Burbank, CA

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First, what is the pending home sales index?

The NAR (National Association of Realtors) developed the pending home sales index as an indicator of housing activity. It tends to be a leading indicator of existing home sales, not new home sales. A pending sale is one in which a contract was signed, but not yet closed and it usually takes four to six weeks to close a contracted sale.

Until housing data improves, the economy as a whole won't show significant signs of life. The numbers that came out today offered little hope. While the pending home sales index jumped up in December, 6.3 percent to 87.7 the pending home sales index fell a very steep 7.7 percent in January. This data indicates that we'll probably have weak home sales data for February and March. The year-on-year rate is still contracting at -6.4 percent.

Sales showed continued weakness in the Northeast, South, and Midwest but, did show a gain in the West, a region worth special attention given that the general real estate collapse has been centered here.

Bottom line is that with the labor market still in major turmoil, we probably won't see a significant rebound until later this year or beginning of next year.

Again I have to put out the disclaimer, that all of this is very area specific in terms of how bad or good things are. If you are in the market to buy a home, now is a great time with low interest rates and reduced prices!

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• Is Obama mortgage deduction cap a good idea? (lansner.freedomblogging.com)
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Burbank, CA January 2009

Market Index

A market index of above 1.20 is a seller's market, between 0.80 to 1.20 is a balanced market, and below 0.80 is a buyer's market.

The market index dropped five points to 0.28 from 0.33.

New Listings - 64 new listings, versus 53 last month and 94 in 2008.

Pending Listings - 48 listings opened escrow, compared to 40 last month and only 27 last year.

Pending Ratio - 0.75, surprisingly equal to last month, compared to last year's 0.29.

Listing Inventory -300 properties on the market, compared to 321 last month, versus 346 in 2007.

Sold Listings - 35 properties sold, compared to 67 listings last month and 42 in 2007.

Average Sales Price - $484,620, which is 10% lower than last year. It is interesting that with the large amount of new inventory on the market with over 50 new construction listings, mostly condos.

Price per square foot $336.23, the lowest point of the year. It is interesting that the average square living area, 1,616 square feet, is one of the highest figures in the last twelve months.

The economy and inventory are taking a toll on average prices in Burbank. Particularly if you are looking for a new condo, there are great deals on the market. In most cases larger homes sell for a lower price per square foot, so the decline in value is a real reflection of the downward shift in values.

For sellers know that properly marketed homes are still selling at market prices. Bank-owned and short sale listings generally have deferred maintenance, so buyers forewarned. Interest rates are ticking up due to the borrowing that may result from the new "stimulus package", so my advice - interest rates are low, buy now.

Data is from SRAR and has not been verified, is not guaranteed, and subject to change

Monthly Activity Report Burbank-January 2009

SFR Avg Sale Price-2 bed	SFR Avg Sale Price-3 bed	SFR Avg Sale Price-4 or more bed	Condos Avg Sale Price	Condos Units Sold	Total Avg List Price	Total Avg Sale Price	Total Units Sold	Avg DOM
$529,800	$605,200	$768,300	$387,000	8	$451,783	$508,508	28	83
	Information is Believed To Be Accurate But Not Guaranteed	Southern California Multiple Listing Service

Month to month average home sale price in Burbank from December 2008 to January 2009 is down $38,507, or 7%.

Average days on market, are up 3 days.

Most notably number of sold properties is down almost 58 % from December 2008.

Reasons for this trend include the significant price reductions we saw towards the end of last year, banks wanting to clear out inventory before the end of the year and buyers wanting to take advantage of low interest rates and low prices.

Burbank Homes For Sale and Real Estate - Commission Credit towards your closing costs - Commission Rebate - REALTOR REBATES TO HOME BUYERS & INVESTROS AT CLOSING - BURBANK Discount Broker -

BURBANK New Homes & Resales - San Fernando Valley Homes and Real Estate - COMMISSION REFUND - COMMISSION REBATE (Se Habla Espanol). Please contact Lupe at Lupe@HomesWithLupe.com

Homebuyers save thousands! with BURBANK IN ACTION REALTY. We WILL CREDIT YOU AT CLOSE OF ESCROW up to 25% of our the real estate commission on all purchases when we represent a homebuyer with an agreement and at close escrow, minimum purchase price is $250,000.

For sales price $250,000 and up the rebate or credit is 25% of our real estate commission.

For sales prices between $150,000 to $250,000 the credit shall be $500.

For properties from $100,000 to $150,000 the rebate or credit shall be $250.

You can use it towards your closing costs or for any reason. The credit shall be credited at close of escrow and disclosed with the final escrow closing statement.

HOW IT WORKS?

For example: Sales Price $250,000, typical commission is 3% of sales price or $7,500. WE WILL CREDIT UP $1,850 which is 25% from $7,500. Rebates or incentives shall be credited at close of escrow. Our net commission will change to $5,650.

COMMISSION REFUNDS are 100% legal in CA, as long as your lender approves it, ask your loan consultant, FHA loans allow seller contributions up to 6% of the sales price, and most other states too.

SEARCH the Multiple Listing Service here.

NO LOGIN Required: Full access, property address, property description with photos, once you find what you are looking for, please contact us.

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SERVING AREAS:
Arleta, Burbank, Canoga Park, Calabasas, Chatsworth, Encino, Glendale, Granada Hills, Hidden Hills, Lake Balboa, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, North Hills, Northridge, Panorama City, Pacoima, Porter Ranch, San Fernando, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sylmar, Sun Valley, Sunland, Shadow Hills, Toluca Lake, Topanga Canyon, Tujunga, Valley Village, Valley Glen, Van Nuys, Universal City, West Hills, Winnetka, Woodland Hills.

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Hollywood, West Hollywood, Hollywood Hills.

Simi Valley

2009 Feng Shui Auspicious Directions - Burbank & San Fernando Valley & Feng Shui with Lupe Soto, Feng SHui Realtor in Burbank, to contact Lupe, e-mail to: Lupe@HomesWithLupe.com (Se Habla Espanol)

THE YEAR OF THE OX IN 2009 fills with good fortune. To enhance, display a Jade Ox in the Northeast of your house in the living room. Besides that, you need to enhance the good areas and suppress the bad areas to ensure a good year comes to you and all the bad or misfortune luck is under control. Take note on the following enhancers and cures that you should display in your home according to the areas stated

Southwest - 6 White

The year 2009 sees the auspicious star #6 White align in the Southwest, therefore those who are seeking recognition, fame and making an impact in general should tap into this area for the year. Aside from this, the Southwest also promises a strengthening of your influence at work, too. It's an overall positive location for your Wealth and Career potential, but sadly this usually positive star has a downside to residents or homes and offices with Main Doors in the Southwest because there is possible health problems related to the leg areas. Therefore if you have a current injury to your leg or if you're simply accident-prone, keep away as much as you can from this area.

West - 2 Black

The West sector is maligned by the presence of the negative #2 Black star this Earth Ox year 2009. As one can imagine, all kinds of negative impact such as sicknesses, illnesses and all kinds of health hazards await those who sleep or spend too much time in the West. Properties with Main Doors located in the West will also be affected in one negative way or another throughout the entire year, unfortunately enough, but this will be particularly the case for those with the Gua numbers Seven or Four. Though the West location is considered one of the more negative areas for the Earth Ox year, there is a mixed blessing involved! Apparently, dwellers with the Gua Eight will be augmented with good luck and fortune related to real estate or property buys. As for Gua Three people, their careers may take a turn for the positive when they spend some time in the West. Therefore, the location's negative energy may be weakened with metal cures such as Feng Shui items made of brass, copper, pewter or other metals.

Northwest - 1 White

New ventures, new beginnings and positive comebacks are the featured luck prospects of the Northwest this Earth Ox year 2009! People with Gua numbers One or Nine stand a chance to receive the best kind of energy from the Northwest - indeed, if you spend plenty of your time or even sleep in this particular location your entire life path will be better and more positive throughout the entire year. Partners who wish to enter a commitment ceremony such as engagements or weddings this year will do well to spend lots of their time in the Northwest. Couples who are keen to have a baby can do the same, too. Aside from this, the Northwest is considered the secondary Wealth sector of the year after the Southeast, so it's a positive area for conducting your work or business affairs.

North - 5 Yellow

Alert! The North Palace this Earth Ox year is considered the most hazardous location with its presence of the #5 Yellow star. The problems related to the North this year range from bodily harm through accidents to mishaps and adversity. It's the most negative area therefore any kind of important activity shouldn't be conducted at all in this area year long. You should also stall any kind of renovation work in the North, too, because any kind of ground-breaking can activate and even aggravate the star's bad points all the more. To ensure that one is safe from harm, the North must be kept quiet and under-utilized as much as possible. If this is not a feasible option and you must be located in the North, you can weaken the negative effects of the #5 yellow star by placing metal cures.

Northeast - 3 Jade

Strong disagreements, quarrels and even physical fights are likely for those who reside in the Northeast sector this Earth Ox year 2009, or if your Main Door is located here. The more extreme negative effects of the #3 Jade star are legal complications and the possibility of lawsuits! Gua Three people are the most affected by the Northeast's negative luck this year. You can lessen the effects of this star considerably by decorating the Northeast with a red lampshade or red carpet year-long. One may also make use of Feng Shui incense burners in the Northeast, because lighting up incense is akin to mustering up the Fire element to counter the negativity of the #3 Jade.

East - 7 Red

The Robbery Star #7 Red resides in the East Palace this Earth Ox year 2009 and though this star's chief mayhem is loss of wealth, there are a host of other negative impacts such as hot tempers, argumentative ways and even health problems to a degree that hospitalization may be needed! Those who have the home or office Main Door located in the East will do well to stay away from office politicking as well as intense rivalries of any kind, because the outcome will likely be disastrous. Aside from this it is also highly advised for you to change locks and buying insurance to be on the safe side!

Southeast - 8 White

This Earth Ox year 2009 sees the Southeast becoming the absolute best Wealth location and also the most auspicious in general! This particular location is fertile grounds for anyone to tap into in order to generate a good income this year. The Wealth Qi, or energy, enters a premise through the Southeast this year, so it's also a very auspicious area to spend time or even sleep in because you are directly receiving the positive energies of the year when you do so. Those who have homes or offices with the main doors located in the Southeast are blessed too this year because you will be tapping into the auspicious #8 White year-long. Financial returns are highly likely, and furthermore you will be blessed with strong Career luck! If your home does not have a Main Door, living space or bedroom in the Southeast, you can still enjoy the benefits of this star's wonderful energy by tapping into this area. To do so, enhance the location with Wealth items with strong Yang property such as the dragon.

Center - 9 Future Prosperity

All family members in the house can enjoy tremendous good fortune when it comes to wealth and finances. The future prosperity star not only brings wealth but also instant recognition. Homes that have a large open central area will attract long-term fortune luck for its residents. To enhance, display the nine glitter lamps in this part of your home.

2009 FENG SHUI FOR EACH ZODIAC SIGN source: www.wofs.com

Ox

The Grand Duke Jupiter visits the Ox bringing blessings and support. Ordinarily this is considered auspicious, but due to an unlucky star, the Ox may accidentally invoke the wrath of the Grand Duke. Therefore this will be a mixed year. There may be problems in your relationships with others, along with obstacles resulting from aggravation. The Ox must carry both Friendship and the Grand Duke Amulet. In addition, you should display a pair of Pi Yao in the Northeast corner of your living room. A Manjushri Sword on your workdesk and a Ksitigarbha Fireball in the Northeast will help control the argumentative energies of the year. To enhance relationship luck, display Buddha Akasagarbha in your living room. For career and wealth, wear the Lo Shu Dzi bracelet or the 5 Bats Dzi.


Tiger

The year strengthens the Tiger bringing good luck. The main obstacle this year is the quarrelsome #3 star, which can bring litigation and aggravating encounters. Your luck will be mixed with bouts of obstacles, which can be solved as long as you keep your patience. You could meet unscrupulous people who cheat you. To protect against this, display the Blue Rhinoceros and Elephant in the Northeast. Place the Makara Dragon in your home to create harmony in your relationships. Hang the Namgyalma Plague above your front door to keep people with bad intentions away from your home. Another excellent amulet for the Tiger is the Jade Disc with Mystical Knot. To enhance wealth luck, wear the Dzambhala Mantra Ring. Invite Akasagarbha Buddha into your home for overall harmony and good fortune.

Rabbit

The elements of the year are beneficial for the Rabbit. The year will be challenging but with hard work and determination, you can overcome any problems that come before you. You are at risk of being cheated or robbed this year; keep your cash in the White Umbrella Mantra Wallet. It is also advisable to carry a Rhinoceros Hanging as additional protection against snatch thieves. Display the Victorious Elephant with trunk up facing your front door as protection. Wear the Om Ah Hum Pendant or Kalachakra Pendant as a remedy for the Natural Disaster Star. You are also afflicted by the annual 3 killings therefore should display the Trinity of Deities or 3 Divine Guardians in the East. Wear the 1 eye Dzi or Ru Yi Dzi for mentor luck. Display the Manjushri Buddha in your home for wealth, harmony and good fortune.


Dragon

The Dragon benefits from Tai Sui's support but suffers minor health and relationship problems. This is a good year to implement investment opportunities. Success luck is strong but you must not be arrogant or you will attract the attention of people who are jealous of your success. Carry the Friendship Amulet and Grand Duke Amulet for protection. Display the White Dzambhala and Power Qi Lin Talisman on your desk to ensure things go smoothly at work. As you posses the star of big opportunity, enhance it by displaying a 9 Tier Water Feature in the Southeast of your living room. Your spirit essence is low, so wear protective mantras such as the Empowerment Ring or Mantra Ring. Display the Samantabhadra Buddha in your living room for all round good luck. Place an 8 Immortal Wu Luo beside your bed for good health luck this year.

Snake

There are strong indications of wealth and career luck in 2009, but because of the Yi Duo Star it is important that you implement various remedies or you will not be able to benefit from the auspicious energies that surround you. Display the Dzambhala Fountain in the Southeast of the living room for money luck. Career Snakes should carry White Dzambhala for upward mobility. Wear the 9 eye Dzi in gold with precious mantras inside for an additional boost in career and wealth luck. Snakes suffer from a weakened life force, so some Snakes may find their health rather poor. Display the Samantabhadra Buddha in your living room as protection. Invite the Bejeweled Medicine Buddha into your home for good health. Display the Heart Sutra Plaque as protection against bad influences.


Horse

2009 promises dramatic improvements in relationships and career. The Peach Blossom Star visits the Horse, and improves your relationships with others. You also possess the Golden Deities Star which indicates divine help. Health will still be a concern, so display the Medicine Buddha Jewel in the living room. Display the Mhasthamaprapta Buddha on your workdesk to improve your life force. To mend relationships, carry the Friendship Amulet. Engage the help of the golden deities by displaying a gold figurine of Kuan Kung or Kuan Yin in the dining room. To improve harmony, display the Fur Bearing Fish and Makara Dragon in your home. Place the Golden Universal Tortoise with Manjushri in the living room for protection against bad luck.

Sheep

The Sheep is in direct conflict with the Tai Sui and also suffers a visit from the Sui Po Star causing you to feel misunderstood and unappreciated. Your energy levels may plummet with a reduction in creativity and initiative. Display a Chi Lin Standing on Study Implements at work and carry the Grand Duke Amulet. Display a pair of Pi Yao in the Southwest, facing Northeast. Female Sheep are advised to wear the Om or Heart Sutra Scarf as protection. Display the 8 Legged Lion for smoothness and harmony in the office. Activate for heaven luck by displaying the 9 Rank Plaque. At home, hang an image of 3 Sheep Climbing Up The 3 Peaks to symbolize success in overcoming obstacles and problems. It is also good to display the 8 Immortals in the home for divine help.


Monkey

The Monkey enjoys a fabulous year with plenty of heaven luck and success! You possess the Annual Heaven Star and have Heaven's Seal in your chart. Both your life force and spirit essence are high, giving you plenty of energy to achieve your goals. Speculative luck is good and if you like to buy the lottery, place a figurine of your secret friend the Snake near you both at home and in the office. Place the Heaven Seal and a Monkey sitting on an Elephant on your desk for career and promotion luck. Display a gold figurine of Kuan Kung or Kuan Yin at home and if possible at work. Protect against unfavourable months by displaying the Namgyalma Plaque in the living room. Tap the luck of the year by wearing a Jade Disc with Infinity Symbol.

Rooster

The Rooster benefits from the Prosperity Star and the presence of the golden deities, which brings improvements to wealth luck. Invite a deity into your home such as Kuan Yin or a Wealth God in gold colour for divine assistance. As both your life force and spirit essence are strong, things go smoothly in your day-to-day life. Display a strong-looking Ox made of crystal or jade near your main door. Harmonize with the elements of the year by wearing a Jade Disc with Victory Banner in gold. Unfortunately the annual star brings illness, so be more careful when it comes to health. Carry the Namgyalma keychain for longevity luck and place the Acala disc & ball in the West corner of your home. Elderly Roosters should invite the Bejeweled Medicine Buddha into the home to ensure continued good health.


Dog

A mixed year for the Dog. While there is career and income luck, many of you may not be able to actualize the good luck. Your life force is stable but your spirit essence is weak. Dogs should carry protective amulets such as the Green Tara Pendant or Grand Duke Amulet. You should perform some prayers for good blessings as you are in side conflict with the Tai Sui. Display the Heart Sutra Plaque in the living room and hang a Mantra Plaque above your front door. The Dog has the Small Luck Star, which brings small happy moments of good fortune. You should wear or display the Victorious Banner to help actualize your desires. Display the Fur Bearing Fish on your workdesk for harmony and the Power Qi Lin Talisman for career improvement. Carry the Wealth Crane Talisman to even out your luck through
the year.

Boar

The Boar could feel a lack of vitality in 2009, so should strengthen physically, mentally and emotionally to materialize the good luck due this year. Your life force is low making you tire easily. Tap into the luck of your Secret Friend the Tiger by displaying the figurine of a Tiger on your workdesk. Hang an image of Nine Phoenixes or 3 Sheep Climbing the 3 Peaks in your home. As the annual star brings you career luck, display a Ru Yi and a Power Qi Lin Talisman on your desk. Wear the Green Tara Mantra ring. As you suffer the Yearly Conflict Star, you should carry the Friendship Amulet. For enhancing income luck, use a Dragon Wallet and place the Wealth Crane Talisman within.


Rat

The Rat enjoys success luck, as the ruling animal of the year the Ox is your secret friend. Unfortunately, you are afflicted with the annual misfortune star and the low vitality star. Your spirit essence and life force are also low. It is thus important for all Rats to carry protective amulets against bad luck and spiritual afflictions. Wear the Amitabha Mantra Ring and carry the Lo Shu 9 Talisman Amulet at all times. To bring forth good career luck, display the Wealth Spinner Toad Fountain in the Southeast. Place a Crystal Bull on your workdesk or in your office along with the 9 Ranks Plaque. If possible, also carry the Victory Banner Amulet to help overcome obstacles. Rat people should display the 5-element Bell in the North to control the bad energy. Strengthen health luck by displaying a Herbal Wu Luo beside your bed, especially if you find yourself lacking in energy or falling sick frequently.

HOW TO BUY A HOUSE WITH GOOD FENG SHUI

For a Free Consultation on How to Buy a House with Good Feng Shui, e-mail to: Lupe@HomesWithLupe.com

Have a Prosperous & Healthy 2009!

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Lupe Soto is a local Realtor serving Burbank, Glendale, Toluca Lake, Hollywood Hills, North Hollywood, Studio City, Sherman Oaks & surrounding areas in San Fernando Valley. She is ready and available to help you with all your Burbank & San Fernando Valley real estate needs. To contact her go to www.HomesWithLupe.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Burbank, Glendale, Toluca Lake, Hollywood Hills, North Hollywood, Studio city, Sherman Oaks and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 818-968-3718