Fall is finally apon us, the memories of those lazy summer days begin to fade and here in southern California the sun still shines, but the weather just gets a little bit cooler - ideal for those DIY projects!

With the holiday season approaching now is definately the time to start looking at your home and planning ahead.

Speaking of the sun still shining here in LA, with higher energy costs these days, many people are investigating and investing in using solar energy. Read the great article courtesy of Realty Times in my September Newsletter on selecting your solar system contractor.

Also, with the recent government shakes ups in the Real Estate sector there is a great article on what the housing and economic recovery act of 2008 means to you. (an important read!) as well as information on how the Federal Government is making rules to prevent bad loans in the future.

If you are interested in Westside real estate, and are looking to purchase a property in Malibu, Beverly Hills Post Office or even Pacific Palisades then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional Real Estate advice in the region. Call the office on   310-317-8396   or via her online contact form.

Want to get the facts on homeownership? Want more information as a buyer? Want to know the benefits of using a local Realtor when buying or selling a home? Then the National Association of Realtors can help!

Their "newly" launched website, www.housingmarketfacts.com is a great resource for all involved in the real estate industry as well as consumers looking at buying or selling real estate. It shows you the facts about homeownership that many fail to recognise as well as give you a true market pulse for the country.

Homeownership is a key in the success of building personal wealth. For instance, for homeowners who purchased their homes six years ago, they have seen their property values increase by an incredible 24.3% - even after taking into account the recent market challenges! That is a fabulous return on investment! Homeownership truly is a long term investment for your personal and financial future.

Of course the site shows the benefits of using a realtor over non-members as Realtors are bound by a strict code of ethics which professionalize the industry and help protect buyers and sellers.  The time is right to take advantage of the market, particularly with the low rates for financing and wide selection of properties available in the area. The Housing Stimulus Package also is going to assist in giving buyers more choice and flexibility.

Want to know more?

If you are considering purchasing a property in Malibu or the westside area then contact Judy Kunisaki, Realtor for professional Real Estate advice in the region. You can contact Judy at the office on  310-317-8396  or via her website: www.judysellswestside.com

Hot off of the real estate press! This beautiful Topanga Ranch was just sold for a cool $4.25 million. Down from its list price a few months back of $5.2 million and again down from its previous price a year ago of around $7 million.

The property’s sellers are Jane Sibbett and her husband Karl Fink, they are selling a gorgeous property nestled in the heart of Topanga and the beautiful Santa Monica mountains. The horse ranch is set on 17 acres of beautiful land and features a four bedroom home which has been renovated over the years. The sale price may be down on the previous list prices although it is certainly a great increase over the purchase price just 10 years ago by the couple which was a relatively modest, $750,000! The property uses natural stone and gorgeous wood floors and ceilings throughout to really enhance the properties character.

The property benefits from a rustic feel, compounded by its six horse barn and hilly terrain surrounding the home. The nature theme continues throughout the home. You have the convenience of being "in" L.A. but without actually being, or feeling like you are "in" L.A.!

If you are considering purchasing a home in Malibu,Topanga, Pacific Palisades or any of the surrounding Westside region, please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional Real Estate advice. You can call Judy on  310-317-8396  or contact her through her website: www.judysellswestside.com

On the 7th Anniversary of the September 11th tragedies which had a profound effect on our nation, Pepperdine University commemorates, what has become “Patriot’s Day” by holding several events to honor those who lost their lives that fateful day.

The main event is the display of 3,000 US Flags on the Alumni Park, the huge lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean along Malibu Canyon Road, with each flag representing an innocent American life lost in the attacks. This moving display acts as a reminder of what we all lost on that horrific day. The flags will remain on display until September 18th. There was a prayer service at 11.30 am in the appropriately names Heroes Garden. The garden is a sanctuary perfectly positioned as a memoriam of September 11th.

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 seven years ago. What is for sure is that the flag display at Pepperdine, is a poignant reminder of how many lives were lost and is shown in a stunning visual dance of the flags fluttering in the wind.

If you are looking for a property in Malibu or the surrounding Westside area then please contact Judy Kunisaki and her team in Malibu for professional Real Estate advice. You can call her on  310-317-8396  or visit Judy’s website: www.judysellswestside.com

It’s that time of year again, Labor Day weekend! This for Malibu usually means bumper numbers in visitors like last year. 

Labor day signifies the end of the summer and where better the celebrate than in Malibu on the beach facing the gorgeous Pacific Ocean! There is always plenty to do - including the annual Chilli Cook Off! Last year the heat index was in triple digits and it was estimated that the city could have seen 900,000 visitors that weekend! Perhaps this year will see as many?

This year there is to be a great fireworks display this Saturday at 9pm as the Los Angeles County Fire Department has issues a fireworks display permit for a barge to go offshore near Malibu Colony and set off the fireworks. It is sure to be a great display!

If you are considering purchasing a property in Malibu to be close to the ocean or just want to take advantage of the great lifestyle that the area offers then please contact Judy Kunisaki on  310-317-8396  for professional Real Estate advice for the Westside area. You can visit her website: www.judysellswestside.com

The National Association of Realtors has stated that in the coming months it expects the beginnings of a market turnaround with particular focus on the forth quarter of this year as it is expected buyers start to really take advantage of the great deals to be had!

The cheif economist at NAR, Lawrence Yun states that the data indicates a market in transition - i.e. from buyers towards a more stable balanced market. There is a rise in the Pending Home Sales Index across four regions showing an increase in activity as buyers are tapping into the market and sanpping up deals on property which previously were not for sale.

Area which were hardest hit by the national slowdown such as southern Florida and Las Vegas are now posting gains - Fort Myers, Fl and Las Vegas amongst a whole host of others! The Housing Reform Bill which will provide a great boost is a way in which first time buyers can be helped to the market through the expansion of FHA loan programs and a great tax credit.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in Malibu or the Westside area and taking advantage of the market, with a great selection of property and low mortgage rates, now is the time to buy! You need to contact Judy Kunisaki for professional Real Estate advice. Also, if you are considering selling your property in the area Judy may be able to assist you! You can contact her on 310-317-8396 or by visiting her website: www.judysellswestside.com

Renowned landscape designer Jay Griffith is selling his three bedroom, three bathroom pad in Malibu. The exclusive landscaper is listing his 2. 5 acre property which naturally features beautiful gardens from a pristine vantage point overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The property also features a studio, barn and a gorgeous ocean view gazebo where you can watch the sun set every night! The property is a real beauty and its position as well as its lush gardens are enough to make the neighbors jealous!

The property’s price is a steal at $3.9 million. particularly when you consider it is on 2.5 acres. Jay Griffith himself also owns homes across the southern Californian area including one in nearby Pacific Palisades.

If you are considering purchasing a luxury home in Malibu or the surrounding Westside region then please contact Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396 for professional real estate advice on buying a home in the area.

New listing in Malibu! William J. Chadwick has listed his Malibu Carbon Beach home for $65 million - a record if it sells at that price! Carbon Beach is long known for its exclusive and expensive beachfront homes - including the false sale of a $50 million property last year.

This palatial property truely is stunning - after all, who would not want to wake up to that view everymorning, of the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the sand!

The home is a sprawling 10,500 square feet and has a 150 feet of beach front. Although if you don’t fancy taking a dip in the ocean you can in the 75 foot pool and spa! There is also a wall sized aquarium for your marine life as well as an art deco home theatre and gym - this home truely has it all!

The property is tastefully decorated and well appointed with all modern conveniences. It’s garage is also truely geared up for the collector. The main draw for this home of course is the location, one of the most exclusive coastlines in the world. The ideal home for someone wanting it all.

If you are considering purchasing a home on Carbon Beach or the rest of the Malibu area then please contact Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396 for professional Real Estate advice.

Its back! Its that time of year again (already?) The 37th Annual Malibu Art’s Festival is on its way in about three weeks time. Tickets are already on sale for the event which is being held in the Civic Center parking lot on July 26th and July 27th 2008.

Building on last years successful event this year it is expected that there will be 200 exhibitors.The annual event is always successful and is run by the Malibu Chamber of Commerce.

This year is sure to feature some great work as Malibu is home to many artists and is a cultural hub for southern California.

If you are interested in purchasing a property in Malibu or the surrounding Westside Los Angeles area then please contact Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396.

Click here to search the Malibu MLS for your perfect property

Newly remodelled Point Dume Village now features 25,000 square feet of space and a new upscale market "The Pavilions" which replaces Cookes Family Market which closed two years ago. The new center opened its doors a day earlier than expected on Tuesday May 20th and whilst its opening is controversial with local residents who are concerned about its impact on traffic and parking its development will of course benefit the local economy.

The construction of the new center began in 2006 and now features a Starbucks and 5000 square feet of addtional retailing space due to demolition of interior walls and merging with the old Malibu Gymnastics area.

Point Dume is a renouned area world wide for its park area and beautiful real estate that benefits from Pacific Ocean views. Its beach was used to file scenes from the classic film "Planet of the Apes"! It is a popular area to purchase a home due to its beautiful location and easy access to the rest of Malibu via the Pacific Coast Highway.

If you are considering purchasing a home in the Malibu or Point Dume area then please contact Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396.