Brittany Sells LA | My Blogs

SOLD: Spacious traditional in the red hot North Hollywood neighborhood

Thu, 06 May 2021 16:49:02 GMT

5648 Irvine Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Represented buyer – Sold for $ 1,165,000 – ($14k under asking!)

3 Bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2,302 sq.ft.

MLS # SR20203879CN

I had the wonderful pleasure of representing a newly engaged couple on this charming home in the happening neighborhood of NoHo!

My clients have a really exciting vision for making this home their own, including turning the den into a grand master suite, the garage into an ADU, and adding a spa to the pool area. They have two amazing kids who are super stoked on this home and will appreciate the pool year-round.

It’s always a pleasure working with buyers and getting to know them and their families. Makes this job all the more fun and rewarding!

Listing details:

“Magnificent light-bright private spacious custom home in perfect NoHo location. Like a model home. From gorgeous landscaped front attracting humming birds, butterflies and squirrels, to sparkling replastered & tiled pool in back with energy saving multi speed pump, this is one warm and inviting residence. Remodeled eat-in kitchen featuring white shaker cabinets, 3D tiled backsplash and new LG stainless steel appliances. Baths beautifully updated. Master with with walk in closet. Two-sided gas-log fireplace in living room and library. Dual paned, low-e windows, copper plumbing. Living room, dining room, kitchen & master with indirect lighting. LED multi-color display in bedroom #3. Den perfect for television & movie viewing, plus immense family room with professional bar and barbecue/ fireplace, ideal for entertaining, gaming and access to gorgeous pool. Outside laundry room with newly updated full bath, may not be permitted. New 5 ton Carrier 16 seer A/C with Ecobee thermostat & whole house air filtering. New 200 amp electrical service, over a foot deep of blown in insulation. New roofs on family room and bedroom #3. Covered patio with misters for cooling relaxation. Walk to new Super Mall NOHO West. Close to businesses, restaurants, schools, houses of worship, metro rail, 101, 134 & 170 freeways.”

If you’re looking to make a move, you already know who to call! I will do what I do best and score you the home of your dreams. If you’re thinking of selling, I’ll get it done for the highest price possible. Call me at 310-956-9385.

Celebrating 10 Years

Thu, 06 May 2021 16:42:32 GMT

Wow! 10 years! When I first embarked on this journey I had NO idea I would fall so hard for this career. I couldn’t fathom the places it would take me, the amazingly wonderful people I would meet ♥️ and the opportunities it has afforded me. I never imagined this career would be so rewarding or fulfilling. It’s what keeps me going. What makes me feel alive. My one, true love.

Most Realtors change offices many, many times over. I have remained true and loyal to the company which gives back so much. Keller Williams Los Feliz is my family. It’s the place I have made some of my first and best friends. Where I sold my first house where so many memories have been made. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of this office and the people I’ve met along this incredible journey. I am eternally grateful.

I have to send a huge shout out to my amazingly wonderful mom. She never stopped believing in me and encouraging my dreams. Thank you to Gary Reavis for being such an inspiration and ally in my life and career. You helped make this super fun and contributed to so many of my wins! To my amazing mentor when I was a weeee young clueless Realtor, Kenya Reeves-Costa (and for giving me the BrittanySellsLA branding idea). To our new team leader, Brock Worthen for continuing to inspire, cheer, and root for all your agent’s successes. I know I didn’t win an Oscar or a Grammy here, but making it 10 years in a cut throat industry is an accomplishment worthy of thanks and honorable mentions. I didn’t get here on my own. So here’s to the next 10 years. To the highs. To the lows. To the lives I am blessed to change and to all the remarkable people I have yet to meet.

Perhaps the biggest thank you of all goes to each and every one of my sweet clients who trusted me over the past 10 years to find them their American Dream! It was a huge honor. Love you all and thank you for your continued referrals. I wouldn’t be here without YOU!

Sincerely,

Brittany Walter

JUST SOLD! Closed in 17 DAYS: Remodeled Valley Townhome

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 17:39:08 GMT

8801 Cedros Avenue #25, Panorama City, CA 91402

Represented buyer – SOLD FOR $457,000

2 Bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 1,476 sq.ft.

MLS #SR21019913CN

Our first day out in this insanely competitive market my clients fell in love (the wet bar sold them!). We beat out 9 other offers to secure their very first offer, ever on this charming Valley townhome. The kicker, my lender was able to close the deal in 17 days for my clients. 17 days! This place is so light and bright and even has a skylight! The new owners are over the moon.

Tastefully remodeled with brand new carpet, recessed lighting, and an updated kitchen and bathrooms. This two-bedroom, two and a half baths 1,476 square foot home is a tri-level townhouse with an attached garage and a spacious laundry room enclosed in the home. As you walk into the home you notice a huge living room with a wet-bar and a gas fireplace along with an abundance of natural light. There is ample space for either a dining room or breakfast nook. The kitchen features a brand-new modern faucet, new ceramic tile countertops, and newer appliances that all stay with the home. There is an abundance of cabinet space in the kitchen as well as throughout the entire home. With an updated half bath downstairs and two updated beautiful bathrooms upstairs, there is nothing to do but move in. The master bedroom has an enormous walk-in closet along with an attached en-suite with a new beautifully tiled shower, a brand new vanity with dual sinks, and plenty of storage. With a balcony downstairs equipped with natural gas for grilling and an upstairs balcony along with an enclosed and beautifully well-kept pool, it will make staying at home an enjoyable experience!

Sold: Prestigious Del Amo Woods home

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 17:29:34 GMT

23917 Pasatiempo LN, Harbor City, CA 90710

Represented Buyer

4 Bedroom | 3 bath | 2,354 sq.ft. | 7,056 sq.ft. lot | Sold for $820,000

MLS #DW20244732MR

My client had been looking for a home for FOUR years with another agent, but when she contacted me last summer – we got to work! In just a few months we saw upwards of 100 homes until we finally found the one. Even better, I was able to negotiate a $30,000 credit!

MLS description:

Single Family tri-level home with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Features many upgrades-including entrance hallway with new bamboo hardwood flooring through out the house, new vinyl glaze windows. Central heating. Newer interior paint. Roof 2 years old. From the mid-level entry hallway, walk into large formal living room with cozy fireplace, and ceiling fan. Beautiful remodeled kitchen with plenty of light, good size dining area with ceiling fans in each room. Family rooms have sliding doors that lead into a well-maintained backyard with a covered concrete patio and gorgeous swimming pool. Step down to spacious family den, downstairs remodeled bedroom, remodeled bathroom, inside laundry area. Direct access to a 2 car garage with roll up new garage door. The upstairs master bedroom has her walking closet and his closet, and a remodeled tile shower with new counter top, tile flooring and new fixtures. The second upper bathroom also has new shower, tub, new counter top, tile floor and fixtures. Outside, there is new sprinklers system on the front yard, new gutters around the house.

If you’re looking to make a move, you already know who to call! I will do what I do best and score you the home of your dreams! If you’re thinking of selling, I’ll get it done for the highest price possible. Call me at 310-956-9385.

JUST SOLD in a matter of DAYS for $22K over asking in Chino!

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 17:22:00 GMT

6378 Yale Street, Chino, CA 91710

Listed at $599,000 | Sold for $621,000 | Represented Seller

4 Bedroom | 3 bath | 1,977 sq.ft. | 7,056 sq.ft. lot

MLS #21-683666

Upon entering you are greeted by beautiful vaulted ceilings, floods of light and a grand staircase. Walk through the open living/dining room into the kitchen which boasts brand new appliances, granite counters and a beautiful garden window which overlooks the expansive backyard. The kitchen opens to the den/family room complete with a fireplace and half bath. Upstairs you will find a beautifully remodeled master with brand new carpet, stunning bathroom with new fixtures, a free-standing shower, separate tub and a large walk-in closet. The gem also features 3 other light-filled bedrooms and another full bath upstairs. The laundry room has direct access to the 2-car garage. Other features include brand new interior paint, new carpet in the master, brand new HVAC, and side fence. Walking distance from Cypress Trails Park and a vast array of restaurants and shops. Located in the sought-after Rhodes Elem. School. Look no further! Welcome home!

Just SOLD: Los Feliz Fixer-Upper for $1,200,000

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:07:49 GMT

New England Colonial in the heart of Los Feliz

This home has SO much potential! My clients are looking forward to fixing up this property.

On a verdant & tranquil street where neighbors rarely sell, a New England Colonial is on the market after 79 years. Once owned by the former Director of the Griffith Park Observatory, this terrific opportunity to transform & redesign a traditional Los Feliz home into the perfect dwelling of today is yours for the taking! Lot size is 6500, potential for ADU with detached garage, zoned LAR1, public records shows 2bdrms/1bath- inside you’ll find 1250 sq.ft., 3 bedrooms & 1.5 baths.

Recently resurfaced street & new sidewalks. Enjoy easy access to Los Feliz Village and all it has to offer-restaurants, cafes, bars, theaters, library, post office, health food & grocery stores, schools, and banks. Minutes from Barnsdall Art Park and Hollyhock House, the Observatory, the Greek Theatre , Hollywood Bowl, & Griffith Park and its multitude of treasured hiking trails.

1941 N New Hampshire Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Sold for $1,200,000 | Represented Buyer

3 Bedroom | 1.5 bath | 1,250 sq.ft. | 6,501 sq.ft. lot

MLS #20647428

JUST SOLD: Mid-Century Hollywood Hills Home -$1,463,360

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:01:44 GMT

So elated for my super adorable buyer who beat out 13 other offers to score this lovely Hollywood Hills retreat!

Nestled in the hills, this unassuming 2-story post & beam Mid-Century epitomizes canyon living in the storied Hollywood Dell. Stepping into the home you’re taken by the great rooms vaulted wood beamed ceiling that houses a custom gourmet kitchen & dining & living areas anchored by a stone clad floating hearth fireplace. The great room has sliding French Doors opening to a spacious deck w/ expansive canyon views & lush palm trees that provide a sense of serenity & seclusion. The main level features a limestone bath & adjacent spacious master room w/ sitting area. The lower level has a den w/ stacked stone fireplace, a bath & French Doors leading to a flagstone deck. Enjoy a covered patio for dining al fresco & multiple seating arrangements set amongst the lush landscaping & grassy knoll of this home’s special setting. Lower level incl. a 2nd bedroom, storage & spacious laundry that affords flexibility in use.

6336 Weidlake Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Sold for $1,463,350 | Represented Buyer

2 Bedroom | 2 bath | 1,703 sq.ft. | 4,641 sq.ft. lot

MLS #20-653964

Just Sold! Quaint and Spacious Inglewood Condo

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 13:54:40 GMT

This quaint and spacious 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo in one of LA’s hottest neighborhoods Just SOLD!

A front-facing unit, the condo features fresh paint, a light and bright open floor plan, remodeled bathrooms, bamboo flooring, 2 large sliding glass doors with 2 private balconies, custom built-in closets and an in-unit washer and dryer. The kitchen boasts a nice sized pantry and built-in appliances.

The unit comes with one gated and secured parking spot and the community features a pool and a BBQ area. The condo is close to the new Rams/Chargers and upcoming Clippers stadiums, the Ladera Center, The Forum, abundant restaurants and shops, Ralphs, Smart and Final and many upcoming developments. With easy access to LAX, the 405 and more you’ll breeze around the city from your beautiful new home in the heart of it all!

852 W. Beach Avenue #2, Inglewood CA 90302

2 Bedroom | 1.5 bath | 973 sq.ft. | Sold for $410,000

MLS #20-657888

Just Sold! – Charming Northridge Cottage Style Ranch Home – Sold for $660,000

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 13:48:35 GMT

I was able to secure the winning bid for one extremely deserving family! We beat out over 25 offers, some higher AND were able to get them in with an FHA loan.

This home is simply darling! This Cottage style Ranch home in a pride of ownership neighborhood has a well established yard and gardens. There are three raised beds for growing your own fruits and veggies and a backyard filled with butterfly plants, artichokes and lush greenery. Spring time is prime time in the gardens of this home.

19449 Bryant St in Northridge closed on November 24, 2020 and features 3 bedrooms, 1.75 bathroom and 1,029 sq.ft. of living space on a spacious 7,466 sq.ft. lot. (MLS #SR20212321)

Just Sold – Fickett Mid-Century Modern in Whittier

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 12:14:03 GMT

Just Sold! – My client and I beat out 20 other offers to SCORE this beautiful Whittier Home!

Not every day do you find a hidden treasure. Today is the day! Welcome to Lake Marie Ranchos, a community designed by architect Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A. in 1951. This updated + well preserved 3 bedroom + 1 bath mid-century modern is a light-filled dream, which demonstrates a great floor plan within a modest amount of space. Pride of ownership is on display with the many upgrades to this design, built in 1952. The kitchen will make any foodie happy. Beautiful renovation with glass tiles + granite counters, along with higher end appliances w gas cooking range. Yum! Upgrades are numerous: insulated windows, blown insulation, Nest technology, water softener with whole house filtration, custom mcm front door + garage door. Xeriscaped exterior with Malibu lightening + many seating areas. Covered patio area for entertainment. Easy access to the Whittier Green Way Trail for biking + running. Minutes to Uptown Whittier, Turnbull Canyon hiking trail + Whittier dog park. Welcome home!

9652 Calmada Avenue sold for $598,000 and features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1,029 sq.ft. of living space on a spacious 6,023 sq.ft. lot. (MLS #20-602602)

In Escrow! 38 Other Offers Beat Out to Score this Sweet Whittier Home!

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 12:05:59 GMT

This precious Anaconda Park neighborhood home just got snatched up by my lovely first time home buyer! The property was so hot we had to beat out 38 other offers to earn this escrow!

2 + 1 – 920 sq.ft. on a 5,419 sq.ft. lot. – Listed for $499,000.

“Spacious living room with large windows that look out upon the beautiful backyard lawn. The dining room opens to the living room and also enjoys plenty of natural light from the large East facing windows which face the rear garden. Cool features such as retro filament light fixtures, dark-stained hardwood flooring, crown moulding and retro door casements abound! The galley kitchen has ample storage and space for creative meal prep and is entered into by way of two beautiful French doors. The bathroom has been remodeled with an excellent choice of subway tiles in the shower that also feature thoughtful built-in nooks for shower and bath products. The bathroom also enjoys a lovely pullman cabinet with marble counter top and retro hex floor tile. The bedrooms have lots of natural light from the windows and plenty of closet space. Entertaining is effortless on the back covered patio that overlooks the lawn and rear gardens. Your friends and family will love the amazing backyard with fruit trees that include White Peaches, Valencia Oranges and Lemons. This home is move-in ready and has a newly painted interior, newer air conditioning and water heater.”

Representing the buyer on this property 9140 Armley Ave in Whittier. Listing details taken from the MLS. Property features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 920 sq.ft. of interior living space on 5,419 sq.ft. lot. Listed for $499,000.

If you are thinking of making a move, call me!

Just SOLD! New Development in Hollywood – Sold for $1,350,000

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 11:58:50 GMT

Just SOLD! – Every client has a story, every home has a story and the joy that I get from selling real estate is that I’m blessed to be a small part of those stories. These clients came to me last year as a referral from a past client who had met them on a plane from Dallas to LA. I had just placed those clients into a home and they overheard this couple speaking and immediately gave them my info. It took some time for them to get familiar with the lay of the land and the market here in LA so we spent numerous weekends looking in different areas and at different homes until we found the one which was perfect.

We originally found this 3 bedroom, 3.5. bath home in February this year, it was their model unit and the cream of the crop of this 24 unit small lot development. Thus it was priced higher than all the other units – $1,450,000. We kept circling the home, had numerous wine nights on the patio soaking in the sunset while my client’s imagined this as their home. The only problem, it was a little over their preferred budget. But nonetheless the home they wanted so I had the challenge of figuring out how I was going to make this dream a reality for them. Then Covid-19 hit and I saw an opportunity to possibly get them into this home at a lower price due to the unknown market. I was able to secure their bid for $1,350,000 which the developer would not have even considered previously. I also secured them a $5,000 credit towards their monthly maintenance fees (similar to HOA dues). Just like that, they got their Hollywood home.

Small lot developments are LA’s newest rage. They are planned communities which vary in size and all of which are single family homes. I know, I know they look like they are connected but there is indeed a 6 inch air gap between the homes and each owner owns the land the home sits on and often times a little extra (if there is a yard or planter box or patio space, etc).

This development is called Sol Hollywood. Per the listing description, “these homes offer you an enviable location, sleek, modern design and a lock and leave lifestyle. Twenty four single family homes located in Central Hollywood. Setting the stage are five unique floorplans, each designed with the best use of space for entertaining, offering a haven for the discerning buyer. At approximately 1,647 to 2,210 square feet, the living spaces are just the perfect size for urban living. Rooms are open and bright with luxury accents such as quartzite countertops, and European metro-style cabinets included throughout the home. Balconies, patios (on select homes) and rooftop decks with panoramic views create exciting outdoor spaces making living easy at Sol Hollywood. Lights. Camera. Live Hollywood!”

If you are looking to make a move in the LA please area reach out and let’s chat! I would love enjoy the adventures of real estate with you!

Email: BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

Phone: 310-956-9385

Let’s make your dreams, whether buying or selling, a reality!

Just Leased! 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Spanish in Mount Washington

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 12:52:42 GMT

This charming Spanish style home in Mount Washington is available for lease! The beautiful, well-maintained single-family home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 newly remodeled bathrooms, bamboo floors, a tankless water heater, and ductless A/C and heating units throughout. The home also features an LG washer and dryer, adjustable window shutters, skylights in both bathrooms, and a 1-car garage equipped with an electric car charger. Convenient to an array of restaurants and shops with close proximity to Downtown LA, NELA, Silver Lake, Echo Park, the 5 and 110 freeways. This is truly a must-see home! The owner will consider pets with an additional deposit.

*The guest house is being rented by other tenants. Common areas to be shared.

1111 Isabel Street LA CA 90065 is a 3+2 with 1,271 sq.ft. It’s offered for $3,200 per month. Available for immediate move in.

Open House Schedule:

Friday 2/21 – 2pm-3pm.

Friday 2/21 – 5pm – 7pm

Saturday 2/22 from 11:30am-12:30pm

Just SOLD! Beautiful Los Feliz Traditional – 3976 Prospect Ave – Offered for $1,199,000 – Sold for $1,236,000

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:41:25 GMT

This cozy 1939 traditional is perched near one of the handfuls of staircases laced throughout Franklin Hills. This lovely traditional character home is truly a gem in every sense of the word. With lush greenery and gardens filling almost every quiet outdoor space you’ll feel like you’re outside the city while being in the heart of Los Feliz. Step into your light-filled living room and relax by the fireplace or enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of wine on the tranquil patio. This tastefully redone 2 bed, 1 bath home boasts a flowing floorplan with gorgeous hardwood floors, French doors in nearly every room, a working gas fireplace, and a movable Butcher Block in the kitchen. The second level offers two spacious bedrooms. The front bedroom boasts a Juliet balcony while the back bedroom opens into the expansive backyard. Located in the Franklin Ave Elementary School District and close to a vast array of restaurants, grocery stores, and shops. You’ll want to see this home in person to truly appreciate its beauty.

3976 Prospect Avenue is offered for sale at $1,199,000 and featured 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with 1,092sq.ft. of living space.

SOLD over asking for $1,236,000.

If you’re thinking of making a move in LA, please contact Brittany at 310-956-9385 or email at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

3976 Prospect Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Just Sold – Beautiful Family Home in North Hills!

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 12:35:47 GMT

I had the incredible honor of representing some good friends on this sale. They are expecting a little one in March and there couldn’t have been a better home out there for them! This property offered an extra bedroom and more square footage than what we were originally looking for so they have even more room to grow now! It’s perfect in every sense of the word!

Welcome to this beautifully maintained family home situated in a sought after “North Hills West” neighborhood, built in 1987 this home offers 1,904 square feet of open living space, gorgeous engineered wood floors, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a 7,271 square foot lot and a two-car attached garage with direct home entry.

The inviting front entry archway welcomes you into a spacious floor plan boasting an updated kitchen with granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, clean white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a pantry, a breakfast bar, and adjacent dining room. The family room includes vaulted ceilings with recessed lighting, a handsome fireplace and a sliding door to the backyard. There is a formal living room with vaulted ceilings and wood floors. The private master suite boasts a ceiling fan, a large walk-in closet, a remodeled en suite bathroom with a quartz countertop, custom tile, an oversized soaking tub, and a stall shower. There are three additional bedrooms that offer ample closet space and are serviced by the full hallway bathroom with a dual sink vanity. Additionally, you will find a third bathroom with a stall shower, including direct access into the two-car garage with an automatic door opener, laundry area, and storage. The private backyard is east facing and perfect for a garden or yard for kids.

9230 Woodley Avenue North Hills CA 91343 sold for $648,000.

If you are thinking of making a move in the LA area, give me a call at 310-956-9385 or email me at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com and let’s talk!

Vote for me – Best of Silver Lake

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 11:31:38 GMT

Help me win Best of Silver Lake – House & Home

Voting is open for the Best of Silver Lake Awards!

Please click on the link and vote for me under the House and Home section. Make sure you scroll to the bottom and hit “SUBMIT” so your vote counts!

DEADLINE: Monday, September 30

Thank you for your support!

Relief for California’s Tenants

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 11:28:24 GMT

Lawmakers just changed the game on rent control in CA offering tenants with what some would say is much-needed relief. Many homeowners, however, oppose the bill. Read all about it in this article below, copied from The LA Times .

Tenants across California will for the first time have protections against how much landlords can increase their rents after legislators on Wednesday narrowly approved a measure to cap annual rent hikes.

Under Assembly Bill 1482, most yearly rent increases over the next decade will be limited to 5% plus inflation and tenants will receive protections against being evicted without cause. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who brokered the deal that led to its passage, pledged to sign the bill in a statement issued immediately after the vote. The rent caps would take effect Jan. 1.

“These anti-gouging and eviction protections will help families afford to keep a roof over their heads, and they will provide California with important new tools to combat our state’s broader housing and affordability crisis,” the governor said.

The measure passed after an hourlong debate in the Assembly with lawmakers weighing whether the bill would help or hurt the state’s housing affordability problems by either protecting vulnerable tenants or making it less attractive to build new homes. More than a dozen Democrats voted no or abstained from the measure, and no Republicans voted in favor.

In his statement, Newsom called the measure “the strongest package in America” of renter protections. The bill makes California the third state to advance comprehensive limits on rents this year, following Oregon and New York. The rent cap will be more restrictive than Oregon’s — though Oregon’s doesn’t expire after 10 years as California’s does.

New York’s plan doesn’t automatically apply to every community in the state, unlike California’s statewide bill. But it does contain some stronger provisions that are not included in California’s legislation, such as limits on how much landlords can increase rents when new tenants move in.

The bill’s passage came less than a year after California voters decisively rejected a ballot initiative that would have allowed cities and counties to impose much stricter versions of local rent controls. Opponents of AB 1482 said the bill’s primary author, Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco), was going against the will of the voters.

“This bill is an end-run by the author because the proposition for rent control failed,” Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) said. “That’s what this is.”

The legislation does not change the rules for tenants already under rent control rules in Los Angeles, San Francisco and other cities across the state. But more than 2 million additional apartments in those cities and elsewhere in California will be covered by some limitation on annual rent increases, according to an estimate by UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation. The cap does not apply to apartments built within the last 15 years or single-family home rentals unless they’re owned by corporations or institutional investors.

The bill also limits the ability of landlords to evict tenants without documented lease violations after a renter has lived in an apartment for a year. A landlord who wants to convert a building to condominiums or make substantial renovations to units could evict tenants but would have to pay relocation assistance equal to one month’s rent.

Research by the Terner Center and others has found that the bill would not affect the majority of rent increases in the state but could limit substantial, one-time rent hikes while the state is mired in a deep housing affordability crisis. Some 9.5 million renters — more than half of California’s tenant population — are burdened by high rents, spending at least 30% of their income on housing costs, according to a recent estimate by UC Berkeley’s Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society.

“The people of California need policies that keep them in their homes and they need them now,” said Assemblyman Tim Grayson (D-Concord), a co-author of the bill. “There is a way for landlords to do business and for tenants to have meaningful protections at the same time.”

Economists have also warned that the bill could lead to more frequent rent increases from landlords worried about the new limitations and increase the number of apartments converted to condominiums, decreasing the number of homes available to rent. Assemblyman Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) said landlords in his district have told him they intended to increase rents to the maximum they’re allowed when they previously might have held off.

“Landlords are going to raise their rent every year 7.5%, 8%, when in some parts of my district they’re not raising their rent,” Mayes said.

The bill’s passage followed political jostling that scrambled traditional fault lines between the real estate and development industry and renter groups at the state Capitol.

In February, Newsom called for lawmakers to pass a package of renter protection bills but did not specify what he wanted. Soon after, Chiu introduced his bill with the backing of a coalition of renter groups.

But the bill faced significant opposition, including from the California Apartment Assn., the state’s largest landlord organization, which spent tens of millions of dollars to defeat last year’s rent control initiative. It advanced out of the Assembly in the spring only after Chiu agreed to limit rent increases for the next three years to 7% plus inflation annually at the behest of the California Assn. of Realtors.

The issue took a dramatic turn last month when Newsom announced at a news conference that he wanted the rent cap bill to be stronger than it was. The ensuing negotiations led the apartment association to drop its opposition after Newsom and bill supporters loosened the anti-eviction rules while the cap itself was tightened. But the decision turned the Realtors group into strong opponents.

During floor debate, legislators joked about all the calls they were getting from the real estate industry on the bill.

“It seems like all of my constituents have become Realtors in the last couple days,” said Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hills Estates), eliciting chuckles from his colleagues. “But I’m going to support this bill because I feel that it is the right thing to do.”

Despite the passage of AB 1482, the debate over rent control is unlikely to end in California. Tenant advocates are continuing to push for more restrictive local rent controls, with Los Angeles County this week advancing a measure that would limit rent increases in unincorporated areas for apartments built before 1995 to 3% in many years.

The Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which funded last year’s statewide initiative, is collecting signatures to put another rent control measure on the November 2020 ballot. After Newsom announced the rent cap deal last month, foundation President Michael Weinstein said he still opposed AB 1482, arguing that the bill didn’t go far enough to protect renters. Following the vote Wednesday, the foundation praised the measure in a statement as a positive step but vowed to continue pushing forward with its initiative.

“The battle for tenant justice has only just begun,” the statement said.

JUST LEASED! Dramatic Architectural Townhome in Palms

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 10:49:47 GMT

This dramatic, tri-level architectural townhome in Palms has new tenants! This unit features 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths plus a large loft which would make for the perfect office, den or even third bedroom. The home is flooded with natural light thanks to its large windows and soaring ceilings. Other special features include hardwood floors, recessed lighting, a stunning gas fireplace, 2 balconies (one off the living room and one off the master), central A/C & heat, laundry, ample closet space, a skylight, side-by-side gated parking and an extra storage room in the garage. You’ll never be far from your favorite Culver City restaurant or hotspot! Walk to the Metro Rail or enjoy easy access to the freeways, beach or Downtown LA. Less than 1 mile from Sony Studios. This home offers it all; size, style & location! Come view it before it’s gone!

9917 Tabor Street #2 Los Angeles, CA 90034

2 bed | 2.5 baths | 1,236sq.ft. Leased for $3,700 per month

For more information or to schedule a private showing please contact Brittany at 310-956-9385.

Just Sold!! – Hillside home with views in Glassell Park

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 10:47:23 GMT

3540 The Paseo in Glassell Park

2 Bedroom / 1 Bath / 800 sq ft
Listed for $649,999 / Sold for $700,000

No surprise here – this gorgeous Glassell Park home got a lot of attention (including from Curbed LA ) and closed within 30 days of taking on the listing. After some very popular open houses (drawing a few hundred people – wow!), and 12 offers, 3540 The Paseo was sold over asking and has now closed escrow.

View the listing details below, and call me at 310-956-9385 or email me at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com if you’re looking to buy or sell.

Privacy and views await you from this totally remodeled “treehouse” feel home nestled on the hillside of a quiet Glassell Park neighborhood. You’ll feel like you are in your own heavenly oasis as you step into this tranquil 2-bedroom, 1 bath home with an added office. Enjoy views of the trees, canyon and city lights at night from the cozy living room or open the large sliding glass doors to the patio to bring the outdoors, inside. The sleek and clean kitchen with matching stainless steel appliances flows seamlessly into the dining and living area. Two spacious bedrooms with custom closets and the separate office features built-in storage, a desk, and tucked-away laundry station. The property also offers bonus features such as a storage shed, tankless water heater and a two-car carport. Enjoy your own lush garden with the accents of lemon trees, lime trees, and banana plants. You’ll love entertaining as you and your guests watch the beautiful California sunsets drop behind the Observatory to count the stars each night. Convenient to all NELA has to offer!

Call me at 310-956-9385 or email me at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com for more information or to schedule a private viewing.

3540 The Paseo sold for $700,000.

In Escrow! Boyle Heights Triplex

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 03:22:44 GMT

I just put this triplex in the up-and-coming Boyle Heights neighborhood in escrow for my investor client! The property features a single-family home consisting of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in the front, and a separate duplex with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath each in the back. With close proximity to the 10 freeway, LAC & USC Hospital, the Keck Hospital, Dodger Stadium, and DTLA this investment property is a dream for all those Angelenos wanting an easy commute around the city. The complex will be delivered vacant which gives my client the perfect opportunity to rehab the units and rent them for market value!

If you are thinking of making a move in the LA area, call me at 310-956-9385, let’s talk!

Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Just Leased! 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Eagle Rock Charmer

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 02:55:08 GMT

The Eagle Rock rental you’ve been waiting for! This charming single-family home is available for immediate move-in. This private property offers ample outdoor patio space, a sprawling kitchen with 12-ft ceilings and two bedrooms and Central A/C and heat. Along with its bright and sunny living room, there is a large master bedroom with French doors which open to the front patio. The home also boasts a nice sized bathroom and a second bedroom which would make a great office, guest bedroom, or creative space. The utility room is fully equipped with a washer and dryer and space for some extra storage. Sip your morning coffee on one of the 3 patio spaces or walk around the corner to a local eatery. Located just off of York and Eagle Rock Blvd, you’ll never be far from your favorite shop, restaurant or bar! Short walk to Occidental College or an easy and quick commute to downtown and all of NELA. Convenient and abundant street parking is available. Come view your new home!

4515 Corliss Street in Eagle Rock features 2 beds, 1 bath and about 700sq of living space. Listed for $2,595. Call Brittany at 310-956-9385 for additional information or to scheduling a viewing.

4515 Corliss St, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA

Just Leased – 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Inglewood Condo!

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 02:32:04 GMT

Just Leased! This quaint and spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is available immediately for lease! The condo features fresh paint, an open floor plan, bamboo flooring, designer glass doors, custom closet space, and an in-unit washer and dryer. The kitchen boasts a large pantry with all appliances. This front-facing, corner unit also offers 2 private balconies, one gated and garaged parking spot and the complex has a pool and BBQ area. The condo is close to the new Rams/Chargers stadium, the Ladera Center with tons of shopping and restaurants, Ralphs, Smart and Final, easy access to LAX, the 405 and more!

852 W Beach Ave #2 in Inglewood features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 973 sq.ft. of living space. Leased for $2,000 per month. Represented the tenant and the landlord. The unit came with 1 garaged parking space, a community pool and a bbq area for $2,000 a month.

If you are looking to make a move in the LA area call 310-956-9385 or email BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com.

Just Leased – Modern Silver Lake Log Cabin

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 02:11:25 GMT

One of the most unique properties I’ve leased thus far! Who would have known high on a hill in Silver Lake sits several, quaint little log cabins? This property features 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 1,128 sq.ft. of living space with sweeping views and a 1-car garage. It’s updated blend of materials creates an appealing and efficient living space. This unit has been completely remodeled with designer finishes and refinished and resealed interior and exterior logs. The interior living space is comprised of the master bedroom & bathroom downstairs, main living room on the second floor, and the kitchen and second bedroom just above the living area. There are also 2 balconies, one off the master bedroom & one off the living room area. The home also comes equipped with Central A/C & heating, new high-end appliances & granite countertops in the kitchen, floor to ceiling stonework & concrete floors. It’s truly one-of-a-kind and my client totally scored!

Corralitas Drive leased for $3,500 per month!

If you’re looking to make a move here in the LA area, give me a call at 310-956-9385. I’m happy to help with all your relocating needs!

RED Day 2019 – The Hollywood Salvation Army Youth Center

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 01:42:46 GMT

RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) is an initiative dedicated to celebrating Keller Williams Realty’s year-round commitment to improving our local communities. Each year, on the second Thursday in May, tens of thousands of associates around the world participate in a wide range of projects, devoting their time to renewing and energizing aspects of the neighborhoods in which they serve.

RED Day initiatives run the gamut: From rebuilding homes, refurbishing local parks, giving to local food shelters, hosting blood drives, beautifying beaches and so much more. Projects are chosen by each individual market center based on a need they see within its community.

I’ve been at Keller Williams for almost 9 years now (crazy to think it’s been that long) and have participated in all of our yearly Red Days. In the past, our office has sponsored events such as building gardens for inner-city schools, holding food drives, sponsoring a pet adoption and donation drive for a local shelter, reading to underprivileged students, and this year we made 234 bagged lunches via #HashtagLunchbag for the Hollywood Salvation Army As an office, we decorated the lunch bags and wrote notecards of encouragement to whomever was receiving the food. This particular Salvation Army is also a group home for transitioning youth (18-24) who have just come out of the foster care system and have no place else to go. We were able to provide a meal or two to the people who flow through this shelter right off Hollywood Blvd. My coworker and I also had a few additional lunches which we hand-delivered to people downtown on the streets of Skid Row. Additionally, I purchchaed dozens of pairs of socks, toothbrushes, deodorants, and containers of toothpaste to donate to the Salvation Army. These are all items they need as well.

If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering, click here to find out more and donate today!

10 Los Angeles Renters’ Rights You Should Know!

Thu, 23 May 2019 01:40:28 GMT

I know many of you reading this aren’t in a position to nor want to purchase a home right now. If you don’t already know, you should know that I also cater to renters and landlords. If you need anything, just ask! I’m here to help. Below is an article published on Curbed LA I wanted to share with all you renters out there because as it states, “It’s always a good time to brush up on your rights,” right?

“More than half of Los Angeles residents are renters—at 64 percent, it’s the fourth-highest percentage of any major U.S. metro area, according to Zillow .

But how many of those renters are familiar with their basic rights as tenants?

There are online repositories of important tenant info, of course. There’s the comprehensive (sometimes overwhelmingly so) website for the city’s Housing and Community Investment Department , for instance, as well as websites for fair housing and tenant advocacy groups, such as the Coalition for Economic Survival , Housing Rights Center , and the Los Angeles Tenants Union . We spoke to the experts at these groups to put together a quick primer on a few key rights all tenants should know.

1.

All tenants have a right to clean, habitable housing, and landlords are required to maintain livable units—ones in which doors and windows are not broken; the roof and walls keep out water; plumbing works and dispenses hot and cold water; and there are no vermin running free in the building and unit. There are more legal qualifications, but this is the gist. “Basically, tenants have a right not to live in slum housing,” a rep for the Housing Rights Center says.

2.

If a unit is not habitable, the landlord is supposed to remedy it immediately, and technically the landlord is not supposed to collect rent for that unit until it is habitable again. But a lingering problem doesn’t mean that tenants should decide to stop paying rent.

“People are hearing about rent strikes , and we’ve had an increase in tenants who think, ‘Well, there’s a problem in my unit, so I can stop paying rent,’” says Susan Hunter, a caseworker in the Hollywood chapter of the Los Angeles Tenants Union. That’s definitely not the case.

Hunter says it’s important to know that even in a rent strike, participating tenants are still paying their rent—their money just goes into an escrow account instead of to their landlord.

“You’re helping the landlord in the long run if you don’t go through the [correct] process,” because by not paying rent, tenants put themselves at risk of eviction for non-payment.

Continuing to pay rent allows the tenant to have the upper hand in the situation: They can always point to the fact that in the landlord-tenant compact, they’re holding up their end of the bargain.

3.

Got a problem with your apartment, and your landlord is not doing anything about it? Experts recommend that you first tell your landlord verbally. If the problem persists, graduate to a dated letter detailing the issue, taking timestamped pictures of the problem and other documentation that could later be used, if needed, to show that your landlord was aware of the issue. If that doesn’t work, the Housing and Community Investment Department (HCID) has some information here about how to initiate the city inspection process. It’ll issue the landlord a letter telling them to fix the issues fast.

“People sit on complaints because they think if they make a complaint, they’ll get evicted,” says Hunter. But there are state laws and provisions of the city’s rent-stabilization ordinance that protect tenants who file complaints from retaliation. “Let [the landlord] know that there’s a problem. If they don’t fix it in two weeks, call the housing department or the health department,” Hunter says.

4.

But let’s say the problem doesn’t get fixed, even after a 60-day notice is issued to your landlord by the city. Unfortunately, both HCID and the Housing Rights Center seem to agree that the best thing you can probably do is sue your landlord for the rent you paid while you were living in a gross place.

5.

In Los Angeles, there are a lot of places that have been converted into living spaces without the proper residential permits—a garage that’s been turned into a one-bedroom, for instance.

If you are living in one of those illegal apartments, you have the same protections that a tenant in a permitted apartment would have. If the unit is in a rent-controlled building , you have additional rights and protections . (Don’t know if your building is under rent control? Here’s a guide to finding that information .)

The Housing Rights Center advises that renters always write checks for their rent, put a note in the memo along the lines of “rent for (address),” and get a receipt every time. That way, there’s a paper trail that can establish tenancy down the line, if needed.

Resources

The city’s Housing and Community Investment Department is a great resource for renters, but there are also a number of organizations across LA that offer free help for tenants.

BASTA : This vast tenants’ rights organization has offices in LA, Long Beach, Lancaster, and Van Nuys, with more on the way in Boyle Heights and Santa Monica. It offers eviction defense services as well as education for renters.
Coalition for Economic Survival : Focused on social and economic justice, CES organizes a twice-weekly tenants’ rights walk-in clinic offering one-on-one help with counselors and attorneys.
Eviction Defense Network : Located in Westlake, it provides legal consultations and other legal services for housing and eviction disputes.
Housing Rights Center : An all-around excellent resource for renters, this nonprofit offers regular walk-in clinics at various locations in LA.
Inner City Law Center : This Skid Row-based organization provides legal services on a number of issues, including eviction and slum housing.
Inquilinos Unidos (United Tenants): A tenant advocacy organization that offers a free weekly tenant resource clinic to share information about renters’ rights; answer questions about housing problems, including code violations, rent control, and evictions; and help tenants find lawyers.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles : The foundation specializes in helping tenants who are being evicted, living in slum housing conditions, or experiencing housing discrimination. It also helps tenants who live in rent-controlled apartments. The organization regularly hosts both walk-in and appointment-only clinics in multiple locations .
Los Angeles Tenants Union : A union for Los Angeles renters, this citywide organization has led a number of strikes (including a high-profile one involving mariachis in Boyle Heights ) and organized direct actions, very notably at Villa Carlotta , where rent-controlled tenants were evicted under the Ellis Act before the property become, essentially, a fancy Airbnb .

6.

When can your landlord come into your unit? Unless it’s an emergency—in which case, the landlord can enter without any notice at all—your landlord has to give you 24 hours notice, whether it’s to give potential new tenants a tour, to come in to make repairs or improvements, or to let in the workers who are making those improvements. And even with proper notice, they’re only supposed to enter during normal business hours.

7.

How often can a landlord raise your rent, legally? If you live in a non-rent-controlled unit and you have a lease, your rent can’t be increased until the lease is up (unless the lease includes provisions for rent increases). Non-rent-controlled units that are rented month-to-month can have their rents increased whenever, provided that the landlord gives the appropriate written notice.

Rent-controlled housing can only have rent increases once a year, and the rent can only go up by a certain percentage, as decided by the city. In 2019, that rate is 4 percent .

8.

Another big advantage of living in an apartment that is rent-controlled is your protection against no-fault evictions—situations in which you, the tenant, didn’t do anything wrong.

If you live in a rent-controlled apartment, there are a limited number of reasons, found here , for which you may be evicted. Rent-controlled tenants are also entitled to mandated relocation time and compensation if they are evicted via the Ellis Act , and the amount increases according to how long a tenant has lived in the building. Head’s up: some landlords try to get tenants out quicker by offering them cash to leave voluntarily, without going through the Ellis Act process. (More about that below.)

If you do not live in a rent-controlled apartment, there are fewer restrictions on evictions than there are on rent-controlled units.

9.

If you live in a rent-stabilized building and get a notice that says you’re being evicted through the Ellis Act, call the housing department and verify that your landlord has actually filed the correct paperwork for evictions through the Ellis Act.

If they have not, Hunter says, it is possible that what is happening to your unit and likely your whole building is a practice called “ cash for keys .” That’s when building owners pay rent-stabilized tenants money to leave the apartment voluntarily as a way to avoid going through the expensive and long Ellis Act process.

If the eviction notice is not actually an Ellis Act eviction, “All you have to do is say ‘no,’” Hunter says. In this case, tenants are not obligated to sign anything or do anything or take money just because it’s offered. In fact, if your landlord tries to trick you with a phony Ellis Act eviction notice, you can report him to HCID, says Hunter.

In many cases, the money offered with “cash for keys” might seem like a lot, but it’s actually usually less than what tenants are entitled to under the Ellis Act. The calculation for relocation assistance under the Ellis Act takes into account the time tenants have lived on the property, their age, their income, and whether they have a disability.

10.

Bottom line: If something seems off about your rented living situation, don’t ignore it. If you’ve gotten weird notices telling you you need to move out, or the rules of your building have suddenly become strict under new ownership, seek input from a tenants’ rights organization or the housing department.

“We constantly see that tenants are confronted with situations, not knowing their rights, and end up losing their homes,” says Larry Gross of the Coalition for Economic Survival. “In many situations, if tenants knew their rights, they’d still have a roof over their heads.”

This article was taken from CurbedLA by Bianca Barragan Updated May 16, 2019, 11:54am PDT

Illustration by Liam Hopkins

If you are looking to make a move in the LA area, give me a call at 310-956-9385 or email BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com and let’s talk!

JUST SOLD: Beautiful Silver Lake View Home in the Moreno Highlands Sold for $1,788,000

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 01:32:37 GMT

This stunning Silver Lake property was on the market for the first time in 40+ years. This very special 1930’s Traditional home is located in the sought-after Moreno Highlands. The property offers sweeping scenic views, a home office or 3rd bedroom and a large family room. A beautiful succulent garden surrounds the front entry and courtyard. The living room with a fireplace offers a perfect picture window with expansive views of the city, hillside & snow-capped mountains in the winter. The dining room, kitchen & enclosed sun porch all offer gorgeous scenic views as well. There is a bonus room off the kitchen perfect for a playroom or some extra storage! Upstairs are two bedrooms that share a full bath & enjoy breathtaking views. Are you seeing this home has views for days from every room in the back of the house?! A second enclosed porch is an ideal reading room or a blank canvas to transform to your desire. The lower family room with another fireplace leads out to the backyard. The yard is currently a blank palette awaiting your green thumb, landscaping ideas or possible room for a pool! There’s also a patio where you can gaze east out onto the picturesque mountains. This home has been loved and cherished by the owners for the past 4 decades. This property is also in the coveted Ivanhoe School District!

2434 Moreno Drive 90039 sold for $1,788,000. It features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,152 sq.ft. of living space with an extra 700 sq.ft. of bonus space.

This was one of my most rewarding transactions for it was 2 years in the making. Usually, it takes 1-3 months to get a buyer into a new home but the right home just had not presented itself. My clients stuck with the process and stood by me and it paid off in the most perfect way at the most perfect time! We beat 7 other offers out to finally score their forever home and closed in 12 days.

If you’re looking to make a move here LA, I would love the opportunity to help make your dream a reality! Call me at 310-956-9385 or email BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

Sold with Buyer Representation.

Just Leased! Mid-Century Home in the Hollywood Hills

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 00:44:18 GMT

Just Leased! This modern mid-century home is nestled in the Hollywood Knolls neighborhood. Features include an updated kitchen with a breakfast area and recently installed granite counters, a stainless steel gas cook top, dishwasher, refrigerator, and sink. The formal living room is highlighted by a stone fireplace and newer sliding glass doors that overlook the private grassy yard – ideal for entertaining. There is a family room and dining area adjacent to the kitchen, and a separate laundry/storage room complete with a washer and dryer. The master suite has tons of closet space, a dressing area and a private bathroom with a large granite vanity and an oversized tiled shower. The two generously sized guest bedrooms have plenty of natural light and storage, and one of the bedrooms has direct access to the guest bathroom. Other features include newer paint and engineered wood flooring throughout, an automatic sprinkler systems, central air/heat, and a double car garage with additional storage. The property has beautiful canyon and city views and is centrally located to Universal City, major studios, restaurants, the Hollywood Bowl, Griffith Park and much more.

3320 Primera Ave 90068 is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with 2,230 sq.ft. Leased for $4,500 per month.

If you’re looking to make a move in the LA area, give me a call. I would love to help! 310-956-9385 or BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

Just Sold! – 2 Bedroom Chatsworth Townhome! Sold for $400,000.

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 00:34:37 GMT

This place feels like your own tri-level single-family home with the convenience of an HOA. My clients will soon own a townhome in the highly sought after community of Tierra Verde VI in Chatsworth! Its popularity is in part because of its ease of commuting to LA by car, or by Orange line, which is within walking distance. It is only a few miles from The Village, Westfield Topanga, CSUN and the Porter Ranch Town Center. This beautifully maintained 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath townhome has spacious rooms with high ceilings making this 1441 sqft feel quite large. The family room has a huge slider that leads you out to the nice patio to enjoy barbecuing and dining outside. Leading from the family room, up to a couple stairs, you will find a large dining room and kitchen. The top floor has two large bedrooms, one bathroom, and a laundry room. You have direct access from your two-car garage. This complex boasts a gated community pool, spa, sauna, and a large rec room. It has a low HOA, which includes, sewer, and building earthquake Ins. This is a perfect place to call home.

Congrats to my clients who are in escrow set to close at the end of February. They are going to enjoy updating this townhome to make it their own!

10030 Owensmouth #87 in Chatsworth features 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath, 1,441 sq.ft. of living space with $320 monthly HOA dues and was offered for $399,000.

Easy Tips to Declutter Your Home and Get Organized in 2019!

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 00:18:37 GMT

Let’s get real for a second: It’s very easy to let clutter accumulate. And problem area #1 for us is the entryway. We’ve misplaced a pair of sunglasses in a too-tall pile of mail and forgotten to wash a sweater stuck in the sleeve of a jacket—hidden under yet another jacket.

I mean, after a long day, you want to come home, put your stuff down, and start relaxing. Tidying can be left to another day, right? Sure, so long as you have a place for your mail, thus avoiding a lengthy sunglasses search that makes you late for your next park hang.

Taming clutter is one of the easiest ways to not only make your home look more pulled together, but to make your life easier. So that’s what we’ll be doing this week: walking you through a four-step process to declutter—and organize—your entryway.

Don’t have a clearly defined entryway? Tbh same (such is life in an urban apartment). But you can do these steps anywhere around your place, so just find the spot where you unload your stuff after walking in the front door and get going.

Step 1: Gather up your stuff, and throw away any trash

Take everything that’s been cluttering your entryway, and collect it in one place. Keys, mail, change, clothing, shoes, electronics, whatever.

Then throw away any trash. We’re partial to letting dry cleaning receipts pile up! Feel amazing as you crinkle them up and pitch—ahem, responsibly recycle them.

Step 2: Categorize your stuff, and think about getting organized

Ok, now lay everything out so you can see it. This may seem like you’re just creating more of a mess. Fret not, we’re going to sort things out very quickly.

Now, identify the types of items that generally accumulate in your entryway. Is there a lot of loose change? Snail mail? Think about what you may need to store those specific items. What things can help you keep your space organized?

Sorting things into types or sizes or uses may help here. You might even sort them based on how soon you need to address them, and how visible you need things to be day-to-day. (For instance, maybe don’t store your ice cream coupon here because, What if you are just suddenly by the ice cream place? Maybe keep it in your wallet.)

Step 3: Get organized!

Is the main offender your mail? Consider getting a cute file that can chill on your table, look good, and ensure that you’re never hunting around for that insurance thing again (oh god). We’ve rounded up our favorites here .

Do your keys, wallet, and loose change need wrangling? Try repurposing a stylish small plate or a bowl to keep those items contained and handy. Don’t have a piece to spare? We found a few that we like .

If you kick off your shoes the moment you walk through the door, maybe get a boot tray: We love these options . Or bonus, maybe you already have a small bench or stool that you could move into this spot. You could sit down there to take your boots off, and then they could live underneath so that they look, and are, totally in place.

And, though this is outside of the scope of this week’s challenge (it involves screws!), we wanted to include it: If your jackets or grocery store totes get flung hither and yon, get a hook or hooks (the octopus hook is well-loved) and install them either a. next to your door, b. above your shoe situation, or c. next to your entryway furniture, if you have it. So long as you aren’t hanging heavy stuff on a hook (usually more than 10 lbs.), you don’t need to put it into a stud.

Did you put your stuff in things? If you need to buy something before you can finish, don’t worry; we’ll check in next week to make sure this project is wrapped.

Step 4: Create a habit of using your thing-holders, as soon as you get home

Congratulations! You successfully collected your clutter, identified the types of things that needed to be sorted, and acquired a piece or two to help keep your space more organized.

Now, building up a habit of using a mail organizer or placing your keys in the same dish (even if it’s cute AF) will take time. Don’t beat yourself up if every so often things start to get a little unruly again. You’re human, you’re busy, it’s OK.

Something we’ve actually found to be really helpful is the concept of the one-minute rule : If whatever you need to do—like hang up your jacket or put your bag away—will take one minute or less, force yourself to do it immediately. That way, all those little tasks won’t pile up into a more daunting amount of work.

But all you need to do right now is step back and admire your newly refreshed entryway.

***This article was taken from: Curbed and published by Robert Khederian on Jan 9, 2019. ***

Home of the Week: Beautiful Mid-Century in Mount Washington

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 00:08:48 GMT

I stumbled across this gorgeous new listing and could not help but share it! Take a look at this stunning, quintessential 1953 Mid-Century located high in the hills in prime Mount Washington. The spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with abundant natural light features a living room with Clerestory windows, walls of glass and a gorgeous rock fireplace. Gleaming original hardwood floors throughout. An updated kitchen seamlessly blends original character with today’s modern amenities. The home also boasts central air & heat with a Nest thermostat. The large master suite offers a separate patio area perfect for your morning coffee or enjoying a good book. The super private and lushly landscaped yard is set back from the street with lots of frontage and serene views of the surrounding hills. There is also a bonus room off of the carport perfect for storage or a workshop space. This gem is close proximity to Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, and all that Eastside living has to offer. Is this the one you’ve been waiting for?

1161 Olahcha Drive LA, CA 90065 features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with 1,626 sq.ft. on a 8,656 sq.ft. lot. Offered for $1,149,000.

For more information on this home or any other property, please call us at 310.-956-9385 or email at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

**Listing courtesy of Joseph Devarenne**

Vote for me – Best of Silver Lake 2018

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 22:36:34 GMT

Voting is open for the Best of Silver Lake Awards!

Please click on the link and vote for me under the House and Home section . Make sure you scroll to the bottom and hit “SUBMIT” so your vote counts!

Thank you for your support!

SOLD! – 465 Isabel Street – Triplex in Cypress Park – $1,228,000

Fri, 18 May 2018 22:32:03 GMT

J UST SOLD! These most deserving clients came to me as a referral from a friend. They were essentially looking for a needle in a haystack property. They wanted 2 separate structures on a lot with some outdoor space. Each home had to have at least 2 bedrooms they could occupy. When we first met, they were working with another Realtor and were in a tough escrow where they felt the agent was not fighting hard enough for their best interest. The escrow didn’t work out and they decided to give me a shot. Within a few weeks, this lovely property popped on the market and we went to see it. Of course, they fell in love and I knew we were going to have to fight to win the home. There were 23 offers on this property but we were able to secure the winning bid and open escrow within the week! The home was simply meant to be theirs and I could NOT be more excited to have been a part of their journey. I am so excited they found their perfect new home in LA!

This unique property proposes a very special opportunity to own your own compound. At the top of the grounds sits the original structure, a 1927 two bedrooms, two bathroom California bungalow featuring private front and back yards, stunning views, a finished basement and direct parking. Further down the lot, you’ll find a mid-century duplex with each unit boasting their own private yards and front porches. On the street level, there are four 1-Car garages and a gated entrance. The two bedroom, one bath, and one bedroom, one bath apartments can supplement your mortgage, or serve whatever dreams you have, as you live in your private mountain getaway while still remaining within close proximity to all things NELA.

The property was listed for $895,000

If you or someone you know is looking to make a move to the LA area, give me a call at 310-956-9385. I would love to help with any real estate needs!

Just Sold! Inglewood Traditional in the Heights at Ladera! Sold for $995,000

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 22:23:11 GMT

Another home JUST SOLD for clients in a HOT neighborhood in Inglewood. After looking for the perfect home for months, my clients stumbled across this darling community. There is even an HOA in place to keep it’s pristine look and charm. We beat several offers out to totally score on this fantastic 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with room to grow.

Here’s what my client had to say about the experience buying a home with me:

“We met Brittany two years ago when we were not ready to buy a house. What was most impressive is she stayed in touch in the perfect, nonaggresive way so when we were ready, she was the first person we thought of. We had other agents trying to find us places who clearly didn’t listen to our budgets, interests and needs like Brittany did. She was sending us listings that were in budget, in the desired area, etc. When we were ready to get aggressive at looking and putting in offers, she was there 100% of the time, being aggressive with us. She helped us strategize on offers, contingencies, etc. When we would make changes to what we were looking for, she adapted quickly and helped us move forward. We were searching full time (every week and weekend) for 3 months and she was at almost every tour and visit, helping us assess what worked and what didn’t. We found a house after 3 months of looking full time and she helped make the buying process smooth and efficient. She didn’t miss a beat and went above and beyond to help get everything done on time. She even kept the listing agent on track with everything! Brittany ended up becoming a good friend, and we would recommend her to ANYONE! Especially first time, Los Angeles buyers.”

If you’re thinking of making a move, I would love the opportunity to help you score the home of your dreams! Call me at 310-956-9385 or email me at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

MLS description:

Ready to move in! This completely upgraded and spacious property in the Heights at Ladera offers both comfort and luxury at its finest! The convenient one-story home with an open floor plan flaunts high vaulted ceilings throughout and and a perfect layout ideal for entertaining. Features include 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This home also boasts an additional 400 sq.ft of sun room bliss! The living room is centered around a beautiful wood burning and gas fireplace while the dining area features a step-up wooden platform. The kitchen is completely remodeled as well with a new stove-top/oven and has a separate granite island with additional cabinets. You will also find an attached lattice top pergola with a tiled patio great for hosting summer BBQs. The spacious backyard is perfect for your kids to play in, dogs to roam or to create a beautiful garden. The options are unlimited!

Property sold for $995,000.

Click to see the listing!

Just SOLD! Contemporary Silver Lake Home in the Coveted Ivanhoe School District – SOLD for $1,374,000

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 22:13:54 GMT

Another multiple offer situation where my clients prevailed! I do love working with buyers, this is where I find my greatest since of fulfillment and accomplishment and this story is no different. I met these clients at an open house 4 years ago! They had been leisurely searching for some time already but had not found the right home (sometimes it takes a while). I put them in touch with a great lender and they continued to search on and off. It took some time, but when their “perfect home” popped up, they called and we got the ball rolling! With the market being so crazy and every home going into multiple offers over asking, we knew we had to come in strong. The home was listed for $1,223,000 and we offered $1,374,000 and were able to secure it. Now, you might be thinking, “wow, that’s insane!” But don’t fret because I do my research and make sure my client’s are not overpaying for a home. They actually UNDER paid as this property appraised for higher at $1,380,000. BOOM! They got their perfect home AND walked into a little equity. I was also able to negotiate a credit for half the cost of a of a new roof and a few minor fixes! The home was in great shape overall so didn’t need much. We all know the market in Los Angeles is uber competitive and when my client’s tell me they want to make a home theirs, it’s go time!

If you are thinking of buying or selling, I would love to help you along your journey towards homeownership! Please contact me at 310-956-9385 or email me at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com and let’s get started!

Home blurb:

Enter the gated yard planted with bamboo and other unique drought tolerant plants and you’ll understand immediately why this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with bonus room is the creative charging pad that Silver Lake dwellers need. The main living space has an open floor plan, polished concrete floors, vaulted ceilings and a recently remodeled kitchen. A spacious ensuite master bedroom features glass sliding doors to access the tranquil patio. Three additional rooms provide room for kids, a music studio or even a hadron collider. The garage is currently converted to a great room that transforms easily from a kids playroom to a screening room. Did I mention that it’s in the Ivanhoe school district?!

View the full listing

Just Sold! Van Nuys Townhome! Sold for $353,000

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 22:01:34 GMT

Just Sold! This adorable and charming Lake Balboa townhome! This 2 bed, 2 bath home with a 2 car attached garage features a large living room with a gas fireplace, beautiful hardwood floors, a completely renovated kitchen, 2 updated bathrooms, recessed lighting, dual pane windows and a private patio for entertaining complete with a retractable awning! There are other bonuses including as a tankless water heater, vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms, a walk in closet and building amenities such as a a pool, spa, sauna and courtyard!

16735 Vanowen Street features 2 bed, 2 baths and 1,033 sq.ft. The property was offered for $359,000 and we snagged it for my client for $353,000.

If you are looking to make a move, give me a call at 310-956-9385!

View additional property details here!

Just Sold! 2003 Virginia Road – Represented Seller – Sold for $1,355,000

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 21:56:40 GMT

Tucked away in prestigious Wellington Square is this totally reinvented Traditional charmer. The home has been meticulously renovated and is situated on a beautifully landscaped lot. Fine details define this home with an abundance of natural light throughout creating a warm inviting ambiance. The home boasts four spacious bedrooms & four baths including a grand master suite with a dual vanity and a walk-in closet. The gourmet kitchen is the envy of all chefs with a large center island, Carrara marble counters with shaker custom cabinets, a large farm sink, Thermador stainless steel appliances including a six-burner range and substantial pantry storage. There is a formal dining room for special gatherings, a large living room with a wood burning fireplace and a relaxing den/family room which flows out into a backyard fit for entertaining! The yard is also extremely quiet with plenty of privacy for relaxing after a long day. A two-car detached garage & a large permitted guest house complete this gem. The home is equipped with all new systems, appliances & double pane windows. This is a true trophy home!

Sold for $1,355,000

Are you looking to make a move in the Los Angeles area? Call me at 310-956-9385, let’s chat!

Just SOLD – Off Market – 1346 Coronado Terrace sold within HOURS for $55k over asking – Sold for $980,000

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 21:43:35 GMT

1346 Coronado Terrace

Represented Seller

Listed at $925,000, sold off-market within HOURS for $980,000

This sweet California Craftsman bungalow was recently restored and offers a bright and open flow floor plan. The home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a bonus space perfect for an office, gym or even a small third bedroom. The kitchen was updated to include marble counters and a custom inlaid linoleum floor. The restored bathroom comes complete with heated floors. The fabulous back yard features a small above ground pond which further adds to the peaceful ambiance. The yard is terraced and perfect for a garden with a nice sitting area at the top with views of the observatory and Hollywood sign.

1346 Coronado Terrace in Silver Lake home is walking distance from all the trendy shops and restaurants on Sunset Blvd.

*I received an offer on this property the day I took the listing! I had a colleague who had a client who had been looking in this specific pocket for a while and was willing to pay a premium for the home to keep it from the public. They wrote an offer we couldn’t refuse and we closed the deal in less than 30 days!*

If you are thinking of selling but don’t want the hassle of open houses and strangers walking through your home, call me and let’s discuss your options. Chances are I know of someone looking for what you are offering and can produce similar results!

Call me at 310-956-9385 or contact me and let’s chat!

Sunny Mediterranean Pool Home in Wellington Square

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:36:07 GMT

2208 Wellington Road

New Listing

$1,195,000

2208 Wellington Road is a lovely Mediterranean home in the desirable neighborhood of Wellington Square in Mid-City.

This property has great curb appeal and has been transformed combining old world charm with 21st Century amenities. This home has an open, modern concept which flows from room to room creating drama and plenty of natural light. Features include hardwood floors, Stainless Steel appliances, a formal living room with a fireplace, and a breakfast room with sliders which leads to rear yard featuring a pool and small pool house. A wide staircase leads to the second level which boasts three large bedrooms, one with a bonus room/office. There is plenty of storage in this home and room to make it your own!

For more photos, view the complete MLS listing here

To schedule a viewing, please call me at 310-956-9385 or email me at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

Property is co-listed with Nick Mercado

Just Sold: Quaint Pool Home in Monrovia

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:32:24 GMT

1417 Contented Lane

Represented Buyer

$595,000

This quaint, charming and move-in ready single story pool home is located on a private street in the quiet city of Monrovia.

Enjoy the summer outside with a large backyard and a sparkling heated salt water pool! This home offers many upgrades including newer dual pane windows, window blinds, newer garage door, newer driveway, walkway and patio. The kitchen flooring has been updated and the sunny bathroom has been completely renovated. Contented Lane is located near many restaurants, the Arcadia mall, the Santa Anita Race track, the 210 & 605 freeways, and is in close proximity to the Metro Goldline Station.

See the Listing Here!

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“I was referred to Brittany from my lender when I applied for a home loan and I couldn’t have been luckier to find a more caring, hard working and helpful agent. From the moment we talked I knew she would fight to find me the right home. Brittany is engaging, approachable and most importantly…available! This was my first home buying experience and she answered many questions…sometimes at odd hours…and she answered every one graciously! She guided me through a lot of the particulars and nuances of the process and it was easy to get things done because she has such a strong network. If you want an excellent agent that will be an advocate for your needs and desires in a home purchase, don’t hesitate to reach out to Brittany!!!”

– Daniel H.

Are you looking to make a move in the Los Angeles area? Call me at 310-956-9385 or contact me and let’s chat!

Sold! Charming Craftsman in the Heart of Hollywood

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:24:20 GMT

1302 N Cherokee Avenue

Represented Buyer

Sold for $910,750 (listed at $979,000)

In this competitive market it’s hard to find a “deal” but I managed to score this one for my client right in the heart of Hollywood.. and to the tune of $68,250 under the original asking price!

1302 N Cherokee Avenue is an updated Hollywood Craftsman with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & approx. 1,600 sf. Located on one of the most desirable streets in Hollywood and beautifully landscaped with drought tolerant plants. True to Craftsman style, there’s a spacious covered front porch with a seating area facing west. The living room has a fireplace and opens to the dining room. Light shines in through the front and side windows. The kitchen has been updated with plenty of counter space and cabinets with room for an island. Walk out the kitchen doors to side deck with a BBQ and outside dining area. Stepping down from deck into backyard is a Gazebo sitting area. The master bedroom has plenty of closet space and a large slate-tiled bath. The second bath on the hall has stacking laundry inside. This home is complete with a 2-car, side-by-side detached garage and space for more parking in the driveway. A bonus to this home is it’s new central air & heat and leased solar panels on the roof!

See the complete listing HERE!

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Brittany is terrific. She works hard to find the right listings, including working her secret connections to help you see homes that aren’t yet on the market. She has great people skills, so she struck the perfect balance between supporting my ideas and opening my mind to new things (homes, neighborhoods). She has the smarts and experience to provide the right information, and contacts (to lenders, etc) needed when you’re house hunting. And she’s tough enough to handle problems and issues that arise; My particular sale got a bit bumpy toward the end, and Brittany saw everything through to completion. I’d work with her again in a heartbeat!

– Catherine G.

Are you looking to make a move in the Los Angeles area and are searching for a Realtor who’s got your back? Call me at 310-956-9385 or contact me and let’s chat!

7 Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Tackle in June

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 21:14:58 GMT

Ah, June. School’s out, the days are long, and the weather’s getting toasty. We get it—your vacation is beckoning. (So’s ours.) But before you slather yourself with SPF 75 and reach for a piña colada, do yourself a favor and tackle a few maintenance projects. A little pain now means a big gain later—you’ll ensure your home runs smoothly through the dog days of summer.

Don’t worry: We’re here to make it as quick and easy on you as possible. With our handy checklist of home maintenance chores, you can knock ’em out and get back to that piña colada, pronto. (We’ll take ours with two tiny parasols, please.)

1. Check your AC

“The last thing you want is a busted air conditioner, so before a heat wave hits, give it a test run for 30 minutes to make sure it’s cooling properly,” says Dave Quandt , vice president of field operations at American Home Shield, a home warranty company.

Shortcut: To extend the life of your AC unit, adjust your programmable thermostat by only 2 to 3 degrees at a time.

Call in the pros: If anything seems off, call in a professional HVAC company. You’ll spend between $100 and $250 for service, which includes cleaning the condenser and lubricating the fan motor. When the outdoor temps go deep into the red zone, you’ll likely consider it money well-spent.

2. Stop mold before it starts

June kicks off a stretch of the hottest months of the year, especially in Southern states where heavy rain is also the norm. All that heat and moisture provide the perfect climate for mold to flourish, says Phil Kuczak , air-conditioning service and installation manager at Best Home Services in Naples, FL.

Shortcut: There’s an easy trick you can use to keep mold at bay: Lower your thermostat.

“Some homeowners try to save money by setting the thermostat at an unsafe high temperature, especially in high humidity areas,” Kuczak says. “The cost savings on the power bill could quickly be far outdone if you end up with a mold problem.”

Also avoid leaving your AC fan in the “on” position (instead of “auto”). This can cause rapid mold growth, especially in high-humidity regions. Here’s why: If your fan is running continuously, then any moisture that’s condensed on your AC’s evaporator coil during cooling doesn’t have a chance to drain off—and it can be blown back into your home.

Kuczak also cautions against trying to limit or increase airflow to certain rooms by shutting supply grills. That can cause condensation buildup, leading to mold growth around those grills and in the adjacent ceiling or wall.

Call in the pros: If you have a mold problem, expect to pay a small fortune for a pro to remove it. Homeowners spend up to $3,200 on average for mold remediation.

3. Prime your pool

You don’t need a degree in chemical engineering to keep your pool clean.narvikk /iStock

Test your pool’s pH levels often to keep the chemicals balanced and your pool safe for swimming. Run the pump daily (one hour for every 10 degrees of heat in the water is a good rule of thumb) to avoid that swampy green color.

Shortcut: If you forget and come home to a green pool, a jug of liquid bleach will clear it up quickly, according to Quandt.

Call in the pros: Don’t want to bother with it? You can hire a pool maintenance company for an average of $243 a month .

4. Eradicate pests

Warm weather draws out all the creepy-crawlies. But you can give summer bugs the boot (or at least keep them at a comfortable distance).

Shortcuts:

Trim shrubs or bushes that touch your home’s exterior (which can harbor wood-destroying insects such as termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles).
Swap mercury vapor outdoor lightbulbs with yellow sodium vapor ones, which are less attractive to insects such as mosquitoes, moths, and beetles.
Weed thick vegetation and pick ripe fruits and vegetables as soon as they’re ready.
Keep bird feeders at least 25 feet from your house—spilled seeds can attract rodents.
Stop mosquitoes before they hatch by eliminating all sources of standing water on your property.

Call in the pros: Above all, know when to seek professional help.

“Do-it-yourself pest control for a cockroach or occasional spider can be cost-effective, but it’s not going to stand up when you have a serious infestation,” says Ryan Michel , owner of Defense Pest Control in Mesa, AZ. “Pests can carry bacteria and disease, and some can do serious damage to your home. If you’re seeing pests pop up with frequency—especially if you notice them appearing in the same places—it’s time to call in a professional to help.”

It’ll cost you an average of $178 a month . But hey—you’ll sleep better, right?

5. Service your sprinklers

When temperatures rise, so does your water bill.MariuszBlach/iStock

Service your yard’s irrigation system to save water, prevent damage to your landscaping, and reduce standing water.

Shortcut: Make sure your sprinklers are programmed to follow any local water rationing regulations, and program your system to optimal summer use settings to keep the landscape looking fresh.

Call in the pros: If you don’t know what kind of maintenance your sprinkler system needs, a pro will take it on for $95 to $123 .

6. Keep your fridge frosty

It should go without saying that your fridge and freezer are most vulnerable in the summer heat. To keep them running smoothly, clean condenser coils—which help the unit stay cool by releasing heat from the compressor—and be sure to remove dirt, pet hair, and any nasty food that’s lodged there.

Shortcuts: Make the job simple by using a vacuum and coil brush, says Chris Granger , vice president of Sears Home Services.

While you’re at it, tackle the door.

“A leaky door gasket can result in your refrigerator trying to cool the entire kitchen,” Granger says.

Clean the gasket with a mild cleaner, and then check the seal integrity with a solution of soapy water—just like you would do with an inflatable mattress, he says. You can also use the dollar bill approach: Close a dollar bill in the door so it’s half in your fridge. If your gasket isn’t tight enough, it won’t hold the bill firmly in place—the dollar bill will fall out or slide down.

Call in the pros: Most appliance repairmen charge by the hour. Depending on the issue, a refrigerator repair could cost anywhere from $100 and $200 an hour .

7. Pimp your ride (riding lawn mower, that is)

Use compressed air or a leaf blower to clear grass, dirt, and debris that have accumulated in your riding lawn mower. Drain old fuel into an approved gasoline can, and follow hazardous waste disposal regulations to get rid of it. Then, change your oil and filter: Granger recommends letting the mower run for a bit before getting started. If you have a foam air filter, clean it with soap and water, and make sure it’s dry before reinstalling.

Finally, change the spark plugs. “This simple but crucial task will help the mower start smoother and run more efficiently,” Granger says.

Call in the pros: On average, professional lawn mower maintenance and repair will cost $35 to $90 , but could increase depending on the complexity of the job and whether new parts are needed.

Article taken from Realtor.com:

Click here for the source.

Just Sold!! Long Beach Investment Condo!

Wed, 03 May 2017 21:02:24 GMT

This desirable Park Regency condo right next to Bixby Park just got some new owners! The large 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath rear second floor unit features an open floor plan, a huge living room with a fireplace and plantation shutters throughout. The master bathroom is fit for a king with it’s large jetted Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, a swanky block glass wall and double vanities. There is also a second closet in the oversize master bedroom. The guest bedroom boasts built in bookshelf and a full attached bath. There is also another half bath right off the kitchen and entryway. The home also features central A/C and heat, new paint, a dishwasher, water heater, and all appliances. This is a great investment for my clients who plan to give the home a face lift and rent it out! It’s a short distance to everything with biking and walking paths right out your door. There are concerts in the park all summer and a weekly farmer’s market in Bixby Park. There are yoga classes offered across the street while enjoying serene ocean views! This is a very desirable complex with only twenty-eight units. To top it all off, you can walk right across the street to the ocean, everyday!

Are you looking to make a move in the Los Angeles area? Call me at 310-956-9385 or visit my website and let’s chat!

Just SOLD! Darling condo in Monterey Hills!

Fri, 14 Apr 2017 19:46:17 GMT

4295 Via Arbolada #201

Represented buyer

$429,000

Just Sold! This beautifully renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo in Austin Terrace features oversized windows, smooth ceilings, an open kitchen and a breakfast bar. The flowing floor plan transitions easily from the formal entry to the airy living area with its smooth ceilings, crackling fireplace and balcony with sweeping valley and mountain views! The dining area is conveniently close to the spacious kitchen with its beautiful all-gray cabinetry, all-white appliances and breakfast bar. The oversized sliding glass panels in the living room add even more light to the bright and cheery unit! The sizable master suite features tree top views, a whole wall of wardrobe closets and its own private bathroom. Both bathrooms feature updated fixtures with the laundry in the guest bath. The HOA amenities include a pool, spa and a large sundeck perfect to soaking up rays while enjoying the view!

Are you looking to make a move in the Los Angeles area and are searching for a Realtor who’s got your back? Call me at 310-956-9385 or contact me and let’s chat!

JUST SOLD! Highest Sale in Wellington Square, Ever! 1926 Buckingham Road – Sold for $1,525,000

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:31:30 GMT

This fabulous designer done Country English home exudes old world beauty with 21st century amenities. A formal gorgeous foyer welcomes you to this gem boasting four bedrooms and four baths, a state of the art kitchen with Carrara marble counter tops, farm and prep sinks, an American range with six burners and Thermador 36″ fridge. There is a formal dining room enhanced by a custom designed chandelier and French doors which flow to one of three patios flanking the home. The living room has gorgeous crown moldings and a wood burning fireplace. Adding to this gracious home is a huge library which flows to a rear deck large enough for gatherings and summer BBQs. There are hardwood floors throughout, a tankless water heater, dual zone HVAC and a new sewer. The formal staircase leads to four bedrooms and two bathrooms on the second level. The outdoor space features a lush oasis with a professionally landscape designed front yard complete with sprinklers and a two car detached garage. This is a true delight!

Other features include:

4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms

2,876 square feet

Washer/Gas dryer included

Skylight in the back bedroom

Built-in bookcase

LED lighting in each room

Privacy wall around the perimeter

Multi-zone sprinklers in the front and back yards

Two front patios (living and dining room)

Large back deck

Covered patio in the back yard

Retrofitted and bolted foundation

Upgraded Pella Architect & Designer Series windows

**1926 Buckingham Road is the highest priced sale for the neighborhood, ever! Want to know how you can get top dollar for your home? Call me at 310-956-9385 and find out what makes me different!**

Just SOLD! Off Market Leimert Park Spanish Sold for $899,000

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 18:25:19 GMT

We all know how competitive this insane LA market so it’s your lucky day when you stumble across a pocket listing that’s just perfect for your buyers! The entire world does not know about it’s existence therefore you score a “secret” deal for your clients.

This picture-perfect, lovingly cared for & beautifully updated Spanish home in Leimert Park just sold for $899.000. It’s one of the original homes built for the Small Homes Exhibition in 1930 by Architect, Carl Jules Weyl, who was noted for offering a cascade of overhanging roof lines. The home features such charm as original Brazilian Cherrywood and Mahogany hard-wood flooring, an impressive Douglas-Fir floating staircase, beautiful beamed ceilings and decorative iron work throughout. The home also features Lux European style tilt & Pella architectural grade windows, an architecturally designed kitchen w/terra-cotta tile floors with Cuban tile insets, tumbled Travertine, Limestone & Rosso Alicanta marble baths, an intimate reading nook and a great private back yard and patio for entertaining. Poised perfectly on a slight knoll, this home was just yearning for it’s new owners.

4104 Edgehill Drive in the 90008 sold for $899,000 and features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2,432 sq.ft. of living space.

If you’re looking to purchase a home in the Los Angeles area, call me at 310-956-9385! I’m always searching for great deals for my clients!

Open Sunday 3/12 2-5pm Beautiful Los Feliz Mediterranean Offered for $2,850,000

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 19:20:48 GMT

Come check out the spectacular views in this highly upgraded Los Feliz Hills home! Enter through the lush gated courtyard, meander into the serene garden and relax into your private spa after a hard day’s work. You’ll be drawn to the sweeping panoramic views of the city that stretch as far as the ocean or gaze up at the architectural beauty of the Observatory.

Inside, you’ll walk through the living room over to the fully remodeled kitchen which features granite counters, a Viking range, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Miele microwave and warming ovens, wine refrigerator and a walk-in pantry. Step back into the entry hallway and enter the private master suite with an enormous closet and bath complete with a spa tub perfect for a bubble bath and glass of wine. Once relaxed, walk out onto the 75-foot long deck to enjoy the view and reflect on the day.

Entertain guests on the lower level with 3 oversize bedrooms and baths and enjoy some fun in your two-room entertainment area. You will find a wet bar featuring both a refrigerator and a wine refrigerator and enough room for a pool table, big screen TV, pin ball machines, various seating groupings and space to add more! Enjoy another balcony with those same amazing views and be the envy of all your friends.

Welcome to your new home in the Los Feliz Hills!

2451 N. Catalina is open on Sunday and features 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and 3,685 square feet of living space. It’s offered for $2,850,000. Open house on March 12th from 2pm – 5pm.

Please call Brittany at 310-956-9385 or use the contact form below for additional information. The lot to the south of the home may be available for purchase as well.

Listing provided courtesy of Deborah Worotko – Alexander Real Estate Services

Remodel or Replace? Top 10 ROI Opportunities in Popular Home Improvement Projects

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:07:47 GMT

The 2017 Cost vs. Value report by Remodeling magazine documents the national and regional costs and ROI (return on investment) for 29 popular home improvement projects.

Overall, these 29 improvements paid back 64.3 cents on the dollar in resale value.

What that says to the homeowner is that spending money to sell a home requires research.

The goal of improvements from a seller’s standpoint is to attract buyers and achieve top dollar on a listing. But finding the balance between updates and return isn’t that simple.

In a seller’s market, spending (significant amounts of) money on improvements for resale may not translate to added value. As the tide turns to a buyer’s market in the next year or so, agents will need to carefully track ROI numbers to advise sellers.

Those surveyed about the return on remodeling projects were licensed agents, so Remodeling Editor-in-Chief Craig Webb says the report is a reflection of confidence in the industry:

“I think that this year’s Cost vs. Value report actually reflects the general optimism that both remodelers and Realtors have about the state of the housing economy. We are building more and more homes, slowly in this country, but that’s rising. Remodeling activity is as active as it’s ever been in history. And so, consequently, the prospects are good for everyone involved in the process: the consumer, the remodeler, the Realtor.”

Why the top 10 doesn’t matter

National numbers don’t really mean anything to the individual homeowner.

Improvements that pay off (or not) depend on the same three factors that affect home prices: location, location, location.

Agents should drill down to regional or city numbers in this study to find more applicable ROI numbers.

“There’s variation by projects and variations by the cities,” Webb explained. “Sometimes it’s labor and sometimes it’s the perception of Realtors .”

That being said, there are some interesting national trends that may impact homeowners locally. Note that these projects are broken down into mid-range and upscale categories to account for building materials and finishes.

Subtle changes pay off

The No. 1 trend in this year’s numbers is that the subtle changes make for the biggest return on investment.

Remodeling compared these minor improvements to painting with “greige” — the popular mix of gray and beige that’s a subtle but wildly popular color this year.

The two highest percentage returns nationally came from low-ticket improvements under $2,000: attic insulation came in no. 1 at 107.7 percent, followed by entry door replacement (steel) at 90.7 percent.

Look outside first

Projects that spoke to curb appeal had overall larger returns than improvements inside the home.

Garage doors garnered 76.9 percent ROI for mid-range and 85 percent for upscale replacements.

Entry door replacements in both mid-range and upscale (fiberglass) received greater than 77 percent ROI.

Windows at both levels gained at least 73 percent ROI. Siding was also a winner at 76.4 percent.

The bronze medalist in the top 10 is stone veneer — because it’s become so authentic-looking for a fraction of the cost of the real stuff.

Replacements win

Projects that involved a total replacement — such as windows and doors — scored high among the real estate professionals surveyed.

The takeaway for homeowners is that a broken or seriously outdated door should probably be replaced, even if the return is not 100 percent.

The same goes for old single-pane windows. This speaks to curb appeal as well as the first impression of a well-maintained home.

Biggest losers

Year over year, the trends show that mid-range and upscale additions (except decks) saw less than 62-percent returns overall.

This doesn’t make one of these projects a “loser,” per se, if it makes life in your home better. Just don’t expect to make big money here.

There are two reasons to add on regardless of return.

First, the homeowner simply needed more room well before they were prepared to sell.

Second, the home was disproportionate to those around it (for example, a one-bath in a neighborhood full of two- and three-bath homes).

The biggest low-return project was a $12,860 backup power generator at 54 percent ROI. (It seems there are few believers in the Zombie Apocalypse.)

The second-runner-up loser is a $51,935 backyard patio at 54.9 percent ROI; the project includes 20×20 flagstone patio, sliding door, stone-veneer-surround outdoor kitchen, a gas-powered firepit, pergola and lighting. (Perhaps the lack of hot tub for that spend was the deciding factor.)

Surprise! (Not surprised)

If you were to guess what buyers want, I’d put money down that most people would say updated kitchens and bathrooms.

What’s surprising here is that a minor kitchen remodel at $20,830 could make the Top 10, but a minor bathroom remodel, which cost $18,546, had a surprisingly low 64.8 percent return.

A closer look reveals that in the kitchen, the cabinets were simply refaced, but all the appliances were replaced with stainless, energy-efficient models.

In the bathrooms, the replacements were pretty standard fare.

Both the bathroom and kitchen remodels with spends over $50,000 returned less than 65 percent (not surprised). Because these rooms are highly personal, spending a lot on one specific style could actually turn off buyers.

New trend: Multi-generational living

One new project that didn’t make the Top 10 but may become a growing attraction is a “universal design bathroom.” This bathroom includes such features as a walk-in shower, support bars and a wheelchair-accessible sink.

“Baby boomers are getting older and they’ve decided, for the most part, that they don’t want to move,” said Webb. “That means that they’ve asked themselves ‘Well, what does it take to live here?’ and ‘What do we want to do to change?’ Sometimes it’s putting the bedroom on the first floor, or putting in a walk-in shower.”

A Pew Research census analysis showed that 60.6 million people are living with multiple generations under one roof, the highest percentage since 1960.

It’s not unreasonable to speculate that the rising cost of housing and care will see more boomers and Gen-Xers bringing aging parents into their homes; at the same time, millennial children loaded with student loan debt are moving back in to save for their own homes.

Getting what you paid for

Although all but one project on this Cost vs. Value report showed a profit-generating ROI, you could argue that not updating key rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and front exteriors produces a greater negative result. How many buyers wants a “handyman special”?

As housing prices start to dip, this will come into play even more.

It’s a difficult lose-lose for some sellers who can’t afford significant updates but need to make money on their house. They’ll need some expert guidance to make strategic and cost-effective choices.

Best ROI by region

Regional patterns have remained the same year over year. The nation’s hottest market is the Pacific region, with overall returns at 78.2 percent and 10 projects with at least 90 percent ROI.

Conversely, slow markets in the Midwest brought in the lowest overall returns at 54.9 percent and no paybacks over 80 cents on the dollar.

“If you go to San Francisco, 21 of the 29 projects have a return over 100 percent,” Webb said.

“But if you go to Indianapolis, or the entire states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and Kansas, there’s not a single project over 100 percent. However, all 29 projects returned over 100 percent in at least one region of the country.”

Article by – Chris Rediger

Article image credited to auremar / Shutterstock.com

Article taken from – Inman Select The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

What does President Trump mean for the housing market?

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 19:01:57 GMT

With all the buzz around the election, what could Trump really mean for the housing market? Here are 8 ways our new commander-in-chief could affect homeownership for the next 4 years.

“Political pundits around the country were stunned when Donald Trump secured enough votes to beat Hillary Clinton to become the next President of the United States. While supporters from both sides are still reeling from emotions, we woke up wondering what that would mean for real estate.

It’s common for the president to use housing as a vehicle to lead economic recovery, and with Trump being a licensed broker, real estate professionals have been keen to see how his policies would affect them.

“The last time we had real estate dealmakers as U.S. Presidents were founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, who loved their property holdings and made sure the U.S. Constitution protected them,” Inman publisher Brad Inman wrote earlier this year . “That was a big deal.”

How will an impending Trump presidency change the real estate market? Here are eight possible outcomes.

Will he use real estate to kickstart the economy?

Trump has used real estate himself as an investment, and although he hasn’t said much about his housing platform, what he has said indicates that he’s interested in boosting homeownership.

Much of Trump’s platform has centered around deregulating the financial market in order to more fully revive it, and that alone could also give a boost to real estate.

What will happen to mortgage rates?

Many different factors affect mortgage rates — they change each day based on what the market is doing — and last night, we saw a little bit of market panic, which can be expected due to an unforeseen event (most polls showed a Clinton win).

However, as of this morning, they have already bounced back a bit.

A similar effect was seen post-Brexit , with markets dropping after the unexpected vote to leave the European Union, but a few months later, it’s business as usual again.

The international economy also has an effect on the exchange rate, and there could be some disturbance as the result of an unforeseen event.

“Mortgage rates are falling because investors are seeing safe yields in U.S. mortgage backed securities, reflecting their confidence in the relative safety of the U.S. housing market,” wrote Trulia chief economist Ralph McLaughlin this morning in a statement. “Furthermore, the Fed is likely to delay a December rate hike because of global economic turmoil. Both effects mean short term win for borrowers, and we’ll likely see an increase in mortgage refinancing if rates continue to plummet.”

Could it become easier to borrow money?

One way that a Trump presidency could make it easier for consumers to own homes would be to lower premiums for FHA loans or cutting guarantee fees for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Neither of those have been specifically mentioned as priorities for his campaign — and Fannie and Freddie present their own problem, as seen below.

Will there be cutbacks in federal programs?

In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan cut back on many federal programs (such as mental health care) in order to trim the national budget.

Some programs, such as those involving affordable housing, might have more of an effect on real estate than others, but Trump has not indicated which programs he would be most likely to target for cutbacks.

“While local and state policies are likely to be unaffected, major programs — such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and Section 8 housing vouchers — could be on the table for reform,” said McLaughlin.

What about regulations?

This is something that Trump — and the Republican party as a whole — has been vocal about.

Banking regulations

In July, the party approved its 2016 platform. That platform includes significant changes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and there has been talk of repealing the Dodd-Frank Act, which imposed regulations on lenders, and replacing it and the CFPB with something else.

Loosening regulation on lending could potentially boost homeownership by making it easier for consumers to obtain loans.

Building regulations

In August, Trump also told a meeting of the National Association of Home Builders, “There’s no industry, other than probably the energy industry, that is more overregulated than the housing industry … Twenty-five percent of costs to build a house are regulations. I think we should get that down to 2 percent.”

If construction is deregulated to some extent, this could mean more affordable homes for consumers.

Employer/independent contractor regulations

What happens to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA, also known as Obamacare) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations is up in the air now.

And if Republicans are successful in getting rid of some or all of PPACA or OSHA, then that could mean lower operating costs for small business, including real estate brokerages. It could also mean that agents are no longer required to purchase their own health insurance as independent contractors if PPACA is repealed or amended.

Will the mortgage interest deduction go away?

Last year, a tax plan that Trump shared specifically and explicitly mentioned that he would preserve the mortgage interest deduction.

Trump’s current plan (more abbreviated than the previous version) does not go into detail about the mortgage interest deduction.

Will there be reforms at Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), are currently under government conservatorship — and although figuring out what to do with the behemoths is bound to be difficult, it’s also likely to fall into Trump’s lap.

The GSEs are projected to run out of funds in 2018 , so if we don’t have a plan by the time that happens, we’ll need one.

What about immigration?

This is a big unknown — if Trump does, indeed, tighten immigration policies as outlined in his platform, then the United States could see some softening in markets that rely heavily on overseas investors, who might face additional difficulties or hurdles in purchasing property.

However, Trump’s immigration policy has undergone many changes since he first announced his candidacy, and immigration reform won’t be an easy bill to push through, so it’s difficult to determine whether this will influence the real estate market to any large degree.

Inman readers were prescient in September when we revealed the results of a reader poll — most readers were voting for Trump. What do you think is next now that he’s our new president?”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated.

Email Thomas Mitchell

Story taken from Inman Select. Published 11/10/2016

Just Sold! Chic Little Tokyo Condo in Downtown LA

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 18:56:28 GMT

Tokyo Villa is a quaint complex in the heart of Little Tokyo in Downtown LA. Step through your large, secure front door to amazing natural light and city views! Walk into your bright kitchen complete with a breakfast nook overlooking the city and enjoy your morning coffee and catch up on the daily news. Relax in your spacious living room with built in cabinets. Enjoy 2 master suites each with ample closet space and sweeping city views! The unit also comes with laundry inside and 2-car gated parking! Other building features include a recreation room, koi pond & Japanese garden, a gym, a sauna & spa, a library/karaoke room, 24hr security and a friendly front desk staff. Situated minutes to the Metro Gold Line, Union Station, the downtown shopping scene, Japanese Village Plaza and trendy restaurants, you have it all!

Sold with Buyer Representation.

222 S. Central Ave #402 sold with multiple offers for $585,000.

Additional Home’s Features

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
1221 sq. ft.
Views, Views, Views
Low HOA. Good reserves
Central location
Secured building with staff
Gym and peaceful koi pond
2-car parking + guest parking
Top-floor, corner unit

To view the entire listing, please click here.

For additional information please contact Brittany at 310-956-9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Come Tour Babyface’s former Hollywood Hills Home!

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 13:14:40 GMT

This is the one you’ve been waiting for! Previously owned by the 11-time Grammy winner Babyface, this immaculately restored Historic Mediterranean home in Whitley Heights is up for grabs! The home even boasts a separate Guest Suite. Done to the 9’s, the main house features hardwood floors throughout, a large, coved ceiling living room complete with a fireplace and views which opens to the formal dining room with incredible period detail and vintage light fixtures. Designed for social gatherings that seamlessly brings the outdoors in. Dine al fresco on the spectacular open patio. The designer cook’s kitchen features a Sub Zero fridge, Bertazonni range, wine fridge and quartz counter tops. The large master bedroom boasts a bay window & a covered patio off it’s bath. The perfect place for sipping your morning coffee! Other features include: Saltillo tile, an alarm system, security cameras & a central HVAC system. The guest suite includes a beautifully tiled fireplace, separate bath & wet bar. Every detail of this home from the hinges to the windows have been painstakingly restored to bask in it’s former glory. Think we’re done, think again! Perhaps the best feature of this home is it qualifies for the Mills Act with annual property taxes only around $4,000 per year!

Come see it to believe it! Open House Tuesday, 7/19 from 11am – 2pm so stop by, say “Hi” and check it out!

6726 Milner Road in the Hollywood Hills features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2,245 sq.ft. of beautiful living space. The property is offered for $1,849,000.

Please contact Brittany at 310-956-9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Grant Linscott.

Just Sold! Beautiful Traditional in Leimert Park!

Tue, 17 May 2016 13:10:12 GMT

Another one just sold and we couldn’t be happier for the new owners! They beat 4 other offers to snag this gem! This bright and beautifully done traditional home is located in the desirable and up-and-coming neighborhood of Leimert Park. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and also boasts an inviting living area with a fireplace that flows into a den and large formal dining room. The updated kitchen is complete with granite countertops and tile floors which lead to the laundry area. Featuring beautiful hardwood floors, central heat and air, spacious bedrooms and a Master Bedroom that opens onto abundant outdoor space, perfect for entertaining. This home is a win win!

3774 Edgehill Drive sold for $712,000.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell property in the Los Angeles area, call us at 310-956-9385 or

visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing was sold in collaboration with Jerry and Rachel Hsieh.

Just Sold! Glendale Fixer!

Mon, 02 May 2016 13:05:53 GMT

This home is a blank canvas for it’s new owners! Located in a desirable neighborhood in Glendale, 1235 Winchester Avenue will undergo a major renovation to shine to it’s true potential! The market is still hot and these fixers notoriously fly off the shelf! We were up against 19 other offers competing for this property. Together, we were able to draw up an offer the sellers couldn’t refuse!

Not only does this property feature a 3 bedroom, 1 bath home at 1,340 square feet but it has a flat lot that goes on for days! 13,488 square feet to be exact! The possibilities are endless! This home was originally listed for $589,000 and sold for $716,100.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling here in LA, give me a call at 310-956-9385 or visit my website to search for additional properties.

Have you heard my story?

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 13:02:24 GMT

Just Sold! Charming Mid-City California Bungalow!

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:00:55 GMT

Beyond the horizontal fenced wall and electric gate is a chic California Bungalow, as if it were a page torn out of Sunset Magazine. Relax on the front porch and script your next screenplay. Hardwood floors and custom window covering throughout. The living and dining room w/recessed lighting focus on a brick fireplace w/built-ins to house your books or display your collection. A large updated kitchen features quartz counter tops, white cabinetry, SS appliances and breakfast area. The large master bedroom includes a 12 foot long custom closet. French doors open to a redwood deck surrounded by a hedged yard. A large carport has been transformed into a posh cabana with outdoor drapes, hot tub and twinkle lights. Located in the heart of Mid-City near Mid Town Crossing.

1286 S. Mullen Avenue features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 1,238 sq.ft. of living space. With buyer representation, it closed at $775,000. I was able to get my buyers in and their offer accepted before the home went into multiple offers!

If you’re thinking of buying or selling this year, give me a call at 310-956-9385 or visit my website to search for for additional properties.

View The Listing Here!

Just Sold! 3400 San Marino Street #B

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 13:37:57 GMT

The property coveted for its central location, gated perimeters, and classic architectural details is one of the Classic OLD-WORLD GEMS of Los Angeles. Better yet, the building only has 15 units and UNIT B is surely one of its most desirable. Highlights include a first floor location with a direct entrance, corner unit with lots of light, private in-unit laundry and one of the few units in building that is perched on a knoll & located right next to the grassy lawns (great for entertaining!). A grand entry corridor begins your journey and leads you to the main living room which has breathtaking natural light (14 windows in all!). Authentic period details throughout: original oak hardwood floors, barrel-coved ceilings, authentic crystal knobs, shaker style doors, and built in bookshelves. The kitchen has been tastefully updated with stainless steel appliances, a wine fridge and lovely Spanish tile details. The bathrooms feature clean art-deco tiling and rich wood moldings. Home has 2 updated bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and ample walk-in closet and pantry space. This condo feels like a HOME and the grounds feel like an ESTATE. If you have been looking for something truly special that feels like authentic Los Angeles, this is the perfect home for you! The building also features stunning 360 degree views from the rooftop clubhouse/balcony and electronic gated security. You get a private 1-car garage and parking for a second car in front. And we can’t forget to mention the low HOA Dues at only $330 a month! 3400 San Marino Street #B was listed for $624,950 and sold for $627,000.

Home’s Features

2BR, 1.5 BA

1250 Sq. ft home. Gated estate grounds

Hardwood floors

Character details throughout

Charming remodeled kitchen

Windows and exterior were refurbished in 2015

Working character windows with screens.

Low HOA. Good reserves.

Central location

Grassy common grounds and multiple clubhouses.

360 views from rooftop

Classic circa-1920’s Old-World Architecture

Light filled first floor unit

For additional information please contact Brittany at 310-956-9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Unit was co-listed with Jerry and Rachel Hsieh – Keller Williams Realty

Open 1/17 1-4pm – 1856 Hi Point Street 90035

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 13:02:14 GMT

Sophisticated and Redone Mid-Century Modern Home in highly-sought Faircrest Heights. Turnkey Remodeled from head-to-toe & inspired by California living. Authentic postwar home originally designed in 1947 by Romeo Aristides Rodriquez & fully architect restored/re-designed in 2013. Turnkey Remodeled from head-to-toe & inspired by California living. THIS HOME HAS THE WOW FACTOR! Abounds with light & has a great indoor/outdoor lifestyle experience. There are 3 bedrooms & also an additional 4th room that could be a 4th bedroom or office. Classic details throughout – in the custom paneling designs, floor-to ceiling glass doors & windows (Milgard & Fleetwood), & clean angles. Kitchen has been re-imagined with an open layout, panorama doors& Calacatta marble counters throughout. Bathrooms luxuriously appointed with steam showers. Cabuchon Custom Calyx Japanese Style Soaking Tub. Rainhead shower & skylight in master suite. Come get into this beautiful home soon!!

We will be open Sunday, January 17th from 1/4pm. Don’t miss this beaut!

1856 Hi Point Street features 4 bedrooms, 4 baths with 1,929 sq.ft. on a 5,848 sq.ft. lot. It is offered at $1,299,000.

Listing courtesy of Jerry and Rachel Hsieh & Jodi Barmash

Just Sold! 1823 S. Bronson Ave 90019

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 00:31:06 GMT

This beautiful Craftsman in the Arlington Heights neighborhood just sold and I was fortunate enough to represent the lovely buyer! Of course, we had a multiple offer situation but my client’s offer prevailed and we were able to negotiate a final sales price of $806k. Very rarely are escrows easy and this one was no exception as the seller passed away not even a week after acceptance. What should have been a 30 day escrow ended up being 90 days! We were able to work it out, avoid probate and in the end my buyer is now the proud owner of this stunning 2,604 sq.ft., 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home. It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell in the Los Angeles area, give me a call at 310-956-9385 or visit my website to search for additional properties.

10 Reasons to List During the Holidays

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 00:21:43 GMT

With the end of the year quickly approaching and the start of a new one right around the corner, I wanted to provide you with a little insight on why NOW is the best time to make your move!

1. People who look at property during the holidays are serious buyers and are more ready to make a concrete decision.

2. Serious buyers usually have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays, so the property has less competition.

3. Houses “show better” when tastefully decorated for the holidays with the wonderful lights and festive colors associated with the season.

4. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays and often base their decision on the warmth and good feelings they receive when viewing the home.

5. Buyers have more time to look for a house during the holidays because they have designated time off from work to purchase a home.

6. Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons.

7. January is traditionally the month for transfers. Transferees can’t wait until the spring to buy. These buyers need a home now and houses must be on the market to capture these buyers.

8. Sellers can restrict showings during personal family events and still take advantage of their homes being spruced up and decorated “show ready” property.

9. Sellers can sell now – but specify a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year if it is agreeable within the negotiations of the contract.

10. By selling now, sellers have the opportunity to buy during the spring – when more properties are on the market.

So there you have it, the top 10 Reasons why listing your home during the holidays is the best time of the year! If you want more information on your specific neighborhood and what your property is worth, give me a call today at 310-956-9385 or visit my website.

I Love Referrals! Not personally looking to make a move but know someone who is? Make the connection, you know they will be in good hands!

Happy Holidays!

Check out my newest video here!

Just Sold! Mid City Duplex

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 00:18:37 GMT

Boom! Another one sold with buyer representation. This charming Spanish duplex located in the heart of Mid City has new owners! The property consists of two structures on it’s 6,000 sq.ft. lot. The front house features 3 bedrooms, 1 bath while the back house features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. This one was sold with the current tenants in place. My clients plan to relocate the tenants and renovate the inside of the home. Property is located at 2121 S. Rimpau Blvd, 90016 and sold for $559,000.

Are you or someone you know thinking of buying or selling? Call me at 310-956-9385 to discuss your options or visit my website to search for additional properties.

Check out my latest video here!

Hot House! 1227 S Sycamore Ave, 90019

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 23:05:56 GMT

Stop by Sunday, October 4th from 2-5pm to see this Stunning Traditional! Completely re-imagined with a new floor plan, new copper plumbing and drain lines, new Central AC, updated electrical and roof, New LED recessed lighting, and dual glazed windows and a tankless water heater. The home features a versatile layout, authentic crown moldings, and newly re-finished dark walnut stained flooring, all new luxurious chef’s kitchen with Violetta Marble Countertops (New Bertazzoni Chef’s Stove!), and a large en-suite master bedroom/bathroom. Both bathrooms have been remodeled as well featuring deep soaking tubs, calcutta marble tiling, and unique skylights. The home boasts grassy front and back yards, 2 car automated garage, and a bonus bachelor unit above the main home too which could doub as a nice office or in-law suite! The main home is about 1720 sq.ft. and in the highly sought Miracle Mile area and absolutely priced to sell! Close to LACMA, Hancock Park, Larchmont Blvd, The Grove, Shops and dining on Pico, 3rd, and Beverly – Everything is just a hop, skip and jump away! You seriously can not miss this one! Offered for $1,199,000.

For more information or to schedule a private showing of 1227 S, Sycamore please contact Brittany at 310-956-9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Jerry and Rachel Hsieh

Home of the Week: 9233 Swallow Drive 90069

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 22:13:38 GMT

This week our Home of the Week comes straight to you from the Bird Streets! This romantic, architectural masterpiece was completed in 2015 and designed by Bradley Bayou. Every detail of this home was created using sophisticated design, materials and unparalleled craftsmanship. No expense has been spared! Your indoor/outdoor living style has been optimized with retractable walls of glass framing the stunning city light views. You can relax and enjoy your infinity pool and spa day or night complete with an expansive outdoor entertainment area and secure privacy. Enjoy your sunken living room and cook in your expansive chef’s kitchen, with every amenity you could think of! The Master suite features a fireplace, a remarkable spa bath with sunken, heated tub & floors with glass walls opening to a quaint koi pond. Enjoy your private zen garden and yoga deck. This dream home can all be yours! A total of 5 en-suite bedrooms, all with uniquely custom features plus two powder rooms. The lower level includes a lounge & bar area leading to a luxurious screening room. Having a dinner party? Your guest will have plenty of options for parking with your subterranean garage that can house 4-6 vehicles. Be the envy of your friends!9233 Swallow Drive features 5 Bedrooms, 7 Baths and 7,500 sq.ft. of living space.

Asking: $21,850,000

For additional information please contact us at 310.956.9385 or visit our website to search for properties.

Listing courtesy of David Yocum Hilton and Hyland.

3839 Carnavon Way, Los Feliz

Sat, 16 May 2015 21:42:00 GMT

This Los Feliz gem features a top-to-bottom remodel on a private knoll with breathtaking views! The home boasts 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a den, new pool, ample outdoor living space plus a private entrance to the office and I’m just getting started! The living room features a stone fireplace, vaulted beam ceilings and leaded windows. The spacious kitchen is styled with Carrara marble counter tops, island seating, custom cabinets and open shelving and all new appliances. The huge Master is complete with a sitting area and a gorgeous master bath. French windows in the bedrooms, a Clawfoot tub in the bathroom and many designer touches make this home special. Additional features include a new roof, kitchen, bathrooms, HVAC, pool filter, electrical, tankless water heater and more. Welcome to your new oasis! 3839 Carnavon Way was listed for $2,699,000 now reduced to $2,599,000 It features 3,301 sq.ft. of living space on a 9,444 sq.ft. lot. Please stop by this Sunday to see this beaut for yourself.

Listing courtesy of Nick Mercado and Brittany Walter

The Faircrest Collection – Luxury at It’s Finest Only 4 Homes LEFT!

Sun, 10 May 2015 21:33:38 GMT

Looking fo r a brand spanking new home? Well, look no further! I proudly present to you the Faircrest Collection. The FC is a luxury development of Contemporary Spanish homes with 3-5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. These stunning townhomes feature dramatic open floor plans and high end finishes using only the finest materials. Spare no expense! You’ll find yourself right at home with the custom cabinetry, hardwood floors, 10 foot ceilings, floods of natural light and very spacious rooms! The baths are beautifully tiled, the home is solar ready, wired for home automation, and features controlled access. This location just can NOT be beat as it was recently named one of the Top 10 Neighborhoods in the U.S. You’re moments from great shopping, ample restaurants, and just a hop, skip, and a jump away from everything else your heart desires in LA. So kick back and relax your mind knowing you’ve just purchase your brand new home! Oh wait, did I mention the rooftop decks with sweeping LA views?!

These stunning homes range from 2,090 sq ft up to 2,417 sq ft. and start at $944,000.

Each home is a bit different so if you’d like to schedule a private showing – or know a friend looking to purchase in the area, please contact me at 310-956-9385 or email to BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

Listings courtesy of Grant Linscott

New Listing: 1426 N. Sycamore Ave – Hollywood – Open Sunday 2-5pm

Sat, 02 May 2015 21:27:49 GMT

Are you tired of condo living in the big city and yearn for more space in your life? Do you want privacy but still need to be close to all the action? Well look no further! This chic, country English style home in Hollywood just might be the one for you! The private home is located in a prime location right off Sunset Blvd. This beaut features an updated kitchen with custom cabinets, TWO master bedrooms with their own spacious bathrooms, and a beautiful backyard where you can entertain your guests all summer long! The home also boasts a bright and comfortable living room complete with a romantic fire place for cozying up to your loved ones on those chilly LA nights. The home is close to Hollywood and Highland and all the hip restaurants and clubs. You can literally walk anywhere! Not to mention this would also be an ideal rental or investment! With all this potential you certainly don’t want to miss this one!

1427 N Sycamore is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with 1,775 sq ft. of living space on a spacious 6,025 sq ft lot. The home is private, has central AC and Heat, a 1- car garage and driveway, hardwood floors, and walk-in closets. Listed for $999,000.

Stop by this Sunday, May 3 from 2-5pm and again Tuesday, May 5 from 11-2pm and check it out!

For questions or to schedule a private showing, please call us at 310-956-9385.

Listing courtesy of Bryan Miyamoto

New Listing: Franklin Hills Gem – 1919 Monon Street 90027

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 22:20:10 GMT

This impressive two bedroom, two bath Mid-Century home with darling and charming curb appeal is nestled at the end of a lovely cul-de-sac in the Franklin Hills. Beautifully renovated, it offers a wonderful open living and dining room with a fabulous cook’s kitchen complete with new cabinetry, a Viking range and stainless refrigerator, dishwasher, built-in microwave and a breakfast bar. The home also boasts newly refinished hardwood floors. The finished garage is currently being used for a den or home office, but still offers a parking space in the driveway. Additional upgrades include new central air and heat, copper plumbing, a new 200 amp panel and a new roof! Enjoy a spacious new deck where you can enjoy your morning coffee and entertain friends, while admiring views of the historical Shakespeare Bridge. This special home is also located in the much sought after Franklin Elementary School district. I mean, who wouldn’t want to make this their new home!?1919 Monon Street is offered for $875,000 and is 1,430 sq ft.

Want to see this home first hand? Contact Brittany for a private showing at 310.956.9385 or via email at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

Want to see more properties? Click Here!

Listing courtesy of George and Eileen Moreno.

For Sale – 2431 Meadow Valley Terrace – Silver Lake

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 21:41:51 GMT

Come one, come all! Here is an incredible opportunity to own or lease a beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath Traditional home in the coveted Ivanhoe School District! This house offers plenty of bright, open spaces and hardwood floors throughout. The living room features a gorgeous decorative fireplace that opens up to a patio with sweeping views of the Observatory! Your cook’s kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry and a swanky wine fridge. The yard provides green space along with an additional patio while still leaving room for a pool, should your heart desire one.

2431 Meadow Valley Terrace in Silver Lake is 1,782 sq.ft of interior space on a 4,725 sq.ft. lot. It’s offered for sale at $1,069,000 or for lease at $4,800 per month. Sorry, not pets if renting.

For more information please contact Brittany by phone at 310.956.9385 or email @ BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

2431 Meadow Valley Terrace will be open Sunday, 12/7 from 1-4pm.

See you all there!

Listing courtesy of Grant Linscott & Jodi Barmash

Los Feliz Home of the Week: 1946 N Oxford Offered at $2,875,000

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 21:31:34 GMT

This home offers it all – and them some! While touring the property I couldn’t help but fall head over heels.

Gracefully positioned above the street and framed by tall palms sits this 3,600 sqft., c.1923 Four Square Mediterranean beauty which offers exceptional, generous-sized main rooms and entertainment space, an elegant ground-floor reception and a new oversize dream kitchen! This home keeps some of it’s old charm with original windows and oversized bedrooms which flood light into the home. Enhanced by new systems, comfort cooling and state-of-the-art security you’ll feel safe and secure in your purchase. The property is gated and set on a large 8,100 sqft. plot with a new swimming pool, green space, patios, 2-car garage and ample off-street parking. An excellent and particularly spacious home, all rooms are stylishly presented, light, and beautifully proportioned to make for comfortable living in one of LA’s most desirable neighborhoods. Eat your heart out!

For additional information or to schedule a private showing of 1946 N. Oxford Ave in Los Feliz please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or email at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

Listing courtesy of Boni Bryant and Joe Reichling.

Just Sold! – 1730 Camino Palmero #208 – Hollywood

Tue, 12 Aug 2014 20:20:53 GMT

New paragraph Check out this fabulous Hollywood condo steps from the entrance of Runyon Canyon! Your new one bedroom, one bath home includes gorgeous Brazilian cherry hardwood floors throughout, a spacious kitchen equipped with all appliances, an open floor plan and great natural lighting! In addition, this quiet off-street unit comes complete with 2 parking spaces. Casa Palmero has all the amenities you desire! 24-hour security, gated access, on-site manager, pool, spa, sauna, 2 gyms, community room with a kitchen. Plus, step outside to yoga classes and great hiking at Runyon Canyon Park!

This condo is listed for $370,000 with the HOA dues at a LOW $298.75 per month. HOA covers most utilities so all you pay is electric and your cable/internet! The HOA currently has over $1,000,000 in reserves. The desirable location of the condo together with it’s low HOA dues and amenities also make it a great investment property if you’re looking to purchase a rental.

The first open house will be Sunday, August 17th from 2pm – 5pm.

For questions or to schedule a showing please contact us at 310.956.9385

To view the complete listing, please click HERE!

Just Sold! Trendy Condo in Grand Lofts

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 20:12:06 GMT

This trendy condo in the hip and up-in-coming South Park area of Downtown just sold! This courtyard facing unit features an open, industrial floor plan with polished concrete floors, 2 separate bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 walk-in closets, and best of all 2 side-by-side parking spaces! This unit comes equipped with a washer/dryer, stainless steel appliances, and low HOA dues. Walking distance to the upcoming Whole Foods, Staples Center and LA Live along with tons of restaurants, shops, and nightlife you’ll never have to roam far. This is the perfect live/work space for whatever it is you are searching for!

This 2+2 sold for $575,000

When Deadlines Help Sell Houses

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 23:44:33 GMT

Listings with offer deadlines averaged 31 days on the market, compared with 61 days for listings without published deadlines, an analysis found.

Want to get people moving? Set a due date. In real estate, deadlines bring results—and high returns.

So far this year, 58% of home listings with published offer deadlines sold above list price, according to an analysis of 37 major metropolitan markets in the U.S. by real-estate brokerage Redfin. Listings with offer deadlines also averaged 31 days on the market, compared with 61 days for listings without published deadlines.

Published offer deadlines—where real-estate agents cite a specific due date for offers in the listing and marketing materials—are rare. Less than 4% of U.S. listings include a deadline, according to the Redfin data, and most of those are written in private agent-to-agent comments instead of public listing descriptions.

In hot markets like San Jose and Oakland in California, more than 20% of listings in 2014 had deadlines, according to Redfin. In the 37 markets analyzed, offer deadlines are 89% more common in listings priced between $500,000 and $1 million when compared with homes priced under $500,000.

“As a buyer’s agent, I have been one of 40 offers. It’s scary, and it’s exciting,” says Abby Wentworth, a Redfin agent in San Francisco.

Offer deadlines are typically short—just a few days—and appeal to sellers because they can evaluate all offers at once. Setting a deadline expresses confidence in a property and price, and in some cases, can spark a bidding war.

Redfin examined for-sale listings in its coverage area of 37 metro markets from Jan. 1, 2009, through April 26, 2014, excluding foreclosures, short sales and other bank-owned homes. The brokerage searched keywords like “bid,” “offer” and “best” used in conjunction with words like “due” and “deadline” followed by a date or day of the week to determine listings published with offer deadlines.

People tend to delay making decisions, but deadlines help them focus and act, says Dan Ariely, a professor of behavioral economics at Duke University and a Wall Street Journal contributor. The more public a deadline is, the more pressure people feel to make decisions, he adds.

The problem with real-estate deadlines is that they aren’t binding. Agents can accept offers at any point during the listing and many do so.

“It’s frustrating for everyone,” says Rebecca Schumacher, an agent with Sotheby’s International Realty in San Francisco. “It’s an embarrassment to the agent representing those buyers, and it’s not good for agent-to-agent relationships.”

Source: WSJ : http://online.wsj.com/articles/when-deadlines-help-sell-houses-1401407106?mod=WSJ_3Up_RealEstate

May 29, 2014

Red Day! Support a great local cause…The Mutt Scouts!

Fri, 09 May 2014 22:57:32 GMT

What is Red Day, you ask? Red Day is the day Keller Williams offices all across the nation give back to the community. Each office picks a local charity to help support. As a member of our office’s ALC (the top 20% of agents in the office) I was in charge of putting together this amazing day. Our office is super animal friendly so it seemed only fitting to raise money for a local animal shelter. The Mutt Scouts is a 501c that rescues dogs from high-kill shelters or ones that have been abandoned and left for dead.

In just 3 hours our office raised $2,000 for The Mutt Scouts, was able to get 2 of their dogs adopted, and found a few foster parents for temporary animal placement.

If you would like to learn more about The Mutt Scouts or leave a tax-deductible donation to help save the lives of these precious pups, please visit their website at www.TheMuttScouts.org .

Just Sold! 2324 N. Vermont Ave. Represented Buyer and Seller – Sold for $1,830,000

Thu, 05 Dec 2013 23:53:44 GMT

New paragraphThe Los Feliz gem you’ve been waiting for! This private, walled and gated home is waiting for your buyers or investors. The first floor features a formal entry, huge living room complete with a cozy fireplace, spacious kitchen, formal dining room, den, one bedroom, two bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. The second floor boasts two walk-in closets, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large, two-tiered deck with city views, and floods of natural light. The home’s luscious and flat back-yard features plenty of green space, a pool, spa, and a guest/pool house. This home literally has it all plus it’s packed with potential! Walking distance to all the amazing restaurants, shops, and nightlife in Los Feliz, with quick access to the Greek Theatre and the Griffith Observatory filled with abundant hiking trails. Hurry, this won’t last long!

stats: 4 bed / 4 bath / 3,517 sq.ft. / 12,262 sq.ft. lot

Just Sold for $2,100,000! Represented the Buyer – Los Feliz Storybook Estate

Thu, 05 Dec 2013 23:41:50 GMT

New paragraphThis stunning storybook estate has it all. Impressive mature gardens with expansive rolling lawns and mature trees, privacy, wonderful pool and entertaining areas, plus a house that is architecturally significant. Situated on a promontory and backing up to Laughlin Park, this exceptional home has an impressive living room with fireplace and terrace leading to the lawns below. Adjacent are a good formal dining room and a large sunny family room/kitchen opening to an oversized covered entertaining area and fireplace. Completing the main floor are a cathedral ceiling media room and a bedroom suite. Upstairs, the large bright master suite has a wonderful bathroom and closet, and there is a second good sized bedroom suite, both with lovely views. At the lowest entry level the foyer leads to 2 bedrooms and bathrooms, one of which is presently being used as a gym. This is a sprawling, sun-filled house, perfect for a family, and a compound of considerable charm and character.

2011 N Normandie is listed at $2,295,000 and we got our buyers a steal at $2.100.000-

Listing courtesy of Heidi Lake

Just Sold! 5054 Los Feliz Blvd! Represented the Seller for $1,860,000

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 21:56:53 GMT

Beautiful Spanish villa located right on Los Feliz Blvd with views of the Observatory. This private and exquisitely designed 4 bedroom, 5 bath home with a separate guest house features a wonderful and spacious layout, and 2 Master bedrooms. Your backyard oasis features an elongated saltwater pool and spa perfect for relaxing evenings and a fully equipped BBQ area made for summer BBQ’s filled with entertainment. The guest house can double as a media/projection room complete with a steam shower. This home boasts a maid’s quarters, large chef’s kitchen with a butcher block island, expansive living room, designer baths, mahogany accents, a circular driveway and much more! Close to the the Griffith Observatory, ample hiking trails, the famous Greek Theatre, trendy shops, restaurants and nightlife, you’ll never want to leave your all-inclusive Los Feliz neighborhood!

For additional information, or to schedule a showing, please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Open House 10/20 from 2-5pm

Just SOLD -in 48 HOURS! Listed for $1,795,000 Sold for 1,885,000 (Ask me how we did it!)

Wed, 04 Sep 2013 21:52:40 GMT

Dramatic 1920’s restored Spanish villa with incredible, show-stopping curb appeal and sweeping city views. This entertainer’s delight boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a grand step-down living room with barrel ceilings, massive windows, a wood-burning fireplace, and custom made wrought iron light fixtures and railings throughout. The kitchen has been remodeled to include Carrara Marble counter tops and brand new appliances. The bright and airy master is your key to relaxation as it opens to a lush yard. The master features a walk-in closet and it’s bath boast a separate shower and sunken tub. The home also features beautiful Spanish tile floors, original restored hardwood flooring, new plumbing, AC, electrical, and window seals. The wonderful indoor/outdoor flow, flood of natural light, ample outside sitting areas, laundry room, and media room downstairs complete your future Dream Home!

We listed the property on Wednesday September 4. We CLOSED Escrow on September 18th! Want to know our secret, ask me!

more photos to come..

Just Sold! NoHo Art’s District Condo!

Tue, 03 Sep 2013 21:47:06 GMT

I just sold this lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in the No-Ho Art District! This newer unit features a gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops and a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, a built-in wine cooler & an in-unit laundry room. This unit is a corner one with a flood of light illuminating the condo. There is an elegant media screening room with theater seats and a wet bar, perfect for entertaining your friends. This home is located only steps away from upscale eateries, shops, and entertainment venues.

This condo is a 2+2 featuring $1,220 square feet of living space and sold for $370,000.

For additional information, please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Just Sold!! Webster Wiley Mid-Century Gem

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 21:43:37 GMT

Never before on the market, this one-of-a-kind customized Webster Wiley 3 bedroom, 2 bath original home offers breathtaking views of downtown LA and Catalina on a clear day, and magical city lights at night. Set back from the street, enjoy the tranquil and private setting. The large wood deck and pool are ideal for enjoying the expansive views, for entertaining or simply for quiet relaxation. The mid-century atrium style home offers cantilever roof architecture, exposed wood beam ceilings, hardwood floors, and custom original details including trellis eaves, tile fireplace, Shoji screen bathroom cabinetry, family room cabinetry and sunken master bath shower. Feel like you’e walked into a perfectly preserved time-capsule! The home was a rare find.

Show me the listing!

If you, or someone you know, is interested in selling or purchasing property in Los Angeles, please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385

Just Leased: Los Feliz Estates – 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths for $4,000 per month

Mon, 08 Jul 2013 21:35:59 GMT

This beautiful mid-century home in the prestigious Los Feliz Estates features 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and is a spacious 2,810 sq. ft. You are greeted by a small courtyard area and stunning Spanish tiles the moment you walk in the door! The living room has gorgeous high-beamed ceilings that allow a flood of sunlight to illuminate the home. Each bedroom has a bathroom in close proximity. The master bedroom features 2 walk-in closets leading to the master bath which boasts his/her separate 1/4 baths with double vanities separated between a beautiful tiled tub/shower. This home also features a separate family room with a wet bar, a breakfast nook, and a fireplace. The home’s open layout and large back patio is perfect for entertaining. The home is also guarded by a 24 hr, 7 day Armed Guard Patrol.

I was able to lease this home out for my clients within one week! I only held 2 showings and received 5 applications.

If you are interested in leasing a place, selling your home, or purchasing a new one contact my team today at 310.956.9385.

Just Sold Highland Park 4 Bed, 4 Bath Sold for 15k Over Asking in 7 Days!

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 21:26:54 GMT

This home is unlike anything on the market in the area! This tastefully remodeled, spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bath gated home in the trendy Highland Park area is up for grabs and no expense has been spared! The high ceilings and gorgeous iron rod staircase greet you the moment you step foot in the door. This family home has it all including 2 Master bedrooms and a walk-in closet! Other features include new Central A/C & Heat, customized double pane glass windows, a chef’s kitchen, new hardwood floors, and all new baths. I’ll go on…upgraded systems, new drywall throughout, all new plumbing, and electrical. Wait, did I mention the fully permitted foundation retrofit?! The home gets amazing light during the day and stays cool in the hot summer months. All repairs and colors have been approved by the Highland Park Historic Protection Overlay Zone. Close to shops, the 110 freeway, transportation, and much more you’ll never have to roam far. Welcome Home!!

128 Ellita Place is priced to sell quickly at a unbelievable $485,000. It’s the lowest price per square foot in the area!

For additional information or for a private tour, please contact us at 310.956.9385

Hollywood Pimpness, at it’s Finest.

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:46:31 GMT

This is a rare opportunity to own a dramatic, celebrity-owned 2 bedroom, 2 bath, PLUS a den (that could be made into a third bedroom) in the highly-sought after Corte Milano north of Sunset.

Experience the heart of the City with views of Downtown in this cozy, Mediterranean villa-like complex. This top corner unit with its separate direct-access entry provides both privacy and quite with the Hockney-esque views of Sunset Blvd, an iconic treat! The en-suite Master, tucked away from the other rooms, includes a walk-in closet and Juliette balcony with a Downtown vista. Two additional large covered balconies, one off the kitchen/dining room and another off the den/3rd bedroom, make for a truly indoor-outdoor feel. Curved archways, recessed lighting, and soaring ceilings throughout complete this Hollywood stunner.

…But wait, two more things: in-unit laundry AND parking for 4 cars! Don’t miss this home, it will go fast!

N. Fairfax Ave. features 1,706 square feet and is listed for $799,000.

For showings or additional questions please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Eileen Walsh

Open House 5/5 2-5pm 4178 & 4174 Woolwine Drive (Remodeled Duplex and Single Family Home) List $329,000 & $339,000

Sun, 05 May 2013 16:31:37 GMT

So for this Sunday’s Open House I’ll be hosting both homes – so stop by and get 2 views for the time of 1!

4178 Woolwine Drive is a beautifully redone hilltop oasis with stunning downtown skyline views. It’s the perfect choice for the savvy and hip home buyer! This newly renovated home features beautiful floors, copper plumbing, and new kitchen and baths. With 3 bedroom and 2 baths, the home has a fantastic flow for entertaining with it’s beautiful backyard and additional entertaining patios that take advantage of the stunning views to downtown. If you’re not familiar with City Terrace it’s the hillside neighborhood to consider if you want an east side location with views at a great value. List price is a affordable $329,000!

4174 Woolwine is a duplex and rarely does a duplex come to the market that makes both a beautiful home to live in plus a great financial investment. Beautifully redone with brand new kitchens and baths, upgraded electrical, and copper plumbing. These special units consist of a 2 bedroom and a 1 bedroom unit with vaulted ceilings, beautiful flooring, and expansive city views! Hillside living is made easier with these gorgeous units in the picturesque setting of City Terrace. List price: $339,000.

For additional information or to search for other homes in the Los Angeles area please visit the website or call 310.956.9385 for details.

Listings courtesy of Dave Robles.

The Hollywood Colony! Hollywood’s HOTTEST New Development.

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:26:55 GMT

BRAND NEW gated community of 14 architectural single family homes! Four homes available to choose from but HURRY, these won’t last long!

The 3 to 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath homes feature flex space and huge rooftop decks with wet bars and awesome views of the Hollywood Hills. It’s really an ultimate entertainers home in the heart of the ever evolving and convenient Hollywood neighborhood. High quality construction, gorgeous designer kitchens & baths with Italian cabinetry, 10-foot ceilings, tons of windows, solar ready, controlled access, your own private garage with direct entry and best of all, NO common walls. Select homes have over 2,000 sq ft and are ready to move-in today!

The Hollywood Colony homes start at $835,000 and have NO HOA dues.

For more information or to schedule a private viewing of these homes, please contact us at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties in the area.

Listing courtesy of Grant Linscott and Tom Galbraith.

Open House: 3/24 2-5pm 3205 Tareco Drive 90068 Foreclosure!

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 10:43:26 GMT

3205 Tareco Drive is a BANK OWNED foreclosure built in 1946. It features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and get this, it sits on over 2 ACRES of land!

The home is extremely private and would be ideal for an investor or first time home buyer up for a renovation challenge.

Tareco Drive will be held open on Sunday, March 24th from 2pm – 5pm.

List price: $825,000

For more information, please contact us at 310.956.9385.

Visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Dave Robles.

5 Tips Sellers Would Give Buyers if They Could

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:32:38 GMT

There are things that sellers can see from their side of the table that you cannot. Sellers have insights into their own mindsets that, if revealed, can be very powerful tools in helping buyers optimize their approach, offer and interactions with the seller to both buyer’s and seller’s benefit. So, in the interest of helping both buyers and sellers move closer to an outcome that helps them both achieve their mutual goal, here are a few of the insider secrets from the seller’s side of the bargaining table that they would tell buyers, if they could.

1. Trashing my house doesn’t make me want to sell it to you at a discount. To a seller, their home is their castle. It’s the place where they’ve raised their children, and has been the backdrop for many of their memories.
All that said, the average seller knows most things about their home that you can see with the naked eye. So if you, as a buyer, think trash talking a home, pointing out obvious flaws or issues is a good strategy for getting the price down, rest assured that you are not telling the seller anything they didn’t already know when they set the list price. In fact, you might very well be doing your case more harm than good, as this “strategy” is highly likely to alienate and insult the seller whose cooperation you seek.

2. Knowing that you have cash makes me feel comfortable taking your offer. With distressed properties , over-asking multiple offers, and the generally warm-to-hot seller’s market in many areas, it has become increasingly common for sellers to request proof of a buyer’s “cash to close.” (This usually takes the form of bank or other asset account statements, with the sensitive account number information blacked out for security purposes.)

One word: Comfort. Over the last few years, the number of home sale transactions that went into – and fell out of – escrow due to last minute loan problems of pre-approved buyers hit a record high. While this is awful for buyers to go through, it’s even more disruptive for sellers, who are relying on the transaction to close in the time frame the buyer provided to move forward with their own lives. It’s also a worst case scenario for a seller who had 5 offers on the table to choose one and then have it fall out of escrow later on.

And sellers’ agents know this – often, the issues which derail a buyer’s loan can be resolved with money, extra cash down, extra cash at closing, extra cash to put in escrow for post-closing repairs required by the lender or the city. So, proving that you have more cash than you appear to need to close the deal doesn’t necessarily set you up for the seller to ask for more cash – but it might help them feel that you’re the buyer most likely to sidestep mortgage obstacles and seal the deal.

3. It’s all about the Benjamins – but close-ability is a close second. Buyers be on notice – all the love letters, cute dog pics and cookies in the world will not make your offer win out over others that are offering significantly higher than yours, financially speaking.

There is always an exception to the rule, and it does sometimes happen that a seller will take a slightly lower offer than the highest for one reason or another. But if you’re trying to create a plan that stacks the decks in your favor in a multiple offer situation, your first priority should be to offer as much as you can, without spending beyond what is affordable for you and beyond the home’s fair market value.

5. Ask nicely – the old “flies with honey” adage is true. The conventional narrative about buyers and sellers is that they are adversaries. But I’ve been around this block a few times, and I think the average buyer would be absolutely gobsmacked at the number of times sellers are actually ready, willing and able to agree to their requests throughout a transaction. This is especially the case where:

the buyers’ requests are reasonable and not nickel-and-dime nitpicks
the buyers phrase their requests nicely, and
the buyers have been living up to their end of the bargain throughout the course of the transaction.

For more information, or if you are thinking of buying and/or selling in the Los Angeles area, please contact us today at 310.956.9385.

Article taken from Trulia.com

Open House 3/3 1-4pm 3913 Cumberland Ave 90027

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:29:07 GMT

This is YOUR brand new home in Franklin Hills! New construction is hard to come by but finally…Shazam!!!

This Los Feliz contemporary has sweeping views that reach all the way to the ocean! A huge, loft-like master bedroom not only has a large, walk-in closet but opens to a living room sized private courtyard deck! A sexy master bath features a multi-head, 2-person shower, Grohe fixtures, and concrete floors with radiant heat and automatic lighting. The sleek kitchen is complete with all the bells and whistles including a breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, brand new Viking appliances, beautiful ebonized wood cabinets, and self closing drawers. Other awesome features include dual zone central A/C and heat, 2 tankless water heaters, and a 2-car attached garage fully finished with drywall and recessed lighting, plus space for 2 additional cars in the drive. There is an enclosed dog run at the rear, but if you like to walk, the Franklin Hills Public Stairs are only a few doors away. An amazing secret workout and a fascinating 3 mile circuit of 14 stairways through this very cool historic neighborhood!!

This home won’t last long! 3913 Cumberland Avenue will be open tomorrow from 1-4pm and is listed for $899,000.

Stats: 3 bedrooms : 2 bathrooms : 2,010 square feet

For more information, please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Steven Senigram and Champ Davenport?

Do you want to be an official, proud homeowner in just a year?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:22:17 GMT

So, you want to be a proud new homeowner in 1 year? Here’s a look, month by month, at what you should be doing as you count down to buying a home!

Month No. 1: Check your credit report.

1. Review your credit report.

2. Build and enhance credit.

Do you need to increase your score? Do you have enough credit? What can you do to solve both of these issues?

Before you contact a real-estate agent or mortgage lender, you need to know if your credit is good enough to qualify for a mortgage. This way you’ll have time to improve your score.

Month No. 2: What can you afford?

1. What’s your income?

2. Assess your debts.

3. How much savings do you have?

-Tally up all debts, short and long term. Paying down your debts will improve your credit score. Compile a budget that allows you to save more, should you need it. In this market 20% down in preferred (plus you’ll save each month on not having mortgage insurance) however you can still go FHA or a 5%, 10% or 15% conventional.

4. What type of mortgage fits your needs?

– Perhaps the most important question you need to answer honestly when you’re thinking about buying a home is, “ How much house can I afford? ” Take inventory of your monthly income versus your monthly debts as well as your savings to figure out how much you can put toward a down payment and how much you can afford to pay each month. Also, this is a good time to assess your goals and plans to help you determine which loan product will best fit your needs.

Month No. 3: What kind of home do you need?

1. Consider transportation options?

2. How are the schools rated?

3. What amenities do you want?

Think about your must-have items, including number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size, fireplace, eat-in kitchen, etc. Do you want an turn-key, move-in ready home or a fixer?

Month No. 4: Research housing stock

1. What neighborhoods do you want to live in, what’s the inventory like in those areas?

2. Review the market’s “price supports” – jobs, schools, shopping.

At this stage of the game, it’s time to start researching the local housing stock. Viewing homes online is a good way to see what types of homes are available in a neighborhood, but remember that online pictures can be deceiving. Save yourself and your agent a lot of time by driving past the property before you agree to see it together.

Month No. 5: Find a Realtor & Get a Preapproval – This is where I come in!

1. Have your agent walk you through the process and answer any questions you might have. You want to be fully prepared when you are ready to buy! in today’s market, you should allow yourself 3-6 months to find the right home and move completely in.

1. Which lenders are in your area?

– Start by researching local lenders, then expand the search if necessary. (Your agent should be able to provide great references. It’s always preferred to go with a lender your Realtor knows and trusts. It will make the transaction that much smoother).

2. Get you preapproval.

– This is where you will bring in your documentation. You can not put in offers on a property without this. You will need to bring the following to your lender:
1. Tax Forms – At least the last 2 years
2. Asset Statements- Get copies of you most recent savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and so on. You’ll also have to provide updated statements again once you get closer to closing.
3. Income Statements

Month No. 6+ : Look for Homes!

Each market is totally different. In Los Angeles, we are experiencing low inventory right now. I would estimate there are at least 10-15 buyers for every one home on the market currently. You must be ready, willing, and able to do what it takes to get an offer accepted. This is why I would allow up to 6 months (if you are not looking every week) to find a property. If you are aggressively looking, ready to write offers sometimes above asking, and do what it takes, you should be in your new home within 3 months. Remember, once you get an offer accepted, escrows generally last at least 30-35 days.
You should also plan accordingly with your landlord. You definitely don’t want to be paying rent and a mortgage. Talk to you landlord on move out dates.

For more information, call us at 310.956.9385 or click here to visit the website to search for homes in Los Angeles.

These steps can also be done more quickly, let’s say in 6 months if you have a specific time you want to buy. You also need to be stacking money away for that downpayment. Typically here in Los Angeles, buyers put down 20%. This is a sure way to avoid the extra expense of mortgage insurance. If you plan and budget your year out, you’ll meet your goals when the time comes.

10 Best Markets for Home Sellers – Los Angeles is Number …

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:19:06 GMT

Buyers , Buying , For Sale , Hollywood Hills Real Estate , Home Selling in Los Angeles , House Hunter's Renovation , Just Sold , Keller Williams , Listing your Home , Listings , Los Angeles , Los Angeles Real Estate , New Listing , Real Estate News , Sellers , Selling , ZipRealty . Bookmark the permalink . Leave a comment

ZipRealty is finding more housing markets starting to tilt in sellers’ favors. For the average home in the U.S., the gap between the listing price and closing price is narrowing with sellers able to get more than 98 percent of their home’s listing price back. Also, the median days a home is spending on the market also is falling, dropping to 44 days nationwide in 2012 — a 23 percent decline from 2011, according to ZipRealty’s report.

“A limited inventory of homes on the market, combined with the extremely low cost of mortgage financing, has resulted in homes selling above asking price in many western markets, boosting the average listing to closing price ratio,” says Lanny Baker, ZipRealty’s CEO and president.

ZipRealty has identified the following 10 best housing markets for sellers, based on the list-to-close price ratios:

San Francisco (102.5)
San Diego (101.3)
Sacramento, Calif. (100.9)
Las Vegas (100.7)
Los Angeles (100)
Orange County, Calif. (100)
Denver (99.8)
Tucscon, Ariz. (99.3)
Portland (98.9)
Seattle (98.3)

Read the full article from ZipRealty Here

This means, if you list your home, there is a insanely high probability (if it’s priced right) you will get a full price offer! However, we see properties go for well over market value everyday!

Thinking of selling or simply just what to know what your home is worth? For a FREE, no obligation consultation call us at 310.956.9385.

Just Sold! Grand Avenue Loft! Downtown L.A.

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:08:44 GMT

New paragraph This quiet 2 bedroom, 2 bath, courtyard facing unit just sold! Situated in the heart of the up-and-coming Southpark neighborhood. Walking distance to LA Live, Staples Center, Starbucks, Ralphs, the Metro, and tons of restaurants and shops! This unit features high ceilings, walk-in closets for both bedrooms, an open floor plan, modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer in unit, and 2 assigned parking spaces. The unit features 1,160 square feet and sold for $475,000.

Location: 1100 S Grand Ave. 90015

Thinking of purchasing or selling downtown (or anywhere else in Los Angeles)? Call us at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Hollywood Hills – All Wrapped Up with a Pretty Little Bow!

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:06:07 GMT

Contemporary Hollywood Hills zen inspired, architectural masterpiece! 9342 Sierra Mar Drive is settled on one of the most prestigious and sought after view streets above Sunset/Doheny Drive. This 4 bedroom, 7 bath showpiece sets behind a private and double-gated circular driveway and is reminiscent of a five star resort! This ultimate entertainer’s paradise was recently remodeled and completed in 2006. Featuring incredible city views, a swimmer’s infinity edge pool, chef’s kitchen, state of-the-art tiered home theater, home office, sauna, and a built-in fire pit lounge. The luxurious 1,300 sq.ft. master suite retreat with floor-to-ceiling windows allow for breathtaking views from the comfort of your comfy bed. In true Hollywood real estate tradition, your guest can enjoy their own private, two story, 1-1/2 bath home complete with a kitchen and it’s own separate entrance from the street! And of course, all the other bedrooms are pristine and en suite.

Sierra Mar Drive in the coveted Hollywood Hills is listed at $7,895,000. To schedule a private showing please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for additional information.

Listing courtesy of Matt & Josh Altman

Open House 1/12/13 1610 N Alvarado Street in Echo Park! 12-3pm

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:59:59 GMT

Don’t miss this one!! 1610 Alvarado is a fabulous, fully renovated, very large craftsman house in the heart of Echo Park. It features 2500 sq. ft. with a huge 400 sq. ft. attic – perfect for a rec room, office, studio, or guest room – with sweeping views across the city. With 4 large bedrooms and closets to match you can’t go wrong! There is a bathroom dedicated to each bedroom, which you almost never find! The wonderful open floor plan and large kitchen make hosting dinner parties easy breezy! This home also features a study/library room directly off the living room. With plenty of parking and a great back yard, summer BBQ’s will become a weekly event. In short, this home has everything you could ever want!

Stop by Sunday, January 13, 2013. I’ll be hosting the open from 12pm-3pm. My lender Ryan Hoffman will be assisting so feel free to stop by and have all your financing and real estate questions answered!

1610 N Alvarado Street is listed for 649,500.

For additional information please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Ken Shapiro

6 Things You Need to Know Before Listing Your Home

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:55:53 GMT

Selling a home can be stressful for the un- or under prepared consumer. Crazy expectations, market mis-education, and the common misconception that all homes sell in 30 minutes like they do on HGTV can all create a difficult environment for you and your clients.

1. Your staging will make or break you.

“Homes that don’t show well don’t close well.”

10 Hardcore Staging Tips for Sellers .

2. Comparables are the key to the right price, not your opinion.

When it comes to price, the market’s opinion is what really matters.

When it comes price, the winning opinion is always the market’s opinion. You know it’s impossible to effectively price a home without taking into account the competition. Unfortunately, too many sellers don’t.

home pricing tips

Remember, nothing beats the data.

3. You’ll get out what you put in, so consider renovations.

“Most buyers don’t want to deal with your old problems”

10 ways to boost your home’s value . 4. Incentives can help speed up the process.

“Incentives are a great way for you separate from the rest of the pack.”

Offering practical incentives might not sound sexy, but those that fill legitimate buyer needs have the power to differentiate a listing from the competition and attract just the right attention needed to get the home sold.

Top 4 Incentives that Sell Homes .

5. Serious buyers never stop the hunt.

Too many sellers see the winter months as the slow season. The reality is, there are plenty of upsides to listing and marketing a home when everyone else is taking a break.

5 Unexpected Upsides to Off-Season House Hunting

6. Asking prices are up nationally, but…

“Real estate is a local business”

Article taken from Trulia. Read the Full Article Here!

If you are thinking of selling your home. Call Brittany at 310.956.9385 for a FREE, no obligation consultation.

Open House 1/6! 1-4 pm 3777 Lavell Drive 90065

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:45:58 GMT

Stop by and check out this brand new listing in the up and coming Glassell Park neighborhood! This architectural beauty is situated on a private lot with some of the most stunning views! Located on a rustic street surrounded by lovely homes. 3777 Lavell features a media room downstairs and a living room with fireplace upstairs. With a formal dining room, large deck and plenty of parking you’ll be set for entertaining. I don’t want to give all the goodies away! Stop by and see for yourself!

3777 Lavell Drive is listed for $699,000 and features just under 1,900 sq. ft. of living space.

For more information on this property, please contact Brittany Walter at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Ken Shapiro

Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Extended until 2014!

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:41:22 GMT

Mortgage Debt Forgiveness extended

Late last night, Congress reached a settlement in the “fiscal cliff” negotiations. As a result, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act has been extended for another year. The measure will continue to exempt from taxation mortgage debt that is forgiven when homeowners and their mortgage lenders negotiate a short sale, loan modification (including any principal reduction) or foreclosure.

C.A.R. would like to thank the 26,296 California REALTORS® who sent messages to their members of Congress and made 1,862 calls in response to C.A.R.’s Call-for-Action.

Also under the agreement, so called “Pease Limitations” that reduce the value of itemized deductions are permanently repealed for most taxpayers but will be reinstituted for high income filers. These limitations will only apply to individuals earning more than $250,000 and joint filers earning above $300,000. The thresholds have been increased and are indexed for inflation so will rise over time. Under the formula, filers gradually lose the value of their total itemized deductions up to a total of a 20% reduction.

The reinstitution of these limits has far less impact on the mortgage interest deduction (MID) than a hard dollar deduction cap, percentage deduction cap, or reduction of the amount of MID that can be claimed.

Capital gains rates on the sale of principal residences will remain unchanged and continues to exclude the first $250,000 for single taxpayers and $500,000 for married couples.

Article taken from CAR.org ( See full article Here )

If you are thinking about selling your home, call me for a Free Consultation at 310.956.9385

Katherine Heigl’s Los Feliz Colonial on the Market for $2,659,000!

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:19:28 GMT

New paragraphAnother celebrity home is on the market and this time it’s a team in our very own Keller Williams office catering to the starlet! You might know Katherine from her roles in Knocked Up, The Ugly Truth, 27 Dresses, and Grey’s Anatomy.

This warm, elegant Southern Colonial features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a private serene entertainer’s yard complete with a poolside cabana, fireplace, and hot tub! Much of the home’s original charm & beautiful updates shine throughout. The high ceilings, dark wood floors, and crown moldings further add to it’s character. The formal living room flows into the expansive dining area which flows on into the chef’s kitchen. A cozy adjoining family room with french doors open to the rear veranda. Katherine’s master suite features a spa style bath and of course, large walk-in closet.

The home is just shy of 3,700 sq. ft. and is in the prestigious Los Feliz neighborhood.

For additional information please contact Brittany at 310.956.9386 or visit the website to search for additional properties in the Los Angeles area.

Just SOLD! Mt. Washington Retreat!

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:10:56 GMT

I had the wonderful pleasure of representing an amazing couple on the purchase of their new home! This property is located in the hills of the up-and-coming, hip Mount Washington area! This move-in ready modern style residence was completely rehabbed by the investor and built again from the ground up. With its breathtaking views from the deck and expansive forest style yard you literally feel like you’ve stepped outside the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and are in your own peaceful oasis.

The property was sold for $410,000 and features over 800 sq. ft. of living space on a massive jungle style lot of over 7,500 sq ft. The property is absolutely stunning!

If you are thinking about buying or selling property in Los Angeles please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website!

Silver Lake Open House Sunday 11/11 1-4pm! Listed for $474,990

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:59:41 GMT

This charming, remodeled Silver Lake home is up for grabs. Priced at a cool $474,990 this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home could be yours! With a spacious open layout and expansive yard it would make for the perfect family or starter home. Minutes away from Silver Lake’s best shops, restaurants, and bars you’ll feel like part of the community!

With Central A/C and Heat, you’ll stay the perfect temperature no matter the weather! Other features include new windows, new interior and exterior paint, granite counter tops, new fixtures, detached 2 car garage and more! You’ve just gotta see this one! On a quiet street close to the freeways for quick access to anywhere in the city, you can’t go wrong!

Stop by the open house on Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 1-4 to see for yourself! 432 N Commonwealth Ave. Silver Lake, 90004

For additional information please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Jessica Tran

Classic Contemporary Hollywood Hills Home For Sale

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 09:56:57 GMT

This exquisitely done 1920’s contemporary on Kirkwood Drive blends dramatic lines with the rustic setting of the canyon. This home is highly upgraded, superbly done throughout, and waiting for it’s proud new owners. The stylish master suite is equipped with vaulted ceilings, skylights, canyon views, a fireplace, and an expansive walk-in closet with custom built-ins. The new spa bath features a large steam shower, a handsome double vanity, modern tub, and skylight making it the perfect relaxing retreat after a long day at the office. The home’s fabulous open kitchen features a professional gas range, wine cooler, granite tops, and high ceilings. The family/media room is complete with a fireplace and with the living area opening to an inviting deck overlooking the front courtyard and your own koi pond you’ll have the perfect entertaining area! The second bedroom features and exquisite bath, skylights, and a built-in office center. The indoor laundry room and half bath complete your new dream house!

Additional Stats Include:

2 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths, 1,584 Sq.Ft., Central A/C & Heat, Spiral Staircase, Hardwood Floors, Fireplaces, Skylights, 90046 Zip Code
List Price: $795,000
For additional information on this property or for general real estate questions, please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Stephen Parisi

SOLD! Represented the Seller

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 08:51:16 GMT

Another unit in Market Lofts – SOLD! This time I represented the seller. The property went into escrow on it’s 12th day on the market at FULL list price of $410,000!

The Market Lofts are a mixed-use loft style community featuring amenities such as an expansive pool + BBQ entertaining area, gym, screening room for 20 of your closest friends, a private party room, 24-hour front desk security, in-building covered parking and much more! Close to restaurants, the Metro, bars, nightlife, LA Live, and museums..the possibilities are endless!

For more information on this property or if you are thinking of buying or selling property in Los Angeles please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for more information

Just Sold – Represented the Buyer!

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:15:02 GMT

This downtown condo in the Market Lofts just sold and I had the pleasure of representing another first time homebuyer! It’s always rewarding to walk someone new through the process.

This courtyard facing condo is 820 sq.ft. and was originally listed for $389,000 but I snagged it for my buyer for $370,000. The Market Lofts feature such amenities as a pool and spa, exercise room, clubhouse, theater room, 24-hr security, parking, and more! These lofts are right over Ralph’s for your grocery shopping convenience and there are plenty of other restaurants, shops, nightlife, and entertainment close by.

If you are thinking of purchasing property in the Los Angeles area or have questions regarding home buying and/or selling please call me at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Don’t forget to “like” BrittanySellsLA on Facebook as well!

5 Possible Financial Incentives For Buying a Home

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:12:04 GMT

I know I’ve blogged about this before, but perhaps you need a reminder of all the wonderful benefits of purchasing a home! …so here goes with a few potential tax benefits:

— Mortgage Interest Deductions

As long as your mortgage balance is smaller than the price of your home, mortgage interest is fully deductible on your tax return. Interest is the largest component of your mortgage payment. In some cases, you may also deduct homeowners association fees and property taxes.

— Property Tax Deductions

Real estate property taxes paid for a first home and a vacation home are fully deductible for income tax purposes. In California, Prop 13 limits property tax increases to 2 percent per year or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

— Capital Gain Exclusion

If you’ve lived in your house for two of the past five years, you can exclude up to $250,000 for an individual or up to $500,000 for a married couple of profit from capital gains.

— Preferential Tax Treatment

If you receive more profit from the sale of your home than the allowable exclusion, that profit will be considered a capital asset as long as you owned your home for more than one year.

— Building Equity

Over time, you may be able to use the equity you build to fund home improvements, or pay off other, higher interest debts, such as credit card debts or student loans.

For more information on the homebuying process, please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385

Source: CurbedLA

Forbes Names Silver Lake America’s Best Hipster Neighborhood

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:09:04 GMT

www.curbed.com

Bless Forbes, for being whorey enough to take “a quantitative approach to determining the 20 places in which hipsterdom is most likely to flourish.” Yes, they’ve compiled a list of America’s Best Hipster Neighborhoods and in your face, Williamsburg, Silver Lake is number one. Ironic whoo! Forbes based the rankings on walkability, coffee shops, food trucks, farmers’ markets, “the selection of locally owned bars and restaurants,” and the percentage of residents who have “artistic occupations.” They also worked in Nextdoor.com’s “ Neighborhood ‘Hipness’ Index , which is based on how often words associated with hipness (for example art, gallery, designer, musician) appeared on each Nextdoor neighborhood’s site pages, and Nextdoor conducted a survey in which members sounded off on their communities.” Bless Nextdoor.com, for creating a Neighborhood “Hipness” Index that could never possibly be used for anything but good.

And here’s Forbes‘s take on Silver Lake : “Nestled between Echo Park and Los Feliz, the trendy community boasts some of the nation’s most lauded food trucks and farmers markets, a multicultural blend of residents with eclectic professions, and a booming arts scene. Even the buildings exude an avant garde aesthetic a hipster could love: Silver Lake is home to some of the most celebrated modernist architecture in the country, including Richard Neutra’s VDL Research House and John Lautner’s Silvertop.”

San Francisco’s Mission District came in second; Brooklyn’s Williamsburg came in third–Forbes says it’s gotten too successful for its own hipness and rents just keep shooting up.

Home Sales & Prices Up in August; National Housing Market Continues to Improve

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:06:21 GMT

It’s definitely a seller’s market now!

As mortgage rates continue to dip near record low levels from earlier this year, more prospective buyers of real estate for sale in Los Angeles County have been making the investment and becoming homeowners.

A new report from the National Association of Realtors shows total existing-home sales increased 7.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.82 million transactions in August, up from July when 4.47 million homes, condos and townhomes sold. This is also 9.3 percent higher than this time last year, when 4.41 million properties were purchased.

Additionally, the median existing-home price for all housing types reached $187,000 in August, up 9.5 percent from a year ago. This marks the strongest increase in median prices since January 2006.

While higher home prices may not seem ideal to buyers, they are indicative of improving housing markets throughout the country. A lower inventory of delinquent properties has allowed prices to trend upward throughout much of 2012, and are expected to continue increasing, benefiting both buyers and sellers. Sales have likely been boosted while mortgage rates continue to linger near record lows, according to reports from Freddie Mac.

Article taken from the MLS. http://www.TheMLS.Com

Thinking about selling your home but not sure how much it’s worth? Give me a call at 310.956.9385. I’ll sit down with you and provide you a comprehensive market analysis and discuss your options.

Clock Ticking for Homeowners on Forgiven-Debt Tax Break

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:04:58 GMT

Article taken from Car.org

Greg Annis bought his downtown Pleasanton condo for $390,000 in 2007. Today, its value has fallen to about $200,000, while his income was cut 20 percent when his company instituted a weekly furlough day this year.

“It just doesn’t make financial sense to keep the condo,” he said.

Like many homeowners in similar situations, Annis tried to work with his lender and eventually decided to do a short sale – selling the condo for less than the $270,000 he still owes on it.

Annis felt an extra impetus to make it happen: A law that exempts “forgiven debt” from taxes is expiring at the end of this year.

“I heard through the grapevine about this law expiring,” he said. “I want to go ahead and do the short sale as soon as possible to make sure it happens in 2012 to take advantage of the law, in case it does not get extended.”

Before the housing downturn hit, “forgiven debt” on home mortgages could be taxed as income. For instance, if your lender lopped $50,000 off what you owed (a type of loan modification called principal reduction), if you short-sold the property for $50,000 less than your mortgage or if your lender foreclosed on a property worth $50,000 less than you owed, the $50,000 would be treated as income, adding up to a potential big bill for state and federal taxes.

But with millions of struggling homeowners in such situations, both the Congress and the California Legislature passed bills to exempt forgiven home debt from taxes.

But now the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 is due to expire on Dec. 31. The election-year Congress, already famously fractious, is not expected to act on it in 2012, although industry experts hope it could get extended next year.

“When the law expires at the end of this year, a lot of people could get hurt,” said Eva Rosenberg , an enrolled agent who runs TaxMama.com in Northridge.

Not everyone eligible

Even if the act eventually gets renewed, it doesn’t cover all homeowners.

“It applies only to the mortgage you originally got to acquire the home or to a refi used to improve the home,” said Stephen Moskowitz , a tax attorney in San Francisco.

Homeowners who did cash-out refinances and used the money for any other purpose than fixing up their house could still be on the hook for forgiven debt. The legions of people who refinanced during the boom days, using their homes as piggy banks, are not covered by the act, for instance.

For people in that situation – and for everyone if the act does not get renewed – one way to still avoid taxation is the insolvency exception, Moskowitz and Rosenberg said.

“Insolvency means your debts exceeded your assets the day before and the day after the foreclosure” or short sale or principal reduction, Moskowitz said.

“For example, assume that the day before the foreclosure (or other debt forgiveness), your home’s fair market value was $1 million, your mortgage was $2 million and your other debts, such as credit cards, were $8 million. Now we remove the asset and the liability of the house – and your debts still exceed your assets, so you are insolvent.”

Bankruptcy is also an option to dissolve the tax obligation, he said.

People with second homes used as vacation property who undergo foreclosure, short sale or principal reduction also are on the hook for forgiven debt with or without the law, Rosenberg said. Those with second homes rented out as investments should be able to offset the debt cancellation with their loss on the investment.

Extension possibilities

If Congress does extend the law for federal income taxes, California is poised to follow suit for state taxes, said Alex Creel , senior vice president of governmental affairs at the California Association of Realtors .

“Clearly nothing will happen on the extension this year,” he said. Even if Congress waits until well into 2013 or even 2014 to extend the bill, it could easily make the bill retroactive to Jan. 1, 2013, so no one would be left out in the cold.

“Admittedly that would put people in an awkward spot if they’re trying to do transactions in 2013 and Congress hasn’t acted,” he said. “They would be out there wondering if the extender would go through.”

There is another twist on the tax issue for California homeowners. Original purchase loans in California are “nonrecourse,” meaning the lender can’t pursue the mortgage holder for unpaid balances. Some refinances for the same amount as well as cash-out refinances where the money is used for home renovations, are also nonrecourse.

Debt forgiven on nonrecourse loans is already exempt from taxation.

As it turned out, Annis, the Pleasanton man doing a short sale, still has his original mortgage loan, so he would be off the hook for tax purposes with or without the debt relief act.

His bank finally approved the short sale late last week, seven months after he first applied.

“It’s a long process,” he said.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: csaid@sfchronicle.com

3 Bedroom 2 Bath West Hollywood Rental

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:02:23 GMT

Come explore the definition of location! This beautifully updated 3Bed, 2Bath condo is close to everything West Hollywood has to offer! Talk about convenience! The condo features a huge 2 person bathtub, recessed lighting throughout, glistening Ceasarstone countertops, 2 spacious balconies, a wonderful open floor plan, brand new central A/C, laundry in unit, lots of storage space, and dimmers on most light switches. The large den was converted into master suite with a private deck and direct access to bathroom. Rare side-by-side parking with space for four tandem cars! Just a split second walk to the most sought after restaurants and nightlife on Sunset Blvd, close to Sunset Plaza, Equinox, fine dining and more!

1228 La Cienega is renting for $3,850 with an $8,700 deposit. The unit is a spacious 1,444 square feet and the complex features a pool.

Call Brittany at 310.956.9385 to set up a private viewing. Searching for a rental, but this isn’t quite for you? No problem, I have access to tons of listings and can help you find the perfect home!

Listing courtesy of Karl Magendavid

New Listing Downtown L.A. Open House 9/16 11am-3pm

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 13:58:04 GMT

The Market Lofts are super hot and super desirable right now. This new listing is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath and features 960sqft of living space. The Market Lofts are a mixed-use loft style community and features amenities such as an expansive pool+BBQ entertaining area, gym, screening room for 20 of your closest friends, a private party room, 24-hour front desk security, in-building covered parking and much more! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! This unit boasts high concrete ceilings, hardwood floors and a large walk-in closet.

Downtown is really heating up with word of the new football stadium, a Target, and now a Smart and Final all scheduled to open in the near future. Downtown LA is the new place to be! With amazing restaurants, great shopping, and a wealth of culture urban living is in high demand.

The Market Lofts in downtown LA are dead smack in the middle of the Financial District. Perched on top of a Ralph’s Supermarket, Coffee Bean, Quiznos Subs, a Cold Stone Creamery, the UPS store, and more you’ll have everything you need to live and thrive. The Metro is close by along with ample bars, restaurants and nightlife… you really can’t go wrong! You’ll be walking distance to Staples and LA Live where you can catch amazing sporting events and concerts. If entertainment and the arts is your thing, you have the Museum of Contemporary Art to the soaring wings of the Disney Concert Hall. The huge new Central Library is nearby, museums and art galleries galore, and there’s always a selection of stage plays, movies and musical performances. There’s really never a dull moment in Downtown LA!

This building was completed in 2006 so you have the convenience of relatively new, upgraded, and energy saving features. This unit is listed at $410,000 with HOA dues a low $493.26 per month.

To schedule a showing or if you would like additional information on the Market Lofts or any other property in Downtown LA, please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Open House Sunday 9/16 from 11am – 3pm. Come join the fun!

Will the Presidential Election Affect the Housing Market?

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:49:19 GMT

Daily Real Estate News | Wednesday, September 05, 2012

The next president of the United States — whether Democratic incumbent Barack Obama or Republican challenger Mitt Romney — could have a big influence over the recovery taking shape in the real estate market, according to political pundits.

“The next president, whoever it turns out to be, is going to have a couple of big housing issues to address,” Barry Zigas, director of housing policy at the Consumer Federation of America, told The Washington Post. For example, “What is the government’s role in housing finance, and will consumers have access to mortgages at affordable rates?”

Neither candidate so far has outlined a specific proposal for the housing market or mortgage lending. However, if re-elected, President Obama is expected to continue adding to his existing programs, such as in foreclosure relief, loan modifications, and by expanding refinancing options for home owners. He is also expected to continue to push for new housing finance rules under the Dodd-Frank Act, The Washington Post reports. If elected, Romney is expected to repeal Dodd-Frank. He also would likely replace it with regulations that would make it easier for the private sector to be a stronger player in the mortgage market, The Washington Post reports.

Housing analysts say that the next president will likely have a big influence over the mortgage market, such as determining how much of the real estate market could continue to be subsidized by the federal government.

“The decision will have a huge influence on the housing market and the price of real estate, both for the lower end of the market that competes with affordable rental housing and the higher end that has lagged, partly because of lower limits for the size of mortgages that can be purchased and resold by Fannie and Freddie,” The Washington Post reports.

Also, the next president will also have to decide whether to ease up lending standards to make it easier for more people to qualify for a loan and the amount of down payment needed to buy a home.

Source: “How the Presidential Election Affects the Real Estate Market,” The Washington Post (Aug. 30, 2012)

Source: Beverly Hills Greater Los Angeles Board of Realtors.

Open House Sunday 9/2 From 2-5pm. West Hollywood Foreclosure (REO) 729 N Stanley Ave 90046

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 13:47:22 GMT

This charming Spanish, 1920’s home has just been remodeled by it’s previous owner! It features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a den for use as an office. This home has gorgeous Barrel Vaulted living room ceilings, newer kitchen cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances and imported stone flooring. For an REO, this is a beaut! The large Master suite boasts a remodeled bathroom with a walk-in Master shower. With newer windows, doors, and refinished peg and groove hardwood floors you’ll feel right at home upon moving in! The home also has Central air and heat, a 2-car garage, and nice sized yard.

729 N. Stanley Ave LA, CA 90046 will be open from 2-5pm September 2, 2012. Come on in and see for yourself! I’ll be there to answer all your real estate questions and fill you in on the area and market conditions. I’ll have Patrick O’Driscoll from Prospect Mortgage to tell you all about the financing process. Hope to see you all there!

Listing courtesy of Seven Senigram

Urban Downtown Living at it’s Finest – The Market Lofts!

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:36:20 GMT

The Market Lofts are super hot and super desirable right now. This particular unit is a 2 bedroom 2 bath and features 1,020sqft of living space. The Market Lofts are a mixed-use loft style community and features amenities such as an expansive pool +BBQ entertaining area, gym, screening room for 20 of your closest friends, a private party room, 24-hour front desk security, in-building covered parking and much more! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! This unit boasts high concrete ceilings, dark hardwood floors, a large balcony, sleek Italian cabinetry, Caesrstone countertops, stainless steel appliances, Bosch washer + dryer and walk-in closet. The only thing missing from this mix is YOU!

This building was completed in 2006 so you have the convenience of relatively new, upgraded, and energy saving features. This unit is listed at $485,000 with HOA dues a low $495 per month.

This listing is courtesy of Anh Tran

Madonna’s Home on the Market… Not For The Very First Time.

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:25:10 GMT

While I may not be a Realtor to the stars just yet, part of the fun of selling real estate in LA is having the inside scoop on what celebrity homes are up for grabs. I came across this secluded Spanish jewel that housed some of Hollywood’s biggest divas. From Betty Grable to Diane Keaton to The Diva herself, Madonna!

This authentic Spanish Colonial Revival, originally build in 1926, is unparalleled by its beauty & sophistication, not to mention its notable Hollywood history. This completely private compound, secluded behind two gorgeous wrought iron gates, includes 2 guest houses and several exquisite gardens. The home was recently renovated with a master suite that not only overlooks the front garden but is perched above the lush grounds of the back gardens. This property, which was once featured in Architectural Digest, boasts 7 bedrooms and 8 baths. The magnificent estate displays incredible original detail & craftsmanship throughout coupled with all of today’s modern conveniences.

Even if you don’t have $18.5 million to throw down on your home like the Queen of Pop, you might find some inspiration in the photos above.

Listing courtesy of Jade Mills

What Your Home is Really Worth. What Appraisers Look for to Determine Value.

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:16:34 GMT

When it comes to assessing a home’s value, real estate agents and homeowners tend to be an optimistic bunch.

In the post-bust world, appraisers are a different story. They have to predict a realistic value for your home that the bank can use to extend credit to a borrower — and that number can make or break your sale or refinance.

Appraisers say the following five areas are where homeowners often misjudge the worth of their abode.

1. The outside

The appraiser sees: Overgrown bushes and chipped paint.

What he does: Slices as much as 3% off the value of an average-size home.

Why: Curb appeal is primo. And an unkempt yard is a sign that there may be other issues.

“A good-looking lawn and bushes imply that you also take care of the internal systems in the house,” says Jonathan Miller, president and CEO of a New York City-based appraisal firm that works throughout the tri-state area.

Moreover, the more meticulous your neighbors are about grooming, the more your appraiser will downgrade the value of your home.

“If a lot of the nearby properties are professionally maintained, the one that sticks out like a sore thumb will get a harder adjustment than in a subdivision where there’s more variation,” says San Diego appraiser Armando Ortiz.

2. Basic systems

The appraiser sees: A brand-new roof.

What he does: Nothing.

Why: Just as a knee replacement won’t make you look 20 years younger, a new roof, furnace, or boiler isn’t considered an improvement to your home.

That said, if your roof is in disrepair, replace it: Signs of leaks or discoloration can knock a significant amount off the home’s value.

“When people buy a home, they expect the roof to be working,” says Columbus appraiser Mike Armentrout. “So while a new one isn’t an added feature, it will help your chances of a sale.”

3. The basement

The appraiser sees: A recently finished basement with a half bath.

What he does: Adds about 2% to the value of the home.

Why: Yes, your finished basement adds value — but don’t expect it to count like first-floor space.

The addition of a bedroom and quarter bath on the ground floor could increase your home’s value by up to 20%, especially if you’ve got only one other bathroom.

“A below-ground basement normally isn’t included in the square footage of the house,” says Miller.

The same rule applies to outbuildings like a pool-house casita, painting shed, or studio.

4. The market

The appraiser hears: Two nearby homes just went into contract above their asking prices.

What he does: Nothing.

Why: While a broker might pump up a home’s asking price based on the sense that the market is “hot,” by and large, appraisers are bound by the data of recent comparable sales.

What if prices are suddenly up in your area, and you’re nervous that your house won’t appraise for contract price? In that case, you might want to delay your appraisal until one of those recently contracted sales closes.

5. A remodel

The appraiser sees: An expensive, custom-made, built-in entertainment center.

What he does: Makes a negative adjustment to the valuation.

Why: “Cost doesn’t equal value,” says Miller.

Renovations that are at all trendy — or not in keeping with the historical period of the home — will be assessed at the cost of ripping them out.

Timeless improvements, on the other hand, such as a deep sink or new wooden cabinets in the kitchen, will add value.

So if you’re thinking of remodeling, ask a local real estate agent to tell you what’s on the wish list of today’s buyers.

Article taken from CNNMoney.com NEW YORK (Money Magazine) 8/21/2012

If you have additional questions or want more information about the home buying/selling process please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385

Prepare To Be WOWED at the W Hollywood Residences!

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:13:37 GMT

Want to live in the lap of luxury?! Who doesn’t right? While it might cost you a pretty penny, The Residences at the W in Hollywood are sleek, seductive, and feature some insane amenities you won’t find anywhere else!

If you like the idea of where you live transforming how you life, and getting whatever, whenever you want, the W just might be for you. I’ll explain. Living in this posh complex you’ll have access to all the nightlife around the area with just a flick of your finger. There is a raw bar downstairs, Drai’s nightclub, pool cabanas, a 24-hour concierge, and valet parking 24/7 for you and your guests! The concierge is no ordinary concierge either. Imagine your own personal assistant! These guys will book flights, limos, tours, get you onto guest lists and even do your grocery shopping AND stock your fridge and shelves with just a call. Order food 24/7 and have it dropped at the door. Book appointments, take yoga, visit the spa, whatever you desire, you’re concierge will arrange. Umm, Hello! Talk about celebrity VIP treatments!

You’ll also have access to the rooftop bar, pool, and lounge area which boasts some ah-mazing views! I can totally vouch or the awesomeness as I had a personal tour of some of the units today. The W hosts many of Hollywood’s elite parties and living right upstairs just might get you into some of these A-list events. Enjoy private screenings in the theater room or a Sunday afternoon on your private terrace while sipping mimosas with friends. Have your dry-cleaning and laundry picked up and dropped off for you. Need a dog sitter? No problem! The concierge will also arrange for your dog to be walked, groomed, boarded or played with.

Now for the units. Each unit is LEED certified which means you’ll enjoy lower monthly energy bills and leave less of a carbon footprint. YAY! Most units offer views of the Hollywood Hills or Downtown LA. The private terraces are expansive and the layouts perfect for entertaining. And the closets you ask? Well the Master suites definitely are not lacking in this area! DREAM Closets! I’m talking closets that might as well be a second bedroom! Most bathrooms have separate shower/tub combinations perfect for those relaxing bubble baths.

The W is close to the Metro so you never have to drive, if you don’t want to. It’s easy access to everything in the city!

So- now the questions you are all wondering. How much does living this insane life going to cost me? Well, the great news here is the remaining units have just taken a pretty significant price reduction! The one bedrooms which run between 1,219sf – 1,402sq will cost you between $459,000 – $525,000. 1 Bedroom + Den which are between 1,287sf –1,942sf will run you $572,000 – $835,000. The 2 Bedroom units which are around 1,560sf – 2,260sf will cost between $715,000 – $2,245,000. Then there are the Penthouses, which are more pricey, but well worth it! The HOA dues on average are around $1 per sq ft. They are relatively high, for now. In their defense, you won’t find living like this anywhere!

If you are interested in touring The W please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 to set up a private viewing. If you would like more information on the floorplans please email Brittany at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com. To search for other listings visit the website.

There are a few units for lease starting around $3,500 per month.

Sherman Oaks Traditional Listed at $499,000!

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 23:52:24 GMT

Looking for an affordable, move-in ready home in the Valley? Look no further! This absolutely charming re-done traditional home on a quiet tree-lined street in prime Sherman Oaks is waiting for you! This adorable 3 bedroom 2 bath home features an expansive living room flooded with natural light. Windows and french doors open to a backyard patio and plenty of green space. An open remodeled kitchen w/ Carrera marble counter tops & stainless steel appliances will make cooking a breeze! The Master suite has a private redone bath. The second bath boasts custom tile work in the shower and a relaxing jacuzzi tub. The covered back patio is perfect for Sunday BBQs and entertaining and the large grassy yard has ample potential for kids or pets! The home also features an attached two car garage and is conveniently located to shops, restaurants and much more!

Willis Avenue is offered at $499,000 and features 1,280 square feet of living space on a large lot of 6,399 square feet. The home also has central AC/heat and is available to view immediately. Please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 to set up a private showing or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Donna Grissom

Just Leased!! Runyon Canyon Condo

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 23:44:18 GMT

Some of you may know Realtors also lease rentals. This amazing 1 bedroom condo was listed by me a few weeks ago and was rented out within 24 hours for my client for a price of $1,800 per month. It features 2 parking spaces, 2 gyms, a pool, sauna, spa, community room and is feet away from the entrance of Runyon Canyon.

If you have a property you are looking to lease and don’t want to deal with the headache of screening a tenant call me to find out how I can help. Not only will I take care of the screening but I will also market the property. Did I mention we leased the clients condo in 24 hours?!

If you are in need of a rental or know someone looking for a lease please contact me to see what I’m able to find for you. You can reach me directly at 310.956.9385 or you may email me at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

Buying Beats Renting in Most U.S. Cities / Mortgage Closing Costs Have Dropped 7% in the Past Year!

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:32:34 GMT

Get your fill of Real Estate News Here:

Buying Beats Renting: Read the full article Here

Good news! Closing Costs Have Decreased 7% in the past year! Read article here

Lavish Mediterranean West Hollywood Duplex!

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 23:25:25 GMT

On a leafy, tree-lined street, what began as a modest, 1924, bungalow-style Spanish duplex has been transformed and expanded into a grand, Mediterranean masterpiece! Walled and gated for privacy, the owner’s unit (2+1.75) features an elegant living room with Batchelder-style decorative fireplace, casement windows, and beautiful engineered hardwood floors which run throughout the unit. A formal dining room, striking kitchen with Carrera marble and granite surfaces and stainless steel Kitchenaid appliances create a modern yet homey feel. The office/den space is perfect for those who work at home or just need a little extra space. This owner’s unit also has 2-zoned HVAC, CAT-6 lines, and HDMI cables.

The second floor offers three bedrooms, three baths, high ceilings, beautiful fixtures and finishes and well-installed closets. Two of the bedrooms have private balconies and a large, covered terrace spans the upper front of the house. This unit has oak floors, coved ceilings, a charming kitchen, two spacious bedrooms and baths and Central A/C and Heat.

The yard space is great for animals or children. On the side of the property is a nice, private sitting area and ample gardens. There is also finished, exterior office. This charming 3+3 and 2+1.75 West Hollywood Duplex is the perfect home whether you’re looking for an investment property, a home for yourself with a unit for family, or simply want to rent the second unit out to help with the mortgage.

Poinsettia Drive in the prime West Hollywood zip of 90046 is listed for $1,499,000. The 2+1.75 unit is offered for lease at $2,850 and the 3+3 unit is projected at $3,800 for a total of $6,650 per month.

For more information on this property please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Peter Schwartz

Open House 169 W. Elm Court in Burbank Listed for $299,000 Sunday 8/5 1-4pm

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 23:21:36 GMT

Come one. Come All. Open House this Sunday from 1-4pm.

This 2 bedroom 1 bath home is in a great school district in Burbank with a spacious yard all for under $300,000! Features include hardwood floors in the living room, kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, a breakfast nook, central A/C and heat and updated dual paned windows. The lush landscape is private and would make the perfect play area for the children and/or pets! Don’t take my word for it though, come see for yourself!

169 E Elm Court Burbank 91502 is listed for $299,000. I’ll be there Sunday from 1-4 with one of my lenders Ryan Hoffman from Wholesale Capital Corp.

If you have further questions please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385.

Listing courtesy of Grant Linscott

Buy OR Rent this Chic Downtown LA Loft!

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 23:16:05 GMT

Check out this uber chic Penthouse unit in the Artist’s District of Downtown LA. This live/work loft features rich textures; 1920’s post and beams, concrete, and hardwood floors. The unit also boasts high ceilings along with a wall of windows flooding light in and creating a bright and airy feel. The gourmet kitchen has Ceasarstone counter tops, stainless steal appliances and much more.

This Barker loft also comes with 1 parking space but there is ample street parking for your guests. The amenities in this building are just to DIE for! There is an awesome resort style rooftop pool and spa along with a fireplace and a great outdoor entertainers area. There is a fitness center with killer views of downtown and a 24/7 security patrolman.

This condo is near USC, SciArc, Moca Little Tokyo, restaurants, clubs, a local dog park, Gold Line, DASH bus, Central to the 5, 10, 110 Freeways. This area of downtown is especially unique with an urbany industrial feel. Walk next door to Church and State or visit Urth Cafe. This is a great loft for a young person starting out or someone looking for a studio for their business.

This Barker Block Loft is offered for sale at $435,000 with HOA dues at $338.68. The unit has 952 square feet of living space. To set up a private showing of Hewitt Street please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for additional information and to search for other properties in the LA area.

**This unit is also offered for lease at $2,250 per month. **

Listing Courtesy of Russell Roney

Beautifully Remodeled Jewel by Farmer’s Market

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:08:52 GMT

This masterfully redesigned gem in the West Hollywood area is a stunning combination of classical Spanish architecture and exquisite modern finishes. This residence offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms plus a family room. At 3,000 square feet this home has plenty of room for a growing family.

Unparalleled details run throughout the house. The open kitchen with custom made cabinetry has everything you need to cook for your family. The true entertainer’s back yard with a pool, spa and sexy cabana will set the mood for any party, private between two or more gathered with friends and family.

Other features include: Smart systems with remote access, centralized music system and speakers throughout. Extremely private and surrounded by mature landscaping. Centrally located just steps away from high end boutiques, Farmer’s market and The Grove.

N Laurel Ave in the 90048 zip is offered at $2,250,000. To set up a private viewing please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385, This home not quite your taste? No problem! I have access to hundreds of listings to fit your style and budget. Visit the website to search for additional properties here.

Listing courtesy Alejandro Lombardo.

Thirty-year mortgage rate drops to another record low!

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 23:08:05 GMT

Read the full article HERE on USA Today Money.

“Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average rate on the 30-year loan fell to 3.56%. That’s down from 3.62% last week and the lowest since long-term mortgages began in the 1950s.

The average rate on the 15-year mortgage, a popular refinancing option, dipped to 2.86%, below last week’s previous record of 2.89%.”

Mortgage rates are LOW! Hitting new records again! If you’ve been on the fence about buying there is NO reason NOT to buy now.

If you are thinking of re-financing, want a Pre-Approval to purchase a home or simply want to know what you might qualify for I have 2 amazing lenders I work with.

1. Patrick O’Driscoll from Prospect Mortgage. You can reach him at 818-681-0873

2. Ryan Hoffman – Wholesale Capital Corporation. He can be reached at 951-312-8650.

Both are amazing lenders and come highly recommended.

If you have been thinking of selling, now is the perfect time! Buyers are everywhere!

Contact me for more information on the buying or selling process. I can be reached via email at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com or you may call me directly at 310.956.9385.

Lake Balboa Home with Expansive Yard

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 21:42:07 GMT

When I came across this charming little home, I just had to share. I used to work in the Lake Balboa area, several years ago, and enjoyed having my lunch at the lake. Afterwards, I would take a walk around the park and watch children feeding the birds and fish that call this area home.

This property in particular is located on Oak Park Ave walking distance from the lake. It features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and consists of 1,080 square feet of living space. The home is on a corner lot with a large back yard great for entertaining or a perfect play area for the children/pets. The yard is also large enough to allow for a swimming pool!

Inside features include hardwood floors in all the main rooms and an updated kitchen. The home also has new landscaping, a new sprinkler system, new roof and windows, updated electrical and copper plumbing and new interior and exterior paint making this home move-in ready.

Lake Balboa is close to the 405 and 101 freeways making your commute around town easier. This listing is a short-sale so the price and terms are subject to lender’s approval. The current list price is $279,000.

For more information on this property or any other property in the LA area please contact Brittany Walter at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of John Michael Iglar

Fall in LOVE with this Beautifully Remodeled Hollywood Hills Home

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:38:50 GMT

This home totally has a place in my heart! I mean, look how absolutely quaint and adorable it is!! I have a crush!

This beautifully remodeled, hip, Mid-Century Modern entertainers hillside home is yours, if the price is right! The home features an open floor-plan with a step-down living & dining room with walls of glass showcasing city lights and mountain views. Gorgeous! The generous Master bedroom boasts exceptional views, a spacious spa-like private bath retreat and a private deck for sipping wine and star gazing with that special someone. Skylights throughout make this home light & bright! The newly remodeled eat-in kitchen with Euro styled Stainless steel appliances and beautiful Slate floors is just the right size. Exposed post and beam ceilings, beautiful dark hardwood floors, many updates and recent improvements throughout make this the ideal Hollywood Hills pad. An open veranda runs the full length of home.

Oak Glen isn’t too far up in the Hills so it’s convenient to local shops, restaurants, bars, city park and the 101 Freeway!

Oak Glen Drive has 1,305 square feet of living space on a 5,000 square foot lot. Its 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and is newly listed at $724,500.

To set up a private viewing of Oak Glen Drive please call Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for additional information and to search for other properties in the area.

I’m in love, how about you?!

Listing courtesy of Rande Gray and Randy Wright

Open House Today 2-5pm – You know you want to live in Bel Air!!

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 21:33:52 GMT

Yes, it’s Sunday again. This week I will be holding 1105 N Beverly Glen Open in Bel-Air. This remodeled 2 bedroom 2 bath home features a new kitchen that opens to the main living room, great for entertaining. There is also a quaint outdoor space featuring a in-ground spa great for those relaxing evenings.

Upstairs is a large private master suite with generous closet space and a master bath. Part of the upgrades to this home include new windows, new wood flooring, updated plumbing and electrical systems. There is also an additional detached storage room, 2 car garage and gated entry. Live like a STAR!

Beverly Glen is listed for $599,000. Stop by and check it out from 2-5pm today. One of my preferred lenders, Ryan Hoffman, will be there to answer all your financing questions.

For more information on this property or any other property in LA, please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for more information.

Listing courtesy of Grant Linscott

Jim Carey Lists Malibu Beach Home For $13.95 Million!

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:40:26 GMT

Jim Carey’s Home in Malibu Beach is up for sale for a cool $13,950,000 (a tad overpriced if you ask me). The contemporary beach house features an open floor-plan, family room, dining room and kitchen that lead out onto an ocean-facing deck with removable privacy walls. The house features 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths and 2,866 square feet of living space.

The master suite has amazing views of the ocean with a fireplace, balcony, master bath and walk-in closet. There are a total of 4 bedrooms on the second floor. There is also a spa tub upstairs overlooking the ocean.

Malibu Colony is an exclusive subdivision in Malibu Beach. There is a 24-hr guard gate for ultimate security. Carey bought the house in 2002 for $9,75 Million.

Listing coutesy of Janelle Friedman

Hollywood Hills STEAL!!! Open House Sunday 6/17 2-5pm – Bank Owned Foreclosure 2828 Oak Point Drive 90068

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 20:32:30 GMT

Wanna live in the Hollywood Hills?! (don’t we all..) Well then, you DON’T want to miss this one kiddos!! This upgraded 3 bedroom 2 bath bank owned (REO) foreclosure could be yours for $669,900!!! ..(well maybe a little more – multiple offers are everywhere right now and I can assure you this one is no different).

OK – so I know the house might not be so great on the outside, in fact, it’s down right scary if you ask me (but then again, I do watch a lot of classic Hollywood Horror films alone at night) but once you get inside, it’s a little piece of heaven with a VIEW!

But in all seriousness you do have a large living room with access out to an expansive view deck. The loft style updated kitchen with granite counters, tiled floor and stainless steel appliances exit to an outdoor entertainers paradise complete with a spa and fountain. The bedrooms are decent sized with updated tiled baths upstairs. The laundry in inside and you can scorch out the heat with central air in the summer and heat for the chilly fall and winter evenings. You also have views from almost every room. Boooo-Yah!

2828 Oak View Drive will be open on Sunday June 17th from 2-5pm. Come check out this nearly 1,800 sqft. home. The house is listed at $669,900. If you have questions regarding this property or would like a private viewing please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties in the LA area.

This listing has been brought to you in part by Steven Senigram and Champ Davenport.

For LEASE: West Hollywood 2+1 Designer Condo – $3,200

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:20:46 GMT

New paragraphThis fabulous Suzan Fellman designed apartment in a charming 12-unit building is available August 1! This quiet unit is off the street so you don’t have to worry about the noise level. The elegant 2 bedroom 1 bath features gleaming hardwood floors, a wood burning fireplace, formal dining room, cook’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances & farmhouse sink, A/C & Heat and is perfect for a single person needing office space or for a couple.

The building is secured with a gated entrance. The unit comes with 1 car parking and community laundry. The owner will consider a small pet. Rent is $3,200 per month and a $6,000 deposit is required.

If you are interested in viewing this unit – and it will go quickly – please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385. If this does not suit your taste, I am more than happy to help you find a rental that does.

Listing Courtesy of Mark Mintz

Open House 6/14 5-7pm 2828 Palmer Drive Glassell Park 90065

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:00:59 GMT

This 1980’s California Bungalow features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2,600sqft and is beautifully remodeled in a great Glassell Park neighborhood! Talk about Move-In Ready! It has cathedral-like high ceilings and not only has a lovely, light and airy open floor plan up top for the living room, dining room and the very large kitchen, but also has a large recreation room and an office downstairs. The two car garage enters conveniently into the kitchen area. The bedrooms are all quite large, including the master which has a great walk-in closet. The views include the Glendale Mountains and Downtown Los Angeles across the city to the west side. If you can get past the proximity to the freeway this is an ideal family home with a great entertainer back yard, nicely fenced in for toddlers and/or pets. This home also has hardwood floors throughout and Central A/C and Heat. Stop by and see for yourself!!

2828 Palmer Drive is offered at $499,000!

I will be holding an Open House tomorrow from 5-7pm with Ryan Hoffman from Wholesale Capital Corp. He can answer all your financing questions and get you Pre-Approved on the spot, if needed.

For additional information and/or showings please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website.

Listing courtesy of Henry Shapiro

Lions and Tigers and Bidding Wars, Oh My!!! – What you need to know about the LA housing market at this moment

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:55:34 GMT

What is happening in the Housing Market as a whole is completely different from what’s happening in Los Angeles. If you had the chance to pick up the Sunday LA Times there is an article on the front page reiterating everything I’ve been telling my clients for months! The days of scoring a deal on a home are gone. Buying a home now is still a great investment as housing prices just continue to rise in our area.

The problem: Low Inventory + Tons of Investors & Buyers = Bidding Wars

In this market you almost need to pounce on pocket listings or properties before they enter the market on the MLS. Inventory is hitting lows we have not seen in 6 years!! The average days on the market in SoCal is 33 days. In prime areas where homes are priced right they are going into escrow in less than a week and most properties are going for well over asking! If you are searching to buy in this market you may want to edit your price point 25-50k less just so you have room to go higher if you find your perfect home. Keep in mind, you will need enough money to make up the difference between what you offered and what the appraisal comes in at.

Interest rates are also low which helps to stabilize the market. This is a prime time to sell, if you have been thinking about it but putting it off due to the market. Chances are, if your property is priced right, it will sell very quickly and you might even get more than you had originally thought!

“We’ve even seen fewer borrowers defaulting on their mortgages and banks seem to have a handle on the foreclosures they do have. In addition to this, professional investors bankrolled by private equity firms and hedge funds are swooping up the bank owned home, fixing them up for resale or simply turning them into rentals.”-LA Times

I have access to thousands of agents who might have a listing perfect for you that has not yet hit the market. I can also offer a few valuable tips to get your offers noticed above the competition.

On the other hand, if you are considering selling, contact me and we can go over the comparable properties and discuss what your property is worth. If this is a route you would like to take, I would be happy to assist.

If you have questions regarding the market in your particular area, please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for additional information.

Open House Sunday 6/10 1-4pm – 2133 Fargo Street 90039 Listed for $599,000

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 16:58:08 GMT

Rehabbed home with VIEWS!! This 2+2 is in the hills of Echo Park close to the Silverlake Reservoir. It has an amazing back yard perfect for the critters, gardening, enjoying the LA weather or whatever else you could imagine to do. The property has views across the west side or town as well as the Hollywood Hills. Take your pick of decks to enjoy that morning coffee on! The inside features a huge master, open and airy floor plan with 2 stories and a bonus office space downstairs. There is plenty of parking for those entertaining nights and dinner parties.

Logistic: 2 bedroom 2 baths 1,641 sqft. of inside space on a lot 7,641sqt. Central air and heat, hardwood floors, views, built-ins and built in 1908. This brand new listing is listed for $599,000.

Join me tomorrow, Sunday June 10th for an Open House from 1-4pm. I’ll have one of my preferred lenders, Ryan Hoffman, there to answer all your financing questions. To set up a private showing of Fargo Street please call Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties in the area.

Listing courtesy of Ken Shapiro

4 Secret Ways to Beat Other Offers

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 07:41:57 GMT

Lately I have become angered by watching CNN talk about the housing market. “Home prices are still dropping” -etc, etc, etc. Take it from someone in the business- home prices are NOT falling, at least not in LA. If you are a buyer these days you had better be prepared to bring the big guns to the table when writing an offer – low-ball offers are a thing of the past!

Inventory is extremely low as the market makes it’s shift. In my opinion, it’s already turned to a Seller’s Market as many properties are going all cash and/or over asking.

Here are a few tips taken from Trulia.com that will help you in this insanely competitive market.

1. Offer More Than Asking (if the market data justifies it). It’s entirely possible that you’re shaking your fist right now, yelling something like: “You said these were ‘secret’ strategies!” Allow me to explain: offering more money *seems* like a super obvious way to beat out other offers, but you would be amazed at how many bargain-seeking, recession-trained and novice buyers simply don’t do it. Many think they’re scoring a deal by making low offers, even in the face of competition.

Essential Home Buying Truth: If you lose out on five homes before the market educates you to get ‘unstuck’ from your rigid, lowball offer strategy, you might end up facing even more competition for fewer homes a few months down the road – and end up spending even more to finally score a property. Make sure to involve your agent and mortgage pro and financial advisor up front to ensure you don’t overextend yourself. In more recession-proof areas, you may need to go so far over asking that you’ll need to adjust your house hunt price range lower to be able to compete. Of course, the recent sales data and your personal budget must all justify whatever amount you offer; otherwise, you’re just cruising for a bruising down the road when it comes time to have the place appraised – or make the monthly payments.

If you find the mere thought of offering more than the list price exasperating, keep things in perspective. Know that smart sellers are being very strategic and assertive, listing low to create an auction atmosphere and churn up multiple offers. Don’t be duped into thinking you can get away with a low offer because the asking price seems like such a bargain.

Some of these seemingly lower-priced homes are getting 20, 30, even 50 offers in some areas ( no joke! ). The victorious buyers are those who are offering amounts backed up by the home’s fair market value, as determined by the very, very most recent sales – not sales from six months or a year ago.

2. Max out and show off your close-ability. Yes: sellers care about getting top dollar for their homes, so offer price is the primary factor that makes or breaks your offer. However, sellers and their agents are uber-aware of the flip side: a great deal that doesn’t close is no deal at all.

Deal Killers:

low appraisals
mortgage approval failures, and
condition problems revealed by inspections

Strategic moves that can make your offer stand out above the rest:

shortened contingency periods (which mean the seller will get certainty that you’ll close the deal sooner than later) ie: 10 day inspection time
documenting that your over-asking offer price is backed-up by nearby comparable sales (minimizing the risk of later appraisal problems)
making an all-cash or high-down payment offer (if your resources allow)
offering to buy the home as-is (so long as you retain your inspection and loan contingencies) or even
obtaining inspections, appraisals or repair bids before making an offer and waiving the relevant contingencies up front.

CAVEAT: I put these strategic suggestions out there to let you know that they are possible and know that they are seen as offer strengths by sellers. They are not always advisable and, in some cases, are actually unwise and inadvisable, in that they waive rights you might need to exercise in the future depending on the property and the facts of your finances and your life.

3. Work with a well-respected agent and mortgage pro.

Collectively, the buyer’s agent and mortgage broker have a huge impact on how smoothly a transaction goes – and, sometimes, on whether it closes at all.

4. Express your love for the home. Buyers can write love letters, too! Allow me to be frank: if someone is offering $50,000 more than you are, chances are slim that you’ll beat their offer out with a letter or a YouTube video of your trio of pugs or smoke signals, no matter how poignantly they:

tell the sellers about yourself or your family
express how much you love their home and
paint the picture of why it would be such an ideal setting for the next phase of your life.

But – such a love letter may not hurt. In fact, it might even score you a counter-offer in a situation where the seller might otherwise have just outright accepted another, much-higher offer. And your offer price is close or identical to your competitor’s? It might just score you a home.

So there you have it! Some tips on how to score that home. If you have any questions or are looking to purchase a home or sell your current one please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for additional information.

Open House 6/3 1521 Marmont Ave. 90069 Listed at $1,699,000

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 07:39:13 GMT

Come get a glimpse of this emotionally romantic trophy property! Located just above the renowned Chateau Marmont Hotel in the coveted 90069 zip. This amazing 3 bedroom 3 bath villa sits high above the street with a private driveway. The two car garage leads to a massive finished basement entrance. This is truly a Hollywood gem worth seeing!

Soaring high ceilings, hardwood floors throughout, ornate stone fireplace, French doors, Carrera marble bathrooms, steam shower, claw foot tub, and designer chandeliers are just a few of the unique features of this sexy property. The high-end kitchen features stainless steel Wolf appliances. There’s a private front & backyard, skyline views inside and out, recessed lights, custom iron railings and a charming Romeo & Juliet balcony. Complete with an alarm system this is an Old World Hollywood Home is just the ticket for the perfect buyer.

To view this property stop by the Open House Sunday June 3 from 2pm-5pm or call Brittany at 310.956.9385 to schedule a private showing of this home. 1521 Marmont Ave is listed at $1,699,000. If this property does not fit your taste or budget visit the website to search for additional properties in the area.

Listing courtesy of Michael Bates

Join Me for a FREE Lemonade Stand Saturday from 10am-2pm on the Corner of Spaulding & Willoughby!!

Thu, 31 May 2012 07:32:17 GMT

I will be hosting a lemonade stand as a meet and greet on Saturday, June 2, 2012. If all goes well, I would like to have one once a month through the summer months. I will provide detailed market updates for you and will have treats for the critters…so bring the furry ones! I will also have a raffle with a few gift certificates so if nothing else, come or the chance to win FREE stuff!

If you have questions regarding this please call Brittany at 310.956.9385. I can’t wait to meet all of you!

Sky High Condo in Downtown LA!

Tue, 22 May 2012 07:26:00 GMT

This 2 bedroom 2 bath condo is located on the 20th floor of the Sky Lofts! Enjoy views from the mountains to the ocean. This unit has floor to ceiling glass windows, high ceilings, recessed lighting, and hardwood flooring throughout. A very spacious walk-in closet is perfect to accommodate all those fashionable clothes and shoes. The bedrooms are separated by a large living room & kitchen. In-unit laundry, a walk-in glass shower with a separate tub and his & her sinks are just some of the features of this hip condo. This unit comes with two side by side parking spots in a gated & fully secured underground parking garage. This condo is perfect for a single person looking to use the extra bedroom as an office or rental income and ideal for a couple.

Amenities include 24hr concierge, Sky lounge, theater, fitness center, loading dock & high speed elevators. The best part is the location! All within a five minute walk to LA Live, Staple’s Center, Nokia Plaza, Theater, restaurants and shops. The new Target and Smart & Final are all opening soon & with the upcoming football stadium in 2016, this could be a great investment for you!

S Grand is 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and features 1,220sqft of living space. HOA dues are $820 for this 20th floor unit and its listed at $599,000. For more information on this property, or any other downtown LA property please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for additional information and to search for other properties.

Listing Courtesy of David Yoo

Own A Little Piece of Downtown Heaven in the Market Lofts! Open House 5/20 2-5pm

Sat, 19 May 2012 07:17:07 GMT

Wanna live downtown?! Well here’s your chance. The Market Lofts are a little piece of downtown royalty. This studio unit comes equipped with a full bath and large kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The concrete floors add to the urban downtown feel and with Central Air and Heat, you’ll be set for the summer months ahead! The building itself features security, a gym, pool and spa and with Ralph’s right downstairs, you’ll never need to leave your cozy little home.

645 W 9th Street #434 features 790 sqft. with HOA dues at $495 a month. This listing is a short sale so all prices are subject to the Lender’s approval. For more information on short sales click Here. The unit is currently on the market for $285,000.

I’ll be hosting an Open House tomorrow, 5/20/2012 from 2-5pm. All offers are being reviewed at 8pm so time is of the essence! I’ll have my on-site Lender Patrick O’Driscoll from Prospect Mortgage to get you Pre-Approved on the spot!

If 645W 9th isn’t exactly your downtown cup of tea, I would be happy to find you similar properties. Please dial 310.956.9385 or you can visit the website to search for additional properties in Los Angeles. And as always, feel free to stop on by, say “hello” and let me work my magic on finding YOU your new home!

Listing Courtesy of Kenya Reeves Costa

Hollywood Hills 2+1 Home with a Seperate 1+1 for Income, Guests or an Office!

Tue, 15 May 2012 06:45:23 GMT

Great opportunity to live in the Hollywood Hills! You will find this private secret garden retreat hidden at the end of a private cul-de-sac and perched on a little knoll. The main house is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath with an attached guest house that is an additional 1 bedroom, 1 bath. The guest house would make for a great income property, guest quarter, office or space for an older teenager with it’s private and separate entry. The lot itself is actually 2 parcels for extra space and privacy. Walnut also offers a 2 car garage and 2 car off street parking.

The lovely outdoor spaces include a large back yard, two sunny patios and large trees for hammocks and shade. Make this your oasis! Inside you will find a designer Jenn-Air kitchen, high end Maytag washer and dryer and hardwood floors throughout.

The first showing of Walnut is tomorrow, 5/15 so if you are interested in viewing please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties. You don’t want to miss this! The possibilities are endless in this one-of-a-kind home. Walnut Drive is offered at $779,000.

Listing courtesy of Ron Holliman

Open House Sunday, 5/13 2-5pm 6970 La Presa Drive

Mon, 14 May 2012 06:15:22 GMT

The Ultimate Dream Home – Eat. Your. Heart. Out!!

Sat, 12 May 2012 05:40:35 GMT

In Marina Del Rey, on the Canals sets one of the sexiest homes I’ve ever seen! Newly built in 2011 this Modern home is nothing short of an absolute DREAM!

I strolled across this property and stopped dead in my tracks. I’m captivated and totally in love. The features are endless. With 6 bedrooms and 8.5 baths at nearly 8,000 sqft. you’ll feel like you’re in heaven just stepping foot through the doors!

Features : Commercial Elevator , 3-D Theater, Sonos System, Bar , Billiard Room , Gym, Rec Room, 8 Fireplaces, Wine Cellar, Master Suite with His & Her Baths & Steam Shower, Roof-Top Organic Garden , Swim Jet Hydro Spa , Fire Pits, Waterfalls , Exceptional Kitchen, Open Floor Plan, Library /Office, Views to the Ocean, Safe 24-hr Guard .

The only thing this home lacks is a pool – but who needs a pool when you live on a canal and are feet from the ocean?! I mean, come’on now!

Roma Court is listed at a cool $5,850,000. If you would like to set up a private viewing of this property please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for other properties in the Los Angeles area.

Listing courtesy of Arlin Bolin

Open House Sunday 5/13 from 2-5pm 6970 La Presa Drive in the Hollywood Hills

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:44:31 GMT

Now this is a family home! This beautifully remodeled Mediterranean is move-in ready with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

Features: Hardwood floors, recessed lighting and central air & heat. The family room boasts a high vaulted beam ceiling, brick fireplace and a built-in indoor BBQ pit, perfect for entertaining! The spacious kitchen has brand new stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar and great canyon views. The master suite features a intimate fireplace and an elegant bathroom with spa tub & shower. The lower level has guest quarters with a kitchenette and bathroom.

If you are interested in this property stop by my Open House Sunday from 2-5pm or call Brittany at 310.956.9385. 6970 La Presa Drive is offered at $975,000 and is 2,644sqft.

Listing courtesy of Nicole Johnson

Hollywood Hills Architectural 4+3 with Rooftop Theater

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:39:34 GMT

The ultimate in Hollywood Hills living! This stunning 4 bedroom, 3 bath architectural home boasts spectacular views of Downtown, Griffith Park Observatory and the Hollywood sign. The huge rooftop deck makes you feel like you’re on top of the world while you relax, lounge and entertain. The entire top floor accommodates a spacious master suite with a fireplace, sitting area, large walk-in closet plus an additional closet and master bath complete with a dual sink vanity and spa tub! Other features include a sunken living room with panoramic windows, a fireplace, Miele dishwasher and intercom system.

Hollyridge is 1,751sqft on a 9,000sqft lot and is listed at $1,049,000. To set up a private showing of Hollyridge, please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Searching for Property or Just want to See What’s on the Market? I’ll Give You Full Access to The MLS!

Tue, 08 May 2012 03:52:26 GMT

Finding Redfin, Zillow or other Real Estate Apps just arn’t cutting it? Let me set you up on your own, private listing search. With my listing search, you’ll see properties in Real Time and have the most up-to-date information. Redfin and Zillow can lag up to 3 days on status changes and releasing new listings. Be the first to see it!

Simply email me your criteria: beds, baths, square footage, price point and whatever other info is important to your search and I’ll hook it up.

Please email me at BrittanySellsLA@Gmail.com

It’s Shaping Up to Be a Great Spring for the Housing Market

Tue, 08 May 2012 03:50:02 GMT

The spring season usually starts shaping up in March and goes until June, but this year thanks to unseasonably warm weather in many parts of the United States it may have started early.

Spring is the litmus test for the overall housing demand. Current home sales in February were up 9% from last year, and the Pending Home Sale Index was up as well. And according to a late February NAR survey of 4,300 agents, Realtors’ confidence in the single-family home market is also looking strong. Economist Paul Dales of Capital Economics says this spring season should be “the best we have seen in the past four or five years.”

Of course not every market will move in unison, and spring sales will be a great indication of which ones are headed in which direction. Veros Real Estate Solutions forecasts that home prices overall will drop less than 1%, but 40% of 321 metropolitan areas will see prices rise.

Phoenix is at the top of that list, and will see a 5% price gain this year. Denver is also seeing rising prices as their supply of homes drops as well. Some non-distressed homeowners are still reluctant to put their home on the market, but not all of them. In Central Pennsylvania residents saw a 30% increase in new listings early this year, and the trend has continued into spring. Overall spring is shaping up to be a very positive season for the housing market.

For more information on Market Conditions in LA please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for more information.

New Beverlywood Listing! Own This Home For as Little as $2,230 a Month!

Thu, 03 May 2012 03:35:01 GMT

This completely renovated, move-in ready Beverlywood property in the Faircrest Heights district is a great little starter home! With 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and close to lots of shops and restaurants you’ll be all set in your quaint little home. There is a community pool for those warm summer days and tennis courts for those of you who enjoy the game.

Airdrome Street was listed today at $430,000.

If you are going FHA at 3.5% down on this home your mortgage payment would be $ 3,007 . If you were to go conventional at 20% down your monthly mortgage payment would be $ 2,230 . For more information and to see the breakdown of costs click here.

For more information on this property or to set up a private showing, please call Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for other properties in the area.

Listing courtesy of Mimi & Maureen McCormick.

A Guide to Closing Costs

Tue, 01 May 2012 03:18:09 GMT

I know many of you are confused on closing costs and how that whole situation works. Well, I’m about to answer all your questions. Below, please find a list of what each party usually pays. These are all subject to change depending on the Escrow and what is negotiated in the Purchase Agreement.

Seller Generally Pays:

-Standard CLTA Title Insurance

-Real Estate Commission

-Escrow Fee (50%)

-Notary Fees

-Document Preparation Fee for Deed

-Documentary Transfer Tax ($1.10 per $1,000 of sales price)

-Any City Transfer/Conveyance Tax

-Any Bonds or Assessments

-Any and All Delinquent Taxes

-Any Unpaid Homeowner Dues (if a condo/association)

-Any FHA or VA loan fees required by Buyer’s Lender

-Payoff of All Loans in Seller’s Name

-Interest accrued to Lender being paid off, Statement Fees, Reconveyance Fees and Any Prepayment Penalties.

-Termite Inspection

-Termite Work

-Home Warranty

-Any Judgment, Tax Liens, etc. Against the Seller

-Recording Charges to Clear All Documents of Record Against the Seller

-Tax Proration

-Seller’s Portion of Sub-Escrow Fee

-Homeowner’s Transfer Fee

Buyer Generally Pays:

-Title Insurance Premiums (ATLA Loan Policy)

-Escrow Loan Tie-In Fee

-Escrow Fee (50%)

-Document Preparation (if applicable)

-Notary Fees

-Recording Charges for All Documents in Buyer’s Name

–Termite Inspection (usually covered by Seller)

-Tax Proration

-All New Loan Charges (Except what’s required by Seller to pay)

-Assumption/Change of Records Fees for Takeover of Existing Loan

-Beneficiary Statement Fee for Assumption of Existing Loan

-Inspection Fees of the Property

-Home Warranty

-City Transfer/Conveyance Tax

-Fire Insurance Premium for First Year

-Buyer’s Portion of Sub-Escrow Fees

Most of the funding fees are discussed and taken care of on your Lender’s end. Not every and all fees apply depending on the property.

If you would like more information on the buying or selling process please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for more information.

Amazing Renovated 2+2 Condo in the Heart of Hollywood!

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:14:40 GMT

This completely renovated 2 bedroom 2 bath condo is right in the heart of Hollywood and with spectacular views of the city and downtown LA, you’ll have amazing views everyday. You’ll also be close to everything the nightlife has to offer and in a perfect position to commute anywhere in the city!

The kitchen features a custom tile back-splash, Granite counter tops and Stainless steel appliances. The dark hardwood floors run throughout the living room, kitchen and bedrooms. Each bathroom is spacious and custom designed. The Master has an en-suite bath with a walk-in shower and attached walk-in closet. A balcony the length of the entire condo runs along the front with sweeping views. Access this from the living room or the Master bedroom.

This condo also features a clubhouse, security, elevator, pool and a sauna. The unit comes with 2 secured parking spots and reasonable HOA dues of $529 per month. With 1,258sqft of living space you’ll have plenty of room to entertain with dinner parties.

N Cahuenga is offered at $369,000. To set up a private viewing of this elaborate condo please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for other properties in your area.

Listing courtesy of Paul Blair

March Pending Home Sales Rise, Market Recovering – Wahoo!

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:09:57 GMT

We really are seeing a recovery of the housing market. Inventory is down which is driving prices up, there are a slew of buyers, and more options for financing are becoming available.

“Pending home sales increased in March and are well above a year ago, another signal the housing market is recovering, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index , a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 4.1 percent to 101.4 in March from an upwardly revised 97.4 in February and is 12.8 percent above March 2011 when it was 89.9. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

The index is now at the highest level since April 2010 when it reached 111.3.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said 2012 is expected to be a year of recovery for housing. “First quarter sales closings were the highest first quarter sales in five years. The latest contract signing activity suggests the second quarter will be equally good,” he said.

“The housing market has clearly turned the corner. Rising sales are bringing down inventory and creating much more balanced conditions around the county, which means home prices will be rising in more areas as the year progresses,” Yun said.”

Article taken from the Association of Realtors.

**For more information on the market in your area, feel free to email me at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com or give me a call at 310.956.9385. I also LOVE referrals!**

Character Ridden Hancock Park Mini-Mansion

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:07:17 GMT

Located in a Historic Preservation Zone (save money on taxes!) this Hancock Park Spanish home has been remodeled with tons of charming character. With an open floor plan perfect for entertaining and a dramatic entry with high vaulted distressed beamed ceilings, this home surely won’t disappoint!

Highland features an oversize formal living room with a fireplace, formal dining room and a gourmet designer kitchen with Viking appliances that opens up to the massive family room. The yard is perfect for a pool and outdoor entertaining area. Let your imagination run wild. The current owners already have the plans for the pool and spa so you’re set!

The main floor features 1 bedroom and 1 full bath while the upstairs has 3 additional bedrooms and 2 updated bathrooms. The Master suite comes equipped with a marble bath and walk-in closet. The garage has been converted to a spacious guesthouse with a full granite kitchen, living room, bedroom and a bathroom with a large walk in showing. This is perfect for rental income or a guest quarters.

This home has plenty of security in a prime Highland Park location! With 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a fully equipped and functional guest house, 3,396sqft of living space on a near 9,000sqft lot this home is priced at $1,699,00.

To set up a private viewing of Highland Ave please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385. If Highland Avenue does not suite your taste or budget please visit the website to search for other properties that may.

Listing courtesy of Sheri Bienstock

This Home is Not Only The Bomb-Diggity, It’s Also a LEED’s Certified, Energy Efficient Home!

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:58:03 GMT

Amazing, Right?!

A little background: LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED certified buildings are intended to use resources more efficiently when compared to conventional buildings simply built to code. LEED certified buildings often provide healthier work and living environments. Imagine living in one of these energy efficient and environmentally friendly bad boys!

This home won the AIA’s (American Institute of Architects) 2011 Design Award! Offering panoramic views and built to the highest standards of energy efficiency you can’t go wrong! With floor-to-ceiling windows, solar panels, dual-pane windows, a tankless water heater, and low-VOC paint you’ll be saving BIG on utilities. These green homes are exploding with natural sunlight and boast soaring ceilings, a premium kitchen, dumbwaiters, roof terraces, and full steel construction. These are true gems to own!

The first floor includes a patio/garden, full bath, and 2-car garage. The main floor is home to the kitchen, dining and living areas. Your top floor includes the bedrooms which you can custom at 2 or 3 suiting your family’s taste and needs. The roof terrace is ginormous and each home includes their own bathroom with optional full kitchen.

Kazaz Lane is convenient to the new ATX Kitchen and right in the heart of everything! With Glendale, Los Feliz and Silverlake nearby, you have ample shops and restaurants within walking distance!

This featured home is 2 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a little over 2,700sqft and listed at $949,000. These homes can be sold to fit your needs depending on square footage and beds/baths. Starting in the mid-800ks and working into the high 900ks, we will be sure to find something that fits your needs.

To set up a private showing of Kazaz Lane please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for additional information and to search for other properties in the area.

Listing courtesy of Ernie Carswell and Kathleen Mahoney

Thinking of Making a Low-Ball Offer on a Home? Think Again!

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:52:49 GMT

The market is definitely picking up and with inventory at an all time low and the increasing amount of buyers, competition is stiff. Good News: The Market is improving and prices are rising but be careful making a low offer on a home you really want. If you chance that, you may lose the house all together.

WASHINGTON — It’s not something that economists routinely track, but it provides a rough sense of what’s happening in local real estate markets. Call it the low-ball index.

A year ago, according to researchers at the National Assn. of Realtors, 1 out of 10 members surveyed in a monthly poll complained about low-ball offers on houses listed for sale. In the latest survey — conducted during March among a sample of 4,500 agents and brokers across the country and not yet released — there were hardly any. Instead, the focus of volunteered comments has shifted to declining inventory levels — fewer houses available to sell — and multiple offers on well-priced listings.

A low-ball offer typically involves a contract submitted to a seller where the price proposed by the purchaser is 25% or more below list. Low-ball offers increase sharply when there’s a glut of properties available, asking prices are out of sync with local economic realities and values are depressed or uncertain. Buyers figure: Hey, why not? Maybe I’ll get lucky.

Based on the latest survey results, that sort of strategy is not a winning move in many communities this spring. In fact, in local markets where inventories are tight and competition for homes rising, realty agents say that buyers looking to steal houses by low-balling their offers are ending up at the back of the line — their contracts either rejected out of hand or countered close to the original asking price.

In high-demand, high-cost markets that have rebounded from recession slumps, sellers are now firmly in control; they pay scant attention to low-ball offers. Jayne Esposito, an agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Los Gatos, Calif., said multiple offers are “the rule, not the exception,” in her area, and many transactions end up with final contract prices higher than the listing.

“Sure, I’ve had a few buyers try to low-ball and they wouldn’t listen,” she said, “but that didn’t work out well for them.”

Similar trends are underway in more moderately priced markets. Wes Neal, an agent at Prudential Olympia in Olympia, Wash., said, “Low-ball offers are down a lot because we’re seeing more homes come on the market that are more realistically priced” — sellers have absorbed the hard lessons of the recession years about what the market can bear.

Even when buyers submit shockingly low bids, sellers no longer are so insulted that they send the contract back without a counteroffer. Now they negotiate aggressively and the final number ends up close to the original asking price. For example, Neal said, a buyer recently came in with a bottom-fishing offer of $150,000 on a house listed for $250,000. Although the seller was irritated, after a series of negotiations the low-ball buyer settled for a final price of $230,000.

Outside Washington, D.C., in the Northern Virginia suburbs, well-priced houses in good locations move fast, sometimes pulling in multiple offers within 48 hours of listing, said Chris Ann Cleland, an agent with Long & Foster Realtors. Sellers who encounter the occasional outrageous low-ball offer reminiscent of the recession years tell listing agents “don’t even bother” with them. After all, there’s an excellent chance there will be a realistic offer shortly — maybe more than one.

In the suburbs south of Chicago, Judy Orr, an agent with Classic Realty Group in Orland Park, Ill., said low-ball frequency and efficacy depend on the specific neighborhood or town. “We still see them, and we try to work with them” in communities where prices are soft and the effects of tough economic times persist, she said.

Article Courtesy of the LA Times 4/22/12

Gorgeous 1920’s Hollywood 3+2

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:47:20 GMT

With 1920’s Hollywood glamour this home has a very elegant and romantic feel. This restored emotional Spanish located in the historic Whitley Heights district has great views! The serene, gated and private setting with surrounding gardens that welcome you upon entry lose you in it’s beauty. Enjoy family dinners amidst the gardens with an outdoor dining area! The main level includes a chef’s kitchen with Sub-Zero, Bosch, and Viking appliances and features a large separate dining room. Enjoy cozy nights in your living room curled up in on the couch enjoying the views and nestled by the fire. The main level also includes two bedrooms and a bathroom. The lower level is private with only the sexy Master suite and bonus room with built ins, perfect for a Hollywood style dressing room. There are also additional enlarged closets. Enjoy a glass of champagne off this master suite’s very intimate outdoor deck.

Emmet Terrace is 2,000sqft on a 5,000sqft lot and newly listed at $895,000. To set up a viewing of this whimsical home please call Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for additional information

Listing courtesy of Time Swan

Exquisite $11 Million Dollar Hollywood Hills Architectural Home

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:33:13 GMT

Views, Views Views! This exquisite and pricey Architectural estate features unobstructed views of Los Angeles and beyond! Built in 2011 with a dramatic open floor plan and “museum style walls” to showcase distinguished art its the perfect home for those lavish Hollywood A-list parties. The gourmet top-of-the-line kitchen provides everything you need to feed the masses. The great room boasts a stone fireplace and the ultra luxurious master suite has a large soaking tub for relaxing, candle-lit champagne bubble baths. Designer details include a media room with an aquarium style pool, European cabinetry, custom built fixtures and advanced technology with a one touch system to control everything throughout the home. In true California fashion this estate features a heated infinity edge pool, sitting area with fire pit, exterior dining pavilion, gym, yoga studio, and landscaped grounds for privacy.

Listed at a cool $10,950,000 this home sits on a 19,000sqft lot with the home featuring 6 bedrooms and 8.5 baths.

To schedule a private showing of Viewsite Drive in the Hollywood Hills please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Marcie Hartley & Aaron Kirman

Lola’s -The Best Little Martini Lounge in West Hollywood! (One of my personal favs!)

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:28:31 GMT

From time to time I may decide to blog about some amazing hot spot or restaurant. Today I’ll blog about one of my favorite West Hollywood Happy Hour places, Lola’s.

For those of you who have never been, Lola’s is a laid back, quaint little restaurant located at 945 N Fairfax Ave in Weho. Lola’s is famous for their Apple Martini’s which started the Apple Martini craze. They literally have every martini imaginable and at $7 a pop for Happy Hour, you can’t go wrong! My personal favorites are their dirty martini, cucumber martini, banana martini and of course, the apple martini. They don’t just make vodka martinis either!

Happy Hour Times:

Monday-Friday 5:30-7:00pm Reverse Happy Hours are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30pm-1200am.

They also have great food there and an awesome and friendly staff! Some of their great happy hour menus items are their mac & cheese, calamari, and pizzas. My friends and I go there, have 2 martinis and an appetizer and walk out spending less than $25 a piece including tip.

They have a great atmosphere with lounge areas, couches, high-top tables, a small fire-pit in the back room and perfect lighting to set the ultimate happy hour.

To see the full menu of items and martinis at Lola’s click here.

I’ve made Lola’s one of my weekly spots for happy hour. I’m always open to an invite too!

“One Martini, Two Martini, Three Martini, Floor.”

Home Sales Continuing to Drop – Shift in Market Coming?

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:08:23 GMT

Inventory of For-Sale Homes Posts Big Drop

Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The nationwide inventory of residential homes for-sale dropped 21 percent in March compared to a year ago, according to newly released housing data from Realtor.com , tracking 146 metro markets.

In fact, all 146 markets posted a drop in their inventory, except for two — Hartford, Conn., and Philadelphia.

The nationwide median list price in March also saw improvement, increasing more than 5 percent last month compared to last year at this time.

The housing picture is much different than last year at this time, when inventory was up 26 percent and list prices were down 4.81 percent.

“If the market continues to hold its own, 2012 could well mark the beginning of a broad-based housing recovery,” according to Realtor.com.

The metros that posted the biggest drops in listings of for-sale homes in the last year are:

1. Oakland, Calif.: -51.91 percent year-over-year drop in total listings

2. Bakersfield, Calif.: -50.35 percent

3. Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz.: -48 percent

4. Fresno, Calif.: -45.56 percent

5. Miami: -42.34 percent

6. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: -39.66 percent

7. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Wash.: -39.38 percent

8. Atlanta: -39.26 percent

9. Orlando: -39 percent

10. Portland-Vancouver, Ore.-Wash.: -38.79 percent

11. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla.: -37.35 percent

12. Stockton-Lodi, Calif.: -36.18 percent

Content taken from this site .

**These numbers are HUGE. The housing market is making a shift. It is no longer a Buyer’s Market. We are seeing more and more people looking to buy and less houses dropped onto the market for sale. This makes the market extremely competitive for buyers however, lovely for sellers. Prices are continuing to rise due to multiple offers and buyer’s know, they might sometimes have to bid over asking in order to get the home of their dreams. The housing market appears to finally be recovering.

For more information on market conditions or buying and selling property in Los Angeles please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for more information.

You won’t find a bank owned property like this one! I’m talking – Million Dollar Views!

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:03:40 GMT

Yes, you read right. This is an REO aka banked owned property. This 1969 Hollywood Hills contemporary home was a previous foreclosure home that the bank has meticulously restored to it’s former glory. This 3 bedroom 3 bath dream home is gated and secure off the Sunset Strip. On one of LA’s most sought after streets and with 1,920 sq feet of living space and views to die for, you’ll be the envy of all your friends.

This lavish crib features a state of the art kitchen with Miele appliances, gorgeous white marble counter-tops and bamboo hardwood floors. You can entertain friends in the great room or on one of 2 expansive decks that put some yards to shame. Spectacular city views abound from every room! Wake up every morning to a Million Dollar View that will ensure you wake up on the right foot each morning. The spacious Master Bedroom also has a great walk-in closet and an amazing bath!

Sunset Plaza is listed at $1,399,000. For questions on bank owned properties or to set up a private viewing of this home please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for other properties.

Listing courtesy of Andrew Mortaza

Gated Sherman Oaks Entertainer’s Home

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:58:35 GMT

Newly listed 3 bedroom 2 bath entertainer’s/family home in Sherman Oaks! This gated and private home has a spacious layout with plenty of room to entertain or play. This move-in ready traditional home features a chef’s dream kitchen, perfect for those of you who love to get your hands dirty in the kitchen! The home also has a den perfect for an office or formal dining room and a large, elegant living room.

The Master has an en-suite bath and direct access to the lush, private backyard. Morrison Street in Sherman Oaks is right off the freeway and close to Ventura Blvd and all that has to offer. The home also features central air and heat, a garage and 1,791sq ft of inside living space on a over-sized lot of 6,750sq ft. The outdoor space is perfect for the kids, pets or entertaining. Relax. You’re home!

Morrison Street was dropped onto the market today and is listed at $579,000. To set up a private showing of this home or any other property in the LA area call Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Lorin Ruttenberg & Monica Garcia-Grilli

Fact: More Americans Think It’s Time to Buy a Home!

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:52:16 GMT

More home buyers may jump off the sidelines this spring as they get more urgent about purchasing a home, fearing that home price and mortgage rate increases are on the horizon.

Housing surveys in recent weeks have shown that more Americans are seeing now a great time to purchase a home. In the most recent survey, 73 percent of Americans say now is a good time to buy, according to the latest Fannie Mae Housing Survey conducted in March. That’s up from 70 percent in February who said it was a great time to buy.

“Conditions are coming together to encourage people to want to buy homes,” says Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae’s chief economist. “With an increasing share of consumers expecting higher mortgage rates and home prices over the next 12 months, some may feel that renting is becoming more costly and that home ownership is a more compelling housing choice.”

Indeed, more buyer urgency is evident in the market. Thirty-three percent of those surveyed by Fannie say they expect home prices soon to increase, which is the highest percentage in a year. What’s more, nearly 40 percent say they expect mortgage rates to rise in the next year too, which is also up from previous surveys.

Coupled with that, 48 percent of Americans say they expect rents to continue to climb, and 44 percent say they expect their financial situation to improve in the next year.

Source: “ More Americans Think It’s Time to Buy a Home ,” MSN Real Estate (April 9, 2012)

*If you have thought about buying a home but aren’t sure if you qualify feel free to reach out. I work with several great lenders who can evaluate your situation and let you know exactly what you qualify for and what your expected down-payment will be. There are so many options available to you.

If you have already been Pre-Approved and are looking to purchase a home, please feel free to reach out to me directly at 310.956.9385 or email me at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

Spacious Beverlywood Spanish 3+2

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:42:26 GMT

This absolutely darling Beverlywood home is yours for the taking! This remodeled, Steinkamp Spanish is situated on a palm tree lined street in the highly sought after Crestview neighborhood. This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is spacious, bright, and move-in ready. With 1,803sqft of living space and a large lot with ample outdoor space, it’s the perfect family home!

The home features 3 large bedrooms, a knotty pined family room, redone kitchen with beautiful custom wood cabinetry, granite counters and stainless steel appliances with an adorable and sunny breakfast room. Other features include a welcoming entry, floor to ceiling stone fireplace, picture window, high coved beamed ceilings, hardwood floors and a formal dining room. The 12ft ceilings with skylights in the hallways really brighten up this home and allow that warm, inviting happy feel to anyone who walks through them.

To set up a private showing of Garth Avenue which is listed at $699,000 please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for additional information and to search for other properties.

Listing courtesy of Anne Austin

The Famous Kutcher Pad … and one of my personal favorites.

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:15:40 GMT

Eat Your Heart Out!

I recently blogged about Justin Bieber potentially buying this lavish Hollywood Hills mansion but nope, the proud new owner is Mr. Kutcher himself! Ashton was recently renting this pad for a pricey $50,000 a month. This home was originally listed for a whopping $12.5 million but was then slashed to $10.8 million. The amount Ashton paid won’t be disclosed for several weeks.

This awe striking home was originally built for Arif Noor and designed by Jeffrey & Rochelle Mills. The published mansion features spectacular views of Lake Hollywood and the Hills. It’s a modern architectural home with expansive patio spaces. Built in 2007 this enormous 5 bedroom 8 bath home consists of a 9,385sqft of living space on a 24,730sqft. lot! Ashton can throw some amazing house parties in this crib!

The Specs: This residence is made up of two unique class and steel boxes perched in and cantilevered from a series of exposed poured concrete walls. The home features a expansive living room with walls of glass that fully retract to invite the outdoors in; a floating, yes floating , dining room area that opens to stunning views; two gathering rooms; state of-the-art gourmet kitchen; private movie theater; bar area; gym and massage room. In addition, the master suite is striking with ample use of glass and wood, magnificent views, and a spa-like master bath with views. A variety of outdoor spaces from enclosed gardens and outdoor rooms to cantilevered decks and an open sky terrace are integral parts of the home’s experience.

Features: Gym, Screening/Media Room, Sauna, Wine Cellar, Elevator, Retractable Glass Walls, Infinity Pool – and just about anything else your heart desires.

Blah, Blah, Blah – Don’t lie, you don’t really want the specs -I’ll let the pictures do the talking! Happy Drooling!

Listing courtesy of David Findley of Partner’s Trust & Drew Fenton of Hilton & Hyland

Just SOLD! Fixer in Highland Park!

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:51:48 GMT

This 3 bedroom 1 bath home is anxiously awaiting a major facelift. This 1,095sqft home was sold on Monday, April 2nd by yours truly. My client has big plans for this home – so stay tuned! It will be transformed and back on the market before you know it!

This home was originally listed for $420,000 then reduced to $325,000 but I was able to snatch it up for my clients at $291,000. The home appraised for higher so they are walking into some equity already.

As you read in my last blog, Highland Park is becoming an investor’s paradise. If you want more information on this, please see the blog posted on 4/3.

If you’ve ever thought about flipping or remodeling a home, call me and we can chat about the amount of work you want to do and the return on investment you are expecting. There’s no way to tell how the market will change in 6 months but we are already seeing an increase in prices, especially in this area. The increasing activity of remodeled homes just further drives prices back up.

If you are looking to buy a remodeled home in this area or any other area of LA please let me know what you are searching for and I’ll send listings that fit your criteria.

Many of you think, “Brittany I can’t afford to buy right now,” but you can! It’s such a great investment and saves you money thanks to write-offs! Not to mention, you’ll no longer be throwing money away on rent but gaining equity! Whoot Whoot!

Thanks to one of my amazing mortgage guys, Patrick with Prospect Mortgage, I have some calculations for you. If you are curious to know what your mortgage would be on a property priced at $295,000 click here.

If you would like to know what your mortgage would be on a completely remodeled 4 bedroom 3 bath home in Highland Park click here.

So you see, you can afford to buy after all if you’re realistic.

If you would like more information please feel free to check out my other website and search for properties here. You may also reach out to me directly at 310.956.9385 and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:42:26 GMT

Read the full article here.

Capital Economics expects the housing crisis to end this year, according to a report released Tuesday. One of the reasons: loosening credit.

The analytics firm notes the average credit score required to attain a mortgage loan is 700. While this is higher than scores required prior to the crisis, it is constant with requirements one year ago.

Additionally, a Fed Senior Loan Officer Survey found credit requirements in the fourth quarter were consistent with the past three quarters.

However, other market indicators point not just to a stabilization of mortgage lending standards, but also a loosening of credit availability.

Banks are now lending amounts up to 3.5 times borrower earnings. This is up from a low during the crisis of 3.2 times borrower earnings.

Banks are also loosening loan-to-value ratios (LTV), which Capital Economics denotes “the clearest sign yet of an improvement in mortgage credit conditions.”

In contrast to a low of 74 percent reached in mid-2010, banks are now lending at 82 percent LTV.

While credit conditions may have loosened slightly, some potential homebuyers are still struggling with credit requirements. In fact, Capital Economics points out that in November 8 percent of contract cancellations were the result of a potential buyer not qualifying for a loan.

Additionally, Capital Economics says “any improvement in credit conditions won’t be significant enough to generate actual house price gains,” and potential ramifications from the euro-zone pose a threat to future credit availability.

Is Highland Park the New Echo Park? Great for Investors, Perfect for First Time Home Buyers-It’s the Next Hipster’s Haven!

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:51:16 GMT

Highland Park, California. I bet some of you are wondering, where the heck is Highland Park? It’s actually one of the oldest settled areas in Los Angeles. Surrounded by Pasadena, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Mount Washington, Montecito Heights and Monterey Hills and being off the 110 Freeway it’s quite easy to get to.

Highland Park is becoming an investor’s paradise. I just sealed the deal for my buyers at 1213 N. Ave 57 in the 90042 zip (blog and pics to come soon). My client is an investor looking to flip this home. I’ll go into the details more in the next post but I wanted to give you a little schooling on this area first.

Highland Park is quickly become the next ‘hipster’s’ haven. The demographic of HP is quickly changing and evolving. Properties are getting swooped up and flipped at a exponentially quick rate but the market for these fixers is very competitive. You can purchase a 3 bedroom 2 bath home completely remodeled for under $450,000. The LA Times recently published a front page article on the activity. I’ll recap:

Due to the high number of foreclosures and low interest rates renovators are giving distressed properties makeovers and reselling them as standard sales. Most of these investors come in at all cash, get amazing deals, throw some money into the property, update electrical systems and plumbing, and put the homes back on the market within a 6 month time period and do it all over again. This is causing a great deal of buzz around Highland Park. The prices are steadily rising, demographics are changing (from Latinos to hipsters and young professionals) and it’s causing the area to be more aesthetically pleasing.

The market is tough, I won’t say it’s not. There are so many all cash buyers but the good news, they mainly stick to the fixers so if you’re searching for a completely remodeled, move-in ready home your chances of being outbid by an all cash offer greatly decline.

The number of properties flipped in this area is almost doubled as compared to the overall flips in Los Angeles County. Highland Park’s price per square foot also rose 12% in the 4th quarter of 2011 from the same time a year earlier however, I can tell you from experience the prices are slightly higher than that now. Furthermore, the prices of these revamped homes are still less than the median for LA county and significantly less than it’s surrounding neighbors Pasadena, Eagle Rock & Glassell Park.

The mom and pop shops are also experiencing a spike in sales as more venders and businesses move into the area catered around fitness, healthy living and art.

Fun Facts about Highland Park:

– Forever 21 was founded and has it’s first location still located at 5637 N. Figueroa and bears the original name of the company, Fashion 21.

-York Blvd, the main strip, has tons of trendy shopping, restaurants and cafes.

-From the late 1950s until around the early 1980s, Highland Park and neighboring Eagle Rock were known as a haven for Hot Rod builders.

-One of the oldest settled areas of Los Angeles

-There are 11 elementary schools in Highland Park

-Some of the movies filmed here include, Reservoir Dogs, Cutter’s Way, La Bamba, The Lincoln Lawyer, Tuff Turf, Up in Smoke, Yes Man, Cyrus & Karate Kid III.

-There are large sprawling parks in the area, including the Arroya Seco Park and the Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.

-The Southwest Museum, with one of the largest and most significant collections of Native American artifacts in the country, is located in adjacent Mt. Washington.

If you want more information on investment properties in the Highland Park area, Renovated Homes or just have general real estate questions, feel free to call me at 310.956.9385 or visit my website .

Los Feliz California Bungalow

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:51:15 GMT

This Los Feliz California Bungalow is waiting for you, it’s new owner! This 1,224 sq.ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath home features lovely hill and sky to downtown views that welcome you home to this vibrant property in the lower Franklin Hills. Sun pours in through the ample windows flooding the open floor plan, perfect for entertaining! A master suite, including large closets, a decorative fireplace, and period built-ins add to the unique personality of the property. Two large and bright additional bedrooms offer huge closets for storage. Set away from the street on a massive 7,100 sq. ft. lot, this property offers fresh fencing and privacy in both front a rear yards with a brand new 2-car garage!

The home also features updated and upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, new sewer line, new HVAC, and Tankless hot water heater. Located in the Franklin Elementary School District. Welcome to your new home!

To set up a viewing of Sunset Drive which is offered at $649,000 please contact Brittany Walter at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for more information.

*All offers on this property must be received by April 1, 2012 by 9pm.

Listing courtesy of Courtney Poulos

3+2 Move-In Ready West Hollywood Family Home

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:51:14 GMT

This one’s a beaut! Located on Stanley Avenue in the 90046 zip this 3 bedroom 2 bath Spanish charmer is patiently awaiting it’s new owners. This gated tropical oasis has been renovated with custom upgrades including the baths, kitchen, windows, doors, fencing, roof, steam sauna, koi pond and HVAC. This private home has a fabulous back yard for entertaining. The garage has been converted to an office space. Keep it as such, transform it into a play area for the kids, craft studio or perhaps poker room with a bar – the possibilities are endless.

Stanley Avenue also features an alarm system, washer/dryer, central AC/heat, kitchen built-ins, range/oven, dishwasher and refrigerator. With 1,632sq.ft. of living space and 6,890sq.ft. of outdoor space, this property is the ideal home.

To set up a private viewing of Stanley Avenue which is listed at $895,000 please contact Brittany at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for additional information and to search for other properties in the area.

Listing courtesy of Marlene Okulick

Open House Sunday 3/11 from 1-4pm – 1350 N Stanley Ave. 2+1 REO (Real Estate Owned)

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:51:29 GMT

I’ll be hosing an Open House this Sunday, March 11th from 1-4pm. This property is an REO which means it’s a previous Foreclosure and is now owned by the Bank. This property is unique because most REO’s are a hot mess — but not this one! This property is freshly painted, clean, has new carpets, nice hardwood floors AND the seller has even rebuilt the chimney with permits! This is very unusual considering chimney work can be very pricey.

This West Hollywood/Sunset Strip 1920’s Craftsman is located at 1350 N. Stanley Ave, 90046. It features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, an updated kitchen, and 1,072sqft of living space. With a large lot of 6,440sqft, there’s plenty of room to create your own outside oasis in the heart of WeHo! This property also has a garage and ample private parking. Just reduced $40,000 1350 N. Stanley Ave. is now listed at $549,900.

Stop by, say hi, and feel free to ask questions. I’d love the opportunity to assist you in YOUR search!

For financing information please click this link .

For more information please call Brittany Walter at 304.542.7301 of visit the website to search for other properties.

Listing courtesy of Yves Mieszala

For Sale: Bank Owned Hollywood Hills Cosmetic Fixer

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:51:28 GMT

Of course this property won’t last long and will most likely sell for well over asking but it’s still a steal! This very spacious 4 bedroom, 4 bath home is in need of some updating, TLC, and tasteful interior design. This home features soaring ceilings, central air and heat, fireplaces in the living room and master, an attached garage, and endless possibilities!

The upper level features 3 bedrooms including a generous master suite. The lower level, which would make a great guest unit or studio apartment, consists of a family room with a small kitchen set-up and a large patio. Rinconia Drive is fairly ginormous at 3,325sqft and is offered at $720,000.

To set up a viewing of Rinconia Drive in the coveted 90068 Hollywood Hills zip, please contact Brittany Walter at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for more information.

Listing courtesy of Dave Robles – KW

Modern Tri-Level Hollywood Hills Home

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:51:26 GMT

Looking for a modern, remodeled Hollywood Hills home? Look no further, your girl has you covered! This private 3+2 Sunset Strip gem is ready for it’s new rock star owner! This property has a private top floor Master suite with a spa bathroom, steam shower, a massive sun deck, and of course those breathtaking views!

Strolling into the main level one will find vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan. With a cocktail bar and wall of glass doors that open to a long balcony overlooking more canyon views, this home is great for those happy hour/dinner party guests. Indulge in the gourmet kitchen with its slate counters and stainless steal appliances. Ah alas, your search is over!

But wait, there’s more…

The third level serves as your guest/children’s quarters with 2 additional bedrooms that open onto a covered balcony in the bamboo garden. Downstairs you will also find a full guest bathroom, laundry room, additional closet, and a mega huge storage/utility room. The outside area consists of a great strip of land perfect for a dog run, playground or sitting area. Did I mention this home is on a quiet street in the award winning Wonderland Elementary School District?

To set up a viewing of Crescent Drive listed for $799,000 please contact Brittany Walter at 310.956.9385or visit the website for additional information.

Listing courtesy of Jason Reitz – KW

The Views Quite Literally are to Die for in this $1.2 Million Dollar Home.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:51:27 GMT

Views Views Views! – and no joke about the Views! This house is not for the faint of heart or for victims of acrophobia! Standing inside this near $1.2 million dollar home all you can see are the canyons below! If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were floating on top of the canyon!

Up on Mannix Drive, off Laurel Canyon sits a stylish mid-century modern 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom architectural home. See gorgeous sunrises over downtown Los Angeles to peaceful canyon views. Walk in to a loft-style dining room with 20 ft. vaulted ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, and a circular fireplace in large spacious living room. With approximately 2,100sqft. of living space you’ll be on cloud 9 from the moment you step foot into this home. Mannix also features large private balconies, a whirlpool tub in the upstairs master bathroom with the kitchen offering Stainless Steel Appliances, granite counter tops, and a brand new washer/dryer in laundry room. This home is an entertainers dream house!

To set up a private viewing of Mannix Drive, listed at $1,199,000 contact Brittany Walter at 310.956.9385 or visit the website for more information.

Listing courtesy of Marisol Almonte

New Program for First Time, Lower Income Home Buyers! You’ve got to check this out if you are in California!

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:51:24 GMT

This is a pretty unbeatable program for new home buyers. Union Bank of California’s new program for buyers who meet certain requirements:

Client cannot make more than $76,800 net income on the previous year’s tax return
Max loan amount on single family residence is $417,000
Minimum 680 FICO score

Union Bank of California is notoriously slow on escrows and because of this I recommend a 45-60 day escrow.

However, 5% down, no mortgage insurance, great fixed rate… this program is hard to beat!!

For more information click here.

For additional information on this program, financing, or to obtain a Pre-Approval please contact Scott Groves of Prospect Mortgage at 818.679.5188 or email at Scott.Groves@Prospectmtg.com

Advantage of Homeownership: Tax Breaks!

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:51:23 GMT

To ensure you are getting the maximum value out of your home – make sure you are taking these simple deductions that could save you big come tax season!

Mortgage Interest – Reduce your taxable income by the amount of mortgage interest you pay.

Private Mortgage Insurance – PMI – This amount is likely fully deductible if your adjusted gross income is is $100,000 or less. Anyone making over this amount can still take a partial deduction.

Energy Efficient Home Improvements – Most people forget about these but yes, they are a deduction you can take! If the improvements meet the federal Energy Star program of 2011 you can get a credit up to 10% the product’s cost.

Points – If you have a new mortgage, the charges you pay in points to get that mortgage are usually deductible.

Property Taxes – As long as the taxes are based on the assessed value, you can take this deduction. If you feel your home value has decreased since you first purchased the property, you can always obtain a reassessment and if the property appraises for less than you purchased it for, you are able to reduce your property taxes. If you want more information on this, please feel free to reach out as I can provide some referrals to this service.

For more information, please contact your local tax preparer or the IRS.

Information provided from the LA Times

A Little Knowledge of Short Sales BEFORE YOU BUY OR SELL!

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:51:20 GMT

What is a short sale? – When an owner owes more on the property than what the property is currently worth, the bank (who holds the loan) may agree to allow the seller to “short-sale.” Note: “Short sale agreements do not necessarily release borrowers from their obligations to repay any deficiencies of the loans, unless specifically agreed to between the parties.” (1)

“In 2007, Congress sought a way to provide tax relief for struggling taxpayers. A record number of homeowners turned to short sales to avoid foreclosure. Congress amended the tax code by passing the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act. Under the new rules, debts forgiven between 2007 and 2012 are excluded from federal income tax requirements under certain conditions. First, the home must be the seller’s principal residence. Second, the mortgage loan must have been used to buy, build or make substantial improvements to the home. If sellers meet those requirements, they are excluded from paying tax on the forgiven debt. According to the “Los Angeles Times,” California passed legislation that waived short sale income tax requirements for approximately 34,000 California taxpayers. The new law is effective for 2009 through 2012. California’s law provides an exclusion for the first $800,000 of debt relief for single taxpayers and couples who file joint returns. The limit is $400,000 for couples who file separate returns.” (2)

Short sales can be tricky for a number of reasons. Smart listing agents will hire a Negotiator to handle the transaction. The Negotiator’s job is basically to sit on the phone with banks all day and try to negotiate a price they will accept for a property. Most short-sale listings are NOT APPROVED. This means that the bank has NOT agreed to a price. The listing agent will generally list a short sale based on ‘comps’- which are comparable properties that are on the market, pending sale, or have sold within the last 90 days generally within 1/4 mile radius. Sometimes a listing agent will list the property below market value to try to generate buzz and multiple offers. The bank however, may require an offer much higher than what is listed.

What does this mean for you? Just because you see a great deal on a property, you still need to be educated by your agent as to that particular market (area) in order to make a competitive offer to avoid being beaten out by other offers. Generally – not always – the bank will require the “highest and best” offer be submitted. Cash offers are very competitive in this market, especially for price points under $400k (in the LA Area) and generally always beat out the offers with financing. (I’ll discuss this more in my next segment on REOs).

SHORT-SALE BUMMERS! – Short-sales can take MONTHS to close. You might even be waiting months for an answer or counter on your offer. Generally sellers who are short-selling their property have not been making payments on their mortgage and therefore are at risk of going to auction. Some short-sales can only be postponed for a certain amount of time before the listing agent loses control and the bank feels they will fare better at auction. If you are working with a listing agent who isn’t prepared, educated or working with a negotiator, the chances of the property going to auction is very high. When this happens, all parties lose and you’re back to square one!

Another common problem you may run into with the purchase of a short-sale, are back HOA Dues (Homeowner Association Dues). This usually applies to condos and other gated communities. If a seller is not paying their mortgage, the chances are high they are not paying their HOA dues either. If you are lucky enough to be working with a decent lien holder, the bank may agree to pay a portion of these back dues to get this property sold and off their books. Most of the time though, they won’t and this now becomes the buyer’s responsibility. This amount could be anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars and because of this, you will end up paying more than you ever intended for the property or being forced to back out of the deal.

One other common problem people will face when dealing with short-sales: Multiple liens or judgments. I warn you to stay away from short-sale listing that have a first and second loan or have judgments against them. Examples would be a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit), credit-card judgment, or any other type of liability in which the property was used as collateral to secure a loan. These almost NEVER go though. One bank alone is hard to negotiate with- nonetheless 2 or more.

One last thing: Most short sales are sold “As Is” meaning the seller will make no repairs or warranties to the property. Unlike most standard sales where after inspections you can ask for credit or certain things to be repaired – on short sales 99% of the time, you are unable to do this. It’s sort of a ‘buy at your own risk’ type deal. So watch out for this.

These are not the only problems you will run into – just the most common. I get buyers constantly saying “We want a deal!” deals are out there and they are to be had, but they are few and far between if you don’t have the cash to purchase. Most buyers don’t realize all the setbacks and complications that come along with a short sale.

If you would like more information or have any other questions, feel free to contact me at 304.542.7301 or email me personally at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com .

Next Blog: Some information on REOs

Sources:

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_sale_%28real_estate%29

(2) http://homeguides.sfgate.com/government-taxes-short-sales-3301.html

Survey: Only 2% of Unmarried U.S. Adults Would Prefer to Date a Renter

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:51:19 GMT

Sorry my fellow renters but the survey says: Daters would rather date a Homeowner than a Renter!

Click Here for the whole article from Inman News!

Beverly Center/Miracle Mile 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom Lease!

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:51:18 GMT

As some of you know, as an agent I can also assist with leases. This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condo is available for lease at $2,900 (which may be negotiable on great credit and references). This 1,600 sqft second floor unit features granite counters, a double oven, gas cook-top, a dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer hookups, balconies, a walk-in closet, spa tub in Master suite, Pergo floors and carpeting, 2 gated garage parking spots, security and intercom entry. Other amenities include an fitness room and a pool.

If you are interested in viewing Chalmers Drive in the Beverly Center Miracle Mile zip of 90035, please contact Brittany directly at 304.542.7301 or visit the website for additional information.

If you are looking for something different, but are looking to buy, sell, or lease property I can assist in your search. I also humbly accept and appreciate referrals. If you know of someone in the market, please pass my information along to them.

Listing courtesy of Jessica Markowitz

Affordable Sherman Oaks 2+2 Condo Close to Ventura Boulevard

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:51:17 GMT

Another Valley Listing! This condo is situated in Sherman Oaks 1 block from Ventura Blvd. Close to shops, restaurants, and the Sherman Oaks Galleria this small 16 unit, top floor condo features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. With 1,545sqft of living space, this is no small condo!

Kester Ave. provides an open floor plan, custom stone floors in the dining area and a fireplace and balcony off the living room. The Master Suite has a second fireplace, 2 walk-in closets and laundry in unit! This unit is being offered at an affordable $299,950 – the perfect price point for a single person looking to perhaps rent the second bedroom out for extra income or just have as a second guest bedroom. The condo would also be perfect for a couple. The HOA Dues on for Kester are $480 a month and cover Earthquake Insurance and basic cable.

To set up a private viewing of Kester Ave. #16 – Please contact Brittany Walter at 304.542.7301 or visit the website for more information.

If Kester Avenue is not what you are searching for, please allow me the opportunity to find something that better suites your wants and needs.

Listing courtesy of Tammy Jerome -CB

Super Adorable Move-in Ready Mid-Los Angeles Home

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:51:41 GMT

Looking for the perfect family home? Look no further! This new Mid-Los Angeles listing is waiting for you. This Spanish style 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has been remodeled and features hardwood floors, open living spaces, and a large yard. Private off street parking is also a definite plus to this place. So go ahead, take a look and indulge in what could be your new home.

South Redondo offers 1,262 sqft of living space on a lot 5,715sqft. This property is offered at $399,000.

To view S Redondo please contact Brittany Walter at 304.542.7301 or visit the website for more information. If S Redondo doesn’t suite your taste, allow me to find something that does.

Listing courtesy of Morgan Pasco – KW

Top Floor Condo in Valley Village

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:51:39 GMT

Today I’m featuring a condo listing in none other than, yes, The Valley! I have several friends who love and adore the Valley so this one’s for you!

This spacious, upper floor 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo is on the market and available for the taking with the right offer. This unit features a fireplace, laminate floors, and recessed lighting. The spacious kitchen is large enough for the whole family to all pitch in for Sunday brunch. The bathrooms have been recently upgraded and include a hot-tub style bath.

The Versailles complex also comes with parking, a community area, and a pool for those hot spring, summer, fall and occasionally winter days! The unit itself is a wee bit over 1,000sqft. with very affordable HOA dues at $290 a month. 5232 Corteen Place in Valley Village has just been reduced to $240,000.

To set up a private viewing of Corteen Place or any other property in the Los Angeles area, please contact Brittany Walter directly at 304.542.7301 or visit the website for more information and to search for additional properties.

Listing courtesy of Josefa Elperin – Rodeo Realty

Los Angeles Distressed Property Statistics Improving

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:51:37 GMT

Mortgage Reports Shine Rays of hope for Housing

Cited from the Los Angeles Times

Charming Hollywood Starter

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:51:36 GMT

This adorably charming Hollywood starter home is up for grabs! With 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom its the perfect place to settle into. On the smaller side at 720sqft this Chaplin charmer has been extensively remodeled from the ground up so it’s move-in ready for it’s proud new owners! Situated off Franklin Avenue and conveniently located close to the 101, shops and Hollywood nightlife. 6429 Dix Street is located in the coveted 90068 Hollywood Hills zip code and is listed at $438,000.

To set up a private viewing of Dix Street please contact Brittany Walter at 304.542.7301 of visit the website for more information or to search for other properties in the area.

Listing courtesy of Chris Danna

The Perfect Silverlake Family Home

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:51:34 GMT

New listing on Hyperion! This 3 Bedroom 1.75 Bath is in dire need of a family. This property is 1,636sq feet of move-in readiness. With a large yard on a lot of 7,500sqft it’s the perfect place for children or entertaining.

This contemporary home has a unique layout. A spacious kitchen, living room/dining room, family room, 2 bedrooms, one full bath, and a fireplace complete the first level layout. A master suite with 3/4 bath for ultimate privacy complete the upper level. The master suite features hardwood floors, a fireplace, and a quaint window seat perfect for afternoons reading or gazing out over your abundant LA view.

Situated close to the Sunset Junction, Forage, the Farmers Market and many more restaurants and shops, 856 Hyperion is centrally and conveniently located at a list price of $649,000.

To set up a private viewing of 856 Hyperion please contact Brittany Walter at 304.542.7301 or visit the website for more information or to search for other properties in the area.

If Hyperion doesn’t suit your taste, I’ll find something that does!

Listing courtesy of Joseph Lightfoot- Sotheby’s Realty

Market Update

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:51:34 GMT

Market Update

My FABULOUS company, Keller Williams has produced a market update. Please click on the link above to view housing prices, based on area, compared to last year.

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to me directly at 304.542.7301 or email me at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

1420 N Stanley Ave – Video Walk-through Open House Sunday 2/12/2012 from 1-4pm

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:51:32 GMT

Hollywood Hills Modern Contempory

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:51:32 GMT

Just listed on Sunny Cove up in the Hollywood Hills. This updated 1940’s, modern contemporary home sits on a cul-de-sac off Mulholland. This 2 bedroom 2 bath property features 1,192 sq. ft of open living space along with a spacious patio area with stunning views of Griffith Observatory. Perfect for entertaining, this home also offers an outdoor spa for relaxing evenings.

Sunny Cove boasts skylights, hardwood floors, a fireplace, and a Master Suite + bath. The 2-car garage makes parking convenient and the security system creates peace of mind. This home is move-in ready and just waiting for it’s next owners.

Sunny Cove is listed at $698,000. To set up a private viewing of this property please contact Brittany Walter at 304.542.7301. If Sunny Cove isn’t what you’re searching for visit the website to search for other properties in the area.

Listing courtesy of Steven Walker – CB

2+2 Penthouse Unit – 637 S Fairfax – Open House Sunday, January 29th from 1-4pm

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:51:30 GMT

Open House 1.29.2012 from 1-4

This slightly lived in Penthouse condo is up for grabs! Located a block north of Wilshire Blvd, close to The Grove, Hancock Park and plenty of shopping, you can’t go wrong! This unit offers tons of space, phenomenal finishes, stainless steel appliances, city views and two side by side parking spaces. There is also a community rooftop with streamline views of the Hollywood Hills, Park LaBrea, Snow-capped mountains, and the Wilshire district so it’s the perfect area for entertaining.

637 S Fairfax Ave #PH2 offers 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a master walk in closet, 1,150sq ft of living space and is ready for move-in! There is also a washer/dryer in unit for your convenience.

This Penthouse unit is offered for $535,000 with monthly HOA dues of $484.00. It’s a must see!

For more information please contact Brittany Walter at 323.300.1000 or directly at 304.542.7301.

Listing courtesy of Kenya Reeves-Costa and The LA Homegirl Team

6 Great Tips for Underwater Homeowners (How to Keep Your Head and Home Above Water)

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:51:51 GMT

In today’s economy -so many homeowners are underwater on their mortgages. Here is an excerpt from Inman News with a few tips that can save you some of the worry and a few ideas of ways to make or keep extra cash you can use to stay on top of your mortgage.

Here are six alternatives to walking away, some more obvious, some less, but all underutilized, from my vantage point.

1. Get rid of your credit card debt . Again, this might seem obvious, but I’ve encountered a number of people who say they can’t afford their mortgage payments who actually could afford them if they dealt with their credit card and other debt.

Call your creditors and make an effort to settle your debt; many will take a lump sum payment much lower than your balance. While this might have tax and credit score implications, it might also help you keep your house. Or work through steps No. 2 and No. 3, below, to just eliminate those balances, by any means necessary.

2. Get a second job . This seems obvious, too, but I believe it’s simply not done nearly as often as it should be, mostly out of pride and emotional defeatism.

You already work 40 hours a week. You’re already tired. But you know what? I know MBAs who got into a bad debt situation and are climbing their way out with high-end, table-waiting tips. It won’t last forever and, again, could be very much worth it.

If you’re not up for this sort of hustle, and you’re a white-collar professional, there are tons of consulting or contract gigs out there to be had, which can help you catch up on missed mortgage payments or bring down your debt.

3. Start a side business . Sites like Etsy , TaskRabbit and elance allow people to monetize their spare time, quirky hobbies and special skills. I know a journalist who nearly matches her day-job income dog-sitting while she writes.

4. Rent a room — or two — out . Put your man cave on Trulia or Craigslist for rent. If you can’t stomach the idea of a permanent roommate, check out Airbnb and see if you can generate some extra cash renting out your rooms to those visiting for short periods of time.

5. Apply for everything . Decide right now to simply refuse to be deterred by the first roadblock that comes up in your pursuit of a loan modification — and there might be many. Commit, instead, to applying for everything for which you might possibly qualify, and don’t make assumptions about what programs might work for you (many loan mod programs have loosened their guidelines or gotten more efficient over time).

Apply through your lender to the federal HARP program, and also to the lender’s own loan mod program. Visit this federal site to determine whether there are additional state programs available to you under Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund. Apply to the wildly successful (as these things go) Home Save program run by NACA.

It ain’t over till it’s over.

6. Short-sell it . Banks are now taking a couple of years, on average, after the first missed payment to foreclose on and repossess a home. If you list your home for sale with a local agent who has experience closing these transactions right this moment, your chances of selling it and having the short sale complete in time to qualify for the income tax exemption that expires Dec. 31, 2012, are actually better than your chances of qualifying for the exemption if you stop making your mortgage payments right now.

Again, it’s ubercritical that you work with professionals, from the folks at NACA to a local agent and attorney and certified public accountant (CPA) if you’re seeking a loan mod or a short sale. Beyond advising you about implications to be wary of, the pros can help educate you about the full scope of options available to you.

Your best bet is to run even getting a second job past your trusted advisers before you do it, as it might impact your prospects of getting relief from your lender.

Full the full Article here.

*Should you have any questions or want additional information on short-sales and the short-sale process email Brittany at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com.*

Move in Ready Hollywood Hills View Mid-Century 2+2

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:51:50 GMT

This Contemporary Mid Century Hollywood Hills 2+2 view retreat offers a peaceful, creative atmosphere for artists & writers or a serene starter home for a couple or single parent. Enjoy the crisp, clean indoor/outdoor living space, with newer hardwood floors throughout, recessed lighting, new windows, an open floor plan & fabulous flow! Sliding glass doors in the living room and both bedrooms lead to a large private deck & enclosed patio making every room open, bright & airy. The house comes equipped with a spacious kitchen and breakfast bar, large dining area & sliding door to a private deck perfect for peaceful coffee breaks or a scenic morning breakfast. A wood burning fireplace in living room with beautiful stone wall sets the mood for relaxing evenings. The extra large lot provides over 8,500 sq.ft. and includes a terraced hillside, park-like yard.

The 2 car attached garage makes parking convenient. The views are amazing! From this Laurel Canyon area location you have mountain, canyon & Hollywood sign views, only minutes to the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, downtown, valley & studios. It’s the perfect place for quite, private nights and convenient to the nightlife and restaurants the strip offers. This home is also situated in the top rated Wonderland School District.

Ridgemont Drive is listed for $679,000 and boasts 1,354sq ft of living space.

To set up a private viewing of this listing, or others in the area, contact Brittany Walter at 304.542.7301 or visit the website for more information.

listing courtesy of Lydia Simon – CB

Open House Sunday 1pm-4pm The Perfect 2+1West Hollywood Starter Home! 8867 Cynthia Street 90069 Just REDUCED to $699,000

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:51:44 GMT

Adorable Craftsman Prime West Hollywood Remodel. Open House This Sunday 1-4pm

Stop by my Open House this Sunday January 15 from 1-4 pm for some cookies and other refreshments and check out this perfect starter home! This is an amazing opportunity to own a historic West Hollywood charmer with all the modern amenities in the sought-after Norma Triangle! This adorable bungalow is walking distance to shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The private gated 1912 Craftsman Bungalow is designated by the Historic Preservation Commission and thoroughly updated with copper plumbing, recessed lighting, HVAC, water filtration system, and sophisticated paint palette.

The designer landscaped zen garden is absolutely perfect for entertaining or use it as a retreat to escape your day’s stresses and worries. The yard is secluded by towering bamboo surround, serene river rock, and a meandering walking path. The original casement windows flood the home’s high ceilings. The home also features it’s original hardwood floors and charming moldings. The completely updated kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, marble counters and ample shaker cabinets; new bath boasts period tile and designer fixtures. The formal living room, dining room, two bedrooms and a laundry room complete the layout with ample built-in storage in the hall. Wired for security and surround sound.

This is a home you DO NOT want to miss!!

This property is 836sq ft and sits on a lot a little over 3000sqft. It’s just been reduced 30K to 699,000 and will be Open and Hosted by Brittany Walter Sunday January 15 from 1-4. I’ll also be bringing along my favorite mortgage gal Jin Hee From Prospect Mortgage to answer all your lending questions and to get your Pre-approved if you arn’t already! For more information on 8867 Cynthia – please contact Brittany at 304.542.7301 or visit the website http://www.BrittanyWalter.com .

Brittany Sells LA

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:51:45 GMT

Hi,

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I used to use Tumblr to do all my blogging but they woke up one day and decided Real Estate Blogs add nothing of “value” to their site. I’m my eyes- everything I post is something I believe would and should add value to those reading. But hey, It’s a new year and a fresh start so why not just go all out and create a new blog!, right?

If you don’t know who I am – I’ll try to post a blurb on myself within the next day or so. In the meantime, check out my website at http://www.brittanywalter.com to learn a little more about me, see the communities I serve, and to search for properties in the area.

My commitment to you: Always keep you on the cutting edge on new listings, news that impacts anyone who owns or rents, information on markets trends, and any other information that’s relevant to the market here in Los Angeles and around the United States. You may also find, from time to time, links to amazing restaurants I’ve visited, rocking, cheap happy hours, worth-watching movies (in my opinion, at least :9) and just tid bits of other random fun things completely un-real estate related.

So add me to your list to track and I promise to keep you informed on things happening around us.

Happy House Hunting!

Brittany

Tips for Active Buyers!

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:51:43 GMT

When you’re looking for a new home, it’s easy to become enamored by paint colors and new flooring. While there’s a house out there (somewhere) with your name on it, keep in mind that sometimes it takes a while to find the “perfect” home. So how can you make sure you’re making the right decision?

*Remember the inspection. Even though it looks like that house is “the” one, it may be hiding secrets that could turn up during inspection.
Make sure any purchase contract allows you the right to refusal if the inspector finds something you don’t like.

Cheap isn’t always cheaper. From foreclosures to fixer uppers, make sure you have real-world knowledge of what it might take to bring it up to your standards.

Lifestyle choices. Not every house will be in that “perfect” area that allows you and your family the lifestyle that you lead (or want to lead). While that’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, ensure that you are all comfortable with what living in that neighborhood would entail. From schools to shopping to hiking, know where those deal-breakers lie – and stick to them.
Consider the hidden costs. Upkeep, property taxes, HOA fees, water, trash, etc. Know what the “real” cost of that house will be before you hit a point of no return.

In your travels, you’ll see places that will tug at your heartstrings – they’ll say “pick me.” Follow these tips and you’ll have a better understanding of which homes are keepers, and which ones to pass on.

Brittany Sells LA | My Blogs

SOLD: Spacious traditional in the red hot North Hollywood neighborhood

5648 Irvine Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Celebrating 10 Years

JUST SOLD! Closed in 17 DAYS: Remodeled Valley Townhome

8801 Cedros Avenue #25, Panorama City, CA 91402

Sold: Prestigious Del Amo Woods home

23917 Pasatiempo LN, Harbor City, CA 90710

JUST SOLD in a matter of DAYS for $22K over asking in Chino!

6378 Yale Street, Chino, CA 91710

Just SOLD: Los Feliz Fixer-Upper for $1,200,000

New England Colonial in the heart of Los Feliz

1941 N New Hampshire Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

JUST SOLD: Mid-Century Hollywood Hills Home -$1,463,360

6336 Weidlake Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Just Sold! Quaint and Spacious Inglewood Condo

﻿ This quaint and spacious 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo in one of LA’s hottest neighborhoods Just SOLD!

852 W. Beach Avenue #2, Inglewood CA 90302

Just Sold! – Charming Northridge Cottage Style Ranch Home – Sold for $660,000

Just Sold – Fickett Mid-Century Modern in Whittier

In Escrow! 38 Other Offers Beat Out to Score this Sweet Whittier Home!

Just SOLD! New Development in Hollywood – Sold for $1,350,000

Just Leased! 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Spanish in Mount Washington

Just SOLD! Beautiful Los Feliz Traditional – 3976 Prospect Ave – Offered for $1,199,000 – Sold for $1,236,000

SOLD over asking for $1,236,000.

If you’re thinking of making a move in LA, please contact Brittany at 310-956-9385 or email at BrittanySellsLA@gmail.com

Just Sold – Beautiful Family Home in North Hills!

Vote for me – Best of Silver Lake

Help me win Best of Silver Lake – House & Home

DEADLINE: Monday, September 30

Relief for California’s Tenants

JUST LEASED! Dramatic Architectural Townhome in Palms

9917 Tabor Street #2 Los Angeles, CA 90034

2 bed | 2.5 baths | 1,236sq.ft. Leased for $3,700 per month

Just Sold!! – Hillside home with views in Glassell Park

3540 The Paseo in Glassell Park

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2 Bedroom / 1 Bath / 800 sq ft Listed for $649,999 / Sold for $700,000

In Escrow! Boyle Heights Triplex

Just Leased! 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Eagle Rock Charmer

Just Leased – 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Inglewood Condo!

Just Leased – Modern Silver Lake Log Cabin

RED Day 2019 – The Hollywood Salvation Army Youth Center

10 Los Angeles Renters’ Rights You Should Know!

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JUST SOLD: Beautiful Silver Lake View Home in the Moreno Highlands Sold for $1,788,000

Just Leased! Mid-Century Home in the Hollywood Hills

Just Sold! – 2 Bedroom Chatsworth Townhome! Sold for $400,000.

Easy Tips to Declutter Your Home and Get Organized in 2019!

Let’s get real for a second: It’s very easy to let clutter accumulate. And problem area #1 for us is the entryway. We’ve misplaced a pair of sunglasses in a too-tall pile of mail and forgotten to wash a sweater stuck in the sleeve of a jacket—hidden under yet another jacket.

Step 1: Gather up your stuff, and throw away any trash

Step 2: Categorize your stuff, and think about getting organized

Step 3: Get organized!

Step 4: Create a habit of using your thing-holders, as soon as you get home

Home of the Week: Beautiful Mid-Century in Mount Washington

Vote for me – Best of Silver Lake 2018

SOLD! – 465 Isabel Street – Triplex in Cypress Park – $1,228,000

Just Sold! Inglewood Traditional in the Heights at Ladera! Sold for $995,000

Just SOLD! Contemporary Silver Lake Home in the Coveted Ivanhoe School District – SOLD for $1,374,000

Just Sold! Van Nuys Townhome! Sold for $353,000

Just Sold! 2003 Virginia Road – Represented Seller – Sold for $1,355,000

Sold for $1,355,000

Just SOLD – Off Market – 1346 Coronado Terrace sold within HOURS for $55k over asking – Sold for $980,000

1346 Coronado Terrace

Listed at $925,000, sold off-market within HOURS for $980,000

Call me at 310-956-9385 or contact me and let’s chat!

Sunny Mediterranean Pool Home in Wellington Square

2208 Wellington Road

$1,195,000

Just Sold: Quaint Pool Home in Monrovia

This quaint and spacious 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo in one of LA’s hottest neighborhoods Just SOLD!

2 Bedroom / 1 Bath / 800 sq ft
Listed for $649,999 / Sold for $700,000