About Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills

I am pleased to announce the sale of 1618 Mountcrest Ave off of Queens Road in the prime Sunset Plaza section of the West Hollywood Hills. My client and I had been looking extensively for a major view home in a prime neighborhood that could be totally slicked up in the next couple of years for under 1 million. Let me tell you, this was not an easy thing to find and when you do find that rare diamond that meets the above criteria, you have to pounce immediately.

I don’t think the photos convey just how explosive the views are. Looking at an unassuming front exterior, one would never guess that there is a four story drop dug into the hillside showcasing unobstructed panoramic views of Downtown LA, Century City, and the entire Los Angeles basin below. Built in 1989, the house is very much move in ready as is. With three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and just under 2000 sq ft, the floor plan is quintessential hillside living. Every floor/room (with the exception of the bottom floor) has a massive balcony that perfectly frames the jetliner views that encompass the LA fantasy.

Within the last 6 months, I have found that there is obviously quite a demand for these type of REO/bank owned properties. The property was listed at $921,000 and within 7 days there were 8 offers, half of which were cash and as the “Sold” price clearly shows, substantially over list. REO deals in the past have been very quick and easy! Since the Dodd Frank Act, we had acceptance right around the time I left for London in early December and we just recorded yesterday. Side note: When considering purchasing a well priced REO or Short Sale that clearly is going to spark multiples (I am currently in escrow on a short sale I listed and I had 7 offers within one day of showing), come prepared, and do the following things if you are in it to win it: 1) Cash is always king. These escrow are getting harder to close and there is a major influx of cash buyers right now with foreign money looking to scoop up these properties. 2) Keep your contingencies short and your escrow period even shorter. Cash buyers should go in with 14 day escrow periods after bank acceptance if you want to grab the property. Try to conduct your buyer investigations immediately so you know up front the condition of the property. The disclosures are very limited from the banks as they have never occupied the home nor know much about it. We have to put on our detective hats and dig deep to make sure your buying the real deal. 3) Hire Rich Kids Real Estate…having learned from the master of multiples when I was an assistant way back when, there are certain things you can do in advance that will make your offer an even more appealing prospect to the bank. I typically always win multiples..there is a strategy.

I really had to stay on top of this one 24/7. I was in London/Berlin, my buyer was in Mexico, and my transaction coordinator was in Prague. Rich Kids international style, baby…that’s how we roll. The synergy of my team, along with amazing listing agents (Sam Villeda and Rick Beck of Coldwell Banker Sunset Strip) were essential in making this tricky deal happen.

I would also like to give a heart felt thanks to the Royal Gardens Hotel in Kensington London for having a 24/7 business center that was open Christmas Day and allowing me to use your Royal printers/scanners even though I was masquerading as a guest to use your facilities (my flat didn’t have a scanner)…you guys were uber cool and thank you for not charging me the 100 quid I probably would have racked up in there. Even though we were all working on Christmas Day, we had some laughs and it was a fun experience!!

Lastly, I give major props the best clients in the world! Thanks D for being so loyal after 7 years (how can it be this long since I am only 25…was I really practicing real estate since 18…maybe, maybe not, lol). Here’s to adding another amazing property to your Los Angeles portfolio!

Fantastic clients, an awesome closing on a killer home, and a new property in escrow all in January. I’ve got a feeling 2012 is going to be pretty epic!!!!

Love the house? You can live it! We are now looking for a 1 year tenant, $6500/month for a 1 year lease unfurnished or a 6 month fully furnished lease also available (terms on that can be discussed) ready to go ASAP. More to come!

Lautner's Polin House

3542 Multiview Dr., Hollywood Hills - $1,495,000

Lautner’s Polin House up in the Hollywood Hills hit the market 2 days ago, being sold by Brent Bolthouse, LA impresario. This home is one of three projects that Lautner built in the 1940’s - the Carling, Polin and Jacobsen--all used "a hexagonal steel horizontal frame supported on three tapered steel trusses," according to the Lautner Foundation.

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is beautifully renovated, keeping to the flavor of the iconic architect. To arrive, one travels up a private drive on the 27,000sqft lot, beautifully landscaped with a natural touch.

The home features the mid century flavors archetypes; open floor plan, wood lined ceilings, asymmetrical fireplace...

Walls of glass, few load bearing walls...

Horozontally placed windows along the tops of the walls, contrasting with the walls of glass...

The kitchen is upgraded with a beautiful designer flare and all top of line features.

The deck provides both the canyon and city lights views.

The coveted stunning city lights views of the Hollywood Hills.

This is a unique opportunity to own a rare piece of history! If you'd like to see this home in person, please email me or call me at 213-309-5005.

Listing provided courtesy of Aaron Kirman, Hilton & Hyland.

Another gorgeous, Hollywood Hills mid century short sale hits the market. This one is in the Hollywood Dell area, just a few short blocks from the Reservoir, a.k.a., Lake Hollywood, where there is some really great hiking!

This home was built in 1965, just as the mid century architectural design era was winding down...and the, gasp...1970’s were right around the corner. This home includes most of the architectural details of the 60’s...the vaulted ceilings lined with wood, the walls of glass and the open floor plan. The fireplace in this home is a little different from the classic mid century, in that it is centered on the wall, as opposed to asymetrical.

The kitchen has been upgraded over the years, but still retains the open, modern feel. The bamboo floors throughout the home are also in the kitchen.

The baths also have been upgraded and now have an uber modern, almost industrial feel...or maybe it's just that orange that makes it feel that way!

The master bedroom is extra spacious, and with double height windows, wood slat lined ceilings, and it faces a serene, secluded garden area.

The home is gated from the street providing an extra layer of privacy and quiet.

And there is also a bonus room utilized as a library...a light filled room with access to the garden area.

If you'd like to see this home in person, please email me or call me at 213-309-5005.

Listing provided courtesy of Allyson Carter, Rodeo Realty.

Sequoia National Park in California is a must visit destination! My father loved nature and wanted to see as much of it as he could. On one of their visits, he insisted on visiting the Sequoia National Park. Diane and I were not too excited, once we got there we were very glad he insisted. So I wanted to share some of these pictures with you and recommend you visit this wonderful National Park with friends or family. It will be memorable and you will thank me for it.

After leaving Moro Rock on the way to Crescent Meadow we drove thru this Fallen Giant Sequoia. This Sequoia fell across the road in 1937 and it the width is 17 feet wide and it is 8 feet high. It is better known as "Tunnel Log"

OK I can not help but give you another picture. Tellme if you are not sold about a vacation here?

Thank you mom and dad.

If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at http://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations

Summer is almost over...but that doesn’t mean that the Hollywood Bowl is over yet! In fact September is a big month at the Bowl.

This weekend alone there are fireworks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in a program called “A Night in the Moulin Rouge.” And, BTW, fireworks at the Bowl are spectacular!

Herbie Hancock joins Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic on Tuesday (9/27) to celebrate George Gershwin’s music, including Rhapsody in Blue! I wouldn’t miss it...you can find me in the Garden section on that night (I’ll save you a seat!). And, later in the month are some amazing concerts; The Artic Monkeys, Ravi Shankar, Mozart and Berlioz.

And...the event that has become an annual visit in my household...The Sing-A-Long Sound of Music on Saturday, on the 24th. It may sound corny, but this night is an absolute blast! People dress like characters from the film, and yes, they actually sing along to the film. You have to experience it to believe it.

See you at the Bowl!