How to Win the House in a Seller's Market

I normally HATE games in real estate. It just makes everything so much more complicated in an already complicated process. But sometimes, we do have to play, especially in a very competitive market. Particularly for single family homes right now. What a crazy past 18 mos, who knew real estate would be over 25% above 2019 prices on average? Pandemic pricing. 

Right now the ONLY way to win the housing bidding wars is to:

1. Pay more than any other bidder

2. Have the best terms (short escrow, all cash if possible)

3. Negotiate once you're in escrow (Hate this one, but it does work)

4. Get it before it hits the market (I personally love these, and lots of my buyer clients have had no competition because of this. The key is to be ready to bid ON THE SPOT if you like it). 

DTLA is Bouncing Back - Recent Sales

Sales are happening, as homebuyers and investors become more confident in the market. There seems to be more owner-occupying buyers than investors for now though, no doubt due to the all the eviction moratorium activity that's in flux.

We do love owner occupied buyers in DTLA! It's these stakeholders who make the area a community, and spur on things like small businesses, artist galleries, pedestrian events, and more residents into the neighborhoods. 

Recent notable sales:

Eastern Columbia #311 - SOLD FOR $1.65M - 1740sf 

Stunning remodel of a true loft in the only Art Deco condo building in the Historic Core

Coldwell Banker

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=dnJZvjfEBJ8

Textile Loft #906 - SOLD FOR $635K - 890sf 

Corner loft with views views views in the beloved Textile Building in the Fashion District

Coldwell Banker

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-690300

Rowan Loft #705 - SOLD FOR $835K - 1260sf 

Rare park-facing loft in the Rowan Building in the Historic Core

Compass

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-711532

Flower Street Loft #402 - SOLD FOR $1.280M - 2075sf 

Rare split level top floor loft in the heart of South Park

Compass

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/PW21074216MR

Elleven Loft #1101 - SOLD FOR $1.42M - 2100sf 

Rare southwest corner loft in the heart of South Park

Compass

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-672888

Eckardt Loft #201 - SOLD FOR $563K - 960sf 

Unique T-shaped floorplan in the Fashion District

Coldwell Banker

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-745308

Why Pay Cash for Real Estate?

Seriously though, why? Interested rates are 2.5% and when inflation creeps up to 5%, you'll be paying off your mortgage at 50 cents on the dollar. 

The upside to this high market? Lowest ever interest rates.

Remember, cash is leverage. Use it to downpay and finance two in places like DTLA, where bidding wars are not currently happening.

State of the Market - Crash Looming?

We're half way through the year, pandemic still going, stocks are up, real estate is still buoyant, cost of goods increasing every day. These are chaotic and unstable things going on, but one fact remains, which is that people need places to live. And as the job market continues to pick up, people are moving around, upsizing, downsizing, and changing their surroundings. 

So the big questions:

1. Is there a bubble? - YES. Of course this is a bubble. Multiple offers. Love letters to sellers. As-is. All cash. 

2. Will there be a crash? - PROBABLY. But most likely, it will be a small correction rather than a crash, and it might be a miniscule. WHEN? Likely in 2-3 years. Once all the buyers who accelerated their buying timelines have gone, those who come out to sell will find that there's less demand out there. This will result in some price corrections. But again, I don't see it being big enough to matter in a place like LA. 

3. Hold or sell? - Hold if you've got 5-8 years to hold on. Sell if you're needing to unleash in the next 1-2 years. 

4.  Buy or wait? - If you have a downpayment, buy. Inflation is killing your savings and interest rates are so low, it's practically free money. Only wait if you don't have enough down or you're not prequalified. Otherwise, diversify your investments with stocks, a property, and maybe some crypto if you're risk tolerant.

Grand Openings + Re-Openings in DTLA

As LA begins a return to "normalcy," DTLA is beginning to reinvent itself again. I'm calling this DTLA 2.0. 

Quietly working away during a pandemic, the newly kitted out Apple Store in the old Tower Theatre is finally a reality. Years of restoration and planning have resulted in one of the most interesting Apple Flagship stores in the world! https://www.ladowntowner.com/articles/2021/6/24/revive-amp-revue-the-apple-tower-theater

Other happenings in the neighborhood:

1. Metro Connector near the Higgins and Douglas buildings are making progress for public transportation

2. Proper Hotel to debut its DTLA location within the next 2 weeks (We already have one in Santa Monica https://www.properhotel.com/santa-monica/ )

3. The State Historic Park is hosting a slew of summer events, including concerts

4. The Broad museum opened back up and already booked weeks ahead

5. Restaurants are going crazy, look at all the outdoor dining going on!

6. WeWork offices all over the neighborhood are picking back up as people who work from home are needing a new atmosphere from time to time--it's not always easy to work in a loft when you've got cats and dogs walking in front of monitors and Fedex knocking on your door every 2 hours!

7. Buildings are wrapping up remodels

8. Filming is back in full force as every other street becomes a film or commercial set

9. Farmers Markets are back on

10. Investment activity is picking up as good ROI units are selling

11. USC, FIDM, SciArc, Loyola are all back in session in the Fall!

12. DCBID begins its DTLA IS OPEN campaign http://www.ladowntownnews.com/news/bid-begins-dtla-is-open-campaign/article_f9172fdc-d0a2-11eb-8be3-dff2749b0d5e.html

13. Comic Con, Lakers, Clippers, etc are all back!

DTLA - Sellers Must Woo with Prices or Interiors

While "suburban" homes are all the rage, more dense city areas are still lagging behind in activity and prices. In DTLA, prices are starting to catch up as Los Angeles opens up, the weather is always great, and it's now sinking in for buyers that DTLA is one of the few if not only places where you can avoid bidding wars. 

But to be serious about selling, you need to either price it right or just below the market, or really spruce up the place. There's a lot of competition around, and the best units are selling. 

Recently sold for top prices: 

1234 Wilshire #304 - Vero Condos 

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-714874 

746 S. Los Angeles St #910 - Cornell at Santee Village https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-694530 

257 S. Spring St #4D - Douglas Lofts 

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-685716 

1155 S. Grand #1708 - EVO Condos https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/PW21003076MR 

530 Hewitt #323 - Barker Block Lofts 

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-669754 

253 S. Broadway #301 - Pan American Lofts https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-706744 

253 S. Broadway #509 - Pan American Lofts https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-655240 

108 W. 2nd St #413 - Higgins Lofts 

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-678028 

416 S. Spring St #1207 - El Dorado Lofts https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-608070 

Currently Active Prime Units: 

1850 Industrial #712 - Biscuit Company Lofts https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-672070 

849 S. Broadway #1210 - Eastern Columbia Lofts https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-652400 

849 S. Broadway #311 - Eastern Columbia Lofts https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-680284 

1111 S. Grand #103 - Elleven Condos https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/WS21097822MR 

1100 Wilshire #1705 

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

1100 Wilshire #1706 

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/20-622374 

1855 Industrial #418 - Toy Factory Lofts https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-696298 

1111 S. Grand Ave #406 - Elleven Condos https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-710154 

629 Traction #507 - MURA Condos https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/PW21065305MR 

315 E. 8th St #906 - Textile Lofts 

https://www.themls.com/mlslistingphoto/listing/slideshow/#/21-690300

DTLA Prices Starting to Bounce Back + Going Back to the Office

You always have to be cautious in unprecedented times, but there's no doubt been signs of some recovery in LA and especially DTLA. 

Single family homes are still super hot, with no signs of slowdown in 2021. Low inventory is fueling high prices because we're at that point again where owners are holding on since they can't buy any cheaper even if they sell and gain nice equity profits. Plus too many buyers and low interest rates.  https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-39-pct-homes-sold-above-list-price/

The single family/suburban boom is also now lifting prices of for DTLA again from 2020's setback. Here in DTLA, we're seeing an influx of savvy east coasters and bay area buyers who are seeing the value in prime buildings, Mills Act properties, and the growing number of companies coming back to the office in DTLA. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/03/04/covid-economy-bay-area-residents-exit-region-growing-numbers-jobs-tech/

And Bitcoin may become a regular currency for paying rents! https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/first-tesla-now-rent-california-205817713.html

Supporting the Small Businesses of DTLA, Especially Restaurants

While recovery is slowly happening, many small businesses all over especially DTLA, have suffered not only due to the the lockdowns but due to last year's protests. Help support by opting to dine at the smaller establishments, buy gifts from places like the Flower Mart and the Fashion District or Row DTLA.

Some of my faves:

1. Grand Central Market (Historic Core)

https://www.grandcentralmarket.com/. 

2. Flower Mart (Fashion District)

http://originallaflowermarket.com/

3. Raw Materials Art Supplies (Fashion District)

https://fashiondistrict.org/go/raw-materials-art-supplies

4. Birdies (South Park)

http://birdiesla.com/

5. Badmaash (Historic Core)

https://www.badmaashla.com/

6. Factory Kitchen (Arts District)

https://thefactorykitchen.com/

7. Throw Clay Pottery & Studio (South Park)

https://www.throwclayla.com/classes-1

8. Howlin Rays (Chinatown)

https://howlinrays.com/

9. Bohemian Crystal Beads Factory (Fashion District)

https://beadsfactory.com/bohemian-crystal-rhinestone.html

10. Maccheroni Republic (Historic Core)

https://maccheronirepublic.com/

11. Marugame Monzo (Little Tokyo)

https://marugamemonzola.com/

12. Broken Mouth (Fashion District)

https://www.eatbrokenmouth.com/

13. Le Box Blanc (South Park)

https://www.leboxblanc.com/

14. Redbird (Historic Core)

https://redbird.la/

15. Dylan Lex (@Row DTLA - Produce District)

https://rowdtla.com/collective/dylanlex

16. Frame Pizzeria (South Park)

https://www.framepizzeria.com/

17. 10e (Financial District)

http://www.10erestaurant.com/

18. Sonoratown (Fashion District)

https://www.sonoratown.com/about.html

19. Prank (South Park)

https://prankbar.com/

20. Dylan Lex (@Row DTLA - Produce District)

https://rowdtla.com/collective/dylanlex

DTLA Already Showing Signs of Bouncing Back

While most dense urban centers took a backseat to the suburbs during COVID, there's been signs of people moving back to city centers, particularly in DTLA. Whenever there's a shake up and prices get depressed, those with long term holding plans always come out of the woodwork and buy. 

Investors, city dwellers from NYC, SF, Chicago, Seattle, and other metro areas have been moving into DTLA according to recent sales and leases from other DTLA realtors. There's been a noticeable number of people from out of state moving to DTLA due it's dense city environment and of course the weather. With outdoor dining returning, and indoor dining at minimal capacity, the ability to walk outside in winter to 70-degree sunshine, a slew of activities within 1-2 hours of anywhere (skiing, hiking, lakes, wineries, mountains, beaches), there's a lot going for DTLA.

Sales activity has increased about 8-10% this year from last, and prices have ticked up about 3% from last year. DTLA is still down overall about 7% in prices from pre-COVID times.

Leases are up now too, with more people feeling safer in general and rather than moving out of a walkable area, there are lots of people who are moving within DTLA and trying out new buildings and neighborhoods. 

Entering Spring and Summer, the hope is that with more people vaccinated, the worst is behind us and can move forward to heal, resume business activities, and do our part to help keep the smallest businesses afloat. 

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