Jack Bitton, Your Santa Monica Realtor

Changes To The Big Wave Sculpture In Santa Monica

Steps from my office is the wave-like sculpture you see below that crosses Wilshire Blvd (at Franklin) in front of our door.

THE BIG WAVE sculpture in Santa Monica was created by artist Tony DeLap in 1989. It's been described as "an iconic gateway to Santa Monica".

For the past couple of months there has been a flutter of activity around The Big Wave with traffic cones, city workers teetering on man-lifts and bulb removed and replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting.

I had no idea it originally LIT UP! This week's local paper The Argonaut wrote that it had deteriorated so much that it was suffering from rust and corrosion and the original lighting system had not been functional for a very long time.

The new lighting system uses a mere 50 watts of energy in total!

If you're in Santa monica near my office, you can see this beautiful newly restored landmark in it's full glory a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise.

If it's raining, my office has a great view of The Big Wave so come visit me and I'll put on the coffee!

Where's the UPSIDE in Being Upside Down in Santa Monica?

Hey, how 'bout those Bears?! Yes, I am changing the subject because it's not so nice to be underwater on your home and right now the options are slim.

#1 - If you can still make the payments on your house, bite the bullet and continue to do so.

#2 - If you really need to get out and can cover your expenses with rental income? Great! Go for it.

#3 - Short sale (call me to discuss)*

#4 - Renegotiate your mortgage (good luck!)

REPAIR, REPLACE BUT DON'T REMODEL - Now is NOT

the time to put in the hot tub or new kitchen. However, if the toilet breaks, fix it. ***If you're in the middle of a remodel and you live in Santa Monica, this region has consistently returned a higher percentage of remodeling costs upon resale.

*I specialize in short sales so if you are thinking about this option and live in the Santa Monica area, please give me a call. I'll walk you through your options and give you all the information you need to make the best decision.

Jack

Secret Romantic Hotspots In Santa Monica!

Guys (and Gals!), you've got the shoes, pulled the dry cleaner plastic off your new duds and had your car recently detailed. Now, where do you go? You could resort to Zagats but this is a SPECIAL night...you need something different.

Here are some SECRET romantic hotspots in Santa Monica that are sure to keep the sparks flying:

1) The Santa Monica pier is a great place to watch the sunset but try to sit comfortably and get a drink? Not happening. My suggestion, SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH.

Shutters has one of the coziest lounges in Santa Monica with great drinks and stellar service. You'll have VIP beachside seats to our gorgeous sunset.

PLUS >>> Every Thurs, Fri & Sat from 6-11pm catch the Supa Lowery Brothers for jazz.

2) Is your special someone glamorous and enjoys one of a kind design? Make dessert reservations poolside at Whist Restaurant in the VICEROY HOTEL and order the Valrhona Crepes. Tres Magnifique!

3) 4 blocks from the beach and 5 blocks from the 3rd St Promenade is the SURF BAR at THE SHERATON DELFINA. Wonderful place with great cocktails!

I'll be updating more romantic hotspots in Santa Monica so keep tuned to this blog and subscribe today!

Cheers!

Jack

Spend The Winter Holiday In Santa Monica!

I spent much of my adult life FREEZING in the sub-artic temperatures of the Windy City. I finally made my way West and have not regretted it one bit. Well, maybe just for the lack of good pizza here.

Why should you spend winter in Santa Monica? Three good reasons come to mind:

1. WARM
2. SUNNY
3. MID 70'S

I've also found some great hotel deals in Santa Monica for folks thinking about escaping the snow drifts in the Midwest!

CASA DEL MAR FALL GETAWAY - 1910 Ocean Way (310) 581-5533, Available thru December 29th. Includes $150 daily hotel credit

FAIRMONT MIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS - 101 Wilshire Blvd (866) 540-4470, package includes two complimentary passes to the Santa Monica skating rink. Package available from December 1, 2010 - December 28th, 2010.

SHERATON DELFINA THE HOLIDAYS ARE BETTER WHEN SHARED - 530 Pico Blvd (866) 716-8134 Special winter rates.

SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH WINTER SUITE SPECIAL - One Pico Blvd (310) 458-0030. Available through December 27th. Receive up to 20% off suite rates.

VICEROY HOLIDAY SHOPPER'S PARADISE - 1819 Ocean Ave (800) 670-6185. Stay and shop with style at Viceroy Santa Monica between October 27th and December 30th and receive a $100 American Express Gift Card.

Exploding Cell Phones?! Fake iPhones?! Yikes!

Exploding Cell Phones

I've heard of explosing conversations but this takes the cake! We all have devices with Lithium Ion batteries. Phones, Laptops, cameras, etc.  Did you know that they can become unstable in either too cold or too hot conditions?  Leaving my phone in the car is something I am guilty of from time to time. Not any more!

iPhones  - Instructions read "This mobile phone can make you to enjoy your work..."

I have a Blackberry myself but I've been thinking of adding an iPhone to my stash of electronic gadgetry. Buying this on Ebay or Craigslist seemed like a good idea but now I know there are risks and I may get a counterfeit instead. Here's a great video on spotting the difference.

Lessons learned? Take care of your technology and CAVEAT EMPTOR!