Hollywood, CA

Lately I have had a lot of interest in the Nichols Canyon section of Hollywood. This has always been a favorite area of mine and one that I have spent a lot of time showing clients various properties. Nichols Canyon is located off of Hollywood Blvd between Laurel Canyon (the turn off is right where Crescent Heights turns into Laurel) and La Brea. For those of you who are new to the area, this is an extremely residential section of Hollywood Blvd boasting Palm tree lined streets with large homes and well kept multi family dwellings. What makes Nichols Canyon so wonderful is that it has a very woodsy, natural vibe right in the epicenter of the West Hollywood/Hollywood area.

Nichols consists of an eclectic mix of mid centrury homes tucked away off the street in the low 1 million range as well as stunning architectural properties that can start at $5,000,000 plus. The streets off of Nichols like Astral and Solar command some on the most spectacular canyon and city lights views town.

Since September 1, 2009 to the time that I am writing this entry, there have been five closed escrows ranging from $1,229,500 (short sale) for a 3br/2ba semi-fixer with a pool to $2,825,000 for 3br/3.5 ba classic Smather's Spanish colonial also with pool. These listings have had an average days on the market of roughly three months with a blended average cost per square feet of $596.20. Homes is this area are selling fast and definitely retaining their value. There are currently 7 homes on the market as of now with a best buy on neighboring street Willow Glen for $999,000. Because Nichols Canyon is off the beaten path, I've found that there are wonderful deals to be had for all levels of buyers. It's a nice alternative for those looking for location and convenience in the hills, but want more bang for their buck.

If you have not yet had the chance to explore this area, I highly recommend a long drive up Nichols followed by a scenic hike up famed Runyon Canyon. This is one of my favorite ways to spend a rare day off in the fall! One of my favorite homes ever is a property on 2222 Astral that I had a client for a few years back who was very much of the fence of purchasing. He optedfor a different property, but this house remains one of my all time favorites, so I thought I would treat you to some pictures. It sold for $3,800,000 in June of 2007 . This is the ultimate rich kid living and the epitome of the LA good life!

Now that Plymouth Rock Studios has their $550,000,000 to build the Hollywood East Studios in Plymouth MA, now is the time to secure your east coast privacy! Falmouth MA claims to have more waterfront than any other town in the United States. Private locations with waterfront, are desireable and will probably become moreso as interest grows in the Hollywood East complex.

Right now in Falmouth, there are some wonderful properties that provide views, beach, and privacy for the discerning buyer. Cape Cod has long been known as having some of the best weather in the world for vacationers. Those of us who get to live here in Falmouth year round, know that we actually have pretty good weather all year!

If you are planning to work at Hollywood East, you should get to know the Falmouth real estate market.

Halloween is on its way! Hollywood East was hired to make a new music video for a Boston band called the Longwalls. Their video will be published to the Internet on 10/31 to support the song Zombies, after it is shown as a fundraiser. In the video below from The Series on Hollywood East's web site, one of the Hollywood East staffers calls for your videos! "Zombies are the new vampires!"

If you're planning to work at the Hollywood East studioson the East Coast, then you'll need comfortable real estate on Cape Cod! Here is an example of a peaceful and private spot that could become a haven while you're finishing your next movie at the Plymouth Rock Studios.

Expansive views of sunsets will make you think you're on the west coast! And the New England charm of this 8500 square foot residence will remind you of fun movies like Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give. This pleasant getaway is under $7 million!

Work hard then relax easy! Places like this one will be on the top of the list when Hollywood East starts to crank! Get your place secured now, before everyone else finds out! Don't get left out of the East Coast Trend! You can tell other people, but get yours first.

The Hollywood Bowl - A Los Angeles Cultural Landmark

As far back as 1922 The Hollywood Bowl (noted as the largest natural outdoor amphitheater in the United States with an audience capacity of 18,000) has hosted many of the world's greatest musicians and is the perfect venue for an evening of music under the stars.

Located at 2301 Highland Avenue in Hollywood (where Highland meets the Hollywood Freeway), the Hollywood Bowl is an ideal setting for fireworks and pyrotechnics displays.

The 2009 Season has featured outstanding classical and jazz performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and big-name artists including Herbie Hancock,Diana Krall, Andrea Bocelli, Natalie Cole and Liza Minnelli.

There's also the annual Sound of Music sing-a-long which is an immensely entertaining evening, watching and listening to the audience participation.

Patrons can purchase season tickets or single event tickets for the three different types of seating to suit individual budgets and preferences: Box Seats (consisting of 4 collapsible canvas chairs with a table for food service); Super-Seats (Plastic stadium style seats with cup-holders: the Bench Seats (the greatest number of seats which extend all the way to the very back of the theater).

Ticket prices vary considerably .... but it's amusing to see how "scalpers" ask ridiculous amounts for VIP box seats for some events .... this past week I saw ads on Craigslist asking $12,000 (yes - twelve thousand dollar) for a box with 4 seats for the Liza Minnelli performance and $2300 for Natalie Cole tickets.

I'm a big fan of Liza's, but $12,000 ....?

(If you're new to the Bowl, check out their New Visitors Guide with useful information)