There certainly is a lot going on in the world of Real Estate right now. Here in Malibu, California, it is no different!

Current market conditions are always changing and in this case, changing for the good!

The U.S. Commerce Department is reporting that housing starts gained for the first time in 8 months. The gain was 22.2 percent. This was the first increase since June.

CNNMoney reports that new construction (single family) was up as well in January. With new construction of buildings with 5 or more units increased surged 80% to 212,000 from 118,000. This is fantastic news!

However, also the details of the Obama Loan Modification eligibility criteria have been released. Here is just a few morsels of information on it:

• Mortgage must have originated on or before January 1, 2009.
• Home must be an owner-occupied primary residence
• Home must be a single family 1-4 unit property
• Home may not be vacant or condemned.
• Borrowers in bankruptcy are not automatically excluded from consideration.
• Borrowers in active litigation regarding the mortgage loan can qualify for a modification without waiving their legal rights.
• First lien loans must have an unpaid principal balance (prior to capitalization of arrearages) equal to or less than:
  • 1 Unit: $729,750
  • 2 Units: $934,200
  • 3 Units: $1,129,250
  • 4 Units: $1,403,400

• Foreclosure actions are suspended during the trial period or while borrowers are considered for alternative foreclosure prevention options. If homeowners fail to qualify, foreclosure proceedings may resume.
• No minimum or maximum LTV ratio for eligibility purposes.
• Loans are eligible for only one loan modification under the program.

This is definitely exciting news on what is some of the most awaited legislation to come out of the Obama administration. Applicants will be accepted into the program until December 31, 2012 and we are hoping that more details will be released at a later date.

Watch this space! – Keep checking back with us for more updates on this and other real estate news. Subscribe to our blog using our RSS feed. (Click here!)

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.

The holiday season is almost here! Which means that the Pacific Palisades Junior Womens Club is starting its annual signature event again. The Home Sweet Home Tours, where tours of distinct local homes can be had.

On Sunday the opportunity to tour three distinctive historic homes was undertaken. Donations and monies raised are all donated to good causes and over the years the Club has supported many local charities and organizations including the Palisades Recreation Center, Palisades branch library, and the Palisades/Malibu YMCA. Tickets are available by visiting www.ppjwc.com

Of the three properties visited there was a range of styles, from Spanish to New England, and even Old England! The romance of the spanish riviera is encapsulated in 15527 Via De Las Olas, where there are vaulted ceilings, gorgeous tilework as well as antique wood doors.

New England’s charm is represented in 530 Toyopa Drive in a fresh, clean white and black look. Light pools in the six bedroom property taking advantage of its leafy setting.

930 Kawaga Street is bringing up the Old World England theme with authenticly created suits of armour, stained oak wood flooring as well as a traditional brick and mortar fireplace.

Anyone who thought Southern Californian real estate was dull should think again! These three properties show what variety there is available. 

If you are interested in purchasing a property in Pacific Palisades or the surrounding Malibu 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.

Shannen Doherty is best known for her role’s in Beverly Hills: 90210 as well as the hit late 90′s TV show Charmed where she played leading roles in shows which have become global sensations.

Doherty has listed her Malibu property for sale at $4.4 million dollars. The property is 3,410 square feet and was purchased by Doherty in 2004 for a little over $2.5 million. The property features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths set on a 1.1 acre plot and was built in 1976.

The property of course features landscaped gardens as well as sweeping ocean views afforded by its enviable position in Malibu.

Doherty like many local celebrities is no stranger to Malibu Real Estate as she also owns another slightly larger property in Malibu which was also built in the 70′s.

If you are considering this property or a similar piece of Real Estate in Malibu contact Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396 for professional Real Estate advice.

Malibu Country Mart, located in the Malibu Civic Center is a great chance for all to have a day out.

Containing 60 stores, restaurants & galleries, it is the perfect choice for a day of retail therapy! It is a unique approach to shopping in an increasingly bland retail environment dominated by big box stores and national chains. The facility even includes lush gardens, which thanks to Malibu’s favorable climate are green and pleasant all year round!

The ‘Mart covers 90,000 square feet of retail space across 6 acres of prime Malibu real estate a short walk to the Pacific Ocean and world famous beaches.

Additionally there is ample parking for many, however where the shopping precinct excells itself is in its walkability, it is accessible and provides that great old style "quaint" feeling of being able to walk between different stores.

Of course with all the shopping wearing you out there are ample restaurants and cafe’s who offer that great pick me up!

Check out the link below for more information on the facility. It really is a remarkable place which shows the true community small town spirit that Malibu has.

If you are considering purchasing a property in Malibu then please contact Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396.

No where is leasing a beach house the norm than Malibu.

Each year companies and individuals – including the local celebrity clan – scramble to lease chunks of prime Malibu Real Estate for a relaxing summer on the beach!

With the cost of leasing these locations driving up and up there has been a new record breaker this year! An 11,000 square feet, 4 bedroom, 8 bathroom house in Malibu Colony can be leased for a staggering $150,000 per month! Not only is this amount a new record but there is a hefty two month security deposit and a minimum lease of two months!

The record breaking property is a Mediterranean style home with direct beach access. Naturally the property features luxurious furnishings and a great outlook over the Pacific Ocean.

With beach front leases on other properties ranging from the $70′s – $80k’s a month for the summer this property’s price is exceptional – however the trend has been moving toward six figure leases as Malibu beach front property becomes so sought after.

If you are considering buying a property in Malibu or would like more information on Malibu real estate please contact Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396.

After a long hard slog trying to sell the fabulous beach house in Malibu, Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne have decided that a lucky renter could lease the house for $37,500 a month on a long term lease or $85,000 a month for short term – great for the summer!

This is a great bargain as the property benefits from 3 storys with wide views of the Pacific Ocean. The property was constructed in 1955 and its three levels contain a total of just under 3000 square feet.

The house has been recently renovated and features a minimalist modern theme throughout making the most of its location in one of the most desirable waterfront locations in the world.

The property was purchased by the couple in 2003 for a little over $5 million before renovation began.

If you would like more information on purchasing a Malibu beach house or even leasing one for the summer please contact Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396.

Chris O’Donnell will probably be most remembered for his role in Batman Forever and Batman Returns. However, his recent roles in many prime time TV Shows has also earned him fame.

He purchased the colonial style property in Pacific Palisades in 2000 for $2.950 million. The property has a central floor plan and 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms spread across 5,191 square feet. The property also features 2 family rooms, formal dining and living rooms as well as a panelled library.

The property is in the upscale area on Ocampo Drive and the asking price is $5.395 million. The property has a reasonal sized yard and a small swimming pool. – It’s size, features and location make it the idea family home.

If you are thinking about purchasing in the Pacific Palisades then please contact Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396 for professional real estate advice.

This Malibu Real Estate blog has in the last few months gone from strength to strength.

It has gained a readership from around the world and is increasingly becoming the authority on Malibu Real Estate.

We wish you all Happy Valentines Day!

There is also some very exciting news for fans of the Malibu Celebrity Real Estate Articles. Rick Allen, the drummer from the famous band Def Leppard has just paid $1.66 million for a 2,166 square foot property in Calabasas just north of Malibu.

The drummer has had a great level of connection with Malibu real estate as he and his former wife have owned many properties in the area. Including a property that he owns in Malibu currently.

The new purchase was built in 1982 and has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and sits on a lot just under half an acre.

If you, like Rick, are considering a property in the area then please get in touch with Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396.

Who doesnt dream of a luxury home with a ocean view and your own steps to the beach?

Well, one company called "One Key" – a travel program designed for the wealthy traveller has a portfolio of luxury real estate around the globe, where members of the scheme can use whilst on the move. They now have a Malibu beach house to offer clients.

One Key offers 15, 30 & 45 day travel cards which allow stay in the properties – membership starts at $34,900. Membership pre-qualifies you to be able to stay in one of their luxury homes. The homes are worth betweern $2 and $4 million and are located in Canada, the USA & Mexico.

The beach house in Malibu is a recent addition and is called Pacific Bluff. The property benefits from contempory decor and there are 183 steps to the beach as well as the trademark ocean view to wake you up in the morning!

The property was recently renovated and features a 6 man hot tub.

This is a great way to experience living in Malibu! One Key also has a property in Pacific Palisades!

If you are considering purchasing a property in Pacific Palisades or Malibu then please contact Judy Kunisaki on 310-317-8396 for more information

Cindy Crawford is famous for her television appearances, being featured on the covers of Magazines and being one of America’s "Super Models" owns a beautiful Malibu beach house as part of her property portfolio, which is now available to rent at the cost of $22,500 a month on a long term lease or $35,000 a month on a short lease – a big plus is that the property is furnished!

The property is off of the Pacific Coast Highway and has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms spread across a relatively modest 2413 square feet. The house is accessed by a small private gated road off of the PCH ensuring maximum privacy. 

Despite its seemingly high price to rent, compared to neighboring property on the beach it is remarkably good value for money. Especially as they are flexible on the term of the lease – month by month, short, long term etc.

Cindy’s husband Rande Gerber purchased the property in 1998 for $1.85 million, the property is not one which the couple live in – that is a palatial home on the ocean front a little further up the Pacific Coast Highway.

If you are considering purchasing a home in Malibu then please contact Judy Kunisaki who will be able to assist you with your Southern California Real Estate needs. You can contact her on 310-317-8396.