A few weeks back I watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s for the “umpteenth” time with a friend of mine who had yet to see the Capote flick. I think the scene where they ask the Tiffany’s salesman if he would be able to inscribe something on the inside of a ring they got out of a box of Cracker Jacks is extremely relevant to today’s economic times.
People still want luxury, but it’s the little luxuries that make more sense right now. Consumerism will never die, it just ebbs and flows and though it has waned, there are still needs and supply and demand is alive and kickin’.
The pent up needs in our local real estate market are reflected in the statistics of recent sales. The Eichler home in Granada Hills on Lisette (where for the last several nights there has been a light so bright I thought a spaceship had landed to save us all – but it was just a movie crew) had 25 offers thanks to the low, low list price of $479,000. It will be interesting to find out exactly what it ends up selling for. A house on Marmont Ave., just above the Chateau on the Sunset Strip, that was a probate, not a foreclosure like the Eicher house, sold exactly for the asking price of $949,000. Whoever snatched that up has views for life, or an amazing rental property/investment. I’m telling you, you’ve got to listen to me! 
There is a sweet house on 21st Street just north of Ocean Park, south of Pico in the Sunset Park area of Santa Monica that has been on the market for 60 days at the list price of $824,900. This foreclosed property boasts the bone structure of a early mid-century English cottage, with charming details such as a bay window in the front living room and arched hallway entrances, built-in cabnitry in the petite dining area. The kitchen needs to be built out with a stove and oven, but I can just imagine a refurbished O’keefe & Merrit or a brand new Wolf or Viking and how the punch of the new with the old could make for the perfect chef’s dream.
I see so much potential in this house, not only because of it’s stellar location (um, walk to Zabies or Mrs. Winston’s on Ocean Park and bike to Trader Joe’s on Pico), but because I envision it being loved by the new owners, who will grow roses and herbs and take advantage of the spacious yard and ample room to grow. The house does need cosmetic work (don’t we all?), and could use a second full bath (there is only one full bath and one powder room), but I know that it’s been loved before and will be loved again. Wow, houses really are like people after all!
Here are some pics. Looks way better in person. Have a swell weekend!
Oh and p.s. Cracker Jack boxes sure are fun, only if you could live in them!
