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BEN LEE’S BLOG

Beachfront Pink Emoji House Duplex Offers Income Potential and Lots of Smiles

By |September 9th, 2019|Buyers|

If you’ve been looking for a truly unique property, you may want to consider the bright pink “Emoji” house duplex that sports some familiar faces that you’ve likely seen pop up on your smartphone! Just a short walk (one block) from the beach, this property has lots to smile about, starting with its curb appeal.

In addition to being the talk of the town, it offers some nice rental income potential, too. The two separate units – which have a combined total of more than 1,500 square feet – each include one bedroom and one bath, along with their own kitchens. A number of upgrades have been made within the past year, as well, including newer stainless steel appliances.

There are also two garage spots for each of the units (tandem style), with a separate vehicle entrance for each of the residents. With a suggested monthly rental price of $3,500 apiece, you could pull in $84,000 per year before expenses.

Located at 216 39th Street in Manhattan Beach, this truly one-of-a-kind home is currently on the market for $1.749 million. Private showings can be scheduled for interested purchasers. But hurry, this one won’t last long.

Like All Good Things, Summer Too Must End

By |September 3rd, 2019|From The Newsletter|

Happy September! Happy to have the kids go back to school? I’m right there with you, however, the shift from summer to school can be tough on all of us. Especially when the summer was so much fun. I can’t speak for everyone but this summer in particular was a great one for our family. I know not everyone wants or needs insight into our personal family life. That is perfectly understandable. However, I guess when it’s all said and done, this newsletter has become a journal as much as a way to highlight new listings. I imagine I write about non-real estate related matters because at the end of the work day, (which doesn’t actually exist because those calls don’t stop coming in at 5pm), my brain needs to take a break from stats, figures, new mortgage rates, home values, disgruntled neighbors, construction projects… you get the picture. From the moment I wake up to when I go to bed, as long as my phone is functioning, I am living and breathing real estate.
So, for me, it’s nice to have an outlet to think about something else for an hour or two. I guess some might call that a hobby? In any case, thanks for indulging my need to step away from my work for 1000 words or less once a month. It’s fair to say we all could use a mental break from our day jobs once in a while.
Last month our family celebrated a special milestone, the bar mitzvah of our middle son, Spencer. We wanted to give him a special day without going too overboard or crazy. We were proud, of course, of how hard he worked to get there- those services are not easy and anyone who has either had to do it or had a child going through it can attest to the commitment, time and effort it takes to stand in front of a congregation and read/chant in a foreign, unfamiliar language. Then to go on and teach a whole roomful of people about one passage in particular, adding an interpretation thoughtfully crafted by the mind of a 13 year old, was rather remarkable. Spencer’s summer was pretty much devoted to weekly tutoring sessions, studying and practicing. Meetings with the rabbi and cantor took the place of heading to any sleep away summer camps. As an unofficial bar mitzvah project, he (with his older brother) volunteered at the senior living facility in Cheviot Hills: Terraza. They passed out popcorn and called Bingo games and every time they’d visit with these elder members of our community, they’d have terrific stories to tell. I can attest that, at least for my son Spencer, this summer was more work than relaxation, but when the big day came, he was ready. After the 5pm service at Temple Isaiah, we headed straight to the Griffin Club for a fun and uproarious celebration. Clearly, we are big fans of staying local! And in addition to the glorious proximity, both venues offered ideal backdrops for the occasion. The staff and clergy at Isaiah do such a great job of making you feel like you are part of a familial community.
Whether or not you’re a fan of organized religion, there’s something to be said about a group of people who you feel you can lean on and rely upon if you need to. Ever since my mom passed away a few years ago, I really feel like the clergy is there for my family and that is a comfort. As far as the party is concerned, we all had a blast at the Griffin Club. We hadn’t had a party there since it’s recent facelift and I don’t think we’ve attended an event since our boys were in pre/elementary school when the Beverly Hills Country Club seemed to be the only place in town to hold a school fundraiser.
This new, shinier version of the BHCC definitely made for a much swankier affair. I can confirm that the food is much better than in the past and the staff really bent over backwards to ensure a flawless event. The only restriction seemed to be that the music had to shift inside starting at 10pm so the neighbors wouldn’t be too bothered by a Saturday night shindig. But that noise limit didn’t affect the revelry of our guests and, in my opinion, that outdoor terrace with its view of the city is the best spot in our neighborhood to have a summertime evening celebration.
So, now that we can let out a sigh of relief knowing this milestone can be checked off our family to-do list, we can relax into the next chapter: conquering a successful back-to-school transition. Two out of three boys still recognize September as the start to the school year so with the three of them beginning 4th, 8th and 10th grades respectively, it’s safe to say this month will prove to be just as busy as the summer has been. But being late to day camp drop off isn’t quite as stressful as missing the morning school bus pick up. I’m not sure I’m quite ready for the early wake up calls, nor am I geared up for going back to being the bad cop when extra Ipad time is snuck in over the chance to complete homework instead. But to all of you whose children are up and out, you may think about September with a fondness and long for the days we are now experiencing. So, with every faraway track meet that runs long or science project that’s started the night before it’s due, I’ll try to embrace the school year with patience and presence, knowing that I, too, will be among those who will one day miss these back-to-school days. I hope you have a happy September!

Private Updated Beach Front Estate Offers Coastal Living at Its Finest

By |September 2nd, 2019|Buyers|

For the first time in over four decades, this sprawling beachfront estate – which spans an entire block on its 56,000 square foot (1.28 acre) lot – is ready for its new owner’s personal touches. Initially constructed in 1927, this ocean front property underwent a massive renovation in the late 1970s, where no detail was overlooked, while at the same time keeping its original Spanish theme.

The main residence offers nearly 7,700 square feet of interior living space that includes three bedrooms and six baths. The beamed ceilings and large glass doors and windows provide a bright and even more spacious feel. 

Just some of the notable outdoor amenities you’ll find here include a sunken swimming pool, fountains, and a spa. The property’s exterior space also comes with a sculpture garden, fountains, and a koi pond. There is a plethora of mature shade trees and greenery throughout the property. And, as an added bonus, the private stairway to the beach leads to 225 feet of ocean frontage, which is also included in the sale. 

Located at #20 37th Place in Long Beach (in Belmont Heights), “Casa Oceana” is currently listed for sale at $11.995 million. Private tours can be scheduled for interested purchasers.

Cozy Eagle Rock 1920s Bungalow Offers Privacy and Updates

By |August 26th, 2019|Buyers|

Tucked away on a private Eagle Rock street, this cute two-bedroom, one-bath cottage offers more than 1,100 square feet of interior living space where you’ll find both concrete and hardwood floors, neutral décor, and wood-frame windows throughout.

Light and bright, sunlight pours in from all four corners of this abode, which seamlessly lends itself to both indoor and outdoor living. There are some added amenities here, too, including a refurbished antique stove in the eat-in kitchen area, built-in storage, and even a cool clawfoot tub in the bathroom. In addition, the “bonus” sunroom could make for a great home office or a separate writer’s or musician’s studio space.

Outside, the enclosed pergola-shaded patio can provide an ideal spot for sipping your morning coffee or just relaxing and taking in the afternoon sun. There is plenty of room in the driveway for two vehicles. This home is also located in close proximity to a number of LA hot spots, including Swork Coffee, Amara Kitchen, and Caf de Leche.

Located at 6036 Eucalyptus Lane (just west of Figueroa), on a “staircase” street, this home is currently listed on the market at $629K. Private showings can be arranged for interested purchasers – but hurry, this opportunity won’t last long!

Cozy Highland Park Stair Street Bungalow Hits the Market for Under $800K

By |August 20th, 2019|Buyers|

Upon entering this cute 2-bedroom, 2-bath Highland Park home, you’ll immediately notice the seamless segue between its 1920’s appeal and its beautifully updated features. Within its 1,146 square foot interior there is a bonus room – which could be an ideal home office or studio space – along with a fantastic living room fireplace.

Light and bright with its neutral color scheme and large windows, the city lights and panoramic hillside views can be seen for miles. Just some of the other attractive items you’ll find here include newer stainless steel kitchen appliances, and a basement that would be great for additional storage space.

French doors in the master bedroom take you directly out to the back sitting area. The small, low-maintenance lot (approximately 2,300 square feet) lends itself to more of your time spent relaxing and enjoying the sights from the home’s high, yet secluded, location.

Located at 5335 Granada Street, this rare find that boasts charm and character is just a few short blocks from Civil Coffee, Highland Park Bowl, and the Metro Gold Line. The home is currently listed for sale at $785K. Private tours can be arranged for interested buyers.