The Art of Trading Up

A successful stock broker friend told me a long time ago that there's only one rule he lives by: "Buy low, sell high." It doesn't matter that you've bought low now and sold high a year from now, or 10 years from now, it only matters that you bought low and sold high.

This is also the key to real estate. If you do this, then you can really start to rake in that passive income.

But you can't just sell high and spend it all--you need to trade up. If you've made a killing on RE in the past 2-3 years like many of my clients did, nearly all of them ended up with either

1. Multiple properties
2. Multi-family properties
3. A wow factor trade up single family home

The ones that traded up to a larger pad in a better neighborhood will still make a killing because their neighborhood keeps getting better.

The ones that doubled their property portfolio or added multi-plexes into the mix, are now happily collecting passive income that increases every year (not to mention their prop values keep going up due to the LA housing market demand) They've basically turned their first profits into cash cows.

Congratulations to all my wonderful clients who are positioning themselves to retire a little earlier!

Pocket Lease - Eastern Columbia Loft #510 with Balcony

Presenting the beautiful 1200sf loft in the coveted Eastern Columbia building. The open plan loft gets lots of sunlight through oversized windows, and features a balcony that faces West. The L-shaped loft is ideal for separating out a bedroom area. Nice chef's kitchen with stainless steel Viking appliances, an designer bathroom with tons of storage, and dark polished concrete floors. The building has a rooftop pool, gym, a front desk with security, courtyard and grand lobby. 1 covered, garage parking space is included. Within a 3 block radius you have Whole Foods, Ralphs, Ace Hotel, Terroni, APC, Acne, Oak, Aesop, Stocking Frame, Umami, Wood Spoon, Pattern Bar, United Artists Theater, The Orpheum, Spring Arcade, 1810, Austere, Bnkr, Urban Outfitters, New Moon, Verve Coffee, Il Cafe and more. Asking $3300 per month. Contact yuri@mytownsquare.com to schedule a viewing.

Great DTLA Historic Lofts on the Market Now - All with Mills Act Designations

What's so great about having property in a Mills Act building? Savings on property taxes. As you know, property taxes in Los Angeles are high. The Mills Act designation helps offset some of this tax burden. This could end up saving you thousands per year in taxes. The Mills Act only applies to select historic buildings.

Eckardt Building

Former warehouse in the Fashion District

Penthouse #1201

1760sf, 3 bed, 2 bath

Private patio, split level, Mills Act

$1.399MM

El Dorado Building

Former Historic Stowell Hotel

#305

1090sf, 2 bed, 2 bath

2 balconies, Mills Act

$749K

Eckardt Building

Former warehouse in the Fashion District

#203

880sf, 2 bed, 1 bath

Private patio, Mills Act

$519,995 

Rowan Building

Former office building in the Historic Core

#617

830sf, 1 bed, 1 bath

Mills Act

$588K

Eckardt Building

Former warehouse in the Fashion District

#208

810sf, 1 bed, 1 bath

Skyline views, Mills Act

$429K

Biscuit Co. Lofts

Former warehouse in the Arts District

#402

617sf, 1 bed, 1 bath

Skyline views, Mills Act

$535K

 

Eastern Columbia Lofts

Former department store in the Arts District

#410, 1200sf, $749k

#707, 1130sf, $749k

#202, 1150sf, $749k

#1009, 1190sf, $899k

Mills Act

Two-story Penthouse with Private Rooftop Deck - Higgins Lofts #1004

Rare penthouse pad in DTLA. The top floor loft in the historic Higgins building has a mezzanine that is perfect for an office, guest bedroom or master bedroom as it leads straight up to a private rooftop deck with views of the downtown skyline. There is a skylight that lets in amazing light and 22' tall ceilings. Features 980sf of indoor space, and approx 200sf of outdoor space. Has 1 bathroom. The Higgins Building holds the Mills Act distinction which helps reduce property taxes.

Historic Mills Act Pied a Terre in the $300s

It's still possible to get a historic loft in a wonderful walkable neighborhood in the 300s, in a Mills Act Building. This loft in the lovely Rowan building faces the Spring Street Park and features large double hung windows, exposed brick, Scavolini kitchen, Bosch washer/dryer in the unit, and an open plan layout. The Rowan has a doorman, BBQ patio, hot tubs, and a resident lounge. Walk to  the Farmers Market, Buzz Wine, Bar Ama, Orsa and Winston, Spring for Coffee, The Continental, Spring Street Arcade, Ace Hotel, Terroni, Nickel Diner, Verve Coffee and more. 460sf, 1 parking space with option to lease another. Asking $378k.

Two Side by Side Units for Sale in the Financial District - 655 Hope #1004 & #1005

It's so rare to have two units come on the market that are side by side, especially in a boutique-style building with only 80 units. Combine the units into one super loft. One of the units is a corner unit with southward views down Hope Street and to the east. Each unit features two full bathrooms with luxury finishes, sleek dark hardwood floors, walk in closet, tall ceilings laundry inside, storage unit, 1 covered garage parking space. Building has a front desk security guard, rooftop deck with BBQ, gym, conference room, and is conveniently accessible to the Metro Red Line. Walk to Bottega Louie, The Bloc, Seven Grand, Fig & 7th, The Standard Hotel, Jewelry District and more. Each unit is nearly 1200sf, and each is asking $799k.

 Courtesy of Jin Lee, Stanford Raffles Realty

DTLA Properties Over 1400SF

Large condos are few and far between in downtown. Developers are chopping up units into smaller and smaller spaces to get the most money for their investment. When you're starting to see 700sf studios going for $400-%500k, suddenly 900sf is considered spacious for a 1 bedroom. With size becoming a premium in the area, properties that are over 1400sf are becoming more rare and will hold value in the future.

Some available "oversized" properties:

Flower Street Lofts #108 - 1424sf - $710k

Courtesy of Christiano Sampaio, Loftway

Market Lofts #312 - 1460sf - $800k

Courtesy of Edward Park, Stanford Raffles

Sky Lofts #1204 - 1640sf - $969k

Courtesy of Ivan Pan

EVO #1703 - 2070sf - $1,390,000

Courtesy of Yumiko Cato Lee, The Real Estate Group

Elleven #1018 - 2070sf - $1,450,000

Courtesy of Kerry Marsico, Coldwell Banker

One-of-a-Kind Loft Compound by DTLA & Cornfield Park - 1411 N. Broadway

Beautifully reimagined space in a former auto factory. The original bones of the building still intact, the space has undergone a transformation that will impress. 4000sf of renovated living space is matched by a flow into the outdoor private oasis, complete with rain shower and bath. This is a rare opportunity to own a converted residence that is in essence a private compound within a bike ride to the center of DTLA and across the road from Cornfield Park. Minutes to Highland Park, Frogtown, Atwater, Echo Park, Elysian Valley, Brewery, etc.  2 bedroom areas with bonus mezzanine loft, 2 full baths, 2 additional half baths plus outdoor bathing retreat. 2 Parking spaces within courtyard grounds. Total lot is nearly 7000sf. Asking $2.495MM.

Buying is Cheaper Than Renting in LA & SF

According to a recent study by C.A.R., "San Francisco and Los Angeles are two of the least affordable rental markets." DTLA is a prime example where a studio easily rents for $2000/mo and 1 bedrooms average around $2500/mo. If you're able to save for a $15% downpayment, then you might consider buying instead of renting because of the benefits of the year-over-year equity value increases and mortgage interest write-offs. Ask your accountant what makes sense and maybe 2015 will be the year to buy...

Historic Lofts for Sale with Good Resale Potential

It's one thing to get a deal on a property; it's also another thing to make sure the property has good resale value for when you decide to one day sell. Size, orientation and location are things that are often uncompromisable when it comes to resale.

Some interesting props below with good resale potential:

Toy Factory Loft in the Arts District #515

1428sf

Asking $819k

Stamie Karakasidis, Rodeo Realty

  Barker Block Lofts in the Arts District #450

1120sf

Asking $649k

Neil McDermott, Hilton & Hyland

Rowan Lofts in the Historic Core #712

2 beds, 2 baths 998sf

Asking $649k *Mills Act Building*

Anh Tran, KW

Rowan Lofts in the Historic Core #915

1 bed, 1 baths 820sf

Asking $620k *Mills Act Building*

Agnes Ferreyra, JAG

DTLA Open Houses This Sunday 4/5

South Park
1111 S. Grand #510 - 1-4pm
1111 S. Grand #708 - 2-5pm

City West
1234 Wilshire Bl. #511 - 2-4pm

Arts District

530 S. Hewitt #450 - 11-2pm

Little Tokyo
420 S. San Pedro #515 - 2-4pm

Great Opportunities Under $500k from Historic Core to Arts District

Textile Loft in the Fashion District - 1 bed, 1 bath, 670sf

Asking $419k *Mills Act Building*

Biscuit Co Loft in the Arts District - 1 bed, 1 bath, 630sf

Asking $498k *Mills Act Building*

Pan American Loft in the Historic Core - 1 bed, 1 bath, 1040sf

Asking $485k 

SOLD - Corner Unit at Historic Rowan Lofts #811

Beautiful, restored *corner!* loft in the heart of the historic core and Spring Street bustle. This 8th floor loft in the historic Rowan building boasts original oversized windows, hard wood floors, original brick walls, and separated bedroom area. 1 bathroom and access to 1 parking space. The loft is 940sf and the asking price is $649k. The Rowan is a Mills Act designated building.

California Housing Forecast for 2015

Good news for homeowners: according to a study by the California Association of Realtors, the annual median price for 2014 rose 9.8 percent year over year and will further increase by 7.1 percent in 2015.

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

DTLA Open Houses This Weekend 1/24-1/25

South Park
1155 S. Grand Ave #810 - Sunday 1-4
1100 Hope St. #510 - Sunday 1-4

Historic Core
416 Spring St #408 - Saturday 2-4

Art District
1855 Industrial St.#615 - Sunday 1-4
825 4th St #209 - 12-4 - Sunday 1-4

City West
1100 Wilshire #2510 - Saturday 2-4
1100 Wilshire #2001 - Saturday 1-4
1100 Wilshire #2702 - Saturday 1-4
1100 Wilshire #1908 - Saturday 1-4

SOLD - Art Deco Pedigree, Priceless City Views - Eastern Columbia #1106

The Eastern Columbia building is one of the most adored buildings in downtown. It's located on one of the hottest intersections in DTLA. Within the past year, it has gained neighbors such as The Ace Hotel, Acne, Aesop, Oak, Om Nom, 1810 and more. And this is just the tip of the iceberg, which should translate to even greater upside investment potential in the next 3-5 years The stunning 1930s art deco masterpiece features the iconic clock tower and bluish patina on the exterior, with a beautifully rehabbed interior by The KOR Group. Being one of the few, Mills Act-approved buildings, you'll also save on property taxes. This 11th floor unit features more than 1130sf of space, has a great layout with open floorplan. Faces south for lots of daytime sunlight. Includes 1 parking space. Offered at $799,000.

Snatched Up Within the Last 30 Days

Things are moving in DTLA. Good stuff is moving fast. If you missed out, better luck next time.

Douglas Loft #4B

Barker Block #540

EVO #2304

655 Hope #1002

Eastern Columbia #1005

Biscuit Lofts #305

Gallery Loft #2

Luma #1102

El Dorado Loft #707

El Dorado Loft #1106

SOLD - Historic Loft with Huge Windows and Views - Rowan Building #1102

Own your own historic pied a terre with views. Beautiful, airy loft at the lovely Rowan Building on bustling Spring Street. Beautiful, spacious restored loft in the heart of the historic core boasts lovely east city views through its original oversized windows, wood floors and an entertainer's kitchen. Features an open plan with a partially walled off bedroom. The loft is 720sf and the asking price is $490k. Parking available in the adjacent building for a fee. The Rowan is a Mills Act designated building which saves you on property taxes.

SOLD - Spacious Industrial Loft in Art District South - Toy Factory #615

Arts District live/work loft that is a true warehouse conversion featuring polished concrete floors and stainless steel appliances. The building boasts a rooftop pool and gym--both with views for miles, lower rooftop courtyard and a full gym. Located across the street from Church & State, Daily Dose, Pour Haus, Little Bear, Urban Radish, Zinc, and just a couple blocks from Bestia, Stumptown, Bread Lounge, Blue Bottle Coffee, Factory Kitchen, etc. This pristine loft features upgrades throughout, and great natural light from massive windows. Listed at $849k for 1428sf of space. Has 1 bath and 1 parking space.