MARKET UPDATE

FROM THE DESK OF KELVIN VERRETT, YOUR EXPERT ADVISOR

7th Edition: January 6th, 2020

2021. Whew. We finally made it. Thank goodness! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some big changes. As per tradition, I'm starting the year off with my personal and professional list of goals. One of my goals is to be here for you, my friend, my family, my business colleague and/or my client.

If you need me for guidance in any way, personal or professional, I'm here. Yes, this is my professional business letter, but first and foremost, we need to be here for one another. I make and/or receive over a hundred calls a day. I will never forget the value of reaching out to hear your voice, even if its just to say hello. 2020 may have moved us away physically, its up to us to stay connected. 

Now, on a business note, although we're in a stay-at-home order in Los Angeles, we've had almost a full year to do a trial run of virtual real estate. In fact, my team, eXp Realty, has been building up for this for almost two decades. We actually talk to you via Zoom calls, you can get pre-approved online, you can shop online, you can make or receive an offer online and can sign contracts all from the comfort of your home.

Ah, but what about the physical viewing of the property? 

Covid Safe Show System: When viewing or showing a home in person, everything is clean and sanitized. Face masks, social distancing and ongoing sanitizing is in place for all of our safety. We schedule everything through appointment only viewings. You are in total control of all showings. If you have any questions or concerns prior to any viewings, you can be assured that we will address all of your concerns before even scheduling. Our goal is to ease any of your concerns and allow you to continue the safe enjoyment of your home.

The new year has brought in gifts for both the buyer and the seller.

For the buyer, interest rates have remained low and are expected to stay in the 2-3% range throughout the year, with Fannie Mae being predicted to stay around 2.8%. If you're ready for a change of scenery, its a good time to get a mortgage! Ask about our VIP Home Hunter Service.

For the seller, the inventory of properties to purchase is low. Real Estate Agents are looking for properties to offer their clients. If you price it right, you have an excellent chance of selling. If you're both a seller and a buyer, you can benefit from both! If you're ready to move up to a new home, you may have substantial gains to use from the sell of your current home. Ask about our Winter Listings Special.

Many Blessings From Your Expert Advisor,

Kelvin Verrett

Direct: 818-423-4519

Website: Verrett4homes.com

LA's Home Architectural Styles

1. Cape Cod -New construction Cape Cod style houses have become popular especially in Sherman Oaks and Encino.
2. Mediterranean/Spanish -classic California.
3. Tuscan -Mediterranean/Spanish style with masonry/stone on the exterior.
4. Tudor -sharp roof with external wood timber.
5. Victorian -1800s style homes with decorative exterior.
6. Craftsman -low pitched gabled roofs, deeply overhanging broad eaves and large front porches with multiple outdoor materials.
7. French -an elegant and sophisticated with very steep roofs and symmetrical proportions.
8. Traditional -a blend of different historical architectural styles.
9. Modern -lack of ornament (decorative design), emphasis of rectangular forms with no roof, oversized glass sliding doors and windows.
10. Contemporary -happy medium between a traditional style and a modern style house.

KELVIN'S FAVORITE RECIPES

White Chicken Chili

 Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy stock pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper, and cook until very soft, about 8 minutes. Stir in the green chiles, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the chicken breasts, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through about, 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Shred the meat with two forks, then return the chicken to the pot. Stir in the beans and corn, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until completely combined. The mixture will look like wet sand. Cook until the mixture begins to dry out and turn golden-brown, about 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in a little bit of the milk until smooth, then whisk in the remainder until smooth. Pour into the chili, and stir until completely incorporated and smooth. Bring to a boil, then cook, stirring frequently until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Serve topped with sour cream, scallions, and cheese, if desired.