Interior Shots & Video of Broadway Loft Lease Listing

Premiere loft building at one of the most famous intersections in the world, Hollywood & Vine. Loft living at it's finest in this full service celebrity building in prime Hollywood. This designer fully furnished loft by noteworthy interior designer has soaring 12' ceilings, rich dark hardwood flooring, exposed ducting, and a designer bathroom. Gallery kitchen with modern appliances and Caesar stone counters. One of only a few units in the building that have fire escape "balcony" off of loft as well. Building amenities include: sublime rooftop pool with 360 degree views, spa, gym, valet parking and 24-hour concierge service. Lobby & rooftop designed by famed Kelly Wearstler. Walk to the W, Katsuya is downstairs, and all that new Hollywood has to offer. Available Feb. 15th.

1645 Vine St #605, Hollywood

$3,850/mo Fully Furnished 0 Bed 1 Bath 1,000 Sq. Ft

Listing & Pictures by Eric Smilay - Smilay Properties

The property comes fully furnished with high end furnishings, and is stunning. It is a wide open "L" shaped real loft with no separation in bed area. Great character from old windows, but finished with modern upgrades top to bottom. In THE building. If you wish to see this designer loft, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Super Chic Architectural Home on Venice Canals

Lying on the coveted Venice Canals, is this stunning architectural home. The property was built in 1988, but recently renovated by David Hertz with the finest materials. Great use of two story living room and walls of glass for natural light combined with clean white walls for hanging artwork. The open floor plan is ideal with the chef's kitchen opening up to the living room and dining area. With hip concrete flooring throughout, designer baths for each room, and a serene master suite, this is modern architecture at it's finest.

2335 Eastern Canal, Venice

$2,895,000 3 Bed 3.5 Bath 3,296 Sq. Ft 2,696 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos Courtesy of Tamra (Tami) Pardee - Pardee Properties, Inc.

This is simply an exquisitely executed architectural home in a prime Venice Canal location. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Downtown Los Angeles

I recently visited a friend, who was staying in a loft downtown, and took some pictures to show both the downtown skyline, as well as the character and details that was put into the older buildings. They sure don't make them like they used to right? It is great to see a new area of Los Angeles developing with new residential, retail, and goods & service. It's been discussed for so long, that it is nice to finally see the vision coming to fruition.

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

New Broadway Loft

Broadway Loft for Lease Premiere loft building at one of the most famous intersections in the world, Hollywood & Vine. Loft living at it's finest in this full service celebrity building in prime Hollywood. This designer fully furnished loft by noteworthy interior designer has soaring 12' ceilings, rich dark hardwood flooring, exposed ducting, and a designer bathroom. Gallery kitchen with modern appliances and Caesar stone counters. One of only a few units in the building that have fire escape "balcony" off of loft as well. Building amenities include: sublime rooftop pool with 360 degree views, spa, gym, valet parking and 24-hour concierge service. Lobby & rooftop designed by famed Kelly Wearstler. Walk to the W, Katsuya is downstairs, and all that new Hollywood has to offer. Available Feb. 15th.

1645 Vine St #605, Hollywood

$3,850/mo Fully Furnished 1 Bed 1 Bath 1,000 Sq. Ft

Listing & Pictures by Eric Smilay - Smilay Properties

The property comes fully furnished with high end furnishings, and is stunning. The owner is approving the pictures, as well as adding some pieces to finish off the design, so will have interior shots shortly. It is a wide open "L" shaped real loft with no separation in bed area. Great character from old windows, but finished with modern upgrades top to bottom. In THE building. If you wish to see this designer loft, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Facebook's Multi-Billionaire Founder's New House

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, worth an estimated $7Billion plus, recently moved into this rental home in Palo Alto. The home is 3,800 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths. Seems like a nice home, but not one you would expect a 26 year old Billionaire to have perhaps. Zuckerberg, who has been described as one of the "cheapest Billionaire's," is living modestly and there is nothing wrong with that.

Pictures Courtesy of TMZ

New Broadway Lofts Lease Listing

Premiere loft building at one of the most famous intersections in the world, Hollywood & Vine. Loft living at it's finest in this full service celebrity building in prime Hollywood. This designer fully furnished loft by noteworthy interior designer has soaring 12' ceilings, rich dark hardwood flooring, exposed ducting, and a designer bathroom. Gallery kitchen with modern appliances and Caesar stone counters. One of only a few units in the building that have fire escape "balcony" off of loft as well. Building amenities include: sublime rooftop pool with 360 degree views, spa, gym, valet parking and 24-hour concierge service. Lobby & rooftop designed by famed Kelly Wearstler. Walk to the W, Katsuya is downstairs, and all that new Hollywood has to offer. Available Feb. 15th.

1645 Vine St #605, Hollywood

$3,850/mo Fully Furnished 0 Bed 1 Bath 1,000 Sq. Ft

Listing & Pictures by Eric Smilay - Smilay Properties

The property comes fully furnished with high end furnishings, and is stunning. The owner is approving the pictures, as well as adding some pieces to finish off the design, so will have interior shots shortly. It is a wide open "L" shaped real loft with no separation in bed area. Great character from old windows, but finished with modern upgrades top to bottom. In THE building. If you wish to see this designer loft, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Sleek Mid-Century Modern - Hollywood Hills

Lying in the Outpost area of the Hollywood Hills, this sleek mid-century modern architectural home has just hit the market. According to the listing, the "Home has been featured in Sunset Magazine." The property has been remodeled with sophisticated style and designer touches throughout. Although a smaller home, with the disappearing walls of glass leading out to the huge outdoor deck with stunning views of both the downtown skyline and the Griffith Park Observatory, allowing the outdoors in; thus, making it feel more spacious than the square footage suggests. This one looks a like it could be special.

2408 Carman Crest Dr, Hollywood Hills

$1,399,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,600 Sq. Ft 24,620 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos Courtesy of Denny Kagasoff - Prudential California - Beverly Hills

Updated everything with stunning views in a coveted location; what else could one want? If you like this style of architecture and modern finishes in both the kitchens and baths, this may be the one you have been waiting for. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

New Broadway Loft

Broadway Loft for Lease Premiere loft building at one of the most famous intersections in the world, Hollywood & Vine. Loft living at it's finest in this full service celebrity building in prime Hollywood. This designer fully furnished loft by noteworthy interior designer has soaring 12' ceilings, rich dark hardwood flooring, exposed ducting, and a designer bathroom. Gallery kitchen with modern appliances and Caesar stone counters. One of only a few units in the building that have fire escape "balcony" off of loft as well. Building amenities include: sublime rooftop pool with 360 degree views, spa, gym, valet parking and 24-hour concierge service. Lobby & rooftop designed by famed Kelly Wearstler. Walk to the W, Katsuya is downstairs, and all that new Hollywood has to offer. Available Feb. 15th.

1645 Vine St #605, Hollywood

$3,850/mo Fully Furnished 1 Bed 1 Bath 1,000 Sq. Ft

Listing & Pictures by Eric Smilay - Smilay Properties

The property comes fully furnished with high end furnishings, and is stunning. The owner is approving the pictures, as well as adding some pieces to finish off the design, so will have interior shots shortly. It is a wide open "L" shaped real loft with no separation in bed area. Great character from old windows, but finished with modern upgrades top to bottom. In THE building. If you wish to see this designer loft, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Updated Pricing & Info of My Current Listings

1928 Spanish character home on a prime street, just minutes to either Hollywood or Studio City. Could use some updating, but with great bones, and a good size for the price in this Hollywood Hills location. Just reduced, and ready for a buyer to take advantage. The "extras" on this house make the potential unlimited; those include: one bedroom guest apartment, canyon views, and two garages with parking for six plus cars.

3249 Bennett Dr., Hollywood Hills

$845,000 (Reduced $54,000 from $899,000) 3 Bed 3 Bath + Additional 1 bed Apt w/ Kitchenette 2,458 Sq. Ft 4,930 Lot Sq. Ft

See a detailed tour of this property here

Meticulously cared for family home with six good size bedrooms, an entertainer's backyard with pool, spa & bbq, and lying in a superb school district. Same owner's for the past twenty five years looking to downsize, and are ready for an offer. Nice open floor plan, newer carpet, and great energy saving upgrades on this fine property.

23515 Candlewood Way, West Hills

$645,000 (Reduced $80,000 from $725,000) 6 Bed 3 Bath 2,472 Sq. Ft 11,160 Lot Sq. Ft

See a detailed tour of this property here

Lying in prime N of San Vicente location in highly desirable Brentwood. This Penthouse condo is the largest unit in well run Le Provencal building. Unit needs updating in the kitchens and baths, but the 18' soaring ceilings in the living and dining rooms create the backdrop for what could be a truly special unit. This short sale has been approved, but buyer's cancelled escrow five days before closing. Their loss is your gain. Any negatives on the unit is why we are talking about $600K rather then $800K, and represents a deal that all buyer's are looking for.

621 Barrington #302, Brentwood

$600,000 (Approved Short Sale) 2 Bed 2 Bath + Loft 1,920 Sq. Ft

See a detailed tour of the property here

Great lease opportunity in highly desirable Rondell community in Agoura Hills. Backing up to lush foliage, this private end unit, has been well upgraded and is stunning. The light bamboo wood flooring throughout the property is really lovely. Other upgraded flooring includes travertine tile in both the kitchen and the bathroom. A very open floor plan surrounded in plantation shutters allows a ton of natural light to flood the property. Large outdoor private patio is great for entertaining and relaxing. Great community with pool, tennis courts, spa, and lush rolling hills.

27556 Rondell St, Agoura Hills

$1,950/mo Lease 2 Bed 2 Bath 869 Sq. Ft

If you wish to see any of these fine properties, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Studio City Mediterranean Foreclosure Opportunity

This property, judging from the pictures, does not look like the standard run down state that most foreclosure properties are in. This one looks well upgraded, including a total Viking kitchen, rich hardwood flooring, and nice upgraded bathrooms. What I really like most though, besides the price which is great, is that "king of the hill" look that the property gives off from the front. Very Scarface-esque.

3801 Sunshine Ct, Studio City

$749,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,802 Sq. Ft 13,440 Lot Sq. Ft

This is a top of the line chef's kitchen with all Viking appliances.

The property has an in ground spa in the backyard, which is very private.

Listing and Photos Courtesy of Joseph Breckner - Coldwell Banker

The last sale of this home was in 2006 for $1,160,000. This current offering represents a tremendous value on top of being a great place to call home. The property is gated, at the end of a cul-de-sac, and in a desirable South of Ventura Blvd location in prime Studio City. If looking for a property in this area, and like Mediterranean style architecture, this is a great opportunity. Timing is everything, and I don't expect this to be available for very long. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Quick Synopsis of Current Real Estate Market

There is a ton of information available currently in the media on the current Real Estate market. The bottom line is that this listing I have highlights the market, at least in Los Angeles, pretty clearly. There are buyer's out there looking to buy, as well as investors looking, but they want a DEAL.

I have a short sale in a great area in Brentwood, that because the buyer's cancelled five days before the closing, I just re-listed as "active" on the MLS late Friday afternoon. It is now Monday morning, and my phone has been ringing constantly with agent's clamoring for this condo. I have a list of 12 agents that have called, some talking about sending over all cash offers without even seeing the property. They, and their buyers, recognize that this is a deal. In this, or any market, there is money to be made. There are buyer's out there that do want to buy, but just feel like they can negotiate or wait for an unbelievable deal. In many instances they may be right. This is the reason that properties priced at market value are sometimes difficult to move, and if asking over market value forget it. Price is the number one factor in the market right now, period.

Famous "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" Home For Sale

You remember this iconic home from the popular movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," when Ferris' friend Cameron watches in horror as his father's beloved Ferrari goes crashing through the all glass garage. Well now you can own this Highland Park, Illinois beautiful mid-century home.

Surrounded by lush foliage, the famous home is located at 370 Beech St. With 5,300 square feet of living space, the 4 bedroom, 3 bath home has floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. In total, the home sits on a one acre lot with 43,560 square feet. Built in 1953, this home was designed by architects A. James Speyer and David Haid.

The home is listed for $1,650,000. For more information, see the listing.

Photos courtesy of Sudler Sotheby's Realty and VHT.

Amazing Short Sale Opportunity in Prime Brentwood

The buyer just walked on this penthouse condo that was set to close this Friday, so is now back available. The unit needs work and updating without question, but that is why we are talking about $600,000 rather then $800,000. There is a tremendous amount of value in this property at this price in this highly desirable location. This is the largest unit in coveted Le Provencal building, which houses a very healthy and well run HOA with a ton of reserves. The short sale has been approved, so now just need another offer at that price and should be able to close relatively quickly. I find that the majority of people struggle to "see" it, as don't have design backgrounds, but for the one who does get it, this is an absolute winner. Take advantage.

621 S Barrington #302, Brentwood

$600,000 (Approved Short Sale at this Price) 2 Bed + Loft 2 Bath 1,920 Sq. Ft

Soaring 18' ceilings in living/dining room provide a ton of volume

Wet bar and gas lit fireplace in the living room

Three balconies in total on the property; largest one shown here

High ceilings in the master bedroom

High ceilings & large walk in closet in guest bedroom

Spacious loft area with direct access to private deck, currently being rented out and used as a bedroom

Large pool & spa provide a peaceful escape in the heart of Brentwood

You can see a detailed tour of the property here

There is both a significant profit lying here if you are an investor, as well as a great place to live if you are a buyer. The unit with a little updating (aesthetics only) could be special because of the location, soaring ceilings and great open floor plan. One buyer's loss is another buyer's gain. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Small Mid-Century Modern in Great Location

Short sale opportunity in great Hollywood Hills location with views just North of Sunset at a great value. According to the listing, the owner has recently spend several hundred thousand dollars reinforcing the hillside, putting in newer a/c, heating, roof & copper plumbing. The living room looks ideal with walls of glass out to views, high beamed ceilings, and light and bright hardwood flooring. Small house at a condo price, and in a prime location, with a ton of potential to add on/expand long term should a buyer desire.

1741 N Crescent Heights, Hollywood Hills

$650,000 2 Bed 1.75 Bath 1,092 Sq. Ft 5,676 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos Courtesy of Florence Silver - Coldwell Banker Sherman Oaks

This could be a great price to get in this great area for a buyer, or for an investor/developer looking to expand or rebuild in a prime location. Opportunity is knocking. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

The Key To Pricing Real Estate

Heading into the New Year, and because of recent occurrences in the deals I currently am involved in, I wanted to spend a moment discussing the art of pricing and valuating real estate, and the keys to getting it right. It is just that, an art. Of course there is plenty of empirical data available, but it is still more of an art then a science for sure. Every property is different and unique, and thus must be evaluated on it's own merits. I am sure that there are several different ways agents and home owners go about performing this exercise, and it may even vary by property. Everyone knows that numbers can be manipulated and arranged to show what the presenter desires to show, so how do you know you are looking at accurate information. The most common method is using dollar per sq. ft of properties sold within a given area that have sold in the past six months. Sounds simple enough, yet still can be quite misleading. It is very important to note specifics when analyzing comparable properties (comps), and here's why. If you look within a city as a whole the valuations can have huge swings north or south of a specific street due to desirability, prestige, etc. For this reason, I like to use the Thomas Guide feature on the MLS, to narrow down specifically the area of the subject property I am evaluating rather then the city it is in as a whole.

Once you come to the dollar per sq. ft number using the best comparables within a specific area, this is a good start, but not enough to set an accurate price. It must be remembered that this number is just an average. Are the houses/buildings built in similar years or is one new and designer while the other is old and dated? Does one home or building offer better amenities (ie pool, gym, private lot, etc). All of the factors obviously affect it's value. Then after analyzing the building or homes common/outside elements, you can get down to the actual subject property. Are the finishes high end (ie kitchen, baths, flooring) and above average, or is your property a bit outdated and needs refreshing (ie below average). These materials can swing values in one direction or the other as well, especially to buyer's that appreciate having the most modern or what they deem to be designer details and are willing to pay for them.

Lastly, with a house only, clearly the size of the lot matters. Is it a 4,000 sq. ft lot or a 12,000 sq. ft? Obviously even if the two houses were identical in every way, the 3x larger lot would clearly make it worth more then the other. Also, is it a private corner lot, or on a busy street, etc? Further along these lines, especially in the Hollywood Hills, the angle of the view can also influence values greatly. Two properties can be on the same street or even next to each other but due to topography, it is possible that they have completely different views, and the better view can be worth much more. It's a subjective value to the right buyer.

I know there are quite a few factors, and it is largely subjective, but this is why you would most likely want to speak to a professional to get an accurate account of your homes value. One can not rely on websites like Zillow solely for accurate information. I just saw an interview where a celebrity real estate agent spoke of selling a property over $1.5M with multiple offers, while Zillow had the property valued at $735K--this is a 50% difference between what the agent and market determined was the value of the property! Imagine if the owner just relied on Zillow or some other similar site, they could have left over $750K on the table. I think that is worth a phone call to a trained professional don't you? There is a buyer for every property and it is just a matter of price, so price it accurately from the start, and it is most likely that you will garner the highest dollar amount in the shortest amount of time.

Please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com if you wish to discuss receiving a free market valuation on your specific property.

Good luck to everyone interested in being involved in a real estate transaction in 2011! Buy low and sell high...

Hip Lofts From Around the Globe

If you like lofts, check out our newest designer done loft listing in a prime Hollywood location.

Soho Loft Courtesy of The Love Magazine Blog

Anybody who follows this blog knows I am a fan of Lofts. I love the open floor plan and soaring ceilings, the natural light, and architecture. The best is the juxtaposition of modern finishes with historic character buildings in desirable urban locations. I felt like posting several I found throughout mostly the United States and a few outside of the country. Maybe you can gather some design or architecture ideas for your loft/condo/or even house to incorporate into enhancing your space in 2011. Here's to a great year of Well Being & Architecture. Happy New Year everyone!

Biscuit Company Lofts-Los Angeles Courtesy of Archrecord

New York Loft Courtesy of Flickr

Modern London Loft Courtesy of Loftroom

Mosler Lofts-Seattle Courtesy of DigsDigs

Arizona Lofts Courtesy of Acid Rain

American Brewery Lofts - Boston Courtesy of WarrenRE

Postrel Lofts Courtesy of The Atlantic

Boston Loft Courtesy of Condo Domain

Hard Loft-Toronto Courtesy of Urbanapolis

I just put this Architectural loft like home on the West side in escrow, and recently leased this designer loft at the famed Broadway Lofts in the heart of Hollywood, and I know of some great ones in varying locations at varying prices for sale or lease all around LA currently available. If you would like to find a loft in the greater Los Angeles area, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Traditional Pool Home; West Hills

Showing my great listing in West Hills this morning. The property has six bedrooms and three baths with an entertainers dream backyard including pool, hot tub, and BBQ. For families please note that this home resides in one of LA's finest public school districts. This home is offered at $645,000. You can see a detailed tour of the property at http://23515candlewood.com

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

Rocker Chic Hollywood Hills Hideaway

This home is a bit different then the ones that normally catch my eye, but something about the funkiness grabbed me. This is a very chic home with a nod to the bohemian aesthetic. Lying in a great Hollywood Hills location by the Hollywood Bowl, this property is incredibly private as it is hidden behind lush foliage. A ton of designer details include Chinoiserie silk wallpaper in the dining room, antique mirrored and lacquered walls in the living room, and gold-leaf ceilings in the master bedrooom. An updated kitchen with Carrara marble countertops, and high end appliances like Miele & Sub-Zero. Great indoor outdoor flow with dramatic outdoor space that includes a 7' grotto and outdoor shower. There is also a one bed guest apartment with full kitchen and bath. A very unique property indeed.

2012 Pinehurst Rd, Hollywood Hills

$999,000 2 Bed 2.5 Bath 1,451 Sq. Ft 7,140 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos Courtesy of Brett Lawyer - Sotheby's Int'l Realty

A paradise feeling of escape in this property, yet just minutes to all the Hollywood action. If interested in seeing this funky chic hideaway, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Clean Cool Updated Mid-Century

Lying on a cul de sac in highly desirable Outpost area, is this cool updated mid-century home built in 1958 by architect Dennis V. Wehmueller. According to the listing the home has a "open floor plan in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright's usonian homes." The property has clearly been updated by the current owner, who is an architect, with top level finishes. These high end finishes include: Vidrotil Glass mosaic tiles, Interface carpet and Milleniennium Tiles Stainless Steel roof.

2246 Chelan Rd, Hollywood Hills

$1,149,000 2 Bed 1.5 Bath 1,971 Sq. Ft 6,960 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos Courtesy of Bill Lustig - Prudential CA

This is a great location and price for a cool home with clean lines and updated finishes. The bedrooms are good size, and that expansive living room with fireplace definitely looks inviting. If interested in seeing this cool mid-century home, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.