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

List Price $515,000

2BDs/2BAs in 1236 sq. ft./lot size 7497 sq. ft.

This to me represents a really good opportunity, a cute little Spanish circa 1925. Granted it’s a bit of a fixer, but it’s freshly painted, has a barrel ceiling, a wood-burning fireplace and sits on a large lot with mature trees.

But the best things here are the price and especially the location. I’m amazed by how many people I meet who have never explored the small, historic city of San Gabriel — that is if they’ve even heard of it. It flies below the radar but believe me, this is one great place to live.

Bordered by San Marino on the north and the 10 freeway on the south, San Gabriel is a leafy community of older homes that offers quick and easy access to Pasadena and Downtown LA. The main drags are Valley Blvd. and Las Tunas, home to the best Chinese restaurants in LA County — don’t believe me? Ask Jonathan Gold. SG also has Howie’s Ranch Market, Vincent Lugo Park, the Mission District…

Do yourself a favor. If you haven’t checked out San Gabriel already, it’s time you do.

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Listing Courtesy of Marlene Evans & Louie Liu, Coldwell Banker