My New Blog

Wow, it has been a long time since I have written last. It has been so busy here at the office, I almost forgot I had a website (although my host's monthly withdrawal from my account proves they haven't!).

After reading an article from LAtimes.com (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-retail21-2008aug21,0,128650.story), it seems the economy has not just hit motorists and homeowners. According to the article, high class storeowners are beginning to feel the pinch as consumers have begun shifting to bargain hunting. Since everything else is getting so expensive, who has the money to by the latest in fashion anymore?

I had a feeling this was happening after my last trip to the Americana at Brand in Glendale. In contrast to the shoulder to shoulder traffic my family and I felt there around its opening weekend, the vast shopping center was pretty light on foot traffic as my family and I walked out of The Dark Knight from the local theatre. Granted, I personally like the less crowded atmosphere to fully appreciate the beauty of the shopping center, but that is because I am not Rick Caruso (the owner).

As unfortunate as circumstances are for Rick and other business owners, rest assured, “The night is always darkest before the dawn” -Harvey Dent (sorry, I love the Dark Knight!). With a new President just around the corner, we can at least feel a glimmer of change on the horizon. Like I’ve always said, real estate, just like the economy, works in cycles. The last time the real estate market dropped, we were facing economic crises left and right, just like today. Its simply a matter of adapting to your surroundings.

-Rob

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I just renewed my notary license, and I am ready to help you out with yet another service from Las Casas Realty!

I am always willing to help out a client, no matter how far the drive, or how soon the call.

In addtion, I have several other notaries ready to go out help you you anytime, so feel free to call us whenever you need that special document signed ASAP!

I know it has been a while, but for the 8 of you who still check back here every so often, I have started up the blog again with some great new pics...

Just the other week, I took my 9 year old son, Andrew, on his very first fishing trip with my brother-in-law Jose at a tiny little lake in Irvine.

Jose is somewhat of a cross between Rambo and Davy Crockett, so he had a score of fishing lines and jigs we tried before we actually caught something. Also, he is a great fishing buddy as his patience and wisdom of the sport helped my son fall in love with fishing so that on the way back home, he would not stop asking "When are we going back?"

Although I had a great time getting away from it all, I came away with some great pics of my son that I am proud to share with all of you. Enjoy!

Hey guys,

Just wanted to let everyone know my son Robert just turned 21 on 8/13/07 and we're looking forward to throwing a nice barbecue for him this Saturday with the rest of the family.

Ever since I can remember, my son has had a drive for the more creative things in life while maintaining a keen interest in his studies which has helped make him the well-rounded individual he is today.

He is currently finishing up his last year at Art School and me and my wife Aide could not be more proud! I love you Son!

-Rob

In an effort to stay on the forefront of technology, we have now started our own Myspace.com page! The url, http://www.myspace.com/rob_and_arli, is our gateway for the rest of the world to check out RobertSilva.com.

Please be sure to check out the page and join up as one of our friends so you can have access to Myspace.com exclusives like virtual tours, instant home price evaluations, and our special blog dedicated to getting to know the real side of Rob & Arli, outside the office!

In addition, our ever-growing network of real estate pros will constantly be adding their input on current trends in the real estate market, in addition to dropping by with a few exclusive properties of their own not available anywhere else!

Lately, alot of cool new places have been springing up within our community. One of which is The York, located in what used to be the White Hare, or the Dragon before that.

It was great. It was a little hot the evening I was there. Or rather, they decided to open the windows instead of turning on the air conditioning. The windows are not the normal windows. The windows run the length of the front of the building. They are the long and narrow with metal frame and the old fashion crank to open them. There is a table that runs the length of the front windows with bar stools, so as to view the foot traffic. I ordered a plate of cheese and salami (Expensive, if you ask me). The walls are brick and the bar area is in the middle with alot of good time area. The menu is on the black board on the walls. They have Chimay too (my favorite beer). Had a great time there.

In addition to The York is Johnny's. It's a flashback to the 50's. Small but with air. Prices OK. The other place is Marty's, looks great. Good people. Highand Park is starting to look like Old Town Pasadena on the week ends. A lot of traffic at times.

Q: I own a duplex with my sister. My family and I live there. My sister and her side has never lived there. She has recently past away. Her son is going to handle the situation. What’s next.

A: Your first concern should be, how did you hold title. If you held title as “Joint Tenants”, you can save yourself a lot of time and money. Joint Tenant is sometimes is referred as “Right of Survival”. Title passes to the person who remains. No Probate is needed. However, if you held title any other way, You need to go to Probate Court. You need an attorney. If there was a Will, then you have an Executor. If there was no Will, then you have an Administrator. As an Executor, you have the authority to sell the property with no further court approval. As an Administrator, you need a court approval to sell the property. If there is any offers, the Administrator will petition the court for approval. If there is multiple offers, you then have a bidding procedure.

One procedure that you may need help with is the Court Appointed Referee. He is the court appointed appraiser. I have been very successful in working with them in showing the pro's and con's about the property to appraise it correctly with all of it concern brought to light.

From my past experience, after your court procedure, please retain a Title Company to do a Title Search. Keep in mind that while, you just went through a court procedure, normally there is no title search done. This will assure you and your family that the title is clear and can save you time.

You need a good attorney and a good real estate broker.

Tomorrow will be 4^th of July. Through out the coming days, I have heard of the wonderful plans that our family and friends have. That got me thinking. How many people wish they could be here in this wonderful free country? How many people have the chance to celebrate freedom the way we Americans do? I look around and see all the wonderful things we have, all because one person decided to fight for what they believed in.

I am first generation American Citizen, born in Ecuador, South America. I would like to share with you how grateful I am to this Country. Tomorrow, it’s not about whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat. It’s not about whether you agree with our president, it’s not about Iraq, It’s about our freedom. Are we perfect? Far from it. However, here, we have a chance to be anything we want to be, and for that I give thanks this country.

I would like to thank all past and present leaders that have given us a wonderful place to live.

Have a wonderful 4^th Of July.