City of Burbank has a General Plan that sets out goals and is essentially a policy guide for growth and development.  Whatever is in this plan will serve as a blueprint for all future development.The Planning and Transportation Devision is in the process of updating this plan and will hold a special City Council and Planning Board joint study session to discuss the housing element update. According to state law this element has to be updated and what's interesting is that Burbank has to show that it can plan for "it's fair share" of housing based on regional needs.  One of the proposals is to increase residential densities, another is to allow residential in commercial areas and/or a blend of these two alternatives.Either way, it's an issue that directly affects our quality of life.  ... 09/24/2007

                                                      There is  legislation that is currently on the floor of the California Legislature called AB258, that will put much more stringent rules in place to prevent nurdles from reaching our oceans. It's about nurdles......so what, you ask, is a nurdle?Nurdles are pre-production plastic pellets and resin materials used in manufacturing.  The problem is that  they are continually discharged during the transport, packaging and processing of plastics.According to Greepeace, nurdles account for 10% of litter on beaches all over the world.  Heal the Bay, says that they account for almost 98% of litter in Orange County beaches!The problem is the toxic nature of nurdles.  They contain micropollutants such as toxic plastic additives, that when inges... 09/24/2007

 Apparently the 818 area code will run out of numbers by 2009 due to the demand for cell phones! The California Public Utilities Commission is proposing splitting the San Fernando Valley into two pieces and have a new area code, 747, for part of the area.The other option on the table , which they are calling the "overlay" option involves just giving new customers the 747 area code.   If you are interested in learning more about this issue, they will be holding public meetings.  The Burbank meeting will be at 7pm, October 22 at the Buena Vista Library. This will be your opportunity to learn the details of the plan and voice any concerns you may have!  My website is under development, but come visit me at anaconnell.com!   09/23/2007

In response to concerns about abandoned shopping carts, the Burbank City Council has created a personal shopping cart rebate program. Burbank residents may purchase a personal shopping cart and receive a rebate of 50% of the cost of the cart (up to a maximum of $20).   Carts are not available for purchase from the City of Burbank.   Purchase any type of personal shopping cart from any merchant.  Proof of Burbank residency and the original receipt for the cart (purchased on or after September 23) must be provided at the time of applying for the rebate. The rebate program begins September 23 and ends after one year or when funding runs out, whichever occurs first.  Apply here on-line or at the License and Code Services Division, 333 E. Olive Avenue., 8 a.m. to 5 pm. Monday through Thursda... 09/23/2007

                                                                                            Monday 243 & 6 Month Bill Auction Tuesday 25Existing Home Sales-consensus 5.50M..... Year to year this number has dropped 9% and housing supply for July was at 9.6 months.  Case-Shiller Home Price Index ICSC-USB Store Sales  Tracks comparable weekly sales from major retail chains and represents 10% of total retail sales.  Is considered to be one of the most timely indicators of consumer spending. Redbook a timely indicator of consumer spending and also represents about 10% of total retail sales.  This measure tracks weekly sales from discounters, chain and department stores.Consumer Confidence -Consensus 1044 Week Bill Auction  Wednesday 26MBA Purchase Applications measures applications at mortg... 09/22/2007

Last week was quite eventful as we saw the Fed lower interest rates by 50 basis points to 4.75%!  This is the first easing in four years! They forcefully responded to concerns of economic weakness by lowering both the Discount and the Target rate, which are two key rates.  This is huge and many are now looking for the Fed funds rate to reach 4% next year. Noteworthy are the continued weakness of the dollar and the low consumer confidence levels.  Whether the start of rate decreases will be the shot in the arm that real estate needs remains to be seen, at least in the short term.  Economic data has been mixed, showing moderate growth overall with no compelling case for impending recession.  Hopefully the predictions of another 6-18 months for a rebound on the housing market are wrong!  ... 09/22/2007

 I'm frequently asked if buying makes more sense than renting.  The answer is that there is no one answer as that decision depends on many factors, not the least of which involve your financial situation, job stability etc.It warrants a good look and before I go any further, for the purposes of this discussion I'm going to assume that the person asking me this question meets the following parameters:solid job historyno out of area relocation planned, at least for a few yearsgood credit history and fico scores stable incomeFirst things first, talk to a mortgage agent to see what amount you qualify for, if you don't qualify for a loan the discussion ends here. If you look at rents in the Burbank area, here are the ranges:Studio apartments         $950-11751 Bedroom    " "              $9... 09/17/2007

    Monday 17Empire State Manufacturing Survey-monthly survey of manufacturers in New York State.Consensus20 3 Month & 6 Month Bill Auction Tuesday 18FOMC Monetary Policy Announcement Consensus 4.75%    50 basis point cut 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. Producer Price Index  PPI Consensus Forecast for August 07: -.3% percentState 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 comp... 09/16/2007

  For a fun night out, come check out Taste of Downtown Burbank this coming Thursday, September 27 from 5:30pm-9:30pm.It promises to be a fun event as over 30 restaurants and local eateries will participate by providing food from each of the establishments.  There will also be a Beer and Wine Walk in front of the AMC Theaters.Entertainment includes Lao Tizer, a contemporary jazz performer and  Stompy Jones, for fun rock and roll! Cost for the event, if you preorder, is $25 per adult, food only, $35 per adult for food and Kids are $10. Add $5 for same day tickets.Proceeds will benefit the Burbank YMCA! It promises to be a fun event! For your Burbank Real Estate needs visit me at anaconnell.com!    09/16/2007

 There are items from last week and the upcoming week that I thought you might find of interest concerning the  Burbank City Council.Last week the Burbank City Council approved a "zone text amendment" for the Rancho area.  As you may recall there was a heated discussion about this project last year.  I wrote a post about some of the concerns in Burbank City Council gets tough on Rancho Neighborhood Developments.Bottom line is that by a 3-2 vote (Councilmembers Golonski and Bric dissented) the council voted to end grocery store development in the Rancho area.  They also approved the zone text amendment stating that food stores on a smaller scale would be allowed.My thoughts revolve around the logistics.  Is it easier to police a larger entity like a Whole Foods or a mom and pop type sto... 09/16/2007

  Feng Shui Realtor in Burbank CA, Los Angeles County. I am available to help you how to buy a house with good feng shui in 2015 - Best location exterior/interior to place water fountains:  NORTH, EAST, SOUTHEAST When leasing or selling a property, I place two of this water fountains to attract the perfect tenant/buyer.   Hello, Folks:  i love reading feng shui, practicing feng shui and helping others understand how  feng shui can benefit you. If you are wondering what feng shui means, here is a brief explanation:  Feng shui means wind and Shui means water. The ancient Chinese scholars discovered that wind and water affect our environment and well being. Weather is created by the changing of temperatures, which is caused by the rise and fall of the sun and the moon. This is how yin and ... 09/14/2007

 We're basically on hold until Tuesday, when the FOMC(Federal Open Market Committee) meets to discuss our future interest rate policy.  Rumors have gone from 1/4 to 1/2 point decrease in the Federal Funds Rate.  The question is whether this will be of any real value to the market.  A 1/4 point decrease seems to be factored in.Items of note:Report in the Financial Times on Wednesday that the Fed is considering a "special purpose funding facility" otherwise called a bailout, since adding liquidity through the normal channels has done little to reduce the 30-180 day libor rates. (Of interest since many mortgages that are due to adjust soon are tied to the libor rate).  It also said that possibly the Bank of England along with the ECB(European Central Bank) would set up these programs to a... 09/14/2007

If you love Italian food and are ever looking for a great Italian Deli then the Monte Carlo is a must.This great location has been in Burbank for over 40 years and has an incredible Market & Deli.  The Deli offers a huge selection of Italian Specialties like Focaccia, Homemade Italian Sausage, Fresh Daily Veal Cutlets and Ground Beef, Italian Cookies, Pastries and Cannolis.  In addition the Market and Deli has a Imported Grocery section features dozens of Olive Oils, a giant selection of Pastas, San Marzano Tomatoes, Italian Coffees, Balsamic Vinegars, Risotto, Olive Spreads and many hard to find imported items including a large selection of Imported Wines.While there be sure to enjoy some of their 24 Flavors of Gelato and Sorbet for those hot summer nights.The location also features a ... 09/09/2007

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Monday 10Consumer Credit This report represents the overall value of outstanding consumer credit debt.  Very simply put, if demand exceeds supply, interest rates rise.    3 & 6 Month Bill Auction Tuesday 11 ICSC-USB Store Sales  Tracks comparable weekly sales from major retail chains and represents 10% of total retail sales.  Is considered to be one of the most timely indicators of consumer spending. Red... 09/08/2007

Please click on the following link to view all of our Open Homes for the weekend of September 8, 2007.Windermere Burbank Open HomesThere are some great homes being held open and we would love to see you there.If you have questions or would like to schedule a showing of any of these fine homes please do not hesitate to let me know.We look forward to seeing you there. 09/07/2007

 The Pending Home Sales number came out this morning at down 12.2% for July versus the 2% that was expected.  Realtors are reporting that sales are taking longer to close and many are failing to close.  Much of this, I'm sure, is tied to our current credit market situation and how much harder it is getting to qualify for a loan. On a more important note is what  the Libor rate is doing.  Libor stands for the London Interbank Offered Rate.  This is a widely used benchmark that many mortagages are tied to.  The 3 month Libor rate is at 5.72% with the one month rate at 5.82%.  What this means is that the many homeowners whose adjustable rate mortgages are tied to Libor are going to be in for a surprise when their payments readjust. This also highlights the fact that current rumors of an in... 09/05/2007

                                                                                                                             Monday  3Labor Day! Tuesday 4Construction Spending-Consensus 0% Good indicator of the economy's momentum.ISM Manufacturirng Index Consensus-53.0 Survey of manufacturing firms that measure their sentiments on a variety of areas including employment, production, new orders and inventories.Motor Vehicle Sales  Consensus 12.0M3 & 6 Month Bill Auction  Wednesday 5House Financial Services Committee holds hearing on recent events in the credit and mortgage markets and potential implications for U.S. consumers and the global economy. Pending Homes Sales Index-Release from NAR Gauges demand and momentum of housing marketChallenger Job Cut Report Announced corporate layoff... 09/01/2007

Hello I read an article very  recently about the advantages of including a floor plan along with pictures and a virtual tour in marketing your listings.Potential Buyers can see the layout of the home and decide if the house interests them before they even see it. Saving the Realtor, home owner and buyer precious time!Below is an aticle about using floor plans as a marketing tool. If you want to schedule a floor plan service, virtual tour or other marketing tools please call Real Ease Marketing at: 818.332.3164 or visit our website at: http://www.realeasemarketing.com/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9804E0D7123EF932A25751C0A9619C8B63#We service all of Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County and Ventura CountyThanks and have a great day!Connie 08/29/2007

Hello This week's LA Times had a great article about pre listing home inspections. The article encourages this as a selling tool in selling Real Eastate in Burbank or the southern California area. It shows the potentional buyer that the seller is earnest in his efforts to correctly price his property and to have as smooth as possible transaction.The link is below. If you have any marketing or administrative needs now or in the future please contact me or visit my website at RealEaseMarketing.comThanks and have a great day!http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/news/la-re-inspect26aug26,0,413106.story?coll=la-class-realestate-news  08/27/2007

                                                                                            Monday 27Existing Home Sales-consensus 5.70M..... Year to year this number has dropped 11.4% and housing supply at 8.8 months.  June sales were down 3.8%.3 & 6 Month Bill Auction Tuesday 28 ICSC-USB Store Sales  Tracks comparable weekly sales from major retail chains and represents 10% of total retail sales.  Is considered to be one of the most timely indicators of consumer spending. Redbook a timely indicator of consumer spending and also represents about 10% of total retail sales.  This measure tracks weekly sales from discounters, chain and department stores.Consumer Confidence -Consensus 105FOMC Minutes 4 Week Bill Auction & 20 Year Tips AuctionWednesday 29MBA Purchase Applications measures ... 08/26/2007