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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I just read about the “cash-in refinancing ” or also known as “cash-in refi” is becoming popular per the Los Angeles Times article on July 11, 2010.

Homeowners can take advantage of locking in the low rates by “bringing some money to the table to take advantage of today’s record-low interest rate.” This concept has become quite popular within the past six to nine months as noted by “Frank Nothaft, chief economist at mortgage giant Freddie Mac, the government-charted enterprise that purchases mortgages from lenders.”

This concept differs from the past trend where refinance meant people were taking cash out of the home’s equity.  In today’s economy, the homeowner owes so much on their mortgages; it is creating a better return on your money rather than leaving it in the bank.

The article notes in an example for a couple who wanted to refinance their second homes.  Their loan officer states that “loans on vacation properties are difficult to find and expensive these days” so she recommended this couple do “a cash-out refi on their principal residence and use that money to do a cash-in refi on their second home”. The result was the homeowner had two loans “at absolute rock-bottom rates” and “they rebalanced their debt for an overall savings north of $1,200 a month.”

It is always good to stop paying PMI so try to avoid paying the private mortgage insurance.  Keep your loan balance at 80% or less.  The cash-in refi works for anyone, not just for homes in the Malibu,CA or Calabasas, CA.

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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Deeds-in-lieu is a foreclosure alternative that is gaining popularity with the lenders reports the Los Angeles Times on June 27, 2010.  The key seems to be that “not only is it cheaper for lenders to do deeds-in-lieu to gain control of those properties, but with the current mortgage rates below 5%, they’re likely  to be able to resell the properties faster and on potentially more favorable terms in the summer and fall.”

A deed-in-lieu takes place when the mortgagor transfers all interest in the real property to satisfy the loan instrument and avoid the foreclosure proceeding.

The homeowner sees this as “’a very expeditious way to move on’ for underwater borrowers who are facing potential foreclosure.” They are tired of dealing with low ball offers, the stress of working on a short sale and the real estate agents and embarrassment of facing their neighbors of the current situation.

A downside of the limitations of a deed-in-lieu is it does not work for all – “if you have equity in the property, you’ll probably want to pursue a loan modification first, rather than hand over your equity stake to the lender.”

The article also notes that “deeds-in-lieu usually don’t work when there are multiple mortgages from different creditors encumbering the property. Also though deeds-in-lieu do less damage to borrower’s credit histories than foreclosures or bankruptcies, they definitely leave a mark. Fair Isaacs, developer of the widely used FICO credit score, says on its MyFico website that deeds-in-lieu and short sales are both treated as ‘not paid as agreed’ accounts, and are treated the same by the FICO scoring model.”

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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Questions arise when people are considering leaping into real estate and one which arises is buying an affordable home versus saving up for a dream home, especially in Malibu, CA. It can be a daunting process when shopping for a first home, realizing what you can afford as opposed to what you would like to afford. The questions ultimately arises whether it is a smart move to buy a home that you don’t want to live in forever.  The old adage — “location, location, location” – is an important factor too.  Home prices in Malibu, CA have come down to levels not seen since 2004 so it is a great time to buy.

Home ownership offers some benefits that are not available with renting. Two main benefits of homeownership are building equity and having the ability to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from federal and state income taxes. It is possible to buy a “starter home” and move up in time. Rarely due people purchase a first home and stay in it for a lifetime.

Buying a first home allows a homeowner to build equity, with the ability to sell the first home for a greater value down the road. If you wait until you have saved enough money it is hard to say what the affordability will be. Will waiting make buying your dream home possible 2 years from now, 5 years from now, 15 years from now? In that time how much money in rent will you have spent.

There hasn’t been a better time to buy a home in a very long time, if ever. Home prices are most likely at bottom, mortgage rates have been hovering at historical lows and tax incentives make buying a home feasible for many. If it makes sense for you financially it could be an ideal time to buy a first home, paving the way for purchasing your dream home later.  Find out what you can afford by getting a pre-approval with a good mortgage broker then give Judy Kunisaki a call to find out what is available in that price range.

If you are seriously interested in purchasing or leasing and want an “over the top” experience 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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Sourced from: Kinetic Content Library

Relocating can be much easier with the right Realtor

Moving to a new home can be quite an ordeal, whether you are moving within the same area or across the country. To make a complicated and often stressful situation easier choosing a qualified and experienced real estate broker can make all the difference.
A qualified Realtor can:

• Help you locate the best neighborhood to suit you and your family’s needs. She will know the area and will match it with your considerations and needs.
• Help you settle in faster by matching your interests and hobbies with the appropriate groups. She will also point you toward the right doctors, schools and professional areas that will set you out on the right foot.
• Will have the answers to your questions.  She will find sources to answer your questions too.

Each location has its unique  appeal.   Malibu, CA is 27 miles long – it offers both equestrian as well as marine activities.  Thus, one may wish to live where there is easy beach access or private beach access.  For others it may be the appeal of an ocean view home or serene canyon views.  Malibu living has the benefit of cool ocean breeze daily, clean air to breathe, a relaxed lifestyle and visual coastal views.

Calabasas, CA is 13.15 square miles – it is just north of Malibu, CA.  Monte Nido is a wonderful rural Calabasas suburb which enjoys the cool Malibu breezes.   If you love to live amongst nature and animals,  you will find Monte Nido full of charm. Both areas offer good schools – Calabasas is the Las Virgenes Unified School District and Malibu is the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

Keep in mind that choosing a Realtor with a solid reputation, a track record behind her and the knowledge you need to not only succeed in your real estate transaction but adjust to your new surroundings will make your entire move run much more smoothly. Do your homework and the real estate broker you choose will do the homework on your new environment.  Judy Kunisaki has assisted many families relocating to Malibu, CA or nearby areas including Calabasas,Agoura,  Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and Playa Vista.

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 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

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010! (Well…almost!)

New Years eve is here!

The time of “new years” celebrations are a time for reflection on the past year as well as planning for 2010. 2009 is nearly over and what a year it has been for Malibu, for the state of California and for the nation!

For the real estate market it looks like 2010 is going to be a great year, with prices trending upwards for the area (which is great news!) and mortgage rates remaining low.

However, that aside, whatever you are doing for this new years eve we hope that you are with family, friends and are safe and happy.

Here at the Judy Kunisaki Malibu Real Estate team we wish you a very happy new year and look forward to working with you on your real estate needs in 2010.

See you next year!

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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Happy thanksgiving – we hope you enjoyed the run up to this years holiday season and are looking forward to the festivities and the oncoming Christmas period!

It is an exciting time in Malibu – not just because, despite Christmas being around the corner the sun is still shining, but because the real estate market has turned around, and the economy is starting to recover across the nation. It looks like 2010 is going to be a very good year.

However, with our attentions always being drawn away from more important things, it is vital to remember what this holiday is all about. Giving thanks and helping those who are in need.

Locally, at 10 a.m., the Malibu Presbyterian Church will host the Thanksgiving Day service at their newly reconstructed sanctuary on Malibu Canyon Road, just north of Pepperdine University. Then, at 11 a.m., the Malibu United Methodist Church will continue its giving tradition of providing a luncheon feast for Malibu day laborers and the homeless.

So wherever you are and whoever you are with we hope that you are safe and we wish you a very happy thanksgiving! – Try not to eat too much turkey and pumpkin pie!

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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8 years have passed since the atrocious attacks on american soil that fateful day, September 11th 2001. Famous images of New York and DC under attack are seared on our memory.

As with last year, here in Malibu, California, Pepperdine University have raised 3000 flags in a beautiful spot of Alumni Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. One flag for each life lost.

On the 7th anniversary last year, the flags remained in place until the 18th of September before being take down. The flags are a shocking visual representation of the scale of the attacks that damaged the Pentagon and took down the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

No matter where you are, we hope that you and your family were safe and that you had time to reflect on those events just eight years ago this Patriots Day.

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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Leonard DiCaprio owns three homes in Malibu and recently (November 2008) has put one of his properties at 32628 Pacific Coast Highway up for sale at $8,999,000 in the hope of flipping this property which he purchased for only $6,350,000.

However he now has reduced the price of this Encinal Bluffs home to a bargain $7,999,000. However, while waiting for it to sell the famed Titanic actor has put the property up for lease at a monthly rate of only $25,000. This is great value for a 2374 square foot private property with stunning Pacific Ocean views.

The home is divided into a two bedroom two bathroom main house and two one bedroom guest suites. There is also a four car garage, hot tub overlooking the ocean and a set of steps down to the private cove below!

The property can be let short term of $50,000 per month according to the MLS.

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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.