Buyers return to the Beach

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu has seen its worst real estate market in history this past few years. The recent market downturn makes the early to mid 1990s look like a dream market. I know since I have been selling real estate in this popular beach town since 1991.
The silver lining in the current downturn is Malibu is now more affordable for buyers and unlike past difficult markets, the interest rates are at record lows!

The most noticeable improvement in recent months has been the sale of properties in the $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 price range, as well some condo sales over $1,000,000. This segment of the market has been slow to heat up  because it is a move up and second home market. The large institutional lenders have been very slow to get back into the normal routine of jumbo mortgages which has also held this market segment back. The Malibu market usually goes down a bit later and up a bit later than most Los Angeles area real estate markets. We were still strong through mid 2006 and just in the last few months have begun to pick up some steam. The lenders, although still difficult, are now more willing to participate in financing jumbo loans.

So if you have been waiting to buy Malibu, this may be your best chance to purchase a home for a great price while still getting the best interest rates ever!

There are some wonderful homes (standard sales) offered in Malibu on both the beach and landside of town. The center and east end of Malibu has some great new restaurants under construction, as well two recently remodeled shopping centers and the relative newcomer The Lumber Yard with Cafe Habana and great boutiques. The west end of Malibu has a new market under construction at Trancas where a new restaurant is also expected near the existing Starbucks. The air is fresh, outdoor activities abound and the local schools are good. So if you have been out there window shopping Malibu, this is a good time to actually purchase your vacation home or relocate full time to the ‘Bu.

www.graceearthur.com www.31240abailardroad.com

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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“Filing to Run for Office”

By: Gracee Arthur

Well, it is that time again, when the usually peaceful community of Malibu finds neighbor pitted against neighbor over who should be the new members of the Malibu City Council. This week two more residents filed to run for a position on the City Council, Skylar Peak and Missy Zeitsoff. Skylar Peak is the youngest candidate at age 27 and Missy Zeitsoff is a former council member, who was involved in the original fight for cityhood. The field of candidates now also includes: former council member, Joan House, current council members John Sibert, and Jefferson Wagner, Jack Utter, Hamish Patterson and realtor Andy Lyon.

The criteria for running are simple, one must be a Malibu resident and registered to vote. The candidate must obtain the signatures of at least 20 Malibu voters, but no more than 30 voters. The last date for incumbents to register is January 13th, however non -incumbents may register through 1/18/2012.

The big issue this year is the fate of the Malibu Lagoon. Candidate Andy Lyon suggested the project be brought before the council for a vote. Councilman John Siebert, who is running for reelection has proposed the city to finance a $25,000 study on the project to shed more light on the environmental impact of the project design. Candidate Missy Zeitsoff was concerned about the need to raise the Quimby fee which benefits The Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles. Currently the fee is only aid by developers but Zeistoff is suggested it be imposed on for every new residential project. The contest is just beginning and I will post updates periodically on the issues and candidates in this election.

Malibu voters may request vote by mail ballots from 3/12/2012 – 4/3/2012. The last day to register to vote in the election is March 26, 2012. The election takes place on April 10, 2012.

Breaking News! Malibu City Councilman Jefferson Wagner has decided not to run for reelection!

www.malibucity.org

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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Party at the Beach this year!

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu has some terrific choices for your New Years Eve festivities this year.  If you want to hear the waves and watch the surf the Sunset Restaurant is one terrific venue for New Year’s Eve. There are two seatings for dinner with the second seating offering a price fixe menu for $75 which includes a glass of champagne, party favors and dancing to music hosted by an international DJ. Entrees include Filet Mignon, Colorado Rack of Lamb and Maine Lobster. First seating is 5PM – 8Pm, second seating 8 PM to 9:30 PM. Reservations Required  310-589-1007.

Savory at Point Dume Village is hosting the Black and Silver Charity ball this New Year’s Eve, benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu. Local Malibu Artist and DJ  perform all night. Tray passed Hors D’ouevres and complimentary champagne served at midnight.
Phone 310-589-8997 for more information.

Beau Rivage does its annual elegant party for New Year’s Eve, complete with balloons, hats and party favors. Live band and dancing under the stars ! Phone for menu and reservation 310-456-5733.

Those of you who enjoy a more casual environment, ocean view and fabulous food,  Kristy’s Wood Oven and Wine bar on Westward Beach Road is the place to ring in the New Year. Along with their terrific regular menu, Kristy’s will be serving some terrific New Year’s specials.  Along with their great pizzas, seafood and salads there will be  special sea food appetizers and  Surf and Turf on the menu.

Those of you who prefer to entertain at home, check out pc greens great platters and entrees for your New Year’s party. Menu can be viewed at www.pcgreens.net

Drive carefully, take a cab, hire a car have fun but be safe.

Here’s wishing all of you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012!    Let’s make it the year of Peace.

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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Meet Hattie, Kikibear, Scotty and Willow

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu local Mary Dee Rickards created Spunky’s Rescue Ranch as a haven for abandoned cats and those doomed in kill shelters (like my new kitty Harry). The current downturn in the economy and housing market has greatly increased the number of homeless and abandoned pets in California and throughout the country. Mary Dee’s facility is overflowing with beautiful cats and kittens of a variety of breeds and mix; many of whom have been spayed or neutered , vaccinated, dewormed and flea treated. Christmas is a great time of the year to give a home to a loving cat or kitten who will give you many years of giggles and affection.

Spunky’s Rescue Ranch
33173 W. Mulholland Hwy.
Malibu, CA 90265 http://preview.petfinder.com/shelters/CA1324.html
Phone: 916-253-3606; cell 916-704-6057
Email them

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Meet Hattie who is 11 months, a real lap cat who loves dogs and humans (other cats not so much)! Kikibear, a 5 year old Persian who came to Spunky’s with her sister Blondie. Both are super affectionate huggers who loved to be brushed.

Scotty, 10 months old, saved from a shelter. A sweet, rare male Calico who is a love bug. Willow is 1.5 years old and very affectionate. Willow likes to ride on her human’s shoulders and is a friendly beauty.

Make a kitty purr this Christmas. Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season!

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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Photo by: Leonard Monje

Gay Summer Rick

By: Gracee Arthur

I first encountered Gay Summer Rick’s Work at Malibu Gallery and Framing at 22625 Pacific Coast Highway which I wrote about last year. Malibu Gallery displays works by many Malibu artists and the photos I shared on my blog where those of Gay Summer Rick which caught my eye. Gay and I have stayed in contact since that time and I have become an even greater fan of her work:

Gay Summer Rick is a contemporary impressionist painter whose landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes are created by layering oil paint on canvas using palette knives rather than brushes to apply paint to canvas. She ‘builds’ her works applying new colors as multiple layers begin to dry. Unexpected vibration in light, color and texture are revealed within her images. Continue reading →

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

Website - More Posts