The Realtor 'Servin' It Up'

Block Party 2006...Thank You To EVERYONE Who Participated!

Let's KEEP Our Beaches Clean....Please

The Taco Chef and Some Of The Beach Cleanup

More of my block party photos are on the way...

The Block Party

My night ended at 1:30 am with folding last minute brochures and placing ribbons on give aways. I found these very cool animal flashlights that when their mouths opened the light would illuminate and the animals sound would come out. I gave them to all of the kids that visited as a gift to keep by their bedside. Anyway, last minute calls were still coming in at that hour and the excitement of the event kept us awake.

The Block Party morning began at 5:00am and ended with a refreshing sigh of relief even though there were a few hiccups. The end result was everything that I had planned. Neighbors from all over sat and talked and ate great food, shared receipts, introduced their kids and dogs…in addition to getting some demonstrations and great information on how to handle situations before, during and after. The beach clean up went very well; 40 people showed up to cone the beach with plastic gloves and bags to separate out the recyclable from the other waste that had settled on the shoreline…people even seemed to be having fun, especially the teenagers.

Our councilman showed up and gave a little pep talk to the group and as the sun set everyone voiced that they were glad that the event was planned for them and one neighbor even told me "that after 5 years of living in the area, now he feels like it is a real neighborhood."

My favorite part was when the kids were introduced to pollution in our waters…they were so amazed that people would intentionally pollute the water. They all had an opportunity to get on board the fire truck and later the kid’s crafts table brought out what could be some future Picassos.

I felt good about all of it because even if this event touched one person and allowed them to get prepared for an emergency, then we did our job.

Check out the photos (they're coming) I even played head chef for awhile.

A Gift Of A Lifetime...Survival Sources & Resources

(via Red Pail)

SOME SOURCES FOR ORDERING KITS
888.RED.PAIL OR 888.733.7245

URBAN SURVIVAL TOOLS 800.203.1241

SAFETYMAX 800.585.8506

HOW TO PREPARE FOR ANY DISASTER

You know I'm looking out for your best interest.

email me: micheleblackmon@prodigy.net
http://www.micheleblackmonlifestyles.com
http://therealtorbymichele.blogspot.com

A Block Party's Plan of Action

Katrina had a huge impact on me putting this BLOCK PARTY together.

Unfortunately, most people think that if an emergency strikes, the city/government officials will run in and rescue them. Well in the "real world," most police, fire, Red Cross and other emergency organizations are either, under staffed, OR, are volunteers...and remember, they could potentially be trapped and not have the ability to get to you or your loved ones right away.
So, I did a little research and found that the area in which I live, HAD NO MASTER PLAN OF ACTION…scary!!! We don’t have a fall-out-shelter, or a common area that people can go to in case of an emergency. In light of Katrina, global warming and our political climate, we all need to be prepared to survive on our own if necessary. So I took it upon myself and put together a “How to Create Your Own Survival Kit” brochure which outlines some of the essential items needed to survive for several days. However, making it more personal will allow you to be more comfortable, if you should need to leave your home or business quickly. Other things of importance are an extra set of clothing, socks, shoes and don’t forget to pack in advance your medication.
Now, on a more fun note, I LOVE GIVING PARTIES! And the bigger the better. So putting together this event has been euphoric…even though everything isn’t going as planned. ;)
Not to mention, I'm in recovery from what we call “Realtor Exhaustion”, which is why you haven’t heard from me in about week.

However, from handing out the flyer invitations (locally), e-mailing them to my data-base, to ordering tables and chairs for the information booths (with black table clothes I might add) ...Unfortunately, I waited too late, so I couldn’t get the color balloons that I wanted; or the kids dolphin bouncer (but the castle will do fine) And thank God for Costco…hundreds of buns, hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken legs…we even have a taco chef coming! It's going to be an AWESOME day and the weather has been perfect! By the way, I will blog live during the event, so that you can all be a part of it…

This event has gotten press coverage and our local politicians have made it a point to let me know that they will be stopping by to shmooze the crowd. Our local Congress woman has a what I call ‘tour de Venice’ via bicycle, with 40 of her friends/supporters. Their route goes right past the location of the event and they will be stopping in. The local businesses and Venice locals have pitched in their time, food and spirit as well.

I know that each person that attends the party will leave with some valuable knowledge that could save his/her life. I truly believe that knowledge is power and in this case, it is perfect timing.

Lastly, in LA, everyone is so involved in the hustle and bustle, NOW'S the time to learn, relax and enjoy...

Bye for now!

The Realtors' 1st Annual Block Party

I'm hosting this event to keep in touch with my neighbors and build community.

Day: Saturday October 28, 2006
"Safety Awareness Disaster Preparedness Day"
Learn how to protect yourself, your family & your loved ones

Place: 23rd and Oceanfront Walk Grassy Area
Heal the Bay Clean Up 10-12:00pm BBQ 12pm - 6:00pm

Sponsored by Me! Oh btw...visit the community calendar The Argonaut for details.

Tuesday Open House - "This Is My Space."

This week I had an Open House for one of my new listings. So I didn't take the usual trip, all over town, viewing other new hot listings.

57 Market is a Gallery live-in space, just steps to the ocean, on one of the Hottest Streets in Venice. It's also near Art Galleries', World Renowned Artists and Photographers, The Historical Venice Boardwalk, Great Restaurants, a new European fusion bar just opened directly across the street, and a private boxing gym is under construction. A very unique opportunity to live and work near the beach, with concrete flooring throughout, 20 foot ceilings, floating walls, separate work or living area, kitchen and bath. It was previously the LA Louver Art Gallery, a Grocery Store way back and I hear even a Church...the creative energy is amazing.

Anyway, I previewed it for the current owner and when she stepped inside you could see and feel her child energy begin to flow. The previous owner was an extremely well known artist and the place was filled with his over sized pieces. However, in the middle of the room, was a set of congo drums. My client politely sat down and began to play...to my amazement, she was pretty dammed good! She sent vibrations through the space that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. She stood up and said, in her soft tone, "This is my space".
Over the years, she has enjoyed the Gallery, displaying her artwork and envisioned creating a 2nd level, which would afford ocean views. However, her vision has gone to a larger space for gardens and maybe even a pool. So my first open house, as always, I cater a lunch for all of the realtors who stop by...because for some reason, realtors are always hungry. Not to mention, I have a reputation for providing some good lunches. It also gives us time, while they are enjoying the spread to stop and chat about the property and how we can make a deal come together. I played soft jazz in the background; it was such a perfect day, with a great turn out of realtors, all with good things to say about the space. What is a space like this listed for in LA? A mere $3,995,000.

Stay tuned to next Tuesday's Open House...I have three! This Sunday, I might share that experience with you...bye for now!

Here I Am With Suad

A Perfect Oasis For A Family

Shangra La in the Mar Vista Hills this oasis is located in an up and coming area, great for families is near parks, amazing schools, farmer market, trendy coffee houses, just close enough to a brisk bike ride to the ocean and close to all major freeways amd LAX airport.
4 bedroom main house, full guest house with kithen, bath and projection screen, swimmers pool with water falls, hot tub, outdoor kitchen and plans to add a 2nd story.
Asking $1,975,000

Just Visualize Living In This Home

Mid Century Homes in LA are collector pieces...this celebrity owned estate is located in the Beverly Hills above Sunset Boulevard. It is a Mid Century home which was totally blown open and updated with the most amazing materials, quality, gourmet kitchen, pool, spa and computerized to make it a smart house...the music industry people love the gadgets. Staged by a local decorator and art work supplied by a locl artist. I stage my homes so that it can allow the potential buyer to visualize living in the home. On almost 1 acre, 4,000 square feet asking price $5,475,000.

More Items From Berberes

 

"Creating A House With Soul"

I just sold a larger property near the beach and wanted to check out my favorite "shopping hole" before introducing this hidden treasure to my client. And of course, it is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon, because I always find some good stuff for me that I just can't live without.

As a kid, I always loved to visit swap meets and museums...history and how we dressed the utensils we used always intrigued me. So I put on my Nikes with Starbucks in hand and set out to Berbere World Imports owned and operated by Suad Cano a woman, oh...about 4 ft tall with a huge vision and passion for travel.


Berbere is a hidden oasis near the industrial part of Los Angeles. However, she also owns a showroom at the LA Mart. Anyway, behind massive, ancient, hand-carved doors there is a lot of fun to be had. The walls, ceilings and aisles are filled with one of a kind artifacts, pots, antique doorways and arches, pillars of all sizes and from all regions, mirrors, frames, old wood, tribal spears, chapel benches, old hardware, rugs, rich exotic fabrics and some things that even Suad can't identify...ALL are very cool pieces.

Just as always, I wasn't disappointed. With Zen music playing in the background (putting me in the mood) and the excitement of the workers ferrying packages and amazing items ready to be sent all over the world (or just down the street)...all of this put me in the mood to shop. Earlier in the year I purchased an oversized gong to clear the air in my office. During this visit I found just the right stand for display...two wheat thrashers from Spain, made of old water weathered wood, with imbedded rocks to trash the wheat. It's going to be just perfect! So Suad sent one of her workers to find just the right piece of old wood to mount between so that the gong would swing in the middle. I also found an amazing piece of wood, which was rescued out of the water ways of the Orient...we didn't want to call it termite ridden, which is what it looked like. It is currently being framed in a plexi box with linen backing. Also, hidden behind pillars and old doors, I discovered a bronze Buddha sitting on a lotus...which is a significant piece. I'm trying to find just the right spot for this precious jewel.

What I appreciate MOST about Suad's world is that she helps you to create a total Zen atmosphere. Or, by placing a few items here and there will give even a contemporary home...a Bit of Soul.

If you would like to share my experience visit her website: www.berbereimports.com

A Correction To The LA Times Article

Here's a blurb from the LA Times Real Estate section that's needs a little correcting.

Staffwriter Ruth Ryon writes
"Tom Joyner, who hosts a nationally syndicated radio talk show, and his wife, fitness guru Donna Richardson Joyner, have purchased a home in Beverly Hills for close to its $5.4-million listing price.

The midcentury modern has four bedrooms and four baths in 4,000 square feet. There are city-to-ocean views, walls of glass, a pool, a fire pit, a wine cellar and a media room.

It is "the perfect entertainer/celebrity estate," according to its Multiple Listing Service description. That seems to fit. Richardson Joyner became a star with the release of her popular fitness video, "Sweating in the Spirit," and President Bush recently appointed her to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Her radio-star husband hosts "The Tom Joyner Morning Show."

Marcia Glow and Nanette Marchand of Prudential/John Aaroe, Beverly Hills, had the listing. Michele Blackmon of Keller Williams, Beverly Hills, represented the seller, Josh Touber, a local developer." Joining the ranks in Beverly Hills

Unfortunately, this article isn't altogether right. Although it's pretty close. I had the listing and represented the seller...the other realtors represented the buyers. This was an amazing remodel by an Argentinean architect one of the best properties in Beverly Hills...Danny Bravo and the developer is Josh Touber

IS THE MARKET CRASHING? No! We Got Spoiled

Last evening, I went out to dinner with friends and of course the main topic was...Real Estate. All of a sudden, there are millions of vouyers reading, googling and watching any and every TV show that has to do with real estate. What’s selling? What’s not selling? How can I sell my house? Did you hear that? Sold their home in Malibu? Is the market slowing down?
My answer to all of this... "HUB BUB!" The market has (over the history of time) had a pretty predictable trend. Currently, the trend has lasted longer than most. However, it is not crashing by ANY means. I call this a time of balance. The prices across the country are outrageous!
There are a bazillion realtors in the market place (I know that there is no such word a bazillion). However, that explains the multitude of realtors attempting to make it in this industry. Now, unfortunately, they are running around, with nothing to do, and complaining that the market is slow. A lot of whom, thought it was an easy way to make a buck. I am here to tell you...it is not.
However, the saturation of realtors is giving a false sense of slowing down and the media is not being too kind either. It is as if the media is trying to create a crash; with the bad press and not so accurate reports on the market. In the same sense, it is giving buyers the false courage to wait. Unfortunately, sometimes causing them to lose their dream homes, by NOT going for it!
With all of the properties on the market, there is only a few and possibly only one that will make your toes tingle...that is when you need to just, go for it! Real estate is always a sound investment. You may have to hold on to it and ride the wave. However, unless you purchase a home near a dump site…the value should come back and usually exceed your investment.
That being said…No! The market is NOT crashing! We just got a bit spoiled with properties selling in 1 week. Now they are selling in 30 days. We are still experiencing multiple offers which is a very good sign that it hasn’t become a, buyers market yet. For the properties sitting longer than 60 days, it is most likely priced incorrectly or not being exposed to the right buyer.

Keep informed and share my blog with a friend…Michele.

The Power Of A Power Lunch With SFA

As a realtor who deals with mainly high end properties, THE POWER LUNCH is an important part of my business.













A power lunch consists of the perfect setting, sharing time, and visions with another person (or persons) who have a common goal or passion.

This particular power meeting was at the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey California, located right on the Marina with amazing views... overlooking clear, calm waters and some of the most breathtaking yachts in the world!













The minute you drive up you feel like you've traveled across the oceans to Europe. The bell-men are impeccably dressed in uniform and cap. They greet me by name...which makes me feel, OH so, so special. The floral arrangements are always tasteful and fragrant. Oh, and just so you know, this is just ONE of my choices for my power breakfasts.
(more to come)

Lara Firestone and Mara Gourdine are the Business Development Team for SFA Designs; a Santa Barbara based interior design firm with locations in LA. At our power lunch, we were brainstorming on how to, play more off of each other, since their clients need properties... ahhhh...and my clients need assistance with fulfilling their dreams for their living environment.

So we felt that by us joining forces, it is giving our clients a more, FULL SERVICE approach to what we both do best. We've decided to organize a "WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD" luncheon (Yes...you heard it hear first!). Some of our other decisions were for some of my celebrity clients (who are currently looking at some pretty substantial properties and would need their assistance). And after viewing a bachelor who just purchased his home the day before...he was definitely getting a business card from SFA.













But a quick clue for a successful power meeting is to pick a few places that you visit regularly...that offer the ambiance for the variety of clients you represent. It is pretty impressive if they (the staff) know your name and send special goodies to the table for you and your guests...make sure you tip them well also.

If you would like to experience some of the award winning designs of SFA please visit their website; which, by the way, is a true representation of the timeless style they create at sfadesigns.com. Share my blog with a friend...bye, bye for now! Or, until tomorrow.

A break from the action

Today I got a chance to shop at one of my FAVORITE spots...Berbere Imports. They house an eclectic, array of pieces from all over the world; from furniture, to lighting, to ethnic statues.

If you're looking to decorate your new (or seasoned home) this is the place to shop!

(Here's a photo [courtesy of Berber Imports] of a statue of the Buddha from their gallery)

Map this!

Here's an interesting post from Inman blogger, Jessica Swesey. Her post today is about maps and how they are quickly becoming the driving force (pardon the pun) behind some real estate agents' marketing of their online business.
She writes, "More and more real estate companies and Web sites are cluing into the intuitive nature of using maps in real estate searches."

Are we in a real estate downturn?

Check this link out. Here's a quote that's probably TRUE, but certainly depends on where you're from. Share your thoughts...

"The problem is that there aren't enough houses to buy. It's kind of a weird point in the market cycle. There are both more buyers actively seeking homes that are still in short supply with other buyers afraid to buy right now, scared by what's happened in other parts of the country and the unrelenting news coverage of the real estate downturn in those places. They don't want to get stuck with a property bought at the top of the cycle."

Remember The Old Legos?

Beverly Hills Like You've NEVER Seen It

Mid Century Homes in LA are collector pieces...this celebrity owned estate is located in the Beverly Hills above Sunset Boulevard. It is a Mid Century home which was totally blown open and updated with the most amazing materials, quality, gourmet kitchen, pool, spa and computerized to make it a smart house...the music industry people love the gadgets. Staged by a local decorator and art work supplied by a locl artist. I stage my homes so that it can allow the potential buyer to visualize living in the home. On almost 1 acre, 4,000 square feet asking price $5,475,000.








Here are more shots of the Beverly Hills View property. The 'Mid Century Re- Invented'