Los Angeles' Great Climate With all of the recent rain here in Los Angeles, I became curious and wanted to see what kind of rainfall we traditionally get here. I'm so used to the absence of rain, so living through these downpours made me think about our climate, what kind of rainfall we get, how much sun and ultimately how this may affect people's desire to live here. The chart below offers a look at monthly precipitation averages as well as our … [Read more...]
Sometimes it's best to be patient. After several years of looking for the “right home” and making unsuccessful offers on more than a few that were shy of ideal, my clients not only found perfection, but prevailed in a multiple offer purchase. The home is a sophisticated contemporary with high end finishes and intelligently detailed in ways few homes are. Some additional work, mostly landscaping and exterior siding remains to be completed which … [Read more...]
WHAT IS AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) AND HOW CAN YOU BENEFIT BY THIS NEW LAW? An Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU is what many call a Granny Unit, a separate residence on a lot that has a single family home and another separate unit that provides the living amenities of a kitchen and a bathroom that can have a legal shower. For years many property owners in Los Angeles and elsewhere have converted their garages into ADU’s and in many cases … [Read more...]
It was right after a particularly invigorating yoga class that my instructor and good friend, Jerome Mercier pulled me aside to say that he and his wife, Cyndra were ready to purchase their first home. Both Jerome and his wife work on the Westside so the search area was defined and with a limited budget and small down payment, my work was cut out for me. Sometimes, however, the angels of opportunity are hovering near by and this was one such … [Read more...]
As a real estate professional I have found the range of service that I am able to provide my clients to be invaluable. So often people are under the impression that the nature of our business, that of being a real estate professional, is just to help people purchase and sell local real estate. In fact, it’s the range of service that I am able to offer that truly makes a difference, not only to them but also to me. From a recommended handyman, … [Read more...]
I thought I would deviate from my general real estate topics and write about a real estate matter that is close to home: saving NOHO Arts Park in the NOHO (North Hollywood) Arts District. Years ago my father and mother owned and operated a successful women’s fashion store in North Hollywood. They opened the retail store together back in the early 1950’s. As the business matured so did their tastes and the store's offerings, the business … [Read more...]
Exquisite brand new East Coast Traditional dream home exhibiting the finest quality craftsmanship and finishes while blending traditional elements with a contemporary expression. The high ceilings and wide hallways provide a great sense of scale and light throughout. An exceptional cook’s kitchen is open to the adjoining family room and covered logia all facing a spacious and private rear yard. The 5 bedrooms are all en suite and include a lavish … [Read more...]
If you've never tried a Rainier cherry, you're truly missing out. It's actually a cross between two types of cherries - the Bing and Van. It was developed in 1952 at Washington State University and named after Mount Rainier. You'll pay premium prices for Rainier cherries, but they are well worth it - they are fleshy and sweet; low acid with a caramel-like finish. Rainier cherries are easily found at farmers' markets - like the Mar Vista … [Read more...]
One of my favorite times of the week is Saturday morning. After my morning yoga practice and a nice breakfast at home with my wife, I love to venture out to the garden to see what’s new. This morning the sun was shining, and the leaves were pulsating in the morning breeze. I venture out with my pruning shears and long fillet knife prepared to cut a few fresh zucchinis, some fresh kale, or do some needed trimming. As you can see from the … [Read more...]
Many of you know my feelings on mansionization - I initially introduced the issue on my blog in November of last year, and I wrote a follow up article this past April. Recently a friend of mine, Sara Nichols, wrote an appeal that I want to share with you. It seems some laws and regulations were indeed compromised to make allowances for the developer to build in one of Brentwood's most picturesque neighborhoods. Sullivan Canyon is a wonderful … [Read more...]
