Going solar: Is it right for your home? #realestate

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Just a short time ago, saving the planet took precedence over saving a dollar. Times have changed, but in today’s economy homeowners are still trying to find ways to do both. Just ask John Shipman, an energy analyst at Energy Efficiency Management (http://www.energyefficiencypro.com/) and a green home performance contractor with Energy Star (http://www.energystar.gov). Shipman states that his company’s “whole-house energy audits have increased three folds” since President Obama has taken office. The President’s stimulus package has made energy conservation a priority with initiatives that focus on energy-efficiency upgrades to homes and businesses.

One of the most hyped government energy-conservation initiatives is the use of solar energy. In fact, the stimulus package was signed after the President visited the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, which boasts 465 solar panels on its rooftop. The federal government’s stimulus package helps with the cost to install solar panels on existing homes, with the hope that this cost savings will help stimulate energy conservation and boost employment in the industry. With the new stimulus package, homeowners will receive a federal tax credit of 30 percent off the total cost of installing solar panels on their homes. According to the Energy Star Web site, the tax credit is also good for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems, and fuel cells.

This federal tax credit is in addition to any tax credits or discounts a homeowner might receive from the state. Each state has its own rebate programs, including California. If a homeowner in California wants to install solar panels, a good place to start is by checking out the website created by the California’s Public Utilities Commission and Energy Commission. The California Solar Initiative Web site (http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org) “provides consumers a ‘one-stop shop’ for information on rebates, tax credits, and incentives for solar energy systems in California.” In a nutshell, existing homeowners that choose to install solar panels would receive an up-front rebate from the state government. The rebate would be “based on expected performance, and calculated by equipment ratings and installation factors (geographic location, tilt and shading).”

What does that mean to the average homeowner? If you live in the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/solarenergy/) area, for example, the state rebate would be $1.55 per watt for existing homeowners (you can check out your local electric company’s Web site for their cost savings). According to Vote Solar (http://www.votesolar.org), a non-profit initiative, “a typical home solar system generates about 3 kilowatts of power.” The installation cost in California averages roughly $8.10 per watt. The state rebate is currently $1.55 per watt for homeowners in Pacific Gas and Electric Co. territory. Therefore, the average state rebate is worth $4,650, in addition to the 30 percent cost savings from the federal government. That means the original estimated cost would be around $24,000, but after the rebates a homeowner could pay under $14,000.

Shipman thinks homeowners need to go one step further before going solar. “Solar is a fantastic renewable energy and there are a lot of advantages to it, however you need to do the basics before you put solar panels on a house. It’s like cooking the turkey with the oven half open.” What he and others in the industry believe is the first step to energy conservation in existing homes is to consider the “whole house approach.” For instance, installing energy-efficient windows is just one of the many ways a house can conserve energy before going solar. The effort to save money and the planet by a well-intentioned and discounted solar installation can be thwarted by old windows that leak heat and cool air.

If any homeowner is thinking about installing solar panels or doing any type of energy-efficiency upgrades, it is important to do the homework. There are several companies, both profit and non-profit that can do a home evaluation, as well as Web sites that discuss solar installation. For more information, visit the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Web Site (http://green.car.org/).

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Stevie Wonder home in Los Feliz sells for $2,407,000 #latimes #realestate

Stevie Wonder via last.fm

By Lauren Beale
July 21, 2009
A Los Feliz home owned by singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder has sold for $2,407,000.

The four-bedroom, three-bathroom Mission-style house of 4,511 square feet was built in 1928. A tiki room on the bottom level of the two-story home leads to a swimming pool with a large yard, gated parking and a one-bedroom guesthouse. There are hardwood floors, a family room fireplace and city light views. Arched windows look out onto the less-than-half-acre of grounds.

The record producer, instrumentalist and winner of 22 Grammy awards performed in January at a concert in Washington, D.C., the weekend before President Obama’s inauguration and earlier this month at Michael Jackson‘s memorial service at Staples Center.

Wonder, 59, received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in February. Among his early Motown hits were “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” (1970), “Superstition” (1972) and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” (1973). He appeared on “American Idol” in 2006 and this year on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

Public records show Wonder is the owner of about a dozen residential and commercial properties in the Los Angeles area.

The listing agent was Melody A. McCully of Universal Realty, according to the Multiple Listing Service. The buyer was represented by Dorothy Carter and Michael Orland, both of Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz.

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California Lawmakers Reach Deal on Budget

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California lawmakers, their state broke and its credit rating shot, finally sealed a deal Monday night with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on a plan to close a $26 billion budget gap.

Blogger: There’s light at the end of this tumultuous tunnel offering more stability to plan for our future. Go Governator.

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RENTERS REJOICE: Consumer Price Index Drops; No (0%) Annual Rent Adjustment for 2009-2010 #realestate

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At its June 25, 2009 meeting, the Rent Stabilization Commission announced that the annual rent adjustment for West Hollywood tenants subject to the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance is 0% (no allowed increase) for the period beginning September 1, 2009 and ending August 31, 2010.

The 0% (no allowed increase) amount was required under the City’s Rent Ordinance, which sets the annual general adjustment by looking at the change in the Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers from May to May each year.

As of May 2009, the Los Angeles CPI, which is calculated by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statistics, showed a decrease of 1.82% over the May 2008 number.

West Hollywood Municipal Code Section 17.36.020 states that: “In the event that the CPI decreases, no increase or decrease in rents shall be authorized pursuant to this chapter.”

For more information about the CPI, visit the Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics web site: www.bls.gov/cpi or call (202) 691-7000.

“No rent increases may be given to any tenants between Sept. 1, 2009 and Aug. 31, 2010.”

General Adjustment: Questions & Answers

Q. With the 0% general adjustment, can rent be raised for any tenants?

A. No. No rent increases may be given to any tenants between Sept. 1, 2009 and Aug. 31, 2010.

Q. What if the landlord missed a general adjustment in the past. Can it be taken now?

A. Since 1996, annual adjustments are available on a “use it or lose it” basis. They are forfeited if not given during the year they are available. Any post 9/96 adjustments not given have been lost.

Q. Do landlords need to give tenants any written notice even though the rent isn’t going up?

A. No notice is necessary, that is why the Department did not enclose the blank rent increase form as is the standard practice.

Q. Can rent increases be given if the effective date is before Sept. 1, 2009?

A. Only if the tenant has lived in their unit at least 12 months and at least 12 months have passed since the last rent increase, if one was given. The increase available through August 31, 2009 is 2.75%. Remember, tenants must receive at least 30 days written notice under California law for any rent increase to be legal.

Q. Why is the West Hollywood general adjustment 0% when other rent control jurisdictions allow different amounts? Doesn’t everyone look at the same CPI statistics?

A. The rent ordinance for each rent controlled district determines what CPI data is used and how the data translates into the annual adjustment. West Hollywood takes 75% of the rise in the CPI from May to May and rounds to the nearest 1/4 of 1%, unless the CPI decreases, then no increase is allowed. Los Angeles Rent Stabilization averages the monthly CPI increase from September to September each year to determine the increase allowed the following July. Los Angeles also has a minimum adjustment of 3%, even when the CPI data is below that amount. Santa Monica does an annual study of landlord expenses. CPI data is included in the study, but not relied on as the sole determiner of the increase amount.

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How California’s Fiscal Woes Began: A Crisis 30 Years in the Making

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California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger addresses a joint session of the legislature discussing the state's budget crisis and the necessary steps that must be taken to solve it. Peter Grigsby / Reuters

By Kevin O’Leary / Los Angeles Wednesday, Jul. 01, 2009

With California a day away from issuing IOUs instead of paying its bills, Gov. Schwarzenegger and the legislature remain at odds over how to close a now $26.3 billion deficit. Schwarzenegger on Thursday ordered a third unpaid furlough day for 235,000 state employees. With its $1.7 trillion economy sputtering and 11.5% unemployment surging, California’s difficulty in balancing its budget could affect the national recovery.

But the Golden State’s budget problems are hardly new. The seeds of them were planted more than 30 years ago.

Read More

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$100 million new CA home tax credit nearly gone

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$100 million new home tax credit nearly gone

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) recently announced that the $100 million allocated by the state in new home tax credits will soon be gone. The FTB has received more than 9,800 applications, claiming nearly $95 million as of June 17, and plans to accept 12,000 applications to allow for duplicates, revisions, or invalid applications.

This tax credit is available for qualified buyers who, on or after March 1, 2009, and before March 1, 2010, purchase a qualified principal residence that has never been occupied. The buyer must reside in the new home for a minimum of two years immediately following the purchase date. To apply, an application for new home credit must be completed by the buyer and seller within one week after the close of escrow and faxed by the escrow person to the FTB at (916) 845-9754.

The FTB will continue to report the certificates issued on a weekly basis until the full $100 million has been allocated. FTB expects to complete processing all certificates in August. Each applicant will receive a notification indicating the amount of credit allocated or denied.

Requirements of the credit

* The home must be a “qualified principal residence” as defined under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 17059(b)(1). The home must:
o Be a single-family residence, whether detached or attached.
o Never have been previously occupied.
o Be occupied by the taxpayer for a minimum of two years.
o Be eligible for the property tax homeowner’s exemption under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 218.
* For over three successive taxable years, the total credit allocated among owners that occupy the home must not exceed $10,000. (Multiple qualified buyers that occupy the home will be allocated credit based on the amount paid and their percentage of ownership.)
* Any credit that reduced tax on a tax return must be repaid if the buyer does not occupy the home for at least two years immediately following the purchase date.
* FTB may request documentation to ensure buyers have complied with the requirements of the credit.

Contact FTB

Phone:

* 888.792.4900 (press 5)
* 916.845.4900 (not toll-free)

Email: wscs.gen@ftb.ca.gov
This is not a secure email address. Please do not send confidential information.

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The Patio Del Moro – For Lease in West Hollywood’s North Harper Avenue Historic District #realestate

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• Patio Del Moro: (1 of 2 avail. apts.) The Charlie Chaplin Apartment at 8235 Fountain Avenue:

MLS#: 09-375805

With its unique layout which includes multiple entrances and exits this unit would serve Chaplin’s needs to visit his then mistress Paulette Goddard who occupied the adjoining also two story apartments. This completely restored and fully furnished apartment boasts not only three bedrooms but a private patio with tile enhanced fountain, a living room, and fire place with plaster relief reaching to the vaulted ceilings with hand painted beams. The secondary bedroom has a Moroccan arched veranda overlooking the living room and rear patio below with daybed. The two secondary rooms have cedar closets with storage, while the master bedroom is fitted with a full walk in closet. Above the bathroom is the attic / loft with a picture window facing out on to the Hollywood Hills. No expense has been spared to make this unit charming, comfortable, private, and cozy all with silently running hidden and seamless modern amenities (remote control Mitsubishi Mr. Slims). The moment you walk in, you never want to leave. Images of Charlie’s

8235 Fountain AvenueWest Hollywood, CA Apartment $4,450/month 8235 Fountain Avenue Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1.0 Sq Footage 1,200 Parking 2 dedicated Pets Inquire Deposit $8,900 view detailed listing

• Patio Del Moro: (2 of 2 avail. apts.) The Paulette Goddard Apartment at 8237 Fountain Avenue:

MLS#: 09-375827

Paulette Goddard’s apartment adjoins lover Chaplin’s & is restored unfurnished with a private fountain in its courtyard, overseen by second story bedrooms. Dining room boasts a period dinette with four upholstered chairs. Picnic table under grapevines. Storage. Salon with gas fireplace. Hardwood floors & carpets throughout. Moroccan arched portals & ornamentation abound. Stairs. Juliet Balcony overlooks salon and one bedroom. Other bedroom has french door-ed balcony with Cherub sconces. Western light. Nothing spared to be comfy, cozy with silent hidden modern amenities (remote control Mitsubishi Mr. Slims). 30’s Moorish elegance. Images of Paulette’s.

8237 Fountain Avenue West Hollywood, CA Apartment $4,450/month 8237 Fountain Avenue Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1.5 Sq Footage 1,200 Parking 2 dedicated Pets Inquire Deposit $8,900 view detailed listing

We also have PDM listed with these Online Search Engines:

Offices offices everywhere, AHH what a place to meet.

AMERICA HOME HUNTERS OFFICES IN CALIFORNIA

Standard Hours of Operation 8:00 to 5:00, *8:30 to 5:00

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

BEVERLY HILLS
BEVERLY HILLS TRIANGLE
9595 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

CENTURY CITY
WATT PLAZA*
1875 Century Park East, Suite 700
Century City, CA 90067

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CORPORATE POINTE
400 Corporate Pointe, Suite 300
Culver City, CA 90230

DOWNTOWN LA
WELLS FARGO*
333 S. Grand Ave., 25th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071

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520 Broadway, Suite 350
Santa Monica, CA 90401

HOWARD HUGHES CENTER
6601 Center Dr., West, Suite 500*
Los Angeles, CA 90045

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790 East Colorado Blvd., 9th Floor*
Pasadena, CA 91101

KOLL CENTER PASADENA*
1055 E. Colorado Blvd., 5th Floor
Pasadena, CA 91106

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10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600
Los Angeles, CA 90024

WESTWOOD PLACE*
10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90024