Rodeo Realty

December 19, 2017

Where to See Life-Size Gingerbread Houses in Los Angeles

In 1812 Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published one of their most famous stories. Hansel and Gretel are left to stave in the woods by their cruel mother as their woodcutter father is unable to provide for the family. The children search for home and come upon a house built cakes, candy and gingerbread. The proprietor turns out to be an evil witch who lures them inside with the intention of eating them. Ultimately the children trick the witch, trap her in the oven she’d warmed for them, make off with her fortune, and return to their loving father. The mother, who died a mysterious death in the children’s absence, is now out of the picture for good. The surviving trio lives happily ever after.

Now you might think that the popularity of this macabre tale is what solidified the gingerbread house as a cultural symbol of Christmas, but that’s just a part of the origin. Gingerbread itself had been around for centuries preceding Hansel & Gretel. Europeans had long used the spiced bread to create artistically shaped cookies, elaborately decorated with icing. In Germany, bakers had been constructing little houses out of gingerbread since at least the 16th century, according to food historian Tori Avey, particularly around the holidays. The 19th century fairytale only enhanced the gingerbread house’s existing popularity and today they’re a ubiquitous harbinger of Christmas cheer.

As hotels and malls have worked to outshine their rivals in gingerbread house construction, some houses have gotten larger and larger to the point where the average adult can comfortably stroll inside. Contained within you’ll find no evil witches, just delicious, seasonal cheer. And you don’t have wander through the woods of Germany to find life-size gingerbread creations. In fact there are a few you can check out right here in Southern California.

Let’s a take a look.

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

At the Beverly Wilshire a life-size, 8-by-12-foot gingerbread house can be found in the lobby. The house’s skeleton is made from wood, but the entire structure is covered in gingerbread made at the hotel, all cut and rolled by hand. To make this much gingerbread, Executive Pastry Chef Chris Ford and company started baking in August. Construction of the house took another three weeks. The house is brushed with gold dust, and the doors and windows are painted with chocolate. Over 1,000 gingerbread cookies have been fixed to the walls—some brightened with red, green, or white fondant. The roof is made out of 40 gallons marshmallow, which presents the illusion of a snow-topped cabin. As one might imagine, it smells pretty good inside. Its purpose throughout the holidays is a gift shop, open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here, one will find a variety of confectionary treats including chocolate trees filled with fillings, chocolate truffles, and emoji gingerbread men. -> More information

Photo via Eclat Public Relations

JW Marriott L.A. LIVE

Over at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE, another gingerbread house stands to rival the Beverly Wilshire’s. The open-faced “Santa’s Tavern” smells equally delicious and has a bar where cocktail tastings occur daily from 4 to 5 p.m. (I had a gingerbread mule, and can report it is tasty.) Pastry Chef Alex Vacher has used some 1,300 pounds of dough to create this holiday oasis, bedazzled with dozens of cookies and icing piping. A small lounge adjacent to the bar has an electric fireplace, hung with stockings. A TV behind the bar plays holiday classics. It’s so adorable, even the Scroogiest of Scrooges will find themselves impressed by the 1,200 hours of work that went into this festive lodge. Santa’s Tavern is open through January 2. -> More information

Photo by Juliet Bennett Rylah

The Great Wolf Lodge

The Great Wolf Lodge in Anaheim also has a life-size gingerbread house, up until December 31. The house is comprised of 663 pounds of dough, 50 pounds of icing, and 135 pounds of candy. It also sits up to 10 guests at a time for a sit-down meal. Reservations are currently sold out, though day-of cancellations may open up new spots. They require a $10 fee, which will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities, plus the cost of food. -> Great Wolf Lodge

Beyond Southern California

Outside of L.A., there’s also a life-size gingerbread houses in Madison Square Park in Manhattan, while Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco boasts the largest in the state with their two-story house, complete with a dining room that seats up to 12 guests. The record for the largest gingerbread house, however, was set in 2013 in Bryan, Texas, where it seems like I’ve heard everything is bigger. This house, which came in at 39,202 cubic feet, broke the previous record held by the Mall of America in Minnesota.

Story by We Like LA.

December 16, 2017

Economic update for the week ending December 16, 2017

As a tax reform deal gets closer, stocks continue to skyrocket – Stock markets continued to rise this week as Congress announced that they have finalized a deal on tax reform. Friday they said they had the votes to approve it and would vote next week. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rates for the third time this year citing the strength of the economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 24,651.74, up from 24,326.16 last week. It’s up 24.7% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,675.81, up from its close last week of 2,651.50. The S&P is up 19.5% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,936.58, up from its last week’s close of 6,840.08. It is up 28.9% year-to-date.

Bond yields end week almost the same as last Friday – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.35%, down from 2.38% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.68%, down from 2.77% last week

Mortgage Rates slightly higher – The December 14, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.93%, unchanged from 3.94% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.36%, unchanged from 3.36% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.36%, unchanged from last week’s 3.35%.

Tax reform clears another hurdle as the Senate and House reconcile their bills and agree on a compromise bill – There still needs a final vote in the Senate and House, followed by a signature by President Trump, but both chambers announced Friday that they had the votes and would vote next week. The final bill has a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. It also reduces all individual tax bracket rates with the top rate capping out at 37%, a 2.7% reduction. It doubles the exempt amount for estate tax and it lowers the amount of AMT (alternative minimum tax). The standard deduction for people that don’t itemize has been almost doubled to $12,000 for individuals, and $24,000 for married couples. To pay for the tax cuts many deductions have been cut back or eliminated. As it relates to real estate some are: a reduction in the mortgage interest deduction from the interest paid on up to $1,100,000 in mortgage loan amount to the interest paid on up to a $750,000 loan. (This applies to new loans. An existing loan up to $1,000,000 is grandfathered in). The deduction on state and local tax paid, which includes property tax will be capped at $10,000 a year. This has been unlimited since congress approved an income tax in 1909. Currently the ability to get a $250,000 per individual, or $500,000 per married couple tax free gain forgiveness on a primary residence sale requires that you live in the home for 2 out of the last 5 years. This is proposed to go to 5 years out of 8 years. Realtor organizations are still trying to get this change eliminated before a final vote. Unfortunately, many in high tax rate states like California will actually pay more in federal income tax according to experts, because of the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction.

Federal Reserve raises overnight rates – The Fed announced that it has raised their key interest rates for a third time this year, citing that a healthy economy called for another rate increase. The Fed dropped rates quickly beginning in 2007 to try to stimulate the economy before and during the Great Recession. By 2009 they had dropped the rate so many times it got to 0% for the first time in the history of the Fed. It remained at 0% until 2015 when the economy had picked up and it was raised 1/4%. It was raised 1/4% two more times in 2016, and three more times this year as the economy has rebounded. The Federal Funds and Discount Rate now stand at 1.5%, still a historic low. The 10-year and 30-year treasury bond yield and the 30-year fixed rate mortgage interest rate actually dropped after the announcement, as raising short term rates lowers the risk of inflation, which affects long term rates.

December 15, 2017

Rodeo Realty's Sherman Oaks Agent Kevin Tidwell shows appreciation to Los Angeles Fire Department

Throughout the month of December, thousands of firefighters have been battling a series of wildfires across Southern California.

The Los Angeles Fire Department, along with several other crews from different areas deployed to assist, have been confronted with several brush fires in the past two weeks.

To show love and support to the local heroes, Rodeo Realty’s Sherman Oaks agent, Kevin Tidwell, decided to organize a food drop—an idea he said was inspired by his son.

“My son was concerned for the firefighters because they recently finished fighting the La Tuna Canyon fire and he heard they were suffering from exhaustion,” said Kevin. “He was interested in helping them, so I suggested we organize a food drop at the local fire house.”

Kevin began reaching out to his neighbors in Studio City and nearby areas to see if they wanted to help.

“The show of community support was incredible,” said Kevin. “I received texts, calls, and private messages from members of the community who wanted to contribute home cooked dishes, deserts, and miscellaneous things the firefighters needed.”

On Sunday, December 10, Kevin, along with others from the community, dropped off the food at the local fire station.

“The look on the firefighters faces was priceless when we finished bringing in the food from the cars,” said Kevin. “Food covered every available surface in their kitchen. We did not just provide them with dinner; we provided them with a feast!”

Kevin said the firefighters were thankful for the community support.

“I was humbled and grateful that my son got the opportunity to see how members of the community could come together and do something nice for the firefighters who are on call 24/7,” said Kevin. “I feel so lucky to live in this community full of kind people who are willing to go out of their way to support the firefighters.”

December 15, 2017

Candytopia Coming to L.A. in December

If you’ve dreamed of the Candy Land game come to life, or visiting the candy-festooned gingerbread house from “Hansel and Gretel” (minus the cannibalistic wicked witch), then you’re in luck: Candytopia has hit Los Angeles! The exact date for the grand opening has not been announced just yet, but Candytopia promises to update everyone December 18.

The latest pop-up experience merging Instagramability with sugar consumption, Candytopia — in the vein of The Museum of Ice Cream or Happy Place — promises immersion in a candy-coated wonderland.

Various rooms and installations replete with candy-inspired creations like marshmallow tsunamis and flying unicorn pigs will provide a bounty of selfie opportunities, while luscious edible surprises will be available for consumption.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcc4b0njgYz/

Tap into your sweet tooth at LA Hangar Studios in Boyle Heights, which will play host to Candytopia until March 15.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbXp6hVDMFR/

Tickets are currently on sale but with most experience rooms, they are projected to sell out quickly so we recommend grabbing your tickets ASAP. General admission is $30, or $23 for kiddos 3 to 12, while children 3 and under are free. Samples of sweetness, include in the ticket price, will be dispensed throughout the journey.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbNLqZ7j489/

Candytopia was created by Jackie Sorkin, best known for TLC’s show Candy Queen. Her over-the-top sweet creations have garnered a coveted client list that includes Oprah and Katy Perry.

Story courtesy of We Like LA.

December 15, 2017

Taco Bell Launches Its First-Ever Beer

In its ongoing effort to think outside the bun, Taco Bell has gone far beyond crunchy or soft. The company whose slogan was once “Ding Dong! Tacos!” has officially launched its first Taco Bell Cantina in Southern California. The new Cantinas take Taco Bell to the next level by slinging beer alongside your Doritos Locos.

In celebration of the new Cantina in Newport Beach, Taco Bell has collaborated with the Huntington Beach-based Four Sons Brewing to make the first-ever Taco Bell beer.

The brew is called Beach Bell. It’s a Mexican-style Amber Lager developed by the brewery and Taco Bell’s culinary chefs. According to the release, the beer has “a unique flavor profile to enhance and compliment Taco Bell’s food and flavors.” Unfortunately for most lovers of tacos and beer, the beer is only available at the Newport Beach Cantina location, which officially opened on December 14.

In December, Taco Bell has opened Cantinas in Newport Beach, Cincinnati, and Wabash, bringing the US total to 11. Next up are locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Chicago, Boulder, and Madison. Serving beer, in addition to the new dollar menu, is only cementing Taco Bell as a late-night hub for people looking to live mas, even though none of the Cantinas will have a drive-thru window.

Story by Thrillist.

December 15, 2017

How To Show Out-Of-Towners The Real Los Angeles

You’ve got college friends/parents/strangers-you-met-on-the-sidewalk coming to visit LA, huh? Well, it’s your duty to show them a great time; but even more than that, show them what LA is really about. You’re their tour guide, so why take them to the predictable places they’d go without you? Instead, we whipped up this handy guide to help you really dig into the heart of our fair city, while skipping out on the touristy, obvious choices.

Instead of In-N-Out, hit up an under-the-radar burger joint

If they’re not from the West Coast, the obvious answer is to take them to In-N-Out (there’s one by the airport for maximum convenience). But chances are they’re already familiar with the beauty of the Double-Double, so hook ’em up with some under-the-radar burgers that are truly LA — Bill’s Hamburgers and Jack’s Classic in the Valley are great options, as well as Carney’s in West Hollywood.

Instead of the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek, find a more intimate venue

LA is undeniably a music town, and the city is filled with incredible spots to catch live acts. But instead of relying on one of the huge venues, consider some of the smaller local spots full of LA history, like the Kibitz Room (where Guns N’ Roses and the Chili Peppers got their start) or even Rainbow Bar & Grill (where legends like Elvis and Lemmy would hang). You should also consider one of the many amazing venues with free music nights where you can catch up-and-coming stars and sometimes surprise appearances from big names. You can even split the difference between huge & tiny venues with excellent, intimate shows at the Troubadour or the Teragram Ballroom.

Instead of fast food for a late-night fourth meal, eat tacos from a truck

Tacos are essentially LA on a plate, and there might be nothing more perfect for out-of-towners to get the full experience than posting up outside of a taco truck (bonus points if it’s after you’ve taken them to one of LA’s infamous dive bars). Don’t settle for the first truck you find (though chances are it’ll get you through) — hunt down Leo’s or El Flamin’ Taco for that legendary al pastor, or any number of the exemplary tacos that can be found across LA. If it’s mid-afternoon and you’re looking to get a little more artisanal with your tacos, get over to Guerrilla Tacos or Kogi BBQ in a hurry. And explain to your guests who Roy Choi is while you’re at it.

Instead of eating fancy, Americanized sushi in a trendy area, go old-school in a strip mall

If there’s one thing that makes LA what it is, it’s our limitless amount of incredible food in strip malls. Sushi especially. The long drive to Canoga Park is beyond worth it for Go’s Mart (Go’s fish is imported straight from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo) though the entire SF Valley is packed with gems like Katsuya, Sushi Spot, Chiba, and more. For a non-Valley option, Hamasaku certainly won’t let you down.

Instead of a predictable club, go to a Houston Hospitality speakeasy-style bar

It might sound odd to endorse an entire hospitality company, but fraternal twins Mark and Jonnie Houston have done something kind of incredible for LA’s nightlife scene: They’ve created an enduring brand of genuinely fun destinations. When fans hear they’re opening a new spot, they tend to geek out like a new Star Wars movie is on the way. Almost every HH bar is defined by a secret entrance, excellent live music, some sort of live show, and an insanely attractive clientele. Take a gander at No Vacancy to start off, as it probably best defines what Houston Hospitality stands for (and don’t spoil the entrance!).

Instead of drinking beer at Dave & Buster’s or 33 Taps, drink beer in LA’s booming craft beer scene

Though LA doesn’t have historical roots as a major beer capital, that is quickly changing. Breweries have been popping up like mad, finally helping to give LA some recognition in the beer world. Guests staying in the Valley? MacLeod Ale Brewing Company has you covered. More Eastside? FrogTown Brewery is one of our best newcomers, as well as Boomtown Brewery in the Arts District. You can even plan your own Arts District beer crawl — make sure you hit Boomtown, Mumford, Iron Triangle, Angel City, and Arts District Brewing for the grand finale.

Instead of the Dodgers/Lakers/Clippers/Kings, go to a Rams game

The Rams are back, ladies and gentlemen. We had them from 1946-1994, and starting this year they’re ours again. Though they will be playing at the Coliseum (where you can also find some great food options) until the new Inglewood-based arena is finished, it’s still crazy exciting to watch a pro football team in LA.

Instead of the 3rd Street Promenade, eat some Korean BBQ in Koreatown

LA has the largest Korean-American population in the country, and our Koreatown is a mecca of limitless wonders that many visitors miss. LA simply wouldn’t be what it is without Koreatown, and one of the best ways to truly experience it is to go all-out on a huge KBBQ meal (which somehow tastes even better later at night). We have a slew of knockout meat havens, but you’d be remiss if you didn’t consider Hae Jang Chon, Soowon Galbi, Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, or J-Gold favorite Park’s (by now you should have explained to your guests exactly who Jonathan Gold is). Stuck with a bunch of vegetarians? No problem, K-Town can still be explored. Try out Beverly Soon Tofu or BCD Tofu House, for some soondubu, or tofu stew. And last time I checked, vegetarians can do karaoke, which is another essential part of the K-Town (and LA) experience.

Instead of seeing comedy at The Comedy Store or the Improv, check out an indie show

Though our traditional clubs are filled with comedy legends that you know and love, our underground scene is unstoppable. You’ll catch superstars and up-and-comers alike in people’s backyards, taco shops, and even secret locations that you can only find by getting on an email list. These shows make for much better memories for both visitors and locals.

Instead of taking a studio tour, take a tour of Clifton’s Cafeteria

Clifton’s was around for 80 years before its recent stunning, $10 million renovation — helmed by the guy behind The Edison — so the place is rich with LA history (and the more you explore, the more subtle nods to LA history you’ll find). Four floors of mysteries and curiosities await you inside the legendary so-much-more-than-a-cafeteria. And with the newly opened Tiki bar? Forgetaboutit.

Instead of waiting in line at Pink’s, eat dumplings in the San Gabriel Valley

Pink’s is great, but your guests probably have hot dogs where they come from and you don’t have time for that line. An SGV visit will be a lot more memorable — what Koreatown is for Korean BBQ, the San Gabriel Valley is for Chinese & Sichuan food. No trip is complete without hitting Din Tai Fung for soup dumplings or Chengdu Taste for… well, literally anything. That place really can’t miss.

Instead of hiking in Griffith Park… actually, just go hiking in Griffith Park. It’s great.

For real, Griffith Park is so gigantic that you don’t need to see the Hollywood sign to have a great time. Check out the Wisdom Tree, or if all else fails, any of these secret hikes.

Article courtesy of Thrillist.

December 14, 2017

Rodeo Realty's 2017 Holiday Party

Another year, another successful holiday party!

Rodeo Realty hosted its holiday party on Saturday, December 9 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City.

Agents from all offices enjoyed a night filled with great music, food and drinks!

To view all photos from the event, view them on our Facebook page HERE.

For those who used the hashtag: RodeoRealtyHoliday2017, you can view photos HERE.

You may also download a photo from Dropbox.

We hope everyone had a blast!

December 14, 2017

Weekend Events: December 15 – 17

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome.

Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for everyweekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend in L.A. (December 15-17) includes Saber Battle L.A., a Holiday Sing-Along at Walt Disney Concert Hall, a CHILL Adventure Park at the Queen Mary, a Porto’s Potato Ball Pop-Up, a Christmas Concert at The Bradbury and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday December 15, 2017

1. Saber Battle L.A. is a massive showdown at Pershing Square in DTLA. Hundreds of participants will come out to ‘battle’ one another using toy lightsabers. The event itself is free to attend but lightsabers are available to purchase online for delivery or to pickup on site. Be sure to check for discounts on lightsaber packages while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

2. Candytopia is the latest pop-up experience taking over L.A. featuring various candy-inspired rooms and installations like a marshmallow tsunamis and other edible surprises. Taking place at the LA Hangar Studios in Boyle Heights, Candytopia will run until March 15, 2018.

3. For one day only, Jon and Vinny’s will host a secret backyard party to welcome Milk Bar to L.A. Guests can get their hands on Milk Bars epic cookies, cake truffles, crack pie™ and more from 3-9 p.m. or until the treats run out. It’s a party so expect crafts, games, Milk Bar souvenirs and other surprises. The first 50 guests will receive a Milk Bar tote bag.

4. It’s hard not to make fun of the holidays, laugh about the “most wonderful time of the year” when the Groundlings troupe returns with their beloved Groundlings Holiday Show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

5. The Rink in Downtown Burbank returns with a festive ice-skating event from December 14 through January 7. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. Star Wars: The Last Jedi will screen at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood starting this Friday. Experience an intergalactic Laser Lightsaber Show before the movie and check out real costumes from the film up close. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

7. The Battleship IOWA will host a Holiday Movie Screening of “Frozen” on the fantail of their historic ship. Seating is first come first served. FREE

8. Rockwell: Table & Stage present the unauthorized musical parody of John Hughes classic Home Alone. Happening Thursday through the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

9. California Market Center, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ Garment District, opens to the pubic for a big sample sale this Friday (just in time for holiday shopping!).

10. Rooftop Cinema Club Ultimate Holiday Movie Series will host a month-long schedule of Christmas inspired movie screenings from December 1-23. The series continues this weekend with screenings of A Christmas Story, Elf, Edward Scissorhands and more.

11. Get ready for another season of ice-skating in Downtown Los Angeles when the Bai Holiday Ice Rink returns to Pershing Square from November 16 through January 15, 2018. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

12. A Taste of the Holidays Christmas Market taking place at Crafted at The Port of Los Angeles December 15-17 is a festive european-style shopping event with live music, dancing, DIY holiday crafts, a Christmas tree lot, Brouwerij West’s Holiday Brew and photos with Santa.

13. National Geographic Live returns to the Broad Stage in Santa Monica with Cristina Mittermeier, marine biologist/photographer on December 14-15. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

14. Take a Downtown Los Angeles foodie walking tour and savor what the bustling neighborhood has to offer. The tour is three hours long, participants will stop at six popular spots to eat and the tour guide will take folks through the history of DTLA. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

15. The Artisanal LA x Bunker Hill Holiday Pop-Up returns to the Bank of America Plaza in DTLA from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. with 20+ makers of handcrafted goods and treats plus a live DJ and a festive photo booth. Admission is free to the public.

16. Something Rotten!, a hilarious new musical comedy tells the story of brothers playwrights overshadowed by the great Will Shakespeare. Follow them as they try to steal the spotlight and end up unexpectedly end up writing the world’s very first musical. The show runs November 21 through December 30. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

17. See the twinkling lights taking over our city during the Holiday Lights tour of Downtown Los Angeles. The tour is two hours long and starts at Union Station in the evening and ends at Pershing Square. Happening throughout the weekend.

18. 260LA will host a J Brand Sample Sale at their Beverly Hills location from December 13-17. Score premium denim items for men and women at steep discounted prices of up to 70% off.

19. The Sorting Room winter session is in full swing with eclectic performances spread over two weeks (through December 21). Each show includes special happy hour drink deals beforehand, with featured talent ranging from poets to composers, jazz singers, Tony Award winners and cabaret singers. This weekend features Clint Holmes on Friday and Love Actually Live on Saturday.

20. See the merriest Christmas light show in the city at City Blessing Church in Walnut during Lights on Miracle Hill: 12 Days of Christmas every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 1-24.

Saturday, December 16th, 2017

21. Get into the holiday season with a Holiday Sing-Along at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. There will be hot cocoa, coffee and pictures with Santa for an extra dose of cheer.

22. There’s a Porto’s Potato Ball Pop-Up happening at Annenberg Space for Photography in conjunction with Cuba Is, the Annenberg’s current photography exhibit. The balls will be sold in packs of six this Saturday and the current exhibit is free and open to the public.

23. CHILL Adventure Park returns to the Queen Mary in Long Beach from December 13 through January 7. Come experience ice bumper cars, ice skating, an Alpine Zip Line and more chill themed activities. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

24. Bergamot Station will host their Holiday Open House featuring work, creations and products designed by the creative community and businesses in the complex. Admission is free and open to the public.

25. The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s Christmas Rocks show will take over the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for a Big Band take on Christmas classics. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

26. Saban Theatre will be transformed into a full on holiday party featuring carolers, DJ’s, a Christmas card photo photo booth, food trucks, holiday cocktails and a Drunk Santa followed by a screening of the Will Ferrell Christmas classic Elf. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

27. Take a Downtown Los Angeles foodie walking tour and savor what the bustling neighborhood has to offer. The tour is three hours long, participants will stop at six popular spots to eat and the tour guide will take folks through the history of DTLA. Happening Saturday and Sunday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

28. Visit Dockweiler Youth Center for Beach Winter Wonderland, fun for the entire family this free event features bounce houses, winter activities, rides, and authentic snow at the beach. FREE

29. The 9^th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl will take place at numerous locations of Santa Monica’s best bars and restaurants. Dress in Santa or holiday attire is strongly encouraged for this festive pub crawl.

30. Holly Jolly Day at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE will include access to the L.A. LIVE ice skating rink and several over the top culinary and dessert stations. Enjoy the customizable hot chocolate bar, towering chocolate fountain, eggnog panna cotta, yule logs a cookie decoration station and much more.

31. The Museum of Failure has landed in Los Angeles at A+D Architecture and Design Museum in the Arts District. Exhibits include some of recent history’s biggest commercial flops, including Donald Trump’s board game, the Harley-Davidson Perfume, the Apple Newton, the Betamax, Google Glass, and more.

32. Holiday TrainFest and Toy Drive at the Los Angeles Union Station in Downtown L.A. is a free and family-friendly event featuring vintage rail cars decked out in festive attire, live music, refreshments and a toy drive for Toys for Tots. FREE

33. Enchanted: Forest of Light is in full swing at Descanso Gardens offering guests a colorful one-mile path walk through 10 distinct light displays at unique points within the garden including the Oak Grove and the Japanese Garden. The event runs until January 6, 2018. Check for discount tickets while supplies. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

34. The Grand Chapiteau at Dodger Stadium will be home to Cirque du Soleil’s new big-top show LUZIA. Inspired by the rich culture Mexico, the dazzling acrobatic performance will be heightened by brassy Mexican and Latin American sounds. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

35. The 35th Annual Parade of 1000 Lights Christmas Boat Parade returns to Shoreline Village in Long Beach this Saturday.

36. Hear pitch perfect holiday tunes belted out by The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles during their annual Holiday Spectacular show happening at Alex Theatre in Glendale this Satruday. DISCOUNTED(via Goldstar)

37. Happy Place brings a bright and immersive pop-up experience to the Arts District starting today. Capture perfect Instagram moments and enjoy sweet treats as you journey through one-of-a-kind installations designed to make you smile. Runs on select dates through January 7, 2018. Be sure to check for discounts before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

38. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, LA Zoo Lights returns November 17 through January 7 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights glowing up the zoo. Check for discounted ticketsbefore making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

39. Do a little holiday shopping along the L.A. River during the Frogtown Flea Market. The two-day event (Saturday and Sunday) will feature food, drinks, music, art, plants, apothecary, zines, vintage finds, crafts, and more. A $5 donation is suggested.

40. Feastown at Eastown, a new, bimonthly popup night marketplace featuring food vendors and live music, debuted in Hollywood October and now returns for two Saturdays in December with a holiday theme. There is no cover to attend. Part of the proceeds from food purchases will go to help locals in need.

41. The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a festive one mile ride on the tracks with tens of thousands of lights to get you in the Holiday spirit. Running now through December 23 and then again from December 26 to December 30.

Sunday, December 17th, 2017

42. Five holiday-themed concerts will be performed by the LA Master Chorale at Walt Disney Concert Hall between December 2 and 18. Expect Handel, Bach and more.

43. The popular Christmas Concert at The Bradbury will feature a 30-voice choir singing all the holiday favorites in one of the most beautiful interiors of all of Los Angeles.

44. Long Beach seafood concept Roe will host a week long culinary Feast of the Seven (Sustainable) Fishes from December 17-24. Prepared by Chef Arthur Gonzalez, the event will focus on one sustainably sourced seafood dish per night, served alongside a dish “Catch Card” detailing the fish species, catch location or fish origin, and the names of both the fisherman and the boat.

45. Sunday is the final Smorgasburg of the year before they go on a hiatus till January 14, 2018. It’s also the last day of their Holiday Market, so you’ll be able to shop and eat all in one place.

46. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 1, 2017 through January 5, 2018.

47. Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski’s elaborate Christmas themed animatronic characters will return once again with Lights on Display a dazzling light show with a playlist of holiday tunes spun by the beloved DJ Jingles. The show runs every night until January 1, 2018. FREE

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

December 9, 2017

Economic update for the week ending December 9, 2017

U.S. Economy adds 228,000 new jobs in November – The Labor Department reported that 228,000 net new jobs were added in November. That beat analysts expectations of 195,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate held at 4.1%, a 17 year low. Average hourly wages rose just 2.5% from one year ago. Wage gains have been sluggish for several years. Experts had hoped that a tighter labor market would result in higher wages. The Fed has a 3% target on wage gains. Nothing in this report is expected to change their policy of slowly raising overnight rates, according to experts.

Stocks mostly higher – Stocks rose slightly this week as investors digested what a final tax reform bill would look like. It appears that the Senate and House are getting close to a final version. Wall Street is focused on the corporate tax rate. While last Friday a reduction from 35% to 20% seemed like a done deal, President Trump said Monday that he would settle for a 22% corporate rate. Stocks dropped because this took investors by surprise. He previously said he would not accept a corporate tax rate above 20% and that was an area in which the House and Senate bills were in agreement. By the end of the week it appeared that the corporate rate would end up at 20% and stocks rebounded. The November jobs report, which was released on Friday, also added to investor confidence as the economy added 228,000 new jobs. The analysts expectations were 195,000 new jobs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 24,326.16, up from 24,231.59 week. It’s up 23.1% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,651.50, up from its close last week of 2,642.32. The S&P is up 18.4% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,840.08, down from its last week’s close of 6,847.59. It is up 27.1% year-to-date.

Bond yields end week almost the same as last Friday – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.38%, unchanged from 2.37% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.77%, unchanged from 2.76% last week.

Mortgage Rates slightly higher – The December 7, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.94%, up from 3.90% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.36%, up from 3.30% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.35%, up from last week’s 3.32%.

Confirming and FHA loan limits increase – The confirming loan limit will increase from $424,100 to $453,100. The conforming high balance will go from 636,150 to $679,650 in 2018. The FHA loan limit will also rise to $679,650. Both conforming and FHA limits increase for 2,3 and 4 unit dwellings.

Have a great weekend,

Syd

December 8, 2017

Rodeo Realty Agents Volunteer Time To Feed The Less Fortunate

This month, several Rodeo Realty agents have taken the time out to help those in need.

Throughout the month, agents have stopped by Ocean Park Community Center to lend a helping hand at one of their locations.

Agents helped the organization by working together and prepping, cooking, and feeding the less fortunate.

It is this time of the year when help is needed the most and we’re glad our agents stepped up to devote some time to those in need.

Thank you to all agents who volunteered their time!

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