4928 Hartwick Street

Living Room

Kitchen

Patio

Rock Spa

4928 Hartwick Street, Eagle Rock
2 bedrooms, 2 baths
1,456 SF on a 5,663 SF lot
Listed for $529,000

Listing courtesy of Craig Farestveit of Craig Estates and Fine Properties

This is probably the most common question I am asked as we launch into an exciting new year in real estate. Everyone is happy to be done with 2009 and to look forward with hope to a much better year. The most common answer I hear from various experts is that, in general, don’t expect much different from last year. I think it’s better than that in our special corner of the LA area.

Here is my personal experience so far since the beginning of this year, a bit over 3 weeks.

I’ve taken two listings, one of which hasn’t come on the market yet. Sellers are seeing that the prices aren’t necessarily as dismal as this time last year, so it might be a good time to sell and figure out a good next step. I’ve been on about 9 listing appointments and several of them may decide to move forward in the next month or two. I also opened escrow with some people who have been looking hard for many months.

Of the two listings in Eagle Rock that I have on the market now, we are having a good turnout at our open houses. That means over 30-40 people at the $699,000 listing at 5320 Rock View Terrace at each the last 3 open houses. Yesterday was the first open house for 4902 Wiota, listed for $429,000, and we had over 60 people! 

5320 Rock View Terrace, Eagle Rock

So the first-time buyer crowd is out in force for the under $500,000 price range, with good interest for higher price ranges as well. And we don’t have just looky-loos walking through (though you are always welcome at my open houses), we have serious talk of offers at both properties.

The First-Time Buyer Tax Credit deadline of April 30, 2010, is having a positive effect both on buyers and on sellers. I think there is a real urgency to take advantage of that opportunity, so buyers are about to have a better choice of interesting properties to consider. The inventory is extremely low right now as properties are being snapped up. 

4902 Wiota Street, Eagle Rock

 

 

For you homeowners who have been in your primary residence 5 of the last 8 years, you have a very brief opportunity for a tax credit as well.  Check out my previous blogpost at http://www.tracyslarealestate.com/federal-tax-credit-for-home-buyers-expanded-and-approved-for-eagle-rock-home-buyers. You can also go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com for the complete information.

But whether or not you qualify for tax credits, this year is starting off with an active real estate market fueled by relatively low interest rates and prices higher than last year, but lower than the peak. Opportunity is everywhere!

Can you believe this kitchen is in a townhome that’s listed for $1,600,000? One of 12 limited edition residences at 633 South Lake Avenue.

 These last two photos are from 309 Grand, South Pasadena. This very special Spanish estate is on a half acre and is listed for $1,995,000.

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A named architectural for under $2 million? Built in 1966, this 2700 square foot home is tucked into a 12,000 square foot lot with peekaboo views of the ocean in the luxurious community of Rancho Palos Verdes. Pierre Koenig designed this for the Henbest family and the current owner bought it from the family trust in 2002.

In almost entirely original condition, the details of the space and the materials are as fresh and exciting as the day the certificate of occupancy was issued. Radiant floor heat works beautifully. With a peek-a-boo view of the ocean, air conditioning isn’t necessary. The terrazzo tile floors in the kitchen and baths are exquisite.  The space is open, with floor to ceiling windows throughout, and sliding glass doors to the Zen garden and the other outdoor spaces around the house.

This is a pristine mid-century perfect for the true mid-century buff. There are 3 bedrooms, an office that could be a 4th bedroom, plus a spacious entry, a powder room with the original Asian inspired wallpaper, a living room large enough for a grand piano at one end, a formal dining room with a passthrough to the kitchen which is open to the family room that extends the depth of the house. There are two bedrooms at one end of the house with a bath between and the master with its own bath at the other side of the house with the office/guest room.

The garage is large enough for two cars plus storage. The yard is very private, located mostly in the front behind the privacy fence. The teahouse and koi pond are original and there is an outdoor dining area that has views of the garden.

Open for viewing Saturday, May 16, 3 to 7:30 pm.

Today (Tuesday, December 16, 2008) is the day you get to see this killer deal at 4273 W Avenue 42, Los Angeles, 90065. That’s just west of the 2 freeway in an area known as Sagamore Park, which is a charming little neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles, tucked between Eagle Rock and Glendale. It has Eagle Rock schools and the most convenient location you can imagine for people who need to go downtown or to areas west of Glendale.

The homes were mostly built in the 1940s and many still feature the built-in bookcases, china cabinets, and crown moldings typical of that era. Sprinkled through the area are Spanish-styled homes with colorful tile and hardwood floors as well.

The commercial area along Verdugo Blvd is experiencing a slow movement into the cafe society we all seem to be attracted to these days. ButterTart at 4126 Verdugo Blvd is a coffee and pastries place open mornings only, and they just advertised that they have free WiFi. A wonderful neighborhood tradition is Polka (Polka Catering) at 4112 Verdugo Rd, a truly Polish restaurant that has earned favorable reviews from Jonathan Gold, restaurant critic extraordinaire as well as the discriminating masses on Yelp.

I will have my famous freshly baked cookies at the house, and I’ll be there from 10 am til 2 pm. The house is listed for $435,000, and is such a great deal. Besides the 2 bedrooms, 1 bath the assessor’s records show, there is a complete downstairs with ¾ bath, separate bedroom, living area and kitchenette. Both levels open out to decks that overlook the lush backyard. Although located very close to the freeway, the house is not affected by noise either in the house or in the backyard. Come check it out!

If you can’t make it today, we will also be open Thursday, 10-2, and both Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 pm. See you soon!

I have a new listing at 4823 Brayton Place, Eagle Rock, 90041. Listed for $499,000, this is a 1985 built, 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home with a separate studio over the garage and a bonus finished space under the main house. There is deferred maintenance, lots of steps, and good bones. Located on a cul-de-sac just across from the Eagle Rock Community Garden at Lanark Park, this is a huge opportunity for the buyer on a limited budget to buy into Eagle Rock and have a good amount of space for under $500,000. There are tree-top views, a huge deck great for entertaining, a secluded location, and easy access to everywhere. You are just over the Pasadena border, close to Eagle Rock’s post office, the Eagle Rock Scenic Hiking Trail and the Neutra-designed Eagle Rock Recreation Center. We’re holding this open on Tuesday, November 4, from 9:30-1, and the sellers do not want weekend open houses, so hurry on by, then go vote.

Listed for $499,000