Silver Lake Area Real Estate News And Information

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

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:36:32 -0600

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

Silver Lake California's Sunset Junction

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:49:07 -0600

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

Fabulous mid-century modern home in Los Feliz - still available!

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:41:57 -0600

Fabulous mid-century modern home in Los Feliz

I honestly can't believe this house is still on the market. When it was first open some 70 days ago, I expected it to be sold in no time flat. It was my hands down favorite new listing at the time.

Apparently, I wasn't actually wrong that it would get offers quickly. Seven days after this beauty at 4349 Cedarhurst Circle in Los Feliz went on the market, the status was changed to pending. I don't know why this property fell from grace but it was back on the market as of November 11 and still it sits. I can only think this is a case of not enough people seeing it in person or that unfounded fear that "there must be something wrong with it" since it's still available.

Behind a private gate on a small street in the Franklin Hills lies this oasis from the city. The walk down the path past the pond and fountain in the front yard sets the calming and welcoming mood. What a terrific property! A true 1951 gem with great light, layout and indoor-outdoor floor done up to today's standards. 1,852 of living space with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths a fabulous double sided fireplace and a great vibe.

Listed at $1,100,000, this Los Feliz beauty is defnitely worth checking out. If you've been looking for your own zen retreat in Los Feliz, this may be the ticket. Take advantage of the low interest rates while they are still around.

For more information on this property, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, 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

Looking for a Distressed Sale in Los Feliz?

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:18:23 -0600

Looking for a Distressed Sale in Los Feliz?

Most of the bank owned and short sale properties in Silver Lake and Los Feliz have been in the lower price ranges. If you have been looking for a great deal on a view home in the Los Feliz hills, this might be the opportunity you have been waiting for. This is a short sale with two loans but both with the same bank. There is no reason to fear a short sale. The patient buyer could end up with the best deal in Los Feliz.

4020 Woking Way is a charming character traditional in the prime Los Feliz Hills with spectacular views of the city and mountains. The 2100+ sf of living space consists of 3 bedrooms , 2 baths, kitchen, dining and living rooms on the first floor. The lower level family room with fireplace accesses the back yard and patio.

The home has a nice layout but the views are the real selling feature. I might even ENJOY doing dishes with a view like that above the sink!

Last sold for $1,100,000 in May of 2008, the current asking price of $899,000 is bound to bring many offers. It's rare to see a Los Feliz home of this quality for less than $1,000,000. There's not much time to see it before offers are submitted to the bank. See it today from Noon-3PM and 12/20 1PM-4PM or call me and I'll schedule an appointment. But hurry! All offers will be reviewed 12/21/2009 at 5PM.

For more information on Los Feliz, Silver Lake, 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

Elysian Heights Story Book Cottage with amazing views of the Hollywood Hills!

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:44:32 -0600

Elysian Heights Story Book Cottage with views of the Hollywood Hills!

This is the perfect house for lovers of old architecture who want an unspoiled canvas to work with. The thick walls, curved fireplace and original windows and hardware make this a magnet for those that appreciate craftsmanship. Put that together with a great location in the hills of Echo Park directly across from Elysian Park and amazing views from multiple windows and what else could you want? The "moat and drawbridge' entrance to the front drawer only add to the charm.

I expected this Echo Park home to sell the first week it was on the market. Priced at $675,000, this 1900+sf house has much to offer. See it this Sunday from 1-4 or call me for a showing. I'm a fan of old architecture and don't need much of an excuse to go back for another look!

To see this property or 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

Get into the holiday spirit with Los Angeles DWP Annual Holiday Lights Display in Los Feliz’s Griffith Park

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:46:44 -0600

Get into the holiday spirit with Los Angeles DWP Annual Holiday Lights Display in Los Feliz's Griffith Park

Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is fast approaching. The 14^th annual Holiday Lights Festival is off to a ‘green' start. Opening on December 3^rd for bicycles and pedestrians, this year's display is vehicle-free through Dec 17. The annual lights consist of a mile's worth of light displays on Crystal Springs Dr. in Griffith Park with lights sparkling from 5 to 10pm nightly. Cyclists and walkers are encouraged to take advantage of the festival, unencumbered by autos.

The Department of Water and Power display includes festive music, static and animated displays using more than 500,000 bulbs. Many scenes depict famous Los Angeles landmarks like the Griffith Park Observatory and the Hollywood sign. The holiday display is free to the public and a big hit for all ages.

Starting December 18th , the festival will be open for those that prefer to drive through. People may still walk on the walking path, or grab a shuttle from the zoo parking lot through the end of the display on December 30.

For more information on Los Feliz, Silver Lake, 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

New Silver lake Library Grand Opening on Monday, November 16

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:52:43 -0600

New Silver lake Library Grand Opening on Monday, November 16

The wait is almost over! Yes, Silver Lake's new, LEED certified library is set to have its grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration on Monday, November 16 at 10:00am. Special guests will include Los Angeles Mayor Anotnio Villaragosa, Los Angeles City Coucil President Eric Garcetti, Councilman Tom LaBonge and the Citiy Library Martin Gomez.

If you can't make it to the ceremony on Monday morning, you'll have another chance to cebrate on the weekend. The Friends of the Silver Lake Library who have been instrumental in getting this library built, are hosting a Silve Lake Community Open House. This Celebration will take place on Saturday, November 21st from 10 am to 5 pm. There will be music, food, and fun for everyone.

Parking is limited so this is a great opportunity to get a little fresh air and walk or bike to the event. Maybe take a trip around the the reservoir first so you can burn off some of the to-be-eaten goodies at the event!

The new Silver Lake Library is located at 2411 Glendale Blvd at the corner of Glendale Blvd and Silver Lake Blvd. See you there!

for more information on Silver Lake, Echo Park, 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

Too many buyers fail to see the value in working with an agent

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:02:34 -0600

These days, with so much information available online, it's really important to show our value beyond unlocking doors. Being from the old school myself, I could not imagine making such a huge financial investment as buying a home without the help of a professional. I don't do my own taxes, or my own dental work for that matter! However, the vast amounts of information available online seem to be leading some consumers to believe that they really don't need us. I just closed an escrow with buyers who initially felt that way, but admitted to me during the process that they were seeing things from a new perspective. I asked if they would mind putting something in writing that might help me (and other Realtors) understand a bit better where they were coming from. Here it is:

How Jenny Durling Proved Me Wrong:

I do all my shopping online. When it came time to buy a house, naturally, I felt that online shopping was vastly superior to the outdated methods of old. Why would I need a person involved in this process, when all the information I need is in my living room?

My strategy proved correct, vast amounts of information came to me with ease, maps, prices, pictures, and stats.... I'm going to have a house locked up by the weekend - w/o some agent getting in my way!

2 months later:

Lost a house, and we were combing over and over again through the same old funky stale listings. We also learned the lesson the hard way on bad deals that the seller's agent telling you they will fight for you as a buyer, not really true... at all. This made me more defiant, that we could go-it alone. Meanwhile houses were coming on and selling before we knew about them.

After clicking on the same dank/ fixer for the 100th time, we knew it was time to change course. We just were not seeing the "good" listings, our offers were clumsy, and we were depending on people that did not have our interests at heart to move the process.

My parents had been urging me from the start to find an agent. They remained close friends with their agent until she passed away, being so happy with the life she helped them achieve - but that was the 70's, this is now.

Very hesitantly we took my parents' advice and called Jenny Durling, who was recommended very highly by a friend who recently bought a home.

I was of the mind to get into things slowly... but not Jenny. The next weekend she had 6 (new) places set up. Each was mapped out and neatly prepared with a wealth of information on each property. It did not seem to matter what time of day or night we hit her with questions, she was back too us almost before we hit send!

I was starting to fear I would have to admit I was wrong. The first time we went out, I was sure of it. Going through each house she had a skill for seeing pros and cons in the properties that we, as new home buyers, missed. She also could read the situation on the financial side and give us very reliable, realistic advice we could trust. She knew the market in a way we could not.

It was during our first offer that I really had to admit I needed a buyer's agent, and Jenny was one of the best! She came in after hours to put an offer together, and worked the deal with such skill and speed; I knew she was working for us. For that reason, even when the situation changed and my father in law was buying, and we from him, I insisted he work through her.

What I had failed to see is that buying a home is still a very human process. There are politics, and individual human forces driving each sale. Like any trade, you need to have experience to navigate properly. The tools on the Internet are great, and can help tremendously, but to execute a good deal, you need a buyers agent. Giving someone a hammer does not mean they can build a house... giving someone redfin does not mean they can buy a house.

Eric T
Proud Recipient of a "SOLD" Sign!!!!!

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758

http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Short sales and REO's- Don't assume the bank won't pay for anything

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:06:25 -0600

I have buyers interested in looking at a particular home that is listed as a short sale. In their price range, this is not at all unexpected. I have explained the process to them and they realize that banks are not into making repairs or losing any more money on a sale than necessary. At the same time, they are first time buyers with limit funds and they need a clear idea of the costs involved in any potential purchase.

The listing of the house in question has agent remarks indicating that the "bank will not pay for termite or city occupancy requirements" and that the "buyer is to waive these requirements." Why would a listing agent make such an assumption?

I am not new to short sales and REO's and have successfully closed a number of such transactions. What I don't understand is why so many listing agents make the blanket statement that "the bank won't pay for anything" and the property is being sold "strict as-is". In my experience, this has not necessarily been the case.

If you have a short sale listing, don't throw up road blocks and obstacles before you even get an offer. You want to get your client out from under the house and sell it as quickly and easily as possible. In this neighborhood, termite and city occupancy issues are almost always paid for by the seller. Of course it's possible that the bank will refuse to pay for them, but at least ASK! Before telling prospective buyers that the bank won't pay for this or that at least find out what costs are involved.

Have the property inspected for termites and city occupancy issues and find out what work needs to be done and what the associated costs will be. You can go even further and get repair estimates for any issues the seller is aware. Put EVERYTHING on the HUD-1 that you give the bank. If presented correctly, there is a good chance that the bank will cover many if not all of these items. Even if they won't, you've at least given your prospective buyers a clearer picture of the potential costs they may incur and run less risk of the deal falling apart later due to unforeseen issues.

Buyers- talk to me about the best way to structure your offer. Finding out what the listing agent's process is for handling short sales will go a long way to getting one accepted.

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758

http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Silver Lake Pedestrian Path invites a walk around the Reservoir

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 19:11:22 -0600

Residents of Silver Lake can now safely stroll around the Silver Lake Reservoir. After years of planning and construction, the last 2/3 of a mile of the Silver Lake walking path from Armstrong Avenue to the dog park officially opened on December 20. Joggers, fitness walkers, people with dogs and mommies with strollers have all enjoyed walking around the reservoir. Now they can do it without worrying about cars on Silver Lake Blvd. The new crushed granite path completes the 2 mile circuit and makes for a much more pleasant way to get some fresh air and exercise.

Fans of architecture can take a peek at the Nuetra Colony on their way around the reservoir. This collection of modernist architecture designed by Richard Neutra is located near the intersection of Earl Street and Silver Lake Blvd.

The VDL Research house at 2300 Silverlake Blvd was Neutra's own home and was built using experimental materials. The original structure built in 1932 was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1963. The property was left to Cal Poly Pomona to be preserved for public study and may be toured most Saturdays from 11-3 with admission going towards maintenance and repairs of the house.

The reservoir land directly across from the house used to be part of the lake itself. The odd shape of that southwest section of the reservoir was hard to keep fresh and as it was a source of drinking water at the time, the powers that be decided to fill it in and landscape it creating what is know today as "the meadow".

So what would be even better for residents of Silver Lake than the cool mid-century houses and a brand new walking path? How about opening The Meadow to the public? You bet- but you'll have to wait until the Spring or Summer for that. After 60 + years of being off-limits, that should certainly be worth the wait!

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

A piece of Silver Lake architecture worth seeing

Wed, 20 May 2009 17:38:46 -0500

If you have not had a chance to see the house at 2331 Cove Ave. in Los Angeles, take the opportunity while you can.

Sometimes a house is simply worth seeing. I go on broker's caravan weekly to keep up with the new listings on the market. It's rare that I see one that makes me want to write a post about it but this one sure did!

The land was first home to a 1906 bungalow, and is now home to the fabulous residence currently for sale 2331 Cove Ave. in Silver Lake. This home was designed by Alber Cooling, and was redesigned and enlarged for Edward A. "Tink" Adams and his family. Adams founded the Los Angeles Art Center School in downtown Los Angeles in 1932, which is now the Pasadena -based Center College of Design, one of the Nation's major art colleges. Cooling was an instructor at the Art center during Adam's tenure there. This house was built in 1966 and incorporates both International style and elements of traditional Japanese architecture. In 1967 a cantilevered section was designed by James De Long, an architect who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright.

Situated on a hill overlooking the Silver Lake reservoir, the house is mostly hidden from the street at the top of the Cove Ave Stairs coming up from Silver Lake Blvd. I have to say I was completely enchanted by the beautiful Japanese garden setting and peaceful ambiance. The house has great flow and the paper and wood sliders between rooms adds to the light and feel of openness. Even on a day as warm as it was the day I visited, the breeze flowed through the house like natural air conditioning. It's an amazing property with wonderful views and plenty of outdoor living space. Now, if I could only afford the $1,750,000 price tag, it would take a lot to ever get me to leave the property!

This house and other area homes of interest are featured in a book called "Bohemian Modern" By Barbara Bestor, Kimberly Stevens, Geoff McFetridge. If you'd like more info about this property or other homes in the Silver Lake area, please contact me.

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

But Open houses DO sell houses!

Sun, 31 May 2009 16:39:13 -0500

But Open houses DO sell houses!

I love reading posts on Active Rain. J Phillip's post - The Great Open House Debate inspired me to write my own post about open houses from a completely different perspective.

There are differing opinions on the usefulness of open houses. Some agents say an open house does nothing for the seller but is simply a tool for the agent to pick up buyers. Granted, a buyer may not walk in the door and write and offer on that particular house, but it doesn't mean that someone who comes to the open house won't end up buying it.

Here's my point:

There are a lot of homes on the market. Many homes in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz and the surrounding areas I work, do not have lockboxes. If you list such a home, there's a lot of work involved in setting up appointments and personally showing properties to buyers and their agents. (Fodder for a later post, no doubt)!

Enter the Sunday (or Saturday, or weekday evening for that matter) open house!

Voila!

• You don't need to make any appointments.

• If there are able and willing agents in your office who'd like to hold your listings open to pick up some buyer, you don't even need to host the open house yourself.

• A lot of buyers can all be "handled" in one fell swoop by having the house open to the public.

• For every agent and buyer that attends the open house, that's one less appointment you'll need to schedule.

How is that for saving yourself time and energy?

Personally, I work with a lot of buyers. It's terrific when I can tell my clients "the house will be open on Sunday from 2-5- let's go take a look at it then". There's less work for both agents. I don't need to call the listing agent for an appointment, the listing agent doesn't have to call the seller to check their schedule, and the seller doesn't have to constantly pick up and leave the house for buyer visits without a lot of notice. That's not just a win-win, that's a win-win-win!

Another huge plus for us as agents- We can only see so many houses on broker's caravan and some listings are not even open on broker's caravan. If you want to stay on top of your game and be an expert in your area, you must know the inventory. Visiting open houses on the weekend affords you this opportunity. I will see houses even if I don't currently "have a buyer" for that particular property.

I need to know what's on the market, see what the house is truly like (virtual tours and online photos can conveniently leave out the "down side" to any property), and be able to accurately compare one house to another to keep my knowledge base current.

Whether you represent buyers or sellers or both, you need to truly know your comparables in order to have a handle on pricing.

Hmm- how did this photo get left out?!

So agents- if you think open houses are a waste of time and not making you any money, think again. There are a lot of agents out there like me. I am going to your open houses, I am sending buyers to your open houses and eventually I am able to SELL these properties BECAUSE of your open houses. It may be three degrees of separation- but when escrow closes, can you honestly say that holding your listing open did not get the house sold for your client and put money in your pocket? Maybe it's time for a new perspective!

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

Silver Lake Condos for less than $500K, $400K, would you believe $300K?

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:20:15 -0500

Silver Lake Condos for less than $500K, $400K, would you believe $300K?!

Units in some of these buildings were selling in excess of $600K just a year ago. If you have been thinking of buying a condo in Silver Lake near the Silver Lake Reservoir or near Sunset Junction or within walking distance to Silver Lake Farmer's Market and Trader Joe's, this could be a great time to buy!

How about a 2-bedroom unit in the contemporary style complex at the corner of Silver Lake Blvd and Glendale Blvd right across the street from Silver Lake's soon-to-be-open new library? This property is just a hop skip and a jump away from the Silver Lake Reservoir Walking Path. It's also close to shopping and restaurants and part of the Ivanhoe Elementary School District.

This complex of 26 live/work loft units was completed in 2005 and currently there is only one unit available. 2395 SILVER LAKE #7. This one is a short sale, but if it's the right unit for you it could certainly be worth waiting for!

If you'd prefer a smaller complex closer to Sunset Blvd., how about nearly 1200 sf in the 4-unit complex at 1425 Silver Lake Blvd.?

This split-level one bedroom can be converted back to its original 2-bedroom layout if that's more you speed. This complex has a large community green space out back for gardening, picnicking or simply hanging out until the Silver Lake Meadow finally opens to the public. Plus it's is just a few blocks from restaurants and shops on Sunset Blvd.

So you like the idea of living in a small 4-unit complex but 1425 Silver Lake is too small and you don't want to live on a busy street? Talk about more space! - How about a 3 bedroom, 3 bath at 3247 Descanso Dr.? Just shy of 2100 square feet, this unit even comes with and attached garage and HOA dues are a mere $300 per month. It's a perfect set up if you're thinking of bringing in a roommate or 2 to help pay the mortgage.

This complex is south of Sunset Blvd. but still just a short walk to Dusty's for breakfast or a bite of Mexican at El Siete Mares.

If you are a big fan of fresh fruits and veggies, how about a place just a short walk from the weekly Silver Lake Farmer's Market and Trader Joe's? There are currently 3 units available in the Cedar Lodge complex at 2018 Griffith Park Blvd., all of which have 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Priced at $439,900, $429,000 and $399,000, the highest priced unit is a bank owed REO while the other two are both regular sales and easy to show. $399K for a unit in this complex is a great buy.

For reasonable HOA dues you get resort style living with subterranean parking, pool, spa and a private park with trails, picnic tables and BBQ pits!

So WHERE is that unit less than $300K I mentioned?

For a real bargain, check out the condos at 2344 and 2354 Fletcher. Across the street from the new Home restaurant on Riverside Dr. and within walking distance to the Silver Lake Reservoir and the new Silver Lake Library, choose from three currently available units.

There's a complete remodeled 4-bedroom for $499,450, an upgraded 3-bedrooms for $429,900 and the cheapest unit in Silver Lake- a bank owned REO 2 bedroom, 2 bath for just 299,990!

Whether you're looking for a house, condo or income property, Silver Lake is a great neighborhood. Search Homes for Sale in Silver Lake now!

For more information on real estate in Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock and surrounding areas, contact Jenny Durling at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

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

THE NEW SILVER LAKE LIBRARY TAKING SHAPE

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:59:23 -0500

New Silver Lake Library Taking Shape and constructions appears to be coming along nicely.

If you've been anywhere near the corner of Glendale and Silver Lake Blvd, no doubt you've seen the progress being made on the new library. A contemporary design of shiny silver and glass, the building designed by M2A Architects has a split level design and subterranean parking.

The designers envision the building as a "Gateway to the Community" and are incorporating the eco-friendly green components that will allow it to earn LEED certification. No doubt the library will be a great addition to the Silver Lake Neighborhood!

If you are up for a book sale, mark your calendar for Saturday, August 1. You can browse and buy books from 10 am - 2 pm catty-corner from the future library at the Citybank Community Center. 2450 Glendale Blvd. at Silver Lake Blvd.

For those library lovers who haven't checked out the Edendale Branch yet, it can certainly fill the void until the new Silver Lake library is completed.

This nice little library was opened in the fall of 2004 so it's pretty new itself. It is located at the corner of Alvarado and Sunset Blvd right at the dividing line of Silver Lake and Echo Park at 2011 Sunset Blvd. Parking is limited but I've never had a problem finding a spot, or getting lost in a good book once inside. There are always events taking place there with class for kids, adults and teens. Especially nice is the free Wifi- and you don't need to buy a $5 coffee to use it!

I think alof of Silver Lake residents are looking forward to opening day when they can stroll around the Silver Lake Reservoir, pick up a book or two and the new library and head on home listing to a pre-reserved book on tape!

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

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

Baller Hardware, A True Silver Lake Gem

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:17:34 -0500

Baller Hardware, A True Silver Lake Gem!

If you live in Silver Lake, Franklin Hills or Los Feliz, you've probably at some point wandered into Baller True Value Hardware Store at the corner of Tracy and Hyperion. If you haven't been there yet- you really need to check it out.

I discovered Baller Hardware when I first moved to Silver Lake in 2001. My husband and I had purchased a fixer-upper just south of the Silver Lake Reservoir and had a lot of work on our hands. How fabulous to find this terrific little hardware store such a short drive from our new abode. Not a fan of big box retailers, I tend to avoid Home Depot and Lowes as much as possible. Baller Hardware is a small town store stocked with the normal stuff you'd expect to find in a hardware store but also a huge variety of the hard to find odds and ends. On top of that the staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable. I've had questions answered about everything from how to rescreen a screen door to which garden spray works best for white flies.

From the trucks I've seen in the small parking lot out front, I think a lot of contractors and local handymen have long discovered this little gem of a shop. There's a sister store across the street on Tracy that sells all things art-supply so if you can't find what you want at one store you can invariably find it at the other. Plus it's nice to have the overflow parking though I don't recall needing it on more than a handful of occasions.

Whether you've just bought a foreclosure or live in a mansion in Moreno Highlands, you'll always need a tool, a nail, gardening supplies or a gadget of some kind. Before you jump in your store and make the trek to Hollywood, stop in at Baller Hardware. It's great to support a local business and it's a heck of a lot stressful to boot!

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

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