Coming this week -- 12930 Valleyheart #3, Studio City

Ready for a quiet nest in a stellar location? This one bedroom, one bath condo has what you're looking for.  It features a large kitchen, dining area, fireplace, wet bar, sunny exposures, a European-style washer/dryer unit, extra storage, and a huge patio (we will all be barbecuing soon, I promise).  Plus, the building also has a large laundry room.  The proactive HOA has done lots of recent upgrades to the building, too.  This home is listed at $449,000.

This unit is not only quiet and private, but it's on one of the loveliest, greenest streets in the SFV -- Valleyheart.  The street runs right along the river trail.  But for those who desire a little more action, the building is one block from all of the attractions that Ventura Boulevard in Studio City has to offer, including restaurants, stores, shopping and recreational opportunities.

We will be open from 1:00 to 4:00 on Saturday, Jan. 12, and also open from 11:00 to 1:30 on Tuesday, the 15th.  Please call me if you'd like to schedule a showing at another time.

Where to find an affordable (?) condo or townhouse in the San Fernando Valley

Disappointed by the lack of affordable condos and townhomes out there? And by affordable I mean a 2+ bedroom under $500,000? (I know; that seems like an outrageous price but this is where prices are now.) I took a look through the mls for the San Fernando Valley and here are the areas with the most units available at that price or less: Woodland Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks.  Glendale also has a bunch of units at this price, but isn't technically in the SFV. One of the major price-determining factor, as always, is location, location, location. Walkability to Ventura Boulevard is a huge plus and adds dollars, too.  If you are willing to go farther north, or father out, the prices go down.  I'm sure I've missed looking some communities, but this is a start.

Huge townhouse in stellar Studio City location - $530,000

I am pleased to announce that my listing at 4332 Coldwater Canyon #1 in Studio City will be on the market on Monday, June 13. If you've been looking for a perfect place, this may be it – 1452 sf, two bedrooms, three baths, dining room, spacious kitchen, high ceilings, two fireplaces and a big, private rooftop deck with a tree top/hillside view! Other amenities include lots of closet space, an electric car charger, built-in book shelves, two balconies and two parking spaces. The unit’s corner location in this small building (only 4 units) guarantees a bright, sunny exposure. Low HOA of only $200/month. It's walking distance to Ventura Boulevard with all of its shops and restaurants, and close to golf and tennis clubs, too. Add your own creative stamp to this -- it's a decorator's dream at an unbelievable price.  Appliances included; Dixie Canyon Elementary. Call me for more info or to visit. Currently scheduled open houses: Friday, June 17, 11:00-2:00; and Sunday, June 19, 2:00 to 5:00.

Studio City on the cheap

Everybody thinks Studio City is really expensive.  Some of the homes are. Some of the stores and restaurants are.  But some aren’t, as well, and I’m here to tell you how to save your hard-earned pennies in our neighborhood.

1.     You can eat relatively cheaply at Jinya Ramen, Cactus Tacqueria, Henry’s Tacos, Lemonade, Spitz, and more. The food at these places is delicious and cheap.  Okay, the first four don’t serve alcohol, but there’s…

2.       $2 beers at Jinky’s ALL DAY! $3 for craft brews! Really, now you have died and gone to heaven, right? And the food at Jinky’s is good and not expensive either.

3.       Get a massage for as low as $25/hour. You know all of those massage places along Ventura Blvd? With the neon signs in the window? Most of them are legit! Some have you leave your clothes on, but the massage is just as good.  I am not going to name my favorite place but it says “foot massage” in the window, and is cute, clean and peaceful.  

4.       Shop for clothes. There are lots of really cute clothing shops here, both in Tujunga Village and on Ventura.  For deals, though, check out Crossroads Trading Co. As they say, “Whether you call it recycled, resale, vintage or thrift, we call it Fashion.”  Want something a little more upscale? Great Labels on Ventura is exactly that at a discount.

5.       Lots of free recreational opportunities. Studio City is close to some of the best hiking/walking trails in L.A.  The famous Runyon Canyon, of course, plus Fryman Canyon, the L.A. Reservoir (3.5 miles around), and my personal fave, the L.A. River walks.  

6.       Acres of free parking.  If you’re willing to walk a bit to your destination, the lots behind the Laurel Canyon and Ventura intersections are huge and free. Not all day, of course, but you can easily park for two hours there.

Okay, this should get you started with enjoying the Studio City community without spending a lot.  Have I left out anything? Please let me know, if so.