I'm really excited about this recent sale because if you're familiar with the real estate market (which I'm sure you are), you will realize that it's not quite the same as it was in 2008.  In fact, some areas have been affected by nearly a 50% drop.  By coming to Arbitrage, our client was only affected by 4.2%!

At Arbitrage, we believe in maximizing the equity in all our sales.  This one was truly rewarding as it saved my clients credit without resorting to a short sale -- which seems to be the common "escape route" these days!  This home sold for only 4.2% less than what we sold it for in 2008.  We helped our seller buy this home when it was one of my listings nearly 4 years ago, and when it came time to sell, we knew we had a challenge ahead of us, and boy did our approach pay off for a seller that put 100% of their confidence in us.  To top it off, it was located just a few houses North of Glenoaks --- just inside Rossmoyne!

Just like any other transaction with higher lending and appraising standards, we had challenges, but we fought and won each one.  Who would you like on your side with your next purchase or sale? 

Thanks again for helping us with another Record Sale!

Albert

p.s. we found the buyer right smack in the middle of the holiday season too!  So much for the excuse that "people don't buy during the holidays -- blah blah blah...."

; )

WWW.HOMESBYALBERT.COM IS FINALLY HERE!

After a year of researching, designing, investing and testing, we're pleased to announce the launch of our sister site www.homesbyalbert.com.  Though www.RealEstate123.com will always continue to remain our parent real estate site, this new site was designed to engage with more buyers and sellers.  

THE BENEFIT?

For Buyers: This site will provide buyers with unique set of reports & recommendations, while enhancing their search with improved connections with what they're looking for.  It will also educate buyers (whether first time or seasoned) on things to look out for when buying.

For Sellers: This site will increase our presence among search engines and web optimization. In addition, it will also attract more buyers through various portals and buyer specific home searches.  In essence, it's like having a dominance  and multiplicity all in one online community!  More buyers = more $$$ for your home. 

Having a website doesn't necessarily improve one's business; however, getting the right kind of traffic and content does.  I'm pleased to announce that a large percentage of our sales are a direct result of our online presence in addition to the amazing domain names which we registered in the late 90’s.

For example, www.CityofGlendale.com has brought me more traffic than I can ever imagine.  In fact, I even got people who come to the site to pay their water bill thinking it's the city's website.  Though we've had multiple offers from others who've wanted to purchase it, the value that it provides to our clients in today's market far outweighs the profit that can instantly be made.  www.CityofLaCanada.com is also another great one which targets many of the affluent homeowners and buyers in that city.  But nationally, www.RealEstate123.com has drawn a great deal of attention because of its simplicity & historical presence, not to mention it's feature in both the California and National Association of Realtors magazine.  We've got several dozen other sites serving areas such as Burbank, La Crescenta, Pasadena & the Valley as well.

As for www.HomesbyAlbert.com there's a great deal of intricacies that support the back-end of this new site.  We continue to remain confident that this will once again take your buying and/or selling experience to the next level!

At Arbitrage, we're committed to consistently adding additional level of services without it ever costing you a single penny more --- GUARANTEED!

Have an awesome day,

Albert Hairapetian 

The report includes:

- Unemployment levels
- Appreciation/Depreciation schedules with expectations
- Why "Now" is a good time to buy (with stats)
- Foreclosure forecast
- Distressed property stats
- Shadow inventory status across the country
- Percentage of contract failures
- and much more....

If you have any further questions about any of this, please don't hesitate to ask us.  Also, if you're thinking of selling or buying, you've gotta check out the following reports too!

	Things to consider if you are selling your house.
	Things to consider if you are buying a home.

WE DID IT!

After making a $100 bet with my office that we could manage to get over 100 people to  this home last Sunday, we finally ended up with 187 in less than 3 hours!  To top it off, we had multiple offers and ultimately sold this home on Friday.  The best part was that it was never listed.  That's right, no MLS, no "For Sale" sign, no nothing -- just a bunch of stuff done differently and without excuses!

I thank you for your continued support and help.  We normally average 12x more calls from our marketing than we do from the MLS.  That's huge!

If you haven't seen the video we created for what happened last week, you can view the YouTube link by clicking here or on the photo below.

Thanks again for all your help and stay dry!

More to come...

Albert
"The Guy that makes Real Estate Real Fun too!"

P.S.  In addition to this sale, we had 4 more purchases last week as well.  If you're curious to see what's currently listed, click here.  Want to get in on the "inside scoop"??? Call me directly at the number listed below.

While most think that January is the slowest time of the year for real estate, I decided to take this month to the next level.  After making a $100 bet with my office that we can get at least 100 people to an open house, we reached our goal in only 1 1/2 hours.  In fact, we had just under 187 people that showed up during a 3 hour period!  All of this was done without the help of the MLS or For Sale Sign -- which most Realtors can't live without!

The Result... MULTIPLE interested buyers (2 offers), and a ton of people still talking about this home! 

The whole point of doing this was to prove that no matter what market (or month) we're in, it is up to the Realtor to get results.  It's about how motivated the Realtor is.  In today's industry, while everyone "assumes" the market is slow, we continually work hard to make sure each individual gets the most amazing real estate experience ever.  Sunday proved it again!

Hear what some visitors had to say:

"I've never seen something like this before!"

"I think half of Glendale just showed up.... how did you do this?"

"Every time I see you and your office, you're always up to something -- and it's always amazing!"

"Class Act!!! --- Every time Albert!"

We've got a lot more exciting stuff headed your way -- Count on it!  In the meantime, click here to watch the video.  You don't want to miss out on it!

Have an awesome week and thanks for ALL your help!

Albert Hairapetian
Your Real Estate Consultant for Life!
818-244-2939

If you're thinking of selling, ACT NOW.  Get started before all the "Spring Market" sellers pull the trigger.  Less competition = higher price.  Click here to find out more.

Buyers, there's lot of deals out there right now.  Click here to learn more!

That's right.  I made a $100 bet with my office that while others outside of our office are complaining about how slow things are, that we can manage to get at least 100 people to come to this house tomorrow.  In fact, since I made my bet this past week, we put 3 homes under contract (in escrow), 2 of which were yesterday alone.  I plan on doing at least one more tomorrow.  That's an average of 1 home sold every 3 1/2 days!  Not a bad start for 2012!

In fact, if you want to get a glimpse on how eager buyers are today, here's an email I just got 2 hours ago from a Realtor who got my acceptance on their offer:

Your phone call yesterday made one family off the roof, to the sky.  They are very excited...!  

We faxed all the missing signatures from Counter #1 and addendum.  Please let me know when the escrow is open so they can bring their deposit check.  The Lender was notified and she is meeting with them tomorrow to start the lending process.

Thank you!

As for tomorrow, we already have interested people in this home and it's not even listed.  All offers will be reviewed on Monday so I encourage you to stop by.  Click on any of the pictures below to get more info (and to see more pictures).  

This home will be open between the hours of 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m..  We will have plenty of refreshments & snacks.  We're also going to be giving away a ton of prizes and informational materials that you don't want to miss out on.  This information will be useful whether you're thinking of buying or selling. 

I will also be there myself personally to make sure we answer as many questions as possible.  If you are a buyer or seller or just want to get a sense on how we move homes here at Arbitrage, you've gotta come by!  

Have a great Saturday evening and thanks for sharing this email with your families and friends.

P.S.  Got an iPhone?  Bring it with you tomorrow.  I'll help you load one of the best tools that I use (personally) in today's market.  You will not be able to upload it yourself through the Apple App store.  I'll share my access code with you and you'll leave the open house with the biggest smile on your face --- I PROMISE!

Have a great 2012!

Albert

We don't just sell single family homes here at Arbitrage, we also sell condos/townhomes as well.  In fact, here are the recent properties that we quietly sold in the past few weeks.  Each buyer & seller gets the same personalized attention and service as customary at Arbitrage.  Best of all, it'll NEVER cost you a single penny more!

Thanks again for helping us crunch these sales during this time of the year.  We look forward to moving more people in 2012!

Albert Hairapetian
818-244-2939 Office
818-522-8898 Cell
albert@realestate123.com

Start your home search today!  Click HERE

Coming Soon! --- 2616 N. Keystone Street

Hope you had a great Christmas weekend.  Here's a really nice 3 bedroom home we just listed in Burbank.  It's going to come on the market in a few weeks, but I can get you inside of it if you (or someone you know) is interested. 

A lot of work has been done to this home recently (i.e. new kitchen, bathrooms, lighting, roof, etc).  I would love to get this in escrow before Friday!  Know someone who might be interested???  Let me know.  Also, be sure you read the Seller's Vegas Offer below!

Thanks,

Albert Hairapetian
Your Real Estate Consultant for Life!
818-244-2939 Office
818-522-8898 Cell
albert@realestate123.com

Thinking of selling in 2012?  Get a head start by clicking here.

SELLER VEGAS INCENTIVE!

Help me find a buyer for this home (that successfully closes), and get 2 round trip tickets to Vegas for 2 nights at a hotel of your choice. You don't have to buy this home (simply refer someone that you know that may be interested).  The referal will need to take place before the offer is accepted.  There's obviously add'l stuff and seller restrictions that apply, so call me for the details so that I can clearly explain what the seller has in mind -- (818) 244-2939. 

I want someone to get this offer, so let's help each other out.  This offer will expire on December 31, 2011. 

Rest assured that whoever you send my way, will get the smoothest escrow experience ever imagineable (as customary at Arbitrage).  Remember, we need to put this deal together by 5:00 p.m. 12/31/2011!

Good luck and thanks for ALL your help!

(Only 1 person is eligible to win)

Did you really think that Thanksgiving and the so-called "holidays" would slow us down?  Not a chance.  In fact, we sold this one in 14 days flat.  That's right!  This home was in escrow on Day 3, and we closed it in only 11 days right after that on Day 14. 

What about the seller?  Were they on the street in only 2 weeks?  C'mon, you know I would never let that happen.  In fact, the seller gets to stay in the house for FREE for another 45 days!  That means they're still going to be there to celebrate Christmas and to toast champagne through New Years!  Heck, they may even celebrate with the buyers! 

While everyone scurried off to Black Friday deals, we were too busy coordinating the logistics that made this happen -- and it worked out pefectly! 

I've got more listings coming, so call me if you're serious about moving.  Thanks again for helping us out with a record (timing) sale!

We're excited about our recent close on 1715 Greenbriar Road in Glendale.  This home was on the market for only 29 days before it closed (the average in Glendale right now is approximately 3 1/2 months).  Listen in on my discussion with Collin Lindsay (former seller), when I called him to congratulate him on his close of escrow.

It's all un-cut, un-edited, and ready for you to witness how we're moving homes in this crazy market!  The best part is that he also gladly allows us to have you call him as a reference.  Thanks again for helping us with another sale!

More exciting sales coming....

Albert

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Want to be a happy seller like Collin?  Click here

And, here's the property that sold in less than a month!

A lot of people have been asking me about the impact of Equity Sales (typically regular sales) versus short sales and foreclosures.  My 5 minute video explains the following:

• Local comparisons in Glendale, Burbank, La Crescenta, La Canada & Pasadena
   
• The advantages and disadvantages of purchasing short sales & foreclosures.
   
• The exact number of equity sales in each area along with the comparisons to short sales and foreclosures.

I consider this a "must see" for both Buyers and Sellers!

Hope you're having a great week.  We just finished our September 2011 Real Estate Podcast not too long ago with Joe and Terry.  It's about 7 minutes along and we cover the following information:

• 1. Local sales data in Glendale, Burbank, La Cresencta, La Canada & Pasadena (for the month of August 2011)
• 2. It's a Price War and Beauty Contest out there (how to make your home stand out among all competing listings!)  I love this one...
• 3. Buyers -- Get off the fence already and look at the rates and prices!  Does it really get any better?

If you'd like to hear more about the market, or are curious about how I'm personally taking advantage of it, call or email me: albert@realestate123.com

Take care,

Sellers!  Hear about our Guaranteed Sales Program?  Click here.

iPad & iPhone Lovers.  You've gotta get our Arbitrage iPhone/iPad App.  All the real estate information (in any area) at your fingertips.  I use it every single day and you'll love it more than Angry Birds!

HOW TO SELL REAL ESTATE IN THE TOUGHEST MARKET EVER!

There's nothing better than giving back, and that's exactly the foundation that Arbitrage was built upon.  During the course of nearly 15 years, we have come up with some of the most unique and novel sales techniques and marketing ideas throughout the nation, a lot of which is replicated and used throughout our cities.  Each time I see my piece replicated, it puts a smile on my face cause you know you're leading (not following) the industry!  I have shared my ideas to thousands of Realtors across the U.S. and again will have the opportunity to share more in San Diego later this month.

There 3 day "action packed" conference will consist of mega Realtors who share their concepts and ideas to hundreds of Realtors. I'm honored to be part of this amazing organization.

Since the conference will be in Southern California this year, I will have a spot light presentation on what we do at Arbitrage to be ranked #1 throughout the community.

I thank you again for helping us achieve this status, and promise to continue to serve you the best I can throughout the following months and years that lie ahead! 

Have a great day!

Albert M. Hairapetian
Your Real Estate Consultant for Life!
818-244-2939 Office
818-522-8898 Cell

Arbitrage July 2011 Real Estate Newsletter Released!

I'm excited to announce the release of our July 2011 Newsletter.  Click here to view the full version.

In this issue:

*  Nicole's arrival
*  Today's amazing interest rates & loan programs!
*  Baja Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
*  Arbitrage's thanks their recent buyers/sellers
*  Our current inventory, escrows and upcoming listings
*  $100 Pacifier Scavenger Hunt
*  Arbitrage will pay for your car fuel until your home sells!*
*  and much more

*Certain restrictions apply

The average home South of the 134 Freeway sells within 83 days and normally experiences an 8.5% drop in value before it sells.

THAT'S NOT THE CASE AT ARBITRAGE!

I knew that I was headed for a challenge when I listed this property, especially since it was not in it's best condition.  This home needed a great deal of TLC throughout. 

THE RESULT: We applied the same concept we use for our other properties, and ended up selling this home in only 29 days with multiple offers. 

THE CHALLENGE: The original appraiser came in at approximately $68,000 below what we sold this home for.  The buyer was getting nervous, and the selling agent had only one option for their buyer - to cancel.  Our option, on the other hand, was to roll up our sleeves and to make this work -- and that's exactly what we did.

THE APPRIASER WAS CLUELESS!  The appraiser was very apprehensive when it came to showing him how to value this area.  He did not have the tools, resources, or knowledge on which homes to use, and how to value properties.  In addition, he was very defensive and was adamant on his discoveries.  My 2 year old son, Joey, could have been more conclusive and accurate!

OUR SOLUTION: We had to intervene and demand a new lender and appraiser.  We were fortunate enough to find an appraiser (who again had no knowledge about Glendale) to follow our lead and to take our advise and comparables.  The result was an appraisal that came in $68,000 more that the previous one, exactly at value!!!  Soon afterwards, contingencies were removed, loan docs were drawn up signed, funded the following day, and escrow finally closed on 06/17/2011 (today).

You see, the first appraiser was an absolute deadbeat.  Had we gone with his approach, this home would probably be selling in 2 more months at a price 8.5% lower (if we were lucky). 

At Arbitrage, we fought and we won -- AGAIN!  All this will never cost you a single penny more.  Instead, you get an aggressive team that's only after one thing -- RESULTS!

And for all those that think that appraisers are "GODS AT VALUATION", guess again!  Some suck and need to be educated carefully with baby steps on how to conclude their reports!  I've got more stories if you're interested.

Thanks again for another challenging, yet successful sale today!

Albert Hairapetian
Your Real Estate Consultant for Life!
818-522-8898 Cell

ARBITRAGE JUNE 2011 REAL ESTATE PODCAST
Listen in on our June 2011 Real Estate Podcast where Joe, Terri and I discuss recent trends and how buyers can make the most of favorable Summer conditions (appx. 7 minutes).

I've probably sold about a half dozen properties in Northridge, and admit that I don't quite know the neighborhood as well as I know ours.  In fact, I got lost every time I drove up there.  Upon acquiring this listing, we applied the EXACT tools we use to sell the properties over here (without changing a single concept).

THE RESULT: On Thursday, June 16, 2011 (today) we closed escrow.  The home sold in only 6 DAYS, OVER asking price, with multiple backup offers.  We had about 28 people who called on this home! 
Think we sold it too cheap?  It was recorded as the HIGHEST sale in the area.  The appraiser had the toughest time comping in at value.

I'm not trying to brag...  I'm just excited that what we created here at Arbitrage works exactly the same in another city 35 minutes away from us! 

Sellers:If you're thinking of sellling, rest assured that you will get the highest price in today's market with Arbitrage.

Buyers: If you're thinking of buying, rest assured that you will only be presented with the opportunities that will allow you to reap the gains of future appreciation.

We've got more coming....

Thanks for helping us with another record sale in an area we're completely unfamiliar with (in this market)!

:)

Albert Hairapetian
Your Real Estate Consultant for Life!
818-522-8898 Cell
albert@realestate123.com

I'm pleased to announce another sale that we just closed today at $800/sq.ft..  The seller never thought this was ever imagineable, but we were able to get an ALL CASH offer and close in only 15 days.  This property was sold for just under $2M.

Since this was a private sale, please contact us for further details on how we made it happen!  If you're curious to see what your home is worth if we were to sell it, click here.

Thanks again for ALL your help for helping us set another record while others are still fixated to the news!

Albert Hairapetian
Your Real Estate Consultant for Life!
818-244-2939

It was actually a cloudy Wednesday morning on May 18, 2011.  Mania was scheduled for her induction at 9:00 a.m. at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena.  Though we didn't get much sleep, we were interrupted by a phone call at 7:30 a.m. from the hospital stating that they needed to extend admitting her since all the rooms were full -- she was furious.  Not to mention, the anxiety was driving us crazy.  Later, we were told to come in at 1:30 p.m. to get started with the induction and delivery of baby Nicole.

Dr. Steven Hartford had been monitoring Mania since we originally began expecting Nicole and (thank God) everything looked great without any signs of trouble.  Nicole's height, weight, heart rate, bone structure and mom's chemistry with her were all on target while Mania experienced a very active baby during her 2nd and 3rd trimesters.  The only concern that the doctor had was that she had not dropped as much as he wanted for the delivery, but still felt confident that a natural delivery was a very viable option.  The chances of a cesarean was increased because of this; however, Dr. Hartford also indicated that he was scheduled to go on vacation on Friday for nearly 2 weeks (hence the reason for the induction on Wednesday).

Mania's parents came by and picked up Joey (who's now 22 months) and did a wonderful job watching him as we made our way to this delivery.   The drive to the hospital was quick and we were admitted in less than 10 minutes.

They first put Mania on Petocin which basically gets the contractions going.  I, on the other hand, was setting up tripods, cameras and other recording devices (while all the nurses thought I was out of my mind setting up for a Discovery Channel nature scene -- I didn't care)!  The cramping began at 3:30 p.m. and began to escalate as each hour progressed.

Originally when Mania was delivering Joey, she decided to go on epideral during the later part of the delivery. This time around, her request was immediate and everyone down the hallway knew she wasn't going to wait!  At around 8:00 p.m., she was given her dosage and began to feel numb almost instantaneously.  Boy was she in heaven!

Dr. Hartord finally showed up at 9:30 p.m. to check up on Mania as she had only dialated 2cm (delivery normally begins at 10cm).  Her water had not broken yet during which time he proceeded by breaking it manually.  This is where the fun began....  Nicole had only one option - to head South!

The doctor left Mania to go home to get some rest, while I was about to keep him in a "choke-hold" to make sure that he got this baby out in a timely manner.  He calmly told us that he was only 10 minutes away and that getting to the hospital would only take a simple phone call by a monitoring nurse.

At about 1:15 a.m., Thursday morning, Mania had reached 9.5cm.  She had rapidly dialated nearly 7 cm in less than an hour.  The doctor's sleep was interrupted and he showed up as promised (in 10 minutes) with a concerned look on his face.  Each time Mania had contractions, the baby's heart rate kept dropping (not a good sign).  They made her change several positions but that wasn't helping.  While he and 2 other nurses frantically looked at monitors hoping to see a normalized heart rate for the baby during the contractions, I was by Mania's side instructing her to breathe and to relax so that she could not sense their concern.  An emergency C-Section was on standby if the baby's heart rate didn't stabilize as the doctor wanted.

At exactly 1:45 a.m. it was time for Mania to push.  Nicole's heat lamp was on, the doctor was gearing up as though he was going to go into orbit.  It was time for Mania to start pushing.  Due to the nature of Nicole's dropping heart rate, the doctor opted to proceed with natural delivery while having Mania relax (not push) on every third contraction.

In only 15 minutes of pushing, Nicole shot out of Mania like a loose canon.  She had her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (which was immediatly unravelled once the doctor had access) -- that's what was causing the reduced heart rate during each one of Mania's contractions.  This could have been a lot worst!

Finally, she bursted out with her first cry in less than 3 seconds and turned from gray to pink almost instantly.  She was as healthy as imagineable.  They handed me the scissors and gave me the honors of "cutting my daughter's cord"!

Nicole was born at exactly 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011, while weighing 6lbs, 7ozs, at 20 inches tall.  She had a full set of hair and looked absolutely beautiful.  I had forgotten about all the apparatus I had set up while only focussing on one thing, Nicole (and of course, Mania).

While mesmerized by the experience of having a daughter with tears in my eyes, I could hear Mania saying "hurry, get some pictures!!!"..... so here they are!!!

Mania and I would like to thank you for all your support to the wonderful new addition to the Hairapetian family!

Welcome home Nicole!

Love,
Dad

Nicole's brother (Joey's) first glimpse of Nicole!

Nicole's Grandparents (Albert's Mom & Dad)

Nicole's Grandparent (Mania's Mom & Dad)

Nicole's Uncle Victor (Albert's Brother), Cousins Patrick & Sabrina, Auntie Tina was sick at home :( 

Nicole's Uncle Chris (Mania's brother)

Heading home...

Getting adjusted at home...