I enjoy going to the movies and each year I do my best to see all of the Oscar contenders before Award night.  This weekend I managed to squeeze in a couple of movies.  Friday night I saw The Lovely Bones which I found a little boring and far from Oscar worthy in any way shape or form. 

Saturday night I headed to the Americana and saw Crazy Heart which I thought was quite Oscar worthy.  Jeff Bridges did a great job and so far I am rooting for him in the best actor category.  Maggie Gyllenhaal was also great however I am a bit on the fence on the best supporting actress category because I really liked Anna Kendrick in Up In the Air.

So this weekends review is a Thumbs Down for The Lovely Bones and a Thumbs up on Crazy Heart.

        

I just listed a home that the owner passed away in.  When the trustees were in my office to sign the listing agreement I told them that the death had to be disclosed.  Is the home worth less just because the owner chose to pass away peacefully in his home?  In my opinion no but it depends on how one looks at it.  If buyers are interested in the property they can't negotiate a lower price based on the fact that someone died inside.  Someone dying in a home is not a defect of the property unless of course it was under bad circumstances, a murder or suicide for example.  If a buyer has a problem with the fact that someone passed away in the home then more than likely they won't be interested in it at all. 

When I first started in real estate, death was not a mandatory disclosure, I am sure there were many buyers that had no clue that someone died in the home they purchased it, I know I was one of them.  My home was built in 1927, it was occupied by tenants when I purchased it.  A few years later my neighbor told me that the prior to leasing the house out, the previous owner cared for her Mother in it and that she passed away inside. 

When a loved one chooses to be at home when they pass they should have the right to do so and family member's should support and respect their wishes without being concerned about it effecting the value of the home.

        

I live in a Spanish home and I love to decorate, which is why I enjoy traveling to Mexico.  My decor is what I like to call an eclectic mix of religious artwork that I have collected from the many places I have visited in Mexico. I have also purchased several things from various Botanicas throughout Los Angeles. 

In recent years Botanicas have become quite popular.  They attract the attention of those interested in everything from spiritual traditions and holistic healing to people like myself who simply appreciate Mexican art.  Click here to read more about Botaicas and their growing popularity. 

I recently discovered a great place to purchase Mexican artwork locally.  It is located in Burbank on Magnolia and it is called Artesanos.  It is not what I would consider a Botanica,  but it is a totally cool place to purchase Mexican pottery, furniture and all kinds of art.  Their prices aren't as cheap as Mexico but they are very reasonable.  If you are in the area I recommend that you stop in and check it out! 

Oh and is case you are wondering, I don't practice Santeria

        

Last week I talked about actress Eva La Rue and her battle to keep a gate that she installed without a permit.  As you recall the gate was installed in an effort to keep away a known stalker.  I didn't mention the exact location of her home for obvious reasons however the city's attention caused so much media attention that address her home was made public.  Consequently the actress has moved out of her home in fear of her safety, not to mention the way she was treated by her neighbor's!

        

Last week I came across a few old news papers in my garage and couldn't help but sit down and look through them.  Below is a cover of a Glendale New Press from September 1987.  It was like opening a time capsule, inside a list of local movies, Beverly Hills Cop was playing at the Alex and it was just $3.50 for a ticket.  The funnest advertisement was one that reads: Responsible Young Adults Wanted-Start your own business delivering news papers.  My little brother used to do that when he was a kid.  I would help him fold the papers and he would hop on his bike and deliver them all.  Imagine our kids doing that today!

As I've said many times over, I have seen many changes take place in my hometown however one thing remains the same, Glendale is still a great place to live! I am fortunate to be able to live and work in my hometown

        

CSI Miami actress Eva La Rue installed a gate in front of her home without obtaining a permit to do so.  La Rue was issued a citation by the city's code enforcement however, it was dismissed once officials realized that she installed the gate in an attempt to block her home from the eyes of an alleged stalker.  Unfortunately some cranky neighbors were upset by the special treatment the actress received.  The matter has been turned over to the Los Angeles Planning Commission which the actress is currently appealing.

Personally I think the gate looks great and yes I understand that there are codes in place but seriously folks, I don't think it's very neighborly to make such a fuss over something so small.  Don't we have better things to do?

        

Well, the rising number of defaults on loans that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) have led to policy changes in it's loan program.  IMAGINE THAT!

Up until now, borrowers with a FICO score as low as 500 where approved for an FHA loan, WHAT!!  All that the buyers had to come up with is 3.5% down.  Soon FHA will increase the minimum FICO score to a whopping 580.  Buyers with less than a score of 580 will be required to come in with 10% down.

Don't get me wrong, I strongly believe that the FHA loan is a good product and crucial to our current housing market.  I like the fact that the loan is fully documented meaning there is no stated income.  I also like the fact that it is a 30 year fixed rate loan.  I just don't feel that this policy change will do much to reduce the agency's risk especially when you consider that FHA is insuring 30% of new loan compared to just 3% in 2007!

Wondering if you qualify for an FHA loan?  Call me today and find out 818-238-0188.

        

Did you know that mold can start growing in as little as 24-72 hours after moisture intrusion?  These storms are expected to bring up to 20 inches of rain!  This is a good opportunity for homeowners to carefully inspect their ceilings and windows for any leakage.  Leaks that are not taken care will likely dry and mold will continue to grow and possibly spread into other areas.  Be a responsible homeowner and do a check of areas where there may be water intrusion.  The sooner you identify a problem the more money you will save in costly repairs later!

        

It’s the home I grew up in on Virginia Avenue.  This photo was taken in 1966, if you drove past it today you wouldn’t think it was the same house, it’s changed a lot over the past 43 years.

The same is true for the city of Glendale, I've seen many changes take place in my hometown however one thing remains the same, Glendale is still a great place to live!

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home in Glendale?  If so please call or visit me at www.ChrisZastrow.com to find out more about me and the community I know so well.

        

Check out this darling little 1 bedroom house in Burbank, it is just under 700 square feet listed for $349,950.  Imagine no HOA dues and your own private yard and garage!  For more information please call me today 818-458-8998, this little gem is going to go FAST!