by charlotterose on August 19, 2009
With all the news media reports on real estate and economy going up, down, sideways, who can really tell what’s going on? One thing for sure is that hear in Los Angeles the buyers are out in force, all hunting for that one amazing deal. The economy can’t be all that bad because in my experience there really are not many great deals out there. The prices are down from 2 years ago and set accordingly, though you will never see prices jump back to 12 years ago. It’s just not reality. Once in a rare while a “deal” will come up, though it’s usually too good to be true and the real issue is that everyone finds out about it and then it goes into multiple offers, thus becoming possible over priced in the end.
The point is that just about everything right now is priced well and if you can, buy something NOW! Even if it’s a small condo. Of course multi-unit buildings are where you can start bringing in passive income and much more upside potential, though buy what you can afford and manage. Loan rates are still extremely low. Plus tax credits help out first timers as well. Take advantage of this down cycle and invest in your future, because in a few years time you will be priced right out of the market.
by charlotterose on July 14, 2009
I thought someone was joking with me the other day when they were asking me about some new condos in Marina Del Rey for $300,000. After a little investigation, I found out what they were all about. They are offered in a brand new building in the Marina Loft District. The building is very large with an oversized courtyard with plenty of patio space, bbq area, pool area and all right next to shopping, restaurants, movies, coffee. They are not yet open for the public though I previewed them today. Nice, clean and simple. Lots of light in every unit. Some of the penthouses even have outdoor fireplaces, Sweeeet! Lots of different floorplans to choose from and they all have fully outfitted modern kitchens, baths and stacked laundry units. The catch though is that there are only a couple of studio units offered in the $300,000 range, though many in the $400,000 range which are a much better deal as they have more space and separate bedroom areas. The penthouses are of course more, around $700,000+ These are superb condos for someone that may be on a budget or looking for an investment as the value for the money is excellent. These condos are opening up to the public this weekend (July 18). If you want to see them sooner they are allowing a limited number of preview showings so just give me (Charlotte Rose) a ring at 310.339.7772
by charlotterose on July 9, 2009
On a recent search for apartments that take large dogs (50lbs and up) I hunted through areas from Playa Vista on out to Studio City and everywhere in between. Owning a large dog can be difficult if you are looking for a place to live. I found that depending on your budget really determines on how much you will find that is dog friendly at all. Of course the higher priced units, mostly $4000 and up seemed to be much more dog friendly than lesser priced units. I focused on clients looking for 1 – 2 bedroom units under $2500 per month and it is not easy. Craigslist is the best web source for finding things, though the way to find the really great places is to drive or walk around neighborhoods you like. The signs are up on the buildings everywhere. Just give them a call.
1. The Grove/West Hollywood/Hollywood – Many smaller historic buildings with tons of charm. Some willing to negotiate on terms and prices. The best I found were buildings managed by EZ Properties. This area is #1 on my list.
2. Studio City – “Studio 4041″ Right at Ventura and Laurel Canyon. Brand new buildings. Apartments have gourmet kitchens and laundry in the unit. The sales office even has a water bowl and cookies for your pooch.
3. Brentwood – Across from Brentwood Dog Park is Brentwood Villas and they are a little pricey yet nice. Over by the 405 and N. of Sunset are several older buildings from the 60s and may lack some charm but have great access to the freeway.
4. Venice – Harder to find a place but can be done. Some small buildings or duplexes are willing to negotiate with an extra deposit or fee.
5. Mar Vista – You may get lucky and find a guest house here that will allow dogs. If you are on a real budget and looking for something under $1500 per month there is one part of Mar Vista between Venice Blvd. and Washington Blvd. just West of Centinella with a fair amount of apartment buildings that allow dogs. You may want to check out this area for safety concerns, as well as with any place you move to.
I also looked in Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Playa Vista, West L.A., Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Encino, Hollywood Hills, & Los Feliz. All those areas have some units that allow small dogs (20lb. and under) though nothing for larger dogs that I could find. Just one hitch though even with a big dog, these days many buildings have breed restrictions so if your dog is mixed with anything, please state so when talking with the leasing manager. If you don’t have a dog yet, please adopt a mutt, as they are much easier to find an apartment with. The best place to adopt is at Forte Animal Rescue – www.FaRescue.org
Best of luck finding your next home and if you have any questions or need more help please call me (Charlotte) at 310.339.7772
by charlotterose on June 15, 2009
Lately there are so many places for rent out there, it seems like a veritable sea of what should be very competitive and reasonable choices out there. Well, there are some amazing rental deals out there in certain price points. Just 2 months ago brand new ocean front lofts in Venice were renting for $12,500 and now are only $9,500 per month. There are also some great deals in the $4000 – $5000 range for architectural lofts and homes on the Westside. That’s great if you have the means to afford a high end lease, though those rental payments could be mortgage payments on something one could actually own. Hmmm?
Now here’s where it gets a little tricky. It seems that because of all the foreclosures in Southern California that there are also a lot more people looking to lease smaller less expensive units, now that they don’t own a home anymore. Families are really downsizing their homes into tiny apartments. So what I am seeing, is landlords taking a bit of an advantage on this with smaller units around. The average 1 bedroom apartment on the Westside and even on out through Hollywood and Studio City is going for almost $2000 per month. Also monthly fees are tacked on for everything from parking to pets. Is it fair that they are doing this? It makes it just about impossible for a single person with an average job able to attain decent living arrangements. Most landlords want to see the tenant making at least 3 times salary, the cost of their apartment. So a person leasing a $2000 apartment must make at least $72,000 per year. Someone making $72,000 per year usually has some savings and could/would want to purchase a home rather than lease. What are all the people doing that don’t make that much money and are forced to rent where they can’t afford to? These are not poor people I am talking about. These are hardworking young people with good jobs in the tech biz, movie industry, fire fighters, professors, etc. Where are they all going to go?
by charlotterose on June 12, 2009
Imagine living on the beach in Venice in the ultimate modern loft. These brand new lofts are around 3,000 sf with every detail thought of, including 20′ ceilings, state-of-the-art gourmet euro kitchens, frosted glass walls, Sacks tile, bamboo flooring, and tons of light. The units feature full ocean views from all levels, walls of glass that slide open, large balcony and a massive roof deck. These ultimate luxury pads are set up for living and playing to its fullest. Check them out this Sunday (June 14) from 2 – 5pm. 619 Ocean Front Walk
“Thornton Lofts”
Available for lease at $9,500 per month
or for sale at $3,450,000
Contact Charlotte Rose at Coldwell Banker for more information – 310.339.7772
