Southern California Homes Sales on the Rise for Month of April

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The real estate market in Southern California improved for the month of April over March. This is a subtle positive sign that buyers are more encouraged to look for housing. The same factors that have been holding buyers back in the past are slowly retreating – poor inventory, overpriced options, allayed competition from investors, and difficulty obtaining favorable government loans.

The counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Orange saw new and resale houses and condominiums reach a total of 20,008 contracts. This sales total is 13.4 percent higher than last month’s figures of 17,638 sales and down 6.6 percent from 21,415 sales in April of 2013. Dips in sales also occurred in Riverside County – 10 percent in April from a year earlier – and a 3.1 percent drop for San Bernardino County. Total homes sales in Riverside County came to 3,384, which is 376 less than April 2013. San Bernardino County had 2,512 total sales, which are 78 less than April 2013.

Although these sales figures are down from April 2013, they are still higher than numbers seen in 2012 and 2011. This is promising for the Southern California region, with quickening sales possibly indicating a significant upward trend in the housing market. However, more inventory is needed to bring more buyers to the fore. Many are on standby because of job insecurity, hurting credit score, and either very minimal or no income growth for their families. Prices continue to rise as distressed properties continue to leave the market.

Source: http://www.pe.com/articles/sales-694572-april-percent.html

Ten Dunkin’ Donuts Planned for San Fernando Valley Expansion

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The next several years will see ten Dunkin’ Donuts franchise stores open in the San Fernando Valley.

Dunkin’ Donuts, a brand under the Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. banner, have reached a franchise agreement with Aharon Aminpour, a local San Fernando Valley real estate developer and businessman. Aminpour will develop all ten of the Dunkin’ Donuts properties. Steve Rafferty, senior director of franchising at Dunkin’ Donuts, explains that close to 100 percent of the companies stores operate under a franchisee/franchisor relationship. These franchisees are directly responsible for growing business and awareness for Dunkin’ Donuts products.

Specific locations have yet to be disclosed, but the East Coast donut and coffee chain is optimistic about their Southern California expansion. The first store is expected to open in early 2015. Aminpour has experience growing businesses in the Valley having founded both 818 Auto Body Inc. in Sherman Oaks and The Chip Experts Inc. of Pasadena – two automotive repair companies. Dunkin’ Brands Group selected Aminpour based on this experience, as well as his background in restaurants and real estate.

Dunkin’ Donuts has franchisee requirements that must be met. Franchisees are expected to build the stores, with each store estimated at $500,000 to $1.2 million. Every franchise is expected to pay weekly royalty fees to Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. for use of company trademarks, brands, and so forth.

In addition to the San Fernando Valley, Dunkin’ Donuts plans to open 10 additional stores in Orange County as part of an overall California expansion plan. There are three existing Southern California Dunkin’ Donuts locations: San Diego, Barstow, and Camp Pendleton.