L.A. Times - Real Estate News

Newlywed Laker selling Manhattan Beach digs

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom has listed his Manhattan Beach home for $2,399,000.

A historic Tudor Revival in Glendale

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

At first glance, the tall, steeply pitched roof gives the illusion that the house is a charming cottage -- but once inside, the grandeur of another age reveals itself.

At first glance, the tall, steeply pitched roof of this historic Glendale house gives the illusion that the Tudor Revival-style home is a charming cottage, surrounded by ferns, holly and miniature English ivy.

New HUD rules aim to get rid of closing cost surprises

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Starting Jan. 1, loan charges and settlement fees will be spelled out on a revised version of the good-faith estimates form that borrowers are supposed to get after their mortgage applications.

Remember the bad old days of 11th-hour mortgage cost shocks and mystery junk-fee charges? Remember when the "good-faith estimates" your lender gave you upfront said closing costs would be about $2,000, but somehow they ballooned to $3,500 on the final closing sheet?

Santa Monica residences for less than $1 million

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

1122 26th St. Unit 103, Santa Monica 90403

Facing foreclosure? Here's what you can do

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

For most of the growing legion of financially stretched families in danger of losing their homes, there is help available -- as long as they don't bury their heads in the sand.

Septic tanks on their way out in Malibu

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

After years of debate, the devices will be banned in the central and eastern portions of the city.

The great sewer wars of Malibu have finally drawn to a close. Sewers won.

L.A.-area real estate agents are holding open mansions

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Amid the market downturn, the public is welcome to see some properties listed for more than $10 million.

For Florence Mattar, each open house has a routine. She drives around the neighborhood placing signs, brings in fresh flowers, stocks the refrigerator with bottled water and sets out a sign-in sheet.

Commercial property market to hit bottom in 2010, report says

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Owners of properties such as office buildings, warehouses and malls will suffer a surge of painful defaults, write-downs as the market finally faces up to the reality of its diminished conditions.

After spending more than a year in suspended animation, the commercial real estate industry is expected to hit bottom in 2010 with a wrenching thud.

Classes and events around the Southland

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 14:02:36 -0800

NOV. 9

Senate extends home-buyer tax credit and jobless aid

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The measure is expected to be approved by the House and signed by Obama within days. It is aimed at giving the real estate market an added boost and would expand the credit to existing homeowners.

Reporting from Los Angeles and Washington Alejandro Lazo -- Moving to shore up a still shaky economic recovery, the Senate unanimously agreed Wednesday to extend jobless benefits, continue the popular tax credit for first-time home buyers and offer a new tax break to homeowners who want to move up.