LA Digs - Northeast LA Real Estate Blog

Today I want to share a story from Scott Groves with Movement Mortgage, a lender we work with frequently.  One of the big questions we get from buyers when they start their home search is "Who has the best rates?" And the truth is - picking a lender is a lot like picking a real estate agent.  Rates will change, however choosing someone you trust that can kind you through the (very complicated) process is something that will make a big impact in your home buying experience.

From Scott:
"I have to admit that I fell for it.  As a home-owner, even though I work in the industry, I am NOT immune to good advertising.  This week I was enticed by a radio ad promising the rock-bottom / lowest-rates available in all the land at NO fees.  I was borderline offended that Movement Mortgage didn't have the best rate in town and I checked out the website of one of my competitors. 

Here is what I found about the 30 year fixed rate at 3.625% the radio ad had promised:

Yearning to live in a simpler, more gracious time but still want a great floor plan, a master bedroom retreat and great neighborhood?  Have it all in this 1905 Craftsman home, new to the South Pasadena real estate market.

Step back in time with hardwood floors, wainscoting, built-in buffet, period-style fixtures. 

The floor plan flows and has become what today's homeowner dreams of: an open kitchen/dining area, a family room with original fireplace, a formal dining room with fireplace, a cozy living room that welcomes your friends coming in from the wide front porch.

The love affair with this Eagle Rock home for sale begins as you step through the wooden gate into the front garden and walk across the wide front porch into the living room.

While modernized for today's homeowner, the character of this Craftsman home has been both preserved and enhanced with new hardwood floors, dual pane windows installed inside the original window frames, a spiral wooden staircase up to the bedrooms on the second floor.

Further upgrades to the systems include copper plumbing, updated electrical, newer sewer line to the street, central heat & air and a bolted foundation.

Rare opportunity to own your own church! 

It's not every day you see a property like this come on the Garvanza real estate market.

Complete with two large and beautiful stained glass windows, high vaulted ceilings in a huge open space, and a kitchen in the large basement.

Homes in Pasadena are considered very desireable, and this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home is no exception.

Located in Garfield Heights Neighborhood Association area, known as the crown jewel of Northwest Pasadena, this graceful Craftsman home was restored and beautifully remodeled by a master cabinetmaker just before it was purchased by the current owners.

The wide front porch invites you to stop by and visit. 

In a recent Sunday Los Angeles Times, the discussion regarding the Zillow Zestimate of home values continued, as it does on Facebook and in almost every conversation that includes the question "What is my home worth?"

I love Zillow, because it embodies the essential truth of home valuation--no one really knows what a home is worth. What does Zillow know about your home? It knows the public record of its square footage, bedroom and bath count, and where it is on a map. That's about it. It doesn't know that you legally added 1500 square feet of exquisitely appointed master bedroom suite including spa bathroom and vast walk-in closet that somehow hasn't shown up on the tax records yet. It doesn't know that the house down the street that sold for $200,000 less than you think yours should was a tear-down. 

This is a great opportunity to make a piece of Eagle Rock real estate your own - this could be your own mini-lodge in the heart of the neighborhood!

Behind the 1936 Spanish facade, find a cozy updated cabin with all the modern conveniences-central air and heat, Jenn-air range, dishwasher, white granite counters, updated bath, and special space-saving features that make life in a small space special and fun.

There are built-in bookcases on either side of the wood-burning fireplace, lots of closets, a fold-up butcher block leaf to add counter space in the kitchen, a basement for the laundry and more storage shelves, plus a spacious 1.5 car garage.

All you self-employed, small business ownrs, entreprenuers, and nontraditional career works - take heart! Privlo, a new mortgage startup, just launched in California last week and they cater specifically to small business owners, entrepreneurs, Millennials with nontraditional career paths, or seasonal workers with spiky incomes - namely people with complex incomes that can't be proven on a tax return or W2, and are increasingly turned away by their banks even though they may be creditworthy.

It's an option that self employed homebuyers haven't truly had until now, as Privlo takes into account a far wider range of alternative documentation and credit criteria than a traditional lender. Here's their press release along with more info.

Some people are very excited about selling their homes "off-market" these days. They say it can save time and hassle and not invade one's privacy as much a regular marketing plan.

Some Realtors would even have you believe that you can make more money this way, that people will be so excited about buying a house without all the competition that they will pay you top dollar.

My question to these people is, How do you know what top dollar is without exposing it to the market? We recently had an Echo Park home for sale that ended up going just over 20% above the asking price of $799,000.

In 1922, the Eagle Rock City Hall opened and this charming Craftsman home was built on the prestigious Royal Drive, named for the royal palms that lined the street.

Life is still beautiful in this neighborhood, still with neighbors who look out for each other, still tree-shaded sidewalks perfect for the families with strollers and dogs who wave hello as they pass by.

This is a great opportunity to make a piece of Eagle Rock real estate your own! 

Life is simple, gracious and energy efficient in this spacious 2-year old single family home in a small lot development built by the nationally respected Pulte Homes.

Located in the Blue Ribbon Distinguished Eagle Rock Elementary School area, you are close to school, restaurants, shops and all your friends who have found that the secret to a happy life is living in the heart of Eagle Rock.

For those interested in Eagle Rock real estate, this is a great opportunity and the timing is right.

Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this ranch-style home offers a retreat from the city in a prime neighborhood where homes in Eagle Rock are sought after and coveted by buyers.

Have the whole family over and the kids can hang out in the family room while the adults linger over coffee in the huge living/dining room.

Live the California dream as you barbecue on the patio off the family room and cheer on the raucous croquet game on the lawn in the side yard.

Homes in Echo Park have become a hot commodity for a good reason. Roll on down to Chango for a bite. Or to Fix Cafe for a cup of coffee. Or Valerie's for some tea and something sweet.

Or stay home and invite your friends to dine al fresco on your deck with the view of downtown sparkling in the setting sun.

Are you tired of the rest of the world and you just want to retreat to your own private world that no one can see but you? Go on down to the Zen garden off the master bedroom suite.

Mid-Century lovers, hurry on over to this original post & bean Modern built by the Sylvis Constuction company in 1959.

Even the kitchen and bathroom lino is original.

Even the tile on the kitchen backsplash and bathroom counters and shower/bath surroundings is original.

Even when there are many Eagle Rock homes for sale, few are kept in this original, awesome condition!

Interested in a prime but affordable piece of Glendale real estate? This lovely 1945 ranch-style home is in the popular Sagamore Park neighborhood right in between Glendale and Eagle Rock.

Ready for you to move right in, there are hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, updated kitchen and baths, a formal dining and three charming bedrooms.

An efficient kitchen plan has granite counters and room for a small table & chairs.

Homes in Mt. Washington are in such high demand that even fixers get snatched up quickly and we expect that to happen with this special property.

This is a real fixer. Really. Located in a peaceful sylvan location on a small rural-feeling street currently with only 3 homes on it.

It's Mount Washington Elementary area with a number of choices for middle and high school.

In its long history since 1955, this Cabin in the Woods has been loved and cared for with sweet gardens in the back, wood floors, and actually 2 bedrooms though the tax records say only 1.

You will love how hip and chic this fun mid-century ranch has become!

The open kitchen/living/dining area is what everyone loves, there are 3 good-sized bedrooms including a great master suite with a walk-in closet all the girls will envy.

Features an oversized 2-car garage with French doors on the side that would make a great hang-out for cars, games, toys, art studio--you imagine it and it can be.

In 1929, from Architect Harry Hayden Whitely's design, this exquisite Spanish Colonial Revival was completed with the best materials available at the time.

From the magnesite entry to the beamed living room ceiling, the original charm is present throughout this 2-story home.

Featuring 6 bedrooms and 3 baths, there is also a spacious kitchen with breakfast room, formal dining room that opens onto a covered patio, living room with fireplace, a basement, and more.

We have to brag about representing the buyers on the highest sale in Eagle Rock since the Pantages house at 2011 Hill Drive sold in October, 2004, for $1,850,000. This time, 2211 Hill Drive sold for $1,800,500.

An interesting fact about both of these sales is that both sets of buyers already lived in Eagle Rock and moved up to Hill Drive, which is a dream often expressed by the Eagle Rock residents we meet.

Well, start lining up your finances, folks, because there are more $Million-plus homes on Hill Drive and other cool parts of Eagle Rock coming to the market soon. And some of them are our listings!