The Mills Act Hack for High Interest Rates

There are basically only 2 things:

1. Get the Seller to pay for some of your loan points

2. Buy a Mills Act property

The first one is not as easy. A good lender will be able to do some juggling, switching, replacing and adding and subtracting to get you the best rate. But you have to assume the seller will pay for your points, give you closing credits, or some a shave in price to help offset your rate.

Or, you can simply buy a Mills Act property that will cut your annual property taxes by between 60-70% off. Here's the math:

$1M price

Annual property taxes w/o Mills Act: $12,500/year, or $1041/month. Yes, that's like a quarter of your mortage or more.

Annual property taxes w/ Mills Act (assuming 70% off): $3750/year or $312.50/month. Think of all you can do with the $728.50/mo you'll save. Or in a lump sum, that's $8742/year. That's a vacation. Or a new Viking stove. Or nearly all your HOA dues paid for. 

Rates Up, But Prices Still High?

When rates go up, normally, prices start barreling down. But prices haven't gone down much at all. This is because there's not as much housing available to go around. When you see areas that have some more price softening, you'll see that the areas have more housing inventory. 

One thing is for sure, there are some deals to be had out there as the multiple offers are starting to go away, and price drops have increased and days on the market are also increasing about about 10 days compared to the same time last year.

Some interesting deals right now in DTLA based on Price/SF, rare corner, Mills Act, layout, etc:

Cornell Loft #704 - $465K - L-shaped layout, parking, massive windows, Mills Act

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/24-374153

Bartlett Loft #1304 - $465K - 14" ceilings, Mills Act, exposed brick, north facing

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/24-347225

Eckardt #504 - $489K - Parking, soaring ceilings, Mills Act

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/23-313901

Eckardt Loft #403 - $475K - Corner orientation parking, Mills Act

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/24-348103

Rowan Loft #816 - $550K - Rare corner with coveted park views, Mills Act

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/24-372451

Textile Loft #1002 - $595K - Parking, storage, corner orientation for stunning views, Mills Act

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/24-373185

EVO #402 - $599K - 2 bathrooms, luxury amenities, parking

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/24-375881

Eastern Columbia #307 - $810K - Massive 14' ceilings, coveted south facing, EV Charger, Mills Act

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/24-374437

Eastern Columbia #603 - $900K - Massive double unit, 2250sf, Mills Act, storage unit, parking

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/24-372451

Some Amazing Move-in Ready Mills Act Lofts for Sale Right Now

Eastern Columbia Penthouse #1210

2+3, 3320sf

Largest 4-level trophy penthouse! Amazing views, walk out to the pool deck. One owner and finally on the market. - The Agency, Kevin Dees

$3.699M

Eastern Columbia #511

1+2, 1740sf

Spacious and stunningly remodeled corner loft with a Scandi aesthetic. Features a rare private balcony. - Coldwell Banker, Yuri Huxley

$1.475M

Rowan #104

2+2, 1140sf

Fantastic 2-story loft with rare ground level roller door access. Ideal for filming, art studio etc. - Coldwell Banker, Tracy Do

$850K

Textile Loft #901

2+2, 1370sf

Bright and airy corner loft with windows galore. A true historic loft with amazing views. - KW, Peter Buoncore

$795K

Cornell Loft #301

0+1, 800sf

Gorgeous open plan studio loft with tons of natural west-facing light. - The Agency, Alice Cannington

$499K

Cornell Loft #302

1+1, 740sf

Beautifully preserved historic 1 bedroom with massive concrete structural walls. - Coldwell Banker, Yuri Huxley

$459K

Mills Act Contracts - City Wants to Re-assess the Impact of the Mills Act

The city is contemplating modifying the Mills Act, and hopefully not, end the program. This is a big issue since it affects a huge number of homeowners of single family homes as well as renters and owners of condos in many building in DTLA, Hollywood, Mid City, etc. 

Contact the City Planning Dept to voice concerns: https://bit.ly/3yregJF

The Mills Act:

In California, the Mills Act can be linked with the 20% historic preservation investment tax credit provided by the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program and the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Federal affordable housing tax credits may also be utilized with these incentives to offset rehabilitation costs. Over a half billion dollars of private investment in California’s historic buildings is due in a large part to this program. Preservation tax incentives used on under-utilized or abandoned hotels, offices, stores, schools, warehouses, and factories give new uses that maintain their historic character and revitalize the property.

Benefits of the Mills Act:

- Historic Preservation 

- Housing Affordability via tax incentives

- Revitalization of once-derelict buildings

- Restoration instead of tearing down and increasing landfill waste

- Contributions to city economy due to restoration efforts

- Contributions to city in terms of historic and cultural monument status 

- Reversal of blight in many areas

Mills Act Building in DTLA (in addition to the many structures and single family homes around LA!)

https://reinventingdtla.com/search-by-feature

Learn more about the Mills Act:

https://planning.lacity.org/preservation-design/historic-resources/incentives-resources/mills-act

Mills Act Lofts for Sale in DTLA

Anyone wanting to save up to 70% off their property taxes per year should look into Mills Act properties. It's one of the best tax loopholes, and there are some fantastic Mills Act lofts for sale right now.

See all available props for sale here and inquire to see what's coming soon here:

https://reinventingdtla.com/mills-act-lofts

Investor Opps in DTLA

Units that get high rents and low price/SF in relation to recent comps. These are interesting opportunities to for investors.

Barker Block #131

$1.595M

2+3 / 2830sf

Arts District Massive industrial split/level loft with multiple living/working areas. Live/work space with a wide audience pool.

Compass, Thomas Atamian

Barker Block #102

$1.349M

2+2 / 2660sf

Arts District Massive industrial split/level loft with multiple living/working areas. Live/work space with a wide audience pool. Distressed sale with court confirmation. Cash preferred.

Coldwell Banker, June Ahn

Flower Street Lofts #123

$726K

1+2 / 1423sf

South Park Massive industrial split/level loft with multiple living/working areas. Live/work space with a wide audience pool. Amazing location within blocks to Crypto.com Arena, The Bloc, Fashion District, Financial District, etc.

Keller Williams, Joseph Iuliucci

Market Lofts #619

$799k

2+2 / 1370sf

South Park spacious 2 bedroom 2 bath loft style condo with front desk security and amenities galore. 

Loftway, Christiano Sampaio

Pan American #307

$599k

1+1 / 1000sf

Historic Core classic loft conversion with separate bedroom area, windows on opposite walls, balcony, Mills Act property tax savings.

KW, Miranti Bornvorsin

Yes, the Building Where Johnny Depp Once Owned Penthouses

The Eastern Columbia building has had some serious exposure lately. It's the building where Johnny and Amber used live. And there are some fabulous lofts for sale there right now. Located right at the south end of the historic core, the building is within a few block from the Museum Building, Ace Hotel, Whole Foods, Fashion District, Proper and Hoxton Hotels, The Bloc, Apple Flagship Store, Paul Smith, Cliftons and more. And did I mention that the building is a Mills Act Cultural Monument?

Loft #603

$2.25M / 2+3 / 2230sf /  2 Parking Space Privileges

Penthouse #4

$1.795M / 1+2 / 1780sf / 2 Parking Space Privileges

Douglas Elliman, Ernie Carswell

Loft #611

$1.495M / 2+2 / 1740sf /  2 Parking Space Privileges

Urban RE, Alex Limandri

Loft #708

$1.395M / 1+2 / 1540sf /  2 Parking Space Privileges / 2 Deeded Storage Units

Coldwell Banker, Yuri Huxley

Loft #701

$1.299M / 2+2 / 1390sf /  2 Parking Space Privileges

Executive Realty Group, Beata Mandel

Loft #902

$925K / 1+1 / 1280sf /  1 Parking Space 

KW, Anh Tran

Loft #202

$895K / 1+1 / 1150sf /  1 Parking Space 

Coldwell Banker, Yuri Huxley

Loft #805

$849K / 1+1 / 890sf /  1 Parking Space 

Compass, Jennifer Gainey

Loft #M7

$785M / 1+1 / 1120sf /  1 Parking Space 

Coldwell Banker, Yuri Huxley

Investor Deals in DTLA

Some interesting properties on the market with built-in equity. All because interest rates are rising and sellers are getting motivated. Cash buyers will have leverage, but these are properties that even financed buyers can snap up to flip or immediately rent out.

Cornell Lofts #604 - 1+1 - 1000sf - $499K

Mill Act Tax Savings

Courtesy of Jonathan Yuen, Iota

Barker Block #102 - 2+2 - 2660sf - $1.349M

Split level rare live/work space

Courtesy of June Ahn, Coldwell Banker

Eastern Columbia #M7 - 1+1 - 1120sf - $785K

Mill Act Tax Savings

Courtesy of Yuri Huxley, Coldwell Banker

Flower Street Lofts #123 - 1+2 - 1423sf - $757K

Rare split level

Courtesy of Joe Iulucci, Keller Williams

Rowan Loft #813 - 2+2 - 1000sf - $595K

Mill Act Tax Savings

Courtesy of Cindy Lorimer, Corcoran

Interesting Properties for Sale in DTLA Right Now

257 S. Spring #4G

2 bed, 2 bath 1 underground parking space, corner unit

Mills Act Building

Walk to Grand Central Market, The Broad, Little Tokyo, Arts District, Gallery Row, Spring Arcade

Coldwell Banker - Call for pricing (310-869-2655)

1100 Wilshire #2202

2 bed, 2 bath 2 parking spaces, corner unit with 270 degree views

Down the street from Fig & 7th, Staples Center, Restaurant Row

$1.168M

Courtesy of KW Executive - Silvia Cheung

416 S. Spring #810

1 bed, 1 bath 1 parking space, charming former residence of Charlie Chaplin

Mills Act Building

Walk to Grand Central Market, The Broad, Little Tokyo, Arts District, Gallery Row, Spring Arcade

$519K

Figure8Realty - Nicole Kilmer

530 Molino #211

1 bed, 1 bath 2 parking spaces, massive loft over 3000sf

Walk to Soho House, Arts District Shops, Bestia, Bavel, Girl & Goat

$2.1M

Iota Realty - Jonathan Yuen

738 S. Los Angeles St #203

2 bed, 1 bath 1 parking space, massive private patio

Mills Act Building

Walk to Proper and Ace Hotels, Fashion District shops, Flower Market, Whole Foods

$545K

Roxana Godinez, Loftway

1130 S. Flower #102

2 bed, 2 bath 2 parking spaces, Massive patio and split level orientation

Walk to Staples Center, The Bloc, Fashion District, Whole Foods, Financial District

$998K

Lotus - Chi Lieu

While Prices are Flexible, Buyers are Taking Advantage in DTLA

The suburbs are going crazy with multiple offers and way over-bids. A recent 2 bed 2 bath Mt. Washington house went from $995k to a final sale price of $1.485M. The activity in DTLA has been mellow since the middle of 2020, and now it's starting to pick up. Buyers who are still hardcore about walkability and centrality are taking advantage of the lack of bidding wars in an area that is still exciting, and where there's development happening in the background. And the best kept secret: The highest concentration of Mills Act Buildings and residences in all of LA.

Recent Sales in DTLA of unique properties:

Textile Lofts #405 - Cutest light-filled corner unit in the fashion district. Parking, storage unit, and Mills Act! https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-585120

Textile Lofts #404 - Cutest light-filled corner unit in the fashion district. Parking, storage unit, and Mills Act! https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-585120

Flower Street Lofts #312 - Craziest price/sf in South Park. Includes 2 parking spaces. Amazing deal. https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/AR20193757MR

Rowan Lofts #102 - Sexy 2-story, 2 bath loft with rare outdoor space, one of only a dozen! And Mills Act! https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-610336

Recently in escrow:

Barker Block Lofts #502 - Someone got a deal on 1330sf! https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/19-524406

Higgins Loft #1001 - Penthouse loft, these are almost never on sale. Private rooftop patio. Mills Act too. https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-682076

Available for sale:

1100 Wilshire #1705 & 1706 - Rarely on the market, only 5 of these with a terrace in the entire building! https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-622374

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-660640

Douglas Loft #4D - Charming, includes rare underground parking space, Mills Act. https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-685716

Molino Loft #113 - Arts District gem with a patio! Nearly 1800sf! https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-635760

Eckardt Loft #707 - Top floor unit in a Mills Act Building! https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-677502

Elleven #1006 - Beautifully maintain loft in a top notch LEED certified building in South Park. https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-682634

Eastern Columbia Loft #1210 - First time on the market, 4-level penthouse in Mills Act gem. https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-652400

Pan American Loft #509 - First time on the market, rare Mill Act penthouse with private rooftop patio. https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-655240

Bartlett Loft #1402 - Another Mills Act loft with a private rooftop patio!  https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-595482

A Good Time to Buy?

Is this a good time to buy? With lowest ever interest rates and a negotiable environment, it most definitely is. Buyers are dreaming of a 2008-2011 scenario when people owed way more on their property than it was worth and had to sell or lose everything. It's just the opposite situation right now. Homeowners are sitting on equity, so they don't need to sell, and that's why there's such a low inventory of homes right now. Low inventory plus high demand means that prices are staying stable. 

However, there are deals to be had. Look into properties that have been sitting on the market. Or properties that might need some remodeling. This is where you'll get a deal, and some built-in equity. 

Some of the best properties right now in terms of a great buy for the price:

Higgins #207 - $699k

This loft is 1250sf. The layout, however is so great that it feels like it's more like 1500sf. Plus, it has a nearly 150sf private outdoor patio that is in addition to the indoor 1250sf space. Future value for the outdoor space--there are only a few condos in the whole of DTLA with this type of outdoor space. To top it off, the building has the Mills Act status, so you save up to 70% off your property taxes each year. (Coldwell Banker DTLA)  https://reinventingdtla.com/108-w-2nd-%23207

El Dorado Loft #807 - $510k

This loft is 740sf. The loft is super bright, high up in the building, and has a balcony with views of a park. Again, think future value. Great location within blocks to everything. To top it off, the building has the Mills Act status, so you save up to 70% off your property taxes each year. See MLS photos here (KW Larchmont):  https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-605828

Textile Loft #404 - $468k

This loft is 640sf. Corner loft, people. The loft is super bright, comes with a parking and in-building storage space. In the up and coming Fashion District. To top it off, the building has the Mills Act status, so you save up to 70% off your property taxes each year. With interest rates so low, the mortgage on this one will be lower than the rent. See MLS photos here (Coldwell Banker DTLA): https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-585120

Cutest, Brightest, Most Charming Loft at the Douglas Building - Mills Acts too!

Douglas Loft #4D - 1 bed, 1 bath - Historic Core

Charming, super bright and airy north facing loft with hardwood floors, tall ceilings, and oversized windows that show the dramatic City Hall in the backdrop!

• Open plan layout
• Huge banks of windows that let in tons of natural light
• Spacious bathroom
• Poggenpohl kitchen cabinets and Bosch appliances
• Nest controlled central heating and AC
• The unit comes with 1 underground parking space in the building
• Washer and vented dryer in the unit
• Plus, Mills Act for huge property tax savings for homeowners
• Blocks to Grand Central Market, The Broad, Little Tokyo, Blue Bottle, Badmaash, Spring Arcade, Whole Foods, Financial District, Arts District

More Details here: http://www.257spring4d.com/

Offered at $549,000. For a tour, contact 310-869-2655

Rare Corner Loft with 14' Ceilings + All Double Paned Windows + Balcony + Storage Unit

Eastern Columbia Lofts #311 - Historic Core

Rarely does a loft that has it all come on the market. This Eastern Columbia Loft has so much going for it, and here are just a few of the highlights:

• Mills Act - Huge annual property tax savings for homeowners
• Corner orientation
• Oversized windows
• Soaring ceilings (14-foot!)
• Rare storage unit inside the building
• Balcony
• Double paned windows
• Two bathrooms
• Open plan layout for flexibility
• Tons of storage and closet space
• Impeccable renovation with functional built-ins
• Located in an established area within steps from Whole Foods, Ace Hotel, Hoxton, upcoming Apple Flagship, Museum Building, Grand Central Market, Spring Arcade, The Bloc, Paul Smith, Acne, Theory, Mykita, Ganni, Terroni, Dopalavoro, Soul Cycle, Orpheum, Cliftons, Kazunori, Regent Theater, United Artists Theater, and more

https://www.homecb.com/849SouthBroadway311-LosAngeles

Offered at $1,898,000. For a tour, contact 310-869-2655

Zen Retreat in the heart of DTLA - Higgins Loft #207

Higgins Loft - 1250SF - Offered at $749,000!
108 W. 2nd St, #207
Los Angeles, 90012

This gorgeous loft in the Beaux-Arts Higgins building is a unique gem. With an amazing layout that allows for multiple bedroom and office areas, this open and airy loft even features a huge 150sf (approx) private patio. Best of all the loft has the advantage of the Mills Act, which allows for a significant annual property tax savings.