Studio City does Halloween

Nothing to do on Monday, the 31st? Come on over to Studio City's Colfax Meadows, Tujunga Village or Woodbridge Park areas (the flat parts of SC).  These neighborhoods put on quite a show for kids and adults too -- haunted houses, sets, lights, costumed characters, sound effects...you'd think some of the residents worked behind the scenes in the film industry or something.  If you visit, make it early -- there's no place to park after about 6:00 pm. I will post pics next week.

Favorite homes from today's Studio City caravan - warmth makes a comeback!

If you've been seeing homes for sale in Studio City and L.A. lately, you've surely seen many brand-new Cape Cod-style homes with lots of neutral finishes, white-on-white decorating, and a general starkness that seems to be the hallmark of the local r.e. market.

Are you ready for something different? I thought so. Both houses on today's fave list are in the traditional style that used to be so popular -- and I hope will be again.

The first, above, is 4167 Klump Ave. in the Woodbridge Park area of Studio City.  This great neighborhood features lots of mature foliage and one-of-a kind homes.  It is completely walkable to stores, restaurants and Tujunga Village.  The house itself has lots of warm traditional touches in its delightful public living spaces, but also has an open floor plan. It also has a green yard and guest house with full bath (total 4 beds, 4 baths, about 3k sf including the bonus sf).  It's listed at $1,249,000 and I bet it will be sold this weekend.

The next is 11212 Canton Drive, just east of Laurel Canyon Blvd.  Listed for $1,799,000, this house has 4 beds, 4 baths, about 3300 sf on a gorgeous, private, terraced lot.  The country-French interior charmed my pants off along with big sunny rooms and all the outside greenery.  It's on a quiet cul-de-sac and is really close to lots of hiking trails.  It's so refreshing to see lush, comfy decorating again.

The saga of poor little 11485 Moorpark #17 in Studio City

This semi-charming townhouse was listed by me back in early October and finally sold in December after three, yes, three escrows.  Although it is only a little over 1000 feet and needs some upgrades, it has two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and two balconies.  Best of all, it's in Tujunga Village.  Because of the needed repairs, we listed it at $399k, which was $10,000 the most recent (and smaller) sale in the building.  You'd think it would fly off the shelves, right? Everybody wants to live in Studio City and that's an excellent price, right?

We had lots of activity the first few days and got three offers.  Two were over $400k, and we picked one.  Those buyers backed out after their inspection.  Too much work for them, even though the price was right.   Dang.  Three weeks later, we received another offer.  A brand-new Realtor was the buyer.  I should have had a hunch that she wasn't sincere when she seemed more interested in a lower price than the actual condo.  She danced us around for awhile and finally cancelled after almost three weeks. Ugh.

But -- one of the original of the three would-be buyers noticed that we were back on the market and reinstated her original offer! Her offer had been $390 and the sellers took it.  The escrow went relatively smoothly and she closed just before Xmas for $390.  I hope she'll be very happy in her new home.  I loved working with my sellers, too.  Takeaway: Surprise! Even properties in hot areas at low prices can languish on the market.

Open Sunday, Sept. 21, from 2 to 4 -- 11485 Moorpark #17, Studio City

Please swing by my open house tomorrow in Studio City and see this amazing townhouse.  It has 2 beds, 2.5 baths, two stories, two balconies, a fireplace, a gym, and a gorgeous pool.  It has been spiffed up with new paint and new upstairs carpet.  Best of all, it's priced at an affordable $399,000 and the HOA is only $225 a month.  Do the math: depending on your down payment, that's cheaper than renting the same-sized unit.

Plus, this is in the neighborhood that everybody loves -- Tujunga Village.  Walk to Girasol, Vitello's, Aroma, groceries, cool little stores...

11485 Moorpark #17, Studio City, is now on the market

Do you want an affordable townhouse in the Tujunga Village neighborhood of Studio City? Wanna live within 3 blocks of Aroma Cafe (below), Vitellos or Girasol? (Yay! Never circle for parking again!) Here's your chance.  This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse has just listed for $399,000.  It features a front exposure, two balconies, washer/dryer hookups, security building, new paint, new carpet, laminate downstairs, fireplace, lots of closet space, pool and gym.  The HOA is incredibly low -- $225/month -- and includes earthquake insurance.  And of course the complex allows pets. Come visit me and the stalwart Steve Fisher there at this Sunday's (9/21) open house from 2 to 5 pm.