The hottest properties in L.A cost 500 – 700k

The real estate market is so happening in the 500k – 700k range – it’s astounding! We had a listing this year in Brentwood around the 2m mark – gorgeous contemporary house and we would get about 80 – 85 hits per week on the listingbook site (which is basically an extension of the mls with tons of functionality). Our current listing is a short sale in West LA on National Blvd. It’s a really good house that needs cosmetic updating but has a great floor plan and really good space. It’s listed at 675k and we get about 425 hits per week on the same website. So far we have received 4 offers on the property. It’s a short sale so the initial accepted offer may or may not be the ultimate owner of the house. More on that next week – we’ll talk about our short sale experience. But back to the point, the amount of buyers in this entry level price range is creating an incredible demand and propping prices up. A large percentage of homes priced in the 600’s are getting multiple offers these days. Today we saw some good ones on Caravan and we’ll explain briefly.
4083 Bledsoe in Culver City is listed at 659k. It’s been on the market for 5 days and it has 3 offers already. (Seems like old times.) The house has an unconventional floor plan, but it’s clean and cute, has good space and it’s on a nice street.
5045 Pickford in Culver City is listed at 658k. It’s a 2 + 1 that’s around 1000 square feet, but the house has great bones and some architectural charm. It’s in a fantastic neighborhood right near Lindberg Park and walking distance from great shopping, public library, etc. It’s been on the market for 9 days and they were expecting an offer today.
6373 W. 84th St. in Westchester listed at 650k is adorable, beautiful, tasteful and charming. It’s also 2 + 1 around 1000 square feet but on a large lot with room to ultimately expand the house. Today was the first day that one was shown. It will sell right away.
If you need more information about these homes or about Los Angeles real estate call or e-mail The Savvy Duo.

Discover a New Neighborhood in Los Angeles Today!

So we haven’t blogged in forever – but WE’RE BAAACK! The week’s blog is about a neighborhood that we feel is yet-to-be-discovered by many. It’s time that the secret was out!! This neighborhood offers FANTASTIC opportunities to Los Angeles homebuyers and if you’re looking for a house you owe it to yourself to consider this area. It is, namely, View Park/Windsor Hills.

This neighborhood is situated between Angeles Vista on the south, Stocker on the north, La Brea on the west and Crenshaw on the east. If you have never driven through these streets please do yourself a favor, pull out your Thomas Guide and go (pg. 673). There are plenty of mid-century homes, built in the late ‘50’s & early ‘60’s. There are also lots of streets with English Tudor, Spanish and stately Traditionals built earlier, between the ‘30’s and ‘40’s. You may be wondering if the homes in a neighborhood called View Park have a view. And, yes, many of them do. The neighborhood is at the top of a rolling hill and depending on orientation there are views of Downtown, the San Gabriel Mountains and Mt. Wilson to the north. To the south and west one can see the Marina Del Rey, LAX, Santa Monica Beach and the Santa Monica Mountains. The streets are windy, curvy and hilly with houses that vary dramatically from one to the next in terms of architectural style. The neighborhood has such authentic charm that we have coined it “Westwood South.” It really looks like the hilly neighborhood know as “Westwood Hills” adjacent to UCLA.

View Park is literally minutes from Culver City, Westchester and The Marina. And, the most incredible thing is that it’s possible to get a very lovely house between 500k – 700k. Of course things like view, condition and lot size factor greatly into pricing. There are deals there as low as the 300k – 400k range and prices top out around 1m. The value here is astounding to someone coming from the Westside. One would have to far outside of the normal Westside realm to compete. And the really, truly beautiful thing is that View Park is not far! If you are looking for a great home at a great value let us know and we’ll turn you on to something new and wonderful. And, look out for future blogs about undiscovered, hidden gem neighborhoods.

Calling all Condo Buyers!

We saw the new development at 11715 Chenault in Brentwood at the corner of Barrington Tuesday – and their beautiful. The least expensive unit is $859,000. It is a 2 bedroom + 2.5 bath in about 1500 square feet. It faces Chenault – not Barrington, which means it’s not noisy. The quality of the building and the finishes are fantastic! The fact that something brand new, with this level of fine detail can be purchased in proper Brentwood in the $800,000 range tells you that condo prices have come down dramatically. The other units top out at $1,399,000 for the penthouse unit that sits above single family homes and has some expansive view. That unit has two balconies, one off the master and one off another bedroom. We felt it was a shame that there was no balcony off of the living room. The ground floor units, though not as bright at the top floor, have huge patios which would serve almost as a small yard.
Our condo, in Mar Vista at 3460 Centinela with an ocean view is still available. It has 2 bedrooms + 2.5 baths, top floor with expansive views in a great building with spa-like pool and tennis court. It’s in the sought-after Mar Vista School District. We received one offer, but it’s still available and it’s the right moment for a buyer to get a great deal on the place!
Ready to talk condos, or see one of these places? Call The Savvy Duo.

Real Estate Bargains in Brentwood & Westwood

Real Estate Bargains in Westwood & Brentwood

Two houses we saw yesterday are great buys in great neighborhoods. It’s a pleasure, in this new market, to see deals like this come down the pike.

First, 11431 Bolas in Brentwood for $995,000. That’s right, a house in Brentwood for under 1 million. It’s in Brentwood Glen – cute, charming, traditional, two blocks away from the 405 so freeway noise is not an issue. The house has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in a little over 1500 square feet. The kitchen is open and has an eat-in area. It needs updating but the space is workable. One of the bathrooms has some chipped tiles that are original to the house, built in 1939, but it’s a house you could move into and then fix up in stages. The yard is private and lush. It’s not too large, but there’s a nice grassy area for play. The price for the neighborhood is fantastic and a buyer could really add value and do well over the long term in this spot.

Next, 2051 Pelham Ave. in Westwood for $1,199,000 is another great house in a great neighborhood with great potential. This house is over 1900 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and the lot is approx. 6750 square feet. This house, built in 1931, has absolutely gorgeous architectural and period details. They’re too numerous to mention, but beamed ceilings and antique hardware and lighting fixtures are a few. The solid wooden doors have reliefs and inlaid wood. The kitchen needs a thorough updating. The bathrooms have the original tile but it’s pristine and beautiful and lilac! The backyard has a pool and no grassy area. This is a house for someone who appreciates authentic Spanish architecture and character. Again, here is an opportunity for a buyer to purchase something and with the right kind of updating (keeping the architectural integrity) this is something that will have tremendous value down the road.

If you want to see either of these listings or are looking for a property that you can add value to and reap the future benefit, don’t be shy, call The Savvy Duo.

Mid-Century home in Brentwood & Fabulous View Condo in Mar Vista

We’re plugging our listings this week – and they’re worthy! Both will be open this Sunday, 5/17, from 11 – 2 so if you live anywhere near us come and take a look.

366 N. Kenter has been reduced to $1,989,000 from $2,125,000. It’s a gorgeous, totally done mid-century modern house. It has 4 bedrooms (all upstairs), 3.5 bathrooms, an office/den and a family room. The best thing about the house is the flow. The kitchen is totally open and the whole living space downstairs communicates beautifully from room to room. Also there are huge sliding glass doors, visible from all rooms, that open out to the lush, private backyard. The backyard has a fire pit, banquet seating, an eating area and a grassy play area. It’s totally enclosed and safe for kids and pets. It’s truly an ultimate entertaining home. The house was redone from top to bottom in ’04, so even the things you can’t see are updated.

3460 Centinela #301 is a fantastic condo and even more enticing is the price of $549,000. It has 2 bedrooms + 2.5 baths and it’s a top floor unit with a view. You look out and can see the ocean, the mountains and the marina. The view is enjoyed in all rooms except one of the bedrooms. You can be cooking in your kitchen and watching an incredible sunset over the coastline. The unit has hardwood floors, inside laundry, incredibly generous closet space and 3 balconies. The dues are $375 and include earthquake insurance. The building has a fabulous, resort-like pool, a paddle tennis court and a clubhouse with a gym. It’s in the prestigious Mar Vista Elementary school district.

If you would like more information or to make an appointment to see either of these properties call The Savvy Duo.

There’s No Place Like Home

Your home is one of the most important purchases you will ever make.  It certainly is one of the largest expenditures we make in a life time, but it is so much more than a purchase.  Your home is a financial investment and an emotional investment.  Buying the right home at the right time can solidify your financial future while creating a safe haven for you and your family.  It’s far too important to trust with someone you can’t count on to tell you the truth.

On of the things The Savvy Duo is best known for is our unwavering commitment to telling our clients the truth.  In today’s market, where things are changing on a rapid basis we believe in cutting to the chase.  We provide the kind of service that we would expect, honest, fair, open and skilled.  Your home or future home is far too important to trust to anything less.  We are The Savvy Duo and we sell it like it is!

Savvy Duo’s Los Angeles Home Review

This week we must talk about our new listing. It’s Lorin’s house. It’s for sale and it’s really, truly great. Located at 2554 Barry Ave. in West Los Angeles and listed at 769k, it’s a 2 bedroom and 2 bath with a bonus room in approx. 1400 square feet. There is also a groovy, modern detached office behind the garage that’s not included in the square footage of the house. The best thing about the house is that the level of quality throughout is not often found in this price range. It’s got all real hardwood floors, beautiful French doors and wood windows including a huge picture window in the living room looking out to a verdant street scene. The remodeled master has pitched ceilings, dual walk-in closets and a master bath that will be sorely missed. There is a claw footed tub, a steam shower, double sinks and a remote control skylight. There is a grassy backyard for play and a tree house, loved by all of the kids in the neighborhood. There is a hot and cold outdoor shower and the backyard is so private that showering out there in the spring and summer is an option and feels great after the beach. The plumbing, electrical and roof are all new. Great house, great value. Click on the highlighted words above and then go to featured listings to see more pictures.
The other great house we saw this week is in the Encino Hills. It’s located at 16949 Strawberry and is a 4 bedroom, mid-century modern in approx. 2800 square feet. This house is now listed at 1,399,000. It started out, in November at 1,625,000. It’s located on a hillside, so the lot is not completely flat. The whole house wraps around and looks out to the backyard which is all hardscape and pool. We typically don’t care for backyards with no grass, but this one is extremely well done with a modern fire pit and plenty of space for hanging out. It works with the house. Beyond the hardscape there is an upward slope, lushly landscaped. There are views of the mountains out of the front of the house and the house enjoys incredible natural light. When you are inside you feel perched up and you feel the space and openness. The other great thing about this house is that there is tons of closet space. All of the finishes are contemporary and beautiful. There is a two car garage, not attached to the house. This house would cost around 1.9m in Brentwood. It’s a great buy for anyone who responds to modern architecture. Call The Savvy Duo if you’re interested in finding out more.

Savvy Duo’s Los Angeles Home Review

What a great week for houses! It nurtures our souls and feeds our creative spirit to see beautiful, artistic houses. Every week we enter into strangers’ homes and thereby we enter their worlds. We get a glimpse into their spirits, minds and emotions. Let’s face it; a person’s environment speaks volumes about whom and what they are. And take it from us, some people have FABULOUS all figured out.

247 S. Carmelina in Brentwood, listed at 3.295m is such a house. This is one of the most unique and special properties that we have seen in the past nine years — in any price range. It was built in 1926 and it’s like a French Chateau. Constructed of old stone with a turret entry and leaded glass front door, you are immediately transported to another time and place. The current owners gutted the entire house when they bought it and reconfigured and rebuilt the home. Many of the materials such as flooring, tiles, doors and hardware are antiques imported from Europe. The living room contains an inglenook – a small alcove lined with bookshelves – a perfect spot to grab some solace. The house is not huge, about 3300 sq. ft., perfectly laid out and very intimate. The rooms are not there solely for the sake of having space; every inch of the home has meaning and purpose. The result is a romantic, charming, modern-castle environment that feels warm and approachable. There’s nothing stuffy about it. There is a lovely pool and a modest but beautiful grassy area in the back and then a guest house above the detached garage, fully wired with a full bath and perfect as an office or guest quarters. If you are in this price range and you have an appreciation for architecture and antiques you owe it to yourself to see this one.

Next, 10492 Lindbrook in Westwood listed at 1.95m is another escape from the city into an eclectic, artistic, timeless world. The house is a Spanish hacienda built in 1935. It has been restored yet the charm and character of the architecture remain perfectly intact. The living room is stately with wide plank wood floors, a fireplace, beamed ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. Frankly, what is so dramatic and affecting from the moment you enter this house is the current owner’s art collection and the combination of colors and textures that give this house so much personality. Each room is interesting and beautiful in its architectural detail, but each room also has its own personality and life. The kitchen is remodeled and is lovely without being flashy. The backyard is like an outdoor living room with a fireplace and couches and there is a grassy area for play as well. There is an office adjacent to the garage and the closet in the master bedroom is fit for Carrie Bradshaw. Actually judging from the shoe collection, she might actually live there.

If you are curious about any of these wonderful, original properties let us know.

Savvy Duo’s Los Angeles Home Review

Here are this week’s top picks from caravan yesterday. In case you don’t know what we mean by caravan, it’s a period of hours every Tuesday when brokers preview all listings that are new to the market.

5153 Emporia in Culver City is the bargain of the week! It’s listed at 639k and it’s in move-in condition. It’s being sold by the heirs of a little old lady who lived there for 50 years. So, it’s not hip, slick and cool in terms of its finishes, but it’s a solid, good house in a good neighborhood at a great price. Most of the rooms have wood floors, it’s really light and bright, it technically has 4 bedrooms, but one would be better used as a den or a formal dining room. It has a nice little yard and patio too. This is a fantastic pick for first time home buyers.

Another great value is a condo in Westwood at 2237 S. Bentley. It’s got 2 bedrooms and 2 baths in about 1500 square feet and it’s listed at 546k. It’s another great opportunity for first time home buyers. The building has a modern, architectural feel and the unit has lots of glass making it very bright and contemporary. The unit doesn’t need much work – if any. New carpet is all we would say is essential. We haven’t seen anything this nice at this price in Westwood in eons.

Finally, 13737 Bayliss in Brentwood listed at 1.975m is an intriguing buy. The lot is slightly over 11k sq. ft. and it has a lovely flat backyard and beyond that a downward slope. It could be decked out or an infinity pool could be added which would be really gorgeous. The house has 4 bedrooms and is redone in a tasteful, contemporary style throughout. The living room has a huge plate glass wall which really brings the woodsy outside in. It’s true California living. The bedrooms are small, but they’re adequate. Anyone is looking for the palatial master suite will not be satisfied with this home. This came on the market at 2.149m in October ’08 which was basically the worst time ever. Everything was falling out of escrow at that time because people were losing all of their money in the stock market. Then the holidays came and went and this house went without a buyer. Now they have reduced it to a very reasonable number. This is an opportunity waiting to happen for someone.

The Savvy Duo

Savvy – having understanding, shrewd, perceptive, and well-informed.

Welcome to our blog; we are The Savvy Duo.  Whether you are shopping for a Green Home, a luxury Condominium, REO property or a fabulous estate we are the realtors who are known for our no nonsense, savvy approach. 

One of the cornerstones of our business is our commitment to being truthful with our clients and helping them to find their own truth.  Our wide range of expertise have proven successful assets to our clients.  We are both skilled negotiators, experts in the local schools and well versed in everything having to do with greening your home. 

We are consumed with preserving a client’s time because we feel that time is our most precious resource. How do we save our clients time?  First, we listen and ask a lot of questions about what they need and why they need it.  Next, we preview homes as much as humanly possible before showing them.  We try to only show homes that are real possibilities. We don’t fill time and create a false sense of busyness by looking at real estate that’s not suitable.  We caravan and see the new listings on the market each week and we constantly have our pulse on the market, what’s new, what’s reduced and what’s sitting.  This allows us to give educated feedback about pricing to our clients, again, streamlining the process.

Monica’s bilingual abilities are invaluable for both our Spanish speaking clients and with Spanish speaking adversaries during negotiation.  Our motto is, “We sell it like it is…with class”

We hope you will be regular visitors to our Blog as we share important information about Los Angeles’ Westside Real Estate.