Malibu Real Estate | 10 Android Apps for Real Estate Agents

Android apps of this caliber are invaluable for quick reference. They are an invaluable resource that are unlike any sorts of information gathering abilities present in any other form up to this point in the real estate quarter.

Zillow

Zillow- This is one of those android apps that is great because it doesn’t have any extra costs associated with it. Zillow has a database of all U.S. homes for sale. You can search based on which are renting and which are for sale, and it has all sorts of information on each house. The application is also among the new android apps that have integration with GPS, making it so that you can immediately locate and drive to any location you find on Zillow. As Zillow is known also for their “Zestimates”, it is highly recommended that you discuss conditions with an agent before jumping to conclusions.

REALTOR®

REALTOR®- The android app from Realtor.com. This app has a feature to highlight an entire area or information on real estate within the area. It has less of a listing than Zillow, due to the 3 day delay, but the listings also tend to be more accurate since they come directly from MLS data and are carefully monitored. The highlight feature is what makes the app stand out though, and it makes getting quick understanding of an area from a visual aid much easier.

Homes.com

Homes.com- Among the android apps, the one for Androids is good for fast searching with very quick look-up, as well as a near-instant rendering of a simple photo of any particular property that you need.

iHandy Carpenter

iHandy Carpenter- It’s useful to have android apps that help with other aspects of real estate other than just researching properties. This app has a few professional tools that will help with working on a home, such as a surface level, a steel ruler, and a steel protractor.

Real Estate Dictionary of Terms

Real Estate Dictionary of Terms- In cases where a quick reference is needed, android apps like this one that have easy reference information about terms used by real estate professionals in Malibu and all across the globe! Its handy and good to have on your phone!

Karl’s Mortgage Calculator

Karl’s Mortgage Calculator- This is one of those android apps that can produce a lot of useful graphs and charts for easy reference. You can input principal, interest, and term into it and come out with mortgage payments. You can also reverse calculate any of the terms based on information from the remaining three terms.

HotPads

HotPads- The HotPads program is another of the Android apps that focuses on speedy discovery of real estate prices in a certain area. It also can greatly help with finding a client a rental quickly. This can often be a problem if a client has an emergency where they need to leave a house fast, and have no other short term option. Android apps like Hotpads can be a real life saver in finding the transitional place needed.

Safe Neighborhood

Safe Neighborhood- Although this is among the more controversial Android apps, the truth of the matter is that many people want to know how safe a particular neighborhood is before they move in. And whether it’s true or not, many people will judge safety based on how many sex offenders are in this area. Droid apps like this one show the exact location of sex offenders in the area, based on a detailed map. This can help assure perspective home buyers of the viability of a neighborhood.

Craigslist Browser

Craigslist Browser- Not all android apps will find real estate possibilities that aren’t listed in official channels. The Cragislist Browser will let you find additional possibilities that were listed more informally for a particular area. It’s a convenient way to quickly search Craigslist for any additional possibilities that other android apps might miss.

Real Estate 114

Real Estate 114- Android apps like Real Estate 114 have additional features beyond simple searches. For example, this app lets you actually see floor plans for local places, as well as price trends.

Android apps can go a long way to aiding the savvy Real Estate agent in their business. The key is to use the right ones that are perfect for the job.

Malibu Real Estate Search

Below you’ll find homes currently available throughout LA. Refine your search to preview homes on the market only in Malibu or the city of your choice.

Based on current market conditions in Malibu you really want to make sure to align yourself with the right REALTOR®!

Finding the Right REALTOR® in Malibu

As you’re reading this story online, here on AboutMalibu, it would be in your best interest to research the REALTOR® which you are considering. Maximize use of research by using the internet! These days with social networking and all the various sites out there, it’s easy to find information about someone online. Do your research! How is the reputation of the REALTOR® you are considering?

You should also ask this REALTOR® about how they work. What’s their system on either finding you a home or selling your home in Malibu? Are they making recommendations which make sense? How are they helping you either net the most money or helping you save the most money? If they’re selling your home, how are they maximizing exposure to market your home properly? Ask them about this and don’t be shy…

If you’ve never worked with a REALTOR® before, find out what their standard procedures are. If you’re looking to buy a home, have they asked you if you’re pre-approved? If you’re not pre-approved are they giving you lender recommendations? If they are representing you on a listing, have they been very thorough on asking you why you’re looking to sell? Did you go over costs associated with the transaction? Did they recommend any home staging or make any curb appeal recommendations should you’re home need it?

There are so many elements involved in either buying or selling a home in Malibu, that it’s really in your best interest to find the right REALTOR®. You want to find a REALTOR® who is going to walk you thru the process and give you strong and valuable advice! One who’s motivation isn’t commission based, but client based.

Good luck on your next Real Estate Transaction!

Just as many other investments go, it’s not uncommon for their to be ups and downs. This is typical in most industries which individuals invest in. Just compare real estate to the stock market when considering whether to buy or sell in Malibu. Many times people panic when times show a trend, yet it’s been known many times for an industry to bounce back (as it’s done in the stock market). Now in Malibu there are many things which impact property value. Some of these things include natural disasters (ie: mudslides, earthquakes). But also as many of us know, nothing beats a beautiful day in Malibu which is of the norm for a good chunk of the year… Living in a beach community has it’s pro’s and con’s as we all know.

Buy and Hold Investor

Now if you’re investing where you hope for a slow growth over time in the value of property, you’re known as a buy and hold investor. Did you purchase an investment property to be used as a vacation property? Is it a rental and pure income property? Do you count on renters to be in your income property for so many months of the year to offset your costs?

As the summer season is known to bring many temporary residents to the Malibu community, the serious real estate investor makes sure to maximize their income while the season demands it.

It’s also important to mention to those who are thinking of an investment property in Malibu or the surrounding areas, there’s a great deal of upkeep and maintenance required. This can include anything as small as making sure the place is properly furnished to dealing with repairs as required. There are many services out there where Vacation Rentals are not only rated these days but individuals will leave comments for others to see. If you’re not looking out for a tenant who is spending a sizable amount for rent during busy (or slow) season, they may just let others know how unimportant you have made them.

In addition, it’s a good idea to work with a professional real estate agent and/or property manager who can assist you. Based on your needs, this person or entity may save you a considerable amount of time and money as well as look after part of your investment. They may assist you in making sure you’re receiving the required rental payments depending on the arrangement you make with them. If you have a portfolio of multiple properties, this may be a very wise decision.

Considering how current market conditions are in Malibu, you must have the mindset of being committed towards your investment or knowing when you need to sell. Either way, it’s good to consult with a professional if the shift in conditions poses many questions to you.

Home Theater Furniture

When planning out the layout of your home theater, furniture is a must. You need to decide if home theater chairs are what you’re looking for, couches or a combination of both. The color of the furniture should work with the color of your walls and/or carpets. The overall feel of your home theater is going to come out based on the type of furniture you have. When shopping for furniture, ask yourself about the various levels of comfort. Do you want a home theater with couches that sink in deep, or that that have a little firmness? Do you want chairs which fully recline, rock or leather chairs with a back massage option along with many other features? Also, take a look at various end tables and see if they fall in the equation.

Home Theater Sound

When shopping for the proper sound system, ask yourself how far you’d like to go. Surround sound today can be accomplished quite easily, though depending on the size of the room, the shape of the room and the height of your home theater will all play important factors on how strong a sound system you’ll need. When shopping for your sound system, it will be good to know the measurements of the room. Smaller rooms can get away with as few as 3 speakers, though depending on how far you want to go with your sound, you may want no less then 6 along with a subwoofer to maximize your surround sound feel. Make sure to talk with a professional who not only knows the gear, but can tell you the pros and cons of the various systems.

You’ll also want to decide whether or not you want wireless speakers. vs. having a surround system fully wired. Depending on how far you want to go is totally up to you. Home theater systems can cost as little as a couple hundred dollars to major systems running thousands and thousands of dollars. Also, if you’re planning on having movie nights and your theater has plenty of square footage you may want to also look at additional audio inputs should you decide to add a wireless mic system, or other external components should your home theater become a multi-purpose party room. Make sure depending on how far you go, that you have enough power running to this room, and don’t hesitate in contacting a licensed electrician.

Video

Video is the final element necessary for your home theater. Today, you can buy some rather large flat screen / plasma televisions if this is the route you’d prefer going. Many who have a home theater prefer projection, and these days you’ll want to see how strong the projectors are which you’re considering buying. The further the throw from the projector will determine whether or not you need a long throw lens and how strong a projector you need. The higher the lumens, the more clear the screen will look. Keep in mind though the higher the lumens, the more heat which will be generated from the projector. Depending on your placement will determine whether or not you’ll need to have cables run.
Another new form of technology which is available these days are 3D-TV’s. Is this something you’ve thought about as being part of your home theater?
In addition, you’ll need a full video control, which your system should include a BluRay player, which is also capable of running DVDs, and depending on the video formats any other additional required video equipment.

Some other home theater thoughts

Have you thought about the added bells and whistles? This may include anything from beverage machines to proper track lighting to create the theater mood. Are you creating rows for your seating? If so, have you thought about lighting on the ground? What color carpet do you anticipate laying down or do you have a different idea for flooring? Does this room have central air and where are the vents located? Will the air flow become disturbing based on where the furniture is located? It’s best for you to build your own checklist and answer these questions so you can make sure the home theater is layed out properly.

Having a home theater can really add a level of comfort which you may be looking for. Go thru everything above while planning your home theater, and finally make sure you get a really great remote! That remote will become your best friend in your new home theater.

As with the release of all of the latest Apple gadgets, the iPad 2 has generated a ton of buzz already. The original iPad sent people clamoring and scrambling to go find and buy one, and the iPad 2 has improved upon the original in many ways. This means the demand will surely be great for this one as well, and when you see the differences between the first and second generation of the iPad, you’ll probably want to upgrade or make the switch as well.

Size of iPads

The most noticeable difference between the two models is the size and physical look. The iPad 2 is a lot smaller than the first generation iPad, and it’s also lighter. It’s almost half as thick, lowered down to about .34 of an inch thick from .53 of an inch thick. The height and length are then both slightly smaller, and the weight is dropped down a few ounces from 1.5 lbs to 1.3 lbs. So the new model is that much sleeker, more portable and advanced in appearance.

Graphics, Processor & Memory – iPad2

But physical changes alone would not have warranted a brand new release, particularly one with all of the buzz that this has had. Therefore, as you might expect, the iPad 2 also has received great improvements in performance. There’s a new and improved graphic card, and the 1 GHz A4 processor has been replaced by the 1.08 GHz dual-core A5 processor, which offers far improved processing speeds and capabilities. In addition, the memory has been doubled from 256 MB to 512 MB, offering better performance and better multitasking capabilities as well.

iPad 2 Cameras

One of the main new features with the iPad 2 compared to the first iPad is the addition of two cameras on the device. There is both a front facing camera and a rear facing camera. This allows you to both take pictures and record videos, as well as interact with friends and family via video chatting interfaces and the like. Many thought the first generation iPad should have at least had one camera, so this was a welcome and overdue addition.

iOS 4.3

The iPad 2 is also supposed to be more responsive and user-friendly in a variety of ways. The operating system has been upgraded to the new iOS 4.3 and is easier to navigate and work with, and it performs better on every front. The new iPad also has an added gyroscope environmental sensor, adding to the accelerometer, light sensor and magnetometer.

Clearly the new iPad 2 has been greatly improved since the first generation release of the iPad. Many people, even Apple enthusiasts, thought that the first iPad wasn’t quite everything that it should have been. It was capable and fun, but didn’t live up to the hype in every way. Well, the iPad 2 is here to fix that and take the gadget onwards and upwards, and with a sleeker, smaller size, improved performance and new features, so far it looks to have done just that.

Is it the Right Time to get a New 3D TV?

A 3D TV doesn’t just turn everything you watch into 3D programming. Like with HDTVs and when they first came out, the technology was there but the programming was much more limited. Now most channels are in HD, and you can make full use out of your HD set, but that took a decent amount of time.

With 3D TV right now, there’s a pretty limited collection of programming available. Really, it’s limited to some new blu-ray movie releases, a handful of select sporting events or other live events, and so forth. There will be some 3D games coming out on the PlayStation 3 and other platforms, and more movies and regular TV programming will becoming available as time goes on.

The lack of programming is certainly a problem, although you wouldn’t want to be watching everything in 3D anyway. So you’ll have to consider for yourself if the enjoyment of a 3D movie or game every now and again is worth the switch for now. For some people any 3D capability is better than none, but for other people, they might feel like they aren’t making the most out of their gadget with such a limited selection available right now. It’s a matter of personal preference, and it’s the same conflict that people had when the first high definition TVs were coming out.

Of course, even if price isn’t the main concern, you still have to consider that 3D TVs are going to be costing less and less as time goes on. Like with any new technology, they debut at their most expensive prices, then start coming down as time goes on. Another reason why 3D TVs are so expensive compared to similar sizes for regular LCDs or plasmas is that 3D TVs typically also include the most advanced other features, like 240 Hz processing and so forth, which adds to the price, too.

So is now the right time to get a new 3D TV? If you want to have that awesome technology in your home, and be the first on your block, or among the first, to have it, then by all means yes! There isn’t a ton of programming available yet though, and prices are still at their peak. If you waited you’ll see improvements on those fronts, but if you want to dive in and have some fun then you should and there won’t be any major drawbacks.

Comparing the iPad 2 & the Other Top Tablets

As mentioned, the iPad 2 is definitely at the front of the pack in terms of how many people use it and know about it. Apple has a knack for setting the trends, of course, and many people buy exclusively Apple gadgets because of how trendy they are, how sleek they are, and that feeling of being on the inside and being with the best.

iPad 2 features

In terms of features and specifications, the iPad 2 features a 9.7 inch screen, and weighs just 1.3 lbs, with a .34 inch thickness. It utilizes a dual-core 1.08 GHz processor with 512 MB of memory, and it comes with storage drives of 16, 32 or 64 GB. Being an Apple product, it of course utilizes their operating system, the latest release of which is iOS 4.3. There are a ton of applications and add-ons available in the marketplace, and the iPad 2 features a front and rear facing camera.

Motorola Xoom

One of the top contenders for dethroning or superseding the iPad 2 is the Motorola Xoom. The Xoom uses the Android operating system made by Google, and one of the huge pluses of Android is that it can be worked on and developed by multiple companies, which means faster improvements, more options, more add-ons and tweaks, and generally a better and more open evolution of the system.

Xoom Specifications

The Xoom has a 10.1 inch screen with 1 GB of memory and a 1.0 GHz processor. Specifically, the Xoom operates on the Android 3.0 Honeycomb interface, and the device has 32 GB hard drive. The device measures .5 inches thick and weighs about 1.5 lbs. So the size is equivalent although the screen is slightly larger than the iPad’s, and there is more memory for faster processing and better multitasking.

Samsung Galaxy

Another one of the most notable tablets right now is the Samsung Galaxy. The Galaxy is actually smaller and more portable, with a 7 inch screen. It uses the Android 2.2 operating system, and has 16 GB of hard drive space. It also utilizes a 1.0 GHz processor and has dual cameras. Because of its smaller size, it generally is available for more affordable prices, and it can also walk a fine line between actually being a take with you everywhere phone and mobile device, as opposed to really being primarily a tablet, like the other two options above.

Of course, these are just a few of the other tablets on the market right now. As mentioned, new ones are coming out all of the time, and there are more and more brands getting involved. The Android operating system and marketplace is a huge plus side for the non-Apple devices, but the iPad 2 certainly has its own unique appeal as well.

Different Options to Consider When Buying a New Flat Screen TV

First, you need to be aware of all of the main categories of flat screens that are out there right now. You’ll never be able to make an informed decision if you don’t know what’s out there and what you’re comparing, so this is the best place to start. The most common type of flat screen TV today remains the LCD TV. LCDs offer a lot of bang for your buck in terms of performance and screen size for the price. They’re also a great option for small size screens below 32″.

Plasma televisions aren’t available in sizes below 42″. So there’s no point worrying about them if you know you’re looking for something to go in a small room of your home, for example. But plasmas generally offer better picture quality thanks to the depth of blacks and brightness of colors available, and also don’t lose brightness when viewed from an angle, offering benefits compared to an LCD. One new classification, the LED-LCD, offers plasma like performance from an LCD package, making for an intriguing option, and offering great picture quality even in smaller screens.

From there, you’ve also probably been hearing a lot about 3D televisions these days. With glasses, you can watch 3D programming, whether it’s a blu-ray movie or a sports or entertainment event. There isn’t a ton of 3D programming available right now, so it’s debatable whether or not it’s really worth it right now. However, if you want to give a new technology a try and see what it’s all about, then a 3D TV will be well worth the investment and will provide you with a fun and unique experience.

There are also “smart TVs” today, which are basically Internet capable flat screen TVs. These will be offered with something such as Google TV, which allows you to connect to the Internet, search the web, and more. With a few buttons you can search available TV programs, movies and Internet videos at the same time for a certain actor or keyword, for example. It’s another unique way to add more to your television viewing experience, and if you love social media and being on the web all the time, it could be a must-have for you.

By now you should have a good run down of the different types of flat screen TVs that are out there. Depending on the size you’re looking at, the features you want to have and so forth, you should be able to narrow down the selection and make a smart and informed purchasing decision. It’s hard to go wrong with any flat screen TV, but across these categories there will certainly be a particular type that’s more appealing to you.

Top Must-Have Luxury Bluetooth Devices :

Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System

Right at the top of the list are the high quality sound systems and speakers that utilize bluetooth to connect to the music from your phone, stereo or even your computer. These wireless speakers are fantastic because they can be moved and placed anywhere without hassle, and still offer fantastic music and audio quality. The best of the bunch is the Bose SoundDock 10 digital music system, which is worth every penny and is extremely highly rated by consumers, but there are many other options available as well.

Hands-free Bluetooth Car Kits

One of the most commonly used bluetooth accessories is the headset, earpiece or speaker for your cell phone, which makes it safe and legal to talk on the phone as you drive in your car. Well, now there are some fantastic all-in-one bluetooth devices for the car that take that functionality and add much more. These hands free “car kits”, such as the Parrot CK3400, include GPS functionality, bluetooth connection to your smartphone or PDA, voice recognition and more into one highly useful gadget.

Bluetooth Headphones

Wireless bluetooth headphones have also become extremely popular. You can enjoy the privacy and sound quality you’ve always craved as you listen to music, as you forget worrying about wires, staying close to the musical device itself, and other issues. Many of the best bluetooth headphones also have highly advanced noise canceling properties to help impart the best sound quality. One of the best models is the Sennheiser RS 170 with Dynamic Bass and Surround Sound, which is absolutely top of the line, and offers unmatched sound quality and performance. A similar option that’s also highly rated is the Pioneer SE-DIR800C with Dolby Headphone Technology.

Sony Ericcson Bluetooth Watch

A really neat gadget that will add some great functionality and flexibility to your day-to-day routine is the Sony Ericcson Bluetooth watch, and other similar models. It’s a stylish watch that is connected via bluetooth to your cell phone. It lets you know when you get calls or messages, and who is calling or sending them, and will make sure you don’t forget your phone anywhere. It can also help you to control your phone’s music and listen to some tunes.

Of course, there are dozens of different types of bluetooth devices on the market today, including many which are simple but quite useful, such as wireless keyboards and mouse sets for the home computer or laptop, and many others from there. When you want the best and most innovative, consider some of the options above and you’ll be guaranteed to bring home something that serves a great purpose, and impresses your friends, too.