03
6. Hordaland Doedskvad Part VI 07:17
7. Hordaland Doedskvad Part VII 09:00

Total playing time 50:40

Download

Inquisition - Magnificent Glorification of Lucifer (2004)

Artist: Inquisition

Album: Magnificent Glorification of Lucifer
Year: 2004 (Reissue 2009)
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Colombia / United States
Quality: mp3@VBR230kbps
Size: 80 MB

1. Baptized In Black Goat Blood 03:37
2. Crush The Jewish Prophet 02:54
3. Under The Black Inverted Pentagram 05:09
4. Of Blood And Darkness We Are Born 04:27
5. Dark Mutilation Rites 04:07
6. Magnificent Glorification Of Lucifer 04:19
7. Impaled By The Cryptic Horns Of Baphomet 03:18
8. We Summon The Winds Of Fire (For The Burning Of All Holiness) 04:15
9. Eternal Loyalty To Our Lord Satan 05:19

10. Within The Red Hellfire We Burn 01:41
11. May The Rays of A Fullmoon Shine Upon Us 07:08
12. Outro 13:45

Total playing time 47:51

Download

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Infernö - Utter Hell (1996)

Artist: Infernö

Album: Utter Hell
Year: 1996
Genre: Thrash Metal
Country: Norway
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 81 MB

1. Intro From Hell/Satanic Overkill 04:02

2. Tormentor 04:38

3. Ripping Hell 01:54

4. Storming Metal 03:19

5. Infernal Invasion 04:15

6. Sodom (Burning The Flag) 03:49

7. Necroslut 04:07

8. Torment Her 04:08

9. Massacre In Hell 03:28

10. Infernö 01:45

Total playing time 35:33

Download

VA - Four Wings of Blasphemy and Abomination (2010)

Artist: Teitanfyre | Pseudogod | Gehangter Jude | Ill Omened

Album: Four Wings of Blasphemy and Abomination
Year: 2010
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Russia
Quality: mp3@VBR200kbps
Size: 67 MB

Teitanfyre

1. With Cathedral Carrion 04:24

2. Mother Plague 04:16

Pseudogod

3. Awakening of Archdaemon 05:52

4. Divine Merging 04:05

Gehangter Jude

5. Black Abyss Sector 03:33

6. In Eternal Salvation 03:14

7. The Pilgrims of the Faith 02:48

Ill Omened

8. Kultovdeath 07:39

9. Battlecryovdarkness 10:12

Total playing time 46:08

Download

Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for sale

We have a new listing in Central Palm Springs' Sunrise Park neighborhood. 294 Sunset Way, Palm Springs.

294SunsetWay.com

Remodeled and expanded "Alexander". Tiled pool, bomb shelter (wine celler?), beautiful tile work.

come see! Open Saturday, 3/27/10, 1-3pm

Asking $699K

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

Friday, March 26, 2010

Tips for Decluttering Your Home

Just living produces stuff. A lot of it. But unkempt junk is the one thing you won't want when you are wanting to sell your house for top dollar. In fact, nothing can turn a potential buyer off faster or send him running faster than a house that looks like a garbage dump. The single most cost-effective method of enhancing the resale value of your home is to literally clean house.

To get you started, click on the video clip above. You will see that it offers some useful decluttering tips. Before you know it, your home will have a delightfully open feeling and your buyers will be taking a second look.

There are multiple ways to do this, but all of them start with a take-no-prisoners attitude and a garbage bag. If your house is a total disaster zone, it will be worth your time to rent a dumpster.

"But what about yard sales?" you ask. "Can't I sell my stuff for cash?" Maybe, but only if you have hours of excess time on your hands. For most harried people, it is simpler to donate the best items to a non-profit organization, have those picked up and then have the leftover things hauled away.

There are agencies and charities that are happy to take your unwanted things and dispose of them for you. Just do a Google search for donation services in Mobile, Alabama or whatever town you are located.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Buying Foreclosed Homes

Click photo to watch video

If you are considering buying one of the thousands of distressed properties -foreclosures, short sales or pre-foreclosure - out there to save a whole lot of money, check on the the video on the left.

A number of real estate specialists and home loan experts discuss how to discover the best deals when searching for distressed or repossessed properties.

The experts in this video explain important terms such as foreclosure, short sale, and pre-foreclosure and explains why some strategies involve more risk than others.

If you want to explore distressed properties such as foreclosures and short sales in Mobile and Baldwin County, be sure to give me a call or E - mail. We know where to look for the best opportunities and can help you deal with owners, banks and mortgage companies.

If you want to search from your computer for foreclosure homes in Mobile, we have set up a link to search for foreclosure properties that are currently listed on the local MLS by clicking on this link - Mobile Alabama Foreclosure Properties. If you have any questions, use the contact agent link on each individual home.

And finally, if you want to learn more about buying foreclosures at auctions similar to what was shown on the video, please send me an e-mail. Please mention foreclosure auctions in your subject line. One of my colleagues specializes in these type of auctions.

Copyright AgentMapIt Real Estate Advice

655 Hope Street in Downtown Los Angeles: 17 Stories and 80 Units of Glass, Steel and Fine Finishes at the City's Center

Updated 4/22/10: The developers of 655 Hope in Downtown Los Angeles elected to auction only 30 of the 45 lofts on April 18, 2010. This adaptive reuse project (an office building -- with lots of parking!!! -- converted to residential use) is located in the center of Downtown close to Staples Center, LA Live, Ralphs Freshfare supermarket, and the 7th Street Metro Station.

The building consists of 17 stories, the lower floors of which are reserved for parking. There are 8 units to a floor, which range in size from 600 sq ft for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath unit, to 1268 sq ft for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit. "Starting bids" are $165,000 for the least expensive units. (Expect the units to go for much more). HOA dues vary according to unit size.

What did the units sell for at auction? $268,000 - $500,000. This amounts to $329/sq ft for the largest floorplan (1,255 sq ft) on a lower floor (9th), and $486/sq ft for the smallest floorplan (and we mean small -- 600 sq ft) on a high floor (15th). See more details about the auction at Curbed LA.

The finishes have the polish of a high-end project. Floors are an attractive dark chocolate wood. Kitchen are outfitted with GE Profile appliances, glass tile and slick counters. The building has a fitness center and a roof deck.

Those looking for a traditional layout with enclosed bedrooms will be disappointed by 655 Hope's open floorplans. One can see that a 2 bedroom unit (like 1502, pictured above) has no doors, and it's up to you to create the boundaries between rooms. Here's a walk-through of the unit.

655 Hope is wedged into the urban fabric of Downtown Los Angeles. The downside is that the view from many of the lower floors are obscured by neighboring buildings. Some units on the upper floors, however, like 1502 (above) do have quite spectacular views. Those interested in the purchasing units should not simply choose based on floorplan but should check out the light/view for individual units.

Kennedy Wilson, which hosted the Market Lofts auction in November 2009, will be conducting the 655 Hope auction. This traditional auction format in which one unit is sold at a time leads to rapid-fire bidding (2 - 3 minutes per unit) and buyers must be deliberate and quick-paddled to get in on the action.

655 Hope Street
Los Angeles, California
Auction Website

Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for sale

Find Palm Springs homes for sale on our Palm Springs real estate blog. Now is a great 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 Ranch or Revival, cottage and single-level condos located in many of Palm Springs' most popular neighborhoods and condo communities.