from DIYS http://ift.tt/2ojEeeS
Friday, March 31, 2017
Hawaii real estate veteran Abe Lee continues to flip homes
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2ojEeeS
No More Teacher’s Dirty Looks, Albion Schoolhouse Is an A-Plus Conversion
realtor.com
Sharpen your No. 2 pencil, because we’re testing your ability to spot a bargain. The restored and remodeled Albion Schoolhouse in California’s Mendocino County isn’t just a cool place to live; it also comes with a county permit allowing the owner to rent it out for events.
Given its reputation for hosting area parties—weddings, receptions, bar mitzvahs—those events could cover the cost of a monthly mortgage payment. On the market for $1.5 million, it offers plenty of potential. And if you pencil in vacation rentals, the place could even clear a profit!
The Albion Schoolhouse had a humble beginning in 1924: The one-room schoolhouse was built for the children of Albion’s redwood logging community. It was expanded and used as a schoolhouse until 1967, when the logging boom petered out. The building later served as a community center, grocery store, and experimental elementary school.
realtor.com
In 1995, record producer Bill Bottrell purchased the crumbling schoolhouse. He proceeded to restore and repurpose the 5,000-square-foot building into a three-bedroom, three-bath residence and recording studio, where he’d eventually record the likes of Tom Petty, Van Morrison, and Sheryl Crow.
Bottrell restored much of the building’s original architecture, including the wide front stairs, tall ceilings, large vertical and horizontal windows, fir hardwood flooring, redwood-paneled wainscoting, and wraparound decks. He covered the walls with paneling where chalkboards used to hang.
realtor.com
You can even see where the shuffleboard court was painted on the floor of the old gym, which you’d enter and exit through doors with push bars—just like the ones in your old elementary school. But our favorite renovations are the large “Girls” and “Boys” bathrooms redone in circa 1920s tile and claw-foot bathtubs.
realtor.com
realtor.com
realtor.com
There are also contemporary additions, including skylights, a metal roof, glass-and-steel fireplace, chef’s kitchen, and raised stage with sound system in the library.
realtor.com
realtor.com
In 2014, Bottrell sold the place to Rabbi Sydney Mintz, of Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco, and Justine Shapiro. The couple were initially looking for a weekend retreat, but wound up buying the house, the 2 acres it sits on, and most of the furnishings for $1,125,000.
“When I first stepped foot into the Albion Schoolhouse, I nearly fell down,” says Shapiro, an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker. “I was stunned. Never before has a space triggered such an immediate and visceral sensation of uplift, peace and, well, love. Bill created a home much like he created music. There is harmony, joy, philosophy, and both visible and invisible lines of connection.”
realtor.com
The duo didn’t change much, although they added a Murphy bed behind the performance stage. Shapiro says the children who stay there love kayaking and canoeing on the nearby Big River Beach. They often play board games, spend time on the stage, or enjoy the great outdoors, instead of staying glued to their mobile phones.
But all good things usually come to an end. “It is with great sadness that we are parting ways with the Albion Schoolhouse,” says Mintz. “The writing project we are working on is taking us more often to Los Angeles than it is to Mendocino.”
Their loss could be your gain, however. As you can imagine, the offers are coming in fast and furious. Even if you can’t swing a purchase, you can always go there and stay for the weekend, or throw your next big anniversary party.
realtor.com
The post No More Teacher’s Dirty Looks, Albion Schoolhouse Is an A-Plus Conversion appeared first on Real Estate News & Advice | realtor.com®.
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2mWJpSg
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Director James Gunn Is Blasting Out of Studio City
Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
With “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” ready to be released in May, you’d think director and writer James Gunn wouldn’t have a spare moment to sell his home in Studio City, let alone move out of it.
However, given the (almost) sure-fire success of his sequel to the beloved comic-book movie, Gunn’s ready to make a move. He’s put his 3,825-square-foot home on the market for $1.9 million.
From the exterior, passers-by would never suspect the owner wrangles superheroes on a regular basis. Built in 1956, the East Coast traditional has just been painted a classic gray and white. It’s located in one of Studio City’s most family-friendly areas and just a short walk to Beeman Park, famous for its softball fields, preschool, and other amenities.
HGTV
You wouldn’t know it belongs to one of Hollywood’s most popular directors from the inside either, as the five bedrooms and 4.5 baths have been well-staged. The two-story home has hardwood floors and built-in cabinets, new LED lighting throughout, and a large eat-in kitchen.
realtor.com
realtor.com
Outside there’s a spacious backyard with a grassy lawn, pool, patio and small, detached office. There’s plenty of room for those with superpowers to chase each other around back there, with minimal collateral damage.
realtor.com
Gunn, who’s originally from St. Louis, began his movie career as a screenwriter in the mid-’90s, penning scripts for the “Scooby-Doo” movies and the 2004 version of “Dawn of the Dead.” His directorial debut was the film “Slither” in 2006, but he rose to A-list status with the success of 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
The post ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Director James Gunn Is Blasting Out of Studio City appeared first on Real Estate News & Advice | realtor.com®.
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2nF3b1I
Security, ID checks, debates — what to expect at SABOR's special meeting
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2no3RGS
The Very Best States for Retirement—and Nope, Florida Is Not No. 1
FamVeld/iStock
Retirees and Florida seem to be as natural a combo as peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and meatballs, and, well, older people and warmer weather. Except, as it turns out, the Sunshine State may not be the best place to live out one’s golden years after all.
Here’s the shocker: Florida was ranked only the 17th best state to retire in, according to a recent report from Bankrate.com. The personal finance website looked at the costs of living, health care quality, crime rates, cultural vitality, weather, taxes, seniors’ overall well-being, and the number of other seniors in all 50 states.
So where should they go instead? New Hampshire, of course.
Wait, what?!
That’s right. The cold, snowy Northeastern state earned high marks for having low crime and tax rates (except for those sky-high property taxes).
“A lot of the states that made our top five are not places that people usually think of when they think of retirement destinations,” says data analyst Claes Bell, who wrote the Bankrate.com report. “But there’s more to a good place to retire than good weather.”
The state rose from the 15th spot on last year’s ranking after Bankrate.com rejiggered the weighting of its criteria to what’s most important to retirees—adding culture (or things to do) and the number of fellow seniors.
That change actually boosted Florida 11 spots above its position last year. But it still didn’t come close to cracking the top 10.
Florida didn’t make the top 10 because it “has issues with its crime rate and its cost of living is relatively high compared to other states. The health care quality is also a little problematic,” Bell says.
And the revised methodology put a new light on places that are seeing an incursion of older folks, many of them returning after spending years elsewhere. That’s certainly the case in New Hampshire. Many of Portsmouth, NH–based Realtor® Stephen Oates‘ older clients are moving back to the state’s coastline because they have a connection to the area.
“I’ve seen more people coming back from the South,” says Oates, of the Bean Group. “Usually they’re coming back to be closer to their grandchildren and their family.”
The fact that the state doesn’t have any income tax (for those boomers still picking up consulting or freelance work) or sales tax is a bonus. And it helps make up for the fact that the coastal areas can still be fairly pricey.
The other top states for retirees were Colorado, Maine, Iowa, Minnesota, Virginia, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Idaho, according to the report.
The worst state for retirees? Alaska.
“A lot of seniors are not going to be attracted to a place with really frigid weather that Alaska has,” Bell says. Plus, the state also has “issues with crime. Its health care quality is low, and the cost of living of there is surprisingly high.”
The other bottom-dwelling states for retirees were West Virginia, Arkansas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, California, and Mississippi.
But whether or not a certain state made the list shouldn’t be a reason to just pick up and move.
“Most people tend to stay in their states when they retire,” says Rodney Harrell, AARP’s livable community expert, to remain close to their family and friends. “It’s relatively few that do move across the country to some relatively new state.”
Those who do are looking for affordable housing and a decent cost of living, as many retirees are on fixed incomes, he says. They want to live in walkable communities with plenty of public transportation for when they are no longer able to drive. And they want lots of opportunities to socialize in their old age.
“People are generally looking for a good quality of life,” Harrell says.
The post The Very Best States for Retirement—and Nope, Florida Is Not No. 1 appeared first on Real Estate News & Advice | realtor.com®.
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2nEnNqV
Oklahoma’s Most Overstuffed Tudor Is Most Popular Home of the Week
realtor.com
When is a home’s decor inextricable from its value? In the case of this week’s most popular home on realtor.com®, it’s hard to separate the structure from the stuff within.
Our most-clicked listing is a vintage Oklahoma home filled wall to wall with captivating decor. Could it stand some editing? You bet! But the vicarious thrill we all get from peeking inside a place with one-of-a-kind taste is plainly evident in the popularity of this house.
The value of the interior decor—taxidermied heads, ornate furniture, and works of art—is not factored into the home’s $525,000 list price. However, a buyer could make an offer that includes all the items.
But if a buyer doesn’t step up soon, the home’s eclectic elements will be auctioned off separately later this month. This would leave an empty Gothic Tudor that’s in “pristine” condition, according to the listing agent. So, a win-win?
Other winners this week include a couple of castles, an Indiana home attracting interest from across state lines, and a Mid-Century Modern gem making waves in Florida.
For the full list of this week’s most popular properties, simply scroll down.
10. 9505 Lania Ln, Beverly Hills, CAPrice: $129,000,000
Why it’s here: The return of an old friend! Formerly the most expensive home in the country, the Palazzo di Amore is back on the market with an enormous $66 million price cut.
realtor.com
———
9. 10000 NW 75th St, Kansas City, MOPrice: $7,800,000
Why it’s here: Known as Camelot Castle, this enormous edifice took inspiration from the great castles of Europe. Construction of the 15,000-square-foot castle took three years, in the early ’90s. Located on Weatherby Lake, it’s an ideal purchase for a buyer who eyes a role as the ruler of Kansas City.
realtor.com
———
8. 7640 Manor Ave, Munster, INPrice: $142,500
Why it’s here: Listing agent Lisa Thompson said interest in this place was driven by price.
“There’s a limited amount of inventory in Munster right now, and there’s nothing under $150,000 that’s move-in ready,” Thompson said. She had listed the home at a similar price in 2014, but pulled it from the market after four months with no offer. Three years later, it took only a week for multiple offers to come in. Why? Thompson said buyers are fleeing Illinois taxes and looking to buy in Indiana—which benefits cities, like Munster, that sit right across the state line.
realtor.com
———
7. Wolf Trap Lighthouse, Mathews County, VAPrice: $249,000
Why it’s here: Last week’s winner dropped six spots, but our interest in this lovable lighthouse hasn’t dimmed. It’s one of the most interesting opportunities we’ve ever come across. If we weren’t busy writing about it, we might consider buying the darn thing ourselves!
realtor.com
———
6. 4949 Viento Dr, Saint Louis, MOPrice: $239,900
Why it’s here: Sitting on 3 acres of land, this four-bedroom home on the city’s south side is a perfect place for a growing family. While we’re not sure if you can negotiate the pool table into the price, the lower level looks ideal for a massive man cave.
realtor.com
———
5. 308 Sea Cliff Ave, San Francisco, CAPrice: $14,000,000
Why it’s here: It’s the mansion of Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. Currently one of the most expensive listings in the country’s most expensive market, it’ll take a buyer who’s truly a master of finance.
realtor.com
———
4. 4856 Sailfish Dr, Ponce Inlet, FLPrice: $3,100,000
Why it’s here: Known as the Permanent Wave house, this Mid-Century Modern home built in 1964 might be in imminent danger. Although it’s well-preserved and one of a kind, listing agent Dan Stevens told us the true value of this property is tied up in the land.
Stevens estimated the land value of this 4-acre lot along the water is $2.75 million. He’s had interest from buyers who’d like to keep the fabulous home and others who’d raze the place and start anew. We’d hate to see the home’s massive, swooping wood beams turned to splinters and the floor-to-ceiling windows come crashing down—Mid-Century Modern mavens, unite!
realtor.com
———
3. 299 Lake Rd, Ballston Lake, NYPrice: $399,000
Why it’s here: This castle in foreclosure needs a knight in shining armor. In early March, $55,000 was shaved from the price of this imposing stone structure. Set on 8 acres, the castle could use some interior work, but it’s still packed with palace intrigue.
realtor.com
———
2. 302 S Church St, Toledo, IAPrice: $159,900
Why it’s here: It’s easily the biggest bargain of the week (if not the year). A six-bedroom Victorian with over 6,000 square feet of living space—it’s only $26 a square foot! We’ve never seen a square foot price this low for a huge home that appears to be move-in ready.
realtor.com
———
1. 144 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, OKPrice: $525,000
Why it’s here: Built in 1921, this brick Gothic Tudor is a fascinating home “that takes you back in time,” according to listing agent Ginger Jungroth. But its popularity is not due to the charming exterior.
This home is simply stuffed with stuff, and it’s easy to see why it racked up three times as many views as our second-place finisher. Fans of eclectic decor passed the listing far and wide this week, gawking at the overstuffed rooms done up in a style that we can only describe as “Late Taxidermy Brothel.”
If a buyer wanted to swoop in and buy the entirety of the home and its contents, Jungroth said the items inside the home could be negotiated into a sale. However, she’s lined up an auction house to sell the home’s museum-quality artifacts and furnishings, possibly by the end of this month. So, if you’re interested in buying the whole enchilada as is and preserving this jam-packed gem, don’t delay!
realtor.com
The post Oklahoma’s Most Overstuffed Tudor Is Most Popular Home of the Week appeared first on Real Estate News & Advice | realtor.com®.
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2nGKc8o
Thursday, March 30, 2017
$80M Malibu Castle Rises From the Ashes and Sets Pricing Record
realtor.com
Just when you think status properties in Malibu reached the tiptop of the market, along comes a new estate that raises the bar.
Slated for completion in April, a jaw-dropping estate built on the site of the iconic Malibu Castle is priced at $80 million. It is “the highest price ever for an estate in the coveted beach community,” according to listing brokerage Coldwell Banker Previews International.
It’s a location with a storied background. Other than the pier, the former Malibu Castle was the town’s most prominent man-made landmark. Folks could gaze up the hills from Malibu’s town center and see the towers, turrets, and flags. The parties on the property were also epic—until a devastating fire burned the place to the ground in 2007.
realtor.com
realtor.com
realtor.com
The 3.5-acre site had little more than charred gargoyles among the ashes for several years when developer/designer/architect Scott Gillen became involved.
After the fire, the land was listed for $17 million, but after more than a year of negotiations, Gillen’s offer of $9.7 million was accepted by the previous owner, philanthropist and “princess” Lilly Lawrence. Sandro Dazzan of Coldwell Banker represented Gillen in the purchase of the property, and is handling the sale of the finished product.
Acquiring the site and maximizing its potential was a dream come true for Gillen.
“It’s like no other property in Malibu,” he says. It’s situated on a promontory with sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay, Catalina Island, Malibu Colony, and Surfrider Beach.
realtor.com
A one-of-a-kind site deserves a one-of-a-kind home, says Gillen. “I tripled my original building budget and went all in. The house has been complicated to build.”
He adds, “It’s the nicest house I’ve built to date.” His company, Unvarnished, has developed and built 22 premium properties generating over $130 million in sales.
This compound on a hill contains two large structures. The 10,500-square-foot main residence has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. It features a 120-foot-long great room with ocean views. A custom teak dining table parallels the 75-foot-long infinity pool.
There’s also a custom black walnut soaker tub in the master suite, a game room, a humidor, and a media room which opens to the pool where a waterfall cascades down a full story to the home’s lower level. Finishes include custom teak doors and cabinetry, as well as 80-year-old, dry-aged oak floors.
Luxe amenities include custom furnishings by Minotti and Bottega Veneta, handmade rugs from New Zealand, and rare art by Ellsworth Kelly and Jonathan Burofsky.
A fully stocked wine room comes with a special tasting by a vintner, And as the ultimate luxury amenity, one year of concierge service is included in the purchase price. The service will ensure the residence is fully stocked to your culinary tastes and even make reservations at nearby Nobu.
realtor.com
realtor.com
realtor.com
There’s a detached 4,000-square-foot guesthouse, which features a great room, kitchen, gym, spa, two bedrooms, and four bathrooms. Both structures have floor-to-ceiling walls of glass to take in the spectacular views.
realtor.com
The entire house can be operated remotely from a mobile device. When you decide to go out, the entire house can be locked up and shut down with the touch of a button. But who are we kidding? With a place like this, you may never want to leave. Simply see to it that the concierge service delivers whatever your heart desires.
realtor.com
The post $80M Malibu Castle Rises From the Ashes and Sets Pricing Record appeared first on Real Estate News & Advice | realtor.com®.
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2nozSiN
Cobb Realtors celebrate achievements
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2oEt68J
Atlanta Realtors’ Phoenix levels
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2nFfahf
Atlanta Realtors Association top individual winners
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2oEzuwR
Atlanta Realtors Association Top Producers award categories
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2oEB5mn
Top producers recognized for metro Atlanta home sales
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2nFfa0J
Atlanta Realtors Association team winners
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2mTsH5T
The best of the best is recognized
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2nECmvU
‘Extraordinary’ $55M Estate in Southampton Is Most Expensive New Listing
realtor.com
As the weather gets warmer, the elite of NYC decamp to the Hamptons. This summer, a lucky buyer can revel in the ultimate luxury of a $55 million spread. The most expensive new listing on realtor.com® is located in none other than Southampton, NY.
The pristine farmland, miles of beaches, and extravagant old-money mansions of this lovely locale have served as inspiration for home buyer and artist alike.
Abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock painted here, as did pop art painter Roy Lichtenstein.
realtor.com
As properties go, this oceanfront offering is a masterpiece in its own right. Owning this “extraordinary” estate, last sold in 2004 for $19 million, according to public records, “may only happen once in a lifetime,” according to the listing.
“It’s very private. It’s got a lot of frontage on the ocean,” says listing agent Harald Grant, who was already busy showing the place to potential buyers when we spoke with him.
While he declined to confirm the current seller, the place previously belonged to Roone Arledge, the legendary broadcasting executive who died in 2002.
realtor.com
Built in1991, the property sits on about 4.5 acres and comes with views of the ocean as well as farmed fields and ponds.
Not only will you have privacy from neighbors, you’ll also get plenty of personal space from your guests. With 8,225 square feet of living space, eight beds, including a master and five guest suites, you can retreat into total relaxation.
The master suite offers a fireplace, office, and deck access. Communal spaces include multiple decks and a great room with fireplace and large picture windows.
realtor.com
The massive kitchen includes Sub-Zero refrigerators and three Bosch dishwashers. There’s an informal dining space which opens to a back deck.
A staircase from the kitchen takes you to the roof deck with views in every direction. The formal dining room seats 12.
realtor.com
Outside, if you don’t want to dip into the ocean, you can swim laps in the heated pool. Or heck, free your creative impulse and paint your sumptuous surroundings. We’re sure the next resident of this big beach retreat won’t lack for inspiration!
- For more photos and details, check out the full listing.
- Homes for sale in Southampton, NY
- Learn more about Southampton, NY
The post ‘Extraordinary’ $55M Estate in Southampton Is Most Expensive New Listing appeared first on Real Estate News & Advice | realtor.com®.
from DIYS http://ift.tt/2mTqvLH
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)