Jillian Visser - Sotheby's International Realty

Introducing...DEAL OF THE WEEK

2009-01-26T16:21:00.000-08:00

Every Monday at the Sotheby’s office in Brentwood, all agents are invited to show up, armed with their idea of a great deal to uncover the HOTTEST deals in the land. We discuss the properties and vote to determine the DEAL OF THE WEEK.

The best deals are judged on the following criteria:

1. Price
2. Condition/age
3. Location (!)
4. The “X” Factor…something special like a big view, fabulous yard, privacy…etc.

The DEAL OF THE WEEK is the property we feel is a great opportunity with extreme value…and this week’s DEAL is…………

1840 Veteran #303 in Westwood
2 bed / 2 bath
2,045 square feet
$675,000
(pictured right)

Questions? I'd love the opportunity to find a deal that works for you!

Best regards,
Jillian

FOUR POINT FIVE..?!?!

2008-12-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

30 year fixed rate = 4.5%
with 1 POINT
up to $625,000
45 day escrow

MUST BE QUALIFIED

Interested? Questions? I'm happy to help you or someone you know through the Holidays...and in the New Year!

Wishing you and your family the Happiest of Holidays!

Sincerely,
Jillian

2008-11-25T10:55:00.000-08:00

More amazing rates for this Holiday week...

30 year fixed rate to $417,000 loan
5.25% with 1 point

15 year fixed rate to $417,000 loan
4.875% with 1 point

30 year fixed rate to $625,500
5.375% with 1 point

15 year fixed rate to $625,500
5.125% with 1 point

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jillian

WOW...check out these rates!

2008-11-21T17:45:00.000-08:00

25% down
720 Fico Score
Loan amounts up to $750,000

3 year fixed rate / 5.00% with 1 point
5 year fixed rate / 5.40% with 1 point
7 year fixed rate / 5.60% with 1 point
10 year fixed rate / 5.90% with 1 point
30 year fixed rate / 6.40% with 1 point

Many thanks to John Ciolino at First Capital for really working these rates. If you have any questions about the loan preapproval process, or how you can take advantage of the opportunity today presents...please let me know!

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Best regards,

Jillian

Central Banks Coordinate Global Cut in Interest Rates

2008-10-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hoping to thaw the current credit freeze, the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, the Bank of England, and the central banks of Canada and Sweden reduced their primary lending rates by a half percentage point Wednesday. The Chinese central bank also reduced its key interest rate and lowered bank reserve requirements, while the Bank of Japan’s rates remained unchanged.

The purpose of the rate cut is to increase consumer confidence, which in turn should help stimulate the economy. When consumers and businesses have more confidence in the economy, they usually spend more money, which bolsters the economy by enabling retailers to increase sales and prevent future layoffs.

The Federal Reserve controls the interest rate that banks charge each other for short-term loans. Usually this leads to banks lowering the rates they charge consumers and businesses. The short-term loan-rate reduction, from 2 percent to 1.5 percent, should have an almost immediate effect on credit-card rates, according to financial analysts. Interest rates on automobile and business loans also should decline. Generally, the short-term loan-rate reduction also leads to a reduction in mortgage rates; however, it is too soon to predict if that will happen in this case given the way the market has reacted to recent economic news.

For full story from the New York times, please click on the above title.

Wishing you all the best for a wonderful weekend!

Jillian

Understanding two loan giants...Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

2008-09-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

Click the title above to see this weeks article found in the LA Times regarding the recent Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac takeover.

This brief Q & A is informative and enlightening...I hope you enjoy!

Have a great rest of the week...best regards,

Jillian Visser
Sotheby's International Realty
c 310.500.8300
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

CONDO BUYERS ARE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT

2008-08-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

According to the LA Times Sunday morning, August 10, potential condo buyers are in the driver's seat.

For full story, click on the title above. For questions...contact me!

Time to lock in your mortgage rate

2008-08-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

"Although still historically low, mortgage rates are rising slightly. Some analysts predict that mortgage rates will continue to increase over the next six weeks, while some forecasters expect rates to reach 7 percent by year's end. Experts recommend that consumers work with their mortgage servicer to lock in a low interest rate. A "locked" or fixed rate will provide consumers long-term savings, and allow home buyers to determine their monthly homeowner expenses several weeks before closing.

With inflation rising and some investors in mortgage-backed securities demanding higher rates to purchase bonds, home buyers should work with their broker to lock in a low interest rate."

I am happy to recommend a few mortgage brokers that will work with you through the preapproval process. They are people I trust will give you an honest assessment of market rates so you can make a more informed decision about purchasing a home.

For more info on what money is doing today, please see full article at CNN Money by clicking the title above.

Wishing you a safe & happy weekend...all the best!

Jillian

Should you buy a home now?

2008-08-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Some consumers are wondering if now is the right time to purchase a home, or if they should wait for prices to stabilize. Some real estate experts believe that home prices will continue to decline and that buyers should wait, while others recommend that home buyers take factors other than price into consideration, such as the benefits of owning versus renting...

Consumers who are hesitant about purchasing a home today because they fear price depreciation, need to understand that real estate is cyclical and that prices will increase again.

Home buyers should view a house as a long-term investment and not be fixated on short-term prices. Some economists believe that consumers should purchase a house if they have a need, or plan to live in or hold the property for 5-7 years. This will allow the market to stabilize and homeowners to profit from their investment, if they decide to sell.

Los Angeles condo sells for $2,848...per square foot

2008-07-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

Today's front page headliner of the LA Times is one for the books...

"The top two floors of a Century City residential tower still under construction have been sold for a record $47 million to Candy Spelling, the widow of TV mogul Aaron Spelling.

A $47-million price tag may seem like an enormous sum, but this is all about downshifting in the fast lane...

...At a time when headlines are focusing on plummeting home prices, foreclosures and bad loans, the sale highlighted the vast differences in the region's housing markets.

There are still wealthy buyers keeping the very top end in play -- often at even higher prices. The price of $2,848 per square foot paid by Spelling at the Century is a record for a Los Angeles condo. The old record of $2,700 was set in February -- at the same building."

For full story, click the above link.

Have a great week!

Best regards,

Jillian

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

It's July 4th and that means fireworks! There are many shows in the city, but if you truly want to celebrate your inner pyromaniac, these are the best of the bunch. And remember fireworks are dangerous. Stay safe and leave the explosives to the professionals...

The Rose Bowl - AmericaFest 2008
This marks the 82nd annual Rose Bowl July 4th celebration. In addition to spectacular fireworks there will be a performance from the California Philharmonic Orchestra.
Where: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: (626) 577-3101
When: July 4: 10 am-9 pm, Drum Corps performance begins at 7pm, Fireworks at 9pm.
Website: www.rosebowlstadium.com/RoseBowl_Americafest.htm
Adults: $13
Kids 7 and under: Free
Parking: $15 per car

Marina del Rey July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza
Head down to Marina Del Rey for a beautiful day by the beach.
When: July 4, 9pm
Where: Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: (310) 305-9545
Website: Marina Del Rey Event Info
Tickets: Free!

Gridlock 4th of July Celebration at The Queen Mary
For a truly unique experience, the Queen Mary can't be beat. It bills itself as California's largest fireworks display. Girlicious and the Spazzmatics lead a lineup of more than 15 live bands.
When: July 4, 10am - 10pm, fireworks at 9pm
Where: 1126 Queen's Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone:(562) 435-3511
Website: Check out the Queen Mary website for more information.
Tickets: Adult: $44.95

Malibu Fireworks at Sea
Fireworks are launched over the Pacific from a barge off the coast. Head up early to find a good spot on the sand.
When: July 4
8:30pm
Where: 80 Malibu Colony Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
9pm
Where: 30100 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Tickets: Free!

Enjoy an SAFE and HAPPY 4th of July weekend!!!

All the best,
Jillian

Sotheby's International Realty
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

To all the fathers and children of fathers...

Wishing you all a wonderful and joyful weekend embracing that which is truly important.

Father's Day Weekend Ideas...

Dodger Stadium
1000 Elysian Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Share a Dodger Dog and a stadium-sized brewsky with pops after taking him out to the ballgame.

Concours d'Elegance
Celebrate Father's Day by taking the big guy to see more than 100 luxury cars and the debut of the new 28-foot Fearless yacht by Porsche.

Griffith Park Golf Courses
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Tee-off on one of the two expansive 18-hole courses at this gorgeous public course.

Dad Centered Dining...

Mastro's Steakhouse
246 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA
Flash back to Rat Pack-era dining at this posh Beverly Hills steakhouse...and my dad's L.A. fave.

Father's Office
1018 Montana, Santa Monica
The name says it all...the best burger in town!

Saddle Peak Lodge
419 Cold Canyon Rd, Calabasas, CA
If it was good enough for Hemingway, surely it's good enough for your papa.

Spago Beverly Hills
176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA
He might not admit it, but even dear old Dad probably won't mind dropping this famed restaurant's name around his buddies.

Cheers!
Jillian

Jillian Visser
Sotheby's International Realty
11911 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389 f 310.472.7380
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

Could this be the indicator we've been waiting for?

2008-06-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

April pending home sales rise 6.3% according to the National Association of REALTORS...

Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly rose in April to their highest level in six months, a real estate trade group said on Monday.

The National Association of Realtors Pending Home Sales Index, based on contracts signed in April, increased 6.3 percent to 88.2 from an unrevised 83.0 in March. Despite the uptick, sales were 13.1 percent lower than a year ago.

Economists polled by Reuters before the report were expecting pending home sales to decline 0.5 percent.

The association's chief economist Lawrence Yun said regions of the country that have seen sharp price declines, like the West, are now seeing a sales recovery.

"Bargain hunters have entered the market en masse, especially in areas that have seen double-digit price declines," he said in a statement.

Questions? I am here and happy to assist you with any of your Real Estate related needs...and beyond.

All the best,

Jillian

Jillian Visser
Sotheby's International Realty
11911 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389 f 310.472.7380
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

BIG News!!!

2008-05-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

An example...
Purchase price $1,089,000
10% DOWN

1st loan $729,750
30 year fixed rate at 6.125%

2nd loan $250,000
Equity line Prime + .5%

YES...ONLY 10% DOWN!

Need 700 FICO, and only 30 year fixed rate on the 1st.

I am happy to recommend a few lenders that will work with you through this process. They are people I trust will give you an honest assessment of market rates so you can make a more informed decision about your purchase.

Have a wonderful weekend...we're almost there!

Very sincerely,
Jillian

Jillian Visser
Sotheby's International Realty - Brentwood
11911 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 200 Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

The Hits Keep Getting Hotter!

2008-05-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

- Loan amounts up to $729,000
- 5 year fixed ARM
- 5.125% with 1 point
- 5 year fixed interest only
- 5.25% with 1 point

First time buyer? Now's a great time to get in the game!

Cheers,
Jillian

Jillian Visser
Sotheby's International Realty
11911 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 200 Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

Why buy a house now? (click here for the article from Realty Times)

2008-05-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

Why the media is wrong about today's housing slump...

A sneak peek...
"Right now we have mortgage interest rates three points below historical norms. We have housing inventories five months greater than balanced markets. Combine that with unemployment that is a half percent lower than the recession of 2003, and you have excellent homebuying conditions."

Enjoy the rest of the week!!

My best regards,
Jillian

Jillian Visser
Sotheby's International Realty
11911 San Vicente Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

Lending Ideas to Bring Buyer & Seller Together...

2008-05-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

FHA Loans up to $729,000
- Seller can give client a 3% gift for down payment
- Seller can give credit to buyer for all closing costs
- Buyer gets in with NO MONEY DOWN

For example...
Payment scenario assuming a $700,000 purchase price
-30 year fixed rate at 6.25%
-Total payment including taxes, insurance, and PMI = $5200
-Approximate Income Tax savings per month = $1500

For more lending options, I am happy to refer you to a lender that I trust will give you an honest assessment of market rates so you can make a more informed decision about purchasing a home.

Best regards,
Jillian

Jillian Visser
Sotheby's International Realty
11911 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 200 Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

HOTTEST and Coldest SoCal Zip Codes

2008-04-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Where are prices rising and falling the most?

Click on the above link to get the LA Times Sunday Real Estate report of the Southern California communities with the greatest increases and greatest decreases in value comparing the first quarters of 2007 and 2008.

Prices are on the rise...strike while the iron's HOT!

Among Southern California's most significant increases in value, you will see West Hollywood in the strong #4 spot, and Brentwood at #9. West Hollywood shows an increase of 25.5%, with Brentwood at a 15.7% increase.

Have a wonderful week!

Best regards,
Jillian

Sotheby's International Realty
11911 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389 f 310.472.7380
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

Light at the End of the Real Estate Market Tunnel...

2008-04-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

In addition to National Association of REALTOR's report that home sales increased for the first time in seven months, there is a further glimmer of hope: Applications for mortgages soared nearly 50 percent last week and applications to refinance home loans jumped 82 percent as borrowers scrambled to lock-in lower rates. Economists predict this is a sign that weakened house prices are tempting buyers back into the market.

Want to learn more about "Why Buy Now?"...just ask me!

All the best,
Jillian

Jillian Visser
Sotheby's International Realty
11911 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 200 Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389

Taking An Interest in Your Credit Card Rate

2008-04-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

Credit cards are one of the most pervasive forms of your financial picture. On a daily basis, they provide the flexibility and freedom to reserve a hotel room, travel without carrying cash, and purchase just about anything at anytime. As such, your credit cards can have a major impact on your financial wellbeing and even your credit score. But did you know that your credit score can also impact your credit cards...specifically your interest rates? Although some companies have abandoned the practice, many won't hesitate to raise your interest rate if your credit score declines - even if you are paying them on time!

By following these tips, you can help avoid inflated interest rates on your credit cards...and perhaps even enjoy more trips to the ballpark:

Understand the terms. The best way to protect yourself from high interest rates and hikes is to read and understand your credit cards policy terms. Pay particular attention to the interest rate, how long that rate is in effect, and what actions can lead to a hike - such as a late payment on your card, a declining credit score, or even a late payment on a completely unrelated bill.

Don't be late. Making a late payment can lead to increased interest rates on all your cards. In addition, they can lower your credit score, causing you even more problems down the road. So make a schedule and always pay on time.

Watch the mail. We all get junk mail, but some of it may not be junk after all. Whenever you receive any information in the mail from your credit card, read it carefully in case any policies or interest rates are changing.

Make a call. If your rate does change, call the company. If you've made your payments on time consistently, you may be able to get your original rate restored. If the company seems hesitant, you may want to threaten to transfer your balances to another card - customers in good standing may find they have more bargaining power than they realize. And don't just threaten to make a change...actually do it if it makes sense. You may find the grass actually is greener on the other side.

Be careful what you close. Closing a card that has a current balance will likely send your interest rate soaring. In addition, closing your oldest credit cards can have a negative impact on your overall credit score. So make sure you check and double check which cards are best to close.

To find out more about your own credit score - and what you can do to improve it - speak with a reputable lender. Call me...I am happy to provide recommendations for you. You'll be surprised how a few simple steps can make a big difference and can improve your overall financial picture.

Very sincerely,
Jillian Visser

Sotheby's International Realty
11911 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

Getting caught in the upswing...

2008-03-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

Calling the market low is a difficult task, and it's most often spotted in the rear-view mirror, according to MSN. While prices in many markets may have not yet hit their lowest point, the bottom may be near. And in other areas, only the pace of sales has been affected; prices have held firm or increased. Waiting for the absolute bottom puts consumers at risk of missing the best prices and getting caught up in a market on the upswing.

To everyone...please enjoy a wonderful weekend!

Best regards,
Jillian

My real estate weather forecast...

2008-03-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Real Estate climate is truly only clear for one group of people...those with a need to purchase now. Whatever the market condition, those with a pressing need will get into the market and, if they have the ability to pay the precious mortgage they are able to obtain for the next 3 to 5 years, will come out the other side glad their need drove them to act. REMEMBER: money is quite cheap...interest rates are favorable now relative to previous markets. Securing cheap money is a tremendous hedge against further valuation downturn in our market in light of the inevitability that interest rates will probably be higher in the future.

For those of you looking to gain an advantage in this market- sellers who need to sell are grateful for the opportunity to commence a negotiation with you. This offers an additional, tangible hedge against future downturns with the ability to actually buy a home under current market value.

Today's housing market presents the best time to buy in 4 years. Valuations - the difference between a home's actual price and what it should cost - are the lowest they've been in 4 years. This spells opportunity my friends!

For more on the current real estate market conditions, the need of a good electrician or any other real estate related need, I stand ready, poised to assist you.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Jillian

The Case against waiting to buy...

2008-02-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

A case for buying now!

Finance costs will rise as the economy recovers, so trying to time real estate may not pay off. Renting? Another way to look at this is "paying someone elses mortgage"...! If you're thinking of waiting a year to buy, you would have saved nothing and spent a year living someplace you'd rather not be. Last week, conforming fixed rates increased 0.5%...

OPPORTUNITY! Get into the game now, and take advantage of those tax breaks!

A Lunar Eclipse

One of nature's rare and beautiful events - a total lunar eclipse - is happening tonight! Californians are perfectly positioned: the eclipse begins at 5:43 pm, becomestotal from 7:01-7:51 pm, and the moon returns to full at 9:09 pm. Don't worry...unlike solar eclipses, where eye damage can result from looking at the sun, lunar eclipses pose no such risk.

Cheers,
Jillian

Sotheby's International Realty
11911 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

2008-02-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

A lovely real estate market update for you on this sunny Valentine's Day...

"The new Economic Stimulus Plan--with its new conforming loan limits--will go into law soon. This plan has great benefits in store for homeowners and homebuyers. If you've been thinking about refinancing or purchasing a new home, NOW is an excellent time and you could save BIG with the limits. Contact your lender to discuss how this benefits you..."

John Ciolino of First Capital Mortgage keeps me updated on the week's economic forecasts. To speak with John, call his office at 310.656.8201 or e-mail johnciolino@firstcapitalmtg.com.

Jillian Visser

Sotheby's International Realty
11911 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90049
c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389
jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com

2008-02-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to read my inaugural post! I hope you will find my e-mails and posts useful, informative, and entertaining...something you will look forward to reading!

In the future, I will be posting valuable market updates and the latest California real estate news so you can be up to date on how this information affects you. Additionally, I will include info on my favorite Westside restaurants, current & interesting events...the best of Los Angeles! This site will serve as a insiders guide to enjoying life in LA...from one who works and lives in Brentwood.

Do you have a REALTOR you feel you can trust?

If not, I would love the opportunity to earn that trust. Please let me know if I can assist you, or anyone you know, with any real estate needs...it would be my pleasure.

All the best,

Jillian

Sotheby's International Realty

11911 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 200

Los Angeles, CA 90049

c 310.500.8300 d 310.481.4389

jillian.visser@sothebysrealty.com