Media Relations

October 28, 2016

Rodeo Realty proudly supports Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund and congratulates the 2016 Damn Gala honorees

Cyndi Lauper, the True Colors Fund, and some pretty awesome people came together in October for an unforgettable evening filled with revelry, music, food, and performances!

Rodeo Realty is proud to have taken part in the event that focused on raising money to support the True Colors Fund’s efforts to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in America. The non-profit organization, co-founded by Cyndi Lauper in 2008, has striven to provide a safe space in which LGBT youth could feel free to express themselves. Through community organizing work, public engagements, public policy, research, and youth collaboration, they hope to not only end LGBT youth homelessness, but to also prevent it from occurring.

Among various supporters, Rodeo Realty was one of the sponsors for Cyndi Lauper’s Damn Gala. Together, President of Rodeo Realty Syd Leibovitch and his wife Linda donated a total of $7,000 to the organization and its event.

The event was held at The Hollywood Athletic Club. Network and Los Angeles LGBT Center were this year’s honorees.

Rodeo Realty proudly supports Cyndi Laurper’s True Colors Fund and congratulates the 2016 Damn Gala honorees.

About True Colors Fund:
In America, up to 40 percent of the 1.6 million youth that are homeless each year identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Yet, only up to seven percent of the general youth population is LGBT. The most cited reason for this disproportionate rate is family rejection due to the young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

October 27, 2016

Rodeo Realty's Woodland Hills agent Herb Lambert named Realtor of the Year by SRAR

The Southland Regional Association of Realtors (SRAR), which has over 9,500 members, honored Rodeo Realty’s Herb Lambert as its 2016 “Realtor of the Year” at their annual Awards Luncheon on October 25. The award is given for service to the association, its members and to the community over the course of many years.

Some of Herb’s contributions include:

31 consecutive years of service to SRAR; 10 years on the Board of Directors, 2 years on the Executive Committee, 2 years as a CAR Director, 3 time Chairman of Professional Standards, Chairman of the Ethics and Arbitration, Grievance, and By-Laws Committees, Chairman and Panelist on many dozens of Ethics and Arbitration Hearings, Mediator of agent commission disputes for more than 25 years, helped create SRAR’s Public Mediation Service, wrote numerous articles on ethics and real estate practices for the Realtor Report magazine, Instructor of Risk Management for SRAR classes, CAR Inter-board Arbitrator, Participant on many SRAR task forces and mentor for many agents throughout the years.

His community service includes being a Volunteer Mediator for LA Superior Court and supporter of numerous charities, most notably, City of Hope.

Rodeo Realty is proud of Lambert’s achievements and congratulates him on his recent award and recognition!

October 26, 2016

Rodeo Realty helping clothing drive collect suits for soldiers

Farmers Insurance® has launched its nationwide “Suits for Soldiers” program to help active duty military personnel transition to civilian work and life.

Rodeo Realty supports its veterans and is helping Assemblymember Matt Dababneh (D-Encino) collect donated suits for the program through a clothing drive.

From October 24 to November 22, residents can stop by all Rodeo Realty offices and drop off gently used and dry cleaned suits for men and women.

The Assemblymember hopes to at least collect 45 suits through the drive.

“Many of our veterans have trouble getting or maintaining employment simply because they are missing appropriate business attire,” states Assemblymember Dababneh. “Together, we can solve this problem. That is why I encourage all Valley residents to participate in the “Suits for Soldiers” clothing drive, so we give a little back to those that have served our country so bravely.”

More than one million military personnel will be making the transition from the military in the next couple of years, according to the Department of Defense office of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and many of these veterans may not own appropriate business attire to go to networking events, interviews or even to work. Each piece of clothing donated brings “Suits for Soldiers” closer to its goal of collecting 50,000 suits that can help create an easier transition for veterans into the civilian workforce.

Donated suits can be dropped off at the following Rodeo Realty locations:

Encino
17501 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316

Northridge
9338 Reseda Blvd., Suite 102
Northridge, CA 91324

Woodland Hills
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 100
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Calabasas
23901 Calabasas Rd., Suite 1050
Calabasas, CA 91302

Beverly Hills
202 N. Canon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Brentwood
11940 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90049

Pacific Palisades
839 Via De La Paz
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Sherman Oaks
15300 Ventura Blvd. #101
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Studio City
12345 Ventura Blvd., #A
Studio City, CA 91604

West Hollywood
9200 Sunset Blvd., #200
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Westlake Village
100 N. Westlake Blvd., #100A
Westlake Village, CA 91362

October 25, 2016

Rodeo Realty Sherman Oaks' agents help feed hungry, deliver 100 lunches to homeless

Thanks to Rodeo Realty Sherman Oaks, many who struggle with hunger every day unexpectedly received a free meal last week.

Sherman Oaks’ agents took it upon themselves to do something for the homeless and the hungry in the community. Agents kicked off their Wednesday by bringing in food supplies and packing lunches. Together, the office packed 100 Rodeo Realty reusable tote bags with sandwiches, cookies, granola bars, fresh fruit and water.

Agents then delivered and distributed the meals to the homeless all throughout the community.

By giving food to the hands of those who need it the most, agents became more aware of homelessness in the area. Their time and donations is a reminder that it doesn’t take much to make an impact and a difference—an experience they enjoyed and hope others will get inspired to do also.

Statistics
According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, San Fernando Valley experienced an increase in homelessness since 2013 and went from 4,836 homeless persons to 5,216 in 2015. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank reports that 1 in 6 people of L.A. County struggle with hunger—that’s equivalent to the total population of the San Fernando Valley.

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October 22, 2016

Economic update for the week ending October 22, 2016

Stocks up slightly this week – Third quarter earnings season began with mixed results. Several tech companies beat earnings expectations while several very large companies reported earnings that were below expectations. As more companies report the market may move depending on the profit levels. All in all it was a pretty lackluster week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 18,145.71, up from 18,138.38 last Friday. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,141.16, up from 2,132.98 last week. The NASDAQ closed the week at 5,257.40, up from last week’s close of 5,214.16.

U.S. Treasury Bond yields drop this week – The 10 year U.S. Treasury Bond yield closed the week at 1.74%, down from 1.80% last Friday. The 30-year U.S. Treasury Bond closed at 2.48%, down from 2.55% last week. Mortgage rates follow bond yields so we watch bond yields closely.

Mortgage rates up just slightly this week – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey released on October 20 showed that average mortgage rates from lenders surveyed for the most popular mortgage products were as follows: The 30-year fixed rate average was 3.52%. The 15-year fixed average rate was 2.79%. The 5/1 ARM average rate was 2.85%. I’d expect to see rates just slightly lower next week based on where we were at the end of the week.

California existing home sales up in September – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single family home sales totaled 425,680 in September on a seasonally annualized rate, up 1.8% from August’s rate and up 0.8% from last September. This marked the first year over year increase in 7 months as extremely low inventory has led to fewer sales.

California’s median price paid for an existing home up 6.1% – Year over year the median price paid for a single family home increased 6.1% in September to $514,320 according to The California Association of Realtors. The median price in September 2015 was $494,670.

Homes on the market remain near all time low levels – C.A.R. also reported that the unsold inventory index in September showed a 3.5 month supply of homes on the market. A “normal” market has a 6 1/2 month supply of homes. I’d expect prices to continue to rise until the inventory level gets closer to normal levels.

U.S. existing home sales up in September – The National Association of Realtors reported that total existing home sales, which include single family detached homes, town-homes, condos, and co-ops, increased 3.2% in September from August levels. Sales year over year were up just 0.6% from last September, but The September figure represented a nice rebound after a disappointing July and August sales level. One key figure in the report was an increase in first time buyers who accounted for 34% of the total sales. That was a 4 year high. Distressed sales accounted for just 4% of sales which is a new low according to N.A.R. The median price for an existing home nationwide increased 5.6% from last September as low inventory pushed prices higher.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Syd

October 21, 2016

Rodeo Realty agents thanked and recognized with 'A Day at the Races'

On Friday, October 14, hundreds of Rodeo Realty agents enjoyed an afternoon of live horse racing and betting at the Santa Anita Park. The day of action packed racing and gourmet buffet was held in The Club Court venue of the racetrack.

Rodeo Realty’s annual ‘A Day at the Races’ is an event put together to recognize and thank top producing agents of the company who are constantly working hard and putting forth every effort in what they do.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication, we look forward to next year!

View photos of the event below:
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October 19, 2016

Rodeo Realty's Brentwood agent Mark Handler reps Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda in home purchase

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda has bought a newly built home in Santa Monica for $3.795 million, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Mark Handler of Rodeo Realty Brentwood is mentioned by the newspaper for representing the professional baseball player in his home purchase.

The New England-inspired traditional offers an open floor plan with 5 bedrooms, all ensuite, a study and den, a loft, and 7 bathrooms.

According to the LA Times, the two-story home, built this year, features detailed molding and wainscoting, a chef’s kitchen, a swimming pool and spa, outdoor fireplace, and a built-in barbecue.

Maeda, 28, signed an incentive-based contract with the Dodgers at the beginning of the year that guaranteed him $25 million—and could be worth more than $100 million over eight seasons, reports the LA Times.

To read the LA Times article, click HERE.

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October 15, 2016

Economic update for the week ending October 15, 2016

Stocks down this week as companies begin to report 3rd quarter profits – The week began with disappointing 3rd quarter profits from a few early reporting companies. Alcoa and others shocked investors with weak results which caused markets to sell off sharply. By the end of the week Citi and JP Morgan Chase reported higher than expected profits which caused stocks to make up some of the week’s loses, and gave hope to investors that, as more companies report, profits may be better than they felt at the beginning of the week. Other news this week was that: Oil hit a high for the year at over $51 a barrel. Minutes released from the September Fed meeting has investors feeling that The Federal Reserve will raise rates at the December meeting. A drop in Chinese manufacturing has caused renewed concerns on the strength of China’s economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 18,138.38% down from 18,240.49 last Friday. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,132.98%, down from 2,153.74 last week. The NASDAQ closed the week at 5,214.16, down from last week’s close of 5,291.40.

U.S. Treasury Bond yields higher this week – Fears of higher rates has pushed bonds up again this week. The 10 year U.S. Treasury Bond yield closed the week at 1.80% up from 1.73% last Friday. The 30-year U.S. Treasury Bond closed at 2.55% up from 2.46% last week. Mortgage rates follow bond yields so we watch bond yields closely.

Mortgage rates edge up this week – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey released on October 13 showed that average mortgage rates from lenders surveyed for the most popular mortgage products were as follows: The 30-year fixed rate average was 3.47%. The 15-year fixed average rate was 2.76%. The 5/1 ARM average rate was 2.82%. I’d expect to see rates a little higher again next week based on where we were at the end of the week.

China tops list of foreign buyers for fourth year – According to a survey from The National Association of Realtors, China ranked first among foreign nationals purchasing property in the U.S. for the fourth straight year. U.S. Home sales totaled $27.3 billion. That exceeded the total of the next 4 countries combined.

September home sales figures will be released next week by The California Association of Realtors. Pending sales were up slightly in August. If those pull through to closing closed sales should remain strong. We shall see next week.

Have a great weekend!

October 14, 2016

Rodeo Realty's Studio City agent Blayne Pacelli sells longtime home of Anthony Geary; Roger Perry represents buyer

Popular General Hospital alum Anthony Geary has officially parted ways with Los Angeles. The GH star “Luke Spencer” has sold his longtime home for $950,000. His home was listed by Blayne Pacelli of Rodeo Realty. Pacelli represented Geary, Roger Perry of Rodeo Realty represented the buyer.

The 1979 home has 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and an incredible view of downtown Los Angeles. The bedrooms are very generous in size, two of which have their own private bathrooms; the master bathroom comes with its own private balcony. The open kitchen flows into the dining and living areas. Wood beams on the ceiling add a rustic accent to the white color scheme throughout the three-story home. The 2,400+ sq. ft. property has reflective windows, allowing one to see out but not in. Public records show the home was purchased by Geary in 1982. The property video on his home received more than 43,000 views on YouTube since being posted in July.

Geary tells the listing agent that Elizabeth Taylor crashed over a few times—near the same time Taylor did a multi-episode arc on General Hospital. Geary didn’t confirm his affair with Taylor until 25-plus years later in 2010. After retiring from the show, the actor reportedly moved to Amsterdam. Geary is best known for playing the role of Luke Spencer on the ABC daytime drama General Hospital. The actor debuted on the show in 1978. He holds the distinction of winning a record eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

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October 8, 2016

Economic update for the week ending October 8, 2016

U.S. Employers add 156,000 jobs in September – The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 156,000 in September, a decent gain but slightly below market expectations. This year, job gains have averaged 178,000 per month, down from last year’s pace of 229,000. The nation’s unemployment rate was 5.0%, up from 4.9% in August, as more workers entered the job search. Average hourly earnings increased by 6 cents to $25.79, after just a two-cent increase in August. Year over year, average hourly earnings have risen by 2.6%.

Stocks down for the week – Stocks fell this week on fears of higher interest rates. Stronger than expected auto sales and manufacturing data caused investors, once again, to fear a rate hike by the Federal Reserve. The jobs report showed 156,000 new jobs added in September which was a little below expectations, and a 2.6% rise in wages over last September, which was at expectations. This also has investors believing that a rate hike is coming soon. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 18,240.49, down from 18,308.15 last Friday. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,153.74, down from 2,168.27 last week. The NASDAQ closed the week at 5,292.40, down from last week’s close of 5,312.00.

U.S. Treasury Bond yields higher this week – Fears of higher rates has pushed bonds up over the last month. The 10 year U.S. Treasury Bond yield closed the week at 1.73%, up from 1.60% last Friday. The 30-year U.S. Treasury Bond closed at 2.46%, up from 2.33% last week. Mortgage rates follow bond yields so we watch bond yields closely.

Mortgage rates unchanged this week – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey released on October 6 showed that average mortgage rates from lenders surveyed for the most popular mortgage products were as follows: The 30-year fixed rate average was 3.42%. The 15-year fixed average rate was 2.72%. The 5/1 ARM average rate was 2.80%. I’d expect to see rates a little higher next week based on where we were at the end of the week.