Echo Park Craftsman 2-On-A-Lot

SOLD!  Multiple Offers, Over Asking, Tenants in Place

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2310-2312 Echo Park Avenue
Listed at $1,210,000

We are pleased to present the spectacular Kellogg House.  This gorgeous 1913 Craftsman is a nicely separated two-on-a-lot duplex and once home to local area civic artist, notable for many significant public projects in and around the Southern California, including the mural at the corner of Sunset and Echo Park Blvd.  Great location near the top of Echo Park Avenue that offers the comforts of a residential neighborhood but still within walking distance to The Fix, Valerie Confections and Chango or hop on the Echo Park Dash for a short ride down to cafes and shops on Sunset Blvd. and beyond.

Many possibilities for this property!  Live in the front while using the back as an office/studio space; live in the front while renting out the back either full-time or part-time; or leave both units as rentals.  Both units are currently tenant-occupied.  The 8756 sq ft. lot is zoned LARD3, is not located in an HPOZ zone and could potentially be redeveloped.  A fantastic property, whether you imagine relaxing on the sprawling front porch or want to add a property to your portfolio with great upside potential.

2312 Echo Park Avenue (Front House):

Walk thru this home now:  2312 3-D Video Tour

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Twice featured on the Echo Park Historical Society’s home tours and noted in its 2004 brochure for being the most complete intact craftsman example on tour, the 2-story, 4 bedroom  1-1/2 bath front house is a showcase of the period with original moldings and built-in cabinetry, original fireplace, original leaded glass windows and original fixtures.  The rare narrow-cut oak hardwood floors have been restored.  Features of the home were also published in the book Inside the Bungalow.  The home also features a formal dining room, study, breakfast room with original mural, two upstairs balconies with canyon and city lights views and a spacious, covered wrap-around porch.  The front unit has its own interior laundry and separate 2-car garage which could be an efficient remodel opportunity for either home.

2310 Echo Park Avenue (Back House):

Walk thru this home now:  2310 3-D Video Tour

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The back house is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath unit above its own over-sized 1-car garage, storage/laundry area. Set comfortably back from the main home, it has its own tree covered patio/outdoor space, creating a lovely private oasis whether for a tenant or as an additional office/studio space separated from the main house.

Contact Dorian Newberry at (424) 777-5280 to schedule a showing or get more details.

West Hollywood Lease 1+1

West Hollywood – Norma Triangle Lease
1 bedroom, 1 bath
$2,400 unfurnished, $2,500 furnished

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Conveniently located 1 block east of Doheny, halfway between Sunset Strip and Santa Monica Boulevard in the highly sought-after Norma Triangle!

Completely remodeled with hardwood flooring throughout. Modern kitchen includes granite counter tops, upgraded cabinetry, a new refrigerator and stove, microwave, dishwasher, disposal. Furnishings include new dining room table & chairs, new living room furniture complete with LG flat screen television, new bedroom furniture with queen-size bed. Finishes also include double entry doors, 9′ ceilings, dimmer lighting, central heating/cooling, screened windows/doors, ample closets. One underground parking stall with elevator access, laundry facilities with ample street parking. Monthly lease includes AT&T U-verse internet and basic cable services (telephone service not included), one guest parking tag for overnight street parking, hot/cold water and gas. Electricity paid by tenant.

Contact Dorian Newberry at (424) 777-5280 to schedule a showing or get more details.

Highland Park 3 bd 2 ba Open House Sunday, 6/29 1-4 pm

4801 Sonata Lane, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Listed at: $749,000

 

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Open House: Sunday, 6/29 from 1-4 pm

Looking for that warm, inviting home with contemporary yet classically modern, stylish flair? Want an open floor plan with high ceilings and the feeling of an artist loft but in a great neighborhood environment with views?  Then this just might be the place you’ve been waiting to call home.  Stop by our open house at 4801 Sonata Lane in Highland Park on Sunday, 6/29 from 1-4 pm and come see for yourself!  Light, bright and airy, this 3 bed, 2 bath home has been wonderfully rehabbed with beautiful hardwood floors and tasteful fixtures and finishes. The living room, dining room and master suite all open onto the large deck, creating great indoor/outdoor flow with lots of space to enjoy the mountain views while dining al fresco under the stars, perfect whether you’e entertaining friends and family or enjoying more intimate gatherings.  Other amenities include central heat and air, a large fireplace in the living room, 2-car garage and a big driveway.

Can’t make the open house, just call either Dorian at (424) 777-5280 or Karen at (323) 793-3868 to arrange a private showing.

Listing by:  Ken Shapiro of Silverwood Properties

 

 

Eagle Rock Mid-Century 3 bd, 3 ba Open House Sunday, 2/9 1-4 pm

4307 Mont Eagle Place
3 bedroom, 3 bath
Listed at $729,000

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Open House Sunday, February 9th from 1-4 pm

This wonderful turn-key Mid-Century Modern 3 bedroom, 3 bath home has been tastefully brought into the 21st Century by the highly prolific Northeast L.A. Developers, Gobi, LLC.  Situated in a great location in Eagle Rock — recently named the second hottest neighborhood in the country — the open floor plan of the downstairs space is desirable for today’s modern living and entertaining and includes a living room with fireplace, a formal dining room, nice kitchen and powder room that flows out to a large backyard with canyon and mountain views. All 3 bedrooms are upstairs, including a large master suite with a very spacious walk-in closet.  Additional amenities include central heat and air.  Come see this lovely home on Sunday!

Listing courtesy of:  Ken Shapiro, Silverwood Properties

Silver Lake Bungalow 2bd 2ba Open House Sunday

3463 Descanso Dr
2 bedroom, 2 bath
Listed at $599,000

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Open House Sunday, January 26th from 1-4 pm

This charming 2 bed 2 bath California bungalow has fantastic views across the city all the way to the ocean and Catalina Island.  Amenities here include hand-scraped Maple hardwood floors, central heat/air, large kitchen and a semi-enclosed deck/porch, perfect for al fresco dining with friends or quiet evening at home.  This home also has two additional bonus spaces — not included in the square footage — the first is an attic that has been completely built out at normal ceiling height and the second is a basement studio/office space with separate entrance (built with permits).  While there is no garage or off-street parking, there is plenty of street parking available directly in front of the house.  All this for under $600K in the heart of Silver Lake!  This would be a great starter home or, as a single-family residence not subject to rent control, would also make a nice investment property.

Call this place home and you’ll be just up the hill from Sunset Triangle Plaza, within walking distance to all the action on Sunset Boulevard! The Plaza is home to Silver Lake’s twice-weekly Farmers Market and summertime outdoor movies presented by Silver Lake Picture Show.  Mosey down the Boulevard to eat at cafes and restaurants such as Madame Matisse, Millie’s, Food Lab, Diablo Taco, Alegria, Flore, Forage, The Casbah, Pazzo Gelato, Berlin Currywurst and Cliff’s Edge.  Stop in to the unique and eclectic shops such as Bucks & Does, Dustmuffin, Hemingway & Pickett, Livingroom, Matrushka Construction and Bar Keeper.  Enjoy libations, music and dancing at watering holes and night spots such as Thirsty Crow, Black Cat, Silverlake Lounge and Los Globos.

Stop by on Sunday, January 26th and we can talk about how we can help you get into this great property!  Can’t make the open house, call Dorian at (424) 777-5280 or Karen at (323) 793-3868 and we’ll arrange a private showing for you.

Listing courtesy of:  Ken Shapiro, Silverwood Properties

Virgil Village Walkabout

Sqirl

Justin Warwick

Twig & Twine

What’s not to like about what is happening in Virgil Village??  Located on the border of Silver Lake and East Hollywood, this tiny area along Virgil Avenue is on it’s way to becoming the next hot neighborhood to hang out in.

The pioneer and anchor business that brings people in by droves is SQIRL. Go to Breakfast or lunch at SQIRL!  The service is top shelf for an eatery that has a “stand in line and order” set up and is genuinely friendly even when there are long lines.  The food is AHHHHMAZING, elevating the seemingly simple to sublime!  Everything is made from scratch and while Jessica’s wonderful jams and preserves are certainly featured, other items on the menu equally as delicious. The fresh complex flavors of the food will make your heart sing…. try the tomato jam sandwich !!

After you are full with the delights of SQIRL, wander next door to Lou Amdur’s new store LOU PROVISIONS & WINE.  He has a great collection of organic, biodynamically farmed and/or naturally produced wines that are unique as well as affordable, with many bottles under $20 and nothing over $30.  He also carries interesting provisions such as uniquely produced pastas and other accouterments that will pair well with your liquid libations.

Don’t forget to wander in to JUSTIN WARWICK for some unique and wonderful home goods, decorative accessories as well as vintage clothing. You may find something for that perfect gift, or that special item that you have been looking for everywhere! Then stop in to TWIG & TWINE a gorgeous little floral shop and so much more. The owner Heather Williams not only offers her expertise on flowers but also has a unique selection of hand-picked gifts and other lovely treasures.

Beachwood Canyon Condo 2 bd 3 ba Open House Sunday

1951 N. Beachwood Drive #103
2 bedroom, 3 bath
Listed at $569,000

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Open House: Sunday, January 12th from 1-4 pm

Live the SoCal sun-and-fun dream within the shadow of the Hollywood Sign in this newer construction 2 bedroom 3 bath Beachwood Canyon condo with low HOA dues ($285/mo.).  Classic finishes make this unit move-in ready or put your own stamp on it without breaking the bank.  Impress your family and friends with “easy flow-easy go” entertaining afforded by the open floor plan and plenty of complex guest parking.  Other amenities include an inviting fireplace, hardwood floors, each bedroom is en suite with a large walk-in closet in the master suite, in-unit laundry room, a small private courtyard, and 2 tandem, secure parking spaces.  This unit puts you in a great centralized location with close access to the 101 freeway for commuting to Downtown or the Valley.  Walk to great shops and cafes on Franklin Avenue (Bourgeois Pig, Oaks Gourmet Market, Papilles, 101 Coffee Shop, Gelson’s, etc. ) or make a short commute by car or Hollywood Dash/Metro to Hollywood for nightlife and entertainment (the Hollywood Bowl, the Palladium and the Pantages, etc.) or to the trendy Eastside neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Echo Park.

Come and see us on Sunday between 1-4 pm and we’ll help you turn this dream unit into your new reality!  For more information about this property, call Dorian at (424) 777-5280 or Karen at (323) 793-3868.

Listing courtesy of: Ken Shapiro, Silverwood Properties

Glendale Mid-Century Classic 3 bedroom, 3 bath Home

2926 Graceland Way, Glendale
3 bd, 3 ba
Priced at: $829,000

Open Houses:

Saturday, September 7 from 1-4 pm
Sunday, September 8 from 2-5 pm

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If you have a taste for the “Retro”, this may be what you are looking for, a little trip to Graceland! This multi-level “Swanky” home — located in the Glendale area of Chevy Chase Country Club Estates — has some amazing bones! The 3 bed, 3 bath will remind you how great 1965 really was. Huge gourmet kitchen with professional-grade Wolf ovens, Salamander-style broiler, and Gaco cooktops. Formal dining room, and sit-down booth seating in the kitchen. Full downstairs family room /bar area would serve to entertain a great party as the space opens on to a generous sized deck. Climate-controlled wine storage adjacent to bar, and a built out craft room for all of your projects. The smaller exterior deck boasts a spa with a spacious dry sauna. Terraced yard with gorgeous mature fruit trees, and lower maintenance landscaping lead down to the dry creek at the bottom. Two-car garage with a level entry. Keep this house in its retro glory, or upgrade with your own more modern tastes. Either way…. Don’t Miss It!

Can’t make the open house? Call Karen at (323) 793-3868 or Dorian at (424) 777-5280 to schedule a private showing!

Listing courtesy of: Jimmy Bayan, Keller Williams Beverly Hills

Highland Park Income Property, Open Sunday from 2-5pm

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Open House: Sunday, September 1st from 2-5pm

215 S Avenue 58
Highland Park, CA 90042

Asking Price:  $499,000

215 S Avenue 58 is a fantastic and nicely renovated Highland Park Duplex consisting of “2-on-a-lot” detached units.  Both units are being delivered completely vacant, allowing you to maximize rental income potential with current market rents and also giving you the flexibility to live in one, rent the other or rent both units!  Plenty of on-site parking.  With still affordable home prices, Highland Park is fast on its way to becoming the new darling of Northeast LA with quaint shops, restaurants and watering holes popping up.  Close proximity to the 110 freeway makes for easy access to Pasadena, Silver Lake/Echo Park or Downtown LA communities for quick commute to work or play.

Can’t make to the Open House, call Dorian at (424) 777-5280 or Karen at (323) 793-3868 to schedule a private showing.

Listing courtesy of: Ken Shapiro, Silverwood Properties

782 Cedar Lane, 1+1 Cabin in Big Bear Lake Area

JUST LISTED!

782 Cedar Lane, Sugarloaf, CA
Listed at: $79,900

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This could be your own petite getaway in the Big Bear Lake neighborhood of Sugarloaf… just the right amount of space to hang your hat yet easy upkeep! Well maintained, solidly built and charming fully furnished 1 bed, 1 bath cabin situated on a spacious double lot with room to expand indoor/outdoor living spaces. Furnishings include living room couch that pulls out to full futon bed; folding dining table with 4 chairs tucked inside its base can be quickly set up in the living room or wheeled out onto the deck for alfresco dining; and redwood deck benches that easily stack for storage inside cabin or storage shed.  Priced to sell and move-in ready, all you need to do is bring your clothes and your toothbrush. Located on the last block before the National forest, you can head out for hikes directly from your doorstep followed by dinner on the deck. Enjoy easy in/out access from Highway 38 and yet still be very close to Big Bear Mountain ski resort, Big Bear Lake for fishing and boating, and area hiking and biking trails. Hurry, this little gem won’t last!

NEW LISTING! Highland Park Duplex Open House Sunday 6/30 from 1-4pm

Open House: Sunday, June 30th from 1-4pm

131 E. Avenue 45
Highland Park, CA 90031

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Fantastic tastefully renovated Highland Park Duplex with a 3/2 (vacant) lower unit and a 2/1 (occupied) upper unit.  The lower 3/2 unit also has a bonus room that could be a 4th bedroom or an office and with a huge yard and plenty of parking, there’s lots of room to spread out and have your own private compound in the “new Silver Lake,” as Highland Park is fast on its way to becoming the new darling of Northeast LA with quaint shops, restaurants and watering holes popping up and still affordable home prices.  Lots of possibilities with this one — live in the 3/2, rent both units or live in the 2/1 (and pay to relocate the tenant at a cost of $14,400) while renting out the 3/2 for approximately $2,500 per month.  Close proximity to freeway makes for easy access to Pasadena, Silver Lake/Echo Park or Downtown LA communities for quick commute to work or play.

Listing courtesy of: Ken Shapiro, Silverwood Properties

Things to Do This Weekend in Los Angeles

Looking for something to do in Los Angeles this weekend? Well, it’s going to be a busy one with lots of outdoor fun and something for everyone.

Here’s what’s on our list for this weekend, June 7th through 9th:

Friday & Saturday, June 7th & 8th: Jubilee Music & Arts Festival. Originated in Silver Lake as an alternative to the now-defunct Sunset Junction, this year the Jubilee takes the show to Downtown Arts District. More than 35 cool bands on multiple stages and a comedy and a literary stage, the best of L.A. food trucks lined up and a local arts and crafts vendor area — a little something for everyone!  A 1-day pass (either Saturday or Sunday) is $30; a 2-day pass is $50.  Doors open at 3pm each day and the party continues until 2am.  Yeah, you read that right — 2am!  If you can get in, we also recommend Wurstkuche for great gourmet sausages, fries and craft beers or Pie Hole for amazing savory or sweet pies.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, June 7th-9th: L.A. Gay Pride put on by Christopher Street West in West Hollywood, this is one of the largest gay pride festivals/parades in the country.  Sunday is really the best day to go, when the parade, starting at 11:00 a.m., travels down Santa Monica Boulevard starting at Crescent Heights down to San Vicente Boulevard, where the festival is located.  Inside the festival are gay-centric vendors, alcohol and live DJs spinning dance music, but if you’re on a budget, any of the gay bars along the route are guaranteed to be packed with hot guys and gals.  And in case you were wondering — yes, there’s an App for That!

Sunday, June 9th:  For our Silver Lake friends who are still pining over the loss of the Flying Leap Cafe, you’ll be glad to know that many of the performers from the Flying Leap have moved over to Piano Sundays, held from 2:30pm – 6:30pm every Sunday at MJ’s Bar, 2810 Hyperion Blvd.

So if you plan it right, you can enjoy all three events and have a fun-filled celebratory weekend.  Cheers and have fantastic weekend!

Walkabout: One Block of Silver Lake’s Sunset Boulevard

Friday’s walkabout was a small slice of Silver Lake! There is SO much happening in Silver Lake, that every block is a different small nook of creative inspiration. It will truly take decades to experience all of the fantastic storefronts and restaurants that Silver Lake has to offer! First things first… starting out on one block of Sunset Blvd. at Ragg Mopp Vintage, this classic Silver Lake store has been around since 1998 and has remained the go-to store for great, unique vintage finds.  You might just bump into a celebrity while shopping here.

Before or after shopping, stop by one of my ongoing FAVORITE, yet DELICIOUS healthy restaurants, Flore Vegan. With an extensive farm fresh, organic, freshly made menu, you will never get bored eating this vegan fare. Try the daily home-made soup with an AMAZING salad. They also have a delectable assortment of baked goods to tempt any palate — who knew vegan desserts could taste so good!

Ragg Mopp & Flore Vegan Cafe

Flore Vegan’s Tomato & Rice Soup with Kale

Army & Navy

Le Pink & Co.

Continue down the block to Le Pink & Co., a “Barbie’s Dream House” of lotions, potions, jewelry and candles. You’ll find fantastic bargains, not to mention that they also provide skin care and waxing services! Next, make sure to visit Matrushka Construction. A unique store where owner Laura Howe sells her own original, super stylish, yet affordable designs! Can you imagine showing up at a party in a designer original under $200.00?! That would surely impress your friends!

Then last but not least, check out The Army-Navy Surplus Value Center for all things utilitarian from sturdy camping gear, army boots, to new pair of 501’s…. and the list can go on and on! In short, this is only one side of one block of Sunset, just a small slice of the edgy and creative area of Silver Lake. Be sure to set a day aside and explore it for yourself!

Things to Do This Summer in Los Angeles for Free (or Almost Free)

With Memorial Day — the official gateway to the summer — fast approaching and the anticipation of longer days and beautiful warm summer nights, it’s a great time to get out outside and enjoy all the local summer activities around the city. The good news is there are lots of things to do this summer in Los Angeles for free (or almost free).  Here’s a few things we keep on our calendar:

Picnic with Family & Friends

Wine Tastings

Outdoor Movie Screenings

Music

Free

Silver Lake Picture Show, held at Sunset Triangle Plaza, Griffith Park Boulevard at Edgecliffe, in Silver Lake.  Free outdoor movie screenings every other Thursday at 8pm, June through September.   Fun and casual local neighborhood vibe.  Bring your own chairs, picnic (no food sold at the event) and public consumption laws apply to alcohol.

Pershing Square, located at 532 South Olive Street, Downtown Los Angeles.  Free outdoor movie screenings every Friday night at 8pm, starting May 3rd through June 28th (and then again in September/October).  Free live music for 6 six weeks every Thursday-Sunday in July and August.

Live Music

Getty Center Los Angeles, located at 1200 Getty Center Drive, West Los Angeles.  Choose from two music series, Friday Flights, held 3 Friday nights during May-July or Saturdays Off the 405, held on various Saturday nights throughout the summer.  Both events are from 6p-9pm and while admission to the museum and these events is free, parking at the Getty Center usually costs $15 per car, but drops to 10$ after 5pm.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Mid-Los Angeles.  LACMA has three different music series during the summer months:  Jazz at LACMA, every Friday night at 6pm, May through the end of September; Latin Sounds brings you music from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, and Los Angeles every Saturday evening at 5pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day; and Sunday Live featuring chamber music at 6pm, May through the end of September.

Almost Free (or Not, But Worth the Price of Admission)

Outdoor Movie Screenings

Oscar Outdoors, held at Academy Hollywood, 1341 Vine Street, Hollywood.  Classic movie screenings at the Academy’s permanent outdoor plaza theatre, every Friday and Saturday night, starting in June 5th through the end of August.  Gates open at 6:30pm and screenings between at sunset.  Lawn seating, bring a blanket or low lawn chair. Food trucks will be at each screening or you can bring your own picnic baskets.  Beer and wine are permitted.  Tickets are $3-5 and free for children 10 years and younger.

Street Food Cinema, held at Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles.  Food trucks, music and movies, beginning May 24th through the end of August. Doors Open 5:30pm  Band 6:30pm  Movie 8:00pm (sunset)  Tickets are $10 General Admission. $15 Reserved Seating.  Children (6-12) $5. Children 5 and under Free. Four Pack (4 Tickets) $32.

Cinespia’s Cemetery Screenings, held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard at Gower. Movie screenings starting in early May through the summer. Showings vary, but mostly on Saturday nights and sometimes Sunday nights, doors open at 7pm and screenings start at 8:30pm. Tickets are $8-15 and can be purchased in advance.

Wine Tastings

Barnsdall Art Park, located at 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood.  Wine tastings every Friday night from 5:30pm-8:30pm, beginning May 24 through the end of the summer and held on the west lawn of the Hollyhock House.  Tastings are curated by Silver Lake Wine and cost $25 which includes 4 tastings and a limited edition wine glass.  All funds support Barnsdall Art Park Foundation programs and projects.  Bring blanket, chairs, your own picnic or purchase from varying food trucks scheduled for each event. Guided tours of Hollyhock House are generally available for an additional fee.

These are just a few of things we love to do and with a mixture of no-cost/low-cost options, there’s no reason why you can’t have a fun and eventful summer — so get out there and enjoy!

Los Angeles Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance

Los Angeles has a housing shortage and with a lack of buildable lots suitable for new construction, the City of Los Angeles passed the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance (the “Ordinance”) in 2006.

Typically, a single-family lot is required to be a minimum width of 50 feet of street frontage and at least 5,000 square feet in total area. Under the Ordinance, several single-family homes can be built very close together on that same lot (similar in appearance to townhouses), except that each home must be built with a separate foundation and no common walls. Because the homes are structurally independent of each other, a homeowner actually owns the land upon which his house is built and each parcel becomes its own single-family parcel.

And similar to a townhouse or condo, there are usually common areas across all of the parcels, usually consisting of an access driveway and common walkways that allow each owner access to his individual parcel. These common areas are maintained by the establishment of a Maintenance Association, similar to a Homeowners Association, and when the individual parcel is sold, the homeowner automatically becomes a member of the Maintenance Association.

The Ordinance is not just for new construction; it and can also be used to split multiple structures already existing on a lot into separate parcels which can then be sold individually and independently of each other. And, in fact, the very first project to utilize the Ordinance is the Maltman Bungalows located at 918-928-1/2 Maltman in Silver Lake. Originally built in 1926, the Maltman Bungalows were 17 units on a single lot. After complying with the requirements of the Ordinance, the Maltman Bungalows were split into 17 single-family homes with individual parcels and, among other things, sharing a common access driveway. There are certain requirements in the Ordinance which may create obstacles to splitting a lot with existing structures. For example, each home must have two off-street parking spaces and the access driveway providing access to all parcels must be a certain width, to name a few. Obviously, tearing down existing structures could allow building of new ones with optimal usage of lot space as long as the cost of doing so makes sense.

Not every lot is a good candidate to be split. The best lots are rectangular, corner lots that already enjoy multi-family zoning of R1.5 or R2. If you own a lot zoned R1.5 or R2 but the structures are in need of repair, you may still have a valuable piece of land if your property is properly marketed to developers looking for lots suitable for subdivision under the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance.

For further information regarding the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance, contact us today!

Secret Stairs No. 18: Music Box Loop

Music Box Stair Sign

Music Box Stairs

Larissa Stairs

View from Descanso to Downtown LA

Micheltorena Stairs

 

Two Down (2 of 42)!  Today I completed the Secret Stairs Walk #18  – Music Box Loop from Charles Fleming’s book, Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles, with 4 sets of stairs for a total of 705 steps and a distance of 2.5 miles, a nice jaunt around the ‘hood south of Sunset and only slightly longer than a lap around the Reservoir. The Music Box stairs is the location where Laurel & Hardy made their 1932 Academy Award-winning short, The Music Box — you know, with the piano, remember?! Since this walk starts at the corner of Sunset and Parkman, be sure to start off at Cafe Tropical, a long-time and well-worn local institution that’s a wonderful blend of coffee house, bakery and cafe, known for its Cafe Con Leche, Cuban sandwiches and Guava Pie.  The half-way point of this walk is the corner of Sunset and Micheltorena.  If you find yourself in need of a break before tackling the Micheltorena stairs, then cross at the light on Sunset and, along with a delightful collection of shops,  you’ll find Heywood Grilled Cheese Shoppe serving up gourmet grilled cheese creations and Lark Cake Shop serving up cakes, cupcakes and other sweet delicacies in addition to Intelligentsia coffee.  Now continue your walk back to the Music Box Steps and be grateful you’re traveling down this time instead of up!  In a few more minutes you’ll be back to the starting point at the corner of Sunset and Parkman.  If you’ve held off your hunger until now or are looking to celebrate completing the loop, cross the street and head west on Sunset about half a block and where you’ll find The Thirsty Crow, a crafty watering hole for whiskey/bourbon lovers, and Local, a small cafe with mostly patio seating using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients and daily changing menus to serve up delicious tasty dishes.

Walkabout Eagle Rock: Eagle Rock Blvd

Eagle ROCKS!

Letters from LA

Letters from LA

Sniveling Sibling

Sniveling Sibling

Auntie Em’s

Media Noche

Media Noche

Our Friday walkabout was spent in Eagle Rock, and what a delight! Eagle Rock is so happening these days… it is hard to emphasize how quickly this community has popped!  From its tasty eateries to its amazing little boutiques.  Eagle Rock surrounds Occidental College which keeps its rental market strong, and its housing market even stronger.

We ate at Auntie Em’s Kitchen which is AMAZING!  The food is fresh daily, organic when possible and lovingly prepared.  We then wandered up Eagle Rock Blvd. to a great little string of shops, and may I say some of my new FAVORITE stores.  Starting with LETTERS FROM LA, the owner, Sasha, has a great sense of “fashionista” meets “fashion forward” taste.  Love my new belt, Sasha, and I can’t wait for your new collection from Berlin!  My equally favorite new shop is MEDIA NOCHE, Jill’s sense is more “rock and roll” with a hip, trendy F-you vibe…LOVE it!  Along with my new fabulous boots from Portugal… what a deal at 40% off!  I had to leave before I was completely broke.  Then there is the SNIVELING SIBLING, formerly located in Silver Lake and re-birthed into this hip little hood, the super vintage finds in this store are not to be missed. Don’t forget to drop by Leanna Lin’s WONDERLAND, a mix of gallery/ jewelry studio.  In short… you could spend all day enjoying Eagle Rock.  Just don’t forget your wallet or you will live with the regret!

Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles

One of my goals for 2013 is to complete all 42 stair walks outlined in Charles Fleming’s book, “Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles.”  Going forward, for each of our Neighborhood Walkabout blogs, we will list the corresponding Secret Stair walk from the book.  If you are athletic and fit, you might also want to check out the Hidden Stairs of LA Meetup Group dedicated to the walks from the book, often combining several walks together.

Walkabout Atwater Village: Glendale Blvd

ATWATER VILLAGE is HOT!

55 Degrees Wine

Atwater Village

Canele

Atwater Village Farm

Viet Noodle Bar

Woof

We spent our walkabout in Atwater Village, and let me just say… ATWATER VILLAGE is HOT!  This hip strip of storefronts is surrounded by one of the most desirable and yet still fairly affordable housing market in the area. Atwater Village is Los Feliz’s artsy little sister. With a mixture of old businesses and new, the vibe in Atwater is happening!  If you haven’t been here you are missing out. Do yourself a favor and stop in the quaint “Village” area sandwiched between the L.A. River and  The City of Glendale, on Glendale Blvd. We had lunch at VIET NOODLE BAR, some of the best PHO around, not to mention some jackfruit specialties that make my vegetarian heart sing!  Stop in to GRAIN which has a delightful mix of custom-made artisan furnishings along with cool vintage finds. 55 DEGREES is a great local wine store that has a private downstairs grotto space  for wine tasting, and it can be rented out for special occasions.  Or if wine’s not your thing, head next door to LINK-N-HOPS, with gourmet sausages and 24 brews on tap.  For the farm-to-table set, there’s ATWATER VILLAGE FARM down the street which has local grown organic produce, fresh-baked goods, natural and gluten-free specialties.  Finally, stop into WOOF for the canine couture and puppy treats!  The list could go on and on….

 One could definitely spend the day in Atwater Village.  Experience the food, coffee and a cocktail or two, with some great retail therapy!  Check it out!!!

Walkabout: Echo Park Avenue

Chango

Cookbook

Cookbook

Tavin

Tavin

Flounce

Chango, Chango… Chango Coffee House… a cool little coffee house in the hidden Echo Park neighborhood on Echo Park Avenue with a very laid back and hip vibe (without being overly hip for those who are ANTI-hipster!) Great tasty food, breakfast served til 2:00 pm for those late rising creative types! The food has a European taste, flare and quality to it that you won’t find at boring chain coffee houses. The staff is friendly, service is great and the house coffee is EYE OPENING to say the least! And be sure to check out the surrounding unique vintage stores Flounce Vintage and Tavin Boutique, both offering ACTUAL quality vintage finds, unique jewelry pieces, authentic clothing, and accessories that aren’t picked over! Also sandwiched into this little quaint enclave is Cookbook, the micro grocery store counterpart to Cortez Restaurant.  Beautiful organic farm-fresh REAL fruits and veggies, fresh herbs, homemade broths, cheeses, and grass-fed ethically raised beef, not to mention beautiful baked goods. Pop by this area north of the Sunset Strip for a lunchtime get away!

Loan Pre-Approval

Loan Pre-Approval: Don’t Go Shopping Without It!

Unless you’re paying cash, be a smart homebuyer and get pre-approved for a loan prior to going out to shop for a house. Being prepared can make all the difference and here’s why:

• Know How Much You Can Afford — shopping too high might find you the house you love but can’t afford; shopping too low, you might miss out on the perfect house you didn’t realize you could afford
• Find Issues Affecting Your Credit — all too often buyers are surprised to find their FICO score was not as high as they thought due to some past, forgotten credit issue. Finding out beforehand gives you time to fix the problem.
• Avoid Disappointment — with low inventory and lots of buyers in the market, timing is everything. Don’t let someone else get your dream home simply because they were prepared and you weren’t.
• Leg Up On the Competition — submitting your pre-approval letter at same time as your offer gives you a leg up, especially when it’s become commonplace to see multiple offers. It lets the seller know you are a serious and motivated buyer, ready to buy today!