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BUILDING VS. BUYING - BLOG SERIES Since so many of our readers ask us about this topic, we decided to write a blog series!  Are current home prices just too high? Does your dream home seem out of reach?  Photos: 1719 Gladys Dr, Glendale, CA 91206 / Listed for: $275,000 Step #1 Buying a Good Lot Let's face it, today's home prices are sky high and if you continue to get outbid when you find a home you love, it can be very discouraging. If buying your dream home seems to be impossible... What about building your dream home from the ground up? If you build a home from the ground up you can build some equity in the process BUT don't think that the process will be walk in the park. Be prepared for a process that is both challenging and stressful but also very rewarding when you make it through to the other side and complete your dream home! It was back 2003 when I was on my personal home search and just to remind everyone, 2003 was a crazy time when the real estate bubble was building and multiple offers and overbidding were the norm. As I looked at the rising home prices, I really didn't think that I could afford any of the homes that I felt would be good for me. Then I got the brilliant idea that I would build a home from the ground up instead. At the time, I had never built a home before but why let the lack of any home-building experience get in the way of a great adventure? But I successfully made it through the process! Today, as I write this blog, I am sitting in the home that I built from the ground up. And after living in this home for over ten years, I still absolutely LOVE it and I learned so much by going through the process. I'd like to share my experiences so that anyone considering to build their own home from the ground up has a better understanding of what all is involved. What is involved, you ask? Let's break the process down into some main steps: Step #1 Buying a Good Lot! Step #2 Getting Your Permits Step #3 Contractors & Financing Step #4 Let the Building Begin! Step #5 Permanent Financing and Moving into your Dream Home!! PLUS... ALL YOUR TIME, ALL YOUR PATIENCE, ALL YOUR GRIT, AND ALL YOUR MONEY!! LOL:)  Today, let's dig into STEP#1 BUYING A GOOD LOT! During my search, my focus was on buying a lot in greater NELA community. I spent endless hours driving through the hillsides of Glassell Park, Mount Washington, and other surrounding neighborhoods like El Sereno, Montecito Heights and Lincoln Heights. I sure did get to know the neighborhoods through that process! I probably looked at 100 lots or more before I finally stumbled upon my dream lots. Yes, "lots"! At the time, I didn't realize when I placed my offer (and neither did the listing agent nor the seller) the property that I purchased was actually TWO lots side-by-side. What I also didn't know, and in retrospect I got pretty lucky, it turns out that the lots that I purchased were considered "very good" in terms of having lots that met some critical criteria that I would like to share. There is a general rule of thumb that I use when considering if a lot is a "good deal" and a "good option" to purchase when looking to build a home. EXAMPLE: Let's use a working number of $1,000,000 as the value of the completed home, the rule of thumb. BUDGET 25% of the value of the completed home = cost of the lot BUDGET 50% of the value of the completed home = cost of construction BUDGET 25% of the value of the completed home = builder's profit So in the case of a completed home that would be worth $1,000,000 the budget for the land would be up to $250k, the budget for the cost of construction would be up to $500k and the final $250k would be reserved for the builder's profit. Trust me, this is going to be a challenging project and it's only appropriate that at the end of the process you are compensated 25% for your "education". You might be tempted to purchase a lot that you find that might be listed for only $25k or $35k or $50k. In today's market, most likely a vacant lot that is priced below $150k or $100k will have some issues and those issues might cost you much more than you could ever imagine.  Here are questions to ask and features to look for when considering a vacant lot:
If your answer to one or more of the above questions is "no" then there could be significant expenditures that need to factored into your budget. If the answer to above question #1"no" then it might be a budget buster and make a construction project economically unfeasible. Hopefully this gives you a better idea of what "Buyer A Good Lot" is all about and what to look for.  Photos: 1719 Gladys Dr, Glendale, CA 91206 / Listed for: $275,000   Buying or Selling Real Estate? Contact Us Today! Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
 Celebrating World Spay Day 2019 LA Animal Services Launches Instant Print-at-Home Spay/Neuter Vouchers With this new innovation, it has never been easier to spay or neuter your pet! Los Angeles, February 26, 2019 LA Animal Services has unveiled a new Print-at-Home option for free or reduced cost spay/neuter vouchers, saving community members a trip to the shelter to get a voucher, or waiting to receive one in the mail in celebration of World Spay Day. With this new process, a voucher will be in your inbox in moments, each with their own individual bar code to be scanned when bringing in your companion animals in for spaying or neutering. Vouchers may be printed at home and brought into the nearest animal service center or participating veterinary hospitals, spay/neuter clinics and mobile spay/neuter clinics. "It has never been easier to spay and neuter your pets," said Brenda Barnette, LA Animal Services General Manager. "With this new innovation, the process of receiving one of these vouchers is easier than ordering movie tickets online!" "The new Print-at-Home voucher process is nothing short of a game-changer for current and soon-to-be pet owners of Los Angeles," said Councilmember Paul Koretz. "This new convenience will make today, and future World Spay Days, easier to take part in for all Los Angeles City residents." Free Spay & Neuter Certificates (vouchers) and Discount Spay & Neuter Coupons are available for Los Angeles City residents online, and at all six LA City Animal Services Centers. Each household is eligible for discounts for three dogs and three cats per household. Feral cats and stray dogs do not qualify for this program. Download the list of participating Veterinary Hospitals Here: 
 LA Animal Services | 888-452-7381 | LAAnimalServices.com   Buying or Selling Real Estate? Contact Us Today! Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
Homes Fur All's Charity Wish List on Amazon! Buy Pet Food and Supplies From Our Wish List and Amazon Will Ship It Directly To Us!       Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
Coming Soon Listing in Highland Park!  Occidental Adjacent Paradise 3+2 SFR with 2+1 ADU This amazing property consists of THREE structures including a beautiful 3-bedroom 2-bath home plus a 2+1 ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and a detached 2-car garage that makes a perfect studio! The ADU has a completely separate entrance with secure parking and is completely separate from the main home - ideal to rent to Occidental students. The grounds are lush with numerous champion fruit trees and garden beds. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Contact us for a showing! Brian Fitzburgh, Real Estate Broker 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com   Buying or Selling Real Estate? Contact Us Today! Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
Rescue Pet Spotlight of the Week Ruby  Facts About Me Breed: Chihuahua/Italian Greyhound Mix Color: Tan/Yellow/Fawn - with White Age: 2 years old Weight: 25 lbs when grown Sex: Female Ruby is a 2 yr old chihuahua Italian Greyhound mix. She weighs about 5 lbs now but is still very skinny, her ideal weight should be 8 lbs. She is sweet and loves to give kisses but sometimes is shy around new people. She is very active and playful, loves to play with toys and other playful dogs. She tries to get the other dogs in her fosters home to play with her. Ruby also loves to snuggle and just chill out. She seems to like kids but is sometimes scared, so kids 10 yrs and up would probably be a better fit. Her owners gave her up to the shelter and no reason was given. She’s not a barker, is house trained and up-to-date on vaccines.      Buying or Selling Real Estate? Contact Us Today! Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
  "I had a great experience working with Brian! He was very thorough, professional, personable, and a great communicator. Was very good at explaining the whole process, and patient with me even though I asked a million questions! Having had experience with building homes himself, he has an eye for certain technical things that I don't think every real estate agent would know about. As a side note, he also does amazing work for animal welfare! All around great person - would highly recommend as a real estate agent! I ended up deciding not to go forward with the purchase, and he was understanding and compassionate, wanting to make sure that whatever happened was in my best interest." Magda Szyrmer 4167 Morro Dr, Woodland Hills, CA 91364   BUYING OR SELLING REAL ESTATE? Contact Us Today! Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
 February is recognized as National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and the time has come again to encourage pet owners to have their companion animals sterilized before the warmer months of the year when puppies and kittens are born. To commemorate this special month, L.A. Animal Services would like to remind pet owners about the benefits of spaying or neutering your furry companions. "Spay/Neuter Awareness Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of sterilization," said Brenda Barnette, L.A. Animal Services General Manager. "By spaying or neutering your cat or dog and spreading the word to others, you are helping to prevent unwanted pets births, reduce stray animals and decrease the number of pets crowding our City animal shelters." Spaying or neutering your cat or dog not only reduces shelter intake, but it may enhance the life of your four-legged friend by:
L.A. Animal Services offers free spay/neuter services to low-income L.A. City residents and discount coupons to any City resident for three dogs and three cats per household. The free and discount vouchers are available at all six L.A. Animal Services Shelters. To find the nearest shelter, visit LAAnimalServices.com/shelters. To learn more about L.A. Animal Services Spay and Neuter programs and find participating veterinary hospitals, spay/neuter clinics and mobile spay/neuter clinics in your area, visit LAAnimalServices.com/spay-neuter.  LA Animal Services | 888-452-7381 | LAAnimalServices.com  BUYING OR SELLING REAL ESTATE? Contact Us Today! Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
 Facts About Me Breed: Chihuahua Mix Color: Tan/Yellow/Fawn Age: 3 years old Weight: 8 lbs Sex: Male Biscuit is a 3-4 year old Chihuahua mix and he weighs about 8 lbs He is good with other dogs and found out he’s not good with cats. He is a bit shy around new people, but is not aggressive and warms up quickly as you can tell from the little video we took of him he didn’t know this new volunteer and he did just fine with them. Pilots for Paws flew him here from central California where his owners decided not to claim him when he was at the shelter. Uses a doggie door and crate trained and walks enthusiastically on leash. He would like another small dog to play with. He loves to go for walks and loves the adventure of the great outdoors so you have to be careful of the front door or he will go on an adventure on his own no small children under 12 years old and if he is adopted to someone with a yard it has to be secured as to make sure he won’t adventure out on his own.     Buying or Selling Real Estate? Contact Us Today! Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
 Los Angeles, February 14, 2019 - This February 16th and 17th, The Pet Care Foundation and LA Animal Services celebrate My Furry Valentine to bring a new love into your home. All six of the city's animal service centers will open their doors on Saturday and Sunday with lowered adoption costs on all dogs and cats! "We hope to find loving homes for every pet that's in the LA City Animal Services Centers," said Bill Crowe, Director of the Foundation. He continued, "This weekend is the perfect time to fall in love with a new furry friend!" "We're confident that your perfect match is waiting for you at one of our service centers. Join us in the celebration of My Furry Valentine by welcoming a new love into your heart and home," said Brenda Barnette, LA Animal Services General Manager. L.A. Animal Services City shelters are filled to the brim with hundreds of amazing dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, colors, hair length and breeds. Our pets are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped. While all the adoption fees are reduced, there will be a $20 dog license fee applied for LA City residents for dogs older than four months. LA City Animal Shelter locations can be found online at www.lanimalservices.com. Los Angeles Department of Animal Services is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States with six shelters serving approximately 60,000 animals annually and responding to 20,000 emergency calls involving an animal or person in danger. LA Animal Services promotes and protects the health, safety and welfare of animals and people. The Pet Care Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of homeless pets in the Los Angeles area. For more information contact: bill@petcarefoundation.org, www.petcarefoundation.org, or call 310-247-8469.    Buying or Selling Real Estate? Contact Us Today! Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: ROCK ROSE STUDIO - Speak from the Heart, New Works By Mario A. Hernández2/14/2019 LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:  Speak from the Heart New Works By Mario A. Hernández February 16, 2019 through March 9, 2019  With colorful interpretations galvanized by Mesoamericans eccentric artistry, Mario A. Hernández examines over three millenniums of ancient American art and iconography, he visually translates them into modern compositions and embeds them with contemporary events. Hernández’s most recent work is comprised of themes related to culture syncretism, social justice, native mythology, immigration, and current struggles. Speak from the Heart expresses the importance of letting one’s voice be heard. When you Speak from the Heart, your words are sincere, honest, and inspiring. During our nation’s current political and social turmoil, art is a tool to communicate our struggles, rights, and beliefs. Art is an image worth more than a thousand words delivering messages clear and direct. This exhibit invites the viewer to think about how they verbally engage in conversations: Is it with sincerity and feelings, or based on mascara? Opening Reception: February 16, 2019 from 6pm - 9pm Rock Rose Studio 4108 North Figueroa St., Highland Park 323-635-9125 www.rockrosegallery.com Mario A. Hernández was born in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, and since the age of two has resided in the East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights area. He has received a trio of Associate of Arts degrees from East Los Angeles City College in Art History, Studio Art and Arts Graphic Communication. He is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Arts degree in Studio Art at California State University, Los Angeles. Hernández has showcased his works at the Vincent Price Art Museum, Art Share Gallery, Align Gallery, Neutra Gallery. South Pasadena Library, Glendale Central Library, Biscailuz Gallery at El Pueblo Historical Monument, Avenue 50 Studio, Angels City Brewery, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Fallbrook Library, East Los Angeles City College, All Saints Church, Salas Studio Gallery, and California State Univerity, Los Angeles.   4108 North Figueroa St., Glassell Park 323-635-9125 www.rockrosegallery.com   Buying or Selling Real Estate? Contact Us Today! Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
4th Annual 2019 Fitzburgh Realty Team VIP All-Star Super Party Rescue Pet Adoption Extravaganza!2/13/2019 This annual event is our way of thanking our amazing clients and associates. We appreciate each and every one of you for all that you do to support us in our mission! Here are some highlights from the party... We had a rescue pet adoption where 4 rescues were adopted!  We had our "Hero Award Ceremony" where our top heroes received a "Hero Award"!  We had tons of food...  ...and drinks! Thank you Eliter and Rich for the wonderful meal and beer!  We had lots of kids activities, contests and prizes!  We had so much fun with our resident face painter!  The venue, LA River Studios, was fantastic... thanks again Shawn for saving the day!  We had goodie bags filled with fun things!   Thank you for those who came and made the party so much fun. Hope to see you next year!  Join the club and get on the 2020 VIP SUPER PARTY GUEST LIST!   Buying or Selling Real Estate? Contact Us Today! Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
 HOMES FUR ALL Spotlight Rescue Pet of the Week VALENTINA Facts About Me Breed: Chihuahua Mix Color: Gray/Silver/Salt & Pepper - with White Age: 5 years old, Adult Size: (when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less Valentina is a very Sweet, easy going gal. She likes to be with her human. She is a Perfect companion to take with you to complete your daily activities, eating out or visiting family/friends. She does have some separation anxiety. She will cry if left alone. Valentina is Great with kids and other dogs. Walks well on a leash and housetrained if taken out on a regular basis. She loves to play and run around with other dogs. Perfect companion to take anywhere and everywhere you go.   Michele Santiago-Herrera 626.379.0420 Denise S. Jones 818.359.2385 P.O. Box 2086, Monrovia, CA 91017 www.walkmehomerescue.org walkmehomerescue@gmail.com   Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
 THANK YOU SHAWN SEDLACEK & LA RIVER STUDIOS It was overtime and our team was down... With storm clouds dumping rain on the field of play and only seconds remaining on the clock, Brian Fitzburgh threw a "Hail Mary" to LA River Studios owner Shawn Sedlacek who pulled it in and saved the day! THANK YOU FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE GENEROSITY AND FOR OPENING THE DOORS OF THE INCREDIBLE "LA RIVER STUDIOS" VENUE SO THAT "The 4th Annual Fitzburgh Realty Team VIP All-Star SUPER PARTY and RESCUE PET ADOPTION Extravaganza!!" could take place! The Fitzburgh Realty Team SCORED with the help and generosity of Shawn Sedlacek and the beautiful LA River Studios... THANK YOU FOR SAVING THE PARTY! SHAWN & DEBRA & JOEY and LA RIVER STUDIOS ARE WINNERS!! AND THE BEST PART? There were four adoptions and two fosters which means that six rescue pets found a home!!   IF YOU WANT A FANTASTIC SPACE FOR AN EVENT Please contact LA RIVER STUDIOS and the VOX GROUP LA River Studios & The VOX Group 2025 N. San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, 90065 Phone: (310) 535-5510 Fax: (310) 535-5511 Info@LARiverStudios.com www.LARiverStudios.com   Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com  Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
 Dozens of Southern California museums are opening their doors for free to the public this weekend in a "Museums Free-For-All" event. The museums will be free on Saturday, Feb. 2 and/or Sunday, Feb. 3. The museums are partnering with Metro to encourage members of the public to use public transportation to see the museums. For those who drive, regular parking fees will still be charged.  Here are the participating museums: Saturday Only Autry Museum of the American West Columbia Memorial Space Center Descanso Gardens (Free tickets available at descansogardens.org/tickets. Japanese American National Museum (Free tickets available at janm.org/freeforall.) Kidspace Children's Museum La Brea Tar Pits and Museum (General admission only; free tickets available at tarpits.org/freeforall.) Los Angeles County Museum of Art Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center (Museum admission only) Santa Barbara Museum of Art USC Fisher Museum of Art Wende Museum of the Cold War  Sunday Only Bowers Museum Muckenthaler Cultural Center Museum of Latin American Art Museum of Tolerance Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (General admission only; free tickets available at nhm.org/freeforall.) Palm Springs Art Museum Skirball Cultural Center (Noah's Ark timed-entry, one-hour tickets are limited and distributed first-come, first-served.) The University Art Museum at California State University, Long Beach Valley Relics Museum Zimmer Children's Museum by Sharewell  Both Saturday and Sunday Armory Center for the Arts Automobile Driving Museum The Broad (Free advance general admission tickets strongly recommended to avoid waiting in the standby line. Visit thebroad.org to make a reservation.) California African American Museum California Science Center (General admission only. A timed reservation with a convenience fee is required for Space Shuttle.) Craft Contemporary Forest Lawn Museum Fowler Museum at UCLA Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art The Getty Center The Getty Villa (Timed tickets are required for the Getty Villa. Visit getty.edu to make a reservation.) Hammer Museum Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles Laguna Art Museum La Plaza de Cultura y Artes Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust The Museum of Contemporary Art Orange County Museum of Art Pomona College Museum of Art Sunnylands Center & Gardens USC Pacific Asia Museum    Homes Fur All is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization dedicated to helping the people and pets of NELA.
Brian Fitzburgh Real Estate Broker / Animal Lover 818-571-9712 team@brokerstrust.com www.brokerstrust.com |
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