Chic Mid-Century Opportunity in the Hills

I saw this home today on Caravan, and really liked it. I was actually on this street to see a different house, but saw the open sign so went in to see what it was. I was pleasantly surprised both by the price point for this location above the Sunset Strip, and the great mix of modern and mid-century finishes throughout the home. First of all, the home's base is polished concrete flooring, which I really like for aesthetics and functionality, but don't often see. The open floor plan surrounded by windows allowing natural light in the property is always a plus, and was punctuated by the cool stone fireplace in the living room. The updated Italian kitchen was clean white with stainless steel appliances and counters. It seemed as if each room had walls of glass that opened up to the outdoors. The home is very private with hillside in the backyard, and there is actually quite a bit of grass and definitely room for a pool. The IPE wood outdoor deck provided a good indoor/outdoor flow for entertaining or simply dining outdoors. The bathrooms could be upgraded a bit, but the bones, space, and location is definitely all there in this one. This is a great opportunity to own a cool mid-century modern home in an A+ location!

1424 Rising Glen, Hollywood Hills

$1,995,000 3 Bed 2.5 Bath 2,436 Sq. Ft/ow 14,843 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Peter Lorimer - Peter Lorimer Group Estates

If you would like to see this cool mid-century modern property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

SOLD! Ranch Style House w/ HUGE Yard; Woodland Hills (Represented Buyer)

Lying on a large corner lot in the desirable Walnut Acres section of Woodland Hills is this ranch style home a Buyer of mine just closed on this past Friday. This was a long road, as this was one of the first properties I showed my client, and then the Seller decided to pull it off the market. After much pushing and follow up after follow up from me, we finally convinced them to sell, and my client got the home she wanted from day one! She affectionately refers to it as "The Barn," due to it's color and appearance from the front, and I think she got a great deal at the end of the day. The lot is all flat and the park like backyard is huge allowing plenty of room to expand the house, put in a pool, or just leave as is and enjoy the space. The home has a nice open floor plan and soaring beamed ceilings in both the living and media room. My client also got a new roof (see last pic vs first one), and in doing so, the contractor was positive that the home is actually 500 sq. ft plus larger then it is listed; which is another great bonus for my client.

This was the Buyer's first home purchase, and I couldn't be happier for them. I think they got a great house at a great deal.

22955 Leonora Dr, Woodland Hills

$605,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 1,909 Sq. Ft 12,133 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing courtesy of Rebecca Epstein & Francesca Luteraan

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you would like to find a similar home in and around this area, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com. We would be happy to assist!

Hip Loft Like Condo w/ Million Dollar Views For Lease

Very cool loft like NYC style Junior 1 Bedroom just steps to Runyon Canyon. In the desirable newly remodeled Hollywood Regis building is this stylish condo with explosive views of the downtown skyline. Highly upgraded unit features concrete like tile flooring throughout, open floor plan, and chefs kitchen with caeserstone counters and all stainless steel appliances. Other bonuses are the fireplace in the living room, large walk in closet, in unit European style washer/dryer combo, and good size balcony to soak up the views. Secure modern building loaded with amenities including pool, spa, and fitness center. Killer location just down the street from popular Runyon Canyon, a short stroll to grocery store, and all the action of booming Hollywood. Can be delivered fully furnished at a slightly higher cost. Available Oct 15th.

7320 Hawthorn Ave #315, Hollywood

$1,950/mo 1 Bed 1 Bath Approx. 600 Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you would like to see this hip condo in an ideal location, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

New Architectural Listing Oozes Style in Silver Lake

This home was built in 1936, but according to the listing underwent a complete architectural renovation in 2004, and is now stunning. From the dramatic entry, one is immediately struck by the open floor plan, high ceilings, and floor to ceiling glass windows. I think this to myself all the time that it is so simple, but yet you don't see it all that often -- open spaces, white walls, minimalist in design and materials chosen, and large windows is the formula for a beautiful house. This house appears to have all that in spades. At over 3,000 sq. ft with multiple decks featuring relaxing views of the Reservoir and a good sized yard with large pool, I am guessing that this home will certainly get a lot of attention.

2306 Kenilworth, Silver Lake

$1,679,000 4 Bed 3 Bath 3,117 Sq. Ft 5,114 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Andrew Morrison - Sotheby's Int'l Realty-Los Feliz

This home is also in the coveted Ivanhoe school district. If you would like to see this stylish property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Large 1 Bed Apt Available for Lease in The Los Feliz Village

Located in a prime location in the heart of the Los Feliz Village, this large one bedroom apartment is available in a recently remodeled beautiful 4-plex building. The apartment is on the top floor with a large balcony with views of the Hollywood Hills and historic Vista Theater. The unit has a nice open floor plan with hardwood flooring throughout and plenty of character details. The large stainless steel kitchen, with eat in area, is fit for a chef and comes with an industrial style refrigerator. Other features include: in unit washer & dryer, tankless water heater, newer Hunter ceiling fans, and a multitude of windows. Last, but certainly not least, this apartment comes with it's own private one car garage, which is virtually impossible to find elsewhere. Walking distance to all the restaurants and shopping on Hillhurst and Vermont, this apartment is not to be missed. Available September 1st.

1540 1/2 Rosalia, Los Feliz

$1,725/mo 1 Bed 1 Bath Approx. 900 Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you would like to see this large apartment in a great location, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

My Style - Slick Hollywood Hills Mid-Century Stunner

Check out this beauty on a great street with jaw dropping views in the Hollywood Hills. Built in 1952, the wide open floor plan flows seamlessly from the living room to the kitchen and dining room (with cool retro diner style built in booth), and out to decks overlooking the city. According to the listing, "The home's open living plan allows these areas to share dynamic North-facing city, mountain, and sunset views." The modern kitchen has been updated with top of the line high end appliances. The flooring throughout the house is walnut and polished concrete. One moves from the upstairs down to the huge master suite through a stylish floating staircase. The huge loft like room opens up and can be used for multiple purposes and layouts. There are large decks, upstairs has a built in bbq, to relax and soak up the view. With 3 bedrooms in all in the hills at just over $900K, this home is not to be missed.

3545 Multiview Dr, Hollywood Hills

$929,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,594 Sq. Ft 5,609 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Pictures courtesy of Jeff Yarbrough - Keller Williams Beverly Hills

If you would like to see this stylish property on a great street, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Updated Spanish Home in the Franklin Hills

Lying in the desirable Franklin Hills neighborhood, this updated Spanish home with modern details is available for you. I really like the living room with it's soaring beamed ceilings, large windows allowing natural light to flood the property, and the charming fireplace. In addition to this area, there is another den with a kiva fireplace. The redone kitchen with eat in area features names like Viking on the high end appliances. The dining area flows out to the serene outdoor spaces with sweeping views of the city, as well as the difficult to find flat grassy yard. The outdoor area has peaceful decks and an in ground spa to relax and soak up the views. This looks like a good one in a fine location, and a nice mix between vintage charm and modern finishes for today's living.

2401 Ronda Vista Dr, Los Feliz

$1,200,000 4 Bed 1.75 Bath 2,275 Sq. Ft/Ow 4,902 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Carol Stewart - Sotheby's Int'l Rlty-Los Feliz

If you would like to see this great looking property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Franklin Hills Mid-Century

Here is a great new listing in the coveted Franklin Hills neighborhood of Los Feliz. Anyone who knows me knows that I would of course paint the outside white to make it "pop," but overall the property looks really good, especially for the price in this location. The wide open living/dining room with it's soaring butterfly style wood beamed ceilings are eye catching and work well with the wide plank oak flooring. The house sits on a nice parcel with a lot of flat land, which can be difficult to find in the hills. There are plenty of deck spots to relax at and soak in the peaceful views as well. Overall at this price, this one looks like a winner and is sure to garner a lot of attention.

3727 Evans St, Los Feliz

$749,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,392 Sq. Ft 8,450 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Rose Ware & Terry Canfield Schmidt - Prudential California Realty

If you would like to see this stylish property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Modern Mediterranean Condo for Lease - West LA

Large stunning Mediterranean condo available for lease. Lying in a highly desirable Brentwood adjacent location is this large 1700 sq. ft 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath modern home. The condo features a wide open floor plan with a true chef's kitchen opening up to the large living room, which is surrounded in windows allowing a ton of natural light to flood the property. The living room features a fireplace and rich dark hardwood flooring. 3 balconies in total! Master bedroom has a large walk in closet as well as a spa like bathroom with separate tub & frameless glass shower. Can be leased furnished or unfurnished. Newer building built in 2006. Available August 15th. Simply one of the nicest units you will find in a prime westside location.

1522 Amherst Ave #201, West Los Angeles

3,300/mo Unfurnished 3 Bed 2.5 Bath 1,700 Sq. Ft/ow

Listing & Photos by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

Don't delay as I just listed this one today and have had half a dozen calls about it already. If you would like to see this property in person, please feel free to contact us anytime 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Large 5 Bedroom House for Lease on the Westside

Located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious 5 bedroom, 5 bath house (just finishing the remodel) has granite counters & all new stainless steel appliances in the beautiful kitchen. The large dining area surrounded in walls of glass leads to the outdoor patio. The living room includes a stunning stacked stone mid-century fireplace and sliding glass door leading to the patio surrounded with lush landscaping and overlooking the Los Angeles River. There is a small yard on the west end of the house. The master bedroom and two additional large bedrooms are upstairs on the east side of the house. One additional bedroom is downstairs adjacent to the living room with an en suite newly redone bathroom. The 5th bedroom on the west side of the house is a mother-in-law suite with its own private entry, laundry room with washer/dryer hookups and bathroom. Small pets will be accepted w/ additional deposit. Parking for 3 cars max. Centrally located near the 405 & 10 freeways,Santa Monica Airport, UCLA, SMC, Santa Monica, & Venice Beach.

3240 Tilden Ave, West Los Angeles

4,950/mo Unfurnished 5 Bed 4 Bath 3,026 Sq. Ft 9,501 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos (except 1st one) by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

This is a large property oozing with character and style, in a nice Westside location. If you would like to see this property in person, please feel free to contact us anytime 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

SOLD! Stylish Hollywood Hills Home w/ Stunning Landscaping & Pool (Represented Buyer)

I've been a bit busy working on deals, taking care of my 9 month old son, etc and have been away from the blog for awhile, my apologies to all the readers. I will try to get back into the routine and be more "on it" in this medium.

I am pleased to come back to show a great property that I just closed escrow on yesterday for a Buyer client of mine. This particular client resides out of the US, has never seen the property (her representative here did), and I never met them. Interesting huh? I actually really appreciate the trust that they placed in me, seeing as how they are not here, and I am their eyes and ears on the ground so to speak. This is the second International client I have assisted this year, and I have enjoyed meeting and working with both immensely. I hope to do many more in the future with different Buyers and Sellers from all over the world.

This particular property is stunning. It has a great open floor plan with walls of glass all leading out to a spectacular backyard complete with landscaping/hardscaping done by an AIA award winning architect, which makes it a bit "special." The saltwater pool is extra large and the Ipe wood deck, wood gates, and grounds are all done to the 9's.

3400 Blair Dr, Hollywood Hills

$930,000 ($5,000 over asking price) 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,795 Sq. Ft/ow 6,135 Lot Sq. Ft/ow

Upon entry one is immediately struck by the modern facade, and enters past a tranquil waterfall, and into a wide open floor plan with wood flooring throughout. The living room/dining room with fireplace opens seamlessly into a light filled family room with walls of glass leading out to the deck and peaceful canyon views.

Listing Courtesy of Charmaine Degrate - Coldwell Banker BH South

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

There were half a dozen offers on this property within days of it hitting the market, but we were able to beat out those others to get this great home. Even though we had to go a hair over asking price, I believe my Buyer got a deal. I think it could have even sold for more!

If you would like to find a similar home in and around this area, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com. We would be happy to assist!

Dexter Star Lists Former Starchitect Hal Levitt's Personal Residence

I visited this property this week and was impressed. I actually showed the Outpost Estates area home to a buyer client of mine back when it last sold in 2008 for $1,750,000. They should have bought it then, but instead the star of Showtime's Dexter Michael C. Hall was the lucky purchaser of this great home. This home was the personal residence of architect to the stars, Hal Levitt, from 1964-2004 according to the listing. Mr. Levitt has done some fantastic homes, most recently and notably the home that Jennifer Anniston just sold for a whopping $35M. It was Mr. Hall that took this home to the next level though. He did some great improvements, including all new oak flooring, modernized kitchen, and redone pool. The improvements definitely show, and I don't see this one remaining on the market for long.

7039 Senalda Rd, Hollywood Hills

$1,995,000 4 Bed 5 Bath 3,525 Sq. Ft 10,308 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos by Joshua Myler & Jeff Kohl - The Agency

At over 3500 sq. ft in a prime location, this is a good value on a very cool house. If you would like to see this great home rich in architectural history, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Leases on Leases on Leases

I have done a multitude of high end lease transactions in the past couple of weeks, and am currently working on a couple of more. Apparently there are a lot of people looking to move in time for Summer and are either not yet prepared to buy, have special circumstances like a job transfer, or just want to test out a neighborhood. Check out the various houses and their wide range of locations and prices for the recent several I have just completed for both Owner and Tenant client's.

2047 E Live Oak, Los Feliz, $6,250/mo - This one was especially rewarding, as I managed the design and remodel work for my client's. Good to see that the results were successful. Leased for 2 year's. Represented both Owner and Tenant.

9354 Beverly Crest, Beverly Hills, $8,000/mo - Represented the Tenant's. Great Mid-Century Modern house with stunning views and a pool in the "Crest" streets of Beverly Hills north of Sunset. Listed by Elisabetta Conti - Nelson Shelton & Associates.

Front of the Beverly Crest property

2585 Glen Green, Hollywood Hills, $4,500/mo - Represented both the Owner and the Tenant.

2200 Curtis Ave, Redondo Beach, $3,800/mo - Represented the Owner.

If you are looking to lease out your property or lease a property in the greater Los Angeles Area, please feel free to contact us anytime at 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Duplex Turned Stunning Loft Like Modern Showplace

I had the pleasure of seeing this property in person this week, and not only do I like the concept, but definitely liked the execution as well. The property was a Spanish style side by side duplex that the developer converted into a stunning wide open loft like four bedroom showstopper. They used as a base my favorite wood flooring choice at the moment throughout the home, wide plank white oak floors. The attention to detail is first rate, including the front bathroom (shown below) with wallpaper pattern like design ingrained into the tiles, which to be honest I had never seen before. There is a large chef's kitchen, a multitude of skylights allowing natural light to flood the property, and an ideal open floor plan leading to a truly relaxing backyard with great landscaping. I like how they kept one of the duplex doors on one side of the front to allow for a home office as well. Lying in a prime "Beverly Grove" neighborhood by all the chic shopping and restaurants on Melrose, this one is not to be missed.

641 Kilkea Dr, Los Angeles

$1,499,000 4 Bed 3 Bath 2,312 Sq. Ft 6,552 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Pictures by Sally Forster Jones & Daniel M. Weiser - Coldwell Banker-BH South

If you would like to see this stylish property in a prime location, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com.

Stylish in Silver Lake for Under $770K

Check out this interesting newly listed 1921 traditional home renovated with mid-century aesthetics in the hills of Silver Lake. Just off the popular Sunset Junction area with views of downtown's skyline is this stylish hillside home. According to the listing, all the systems have been renovated and there is a fair amount of outdoor space with "room for a pool." While not large at just shy of 1500 sq. ft, this two bedroom home is well laid out with an open floor plan and modern finishes. If you have been looking for an updated home in this area, this could be the one you have been waiting for.

1429 Westerly Terrace, Silver Lake

$769,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,444 Sq. Ft 4,599 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Carrie Bryden & Howard Lorey - Nourmand & Associates

If you would like to see this great property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com.

The Influence of a Techy Realtor

Guest Post by Parker Hill @ NewHomeSource.com

What’s important in selling a home? Is it asking price? Location? The status of your home? While all three of these are certainly contributing factors, they are by no means the most important aspect. As you may know, approximately 90% of all home sales now begin with an online search. So despite what you’ve heard about open houses and using print advertising, the most important part of selling your home begins on the internet. While some agents have yet to understand this, there are a select few who have embraced the internet and hold the tools to get your home from ‘for sale’ to ‘sold.’ These “techy” realtors are easy to identify and are the type of agent you want to work with. Here are things to look for in determining whether your agent makes the tech-friendly list.

A techy Realtor first and foremost should have a good website. This means its easy to find, easy to navigate and is an over all enjoyable experience. Keep away from Realtor’s with dated websites that lack contact information or websites that are poorly constructed. The rule here is: if you don’t find it pleasing, chances are homebuyers won’t either. And if you were to list your home with an agent who’s website gets little traffic, then say goodbye to your home’s internet exposure. Pick a Realtor with an accessible website, with well-displayed contact information and other helpful details.

On top of a good website design, your Realtor must have a good home search feature. As we mentioned earlier, giving your home plenty of internet exposure is crucial to selling your home in the modern market. If your Realtor is lacking in a home search option, you can bet that potential buyers will quickly move along and those who don’t head to the next website will have difficulty finding your home. A good web search will have either a map view, an ability to set certain search parameters, or both. Be sure your Realtor has such an option before hiring them!

Next to design and home search options, a techy Realtor could possibly have the following additions on their webpage. A frequently updated blog can be a fun and useful addition to a Realtor’s marketing arsenal. Likewise, a Realtor that encourages texting, video chats, or using smartphones apps is also helpful, although by no means essential. The two most important aspects are the design of the website and the home search. With these, you can bet you have a class act of a Realtor. The rest is icing on top. To work with the type of Realtor who will give your home the kind of online exposure it deserves, be sure to contact Eric Smilay, today!

My New Mid-Century Modern Lease Listing in the "Oaks" of Los Feliz

Stylish mid-century modern in coveted "Oaks" area of Los Feliz with head on downtown city skyline views. Property has been recently remodeled and is now stunning with clean white gallery like walls and walls of glass bringing the light and lush surroundings outside in. Home features refinished and new hardwood flooring, open loft like floor plan anchored by classic brick fireplace, and high ceilings. Cool original Youngstown kitchen with metal cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Very large master bedroom with fireplace and two walk in closets (one cedar lined). The large front deck is great for entertaining and soaking up the view, while the backyard with spa, fire pit, and waterfall is great for relaxing. Great lush landscaping completes this dynamic and tranquil property.

2047 E Live Oak, Los Feliz

$6,500/mo 3 Bed 2 Bath 2,162 Sq. Ft 9,532 Lot Sq. Ft

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you would like to see this great property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com.

My New Redondo Beach Lease Listing

Fantastic, two-story, 4 bedroom, 2½ bath house on corner lot in prime location. Property is very light & bright with soaring ceilings in living room & multiple bedrooms. Great open floor plan with kitchen opening up to informal eating area and large family room with fireplace. Huge master bedrm with large walk-in closet and very spacious bathroom featuring a separate tub & frameless glass enclosed walk in shower. Large laundry room w/ washer/dryer included. Large 2 car garage w/ storage space. Gardener included. Less than 10 minutes to the beach! A great lease opportunity just in time for Summer. Available July 15th.

2200 Curtis, Redondo Beach

$3,800/mo 4 Bed 2.5 Bath 2,484 Sq. Ft 3,746 Lot Sq. Ft

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you would like to see this great property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com.

Modern Meets Traditional With Land & A View In Style in Studio City

I had the pleasure of seeing this property in the hills of Studio City this past week, and I must say I really really liked it. The owner, who I met with and was great, did a fantastic job on the remodeling of the property and was able to create a nice mix of traditional and modern finishes that will appeal to a wide variety of potential buyers. They took what was a nice but dated property in a great location on a large lot and turned it into a special trophy property. The base of the home is the 8' wide white oak flooring, open spaces, and disappearing walls of glass (a personal favorite of mine). The chef's kitchen has been updated with "marble counters, custom-milled high-end floor to ceiling cabinetry, farmhouse sinks, and all top of the line appliances(Thermador, La Cornufe, Bosh)." The landscaping was clearly professionally done from the water feature in the entryway to the multiple private patios off of the bedrooms to the lush backyard with pool, fire pit, and plenty of green grass to run on. This property has great valley views, and is simply a must see if you are looking for a home in this price range.

3428 Wrightview, Studio City

$2,498,000 4 Bed 4 Bath 3,654 Sq. Ft 15,340 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Michaela Tupta-Cadiz - Nelson Shelton & Associates

If you would like to see this stunning home, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com.

My New Lease Listing in Beachwood Canyon

I have several new lease listings coming on the market over the next week, and here is the first.

Lying on a great cul-de-sac street in the coveted Beachwood Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills is this fine Victorian style home. House features soaring ceilings in the living/dining room area with tons of windows allowing natural light to flood the property and anchored by a stunning fireplace. The home has wood flooring throughout, an updated all stainless steel kitchen, and multiple outdoor patios. The property includes a good sized flat grassy yard in the front, along with a hot tub for relaxing. A ton of curb appeal in this one as well; simply a great home in a fine location.

2585 Glen Green, Hollywood Hills

$4200/mo 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,500 Sq. Ft 4,318 Lot Sq. Ft

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you would like to see this home, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com.