Happy Tuesday everyone! It has been an amazingly busy day here at Westside Properties. We've hosted an extremely busy broker open house today at our listing at 15901 Alcima Avenue(website) in Pacific Palisades.               Josh and I also had the opportunity to cruise PCH up to Malibu to check on our new listing at 6360 Cavalleri Road(website). I ran across this article in the SFGate and figured to expose to my readers...especially the new-home buyers. The $10,000 state tax credit for new-home purchases could be revived soon for a limited-run engagement. Last week, the California Senate passed a bill 35-1 that would provide $30 million in tax credits to about 4,000 additional new-home purchases. The bill now moves to the Assembly floor, which could take it up as early as Monday. A sp... 10/20/2009

  4Malibu.com Bobby Lehmkuhl • Danielle Dutcher Broker Lic #01457517 • Broker Lic #01463653 DRE Certified Short Sale Negoitator Active Malibu Properties as of October 21, 2009 Beachside Landside   # of Actives Price Range     # of Actives Price Range SFR 71 $875,000 - $36,000,000   SFR 264 $269,000 - $65,000,000 Condos 34 $557,900 - $5,900,000   Condos 43 $379,000 - 1,995,000 Leases 165 $1,200 - $90,000,000   Leases 161 $1,600 - $50,000 Land 6 $198,500 - $13,500,000   Land 6 $24,900 - $29,999,999      SHORT SALES & REOsMALIBU, CAas of October 21, 2009 Address LP BR BA SF LSZ DOM SS/REO  26258 Fairside Rd. $800.000 4 3 1,796 5.955 360 SS  33439 Mulholland Hwy. $896,800 6 3 3,014 412,508 47 REO  11770 Pacific Coast Hwy. $949,000 3 3 1,854 3,799 601 SS  31341 Birdella Rd. 1,025,000 5 3 2,7... 10/20/2009

Showings and Open Houses  To prepare your home for viewing, make it as bright, clean, cheerful and serene as possible. Always look at your home from the buyer's point of view. Your REALTOR® will probably find a tactful way to suggest that you be absent while the house is being shown to prospective buyers, because your presence will inhibit their actions and conversations. They won't feel free to open closets and cabinets, test out the plumbing and discuss their observations objectively as they walk through the house. It goes without saying that your children and pets should not be on the premises either. If your REALTOR® has scheduled an open house, you may want to notify the neighbors, and assure them that they'll be welcome. They'll jump at the chance to poke around in your house, and... 10/16/2009

  As of October 14, 2009, there are currently 8 Short Pay - Short Sales on the landside and 2 Short Pay - Short Sales on the beachside. If you would like further information on Short Pays / Short Sales, I am a DRE Certified Short Sale Specialist. For additional information, you can also visit my website at:  http://www.4malibu.com/Nav.aspx/Page=%2fPageManager%2fDefault.aspx%2fPageID%3d2067020 SHORT PAY - SHORT SALES - MALIBU, CA SINGLE FAMILY - LANDSIDE Address LP BR BA SF LSZ YB DOM 26258 Fairside Rd. $800,000 4 3 1,796 5,955 1976 354 33439 Mulholland Hwy. $896,800 6 3 3,014 412,508 2002 41 31341 Birdella Rd. $1,025,000 5 3 2,776 7,105 1995 24 20404 Roca Chica Dr. $1,075,000 3 3 2,612 11,186 1964 79 21549 Pacific Coast Hwy. $1,249,000 3 2 1,905 7,753 1947 370 10935 Pacific View Dr. $1,... 10/14/2009

The Basics of Marketing Your Home Your REALTOR®'s marketing efforts and considerations will include advertising, showing the property, how long the house has been on the market and whether you're buying another home. Your home should be listed, whenever possible, through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Advertising and Promotion Properties are commonly advertised through real estate agent Web sites, Internet home search/listing services, classified advertising and real estate guides. Promotion efforts through office and MLS tours are a good way of getting other buyer agents to view your home and to promote it to the buyers they are working with. Even with all these advertising avenues, " For Sale" signs on front lawns are still remarkably effective. Many REALTORS® promote their Web sit... 10/14/2009

The City of Malibu announced that it is prepared to issue a "notice to proceed" which will allow construction to begin on the $1.2 millionParadise Cove Stormwater Treatment Facility Project   The new facility will capture and treat more than 1 million gallons per day of stormwater and urban runoff.   CLICK HERE to read the City's Press Release Contact: Bob Brager, Public Works DirectorE-mail: bbrager@ci.malibu.ca.usPhone: 310-456-2489 x247 All I have to say is...IT'S ABOUT TIME!! 10/11/2009

By 8 am this morning I had 2 clients emailing me asking what the story was with a new listing in Malibu Park for $699,000 that once was listed at $1,800,000!!!!!!. This is not a condo, but a half acre, ocean view, one bedroom home from 1949. Original article here 10/11/2009

Penn buys in Malibu for $3,800,000. No, I'm not referring to myself but rather to the Oscar-winning actor, Sean Penn, who recently purchased a 4500 sq ft ranch-style home in Malibu. The 1.4 acre property on Grayfox Street in Malibu, was originally listed for $8,750,000 and subsequently reduced to $4,449,000. After being on the market for about 10 months, Penn closed escrow in August this year for $3,800,000. Seems like he's not only a great actor but a great negotiator too!       10/10/2009

Broker/Agent does not guarantee the accuracy of the square footage, lot size or other information concerning the conditions or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from Public Records or other sources. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of all information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. Copyright © 2009 by Combined L.A./Westside MLS, Inc. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Beachfront  (as of  Oct. 7, 2009)   Landside  (as of Oct. 7, 2009)     # of Actives Price Range     # of Actives  Price Range SFR  70 $875,000 - $36,000,000   SFR 267 $269,000 - $22,900,000  Condos   32 $527,500 - $5,900,000  Condos   43 $379,000 - $1,995,000   Leases   173  $1,700 - $100,000   Leases   159 $1,600 - $60,000   Land ... 10/07/2009

Short Sales....Long story short... A short sale is when a lender accepts a discount on a mortgage to avoid a possible foreclosure auction or bankruptcy. For example: A homeowner, who is facing foreclosure, has an existing first mortgage of $800,000. The market value of the home is $650,000. Long story short, the lender accepts the offer for $650,000 and the home is sold. That's a short sale. Why are lenders so eager to take such a huge discount? Banks do not like bad loans. If they see an opportunity where they can sell the property without the huge loss of a foreclosure, they will do it. Some lenders report that if the home goes into foreclosure by the time the home actually closes with the new buyer, the lender will be lucky to net 50% of the original loan balance. Bottom line from th... 10/06/2009

 BIG ROCK Market Activity January 1, 2009 - September 29,2009  SINGLE FAMILY - ACTIVE Address LP SP BR BA SF LSZ YB 20525 Little Rock Way $1,095,000 - 3 2 1,583 15,516 1957 20404 Roca Chica Dr. $1,100,000 - 3 3 2,612 11,186 1964 20734 Big Rock Dr. $1,799,000 - 3 2.5 2,500 24,829 1960 20832 Big Rock Dr. $1,995,000 - 2 3 2,100 24,389 - 20721 Big Rock Dr. $2,199,950 - 4 4 2,440 39,200 1995 20514 Roca Chica Dr. $2,295,000 - 3 3 2,197 32,030 1973 20779 Big Rock Dr. $2,544,000 - 4 3 3,200 30,928 1997 20860 Big Rock Dr. $2,700,000 - 5 3.5 3,400 35,280 1973 SINGLE FAMILY - LOOKING FOR BACKUP Address LP SP BR BA SF LSZ YB 20537 Little Rock Way $1,300,000 - 3 2 1,700 31,559 1955 20364 Seaboard Rd. $1,599,000 - 3 3 2,233 10,960 1968 SINGLE FAMILY - PENDING Address LP SP BR BA SF LSZ YB 20436 Roca ... 09/29/2009

By Lester Tobias, Architect ABSTRACT  In 2004 the City of Malibu began accepting and reviewing applications for building permits under the new LIP, written by the California Coastal Commission. This new planning code is much more restrictive than the old Municipal Zoning Code (the IZO). Its review process is significantly more time consuming and expensive than the previous code. It was understood at the time that this new code would apply to all new residences, and most projects on bluffs and in ESHAs. It was also clear at the time that many projects consisting of additions and remodels would be exempt from the LIP, and would be allowed to be reviewed under the municipal code. This process saved homeowners time and money. At the same time, several conflicting sections, subsections, and ... 09/29/2009

Beachfront  (as of  Sept. 23, 2009)   Landside  (as of Sept. 23, 2009)     # of Actives Price Range     # of Actives  Price Range SFR  79 $849,000 - $65,000,000   SFR 266 $269,000 - $22,900,000  Condos   34 $527,500 - $5,900,000  Condos   49  $399,000 - $1,995,000   Leases   183  $1,700 - $100,000   Leases   164  $2,150 - $60,000   Land   7 $198,500 - $13,500,000  Land  245  $24,900 - $29,999,999     AUGUST 2009 SALES / LEASES SINGLE FAMILY - LANDSIDE Address LP SP BR BA SF LSZ YB 1944 Corral Cyn. Rd. $469,900 $455,000 1 1 925 14,976 1927 3636 Seahorn Dr. $1,159,000 $1,100,000 4 2 2,061 6,386 1964 23308 W. Pompano St. $1,295,000 $1,295,000 4 3 2,704 28,850 1986 3702 Oceanhill Way $1,295,000 $1,050,000 4 2 2,061 6,839 1964 20485 Roca Chica Dr. $1,299,000 $1,199,000 3 3 1,972 12,358 1976... 09/23/2009

$775,000 - This will get you a 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo on one of Carbon Beach's premiere condominum complexes, with heated pool, that is right on the sand. This is a top floor, end unit. This listing is presented by White House Properties (Dorothy Greene).   Three other units are listed for sale in the complex: #5 - 2B/2B - $1,495,000 - Aprx. 1,156 sq ft. #21 - 2B/2B - $1,600,000 - Aprx. 1.155 sq. ft. Recently SOLD - #25 - $1,700,000. 2b/2B. Apx. 1,200 square feet. For more info on Malibu condos, visit the following link: http://www.4malibu.com/Nav.aspx/Page=http://idx.themls.com/BobbyLehmkuhl/includes/malibucondo.cfm   09/23/2009

We are experienced Real Estate Short Sale Consultants and we have the knowledge, experience and resources to help guide and assist you in your short sale transaction process. What is a Short Sale? A real estate short sale is when you owe more than your properties current value but you need to sell. In a typical situation, your mortgage lenders would require you to come in with the difference in the amount owed. A real estate short sale is where we negotiate with your lenders to accept a pay-off that is less than you currently owe and you do not have to pay the difference. Typically, lenders won't even consider a short sale if your payments are current. Lenders will be more agreeable in negotiation if your payments are in arrears. Plus, if you have cash assets, the lender might try to t... 09/21/2009

Last Week in Review - Mortgage Market Update Summary The number of housing starts in August came in better than anticipated, according to the Commerce Department. Although since June 2008, housing starts had fallen significantly, it was reported last week that they have come in the highest yet since last November. The overall report suggests that the housing market crisis may be nearing its end and the industry is closer to stabilization. We will gain more insight on the health of the housing industry when reports on Existing Home Sales and New Home Sales for August are released on Thursday and Friday respectively. Regarding the First Time Home Buyers $8000 tax credit, Robert Gibbs, a White House spokesman, said that the program is being evaluated by the administration to see what effec... 09/21/2009

23360 Malibu Colony Road, Malibu - For Sale at $21.5 Million The Malibu Colony house where the ex Wells Fargo Vice President partied is officially on the market for $21.5 Million. The MLS listing describes the house as "A stunning Architectural oasis. Walls of glass create an unparalleled indoor/outdoor environment". The Listing is held by the Brokerage of Hilton & Hyland (Paris Hilton's dad's business) and the Listing Agent is Chad Rogers, one of the Realtors featured in Bravo's reality TV series "Million Dollar Listing". Note: The pic above is from the previous Listing Agent's website (Irene Dazzan-Palmer with Coldwell Banker) when she had the property To Lease at $65,000 per month. The pic on the right is from the current listing on The MLS. The property was listed on 9/11/09 for $21... 09/15/2009

Condos have come down in price and there are so many units on the market that your bound to find a seller who will let one go at a great price. If you are a Pepperdine Parent and have a student heading to school for four years, now would be a good time to consider picking up a unit. There are few great deals out there on beach houses that have been on the market to long and can be purchased at 30 to 50% off the original asking price. Long term, there are few real estate investments as good as a Malibu beach house, especially if you plan on renting out when you aren't using it. There are multiple large estates that were in the $5-$6m range that are now selling in the high $3m to low $4m range. Click here to search for listings. 09/11/2009

   I received this email the other day from a rider that picked up my post on Activerain about my ride in Saint George Utah, here is the link if you missed it The open road on the Harley in Beautiful Saint George Utah - by: Robert Swetz (Vegas Bob)  Nu Nu is always asking me when are we going to ride the Harley on the California Coast?  And then I get this email from Johnny in Malibu California, we do live in such a small world! Her is Johnny's email he sent me yesterday......... Hi Bob,  I came across your web entry and hope you don't mind me dropping you a cold email.My riding club with HDforums.com is riding to Vegas Bike Fest this October 1st from Malibu, CA.  This will be our 3rd time traveling as a group to that area and are kind  of wanting some differentscenery for a day run on ... 09/02/2009

Malibu is an incorporated city in western Los Angeles County. As of the 2000 census, the city population is 12,575.   The city of Malibu is a 21-mile[5] (33.5 km) strip of Pacific coastline; a beachfront community famous for its warm, sandy beaches, and for being the home of countless movie stars and others associated with the Southern California entertainment industries. Most Malibu residents live within a few hundred yards of Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1), which traverses the city, with some residents living up to a mile away from the beach up narrow canyons; the city is also bounded (more or less) by Topanga Canyon to the east, the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and Ventura County to the west. Its beaches include Surfrider Beach, Zuma Be... 08/30/2009