Almost June!

It's almost June and we are ready to welcome Summer with some exciting news for homebuyers, and homeowners looking to refinance their homes! According to Zunaira Zaki of the Yahoo News team, mortgage rates are reaching new record lows! Most astoundingly, a 15 year mortgage rate is being offered at 2.97%!!

Of course it can be difficult to find or obtain these loans, and near perfect credit is a must, but they are out there! If that isn't a good reason to pack up and 

This week I'd also like to talk about the importance of a good Escrow Officer. California handles the Escrow process differently than many other states in that we employ an independent company we call an Escrow Company to act as liaison between Buyer and Seller in the transfer of documents, funds, etc. (For a very lengthy and in-depth look at Escrow Companies check out this Department of Real Estate resource HERE).

As you run around this summer looking for houses, or just enjoying your time outside- make sure to continuously apply sunscreen!  Consumer Report issued a statement recently on the best and worst sunscreens to keep an eye out for.

BEST BUYS:

• No-Ad lotion with aloe &vitamin E, SPF 45, $.59/ounce
• Walgreens continuous spray sport, SPF 50, $1.30/ounce
• Coppertone oil-free foaming spray, SPF 75+, $1.67/ounce

WORST CHOICES:

• Alba Botanical natural very emollient sunblock sport, SPF 45
• Banana Boat Kids tear-free, sting-free, SPF 50+

This might be the week we get to peek through the May gray and enjoy the sunshine LA is so famous for!

As summer approaches, I hear friends and relatives from around making plans to come vacation in Southern California and I am reminded that we live not only in one of the largest business hubs in the country-but a vacation spot as well. 

My New Year's resolution was to see 30% more sunsets than I did last year. Seems silly and a little trite- but I think it is a good reminder for me to take a moment and really enjoy what brought me to this wonderful city. 

An agent in my office was showing his property in Malibu to some potential Buyers this week and was treated to an enormous surprise! As they gazed through the floor to ceiling windows out at the ocean, they spotted two whales were playing right outside! The beauty and (forgive the flowery terms) majesty of these creatures was  unbelievable. To have the ability to see whales out your window in your own home- there is no denying we are truly fortunate to live here. 

So rather than taking a moment this week to complete a chore or household duty- take a minute to walk to the pier in Santa Monica, enjoy the canals in Venice, have a picnic in Malibu or go enjoy the Observatory. 

We live in one of the most beautiful and vibrant places in the country- let's enjoy it!