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t the Clinton Global Initiatives (CGI) recent annual meeting, leading sports and entertainment presenters AEG were recognized by former President Bill Clinton for their commitment to action to invest $1 billion to build Farmers Field, a 72,000-seat, downtown Los Angeles football stadium and event center. As part of AEGs commitment, the Los Angeles-based organization is working with partners, including the U.S. Green Building Council and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), to ensure that Farmers Field will be the most environmentally sustainable stadium in the world and the first stadium in the NFL to be LEED certified. Through this commitment to action, AEG pledges to work closely with CGI to monitor environmental results and report back on progress. This comes on the heels of a bill passed by an overwhelming 80 percent majority of the California State Senate and Assembly that will require AEG to ensure that Farmers Field is 100 percent carbon neutral for all emissions generated from private automobile trips to and from the stadium, as well as for Farmers Field to have the best ratio of fans to automobiles in all of the NFL. The stadium will prioritize on-site and local projects before purchasing carbon offsets to support local economic development, while ensuring positive environmental and social impacts. In addition, as part of their commitment to action, AEG will go beyond legal requirements to achieve carbon neutrality for all emissions from energy consumption and mechanical operations of the stadium. Combining these commitments with additional measures, such as water conservation and robust waste and recycling programs, including the donation of durable goods and an inhouse composting program, will create the nations most comprehensive environmental program for an NFL stadium. The Clinton Global Initiative is a forum for visionary companies and leaders who are committed to designing a sustainable future for individuals, businesses and communities, by repurposing business methods and culture to solve critical global problems, said former President Bill Clinton. AEG has proven to be the worlds most environmentally conscious venue operators, and Farmers Field will be another true example of their mission to marry design, innovation, social responsibility and community engagement, resulting in a measurable impact for future generations. I commend AEG as a model socially responsible company that is the hallmark of CGI. Farmers Field will be an example of the next generation of sports and entertainment venues, where a world-class fan experience goes hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility, said Tim Leiweke, AEG president and CEO. We have focused during the last four years on working with some of the most respected environmental organizations in the country to create a blueprint for the stadium and, through the AEG 1EARTH program, to create the most comprehensive environmental program in the sports and live entertainment industry. Our CGI Commitment to Action underscores AEGs dedication and accountability for making this vision a reality. We are honored to be recognized by President Clinton and this prestigious organization. Through Farmers Field, AEG is making the most environmentally responsible choice possible, with commitment beginning at the point of development, said S. Richard Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chairman, U.S. Green Building Council. Investing in sustainable construction and weaving carbon and waste programs into the fabric of a venue, its operations and its surroundings create the lowest impact on our environment and the greatest return for the company. The commitment to action at CGI comes just weeks after the groundbreaking environmental components of the project helped garner the support of two of Californias most respected environmental groupsthe NRDC and the California

League of Conservation Voters. NRDC applauds AEGs commitment to operate the most energy-efficient football stadium in the nation at Farmers Field to develop a best-in-the-nation public transit infrastructure for fans and to offset the carbon emissions associated with all fan travel by cars and busses, said Allen Hershkowitz, PhD., senior scientist, Natural Resources Defense Council. Given AEGs proven record as the worlds greenest arena operators and their commitment to work with environmental and community groups in developing their plan, I have every confidence that this goal will be achieved. We are so proud to have a company in Los Angeles being honored by the Clinton Global Initiative for their proven track record of providing the most innovative solutions to environmental issues, while also creating jobs and opportunities for the community, Mayor Villaraigosa said. Their tireless commitment to innovative, environmental programs such AEG 1 EARTH has set the precedent for the sports and entertainment industry across the world to follow. Members of organizations across the city have come together to make Farmers Field a reality, said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry. We know that the entire cityeven statewill benefit from the addition. Our focus locally lies not only on the environmental goals, but on the tens of thousands of jobs and tens of millions of economic benefits to the state, Speaker John A. Prez said. AEG has been able to generate an opportunity for economic development without sacrificing our environmental standards. The construction of a new sports arena and convention center will create thousands of jobs and be an economic boost for the City of Los Angeles, the region and the state, Senator Alex Padilla said. Unlike other stadium projects, this one will be built without any public funds and be built to unprecedented environmental standards. AEGs plan is both environmental and economic. It is estimated that Farmers Field construction will create 23,000 jobs, including 12,000 full-time jobs during the construction process and 11,000 more permanent jobs at the convention center. The Los Angeles Convention Center modernization and expansion and Farmers Field project is projected to generate more than $600 million in total economic activity, raising more than $40 million in new city, county and state tax revenues. With record unemployment above the national average, the creation of 23,000 middle-class jobs for construction and hotel workers, stage hands, grips and janitors is critical to Los Angeles, said Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. Our top priority is to get men and women back to work in a good job.

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Is a Short Sale Worth the Knock on My Credit?

by Gary M. Singer Q: My townhouse has lost about 25 percent of its value. Im barely managing the payments. Similar homes in my complex are renting at less than half of what Im paying every month. We send our daughter to a private school because we dont care for the public school in the area. I have tried to talk to my lender, but because the house is underwater, refinancing is not an option. We have an adjustable-rate mortgage, and both my spouse and I have excellent credit histories. I am the only one on the mortgage, but my wife is on the title with me. Is it worth going for a short sale and taking a hit on my credit? A: Yes. I am a big believer that your house is your home first and an investment second. And while a good credit history is important, so is living in a house and in a neighborhood you like. Several weeks ago, I counseled another reader that if the property is in a good location with a good school district, and the payments are affordable, the reader should not be too concerned that the property was worth less than what he owed the bank. Your situation is different in that you dont care for the home or where you live and are even incurring additional expenses based on its location. Further, while your mortgage payment may be low now, you are sitting on a ticking time bomb in that interest rates are sure to rise sooner or later, and when they do, you will no longer be able to afford the payments. Because your wife is not on the loan, her credit will not suffer when you complete a short sale, so you should be able to find a home to live in thats more appropriate for your situation. Q: My brother and I co-own a property in Ocala, Fla., that has a dilapidated mobile home on it. No one lives there, but Im concerned about liability because theres no insurance on it. Id like to do a quitclaim deed to my brother. Would this release me from any liability? A: Yes. If you do not want anything more to do with the property, its best not to keep an ownership interest in it for liability reasons. As long as you own part of the property, you are liable to the tax collector and anyone who may be harmed on the property. Further, if the property is not properly maintained, you may be subject to fines from the city or county. You should arrange with your brother to transfer ownership to him as soon as possible. Q: I own an investment property that I have stopped paying on. I have one mortgage on the property. Recently, the lender filed a lawsuit against me to collect on the note, but its not trying to take the property back in foreclosure. I have money in the bank and other assets. I called the lender, and it doesnt really want the property back. I am afraid that the bank will come after my other assets. Can it? A: Yes. This is getting to be a much more common trend. First-mortgage lenders are starting to decide that they really dont want the responsibility of owning the property, especially if it has a low value or is in disrepair. Second-mortgage lenders realize that even if they foreclose the property, the first-mortgage lender is going to get all of the proceeds from the foreclosure sale, leaving the second-mortgage holder with little more than a legal bill. The lenders know that a promissory note case is much easierand cheaperto bring than a foreclosure action and can be finished much faster. After the lender wins the lawsuit on the promissory note, it will get a judgment that it can execute against your other property, your bank accounts and even your wages. Plus, it still has the mortgage lien against the original property, so it can go back and take that at a later date if it decides to. I have long advised my clients that this is one of the real dangers in strategic defaults, and it looks like the lenders are starting to catch on, at least a little. Further, it is too late to try to transfer the assets, as most states have a two-year look-back period for fraudulent transfers made for the purpose of hiding assets to creditors. The best thing you can do now is fight your lender in court and try to come to some sort of settlement.
2011 Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.

How To Prepare a Home For Sale, No Matter What the Price

by Ilyce Glink

ve been hearing lately from homeowners who are preparing to list their homes for sale. They know the market isnt great, but theyve been waiting for a year or two to move on with their lives (this is known in the industry as pent-up demand) and have decided to go for it. Whether your home is priced at $100,000 or $6 million, there are a couple of basic truths to listing a home in todays market. Keep them in mind when preparing to list your home for sale. The first truth is that todays homebuyers are far less forgiving than they were in the past. There was a time when sellers ruled the market. And they didnt have to do much in order to sell. Cleaning, de-cluttering and packing away unused items were optional. You didnt have to stage your home so it looked HGTVready. And you might not have had to negotiate with a buyer over items that came up in a professional home inspection. Today, homebuyers have their choice of homes for sale. They can choose a lower-priced foreclosure or short sale over your more expensive home, building in value by renovating to their own standards and taste level. They can buy in a better neighborhood than they mightve been able to before. And they expect your home to be in perfect condition. An extremely strong homebuyers market means sellers have to be on their toes. Theyll expect you to sweat the small stuff along with the big stuff. And if you decide not to toe the line, dont be surprised when they move on to the next property. The second reality of todays market is that sellers must create a value proposition for potential buyers. As 2011 Distributed by Tribune Media a seller, your job is to overcome Services Inc.

any obstacles to a sale. Dealing with the buyers state of mind should be a top priority. Todays buyers want to feel as though theyre getting the deal of the century. You can help them along the path by creating what business calls a value proposition. Essentially, that means helping them feel as though their money is extremely well spent. To that end, staging your home will help make it feel more put together and have better flow. Renting a storage pod to help clear out closets, the attic, and your garage will help them feel that your home is bigger (and allow the buyer to feel as though he is getting more for the money). Hiring a professional home inspector to take a look at your home before you list it for sale (also known as a prelisting inspection) to point out potential problems with your home will allow you to fix them before a buyer even crosses your threshold. If you eliminate those issues in advance, your prospective nervous buyers will see that your home is in excellent condition. When your prospective buyer looks at your home, it will look great. And when the buyer undertakes a professional inspection of your home, it will pass easily. What will make your home stand out from the competition? Visit other homes for sale in the neighborhood to figure out where you can add value for a buyer. If all the homes for sale are identical, can you make yours stand out by replacing your carpet and repainting the walls? At the end of the day, you just want the buyer to believe your home is a better deal than the one next door.

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July Sales Up as Investors Turn to Real Estate

by Brendan Lynch Panicked investors are taking money out of the stock market and putting it into another recently distressed investmentreal estate. Were seeing more all-cash offers from people who have money sitting in accounts, said one real estate agent. People are nervous; they want to invest in something they can feel and touch. Karl Case, a Wellesley College economics professor and co-creator of the S&P/CaseShiller home-price index, said hes seen the same phenomenon. Foreign buyers are doing that more than we are, he said. Theyre seeing value in American real estate. July home sales snapped a five-month slide, rising 7 percent compared to July 2010, according to real estate tracker the Warren Group. Last month, 3,847 homes changed hands, up from 3,590 in 2010. In July 2010, the first-time homebuyer tax credit had just expired, so home sales were low, making a 7 percent increase not much to crow about. Median home prices also were down slightly in July. Youve got to look at numbers over a long period of time, said Barry Bluestone, director of the Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University. If we do that, sales are still way 2

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down and prices are near the bottom. Case agreed, saying the jump in July sales came before the debt ceiling debate and stock market volatility, which have shaken consumer confidence. Im not excited. Im not depressed, Case said. Its kind of what I expected. On the bright side, Heaney said open houses have been busier in August than July. At the beginning of the summer, youd see

one person, Heaney said. Were finally seeing more people. Laurie Cadigan, president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, said low prices and interest rates are creating a buyers market, and things could pick up in the fall. Typically, once Labor Day passes, people get back in the market and want to be in a new home by the holidays, she said.
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REAL ESTATE MATTERS:

by Ilyce Glink

Ask the Lawyer

Introduction to Short Sales

by Evan Fujii DRE #01370718
ith the assistance of an excellent third-party negotiator, Wilshire Metro Realty has a high success rate with short-saleshelping numerous homeowners avoid foreclosure, and in one short sale transaction, obtaining approval for short sale in less than two weeks. The California Association of Realtors estimates that only 20% of short sales were successful. In comparison, Wilshire Metro Realty has a 95% shortsale success rate.

Q: We refinanced and took money out of our home in 2005 with a Texas home equity loan at 7.5 percent. Whenever I have asked about refinancing with any of the numerous mortgage companies, I have been told that any refinance would have to be a Texas home equity loan, and the interest rate would be higher than the lower rates advertised for mortgages. I talked to a representative from a big box lender, and she called it a consumer loan and told me that if we tried to pay money toward the principal, it would not shorten the term. The payment would only be reduced. I paid $1,000 toward the principal, and for the next three months, our payments went only to interest. Please help me understand this situation and how I can change it. We still have 15 years on the note, and we owe about $100,000. A: When you refinanced back in 2005, you took out a home equity loan rather than obtaining a traditional mortgage. Maybe it was easier for you to obtain the Texas home equity loan at that time. In any case, it appears that Texas has quite a number of specific rules relating to how and when you can take out a home equity loan. The maximum amount you can take out in a Texas home equity loan is 80 percent of the homes value. You may have taken less than 80 percent when you refinanced in 2005, and the key for you now is to find out what the rules are for you to refinance out of the Texas home equity loan into a traditional mortgage. It may be that your loan balance has to go down by a certain percentage before you qualify to refinance your equity loan. You may also need quite a bit of home equity (the difference between what you owe and what your home is worth). If the ratio of the loan amount to your home value is low, you should be able to find a lender to assist you. However, if your loan value is quite high relative to your homes value, you might have to offer to pay down some of the debt in order to refinance the loan into a traditional mortgage at todays low rates. The big box lender was telling you that you might be able to get a mortgage with them if you came up with cash to refinance. If you owe $100,000 on your Texas home equity loan, you might have to pay $20,000 to get an $80,000 mortgage. The numbers will depend on what you owe on your equity loan, the value of the home and the amount you want for a new loan. If you refinanced in 2005 when your home value had gone up substantially, and if now your homes value has gone down, it might not be possible to refinance out of your current loan. Talk to a lender you trust. If you trust the person at the big box lender, talk to that person again and ask more questions so that you understand what the lender will require to approve a new primary loan for your home. From what we can tell from your letter, the information youve received about your Texas home equity loan appears to be accurate. Equity loans are frequently treated differently than mortgage loansin particular, the manner in which interest is processed. Texas has stringent lending rules, which has allowed it to escape some of the damage caused by the recent housing crisis. We havent looked at your documents, so we cant know for sure. If you have questions about the legality of your loan, or if you need someone to explain what your documents mean and what limitations you face with regard to refinancing your loan, please consult a real estate attorney or a trusted mortgage loan officer.
2011 Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.

What is a short sale? Short sales are becoming more common throughout the country, due to lower home prices. Homeowners who wish to sell their properties, but owe more on them than they are worth on the market may choose to negotiate with their lenders in a short saleselling their property for less than market value in order to avoid forclosure and damaging their credit. Lenders may benefit by avoiding a long foreclosure and resale process. However, short sales are not always easy or successful. What if I am a seller interested in selling a short-sale property? Please note that not all lenders will offer a short-sale option, and not all sellers will qualify for one. If youre a seller thinking about a short sale, our third-party negotiator can contact your lender, find out if a short sale is right for you, and help negotiate the selling price and deficiency judgement. Wilshire Metro Realty can list your property and help find you a buyer. Contact us today for more information. What if I am a buyer interested in purchasing a shortsale property? Buyers need to be careful, too, since getting a deal on a short sale is not as easy as it may sound. Short sales may require doing some additional homework and assembling the right paperwork. Wilshire Metro Realty can help you successfully complete the purchase of a short-sale property. Wilshire Metro Realty represents buyers and sellers for short sales, new home sales, resales and bankowned properties. Contact us today for all of your newhome and investment property needs at (213) 6292530, or visit www.wilshiremetro.com
Wilshire Metro Realty, Inc. is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender. If you reject the offer, you do not have to pay us. If you accept the offer, you will have to pay us for our services. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

Will This Home Renovation Pay Off?

by Kimberly Palmer

eres the dirty little secret about home renovations: Most of them dont pay off. According to an annual survey in Remodeling Magazine, only steel entry door replacements can be counted on to boost home value enough to recoup 100 percent of costs. Of course, the value of a renovation doesnt depend on the resale price alone, which makes deciding whether to do one more complicated than just crunching numbers. For anyone trying to decide whether to take on a home renovation, consider these tips: Think about what you, the current homeowner, want from your home. Homeowners can get a lot of value out of renovations before they even put the home on the market. If you have a dated kitchen or the stove doesnt work, you can invest money now to glean some enjoyment as well as make the home more appealing when you sell it, says Kit Hale, one real estate professional. Thats what Erin Schaff and her boyfriend did when they decided to upgrade their two-bedroom condo several years ago. It wasnt in horrible shape, but we wanted to upgrade, she says. So they spent about $10,000 replacing the baseboards, window trim and floors. They also remodeled the bathrooms and upgraded the hardware. In addition, they put new cabinets, appliances and granite countertops in the kitchen. Schaff and her boyfriend enjoyed all those upgrades before deciding to sell their home earlier this year. She believes the renovations paid off, too. Had we not renovated, we

probably would have lost money, as we had purchased the condo at the peak of the real estate boom. Instead, we turned a profit and covered most of the costs of purchasing the house we now live in, she says. Consider maintenance costs separately from renovations. If a roof needs to be fixed and the owner replaces it, sellers look at that as routine maintenance rather than a renovation. That means it might just help the home sell for its existing market value as opposed to adding extra value. Similarly, if parts of the home are in disrepair and in need of maintenance, sellers can subtract the cost of those upgrades from what they consider the home to be worth. Dont forget about cheaper upgrades, from landscaping to staging. Realtors dont slip apple pies into the oven before an open house just in case they get hungry; inviting smells, sights and sounds are known to put buyers in a home-purchasing mood. If potential buyers see weeds, broken sidewalks and unkempt shrubbery, then they might not even want to go inside. But if they see a well-cared-for exterior, they might get excited about the property before they even see the kitchen or master bedroom. Thats why renovations that affect curb appeal can have the most impact. According to Remodeling Magazine, replacing a homes siding recoups 80 percent of its costs, on average, and window replacements replace just more than 70 percent of costs. Those renovations are usually visible from the road. Meanwhile, the average major kitchen remodel recouped just 60 percent of its cost, and the average cost was a hefty $113,000. Similarly, master suite additions, bathroom renovations and deck additions also

recouped less than 60 percent of their costs. Cleaning up can help as much as building bigger closets. Buyers like to see clear spaces. Hale says that some buyers make the mistake of trying to make bedroom closets look bigger by moving clothes into the basement. But that just shows buyers that the closets arent sufficient, he says. He urges sellers to get rid of clothes and other items they no longer use to make their homes seem bigger, without doing a single dollars worth of renovating. Foremost, focus on the kitchen, appliances and curb appeal. Todays buyers are especially interested in common spaces for

the family to gather, such as screened porches and family rooms, as well as open-floorplan kitchens. That way, parents who are preparing meals can keep an eye on their children as they play or do homework. Buyers also care less about formal spaces today, which means a formal dining room could offer more value as a study or playroom. The bottom line: Home renovations arent just about the numbers, but a few basic guidelines can help buyers decide where to put their cash.
2011 Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.

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How To Find The Best Locations For Buying Rental Property Real Estate
by Todd Brittingham Youve heard it before. The first three rules of real estate are Location, Location, Location. Its no different when buying rental property. If youre in the market to purchase rental property real estate, you need to know your market. Below is a series of steps you can take to determine the best areas in which to purchase your buy and hold properties. Establish the Rental Market Locations Have a Realtor put together a list of properties that have sold in your area. Youre going to want to find sales data on bread and butter rental properties, or properties with three bedrooms, one bathroom, 800 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft., with a basement and a garage. Take the list of properties and sort them by sales price. Once you have the properties sorted, break them up into three groupsthe lower third by price, the middle third by price, and the upper third by price. Next, take a map and start to plot out the three groups of properties. For each group, use a different color pushpin on the map. Once you have the map populated, you should start to see trends. The properties priced in the lower third will likely have the potential to generate the highest return. These are the areas youll want to investigate further. If youve lived in the area, you probably have a general idea about these areas. Drive the Targeted Market Once youve established a few areas, get in your car and drive through the neighborhoods. Keep in mind that you should be looking for trends in the area. You may see one house that is particularly good or bad, but youre ultimately looking at the big picture. Assess the condition of the homes. Do you see solid roofing with freshly painted trim? Or do you see dilapidated homes with broken windows? Landscaping also provides insight into neighborhoods. Have residents mowed lawns and planted flowers? Or do you see long grass and overgrown weeds? Look at the streets and assess whether theyre clean or if theres trash strewn around. Children playing and neighbors talking both provide a sense that the area is safe and friendly. Youre ultimately looking to answer whether or not your tenants would want to live there. Talk to People in the Neighborhood If you see someone walking down the street, stop and let them know youre looking to buy real estate in the area, then ask them about the neighborhood. Or, you can stop in a local business and do the same. Once you have established your target markets, and driven the areas, you should be able to determine which markets you want to invest in, along with which markets you dont. Determine the Returns Speak with a local property management company about the rental rates for a three-bedroom, one-bath home, with a garage and a basement in the area youve selected. The property management company should be able to give you a good idea of the rental rates and also give you some more feedback about the area in general. You should also inquire about their rates for property management. Next, look up the taxes on a few properties to establish what you can expect to pay. You should also speak to an insurance agent about the cost of insurance for a property in your target market. Your next order of business is to calculate your net income. To do this, simply take your rental income expected for the year and subtract the taxes, insurance and property management expenses. Finally, calculate your return. To do this, simply divide the net income by the price you youd be paying for the property. An interesting exercise to perform is to calculate your return on areas where homes are selling at a higher price. What youll find is that the neighborhoods may be a bit nicer, but your returns are going to drop quickly. Distributed by ArticleCity

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Nine Reasons To Buy Investment Property Now

by Cris Anderson

. Paul Getty famously said, Buy when everyone else is selling, and hold when everyone else is buying. Many commercial brokers believe that present market conditions provide an unprecedented buying opportunity to lock in significant real estate investment returns. However, many investors remain on the fence. While each investor must carefully consider their own financial objectives and risk tolerance before jumping back into the market, here are a few aspects investors should consider when assessing todays real estate purchase opportunities: 1031 Exchange Opportunity. Investors with low-basis properties may utilize Internal Revenue Code 1031 to defer tax on the sale of one underperforming asset to acquire one or more discounted replacement properties that may enhance cash flow and provide higher long-term investment returns. Attractive Purchase Prices. Many distressed sellers (and some banks) are selling investment properties at deep discounts and accepting offers that are below current replacement costs. Recent reports indicate that lenders are selling foreclosed properties (often referred to as real estate owned or REO property) at an average discount of 28 percent below prices being paid for comparable non-distressed properties in the same market. Historically Low Financing Costs. The Feds stimulus efforts, such as QE2 (Quantitative Easing 2), have resulted in historically low interest rates, making the cost of debt service exceptionally attractive. Qualified real estate investors can take advantage of todays low interest rates to bolster cash flow and lock in better long-term investment returns. Inflation Hedge. With many economists predicting that inflation will increase at some point in the future, hard assets, like investment real estate, can provide a hedge against the declining value of money in an inflationary environment. Additionally, ownership of leased real estate can provide an investor with increased income, as rent rates also tend to rise

in inflationary periods. Yield. Financial institutions are paying very low yields on money market accounts and other conservative investments. In contrast, many investment properties are generating returns in the 7 to 9 percent range, providing considerably better yields than many other competing investments. Less Competition. Foreign ownership of U.S. investment real estate is increasing. Foreign investors see U.S. real estate as a solid investment in a stable economy, and the lower value of the dollar has made U.S. real estate an even more attractive

bargain. These two trends will increase demand, which will drive up prices on certain types of investment property. By buying now, investors can stay ahead of the competition. Desirable Product Classes. Some classes of investment property are experiencing considerably more demand than supply. For example, in the multi-family segment, demand for rentals has increased as foreclosures have mounted, and there is little new multi-family construction in the pipeline to meet such increased demand. As a result, multi-family rents are increasing, and many experts project this trend to accelerate. Worst Price Declines are Over. Property values nationally have declined by 30 percent or more since the market peak in 2006. Many economists believe we are at an important pivot point where prices will stabilize and begin to increase (albeit at lower appreciation rates than in the past). If investors wait too long, they may find they are facing competing bids and higher prices to close. Buying before demand picks up in the nearly inevitable recovery locks in todays bargain prices. Real Estate is Local. Despite national statistics about real estate prices, most investors are aware that real estate is local, and supply/demand and investment returns are determined by local market conditions. Many investors are using 1031 exchanges to exchange out of areas that are not projected to perform well and into areas where the local economy is more robust, and investment returns are more favorable. Financial professionals tell their customers its almost impossible to time the market and purchase investments at the very lowest point and later sell these same assets at near market peaks. The concept is fraught with many problems, and, as a result, most financial advisors caution customers not to pursue this approach. Despite this advice, investors often wait until its too late to purchase and miss opportunities. Dont be left out. Cris Anderson, Esq. is the Northwest Division Manager of Asset Preservation. 2011 Distributed by BiggerPockets

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Conserving and Improving H2O at Home

by Kathryn Weber When we turn on our faucets, rarely do we stop to ask whether the water coming out is safe to drink. We simply assume it is, and that itll always be there, even though the news is full of stories about shortages, contamination and other problems with drinking water. If youre interested in doing your part to conserve this resource, follow these tips: Waste Not, Want Not An important step every homeowner should take is minimizing water waste. Water-saving toilets and low-flow showerheads are easy to install, and they increase savings on your water bill. If you have an old, water-guzzling toilet, consider replacing it or using a water dam in the tank to minimize the amount of water used with each flush. Replacing a toilet is a relatively simple procedure that any handy homeowner can do. Some communities will even give rebates to homeowners who replace water-wasting toilets. Improve Your Water Quality The second step many homeowners should consider is improving water quality with filters. Many communities have old water lines that bring sediment and discoloration. A whole house water filter is a terrific, budget-friendly investment. Depending on the quality of water in your area, it may only need a filter replacement once or twice a year. For even higher-quality water, consider adding a filtered water line at the sink and a filter on the icemaker. Both will keep water extra clean and clear; they will remove smells and sediment from your water. Get Your House in Order The right water can also help you keep your house cleaner. Installing a water softener keeps mildew from growing so your bathroom stays cleaner longer. Softened water also allows you to clean using less soap and detergent. You can use as little as one-quarter or half the recommended amount of cleaner when doing laundry or running a load of dishes in the dishwasher. Another source of waste is leaking water. Keep pipes and taps in good working order, and keep leaks in check. It saves money and is more environmentally friendly. Keeping your water clean and using it responsibly is an important goal for your living space. 2011 Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc. 5

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Little Touches Turn a Dorm into a

by Janna Farley

Home

ack-to-school shopping doesnt just mean shopping for books, pencils, notebooks and binders. When youre heading to campus, youre faced with the challenge of what to buy to decorate a dorm room thats the size of a shoebox and, quite frankly, just a little depressing. Tile floors, cinderblock walls and tiny windows dont suggest warm and welcoming. That doesnt mean, however, that a small room on campus cant be filled with personality. From futons and lava lamps to picture frames and message boards, the right furniture and accessories can make an ordinary dorm room feel like home sweet home. All it takes, says Ashley Maturan, is a little attention to detail. She should know. The University of Sioux Falls senior was a resident assistant last year. Carpet is a must, she says. So is an entertainment center. Add a bit of art on the walls, string some lights around the room and sprinkle a few vases of flowers here and there, and that boring room is transformed. It just makes it seem more like home when you have all your own personal stuff in there, Maturan says. You spend a lot of time in your room. If you dont like it, youll never want to be there. According to the National Retail Federation, college students and their parents will spend about $800 on average this year, down about $30 from last year. That figure includes bedding, chairs and other decor. The way you decorate your dorm room says a lot about your personality, says Kilee Kading, whos at Augustana College. Everyone has their own unique touch to it, she says. It represents who you are in a way. Women usually decorate more than men, says Alex Heinert, a former residence hall director at the University of Sioux Falls. For them, its a big deal to have their rooms aesthetically pleasing. Their rooms are kind of an extension of how they dress, he says. For guys, its where they sleep and where they watch TV. Its not as big a deal. They are more concerned about making it comfortable than making it look good. Heres a look at some dorm room essentials:

Comfortable style Live the dorm life in style with functional furniture and trendy decor, such as butterfly chairs that fold away easily and multisurface memo boards. Some students even bring in La-Z-Boy chairs; it depends on how seriously they take relaxation, Heinert says. A place for everything With small living quarters, maximizing space is essential. From sweater shelves to hampers, storage is just as essential as aesthetics. Some sort of built-in dressers and desks usually are provided, Heinert says. But it never hurts to be more organized. You have to have totes for sure, Maturan says. Shoe organizers are amazing. Some organizer drawers even come on carts. Storage containers dont have to be extremely utilitarian, either. We used lots of wicker baskets, Kading says. Those were the cutest things to put things in. Sleep in style Make a dorm room your own by decorating with trendy and colorful dorm bedding to match your personality. [One] year, my roommate and I met up and decided to decorate together so everything matched, Kading says. We did everything brown, and then we added bright colorsbunches of pinks, aquas and yellowsfor pillows and accessories. Clutter-free desks Create less chaos while studying with desk organizers and shelving sets that will keep work areas neat. I have a filing system on top of my desk along with trays, Maturan says. Wash, rinse and repeat Make showering convenient and stylish with handy organizers, towels and vibrant bath accessories. Dorm-room dining Make living away from home easy by eating in with dorm-friendly dinnerware, flatware and storage sets.
2011 McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Transform a small, boring dorm room with accents like butterfly chairs, colorful pillows and the ever-popular college staple, the lava lamp.

Todays Top 10 Decorating Mistakes

by Kathryn Weber Everyone makes mistakes, and that old saw is never truer than when it comes to decorating our homes. Because trends come and go, each brings with it a new set of decorating mistakes. Here are some of the trends that need to be revised or done away with altogether: 1. Over-faux Whether its a faux scene or faux texture, its just a nice way of saying fake. A little faux texture or paint treatment can go a long way. This is a case of less-is-not-just-more, its best. If your wall treatment looks like cake frosting, its over-fauxed. 2. Pillow plethora A little comfort is a good thing. A lot of it makes it impossible to sit on the sofa or get into bed. Worse still? The karate-chopped pillow. 3. Themed accessories It only takes one nice seashell to make a nod to the beach. A whole wall of shells is overkill. Pull accessories together with color, being sure to include a variety of type, size and shape. 4. Tone deafness In the era of Zen decorating, its easy to 6 bathe a room in a single shade of beige and call it done. But the room looks devoid of life and lacks interest. Dont forget to add a splash of color to bring a room to life. 5. Headless beds Beds are still being allowed to remain in bedrooms without headboards. This is worse than the so-called sin of matching furniture. Nothing, repeat, nothing is worse than a bed without a headboard. 6. Forgotten foyers Walking into an empty foyer is like driving a car without a front grill. Sure, itll get you where youre going, but youll arrive there ugly. 7. Vertical blindness If youre living with vertical blinds, its like living in an 80s apartment complex forever. Replace those old standbys with more contemporary options, such as panel track window coverings. 8. Good green While good fake plants exist, nothing says tacky like cheap artificial ones. Invest in quality silk trees that look real. If the artificial plant youre looking at doesnt exist in nature, pass it by. And dont forget to wash and dust your silk plants. 9. Big, dirty panes While they may not exactly constitute decorating elements, big windows are common now, as are large expanses of mirror. Just make sure you keep up with their big cleaning needs. 10. Big on size, small on comfort Reach for a balance of size and comfort when selecting furniture. Bigger isnt always betterand it certainly isnt always comfortable. Sofas and chairs with long seats might be comfortable if you play professional basketball, but they can pull up a sitters legs, making grown adults look like kids, not to mention the fact that theyre difficult to get in and out of. Before you buy, always test furniture thoroughly, and make sure guests will be comfortable, too. 2011 McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

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Introducing Privacy to Open-Concept Living

by Kathryn Weber The open-house concept has been a trend for the past two decades. Open-concept homes often have big, beautiful views and feel spacious. But can there be too much of a good thing? While beautiful, the openness can morph into overexposure and a discomforting lack of privacy. This fishbowl effect can make living in an open-concept home uncomfortable. The key is to balance the open concept with the need for privacy and security. Common Complaints Owners enjoyment of an open-concept home is often dampened by complaints of living on exhibit. The open-concept problem isnt as apparent during the day, says Leslie Plas, senior design consultant with Austin Window Fashions, Austin, Texas. Its the nighttime when youre completely backlit and living on display. Plas clients frequently ask her to bring some privacy into their homes, and that often begins at the front door. Security and privacy are a concern for many homeowners with glass front doors and sidelights. You want to be able to see whos at the door before they see you, she notes. Shutters can be used on both sidelights and glass doors, also providing good light control. High Density Reduces Privacy While its clear that the open concept in home design is not going away, the trend is moving away from large lots with natural privacy toward open-concept homes in dense housing developments. Theres a big desire for expansive views, but with higher-density housing, the need for privacy is also enhanced, Plas explains. She recommends shades that can be raised and lowered at the touch of a button as lighting changes, and the need for privacy is enhanced. Plas says her clients are seeking privacy from the front door to the shower. Big glass showers look wonderful but offer nothing to shield the modest bather. Customers can install frosted film to boost privacy but preserve light. A fresh idea is a single frosted section that obscures the torso but preserves the beautiful clear glass. Open Rooms Another frustration in open-concept living is big room syndrome. Someone can be watching TV in one part of a large livingroom, making it difficult to carry on a conversation in another area. Or maybe you can look through the front door and see all the way to the back yard in one visual sweep. While beautiful for visitors, living in this type of home can be disconcerting. Easy fixes that add privacy to a dining or living area, or block the view from front to the back, include hanging a curtain, adding a room divider or installing a patterned glass panel. These help create a visual stop, introducing some coziness, while retaining the rooms open, spacious feeling. Another option is to install shutters on a track system that can be pushed to the side walls, opening up a room or providing privacy. Bookshelves offer another option for creating a distinct area.
2011 Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.

Countdown to Curb Appeal: Reviving Your Home in a Weekend

by Kathryn Weber
Its easy to let a tough economy make you feel uninspired about your house, but dont get too discouraged. Making an effort to keep your home attractive takes the edge off a difficult situation and could help preserve your homes value. In just 48 hours, you can give your house an updated look and refresh its energy and vitalityalong with your own. Housescaping Housescaping is the act of manicuring and polishing the appearance of your home. Start by editing your landscape. Removing ugly shrubs and trimming trees can make a huge improvement. Pull out bushes blocking windows or those growing too close to walkways. Once the overgrowth has been removed, add new, smaller plants. Take a photo of the exterior of your home to a local nursery, and let staff recommend replacement plants. Reseed or re-sod bare spots in the lawn. If planting beds arent edged, this change will make your yard appear better groomed. The final touch is fresh, thick mulch in plant beds and around trees. way. A hose with a high-pressure nozzle is a cost-effective tool. A stained roof detracts significantly from your homes appearance. Shingled roofs with dark algae can be cleaned with a solution of water, bleach and TSP (trisodium phosphate). If safety or heavy stains worry you, hire a cleaning contractor for the job at a later date. A green roof wash is available at wash-safe.com/roofwash and is safe to use around plants if youre willing to tackle this project yourself.

Extra Touches Once cleaning and trimming is finished, its time to add some polish. Repaint or replace your front door, and add some new hardware and light fixtures. Dont overlook a new mailbox and house number. Add a planting bed at the base if the mailbox is by the street. Add a homey touch with high-quality planters flanking the front door. Fill them with flowers you can change with the seasons. Finally, let there be light! Outdoor lighting is often completely overlooked. Instead of a set of six lights on a run of electrical cord, opt for spots instead. Theyll give you more aesthetic bang for the buck, and installation is an easy DIY project. A Good Scrub Many homes dont need re-paint- Place spots to highlight trees and ing as much as they need a good unique architectural or landscaping scrub. Rent or borrow a pressure features. washer and spray siding and windows. Give the windows a quick pol- 2011 Distributed by Tribune Media ish to make them shine. Wash down Services Inc. walkways, porches and the drive-

DTLA SOLD FROM 09/01/2011 TO 10/01/2011

ADDRESS
849 S Broadway 510 S Hewitt 849 S Broadway 849 S Broadway 312 West 5th Street 500 Molino Street 108 W 2nd Street 1130 S Flower 267 S San Pedro Street 1111 S Grand Avenue 1100 S Hope 849 S Broadway 880 W 1st Street 253 S Broadway 645 W 9th Street

BR
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BA
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SOLD PRICE
$310,000 $475,000 $300,000 $475,000 $210,800 $555,000 $229,000 $370,500 $265,000 $350,000 $350,000 $600,000 $275,000 $200,000 $331,000

ADDRESS
100 S Alameda Street 1100 S Hope Street 738 S Los Angeles Street 746 S Los Angeles Street 746 S Los Angeles Street 746 S Los Angeles Street 629 Traction Avenue 1111 S Grand Avenue 222 S Central Avenue 629 Traction Avenue 800 W 1st Street 420 S San Pedro 1130 S Flower Street 108 W 2nd Street 900 W Olympic BLVD

BR
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SOLD PRICE
$233,000 $344,000 $155,000 $150,000 $24,400 $289,000 $240,000 $535,000 $355,000 $575,000 $347,000 $153,900 $367,000 $125,000 $5,225,000

2011 by Combined L.A./Westside MLS, Inc. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sales information for 90012, 90015 Zip Code Areas between Sept 1, 2011 to Oct. 1, 2011. Broker/Agent does not guarantee the accuracy of the square footage, lot size or other information concerning the conditions or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from Public Records or other sources. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of all information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. 2011 by Combined L.A./Westside MLS, Inc. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

The $50 Living Room Makeover

Is the economy taking a toll on your home decorating budget? Furniture is a big investment, and hiring an interior designer might be too costly. But if you have a yen for a new look in your livingroom, and if you have $50 and a little time, you can refresh your look. The wall you see first when you walk into the room should be your starting point. This is the stage your restyle will revolve around. Paint that wall in a standout hue. A gallon of paint will run you around $25. If you have bookshelves and some leftover paint, consider painting the back of the shelves the same color as the accent wall. For an adventurous change, apply some anaglypta wall covering to the back of the bookshelves, then paint them with your accent color. Anaglypta is paint-able textured wallpaper that costs about $25 a roll. Next, look for accents you already have that feature the new wall colorthrow pillows, artwork or an area rug. Place these around the room. By pulling the color into the space, you create a unified look. If the room has mismatched lamps, borrow some from another room with a matching pair. We all have two eyes, two legs, two arms, two ears. We feel most comfortable and balanced when we see things in pairs. Pairs of matching chairs or end tables will also help balance the room. After youve painted your accent wall, take the largest piece of furniture in the room, such as the sofa, and place it in front of this wall to anchor the room. If possible, pull the sofa away from the wall and out into the space. Place a cocktail table in front of it and two chairs in front of the table to create a conversation zone. Find a large piece of artwork to hang over the sofa. Sometimes its not a huge change that makes a difference but small details that shift the way a room feels and

look for accents you already have that feature the new wall colorthrow pillows, artwork or an area rug.

looks. Look around your livingroom for spots to add small touches borrowed from other parts of the house. These could be as small as tassels you hang from the knobs of a dresser, armoire door, lamp switch or chair. Using some inexpensive gold craft paint, gild a lamp, the details on a piece of furniture, or mismatched picture frames. A large bottle or can only runs about $3. Dont like the way your books look on the shelves? Wrap them in brown or ivory craft paper, or leftover anaglypta, and stencil on designs with gold paint. If youre feeling adventurous, try adding nail head trim to a sofa or chair. A bold coat of paint, a new arrangement of decorative elements and a few small decorative touches can add up to a refreshed feeling in your livingroom without emptying your wallet. 2011 Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.

by Kathryn Weber

THE TOP CHOICE FOR DOWNTOWN REAL ESTATE WILSHIRE METRO REALTY, INC.
DRE 01090146 IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SALES OR LEASING SERVICES, CONTACT US TODAY!
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PAPERWHITE NARCISSUS:

Indoor Blooms for the Cold Season

by Sean Conway

ardening and horticulture are about planning ahead. Once I see pumpkins showing up on doorsteps, I know its time to start planting paperwhite bulbs. If planted now, these sweetly fragrant, easy-to-grow bulbs will be in bloom in time for Thanksgiving. Native to the Mediterranean, paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus) bulbs are closely related to daffodils but cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. Although not hardy for growing outdoors in colder regions of the country, paperwhites are popular as both cut flowers and seasonal houseplants. One of the easiest bulbs to force into bloom, paperwhites dont require a period of cooling while their roots form the way spring-blooming bulbs do. And theyre not fussy about where they spread their roots. They can be grown in a shallow bowl of pebbles as easily as in potting soil. The bulb contains all the energy it needs to flower, so theres no need to fertilize while its growing. Its only requirements are water and light. In the early fall, paperwhites will bloom about four to six weeks after planting. As the season progresses, the time from planting to blooming will decrease because the flowers within the bulbs are continually developing as the bulb ages. Bulbs planted in December will, on average, take only two to three weeks to come into flower. Bulbs can be purchased at most garden centers or can be ordered online. Be sure to store them in a cool, dark space until youre ready to plant them. Begin by choosing your container. I pre-

fer to use shallow pots with holes in the bottom since I pot my bulbs in potting soil, but you can use containers without holes just as successfully by substituting pebbles

for soil. If you decide to use potting soil for your bulbs, begin by filling your container twothirds from the top with soil. Place the

bulbs flat side down on top of the soil, with their tips up. Dont worry if the tips are curving downward or outward, they will self-correct when the bulb begins to grow. Pack the bulbs into the pot tightly so that the sides of the bulbs are touching. Next, cover the bulbs up to the growing tip with gravel, stones, marble chips or tumbled glass. This helps hold the bulbs in place, keeps soil from spilling when watering and helps retain necessary moisture around the roots. The material you use on top of the soil can be whatever you like, but be sure its clean and free from contaminants. I use gravel from my driveway, but I have also used colored marbles for holiday pots. Now water your pots well and set them in a cool but sunny location. Check periodically to make sure the soil does not dry out. The bulbs should show signs of growth in a few weeks. If you choose not to use a container with drainage holes, fill your container almost to the top with crushed stones, pebbles or marbles, and bury the bulbs flat side down, leaving two-thirds of the bulb above the surface. Put water in the container, but be sure the bulbs stay above the water or they will rot. Once roots begin to form on the bulbs, they will grow down into the moist stones. Once in bloom, paperwhites grown indoors will stay in flower for about a week to 10 days, depending on the temperature of the room. A warm room will shorten the bloom time, and a cool room will extend it. If you plant bulbs in one to two week intervals, you can enjoy them in your home for months. Distributed by Tribune Media Services

Planting for Fall

by Sean Conway Its cooling down, and the days are shortening. Those of us who have been at it for a while know that this is the time to start sowing seeds for coolweather crops. Vegetables that grow best in cool temperatures, such as broccoli, kale and lettuce, can be sown now so that theyll be ready to transplant into the garden in a few weeks. Many gardeners fail to take advantage of a second season in the garden, and thats a shame. Many coolweather crops can be harvested right up until a hard frost. To condition my soil, I add compost and well-rotted manure. I usually check DIY stores and garden centers for sales on bagged manure, which is a convenient and cost-effective way to add nutrients back into your soil. I find some cool-loving vegetable crops are best sown directly into the ground. Once I have prepared the soil, I sow crops like spinach, beets, radishes and some varieties of lettuce directly into the soil. Larger vegetables, such as broccoli and kale, are sown in flats and transplanted with adequate spacing into rows once theyve achieved some size. Vegetables are not the only plants that should be sown now. Biannual plants should be started from seed now too. Biannual plants, unlike annuals, stay alive through their first winter, bloom the following spring, set seed then die. Seed germinating now allows the plants plenty of time to grow before winter arrives, and ensures large, healthy plants for next spring. Several years ago, I purchased seed in England of a pure white, unspotted foxglove with exceptionally tall flower stalks. Foxgloves are perfect examples of biennials, and this variety is a showstopper each spring in my woodland garden. After the flowers fade, the plants set seed in August. I collect it, germinate it and plant out several dozen plants by midfall. The plants go dormant over the winter, and I almost forget theyre there until the following spring when the white spires return to light up the garden. Biannual plants often arent available in garden centers because of their growth cycles; there are fewer customers around in the fall to purchase them, so theyre seldom grown. So these plants are best ordered as seed from catalogs, and their minimal maintenance requirements are well worth the effort. 2011 Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.
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is a Balancing Act
R
egardless of the economy, we still want our living spaces to be comfortable and beautiful. But because of the economy, weve seen a definite impact on interior design. Many people are getting away from the elaborate and ornate, opting instead for a more simplified, traditional look, says Beverly J. Thompson, an interior designer in Simpsonville, S.C. They are looking at whats important to them. The current trends are reflecting a balance of comfort, style and simplicity, both indoors and outdoors. Multi-Functional Now more than ever, multi-functional furniture is a staple in home dcor. Pieces like coffee tables with drawers, ottomans with concealed storage and side tables with built-in shelving offer stylish versatility and practical design solutions. Some side tables can become coffee tables, depending on what they look like, Thompson says. And console tables can go next to a sofa, behind a sofa, in-between chairs or against a wall to help anchor a piece of art. Natural Materials People are still going green, so to speak, and that trend will continue, Thompson says. Youll see sustainable fabrics, such as linen and cotton, on sofas, window treatments and pillows. Also look for wool rugs, bamboo flooring
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Interior Design
by Cheryl P. Allen
even bamboo tabletops. These materials provide a relaxed neutral background, while allowing you to accent with any color you want, she says. In particular, hardwood floors add to that feel, according to Margi Kyle, president of the Interior Design Society in High Point, N.C. Were doing a lot of hardwood floors. When people go with the good hardwood floors, they just have to sand them down, re-stain them or just let them age beautifully. Ambient Lighting The goal here is to improve mood lighting in the kitchen or any other room of the house. Pendants and torch lamps, for instance, can achieve that effect while adding a level of elegance. I think we got so into overhead lighting and track lighting that now its given us a very harsh look. So were trying to work more with different types of lighting for a wonderful feel, Kyle says. You know when you think of lighting, its energy. When you lower your lighting, even in the kitchen where youre cooking, it lowers your stress level, Kyle says. A lot of torch lamps that will fit in the corner will push light up to the ceiling, but then it gracefully comes back down into the room, so its not just lighting from above. Its very subtle and soft. Say it with Color The current color palette aims to elevate and inspire with sophisticated shades of purple, along with nature-inspired blues and greens. Even punchy accent colors like magenta, muted orange and lime green are making a statement. Personally, Im seeing a lot of lime green in kitchens where black is the accent, and its a really striking combination, Kyle says. Accent walls are ideal spaces to use bright pops of color to showcase your personality and individual style, says Jaclyn Pardini, a spokeswoman for Lowes. Experiment with bold hues in a kitchen or bathroom where there is limited wall space, so a bold color wont overwhelm the room. Whether its a bedroom dressed in soft lavender or an accent wall in deep plum, purple is stylishly daring. Purple gives you the ability to see new possibilities and ideas, Kyle says. When you know the color language, you understand why some of the colors are popular right now. Earthy brown hues are also strong. Cream can be cool, while brown adds a warm and rustic appeal, whether in the kitchen or the family room. Brown gives you the ability to live in the moment and accept things the way they are now, very practical, Kyle says.

Backyard Retreats With outdoor living, even with cooling temperatures, the stay-cation idea is still in full swing. While big-ticket items such as outdoor kitchens and fireplaces are not on the front burner for many due to the economy, people are still accessorizing and updating with outdoor rugs, decorative pillows and fire pits. Homeowners will always revel in having their own personal retreats, and outdoor living space provides that, whether cozy or elaborate, says Donnie Owens, store manager at The Fire House Casual Living Store in Greenville. Interior design continues to spill over in back yards with pieces like decorative coffee tables and outdoor crescent sofas, giving outdoor spaces the feel of a livingroom. Crescent sofas are particularly good for outdoors. There are a lot of round porches that fit into play with this, Owens says. A lot of porches just arent square. It allows you to have more of a conversational setting. I personally think they sit better. You sit a little bit deeper. As far as outdoor fabrics, brands such as Sunbrella and Crypton are constantly evolving to make fabrics more durable and weather- and stain-resistant, while offering even more pattern variety, Kyle says. Many of the fabrics can be used for both indoor and outdoor furnishings. 2011 Distributed by McClatchyTribune Information Services

CROSSWORD

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PUZZLE

51 Thrift store stipulation 52 Counterterrorism org. 1 People person 55 Pet owners bane, and a 6 Throw for a loop hint to whats hidden in 10 Crew cuts opposite 17-, 26- and 42-Across 14 Good on ones feet 15 In __ of: as a substitute for 59 Case the joint, say 60 Plant used for first aid 16 Ring out 17 Woods has often been atop it 61 Blairs predecessor 62 Tool used to create 4220 Mass. hours Across 21 Food with a Veterinary 63 __ of Steel: '80s workout Formula video 22 Ungentle giants 64 Sudden increase 23 Cilantro, e.g. 24 Word on some euros 26 Hold ones nose, perhaps 31 Power strip inserts 32 It may be promised 33 Dedicated work 35 Justice appointed after Clarence 36 Religiously devoted 38 Go up the creek without a paddle? 39 Doggy bag item 40 She had a big hit with Thank You in 2001 41 Prepares, as a hook 42 Theyre fun to jump in 46 Ben-Gurion airline 47 Toll-road toll unit 48 Talk Like a Pirate Day cry

DOWN
1 Hamsters home 2 Prima donnas have big ones 3 Happy tune 4 Will Ferrell holiday comedy 5 Personal theology elements 6 Burn a dessert on purpose? 7 Helps out 8 End of a common list 9 Its W of the Urals 10 Orbital high point 11 More than just butterflies 12 Still mooing, at a steakhouse 13 Bygone automaker 18 Banjoist Scruggs

19 Watching the clock, perhaps 23 Above the strike zone 24 Biblical birthright seller 25 Getaway spots 26 Suck down 27 __-frutti 28 Hard to get close to 29 Yikes! 30 Puts in a good word? 31 Debate side 34 Miami couple? 36 City on the Arno 37 1-Across, usually 38 Word processing command 40 Indian metropolis 41 Aromatic firs 43 Emissary 44 Misses 45 Escape hatch, e.g. 48 Way, way off 49 Jessica of Fantastic Four 50 Stink to high heaven 51 Long, long time 52 Pacific archipelago 53 Volume 54 Memo header 56 Catch red-handed 57 Fever cause 58 Suds source
2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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ABOUT WILSHIRE METRO REALTY

Wilshire Metro Realty, Inc. is a top-producing real estate team proudly serving Los Angeles County and specializing in Downtown Los Angeles. Wilshire Metro was founded in 1987 to serve the needs of the Downtown residential community. In that year there were roughly 850 condo units within the Downtown business district. Today, it is estimated that more than 40,000 residents reside in the Downtown Los Angeles area. Our years of experience and knowledge of the existing and up-and-coming developments in Downtown and Southern California will help you find the place you have wanted in or outside the city.
RUSSELL CHAN
DRE# 01326223

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DRE# 01370718

Call us today for your Real Estate Needs!

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121 S HOPE STREET, 4TH FLOOR - $359,000

Remodeled one-bedroom unit with newer furnishings, stainless-steel appliances, recessed lighting, new cabinets, granite slab counter, remodeled bathroom. Unit faces courtyard/pool and has skyline views. Great building amenities: 24 hr security, gated parking, pool, spa, gym. Centrally located by the courthouse, concert hall and financial district.

800 W 1ST STREET - $185,000

Short Sale. Studio unit located at the prestigious Bunker Hill Tower Building. Excellent building amenities. Centrally located by the courthouse and concert hall.

100 S ALAMEDA, 1ST FLOOR - $260,000 - IN ESCROW

Short Sale. This large corner 1+1 unit is part of a spectacular collection of luxury condos spanning an entire city block at the heart of Downtown. Discover an unparalleled inner-resort lifestyle built around a series of dramatic private courtyards offering pool, spa, sculptural gardens and lush landscaping. Porte-cochere circular entry, gated/monitored subterranean parking, fine art displays, sports caf, screening room, library, fitness center, skyline deck with views and more. Washer/Dryer in unit. Unit faces courtyard area.

1 2 +

2 3 +

5 2. 2

$1,750/MONTH $2,700/MONTH $2,500/MONTH $2,500/MONTH

600 W 9th Street, 754 S.F. Washer/Dryer Inside 800 W 1st Street, 1,234 S.F. City Views 144 Utah Street, 2,060 S.F. Built in 2005 800 W 1st Street, 1,234 S.F. Utilities Included

If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. The information available on this publication is not intended to be legal advice. The reader is advised to consult with a qualified attorney on any legal matters. Information herein deemed realiable but not guaranteed.