Rodeo Realty

August 26, 2016

Rodeo Realty’s Beverly Hills agent Ben Bacal talks about his video strategy to Inman News

Inman News’ latest speaker spotlight features Rodeo Realty’s Beverly Hills agent Ben Bacal.

Bacal spoke to Inman about his video strategy and why it’s made him successful.

“Sure, you can show your expertise and talent with a one-on-one conversation, but if you do it on video, you can reach hundreds if not thousands of clients all at once,” said Bacal to Inman.

Bacal tells Inman News that video is the one thing every luxury-marketing plan must have.

“Three-quarters of all internet traffic will be from video in 2017,” said Bacal.

According to Inman News, Bacal is known for spending upwards of $20,000 on video in the hopes that they will go viral and create a lasting impression—not only on potential buyers, but future sellers, too.

“You have to spend money to make money, like any other business, “ said Bacal.

Bacal tells Inman that he sees video as one of the most underutilized technology in the real estate world—which is why he founded his own video app, Roofshoot, which allows agents to easily shoot videos and capture content.

“Show you have that power and drive to succeed, and buyers and sellers will want to work with you,” Bacal tells Inman.

To read more on the Inman News article, click HERE.

August 26, 2016

Former NFL player Zac Diles joins Rodeo Realty

Former NFL linebacker Zac Diles is now tackling the real estate world with Rodeo Realty.

Since joining the company, Diles has been interviewed by The Real Deal and Realtor.com.

After 8 seasons with the NFL, Diles is now bringing some of his football core values to real estate: hard work, consistency, dedication, integrity, respect and communication. The football-player-turned-agent recently decided to continue his new position as a member of Rodeo Realty.

Diles was selected by the Houston Texans in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft. After spending four years in Houston, Diles continued his football career and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2011), and the Tennessee Titans (2012). The 8-year veteran linebacker ended his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns in 2015 and shortly after received his real estate license.

Although playing on a new field, Diles’ determination and hard-working core values have really helped him in the real estate world.

He recently helped sell a $4.3 million home to Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden, a former teammate of his. Haden thanked Diles on Instagram for helping him and his wife find their dream home in Los Angeles.

With football season here, Diles also recently leased a home to a LA Rams football player. Currently, he is representing another former NFL player and helping him look for his next home purchase.

To read The Real Deal’s article on Diles, click HERE.

Zac Diles (54), next to Joe Haden (23) during his football career with the Cleveland Browns.

August 25, 2016

Rodeo Realty's Westlake Village agent Fern Rice in Ventura County Star for being three-time breast cancer survivor

Rodeo Realty agent Fern Rice was recently mentioned in the Ventura County Star for not only taking part in an event, but for also being a three-time breast cancer survivor.

The Westlake Village real estate agent was among 15 or so breast cancer survivors who participated in Cups of Courage, an event where survivors transform bras into works of art.

Rice spoke to the Ventura County Star about her battle with breast cancer, which began in 1998 on her right side. Ten years later, it was on her left side.

“And then two years later it came back on my left side and I had to have a mastectomy, so I’m a three-time survivor,” Rice told the VC Star.

“Cups of Courage: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Bras” gives breast cancer survivors an opportunity to tell their stories and showcase their work of art.

“What I hope to convey with my bra is that no matter what, we can still be feminine and fun,” said Rice.

The bras will be displayed during Paint the Town Pink, a fundraiser for the Cancer Support Community that’s scheduled from 6 – 8 p.m. October 4.

To read the Ventura County Start article, click HERE.

August 20, 2016

Economic update for the week ending August 20, 2016

Stocks flat for the week – The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and the NASDAQ reached all-time highs on Monday, before losing ground and ended the week almost unchanged. Oil strengthened which could help oil producing regions, and the dollar softened which could be good for exports if these trends continue. The Federal Reserve released its July meeting minutes on Wednesday, but there was little impact, as committee members gave no detail about when they plan to raise rates next. The committee left the door open for a September or December rate hike, but the minutes showed that members have mixed views on the employment and inflation trends, along with the impact Brexit will have, indicating that they will raise rates at a very slow pace. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 18,552.57, down slightly from 18,576.47 last Friday. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,183.87, almost unchanged from 2,184.05 last week. The NASDAQ closed the week at 5,238.38, almost unchanged from last week’s close of 5,232.90.

Bond yields slightly higher – The 10 year U.S. Treasury bond yield closed the week at 1.58%, up from 1.51% last Friday. The 30-year U.S. Treasury bond closed at 2.29%, up from 2.23% last week. Mortgage rates follow bond yields so we watch bond yields closely.

Mortgage rates remain near record lows – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey released on August 18, 2016 showed that average mortgage rates from lenders surveyed for the most popular mortgage products were as follows: The 30-year fixed rate average was 3.43%. The 15-year fixed average rate was 2.74%. The 5/1 ARM average rate was 2.76%

California employers add 36,400 new jobs in July – The Employment Development Department reported that California’s employers added 36,400 new jobs in July. Although this was considered solid job gains by experts, the unemployment rate actually rose from 5.4% in June to 5.5% in July, as more workers entered the job search.

Number of existing homes sold in July drops as tight inventory puts a squeeze on sales – The California Association of Realtors reported that the number of existing homes sold in California declined 4.1% from June’s sales pace and 5.1% from last July’s annualized rate as historically low inventory levels dragged down sales. The statewide median price in July was $509,830 which was down 1.8% from June and up 3.9% from July 2016. The unsold inventory index edged up from a 3.2 month supply in June to a 3.6 month supply in July.

Have a great weekend!
Syd

August 19, 2016

Home of legendary composer John Cacavas sold for $7.4 million; Rodeo Realty's Josh Flagg reps seller, Nikki Hochstein reps buyer

The longtime Beverly Hills home of legendary composer and conductor John Cacavas has sold for $7.4 million. Josh Flagg of Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills held the listing. Nikki Hochstein of Rodeo Realty Brentwood represented the buyer.

According to Los Angeles Times, the 1950s home was also once owned by actor and engineer Zeppo Marx, who shared the residence with his second wife, Barbara. The couple divorced in 1973, Barbara later married Frank Sinatra.

The 5,069-square-foot house has an open living and dining room, a den/office, six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The Midcentury home also has a screening room with a partition that opens to an outdoor wet bar.

Cacavas, who passed in 2014 at age 83, purchased the home in the early 1970s for $255,000, according to the LA Times. His television and film credits include “Kojak,””The Bionic Woman” Hawaii Five-O,” and “The Executioner’s Song.”

For more on this property, read the LA Times article HERE.

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August 17, 2016

Rodeo Realty's Beverly Hills agent Joe Babajian lists longtime home of late singer Natalie Cole

The luxurious Los Angeles condominium of the late singer-songwriter Natalie Cole has come up for sale for $2.995 million.

Rodeo Realty’s Joe Babajian is one of the listing agents to the 10th-floor double unit located in The Grand Westwood.

Since coming on the market, the listing has made news in Variety and Los Angeles Times.

The condo measures almost 3,600 square feet and has four bedroom and four bathrooms. The interior space with marble floors and beige walls, includes a living, dining and family rooms and a renovated kitchen with custom cabinetry and a wet bar. The master suite has dual bathrooms, an office/den, a walk-in dressing room, and a private terrace.

The nine-time Grammy winner, who passed away last year at age 65, reportedly purchased the home in 2003.

To read Variety’s article on the listing, click HERE.
Los Angeles Times story, HERE.

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August 13, 2016

Economic update for the week ending August 13, 2016

Stocks up slightly this week – The DOW, S&P, and NASDAQ hit record highs again on Thursday, as investors responded to higher oil prices, and strong second quarter earnings from several large retailers. With almost all companies in the S&P 500 reporting, 69% beat analysts’ earnings estimates. Unfortunately, Friday after a disappointing retail sales report, and a drop in the producer price index stocks dropped as investors digested that spending stalled in July, despite two months of very strong job growth. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 18,576.47, up slightly from 18,543.53 last Friday. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,184.05, up slightly from 2,182.87 last week. The NASDAQ closed the week at 5,232.90, up from last week’s close of 5,221.12.

Bond yields drop – Weak July retail sales data, and falling producer prices caused bond yields to drop. It is widely felt that with inflation below the Fed’s target rate, and spending softening the Fed will not be raising its key interest rates. The 10 year U.S. Treasury bond yield closed the week at 1.51%, down from 1.59% last Friday. The 30-year U.S. Treasury bond closed at 2.23%, down from 2.32% last week. Mortgage rates follow bond yields so we watch bond yields closely.

Mortgage rates remain near record lows – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey released on August 11, 2016 showed that average mortgage rates from lenders surveyed for the most popular mortgage products were as follows: The 30-year fixed rate average was 3.45%. The 15-year fixed average rate was 2.77%. The 5/1 ARM average rate was 2.74%.

Retail sales unchanged from June – The Commerce Department reported that retail sales in July showed no increase over June’s figure which increased 0.8% from May. Still retail sales rose 2.3% from a year ago, but economists had expected sales to rise 0.4% in July. After two months of very strong job growth experts were not expecting spending to weaken.

Producer Price Index takes unexpected drop – The Labor Department reported that the producer price index, a key measure of inflation dropped 0.4% last month. Year over year the index shows that producer prices have slipped 0.2% since last July. Fed officials have repeatedly expressed concern about low inflation, as a strong dollar and low oil prices have muted prices.

August 12, 2016

Rodeo Realty congratulates Ben Bacal for being named ‘Most Innovative Agent’ by Inman

Rodeo Realty would like to congratulate Ben Bacal for being named the ‘Most Innovative Agent’ by Inman. The Beverly Hills agent was recognized August 4 at the Inman Innovator Awards in San Francisco for making a difference in the real estate industry.

Out of 22 finalists in the ‘Most Innovative Agent’ category, Bacal was selected as the winner for his accomplishments as a real estate agent .

“These people, companies are on the forefront of change in the industry,” said publisher Brad Inman. “By consistently asking what can be better about the industry and trying to make their dreams reality, they are pushing every one of us to view the industry using a different lens.”

13880201_10157191233540375_4100872913910630880_n — Brad Inman with Ben Bacal

Each summer, the Inman Connect San Francisco conference brings together the best and brightest in real estate and technology to share the newest innovations and changes in the marketplace. The awards honor those who, as Brad Inman said in the award announcement, “are on the forefront of change in the industry.”

This year marked the 20^th anniversary of Inman Connect and drew thousands of attendees from around the world. Bacal spoke in two important video-centric sessions: “How To Use Video To Get Listings And Sell Properties” and “Cool Real Estate Videos And How They Were Made.” He was also asked to participate in the “Meet The Leaders” session where he met with agents eager to learn the keys to his success.

“I am so honored to be selected by Brad Inman and his team as the most innovative real estate agent,” said Bacal. “This year’s conference was a very special event.”

The latest honor comes on the heels of Roofshoot’s debut at the Realogy FWD Innovation Summit in June. Out of a field of hundreds, just 15 of the hottest new technologies were invited to present their work to Realogy’s leadership.

The app, currently in beta, is being tested by over 350 real estate agents in Los Angeles who were invited to be part of a special early adopters group. This group includes some of Los Angeles’ most successful agents representing over $1 billion in annual sales.

Roofshoot is currently fielding offers from incubator groups and meeting with venture capitalists. “We’ve been very pleased with the feedback we’ve received so far,” adds Bacal. “Video marketing has changed my business and I’m honored to share everything I’ve learned with agents around the world.”

About Roofshoot
Roofshoot puts the power of video in the palm of your hand to generate more leads, sell more homes, and increase productivity. The app pulls together footage with music and a variety of customized themes to create a professional shareable video in minutes. More information can be found at www.roofshoot.com

August 12, 2016

Rodeo Realty's Encino agent Tony Truisi sells $2.8 million home to Dallas Cowboys' Orlando Scandrick

Orlando Scandrick, NFL cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, has bought a home in Tarzana for $2,800,000. Tony Truisi of Rodeo Realty had the listing, which has made headlines on TMZ, DIGS Magazine, the Los Angeles Times and Bossip.

Scandrick, 29, purchased a 5 bedroom, 7 bathroom property inside the private, gated community of Mulholland Park.

The 6,300+ sqft. home has a gorgeous kitchen that opens up to the living room and its walk-in bar. The estate also has a formal living and dining room, a den/office, a walk-in pantry, and a master suite with a retreat, a fireplace and a balcony that overlooks the saltwater Pebble Tec pool and spa. Outdoors there’s also a pool slide, a lighted sports court and a built-in barbeque and fire pit in the yard.

Built in 1998, the completely renovated home has hardwood floors and a wrought iron staircase and doors.

The NFL player returned to the practice fields in Oxnard earlier this month after missing the entire 2015 season due to tearing both the ACL and MCL ligaments in his right knee. The veteran defensive back is engaged to reality television star and Mint Swim designer Andraya Michele Howard (Draya Michele). The couple has a 4-month-old son together, Jru Scandrick.

In addition to buying a home and returning to the field, Scandrick is also currently looking for buyers for his Woodland Hills home he has on the market for $1.795 million.

To read the LA Times article, click HERE.
TMZ, HERE.
Bossip, HERE.
DIGS, HERE.

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August 10, 2016

Rodeo Realty agents Jason Peteler, David Ferrugio and Ben Bacal list Rihanna's former home

The Pacific Palisades home once occupied by singer-songwriter Rihanna is back on the market for $14,590,000. The property is listed by the Ben Bacal Estates Team: Ben Bacal, Jason Peteler and David Ferrugio of Rodeo Realty.

The star’s former palace has been has made news this week in Billboard, PEOPLE, The Hollywood Reporter, and The REAL Deal.

The almost 11,000 square-foot estate has seven bedrooms, seven baths, two powder rooms, a luxurious kitchen, and a rooftop deck with a sprawling pool and flourishing views. The outdoors entertaining area also offers a 6,000 square-foot garden, and a barbeque and bar.

The luxurious mansion is behind a private, gated drive and boasts 14-foot ceilings, walls of glass and a master suite with a double-sided fireplace and a spa-like bath that overlooks the resort-style pool. The open floor plan encompasses a living and dining area, media and game rooms.

The singer, 28, moved into the home in 2012, but a relentless “Unapologetic” world tour kept her away from the place most of the time. She began renting out the home for $65,000 a month almost a year later. The home was eventually put on the market in March 2014.

For more information on the property, click HERE.

To read The Hollywood Reporter’s article, click HERE.
Billboard, HERE.
The REAL Deal story, HERE.
PEOPLE, HERE.

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