George Izquierdo Los Angeles Real Estate Broker

Highland Park-Garvanza History & popular architectural styles explained

2011-01-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of our Three decades of service in Highland Park, CA and we would like to share the historical richness and deep LA roots that this community offers to LA's interesting history & culture. The information below is extrapolated from the HPOZ preservation plan (see full report by clicking the link at the bottom of this post).

We will be sharing snippets of this report in a succession. Please enjoy the first installment which explains Highland Park's history as well as a wonderful explanation of a popular architectural style of home commonly found in Highland Park called "The Foursquare". Enjoy and feel free to leave feedback and comments below!

19th Century Styles: American Foursquare

History of Highland Park & Garvanza
Nestled between Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles, Highland Park,

and its various smaller neighborhoods, represents a direct link to the

developmental and cultural history of Southern California. A result

of the 1880’s land boom, it was one of the earliest L.A. subdivisions.

Bolstered through the years following its founding by easy access to

nearby rail transportation, the community would continue to grow up to the period after the Second World War. By the 1980s, new housing

developments were threatening to overrun the historic character of the neighborhood, generating a strong community interest in preserving and celebrating the history of the area. This would prompt the City of

Los Angeles to designate the area a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone in 1994.

Highland Park-Garvanza Period of Significance
The Highland Park-Garvanza HPOZ contains residential, educational, and commercial spaces built during the late 19th century and early to mid 20th century. It retains the character of these periods, and is host to many examples of styles including Craftsman, Colonial Revival, American Foursquare, Victorian, and Spanish Mission revival. Due to the broad defi nitions, the period of signifi cance is considered to be between 1886 and 1961. Like in many other historic Los Angeles neighborhoods, the pre-turn of the century homes were often based on East-Coast homes, built from pattern books or plans based on European models. The practice of building many styles of homes within the same neighborhood would lead to a salt-and-pepper effect, with old styles standing next to newer ones, establishing an eclectic fl avor to Highland Park. There are however some concentrated areas of buildings in the same style, which are described by the fi eld study as being prime examples of their respective types.

Background

The American Foursquare style is a residential style frequently used in

Los Angeles from the turn of the last century through the 1910s. Popular

in American suburban development, the style lent itself to low-cost

design that maximized square footage on small lots while presenting a

dignifi ed appearance. A precursor to the Craftsman and Prairie styles,

Foursquare houses tended to avoid the ornate detail associated with

styles such as Queen Anne and Eastlake.

Common Components of the Foursquare Style

A Foursquare house is generally two stories, with a simple square or

rectangular footprint, a low-pitched, usually hipped, roof, a front hippeddormer,

and a substantial, though often asymmetrical front porch.

Columns suggestive of the classical orders, dentils, and traditional

moldings are also commonly found on Foursquare houses. Windows are

always rectangular and may be arranged singularly or in groups—often

the fi rst fl oor will have grouped windows and the upper-fl oor will have

singular windows. Doorways are also rectangular and tend to be wide,

often with large panes of glass in the door or as side lights. Cladding

may be masonry, clapboard or to a lesser extent stucco.

Elements of the Foursquare are often found mixed with the early

Colonial Revival and Prairie styles, though the simplicity of the basic

Foursquare house lent itself to being decorated with the features of

many other styles popular at the time.

General Characteristics:

• Simple floor plan

• Boxy, cubic shape

• Full width or off-set front porch with columnar supports and wide

stairs

• Offset front entry in an otherwise symmetrical facade

• Two to two-and-a-half stories

• Pyramidal, hipped roof, often with wide eaves

• Large central dormer

• Large single light windows in front, otherwise double hung

• Incorporated design elements from other contemporaneous styles,

but usually in simple applications

• Simple and restrained two-color and three-color paint schemes

highlighting body, trim and accents

Highland Park-Garvanza PP Ch1-Ch6.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Las Casas Realty Executive Offices

5713 York BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 254-2206

LasCasasRealty.com

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Market for Vacation Homes Is on the Rise - WSJ.com

2011-01-24T10:20:00.000-08:00

By S. MITRA KALITA

Sales in many vacation communities across the U.S. soared last year to levels not seen since boom times, driven by deep discounts, cash purchases and buyers' rising stock portfolios.

On Mercer Island, Wash., waterfront sales nearly tripled in 2010, compared with a year earlier, reaching par with 2006 volume there. Sales on Hilton Head Island, S.C., rose 14% for the year. Palm Beach, Fla., experienced a 40% annual increase and a 54% increase in homes under contract, indicating an especially strong fourth quarter. Palm Beach sales volume now is comparable to its 2007 peak. These figures were gleaned by brokers in each locale.

"The proverbial train has left the station," said Ned Monell, an agent with Sotheby's International Realty in Palm Beach. "We haven't felt energy like this in a long time. Buyers sense that they've been on the sidelines long enough."

The question now is whether the momentum will last. The strength of second-home sales paints a stark contrast to the overall housing market, which is expected to worsen in 2011.

Existing-home sales in November rose 5.6% on an annualized basis, according to the National Association of Realtors, a trade and lobbying group. Last month, the Case-Shiller housing index of 20 cities showed prices across the U.S. fell in October, and most analysts predict another 5% to 10% slide in the coming year.

Data for the nationwide vacation-home market aren't tracked regularly. The National Association of Realtors conducts an annual survey of home buyers, but results for 2010 won't be out till March.

Yet the market for vacation homes, based on local sales data, appears to be booming. The comeback, NAR economist Lawrence Yun said, has been helped by gains in the stock market and an improving economy, which have made wealthier Americans more upbeat about the future. "It also implies that prices in some markets have come down so much that people are fighting for those properties," said Mr. Yun, noting that demand is strongest in areas close to stable labor markets.

According to the NAR, one in 10 real-estate transactions in 2009 was for the purchase of a vacation home. And though a small fraction of the overall market, it is significant because vacation homes are often big-ticket properties and attract discretionary buyers. Just four houses sold last year on Madeline Island, Wis., for example, but the island's average dwelling sells at two to three times the price of the county average, said Eric Kodner, a realty broker on the island.

Sales of second homes are showing an uptick even in more-affordable communities. In some locations, prices are even inching upward. Cape Cod sales climbed nearly 9% in 2010 from 2009, while prices rose 7%. Monroe County, Pa., in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, saw a 3% decline in transactions, but its Lake Naomi resort community was up nearly 15%. A one-acre plot off Lake Naomi recently fetched $1.1 million, a record deal for the area.

Still, in most markets where demand has improved, prices haven't. For Realtor Andy Twisdale in Hilton Head, S.C., it is too soon to rejoice; prices are down almost a third over the past five years. "People are buying at the very low end of the product," he said. "The financing is very difficult. Banks are requiring 25% down and crystal clean credit."

Buyers who qualify or can pay cash say this is the time to take the plunge. On New Year's Day, the Makarewicz family arrived in Pocono Pines, Pa., to look for a vacation home. They already own their primary residence in northern New Jersey and own a property in Damascus, a northeastern Pennsylvania town along the Delaware River. But the family says the latter doesn't offer enough things to do: Not enough shopping. Not enough activities for kids. Not even enough fish.

"How's the bass here?" Joe Makarewicz, a vice president for sales at a financial-services firm, asked Re/Max Realtor Rob Baxter as the two looked at floor plans.

The family plans to sell the Damascus house, which would allow them to pay cash for one near Lake Naomi. The resort community at Lake Naomi boasts pools, tennis courts, a recreation center and a golf course—and is equidistant from New York and Philadelphia.

Some second homes had been stuck on the market because sellers wouldn't budge on price; unlike owners of primary homes, they often aren't in a hurry to move.

"Sellers have become aware that they have to price their homes accordingly," said Harald Grant, a senior vice president at Sotheby's in New York's ritzy Hamptons region. "There's a perk in the market because a lot of prices have come down to where they should be."

This shift became clear to K. David Hirschey, who runs a consulting business in Minneapolis, as he hunted for a home on Madeline Island.

After competing in a summer swimming competition on the island, Mr. Hirschey decided to buy a home there, perhaps to rent it a few years and maybe retire there eventually. The first offer he made was rejected, he recalled, because the seller said, "We don't negotiate on properties here." The same thing happened with his bid on the next house.

Then he found a third property—four bedrooms, three baths—that began as a sale by owner, was taken off the market, then relisted under one broker, then another. It had been initially priced at $1.25 million, and remained on sale for two years.

"When I saw it, it was listed at $687,000," said Mr. Hirschey, a father of four children. He offered $530,000, furnishings included. "They wanted to negotiate and I said no," he said.

The tactic—an all-cash offer—worked, and Mr. Hirschey closed on the house in November, just in time for his family to spend the holidays there.

Market for Vacation Homes Is on the Rise - WSJ.com

Las Casas Realty Executive Offices

5713 York BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 254-2206

LasCasasRealty.com

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2011's green homes to be cheaper, smarter, tighter

2011-01-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

By Wendy Koch, USA TODAY

2011's green homes to be cheaper, smarter, tighter

The Earth Advantage Institute, a non-profit research group, expects green homes this year to become more affordable and energy efficient such as this Passive House-certified home built by Bilyeu Homes in Salem, Ore.

CAPTION

Courtesy of Earth Advantage Institute

What will be the top 2011 trends in green building? A non-profit research group expects green homes will become increasingly affordable, smart and energy-efficient -- all trends that Green House agrees are likely."We believe it's going to be a promising year for the green building industry," writes Tom Breunig of the Earth Advantage Institute, a Portland, Ore.-based group that has has certified more than 11,000 eco-friendly homes. A recent report by McGraw-Hill Construction also gives a rosy forecast.
Breunig said his group compiles its annual top 10 trends based on discussions with builders, developers, architects, real estate brokers, appraisers, lenders and homeowners. Last year's trends focused on water conservation, "rightsizing" of homes and "eco-districts" where people could walk or bike to most services.

Follow Green House on Twitter

This year's trends include increased recycling of "greywater," which is waste water from sinks and tubs (but not toilets) and greater use of smart meters as well as appliances that monitor their own energy use. Also expected: more accessory dwelling units or independent backyard cottages that function as rental units, studios, in-law suites or home offices.
What do you expect? I see a push to build homes that meet ultra-strict Passive House Institute standards for energy-efficiency. The Earth Advantage Institute cites these standards and a few other trends:

Rethinking of residential heating and cooling. Advances in applied building science in the U.S. and abroad have resulted in homes that are so tightly sealed and insulated that furnace-less, ductless homes are now a reality. The increasingly popular "Passive House" standard, for example, calls for insulation in walls and ceilings that is so thick that the home is actually heated by everyday activity of the occupants, from cooking to computer use.
Affordable green. Many consumers typically associate green and energy-efficient homes and features with higher costs. However, the development of new business models and technologies and the mainstreaming of high-performance materials is bringing high-performance, healthy homes within reach of all homeowners.
Sharing and comparing home energy use. As social and purchasing sites like Facebook and Groupon add millions more members, the sharing of home energy consumption data – for rewards – is not far behind. The website Earth Aid (www.earthaid.net) lets you track home energy usage and earn rewards for energy savings from local vendors. ... When coupled with other developments including home energy displays, a voluntary home energy scoring system announced by the Department of Energy, and programs including Oregon and Washington's Energy Performance Score, a lot more people will be sharing -- and comparing -- their home energy consumption.
Community purchasing power. Neighborhoods interested in renewable energy will increasingly band together to obtain better pricing on materials such as solar panels and on installation costs. The Solarize Portland program was initiated by local neighborhood leaders in Southeast Portland who wanted to increase the amount of renewable energy generated in their area by working together as a community. The program is structured so that the price of solar panel installation decreases for everybody as more neighbors join the effort.

Read the Full Story

Las Casas Realty Executive Offices

5713 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 254-2206

LasCasasRealty.com

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Real Estate: Finally a good investment?

2011-01-24T09:44:00.001-08:00

Smart Money

Real Estate: Finally a good investment?

The housing market still looks pretty bleak: There were a record 1 million foreclosures last year, home prices are still falling in many regions, and the number of "underwater" properties is at a record high.

And things don't look much better in other areas of real estate. The number of construction jobs continues to decline, even as other parts of the economy have added jobs. And mortgage rates have moved higher as long-term Treasury yields have backed up during the past few months.

Basically, the real estate market remains a mess.

Real estate encompasses a wide range of markets – homes, apartments, hospitals, office buildings, strip malls, dormitories and other properties. But for our purposes, let's focus on residential real estate, or homes. Here are four reasons to think residential real estate might represent a bargain – with one big caveat.

KEEP THIS IN MIND

• Everyone hates homes - When the housing market is in the doldrums, people tend to avoid thinking about the value of their home. Sellers complain they’re not getting offers and buyers bemoan the strict lending requirements. However, prospective buyers should be contrarian and take advantage of a down housing market.

• Smart people are buying real estate - A prominent hedge-fund manager said in a speech last fall: “If you don’t own a home, buy one. If you own a home, buy another one, and if you own two homes, buy a third and lend your relatives the money to buy a home.” He believes that interest rates and home prices will rise this year, so real estate bargains won’t last much longer.

• Real estate performs well during inflation – Convention says Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, commodities, and real estate do well in an inflationary environment. Real estate performed well during the period in the 1970s, when persistent inflation and high unemployment occurred.

• Demand may be coming back - Job creation and getting people employed are the two major factors in the housing rebound. There’s much debate about when the job market will recovery. Optimists say the recovery will happen this year, while pessimists say it won’t happen for several years.

Read the full story:

http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/real-estate/-1295050347411/

Las Casas Realty Executive Offices

5713 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 254-2206

LasCasasRealty.com

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OPEN HOUSE -Jan 22nd 2011- 633 S. Avenue 59. 11 am - 2 pm.

2011-01-19T00:47:00.000-08:00

Call & Ask Jessy A. or Fernando A. for details: OPEN HOUSE - 633 S. Avenue 59. 11 am - 2 pm.

:: MLS LISTING INFO TO FOLLOW:: Email lascasas32@gmail.com for details.

Las Casas Realty Executive Offices

5713 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 254-2206

LasCasasRealty.com

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OPEN HOUSE - 1912 Ramona Rd. Time: 11 am - 3 pm. Date: Jan 22nd & Jan 23rd MLS# 12146195

2011-01-19T00:39:00.000-08:00

See Additional Pictures

1912 W Ramona Road Alhambra, CA 91803

$335,000

Traditional California bungalow. Adjacent to 10 Freeway, very private area. Some upgrades throughout, newer bathroom. Central heat and AC. Close proximity to Granada Park. Spacious detached 2 car garage with storage area. Pest inspection has been completed at seller's expense and is available for review.

Directions: West of Raymond Ave. and North of Hellman Ave.

ML#:12146195

Year Built: 1945

Price/SqFt

$427.30

Property Type

Residential

Map Coordinates

635, J1

Property SubType

Single Family

County

Los Angeles

Tax ID

5353002054

School District

Alhambra School Dist

Beds: 2

Baths (FTHQ): 1 (1 0 0 0)

Roofing

Composition Shingle

Approx Square Feet

784

Terms

Cash to New Loan, Real

Lot Sq Ft (approx)

4247

Estate Owned

Lot Acres (approx)

0.097

Presented By:

January 2011

Tricia L Bautista Lic: 01474872

Primary: 818-521-3060

Secondary: 818-521-3060

E-mail: tlbautista@aol.com

Web Page: http://mysoldinthecity.com

Las Casas Realty, Inc. Lic:

5713 York Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90042

323-254-2206

Fax: 323-254-8619

The above featured property may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this brochure.

Information is provided as a courtesy by the i-Tech MLS, has not been verified, is not guaranteed, and is subject to change. The method and manner of calculating Days On Market (DOM) may not reflect the total number of days a property has been made available for sale.
Copyright ©2011 Rapattoni Corporation. All rights reserved.
U.S. Patent 6,910,045

MLS Report Flyer (218)

Las Casas Realty Executive Offices

5713 York BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 254-2206

LasCasasRealty.com

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OPEN HOUSE - 615 N. Ave 56 90042 Jan 19th 11 am - 4 pm.

2011-01-19T00:32:00.001-08:00

Contact Reyna & Emily for more information:

See Additional Pictures

615 N Avenue 56 Los Angeles, CA 90042

$299,900

Take advantage of this opportunity. This is a Fannie Mae HomePath property. Purchase this property for as little as 3% down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage Financing and HomePath Renovation Mortgage Financing. This is a must see as the property has undergone numerous upgrades. This property features new exterior and interior paint, new carpet, new kitchen flooring, new stove, new garage door as well as some new fixtures. This property is located on a very large lot that is perfect for entertaining and comes with a large driveway capable of fitting multiple vehicles. This property shows well. Sold as is, Seller makes no guarantees. Buyer to perform their own investigations regarding information pertaining to this property.

Directions: South of York, East of North Ave 50, North of Figueroa, West of North Avenue 59

ML#:10497233

Year Built: 1902

Lot Acres (approx)

0.147

Property Type

Residential

Price/SqFt

$352.00

Property SubType

Single Family

Map Coordinates

595, C2

Tax ID

5478019018

County

Los Angeles

Style

Other

School District

Beds: 2

Baths (FTHQ): 1 (0 0 0 0)

Floors

Other

Approx Square Feet

852

Terms

Real Estate Owned

Lot Sq Ft (approx)

6390

Presented By:

January 2011

Tricia L Bautista Lic: 01474872

Primary: 818-521-3060

Secondary: 818-521-3060

E-mail: tlbautista@aol.com

Web Page: http://mysoldinthecity.com

Las Casas Realty, Inc. Lic:

5713 York Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90042

323-254-2206

Fax: 323-254-8619

The above featured property may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this brochure.

Get Details Here: MLS Client Detail Report(294)

Las Casas Realty Executive Offices

5713 York BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 254-2206

LasCasasRealty.com

Review LCR on Yelp!

Hecho in El Lay - Los Angeles magazine

2011-01-09T23:29:00.001-08:00

Hecho in El Lay

Mixing West Coast hip-hop with Mexican brass band sounds, the duo Akwid raps for a changing city
By Josh Kun

Los Angeles magazine, September 2010
When Sergio and Francisco Gómez were teenagers in South Los Angeles in the early 1990s, they lived across the street from a drug house. Watching the dealers from the windows of the small apartment they shared with their factory worker mother, they received a firsthand lesson in the finer points of the rock cocaine trade. But the drugs never interested the two brothers, who came to L.A. from Michoacán, Mexico, as young kids in the late ’70s. They were more drawn to the music booming from the car that seemed permanently parked in front of the house.

“They would bump hip-hop all night long,” says Francisco. “They always had their windows rolled down so the whole block could hear it. That’s when we first heard rappers like Toddy Tee and King Tee. It became the model of how music should be for us. We wanted to sound like those guys.”

Read The Story: Columns - Hecho in El Lay - Los Angeles magazine

Las Casas Realty Executive Offices

5713 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 254-2206

LasCasasRealty.com

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Pricing: Finding the Magic Number: Sales & Marketing: REALTOR Magazine

2011-01-09T22:19:00.000-08:00

Finding the Magic Number

Pricing strategies can help you market your listings and generate offers that turn into closed deals.
By Katherine Tarbox | January 2011 (via Realtor.org)

"Once you get a real estate license, you can start telling consumers what their homes are worth," says Melanie McLane, ABR, CRB, owner of the Melanie Group in Jersey Shore, Pa. She’s a certified appraiser with more than 30 years’ experience in real estate. "But I find many people aren’t prepared or haven’t done their homework to know what the market will support before giving price estimates."

And just doing your homework isn’t the end of setting a price; it’s also important to have a pricing strategy that works for your market and your clients. Here are four techniques:

Read the article: Pricing: Finding the Magic Number: Sales & Marketing: REALTOR Magazine

Beautiful home with lots of character on a quiet tree-lined street.

2011-01-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

Listing #22147133 $699,000 (LP) Price/SqFt: 338.66	1062 Del Rey Ave, Pasadena, CA 91107 Active
	Beds: 3*	Baths: 2 (2 0 0 0) (FTHQ)	Sq Ft: 2064	Lot Sz: 7050sqft*
	Area: 646	Yr: 1939*

Beautiful home with lots of character on a quiet tree-lined street. Well established family neighborhood, walking distance to Victory Park for picnics, sports and the weekly Farmer's Market; Eaton Canyon trails and waterfall; and Rose Parade and Float viewing! This graceful home has been wonderfully maintained and tastefully updated - original hardwood floors, vintage fireplace, crown molding, and charming windows are just some of the features. Great home for entertaining with an open floorplan that leads to a wonderful backyard with beautiful mountain views. The backyard has a large grassy area that children will love and a perfect patio for tables and chairs. The yard boasts fruit trees including plum, fig, lemon, peach and more! Move in ready

Listed by:Redfin Corp

Listing Detail #22147133 - Residential

Check out Las Casas Realty's current property listings of homes for sale in Los Angeles

2011-01-06T11:26:00.001-08:00

Check out Las Casas Realty's current property listings of homes for sale in Los Angeles

Click Here to view listings

Contact Us:

323.254.2206

lascasas32@gmail.com

Las Casas Realty Executive Offices

5713 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 254-2206

LasCasasRealty.com

Review LCR on Yelp!

Foreclosure Angel: Stranger Buys Foreclosed House at Auction and Gave it back to Owner!

2011-01-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

YouTube - Foreclosure Angel: Stranger Buys Foreclosed House at Auction and Gave it back to Owner!

Las Casas Realty Executive Offices

5713 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 254-2206

LasCasasRealty.com

Review LCR on Yelp!

NewBeginnings Las Casas Realty, Inc.

2011-01-05T23:41:00.000-08:00

Veteran Latino Real Estate Broker Celebrates 32 years of business in Los Angeles

2011-01-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release

Contact: Trish Bautista

818-859-7800

trish@getprsmart.com

“Lead by Example”

(Highland Park, CA)-- That’s been the motto at Las Casas Realty Inc. for over three decades. The highland Park-based, Latino-owned real estate brokerage, which celebrates 32 years of real estate service this October 2010, prides itself on connecting buyer with seller and contributing to creating roots throughout Los Angeles.

A native of Ecuador, and married with a family of three, broker/owner of Las Casas Realty, George Izquierdo’s vision has never wavered. He envisioned not only the need of the Hispanic community to invest in LA real estate but also recognized their ability and willingness to be homeowners.

As a result of Izquierdo’s vision and detemination, today Las Casas Realty is thriving and bursting with success and opportunity. George Izquierdo continues to serve but in ways others only now are dreaming of. Las Casas Realty is a buying and selling agency, and one of the few in North East Los Angeles with a long standing relationship with the government-sponsored enterprise, Fannie Mae. The agents at Las Casas Realty, who offer a combined 100+ years of experience are adept at handling short sales as well as with REO management and recruiting.

Izquierdo offers entry-level, mid-level, and professional employment opportunities to hundreds of Latinos in greater Los Angeles, serving as mentor and leader. “After all, to be first, we must first be servant,” he says.

Today, success is new and vibrant at Las Casas Realty. And what hasn’t changed is Izquierdo’s vision and philosophy: Action springs from thought and from readiness for responsibility. Izquierdo has done well by doing good. For what lies behind Izquierdo and what lies before Las Casas Realty are tiny matters-- compared to what lies within. Izquierdo and Las Casas Realty is not just another Chicken Soup success story. It’s a realization about Los Angeles, and America, and Latino America.

Las Casas Realty, Inc. is located at 5713 York Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90042. Visit lascasasrealty.com for more information. For Press Information About George Izquierdo and Las Casas Realty, Inc., contact Trish Bautista at PR SMart 4100 w. Magnolia Blvd. #D Burbank, CA 91505 (818)859-7800 trish@getprsmart.com

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