Sunday, September 7, 2008MLS#: 08-295475
Sunday, September 7, 2008
336 N. BEACHWOOD DR, LOS ANGELES—$1,099,000
5/1/09 UPDATE: Now listed for $1,049M (still on the market 8 months later) 
Sunday, September 7, 2008
MLS#: 08-295475
Sunday, September 7, 2008MLS#: 08-295475
4427 RADFORD AVE, STUDIO CITY—$899,000
5/1/09 UPDATE: Sold for $842,500 on Oct 16th, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
MLS#: 08-301469
Sunday, September 7, 2008MLS#: 08-301469
3628 DIXIE CANYON, SHERMAN OAKS—$1,095,000
5/1/09 UPDATE: Sold For: $1,050,000 on 12/18/2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
MLS#: 08-306287
Sunday, September 7, 2008MLS#: 08-306287
13970 DAVANA TERRACE, SHERMAN OAKS—$849,000
UPDATE: Sold for $766,000 on Oct 28th, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
MLS#: 08-309371
Sunday, September 7, 2008MLS#: 08-309371
5539 MURIETTA AVE, SHERMAN OAKS—$729,000
5/1/09 UPDATE: Sold for $800,000 on Oct 23rd, 2008. Oh, also the house is in VAN NUYS not Sherman Oaks.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
MLS: 08-309603
This was a strange one. The kitchen? Impeccable. Bedrooms? Impeccable. Bathrooms? Impeccable! Backyard? Eh, just okay. The current owners converted the 2-car garage to an office. WEIRD and awful. The homeless person living in the alleyway on the other side of the property wall isn't exactly a plus. And the liquor store on the corner isn't either.
Sunday, September 7, 2008MLS: 08-309603
This was a strange one. The kitchen? Impeccable. Bedrooms? Impeccable. Bathrooms? Impeccable! Backyard? Eh, just okay. The current owners converted the 2-car garage to an office. WEIRD and awful. The homeless person living in the alleyway on the other side of the property wall isn't exactly a plus. And the liquor store on the corner isn't either.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
1739 DE CAMP DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS—$999,000
UPDATE: The house sold for $776,000 on 02/17/2009.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
MLS#: 08-309693
Oh we had high hopes for this place. But once again, we left completely deflated and disappointed. We're thinking an elderly person had passed away and hadn't updated the house since the war (not the Iraqs, not 'Nam, maybe not even Korean). After the tall flight of stairs to get to the front door (there was a motorized chair along the wall for the past owner), we entered a small living room area. With the window open, we were treated to the loud roar of cars from Benedict Canyon Dr.
Off the living room was a bedroom with a huge walk-in closet with the scariest flickering brightest florescent lights you had ever seen. I couldn't even walk all the way in.
The bathroom off the bedroom had the smell of rank water (we later found out the house has water leak issues).
The kitchen was the size of my fingernail. And the formal living room was a weird wood-paneled semi-circle with windows aligning the top. The view from the windows delighted you with the top of a concrete retainer wall.
There was one flight of stairs up to an additional bedroom that had a faint smell of urine. I believe there was an additional bathroom up there too but I didn't stick around too long to remember one.
The "third bedroom" was supposedly off a separate entrance (maids quarters), but we never found it.
The only good thing going for this was that it came with an additional parcel of land, and the parcel next to that was available for sale too. But I doubt either of these parcels are easy to develop.
Saturday, September 6, 2008MLS#: 08-309693
Oh we had high hopes for this place. But once again, we left completely deflated and disappointed. We're thinking an elderly person had passed away and hadn't updated the house since the war (not the Iraqs, not 'Nam, maybe not even Korean). After the tall flight of stairs to get to the front door (there was a motorized chair along the wall for the past owner), we entered a small living room area. With the window open, we were treated to the loud roar of cars from Benedict Canyon Dr.
Off the living room was a bedroom with a huge walk-in closet with the scariest flickering brightest florescent lights you had ever seen. I couldn't even walk all the way in.
The bathroom off the bedroom had the smell of rank water (we later found out the house has water leak issues).
The kitchen was the size of my fingernail. And the formal living room was a weird wood-paneled semi-circle with windows aligning the top. The view from the windows delighted you with the top of a concrete retainer wall.
There was one flight of stairs up to an additional bedroom that had a faint smell of urine. I believe there was an additional bathroom up there too but I didn't stick around too long to remember one.
The "third bedroom" was supposedly off a separate entrance (maids quarters), but we never found it.
The only good thing going for this was that it came with an additional parcel of land, and the parcel next to that was available for sale too. But I doubt either of these parcels are easy to develop.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
3584 WOODCLIFF ROAD, SHERMAN OAKS—$1,195,000
UPDATE: Price reduced to: $1,149,000
Sunday, August 24, 2008
We stumbled upon this 3 bed/2 bath, 2,166 sq. ft. open house by accident, just driving up Woodcliff Road. We weren't expecting much as the house was very ordinary looking from the front. Upon entering, we were pleasantly surprised. The broker insisted on leading us around the house. He went into minute detail about the kitchen cabinets ("All custom built by the owner! You won't find details like this anywhere else!") then led us out the side door to show off the dog run and his barking dog, then led us inside to the powder room/laundry area. The kitchen was actually very nice. However, I feel like I would be paying for this guy's cabinet handy work.
Next we were led into the guest bathroom — my dream bathroom. Two sinks, white tile on the walls, separate modern tub, walk in shower...I was at home. The bedrooms were nice. Can't remember anything about them, honestly.
The broker then went into detail describing how the owner had no intention of moving out, except now he wants to...but he hasn't finished upgrading the house.
"See, if you look at the molding on the ceiling and the floor here, it isn't carried through, but it can be. Same with the master bathroom. For $30,000, you can have this bathroom look just like the other bathroom.") I guess the owner could pass on the name of the contractor that he used.
The living room and eating areas were very nice. Broker Man led us outside to the deck and pool, which were again, lovely. "Look up at the ceiling here on the deck. See the, what's it called, tongue and groove woodwork? It's all hand done!"
Overall, if the house were cheaper, we might consider it.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
We stumbled upon this 3 bed/2 bath, 2,166 sq. ft. open house by accident, just driving up Woodcliff Road. We weren't expecting much as the house was very ordinary looking from the front. Upon entering, we were pleasantly surprised. The broker insisted on leading us around the house. He went into minute detail about the kitchen cabinets ("All custom built by the owner! You won't find details like this anywhere else!") then led us out the side door to show off the dog run and his barking dog, then led us inside to the powder room/laundry area. The kitchen was actually very nice. However, I feel like I would be paying for this guy's cabinet handy work.
Next we were led into the guest bathroom — my dream bathroom. Two sinks, white tile on the walls, separate modern tub, walk in shower...I was at home. The bedrooms were nice. Can't remember anything about them, honestly.
The broker then went into detail describing how the owner had no intention of moving out, except now he wants to...but he hasn't finished upgrading the house.
"See, if you look at the molding on the ceiling and the floor here, it isn't carried through, but it can be. Same with the master bathroom. For $30,000, you can have this bathroom look just like the other bathroom.") I guess the owner could pass on the name of the contractor that he used.
The living room and eating areas were very nice. Broker Man led us outside to the deck and pool, which were again, lovely. "Look up at the ceiling here on the deck. See the, what's it called, tongue and groove woodwork? It's all hand done!"
Overall, if the house were cheaper, we might consider it.
1760 ALTA CREST DRIVE, ALTADENA—$979,000
5/1/09 UPDATE: Sold for $899,000 on Oct 16th, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
MLS # 08-303879
This 3 bed/2 bath, 1,816 sq. ft. house was actually very nice. Right up my modern-house-already-done-alley. It had a wide open floor plan with dark wood floors and a fabulous kitchen (more on the kitchen in a second). It was decorated (sigh...staged) perfectly, not too much or too little, to show off the architectural look of the house.
Now about that kitchen. From the photos that I saw on the Internet, hovering above the stove/oven/range/whatever you want to call it looked to be some sort of glowing orb. I was fascinated and HAD to know what it was. Was it the sun? The soul of Julia Child? The moment came when I walked up to it! ...and it was just a boring round serving dish perfectly situated under a lamp. Such a let down.
We were just about done with the house when I noticed a garage in the back of the house, yet no driveway around it. Because the Feng Shui Master of a real estate agent made us take of our shoes when we entered the house, I practically burned my feet to a crisp just trying to get out there. Feng Shui Master called it a "guest house", I call it a concrete floor garage with a futon laying in the middle of it. To each his own I guess. The old driveway, before the owners let the weeds grow, used to wrap from around the side of the house and through the middle of the backyard. The garage was located on the opposite side where the driveway was. Weird. What a way to waste yard space.
My favorite part of the house was the two sinks in the master bathroom. EVERY HOUSE should have two sinks in the master bathroom. Such a simple yet often overlooked concept.
This house became a turning point for us. We realized we can't live in Altadena because it was too hot. So much for that one day idea that lasted only two open houses. Back to looking more on the westside/Sherman Oaks area.
Sunday, August 24, 2008 MLS # 08-303879
This 3 bed/2 bath, 1,816 sq. ft. house was actually very nice. Right up my modern-house-already-done-alley. It had a wide open floor plan with dark wood floors and a fabulous kitchen (more on the kitchen in a second). It was decorated (sigh...staged) perfectly, not too much or too little, to show off the architectural look of the house.
Now about that kitchen. From the photos that I saw on the Internet, hovering above the stove/oven/range/whatever you want to call it looked to be some sort of glowing orb. I was fascinated and HAD to know what it was. Was it the sun? The soul of Julia Child? The moment came when I walked up to it! ...and it was just a boring round serving dish perfectly situated under a lamp. Such a let down.
We were just about done with the house when I noticed a garage in the back of the house, yet no driveway around it. Because the Feng Shui Master of a real estate agent made us take of our shoes when we entered the house, I practically burned my feet to a crisp just trying to get out there. Feng Shui Master called it a "guest house", I call it a concrete floor garage with a futon laying in the middle of it. To each his own I guess. The old driveway, before the owners let the weeds grow, used to wrap from around the side of the house and through the middle of the backyard. The garage was located on the opposite side where the driveway was. Weird. What a way to waste yard space.
My favorite part of the house was the two sinks in the master bathroom. EVERY HOUSE should have two sinks in the master bathroom. Such a simple yet often overlooked concept.
This house became a turning point for us. We realized we can't live in Altadena because it was too hot. So much for that one day idea that lasted only two open houses. Back to looking more on the westside/Sherman Oaks area.
1965 E. ALTADENA DRIVE, ALTADENA—$1,150,000
Sunday, August 24, 2008Last weekend we visited friends up in Mill Valley, CA...and we fell in love. We realized we can't find a house we like because we're living in the wrong city. But because we both have jobs in LA it makes it kind of hard to pick up and leave, so we have to stay put for now. We tried to think of towns around LA that were most similar to Mill Valley's woodsy feel and came up with Altadena. Now, we've considered Altadena before, but never went to an open house until today. We thought we'd see something big, something that we couldn't afford (don't ask me why because I don't know). This was our first of two open houses in Altadena that day.
This "Beautiful Altadena Spanish Charmer," 3 bed/4 bath, 2,376 sq. ft. house was a real... home. A home that one would find in the midwest, with both parents playing with their 2.5 kids in the front yard on the tire swing and throwing water balloons. It had the traditional kitchen, small dining room, lovely living room that was separate from the TV room. The downstairs powder room was darling. Upstairs we found the bedrooms, although the master didn't have it's own bath, and was small.
For the perfect midwestern house that I had built up in my mind, the backyard was disappointing. Too small for my tastes (maybe that's why the family I pictured was playing in the front yard). In the backyard there was a guest house that looked like a motel room. Standard motel chair, drapes, carpet, TV, kitchenette and bathroom. Nice, but decor was definitely random. My mother would love to have her own space like this when visiting (but she'd redecorate).
My favorite part was one of the bedrooms. I affectionately called it the train room. It obviously belonged to a train-loving kid and had train stuff everywhere. So cute. I think I saw his name spelled out somewhere. Tommy. Tommy the train kid.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
3401 WOODCLIFF RD., SHERMAN OAKS—$899,000
5/1/09 UPDATE: Sold for $795,500 on Oct 3rd, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008 & Sunday, August 24, 2008.
MLS#: 08-289715
This is a 4 bed/3 bath home that hasn't met the 21st century. Hasn't even met the 1970s. It's somewhere stuck in 1950-1969 and needs a complete makeover. For that price I think at least SOMETHING should be finished. The kitchen is the size of a postage stamp, there is wall to wall carpeting everywhere, the backyard is small, the kitchen window looks onto the neighbor's satellite dish, and the bedrooms aren't the largest I've seen. Granted, older people had been living there a LONG time and had never updated it, but c'mon, $899k? Seriously?
The only thing going for it is that it's in the good Roscomare Elem. School district and at the top (hopefully quiet) end of a somewhat busy thoroughfare road.
The realtor/sellers aren't showing any interior photos. Now you know why.
Sunday, July 20, 2008 & Sunday, August 24, 2008.MLS#: 08-289715
This is a 4 bed/3 bath home that hasn't met the 21st century. Hasn't even met the 1970s. It's somewhere stuck in 1950-1969 and needs a complete makeover. For that price I think at least SOMETHING should be finished. The kitchen is the size of a postage stamp, there is wall to wall carpeting everywhere, the backyard is small, the kitchen window looks onto the neighbor's satellite dish, and the bedrooms aren't the largest I've seen. Granted, older people had been living there a LONG time and had never updated it, but c'mon, $899k? Seriously?
The only thing going for it is that it's in the good Roscomare Elem. School district and at the top (hopefully quiet) end of a somewhat busy thoroughfare road.
The realtor/sellers aren't showing any interior photos. Now you know why.
3754 SCADLOCK LN., SHERMAN OAKS—$869,000
5/1/09 UPDATE: Sold for $1,015,000 on Sep 11th, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Update: We were right! The house WAS snatched up quickly. It sold shortly after we saw it. Sales price TBA. I hope the new owners do something nice with it.
MLS#: 08-296899
This 3 bed/2 bath large (2,182 square ft!) 1958 relic can be an absolute stunner with the right updates, the right decorator's eye, and a fat pocketbook. It's a complete re-do but the backyard and views (ahh...the views) make it worth the work. I see this redone as a modern, sleek show-piece house that can be featured in architectural magazines. The Dr. Seuss book that comes to mind is "Oh the places you'll go!"
As you can see from the photos, I wasn't lying about it needing some love and attention. The kitchen (not surprisingly no photo available) was downright frightening.
For the potential, the yad, and the view, we think it's well priced and that it'll be snatched up quickly.
Sunday, July 20, 2008Update: We were right! The house WAS snatched up quickly. It sold shortly after we saw it. Sales price TBA. I hope the new owners do something nice with it.
MLS#: 08-296899
This 3 bed/2 bath large (2,182 square ft!) 1958 relic can be an absolute stunner with the right updates, the right decorator's eye, and a fat pocketbook. It's a complete re-do but the backyard and views (ahh...the views) make it worth the work. I see this redone as a modern, sleek show-piece house that can be featured in architectural magazines. The Dr. Seuss book that comes to mind is "Oh the places you'll go!"
As you can see from the photos, I wasn't lying about it needing some love and attention. The kitchen (not surprisingly no photo available) was downright frightening.
For the potential, the yad, and the view, we think it's well priced and that it'll be snatched up quickly.
2327 CANYON DR., LOS ANGELES 90068—$999,000
5/1/09 UPDATE: Sold for $865,000 on Oct 1st, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Update: (09/06/08) According to MLS, "Looking for Backup."
Price history:
$999,000
$899,000 (7/23/08)
$879,000 (8/28/08)
MLS#: 08-295807
I'm sorry to say, we walked out of this 3 bed/2 bath crumb-sized house laughing, thinking "Good luck." At $999k?! It's 1500 sq. ft. -- our current apartment is around that size! Nothing's been updated, the sellers couldn't be bothered to put away their clutter, and it's on Canyon Drive, a main thoroughfare street to Franklin. The house didn't show well, let's just say that.
The main photo they're using on the housing websites (second photo here) is actually the back of the house. The front of the house (first photo here) makes the house look small and unimpressive. I'd love to show you some interior photos, but alas, none are available. Hmm...why could that be?
Whomever in the realty office that was in charge of increasing the garden green color saturation on the photos in Photoshop...Bravo! (golf claps...)
Sunday, July 20, 2008Update: (09/06/08) According to MLS, "Looking for Backup."
Price history:
$999,000
$899,000 (7/23/08)
$879,000 (8/28/08)
MLS#: 08-295807
I'm sorry to say, we walked out of this 3 bed/2 bath crumb-sized house laughing, thinking "Good luck." At $999k?! It's 1500 sq. ft. -- our current apartment is around that size! Nothing's been updated, the sellers couldn't be bothered to put away their clutter, and it's on Canyon Drive, a main thoroughfare street to Franklin. The house didn't show well, let's just say that.
The main photo they're using on the housing websites (second photo here) is actually the back of the house. The front of the house (first photo here) makes the house look small and unimpressive. I'd love to show you some interior photos, but alas, none are available. Hmm...why could that be?
Whomever in the realty office that was in charge of increasing the garden green color saturation on the photos in Photoshop...Bravo! (golf claps...)
5783 FOOTHILL DR., LOS ANGELES 90068—$989,000
5/1/09 UPDATE: Sold for $960,000 on Oct 2nd, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Update: Sold! Sales price TBA.
MLS#: 08-274983
This 2 bed/2 bath 1,680 sq. ft. house was recommended for us to see by our realtor. After we climbed the numerous stairs to get to the front door, we saw immediately saw that it was decorated (ahem, staged) very nicely. The kitchen had been updated and not too over the top (but I'm SO BORED of granite counter tops — enough already). The orange chairs around the kitchen table were a smart burst of color, but unfortunately don't come with the house.
The living room, complete with a fireplace, was spacious. It had three tall windows (in the far end of the photo) that let it lovely sunlight. But since this house is on a corner, the window overlooks the next street, and it's RIGHT on the street. A car passing by can easily throw an In & Out cup at the window and make a lovely splash pattern on your window. (damn kids...)
The bedrooms looked so inviting that I wanted to curl up and take a nap. So simple and homey, I imagined my great aunt in Iowa awaking me from slumber with freshly baked cookies. The bathrooms were lovely. Whomever updated the house did a nice job. But for a 2/2, with no dining room, a tile happy, small backyard, we felt the asking price was steep.
Sunday, July 20, 2008Update: Sold! Sales price TBA.
MLS#: 08-274983
This 2 bed/2 bath 1,680 sq. ft. house was recommended for us to see by our realtor. After we climbed the numerous stairs to get to the front door, we saw immediately saw that it was decorated (ahem, staged) very nicely. The kitchen had been updated and not too over the top (but I'm SO BORED of granite counter tops — enough already). The orange chairs around the kitchen table were a smart burst of color, but unfortunately don't come with the house.
The living room, complete with a fireplace, was spacious. It had three tall windows (in the far end of the photo) that let it lovely sunlight. But since this house is on a corner, the window overlooks the next street, and it's RIGHT on the street. A car passing by can easily throw an In & Out cup at the window and make a lovely splash pattern on your window. (damn kids...)
The bedrooms looked so inviting that I wanted to curl up and take a nap. So simple and homey, I imagined my great aunt in Iowa awaking me from slumber with freshly baked cookies. The bathrooms were lovely. Whomever updated the house did a nice job. But for a 2/2, with no dining room, a tile happy, small backyard, we felt the asking price was steep.
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