Once again, this week on the Sunset Park broker caravan there were no single family homes open. Is there something afoot in the market? I would say not. Two brand new listings did appear this week, but too late to go into the Tuesday caravan.

There was, however, a very sweet vintage condo suitable for the 40’s cottage aficionado.  The cottage is located in a well preserved building that started out as a classic Santa Monica-style post-war apartment housing.

2343 Oak Street #3, hit the market on May 1st, with 687 square feet, listed for $549,000. With 2 bedrooms, and 1 bath in a six unit complex, #3 sits third in a row of single story units strung together with front porches and back yard patios of a significant size off the kitchens. Built in 1948, with a very lush front yard trimmed with white picket fence on the street side, the complex blends right into the Sunset Park houses from the same era. The one car garage parking in the back of the lot completes this perfect picture of modest life post WW2.

As one would expect from this era, the floors are hardwood throughout except for the bathroom which has been colorfully redone with mosaic tiles and bright colored walls, achieving a fresh and timeless artful bath trimmed in white with a classic pedestal sink. Original yet perfectly in keeping with the vintage vibe.

Bonus: Even has its own laundry area in a covered cabinet on the patio. Clover Park is at the end of Oak at 25th, offering a wide range of activities from children’s playgrounds to soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, beach volleyball court, picnic and barbecue areas, fitness trail and community activities, not to mention a very convenient Infant/Toddler Learning Center.

Downside: This side of Oak Street backs into the properties on busy Ocean Park Boulevard and the area is somewhat impacted by airport noise.

Value: This is a perfect small house cottage at a price that is very hard to match in Santa Monica. What’s more, monthly dues to the homeowner’s association are a very modest $181.

Sunset Park’s Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Sold:

New Listings:

• 2208 NAVY ST, listed for $1,175,000
• 2251 CLOVERFIELD AVE, listed for $1,350,000

Newly in Escrow, Looking for Backup:

• 2645 33rd ST, listed for $1,975,000 after 15 days on the market

There are currently 11 houses in Sunset Park that are actively available along with 5 properties in newly opened escrows that are still looking for backup buyers. Another 8 are pending sales in escrow, with an average of 27 days on the market.

Since the first of the year, 25 houses have closed escrow, with an average of 89 days on the market. Three of the sales were short pay sales, three were bank owned sales and the other nineteen were standard sales. Houses are selling more and more quickly as we progress through the months since January. In April, two houses came on the market and sold in less than 2 weeks. There are three new listings in May about to be snapped up. No time to snooze!

Did you see this property?  What did you think?  Please share your thoughts and leave your comments below.

Santa Monica Real Estate Voice | Community News, Local Events, and Real Estate Market Info - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in Santa Monica.

This week on the Sunset Park broker caravan there were no single family homes open, but I did find a new listing that was a good bargain by anyone’s estimation. Rarely is there anywhere in Santa Monica a three bedroom townhome with a private garage of this size or condition under $700,000. Townhomes with direct access private garages and inside laundry are the first step below a house and the top of the heap in condominium offerings.

2307 32nd Street, listed on April 29th, with 1,649 square feet, is listed for $675,000. With 3 bedrooms, and 2.5 baths in a six unit complex built in 1999, this property offers a viable option for home buyers looking to move into a sizable living space in Santa Monica at a surprisingly low price. Elegance, convenience and size are all in abundance. The two car garage also has a bonus space nearly large enough for a third car and just inside from the garage is another bonus area before you walk up the stairs to the living room.

It has a great sized kitchen with breakfast area across the downstairs northwest side that opens to one of three patio areas. This side of the building is elevated above the property next door so there is much light and sky to enjoy with no obstructions. The living room has its own patio on the southeast side of the building and there is a rooftop patio with sensational views in most all directions above the master bedroom in addition to a balcony off the master. With the kitchen and bathrooms all about 12 years old and in well kept condition, there is no need for updating unless you wish to change colors or other design issues. The dining room has a recessed ceiling and other interesting architectural elements are found throughout the unit. This is not a simple box-style condominium by any stretch of the imagination.

Bonus: The property is right next door the Trader Joe’s parking lot, assuring easy access to daily trips to the market if you are so inclined. Also easy walking to the Unurban Coffeehouse, Valentino’s Italian, Upper West Restaurant, McCabe’s Guitar Shop, Caprice Fine French Pastries and other shops and cafes nearby.

Downside: Convenience to getting on and off the Santa Monica freeway also means the freeway is close by and while it is not loud, it has some influence on the sound and environment enjoyed by the unit.

Value: The last sale in this building sold for $796,000 in 2006 when the prices were rising every month. For this much space with a private garage in the popular Grant Elementary School section of the highly ranked Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, it’s hard to beat at this price this spring.

Sunset Park’s Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Sold:

New Listings:

• 2212 NAVY ST, listed for $975,000

Pending Sales:

• 2431 PIER AV, listed for $799,000, after 58 days on the market
• 2425 32ND ST, listed for $795,000, after 27 days on the market
• 2401 31ST, originally listed for $1,299,000 after 12 days on the market

There are currently 9 houses in Sunset Park that are actively available along with 4 properties in newly opened escrows that are still looking for backup buyers. Another 8 are pending sales in escrow.  Since the first of the year, 25 houses have closed escrow, none during the last week. Three of the sales were short pay sales, three were bank owned sales and the other nineteen were standard sales.

Did you see this property? What did you think? What’s the best home you’ve seen in your neighborhood? Please share your thoughts and leave your comments below.

Santa Monica Real Estate Voice | Community News, Local Events, and Real Estate Market Info - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in Santa Monica.

This week on the Sunset Park broker caravan there was a new listing that was truly a home in paradise. Buyers and agents wandered the property and were mesmerized by the atmospheric magic of light, high ceilings and landscaping. This property is hot and will soon be someone’s dream home.

2645 33st Street, which arrived on the market April 22th, with 3,261 square feet, is listed for $1,795,000. With 4 bedrooms, a family room and 3 baths on a 6,400 square foot lot with a pool, this house is Shangri-La found in Santa Monica.

All 3 bathrooms have been exquisitely and individually recreated, with the master bath overlooking the master bedroom balcony that peers down to the lush backyard pool enveloped in colorful foliage. Light floods the house from multiple skylights and lots of windows and doors lead to outside spaces all around. I thought the downstairs rooms had high ceilings – many seem over 12 feet, but upstairs the ceilings are even higher. Overall, the vibe is not only serene, but the whole property has a sense of calm and happiness. This is a home to raise your spirits as well as a family.

Bonus: Garage out front has been converted, offering two individual office/studios that are little gems in addition to a large storage space just inside the garage doors for those items like gardening tools and holiday decorations we all need to store in the garage.

Downside: No garage for your car but space for two cars side-by-side on the driveway. Although the kitchen is divine with a killer view from the sink to the backyard pool, it could use some touch ups. It has some wear in a couple of places.

Value: Since the house a few doors down just sold last November for $1,830,000 with only 3,059 sq ft and another house up the street sold a year ago with 2,683 sqft for $1,525,000, this price is well validated. It sits in the popular Grant Elementary School section of the highly ranked Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.  It’s truly heaven on earth found.

Sunset Park’s Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Sold:

 New Listings:

•  2645 33rd ST, listed for $1,795,000

Back on the Market:

• 3224 PEARL ST, listed for $749,000 – this is a short sale on hold

Newly in escrow, Looking for Backup Offers:

• 2401 31ST, originally listed for $1,299,000 after 12 days on the market

New Pending Sales:

• 2215 ASHLAND AVE, listed for $849,000

Sold Listings:

•  2245 26th ST, originally listed for $1,379,000, reduced to $1,299,000 and then sold for $1,230,000 after 145 days on the market
• 2260 27th ST, originally listed for $1,549,000, reduced to $1,495,000 and then sold for $1,436,700 after 67 days on the market

There are currently 10 houses in Sunset Park that are actively available along with 5 properties in newly opened escrows that are still looking for backup buyers. Another 6 are pending sales in escrow.  Since the first of the year, 25 houses have closed escrow, 2 during the last week. Three of the sales were short pay sales, three were bank owned sales and the other nineteen were standard sales.

Did you see this property? If you don’t hurry, it could soon be gone.

Santa Monica Real Estate Voice | Community News, Local Events, and Real Estate Market Info - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in Santa Monica.

Last week on the Sunset Park broker caravan there was a new listing that everyone was hovering over starting during the first hour. Agents were clamoring for showings and buyers were imagining themselves in every room. This property is hot and rightly so.

2401 31st Street, arrived on the market April 12th, with 2,116 square feet (per the owner), listed for $1,299,000. With 3 bedrooms, den and 2 3/4 baths on a 6000 square foot lot, this house has been impeccably created and maintained by its designer owner.

And it sold the first week having fielded 8 offers!

Bonus: Absolute pristine condition inside and out with impeccable taste and flow.

Downside: Currently the garage is not usable for cars so there is not covered parking.

Value: This house is going to go beyond expectations in price as it sits in the popular Grant Elementary School section of the highly ranked Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District AND it has all the bells and whistles in tip top shape. With these kinds of houses, the sky’s the limit.

Sunset Park’s Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Sold April 13 – 19:

Back on the Market:

•  3224 PEARL ST, listed for $749,000

Price Reduction:

• 2009 MARINE ST, originally listed for $1,035,000, reduced to $950,000

Pending Sales:

• 3015 11th ST, listed for $1,275,000

Sold Listings:

• 2523 23rd ST, listed for $699,900, sold for $752,000 after 9 days on the market – $52,100 over asking
• 1328 HILL ST, listed for $950,000, sold for $900,000 after 22 days on the market
• 1761 BRYN MAWR, listed for $899,000, sold for $961,500 after 12 days on the market – $62,500 over asking
• 2637 30th ST, listed for $999,000, sold for $795,000 after 129 days on the market
• 2333 ASHLAND ST, listed for $1,195,000, sold for $1,200,000 after 13 days on the market – $5,000 over asking
• 2260 27th ST, originally listed for $1,549,000, reduced to $1,495,000 and then sold for $1,436,700 after 67 days on the market

There are currently 10 houses in Sunset Park that are actively available along with 5 properties in newly opened escrows that are still looking for backup buyers. Another 6 are pending sales in escrow.   Since the first of the year, 25 houses have closed escrow, 6 during last week’s surge. 3 of the sales were short pay sales, 3 were bank owned sales and the other 11 were standard sales.

Did you see this property? If you blinked, you missed it. The market is hot!

Santa Monica Real Estate Voice | Community News, Local Events, and Real Estate Market Info - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in Santa Monica.

This week on the Sunset Park broker caravan there were slim pickings with no new houses offered. The whole neighborhood seemed to take a breather during the first half of the Passover-Easter-Spring Break. By Thursday night, one new property finally came on the market, one property fell out of escrow, appearing back on the market, two properties closed escrow while another scheduled a review open house on Tuesday, cancelled it and then reduced the price Tuesday evening, hoping to attract some love.

2215 Ashland Avenue, on the market for 44 days since February 9th, with 1,417 vintage square feet, was originally listed at $899,000 but the price was just reduced to $849,900. For that, you get 3 bedrooms and 1 bath on a generously sized 7000 square foot lot on one of the most popular streets south of Ocean Park Boulevard. The last neighborhood property of this size was a short sale that sold in February for $1,200,000, with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths in a little over 2300 square feet house. Two other similar sized properties sold in March for $1,250,000 and $1,487,500.

The house seems to have been owned for decades by the current owner and has been kept intact but not updated. The serene and private backyard is large with a covered patio across the back attached to the garage. In this location on this sized lot, the property is ripe for expansion or redevelopment.

Bonus: Over-sized Garage has windows overlooking the backyard, making it easy to carve out a bonus room or workshop.

Downside: Sits just one house away from the actively traveled 23rd Street which contributes a low but frequent sound nuisance.

Value: At the right price, this property offers the chance to create a fresh home with an established backyard in the popular Grant Elementary School section of the highly ranked Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

Sunset Park’s Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Sold:

New Listings:

• 2401 31st ST, listed for $1,299,000

Back on the Market:

• 3224 PEARL ST, listed for $749,000
• 2009 MARINE ST, listed for $1,035,000

Price Reduction:

• 2215 ASHLAND AVE, originally listed for $899,000, reduced to $849,900

Sold Listings:

• 2017 Pearl ST, listed for $989,000, sold for $888,000 after 345 days on the market
• 2141 21st ST, listed for $584,500, sold for $629,000 after 21 days on the market

There are currently 10 houses in Sunset Park that are actively available along with 8 properties in newly opened escrows that are still looking for backup buyers. Another 6 are pending sales in escrow.  Since the first of the year, 18 houses have closed escrow, 2 during the last week. Two of the sales were short pay sales, two were bank owned sales and the other eleven were standard sales.

Have you seen this property?  What did you think?  Please share your thoughts and leave your comments below.

Santa Monica Real Estate Voice | Community News, Local Events, and Real Estate Market Info - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in Santa Monica.

This week on the Sunset Park broker caravan there was only one house open and it was on one of my favorite streets – an effective “double cul-de-sac” created by the loop of Linda Lane and Paula Lane, only accessible from Marine Street, between 11th and 16th.

3036 Linda Lane is for sale with 1,443 square feet on a 5,200 square foot lot. At $995,000, you get 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with a large combination living room/dining room overlooking a large patio and groomed backyard. You also get the advantage of living off the beaten path on a street that goes nowhere. In the mid-50’s, this semi-circular street (said to have once been a dairy farm) was developed with just 33 houses. There is a similarity in floor plans and quality that is consistent on the street, with a few variations in the original design, many of which have now been expanded and updated.

This house has a great liveable floor plan and the kitchen and baths have been brought into the 21st Century with taste and flair, showcasing the great original hardwood floors and making the most of the 2 bedroom + convertible den house by using the den with its attached bathroom as a master suite while the other two bedrooms share the hall bath on the other side of the house.

This house is full of light and feels more spacious than its size. The home is just moments from Marine Park where there are 3 tennis courts, 2 baseball fields, 1 soccer field, 2 basketball courts, all lit for extended use in the evening after dark, as well as one of Santa Monica’s children’s playgrounds. This home is convenient to the beach, an easy drive onto the freeway to anywhere and a micro-neighborhood where people tend to stay once they move in. More than one family on the street has simply moved to another house rather than move away from this Santa Monica secret.

Bonus: The garage has been finished with drywall, pendant lighting and large sliding door on the side overlooking the yard, offering a bonus space with vaulted ceiling that makes a great office or studio space.

Downside: This house is in the airport influence zone that all houses in this part of Sunset Park experience.

Value: Move-in ready home on a great low-traffic street next to a park with activities for all is not easy to find at this price.

Sunset Park’s Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Sold:

Back on the Market:

• 1328 HILL ST, listed for $950,000
• 2425 32nd STREET, listed $795,000

Newly in Escrow, Looking for Backup:

• 1748 BRYN MAWR AVE, listed for $995,000, in escrow after 7 days on the market
• 2245 26th ST, listed for $1,299,000, in escrow after 43 days on the market

New Pending Sales:

•  2141 21st ST, listed for $584,500 in escrow after 21 days on the market (REO)
• 2017 Pearl ST, listed for $989,000 in escrow after 345 days on the market

Sold Listings:

•  1047 PACIFIC ST, originally listed for $1,425,000, reduced to $1,389,000, sold for $1,405,000 after 115 days on the market
• 1615 ASHLAND AVE, listed for $1,395,000, sold for $1,487,500 after 26 days on the market

There are currently 10 houses in Sunset Park that are actively available along with 9 properties in newly opened escrows that are still looking for backup buyers. Another 9 are pending sales in escrow.  Since the first of the year, 16 houses have closed escrow, 2 during the last week. Two of the sales were short pay sales, one was a bank owned sale and the other eleven were standard sales.

Have you seen this property?  What’s the best property you’ve seen in your neighborhood lately?  Please share your thoughts and leave your comments below.

Santa Monica Real Estate Voice | Community News, Local Events, and Real Estate Market Info - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in Santa Monica.

This week on the Sunset Park broker caravan there was only one house open and it was all dressed up and ready to go.  l have always liked this home, with its location, its ideal view and its compact but perfect layout with a suite of rooms below that feels even bigger than the house above.

1748 Bryn Mawr Avenue is for sale, with an estimated size that is probably double the 808 square feet shown in public records. At $995,000, you get 3 bedrooms and 2 baths when you combine the upstairs and downstairs along with an assortment of additional spaces on the lower level. The lot size seems much larger than 5,560 square feet because the house sits close to the street with a huge terraced backyard.

Neat as a pin inside and out, this 1941 house feels brand new in every way, no doubt because it has been painstakingly remodeled to enhance every space with light, height and panache.

This is a great property for a buyer looking to move right in with nothing to do but buy a refrigerator, fill it and sit back and enjoy a stellar 180 degree view across the green golf course southward and westward from the kitchen, deck, dining/living room and master bedroom as well as downstairs and the upper part of the yard.

Bonus: The downstairs suite has been carved out of what was undoubtedly originally just under the house and has lots of different spaces from a bedroom and bath, a den or studio, to lots of storage and laundry hookups in its own separate room.

Downside: This house has only a one car garage plus uncovered parking on the driveway and street parking which is only on one side of Bryn Mawr. And of course this area is impacted by airport takeoff traffic noise from Santa Monica airport. Many airplane enthusiasts love this feature but it does sometimes stop conversations.

Value: At this price, you are paying for the opportunity of an instant home with a stunning view and situated in the famed Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District with likely rights to the ever popular Grant Elementary school.

Sunset Park’s Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Sold:

New Listings:

• 3036 LINDA LANE, listed for $ 979,000
• 1748 BRYN MAWR AVE, listed for $995,000

Newly in Escrow, Looking for Backup:

• 2446 11th ST, listed for $875,000
• 3015 11TH ST, listed for $1,275,000

New Pending Sales:

• 1124 PACIFIC ST, listed for $775,000 in escrow after only 3 days on the market
• 2425 32nd STREET, listed $795,000 in escrow after only 1 day on the market
• 1047 PACIFIC ST, listed for $1,389,000 in escrow after 115 days on the market
• 1615 ASHLAND AVE, listed for $1,395,000 in escrow after 26 days on the market

Sold Listings:

• 2609 24th ST, listed for $ 799,000, sold for $785,000 after 77 days on the market
• 1014 WILSON PL, originally listed for $1,199,000, reduced to $1,099,000, sold for $994,630 after 107 days on the market
• 2437 18th ST, listed for $1,329,000, sold by yours truly for $1,169,000 after 24 days on the market

There are currently 13 houses in Sunset Park that are actively available along with 7 properties in newly opened escrows that are still looking for backup buyers. Another 10 are pending sales in escrow.  Since the first of the year, 14 houses have closed escrow, 3 during the last week. Two of the sales were short pay sales, one was a bank owned sale and the other eleven were standard sales.

Have you seen this property on Bryn Mawr?  What’s the best home you’ve seen lately?  Please share your thoughts and leave your comments below.

Santa Monica Real Estate Voice | Community News, Local Events, and Real Estate Market Info - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in Santa Monica.

This week on the Sunset Park broker caravan there were only two houses open and they were both budget-priced foreclosures, owned by banks, known as REO’s. I liked the home on 23rd Street, fading but once charming inside and out, it still shows its 1927 English Cottage Revival architectural roots.

2523 23rd Street is for sale, now a newly pending sale, with 1458 square feet. At $699,900, you get 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, ready for somebody to fix or perhaps even rebuild on a 6,750 square foot lot. Despite its current unkempt condition, this house has many original details worth preserving that will add authentic period flair to this diamond in the rough.

There are lighting fixtures and windows that speak of the 1920’s while the kitchen has been updated in recent times. The classic layout offers ample sized rooms just itching to be returned to their former glory.

This is a great property for a buyer looking for a project that will yield the dream of living in Santa Monica at an affordable price in a house one could treasure. Also appealing to an investor looking for a great specimen to clean-up and enhance for a profit.

Bonus: The garage has been dry-walled with a tile floor. A little clean-up and you could have a great bonus room.

Downside: This house is not for the faint of heart. Much of the house is in need of repair and clean-up. Furthermore, living on 23rd Street, especially south of Pico Boulevard, means living on a well traveled street with frequent vehicular traffic.

Value: At this price, you are getting the structures as a bonus along with a lower than lot value price for the whole package. Rumor has it that there are multiple offers which could likely drive the price upward, however.

Sunset Park’s Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Sold:

New Listings:

• 1124 PACIFIC ST, listed for $ 775,000

Newly in Escrow, Looking for Backup:

• 2260 27TH ST, listed for $1,495,000

 Pending Sales:

•  1023 WILSON PL, listed for $715,000 in escrow after 31 days on the market
• 2009 MARINE ST, listed for $1,035,000 in escrow after 24 days on the market
• 2523 23rd ST, listed for $699,900 in escrow after 9 days on the market

Sold Listings:

• 1730 PIER AVE., originally listed for $ 1,695,000, reduced to $1,425,000, sold for $1,425,000 after 406 days on the market

There are currently 14 houses in Sunset Park that are actively available along with 9 properties in newly opened escrows that are still looking for backup buyers. Another 8 are pending sales in escrow.  Since the first of the year, 11 houses have closed escrow, 1 during the last week. Two of those sales were short pay sales, one was a bank owned sale and the other eight were standard sales.

Have you seen this property?  What did you think?  Please share your thoughts and leave your comments below.

Santa Monica Real Estate Voice | Community News, Local Events, and Real Estate Market Info - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in Santa Monica.

I stumbled into an essentially brand new home on the Sunset Park broker caravan this week. Once a modest 2/1 aging traditional that sat on the market for over a year throughout most of 2009 into 2010, this house has blossomed into a much larger contemporary traditional with all the elements that today’s new house buyer expects.

2302 Hill Street is for sale now with about 3250 square feet. At $1,990,000, you get 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, open dining room/kitchen/family room all reborn on a 8,260 square foot lot. From fresh and tailored landscaping, to a light and bright interior with high coffered ceilings, to the broad layered crown moldings/baseboards with a sprawling fully equipped kitchen overlooking an expansive family room, this home is really welcoming.  The split level/2-story house has a master suite (or killer guest suite) on the family room level and an even grander one upstairs with its own sitting area leading out to a sliver of a balcony overlooking the backyard and the world to the southwest and down the hill.

The kitchen has fine details as well as all the bells and whistles you’d expect to find in a home built in the last year. I was also impressed by the well-considered design choices that have been made inside and out. Many rooms even have twelve-foot high ceilings. In addition, the home is wrapped in double paned windows that go a long way toward keeping the peace and quiet inside.

Situated on a corner lot, the property is on top of a hill that rolls down to the golf course that sits just beyond the southern edge of Santa Monica. From this rarefied height, there is lots of visual space and vistas in various directions. If you are the buyer who wants transitional architectural details, straddling traditional-contemporary design with perfect balance, you’ve found your match.

Bonus: I don’t think this house has been lived in yet. You can have the fresh experience of a first time owner while living in an established neighborhood with mature landscaping and a popular community park an easy walk just down the street.

Downside: There’s no denying that living next to 23rd Street, especially south of Ocean Park Boulevard, is like living next to a major thoroughfare. Strategic planting will soon hide the street beyond but unless you remain inside with all the doors and windows shut, the sound of the traffic, not to mention the air traffic from the nearby airport, will always be up close and personal.

Value: An effectively brand new 3200+ square foot home on such a large lot, where your kids can enjoy the celebrated Santa Monica schools and a nearby park, is hard to score for less than $2M in parts of Santa Monica. If you can live with the location issues, you may get a lot of house for your money.

Sunset Park’s Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Sold:

New Listings:

• 2141 21st ST, listed for $ 584,500
• 2523 23rd ST, listed for $ 699,900
• 1023 WILSON PL., listed for $715,000
• 2302 HILL ST., listed for $1,990,000

Back on the Market:

•  2215 ASHLAND AVE, listed for $899,000

 Pending Sales:

•  2009 MARINE ST., listed for $1,035,000 in escrow after 24 days on the market
• 2224 NAVY ST., listed for $575,000

 Sold Listings:

•  1128 MARINE ST., listed for $ 849,000, sold for $ 825,000 after 18 days on the market
• 3202 21st ST., listed for $ 1,199,000, sold for $1,250,000 after 12 days on the market
• 1730 PIER AVE., originally listed for $ 1,695,000, reduced to $1,425,000, sold for $1,425,000 after 406 days on the market

There are currently 18 houses in Sunset Park that are actively available along with 8 properties in newly opened escrows that are still looking for backup buyers. Another 6 are pending sales in escrow.  Since the first of the year, 11 houses have closed escrow, 3 during the last week. Two of those sales were short pay sales, one was a bank owned sale and the other eight were standard sales.

Have you seen this property?  If so, what did you think?  Have you seen any great homes lately?  Please share your thoughts and leave your comments below.

Santa Monica Real Estate Voice | Community News, Local Events, and Real Estate Market Info - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in Santa Monica.

There was only one house on the Sunset Park broker caravan this week. Although it was on the market last year, it never sold. Now it has been restaged to inspire and show off its architectural features and fresh design attitude. It’s what I would dub a Post-Modern Spanish Colonial, with a real nod to the earlier 20th century revival architecture, somewhat simplified for the late 20th century design sense.

3015 11th Street is for sale now with nearly 3000 square feet and move-in ready. At $1,295,000, you get 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, dining room and kitchen open to a family room with a surprisingly generous 5000 square foot lot. The 3-level house is perched on a hill at Pier Avenue, just before 11th Street slopes down to Marine, allowing some distant vistas from the backyard as well as the upstairs windows and balcony.

I especially liked the vaulted ceilings and spacious bathrooms on the top floor. A unique plus, the 4th bedroom and bath on its own level with the garage provides a private suite separate from all the action above. What makes this house different from so many houses built in the early 90’s are the architectural details reminiscent of an earlier era. Even the back garden gate is reproduced with authentic detail.

All-in-all, the outside is as ready to go as the inside with plenty of outdoor entertainment space and grassy yard neatly surrounded by walls and landscaping, on its way to providing privacy and atmosphere. It’s worth another look if you saw it before.

Bonus: Because of its location on a hill, the garage is placed under the house and takes up less space on the lot, making a 5000 square foot lot feel like a much larger property.

Downside: It’s a mixed blessing to live on 11th Street – while the street is a convenient north-south cross town artery, with no bumps and every major street protected with a signal, you do have more traffic than the quieter streets in this part of Sunset Park. On the other hand, at this point well south of Ocean Park Boulevard, the traffic has largely tapered off.

Value: With 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, family room, dining room, kitchen and backyard all groomed and ready to go, you won’t find another 3000 square foot home with this much architectural flair in Santa Monica for only $1,295,000 anywhere else.

Sunset Park’s Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Sold:

New Listings:

• 2431 PIER AVE, listed for $ 799,000
• 1023 WILSON PL, listed for $ 715,000
• 3015 11th ST, listed for $ 1,295,000

Reductions in Price:

• 819 CEDAR ST, originally listed for $ 1,298,000, now $ 1,275,000

Newly in Escrow, Looking for Backup:

• 2017 PEARL ST, listed for $ 989,000

Back on the Market:

• 3224 PEARL ST, originally listed for $ 799,000, now $ 749,000

Sold Listings:

• 3023 11th ST, listed for $ 759,000, sold for $ 735,000 after 55 days on the market

There are currently 15 houses in Sunset Park that are actively available along with 10 properties in newly opened escrows that are still looking for backup buyers. Another 7 are pending sales in escrow.

Since the first of the year, 8 houses have closed escrow, one during the last week. Two of those sales were short pay sales, one was a bank owned sale and the other five were standard sales.

Have you seen this property? What do you think of the new look?  Please share your thoughts and leave your comments below.

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