The Coolest House On Caravan

1955 Thayer Avenue

Westwood

You don't see a home like this in the Westwood area every day. It has a very open floor plan with hi ceilings and loads of French doors opening to a resort-like back yard.

The indoor-outdoor design of this home is keenly executed giving a sense of both space and intimacy. The result is a home that is perfectly suited for entertaining both large and small gatherings, and doing it in style.

We at the Westwoodian selected this gem as the Coolest House on Caravan because it is . . . well it's really cool!

Nestled in a charming pocket of Westwood, this home is ideal for entertaining featuring French doors off the main rooms that lead to lushly manicured yard w/ saltwater pool & spa. The property boasts a grand living room with designer fireplace, media room and formal dining room.

A Spacious family room opens to recently updated gourmet kitchen with imported marble counters & top-of-the-line appliances. State-of-the-art sound system throughout & security system featuring gated entry with remote access.

The home is listed for $2,395,000. If you'd like to see this home or for any inquiries please contact Mickey and Jamie at The Westwoodian at 310-442-1398 or 310-339-3525, email- mkessler@verizon.net, jtheis@camoves.com. You can also contact the listing agent- Amy Colvin of Hilton & Highland at 310-278-3311, email- amycolvin3@aol.com or Sara Berger of WEA Inc. at 310-247-7770, email- sb@w-e-agency.com. For more information about this property you can also visit Zillow.com

Life Imitating Art

It’s happened again, or, perhaps, not. Maybe I’m stretching a little but does anyone else notice the parallel between what’s going on with our election campaigns with the story line from Kevin Costner’s most recent movie, Swing Vote. In Swing Vote, Costner plays an average Joe (note the similarity to Joe the Plumber) who due to a unique set of circumstances is thrust into the nations spotlight as his vote was deemed invalid and in an unprecedented occurance, the election ends in a tie, whereupon Kostner is required to recast his vote and decide the fate of the nation's election.

How they are able to trace Costner’s errant ballot back to him and require him to re-cast his vote, I have no idea (note Florida 2000), but that’s the story line. As the nation’s citizenry await his decision, the fate of the free world hangs in the balance.

As a result, both presidential campaigns are re-ignited as the candidates must re-direct all of their resources to sway one single voter. The plot takes shape as Grammar and Hopper employ all the political savvy at their disposal to sway Costner’s vote their way.

Needles to say Costner (the “Average Joe”) becomes the focus (and in some ways the symbol) of the nation. And the story revolves in large part around the two presidential candidates’ (Kelsey Grammar and Dennis Hopper) efforts to make their case to Costner.

Are you with me so far?

Well, isn’t that essentially what has happened to our presidential campaign? “Joe the Plumber” may not be casting the deciding vote in this election however, as the nation looked on, Joe the Plumber became the central focus of the final presidential debate. As both candidates spent the bulk of their time catering to this one man who in many ways has become the spokesman for the nation.

I’m just saying.

Which Ex-President (alive or dead) do you believe would be best suited to handle our current ecconomic problems?

Recent Market Activity in Westwood

Click the image below for full view

INTEREST RATE UPDATE

Westwood, Friday September 19th, 2008 Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian:

With the uncertainty of the credit markets as well as the secondary mortgage institutions Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have ticked up a little this week. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of September 19th. 2008 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,000) - 5.75%
Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000 - $729,750) - 6.0%
Jumbo Loan (loan amount over $729,750) - 7.5%.

An alternative to the high interest rate of the 30 year fixed jumbo is the 10 year fixed converting Jumbo loan (loan amount over $729,000)- 6.5%.

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703. Posted by Mickey Kessler at 8:24 AM

INTEREST RATE UPDATE

Westwood, Friday September 12th, 2008 Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian:

With the news that secondary mortgage market institutions Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac have been taken over by the federal government, rates have dropped again for the second time in two weeks. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of September 12th. 2008 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,000) - 5.625%
Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000 - $729,750) - 5.875%
Jumbo Loan (loan amount over $729,000) - 7.125%.

An alternative to the high interest rate of the 30 year fixed jumbo is the 10 year fixed converting Jumbo loan (loan amount over $729,000)- 6.5%.

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

Posted by Mickey Kessler at 8:24 AM

New Listing in the Lower Beverly Glen Area

Open Today Sunday September 14th. 2-5 PM!

1110 N. Beverly Glen Blvd.

$1,495,000

Regular viewers at The Westwoodian know that we are less about self-promotion and more about providing good and relevant real estate and neighborhood information for the Westwood area. But, please allow us to indulge a little. This is one of our new listings and were very excited about it. It is listed for $1,495,000 (previously listed with another broker for $1,975,000)!

This home has it all! Elegant, substantial & quiet 4 bedroom, 4 bath(3,656 s.f.) Cape Cod-Traditional home in the lower Glen, built in 1992, located in the Warner Avenue School district. This home features formal living & dining rooms with high ceilings.

The family room has hardwood floors, fireplace & French doors and opens to a lovely, private patio/yard surrounded by lush gardens.
Huge kitchen with granite counters, Subzero refrigerator, center isle & endless storage. 1 bedroom at lower level, 3 beds up. Master suite with soaring ceilings, office, fireplace, walk-in closet & huge bath with 2 sinks & spa tub. Attached, direct-access 2 car garage, 3-zone AC!
This home is a short sale. For more information email us at the Westoodian at mkessler@verizon.net or call Mickey Kessler at 310-442-1398 or 310-367-2322.

INTEREST RATE UPDATE

Westwood, Friday September 5th, 2008 Interest Rate Update for The Westwoodian:

There has been some volatility in the mortgage market with reports of the instability of the secondary mortgage market institutions (Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac) as well as some instability in the bond market. As a result, rates have come down a little since last week. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of September 5th. 2008 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):


Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,000) - 6.0%
Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000 - $729,750) - 6.125%
Jumbo Loan (loan amount over $729,000) - 7.5%.


An alternative to the high interest rate of the 30 year fixed jumbo is the 10 year fixed converting Jumbo loan (loan amount over $729,000)- 6.5%.


This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703. Posted by Mickey Kessler at 8:24 AM

Interest Rate Update

Rates have come down a little since last week. Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of August 1st. 2008 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,000) - 6.25%
Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000 - $729,750) - 6.375%
Jumbo Loan (loan amount over $729,000) - 7.625%
An alternative to the high interest rate of the 30 year fixed jumbo is the 10 year fixed converting Jumbo loan (loan amount over $729,000)- 6.5%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

Interest Rate Update

Here are the approximate interest rates for this week of July 25th. 2008 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,000) - 6.375%
Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000 - $729,750) - 6.625%
Jumbo Loan (loan amount over $729,000) - 7.625%
An alternative to the high interest rate of the 30 year fixed jumbo is the 10 year fixed converting Jumbo loan (loan amount over $729,000)- 6.5%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

The Coolest House on Caravan

2112 Midvale Avenue

We at the Westwoodian were very impressed with this home. It has an open, airy feeling throughout that conveys a sense of ease and comfort and a hint that this home will live very well.

Per the listing agent: It is an a Exquisitely remodeled cedar shingled Cape Cod on quiet tree-lined street in desirable Westwood Charter Dist. This 3 bd. + 3.5 ba. home is inspired w/cottage style detailing-moldings, custom woodwork, distressed walnut floors thru-out.

Featuring marble countertops, Viking appl & ctr island, kitchen opens to FR w/fpl. Master w/fpl, 2 walk-in closets & vintage style soaking tub overlooks private garden. Sunlit w/ideal floorplan for entertaining. Imbued with charm & authentic details.

The home is listed for $1,497,000. If you'd like to see this home or for any inquiries please contact Mickey and Jamie at The Westwoodian at 310-442-1398 or 310-339-3525, email- mkessler@verizon.net, jtheis@camoves.com. You can also contact the listing agent- John Woodward at Coldwell Banker- 310-777-6227, email- johnwoodward4@yahoo.com. For more information about this property you can also visit Zillow.com or LALife.com.

Interest Rate Update

These are the approximate interest rates for this week of July 18th. 2008 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,000) - 6.375%
Agency Jumbo Loan (loan amount $417,000 - $729,750) - 6.625%
Jumbo Loan (loan amount over $729,000) - 7.5%
An alternative to the high interest rate of the 30 year fixed jumbo is the 10 year fixed converting Jumbo loan (loan amount over $729,000)- 6.375%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

Intuition

INTUITION

Intuition is another crowd pleaser not just for West LA natives but it seems people from all over the city come to shop at this truly unique clothing boutique. It’s a celebrity favorite and has been published in many of the fashion/gossip magazines. Located on Pico just East of Overland, you will find all the latest and greatest trends and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a celebrity.

The prices are across the board from rather inexpensive tees, tanks and accessories to rather expensive dresses and party wear. I found the store to be a bit claustrophobic but the inventory was spot on.

The owner is a native to West LA and you know how we feel here at The WestWoodian about local “mom and pop” businesses. Stop in, check it out and support our neighborhood. 10581 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064. There’s free parking in back. If you’d rather shop online and beat the traffic, check out their website at http://www.shopintuition.com/. There are some great deals to be had here.

The Coolest House on Caravan

1938 Westholme Avenue

For the buyer who wants a luxurious Brentwood Park style home in a Westwood location, this clap-board traditional fits the bill. This New Construction home was just Completed July 1, 2008. It's a Traditional 6 bedroom, 5.5 bath Cape Cod residence on one of the most desired streets in Westwood, south of Santa Monica Blvd.
It is over 5,100 sq.ft. of living space on an oversized 7250 lot.



The home features a 1,100 sq.ft. "Four Seasons" style master suite with a marble bath and sitting area, office/Study. The living and dining rooms are well sized and open. In addition there is a great room with French doors that open to a large flat backyard. The kitchen is huge and features Viking appliances and opens to a family room. Systems include sound, home theater, CCTV ABD security.



The home is listed for $2,995,000. If you'd like to see this home or for any inquiries please contact Mickey and Jamie at The Westwoodian at 310-442-1398 or 310-339-3525, email- mkessler@verizon.net, jtheis@camoves.com. You can also contact the listing agents- Michael and Marni Shore of Shore Real Estate at 310-435-2351 or 310-301-7968, email- Shorerealestate@sbcglobal.net. For more information about this property you can also visit Zillow.com

The Coolest House On Caravan

1608 N. Thayer Avenue

We at the Westwoodian chose this home for this weeks CHOC because it is so charming and well executed. This home is not of huge scale however it is naturally bright and has an nice open airy feel and conveys the sense that the home "lives well". As evident in the photos, it is nicely furnished/staged which adds to the homes emotional appeal. All this considered, we predict that this home will sell quickly.

This home is set above the street for privacy, this warm and inviting 1930's 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence has wood floors throughout, a fireplace, beautiful moldings and other original details.

Newly updated bathrooms and eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, whole-house music, central air, and lots of natural light. The enormous, flat and lushly landscaped backyard is

completely private. Perfect for entertaining. Truly special place to come home to.

The home is listed for $1,595,000. If you'd like to see this home or for any inquiries please contact Mickey and Jamie at The Westwoodian at 310-442-1398 or 310-339-3525, email- mkessler@verizon.net, jtheis@camoves.com. You can also contact the listing agent- Kira Gould of Keller Williams Realty at 310-963-9563, email- kira@house-philosophy.com. For more information about this property you can also visit Zillow.com

Interest Rate Update

This week The Fed announced that they would hold their interest rates constant. Rates have come down a little since last week (Possibly a result of the Fed's announcement).

These are the approximate interest rates for this week of June 27th. 2008 for 30 year fixed loans for residential properties (single family homes and condominiums):

Conforming Loan (loan amount up to $417,000) - 6.25%
Jumbo Agency Loan (loan amount $417,000 - $729,000) - 6.375%
Jumbo Loan (loan amount over $729,000) - 7.625%

An alternative to the high interest rate of the 30 year fixed jumbo is the 10 year fixed converting Jumbo loan (loan amount over $729,000)- 6.375%

This information has been provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

The Coolest House on Caravan

811 Warner Avenue

This Classic three bedroom, two bath 1935 Traditional home in Little Holmby, Westwood has been beautifully restored recently and with a definite mid-century vibe. It features timeless design with great scale, proportion and symmetry and in my opinion, very well executed.

The home has wonderful authentic moldings and details. There is an updated kitchen, baths, wood flooring, new roof, central air and heat, a separate den/office with built-in bookshelves,
a formal dining room plus a charming junior dining room.

The home wraps around a private brick courtyard with fireplace. The furniture and furnishings that are used to stage the home, although not included, do a great job showing this home and complimenting all of the homes vintage character and details.

The home is listed for $1,995,000. If you'd like to see this home or for any inquiries please contact Mickey and Jamie at The Westwoodian at 310-442-1398 or 310-339-3525, email- mkessler@verizon.net, jtheis@camoves.com or the listing agent Michelle Ficarra of Prudential Realty at 310-777-2871, email- michelleficarra@aol.com. For more information visit http://www.811warnerave.com/.

Food - Simply Elegant Fare in Rancho Park

For all you food lovers and to those looking for new innovative restaurants, there’s something new lurking in your neighborhood…..Check out FOOD on Pico Blvd. A new local café and market with eclectic and delicious food. The café is owned by three people, two of which are husband and wife who live in the nearby area and have always dreamed of having their own restaurant. We love and support family owned businesses which unfortunately, seem to be much harder to come by these days. Food is somewhat reminiscent of "Joan's on Third" but on a smaller scale. Food however, retains its unique culinary vision by offering it's own signature dishes with a home-cooked vibe.

I had the grilled cheese sandwich and carrot apple soup which I highly recommend but the ginger cookie (baked fresh daily) was particularly delicious and when it comes to cookies, I’m a tough critic. The staff was very friendly and the “market items” for purchase were quite impressive and eclectic as well. Stop in, although lunchtime can be a bit hectic and crowded.

Check out their website at http://www.food-la.com/ for more information. Food is located at 10571 Pico Blvd LA CA 90064 (East of Overland, a few doors east of Intuition Clothing).

Posted by Jamie Theis

The Coolest House on Caravan

Our pick for The Coolest House on Caravan for this week is . . .

2120 Westridge Road

We were thoroughly impressed with this amazing, one-story view home in the Westridge Hills. Once inside, we were met with walls of glass overlooking magnificent mountain and ocean views.


The gourmet, cook's kitchen was carefully executed to offer a vast array of lifestyle options. The expansive master bedroom has stunning walls of tile, a free-form tub, and an over sized walk in-closet for all your needs.

The home wraps around an interior courtyard complete with a heated, private pool/spa and patio decking. In addition the property features loads of picture windows, two bedroom/ bathrooms and rich floors. A three-car garage puts an exclamation point on this truly unique living experience.

Everything, from this home's spacious, open and airy layout, to its fine architectural details makes this property a residential work of art.

For more information on this extremely cool, edgy home, or to schedule a showing, please contact The Westwoodian at 310-442-1398 or Keith Cox at 310-432-6410 or John Barrentine at 310-432-6408 from Keller Williams Realty.

Interest Rate Update!

Here are the prevailing interest rates for this week, as provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.
30 Year Fixed Loans for Single Family Homes:
Conforming Loans (loan amount up to $417,000) - 5.7%Jumbo Loans (loan amount over 417,000) - 7.5%