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.

Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

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.

Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

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.

Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

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.

Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

The California Fish and Game Commission is looking at fishing restrictions for Southern California after hearing proposals from the Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force.

Locally, the task force’s proposal calls for a State Marine Reserve, or SMR, designation for the ocean from Malibu’s Westward Beach to just outside Paradise Cove. A SMR is a “no take zone” in which fishing of all kinds is prohibited. Recreational activities such as boating, swimming, diving or kayaking are allowed. Also, boats with caught fish onboard can pass through the area. A less restrictive State Marine Conservation Area, or SMCA, has been proposed for the stretch of ocean from Westward Beach to Lechuza Beach. This allows for the recreational take of pelagic finfish, Pacific bonito and white sea bass. Commercial fishermen could take coastal pelagic finfish, market squid and swordfish.

However, a final decision on recommendations for fishing restrictions off the coast will not be made until the end of next year.

Of course, back in November we wrote that the “Point Dume Now Included As A Marine Protected Area” as The Marine Life Protection Blue Ribbon Task Force selected a preferred alternative for a network of marine protected areas, which includes Point Dume, in the South Coast. Despite the controversy surrounding the proposals and plans, it could definitely great news for Malibu who prides itself in its beautiful coastline which is teeming with wildlife.

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.

Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

How about a great view of the Pacific Ocean, right from your home!

Well, this property, owned by a Real Estate Developer in Malibu has just that!

It is a fantastic property just under 3000 square feet in the contemporary style and is only 4 years old! Very close to Las Tuna Beach. Inside features materials such as Brazilian Cherry wood, onyx and marble. The two story living area opens up with a stunning view over the Pacific Ocean!

The kitchen is no less impressive with a Wolf Range and large center island. The master suite occupies the top floor with office, dual walk in closets and a bath with spa tub.

The owner is Robert F. MacLeod, Jr. who  has served as president of Lowe Development Corporation, a real estate development company in Los Angeles. He is also the president of The Plaza at The Arboretum, an apartment building in Santa Monica.

This luxurious beach house is located at 19220 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu and is listed for $4.895 million.
There have been 97 home sales in Malibu during the past 12 months, with a median sales price of $2 million. Beach houses are desirable no matter what the market is doing. If you would like more information on buying a beach house in Malibu then please contact us today.

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.

Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

You are forgiven if you do not know who Annette and Stan Cook are of Barefoot Dreams.

These guys formed a company back in 1994 which sells, what can only be called a “sensational” line of products from what started out as a home/garage based business. Now their products have been featured on and by Oprah, Tyra Banks and Ellen to name just a few!

Their line of what they call “Cozychic” products is very popular amongst celebrities.

So, now they have both just sold their Malibu home for a cool $3 million.

Their property was a delightful ocean view home which is gated, sits on 1.5 acres and was constructed in 1983.

Inside the family home there are four bedrooms, four bathrooms across 4,089 square feet. There is a separate guest suite with a den, bathroom and kitchen that sits above the three car garage.

Outside there are stone patios, well manicured lawns and planted fruit trees as well as a built-in barbecue, firepit and spa.

Definitely a beautiful home. The Cook’s however, are not newbies to Malibu Real Estate, they also own two other properties here, including a 5 acre ocean-view mansion and five bedroom compound.

Perhaps a nice ocean view home would be something that would suit your taste? Get in touch with us today for more details on amazing Malibu homes. 

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.

Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

We are constantly writing about actual celebrities and their luxury Malibuu properties. However, in this case we are writing about someone who is their manager!

Jeff Kwatinetz has listed his Malibu Mansion for a cool $7.299 Million.

The home is located on the Pacific Coast Highway and features stunning views of the Pacific Coast Highway courtesy of its 30 feet of beach front at Topanga beach. Expansive decks off every level with commanding panoramic views from Palos Verdes to Pt. Dume.

The property is a tri-level contemporary home with 3,896 square feet of living space containing four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms.

Inside the home there is a great gourmet eat-in kitchen with center isle that flows into the Great Room with walls of glass and a large deck, just steps to the beach. In the bedroom department there is an unbelievable master suite. 2 additional view bedrooms plus a generously sized office. The home features stone flooring in some area. Outside there are gated secure grounds with off highway parking and a 2 car garage.

Jeff Kwatinetz was former CEO of a talent management company that previously had on its books celebrities including; Marty Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Benicio Del Toro, Natalie Portman, Orlando Bloom etc. Kwatinetz purchased this property back in 2006 for just shy of $6 million.

This is definitely a property worth looking at due to its fantastic location!

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.

Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Great news today reported by the Malibu Times that the Point Dume coastal region has been included as a Marine Protection Area.

The Marine Life Protection Blue Ribbon Task Force selected a preferred alternative for a network of marine protected areas, which includes Point Dume, in the South Coast.

When California passed the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) 10 years ago, it called for the creation of a statewide network of marine protected areas, underwater refuges that allow wildlife and habitats to recover and thrive. The task force recommended that Point Dume be a part of the network. Its suggestion will be forwarded to the Fish and Game Commission for consideration in the next few weeks.

Definitely great news for Malibu who prides itself in its beautiful coastline which is teeming with wildlife.

Whether you like to live in the mountains, at the ocean or in the forest, Malibu has it all!

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.

Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

What a great weekend!

Labor Day weekend traditionally signifies the end of the summer season. In Malibu the sunshine never ends!  As with any holiday weekend tourists and locals alike take advantage of the balmy weather to hit the beaches in the area.

As reported by the Malibu Times, an estimated half a million people visited Malibu’s beaches Labor Day weekend  as sweltering temperatures brought in the crowds. City beaches during the three-day weekend also reported 58 rescues and 116  people who received first aid assistance. There were also around 18,000 who attended the previuosly reported Annual Chili Cook Off!

For the season as a whole, since the beginning of July, more than 6,780,000 people have visited Malibu beaches, 1,583 of whom received first aid treatment and 1,186 of whom were rescued.

Of course rather than making a drive to the beach every holiday you could choose to live in Malibu and have access to the beach all year round!

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.

Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582