Attending an Open House in Glassell Park? Know these Rules

If you’re searching for your dream home in Glassell Park, attending open houses can be a great opportunity to explore the property and determining if a home and neighborhoodis right for you.

Homes in Glassell Park, a mostly hillside neighborhood in Northeast Los Angeles, close to Highland Park and Mt. Washington, have become highly desirable by homebuyers. The neighborhood is typified by both older mid-century homes as well as new architecture. No two homes are alike and the homes and streets are filled with character.

Attending an open house can be a powerful method of obtaining information on a potential dream house. With the help of your Glassell Park real estate agent, you will be given an opportunity to envision yourself making the property home. Be sure to bring all your questions and prepare your real estate agent with your housing preferences to make the most diligent decision after attending the open house.

Here are some rules about open houses that will ensure that you respect the property, the agent, and the time and effort spent at the house.

For the first rule, attempt to park on the street. The driveway is a piece of the property and should be left strictly for the owner of the house. There is no need to ring the doorbell or knock if you are attending an open house. Just remember to wipe your feet before entering to reduce leaving your footprints around the house. Leaving your mark will not improve your chances of winning the territory.

Even if no one is currently living there, remember that the home belongs to someone else. Refrain from touching their possessions and opening drawers, unless you are asked to do so specifically. It is generally kind to ask permission to take pictures and to use the restroom.

Keep negative comments about the house to yourself until you vacate the property. The agent and the seller are working hard to sell the home and appreciate the respect of kind words from potential buyers. If you have enough negative comments, you should probably look elsewhere for a house.

The selling agent is there to provide you with the best experience possible. That being said, they are trying to give everyone a high-quality experience so please be respectful of their time and process. If he or she does not greet you upon arrival, call out to them; they may be assisting another potential buyer. Some agents have registers at the front for marketing purposes, be sure to fill out the required contact information so they receive credit for their job. If you have questions about the house, read over the information sheets, which can be found in the fly box inside or outside the house. If you still have outstanding questions ask the realtor, but be mindful to not take up too much of his or her time. The agent will take you on a tour of the house, this is the best time to ask any questions and learn about the home.

Do not attend an open house without your agent, unless they give you permission to do so. Doing anything without consulting your agent may result in more work for them or loss in money. Your real estate agent’s job is to negotiate the best deal possible for you. The agent representing the seller is trying to give him or her the best deal and without your agent present they can easily construct a deal which benefits the seller significantly more than it does you. The more information your agent has, the more capable they will be in making your dream come true.

Do not hesitate to ask your agent to attend an open house with you. It is their job to be available and assist you on your journey of find a home. With their help at an open house, they will be able to see any issues with the property that the seller’s agent may fail to remember. If they are unable to attend, let them know which open house you want to visit so they can set up an arrival time with the seller’s agent. This way the seller’s agent knows you are rightly represented and not an easy target for a swift deal.

An effective way to protect yourself is to sign a buyer’s agency agreement with your agent. This will legalize the relationship with your agent and prevent you from working with a forceful listing agent who doesn’t want to sign the agreement. It is recommended to use your agent as necessary to help with any confusing paperwork and difficult steps in the process of purchasing a Glassell Park home.

Own a Classic NELA Vintage Home? Keep it Classic!

Maintaining proper care for your vintage or classic Northeast Los Angeles home is essential to sustaining its value and contributing to the neighborhood’s overall curb appeal.

The creation of the diverse metropolis that is Los Angeles was characterized by a slue of unique ideas from influential cultures coming together over time. These ideas sprouted various types of “character homes” which are found throughout Los Angeles today. This is particularly evident in the North East where real estate in Glassell Park, Highland Park, Garvanza and Hermon, as well as Eagle Rock and Mt. Washington, are typified by Spanish Revival, Colonial, French Tudor and Victorian styles.

These historical homes have a particular style, which increase the home’s and property value and makes the neighborhood more desirable. Over time, tradition becomes muddy and homeowners are not aware of the proper way to keep their historically home healthy and authentic. Nowhere in Northeast Los Angeles is this more evident than in Highland Park homes that were once classic craftsman bungalows but have been turned into stucco homes, destroying the classic nature of the home and the street.

In order for these homes to be appreciated by future generations, here are the nine most important rehabilitation projects: wood siding, stucco and masonry, paint, windows, front doors, roofs and chimneys, porches and balconies, fences and gates and landscape/ hardscape.

Wood Siding may seem like petty paneling, but this is the skeleton, which structures the home’s original look. Termites and dry rot are the two most active offenders in destroying wood siding. Dry rot occurs where there is water build up in the wood. If you are able to slide a nail through the wood, this is a sign that the wood siding needs to be replaced immediately. Termites can be fought with a couple of preventative actions. Redwood and Douglas Fir wood is more sturdy and resistant against termites. If you discover any cracks or holes in the wood, especially near the ground, take time to seal these entryways.

General wood siding upkeep includes rigorous cleaning and attention. If you discover any mold or stains you can wipe it clean with a little bit of bleach water and detergent. It is recommended to first repair wood before replacing it. Holes can be filled with epoxy and a fresh coat of paint. If wood must be replaced, it is essential to use the same type of wood as the original. Most homes have at least two contrasting types and colors of siding near the top and the bottom of the house. Do not use wood siding on brick homes; the style of the home will lose its integrity. Wood siding should never be covered with other materials such as stucco or vinyl.

Stucco and masonry are different wall texture techniques that can be found in Spanish, Craftsman or Tudor homes. Just as our ancestors did, stucco should be applied by hand in two or three coats over brick, metal, or wood lath. Stucco is often paired with brick walls in Tudor homes. Stucco should have a light texture enough to invoke visual stimulation. If the texture is too deep, dirt will begin to build up and ruin the walls. Masonry and mortar work together to hold stones, concrete and bricks together. Many Los Angeles homes made of river rock use masonry to support the structure of the home. However, if you use river rocks do not ruin the natural hue of their unique color by painting over them.

Stucco and masonry are both easily reparable, but you should be vigilant in check for water damage to prevent leaks. Stucco should never be covered with wood or brick. Stucco should be cleaned with minimal pressure power washer made up of two gallons of hot water, a splash of dish soap, a cup of washing soda and one cup of borax. Do not use this mixture for masonry. Masonry is susceptible to moisture; therefore it should only be cleaned when there is excess dirt with a low-power pressure washer full of water and non-ionic detergent.

Paint not only gives a house special character and flair, but it also protects the wood from excess damage. Each home style has its own palette of colors. Victorian style houses, prominent in homes in Montecito Heights, have three to five colors and play around with accentuating unique aspects of the architecture with light and dark colors. Craftsman and Bungalow styles, such as those found in Pasadena homes for sale are found in earth tones of green, gray, brown and red. Spanish homes are topped with southern terra cotta roofs and stucco walls. Instead of paint, these homes have colored stucco of brown, rust or gray. Mid-Century Modern homes consist of pastel colors on the body and dark contrasting colors for the siding and trim. Tudor homes had original colored stucco and masonry on their roofs with dark browns and blacks for the trim and light shades of cream or white as the main color.

To keep your paint vibrant and clean, wipe it down with normal household cleaners. A lot of homes built before 1978 were painted with lead paint. If you must remove this paint, it is essential that you cover your eyes, nose and mouth, and only remove the top layer. If you are looking to make some money, contact the Lead Hazard Reduction Program who will pay you to redo the paint on your home if there is lead. It is also wise to hire a licensed, professional painter.

Windows found on historic character homes filter in sunlight with their multiple panes of glass. These panes are separated by wood dividers and are great for temperature and sound control. Many character homes will have stained glass windows or casement windows. Casement windows swing both inward and outward. Casement windows have thin grids that serve to draw in cool air for the summer and to retain heat for the winter.

The key to preserving historic windows is to take care of the hardware and the trim. It is generally cheaper to repair windows as opposed to replacing them. If you must replace a window, be sure to match the size, material and design. In historical homes this may require a custom high-paying professional. Refrain from adding additional windows or inserting window air conditioning units. If windows must be added, the new windows should be identical to the originals.

Front door styles vary depending on the style of the home. Because this is the entryway to the home, it should be dressed with special lighting, plants or furniture. Front door replacement jobs in homes are usually custom jobs that can be done easily. Because the wood in doors may swell over time, it may be necessary to sand down the door or add a weather strip to prevent sticking or air drafts. Keep the original hardware of doorknocker and hinges to preserve the original feel of the door. If these pieces are lost or broken, do your best to find pieces that look similar in style.

If you are lucky enough to own a historic door, here are some classic “do nots”. Single panel doors should never become double doors or be placed off-center from the opening of the house. Never replace a corporate made door with a historical one and do not cover your front door with a metal security door.

Roofs and chimneys vary depending on the style of the house. A lot of chimneys in Los Angeles have fallen away due to earthquakes and were never rebuilt because of the warm weather and lack of necessity. However, chimneys add style and decoration to character homes and need to be repaired upon initial damage. Otherwise, the cracks/ broken pieces will spread and can cause the whole chimney to fall.

The roof of your house should include all original designs like eaves and gutters. Refrain from adding satellite dishes or antennas to the roof that are visible form the sidewalk. Keep the original material of the roof, be it stucco or clay. Changing the style of the roof can cause your historic home to lose its magical feel.

Porches and balconies give a home flair and comfort enabling the inhabitants and guests to lounge outside and enjoy the serene Los Angeles weather. Each style of home has its own unique porch or balcony. Victorian homes have airy porches with a lot of detail that make it an ideal environment for plants. Craftsman homes utilize columns that support the porch around the length of the house. Other homes like Spanish and Tudors may have overhangs instead of an actual porch or balcony.

If your porch or balcony is damaged it is best to find replacement materials that match the original and redo only the damaged area. Never fill in a porch or balcony with solid walls and keep the original railings or columns to keep the original look intact.

Fences and gates were not added to historic homes for the purpose of security. They were initially created as a “set decoration” to showcase the yard. You will see many fences in historic homes made of river rocks and concrete. If you want to keep the character of your historical home, remain faithful to the original path or stairs that lead up to your home. New fences should match the style of your home or should be see through like wrought iron fencing. A fence should never draw attention away from the beauty and character of your home.

Landscapes were more common in historical homes than fences. These handsome yards consisted of trees, grass and plants. The hardscape of your home consists of “non-soft” elements like stones and bricks. A traditional front yard landscape was a walkway from the sidewalk surrounded by a simple lawn. Many historic landscapes feel full with mature trees and hedges to add character and greenery. Do not ever replace lawn or slopes with hardscape. If you need to replace a lawn for draught purposes consult a professional landscaper to develop a yard of indigenous plants that will thrive in the weather. Do not widen your walkways and driveways or use colored materials on your hardscape. Natural colors are always preferred.

It may seem difficult to keep the original integrity of a classic home, but vigilance and routine upkeep can keep your home looking fresh and beautiful for years to come. If you keep your classic home “classic” they are many institutions and organizations who will offer you grants and loans with low interest rates to assist you on your journey of owning this beautiful piece of art.

Is Flipping Homes in Highland Park a Good Investment?

Flipping homes in Highland Park can be a highly rewarding home-selling experience, benefitting both buyer and seller, as long as it is done correctly.

Is house flipping an efficient way to make a living? At the beginning of the new millennium the soaring housing market enabled people to buy a less-than-luxurious home at a cheap price, spend several weeks beautifying and making improvements and then putting it on the market to make a handsome profit.

Run down homes in Highland Park in Northeast Los Angeles were purchased cheaply purchased by investors. Close by neighborhoods like Glassell Park, Eagle Rock and Mt. Washington also saw a huge spike in home flipping activity. Once purchased, these investing homebuyers could double or triple their money, since these same neighborhoods were in high demand buy buyers.

However, in 2008 the market crashed and since then the economy has been trudging up the slippery slope of investing in house flipping in order to make the housing market prosperous again.

In order for house flipping to be successful, there must be a heavy amount of momentum to push the process through quickly from the purchase to the re-sale. If you’re considering flipping a home in Highland Park, here are four tips to build up momentum by adding speed and precision to the house flipping process.

1. Purchase the home with cash. Loans may be helpful when purchasing an expensive dream home, but when it comes to house flipping they have more cons than pros. Loans take time to be approved and are accompanied by fees and interest that are unnecessary for owning a “flipped” house. Focus first on cheap properties that you can afford. Once you find your routine you will be able to purchase more expensive properties.

2. Sell the home fast. Once the remodel is complete, get it on the market immediately and sell it once you get a decent deal. Do not hold out for the maximum profit. Once you sell this home you can begin your search for the next and build up your momentum. If you sell three houses at a medium high price per year versus one house at a maximum high price, you can double or triple your profit.

3. Prioritize simple repairs. You will lose time and money if you attempt to remodel the house by redoing the bathrooms and knocking down walls. Focus on cosmetic repairs such as new paint, windows, carpet and concrete. These changes can transform a house of grunge into a house beauty.

4. Do your research. Before you purchase a house to flip, there are several key factors you should consider. Estimate how much time and money it will take to renovate. Look at similar houses in the area and compare prices to determine if your potential profit will be significant enough for all of the work and time that will be spent.

Highland Park – as well as Eagle Rock, Glassell Park and Mt. Washington real estate is an ideal neighborhood to begin the business of flipping homes. There are many older homes in these older, classic neighborhoods that need updating and fixing. And because these homes are in such high demand by buyers, it’s unlikely that you will lose money on your home flipping investment.