Coco 's LA Condo Lifestyle Blog

by Coco Clayman-Cook

We can talk endlessly about the current market and how it may or may not affect all of us for years and months to come, but it's important to remember some fundamental truths.  Markets go up, markets go down. People continue to need homes in which to live.  When possible it is better to buy low and sell high.  When possible, being the important part of that sentence. That time is now.

The reality is that there are people who need to sell their homes right now, in some cases due to divorce, relocation even death.  For others they view this as an ideal time to move to a larger or smaller home.  Homes are still selling, smart people with good credit understand that now is an ideal time to invest in valued real estate.  Smart agents know how to help you find those properties and are looking every day for their clients sometimes twice a day.

So if you are in a position where you need or want to sell your luxury condo, you do not need to despair. Quality condominiums are selling if they are priced right. Remember it's not what the agent thinks or what the Buyer thinks or what the Seller thinks - it may be what the bank thinks. You need to list your home with a professional right now who understands this ever changing market. 

And you need an agent who is up on the latest and greatest marketing for today's buyers who are different than the buyers of last year and ten years ago. I am an expert on the internet buyer and with over 300 hits a day on my website - if you want to sell your condo it is critical that you call me for an interview.

For home sellers that say, "Let's list it for this (high number) and if it doesn't sell in 30 days we can lower it." I do my best to explain to them that in this market taking that tactic will only cost them in the long run and if they really want to do it that way I will insist on writing it in the contract. I am the Seller's representative and need to give them the best advice possible. Waiting in the volatile market that we are in can be very expensive in the long run. The longer the condo stays on the market the less it will sell for. That is a promise. Prices are not going up, they are going down and every one has access to what you paid and what you owe so why waste time - take your money and run and either land in a rental for a year and wait it out or buy something that has been sitting on the market where the Seller has to sell.  It is much more advantageous to put a condo on the market at a competitive price and try and have multiple bidders then to watch the property suffer on the market and ultimately sell for significantly under the asking price. 

by Coco Clayman-Cook

It doesn't seem possible but fall is already upon us.  I love this time of year.  The students and faculty return full force to UCLA, my alma mater, and there is a special buzz in the air.  I consider myself lucky to work and live in close proximity to this world class university.  There is something about a college community that is unique and special.  Any time you get a group of adults together in one space who are dedicated to higher thinking something special is bound to be in the air.  UCLA is no exception, in fact I would argue that the feeling is even more powerful her. 

I love the cultural events that are so intrinsic to the UCLA campus.  There is always something to do, whether it is theatre or an art gallery opening.  This year I am actually teaching a class at extension something I consider a privilege and an honor.

The surrounding neighborhood shares in the unique flavor that is UCLA, from the shops and boutiques to the many cinemas that show a wide variety of films, to the eclectic restaurants the surround the entire area which is rich in culture and opportunity. Some of my favorites are Euro Chow, the new Blvd1g at the Palomar Hotel, Napa Valley Grille and The Gardens on Glendon. Worth mentioning if you don't know about it is the new restaurant on Westwood Blvd across from my favorite market Bristol Farms called Fresh Corn Grill - they make the best salads and soups and are perfect to call on your way home and grab something to go.

By Coco Clayman-Cook

Human Resources departments are often plagued with finding homes for new and incoming corporate heads and company figures. The last thing these HR resources need is to be troubled with potential leases containing ongoing clauses, real estate agents who insist on speaking directly to the client, or property management officers whose work often stops at the deed. This is where I can help!

I welcome the opportunity to work with H R from any company to help take their new or incoming personnel out of the hotel and into a luxury condo in a quick, hassle-free, satisfying transaction. I can take any list of requested amenities and turn it into a property or array of properties available for the client. I am happy to provide resource materials of all properties to assist Human Resources officials without wasting their valuable time. As an expert in Los Angeles luxury condos I am the perfect recourse for companies' corporate housing needs.

 by Coco Clayman-Cook

In the 1970's and 80's Baby Boomers were settling down with families of their own. Large homes were purchased on traditional estates, and children were raised. Now, however, these children have children of their own. They've moved on into homes of their own, leaving Baby Boomers to manage large luxury estates with even longer commutes. What's a parent to do? Luxury condos are the answer!

More and more Baby Boomers are downsizing to luxury condos, settling into in-the-city communities of high-rise estates and on-the-spot amenities. Maintenance is taken care of, and commutes are non-existent. With luxury condos large enough to have designated spaces for the grandchildren without impeding on the grandparents' private space is there any reason not to live in a luxury condo?. Indoor/outdoor areas are available in some of the projects, entertainment and play, and pools the rule and not the exception in most luxury condo homes.

Downsize to luxury to see what all of the fun is about

 By Coco Clayman-Cook

Summer is now over and soon the oppressive heat will finally begin to drop. As with every change in the season, it's time for re-organize. Fall is a great time to de-clutter your home and perform a deep clean.  I've compiled a working list for you and your cleaning staff to have your fall home sparkling and fresh in no time.

First, make sure you take advantage of the changing air. Opening windows while you are out for the day will allow new air to circulate through your home.

While the windows are open ask your cleaning staff to give them a focused deep clean. Dust and other unpleasant materials can collect in windows with even the best cleaning. With the windows open and the weather clear, now is the perfect time to give each window the detailed attention it deserves.

Your luxury condo's balcony will also appreciate a good fall clean.  I especially recommend getting all corners immaculately clean as this is a very important concept I Feng Shui. 

Inside and out make sure that all of your lighting fixtures sparkle and that all of your flooring is properly maintained. Fall cleaning may not get the same press as Spring cleaning but it is worth the while.

By Coco Clayman-Cook

Times are changing, and so are luxury condos. The days of women living in their parent's home, their sorority homes, and then their husbands' homes are thankfully long gone. It's the twenty-first century, and it's the age of independence. Single women are in a place of power, and they need the home to match. Look out luxury condos!

The great part about luxury condos is that each one comes with entertainment space, living space, and the amenities to accommodate a twenty-four lifestyle. Late night of work and craving the perfect meal? World class dining is mere steps from your home! Want to entertain for 300 of your business associates without having to work to secure a venue? Take advantage of the high quality entertainment space available in your luxury condo!

Location is another reason for single women to take advantage of the LA Condo Lifestyle. Why not be in the center of a cornucopia of entertainment, shopping and cultural events? Additionally in luxury condos maintenance is already taken care of, the high-tech, fully-staffed security comes with the residence! Luxury condos create a worry-free environment where a professional single woman can feel safe and enjoy a world of amenities.

The LA Condo Lifestyle allows women the ability to step into a new lifestyle of luxury and freedom.