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The Foo Fighters Recording Grammy Winners in Encino and Northridge

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 / No Comments
Image courtesy Google Maps
The Foo Fighters led by frontman Dave Grohl who rose to fame with Nirvana recently won an award at the 2012 Grammys for Best Rock Performance. During Dave Grohl's acceptance speech, he let the truth out and took a shot at the music industry.  However, he said one thing that I thought would interest San Fernando Valley fans.
This is a great honor because this record was a special record for our band...We made this one in my garage with some microphones and a tape machine. (skip to 1:30 to hear speech)


That garage he was referring to is his 4 Bed Encino home (shown above) which he purchased in 2003 for $2.2 million that was built in 1950. This home was also owned by the actor Doug McClure who is mostly known for appearing in the NBC western series The Virginian. He also owns a 4 Bedroom Sherman Oaks home that was purchased in 2001 shown below. Speaking of Encino and the Valley, Dave mentioned in a Spin Magazine interview from 2005 and here:
 "I grew up in suburban Virginia, and I'm no stranger to strip malls, but I love the Valley mostly because of the stigma. The Valley is not cool. I made a point of wearing an ENCINO T-shirt that I bought at the drugstore to the MTV Movie Awards, because I want Lindsay Lohan and fucking Hilary Duff to hate me because I live in Encino." Still, why choose to live in such an uncool place? Grohl shrugs. "There are some really good delis out here."
Image courtesy Google Maps
In addition to recording at his home, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters also record their music in Northridge in a nondescript studio called Studio 606 West which is in a residential/industrial zone which I believe was built in 2004. Dave Grohl discusses how this site was chosen at FooArchive.com:
"Northridge is also the porn film capital of the world," says Grohl, trying to sound detached and informative, but succumbing to a big grin. "I looked at a lot of warehouses round here and thought, Do I want to record my album right where people have been taking it in the ass?"

In the end the answer was no. Grohl built his studio on a site on a residential street which has a macabre provenance all its own. It was, he says, the home of a woman whose stalker turned up one night and burned the place to the ground. The Foo Fighters bought the charred plot last spring with walls and foundations in place, and did much of the woodwork and decor themselves.

"You don't want to just write a cheque and say, OK, give me an Abbey Road," Grohl says, lovingly patting the wood trim of the studio control room. "You want to feel a part of it."

They've certainly made themselves at home: Studio 606 is a citadel to men and rock. Blokey trucks, SUVs and sports models line up in the car park. In the office is a ping-pong table and pinball machine. Brit model Kelly Brook offers up a bonanza of chesty delights from a calendar on the wall.
You can find pics of the interior here and here. You can see a 3 part video below of the interior and the guys hanging out. In part 2, Dave discusses how the video White Limo was filmed right outside the Studio in Northridge and you can see the mix of residential and industrial zones. I also included that video below (4th down).
Image courtesy Google Maps




Also, on a separate and related note, Dave Grohl is currently working on a documentary of Sound City in Van Nuys which was where the Nirvana record, Nevermind, was recorded in 1991 in addition to other artists who recorded there. Cant wait to watch that film!  This all reminds me of the Rumbo Recorders Studio in Winnetka where the Guns N Roses Appetite for Destruction Album was recorded..

Next time you are in Northridge, just remember that Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters are probably making another Grammy winner (if not recording in the Encino garage).


Sound City - A film by Dave Grohl from Sound City on Vimeo.

Celebrity Real Estate: Purchase Britney Spears' Former Leased Home in Hidden Hills

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[Update August 21, 2013]: This home sold for $7,350,000 on June 25, 2013. 

[Original Post]:














Images courtesy Partners Trust Brentwood
Hot off the presses from the always informative Lauren Beale at Los Angeles Times Hot Property comes word of Britney Spears' former leased home in Hidden Hills available for $9,995,000 on February 22, 2012.

Britney Spears is a recording artist and entainer who has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and is the eighth top selling female artist in the United States at 33 million certified album. And she is only 30 years old! You can read more at the wiki page which scrolls forever covering her entire career without missing a beat.

According to the listing, this 10 Bed/13 Bath, 19,107sqft home on 3.39acres built in 1987 states:
Last opportunity to acquire a one of a kind Hidden Hills Estate at an unbelievable price!! This timeless Tudor style home is situated on over 3 usable acres with 19,000 square feet and every amenity imaginable. With 7 bedrooms and 8 baths, the main house flows seamlessly from one room to the next opening to a sparkling pool and grotto with surrounding rose gardens. The property includes a guest house and 2 staff apartments, tucked away from the main house for the ultimate in privacy. To complete the experience, an unbelievable ballroom, poker room, bar, arcade and fully equipped gym overlook your own private lake and sunken tennis court, making this estate the only one of its kind in Hidden Hills. Offered at $9,995,000 to pre-qualified buyers only.
Britney Spears leased this property for $25,000/month sometime in the beginning of 2011 which the Realestalker discussed. Britney Spears has a history of moving around the LA area which is well documented by the Realestalker. She recently moved into Thousand Oaks mansion after the lease of the Hidden Hills home at the end of 2011. She reportedly purchased a Hermosa Beach home that has not been verified in 2008. It appears she still owns a Beverly Hills home in the Summit which was purchased in 2007 which was the site of those crazy days when she was rushed to the hospital and almost lost her kids. She has tried to sell this home but appears to have had no luck in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. In 2009 through 2010, she lived in Calabasas. And prior to all of this, she lived in Malibu in the Serra Retreat which was sold for $10 million in 2007 reported by Mister Big Time at Bergproperties Blog. Lastly who can forget that Britney Spears shaved her head in 2007 in Tarzana of all places.

This Hidden Hills home is owned by Ron Tutor who is chairman of Sylmar-based construction giant Tutor Perini Corportion. Ron Tutor led an investment group including Colony Capital in the purchase of Miramax Films from Walt Disney Co. for $660 million in July 2010.

I am just wondering why Britney Spears didnt purchase this home? Its huge, located in Hidden Hills, and she was already settled there.

You can find more San Fernando Valley Celebrity Real Estate here.

Celebrity Real Estate: Kristen Bell's Foreclosed Home Available in Studio City

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 / No Comments
[Update May 12, 2014]: Just learned that Ryan Hansen and his wife Amy were also living in this home possibly from 2006 - 2009. You can read more about Ryan Hansen who was in the film, Veronica Mars, here

[Update May 2, 2012]: This home sold for $1,954,000 on April 30, 2012 which was $1,000 less than original list price and took roughly two months to complete.

[Original Post]:
Images courtesy Parsi Group Realtors
The always hilarious Your Mama the Realestalker blogged about the foreclosed home of Kristen Bell back on Feb 10, 2012. That home is now available on the open market for $1,995,000 which was also discussed at the Realestalker.

Kristen Bell is an actress who gained fame for the title role in Veronica Mars from 2004 to 2007. She also appeared in a variety of films including Scream 4, Get Him to the Greek, Couples Retreat, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. You can view a cool timeline of her career at People Magazine.

According to the listing, this 3 Bed/3 Bath, 3,867sqft home on 2.6acres built in 1969 states:
Bank-Owned, Foreclosure agents please read the private remarks. This sensational gated Spanish style home is perched on top of a private drive w 180 degree view of the city. The Sun drenched gorgeous entry , The grand Living room, dining , Kitchen with center work island & a butler pantry and a enormous family room creates an ambiance everyone asks for. The storage space is abundance. The master suite offers his & her walk in room closets & much more and check the lot size, has great potential and private, at one time there has been a complete wing which consist of 2 bedroom 2 bathroom+ study+ 1/2 bath & laundry closets added it appears to have been done without permits it is a great space for Nannie room + house keeping staff. .. .Information is not guaranteed offered in As-Is Condition buyer to investigate, verify & rely on their own findings including but not limited to permits Et. .. . all offers must be presented w 3% copy deposit check , Proof of Funds, Pre approval letter . Thank You
Kristen Bell last purchased this property at the height of the housing bubble for $3.1 million on November 16, 2006. It was later foreclosed on January 30, 2012 for $2,622,934. I believe this is the amount remaining owed on the property which means the difference was the down payment or possibly another loan which was the down payment. Its also possible there were other loans secured against this property that were lost in foreclosure. But dont quote us here, just speculating. All I know is that there is a difference of $477,066 between the original purchase price and the foreclosed price. Make of that what you will.

When she was living in the house, InStyle.com captured 4 images of her house and dogs which can be viewed here. According to the Realestalker, Kristen Bell possibly moved with her fiance actor Dax Shepard.

You can find more San Fernando Valley Celebrity Real Estate here

Book Review: Making The San Fernando Valley

Friday, February 24, 2012 / No Comments


I am late in blogging this but I had purchased a book called Making the San Fernando Valley: Rural Landscapes, Urban Development, and White Privilege by Laura R. Barraclough last year which was published on January 1, 2011. I was immediately interested in this book because of the subtitle referencing "white privilege" in addition to the fact that it was about the San Fernando Valley. I thought that title was a joke but it tackles a serious subject that is rarely discussed in demonstrating how the "white man" has essentially controlled real estate in the San Fernando Valley from the 1800s. Furthermore, the segregation of the white class from persons of color has been carefully planned with various amenities such as parks, education, city services are more prominent in the affluent areas compared to the blue collar lower income communities. 

The book description is below:
In the first book-length scholarly study of the San Fernando Valley—home to one-third of the population of Los Angeles—Laura R. Barraclough combines ambitious historical sweep with an on-theground investigation of contemporary life in this iconic western suburb. She is particularly intrigued by the Valley’s many rural elements, such as dirt roads, tack-and-feed stores, horse-keeping districts, citrus groves, and movie ranches. Far from natural or undeveloped spaces, these rural characteristics are, she shows, the result of deliberate urbanplanning decisions that have shaped the Valley over the course of more than a hundred years.
The Valley’s entwined history of urban development and rural preservation has real ramifications today for patterns of racial and class inequality and especially for the evolving meaning of whiteness. Immersing herself in meetings of homeowners’ associations, equestrian organizations, and redistricting committees, Barraclough uncovers the racial biases embedded in rhetoric about “open space” and “western heritage.” The Valley’s urban cowboys enjoy exclusive, semirural landscapes alongside the opportunities afforded by one of the world’s largest cities. Despite this enviable position, they have at their disposal powerful articulations of both white victimization and, with little contradiction, color-blind politics.
Barraclough is a native of the San Fernando Valley growing up in the equestrian community of Shadow Hills. Barraclough makes numerous references to the equestrian way of life in the San Fernando Valley which she claims strengthened and bonded communities, taught children responsibility and accountability, and provided a aura of power and control of their communities to stave off developers who are always looking to build that next set of tract homes and mini-malls. Just thing about where these equestrian communities exist today. Canoga Park (one tiny part near Parthenia), Calabasas, Chatsworth, Hidden Hills, Northridge, Shadow Hills, and Sylmar (did I miss any?). Now compare these areas to places like Arleta, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Reseda, San Fernando, and Van Nuys. There is an obvious distinct difference between these two sets of communities with the "white" dominating one area and minorities dominating the other. 

This book is very thorough and provides a lot of detail. It read like a college text book and I rarely read my college text books so its says a lot that I actually read this book. The only thing I wished this book discussed (maybe in a version 2) is the impact of the housing bubble on the San Fernando Valley as I believe there has been even greater segregation as those with access to credit are easily able to purchase homes. Also, during the bubble, how has the Valley transformed with ranches being demolished to make way for mini-tract homes and mini-malls? What effect has the transformation of industrial centers into apartments and mega stores had on the financial health of the San Fernando Valley. Here is one quote from the book on page 231:
Whiteness in the northeast San Fernando Valley at the beginning of the twenty first century remains persistently but tenuously linked to the rural landscape, within a city where whites are now a numerically declining but structurally privileged minority. Within this context, the historic relationships between the rural landscape, the urban state, real estate developers, and capital are being reworked and redefined, and so too are the meanings and articulations of whiteness. 
Another example of this divide was also written in the Los Angeles Times titled, In Valley, Pace of Change is Fast by Jim Newton on December 20, 2006. 
As close observers of the San Fernando Valley know, today's Valley is itself divided, pricinipally by an east-west split that runs along the 405 Freeway. Moreover, the Valley's divide is widening as its poorer areas grow. The Result: the Valley today is less distinguishable from the rest of Los Angeles, its political and cultural divisions more like those on the other side of the hills. "The Valley is changing," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who represents much of the area. "There's no question about it -- politically, ethnically, economically."
For most folks who have been living in the Valley for decades, this transformation is nothing new and has been witnessed first hand. The bigger question is where are we headed from the fast growth development days of the 50s and 60s to the exodus of whites in the 80s and 90s to the almost seceded Valley in the 2000s?

I highly recommend this book which provides more detail into "gentlemen farming", movie ranches, celebrity ranches, equestrian communities, and the overall growth of the Valley since the 1800. There is a lot to read here.

Waxman House by Barry Moffitt Available in Studio City for $1,099,000

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[Update: April 17, 2012]: This home sold on April 12, 2012 for $1,030,000 which sat on the market for roughly 3 months and sold for $169,000 less than original listing price.

[Original Post]:
3644 Buena Park Drive
Currently available on the market is a rare listing of the Waxman House designed by Barry Moffitt, A.I.A. in 1964 in Studio City. This home is being offered at $1,099,000 which was first listed on January 06, 2012 at $1,199,000. This home was last purchased for $720,000 on December 17, 2001.

According to the listing:
BACK ON MARKET. Rare offering. Nestled in the hills, just above Studio City lies this magnificent example of mid-century architecture. The Waxman House, Circa 1964, designed by Barry Moffitt, AIA. Massive volumes, light streaming through clerestory and vertical windows, original clear heart redwood paneling throughout. 3 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths, with additional office and terraced outdoor spaces. Home was published in HOME magazine and photographed by Julius Shulman. Strolling distance from acclaimed Carpenter School and minutes from studios.
There have been a number of mid century modern homes of architectural significance on the market recently. Its kinda odd. Dont know why owners are selling these rare properties all at the same time especially in the San Fernando Valley. Maybe its related to the housing bubble. But you have the Goodwin House in Studio City, Romick House in Encino, Krisel House in Van Nuys, and an Eichler House in Granada Hills. Take your pick. Below are pics of the Waxman house.






Images courtesy Deasy/Penner & Partners

Celebrity Real Estate: San Fernando Valley Native Paul Abdul Lists Sherman Oaks Home....Again

Thursday, February 23, 2012 / 1 Comment
[Update: March 31, 2012]: This home sold for $1,884,000 which was $15k less than the original offering price on March 30, 2012. This home was on the market for roughly one month which is a quick turnaround time in this troubled housing market especially at the high end. For Paula Abdul, she sold at a profit of $599,000 not including commissions, fees, taxes, etc. Also, this does not include the $900K settlement that was Paula was required to pay for the incident at her home while taping below (see details below). I dont know where Paula is headed off to but her roots are from the San Fernando Valley as she has maintained her residence here since birth. She even attended Van Nuys High School and CSUN. Doesnt get any more close to home than that. Hopefully she still stays in the San Fernando Valley.

[Original Post]:



Images courtesy Coldwell Banker
Hot off the presses from the always informative Lauren Beale at  Los Angeles Times Hot Property wrote about Paula Abdul's listing in Sherman Oaks for $1,899,000 on February 21, 2012.

Paula Abdul is a singer-songwriter, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality. Belieive it or not, Paula Abdul's roots are all over the San Fernando Valley. She was born in San Fernando, graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1980 (voted girl with the funniest laugh), and studied broadcasting at CSUN. During her freshman year, she was selected from a pool of 700 candidates to be a cheerleader on the Los Angeles Lakers. Within three months, she became head choreographer. From 1982 - 1986, she was choreographing  for the Jacksons and Janet Jackson . She also choreographed various films like Big (the giant keyboard scene), Coming to America, and Action Jackson. From 1987 - 1994, she recorded the pop albums Forever Your Girl and Spellbound. As a singer she won a Grammy for Best Music Video for "Opposites Attract." From 1995 - 2001, she recorded the Head over Heels album and at the same time took a break from music. From 2002 - 2006, she appeared on American Idol as a judge with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. From 2007 - 2009, she released a second greatest-hits album. In 2011, she served as lead judge, executive producer, creative partner, mentor, and coach on Live to Dance which was eventually canceled after 7 weekly shows. Later that year she joined Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, and Nicole Scherzinger on The X Factor.

According to the listing, this 5 Bed/4.5 Bath, 4,679sqft home on 0.26acres built in 2000 states:
Celebrity owned gated estate w/ 2 story entry grand dble staircase. Lrg grt rm w/ engineered hrdwd flrs, ovrsizd frplc, recesd lits, pwdr rm & Frnch drs to pvt patio & pl area. Cstm grmt kitch opens to light filled dining area. Dwnstrs BR & BA & drct access 2 car grage. Upstrs w/ 4 BRs & 3.5 BAs, hi ceilings, lrg mdia area. Mstr BR ste has frplc, hge walk-in clst, spa like BA & blcny w/ gorgeous cyn & city vws. 3 2ndary BRs & 2 baths. Bedrm layouts flexible & can be used for many different purposes.
Paula Abdul last purchased this property for $1,285,000 on September 29, 2000 right before the housing bubble launched. According to the Realestalker, Paula Abdul tried to offload this property back in 2008 for $1,900,000 and also back in 2003 for $1,995,000 (August?) later changed to $1,899,000 (August 2004). And here we are back again in 2012 selling at this magical number around $1.9 million.

The Sherman Oaks home has been in the news lately. Back in December 13, 2011, Paula Abdul announced on Facebook she was having an estate sale from morning till 4 PM each day from December 17th until December 21st which obviously listed her home address. Coincidentally or not, on December 16, 2011, police responded to her home after an alarm was triggered around 2 A.M. but nobody was found home. Gee, I wonder if this related to her Facebook estate sale listing. Lastly, on November 18, 2011, Paula Abdul claimed her house was haunted and revealed "that what she first thought was a strange light turned into the figures of "what looked like a man in his 40s, hand in hand with his little son, who was in a little school uniform. I would see him walk by and I am like, "These are friendly ghosts"....They arent hurting me. " Recently, Paula Abdul agreed to pay a $900,000 settlement to a woman injured on her driveway which occurred in 2009 by Jill Kohl who was at her Sherman Oaks home during a taping of her reality show, Hey Paula.

So who is eager to buy a home with alleged ghosts after hearing that revelation?

Image courtesy Google Maps
Prior to this home purchase, Paula Abdul lived in a Mulholland Estates mansion (same area that is home to Charlie Sheen) which has a 90210 area code with some websites claiming Beverly Hills or Sherman Oaks. So take your pick. She purchased this 5 Bed/8 Bath 7,646 home on February 01, 1991 for $2,975,000 and was later sold at a significant loss to Tom Arnold on June 12, 1998 for $2,300,000. This home was directly across from Shaq's old house (you can see his basketball court with the Superman logo in the image above) as tweeted by Paula Abdul. Tom Arnold sold this home on November 1, 2006 for $7,400,000 and moved to a new home in Tarzana (which was sold in 2008) as discussed at the Bergproperties Blog.  Just imagine how much money Paula Abdul would have made had she stayed a couple more years in her Mulholland Estates property. Hindsight is 20/20.

In between the Mulholland Estates home and her current home in Sherman Oaks, she lived in a West Hollywood Condo which was purchased on June 12, 1998 for $431,000 and later sold on July 6, 2000 for $559,000 

Prior to the Mulholland Estates home, Paula Abdul lived in a Studio City condo according to a Ruth Ryon article at the Los Angeles Times from March 03, 1991. Also mentioned in a People magazine article from March 12, 1990 was that her Studio City Condo was burglarized.

You can find more San Fernando Valley Celebrity Real Estate here

R.M. Schindler's "The Goodwin House" Available in Studio City for the First Time Ever

Thursday, February 16, 2012 / No Comments
[Update March 14, 2012]: This home quickly sold after being on the market for roughly 30 days (was it an all cash purchase?) for $768,000 on March 9, 2012. This shows how prized this property was.

[Original Post]:

3807 Reklaw Drive
Listed on the market for the first time since inception in 1941 is famed architect R.M. Schindler's The Goodwin House. This home is 3 Beds/2 Baths on 1,348sqft on a total lot size of 6,370sqft. This home was originally built for Nikolaus and Yolanda Schmoll. According to a comment posted on LA Curbed from "R Merial Martin":
My wife did not like the whitewash description and asserts that one would have to tour the home to decide on the Schindler concept being in place and maintained. As you can see in YOUR photo from circa 1941, the color is off-white. Note the couch is special made with the platform resting on the fireplace landing and the bench was made by Schindler in the garage for the dining table. My wife in all her years remembers only white walls and white schindler builtins. I will ask her to write and tell you about how her grandmother maintained the house and some history. I can also tell you that if you were to read, "POW Love Story", (Amazon or B & N),the book or kindle, or Nook with pictures, you will get some history and how they promoted and treasured their Schindler home. Yolanda 'Goodwin' Schmoll was "Yolanda of Beverly Hills", cosmetologist to the stars and rich and famous. Her second husband, Nikolaus Schmoll, the German POW in the book, was a maticulous craftsman and maintained the house. Most of what Schindler built in the house has never had need of a hammer or a screwdriver. After 70 years it it all together the same sturdy wood. There are many photo albums of how they entertained their friends and her clients in the Goodwin House. But children were rarely invited, including grands and great-grands for fear they might damage the Schindler dream house. They would visit at the grands homes and very often, too. We are looking for someone who will treasure it as much as the Goodwins and Nick did. Thanks for your reply and explanation.
According to the listing:
Available for the first time, a rare opportunity to own R. M. Schindler's The Goodwin House. Commissioned and built in 1941, this home is being sold by the original owners and has plenty of history, original features and built-ins. Schlinder first built the garage and then used the garage as a work room to craft the built-in components in the house, dressers, desks, and the freestanding dining room table. The house has many of its original features and charm but also has been well-maintained and has had upgrades to many of the systems. A street to street lot with great light and incredible views of the canyons from every room ~~~ minutes from everything but surrounded by nature and away from it all.
You can learn more about Schindler at WikipediaTriangle Modernist Houses, and Galinsky. He also designed the Laurelwood Apartments in Studio City amongst the other great buidlings throughout Los Angeles. You can view more high resolution pics of the Goodwin house here.











Images courtesy Keller Williams

Celebrity Real Estate: House Actress Lists for a Loss in Encino

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[Update April 21, 2012]: This home sold for $790,000 after sitting on the market for 3 months. The sold price is $189,000 less than the original price and taking a $269,000 loss from when last purchased in 2005 at $1,059,000 not including taxes, commissions, and other related expenses. 

[Original Post]:
Images courtesy Partners Trust Brentwood
Back on February 8, 2012,  the always informative Lauren Beale at  Los Angeles Times Hot Property wrote about Actress Jennifer Morrison listing in Encino for $979,000 on February 6, 2012.

Jennifer Morrison is an actress, model and film producer. She is best known for her role as "Dr. Allison Cameron" in House from 2004 to 2010. She also played a role as Zoey Pierson in the sixth season of How I met Your Mother. She is currently playing the lead role in the television series, Once Upon a Time as Emma Swan.

According to the listing, this 3 Bed/2.25 Bath, 1,956sqft home on 0.45acres (most of it on a hill) built in 1966 states:
Situated in the hills of Encino, this stunning Mediterranean home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms and 1,956 square feet. The floor plan is ideal for both entertaining and relaxing with the bedrooms located upstairs and the public spaces on the main level. With hardwood and stone floors throughout, the home features granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, a water filtration system and tankless water heater. The large master offers a jacuzzi tub in the spa-like bathroom and the 2nd BR has a large balcony overlooking the yard. The private backyard is situated off the living room and is an entertainer's paradise, with a covered patio, built-in BBQ, outdoor spa and waterfall. Close to the Westside and just a short drive to shopping, schools and Ventura Blvd. , this property is a great value.
Jennifer Morrison last purchased this property for $1,059,000 on November 21, 2005. Prior to that purchase, the home was purchased by a flipper on May 25, 2005 for $779,000, flipped,  and sold to Jennifer Morrison for a quick $280,000 profit. Not bad for 5 months of work considering that was during the mania days of the housing bubble. If Jennifer Morrison were to sell today at the list price, she would be taking a $80,000 hit not including real estate fees, commissions, and other expenses related to this property. Keep in mind she purchased at the top of the real estate market and only selling at a 7.5% loss when the rest of America is experiencing 30% - 50% losses on their properties. But who are we to judge.

It appears the Jennifer Morrison is leaving the San Fernando Valley for good as she just purchased a 3 Bed/2 Bath home off the Sunset Strip for $2,150,000. We wish Jennifer Morrison luck with selling her Encino home.

You can find more San Fernando Valley Celebrity Real Estate here

Celebrity Real Estate: The Vampire Diaries Director Sells for a Loss in Encino

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 / No Comments


Images courtesy Coldwell Banker
Back on February 1, 2012,  the always informative Lauren Beale at  Los Angeles Times Hot Property wrote about director and producer Marcos Siega sale in Encino for $1.65 million on January 27, 2012.

Marcos Siega is a film, television, commerical, and music video director. He has also worked as a producer and musician. He has directed numerous music videos for Weezer, System of a Down, P.O.D., Papa Roach, Blink-182, and The All American Rejects to name a few. He has also directed Dexter, True Blood, Cold Case, and Veronica Mars. He is also the co-executive producer of The Vampire Diaries as well as directed the pilot and several episodes.

According to the listing, this 5 Bed/4.5 Bath, 3,628sqft home on 0.55acres built in 1962 which is a Mid Century Modern home states:
JET-LINER VIEWS! FAB OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE SOUTH OF THE BLVD IN A METICULOUSLY RE-MODELED MID-CENTURY. GREAT LAYOUT & FLOW, CUSTOM BUILD WALNUT CABINETRY, 2 FIREPLACES. FLEETWOOD FLOOR-TO-CEILING DOORS AND WINDOWS, SWEET VIEWS FROM HUGE MASTER. ANN SACKS TILES IN ALL BATHROOMS, CHEF'S KITCHEN WITH HI END APPLIANCES. UNBELIEVABLY WELL PRICED! CENTRALLY LOCATED ON PRIVATE AND QUIET DOUBLE CUL-DE-SAC.
Marcos Siega last purchased this property for $1,750,000 on February 24, 2010. So in roughly two years time, Marcos Seiga is moving on and taking a $100,000 hit not including real estate fees, commissions, and other expenses related to this property. That's got to hurt but we cant explain the ways of the rich and famous.

A review of property records show that Marcos Siega along with his wife Lisa used to own a small 2 Bed/1 Bath Venice home near Venice Blvd which was purchased on July 12, 2000 for $390,000 and sold two years later on July 20, 2002 for $625,000. After doubling up on the Venice investment,  the Siega couple purchased a Mid Century Modern on Woodrow Wilson Drive in Hollywood for $895,000 on January 24, 2002. This home was sold on November 12, 2010 for $1,635,000 giving the Siegas another double on their investment. So the Siegas rode the housing bubble all the way to their Encino home successfully selling each prior home at 100% gain. With all of their real estate gains, that $100,000+ loss on the Encino home isnt looking so bad now.
Images courtesy Keller Williams
According to the LA Times Hot Property regarding the Hollywood home, the Siegas were looking to move into a bigger house to raise a family which is why they purchased the Encino home. Now with that home sold, are they looking to buy a bigger home in the San Fernando Valley like the Sinatra home in Chatsworth for $12 million, the James Wilson home in Calabasas for $25 million, the Heidi Saban Stills home in Encino for $3.5 million,  the Ozzy Osbourne home in Hidden Hills for $12,999,000, or how about the Hilary Duff home in Toluca Lake for $6,950,000? Just throwing ideas out there. We wish the Siegas luck in finding a new home and hope they continues to maintains their existence in the San Fernando Valley.

You can find more San Fernando Valley Celebrity Real Estate here

Get A Tour of George Clooney's Home in Studio City

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 / No Comments

Check out George Clooney's home in the Fryman Canyon area of Studio City which he has owned since 1995.  Although the above picture doesnt really capture the size of the home since it is surrounded by trees, it is rather large at 6 Beds/6 Baths on 7,354sqft on a total lot size of 3.1 acres which was built in 1984. It was previously owned by Stevie Nicks although I cannot confirm. His backyard backs up to a hiking trail  within the Coldwater Canyon Park. And his home is over the hill from the former Joseph Barbera estate which is currently for sale. You can get better pics here and the video below shows the interior and various exterior shots.



Prior to the above home, George Clooney lived in another Studio City home that was 5 Bed/3.75 Baths on 3,282 sqft on a total lot size of 7,040sqft which was built in 1937. This home was recently sold as a short sale on February 17, 2011 for an even steven $1 million. This home has also been home to other celebrities discussed in the list below: 
  1. George Clooney purchased on December 6, 1989 for $485,000. Clooney's former wife Talia Balsam also lived here during this time. After they divorced, actor Matt Adler lived there for a short period.
  2. George Clooney sells to a non-celebrity on June 12, 1997 for $240,000 taking a substantial $245,000 loss. 
  3. The non celebrity sells to Jaime Pressly from the My Name is Earl show on July 05, 2002 for $920,000 giving the previous owner a massive gain of $680,000.
  4. Jamie Pressly sells to Justin Berfield from the Malcolm In The Middle show on March 25, 2004 for $1,215,000 giving Pressly a decent profit of $295,000.
  5. Justin Berfield sells to a non-celebrity for $1,424,000 on November 30, 2006.
  6. The non-celebrity sells as a short sale on Februray 17, 2011 for $1 million representing a $424,000 loss to the bank(s). 
Images courtesy Ewing Sotheby's I.R. 
You can view more Celebrity Real Estate here