Blog | HausAngeles | Real Estate + Architecture in Los Angeles

Feb 01, 2012 | Post by: tom No Comments

Why do most Buyers buy in a Seller’s Market?

A generally accepted observation of real estate professionals is that buyers buy when the market favors sellers. Why might that be? Partly, it is because it is human nature to follow the herd. But mostly I think it is the buyer’s caution and a lack of urgency that form the basis for their delay. The only certain way to know that the market has hit bottom is to see prices and sales volume rise, and that is the beginning of the seller’s market!

Here are a few thoughts that might help somebody who is thinking of purchasing their first home or moving up to a higher priced property. A sure sign of the market strengthening and shifting to a seller’s market is when the quality of the housing inventory improves. In a declining market the sellers are generally owners or banks that have an urgent need to sell (relocation, divorce, death, foreclosure, short-sale, etc.). A sign that the market is turning a corner and strengthening is when the inventory grows to include sellers who elect to sell for better opportunity, not urgent need. Consider the length of time that you expect to live in the new home, if it is more than five years; then the time horizon should minimize your concerns about paying the absolute lowest price for that home. If you wait too long, the price will be strengthened by the regained optimism of the market.

Several factors suggest that our market is at or near the bottom. We have seen the housing inventory begin to improve; that the quality of our inventory is growing to include sellers who elect to sell, not just those who have to sell. And while inventory is improving, the mobility of these new sellers is based on their ability to sell their home. So the buyer at the lower segment (first-time-buyers) still have strength to negotiate a favorable purchase price, as they are the lynch-pin in the seller’s ability to move to the next level of purchase and realize their bigger savings on their move-up property. That’s a dynamic of the market that is worth considering when thinking about when to enter the market.

Feb 01, 2012 | Post by: tom No Comments

Introducing HausNumbers

HausNumbers is our blog where we will be posting information and ideas that should be of interest to people who do not currently own any real estate or people who consider themselves to be average buyers. Many blogs are dedicated to luxury homes, celebrity homes and design/architecture, isn’t it time for a blog that discusses issues about getting your foot on the real estate ladder, finding affordable opportunities that meet your needs, or building strategies that can assist in financing and purchasing a home? Well that’s the kind of conversations that we want to have here. We hope that ideas shared on this blog will open opportunities for people who didn’t think they could find or afford the kind of home that they desired as either a first-time-buyer or a move-up-buyer. So we hope you will participate in our discussion. Thank you.

Jan 26, 2012 | Post by: av No Comments

R.M. Schindler’s James Eads How House in Silverlake

2422 Silver Ridge Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
MLS#: 12-577411 | 4bd, 2.5ba | 2,426 Sq ft (per MLS)
Offered at $1,495,000

Calling all architecture lovers. The architecturally significant R.M. Schindler’s 1925 masterpiece, James Eads How House in Silverlake is back on the market, priced to sell and now is your chance to own it!

The house, fully restored by preservationist Michael LaFetra under the Mills Act, is back on the market at a list price of $1,495,000, down from its original list price of $4,995,000 in September of 2008, a price cut of $3.5 Million.

The house is representative of some of Schindler’s early work, characterized by concrete construction, redwood and glass. (more…)

Jan 18, 2012 | Post by: av No Comments

Edgecliffe Terrace Homes at 1372 Edgecliffe Drive in Silverlake

1372 – 1374.5 Edgecliffe Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90026
MLS#: 12-575501 | 3bd, 2.5ba | 1,600 Sq ft (per MLS)
Offered at $745,000 – $795,000

Located a couple of blocks south of Sunset are these 4 new Single Family Townhouse style homes built by Green City Building Company. These homes make use of the city’s Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance passed in 2004, that allows for Townhouse Style single family homes with zero lot lines. The homes share no common walls, or utilities with the other units expect for the shared driveway and walkway to the homes. There are no monthly HOA dues on the homes.

The entry to the homes is off a walkway on the side. All homes have 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with attached side-by-side 2 car garages. The first unit at the bottom (1372) and the one at the top (1374.5) have private yards. (more…)

Jan 12, 2012 | Post by: av No Comments

The Mittrey Residence on Glendower Avenue in Los Feliz

2448 Glendower Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
MLS#: 12-573441 | 3bd, 3ba | 3,525 Sq ft (per MLS)
Offered at $2,499,000

Yesterday was a good day for Mid-Century architecture. Back on the market is this evergreen Mid-Century designed by award-winning architect William T. Dreiss and photographed by Julius Shulman with a haircut of about $750k since first listed in Mar 2011.

Set on a half-acre [mostly] flat lot, this Mid-Century built in 1952 is a great example of its style of architecture. The home is gated and set back from the street, up a private drive and boasts beautiful views of the city.

Access to the house is up a flight of steps to the lowermost level featuring the living, dining, kitchen and a den. Beautiful terrazzo floors, flagstone brick, coffered ceilings and wood finishes are some of the hallmarks of this home. (more…)