REAL ESTATE NEWS...California markets among most improved says Freddie

California markets among most improved says Freddie
Some of California’s housing markets are among the most improved in the latest Multi-Indicator Market Index from Freddie Mac. Nationally the index shows that there is still a weak market overall but it is improving. Among the top 5 metros ranked as stable are Fresno and Los Angeles (along with Honolulu, Austin and McAllen, TX.) while the most improved metros month-over-month include Riverside and San Jose (along with Portland, Nashville and Baton Rouge) and Stockton was one of the most improved year-over-year. Nationally 80 of the top 100 metros showed improvement and Freddie Mac says that housing affordability driven by low mortgage rates means the spring buying season is off to a strong start.
 
Happy in your new home Pharrell?
Pharrell Williams has bought a new home in Los Angeles according to Variety. The 1.55 acre lot includes two pavilions, ultra-modern design and direct access to the swimming pool from the living room. The stunning home was designed by the seller, architect Hagy Belzberg and was listed by The Agency. Pharrell, who has grown in prominence with hits including Happy and Blurred Lines, paid $7.14 million.
 
Marin realtor funds home for family in need
The newly appointed manager of Zephyr Real Estate’s Marin office has completed the funding of her first home for a family in need. Erinn Millar takes part in the non-profit organization Home for a Home in which real estate agents give up part of their commission to fund homes for a needy family. Millar has been contributing for about a year and her first home is now complete. The Hernandez family in Guatemala, which includes two girls aged 2 and 7, now has a new home. The structures are simple but solid and Home for a Home believes that they provide a starting point to change lives. Millar’s philanthropy has won her praise from Randall Kostick, President of Zephyr: “Her commitment to helping others is what we see as one of the ideals as a company and as part of the community."
 

BECOME A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE AGENT...CLICK LOGO TO VIEW OUR LIVE LECTURE SCHOOL

Author lacks the secret to sell luxury Montecito home
The Australian-born author of hugely popular self-help book The Secret may have helped thousands to achieve their dreams but it appears she doesn’t have all the answers. Rhonda Byrne listed her luxury estate in Montecito last year as she wants to be closer to LA where she is co-producing the movie sequel to The Secret but so far, no sale. Byrne told the Wall Street Journal that it’s her own fault she hasn’t sold the home, stating that she hasn’t put in the time and energy needed as she’s been focused elsewhere. Maybe she will get a buyer now that the asking price has been slashed from $23.5 million to $18.8 million.