List Price $1,369,000

3BDs/3BA in 2,422sq. ft./lot size 8,280 sq. ft.

It’s a funny thing about San Marino. For some of my clients this quiet, leafy neighbor to Pasadena and South Pas is the only place they want to live. Yet for others, the little city that hosts the Huntington Library & Gardens is entirely off their radar. So consider this character-filled, 1930 two-level Spanish home. At $1.3 million, it’s not in everyone’s price range. But add top-notch public schools through 12th Grade to the equation and I’d say that anyone who has kids or is planning on having them should consider what this house — and San Marino — have to offer.

There are original details, modern updates, and high-end appliances in a remodeled kitchen. Great outdoor spaces, too. But let’s get back to the schools. San Marino Unified is a small district with just two elementary, one middle, and one high school, all ranked among the very best in the state. They get major support from the community, have tons of parental involvement and — yep. Amazing test scores. So think of it this way…

PRIVATE SCHOOL: $18K/year (average) x 13 years (K-12) = $234,000

SAN MARINO UNIFIED: $0/year x 13 years = $0

And that’s just for one child. Say you have two kids — or more. My advice is, call me. It will be my pleasure to give you a first-hand tour of Pasadena’s beautiful and sophisticated neighbor, San Marino.

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Listing courtesy of Janice Lee, Prudential California Realty

 List Price $1,200,000

4BDs/2BA in 2,275sq. ft./lot size 4,902 sq. ft.

Here’s a winner, I love the look and the price seems right. The enduring popularity of Spanish architecture will certainly help move this home quickly, especially given that it has modern updates along with original period details — and a great Franklin Hills location.

Two levels, two fireplaces, a deck, redone kitchen with Viking appliances, detached garage, sweeping views… you sold yet? I am. Give me a shout and we’ll go take a look.

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Listing courtesy of Carol Stewart, Sotheby’s Int’l Realty Los Feliz

List Price $795,000

2BDs/1BA in 1,317sq. ft./lot size 6,818 sq. ft.

Saw this very cool house in SL today. It’s a smaller home, and like many of this vintage has only one bathroom. But there’s a bonus space downstairs which could serve as an office, guest room — or could be converted for other means.

This house is all about character and soul, there’s tons of it. Built in 1926, it has an updated kitchen and systems — with city-lights views from pretty much every room. Really has to be seen in person, if you’re interested you can get in touch and we’ll go check it out.

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Listing Courtesy of Mark Mintz, Keller Williams Realty

I had the pleasure of spending part of yesterday with Jerome Pelayo of Sunia Homes. He showed me around the Echo Park house he shares with his wife, which he designed and then built in just five months at a cost of approx. $150 per sq. foot. You read correctly. Best part is, he can do it for you, too.

Pelayo designs homes that are minimalist in style, big on usable space, and fully engaged in the ideals of eco-friendliness and sustainability. I could tell that the build quality was excellent, so you sacrifice nothing to live in one these amazing homes that are inexpensive to put up and cheaper to live in than most houses of comparable size. We’re talking solar photovoltaics, greywater systems, wood-pellet stoves for heating — and Sunia Homes just look so cool.

Maybe you’ve been searching for awhile and are frustrated by what’s for sale out there. Or have always wanted to build a place from the ground up but are intimidated by the process, the very idea of taking on such a task. Well you needn’t be.

Contact me about locating a piece of vacant land or suitable “tear-down” property. Once I find it, I’ll get in touch with Jerome so he can come look at the place, and assess which of his Sunia Homes will fit. Modern design, minimal cost, and friendly to the planet. What’s not to like about that?

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Photos and Plans courtesy of Sunia Homes.

Take your pick, two houses and they’re both amazing. But don’t wait too long. Mid Century Modern homes have been flying off the market, and I’m guessing this pair won’t last.

List Price $1,495,000

3BDs/3BAs in 2,799 sq. ft./lot size 16,438 sq. ft.

Designed by noted architects Neptune & Thomas, this jewel in the Linda Vista neighborhood has had just two owners. I can guarantee you a third will be along soon.

It has original details throughout, a pool and expansive views. The 4th of July fireworks at the Rose Bowl are practically right in your living room. Count me in.

List Price $2,396,000

4BDs/3.5BAs in 3,125 sq. ft./lot size 12,220 sq. ft.

Madison Heights is one of my favorite neighborhoods, a great SW Pas location with magnificent homes on flat, walkable streets that are close to things. This one’s a few short blocks from South Lake Ave.

The Nyberg & Bissner designed home has been totally redone by Ned Engs of E4 Architects. No expense spared, and you can see the results.

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1st Listing Courtesy of John Fairbanks, Coldwell Banker

2nd Listing Courtesy of Catherine Cheney, Coldwell Banker