Coco 's LA Condo Lifestyle Blog

By Coco Claymen-Cook

I've said it before; I'll probably say it again.  Life is just too short to deal with difficult people.  Yes, there are levels of difficult and if you find yourself with nothing but difficult clients its time to ask yourself what are you doing to attract them.  But every once in a while we all get a client who is not a good match for us.  I have come to think of these clients as "tests" sent by the universe to make sure that I am really walking my talk.

I know my business, I have been in the real estate industry for many years and I am confidant that I understand the global market as well as my niche market.  So when a client comes to me and wants to do things in a way that I know won't work - Like inflating the price of their home and then lowering it to a more reasonable price point after 60 days - it is my job to stand by my expertise and educate the perspective client as to why this will not be financially desirable for them.  If the client refuses to be educated this is my opportunity to stand in my truth and let the client seek another realtor. 

It's never easy turning away a perspective client, tests never are easy. But it is much easier than wasting time and money doing something that I know will not be successful.  In the end every time I have passed this test there has been a better client just over the horizon, one who was appreciative of my expertise.

By Coco Clayman-Cook

We could all use a little financial boost right now so why not take this opportunity to perform a little financial Feng Shui on our living spaces.  One important thing to remember is that Feng Shui seeks to bring wealth to your home; wealth brings a feeling of security and fulfillment, so ultimately what you are seeking to do is create an environment in which you feel secure and fulfilled.

Locate the south eastern corner of your home.  For accuracy you may want to use a compass, but often you can figure it out logically.  Just remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.  If you are facing the sunset the south eastern corner of your home will be behind you to the left.  Once you have located the appropriate corner it is time to do a quick make over on it.

Start by removing any clutter, and clean the area thoroughly.  Pay particular attention to the corner itself, make sure that it is immaculately clean, not even a speck of dust.  Next make sure that anything that lives in this corner is in good working condition.  If you have a fabulous antique clock that is gorgeous but doesn't work, find another place in your home for it to live.  This is not the corner for anything broken, chipped, dented or shabby.

Next you will want to put something that is meaningful and makes you feel fulfilled in this corner.  It could be a picture of you with a loved one, a painting that makes your heart sing or an object de arte that you adore. What ever you choose to put in this corner should be meaningful and bring you a feeling of security.

Now sit back and enjoy your new found prosperity!

By Coco Clayman-Cook

What service really makes you feel pampered?  Luxury Condominiums in Los Angeles' famed Westside offer such a wide variety of amenities that you literally can pick and choose.  Do you require wine storage?  Would you like tennis courts on the grounds?  Would you like 24 hour concierge services?  How about a media equipped conference room on the ground floor at your disposal?  Would you prefer a heated lap pool in your state-of-the-art gym or would you prefer a romantic roof top pool on the roof of your building with a 360 degree view of the city?

On the LACondoLifestyles website we offer pertinent information about all of the condos on the Westside, including square footage, amenities and HOA fees.  We also offer a search feature that allows you to input the amenities that you prefer and tells you which residences meet your criteria.  There is a veritable smorgasbord of information available to you for your convenience.  What amenities are you looking for?

By Coco Clayman-Cook

Moving to Los Angeles is a great opportunity but it can be a bit of bumpy entry if you are unfamiliar with the area.  Los Angeles is a richly diverse city with wide variety of neighborhoods specializing in an even wider array of life styles.  I specialize in the neighborhoods that comprise the jewel of Los Angeles, the area known as the Westside.

Whether you are looking for a luxury condo in the famed Wilshire Corridor or a beach condo that allows you sip your morning latte on the sand, I am the expert who can make it happen for you.  I am an expert in the LA Condo Lifestyle.

If you are moving to the LA area, congratulations!  You're going to love it; but make sure you contact me, so you can start loving it from the first minute you arrive.  Nobody likes a bumpy landing.

By Coco Clayman-Cook

If you are newly retired or about to be retired you may want to consider the LA condo life style.  I will admit to being biased, I am a tremendous fan of this lifestyle.  As a resident of the famed Wilshire Corridor I have first hand experience with the benefits of vertical living.

One of the greatest things about condo life is the convenience.  Vertical living allows you to be close to all of the things you want to be close too, while allowing you to enjoy privacy and safety.  I love the fact that I can quickly take advantage of world class dining, shopping and cultural events with absolutely no commute. 

I know that I can lock and leave my condominium with confidence that when I return home there will be no surprises. Living in a full security building gives me the security to leave on a moments notice.  My mail is taken care of, and the gentleman that waters my plants is allowed into my home by the concierge. 

Condo life is the modern day equivalent of living in a luxury hotel.  Can you think of a better way to spend your golden years?

By Coco Clayman-Cook

As the Holidays approach it is wise to get your home ready for guests, both expected and unexpected.  I like to take some time in early November to make sure that everything is in order in my guest room.  First I check make sure that the closet is clean, de-cluttered and available for my guests.  Then I take the time to stock my guest bathroom with lovely basket of a wide assortment of toiletries.

I instruct my cleaning staff to perform a deep clean on both rooms and to properly air them out.  I make sure my pantry is stocked with quality ingredients to prepare a quick but tasty gourmet meal with almost no notice.  Lastly I put some of my favorite books from the previous year on the nightstand in my guest room to share with any visitors.

Taking the time to prep for guests helps me to enjoy the holiday season with no stress and helps my guest feel welcomed and comfortable.

By Coco Clayman-Cook

Evo, Los Angeles' newest condominium is ready to change the face of downtown's condominium scene.  The question is: Is Los Angeles ready?  This isn't just your average condo building, this is a green condo.  Poised to receive a silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program (LEED) Evo will offer its residents 24 stories of eco friendly design.

Will this environmentally conscious living space be enough of an enticement to lure buyers into the turbulent market to buy?  We'll see, but with the clock ticking on the city council's commitment to greener buildings it is just a matter of time before green becomes the new black.  Until then we will see what kind of greeting the Evo building located at 1155 S. Grand Street receives from Los Angeles.

By Coco Clayman-Cook

Recently I represented a client who was selling their luxury condo.  Ultimately, the condo sold very quickly to a large corporation based in downtown Los Angeles.  More and more companies are charging their HR departments with the authority to look for and acquire luxury condo properties for company assets.

When you stop to consider how much it costs to house visiting executives in luxury hotels it's easy to see why corporations are now buying luxury condominiums. Real Estate is a strong investment.  If you have the opportunity to build equity instead of throwing money away, it is always better whether you are an individual, a family or a corporation.

By Coco Clayman-Cook

If you are looking to sell your condo in the current market, there a few crucial things you should be aware of:

1. You need to hire a professional stager.  In this market, it is vital that you put your best foot forward.  Trust me if you have a good stager and the right price you will sell your home much quicker and for a higher price than if you don't.

2. Set the right price on day one.  Don't list the price you are hoping for with the idea in the back of your head that if it doesn't sell you will lower the price in 30 days or 60 days.  This scenario simply doesn't work in today's market.  Statistically we know that the longer your home stays on the market the less you will ultimately sell it for.

3. Get the best most experienced real estate professional you can find to list your home and represent your interests.  Make sure that your realtor is internet savvy and up on the latest internet marketing techniques.

Condos continue to sell in this market if you would like to sell your home follow these guidelines for a successful and speedy sale.

By Coco Clayman Cook

I'm a big believer in the benefit of self care.  I am completely clear that when I take the time to take care of myself I am a happier more productive person.  So when I begin to prepare for the holidays the first thing I like to do is make sure that with all of the holiday rush and madness I will take care of myself and my health.  In October I schedule extra sessions with my personal trainer, ensuring that my exercise program won't fall apart during the end of the year.  I also place a standing order with my local grocer who delivers to make sure that the freshest organic fruits and vegetables are stocked in my refrigerator so eating healthy is not only possible, it is easy.

Next I take the time to pre-schedule facials, manicures and massages for the months of November and December.  The first year I did that one of my friends told me I was crazy but when you are in the middle of a hectic week and you see that scheduled appointment coming up it has an intensely therapeutic affect, and that's before you even get there.  I also take the time while I am scheduling the appointment to buy gift certificates for spa services to anyone on my list that I feel could benefit from some pampering.  Having a few extra gift certificates for spa treatments is a great way to cover yourself for "surprise guests" and last minute emergencies.  If you don't end up giving them as gifts you can always use them yourself in the New Year!