Just sold this mid-century modern home in Granada Hills

Clients Adam and Michelle (pictured) are now the proud owners of this gorgeous, 5 bedroom home in Granada Hills.  If it looks familiar, it's because it was featured in Dwell Magazine.  We had searched for months for the right property and had lots of disappointments on the way.  Then this came up, and it's as pristine as it looks.  The escrow went very smoothly, too!

Granada Hills does have many mid-century homes that have been built here and there.  In addition to a patch of Eichler homes, there are several custom homes there that have been designed by local, noted architects.  And they tend to be less expensive than MCMs found in the hills or Pasadena, too!  Although the rest of Granada Hills is pretty suburban, the community is really not that far away and the schools there are really good, too.  If you are considering this community for your next move, please let me know how I can help you.

My clients just purchased this sterling mid-century modern in Granada Hills

Here's an incredible example of the currently-most-beloved home style, the mid-century modern home. It's such a pristine style that both L.A. Curbed and Dwell Magazine (click the link for more pictures) have written it up.  The current owner has maintained it in its pristine period style.

And my buyer clients, Michelle and Adam, will be the new owners at the end of the month.  Michelle and Adam and their teenage son and I have been looking for homes for about six months now.  While a mid-century was on the wish list, we considered other styles, too, from Highland Park to Woodland Hills to Monrovia.  When this home was about to go on the market in Granada Hills, we pounced.  For those of you who don't know GH, it's not that far away from everything and they have a nice bunch of mid-century modern homes there.  However those rarely go up for sale.

I can't wait to see what M&A do with this.  By the way, the teenage son gets the bomb shelter/basement all to himself for him and his musician friends.  It's perfect adaptive reuse.

Troy Drive in the Hollywood Hills just closed

Andrew and Brian not only bought themselves this really cool midcentury modern home in the Hollywood Hills, but they bought this exquisite view as well.  Good on ya, guys -- I'm happy that I could help.

Cool Studio City house

My favorite home for sale on today's broker caravan is at 4540 Beck Ave. in Studio City.  This four bedroom, 3 bath, 2017 sf house is a perfect 1940's progressive-style mid-century house time capsule.  The picture above?  It's the refrigerator, not the kitchen cabinets. (The listing agent, Karen Medved, provided the sandwiches and snacks.)  The electric stove top burners have push buttons.  All bathroom fixtures are pink.  Coved corners, two stone fireplaces and knotty pine cabinets complete the picture  There's olive green shag carpeting too (okay, that's 1970's). It's on a huge lot (12,000+ sf).  Is anybody out there a 1940's house geek? If so, this may be for you.

Need to rent a home in the Studio City hills?

3541 Laurelvale in Studio City is now available for lease for $4,500/month.  This serene mid-century home features 3 beds, 2 baths, A/C, big sunny kitchen with new appliances, separate dining room, flat backyard, lots of storage, and an attached 2-car garage with "pull-through" for extra off-street parking.  It has been recently spiffed up and features new flooring, new paint, newly landscaped front and backyard, and a brand new washer, dryer and refrigerator. The cul-de-sac location guarantees lots of privacy. It gets even better -- this home is in Carpenter School District! Pet cats are allowed with an extra deposit.  Please call me for details or showings.

7720 Goodland in Noho is now on the market. 3+2 for $399,000. That's not a misprint.

Looking for the perfect home at an unbelievable price? Check out 7720 Goodland Ave., North Hollywood, 91605. How’s this for home features: stellar residential neighborhood, 3 bedrooms (could be four), 2 baths, 1509 sf (feels bigger), dining room, kitchen with eating area and plenty of counter space, big living room, beamed ceilings, fireplace, green backyard, separate 2 car garage, great vintage details – and priced at $399,000. That’s not a misprint.  This home has loads of original mid-century charm – either enhance the period details or re-do with your own decorating taste. Tax records show four bedrooms. One was converted to a dining room and can be converted back. This is a probate sale but no court confirmation is required -- call me if you'd like to know more.

Open today, 3/24, from 2 to 5 - 16909 Flanders in Granada Hills

Come visit me at this lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath plus den and pool today from 2 to 5.  It features an open kitchen/dining area with a breakfast bar, living room and den oriented around the backyard pool, luxe master suite with tons of closets, parquet floors, living room and dining room with fireplaces, custom lighting and window treatments, sunny exposures, 2 car garage with direct access and more.  The backyard is immaculately gardened and features a pool-side cabana and built-in fireplace.  Listed for $540,000, it's on one of the loveliest streets in Granada Hills.  And yes, Steve will be dj-ing his playlist!

San Fernando Valley ranch-style homes

I attended a fascinating presentation today by architect Alan Hess on ranch homes in the San Fernando Valley.  Mr. Hess has written many architecture books about mid-century modern homes, coffee-shop architecture (the so-called "Googie" architecture), specific architects like John Lautner and Frank Lloyd Wright, etc.  Needless to say, he knows what he's talking about. I learned the following nuggets:

- Did you know how the "ranch" got its name? Why, from popular culture and the movies, of course.  This particular style of development ran parallel to America's love for anything "western."

- Toluca Woods was the first large-scale planned community and predated Levittown in NY.

- The suburbs aren't just sprawl.  At the time they were built in the 1950s, they solved America's post-war housing shortage and were really planned communities.  Most were anchored by grocery stores, schools, and other things consumers needed at the time.  They were the original walking communities (nobody in those days knew about the need to walk to the tanning place or the craft beer bar.)

Most of Mr. Hess's books can be found online at Amazon.com.

Coming soon: Hollywood Hills midcentury modern by Ralph Soriano

On your marks and get set, MCM lovers -- a refreshed Ralph Soriano home is coming to market soon in the Hollywood Hills.  As you may know, Soriano was one of the titans of mcm design and not many of his homes still exist.  It will list at almost $1.2 million and features 2 beds plus office, 1.75 baths, A LEGALLY RENTABLE 1+1 GUEST HOUSE (which will help you qualifiy for a higher mortgage), skyline views, and more.  The redo was done with the highest quality materials by a lover of MCM.  It's not on the market yet, and it isn't my listing - total bummer - but if you're interested, call me.

How did yesterday's Burbank open house go?

Yesterday, I held a very well-attended open house at 3031 N. Lamer in Burbank.  This is not the first open house -- that occurred during a rain storm and attendance was, understandably, pretty poor.  But yesterday's festivities drew about 106 people. Although that's not a record for me, it's quite a nice turnout. Here's how it broke down.

Of the 106, about 35 were kids.  Of the remaining folks, there were many who just don't "get" midcentury modern homes (this one is a show piece).  Then, there were the "museum goers" -- people who LOVE midcentury architecture and were coming to see the design, but weren't buyers. And people coming to check out the view (pictured above). (Observation: men and kids love the airport view; women don't.)  And, of course, there were open house guests who just followed the signs because they were in the neighborhood but had little else to do.

However, there were a few groups there that were home buyers AND were interested in this particular house.  Will we get another offer this week? Stay tuned.

Prepping for the Mad Men season premiere? Make sure to visit my midcentury modern open house tomorrow

Can't wait for the Mad Men season premiere? Fascinated by midcentury design? Looking for that perfect MCM home and not quite ready to move to Palm Springs? Whet your appetite for all things 1950's-1960's by visiting my open house from 2 to 5 tomorrow at 3031 N. Lamer in Burbank.  (Title should link to website; if not it's www.3031nLamer.com.) Designed by noted architect Boyd Georgi, it has all the hallmarks of midcentury post and beam design, including huge windows, an atrium, recessed entry, smooth indoor-outdoor flow, and more.  Plus, it's in the fabulous Burbank school system and has an expansive view of the San Fernando Valley.  Oh yes -- it has 3 beds, 3 baths, a den, solar heated pool, 2127 square feet, and has been rehabbed in "period" style.  It's listed at $839,000.  Of course, we'll have our special 1950's-early 1960's playlist going too.

Midcentury modern home for sale in Burbank (yes, Burbank) has listed

Here's the midcentury modern listing that I've been posting about forever.  The address is 3031 N. Lamer in Burbank, which is high up in the hills.  Architectural style of this kind is rare in Burbank. Yes, it's this pretty -- the current owners rehabbed it a couple years ago and even added a little touch of tiki style.  It was designed by noted architect Boyd Georgi, AIA, who is also known for designing the Altadena Public Library.  The design shares many features in common with Eichler home styles, including post and beam construction, an atrium, a stacked brick fireplace, and more.  You can see lots of other pics on my website at www.judygraff.com under "featured homes" and the website (3031nLamer.com) should be up tomorrow.  Oh yes: it has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, a living room and a family room, 2127 square feet, and a sweeping view of the Valley.  It's listed for $839k -- where else in the L.A. area can you find this authentic style + great schools + this below-a-million price?

I'm excited about my new Pasadena listing at 1585 Knollwood Terrace!

On March 1, my new Pasadena listing will launch in the multiple listing service and be available for showing.  Isn't it pretty? You can see more pics on my website at JudyGraff.com and even more pics can be found on all the public sites once it lists.

The home is located in the Linda Vista area of Pasadena, on the hill to the west of the Rose Bowl.  The area features much old-growth greenery, stately homes, tranquility, wildlife (see pictures of deer on the mls listing) and yet quick access to freeways, downtown LA and Pasadena, and La Canada.  I would rather live in the Linda Vista area than at the beach.  Really.

The house itself is a mid-century ranch (built in 1955) with pool (as you can see).  It's 2235 square feet and is located on a 24,000 sf lot (most of which is hillside).  It is up a long driveway which makes it extra private.  Huge windows fill the home with light and also enable you to enjoy a view from just about every room.  The house has four bedrooms, one of which is being used as an office and has its own fireplace (there's another fireplace in the living room).  All three baths have been remodeled. The pool and spa are solar-heated.  The kitchen has lots of upgrades and cabinets, the hardwood floors gleam and...I guess I'm gushing, but it's a fabulous property in a fabulous location.  List price is $1,049,000 and the first open house will be from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday.  Come see!

I said I'd tell you how the Burbank short sale is going

Well, it's going fine. So far.  The buyer has been a real trooper and has already removed his physical inspection contingencies.  All paperwork is into the banks -- yes, there are two -- and my negotiator thinks somebody will be assigned to the files next week.  I expect a call to schedule a brokers price opinion visit anytime (that's like an appraisal, but is done by a Realtor that the bank hires).  Stay tuned.

That was fast. 2012 W. Verdugo Ave. is in escrow

I listed 2012 W. Verdugo in Burbank last week for $525,000.  It went on the multiple listing service on Monday.  By Wednesday night we had a great offer.  By Friday we had opened escrow.  By today we have three good backup offers.  Did I mention that it's a short sale?

I must have fielded at least 20 calls a day from Realtors, and at least 15 calls and emails a day from buyers. (Because it's a short sale, I can't represent both buyer and seller.)  The house was mobbed during showing hours.

What can we infer from this very fast activity? That the market is "back"? I wish. That it was priced too low? No -- with that amount of traffic, we should have had 20 offers.  That people really like mid-century architecture? Yes.  That people want to live in little Burbank, in spite of the fact that it's not exactly a bastion of hipness? Yes.  That people are more educated about short sales than they used to be? Yes. That...oh never mind. 

But the fun (and the work) is just beginning since it's a short sale, and I'll keep you all posted.  Did I mention that the 1st lending bank is BofA? MMMmmm, my favorite!

2012 W. Verdugo, Burbank just listed at $525,000, rare mid-century 4+2+pool!

Looking for that rare mid-century at Burbank prices? Want style and substance? I just listed this Eichler-esqe 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 1955 sf. home with separate studio and pool. The many architectural features include an open-beam ceiling with loft, stand-alone wood-burning fireplace, brand new concrete counter tops and brand new glass block tile in the large, sunny kitchen. This unique beauty also has a master suite with pass-thru walk-in closet, 3 bedrooms downstairs plus bonus room, central heat and air, French doors to back, some new windows, glass block wall in bathroom, separate laundry room, large covered deck, fully-wired separate studio with window a/c, an entertainers patio which leads to the gorgeous pool and spa and much more. Even though this is on a busy street, it's a terrific neighborhood and is close to all, with outstanding Burbank public schools. It's a short sale, but I'll be using a professional negotiator, so I think this will go smoothly. See my website at JudyGraff.com for more pics and contact me for showing info.

Coming next week: mid-century modern with 4 bedrooms in Burbank

More details to follow, but next week I will be listing a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in the center of Burbank for $525,000.  It has a pool, loft and separate studio too! Want style galore? This one has mid-century features like open-beam ceiling, stand-alone fireplace, etc. plus the kitchen has just been redone.  Yes, it's a short sale, but we have a professional negotiator working with us on this.  I'll have it listed Monday and will have lots more details then.