Prices are up. Mortgage rates, while recently rising, are still low. Buyers are ready to buy but quickly find that, at least here in the San Fernando Valley, there is little to buy. Buyers rush to see new listings, Realtors beg their fellow agents to tip them about listings ahead of the pack, listings sell quickly in multiple offers. The inventory of houses for sale in the Valley is at record lows. There’s not much to buy. And many buyers are disappointed.

So why aren’t sellers listing their homes for sale? Assuming that they will buy another home, this market seems like a sweet spot to buy and sell. I would think that there would be a lot of pent-up demand on the part of sellers who have waited for the market to bottom out. I don’t get it.

Here’s an interesting Wall St Journal article on the subject that appeared today.
“Is it Safe to Sell Your House Now?”

Houzz showcases some tricked-out Airstream trailers that make me dream on parking one of them under the stars in Yosemite or by the Pacific for a comfortable and cool vacation.

Open floor plan, updated and remodeled 1-story home in Encino, south of Ventura Bl. The home has a formal dining room and a family room. Additional features include French doors, recessed lighting, dual paned windows, wood floors and a granite and stainless kitchen. The master bedroom opens to the back. The tiled master bath has a spa tub, a gorgeous separate shower plus a double vanity. In the back is a grassy yard with a lemon tree and a hot tub. More info and pictures at www.EncinoHome.com

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: 94% of buyers today start their search on the Internet. Bad listing photos will cause them to pass over your house and go on to the next

Could this kitchen look better? Absolutely. At the least, move the folding chair and the garbage bin. Take all the junk off the counters. The gallery ktichen needs better lighting and a better angle.

This galley kitchen benefits from a wide angle lens, decluttering, better lighting and a better angle. Photo copyright by Southern California Home.

one. When you interview agents to list your house, ask to see photos of their listings. Are they well-lit, sharp, well-composed? Has the house been seriously decluttered? It’s amazing how many listings show bathrooms with wet washcloths and ointments on the sink. Ick.

I believe that real estate photography calls for more than a point-and-shoot camera. Best is a DSLR with a wide-angle lens, on a tripod. Software like Photoshop and Lightroom  helps with post-processing. All this equipment is expensive, and learning to use it entails a steep learning curve and an educated eye. If an agent can’t do this, professional photographers can. Agents selling luxury properties routinely do professional shoots of their listings. But what if your house isn’t a $10 million celebrity hideaway? How do you make sure your home’s listing photos will make it look the best it can? Easy: ask agents to bring their listing photos to the interview.

This single-level mid-century modern has a cool vibe and heart stopping 180 degree views of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding mountain ranges, skyscrapers and city lights. The spacious living room looks out to the view and has a retro marble fireplace with floating hearth. The big eat-in kitchen has granite counters and island plus tons of storage space. You may be spending most of your time in the backyard by the gorgeous pool, just soaking up the views. First time on the market! 4 bd, 4ba in 2,964 sf, per assessor. Offered at $1,250,000. Lots of pictures at EncinoHome.com. Contact Shelly Slovin, CRS at 818.399.4043 for more information.

There are plenty Day of the Dead celebrations in Los Angeles this week, but why not attend one of the most venerable? On November 2nd from 5pm-11pm, Self Help Graphics & Art starts their celebration with a traditional procession and carries on with food, fun and music. Get more info at http://www.selfhelpgraphics.com/calendar/events.

The Orange Line Bike Path, photo courtesy of neighborhoods.org.

Cars? We don’t need no stinking cars. LAist has a great roundup of bike rides this weekend. From Venice to Culver City, Chatsworth to Encino, The LA River to Long Beach, there’s something for everyone. Some rides are more family friendly than others, and some take place on dedicated bike paths–always a plus in my book!

It’s not often that a house with this many bedrooms becomes available in Woodland Hills. Two of the bedrooms share a separate entrance and a bath, which would be perfect for an office, a studio or a guest suite. The home is a a one-story ranch with a big backyard lawn and a covered patio. It went into the MLS yesterday and there’s been lots of showings. Give me a call or text right away if you’d like to see it at 818.399.4043. Offered at $579,000. You can see more photos at www.WoodlandHillsLife.com.