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.

Stylin' Mid-Century View Home Under $660K

Cool redone mid-century view home in the hills above Universal Studios with head on valley views. Everything looks to be nicely updated with bamboo wood flooring, new stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, and walls of glass allowing natural light to flood the property. The living room's centerpiece is a solid concrete fireplace. The open floor plan allows the space to feel much larger then the square footage suggests. On a nice flat over 7,000sq. ft lot there is a good sized yard for outdoor activities. At a good price in a prime location, if you have been waiting for a sleek mid-century modern with views at a reasonable price, this could be it.

3922 Fredonia Dr, Hollywood Hills

$875,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,165 Sq. Ft 7,832 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Craig Terrien - Deasy Penner & Partners

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

Ryan Seacrest Lists Hollywood Hills Mediterranean Mansion

One of the hardest working people in Hollywood has listed his mansion for sale high atop the Hollywood Hills. Ryan Seacrest, American Idol host and Radio DJ, among other jobs, is selling his Mediterranean estate. It is rare to have this much land in the hills, and this home comes with just shy of an acre of "Beautiful grounds, pool, championship tennis court, and much more." It also has a guest house and incredible views. This one is rich in Hollywood history, as it was previously owned by Kevin Costner, and is now ready for the next star or international mogul to reside here. Is this you?

Nichols Canyon, Hollywood Hills

$11,985,000 6 Bed 6.5 Bath 10,000 Sq. Ft 40,946 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Kurt Rappaport - Westside Estate Agency Inc.

It is shown to pre-qualified buyer's only, but if you are qualified and would like to see this home, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Broadway Loft Updated Pictures

This is the third time I will be leasing out this great loft at the famed Broadway Loft Building in booming Hollywood, and on a recent showing I decided to break out the new camera and take some updated pictures. The main selling point besides the actual loft itself with it's 12' ceilings, designer furnishings, and open floor plan is the building. This is the premiere full service building in Hollywood with a ton of fine amenities, including 24 hour doormen, valet parking, designer lobby, gym, and most importantly sublime rooftop pool & spa with tremendous views. Just imagine lounging with your friends on the roof high above Hollywood just in time for Summer.

1645 Vine St #605, Hollywood

$3,950/mo Fully Furnished 1 Bed 1 Bath 1,000 Sq. Ft

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you are in town for awhile and/or wanting to test out the new Hollywood area before buying, this is a great place to do it, as it is being leased out fully furnished. If you would like to see this designer loft, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Sweet Mid-Century w/ Views in South Pasadena

Designed by Architect Marvin O. Berman, who according to the listing, "worked with Richard Neutra and Victor Gruen," designed this stylish mid-century home in 1959. I am not familiar with Mr. Berman's work to be honest, but I certainly like what he did here. While this home is of modest size at under 1500 sq. ft, it is well laid out, open, and with the high ceilings and walls of glass it certainly appears larger then it's number would indicate. The wood paneling softens the modern finishes and gives it a good mix of modern and mid-century roots. This one has clearly been updated with a sleek kitchen and nice finishes in the bathrooms. Lying in a peaceful setting with mountain views from the decks, this one may just be the one you have been waiting for. There is also additional outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing.

5511 Alta Vista, South Pasadena

$875,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,462 Sq. Ft 6,754 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Jennifer Parker-Stanton - Deasy/Penner & Partners

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

Hollywood Hills High End Flip

The Xanadu Group is presenting this completely redone mid-century modern home in a coveted Hollywood Hills location. The listing describes the work completed as, "completely remodeled sparing no expense in order to deliver today's modern amenities." I would agree with them by the looks of it. Everything from flooring, kitchen, baths, and the outside has been redone and modernized. I absolutely love the approximately 50' pocket door in the living room leading out to the deck with canyon views, which allows one to sit inside and feel as if they are outside. The group purchased the property just over a year ago for $825,000, which is mostly irrelevant as it is essentially a new house; however, it is listed at over $960/sq. ft. Do they get that? It remains to be seen if a high end remodel can garner Sunset Strip area prices over in the East Hollywood Hills, but it will be interesting to watch and find out.

5544 Tuxedo Terrace, Hollywood Hills

$2,199,000 3 Bed 2.5 Bath 2,286 Sq. Ft 10,080 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Stephen Apelian & Stacy Gottula - Coldwell Banker-BH South

If you wish to see this designer remodeled home, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Remodeling Updates; Los Feliz

Progress continues on the previously posted remodeling project I am managing for a client in the coveted "Oaks" neighborhood of Los Feliz. Everything is looking good, and besides the rain slowing us down from painting the outside this week, the work appears to be on schedule. The interior is almost 100% done by now. You can see the new wood flooring laid down, as well as the entire inside has been painted. The flooring just needs to be sanded and stained, as well as the flooring that was already there needs to be refinished. It is somewhat difficult to tell by the pictures, but for the main living space we went for clean white gallery like walls. The space exudes clean lines and modern living allowing the next user to have different directions in which they can take the space. It is a clean pallet and ready for one's interior design skills to run with. The bedrooms are swiss coffee, which is a sort of off white, and is a bit more "homey" if you will.

As you may or may not know there is about 100 different white paint colors to chose from. I wanted to go with a very Palm Springs Mid-Century white on the outside with grey borders, similar to what the outside of Room Service on 3rd St did (pictured after the break); however, I think for a single family home with a lot of area to cover the pure white will just be too much. We decided to go with the more off white, which is the strip on the right of the outside. It shows a bit beige here next to the pure white, but think it will read off white when complete and be very visually appealing and more functional in terms of not showing every bit of dirt, etc. This is obviously the main component from an aesthetic perspective, so was treated with the utmost importance, and it's execution will be key.

This has been a good minor project for the house and I look forward to seeing the end result, which I think is going to be stunning. I look forward to sharing the finished pics with you soon.

Fully Furnished Broadway Loft Available for Lease; Hollywood

THE 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 chic fully furnished loft by noteworthy interior designer has soaring 12' ceilings, rich dark hardwood flooring, exposed ducting, and a designer bathroom. One of only a few units in the building that have a 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 designer Kelly Wearstler. Walk to the W, Katsuya is downstairs, and all that new Hollywood has to offer. Available June 1st.

1645 Vine St #605, Hollywood

$3,750/mo Fully Furnished (Reduced $200/mo from $3,950/mo) 1 Bed 1 Bath 1,000 Sq. Ft

Listing & Pictures by Eric Smilay - Smilay Properties

If you wish to see this designer loft, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Let The Remodeling Begin

My client's, who reside outside of the country, have entrusted me with a great deal of responsibility in both assisting them with the purchase and now remodeling of this home. Trust me, I do not take this responsibility lightly. They purchased the property sight unseen based on pictures over the internet and opinions from me, and are now in the process of remodeling it. I gave my recommendations on what should be done and how, and we discussed basic parameters and a budget, and now I am managing the work for them. We are refinishing floors, adding new wood flooring in the upstairs bedrooms, removing wall paper, de-personalizing the space, re-coating the front deck, painting the inside and the outside, as well as fixing a few functional issues uncovered during the home inspection. I met with a multitude of sub-contractors do to the individual portions of the project to get estimates, but eventually settled on giving the entire project to a general contractor to oversee, mostly due to experience and a considerably lower price. We have signed the contracts, and the work has begun.

Above was how my client's purchased the property. Notice the sort of random mini-wall "dividing" the dining room area and the kitchen. Seeing as how it serves no purpose, and only makes the space feel smaller, the first order of business was to remove it. Loft like open space is much better, and I think it does wonders for the main living space. Day one, it is gone.

Master Bedroom at time of purchase.

As you can see it had Asian influenced wallpaper, as well as Asian style ornaments in the room. We wanted to make the space more neutral, as well as portray a more clean line mid-century modern style, so we ripped the ornaments down. It is a bit of a pain, but the workers have treated and are in the process of taking down the wallpaper before we will paint it.

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

The project should take a couple weeks, so keep checking back for updates. I think the home is going to look more modern and sleek once I am done putting my designing touches on it, and can't wait to see the finished product.

This property will be available once the remodeling is complete, so if interested in this home please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com.

One Street, Two Great New Reasonably Priced Listings in the Franklin Hills

Two great new listings just hit the market on the same street in the desirable Franklin Hills. One is an updated crafstman with modern amenities and a beautiful backyard with a pool for under $900K, while the other is a slightly smaller traditional home with a large yard and certainly room for a pool for under $800K. Both homes lie in the highly rated Franklin School District.

The first home let's discuss is the crafstman (shown here). It was built in 1914 and has nice period details, but with modern touches sprinkled throughout. The large kitchen is quite nice with a vintage O'Keefe & Merritt stove and soapstone counters. The wood floors, white walls, and large windows all work together beautifully and bring the outside in. The landscaping is exquisite and the backyard is the real seller in this one. It is an urban oasis with a sparkling pool, dining area, and fire pit. Great for entertaining or just relaxing on the weekend.

4327 Russell Ave, Franklin Hills Los Feliz

$895,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,595 Sq. Ft 6,750 Lot Sq. Ft

More pictures of this one after the break, as well as a stylish traditional home with a nice sized yard on the same street.

Listing & Photos courtesy of Robert Carey & Katrina Webb - Sotheby's Int'l Rlty-Los Feliz

While I think the current owner's went a bit crazy with the wallpaper in this one, overall I think it looks good. It has basically the same sized yard as the crafstman above, but without all the pro style landscaping and pool, which one could certainly do to their liking. The front has a lot of curb appeal, and according to the listing the home was renovated in 2006, so should have all updated systems. The large kitchen has an eat in area and this one also has wood flooring throughout and the master bathroom with frameless glass shower looks really nice. Again though, I think the location and large grassy backyard is the seller on this one. The possibilities are endless.

4238 Russell Ave, Franklin Hills Los Feliz

$765,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,274 Sq. Ft 6,754 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Tim Hartley - Deasy/Penner & Partners

Taking all factors into consideration (ie size, price, finishes, etc), which one do you like better? Leave a comment and let me know.

If you would like to visit either of these homes, or both, in person, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com. I live and work in the area, so would be a pleasure to assist a buyer in moving into this great area.

Blue Jay Way Home for Sale That Inspired George Harrison

Lying on arguably the best Bird Street in the best area of the Hollywood Hills, is this mid-century gem immortalized by George Harrison of the Beatles. According to the Magical Mystery Tour interviews, pointed out by Curbed, it was while renting this house and waiting for the Beatles PR man that Mr. Harrison picked up an organ and wrote "Blue Jay Way." This gives a lot of cache and history to a property that is already pretty sweet on it's own. While the pictures don't give a great sense of the interior and floor plan, we know at over 4,000 sq. ft in this location with jaw dropping views, while it is a ton of money; this home is actually well priced. With soaring ceilings, a grand entryway, a large pool and outdoor space in addition to a great library and media room, this one looks like a definite winner for anyone looking in this price range and location. If it was good enough for a Beatle, then I suspect it should be good enough for most!

1567 Blue Jay Way, Hollywood Hills

$4,599,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 4,116 Sq. Ft 17,650 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Stamie Karakasidis - Rodeo Realty Inc.

If you would like to visit this prime piece of real estate in person, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com. Don't delay, as I suspect that this one will go quickly.

Small But Swanky Lease Opportunity in Prime West Hollywood

While this home is not large, at just over 1400 sq. ft it does lie in a prime West Hollywood neighborhood just on the border of Beverly Hills, and would be a swanky rental house. For anyone coming into LA for an extended period, this furnished lease home is obviously much larger then a hotel room would be and at the asking price pencils out to about $217/night. Try getting that rate in this location. At this cool and well styled mid-century home, you have your own private pool, and are within minutes to plenty of restaurants, high end shopping, and nightlife. The listing points out "This sleek space features spacious loft-like rooms, skylights, bamboo floors, designer built-ins, with a master bedroom opening on to a sparkling pool. Furnishings include high end pieces from the finest internationally known designers." Looks and sounds good to me.

9004 Ashcroft Ave, West Hollywood

$6500/mo Fully Furnished 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,410 Sq. Ft 5,000 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Marc Silver - Sotheby's Int'l Rlty - BH

If you need a short or longer term rental in LA, this one may be ideal. If you would like to see this hip mid-century lease property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com.

Sold! Large Family Home w/ Pool in Gated Community; Moorpark

I have said it before, but worth saying again, selling a short sale listing is like doing 5 deals. Yes, it takes that much extra work. That said, I am happy to have closed the sale today on this nice family home and helped my seller's move on from it. The buyer's got themselves a great deal, and even though it took awhile and there were bumps in the road, they should be thrilled. While there are some negatives to purchasing a short sale, such as not receiving any credits to fix anything found during inspections, and the fact that it takes several month's; in the end the positives won out on this one. The buyer's appraisal came in at $670,000 giving them $35K of equity from day one. Not bad for a couple month's worth of work and having to correct a few minor things. Congrats to them, and from my side of the deal, congrats to my client's for being able to move on from the property.

4642 Big Trail Circle, Moorpark

Sold for $635,000 5 Bed 4.5 Bath 3,500 Sq. Ft 8,498 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you would like to find a similar property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com.

Flipping King Better Shelter Does It Again

Known for quality craftsmanship, modern finishes, and flea market chic staging, flipping team Better Shelter appears to have done it again, this time in the coveted Franklin Hills area of Los Feliz. Usually their homes sell for at or above asking price in a matter of days, and this one appears to be no different. I visited the broker open house today, and the property was buzzing with activity. It just hit the MLS today, and according to the listing agent, they have already received two offers on the property! Amazing. After purchasing the "fixer" home in May of last year for just over $351,000, Better Shelter has completely redone the entire property with all new flooring, kitchen, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, and a new two car garage. In short it is a brand new house at a good price. On an over 7,000 sq. ft lot, the developer has definitely added a ton of value to the home, and some buyer will be getting a beautifully redone property in a fine neighborhood. They are accepting offers until Sunday, so there is still time, but be prepared to go over asking price I am guessing. It just may be worth it.

Kudos on another fine project guys.

4137 Sunset Dr, Los Feliz

$649,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,224 Sq. Ft 7,100 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Courtney Poulos - ACME Real Estate

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

SOLD! Mid-Century View Home in the Oaks of Los Feliz (Represented Buyer)

I had the privilege of representing the buyer on this home in the highly desirable "Oaks" area of Los Feliz. The property is a mid-century home built in 1950 with walls of glass opening up to a large deck in the front with head on downtown skyline views. The back side of the home is also mostly all glass and leads out to a peaceful retreat with a spa, fire pit, and relaxing waterfall. Obviously the glass allows for the home to be flooded with natural light throughout most of the day. With hardwood flooring, great retro details, this home just needs a bit of depersonalizing and touch ups here and there and will shine into a great mid-century modern property in an A+ neighborhood. I am not sure how much work the owner's will do, but I am thinking it may really pop if painted white; it would resemble the outside of this updated and recently sold property. What do you think?

If you like the home keep it in mind, as it will probably be on the market for lease very soon!

2047 Live Oak, Los Feliz

$1,225,000 (Asking $1,285,000) 3 Bed 2 Bath 2,162 Sq. Ft 9,460 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing courtesy of Juan Longfellow & Louise Leach - Sotheby's Int'l Realty

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you would like to find a similar property in the area, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email eric@smilayproperties.com. Also, if you are interested in leasing this great home, please contact me for details and I can show it to you anytime.