Sold in the City- Los Angeles Real Estate: June 2007

Friday, June 29, 2007

$863,450- Great View Home in Mt Washington Seller must sell!

$863,450- Great View Home in Mt Washington Seller must sell!

This is a wonderful Split Tri-level home with Spectacular views from several vantage points throughout the house of city lights and the San Gabriel Mountains and Verdugo mtns.

This 3 + 3 home offers an open floorplan with lots of windows and light. Enter the home into a large living room which opens up to a formal dining area and bright kitchen.

Watch Sunsets from the balcony which offers and extended living area and is easily accessible from the dining room and 3rd bedroom.

Walk up a split level stairway which leads to the large master bedroom and second room...each with it's own bath. The large master bedroom offers 2 large sliding door closets and excellent mountain and sunset/sunrise sky views.

The sunny and bright adjacent second room is also spacious with a large closet.

Walk down to the 3rd room with access to the balcony and you'll feel like you've been transported to a treehouse.

This home also offers direct access to the attached 2 car garage. And an AMAZING patio/garden perfect for entertaining or large gatherings.

There's a possible potential to add an additional space in this home enormous attic. (buyer to verify)

COme see this wonderful home.

Situated on a nice street in a friendly neighborhood in Mt. Washington. Located less than 10 miles away from Downtown LA, USC MEdical, Burbank Studios, Bob Hope Airport, Glendale, Pasadena, Eagle Rock, Hollywood.

Dog walkers, runners, hikers and those who like the outdoors will especially appreciate the home's close proximity to Elyria Canyon Park.

Sellers are very motivated, MUST SELL and are considering ALL offers, come
see, fall in love, and make an offer.

Call Buyer's Agent at (818)521-3060 for more information

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

BEAUTIFUL CHARACTER HOME FOR SALE IN ATWATER VILLAGE::: NOT LISTED ON THE MLS YET!! GET A SNEEK PEAK!!

LOVELY FAMILY HOME IN ATWATER VILLAGE

with Great original wood floors

3326 Madera Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039

2 Bedrooms +2 baths plus Den/1068 Sq. Ft.

$699,000

This 1927 cape cod has lots of details including, exposed beams with soaring vaulted ceiling, custom 1920's possible Batchelder fireplace, cove ceiling and more. Copper plumbing. Private guest room/den/office with it's own entry. Great for in-laws or out of town guest or that college age son/daughter. Buyer to verify all permits.

Mintues from everywhere....Downtown, Glendale,Pasadena. Quick access to the 5 and 2 frwy. Long driveway provides ample parking. Priced to sell.

Call (818)521-3060 or (818)618-5344 for an appointment or more information.

want to see more listings like this? log onto: http://soldinthecity.blogspot.com/

Selling your home? Call us, we can help!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Not even Listed Yet in Atwater Village, CA 90039

QUAINT ATWATER VILLAGE HOME ON TREE LINED STREET

NOT LISTED YET!

This charming home has so much to offer with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and plenty of space to live, grow and expand. Updated with new paint (inside and out), newly refinished, gleaming original wood floors and brand new carpert, this home is ready to move in and be personalized with your own touches.

Situated on a quiet street in the quaint neighborhood of Atwater Village sits a lovely 1926-built home. A colorful garden and sweet porch greet you as you walk up to the large wood door of this pretty cape cod-style home. Enter into the light and airy living room and you will instantly notice the soaring, wood-beamed cielings. Light pours into the picture window, hits the shiny wood floors and fills the room.

The authentic 1920's Batchelder* fireplace adds romantic charm- and warmth- to the dramatic room. Just beyond the fireplace is an arched doorway leading to the cozy formal dining room with delicate coved ceilings.

Walk thru another doorway to the bright galley kitchen with shiny new sink, fixtures and knobs. A cute eat-in area offers Peekabo mountain and sky views to enjoy with a cup of morning coffee by. On the other end of the kitchen is a hallway leading to the 2 bedrooms.

This home's master bedroom features a lovely sitting room which may easily be used as a second bedroom, office or nursery. A delightful powder room (half bath) with new fixtures is conveniently located in the master suite.

1920's original tile adds elements of charm and character to the home's bathroom.

Green grass, a lemon tree and colorful roses surround the slab concrete patio in the large backyard. Perfect for outdoor parties or an afternoon of basking in the sun.

The spacious guest room with permitted den and full bath located below main house provides a private entrance and kitchen potential. Great for in-laws, growing teenager, college-age, or even rental unit.

Motivated seller and will be priced to sell....Come take a sneek peek...and Make an offer BEFORE it goes on the market.

*INFORMATION IS DEEMED RELIABLE BUT IS NOT GUARANTEED. BUYER TO VERIFY AUTHENTICTY AND ALL INFORMATION.

Call Tricia B. at
(818)521-3060
for more information
or an appointment.

Etched in Time-

Etched in Time-

When the Realtor said she believed we had a Batchelder fireplace, we were still reeling from the 48-hour offer, counteroffer, acceptance process of buying our first home.

I wasn't sure who or what "Batchelder" was. Or even if we would like it. But as we sat in the living room signing the purchase papers, any hint that our 1924 Spanish bungalow might have some undiscovered value sounded awfully good.
I ran my hands over the tiles, the rough outline of a knight on a horse, a rabbit and a mountain scene with pine trees and maybe even a lake. The layers of white paint piled on made it impossible to tell.

There was once a time when it would have been hard to find a homeowner in Southern California unfamiliar with Batchelder tile.

From the 1890s to the 1920s, the Craftsman bungalow homes popular here gave Southern California a new nickname, "Bungalow Land." Known for their deep roof eaves, porches and dark redwood interiors, most Craftsman homes were also known for something else: tiles designed by Pasadena artist Ernest A. Batchelder.

At his Batchelder-Wilson Tile Co. near downtown Los Angeles, Batchelder and his 175 workers created luminous shades of brown tile, along with others that had imprints of animals, figures, medieval motifs and landscapes.
Each was fired with muted colors well suited to the Arts & Crafts style. These tiles grace many Craftsman homes built here before World War I.

In fact, Batchelder was one of the nearly 30 tile companies, including Catalina Tile and Malibu Tile, operating in California before the Great Depression.
But Batchelder was "Mr. Big," says Robert Winter, an architectural historian and Batchelder scholar. "He was very well-regarded, especially in the East."
One of the nation's premier tile makers, Batchelder personified the Arts & Crafts style and its influence on West Coast artisans.

A reaction to the Industrial Revolution, the Arts & Crafts movement promoted a return to a simpler time of handmade objects, including furniture, pottery and tile. It was especially attractive to a middle-class yearning for solace in an age of mass production.

Influenced strongly by that movement while an art student in Boston, Batchelder moved to Pasadena in 1901 to teach at the Throop Polytechnic Institute. By 1909, the New Hampshire native was director of art at the school but was frustrated by the policy changes that would eventually turn the school into Caltech, with its focus on science.

Batchelder struck out on his own. He bought Pasadena property and began to build a home and workshop where he could set up his own school.
In 1972, historian Winter bought that Pasadena home built by Batchelder for $46,500. Although worried at the time that a college professor couldn't afford to spend so much on a house, Winter remembers that when he walked in the Batchelder house the first time, "I did a mock swoon," he said. "It was so amazing."

The house is filled with tile, and in fact Batchelder made his first tiles in a shack behind the house in 1910. Tiles can be found in the front walk, the living room fireplace, in a breakfast nook and in the backyard.

"This house is a museum of tile that goes from 1912 to 1928," said Winter. The home is now on the National Registrar of Historic Places.
On a Friday morning, as I interview Winter, the doorbell rings and visitors from England ask Winter if they can come in. What they want most to see is the tile fireplace Batchelder built in 1912 for his wife, Alice Coleman, ostensibly as a wedding present. Near the top of the 15-foot floor-to-ceiling fireplace are two figures of lions, one holding a shield with a harp and the other a shield with a hare.

The symbol Batchelder used for himself was often a rabbit, possibly because he was shy, said Winter. Batchelder gave his wife, a musician credited for the success of the Coleman chamber concerts in Pasadena, the harp symbol.

Winter is writing a book about the couple called the "The Harp and the Hare."
Batchelder tile is most prevalent in Pasadena, but it can be seen in homes throughout Southern California, including in San Diego and Orange counties. It can also be found nationwide, including in the Plaza Hotel in San Antonio, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, in Yellowstone National Park, a New York swimming pool and in Union Station in Chicago.

In one of his catalogs from the 1920s, Batchelder himself attributed the beauty of his fireplace to the fact that "it has strength of character without constantly challenging one's attention."

Most of the tile companies, like Batchelder's, eventually went bust in the 1930s during the Great Depression. While Batchelder continued to work, the time for his tile was over.

Until now. Interest in tile is on the upswing, buoyed in part by a resurgence of interest in the Arts & Crafts period. That movement is popular now in part as a reaction to the technology revolution, some say. But at the time we bought our mid-Wilshire-area home, I didn't know any of this.

After finding out about our fireplace, I started seeing the word "Batchelder" in real estate listings for homes in our area. I visited a tile store on Sunset Boulevard, where some small 3-by-5-inch squares of Batchelder tile sold for $100 each. Suddenly, my husband was very interested in our tile.

In fact, having a Batchelder fireplace can boost a home's value among potential buyers hungry for antique details that can't be replicated in newer homes, Realtors say.

"It's not going to add $20,000 to your home's value or anything, but the more original details you can get, the better," said Lisa Hutchins a Realtor who sells homes in the Hancock Park area.

"Batchelder is interesting because it's found in the $2-million homes and in the smaller ones. It wasn't just for the very wealthy," she said. "Some people really appreciate the Batchelder and others don't know what it is and some say, 'Oh, it's ugly,' " said Hutchins, who has a Batchelder fireplace in her home. But increasingly, she said, more people understand Batchelder's value and want to restore the tile.

And so began the slow process of restoring our own fireplace. I bought paint remover to try stripping clean the first tile, only to find four layers of beige, pink and white paint covering the tile. As each one painstakingly came alive again, I could see that each tile was slightly different in color and size.

The more I learned about Batchelder, and the more tile I uncovered, the more I began to appreciate it. When we sit in our living room, it's a reminder of those who shaped the look of homes in this city not so long ago. As Batchelder wrote in 1916, his tiles possess "all the charming little irregularities" of any handmade products.

"Like a Persian rug, our tiles lend themselves to any environment and bring distinction to it."

So you've got an old Arts & Crafts tile fireplace.

Maybe you're one of the lucky ones: No one has painted over it, broken the tiles or covered it with a marble facade in the last 60 or 70 years.
But you're more than likely to have some damage. Surprisingly, experts say, it's fairly easy to bring tiles back to life. "There's a tremendous resurgence of interest in tile," said Marie Glass Tapp, who runs Tile Restoration in Seattle, a company that restores tile fireplaces and makes re-creations of Batchelder tile.
Probably the most common problem, said Tapp, is removing paint from tile on Arts & Crafts fireplaces. For those who want to bring the tiles back, Tapp has some tips:

Commercial paint strippers will remove much of the paint, but they need to be used with extreme care. Use an alkaline product, never an acidic one.
Always test on a small area first.
Along with the paint, these strippers will probably remove the fine surface seen on never-painted tile. If you end up with washed-out, dull tile, a coat of paste wax, lightly applied and hand-rubbed, may restore some of the luster to the tile, but not lost color.
For restoring color or replacing damaged or missing tiles, a restoration specialist can be hired. The Pasadena Heritage Society has a list of recommended workers.
To keep your tile in good shape, avoid abrasive cleaning techniques or metal bristle brushes. Also, never chop wood on your hearth.

Another good source of information is the Tile Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 1850, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

Article Courtesy: La Times

By: DEBORA VRANA, Times Staff Writer

From the Sunday, May 3, 1998 Los Angeles Times

The fireplace is a permanent built-in feature of a room. Rugs, wall coverings, draperies and furniture may be changed . . . but the fireplace remains a source of perennial satisfaction. . . ." --Ernest A. Batchelder, fireplace tile catalog, 1927.

Are you interested in owning a Batchelder Fireplace? This one comes with a house. Call Tricia at 818.521.3060 for more info.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

SHHHHHH!! 3+2 PLUS den and bonus room in Atwater Village
THIS IS NOT EVEN LISTED YET!

COMING SOON!! HOME FOR SALE ATWATER VILLAGE!! Excellent Opportunity!!

EXCELLENT LOCATION! ADJACENT TO SILVER LAKE LOS FELIZ GLENDALE EAGLE ROCK PASADENA. NEAR The 2, 5, 134, 10, 110 FWYS UNDER 10 MILES FROM DOWNTOWN LA, USC MEDICAL, BOB HOPE AIRPORT, BURBANK STUDIOS (NBC, WARNER BROS., UNIVERSAL, DISNEY) AND HOLLYWOOD.

This cute french-cottage style home has 2 bedrooms plus a den in the main home.

There is also a seperate converted quarters complete with 1 Bedroom, 1 full bathroom, a wall to wall mirrored closet a sunken den and seperate access from the main house. Great for in-law's, extended families, college age kids, artists studio, home-office space...the posibilities are endless! An adjacent laundry room is easily accessed through the in-law unit.

This wonderful character home also features quaint architectural details including Coved ceilings, high beamed ceilings, recently refinished sleek wood floors, formal dining room, original windows including a picture window in the living room and a arts and crafts tiled fireplace(possibly a batchelder).

a large grassy backyard and long driveway are great for plenty of parking and lots of space for kid play, or pets!!
Maybe even a swing set or a slide!!!!

This home is located on a nice street in one of LA's trendiest neighborhoods.

Call (818)521-3060 for more information

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SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY! NO BROKERS PLEASE!

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this and more listings posted on http://soldinthecity.blogspot.com/

HURRY!! THIS NICE HOME IN THIS HOT LOCATION WILL NOT LAST!!!

***INFORMATION HEREIN IS DEEMED ACCURATE BUT IS NOT GUARANTEED. BUYER TO VERIFY ALL INFORMATION

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

FOR SALE IN 90039... Under 10 miles to Downtown, USC Medical, Hollywood, Studio CIty... Minutes to Dodger Stadium, Silver lake & 2,5,10,134,110 FWYs

RES-SFR:
LOS ANGELES 90039
MLS#: 06-132809
LP: $529,000
AREA: (21)Silver Lake - Echo Park
YB: 1948
BR: 2
BA: 1.00
APN: 5440-027-013
ZONE: LAR2
STORIES: 1
REMARKS: Silver Lake hills hideaway. This cozy 2BR + 1BA move-in ready home on a quiet cul-de-sac is the essence of indoor/outdoor living. Gated + private front yard. French doors opening to back yard with large deck, patio, mountain views + room to expand. Hardwood floors. Updated kitchen, bath, plumbing, heating + electrical. Attached garage with direct access.

RES-SFR:
LOS ANGELES 90039
MLS#: 07-176417
LP: $517,500
AREA: (22)Los Feliz STATUS: A VIEW: Yes MAP: 594/F2
STYLE: Cottage YB: 1925 BR: 2 BA: 1.00
REMARKS: Attention Gardeners move into this just refurbished cottage and enjoy a huge private yard for gardening. See the hardwood floors, new paint and much much more. New tile in kitchen and bath, all in good condition. Wonderful lot for addition. Call agent to make appointment.

RES-SFR:
LOS ANGELES 90039
MLS#: 07-179307
LP: $419,000
AREA: (21)Silver Lake - Echo Park
REMARKS: Contractors delight! Fixer in Elysian Valley, adjacent to Atwater Village and a 5 minute drive to downtown Los Angeles. Now a very popular area for affordable first time buy. Very close to all conveniences and major freeways. Occupied. PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB OCCUPANTS! All showings need at least 24 hours notice.

RES-INC:
LOS ANGELES 90039
MLS#: 07-171515
LP: $509,000
AREA: (21)Silver Lake - Echo Park
REMARKS: WELL KEPT DUPLEX CLOSE TO DODGER STADIUM & ELYSIAN VALLEY. NEW PAINT iN AND OUT, NEW CARPET UPGRADE, BATHROOM UTILITY ROOM. GREAT FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS, 4 CAR GARAGES AT REAR. SELLER MOTIVATED.
Unit 1 1 1 1.00 No $1,000
Unit 2 1 1 1.00 No $1,000
AGI: $28,800
VACANCY: 100
GOI: 28800
OTHER INC:
TOTAL INC:
TOTAL EXP: $0

Broker/Agent does not guarantee the accuracy of the square footage, lot size or other information concerning the conditions or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from Public Records or other sources. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of all information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. Copyright © 2007 by Combined L.A./Westside MLS, Inc. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

CALL BUYERS' AGENT, TRICIA BAUTISTA @ (818)521-3060 or email tlbautista@aol.com for more information or an appointment

check Out More listings in this area at

2831denbyave.blogspot.com

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Recent Market Activity

ATWATER VILLAGE
$499K-
Attractive house near Downtown/Dodger Stadium. Extensive yard work. tile floor in kitchen. Has 3 Bedrooms and 1 Bathroom. Additional bedroom in converted garage. Long drive way provides ample parking. Buyer to confirm square footage and permits. Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 912 Lot Sz: 5000sqft

REDUCED!!
Highland Park $419,900
Bank owned! Great location just on the skirts of Mt Washington. Beautiful Traditional home with modern windows and detached garage with two separate carports. Includes a large basement and a separate laundry room. Easy to view. Please contact agent for SELLER ADDENDUM prior to writing offer. Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 1012* Lot Sz: 4867sqft*

Highland Park
$470K
First time homebuyer's, THIS IS A GREAT DEAL! Property features a complete remodel - new kitchen, windows, hardwood floors, copper plumbing. Roof recently done. Pride of Ownership! Convenience of an electric gate! One car detached garage plus driveway for 2 more vehicles! Also features 1.5 baths completely remodeled. Legally 2 BR but currently used as 3. Possible den conversion. Mst BR has french doors overlooking spacious backyard with many possibilities. Come and delight yourself with this eye candy!
Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 1040* Lot Sz: 3865sqft*

Burbank
$439K
Luxurious and Spacious 2 bedroom/2 full bath condo in a prime Burbank location. Open , light and airy floor plan. Featuring marble tile entry and dining area, carpet in living room and bedrooms, tile in the kitchen and bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets. Laundry in the unit. Fireplace in the living room. Security building, Recreation room on first floor, Gym on second floor. Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 1135* Lot Sz: 736sqft*

La Crescenta
$419K
WELL MAINTAINED AND VERY COMFORTABLE CONDO SITUATED IN IDEAL LOCATION AT REAR OF COMPLEX AWAY FROM TRAFFIC.VAULTED CEILINGS GIVE THE FEELING OF SPACIOUSNESS.COMPLEX OFFERS WONDERFUL SPA AND PICNIC AREA. UNIT IS CLOSE TO ELEVATOR AND NOT FAR FROM ENTRY DOOR.SCHOOLS AND SERVICES WITHIN EASY DISTANCE. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS MOVE IN.
Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 981* Lot Sz: 688sqft*

Major Price Reduction
La Canada
Price: $1,575,000
4 Bedrooms & 2.5 Bathrooms
Approx. 3,058 SF (Per Assessor)
Solid Walnut Hardwood Flooring
Vaulted Ceilings & Crown Molding
Dual Pane Windows
Grassy Backyard w/ Brick Patio
New Septic System
La Canada Schools
MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION!!! The best deal in town for NEW CONSTRUCTION! Contemporary, traditional elegance abounds in this brand new, four bedroom custom-built home, offering over 3,000 square feet of luxurious living space. The main floor features a grand living room with vaulted, single-beamed ceiling, slate trimmed fireplace, elegant dining area, private study with French doors, powder room, dramatic walnut hardwood flooring, and an alluring epicurean kitchen opening to an immense great room. Upstairs are two bedrooms joined by a “Jack & Jill” bathroom and an expansive sun deck off the staircase landing. The master suite features a vaulted, chandeliered ceiling, his & hers closets, a master bath with an expanded travertine shower, antique style vanity, relaxing spa tub and a walk-in closet. Tastefully designed, this lovely, bright and spacious home is truly a distinctive and comfortable residence.

Highland Park $499K
NICE KEPT HOME ON A BEAUTIFUL STREET. 2 SPACIOUS BEDROOMS WITH A MASTER BATH AND A DEN THAT COULD BE USED FOR AN EXTRA BEDROOM. EXTRA ROOM OFF KITCHEN. GOOD SIZED BACK YARD. Beds: 2 Baths: 2 (0 0 0 0) (FTHQ) Sq Ft: 1173 Lot Sz: 6120sqft

Highland Park $499,500
Traditional charm in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Nestled on a secluded street in Garvanza Hills. Delightful private yard with covered raised patio deck. Access from 311 Fisher-Vista Place is a walkway only.
Beds: 3 Baths: 2 (2 0 0 0) (FTHQ) Sq Ft: 987* Lot Sz: 4800sqft*

EAGLE ROCK $470K
Decorating possibilities are endless in this 2 story condo in the small (14 unit) gated community known as Pinetree Manor. Unit has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths & its own private patio. Washer/dryer area with hookups inside the unit. Central air & heat. Carport provides covered parking for 2 cars (side by side) with lots of secure storage. Complex has a pool & large spa. Common areas have many trees, plants & flowers, which create a retreat-like peaceful setting. As one of very few condo complexes in Eagle Rock, Pinetree Manor offers a low-cost entry into this desirable area (90041) of Northeast Los Angeles. Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Sq Ft: 1223 Lot Sz: 2752sqft

Burbank Cabrinis
$469,900
Great Two Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Townhouse in desired CABRINI VILLAS. This move in conditin unit is located on a quiet street and is in walking distance to community TENNIS COURTS, POOLS, PARK AND THE CLUB HOUSE. PLEASE CONTACT AGENT FOR SELLER ADDENDUM PRIOR TO WRITING THE OFFER. Beds: 2 Baths: 3 (2 0 1 0) (FTHQ) Sq Ft: 1302* Lot Sz: 3912sqft*

Highland Park $439K
REDUCED!! You'll fall in love with this adorable 1908 California Bungalow, tucked away in North Highland Park. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, some wood floors, views from Mount Washington to the hills of South Pasadena, cozy rear grassy yard w/spa, sitting room and breakfast nook. The upstairs bedroom offers two adjacent bonus rooms that could serve as an office, baby's room or walk-in closet. Additional qualities include front sitting porch, alarm system, basement and off-street parking space. All appliances are included. This is the quintessential starter home! Beds: 2 Baths: 1 (1 0 0 0) (FTHQ) Sq Ft: 816* Lot Sz: 2400sqft*

So. Pasadena Adjacent $459K
Excellent floor-planned unit with high ceiling located right off the elevator for a quick ingress & egress to the unit. Two sides x Side parking stalls located next to elevator. Recently renovated w/hardwood flooring, tiles and newer kitchen cabinets. Smaller unit priced $50,000 higher than this unit in the same complex as of date of this listing. Title depicts 2 bedrooms, don't ask me why. It has 3 bedroom, 2 full baths. Beds: 3 Baths: 2 (2 0 0 0) (FTHQ) Sq Ft: 1350* Lot Sz: 2056sqft*