Cost to Rent in LA County Heading ⇡

From our friend Eve Bachrach at Curbed: “A new report predicts that LA County will see average rents jump 4.5 percent this year, a record increase and more than double last year’s. The brokerage firm Marcus & Millichap blames low inventory and a rebounding job market.” Her full story can be found here.

 

For some people, renting makes sense. For others, their desire to buy is hampered either by finances, a lack of “affordable” homes — or a lack of homes in general in this tight LA real estate market. If any of those sound familiar, we encourage you to connect with us at Tracy Do Real Estate. Your search for a “rent alternative” gets a lot easier when you’ve got professionals working for you; we do this all day, every day. Whether it’s exploring emerging neighborhoods, alerting you to under-the-radar “pocket” listings, or connecting you with lenders and loan programs that suit your needs, we’re here to help. There’s no obligation, no up-front costs. Just advice and guidance from friendly, knowledgeable people who are very good at listening.

Rents keep rising. Yet the cost of taking out a mortgage loan is near an all-time low. Let’s kick your home search into high gear. Call, text or email anytime to Tracy Do Real Estate.

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FYI Quick Read: “Smarter” Smart Growth

Kaid Benfield is the director of the Sustainable Communities program at the Natural Resources Defense Council and co-founder of the Smart Growth America coalition. An authority on cities and sprawl, he’s written an article that’s worth a read. You might not agree with all these ideas, but they’re certainly worth considering as our urbanized LA region plots its course ahead.

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Houses Local+Global: NN House by Kozo Yamamoto

From our friends at the ArchDaily: This Tokyo, Japan residence makes the most of its small footprint. Distinctly urban, it’s a design we think would work quite well in many parts of the LA region.

The architects are Kozo Yamamoto and Assoc., who opted for high placement of windows on this home, allowing for plenty of light while still giving privacy from neighbors that are close by.

The floor plan illustrates that wonderful things can be created in small spaces. A great way to live.

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March Home Sales = Highest in 3 Years

Per Jim Puzzanghera of the LA Times: “New contracts signed for home sales rose 1.5% last month to the highest level in nearly three years, though limited supply is causing the market to level off.” Full story here.

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Mortgage Rates Edge Even Lower

Good new, buyers: The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.57 percent compared to 3.61 percent the week before, this according to Bankrate.com. The average 15-year rate declined to 2.61% from 2.64%, which the LA Times identifies as a record low.

 

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6705 Comet Street in Highland Park

List Price $599,000

3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms

1,643 sf • 7,415 sf lot

A new offering from Tracy Do Real Estate: This remodeled 1949 Ranch Style home meshes two worlds beautifully, providing modern comfort and convenience in a quiet, rustic setting. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large kitchen with built-in dining banquette, this updated residence includes a laundry room, walk-in closet plus plenty of space for storage.

The living room has open-beamed ceilings and a brick hearth. Light streams in through Douglas Fir windows. Newer flooring surfaces include bamboo, tile and wood.

The Master Suite opens to a private back yard with a raised planting box. Second and third bedrooms are tandem, great for siblings or combine as office+creative space. A two-car garage features direct access to the house. The huge front yard is freshly landscaped and abundant with mature trees.

Set amidst the natural beauty of the Arroyo Seco, there are bike paths, hiking trails, horse stables and parkland just a “stones throw” away. Shopping + dining are also easy to reach. This wonderful property is likely to sell quickly. To see it, contact Tracy Do Real Estate.

For more info and a beautiful photo tour head to 6705comet.com.

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6705 Comet Street 90042

6705 Comet Street 90042

Beautifully Remodeled 1949 Ranch Style Home
Offered at: $599,000

Status: Sold
Type: Single Family / Bedrooms: 3 / Baths: 2
Living Area:1643 Square Ft. / Lot Size: 7415 Square Ft.

This remodeled 1949 Ranch Style home meshes two worlds beautifully, providing modern comfort and convenience in a quiet, rustic setting. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large kitchen with built-in dining banquette, this updated residence includes a laundry room, walk-in closet plus plenty of space for storage. The living room has open-beamed ceilings and a brick hearth. Light streams in through Douglas Fir windows. Newer flooring surfaces include bamboo, tile and wood. The Master Suite opens to a private back yard with a raised planting box. Second and third bedrooms are tandem, great for siblings or combine as office+creative space. A two-car garage features direct access to the house. The huge front yard is freshly landscaped and abundant with mature trees. Set amidst the natural beauty of the Arroyo Seco, there are bike paths, hiking trails, horse stables and parkland just a “stones throw” away. Shopping + dining are also easy to reach.

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1935 Modern by Harwell Harris in Pasadena

 List Price $895,000

2 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms

1,449 sf • 5,603 sf lot

The “Laing House,” built for Caltech professor Graham Laing,  appeared in the LA County Museum of Art’s Guide to Architecture in Southern California, and the November 1935 issue of California Arts & Architecture. The article (scanned below ) was titled “A Frank Lloyd Wright House With a Hat On”…

If you’re going to be influenced by someone, it might as well be Frank Lloyd Wright. Interestingly, Harris was trained as an architect by another great modernist, Richard Neutra.

The house has been updated over the years, but a period feel remains. Located in Pasadena’s hilly, historic Poppy Peak area of the San Rafael Hills, it features 150 feet of built-in bookshelves and has French doors, hardwood floors, dining terraces and mountain views. This is a chance to own a wonderful slice of modern architectural history. For a private tour, contact Tracy Do Real Estate.

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Listing courtesy of Scott Lander, Crosby Doe Assoc. Inc.

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Something Good Came Out of the Recession?

Call this a silver lining to our recent economic downturn: Emily Badger of The Atlantic Cities points out that the recession took a huge bite out of job sprawl. At 3beds2baths and Tracy Do Real Estate, we’re proponents of sensible urban density. To us, living and working in established cities and towns, leaving outlying areas undeveloped, is a positive trend which we believe (and certainly hope) is here to stay.

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