Echo Park, CA

Elysian Heights Story Book Cottage with views of the Hollywood Hills!

This is the perfect house for lovers of old architecture who want an unspoiled canvas to work with. The thick walls, curved fireplace and original windows and hardware make this a magnet for those that appreciate craftsmanship. Put that together with a great location in the hills of Echo Park directly across from Elysian Park and amazing views from multiple windows and what else could you want? The "moat and drawbridge' entrance to the front drawer only add to the charm.

I expected this Echo Park home to sell the first week it was on the market. Priced at $675,000, this 1900+sf house has much to offer. See it this Sunday from 1-4 or call me for a showing. I'm a fan of old architecture and don't need much of an excuse to go back for another look!

To see this property or for more information on Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

This afternoon I thought it would be fun to go and tour some of the streets in Angelino Heights, Los Angeles. I was able to see so many beautiful homes; big, massive, Victorian-style homes... I also met some very friendly people!

While most of those I surveyed today are very happy where they are, I learned a lot about the area and will continue my survey next weekend.

A popular request is for a "Whole Foods" or that style grocery store to be put in the area but other than that the residents love everything about the neighborhood. They also like the uniqueness of the mah-and-pa type cafes and stores. I can't say that I blame them, it is a special place just outside of the LA City perimeter.

I did find one home that is on the market with an attractive price given the size and location!

Already I am looking forward to my next survey day!

The Sunset Five - New Architectural Condos on Sunset Blvd in Echo Park

It seems a lot of buyers are looking for modern architecture these days and for those who like the open feel of a loft but also want to have walls and doors on their bedrooms, the Sunset Five in Echo Park could be an option. An option, if you're ready to be an urban pioneer.

Echo Park, has changed dramatically over the years and is attracting buyers who like the urban landscape and diverse culture. This new development may be just what the doctor ordered or it may be a little ahead of its time for its particular location.

The modern exterior of concrete block, glass and corrugated metal is a sharp contrast to the surrounding properties. There are old homes on either side and across the street, a commercial strip of little shops and a neighborhood bar called Little Joy. It seems it may be a while before this particular spot is really hopping and new residents will have to put up with the bus stop in front of the building and traffic noise from Sunset Blvd.

The five units have been on the market for just over a month at this point and none of them have sold yet. It may have more to do with the prices than anything else, though I was less than impressed with the interior finishes. I actually had to ask if the units were finished. Apparently that was the look the architect was going for.

All five units have 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, one with an additional half bath and range in size from 1184 to 1765 sq. ft. Here's a break down of the units:

The development is the work of award-winning architect/developer Chasen Architecture and was built with a focus towards green design. The concrete walls and floors protect the interiors from extreme changes in temperate which should save on heating and cooling costs. Some units have plumbing and electrical conduits install to allow for future installation of solar panels shoul d the new owner want to install them.

Do I think these units will sell? Of course they will, but it feels like they are priced as if they are located in Silver Lake and not in Echo Park. If the units come down to a price more in line with the location, I expect they'll sell pretty quickly.

To see these units or for more information on Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Elysian Heights Duplex! Buy a duplex in Echo Park get help paying your mortgage

I've talked about this before. Why buy a house when you can buy income property and have a tenant help you pay your mortgage? That post was about properties for sale in Silver Lake, but the same information holds true for whatever area you are looking to buy.

This property is located at 2158 VESTAL AVE and consists of a 2 bedroom/1 bath unit plus a 1 bedroom/1 bath unit. Echo Park is a highly desirable rental area and this is a nice street of small bungalow type properties. Besides the location, this property has a couple of big plusses for average hard-working first time buyer. It's Done! You don't have to raise a finger. Just call your friends with trucks, order some pizza and beer and move right in.

Which unit should you move into? That's another plus. Take your pick. Both units are vacant. You can live in the 2 bedroom, or take the smaller unit and collect more rent. Having the property delivered vacant lets you set the rents to market value, plus there are no relocation fees to pay to existing tenants before you can take occupancy.

The garage has been converted into storage but there is still off street parking available in the driveway. This are of Echo Park also has a decent amount of offstreet parking available. The lot is small so it's a bit of a condo alternative. The front yard is fenced in and grassy but that's about it for outdoor space. If you think in terms of living there now and moving out later to rent both units out, the small yard simply means less maintenance for you as a landlord down the road.

This one is definitely worth a look. It's scheduled to be open today from 2-4 but if you'd like to check it out another time, give me a call at 213-215-4758 and I'll make arrangements.

For more information on Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Bank owned Mid Century Condo in Echo Park just came on the market

That's right! A unit in the cool Mid Century modern complex in Echo park is bank owned and ripe for the picking!

If you haven't heard of Lago Vista in Echo Park, Check out my recent post on this property.

The complex was designed by a Mid Century Modern architect by the name of Allyn E Morris.

Unit # 203 came on the market Sept 10, 2009 for the listed price of $371,000. This unit is a 2 bedroom, bath condo with a teriific view of Echo Park Lake and all the amenities of Lago Vista including panoramic views, relaxing pool and security.

There is currently one other unit available in this Echo Park condo complex. Unit 512 was the architect's own unit. It has been totally renovated and is the only unit with a working fireplace. It also has an extra large patio overlooking Echo Park Lake and comes with 2 dedicated parking spaces. This unit is in the back building and in great condition and is listed at $439,000. At $371,000 the bank owned listing is a bargain!

If you are interested in either of these units or any other condos, houses, or income properties in the Silver Lake and Echo Park areas, call me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out my website at LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com