Happy Thursday everyone! We're on the downhill for the week and the weekend is within reach! Well, it is for all of you 9-5ers :) Here is today's Thursday Throwdown...

Westside Weather

Santa Monica, CA

59°F

Current: Partly Cloudy
Wind: E at 6 mph
Humidity: 64%

Thu

62° | 50°

Fri

62° | 50°

Sat

60° | 47°

Sun

62° | 45°

Beverly Hills, CA

58°F

Current: Partly Cloudy
Wind: E at 7 mph
Humidity: 66%

Thu

64° | 49°

Fri

62° | 49°

Sat

60° | 45°

Sun

63° | 43°

Pacific Palisades, CA

59°F

Current: Partly Cloudy
Wind: E at 6 mph
Humidity: 64%

Thu

62° | 50°

Fri

62° | 50°

Sat

60° | 47°

Sun

62° | 45°

Malibu, CA

55°F

Current: Mostly Cloudy
Wind: S at 8 mph
Humidity: 89%

Thu

63° | 45°

Fri

62° | 46°

Sat

61° | 42°

Sun

63° | 39°

Brentwood, CA

57°F

Current: Partly Cloudy
Wind: E at 7 mph
Humidity: 69%

Thu

63° | 48°

Fri

61° | 48°

Sat

60° | 45°

Sun

62° | 42°

Top Stories Via Google News

• Feds probing Prius brakes - CNNMoney.com
• Hynes concedes Dem. governor primary race in Ill. - Washington Post
• At National Prayer Breakfast, Obama Warns against 'erosion of civility' - Washington Post

• 5+ Ways to Get Super Glue Off Skin
• How to Wash Makeup Brushes

Places to See - Portofino, Italy

Portofino is a small fishing village, commune and tourist resort located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. According to Pliny the Elder, Portofino was founded by the Romans and named Port of the Dolphin because of the large number of dolphins that inhabited the bay. In the late 19th century, first British, then other northern European aristocratic tourists began to visit Portofino, which they reached by horse and cart from Santa Margherita Ligure. Eventually more expatriates built expensive vacation houses, and by 1950 tourism had supplanted fishing as the town's chief industry.

Westside Properties is a full-service real estate boutique brokerage based in Pacific Palisades serving the entire Westside of Los Angeles.  We proudly represent the finest properties throughout the Westside.
We work as a team and combine our extensive real estate experience, powerful resources and connections to benefit you whether you are looking you buy or sell a home in today's exciting and lucrative real estate market.

Call us now to get started on the road to buying or selling your next home.

310.459.8191 or email info@wsprops.com

To preview the finest real estate and the best deals on the Westside of Los Angeles including Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Malibu, Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, West L.A., Marina Del Rey & Mar Vista please visit our website: http://www.westsidehomefinder.com/ When you are ready to view the properties or just have a question, please contact us: 310.459.8191 or info@wsprops.com

Search for homes in your city:

PACIFIC PALISADES  - SANTA MONICA  - MALIBU - BRENTWOOD 

BEVERLY HILLS - WESTWOOD/CENTURY CITY - MARINA DEL REY 

VENICE  - TOPANGA - CULVER CITY - PLAYA DEL REY - PLAYA VISTA 

WEST L.A. - BEL-AIR - BEVERLY HILLS PO - BEVERLY CENTER/MIRACLE MILE

I just received this information from a Title professional and want to share it with everyone. It's too important to not forget our history!

IMPORTANT FEBRUARY EVENTS

• Supreme Court of the United States met for the first time, February 1, 1790.
  Louis S. St. Laurent, second French-Canadian prime minister of Canada, born 1882.
  American writer Langston Hughes born 1902.
• Ground-Hog Day. February 2 
  By the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico gave New Mexico and California to the United States, February 2, 1848.
  James Joyce, Irish novelist and poet, born 1882.
  Violinist Jascha Heifetz born 1901.
  The last German troops surrendered in the Stalingrad pocket, completing the Soviet Union's victory at Stalingrad, during World War II, 1943.
• German composer Felix Mendelssohn born February 3, 1809.
  Horace Greeley, American publisher, born 1811.
• Confederate States of America organized by a temporary committee that met at Montgomery, Ala., February 4,1861.
  Philippine Rebellion against the United States began, 1899.
  Charles A. Lindbergh, American aviator, born 1902.
  Yalta Conference began, 1945.
  Amendment 24 to the U.S. Constitution, banning poll tax, proclaimed, 1964.
• Evangelist Dwight L. Moody born February 5, 1837.
• Aaron Burr, American political leader, born February 6, 1756.
  Massachusetts ratified the Constitution, 1788.
  Home run king "Babe" Ruth born February 6, 1895.
  The United States Senate ratified the peace treaty ending the Spanish-American War, February 6, 1899.
  Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States, born in Tampico, Ill., February 6, 1911.
  Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth IIof Great Britain, February 6, 1952.
  Amendment 20 to the United States Constitution, moving Inauguration Day to January 20, proclaimed, February 6, 1933.
• British novelist Charles Dickens born February 7, 1812.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS, Novel by Dickens

Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sinclair Lewis born February 7,1885.

• Mary, Queen of Scots, executed, February 8, 1587.
  College of William and Mary, second oldest college in the United States, chartered, 1693.
  John Ruskin, English essayist and critic, born 1819.
  William T. Sherman, Union Army general in the Civil War, born 1820.
  Jules Verne, French novelist, born 1828.
  Russo-Japanese War began, 1904.
  Boy Scouts of America incorporated, 1910.
• William Henry Harrison, ninth President of the United States, born in Charles City County, Virginia, February 9, 1773.
• France surrendered Canada to Great Britain by the Treaty of Paris, February 10, 1763.
  English essayist and critic Charles Lamb born February 10, 1775.
• Thomas A. Edison, American inventor, born February 11, 1847.
• Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish patriot, born February 12, 1746.
  Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, born near present-day Hodgenville, Ky., February 12, 1809.
  Charles Darwin, British naturalist, born February 12, 1809.
  John L. Lewis, American labor leader, born February 12, 1880.
• Talleyrand, French statesman, born February 13, 1754.
  Grant Wood, American painter, born February 13, 1891.
• Valentine's Day. February 14.
  Oregon became the 33rd state to join the Union, February 14, 1859.
  John Barrymore, American actor, born February 14, 1882.
  Arizona became the 48th state, February 14,1912.
• Galileo, Italian astronomer and physicist, born February 15, 1564.
  Inventor Cyrus McCormick born February 15, 1809.
  Susan B. Anthony, American woman suffrage leader, born February 15, 1820.
  Elihu Root, U.S. statesman and lawyer, born February 15, 1845.
• Henry Adams, American historian, born February 16, 1838.
• Thomas Robert Malthus, British economist, born February 17, 1766.
• Mary I, first reigning queen of England, born February 18, 1516.
  John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress was licensed for publication, 1678.
  Jefferson Davis took the oath as provisional President of the Confederate States of America, 1861.
  Wendell Willkie, American political leader, born 1892.
  San Francisco's Golden Gate International Exposition opened, 1939.
• Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus born February 19, 1473.
  David Garrick, English actor, born February 19, 1717.
  Thomas A. Edison patented the phonograph, February 19, 1878.
• Astronaut John H. Glenn, Jr., became first American to orbit the earth, February 20, 1962.
• Richard M. Nixon became first U.S. President to visit China, February 21, 1972.
• George Washington, first U.S. President, born in Westmoreland County, Va., February 22, 1732.
  German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer born February 22, 1788.
  James Russell Lowell, American poet, born February 22, 1819.
  The United States acquired the Florida territory from Spain, February 22, 1819.
• Samuel Pepys, English diarist, born February 23, 1633.
  English composer George Frideric Handel born February 23, 1685.
  W. E. B. Du Bois, American civil rights leader, historian, and sociologist, born February 23, 1868.
  Amendment 25 to the U.S. Constitution, on presidential succession, proclaimed, February 23, 1967.
• Winslow Homer, American painter, born February 24, 1836.
• Jose de San Martin, liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru, born February 25, 1778.
  Enrico Caruso, Italian singer, born 1873.
  Amendment 16 to the Constitution, authorizing the income tax, proclaimed, 1913.
  President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines resigned from office and fled the country, 1986.
• Victor Hugo, French poet and novelist, born February 26, 1802.
  Napoleon escaped from island of Elba, 1815.
  American frontiersman William Frederick Cody, better known as "Buffalo Bill," born 1846.
• Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet, born February 27, 1807.
  Marian Anderson, American singer, born February 27, 1897.
• American author Ben Hecht, born February 28, 1894.
  Vincent Massey took the oath as the first Canadian-born governor general of Canada, February 28,1952.
• Marquis de Montcalm, French commander in Quebec, born February 29, 1712.
  Gioacchino Antonio Rossini, Italian composer, born February 29, 1792.

Happy Tuesday Everyone! I'm thankful to have been able to work a light day yesterday from my home office. Here is what's making headlines today....

Westside Weather:

Santa Monica, CA

53°F

Current: Partly Cloudy
Wind: N at 0 mph
Humidity: 84%

Tue

63° | 49°

Wed

63° | 49°

Thu

62° | 52°

Fri

63° | 52°

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Beverly Hills, CA

51°F

Current: Mostly Cloudy
Wind: N at 0 mph
Humidity: 86%

Tue

65° | 47°

Wed

65° | 47°

Thu

64° | 50°

Fri

64° | 50°

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Pacific Palisades, CA

53°F

Current: Partly Cloudy
Wind: N at 0 mph
Humidity: 84%

Tue

63° | 49°

Wed

63° | 49°

Thu

62° | 52°

Fri

63° | 52°

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Malibu, CA

45°F

Current: Partly Cloudy
Wind: NE at 5 mph
Humidity: 87%

Tue

65° | 44°

Wed

64° | 44°

Thu

63° | 47°

Fri

64° | 47°

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Brentwood, CA

53°F

Current: Mostly Cloudy
Wind: NW at 1 mph
Humidity: 83%

Tue

64° | 47°

Wed

64° | 46°

Thu

63° | 49°

Fri

64° | 50°

When to go? Tourism in London never really slows, but if there is a time you can call the high season, it would be April through October; holidays are very busy as well. Take one part hot summer, one part tourist, and one part no air conditioning in many venues, stir well, and you have got yourself an uncomfortable situation. Head for London in spring to beat the heat and stroll through the many gardens and parks in full bloom. Autumn is an equally pleasant time to explore London, unlike winter which is often rainy, overcast and cold. While historically accurate, fog in London is not an issue as it once was. It can occasionally be seen early on winter mornings, but typically disappears by mid-morning.

Where to stay? Choose wisely: there are five districts in London that you should consider when selecting your accommodation. Pick a hotel in Notting Hill if you like to surround yourself with the young and fashionable. Knightsbridge and South Kensington may be pricy, but are conveniently close to Harrods and Sloane Street shopping. Hotels in Covent Garden and Bloomsbury are your best bet if you plan on taking in a show at a theater or are heading to the British Museum. Marylebone and Mayfair are the most expensive options, and the place to look for four and five star hotels. Finally, Paddington: the hub for most tourists, not without reason. From your hotel here, you have quick access to Hyde Park, Oxford Street (shopping), and Heathrow (via direct train).

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you enjoyed the weekend. My office and website www.WestsideHomeFinder.com receive a lot of inquiries regarding qualifying for the Extended Homebuyer Tax Credit. Here is the information that I share with everyone...

The home of your dreams may come with a bonus: a tax credit. Image: DreamPictures/Photodisc/Getty Images

There’s happy news for current homeowners: If you intend to sell your home and buy another in 2009 or 2010, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $6,500. The Extended Homebuyer Tax Credit legislation, passed in November 2009, also shares the wealth with first-time homebuyers—up to $8,000.

Are you eligible?

You’re considered a current homeowner under IRS rules if you’ve used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight. You’re a first-time homebuyer if you or your spouse haven’t owned a home for the three years before your purchase.  

In both cases, keep in mind that the credit amount you’re eligible for begins to decrease for joint filers if your modified adjusted gross income is $225,000 ($125,000 for individuals); it disappears at $245,000 ($145,000 for individuals).

The ultimate amount of your credit depends on the price of the home and your income.

To claim your benefit:

Close on a new principal residence between Nov. 7, 2009, and April 30, 2010. You can settle as late as June 30, 2010, as long as you have a binding contract by April 30.

Don’t spend more than $800,000 on your new home.

When you submit your tax return, attach a copy of the settlement statement you received at closing. Check with the IRS or your tax adviser to confirm what additional documentation may be needed.

Decide whether to:

• Apply the credit to your 2009 tax return, filed on or before April 15, 2010,
• File an amended 2009 return; or
• Apply the credit on your 2010 return, filed on or before April 15, 2011.

First-timers who purchased a home between Jan. 1, 2009, and Nov. 6, 2009, may also be eligible for the $8,000. Keep in mind that the income limits in this case are tighter than for those who purchased after Nov. 6.

Apply the credit to your 2009 taxes

To claim the credit on your 2009 tax return:

• Complete IRS Form 5405 to determine the amount of your available credit.
• Apply the credit when you file your 2009 tax return or file an amended return.
• Attach documentation of purchase to your return or amended return.

Which properties are eligible?

You can apply the credit to primary residences, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

Do I need to repay the tax credit?

No, not if you occupy the purchased home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount of the credit will be recouped on the sale.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Readers should consult a tax professional for such advice, and are reminded that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.

Westside Properties is a full-service real estate boutique brokerage based in Pacific Palisades serving the entire Westside of Los Angeles.  We proudly represent the finest properties throughout the Westside.
We work as a team and combine our extensive real estate experience, powerful resources and connections to benefit you whether you are looking you buy or sell a home in today's exciting and lucrative real estate market.

Call us now to get started on the road to buying or selling your next home.

310.459.8191 or email info@wsprops.com

To preview the finest real estate and the best deals on the Westside of Los Angeles including Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Malibu, Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, West L.A., Marina Del Rey & Mar Vista please visit our website: http://www.westsidehomefinder.com/ When you are ready to view the properties or just have a question, please contact us: 310.459.8191 or info@wsprops.com

Search for homes in your city:

PACIFIC PALISADES  - SANTA MONICA  - MALIBU - BRENTWOOD 

BEVERLY HILLS - WESTWOOD/CENTURY CITY - MARINA DEL REY 

VENICE  - TOPANGA - CULVER CITY - PLAYA DEL REY - PLAYA VISTA 

WEST L.A. - BEL-AIR - BEVERLY HILLS PO - BEVERLY CENTER/MIRACLE MILE

MALIBU COMMUNITY POOL PROGRAMS

The pool offers a variety of programs from swim lessons, to swim team and water polo.

Westside Properties is a full-service real estate boutique brokerage based in Pacific Palisades serving the entire Westside of Los Angeles.  We proudly represent the finest properties throughout the Westside.
We work as a team and combine our extensive real estate experience, powerful resources and connections to benefit you whether you are looking you buy or sell a home in today's exciting and lucrative real estate market.

Call us now to get started on the road to buying or selling your next home.

310.459.8191 or email info@wsprops.com

To preview the finest real estate and the best deals on the Westside of Los Angeles including Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Malibu, Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, West L.A., Marina Del Rey & Mar Vista please visit our website: http://www.westsidehomefinder.com/ When you are ready to view the properties or just have a question, please contact us: 310.459.8191 or info@wsprops.com

Search for homes in your city:

PACIFIC PALISADES  - SANTA MONICA  - MALIBU - BRENTWOOD

BEVERLY HILLS - WESTWOOD/CENTURY CITY - MARINA DEL REY

VENICE  - TOPANGA - CULVER CITY - PLAYA DEL REY - PLAYA VISTA

WEST L.A. - BEL-AIR - BEVERLY HILLS PO - BEVERLY CENTER/MIRACLE MILE

Happy Saturday everyone! Here is the list of open houses in Pacific Palisades today. Please do not hesitate to call me with any questions. Thanks and have a blessed weekend!

Pacific Palisades Real Estate Saturday Open Houses

N-New R- Review C -Cancelled P-Price Reduction  
         Lunch     Refreshments TC-Tennis Court PL-Pool FP-Fireplace VU-View GH-Guest House MDS-Maid's Quarters

MALIBU SINGLE FAMILY 4/ 4.50  29734 W MULHOLLAND HWY $ 2,100,000  R  587/j3 PL/FP/VU SF:4922  1 - 4     PACIFIC PALISADES SINGLE FAMILY 5/ 4.50  950 ILIFF ST $ 3,598,000  R  631/B5 FP/MDS SF:3991  1 - 4      SANTA MONICA SINGLE FAMILY 3/ 2.00  1912 WARWICK AVE $ 795,000  R  631/j7 FP SF:1229  1 - 4 5/ 4.00  1802 EUCLID ST $ 1,589,000  N  671/G2 VU SF:2270  1 - 4 5/ 4.00  1802 EUCLID ST $ 1,589,000  N  671/G2 VU SF:2270  1 - 4 5/ 4.00  519 STASSI LN $ 3,249,000  R  631/C7 FP/VU SF:3800  1 - 4 CONDO 2/ 2.50  1418 26TH ST 4 $ 689,000  C  631/G7 FP/VU SF:1445  1 - 4 3/ 3.00  1038 11th Street #C C $ 999,995  R  732/G6   SF:1690  1 - 4 2/ 3.00  1038 11th Street #A A $ 1,030,000  R  631/D6   SF:1570  1 - 4 2/ 2.50  851 19TH ST 4 $ 1,095,000  R  631/E6 FP/VU   1 - 4 3/ 2.50  851 19TH ST 2 $ 1,295,000  R  631/E6 VU   1 - 4 3/ 2.50  851 19TH ST 3 $ 1,295,000  R  631/E6 FP/VU   1 - 4 2/ 3.00  801 OCEAN AVE 306 $ 1,395,000  N  671/C1 PL/FP/VU SF:1772  1 - 4 2/ 3.00  718 LINCOLN 3 $ 1,575,000  R  631/D7 FP/VU SF:1757  1 - 4 INCOME    1802 EUCLID ST $ 1,589,000  R  671/G2   SF:3550  1 - 4 LEASE 3/ 2.00  2327 31ST ST $ 4,950  N  671/J1 FP/GH SF:1800  12 - 1

Westside Properties is a full-service real estate boutique brokerage based in Pacific Palisades serving the entire Westside of Los Angeles.  We proudly represent the finest properties throughout the Westside.
We work as a team and combine our extensive real estate experience, powerful resources and connections to benefit you whether you are looking you buy or sell a home in today's exciting and lucrative real estate market.

Call us now to get started on the road to buying or selling your next home.

310.459.8191 or email info@wsprops.com

To preview the finest real estate and the best deals on the Westside of Los Angeles including Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Malibu, Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, West L.A., Marina Del Rey & Mar Vista please visit our website: http://www.westsidehomefinder.com/ When you are ready to view the properties or just have a question, please contact us: 310.459.8191 or info@wsprops.com

Search for homes in your city:

PACIFIC PALISADES  - SANTA MONICA  - MALIBU - BRENTWOOD

BEVERLY HILLS - WESTWOOD/CENTURY CITY - MARINA DEL REY

VENICE  - TOPANGA - CULVER CITY - PLAYA DEL REY - PLAYA VISTA

WEST L.A. - BEL-AIR - BEVERLY HILLS PO - BEVERLY CENTER/MIRACLE MILE

This article is a refreshing change to what the media has spun into a housing plummet! Here is a clip from the article on the Wall Street Journal...

By KELLY EVANS

The housing market isn't yet in the clear, but it's also not as weak as Monday's home-sales report might suggest.

The National Association of Realtors is expected to announce an 11.6% drop in December existing-home sales to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.78 million, according to economists polled by Dow Jones.

The large drop is exaggerated by the initial Nov. 30 expiration of the government's first-time home buyer tax credit, which previously boosted sales by some 28% from August through November to an annualized rate of 6.5 million units, the most since early 2007.

The tax credit has been extended through June, but most analysts don't expect sales growth to resume until February or March. In the meantime, further declines in existing-home sales, which make up nearly 90% of the market, are sure to raise concerns about the recovery in housing and the broader economy.

To view the entire article, please follow this link: Housing Market Isnt as Bad as New Numbers Indicate