Silver Lake Area Real Estate News And Information

The Mews Houses- small lot subdivision in Atwater Village

There's another small lot subdivision in Los Angeles- this time in Atwater Village.

 The Mews small lot subdivision is an eco-friendly community consisting of 23 brand new, fee-simple single family homes located in Atwater Village in the 4200 block of Perlita. The Mews Houses range in size from 1500 to 1600sf and have solar power and 2-car garages.  Their open floor plans in include high ceilings and walls of glass and open to private courtyards. The modern style homes were designed by award-winning architects Corsini and Stark.

Do I like these new Mews Houses in Atwater? Yes- I think they are really nice, look great and have really nice layouts. My problem is that the location of these homes does not command the prices they are asking. Currently there are only 2 units listed in the MLS (though many others are available). These two are both 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath. One is listed for $650,000 and the other is $675,000. Once again a developer is putting Silver Lake prices on homes outside of Silver Lake.  Would you buy a house in a small lot subdivision on Perlita in Atwater Village if you could buy a home for the same price in Silver Lake? I certainly wouldn't.

If the prices come down to something more in line with the location, the Mews Houses in Atwater should have no problem selling. Right now I just don't see that happening.

To see any of the Mews Houses in Atwater Village or for more information on buying or selling property in Silver Lake, Echo Park,Los Feliz,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * The Mews Houses- Los Angeles small lot subdivision in Atwater Village

Eagle Rock Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration

So you live in Los Angeles but want to enjoy a good old fashioned 4^th of July? The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in Eagle Rock. This small community will be celebrating our nation's independence in a big way.

Starting at 4:00pm on Sunday, July 4^th, there will be food, moon bouncers, kids activities, a car show and vendor booths galore.  Come with you picnic blanket and goodies and spend the day. 

At 6:00pm you can rock with the Beach Boys tribute band, Surfin Safari.  This year the park will also be providing a fireworks display so be ready to stick around for the big show at 8:30. Fireworks are being sponsored by Sir Michael's Party Rental  & LA City Council member Jose Huizar

If you are looking for free fireworks shows closer to home, check out one of these other venues:

Alhambra 4^th of July Extravaganza
o Saturday, July 3rd @ 800 S. Almansor
o 3 p.m. - food and beverage sales
o 9 p.m. - fireworks show

El Sereno Concert, Fireworks Show & Independence Parade
o Saturday, July 3rd @ El Sereno Park, 4721 Klamath Place,
o *4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
o *Parade @ 2 p.m., corner of Huntington Drive & Van Horne, ends at El Sereno Park
o Concert begins @ 4 p.m.
o Fireworks @ 8:30 p.m.

If you are willing to shell out a few bucks, here are a few more options:

Burbank, Starlight Bowl - Salute to the Soul of America
o 1249 Lockheed View Dr., Burbank
o *6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Concert
o Fireworks @ 9:00 p.m.

Hollywood Hills- Hollywood Bowl
o 2302 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
o Concert begins @ 7:30 p.m. followed by fireworks

Pasadena- Americafest 2010 at the Rosebowl
o 1001 Rosebowl Dr., Pasadena
o *2:00 p.m. Family fun festival and food court
o *7:00 p.m. Drum performance and military tribute
o Fireworks @ 9:00 p.m.

For more information on Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * Eagle Rock Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration

Auburn 7 Small Lot Subdivision in Silver Lake

Have you heard of the Auburn 7 small lot subdivision in Silver Lake?  This complex of seven single family homes  designed by Silver Lake based MASS Architecture and Design is one of L.A.'s small lot subdivisions, located right here is Silver Lake. The seven homes are townhouse style, separated by just a small space and share walkways and a community garden on DWP land in front.

The Auburn 7 were built with ecology in mind. Green features include: radiant heating in the floor, tankless water heaters, low-flush toilets, and high-efficiency HVAC. The homes are also solar-ready for those owners choosing to install panels. Dual glazed windows and skylights add great ventilation and better efficiency.

If all of this appeals to you, you are in luck! One of the Auburn 7 in Silver Lake just came on the market. 2746 Auburn Street was recently listed Chris Furstenberg for $839,000.  The home has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in 2100+ square feet of living space and is in the coveted Ivanhoe School district! With it's solar power, you can expect a nice drop in your electric bill if you choose to call this home.

 To see this home or for more information on small lot subidivions, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * Auburn 7 Small Lot Subdivision in Silver Lake 

Beachwood Canyon's Hollywoodland - historic neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills

Beachwood Canyon is a neighborhood of hilly, narrow streets that wind their way through the Hollywood Hills. It is found East of the 101 freeway and with the base at Franklin Avenue. The gate to the Village of Beachwood Canyon, home of the Beachwood Market, The Village Café and a small gift shop - Missouri Trader ,is located about a mile North of Franklin on Beachwood Drive. The market is notable for its glass front, designed by architect, John Lautner.

Beachwood Canyon is full of homes built in the 20's -40's but also has a smattering of newer construction, particularly the condos lining Beachwood Canyon Blvd. south of the gates. Having lived in the area, I can attest to what a great place it is to walk. The winding streets bring vistas around many corners and the lovely trees provide shade on a warm sunny day. Regardless of the number of homes in the area, it still provides the sense of being out in nature. There is even a riding stable at 3400 N Beachwood should residents or visitors care to discover the area on horseback.

If you are familiar with the area, you're also familiar with all of the signs posted saying "No Access to the Hollywood Sign".  I'm surprised that tourists aren't hit by cars when the walk out into the middle of Beachwood Dr. to snap a photo of the famous sign. Interestingly, that sign was originally erected in upper Beachwood Canyon by Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler and read  "HOLLYWOODLAND" . It was actually a $21,000 billboard advertising the  500 acre upscale real estate development by the same name.

Development  of Hollywoodland began in 1923 with the syndicate owned by Harry Chandler, developer Sidney H. Woodruff  and the founder of West Hollywood, General M. H. Sherman. The L.A. Times announced this new developments as one of the most attractive residential sections of the City of Los Angeles", envisioning it as a Mediterranean Riviera in the Hollywood Hills between Lake Hollywood and Griffith Park. Architectural drawings inspired by regions of France, Italy and Spain were used to  draw east Coasters to the hillside lots where their homes would be complete in time to avoid the next harsh winter.

When originally built, the Hollywoodland sign had  was comprised of individual letters 30 feet wide and 50 feet tall and constructed out of 3x9' metal squares rigged together with scaffolding.  There was a 35' diameter dot below the sign with a perimeter of 20-watt lights to attract attention. The sign itself featured an addition 4,000 bulbs spaced 8 inches apart which blinked out "Holly", "wood", "land".  As you can see from the old photo- it would have been hard to miss this landmark sign during the day but the lights would certainly have had a dramatic effect at night. Originally intended to be taken down after just 1.5 years, the sign has endured 80+ years in various states and become a true landmark for Hollywood and a symbol of all that it has to offer.

Living in Hollywoodland defined living in the Hollywood Hills. As showy as the sign was, the developers managed to lay out homes in such a way as to create a small town charm. Hollywood Celebrities were drawn to the area then as they are now for the beauty, seclusion, views and great location. The proximity to the major studios is hard to beat. Many Hollywoodland homes have a fantasy feel to them. You'll find castles, Tudors and ivy-covered cottages right alongside Spanish and mid-century gems. Homes in the higher elevations have views over the canyon and city all the way to the ocean.   Like many areas of Los Feliz and the Hollywood Hills, Beachwood Canyon and Hollywoodland are well-loved and have loyal homeowners keeping their famous neighborhood worthy of its place in history and the well known sign in its hills. 

For more information on Hollywoodland, Beachwood Canyon,  Los Feliz, Silver Lake and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758  or check out my website at LApropertySolutions.com 

Or read about these other local neighorhoods:

• Moreno Highlands- Silver Lake's Prime Neighborhood
• Laughlin Park- an exclusive, gated community in Los Feliz
• The Oaks- Tree studded enclave in the hills of Los Feliz
• Elysian Heights- a neighborhood in the hills of Echo Park
• Los Angeles' Angelino Heights neighborhood- a step back in time
• Franklin Hills, an enchanting mix of 1920s' to mid-century homes.

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * Beachwood Canyon's Hollywoodland- Historic Neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills

Laughlin Park- an exclusive, gated community in Los Feliz

Laughlin Park is an exclusive, gated community in Los Feliz that was rated by Los Angeles Magazine as one of the "top five" neighborhoods of Los Angeles.  Established in 1905, the enclave is secure behind five gates between Los Feliz Blvd and Franklin Avenue on the Western edge of Los Feliz. Laughlin Park was once home to many of Hollywood's rich and famous including W.C. Fields, Charlie Chaplain and Cecil B. DeMille. DeillMe's villa was built by developer Homer Laughlin who's intention was to build a neighborhood of 40 villas.  Subsequent lot divisions have brought that number to 60 homes. DeMille's villa was built on the largest, highest lot in Laughlin Park providing majestic panoramic views. Today many well-known celebrities and filmmakers are still drawn to the neighborhood with its quiet seclusion and peaceful tree shaded streets.

The Laughlin Park enclave includes the largest and most expensive homes in the Los Feliz area. The grand estates run the gamut in architectural styles from English, Mediterranean and Craftsman to Traditional and Modernist, many with remarkable city and ocean views. The area saw its share of works a number of renowned architects. Lloyd Wright figured prominently in the design of more than five Laughlin Park homes.

The Laughlin Park community remains well-cared for largely due to the effort of its voluntary homeowners association which maintains the gates and the private streets. This close knit neighborhood, like The Los Feliz Oaks, has loyal residence and shows great pride in ownership.

There are currently no homes for sale in Laughlin Park. The last sale in this exclusive neighborhood was the Antonio Moreno estate at 5180 Linwood Dr. This 8000sf home on 1/2 acre sold in October of last year for $3,475,000. For more information on laughlin Park, The Oaks, Los Feliz, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * Laughlin Park- an exclusive, gated community in Los Feliz

The Oaks- Tree studded enclave in the hills of Los Feliz

The oaks is a neighborhood of hillside homes between Beachwood Canyon and Griffith Park bounded by  Fern Dell Drive on the east and Foothill Drive to the south. The area got its name due to the majority of the neighborhood street names have the word "Oak" in them such as "Spreading Oak", "Live Oak", "Red Oak".  This neighborhood has a feeling of privacy and seclusion with its winding, hilly, tree lined streets. Many homes have canyon and city views all the way to the ocean.

The Oaks offers a mix of architectural styles with a large number of mid-century and traditional style homes built in the 1960's as well as 20's and 30's Mediterraneans with lots of square footage, big yards and views for miles. If you don't know your way around it can be easy to get lost in the winding streets, some of which end right in Griffith Park.

The Oaks is a draw to many in the Entertainment industry. In its heyday, it was home to stars like Cary Grant and Randolph Scott. The area still attracts Hollywood celebrities both in front and behind the camera. Brad Pit and Angelina Jolie have been buying homes on their street in the Oaks for their own personal compound and now own close to 1.5 acres.  But this exclusive neighborhood is not only for the rich and famous. The Oaks has a very active homeowners association and the neighborhood pride of ownership and loyalty is something not seen in many other areas of Los Angeles. It seems once someone moves to the Oaks they are unlikely to leave the neighborhood, simply moving to another home within its borders.

There are currently only 2 homes for sale in The Oaks, one at 5417 RED OAK DR  listed for $1,240,000 and the other at 5740 HILL OAK DR  listed for $2,175,000.  To see either of these properties of for more information on Los Feliz, the Hollywood Hills  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * The Oaks- Tree studded enclave in the hills of Los Feliz

 Elysian Heights- a neighborhood in the hills of Echo Park

Most people are familiar with Griffith Park, but not as many have heard of Elysian Park and the residential area adjacent to it known as Elysian Heights- the hills of Echo Park.

Founded in 1781, Elysian Park is 600 acres of preserved space planted with native chaparral, eucalyptus, ficus and avocado trees. Considered an urban oasis to nature-loving Angelinos and visitors alike, the park is home to hiking trails, picnic areas and playing fields. It's also the location of Dodger Stadium and the Los Angeles Police Academy!

The residential area bordering the park took on the name Elysian Heights and many of the homes offer wonderful views of downtown, Echo Park and out to the ocean not to mention a great vantage point for watching summertime fireworks at Dodger Stadium. This hilly neighborhood above Echo Park property abuts the western border of the park and those homes closest to the park can command prices in the same range as those near the Silver Lake reservoir and its popular walking path. The area's proximity to downtown is another reason for the popularity  of Elysian Heights.

Families began moving into the Elysian Heights area during the real estate boom of in the 1800's. New residents ran the gamut from factory works to artists, musicians, filmmakers, and counter-culture activists with an ethnic and economic mix of true diversity.  This hilly area of Echo Park  still draws a diverse crowd and little has changed in this urbanized wooded area still visited by a plethora of wildlife from raccoons to coyotes.

The winding, hilly streets of Elysian Heights make traffic light on residential streets and like other neighborhoods nearby like Franklin Hills in Los Feliz, there are a number of public stairways used by pedestrians as both short cuts and daily workouts. Most homes in the area are smaller California bungalows, mid-century cottages and various revival styles like this storybook cottage on Park Dr. Some of them are found on walk streets with no off street parking what- so- ever, but this has not stopp ed the popularity of buying in the area. There are even some historically significant homes in Elysian Heights including the Southall House built by Rudolf Shindler  at 1855 Park Dr. and the Paul Landacre cabin and Grounds at 2006 W. El Moran that is listed as one of Los Angeles Historic cultural monuments.

As Echo Park continues to add coffee houses, restaurants and boutiques its popularity with artists and young couples grows. Those seeking a home with a view but less of a dent to the pocketbook are drawn to the hills of Elysian Heights where they can still find a good value.

For more information on Elysian Heights, Angelino Heights, Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * Elysian Heights- a neighborhood in the hills of Echo Park

Sunset Silver Lake loft for sale at a great price

If you've lived in or been through the Silver Lake area in the last few years you are probably familiar with the Sunset Silver Lake lofts that were built in 2007.  In the heart of Sunset Junction, these live/work lofts were a welcome addition to the area.  A total of 43 architectural units grouped into 4 buildings, the units include commercially inspired kitchens with stainless steel appliances, stone countertops, tiled baths with large soaking tubs and inside laundry hookups.  Underground parking and gated entrance provides security to the residents.

 Originally listed from $590,000 to $945,000 the Sunset Silver Lake Lofts are within walking distance to stores and restuarants in Sunset Junction like the Cheese store of Silver Lake . All units are pre-fitted for high-speed Internet access and cable television, recessed lighting, architectural hardware and central air conditioning. Only a handful of units have come back on the market since they were first sold.  Currently, there is a 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom model available facing Myra that is listed for just $499,000. It is a short sale so the seller's loss can be your gain. For a patient buyer, a short sale property can certainly be worth waiting for.

To see this property or for more information on short sales,  Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Echo Park Condos - The Sunset Five condos in Echo Park still up for grabs

We haven't seen many newly constructed Echo Park Condos so the developers of the Sunset Five condo complex probably expected them to fly off the shelf.  You many have read my post about the Sunset Five condos in Echo Park.  I thought the units were over priced when they first came on the market, and 4 months later my opinion has not changed.

Below is a chart of the Sunset Five Echo Park Condos showing their relative size and price changes since they came on the market in October of 2009.

As you can see from the last column, the price reductions have not been significant. These units were originally listed with Furstenberg Realty.  From what I can see, there was nothing wrong with the agent or his marketing.  Like so many sellers, the developer failed to see that the "problem" is NOT the listing agent, but the price. These Echo Park Condos were relisted just days ago with Deasy Penner & Partners as if listing the units with an agent that "specializes" in architectural properties will really convince buyers to pay more than they should!  In my opinion, it's just another example of sellers having an inflated opinion of the value of their property.

Don't get me wrong, Echo Park is a great place to live but this complex is not like the Sunset Silver Lake lofts with their great locations within walking distance of Sunset Junction and The Cheese Store of Silver Lake.  These Echo Park condos are surrounded by some pretty shabby looking homes with a bus stop right in front.  Sure, this section of Sunset Blvd may someday be the place for all things hip but you may have to wait a while.

If the idea of a newly constructed modern style Echo Park condo appeals to you, then by all means you should check out the Sunset Five units. They are open today and easy to show at your convenience so give me a call at 213-215-4758 if you'd like to take a look.  These units are ripe for bigger price reductions so let me help you get the right price if you'd like to buy one.

For more information on   Echo Park,Silver Lake, Los Feliz,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * Sunset Five Echo Park condos

Silver Lake California's Sunset Junction

Silver Lake Calfornia's Sunset Junction is the place to be.  When people talk about buying real estate in SilverlLake, it used to mean "prime Silver Lake"- the area nearest the reservoir and the hills known as the Moreno Highlands.  That area is still plenty popular but the price of homes there can be pretty high. Over the past few years, another part of Silverlake known as Sunset Junction has become the hot topic.

Sunset Junction is literally the place where Santa Monica Blvd. intersects with Sunset Blvd. The name is a carryover from the days of the old Los Angeles "red car line", Pacific Electric Railway Company's passenger service.  Rail service was discontinued in the mid 1950's but the Sunset Junction name stuck.  Silver Lake visitors and residents alike enjoy the variety of shops and eateries for several blocks of Sunset Blvd in this area. Demand for homes within walking distance of Sunset Junction has increased dramatically in recent years, prompting the development of the popular live/work Lofts at 4111 Sunset Blvd.

Less gritty than in past years, Sunset Junction boasts a large selection of cafes, shops and restaurants.  The building that once housed a carniceria  is now home to the Silverlake Conservatory of Music- a non-profit organization that offers reasonably priced music lessons and grants scholarships to children in need.  In the same building you'll find the hip coffee bar, Intelligentsia with its outdoor tables and umbrellas, The Cheese Store of Silver Lake, and Café Stella, a lively French Bistro. Right at the corner is a shoe store called Kicks.  This isn't your grandfather's Silver Lake!

Housing south of Sunset Blvd and within a short jaunt to Sunset Junction has become increasing popular, no doubt due to the plethora of things to do and see in the area. Recently a storybook cottage at 970 Maltman garnered a lot of attention and received multiple offers within days of going on the market and last week a 3 bedroom, 2 bath craftsman at 1401 Edgecliff Dr. also collected multiple offers in just 4 days.  It looks like Sunset Junction has finally come into its own.

For more information on  Sunset Junction, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * Sunset Junction - Silverlake Ca