Malibu - Kayak Time!

Finally as of August 14, 2010, summer has finally arrived in Malibu, CA.  The weather has been unusually cold out here – the residents have wondered “are we really in summer or is this the late May weather” that we are experiencing.  Our mornings have been foggy but it clears by mid-afternoon and we are able to enjoy the sunshine until 7:30 at night.

Malibu is 27 miles long and the weather varies depending on where one is located on the same day. It is possible for West Malibu to experience the sun in the afternoon where temperatures are a cool 72 degree as compared to the Point Dume area where fog clings along the coast and the temperatures linger around 65 degree.  Then the central Malibu brightens again with some sun and the temperature becomes 72 degree and the east Malibu again has some fog for the temperatures to linger around 65 degree.  I just want to show my guests that Malibu has the bluest water and drop dead gorgeous ocean views but it has been challenging when summer dragged her feet.  Of course I have neglected to mention that we are still 20 degrees cooler than the Valley areas so really no complaints.

I am happy to report that finally the summer sunshine will bask in her glory throughout all Malibu from mid August – absolutely gorgeous!  I have seen the coastline in along California but there is nothing like our Malibu coastline and calling it home!

So now is the time to come out and enjoy all the water sports and just lie on the beach and bask in the beauty.  It is even better if you call Malibu, My Home.

Malibu Pier

If you are interested in leasing,  purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 her online contact form on her website.

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394 foot Yacht coasts along the Malibu Pier in Malibu, CA

Rear view of 394 foot Yacht floating off the Malibu Pier in Malibu, CA

This past Wednesday – August 11, 2010 – Malibu, CA experienced a new visitor off the coastline.  The town was buzzed with rumors of whose white yacht was floating off the Malibu Pier – anyone driving into Malibu was mesmerized by this unusual sight in the water.

It was the 394 foot yacht as owned by the Russian Billionaire Andrey Melnichenko.  I was able to take the photo from Carbon Beach as well as the Malibu Pier to obtain both the side view as well as the rear view.

Wall Street Journal had reported on this $300 million Philippe Starck designer creation back on April 23, 2010.  Some of the highlights noted include a fingerprint security system [it feels as though the cartoon series “Jetson's” has become a reality] and “it has 44 security cameras and more than a dozen exterior cameras fitted with motion-detection systems and a night-vision infrared system” [Hello James Bond!].

It further reports that it takes about 35 to 37 crew members which includes “stewards, stewardesses, mechanical engineers, security staff, housekeepers, deck hands, galley crew and chefs as well as specialists for surfing, jet skiing, water skiing and cycling.”  “The boat costs over $20 million a year to maintain; filling the gas tank costs more than $500,000.”

Andrey Melnichenko’s yacht is nice for a short novelty but it belongs in different waters – I am thinking that the waters in either Tahiti or Bali or Fiji are more suitable for this work of art.  I am looking forward to the beauty of the Malibu coast returning without this unusual art in the waters.  Undoubtedly the sea creatures would agree unanimously.

If you are interested in leasing,  purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 her online contact form on her website.

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Back Yard is Your Beach!

Here are some quick stats on available leases as of June 7, 2010 for the Malibu beach front single family home on an annual lease.  All of these homes have a minimum of 3 bedrooms and 3 baths and require a lease term of 1 year minimum.  All of these homes would also consider a pet — will need to submit to the landlord for approval.

There are 21 homes being offered – 17 of them are fully furnished – price range from $10,000 per month to $87,000 per month.

4 of these homes include a private pool too.  7 of these homes offer one or no covered parking spaces; otherwise it is just available street parking.

After all these stats – one of the prettiest home is on  Broad Beach in the sandy dune location and easy walking distance to the How’s Market, Starbucks coffee shop and nearby restaurants.  All the bedrooms are upstairs – all with ocean views – 2 are located in the main house and 1 is located above the garage.  A gorgeous custom home with a pool and grassy courtyard – shown by appointment only and good credit is a requirement.  Imagine having the beach as your backyard and still have a pool, a rose garden and a grassy yard.  Yes, it is all possible at this home — ask me about it!

If you are interested in leasing,  purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 her online contact form on her website.

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Malibu, California Beach

Summer is fast approaching – time to make plans!  Malibu, California offers many choices for a summer lease – depending on the budget.  As of April 7, 2010, there are currently 42 summer leases available at Malibu, California.  These are all completely furnished – all you need is your toothbrush!

Malibu, California is 27 miles long – so prices range depending on location and size of home.  Direct beach front single family home lease price range from $25,000 per month to $130,000 per month.  Single family homes with beach rights summer prices range from $8,500 per month to $49,000 per month.  Some homes require a minimum of two or three month commitment.

Town homes/Condominium unit beach side lease price will range for the summer from $3,000 per month to $25,000 per month.  Each Landlord has a say whether it is a pet friendly place or not – so it is important to tell your agent about your family pets.

In most instances, the Tenants are responsible for their own utilities.  If that is the case, then the utility costs will be deducted from the security deposit –Landlord must provide documentation for any amount withheld from the security deposit.  In some instances, it might be included in the lease – each lease is unique.

The required security deposit is equivalent to three months of the lease rate on furnished homes. If it is an unfurnished unit, then it is equivalent to two months of the lease rate.  Also excellent credit is an absolute must — after all, these summer leases are fully furnished!

Security deposits are due at the beginning of the lease.  At the end of the lease, the security deposit is returned by the end of twenty one days by the Landlord with documentation for any amount withheld.  If anything should go wrong, let the Landlord know immediately.

If you are intrigued but a bit overwhelmed by the security deposit requirement, then you might consider a pleasant alternative – staying at the Villa Malibu.  It is close to the beach, shopping and restaurants. The security deposits are $2,500 for a fully furnished unit.  Summer leases are priced from $8,000 a month for a two bedroom unit or from $10,000 a month for a three bedroom unit.  Be sure to mention that your realtor, Judy Kunisaki sent you to Villa Malibu!

If you are interested in leasing or purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 her online contact form on her website.

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Sourced from: Kinetic Content Library

Malibu, California luxury or high end homes that are reasonably priced for this current market are still selling.  The optimal word is the definition of “reasonably priced”.  Each seller has their own home value but a true seller is one who prices their home realistically.   What is realistic?  It is the recent sales price of a comparable home.

Appraisers study the recent home sales within the past six months or one year for comparable homes [similar square footage, bedroom/bath, view type, etc.]  Another indication can be the offers that come in from buyers on that property.  If two or more low offers are coming in at similar price range, one should re-evaluate the active listing price.

I did a quick analysis on the Malibu, California beach front homes valued from $10 million and up that completed the sale from Jan 2009 to Feb 2010.  There were seven estates that closed in the same period.  Note that these entire beach front homes enjoyed unobstructed ocean views with direct beach access in most instance to a sandy beach.

The value already lies in the fact that most beach front homes cannot be replicated for the most part under the current California Coastal Commission guidelines. The key is direct beach access – no denying there is high value for this coveted location.

Six of the seven luxury beach front homes came on the market initially at high prices – their last listed prices reflect a price reduction from the original list price that range from $18 million to $2.6 million price drop.  The sellers on these properties adjusted the asking price in order to attract the qualified buyers to these properties.

One of the seven homes sold at the same price as the last asking price.  Six of the seven homes sold at a further reduction from the last asking price that ranged from $6,500,000 to $395,000.   The sellers often require that the buyers be pre-qualified and prove they have the financial ability to make a purchase in the price range before access to view the property is granted.  Buyers should be prepared to either provide a signed letter on a company letterhead by their financial brokerage, bank or attorney.

All of this study is coming from available data in Combined Los Angeles Westside MLS from beach front Malibu homes sales from $10 million and up during the time frame from Jan 2009 to February 2010.

If you are interested in purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 her online contact form on her website.    

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Often people associate Malibu with celebrities and luxury real estate.

BUT! There is much more to Malibu than that – Malibu benefits from one of the most stunning coastlines in the world! Which offers a great chance to watch some awe inspiring sunsets – like the one above on Zuma beach courtesy of malibuwellness’ YouTube channel.

Malibu is a community which offers an oceanside lifestyle – its beaches must truly be some of the best in the world. Surfers from thousands of miles around come to enjoy the waves and the city itself offers charm and beauty lost in other communities today. – Like we recently said, Beautiful Scenery, Beautiful Wines!

Malibu’s unique housing is often the topic of conversation, from the Bluffs, the Santa Monica mountains to Carbon Beach, every single style of house, size, shape and color can be seen.

So if you are interested in making Malibu part of your life and relocating here – please contact us for professional real estate service in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Also, don’t forget we can assist you with Summer beach leases for this coming Summer 2010 and beyond!

If you are interested in purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 or via her online contact form on her website.

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STOP THE PRESS!

News in from the Malibu Times - 

Home prices in Malibu have fallen 33%. With the median price at over $3 million, for 2009 it fell from $3.325 million to $2.225 million. This presents a great opportunity for those who have been considering buying a home in Malibu for years.

The media have put a negative spin on this news, which happens to be very, very exciting indeed!

The median price for Malibu in 2009 remained at just less of $2.5 million which is just above 2004. With 104 sales in the 90625 ZIP code there were fewer sales than previous years. However it must be remembered that the Malibu market is unlike most markets in the US. It is desirable and is filled with high end properties which take longer to sell than your average cookie cutter home. This is reflected in the news that there were nine deluxe homes of more than $10 million which found buyers, whereas in 2007 there were 25 such sales!

Sales volume last year was just less than $400 million and about $1.5 billion in unsold listings. Buyers have plenty to choose from among increasingly competitive sellers who are motivated and very low interest rates.

The average sale price was also lower – iIn 2008, 117 sales for $574,790,000 made for an average of $4.9 million per sale; last year, 104 sales for $384,739,000 put the average at $3.7 million per sale.

As the Malibu Times article states; the increase in sales activites in the nation and surrounding are will effect Malibu and those great priced properties will be snapped up. For buyers who missed out in 2002 and 2003, before rapid appreciation raged throughout the market place, the values of those years are now available!

So do not delay – now is the time to buy in Malibu!

If you are interested in purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 or via her online contact form on her website.

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Whatever the weather, Malibu’s beaches and its glorious beachfront real estate will be there right? WRONG!

Careful maintenance and prevention is required to ensure that homes such as those on Broad Beach remain there for years to come. Recent storms eroded more than from the beach than usual with some yards gaining some ocean water flowing into them during the storm!

What is the solution?

Well, a wall is the easiest solution that comes to mind. But! Is it that easy?

An emergency 8 ft tall 4,100 ft long rock wall is being constructed to shield the homes from the high tides and stormy ocean! This $3.4 million wall is being financed by the homeowners themselves as part of a $15-20 million plan to restore the beach to its 100 ft width within the next 6 years with beach replenishment/nourishment.

The beach has been slowly losing sand over many years – experts say that beaches tend to do this during warmer phases of weather and climate which has been effecting California since the late 70’s.

Stay tuned for more on this as it develops.

If you are interested in purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 or via her online contact form on her website.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Ah, the beach, who wouldn’t want to live on the beach!

Beach living is all about rest and relaxation. These days the trend is also about “beach living” in an environmentally friendly way – conserving water and lowering your carbon footprint. As we have said before. However here in Malibu we have some of the most expensive beach real estate in the country and the world!

So what to do? Well, as we mentioned previously, beach leases for the summer are a great way of getting the taste of the beach lifestyle, and as we said last year: “beach homes in the ‘bu have come a long way since when they first started to become popular! They are no longer full of coral mirrors, sea shell frames and fish-shaped place mats.”

This year the Summer 2010 beach leases are starting to come up for grabs, but so much for that huge $150,000 per month lease we wrote about before in 2008, oh no, this year is different – this year we see the $200,000 per month lease!

This property being offered is located on Carbon Beach and is new to the summer rental market.The home features 80 feet of prime beach frontage, an ocean-side pool, expansive decks, sleek modern design, and room to park many cars.

The MLS Lists the home as “one of the great estates of Carbon Beach” featuring white water views thanks to its beach frontage. Inside the property features hardwood floors, huge master bathroom, 35mm projection room, pool on beach deck and naturally, plenty of entertaining space! – The rent is a modest $150,000 for June 2010, $200,000 for July and $200,000 for August!

If you are interested in a beach lease in Malibu – perhaps not as high as this! Then please contact Judy Kunisaki for more information.

If you are interested in purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 or via her online contact form on her website.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Beach access can be a contentious issue – particularly if you have a property on a beach. In an area like Malibu there are alot of homes on the beach or with beach access.

Right now there is a debate that has been sparked over access to Lechuza Beach in Malibu.

There has been an inpasse for 8 years between a state agency and a homeowners association over a public access enhancement project proposed for a state owned section of Lechuza Beach. However, in a new twist it may occur that the Coastal Commission may step in.

The battle is to do with residents wanting to restrict access and the new project, proposed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, which comprises several additions intended to improve public access to Lechuza Beach through three gates, which are located at the entrances of East Sea Level and West Sea Level drives, and across the street from Bunny Lane off Broad Beach Road. The Malibu-Encinal Homeowners Association owns the first two gates, while the latter gate is the property of the MRCA.

However, despite ownership of the land, the Malibu-Encinal Homeowners Association says the state agency is not legally entitled to do so because the project interferes with easement rights. Project aside, the homeowners association states that it has voluntarily provided public access to Lechuza Beach for years.

Keep checking back and we will update you on the progress of this project…

If you are interested in purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 or via her online contact form on her website.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582