Being a resident myself, I have to say that Beverly Hills is a wonderful place to live. Certainly there is that element of glamour and money associated with the area, but what you will find at it’s core is a very small, friendly neighborhood that provides a real sense of community. This is a true walking city (yes, I know, nobody walks in LA…but I do), which is fairly unique in sprawling Los Angeles. I roll out of bed, grab a Starbucks where I have known the same Baristas for years, have breakfast, have a work out at the new Equinox (Equinox bought out the old Sports Club LA on Camden & Wilshire), and then walk to my office. I never take that for granted. For my newest listing, it is literally a 1 minute walk (well, I guess that depends on how fast you move) to houses of worship, the Starbucks across the street, a great sushi joint, and my favorite quick Chinese food in the city – Chef Mings!

Those of you who are from out of state or note local may not know this, but Beverly Hills is fairly rich in oil. There are oil rigs located adjacent to the running track at Beverly High, which you can see see churning out oil. It’s an interesting site. This particular property comes with oil rights that will be transferred to the new owner. It’s a nice bonus that provides a some additional passive income.

Our first presentation will be this Sunday, May 20th from 1pm-5pm. Stop by and say hi! You won’t want to miss this one! I am truly excited to present this one to all of you!

See my eloquently penned, yet condensed description for the MLS listed below. Writing copy is one of my favorite parts of a listing. Every home should have a story to tell!

419 South Almont Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 – 3br/2ba – $1,295,000

Website: www.419almont.com

Nestled on a beautiful tree lined street in Beverly Hills lies an exquisite residence of sophisticated refinement. No expense was spared on the renovation of this 3br/2ba home. A spacious, open floor plan provides the perfect setting for hosting a sumptuous feast for many or a quiet evening by the fire. This special offering boasts oak hardwood floors throughout, polished slate in the kitchen and baths, and stainless steel appliances including a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher with separate individual washing drawers. Other fine appointments include Brazilian granite counter tops, dark walnut cabinetry, chic glass tile bathrooms with Jacuzzi tub, and lavish Hinkley lighting fixtures. Rounding out this picture perfect property is an additional living room complete with Tech lighting and wet bar, a separate 2 car garage/parking court, gated backyard with citrus trees, and a gently babbling water treatment creating the very picture of serenity. Centrally located in the highly coveted Beverly Hills Unified School district, enjoy conveniences such as a 5 minute walk to houses of worship, coffee, bakeries, and all the best the city has to offer! Oil Rights Included!

1618 Mountcrest Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069 – 3br/4ba, Roughly 2000 Sq Ft – Offered at $1,299,000

For Your Viewing Pleasure:

April 15th: Extended Sunday Open House Hours - 1pm-5pm

April 17th: Caravan – 11am-2pm

Proceed north on Queens Road, Make a Left onto Franklin Avenue, and Mountcrest Will Be on The Right (Cul de Sac)

I am not going to lie, this property took quite a while to sell. What I have learned about listing in a full service buildings is that there is a very specific audience for the unit. The buyer has to be willing to pay roughly $1000/month in HOA fees and truly want the high rise life style which is somewhat atypical for Los Angeles. What is dynamic about Shoreham is that it os one of roughly (not exact) five or six full service buildings in the city of West Hollywood and 1 of 2 north of Sunset. From what I understand, there was a moratorium placed on large high rise dwellings in the 70′s as to not mitigate the views of homeowners purchasing in the rapidly appreciating Hollywood Hills. To the benefit of the homeowners but perhaps not to the agents, Sunday open houses aren’t allowed nor signage. Does that stop that Rich Kids? Hell no! I would hold “gonzo” Sunday opens bribing the concierge with home made cookies or cupcakes from Sprinkles. They worked with me and at the end of the day we got the job done. I have to say, I am quite proud of the staging and the photography. These photos really blow me away if I do say so myself. Color Me Sold (“I wanna stage you up…tick tock you don’t stop”…the real estate version of “I Wanna Sex You Up” by Color Me Bad) did a killer job staging as always!

Shoreham sits high above the Sunset Strip allowing those lucky enough to own a front facing unit panoramic views of almost all of LA from west to east. With a wall of glass and 8ft of balcony space, the view takes the center stage. One can open the massive sliding doors providing an indoor/outdoor feel, as if you are floating above the city once you enter the double doors of the condo. The airy living room/dining area provides ample opportunity to create the perfect arrangement with it generous proportions. I love the contrast between the colorful zen yet slightly mid century decor and the dark hardwood flooring. To be able to create a space that is designer chic, yet warm and inviting is a tough dichotomy. This paradox is the essence of unit 206 and there is not one section where it is not felt. There is a true feeling of sanctuary, but one gaze out of any window is a vibrant reminder that you are in the heart of one of the most dynamic sections of LA.

A major congrats to the new buyer! Thank you for all the hard work you put into making the sale a go. I hope you love the property as much as the owner did. J – Thanks for sticking with me and always having the confidence that the job would get done! That means the world to me!

8787 Shoreham Drive, Unit 206, West Hollywood, CA 90069 – 1br/1.5ba –  List:$465,000/Sale:$400,000

Step into the world of decadent luxury at the famed Shoreham Towers the moment car keys are handed over to the 24 hour valet. The always present concierge quietly greets each home owner as polished elevator doors automatically slide open, beckoning one into a quiet, tranquil oasis perched high above the most exclusive section of the Sunset Strip. This designer done, front facing unit features rich hardwood floors throughout with an open living room drenched in sunlight leading seamlessly into a kitchen perfectly configured for entertaining. A master bedroom with city views and a sumptuous spa inspired bathroom with separate sunken tub/shower can invigorate or seduce depending on the mood of the day. An additional powder room affords the owner privacy while ensuring each guest’s comfort. Walls of glass behind an expansive balcony showcase every detail from sunrise to the twinkling city lights that commence at twilight. Just another day at Shoreham…All utilities included in HOA dues.

Most agents will outsource this aspect to a full time short sale negotiator. As a broker, I thought I would try my hand at it. This is the beauty part of working in real estate – nothing stays stagnant, no deal is ever the same, and their is something new to learn from every sale. I have to say that as far as short sales go, this could not have been an easier transaction. I had one open house at the property, received 8 offers (half of which were cash) and well above the listing price as you can see. We had bank approval in under 30 days and I was able to close this transaction in under 90 days from the time of seller acceptance. Typically a short sale can take anywhere from 90-120 days (sometimes up to 6 months) with many bumps along the way. What I liked about being on the listing side was that I was in complete control of my dealings with the banks. Daily follow up is required as well as keeping all documentation clean and concise (thank you, thank you Lou Nanquil of WestSide TC Services – you are the best in town). I also have to give mad props to all parties involved.  Without the synergy between the seller, listing/buyer’s agent (which I happened to be both in this case – best synergy a boy could ask for), buyer, and the bank things can quickly turn into fuster cluck very quickly. Add in the fact the unit is also tenant occupied and you are really asking for it. I always brag about how lucky I am to have such amazing clients and this deal was no exception. Everyone worked together, my buyer is keeping on the tenant who is amazing, and the seller felt like the weight of the world was lifted off of his shoulder. There is no better feeling than when you can make everyone happy!

Many of you know that prior to starting Rich Kids Real Estate Group, I was the senior sales person for The Rob Clark  condo project through Hilton and Hyland, just one block from the heart of the Robertson shopping district. I came in at year two (2007-2008) replacing another amazing sales person who left for NYC to pursue a very high end condo development. The Rob Clark is one of the coolest buildings in town – not just because the units are beautiful or it’s literally the best location in LA, but truly because of the people. I’ve been in 1 million condos (that’s an exact figure) and I have never met a cooler bunch of residents than that of the RC. In summer 2008, they actually did an article in the LA Times about the building being the real life “Melrose Place”. Especially if you are new to town, you will definitely make friends here. People have little get togethers in their units, there’s the pool crew on the weekends – it’s truly a special place! Curbed wrote this great piece making fun of the LA Time article entitled “You May Not Be Cool Enough to Live Here”: “Last month, we sort of mocked the Los Angeles Times‘ story on the Rob Clark, an article that suggested the new Los Angeles condominium building on Clark Drive–and its friendly, attractive residents– was a “Melrose Place” episode come to life. But after visiting the building last weekend, we must amend all past comments. The residents are super-friendly. And they are attractive! And not in some douchy, fake Hollywood way.”

This is what I call one of my “slam dunk portfolio builder properties”, of which I have four of in my back pocket for investors at all times. Although the Rob Clark has been plagued with short sales over the last few years due to some unfortunate timing, it has always stayed consistent in rentals which there is never (or very rarely) a lack a demand for.  On a unit like this, you are looking at anywhere from $2100-$2300 month to lease out, a studio hovering around 500 sq ft around $1900/month, and a 1+den around 740 sq ft anywhere from $2300-$2800/month. The location is one of the best in LA. If you can get your hands on a unit like this with the plans to hold on to it indefinitely, there is some nice passive income to be made and ultimately even more ROI upon selling years down the road (if my crystal ball is working…you never know – it’s touch and go). My buyers own several units in this building as well as my other slam dunkers. Another advantage to this building is the the HOA fees are about $250/month which includes water, gas, and trash.

Congrats on the purchase, J. You have been an amazing client and I look forward to many more deal down the road. D – You are DUNZO!!! I can only imagine how good it feels to be done with the process. J – I hope you enjoy many more years in the building and I sincerely thank you for being so accommodating when many tenants would not be. Last but not least, thank you to Sue Nichols and Luis at Granite Escrow Beverly Hills. I appreciate you always being there when I needed an answer!!!

141 South Clark Drive, #312, Los Angeles, CA 90048 – 1br/1ba, Roughly 640 Sq Ft – List: $295,000/Sale: $312,800

Live the real life “Melrose Place” experience as quoted by the LA Times in this large 1br unit at the Rob Clark. Walk to The Ivy, Chanel, D&G on uber trendy Robertson Blvd. Dark hardwood floors, custom closets, window treatments, 2 side x side parking spaces (rare), tumbled stone gas fireplace, kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Bathroom includes Wenge stained vanity, quartz counters & glass tile shower. Stunning lobby, trainer’s gym, and resort style pool. Short sale – great opportunity in a killer location.

My clients had been leasing this home for almost 2 years after moving here from NYC. I have to say, my New Yorkers are the hardest to initially convert to Angelenos. However, once they drink the Cali Kool Aid, it’s all over. Having built a friendship over the last 2 years, I taunted them with the notion that they have just had a baby who is now a native of Los Angeles (Hollywood, no less). Isn’t it ironic, don’t ya think?

Knowing that now is the time to purchase, they decided to go for it. After looking at literally every property under 1 million in Laurel Canyon, West LA, and even (gasp) the Valley, we all knew that this was absolutely the perfect home. Not only did we negotiate a fantastic deal, but  it allowed them to stay in a property that fit all the criteria on their wish list.

Spread out over three floors, this 2 bedroom/2 bath home of 1600 sq ft  maximizes every ounce of square footage. Not only does the lay out provide an inviting, open indoor/outdoor living space, but is truly (this is going to sound so real estate cliche) a “sun drenched entertainer’s delight”. HGTV specifically chose this house to redesign the backyard into a outdoor living room. As you can see from the photos below, this transformation provides quite a bit of added usable space.

Another reason why they  ultimately wanted to stay in “The Canyon” (as we all often call Laurel Canyon) is because of the fantastic lifestyle afforded to those lucky enough to live in this dynamic community. The coveted Wonderland Elementary is considered to be one of the finest public schools in Los Angeles. Laurel Canyon is known for an eclectic mix of artists, corporate, and everything in between. It’s very much like the Williamsburg/Brooklyn of LA. I often use the analogy that your neighbor might be a physician, but (s)he also rocks out in a band on the side.  My clients have more of a social life than I do with neighborhood Oscar parties, St. Patty’s Day Blowouts, and frequent block parties. Giving credit where credit is due, they are cool as hell and 100% fit into the Rich Kids family of truly dynamic individuals.

First and for most, I want to thank my clients C&C (music factory…lame joke) for being a blast and absolute pleasure to work with. I would also like to thank the listing agent, Tom O’Rourke for working with me to create a seamless transaction. His client/the now previous owner, S, was incredible in making C&C’s transition from lessees to owners a smooth one. The First Ever Rich Kids MVP  Award goes to our lender, Lauren Boland, of American Capital. She did what I perceive as the impossible by closing a deal in under 30 days (almost impossible to do in today’s climate when the buyer is obtaining a loan) when the seller allowed us a 45 day escrow. It’s like the old Vidal Sassoon slogan, if she doesn’t look good aka produce results, I don’t look good!

I say it in almost every “Just Sold” blog entry, but I cannot stress enough the importance of using local agents who are tied into the agent scene and have relationships with each other. The Beverly Hills/West Hollywood/Hollywood Hills agents who are worth their salt all know each other and this synergy allows (at least 9 times out of 10) for a WONDERful (pun intended) experience for all parties involved.

OMG, C&C!!! I am like tots stoked to have you permanently in LA! It’s obvi that this property was destined for you. Just a little West Coast humor In all seriousness, congratulations and many thanks!!!!! Cheers to that!

8600 Wonderland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046 – 2br/2ba, Roughly 1600 Sq Ft – $752,000

HGTV featured home. Light, bright and open. A sleek and modern Laurel Canyon home, also featured on Bourget Brothers website. This two-bedroom, two bathroom house boasts an office, hardwood floors, walls of glass and a large living room with fireplace. Ideal for al fresco dining, a patio with private entrance, designed by Allison Flesch with top-quality materials, offers a conversation fire pit, built-in barbecue and bar. Central heat and air. New copper plumbing. 2-car attached garage. Minutes to Wonderland School, local parks and Mulholland Drive.

There is a perception amongst people who have never been to LA that life here is all about the sex, the parties, beautiful homes, hanging at the beach – having it all. You know what? They are absolutely right Those Rich Kids freezing your buns off…come check out SoCal. I don’t know one other city where dreams come true every day and you have the ability to create a life beyond your wildest imaginations.

I have to say I have the absolute best job in the world! I am pumped for the next “Living Richly w/ Rich Kids” event. Hiking? Kayaking? Binge Drinking? I am open to suggestions!!!!

I am looking forward to hanging out again!

With that said, I am excited to bring you “Living Richly with Rich Kids”. You’ve seen us in bed, having drinks, sunbathing in the moonlight at the W (obviously we do this all the time), but what happens on a Saturday when there is a rare occurrence that we have some free time? Ala the mighty Oprah, I wanted to extend wellness and all the great outdoor activities LA has to offer to our clients/friends.

As many of you know, one of my newest loves and stress relievers of 2012 has been surfing. For the last couple months, I have been trying to go out 2-3 times a week either by myself or with an instructor. I am not going to lie, I totally suck! However, I have a blast and there is just no better rush than catching your first wave. I can’t shut up about it and want to share this new passion/experience first hand with all of you. This is an open invitation to friends, clients, readers, or anyone who happens to see this on Facebook or my blog…also, pass along to anyone who might want to join:

The Rich Kids Free Surf Clinic 

Location: Santa Monica/SAMO Beach (Bay Street at the Ocean) 

Day/Time: Saturday, Feb 18th at 9am (be there a bit early)

Meeting Spot: The Parking Lot on the Sand on Bay Street to the Left of the Parking Attendant. You’ll see a Silver Mercedes with Surf Racks and A Jeep With Boards, Etc.

The Details: Local Surf Instructor Sergio Will Be there to Provide Us With a Hour Free Clinic. He Has Boards and Wetsuits (you will not be cold in the suit…I promise) – $15 for a Suit/$20 for a Board. If You Have Either or Both Bring. For Us Beginners, He’ll Be With Us the Whole Time. For Intermediate to Advanced, You Can Play and He Can Offer Tips in the Water. All Abilities, Levels Welcome. Just Be Ready for Fun and Become an Addict!

RSVP: Suits and Boards are in Limited Quantity, So Please Let Me Know if You Can Make it and What Equipment You Need!

Dying to Bust Your Board and Wetsuit Out But They No Longer Fit in Yor Porsche (Pinto, Yugo, etc) and Live in BH or WeHo? I Can Fit 4 Boards on My Rack (that sounds strangely provocative)…Let Me Know and We Can Carpool!!!

If you have always been dying to try surfing, but don’t want to make the investment in equipment or spend $100 bucks an hour on private lessons, this is your chance to give it a go on me. Please feel free to email, call, or send a message in a bottle with any questions. I am STOKED!!!!!!

Check out Surfline for FAQS on beginner surfing, waves, tides, FAQS, and fun facts!!

I don’t think the photos convey  just how explosive the views are. Looking at an unassuming front exterior, one would never guess that there is a four story drop dug into the hillside showcasing unobstructed panoramic views of Downtown LA, Century City, and the entire Los Angeles basin below. Built in 1989, the house is very much move in ready as is. With three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and just under 2000 sq ft, the floor plan is quintessential hillside living. Every floor/room (with the exception of the bottom floor) has a massive balcony that perfectly frames the jetliner views that encompass the LA fantasy.

Within the last 6 months, I have found that there is obviously quite a demand for these type of REO/bank owned properties. The property was listed at $921,000 and within 7 days there were 8 offers, half of which were cash and as the “Sold” price clearly shows, substantially over list. REO deals in the past have been very quick and easy! Since the Dodd Frank Act, we had acceptance right around the time I left for London in early December and we just recorded yesterday. Side note: When considering purchasing a well priced REO or Short Sale that clearly is going to spark multiples (I am currently in escrow on a short sale I listed and I had 7 offers within one day of showing), come prepared, and do the following things if you are in it to win it: 1) Cash is always king. These escrow are getting harder to close and there is a major influx of cash buyers right now with foreign money looking to scoop up these properties. 2) Keep your contingencies short and your escrow period even shorter. Cash buyers should go in with 14 day escrow periods after bank acceptance if you want to grab the property. Try to conduct your buyer investigations immediately so you know up front the condition of the property. The disclosures are very limited from the banks as they have never occupied the home nor know much about it. We have to put on our detective hats and dig deep to make sure your buying the real deal. 3) Hire Rich Kids Real Estate…having learned from the master of multiples when I was an assistant way back when, there are certain things you can do in advance that will make your offer an even more appealing prospect to the bank. I typically always win multiples..there is a strategy.

I really had to stay on top of this one 24/7. I was in London/Berlin, my buyer was in Mexico, and my transaction coordinator was in Prague. Rich Kids international style, baby…that’s how we roll. The synergy  of my team, along with amazing listing agents (Sam Villeda and Rick Beck of Coldwell Banker Sunset Strip) were essential in making this tricky deal happen.

I would also like to give a heart felt thanks to the Royal Gardens Hotel in Kensington London for having a 24/7 business center that was open Christmas Day and allowing me to use your Royal printers/scanners even though I was masquerading as a guest to use your facilities (my flat didn’t have a scanner)…you guys were uber cool and thank you for not charging me the 100 quid I probably would have racked up in there. Even though we were all working on Christmas Day, we had some laughs and it was a fun experience!!

Lastly, I give major props the best clients in the world! Thanks D for being so loyal after 7 years (how can it be this long since I am only 25…was I really practicing real estate since 18…maybe, maybe not, lol). Here’s to adding another amazing property to your Los Angeles portfolio!

Fantastic clients, an awesome closing on a killer home, and a new property in escrow all in January. I’ve got a feeling 2012 is going to be pretty epic!!!!

Love the house? You can live it! We are now looking for a 1 year tenant, $6500/month for a 1 year lease unfurnished or a 6 month fully furnished lease also available (terms on that can be discussed) ready to go ASAP. More to come!

Many people have emailed me about this development from all around the US  commenting in general on how special it is. Well, you are in luck! I will be closing on a home up in the Sunset Plaza area of the Hollywood Hills next week (KILLER VIEWS…cannot wait to share this with you and again, major deal) with the current owners and they have decided to put this one on the market for lease. My clients reside outside the US, have stayed in this unit maybe 3 times, and the prior owner never even occupied it. He bought it at the height of the market because it was/is such a extraordinary piece of architecture that he didn’t want to miss out. When I was doing inspections, literally the oven and microwave still had the instructions and wrap on it.

Ready to sign on the dotted line? Here are the deats (I really had fun writing this description for the MLS entry):

825 North Kings Road, Unit 15, West Hollywood, CA 90069 – $5000/month – 2br/2.5ba, Roughly 1590 Sq Ft

A rare opportunity awaits to reside in the award winning architectural masterpiece, Habitat 825, by famed architect Lorcan O’ Herlihy. A prime example of modern architecture at it’s finest, this two story, top floor unit boasts floor to ceiling windows, sleek hardwood floors throughout, explosive views of the Hollywood Hills, and an expansive private sun deck where clothing should most certainly be optional. The open floor plan on the first floor showcases an open gourmet kitchen with brand new Viking stainless steel fridge, Miele appliances, and Boffi cabinetry. An entertainers delight with first floor powder room, airy living room/dining room, and a massive laundry room to clean up after it all. By days end, retire to one of the two dueling mater suites on the second floor. Whether it’s a bath for two in the oversized square, free standing tub in the master or a shower for 3 in the floor to ceiling glass shower with skylight in bedroom 2, getting clean and then hitting the sheets was never so much fun. Should one opt for a night out,  Melrose and Santa Monica dining/nightlife are just a short stroll. Leave behind 2 cars securely situated in side x side parking spots. Can be made available furnished.

I rarely do open houses for leases, but I remember dying to get into one of these units way back when and wanted to offer even just the looky lewes a chance to stop by and take a look! Open Sunday, January 28th, 2012 from 1pm-4pm with typical Rich Kids Fare. Never been to a Rich Kids open house? It’s not just an open, but an event!

This week, Rich Kids has a new sale closing in the prime Hollywood Hills off Queens Road with some of the most amazing panoramic views you have ever seen. Also on tap is a short sale condo that received 6 offers within the first day it was open to be shown accepted well above list, and a killer lease in a West Hollywood architectural gem that you would sell your mother for!

All that and some insight into investing overseas: my day with a West London Foxton’s Estate Agent. It’s a lucrative market for investing, but make sure to clench because if you aren’t careful you could be “Gazumped” by another buyer right at the end (to be explained). With the Olympics and Queen’s Jubilee Anniversary on tap, there could be some interesting investment opportunities. Side note: for those of you new to the Rich Kids blog, I am not English but will get a case of the “Madonna’s” from time to time and I certainly have a fondness for both London and Hydrangeas.

“Do you want more? Well I’ll give you more”. This is just the teaser. Stay tuned…killer sales, new ads, events, and lots of market info to come. The Rich Kids blog is juicer than ever this year! Strip down and cool off because it’s going to be a hot winter in Beverly Hills (literally…it was 80 degrees today).