Real Estate in your city

[JManc]

Originally Posted by dimondpark

Ive never been a fan of 'great rooms'/open floor plans with the kitchen like in the living room--I've always preferred a separate living room, separate dining room and separate kitchen. I guess I'm old fashioned that way.

That's the rage right now. We looked at new townhouses and they all had that open plan where the kitchen flows into the living area. Reminds me too much of my first apartment.

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

i loathe those orange horizontal board "flipper fences".

always a dead give-away.

They didn't even try to match it with the existing fencing so it stands out even more.

[Steely Dan]

Originally Posted by JManc

That's the rage right now. We looked at new townhouses and they all had that open plan where the kitchen flows into the living area. Reminds me too much of my first apartment.

when we were house hunting 4 years ago we looked at a lot of new construction and flipper condos in chicago that all had that open "great room" plan.

in reality they just took the old living and dining rooms and made them one room and then also somehow managed to shoe-horn a kitchen into it as well so they could make bigger/more bedrooms and a deluxe master suite towards the back of the plan.

i think a lot of people are attracted to it because they think "ohhhh, this will be great for entertaining, everyone can all be together in one big space", but in my opinion, for day-to-day life with a family of 4, i like having more different rooms so that we can get away from each other when we need to. especially over the last year of covid quarantines and LOTS of time spent at home with the family, i want more options than just "you can either be in the great room or your bedroom".

i'm glad we opted for a more traditional plan with a separate kitchen, but one with space for a table for the eat-in option, which is definitely nice to have when trying to feed young children.

[JManc]

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

when we were house hunting 4 years ago we looked at a lot of new construction and flipper condos in chicago that all had that open "great room" plan.

in reality they just took the old living and dining rooms and made them one room and then also somehow managed to shoe-horn a kitchen into it as well so they could make bigger/more bedrooms and a deluxe master suite towards the back of the plan.

i think a lot of people are attracted to it because they think "ohhhh, this will be great for entertaining, everyone can all be together in one big space", but in my opinion, for day-to-day life with a family of 4, i like having more different rooms so that we can get away from each other when we need to. especially over the last year of covid quarantines and LOTS of time spent at home with the family, i want more options than just "you can either be in the great room or your bedroom".

i'm glad we opted for a more traditional plan with a separate kitchen, but one with space for a table for the eat-in option, which is definitely nice to have when trying to feed young children.

The downside with a lot of these flip jobs (in addition with cheap finishings) is they are so laser focused on what's 'in' right now (and many do look nice) but will look dated in 5 years where a more traditional style will age better.

[SIGSEGV]

The "great room" style works well in a relatively small space. Does not make sense in a large unit.

[Northern Light]

Given the interesting post by Sopas the other day, I thought I'd look at Toronto median house prices, and what that buys you.

The median price of a home in Toronto is $1.1 Million according to Zolo:

https://www.zolo.ca/toronto-real-estate/trends

Note that as at current exchange rates $1,100,000 CAD is $907,700 USD

Using the www.realtor.ca, I searched for homes between 1M-1.2M

So you can have this one, about a 15M walk from the centre of downtown, 3 bed, 1 bath



Or you can have this nearly new condo, also about 15m on foot from the heart of Downtown.



The 2nd floor view may not be ideal.



1.2M will buy you this home, about 25M on foot west of downtown:



While a 45M walk to downtown would get you this for 1.1M



Well out into inner suburbia (Scarborough)....1.2M buys you this:



In the western suburb of Mississauga, your money will buy you:

[Crawford]

Ugh, Canadian (or at least Ontario) sprawl manages to out-ugly the horrible American suburbia.

When I think sprawl GTA I think huge, dense snout-nosed subdivisions with massive power line corridors and congested, wide auto arterials fenced off from the subdivisions. At least Canada doesn't have the sprawl decline like you see in the U.S., with the empty shopping centers and semi-slum sprawl.

[Northern Light]

Originally Posted by Crawford

Ugh, Canadian (or at least Ontario) sprawl manages to out-ugly the horrible American suburbia.

When I think sprawl GTA I think huge, dense snout-nosed subdivisions with massive power line corridors and congested, wide auto arterials fenced off from the subdivisions. At least Canada doesn't have the sprawl decline like you see in the U.S., with the empty shopping centers and semi-slum sprawl.

That's some pretty old sprawl we're talking about......the home in Mississauga looks like late 1960s to me, certainly over 50 years old.

This is something more recent from outer Brampton at 1.2M

4BD, 4 Bath



While this would be suburban Whitby in the east:



Personally, suburbs aren't my thing......I enjoy very urban; and very rural (surrounded by forest).

But to each their own.

[ChrisLA]

Originally Posted by sopas ej

From the Los Angeles Times:

What $700,000 buys in seven L.A. communities

By JACK FLEMMING | STAFF WRITER
MAY 25, 2021 5 AM PT

It’s no secret: L.A.’s historically hot real estate market is brutal for buyers. The pandemic-fueled housing boom saw L.A. County’s median home price rise to $750,000 in April, a 19% increase year-over-year.

Bidding wars and a shortage of sellers are making good deals hard to come by, but there are still plenty of great options if you look in the right neighborhoods. Here’s a look at what roughly $700,000 buys right now in seven L.A. communities.



South L.A.

South L.A. is huge. According to The Times’ Mapping L.A. project, it spans more than 50 square miles with 28 neighborhoods, and therefore offers a vast variety of housing stock. The Multiple Listing Service shows more than 250 single-family homes up for sale in the area, with prices ranging from $300,000 up past $3 million.


1259 W. 83rd St., Los Angeles, 90044 (Sean Sullivan)

The house: Spanish in style, this 1930s spot boasts clay tile and arched entryways on the outside and beamed ceilings inside. Floors of tile and hardwood alternate in the living spaces, which lead to a small fenced yard out back.

The address: 1259 W. 83rd St., Los Angeles, 90044

The price: $699,000

The specs: Three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 1,357 square feet

The agent: Sean Sullivan of Pinnacle Estate Properties

Chatsworth

If space is what you seek, the San Fernando Valley has plenty. Chatsworth is a pleasant valley suburb tucked just south of the Santa Susana Mountains with parks, trails and a handful of homes for under $1 million.


23228 Alta Way, Chatsworth, 91311 (Julliann Woods)

The house: The largest home on the list, at nearly 1,600 square feet, this traditional-style house takes advantage with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a galley-style kitchen and living room with a brick fireplace. Multiple balconies hang off the house, overlooking an outdoor space with a scenic deck, fire pit and hot tub.

The address: 23228 Alta Way, Chatsworth, 91311

The price: $684,500

The specs: Three bedrooms and three bathrooms in 1,598 square feet

The agent: Julliann Woods of Pinnacle Estate Properties


Link: https://www.latimes.com/business/sto...la-communities

South Central:
This is crazy, the only house I like of those listed is the one in south LA. My mom actually bought a home in that zip code at the beginning of my 6th grade. It wasn't as big, or as nice but it was a decent home at the time. She had a bathroom in the master bedroom which was not a common thing in a home in this area. I also found out the house we lived in was built in 1920, but it was upgraded when my mom purchased it. She paid $19,000 for a 3 bedroom 2 bath 1044 square feet back in the mid 70's unfortunately she lost it. I just looked up our old house on zillow recently and I believe the value is now at $530,000, that is ridiculous. I wouldn't live in this area now, but there are some very nice homes in south LA. Usually the further west you go in South LA the better the neighborhoods and the housing stock.

Chatsworth:
I live directly south about 10 miles from Chatsworth on the other end of the San Fernando Valley, and I couldn't live here either. It's a safe area and there are nice neighborhoods, some very exclusive but at the same time it seems quite boring, I don't like it at all. Much of the commercial corridors seem dated and need some sprucing up. It's just not my cup of tea, it almost has somewhat of a rural feel (LA standards) to it. If I remember correctly Chatsworth back in the day was where some of the Hollywood celebrities (Lucille Ball, Mae West, etc) purchased land and had ranches before this became part of the city of LA and was developed.

[austlar1]

I think Chatsworth was kind of the unofficial home of the LA porn industry for some time there not too long ago. Also, a lot of LAPD officers supposedly live in the area. Go figure. https://www.dailynews.com/2007/06/05...ve-the-valley/

[KevinFromTexas]

https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/n...ive-hours.html
Austin condo development sells out in 5 hours
Hundreds of would-be buyers turned away with hope to grab units in second phase

By Michelle Pitcher – Staff Writer, Austin Business Journal
May 26, 2021 Updated May 26, 2021, 12:10pm CDT

A South Austin condominium development held a sales launch event last week and sold out in what developer and investor Legacy Communities believes to be record time: 132 condos sold in just five hours.

The Station at St. Elmo, located at 4510 Terry-O Lane in the rapidly changing St. Elmo neighborhood a few minutes south of downtown, will be made up of units running from $200,000 to more than $600,000. Crews will begin construction this August with a target opening date of fall 2022.

[bnk]

Originally Posted by sopas ej

....
Both sales and prices rose in all six counties in Southern California.

-In Los Angeles County, the median price rose 19% to $750,000 in April, while sales climbed 101%;

-In Orange County, the median price rose 15.6% that month to $872,500, while sales climbed 97.9%;

-In Riverside County, the median price rose 19.7% to $489,750, while sales climbed 80.8%;

-In San Bernardino County, the median price rose 23.7% to $436,500, while sales climbed 66.9%;

-In San Diego County, the median price rose 17.8% to $700,000, while sales climbed 74.1%;

-In Ventura County, the median price rose 18.5% to $705,000, while sales climbed 82.4%.

“I’ve never seen so many qualified buyers struggle to buy a property,” said RE/Max One agent Jordan Cohen, adding that this is the most competitive market he has seen in 31 years of residential real estate.

This year, he has been regularly submitting offers over the asking price for his clients — some all-cash — and still losing out on homes.

Cohen said he’s not surprised the market surged in April because the March-May stretch is historically one of the busiest times for home buyers as families look to move into new school districts before the summer.

Link: https://www.latimes.com/business/sto...ord-home-price

Those median prices are insane.

OK so where do the illegal and legal immigrants live and how do they pay for housing in Cali if they don't have a penny on them. Serious question.

Because this 2016 link states Cali has 2.2 Million illegal immigrants alone.


https://www.pewresearch.org/hispanic...ants-by-state/



This link below says total Cali immigrants of 11 million people.

https://www.ppic.org/publication/imm...in-california/
Foreign-born residents represented at least one-third of the population in five California counties: Santa Clara (39%), San Mateo (35%), Los Angeles (34%), San Francisco (34%), and Alameda (33%). Half of California children have at least one immigrant parent.




Im looking at Zillow. I found a lot without a home on it for 95 million dollars. I found that interesting. Its got a good view though.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...50218859_zpid/


I did find some good deals in an area called Sylmar, CA 91342

Why is that area so cheap in relation to other LA homes? Not all are cheap but there are a few priced like this if its real.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...42272299_zpid/

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...71227255_zpid/

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...36247294_zpid/

140K

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...24768965_zpid/


Than in other places areas that are not even nice you can buy a shack like this for
670K

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2...20574268_zpid/

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Originally Posted by bnk

Those median prices are insane.

OK so where do the illegal and legal immigrants live and how do they pay for housing in Cali if they don't have a penny on them. Serious question.

Because this 2016 link states Cali has 2.2 Million illegal immigrants alone.


https://www.pewresearch.org/hispanic...ants-by-state/



This link below says total Cali immigrants of 11 million people.

https://www.ppic.org/publication/imm...in-california/
Foreign-born residents represented at least one-third of the population in five California counties: Santa Clara (39%), San Mateo (35%), Los Angeles (34%), San Francisco (34%), and Alameda (33%). Half of California children have at least one immigrant parent.




Im looking at Zillow. I found a lot without a home on it for 95 million dollars. I found that interesting. Its got a good view though.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...50218859_zpid/


I did find some good deals in an area called Sylmar, CA 91342

Why is that area so cheap in relation to other LA homes? Not all are cheap but there are a few priced like this if its real.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...42272299_zpid/

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...71227255_zpid/

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...36247294_zpid/

140K

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...24768965_zpid/


Than in other places areas that are not even nice you can buy a shack like this for
670K

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2...20574268_zpid/

Those properties in Sylmar are a neighborhood of manufactured homes, which don't qualify for traditional financing. Most regular homes in Sylmar are 500k plus

[bnk]

Originally Posted by LosAngelesSportsFan

Those properties in Sylmar are a neighborhood of manufactured homes, which don't qualify for traditional financing. Most regular homes in Sylmar are 500k plus

OK thanks but I also asked where the poor people live? ESP those that come over with just the shirt on their back and little else.

[dimondpark]

looked at some modest family homes in the South Bay.

Sunnyvale: $3,131,500

https://www.estately.com/listings/info/1315-dunnock-way

Sunnyvale: $2,300,000

https://www.estately.com/listings/in...-kinley-avenue

San Jose: $2,299,000

https://www.estately.com/listings/info/6737-hanover-dr

Mountain View: $1,988,000

https://www.estately.com/listings/info/266-walker-dr--3

[JManc]

I had an uncle that moved to Sunnyvale/ San Jose back in the 50's and probably spent next to nothing on his house but last time I looked, it was worth about two and a half million. For a meh single story.

[Crawford]

Originally Posted by bnk

Those median prices are insane.
OK so where do the illegal and legal immigrants live and how do they pay for housing in Cali if they don't have a penny on them. Serious question.

Why do you assume immigrants don't have money? The most expensive parts of San Jose MSA are bursting with immigrants, BTW.

And if you already own a home (which is most people) the prices don't matter. You can probably trade up because your home is riding the same wave.

And immigrants aren't just prosperous techies and doctors; you have undocumented or poorly educated immigrants with very successful small businesses. Landscaping, home renovation, restaurants, shipping, logistics, etc.

No doubt there's some recently arrived undocumented immigrant from Guatemala in Orange County or San Jose right now, and in 10 years he's have a pool business with seven figure revenues. Immigrant drive.

[sopas ej]

Originally Posted by ChrisLA

South Central:
This is crazy, the only house I like of those listed is the one in south LA. My mom actually bought a home in that zip code at the beginning of my 6th grade. It wasn't as big, or as nice but it was a decent home at the time. She had a bathroom in the master bedroom which was not a common thing in a home in this area. I also found out the house we lived in was built in 1920, but it was upgraded when my mom purchased it. She paid $19,000 for a 3 bedroom 2 bath 1044 square feet back in the mid 70's unfortunately she lost it. I just looked up our old house on zillow recently and I believe the value is now at $530,000, that is ridiculous. I wouldn't live in this area now, but there are some very nice homes in south LA. Usually the further west you go in South LA the better the neighborhoods and the housing stock.

I relate. The little Spanish-style bungalow in the Miracle Mile District my family and I lived in that my parents bought in 1974 (we lived there until 1977) for around $35,000 was sold in 2019 for $1.59 million and is now worth $1.9 million, according to Zillow. It looks much-improved; whoever fixed it up, fixed it up really nicely.

Originally Posted by ChrisLA

Chatsworth:
I live directly south about 10 miles from Chatsworth on the other end of the San Fernando Valley, and I couldn't live here either. It's a safe area and there are nice neighborhoods, some very exclusive but at the same time it seems quite boring, I don't like it at all. Much of the commercial corridors seem dated and need some sprucing up. It's just not my cup of tea, it almost has somewhat of a rural feel (LA standards) to it. If I remember correctly Chatsworth back in the day was where some of the Hollywood celebrities (Lucille Ball, Mae West, etc) purchased land and had ranches before this became part of the city of LA and was developed.

Chatsworth is also not my cup of tea. I worked there briefly the summer of 2008, after I got laid off and was desperate for any job, and I hated the commute there, it was the furthest I ever had to commute for a job. The commute wasn't even trafficky, it just felt like I was driving to the middle of nowhere, and Chatsworth feels like it's in the middle of nowhere. Very boring indeed, and far from everything. I feel the same way about Northridge too, which is near it. I never liked that area.

It felt so good at the end of the work day to drive back home to civilization.

[badrunner]

Originally Posted by bnk

OK thanks but I also asked where the poor people live? ESP those that come over with just the shirt on their back and little else.

I don't understand your confusion. Poor people rent, like they do everywhere else.

[badrunner]

Originally Posted by sopas ej

From the Los Angeles Times:

What $700,000 buys in seven L.A. communities

By JACK FLEMMING | STAFF WRITER
MAY 25, 2021 5 AM PT

It’s no secret: L.A.’s historically hot real estate market is brutal for buyers. The pandemic-fueled housing boom saw L.A. County’s median home price rise to $750,000 in April, a 19% increase year-over-year.

Bidding wars and a shortage of sellers are making good deals hard to come by, but there are still plenty of great options if you look in the right neighborhoods. Here’s a look at what roughly $700,000 buys right now in seven L.A. communities.

The DTLA loft is the only one I'd consider from that list. But mortgage + HOA + insurance will run close to $5k/month. Not a great value when you can rent a comparable unit in a newer building for about half that price...

[dimondpark]

I'm not really looking for another damn house but I love these 3 and the last one has me wanting to take out my checkbook

Rockridge, Oakland: $2,598,000


https://www.estately.com/listings/in...ean-view-dr--2

Rockridge, Oakland: $1,925,000


https://www.estately.com/listings/info/5845-colby-st

Rockridge,Oakland: $1,695,000



https://www.estately.com/listings/info/5442-broadway--1