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Check out some of the AMAZINGLY productive online classes at ActiveRain University coming up!
Wow. There are some pretty good topics coming up over the next month at ActiveRain University.
Here are some that I think stand out:
I'm definitely patching in this month. Good Stuff.
Just click on the University link at the top of your AR page, and voila!

You're instant student at ARU.
(Just please keep in mind, there are NO out-of-control frat parties or throwing spitwads allowed)
Now where's my ARU Sweatshirt?....................
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You are moving to Los Angeles and looking for a rental property while you settle in.
The Westside of Los Angeles, which encompasses Santa Monica, Westwood (including the Wilshire Corridor and Century City), and Brentwood, have a great supply of rental properties, starting at the low $2,000 and up.
Deciding in which area you would like to live is the main problem, the rest is easy.
Take a look at some of the properties available below:
*The above include the Wilshire Corridor and Century City rentals
Buying or selling a Los Angeles home can be a daunting process in a city this size, especially if you're new to L.A. Town. You'll need a resident expert to show you around and help you narrow down the areas where you might like to live. I will help you find the perfect home in the right area to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs! When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients I strive to make the experience a pleasant one. My mission is to provide outstanding service while utilizing the best practices and systems available. If you are an absentee owner, you'll need someone to handle all the details that you can't handle remotely. That's where I come in - I'm there when you can't be. I also specialize in lease property in Los Angeles. Westside Los Angeles Real Estate, including, but not limited to:
For more information on how I can best serve your Los Angeles real estate needs, please fill out the online contact form or give me a call at 310-473-6919.
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It doesn't really matter what you or I think the value of the property is.............
I had an email conversation this week with one of my buyers.
It's a conversation I've had many times.
What price to offer on a home is the question.
Of course there are many variables when computing what to offer.
It usually starts with comparable sales that I pull up.
Once in a while, my buyer has something to say about that also. They may have knowledge of a property that closed escrow nearby. But sometimes that property isn't like-for-like, or perhaps the sale is to old to be considered a comp.
My buyers concern was overpaying for the property.
I re-assured them by stating that it really doesn't matter what I think or they think the fair market value of the property it.
What really matters is WHAT THEIR LENDER thinks the fair market value of the property is.
Why? Because their lender is only going to lend them 80% (in the case of a conventional loan), or 96.5% (in the case of an FHA loan) of the value from THEIR appraisal.
So in that sense, there's really no need to worry about overpaying. Your bank will pretty much dictate what fair market value is for the property, and the sale is contingent upon the property appraising at the accepted purchase price.
That almost always puts my buyers at ease knowing that the whole purchase process has to jump through several hoops of valuation by different parties
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Heart and Sold: How to Survive and Build a Recession-Proof Business, written by top selling Los Angeles celebrity real estate broker Valerie Fitzgerald, takes you on a journey through the emotional and tangible challenges of regaining one’s personal power while building and maintaining a successful business.
This month it's been highlighted as a top rated title on Amazon.com book sales.
The book recounts Fitzgerald’s personal journey from unemployed single parent to entrepreneur, philanthropist and corporate executive in the competitive L.A. real estate metropolis. From beginners just getting started to seasoned agents — or anyone in business looking to take their game to the next level — this step-by-step guide teaches readers the art of selling.
Order it on Amazon.com.
Heart and Sold shows readers how to:
Heart and Sold shares the mind-set of a respected businesswoman who gracefully balances the demands of real estate with the intimacy of her family.
What They’re Saying…
“Through her absorbing stories and life experience Valerie gives advice to anyone looking for a new beginning in their life or business. A great read.” – Larry King
“After reading this book, you will feel that you too can accomplish anything your heart desires.” – Vanna White
“Heart and Sold is inspirational for any woman – or anyone – struggling to build a business of their own. Valerie’s personal triumphs will make you feel like you can do anything.” – Leeza Gibbons

Recommendations…
“I’ve been thinking about getting into real estate for years now and keep letting myself get side-tracked. I have been working on studying for the State Licensing exam, but was having a few doubts about my capability to make the jump and change my career.
After reading this book, I am now very excited. This book is both inspirational and informative. It’s full of helpful advice and references that can be used. Once I started reading the book, I couldn’t put it down and I plan to go through it again and highlight useful information. This will be a great desk reference as I move forward.
Thank you Valerie, for a great book. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about getting into Real Estate or already working in the field.” – Tania Brown
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
“I am a Real Estate Broker and since completing this book, I have asked my Director of Education for my office to read this book as well. I’m thinking of making it required reading for any new agent coming to our Company.
I enjoyed the book for several reasons. The first, it is inspirational, and agents need inspiration more now than ever these days. The transparency of Valerie’s early life is highly admirable and endears a reader to her personally.
Secondly, the book is pragmatic in teaching agents the basics and human side of the real estate business, in addition to pointing out the need for business systems. I often disagree with the “Selling Philosophy” of some real estate trainers, but with this book, Valerie is right on. Valerie’s philosophy and mine are similar in that we both consider real estate sales more about building relationships and helping people achieve their dreams. The agent’s role is very crucial because they act as both the “Coach” and the “Quarterback” of the transaction.
Thirdly, this book is expansive because it is good for new agents entering the business, for agents that want to improve their business, and for seasoned agents that want to build a team. Great Book.” – A. May
Valerie Fitzgerald specializes in luxury residential real estate in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Santa Monica and Malibu. Valerie has more than 20 years of real estate experience and is known for her solid reputation in the Westside Los Angeles real estate brokerage community. She’s also the author of the book published by Simon and Schuster Heart and Sold: How to Survive and Build a Recession-Proof Business. To connect with Valerie regarding the sale or purchase of your Westside Los Angeles home visit http://valeriefitzgerald.com or call 310-285-7515.
Connect with Valerie…
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