Beverly Hills (90210, 90211, 90212, 90213) is a fully incorporated city in the heart of Los Angeles.  As an incorporated city it has its own government, police, school district, public services, etc. An annexation proposal to the City of Los Angeles was defeated in 1923 and Beverly Hills remains independent to this day.Beverly Hills was officially "opened" in 1906 and named after Beverly Farms in Beverly, MA.  Construction on the famous Beverly Hills Hotel, home of the famous Polo Lounge was started in 1911. Movie stars started to build their homes there, and a tour of the stars homes is an industry by itself.It has some of the largest home in the country, from huge mansions to more modern homes, condos and apartment buildings.  The further south you get the less expensive it becomes. N... 10/01/2009

When I am taking a buyer out to look at property, I will always have feedback to offer and am forthcoming to express my opinion to make sure that my client takes an objective approach to the listing as a whole: will it be hard to sell in a few years time, what's the quality of craftsmanship, and the big one, pricing. Obviously, this is done in private after we have left the property or are discussing outside of the building. When an agent takes the time out of their day to meet both myself and my client, I always want to convey how much I appreciate their time and to say something positive about the property they are listing, whether I like it or now. My clients are trained in the same manner - if you don't have anything nice to say in front of the listing agent, just keep it to yoursel... 09/21/2009

Have you broken up with your boyfriend/girlfriend? Do you find that that those must have (insert item - Dior shoes, new BMW, Bottega gym bag - you get the point) aren't keeping you warm at night? Or maybe you are simply an animal lover (as most of us are) who has been waiting for the right time to adopt a wonderful companion, but hasn't had the time to investigate the right opportunity. I have the answer for you! It's time to adopt a cat, especially one that is affectionate and is in desperate need of a loving home. In all seriousness, a friend of mind has found a extra special cat in an alley in West Hollywood and has opened her heart/home to really give this super sweet feline a chance at a happy life. If you've ever considered getting a kitty, I implore you to consider making this ad... 09/19/2009

Facebook Lite for Real Estate Brokers Facebook has come out with a new version of their social networking site called Facebook Lite. It's a less cluttered version of the original, which has received complaints about usability. Facebook Lite reads more like Twitter, and has more screen space (i.e. less clutter and less advertising) This new version makes it easier to send out Twitter-like messages without all of the distractions. This version can be useful in the Real Estate world for several reasons: •   It works great on a mobile platform, so you can update your followers and customers on the go •   You can, quickly and easily, post a link to a listing or website that may be urgent (i.e. timely news) •   It requires less bandwidth, so you can have several applications running. The site... 09/16/2009

Fall in LA is my most favorite time of year! I love being able to wear sweaters during the day, the cool crisp nights, and above everything else, all the wonderful holiday parties that typically include an open bar! Now I know we are not quite ready to pack in our Ed Hardy Summer T Collection (GASP - I am joking) for fitted D&G ribbed v neck sweaters just yet, but the fall will be upon us in full force soon enough. Now I know you are already planning on what to wear for Halloween (last year I was Michael Phelps in just a speedo and gold medals - not sure how I am going to top that one), but have you also been strategically planning your real estate purchase? Between now and Christmas are some of the best months to get a deal on that new home you've been eyeing. More times than not, sell... 09/08/2009

Help the NAVS Sanctuary Fund Save Animals in Need Hurricane season is in full swing. Hurricane Jimena is expected to make landfall today on the Baja California Peninsula. On the east coast, the National Hurricane Center has issued an advisory for Tropical Storm Erika as it moves toward the Southeast U.S. coast. Meanwhile, Governor Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency as wildfires continue to rage throughout Southern California.  Several homes, businesses, animal shelters and large animal sanctuaries have already been evacuated. The NAVS Sanctuary Fund was established to provide immediate financial assistance to animals affected by these natural or human-made disasters.  You have the power to help animals in this, their most desperate, hour. Your monetary donation to NAVS' Sanctu... 09/02/2009

This post is dedicated to all the daddy's girls and mama' s boys that are not quite ready to leave the nest even though it's about that time or in some of your cases, long past due. Trust me, I get it. You have become used to the luxuries of gourmet kitchens w/Viking appliances (even though you may not cook, it's still a comfort knowing that they are there), beautiful gleaming hardwod floors, and top of the line luxury everything. The thought of leaving the safety of Beverly Hills with it's close proximity to your parents/family, convenient location to everything, and small town sense of community is something that you are just not willing to consider. I hear you loud and clear! Well, I have the solution for you...coming soon. Next week I will be launching an absolutely stunning condo i... 08/26/2009

  The movie "The Graduate" who is this very famous young man?   One of my favorite movies of all time is "The Graduate" and when I first saw this flick I thought to myself (wow)! And Simon & Garfunkel are one of my favorite groups.  When this movie first hit the theaters there was so much controversy, why? If you really know the movie please tell us in you own words why there was so much talk about this great movie?  And this handsome young man on the album cover, who is that? And how old do you think he is, maybe in his early twenties?  Me and other members will be posting fun blogs about Famous People Only and I would like every one to please join our group and post some blogs about Famous people!                                Famous People Only  And is that someone Autograph on that... 07/25/2009

 Real Autographed photo of James Dean  I have had people in my life tell me "Bob I think you are Star Struck" when they hear me talking about Famous People, Movie Stars, Musicians, Artists, Photographers, Presidents, etc.  I know that deep down Famous People are the same as any one else, they tie their shoes like we do, they brush their teeth like we do, etc.  But I consider Movie Stars & Musicians like a part of my family because I grew up with them and have been influenced by them many times in my life when growing up.  When I grew up I had huge dreams and a "Simple Twist of Fate" changed my dreams and kept me from rubbing elbows with Famous People. Things are what are and life deals you a hand of cards that you just have to live with.  So when people say "Bob I think your Star Struck... 07/24/2009

In my Rich Kids Guide to Buying a Home, I take you through the step by step process of a home purchase and everything that entails. For those of you who are new to my blog or my website, I wanted to provide you with a quick guide as to what you need to do before you are even seriously ready to purchase a home. Each week, I meet a lot of great people out there who may or may not be ready to officially start looking. Here's a checklist of things to do to before you are ready to buy: Get Pre Approved - I say this over and over again, but seriously, speak with a lender before you even start working with a real estate agent. A lender is going to tell you if you qualify for a loan or if you will need a co-signer, how much you are qualified for, what those monthly payments will be, and how muc... 07/20/2009

Since there is not much to report from the condo world today, I thought I would feature this slick piece of architecture as today's Hot Prop. I have a client interested in the residence, which allowed me the opportunity to tour this home this past Saturday. In the great words of Joey Lawrence from the ‘Blossom' era, all I can say is "WHOA". Located on Summitridge in ultra prime Beverly Hills PO (Side note: BHPO is technically Los Angeles, but for postal service reasons retains a Beverly Hills, 90210 address - BHPO residents do not receive BH amenities like schools, police/fire - it's all city of LA). The house is a mid century restored to the nine's with every chic amenity you can think of. There are two bedrooms, one of which can be used as a lounge, but has hidden pocket doors that tr... 07/16/2009

First and foremost, I want to apologize for the lack of posts these past seven days. Those of you who are loyal readers know that I do my best to try to update 4-5 times per week on what's happening in real estate and LA life. My internet has been having some serious issues (no, I didn't forget to pay the bill) since last Monday leaving me with limited connectivity. Time Warner is coming out tomorrow, so I should be completely up and running by the end of the day Tuesday! For my friends who know me, I have an extreme resistance to social networking sites like myspace or Facebook. I don't know what it is, but I hate being in pictures (which is somewhat ironic considering my boyfriend represents models for a living) and having all my private moments for public view. When Twitter came out,... 06/22/2009

Today I talk about commitment. Help me in my Twitter/Facebook quest to show the power of social media to the world by getting @JimmyFallon to follow me! Thank you for your support! Congratulations RyanOD! Be sure to check out Gary Vaynerchuk as he is a HUGE inspiration to the power of social medai when done correctly! Tune in: GoGladiatorTV is LIVE on Tuesdays at 9:00 P.M.est Social Media meets Real Estate! Looking for people to fill in slots on Tuesdays! Are you ready to grow your business via social media? *Powered by Ustream Have a Profitable Day Everyone! Harrison Painter is a Real Estate Broker and Marketing Animal in the Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, and Zionsville, IN markets who Makes Real Estate Happen! If you are looking to buy, sell, or invest, CALL ME TODAY! (3... 06/11/2009

If you have been following my blog, I usually always have at least one or two Hot Prop, best buy properties listed each week. I like to post listings that run the pricing spectrum to accommodate all of my readers and buyers. Lately there have been a lot of cool new developments sprouting up in the $700K-$1,000,000 range, but I am finding very little inventory (that is decent) under $700,000. I am not quite sure what the disconnect could be because as short as six weeks ago, there were a ton of well done and properly priced condos on the market. I suppose it's Murphy's Law that now that so many of you are wanting to purchase, there is less available to see. One theory could be that many buyers are still holding on tight until things stabilize a little more. I know that most sellers would... 06/11/2009

Rise and shine, rich kids! It's time to down 3 Advil, drink a extra large bottle of Vitamin Water(I personally like the Revive Fruit Punch), and shake that hangover off for Open House Sunday! I have had an extremely busy week and have been a little lax over the last few days with updates. Today, I am composing a list of old and new Hot Props that are open today if you feel like pounding the pavement. I'd like to make this a weekly-ish feature, so please email me if you'd like to receive a list each Sunday of my picks of worthwhile open houses check out. FYI - Open house hours are from 2-5pm. New Construction Condos 7917 Willoughby (my open house for the day - come say hi) - West Hollywood - $770,000/$995,000 ( 2 units remaining) 123 Kings Road Boutique Residences - West Hollywood - $949... 05/17/2009

 It's been a while since I have blogged about my favorite financial guru of all times, Suze Orman. There is just something about her that really resonates with me.  Love her or hate her, she offers some pretty solid advice. My boyfriend (and father and many of my friends in the financial industry) are not her biggest fans.  Should I find myself watching her on TV and someone happens to walk into the room, trust me the channel is quickly change. I've blogged a few times about whether buyer or renting makes the most sense for you . Much of what I included in my original post is based off of many Suze-isms and overall common sense. As I was watching Suze last night alone in the privacy of my own living room, she can up with a pretty basic, no brain formula as to whether you should rent or ... 05/08/2009

Guys, have you been spending one too many nights at Big Wangs drinking beer, eating wings, and "cougar hunting"?Are you ladies starting out "girls night" with a few low cal cocktails, but ending up at Barney's Beanery scarfing down potato skins and chili cheese fries in substitute of a man? Let's face it, summer is here and we all want to be in the best shape possible while we are downing watermelon mojitos poolside at The Standard. I get it, many of you are not going to get yourself off  the couch and to the gym without a little motivation. My friend Justin is here to kick your ass in to shape and for the gals/gays out there, a little eye candy to get you through the torture! Justin will customize a fitness plan for your phsyiqiue that will maximize your body's potential while expediti... 05/01/2009

While every one has been bussy worrying about the Swine-flu, the economy and  appraisal changes, quietly PetRelocation.com an independently-owned and privately funded company has unveield its new interactive pet travel and transportation website. This move makes them one of the first and one of its kind in the Pet Transportation Industry.I found out thanks to Rachel Farris, Director of PR & New Media at Petrelocation.com I met her on the internet in a pet discussion forum and then l saw her post on LinkedIn  I wanted to share this with all pet lovers who have not heared about this.Pet owners can now enjoy the following features on the new website:1. PetRelocation specialists answer  pet travel questions in the Ask Our Experts section2. PetRelocation Video Channel stars Bruno the dog and... 04/30/2009

One activity that I really enjoy is going to vintage shops on Melrose to see what kind of great buys are out there. I have always loved great clothing, but don't typically want to shell out the major bucks to buy it. I discovered It's A Wrap about two years ago and think it's one of LA's hidden gems. It's located in a very unassuming store front just north of Pico next to the Starbucks on the eastern side of the street. What's great about this place is that they take designer clothing from movie sets (which has typically only been worn a few times) and then sell it at a bargain. I've purchased black label Armani dress shirts, D&G pants, some great Ben Sherman shirts from there - you name it, they have it! What's also fun is that they will tell you who's worn that particular article of c... 04/24/2009

Since it's the middle of the week, I thought I would indulge us in a little fantasy real estate aka real estate porn. If this is your reality, call me immediately because this house is nothing short of amazing! Located in the west end Beverly Hills flats, this property embodies my dreams come to life. I've always loved the location and land of the BH flats, but preferthe sleek architecture of the "Bird Streets"/Sunset Plaza area. Today's Hot Prop combines my two loves into one fantastic estate! Taken down to the studs and then totally renovated with impeccable taste by Abramson and Teiger, there aren't enough words to describe how cool this house is! Instead, let's just drool over the pictures (I enhanced the image size so you could see the details)! Enjoy! 824 North Whittier Drive, Bev... 04/24/2009