Study Says There is No Housing Bubble

Prices rising, packed open houses, bidding wars, all-cash offers… Must be a housing bubble, right? Nope. Andrew Khouri reports in the LA Times: “Real estate information firm CoreLogic said Tuesday that a bubble has not formed in the U.S. housing market, nor in hot regional markets, adding that rising interest rates will put a brake on any danger.” CNBC echoes that analysis, here.

The talk at HousingWire is that “the housing market is still a seller’s market,” with June numbers pointing to more “balance.” Here’s a map of what LA’s housing recovery looks like through the end of 2012…

Map

Is it time to make your move in housing? Whether buying or selling, you’ll find friendly, accessible, highly experienced pros at Tracy Do Real Estate.

To receive new listings by email, or to schedule a viewing click here!

Map data & analysis by Andrew Khouri and Doug Smith.

This entry was posted in: Seen

1968 “Time Capsule” in Mount Washington

List Price $960,000

3 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms

2,316 sf • 11,464 sf lot

Mayfair1

The personal residence of noted architect Young Woo is on the market for the very first time. Located in the hills of Mount Washington, it has walls of glass and sweeping views.

Mayfair2

The home was published in Architectural Record as a Record House in 1968. Features include an “indoor garden,” sliding walls, and clerestory windows allowing in lots of natural light.

Mayfair3

Much of the residence is original as-built, though there are some updates to the kitchen and flooring surfaces. Across an outdoor patio is an “architect’s studio,” complete with its own bath.

To tour this wonderful Mid Century Modern home, contact Tracy Do Real Estate.

To receive new listings by email, or to schedule a viewing click here!

Listing courtesy Of Georgia Seid, John Aaroe Group Pasadena

This entry was posted in: Seen

Small + Earth-Friendly Home Packs Big Punch

Over on Inhabitat, Tafline Laylin reports on a “micro” home with a secret: it’s actually pretty massive.

Dale1

The Dynamic Augmented Living Environment, aka “DALE” was designed right here in the LA/Pasadena area by students at SCI-Arc (The Southern California Institute of Architecture) and CalTech (California Institute of Technology). As part of this year’s Solar Decathlon competition, the two combined forces to create a “net-zero” living space, capable of existing completely off the grid.

Dale2

What’s different and quite cool about this small, sustainable home is what you can do with it. Two airtight, prefabricated modules are set on rails that allow them to separate, creating a courtyard space with an optional solar canopy. Usable living space goes from 600 sq. ft. to almost 1,800 sq. ft., then slides right back to its original size as needed. The two parts can function individually or as a complete unit, offering the flexibility to change with the weather, for example. Or to allow a bunch of friends to come over and hang out.

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A sophisticated solar power system provides climate control plus hot and cold water. The stylish, very practical living space isn’t in mass production yet, but that could change soon. See it for yourself at the Solar Decathlon, October 3rd through 13th in Irvine. For more info on the project, click here.

To receive new listings by email, or to schedule a viewing click here!

This entry was posted in: Seen

2224 Loma Vista Place in Silver Lake

List Price $599,000

2 bedrooms • 1 bathroom

1,009 sf • 2,681 sf lot

LomaVista1

Exclusively from Tracy Do Real Estate: This historic Silver Lake Craftsman built in 1914 combines period details with tasteful modern updates. The front deck and pergola greet your arrival…

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And lead to this living room featuring wood floors and a gorgeous river rock fireplace. Two bedrooms, a den, plus a bonus studio provide plenty of living space as well as ample storage. Light streams in through the many original windows and there’s even a skylight.

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The remodeled kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances and a butcher block countertop.

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The large back patio includes a built-in BBQ, fire pit and plenty of seating for family and friends. Step up to the rooftop deck, a retreat for taking in the sun or stars from above the treetops. Located on a historic stair street, the home is wrapped in a distinct sense of privacy, in a community that is a unique part of LA’s past. There are just 25 steps to the front door, and ample street parking is available. The Silver Lake Reservoir, Meadow, as well as shops and dining of Glendale Blvd. are just a few blocks away.

A beautiful photo tour, including the floor plan / layout of this home, can be found here.

To tour in-person, contact Tracy Do Real Estate.

To receive new listings by email, or to schedule a viewing click here!

This entry was posted in: Seen

2224 Loma Vista Place 90039

2224 Loma Vista Place
2224 Loma Vista Place
2224 Loma Vista Place
2224 Loma Vista Place
2224 Loma Vista Place
2224 Loma Vista Place

2224 Loma Vista Place 90039

Romantic Hideaway in Silver Lake
Offered at: $599,000

Status: Sold
Type: Single Family / Bedrooms: 2 / Baths: 1
Living Area: 1009 Square Ft. / Year Built: 1914

Hidden away on a hillside, this historic Silver Lake Craftsman built in 1914 combines period details with tasteful modern updates. The front deck and pergola greet your arrival and lead to the living room featuring wood floors and a gorgeous river rock fireplace. 2 bedrooms, a den, plus a bonus studio provide plenty of living space and ample storage. Light streams in through the many original windows and skylight. The remodeled kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances and a butcher block countertop. Out back, the large patio includes a built-in BBQ, fire pit and plenty of seating for family and friends. Step up to the rooftop deck, a retreat for taking in the sun or stars from above the treetops. Located on a historic stair street, the home is wrapped in a distinct sense of privacy, in a community that is a unique part of LA’s past. Ample street parking is available and the Silver Lake Reservoir, Meadow, as well as shops and dining of Glendale Blvd. are just a few blocks away.

This entry was posted in: Silver Lake Homes for Sale, Sold Listings

5740 Meridian Street in Highland Park

List Price $499,000

2 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms

1,092 sf • 3,490 sf lot

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Tracy Do Real Estate and Building Art present 5740 E. Meridian Street in Highland Park, a beautifully renovated two bedroom, two bathroom modern home. The project is the culmination of a life-long love of architecture, fueling the passion and vision of Building Art’s founder/owner, Mike Sloan. Drawing influences from iconic architects and designers, Sloan and his design+build team have crafted a residence that is comfortable and accessible. Their inspiration is best articulated in the words of Frank Lloyd Wright, who said, “I believe a house is more a home by being a work of art.”

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It’s hard to believe that this was once a typical LA bungalow; a corner lot on a quiet street north of York Boulevard. Building Art has maximized its potential, bringing freshness and diligence that goes far beyond the average “flip.” This becomes clear from the moment you set eyes on the property. An undulating wooden fence, inspired by John Lautner’s Segel Residence, creates dynamic movement and also a sense of privacy. Step through the offset entry gate to find drought-tolerant landscaping, a beautiful wooden deck and floor-to-ceiling sheets of glass. The design references the work of Rudolph M. Schindler and other modernists through its indoor-outdoor flow, millwork details and more.

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Building Art has drastically improved the interior layout and added useful amenities while leaving key character details intact, such as the original Batchelder fireplace. Old and new are blended seamlessly in the “public” space that combines living, dining and a stunning open kitchen.

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The cement tile backsplash evokes the work of contemporary LA architect/designer Barbara Bestor. The steel island countertop was custom-fabricated by Jay Dunton of Meridian Mercado Deseño, local to Highland Park. There are large closets in both bedrooms, and a Master Bath that you’d find in a stylish 5-star hotel. High-end fixtures include cement tile, gorgeous wood vanities, a rain shower-head and freestanding cedar bathtub. From the bedrooms there is excellent flow to the rear deck/BBQ area, as well as easy access to the lower patio and one-car garage.

BuildingArtSloan

It’s one thing to simply renovate a home. Making it “real architecture” is something else entirely, and that’s what inspired Mike Sloan (above) to create Building Art. A Los Angeles native who loves surfing and music, Sloan has a BA in Economics from UC San Diego and a Masters of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University’s Architecture School. He has poured his passion for buildings and architecture into 5740 Meridian Street, an exclusive offering of Tracy Do Real Estate. More projects will follow as Building Art pursues the belief that a home should not only be beautiful, it should inspire its owners to be their best selves.

There are lots more photos, head to to 5740meridian.com.

For a private showing, contact Tracy Do Real Estate.

To receive new listings by email, or to schedule a viewing click here!

This entry was posted in: Seen

5740 Meridian Street 90042

5740 Meridian Street
5740 Meridian Street
5740 Meridian Street
5740 Meridian Street
5740 Meridian Street
5740 Meridian Street

5740 Meridian Street 90042

Elegant Modern in Highland Park
Offered at: $499,000

Status: Sold
Type: Single Family / Bedrooms: 2 / Baths: 2
Living Area: 1092 Square Ft. / Year Built: 1924

Design/build firm Building Art presents this beautifully renovated 2 bed + 2 bath modern, a home miles beyond the average “flip.” Arrival presents an undulating wooden fence suggesting dynamic movement and creating privacy. Step through the offset gate to find drought-tolerant landscaping, a gorgeous wooden deck and floor-to-ceiling sheets of glass. Improvements include enhanced layout, seamless indoor-outdoor flow and numerous amenities, all while leaving character details intact like the original Batchelder fireplace. The stunning open kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances, a cement tile backsplash and steel island countertop. Bedrooms are well-sized with large closets, and versatile enough that one could be made an office. The Master Bath is like a hip, 5-star hotel with its high-end fixtures, wood vanities and freestanding cedar bathtub. There’s natural egress to the rear deck/BBQ area, as well as easy access to the lower patio and one-car garage.

This entry was posted in: Highland Park Homes for Sale, Sold Listings