Interest Rates Still Amazing for Buyers

While prices are high, they are plateauing in some areas and combine that with low interest rates, it's still better to buy than rent. At least you can build equity over time. At least you can rent out the place if you need to, and rents in LA are high. At least you can write off some of the property expenses. At least you can have stability from rising rents and unpredictable Landlords.

Areas that are exciting because of changes, new development, public transportation access, and overall a range in prices:

1. DTLA of course! Still one of the most desirable areas because of the FWY access, public transportation is growing in the area, and many companies are relocating to DTLA:

2. West Adams is a huge Transportation Priority Zone. Tons of development happening along Adams Blvd, and spillover from Culver City and Mid City plus some beautiful Craftsman & Spanish gems are making this neighborhood a good buy.

3. Highland Park has been happening for a while. And it's still going strong because of the amazing stock of homes (many that still need polishing, which means there's still room for growth and value), a very small amount of apartment housing (most are SFRS), hillside views and interesting topography, access to Goldline, and the fact that it's sandwiched between the best of the eastside areas like Pasadena, DTLA, Eagle Rock, Frogtown.

Close to DTLA, Yet Well Under $1Mil

It's still a Seller's market. Prices are high, lots of buyers, nicely maintained properties are still getting multiple bids, and inventory is super low. 

And yes, I'm going to go there. I'm actually using $1Mil as a benchmark for affordability. These are the times we live in, in L.A. (Keep in mind our Norcal neighbors are laughing at these affordable prices.)

Despite the gloom and doom news about home affordability (some of which is true), certain pockets of the city are still in high demand and the buyers can actually afford what they're looking for. Some DTLA owners are opting to rent out their DTLA pad and try out a house with a yard in these pockets or buy an investment to AirBnB.

Some excellent up and coming neighborhoods where values are still rising due to proximity to DTLA and other major hubs, and prices on average are under $1Mil.

Highland Park 

Glassell Park

Montecito Heights

Lincoln Heights

Hermon

Monterey Hills

El Sereno

Garvanza

West Adams/Jefferson Park

View Park/Park Hill Heights

Art Deco Stunner with Balcony - Eastern Columbia #710

West facing unit in the iconic Art Deco Eastern Columbia building, known as the jewel of DTLA and developed by The Kor Group. The unit features beautiful banks of windows, polished concrete floors and lots of sunlight. Best of all, your own private balcony with plenty of sunlight and sunset views. Comes with 1 parking space, and building amenities include a 24-hour concierge, gym and fabulous rooftop pool. Walkable to Spring Street, Ace Hotel, Acne, Wood Spoon, Oak, Umami, Alma, Pellicola, Sparkle Factory, Grand Central Market, and more. Listed for $739k with 1200sf of space. This building is also Mills Act approved.

SOLD - Spacious 2 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Balconies Overlooking Spring St Park - El Dorado Loft #409

Spring Street at it's best--a 2 bedroom, 2 bath loft with 2 private balconies overlooking Spring Street Park as the historic El Dorado building, formerly the home of Charlie Chaplin. Nearly 1400sf, the loft boasts stylish, high quality finishes such as built-in stainless steel Bosch appliances, Snaidero Italian cabinets, granite countertops, added island w/ additional storage, under-cabinet lighting, Franke stainless steel dual-basin kitchen sink, deep soaking tubs, ventless washer/dryer, pre-wired for speakers and surround sound, huge walk-in closet, coat closet and linen closet with built-in shelves. Building is Mills Act approved for significant tax savings. Asking $775k.

Courtesy of Jeremy McGinnis, Kobeissi Properties

Inventory Low in Downtown, Driving Prices Up in Nearby Areas

Inventory has been low in downtown for some time now. 2013 was when the momentum picked up from a lull and people started buying again, which has been keeping inventory low, especially in highly desirable buildings. As you can guess, in the less than desirable buildings, things have been sitting longer. Various reason for this, which I can go over with you another time.

But the overall effect is that inventory has remained low in downtown and has thus driven prices up. In fact, a couple of my clients with a budget who've had their hearts set on DTLA have been outbid and are now looking into the surrounding areas, which are incidentally on everyone's radar too. Namely, NELA, which covers Highland Park, Mt. Washington, Montecito Heights and others. While it's a Gold Line ride away from downtown, you can get more square footage for the price in NELA. With downtown prices at over $550/sf on average, NELA is still about about $465/sf on average.