Wow, what an end to this week!  Dow was down 369.1 points, -2.7%, today for a weekly loss of 4.1%!  Items of note: National Association of Home Builders Index came in at 18, lowest level since the index was started in 1985!  Keep in mind that a reading of 50 or above is considered bullish.Housing Starts came in at lowest level in 14 years and down 50% from January 2006 peak.Oil reaches $90 per barrelHome Sales in California were down 49%, year to yearCitigroup, Bank of America and others reporting lower earnings due to subprime mess Now for the good news…… Read more! 10/19/2007

While the City of Burbank does not experience a large amount of graffiti in the city.  As is true with any area of a metropolitan area some things are bound to happen.  In order to cope with the issue and to keep our city clean and as graffiti free as possible the City of Burbank several years ago instituted a Graffiti Removal program.  This is a free service to its residence and the response time is usually within 3 business days from the report of incident.The guidlines are very simple:To remove graffiti from publicly visible areas of your property, please call (818) 238-3806.  There is no charge for Burbank's graffiti removal service.  Before graffiti can be removed, a signed "Right to Enter" release must be on file with the Public Works Department.  Please call (818) 238-3800 to ver... 10/18/2007

Yes, I finally took some pictures of our City Hall!  As you can see from this shot, it has some great architectural features!Burbank City Council will NOT be meeting today, but meetings will resume next week, Tuesday, October 23, at 6pm.One thing I wanted to point out is that if you are busy and are not able to watch the meetings live on Charter Cable, channel 6, or if you have ATT's U-Verse, you can go online and view the meetings on the internet.  In addition to the live feed, you will also be able to view past meetings. Hope you have a great week! Please visit me at anaconnell.com!   10/16/2007

 This three block cultural event happens outdoors on San Fernando Blvd between Magnolia & Orange Grove from 10:00am to 5:00pm and is now one of the biggest ART festivals in the region.Art lovers can stroll Downtown Burbank and meet more than 100 award-winning, nationally recognized artists on-hand to sell original works and demonstrate their craft. Customers can purchase on commission unique works of art, enjoy live musical entertainment, watch pottery wheel demonstrations and see artists recreate masterpieces on city streets.  If you are an artist wishing to participate, please apply via the website at West Coast Artists      For more information on the ARTS Festival, the public is asked to please call 818-238-5180, or visit Downtown-Burbank.orgFor more informatin on Burbank Arts in Ed... 10/15/2007

 Monday 15Empire State Manufacturing Survey-monthly survey of manufacturers in New York State.Consensus 12.5 3 Month & 6 Month Bill Auction Tuesday 16Industrial Production Consensus.1%Housing Market Index-Produced by the National Association of Home Builders.  This is a survey which is filled out by the members of this organization and it gives their opinion of the general state of the housing market and the economy. State Street Investor Confidence Index Measures actual levels of risk in investor portfolio. Treasury Int'l Capital-measures foreign demand for our debt and assets by tracking flows of financial instruments into and out of the U.S.  ICSC-USB Store Sales  Tracks comparable weekly sales from major retail chains and represents 10% of total retail sales.  Is considered to be o... 10/14/2007

The City of Burbank has many great things to offer people of all ages.  One of the things that the city prides itself on is a constantly improving and reinventing itself with newer updated facilities for residents.One such place is the Burbank Tennis Center.  Located at 1515 N. Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504 the center offers something for everyone.This includes a Fitness Center, Pro Shop, a Thai Restaurant and more importantly 12 Tennis Court to include a mini tournament stadium(Pictured above). The city provides public classes for kids ages 3-18 at a minimal cost.  For information on these classes please visit The Burbank Tennis Center website.As the court is located at McCambridge park there are plenty of other things to do with the family while there to include Playgrounds, Basket... 10/14/2007

 The big news was the release of Retail Sales, which increased a larger than expected .6%, best explained by the seasonal back to school rush.  The bond market snoozed through the news but the stock market reacted positively.Items of note: Consumer Confidence fell to 82, lowest reading in a year, keep in mind this survey consists of 300 consumers, so not sure how representative it is of the overall segment. Bond Market closed the week with lower prices, higher yields:        2 year  yield     4.20%        5 year yield      4.41%        10 year yield    4.68% Producer Price Index rose by 1.1%, higher than expected, but core PPI only rose by .1% vs. the .2% number expected. I read Kaye Thomas' Manhattan Beach, Market Snapshot post and want to reference the Wall Street Journal article she... 10/12/2007

It was a sad day in Burbank when NBC announced today that after broadcasting out of its Burbank Studios since 1952 that it will be moving to a new facility in Universal City.Having grown up in the city I also grew up with the NBC Peacock staring at me almost everyday.  Allthough Universal City is only a few minutes away it will still not be the same."The Tonight Show," local news operations and "Access Hollywood," along with other programming, will be relocated to Universal City, which includes Universal Studios, its theme park and CityWalk.   " 'The Tonight Show' put us on the map," Burbank Mayor Marsha Ramos said. "Without that line from Johnny Carson about 'beautiful downtown Burbank,' most people wouldn't even know that we exist. When 'The Tonight Show' leaves, there will be a porti... 10/11/2007

I spoke with Burbank real estate specialist, Ana Connell, today.  Ana's "other life" paralleled mine; she was a manager for a securities brokerage firm before she started her career in real estate brokerage.  We chuckled as we talked about the principles of technical analysis and how it might apply to residential real estate .  I want to share the product of our discussion with you, the Southern California property buyer.I think that the real test of proper pricing for Southern California real estate is revealed when we analyze properties like a long-term investor may.  We are getting close to parity here.  If a property can create net positive cash flow, with a 20% down payment, and a a current market rate, interest-only loan, the game's over.  Long-term investors will flock to that pu... 10/10/2007

Whether you are looking for a place to take the kids to play, shoot some hoops, play some ball, get in some tennis, go for a swim or just sit and relax.  Burbank has more than enough to accomodate your needs.All our parks are well maintained places where you can always go to enjoy a nice day in the shade.Below is a list of parks in the City of Burbank.Bel Aire Park · 1750 N Bel Aire DrBrace Canyon Park · 2901 Haven Way Earthwalk Park · 1922 Grismer Ave.George Izay Park · 1111 W. Olive Ave.Burbank Little Theater · 238-9998Olive Recreation Center · 238-5385Sports Office · 238-5330Creative Arts Center · 1100 W. Clark Ave. · 238-5397Joslyn Adult Center · 1301 W. Olive · 238-5353Johnny Carson Park · 400 Bob Hope Dr.Maple Street Playground · 3820 W. Jeffries AveMcCambridge Park · 1515 N. Glen... 10/07/2007

Many people who come to visit Burbank usually come for business or to visit the Studios.  There is one very well kept secret about this great city.  That secret is the De Bell Public Golf Course.Nestled in the mountains overlooking the city and most of the San Fernando Valley is a challenging 18 hole Golf Course, Driving Range and a 3 Par course.  The course holds a nice challenge for beginner or novice alike and wraps around the mountains.  It also provides a great workout if you should you decide to walk the course as there are also many hills along the course as well.It is conveniently located near the Castaways Restaurant, Starlight Amphitheatre and the hiking trails.  There are discounts for Burbank Residents as well as Senior and Junior Golfers.1500 E Walnut Ave Burbank, CA  91501... 10/07/2007

                  Martino's Bakery has been a fixture in the Burbank Community since 1926.  They started as a small pie business in a garage and grew into a household name in Burbank.  The quality is incredible and you can always count on great service when you go there.Located at 335 North Victory Blvd. they are centrally located in the heart of Burbank.  Their claim to fame(which has been well earned) is their "World Famous" Tea Cakes which are always a must for any visitor and or for any party.  They have served cakes for countless weddings in our area and are a true fixture in the community.They have always managed to keep the mom and pop feel of the establishment and will always walk out satisfied.For more info give them a call at 818-842-0715 or just stop by, you will NOT be disap... 10/06/2007

     If you are ever in Burbank or even close by on any Saturday afternoon, this is a must see detour for you.  It will not be hard to find near the corner of Magnolia and Buena Vista as you will see a huge cloud of smoke coming from the parking lot behind the Shell gas Station.  As you get closer you will find the line of people waiting for the fresh meat that is being served off of the row of BBQ's in the parking lot.Take you pick as everything is great.  You have a choice of Turkey Legs, Tri-Tip(my favorite), Chicken and ribs.  All are great sized portions and the ribs have a ton of meat on them.  If you are looking for a great cold sandwich then you simply have to walk inside to the deli which has the reputation of having "The best meat in Burbank".  There fresh deli sandwiches are ... 10/06/2007

                             Local Housing Update: Period 9-15-07 to 10-05-07        Average new listings/day          Average closed sales/day     # Pending Sales/day Burbank                                                  3.8                                                                          .86                                        2.7 Toluca Lake                                             .43                                                                         .33                                        .48 Studio City                                            2.86                                                                         .48                                       1.81 Average listings per day were down from last period(8/31-9/14), Burbank was down by 24%, T... 10/05/2007

 The big news was the release of NonFarm Payrolls today.  They rose by 110k, which was close to the consensus but it sent bond prices sharply lower.Items of note:Pending Home Sales fell to a larger than expected 6.5% in August Bond Market closed the week with prices sharply lower:        2 year  yield     4.07%        5 year yield      4.33%        10 year yield    4.64% Stock market keep rallying on, there's even talk of 15,000!  More to come on Sunday when I put out the Week Ahead post!!!Please feel free to visit me at anaconnell.com!  10/05/2007

Well, it's getting to be that time of the year again.  Time to get the kids dressed up and out to trick or treat.In an effort to keep trick or treating safe and fun for the kids has set up "Booo-tiful Downtown Burbank - Halloween day, October 31"On October 31st parents are invited to bring their kids to Downtown Burbank from 4-7pm merchants participating will be providing treat for all the little ghosts and goblins.Hope to see you there. 10/05/2007

In an effort to promote water conservation and bring back Burbank's native landscape, there will be a workshop where you can learn how to cultivate native and California friendly plants! This event features Lili Singer, a recognized garden plant writer and plant expert! Where:Buena Vista LibraryWhen: Tuesday, October 23, 7-8:30pm          Monday, November 5th 7-8:30pm  Free drought tolerant seeds and refreshments at the event! For your Burbank real estate needs, please visit me at anaconnell.com!   10/05/2007

  In order to promote awareness about our limited landfill capacity City of Burbank is promoting a "Second Chance Weekend" on October 13 & 14, 2007! This is a statewide recycling event and it is our chance to keep household items out of our landfills!   On this weekend you will not need a garage sale permit and it won't count against the annual number of permitted garage sales!For any further questions about this event, please call City of Burbank License and Code Services Division, 818-238-5280, or check them out at www.burbankca.org/license. For your Burbank real estate needs, please contact me or visit me at www.anaconnell.com.      10/04/2007

 We all use flyers.... So here are some helpful tips!  Things to keep in mind when designing a flyer!Highlight benefits not features. No one is interested in knowing about the long history of the company. They want to know what the product is and how that product will help to make their life easier. So try to give information about the product not about the company.· Use colored or textured paper: Select the paper that will be noticeable among other flyers but have a professional look. Bright colors should not be used try to use such colors that make flyer delicate and attractive.Make the flyer easy and attractive for potential customers so that they keep on reading. · Eye-catching photo of your property lisitngInclude a large, colorful photo in the top one third of the flyer. If compan... 10/02/2007

 There are items from last week worth mentioning:City Council approved the carry over of funds toward the construction around the Magnolia Power Project.  The Council denied the permit parking request on Evergreen Street. new and revised energy efficiency programs for businesses and homes.  What it means to you is that the city will be offering more rewards for energy efficient homes.  Cm. Golonski dissented as he objected to the program's inclusion of non-profit centers. Items of note for  this week:Don't forget that tonight is the General Plan Update meeting!   The Burbank City Council meets at City Council Chambers in City Hall, 275 E. Olive Ave.  Tuesday at 6:00pm.  Please visit me at anaconnell.com!  10/02/2007