Beachwood Canyon Mid-Century View Property

3207 Durand Dr, Hollywood Hills

1,199,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 2,207 Sq. Ft 9,580 Sq. Ft Lot

Great mid-century view property in popular Beachwood Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills. Property is gated and on a large flat lot with pool and both city and Hollywood sign views. The property has a great open floor plan with 10' ceilings, original terrazzo flooring, and large floor to ceiling windows allowing natural light to flood the home. Not many neighbors around this home, afford maximum privacy to relax and enjoy the ideal Southern California lifestyle.

Listing Courtesy of Raymond Schuldenfrei - Deasy, Penner, & Partners

This is a good opportunity for a buyer who appreciates mid-century design in a prime location. The home would be great for entertaining or just relaxing with the family. If you would like to see this property, please contact us anytime @ 661.600.7463 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Showing this home in Tarzana

Eric Smilay
Smilay Properties
www.smilayproperties.com
Sent from my iPhone

Client's Amazing Architectural Home

At a housewarming party of one of my clients new home. It is stunning, and I am proud to have assisted him in getting it. It is so great to see him enjoying and entertaining hIs guests in it. I love this one personally as well.

Eric Smilay
Smilay Properties
www.smilayproperties.com
Sent from my iPhone

Personal Video Walk Through of Spanish Home for Lease

This is a quick personal walk through I took video of this morning for a client of mine, who is out of the country. It is my listing in the Hollywood Hills, and is offered at $3,500/mo. It has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with upgraded kitchens and baths, as well as relaxing canyon views throughout the property.

Showing My Spanish Home For Lease

Tv room with two balconies and soaring ceilings shown in the picture. This space gets a ton of natural light.

Eric Smilay
Smilay Properties
www.smilayproperties.com
Sent from my iPhone

Palm Tree

Eric Smilay
Smilay Properties
www.smilayproperties.com
Sent from my iPhone

My Current Active Listings

23515 CANDLEWOOD WAY, WEST HILLS

675,000 6 Bed 3 Bath 2,472 Sq. Ft 11,160 Sq. Ft Lot

Large spacious traditional pool home on a quiet street. Lying up the hill above the city is this private two story six bedroom home. Well maintained with several recent updates, this immaculate home shows great. Open floor plan with newer carpet downstairs w/ both north and south exposure allowing a ton of natural light to flood into the property. Good size kitchen with breakfast area. Multiple doors lead out to the stunning backyard with large pool, hot tub, and built in BBQ; also a dog run. One bed downstairs, and five good size rooms upstairs. Award winning schools close by add to the value and desirability to make this property an absolute jewel.

Visit http://23515candlewood.com for a detailed tour of this home.

621 S BARRINGTON #302, BRENTWOOD

699,000 2 Bed + Loft 2 Bath 1,920 Sq. Ft

LYING IN PRIME BRENTWOOD VILLAGE N. OF MONTANA IS THIS HUGE CONT. 1,920 SQ. FT TOP FLOOR PENTHOUSE. UNIT FEATURES SOARING CEILINGS ADDING VOLUME IN LIVING ROOM, NEWER DARK RICH WOOD FLOORING, & LARGE PRVT MSTR BEDROOM. OTHER FEATURES INCL. COOL FIREPLACE & WET BAR IN GREAT ROOM, LOFT (COULD BE 3RD BED), IN UNIT WASHER/DRYER AREA, & MULTIPLE LARGE BALCONIES. GREAT PROPERTY IN AN UNBELIEVABLE LOCATION THAT WILL ALWAYS BE VALUABLE. KITCHENS & BATHS COULD USE UPDATING TO MAKE IT TRULY A SPECTACULAR UNIT. BEST PRICE FOR LARGEST UNIT IN BEST LOCATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. A "DONE" UNIT IN THIS BLDG WOULD GO FOR OVER $900K! BRING YOUR VISION & GET A DEAL. ALL OFFERS WELCOMED. SHORT SALE.

Please visit http://621barrington.com for a detailed tour of this property.

2700 E CAHUENGA #4209, HOLLYWOOD

275,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,002 Sq. Ft

Short Sale, take advantage. Great opportunity awaits a savvy buyer, who wants to get in on the more than $2 Billion worth of development recently done in Hollywood. Popular gated community with multiple pools and tennis courts. Nice condo with modern open floor plan and beds on opposite sides of the unit (good for roommate situations). Laminate wood flooring throughout with black granite breakfast bar in kitchen. Large balcony leading out to peaceful treetop views adding to the experience.

3249 BENNETT DR, HOLLYWOOD HILLS

LEASE $3,500/MO 3 Bed 3 Bath 2,458 Sq. Ft 4,930 Sq. Ft Lot

Lying in the Hollywood Hills is this large Spanish home with great details throughout. Large picture windows allow a ton of natural light to flood the open floor plan. 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with modern updated kitchen and baths. Great location close to everything, and priced to lease quickly. Flexible owners will allow painting on the inside should a tenant desire. Take advantage!

If you would like to see any of these properties, please contact us anytime @ 661.600.7463 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

The Ralph Brown Residence, Phil Brown, Architect, 1963

5699 HOLLY OAK DR, LOS FELIZ

$2,795,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 2,3600 Sq. Ft 10,890 Sq. Ft Lot

Stunning example of mid-century architecture just listed in a prime location in "The Oaks" of Los Feliz. According to the listing, this is only the second time it has been on the market since it was created by architect Phil Brown in 1963. That said, it has been nicely upgraded throughout over the years.

Explosive views abound from this one with wrap around decks allowing one to relax and take in Los Feliz and Hollywood below your feet. The property has wide open floor plan with soaring ceilings and walls of glass allowing a ton of natural light to flood the property. According to the listing agent, the architecture is a "bold use of steel cantilevered roof system above broad entertainment/view decks, extensive glass, high ceilings, elegant spaces." Listing Courtesy of Richard Stanley, Coldwell Banker - Los Feliz

This is a great view property in a prime location for mid-century architectural enthusiasts. If you would like to see this property, please contact us anytime @ 661.600.7463 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Hip Mid-Century W/ Pool in the Hollywood Hills

3028 LONGDALE LANE, HOLLYWOOD HILLS

$975,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 2,080 Sq. Ft 13,220 Sq. Ft Lot

Cool Mid-Century home in the hills with stunning pool on a large private property. Modern upgrades in a great location, make this home attractive for many different needs.

Hip Mid Century nestled in the hills w/canyon views & a private salt water pool. This Modern home is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac & surrounded by the splendor of nature & its habitat. Tastefully appointed w/wood floors, picture windows, sliding glass doors & skylights throughout. The living & dining rooms have a seamless flow & each has a fireplace. The Chef’s kitchen features a Sub-Zero fridge, Thermador range & double ovens, Fischer drawer dishwashers, wine cooler & stone counters. The third bedroom was combined to create a master suite w/a comfortable sitting area, perfect for lounging while watching a morning sunrise over the mountains or evening sunsets in the canyon. A covered patio is designed for outdoor dining & opens to the landscaped yard w/meandering walkways, a pond, gardens, and a variety of trees including Citrus & Pine. You may see a deer in the yard, Redtail hawk flying by or the resident owl. All of this & centrally located too…the Ultimate Retreat! Listing & Write Up Courtesy of Terry Canfield Schmidt & Rose Ware -- Prudential CA

This is a good looking property in a location that will always be desirable. If you like the mid-century modern aesthetic and are currently looking to buy in this price range, this may be a great opportunity for tyou. If you would like to see this property, please contact us anytime @ 661.600.7463 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

The Calm After The Storm

Some really nice pictures taken of the sky and the Hollywood landscape after the storm stopped last night in Los Angeles. [flickr size="small" float="left"]http://www.flickr.com/photos/42659427@N02/4345915793/[/flickr]

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It's a Deal (Vision Required)

I have had this listing at 621 Barrington for a little over 2 month's now, and buyer's keep calling to see it daily. I have shown the property on private appointments close to 30 times now (have another appt scheduled for later today in fact), plus the 30 or so people that have come through to the 3 open houses I have held. Everyone of those people have said that the property needs work. This is absolutely true, as the kitchens & baths are not modern; however, that is why the price is what it is. I understand if they are not the types interested in a minor remodeling project, but they must recognize the value in the price. We are now asking $810,000 and are open to all reasonable offers, when there are the same level of finishes in the building next door with no high ceilings and no wood flooring asking $950,000! To me, if someone can have a little vision, they can purchase this property right around $800K, put $40K into it and have themselves a $925,000 property! To me, that is a deal. It does require vision and maybe a little bit of patience, but in the end someone should recognize that it is a deal, plain and simple, and take advantage! Loaded with Potential, Just needs Updating in Kitchens & Baths

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Can see a detailed tour of this property at www.621barrington.com

The Art of Pricing

[flickr size="small" float="left"]http://www.flickr.com/photos/42659427@N02/3931867177/[/flickr] When placing a property on the market for sale, it is so crucial to come out of the gate with the right price from day one. As a listing lingers on the market for over 30 days, and price reductions must occur, this makes the listing appear stale and as if nobody wants it. But how do you come to the right price? Since every property is essentially different, there is somewhat of an art form to accurately evaluating property values. Depending on the type of property (ie income property, condo, single family home, etc) most will use the standard dollar per sq. ft averages of the recent sales in the immediate area. This is effective to give a starting point; however, one must delve deeper. You have to look at the size of the lot, quality of finishes, perceived value from a buyer's perspective, along with the condition of the market & desirability of the location.

Once, as an agent, I feel I have the right value, then the information has to be clearly expressed to the owner/seller to show them how you came to a particular number. This can be a tricky proposition, as obviously seller's want to maximize their profits, but they also often have a skewed view of the value of their own property. Emotions definitely factor in, and can often overshadow empirical evidence. I do understand the thinking that it is easy to come down, but you can't really go back up; however, again, the longer a property lingers on the market with little to no activity the worse it is perceived by other agents and their clients.

This is why one really needs to come out from the gates with the right amount from day 1. It is imperative!

Readying Your Property for Sale

Before officially listing your property on the market for prospective buyers to come and view it, one would be wise to do a couple of small things to ready the property. These efforts, with their minor costs and work, could end up paying back large dividends. Please see below for a few of the most important steps: 1. Clean. Your property needs to show at it's best, so give it it's best foot forward by showing it in an immaculate state.

2. Remove/Put Away. A buyer will want to move right in, and have the ability to picture themselves there. Many people are 100% visual, and will have trouble looking past what is in front of them; thus, you definitely want to put away excess items that make the property appear cluttered and smaller. It may even be worth it to get a small storage unit on a monthly basis if you don't have the room. Look at the below pic, as it is a perfect example, and looks like a model home.

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3. Painting. Depending on what condition the property is in, it may be wise to consider painting the interior to give it that clean and new look. Stay away from any non-neutral colors, as you want to appeal to the broadest percentage of buyer's as possible--white is usually best.

4. Gardening. If the property is a house, curb appeal is very important. You want the buyer to arrive and instantly think the outside looks great, and I can't wait to enter. If you think about it, you don't want the buyer "turned off" before even entering the premises. So definitely do what you can to manicure the lawn.

These are just a few items that could cost a few hundred dollars and a little bit of time and energy, but could yield many ten's of thousands in terms of enhancing a buyer's perceived value. Remember, perception is reality. Show buyer's the property in it's absolute best condition and increase your chances of selling your home faster and for more money. As the saying goes, ''you never get a second chance to make a first impression," and this applies to real estate as much as dating.

Designer Baths on Moore

[flickr size="small" float="left"]http://www.flickr.com/photos/42659427@N02/3950656539[/flickr] The master bathroom is the picture shown, but all four of the bathrooms are designer grade. They feature toto & grohe fixturing, and are done in impeccable style. The master has a rain shower head and looks out the window to relaxing greenery. Large spaces allow comfort while getting ready, and all have back lights on the mirrors. Feel like you are at the spa everyday while at home.

Modern on Moore Kitchen

[flickr size="small" float="left"]http://www.flickr.com/photos/42659427@N02/3951433682[/flickr] Professional grade quality kitchen with nothing but the top tier appliances. These include, Viking range, Bosch dishwasher, and sub zero built in refrigerator. The huge island is a gathering spot for family and entertaining, and is the focal point of the room with it's exquisite quartz counter tops that have been painstakingly matched to perfection. Never far from the social scene when one is in the kitchen, due to it's open layout connecting it with the dining and living room. Feel like a chef in this kitchen day in and day out.

Modern on Moore Living Room

[flickr size="small" float="left"]http://www.flickr.com/photos/42659427@N02/3950655851/[/flickr] Ideal open floor plan create a sense of wide open space in this modern living/dining room/kitchen combo room. The 11' ceilings add volume to the already large space, as floor to ceiling windows allow an abundance of natural light and look out onto peaceful views. Flooring is rich Brazilian wood throughout the downstairs area. Stunning fireplace with rare stonework compliments the room. Owner has outfitted the room with high end B&B Italia furniture.

Real Estate is On Sale--Take Advantage

[flickr size="small" float="left"]http://www.flickr.com/photos/42659427@N02/3951434578[/flickr]While the economy is unquestionably down from where it was two plus years ago when the real estate market was ablaze, those prices that homes were selling at is like a glimpse into the future. Will the prices never get back to those numbers? Come on, never is an awfully long time. During every generation there have been concerns that housing has it it's peak, and couldn't possibly continue to rise. In fact, I have a book that lists about twenty quotes from so called financial "experts" dating from 1947 to 2005, all of which state something to the effect of real estate is no longer a good investment and prices couldn't possibly go any higher. One for example is from Harvard Economist Gregory Mankiw in the Journal of Regional Economics in the Fall of 1989; "The baby boomers are all housed now. They are being followed by the baby bust. By 2005, real housing prices will sit 40 percent below where they are today." Think about that for a second, while this guy was predicting housing will go down 40%, it actually rose over 44%! Imagine the individuals that were thinking to themselves in 1989 that this can't be right and bought a house. They made money, real money. There were wealthy investors scooping up properties, knowing full well that essentially the market was on sale, and the economy will stabilize, and prices will rise again.

We are at that point again, I believe. One can scoop up amazing values currently, coupled with historically low interest rates, makes this one of the most attractive times to buy in modern times. There are all cash buyer's gobbling up properties right now, and it may be wise to follow their lead, and get a stake in the game at whatever level you can. I have recently heard about an investment group pooling resources to buy all the architectural homes near the beach they can that were worth $2.3M two years ago and are now being sold at $1.8M. They are planning on holding for 5 years, renting them out in the interim, and then selling at a profit. The simple fact is that there is no more Earth being built, and currently real estate is on sale--take advantage!