Mario Villagran, MBA, Realtor

I've decided to reintroduce my campaign of bringing what my team and I feel are great bargains in the Glendale, Burbank, and some of the surrounding areas. I hope this is helpful.

If you should need any assistance with your real estate needs please feel free to call me or email me.

It's a great week here in Southern California. The first day of spring was yesterday and my dad turned 69 years old. I think he's in better shape than me. This market is also producing a lot of bargains. Our "Pick Six" homes show that there is an opportunity for many to get into a home in a city where it once seemed unaffordable. Even though prices have dropped the quality of the schools hasn't and the overall standard of living is still high. Rates continue to drop in anticipation of future rate cuts and recession fears so the cost of owning a home is still fairly cheap. Especially when you consider that many of you will get a bigger refund if you qualify to use mortgage interest as a deduction. Considering that rents continue to increase while interest rates are dropping you would think that your time to buy is now. If you would like a free analysis of what the costs of owning is to the costs of renting and what your long term benefits are please call me at (818) 416-7511 or e-mail me at mvillagran@dovproperties.com. My team and I believe that you shouldn't just give us your business but that we should earn it. Put us to work for you and see why we should be your real estate team.

I'm pleased to announce that I've changed companies. It took me a while to actually believe that your surroundings have a lot to do with how you feel and how you feel determines your success. I am not using this blog to bad mouth my previous broker but instead to share the joy of finding a company that is supportive and helps me stay positive. I am now with Pacific Atlantic Real Estate in Glendale, California. The managing partners offer a lot of training, which is making me a better agent than ever. The market has changed drastically and so they have focused my training on the issues that are important in today's market. I feel a new level of energy with this move and I believe this is reflective of the number of prospects I started to receive the moment that I made the move. If you are interested in finding out about my new company or me and how we can help you please call me at (818) 416-7511 or email me at mvillagran@dovproperties.com. There is never any obligation. I actually love talking about real estate and it would be my pleasure to meet new people and provide some education.

I'm sorry for this late post and for falling behind but I've been really busy. In this market to be able to say that again feels really good. With all of these great buys coming on the market it's time that I get my business ready for a surge in business. This doesn't mean that inventory is going to be flying off the shelf like it was a couple of years ago but it does mean that if you are ready to buy then you should be real active with your agent. The great buys will fly off the shelf and that doesn't mean that you missed out on your opportunity because I believe the right house is out there for you. So don't sit on the fence and get out there with your agent to find your dream home. Cost of borrowing is still at historical lows and prices have settled back down to where they're being called affordable again.

If you should have any questions regarding the following properties or would like to schedule a showing please feel free to call me @ (818) 416-7511 or email me @ mvillagran@cfgrealty.com. I am a realtor that will work with you to find your dream home within your budget. You can also contact me if you have questions regarding the home buying process.

Yesterday I was out previewing properties with my team and so we decided to pass by one of Burbank's favorites for Ribs. Ribs U.S.A. in Burbank, California, (818) 841-8872, has been around for years and it's a great place for everyone. You can see their menue at http://www.ribsusa.com. My kids love it because they don't have to worry about making a mess since the floor is covered in peanut shells. I love their spicy links and yesterday the girls had me try the spicy fries. Both are really delicious as you can see by the smile on my face. I recommend trying their happy hour when the beer is about $2 and the appetizers are a 1/3rd off.