The Holiday Buy List Should Include Property

The winter is the worst time to sell, but the best time to buy. This is when deals can be made, price drops seen and desperation is running high for sellers. 

Which brings me to talk about buying during the holidays. Two of my investment properties were bought during the holiday months. I lowballed, got the offer accepted with no counters. This is because properties aren't selling as quickly and sellers just want to get out. So, buyers out there, remember that if you're thinking of waiting to buy in May or June of next year, then you will likely pay a bit more, or end up in a bidding war with other buyers. Of course interest rates could fluctuate, and they will, but the forecast is that they will be roughly the same as this year, or a tad higher.

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Luxury Condos in LA are One-Upping Their Amenities

Typical luxury condo amenities in Los Angeles 20 years ago: pool, hot tub, gym, clubhouse, BBQ, business center, front desk concierge, and maybe a tennis court.

Now, lifestyles have changed. "You don’t need a front-desk person to book the table you want at a restaurant,” per Josh Greer of Hilton & Hyland. “You already have an assistant who does that.” You also don't need saunas as people tend to have other gym memberships.

The luxury condo checklist now:
- Pool (The larger the better, saltwater preferred, and temp controlled of course)
- 24/7 Security (Basically no one is allowed unless on the guest list)
- Fitness Center (Must have towel service, yoga rooms, and up to the minute gym equipment)
- Valet Service or Private garages
- Charging Stations
- LEED certification or sustainable fixtures
- Gardens and decks, preferably with views
- Screening Rooms
- Lounge and event space
- Pet amenities and grooming stations