New Lease Listing - Silver Lake

Lying in a great location high up in the hills in hip Silver Lake w/ explosive views of the mountains is this modern updated home. Enter into a large flex space (can be a bedroom or living room/media room) w/ large designer bath downstairs. Upstairs features bamboo wood flooring, open floor plan, and a gourmet kitchen w/ all newer stainless steel appliances & caeserstone countertops. 2 bedrooms and another modern bath upstairs as well. Tons of dual paned windows throughout frame the views from every room, as well as allow natural light to flood in throughout the property. Very private w/ large deck to relax and enjoy the views! Available May 1st.

2649 Adelbert Ave, Silver Lake

3,000/mo Unfurnished 3 Bed (3rd Bed is a flex space downstairs w/ bath) 2 Bath 1,768 Sq. Ft 4,486 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing and Photos by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

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.

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.

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.

Angus St. Modern Architectural; Silver Lake

A completely redone home into what is now a modern architectural in the hills of Silver Lake. Lying in the coveted Ivanhoe School District, is this great looking open floorplan with a ton of windows, large decks with views, and a large yard. The backyard is currently left undone, but there is certainly room for a pool or a great garden. The house itself has interesting looking "smoked white oak floors" throughout the property. Really nice finishes throughout include, updated spa like baths and a stunning kitchen with caeserstone counters, and "custom bamboo cabinets." The property has been wired with "smart" technology throughout the home allowing easy control over it's features for the new owner. According to the listing, there is also "Bonus studio/sound room with separate entry," which could be a great plus for the right buyer. In a great eastside location with views of the hills and the Griffith Park Observatory, close to the reservoir, this one looks good and should attract a significant amount of interest.

3007 Angus St, Silver Lake

$1,289,000 3 Bed 4 Bath 2,400 Sq. Ft 7,666 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Luisa Ferrante - Sotheby's Int'l Rlty-Los Feliz

I would recommend not delaying on this one. If you would like to visit this property in person, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com.

Redone Spanish Pool Home in Silver Lake Hills

For the lovers of Spanish style homes but with modern finishes, this may be the one you have been waiting for. Lying in a great location in the Silver Lake hills with nice views of the city and downtown below, is this upgraded gem. While maintaining it's charm, it was built in 1931, it has been "impeccably renovated" and is ready for a new buyer to enjoy. In addition to the main 3 bed / 3 bath house, there is also a guest house for your out of town guests, or could even be utilized as an office space. The listing describes the backyard by saying, "The rear garden and pool area is incredible for entertaining, and is fully equipped with a zoned sound system, BBQ /dining area, fountain, outdoor shower and large sunning deck." These are all the pictures currently available, but from the looks of them, the house looks good.

1807 N Dillon St, Silver Lake

$1,399,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 2,053 Sq. Ft 6,000 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Ann Eysenring - Partners Trust Beverly Hills

It is one of the higher priced homes in the area; however, this one may be worth it. If you would like to visit this property in person, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Major Retaining Wall & Foundation Issues

I showed a contractor client this duplex in Silver Lake this week. It is on a great street in a great location with views (you can see the Hollywood Sign off in the distance in the last picture), but there is a ton of issues with it. Not only does the foundation need bracing, but more immediately there is an approximately 100' long 10' tall retaining wall in the backyard that could crumble at any moment. This wall separates the hillside of the neighboring property, and if it goes literally the neighbors house could slide into this properties yard. As you can see it has been braced about halfway up, but with the huge cracks in it, I could see the tops of it crumbling. This could happen in days, month's, or maybe a year, but it will definitely happen if not addressed. On top of that because of the foundation, the entire house and stairs are leaning and it will only continue to get worse over time.

Huge crack in the retaining wall

Notice how much it actually leans

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

Of course all of this is fixable, but will cost a considerable amount of money, time, and effort. Where most will see a huge problem, I am sure the right buyer (hopefully my client) will see it as an opportunity. Since in this condition the property will not be able to be financed, it will require an experienced contractor or investor with the ability to make the purchase and repairs in all cash. It would only makes sense to take a project like this on though if the price is right.

Stylish Remodeled Condo; Silver Lake

Newly remodeled condo just listed by professional design and flipping firm ModOp Design. Lying in the heart of Silver Lake, just steps to all the action of Sunset Junction, is this stylish two bedroom, two bathroom condo in a small 8-unit condo building. The condo has been updated with new tigerwood flooring, a modern kitchen with caeserstone counters and all new stainless steel appliances, and modern bathroom finishes. There is a large redwood patio as well to enjoy the outdoors. At well under $400K, this is a nice opportunity to own a stylish move-in ready condo in a great Silver Lake location.

960 Sanborn Ave #3, Silver Lake

$369,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 854 Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Matthew Morgus & Rob Kallick - Keller Williams Rlty Los Feliz

If you would like to see this newly redone condo in a great Silver Lake location please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Designer Architectural Home Hits Silver Lake

The listing begins by accurately describing the property as, "An exquisite Modernist interpretation designed by renowned architect Roger Sherman, with landscape design by Russ Cletta." I would definitely agree, as the property looks great. After undergoing a complete remodel, this 1963 home has been brought to the current age through it's use of high end finishes, walls of windows, open floor plan, and smooth-trowel plaster exterior. The living room is ideal with it's high ceilings, maple wood flooring, fireplace, and the 25 foot sliding glass door that can be completely opened to bring in the outside. The space opens up to a beautiful pool and nice use of the 5,706 sq. ft lot. With two bedrooms and two baths in the main house, the bottom area is attached, but can be fully self contained with it's own entry and kitchen; can also be used as a great home office, as it is now. There are not too many of these high end modern homes in this eastside location, so is sure to gain a lot of activity from stylish buyers who embrace design and are willing to pay for it.

1937 Cedar Lodge Terrace, Silver Lake

$1,650,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 2,425 Sq. Ft 5,706 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Ron Holliman - Coldwell Banker-BH North

This looks like a great property that is not to be missed if you like modern architecture. If you would like to see this stunning modern architectural home please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Timeless Piece of Mid-Century Modern Architecture History

The Jenkyns House, 1960. Josef Van der Kar, AIA Architect, is now available for sale. The listing begins to describe the property by saying, "Like Van der Kar's iconic Wohlstetter House, the residence is lifted from the street and a slanted roofline creates a dramatic soaring effect." Walls of glass on both levels and multiple decks allow for true California indoor/outdoor living and expose relaxing reservoir views. With three bedrooms and an office, this is good size property in a highly desirable location. This is an opportunity to own a timeless post and beam design and a piece of mid-century architecture history.

The furniture captures the 60's vibe nicely as well, don't you agree?

1973 Redesdale Ave, Silver Lake

$1,070,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,840 Sq. Ft 8,451 Lot Sq. Ft.

Listing and Photos courtesy of Barry Gray - Deasy Penner & Partners

If you would like to see this mid-century jewel in a great Silver Lake location in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com. If you have always wanted to own a swanky mid-century home, this is a great opportunity to grab a good one.

Modernist Architect Allyn E. Morris's 1958 Home-Studio; Silver Lake

The listing does a good job of describing this interesting architectural property built by Modernist architect Allyn E. Morris in 1958. Here is how the listing describes the home:

"Morris' own home, dramatically cantilevered into a Silver Lake hillside, was described by Julius Shulman as 'the best work Morris ever did.' Trained as an engineer and first apprenticed to Lloyd Wright, Morris melded an industrial aesthetic with organic, Wrightian principles. The studio, with its mezzanine master, 2-story living room & open kitchen, dining area & lower ground-floor office (convert to 2nd bedroom?) opens like a magic glass lantern, affording extraordinary views out to the San Gabriels. Meticulously restored & preserved by the current owner, & retaining original custom bathroom fixtures, mosaic, brickwork, glass and hardware, with an updated kitchen following the original blueprints with approval from Morris himself. Counterweighted windows open the living space to a broad terrace with remarkable ease, an astonishing & ingenious variation on the California open-plan model. Additional historic and current photography, history and description here."

2390 Silver Ridge Ave, Silver Lake

$668,000 1 Bed 2 Bath 1,026 Sq. Ft. 4,800 Sq. Ft. Lot

Listing, Description, and Photos courtesy of Michael D. Phillips - Crosby Doe Associates, Inc

This is an architecturally significant property in a good location with views. There are obvious ways to add another bedroom and bathroom if desired, and one may be able to have this property registered as a LA Cultural/Historic Monument, and thus Mills Act status and the tax benefits that go along with it. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Four Nice Listings on the Eastside under $600K

I was perusing the MLS to see what is out there for my various buyer client's today, and came across these listings. In Silver Lake and Los Feliz there are currently four nice looking homes available under $600,000. Any of these, depending on one's taste, would work well for someone who would prefer to own a house with a yard as opposed to a condo. They are all in nice locations with close proximity to many goods and services. If you are currently looking or have considered looking, see below for what you could get for your money in the current real estate market.

1421 N Occidental, Silver Lake $595,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 5,000 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Eric Lavey - Keller Williams Realty Beverly Hills

2233 Fair Oaks View, Silver Lake $579,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,072 Sq. Ft 4,400 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Steve Flores - Prudential CA Los Feliz

2322 Lake View, Silver Lake $569,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,083 Sq. Ft 8,058 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Alicia Ortiz - Real Estate Connection

3335 Glenhurst, Los Feliz $569,000 2 Bed 1 Bath 852 Sq. Ft 5,400 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Courtney N Smith - Nourmand & Associates

Which one of these do you like the best?

If you would like get any further information on any of these properties or would like to see one in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Flipping Team Better Shelter Does it Again

Current Home

If you have yet to hear of Better Shelter, then you are missing out on one of the great current "flippers" in the market today. They have flipped countless homes with their tried and true formula for vintage homes meets modern upgrades, usually in identical materials. Most of their homes have been found on the eastside in gentrifying neighborhoods like Mt. Washington, Highland Park, & Eagle Rock. This one is, I believe, their first venture into Silver Lake. Lying in a great Silver Lake hills location with views, but close to the popular Sunset Junction area, this property was purchased in January of 2010 for $250,000. At the time the home was 692 sq ft 2 bed/1 bath, and now it has been completely redone and expanded into the stunning property it is today. Listed for just two days, the property is already under contract and in escrow. This is a business and blueprint that is great for the buyer, the neighborhood, and of course Better Shelter's bottom line. That's the way to do it gentlemen, keep up the great work.

3633 Effie St, Silver Lake

$599,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 909 Sq. Ft 2,221 Sq. Ft Lot

Before Shot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Courtney Poulos - Brock Real Estate

If you would like to find a similar style home by Better Shelter or in a similar style and location, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com. As you can see, these properties tend to go very quickly, so it's best to have your finances in place and be ready to strike when the home you have been waiting for becomes available.

Freestanding Loft Building Zoned Live/Work; Silver Lake

Very rare offering with limitless possibilities is this dynamic freestanding loft building in hip Silver Lake. Zoned for live/work, so one can both live there and run a business out of it should they so desire. The property is currently used for a photography studio, but the options are boundless with this great open space.

1844 Hyperion Ave, Silver Lake

$789,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 2,298 Sq. Ft 4,748 Sq. Ft Lot

Listed by Peter Lorimer - Peter Lorimer Group Estates

I think the listing agent in this case does a great job with the write up, so wanted to post directly:

"AUTHENTIC FREE STANDING LOFT BUILDING! A rare opportunity to own a creative space and storefront along eclectic Hyperion Avenue in the heart of Silver Lake. Zoned LIVE/WORK, the property is currently used as a photographer studio but truly has almost limitless potential - for either a business, residence or both. The office portion currently has 2 bedrooms and a reception area, which can be converted into a storefront. A curved center hall leads to a studio with 10-15 ft ceilings and a wall of glass that opens up to a patio and grassy area + spa. The studio is ideal for an artist, sculptor, photographer or even an architect. The space also has great showroom potential. Very close to Sunset Junction and Silver Lake nightlife."

Well said.

What a unique and dynamic opportunity this could be for the right creative or business person. Many ways to profit or live in and enjoy this one. If you would like to see this property, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.