VOL. 20December 2012
| Coldwell Banker 1608 Montana AvenueSanta Monica, CA 90403
www.SantaMonicaListings.com
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DRE # 01218699
By KATE BRANSFIELD
While the real estate marketat large has experienced
instability over the past few years,2012 showed signs of recovery andeven growth. Fortunately the Northof Montana market has been lessaffected by the overall marketinstability and 2012 certainlyrepresented a rebound.
Prices have risen and theaverage number of sales eachmonth have been up from theprevious year. There are myriadreasons why the market has shownstrength, chief among them are thenumber of buyers looking forhomes in this desirable enclave ofSanta Monica.
Another promising sign is thenumber of developers coming back into the market for remodeling,revitalizing or engaging in newbuilding.
One of the most compellingreasons many buyers are interestedin coming into the market are the
historically low mortgage interestrates. Rates in the low 3% range areas good a reason as any to consideracquiring a home. Recentstatements by Federal Reserveofficials indicate this rateenvironment won't be changinganytime soon, providing not onlyeasy entry into the market for newhome buyers, but a great chance forcurrent owners to re-finance andlock in a favorable rate for years tocome. Additionally, low rates offercurrent owners the opportunity toupgrade to a larger home.
However, more than anything,it’s the charm of Santa Monica andthe North of Montana neighborhoodthat is drawing people in.
The area’s schools continue to besome of the best in SouthernCalifornia, if not the state. Thereare three perfect examples of thatin our neighborhood. WithFranklin and Roosevelt elementaryschools and Lincoln Middle Schoolnearby, every home is within ashort trip to campus.
A new trend of late has been theemergence of Santa Monica as acenter for jobs in the technologyfield. Dubbed Silicon Beach for thenumber of startups calling the cityhome, it’s given Santa Monicaanother attractive feature that haspeople looking to move here toadvance their careers. Thistranslates into more motivatedbuyers coming to town.
And of course, there’s the
climate. Basked in sunlight most ofthe year, Santa Monica boasts oneof the most comfortable climates inthe Los Angeles area. Also, theproximity to the beach has beenhigh on my clients’ wish lists whenthey decide to move here.
There are certainly plenty ofreasons to believe that 2013 willbring more of the same prosperityto our corner of the world.
About this publicationThis publication was produced by local Realtor Kate Bransfield to keep the North of Montana neighborhood
up to date on some of the more interesting happenings in this unique corner of Santa Monica. As a Santa Monican for over 23 years, Kate takes pride in being a part of this vibrant community.
| Coldwell Banker | 1608 Montana Avenue | Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.395.1133 | [email protected] | www.SantaMonicaListings.com
NOMO market continues to look up
North of MontanaSingle Family Homes Sold September-November 2011 Compared with September-November 2012
From ALL agents in ALL companies
Estates DirectorSociety of ExcellencePreviews Properties Specialist
310.395.1133DRE # 01218699
North of Montanaschool calendarLincoln Middle School1501 California Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403-4305(310) 393-9227www.lincoln.smmusd.org
Dec. 24-Jan. 7School will be closed for the winter recess.Classes resume Jan. 8.
Jan. 10Coffee with the Principal8:45 a.m.Share some time with Lincoln’s principaland take a tour of the campus.
Jan. 17PTSA Meeting6:30 p.m.Travel to Santa Monica High School for thisspecial panel for 8th grade parents. Samohiis located at 601 Pico Blvd.
Jan. 21MLK Jr. DayNo school for the holiday.
Roosevelt ElementarySchool801 Montana Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403-1591(310) 395-1472www.roosevelt.smmusd.org
Dec. 24-Jan. 4School will be closed for the winter recess.Classes resume Jan. 7.
Jan. 9PTA General Meeting7 p.m.This is a great opportunity to learn moreabout your school.
Jan. 21MLK Jr. DayNo school for the holiday.
Jan. 29TV Turn Off TuesdayInstead of watching the tube all day gooutside and play for a bit.
Franklin ElementarySchool2400 Montana Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403-2199(310) 828-2814www.franklin.smmusd.org
Dec. 24-Jan. 4School will be closed for the winter recess.Classes resume Jan. 7.
Jan. 17PTA MeetingThis will be the first PTA meeting of 2013.
Jan. 21MLK Jr. DayNo school for the holiday.
Jan. 28-31Recycling WeekTake this chance to help the environment bylearning about the importance of recycling.
Kate'srecommendationsPlease visit the website of this Santa Monica psychologist:
Inessa Manevich, Ph.D.1150 Yale Street, Suite 2Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.804.6339
Dr. Manevich attended the University of
Pennsylvania as an undergraduate and attained
her graduate degrees in clinical psychology from
Columbia University.
Dr. Manevich specializes in showing
individuals how to reach their full potential, by
helping people recognize the areas of their lives in
which they feel stuck, and work toward achieving
their own definition of success.
She works with individuals, couples, families
and adolescents who are struggling with various
life's difficulties.
Montana Library events
The Montana Branch Library is somuch more than just a library.
It offers free Internet access and is a meeting place for the North of Montana neighborhood.
Dec. 19Baby Story Time10:15 a.m.Enjoy stories selected for babies up to 17months.
Dec. 20Toddler Story Time10 a.m.Spend the morning hearing stories thatappeal to toddlers up to 35 months.
Dec. 20In Case You Missed It Film Series:‘Contagion’2 p.m.In this star-studded, suspense flick directedby Steven Soderbergh, the medicalcommunity races to develop a vaccine tocombat a lethal airborne virus.
Dec. 22Lego Club3 p.m.Come have fun with Legos and buildsomething amazing. Ages 4 and up.
Dec. 24-25All Santa Monica libraries will be closed forthe holiday.
Dec. 26Vacation Crafts3 p.m.Join the library each afternoon for a specialcraft. Ages 4 and up. This workshop teacheskids how to make a beaded pin.
Dec. 31 and Jan. 1All libraries will be closed for the New Yearsholiday.
Jan. 5Self Publishing & e-Publishing made simple12:30 p.m.In this informative seminar, you will learnto self-publish your book, convert it to an e-book, sell it, make it available for download,create podcasts, and protect yourintellectual property. With author MikeRounds.
Jan. 9Mystery Book Group: ‘Faceless Killers’7 p.m.Discussion of Henning Mankell's firstWallander novel, in which he tries to solve ahorrible crime that ignites anti-immigrantfervor.
Jan. 15In Case You Missed It Evening Film Series:‘Friends with Kids’6:30 p.m.When two people decide to have a childwithout becoming a couple, their close-knitfriends begin to question their ownlifestyles.
The library is located at 1704 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, Ca., 90403. For more information, call (310) 458-8682.
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