Every year, Pantone announces its Color of the Year. Once they unveil the most anticipated shade to the world, every industry from fashion to home décor to hospitality all follow suit and begin to introduce new items for us to go crazy over. For the most part, the colors that they have chosen over the years have been a little bit more predictable. This year Pantone went a completely different direction when they announced that the 2023 Color of the Year is Viva Magenta!
Pantone described Viva Magenta as a “nuanced crimson tone” that brings a balance of cool and warm. “Viva Magenta is an unconventional shade for an unconventional time,” Pantone said in a statement, saying that the color is a hybrid of our existence in the physical and digital world. How cool!
Though it may seem as if this color was chosen for more fashionable reasons, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman, says that the color choice was actually inspired by nature. They took inspiration from the natural red dye derived from cochineals – a small insect.
Now that the color has been announced, people are already out shopping for home accents in this fun shade of pink. Unfortunately, since the color just debuted, you may not find much for your home but you can always purchase smaller items like clothes and shoes. Just know that the Viva Magenta home décor is on the way! We predict that by Valentine’s Day 2023, the world will experience a Viva Magenta whirlwind!
Most people probably won’t opt into buying a Viva Magenta couch but we do expect to see people incorporate this fun hue into their décor. Here are a few ways to add pops of Viva Magenta into your home.
Pantone states that their ultimate goal is not to just promote a color. There is so much more to it than that. Their aim is to “help companies and consumers better understand the power color can have.” Pantone’s Color of the Year does in fact influence purchasing behaviors, so it will be interesting to see how much Viva Magenta we will be seeing around every industry in 2023.
Now that we know Pantone’s Color of the Year, are you planning to incorporate Viva Magenta into your home?
Maybe you just found your dream home. Or maybe you just realized that the living situation that’s worked for you in the past isn’t cutting it today. It’s all good until that dreaded moment when you seek home loan pre approval… only to get denied. Where can you go from here? Ten times out of ten, we’d tell you to talk with a compassionate real estate agent. You know, the kind that stay invested in their client’s well-being, even outside the transaction process. Sounds like a JohnHart agent! But if you like to look before you leap, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you can expect from the home loan pre approval process.
Those who have applied for loans for homes and been summarily denied aren’t exactly joining an exclusive club. It can happen to the best of us. The most important thing to recognize in this situation? That it’s not the end of the world. It’s not even the end of your quest for home ownership!
But the second most important thing to recognize is that a loan denial gives you much-needed information. Because within 30 days of the denial, your lender is legally obligated to inform you why they chose to deny you.
In most cases, a denial is issued for one of the following reasons:
Once you know why you were denied, you can begin working to correct the issue. If you have a compassionate agent (*cough* like a JohnHart agent *cough*), they might even be willing to strategize with you.
Here at JohnHart, we’re pretty big into home loan pre approval. Unfamiliar? A pre approval questionnaire helps you determine a feasible mortgage amount for your current situation. In most cases, a pre approval will be processed online or face-to-face with your loan officer. But the process is so simple that you can also find self-service options!
Consider home loan pre approval to be a test run for a home loan application. It works by assessing information you provide such as your credit score, your current income, and the fun part… a hypothetical home. And when the dust settles, a comprehensive home loan pre approval will tell you:
But most importantly, a pre-approval can help speed up the loan approval process. Now that we’ve sold you on the power of pre-approval, you’re probably wondering how to get one for yourself. Fortunately, it’s a rather simple process.
In most cases, it’s best to get your home loan pre approval started well in advance of seeking any loans for homes. We’re talking a solid year in advance. That being said, everything happens when it happens, so do what works for you.
A loan officer will need supporting documents to back up the information provided in your pre approval questionnaire. Be prepared to provide:
Ultimately, it will fall on you to decide what you’re comfortable paying for a home. It’s a figure that you should also have handy when filling out a home loan pre approval. Just be careful. When you come face-to-face with your lender, they may offer a loan that exceeds your monthly budget. And since this is your dream of homeownership, it could be tempting to take it. Don’t fall into this rut, or your dream will quickly become a long-term nightmare.
Lending agencies tend to have their own ways of doing things. Therefore, we went straight to the source: Mike Pandazos of Golden Coast Finance. He was happy to break down his procedure for us.
Mike typically kicks things off with a quick phone interview that can run anywhere from five to 15 minutes. At the client’s preference, he can also conduct this pre-interview by text or email. From there, he’ll either schedule a face-to-face interview or, more commonly, send the client a link for online application.
Once the application has been submitted, the client can then upload the supporting documentation we mentioned above. Typically, the process only takes one to two business days. Once received, the home loan pre approval is valid for 90 days, owing to the credit report expiration.
Some applicants are concerned about seeking home loan pre approval out of fear that it will reduce their credit score. In a way, they’re correct. But don’t let that discourage you from seeking pre approval. The drop in credit score is as negligible as it is temporary.You’re also granted a 45-day window to keep shopping for your pre approval without fear of accruing multiple credit score drops. So shop with confidence!
It can be easy to confuse a home loan pre approval with a pre qualification. But pre-qualifications aren’t supported by a lender. Therefore, they lack the potency of a pre approval. When a seller is looking for reliable backing in a buyer, they’ll commonly look for a home loan pre approval since it’s reinforced with lender approval.
So, if you can fill a home loan pre approval out yourself, where does an agent come into play? You can make things a lot easier on yourself by finding an agent who understands the full spectrum of a transaction.
The agents at JohnHart enjoy an added benefit of having our own in-house finance and escrow companies. These kinds of relationships add a further depth of understanding that can begin well outside the standard parameters of a transaction. And, as you can imagine, agents with strong relationships in the financial sector can be especially helpful during the financing process.
Ready to take your first steps in getting your home loan pre approval? Then reach out to Hector Torres who can help guide you through the process!
We told you where to see stars near Palm Springs. But In Los Angeles, we look down to see the night lit up by twinkling lights. We’re also spoiled by the wealth of scenic views spread out across the city. It seems that everyone has their favorite spot for overlooking the twinkling lights and wistfully dreaming. Some are bustling with crowds. Others are secluded, remote, even peaceful. We’re not going to be putting anyone’s hidden gem on blast today. But for those new to the city or veterans just looking for a different perspective, here are a few of the best views in Los Angeles.
7701 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90046
The serpentine twists of Mulholland Drive are peppered with scenic city views. If you’re in the area and looking for one of the best views in Los Angeles, plan for the Universal City Overlook.
This area was actually sponsored by Universal Studios, so it gives you a pretty good peek at the park. But the stunning views of the Verdugo Hills and the San Fernando Valley are the real draw.
Just make sure to keep your eyes on the road. Mulholland Drive is almost as famous for motorist deaths as it is for its spectacular view.
6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City, CA 90232
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If you’re more westside-centric, Baldwin Hills offers one of the most gorgeous perspectives west of the 110. At its zenith, the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook gives you a panoramic view of both the Pacific Ocean and downtown Los Angeles. It’s an interesting look at downtown since most views capture it from the perspective of the Santa Monica Mountains.
But we hope you don’t mind a bit of walking. In most cases, you’ll be hoofing it up 282 steps, so the view is breathtaking in more ways than one. The steep trek has earned it the colloquial nickname of the “Culver City Stairs.”
You can also drive to the top and cough up a modest parking fee. But for our money, free parking and plenty of exercise is one of the best deals in town.
7036 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
The Jerome C. Daniel Overlook is perhaps best recognized for its position overlooking The Hollywood Bowl. But it’s easily one of the best views in Los Angeles because it also captures the iconic Hollywood Sign, downtown LA, and the Griffith Observatory. On clear days, you can even see Catalina Island!
Just don’t count on privacy. This is one of the most crowded scenic views in the city and a popular stop for numerous tour groups. But because of this, you can also look forward to amenities like coin-operated telescopes and a modest parking area.
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Perched proudly atop its Griffith Park peak, the Griffith Observatory is noted as offering some of the best views in Los Angeles of Hollywood and downtown. While the observatory itself has tighter hours of operation, the outer area stays open later. And if you’re just looking for a sparkling city view, then the exterior is all you’ll need.
Again, this spot isn’t exactly a secret, so prepare for crowds. Parking at the summit lot is as precious as it is pricey. Expect the possibility of an uphill trek!
2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Runyon Canyon is almost too crowded to make the list. But it’s also undeniably one of the best views in Los Angeles if you can make it to the top of Indian Rock. Not saying that’s much of a challenge.
This Hollywood hotspot will give you pristine views of the classic downtown skyline. And the hike itself, a favorite of local celebrities, can be a refreshing break from the LA grind.
1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
If you’re looking to kick off a special date night, Yamashiro provides one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles with a view. And while the food isn’t bad, it’s really the stunning field of lights that’s at the core of the Cal-Asian restaurant’s success.
The villa that houses Yamashiro was built in 1911, so it has a fair amount of historical significance too. Enjoy sushi, spring rolls, and cocktails as you soak in the sparkling ambience. It’s really one of the best ways to appreciate the city’s beauty.
Thanks to the mountains surrounding the Greater Los Angeles area, you can see the city from a decent distance away. So, if you’re feeling like appreciating the city from afar, take a drive out to Mount Wilson.
From its peak, you can snag a lovely view of the downtown skyline in relative peace. Like Griffith Park, Mount Wilson also has its own observatory. But unlike Griffith Park, Mount Wilson is actually a mountain. Just make sure to pick a clear day before you make the hour or so drive out there.
If there’s a restaurant in LA that needs absolutely no introduction, it’s El Coyote. But that didn’t stop our team from grabbing a camera and heading over to the Fairfax neighborhood to capture the iconic eatery in all its glory. Our latest Community Spotlight takes a look at one of the oldest and most beloved Los Angeles restaurants in Hollywood history. Don’t mind the lines; it’s worth it!
In 1931, America was still in the early days of one of the bleakest periods in its history. Yet, it was amidst this economic turmoil that Blanche and George March picked up stakes and made the trek to California from neighboring Arizona.
While America and the world as a whole suffered, Hollywood thrived in its golden age. The American public’s adoration of the silver screen exemplified that, even in times of turmoil, the average American prioritized entertainment. The Marches were banking on the average Angeleno also prioritizing hearty Mexican cuisine. Clearly, their bet paid off.
The Marches opened the doors of El Coyote in 1931 to instant success. But at the time, the Los Angeles restaurant had yet to move to its iconic Fairfax location. Instead, the Marches operated out of a tiny, unassuming space near the corner of First and La Brea.
Within two decades, the Marches recognized that the spatial restrictions of their restaurant were problematic. So, in 1951, El Coyote moved to its widely recognized Beverly Boulevard location.
To say that the Beverly location in the Fairfax neighborhood was larger is a bit of an understatement. El Coyote could now accommodate up to 375 guests across its eight spacious rooms. Additionally, El Coyote really began to grow into its personality at this location.
Having become something of a hotspot for Hollywood royalty, the Los Angeles restaurant quickly amassed an impressive collection of autographed headshots. To this day, the autographed visages of Hollywood luminaries such as John Wayne and Loretta Young bedeck the vibrantly colored entry wall.
Glass bottle windows contribute to the LA restaurant’s insular coziness. Booths of dark red leather further carry this familiar sense of comfort. Soaring strings of colorful Christmas lights serve as a beacon welcoming Angelenos all year long. All of this soaks in a vintage quality that keeps regulars coming back and inspires pilgrimages from around the globe.
Of course, there’s a heck of an elephant in one of El Coyote’s eight rooms. Since 1969, El Coyote has been steeped in infamy over an American nightmare that had very little to do with the actual restaurant. Yet, it’s widely noted as the site of the final meal of Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, and Wojciech Frykowski. Shortly after leaving El Coyote on the evening of August 8, 1969, the group were brutally murdered by acolytes of Charles Manson. It was the most widely publicized true crime event in American history to that date.
While America never forgot about those horrifying events, director Quentin Tarantino brought them to light (with a twist) in his stunning award-winning film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. To capture the authenticity of both the time and the place, Tarantino filmed scenes in El Coyote. While the restaurant doesn’t sensationalize those tragic events, the booth where Tate and her party enjoyed their last meal is still in service.
Though true crime aficionados regularly journey to El Coyote looking for a taste of notoriety, most of its patrons come seeking different flavors. They’re here for the mouth-watering enchiladas; for the tantalizing tacos and the belly-busting burritos. They’re here for those award-winning Margaritas.
And while authentic Mexican cuisine may have been at the heart of the Marches’ vision, it’s more than food that guarantees lines of the devoted every weekend. El Coyote is an experience. It’s Hollywood history while simultaneously providing a portrait of the city as we are today. It’s the golden glow of the searchlight beams solidified.
At any given moment, you’ll find seasoned regulars sitting at the bar beside first-time tourists. All are welcomed like family. And maybe that’s because this legendary Los Angeles restaurant is still family-owned after all these years.
El Coyote is where the stars fall to earth to mingle, to eat and drink, and to connect before returning to their posts in the heavens. The staff of roughly 95 serve upwards of 1,000 meals a day… and those numbers haven’t dropped in over 90 years. And in a city that kills trends as quickly as it sets them, that’s some true Hollywood magic.
Get a sample of what makes El Coyote so special in our latest Community Spotlight video!
If you’re looking for a traditional New Year’s Eve celebration, it’s tough to beat Times Square in New York. And Las Vegas is also always a great time. That being said, New Year’s Eve Los Angeles-style is a completely different animal. And while New Year’s Eve is often about looking to the future, these five local options pay reverent tribute to our city’s past glories. After all, sometimes the best way to figure out where you’re going is by remembering where you’ve been. So, if you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve celebration steeped in LA authenticity, you’ve found it!
506 South Grand Avenue, Downtown
From its classic detective novels to its iconic silver screen boilers, LA has a strong historical relationship with the noir genre. Therefore, there may be no better place to celebrate New Year’s Eve Los Angeles-flavored quite like the Biltmore Hotel. This opulent hotel was built in the roaring 1920s and has the art deco details to prove it. If you’re looking for an upscale evening, you can ring in 2023 from the decadent Crystal Ballroom of the Biltmore. Their NYE speakeasy will host dozens of costumed performers to get you into that swingin’ spirit. And speaking of swing, you can also expect live swing music and dancers. Representatives of the Biltmore will be guiding curious guests (with the right ticket tier) on a tour of one of the hotel’s infamous, authentic speakeasy tunnels. And in true speakeasy style, cocktails will flow, but your significant admission price only covers your first drink.
The Orpheum Theatre, 842 S Broadway, Downtown
Los Angeles has been spoiled by Dita Von Teese over the years. The contemporary pin-up queen has become something of a New Year’s Eve Los Angeles fixture, whether appearing in shows or hosting her own. The latter is the case this year as she leads an evening of comedy and burlesque at the historic Orpheum Theatre. Expect a tip of the hat to the 1940s and that decade’s fascination with the great American variety show.
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
Few buildings are so soaked in classic Hollywood glamor as the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel. Therefore, their New Year’s Eve celebration in the Blossom Ballroom is the place for cinephiles, history heads, and those who just like to party like it’s the golden age. But that kind of elegance comes at a price. To get that authentic New Year’s Eve Los Angeles vibe at the Roosevelt, you need to cough up some real cash. This means dressing the part too. But for that hefty price tag, you get an open bar, four-course meal, and midnight champagne toast. Rounded out with live entertainment by pin up dance troupe The Satin Dollz, it’s a night to remember. Assuming you don’t hit that open bar too hard, of course.
Union Station, 800 N Alameda St, Downtown
Are you starting to recognize a pattern here? LA loves combining its New Year’s Eve festivities with speakeasies, flappers, and art deco aesthetics. And Prohibition NYE isn’t about to upset the trend. Taking inspiration from the art deco-soaked 1930s, Prohibition NYE is set in an well-known building with iconic art deco history: Union Station. Expect toe-tapping tunes courtesy of a live jazz band, not to mention a Neil Frances DJ set. And it just wouldn’t be a New Year’s Eve Los Angeles-style without the burlesque dancers. With an open bar loaded with custom cocktails, you’ll have no trouble staying entertained until midnight. Ultimately, the evening culminates in a tailor-made 60-foot ball dropping to signify the new year.
Big Bar, 1927 Hillhurst Ave, Los Feliz
Okay, we’ve got the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s covered… but what about the other decades? If you feel like something is missing. Then NYEx10 at Big Bar (a.k.a. Alcove Cafe) will scratch that itch. This party takes a “more is more” approach to New Year’s Eve revelry. Typically, with New Year’s Eve Los Angeles, you get a single countdown to midnight Pacific Standard Time. But as the name suggests, NYEx10 gives you not one, not two, but ten countdowns. That’s nearly half a world’s worth of New Years! To keep things interesting, Big Bar honors a different decade with a different playlist and a different signature cocktail every hour. And while entry is free, you can still have an on-the-house champagne toast at midnight PST.
JohnHart Real Estate
3115 Rancho Vista Bl Suite B
Palmdale, CA 93551
tor8673@gmail.com
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