Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Report: Suze Orman Lists Her Place at The Plaza

shutterstock_92729017Financial maven Suze Orman is set to turn a tidy profit on a small apartment in The Plaza, New York’s famed hotel and now residences.

Orman is asking $4.5 million for the 1,279-square-foot unit, as Curbed New York first reported.

She got a deal on it in 2007, when she paid $3.68 million. The same apartment with Central Park views was going for $3 million more, the talk-show host told The Wall Street Journal.

Real estate investing isn’t her thing, Orman said, adding that she pays cash for homes. “If I can’t write a check for it, I can’t afford it,” she said.

Like a grown-up version of Eloise, the 1950s children’s book character who lived in The Plaza, Orman enjoys the apartment’s location and perks, including room service, housekeeping and an upscale food court, she told the Journal.

She and her wife, Kathy Travis, thought the white-gloved butlers are a little over the top, and their unit needed a year-long remodel to pull it out of Motel 6 territory.

Now it’s a luxurious 1-bedroom, 2-bath apartment with herringbone hardwood floors, silver-leaf crown moldings and a chandelier in the bedroom. It comes furnished with designer furniture and window treatments.

Living at The Plaza also means in-building access to some of New York’s storied hangouts, including The Palm Court, The Oak Room, The Champagne Bar, The Rose Club, and The Grand Ballroom.

The listing agent is Corcoran‘s Charlie Attias.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/report-suze-orman-lists-at-plaza-184523/
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4 Outdoor Fireplaces Perfect for Fall Entertaining

While the long summer nights may be coming to a close, your outdoor entertaining opportunities are just getting started. Extend your home beyond your sliding glass door by using an outdoor fireplace to keep the party going. Here are four settings perfect for warming up and chilling out.

Home away from home

If you and your family and friends spend most of your evenings outdoors, consider bringing the inside, outside. Add homey details like a mantle, shelving, and outdoor furniture around the fireplace unit for a cozy space to curl up on a cool night.

This type of area, with its rustic vibe and comfortable ambiance, is ideal for treating the kids to s’mores or sharing a glass of wine with friends at the end of the evening.

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Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

Totally transparent

For a luxe look, consider installing a double-sided outdoor fireplace. Not only does this style open up your entire backyard area, but it also allows for better ventilation throughout the space.

Add a uniquely fashioned grate to one side to protect plants and guests from sparks or ash.

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Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

Chimney charm

Every outdoor landscape needs a great focal point, and in the case of a fireplace, it's a beautifully crafted chimney. While you have the option to choose a minimalist fire pit or simple bowl feature, why not highlight your outdoor fireplace by utilizing unique texture, an interesting shape, or robust color?

This chimney is a standout feature in this hidden backyard area. The cool gray stone plays well with the bold brick walls and overall dark color palette. By using two textures and two colors, the chimney adds dimension and interest to this carved out cove.

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Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

Modern minimalism

Outdoor fireplaces don't always have to be made of brick or stone. Try a minimalist approach to the outdoor fireside by mixing up its color and shape.

In this outdoor area, the hearth is long and lean, boasting an open flame that flickers safely because of the smaller flames emitted. With this type of look, keep a safe distance between the fireplace and flammable furniture and textiles, and situate it near brick or stone to reduce the risk of overheating and burning anything in close proximity.

Add outdoor furniture that matches your contemporary fireplace to complement the look.

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Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

See more outdoor fireplace inspiration.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/outdoor-fireplaces-entertaining-184533/
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It's No Hogwarts: Daniel Radcliffe Asks $19K a Month for Sleek Soho Rental

shutterstock_210581503Malfoy need not apply.

Daniel Radcliffe, after all these years still everyone’s favorite warlock, is looking for renters for his modern high-rise apartment in Soho.

The listing promises “Mercer Street Magic,” with a wink at the ownership of this 1,843-square-foot pad in a glass-walled building with a large gym plus swimming pool.

The 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath apartment features hardwood floors, high ceilings, lots of light, and a contemporary kitchen.

The master bath is the showstopper, with a walk-in shower, dual sinks with stylized lights and shelves, and a giant tub suitable for a Quidditch player in need of a long muscle soak.

Radcliffe paid $4.29 million for these digs in 2007 but “The Boy Who Lived” didn’t live here long - the actor quickly rented it out, according to The New York Times.

The rental listing agent is Chris Pomeroy of Halstead Property.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/daniel-radcliffe-soho-rental-184502/
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Combining Houseplants for Decorative Arrangements

If you aren't already making your own container combinations with houseplants, you're really missing out. They bring a bit of the outdoors to even the smallest spaces,  and are a lot easier to water than plants grown on their own.

Here are nine reasons you should be combining your houseplants, and how to do it in nine easy steps.

small-world9 reasons to combine houseplants

  • Less watering. Watering an assortment of potted plants can be a pain. With a combo, however, you just water once.
  • Living flower arrangements. Flower arrangements are great, but there's just something so captivating about a living ecosystem in your home. In addition, living arrangements are more economical than cut flowers over time, because they last a lot longer.
  • Fits your decor. Going for a traditional look? Use cast iron plant, parlor palm, and ferns in an urn or terra-cotta pot. More modern? Plant snake plant, Haworthia and Gasteria in a sleek container. Primitive tropical? Fill a rattan basket with an exuberant pot of rainforest plants.
  • Stays alive. Even if a plant or two dies, the others will quickly fill in the gap. If you're impatient, all you have to do is tuck another one in its place.
  • It's therapeutic. Successfully cultivating life just feels good. You'd be amazed by how relaxing and rewarding an occasional trim or topdressing of soil can be.
  • It's a garden, indoors. A well-planted arrangement truly feels like a little piece of garden in the middle of your home - minus the creepy-crawlies and hard work.
  • Ideal for small spaces. Everyone has room for an indoor garden. These arrangements can range from just a few inches wide to taking up as much space as a dining chair. No matter the size, the impact is huge.
  • A creative outlet. If you get your kicks from cooking, crafting, drawing or writing, then just look at an indoor arrangement as an extension of your craft. It's a recipe of plants; a craft that hot-glues itself in place; a masterpiece in four dimensions; an adventure in your mind's eye.
  • Year-round gardening. Throughout most of the country, winter puts the garden on hold for a few months. In the Deep South and Southwest, summer keeps you in the air-conditioned comfort of your home. Your indoor garden will keep you company until nicer weather.

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How to combine houseplants

Now that you're ready to plant your own indoor living arrangement of plants, here's how you do it. Note that it's almost exactly like planting an outdoor container combo.

  1. Gather materials. Choose a pot with a drainage hole and potting mix. The drainage hole is important because it keeps the water from stagnating and rotting the plants' roots.
  2. Pick your plants. Select a few plants that tolerate the same conditions. For example, don't put a sun-loving cactus in a pot with a shade- and moisture-loving fern.
  3. Add potting mix. Fill the pot almost all the way, leaving enough room for the plants.
  4. Add plants. Slip the plants out of their pots and place in the big pot.
  5. Arrange plants. Situate plants so that the tall ones are in the rear. This ensures that each plant gets light. Put trailing plants like pothos along the edge so they can cascade over the rim.
  6. Add more potting mix. Add enough potting mix to sit level with the tops of the plants' root balls (the pot-shaped mass of dirt and roots).
  7. Water. Water thoroughly to level out the potting mix and eliminate any air gaps. Where the potting mix has sunk, add more.
  8. Fertilize. Feed the plants according to your product's label instructions. Authentic Haven Compost Tea is a good choice, since it’s organic and effective, and the nutrients stay in the potting mix.
  9. Properly place. Place your container combo where it gets bright indirect light, meaning that it's bright enough to read comfortably without flipping a light switch. Some plants, such as cacti, succulents and some plants grown for flowers, prefer direct light. This means that your plants get a clear view of the sun for at least a few hours a day.

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If you'd like to know more about combining houseplants, check out my book Plant by Numbers. It offers comprehensive plant listings to help you choose and combine your own designs, 50 sample combos, and everything you need to know about keeping your houseplants happy and healthy.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/combine-houseplants-arrangements-184490/
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Sold! Enchanted Treehouse With an Artist's Touch

On a forest hilltop in Mississippi sits this treehouse among southern magnolias, maples and white oak.

It’s easy to picture the builder, late artist Johnny Knight, sitting with a dog-eared copy of “The Hobbit” and coming up with this enchanted dwelling.

Back in 1971, he set massive cypress stumps in a clearing and erected an octagonal 1-bedroom, 1-bath house atop them.

The current owner bought the treehouse after Johnny died, bolstered the structure and added flourishes like a tongue-and-groove ceiling, a stacked stone fireplace, hand-crafted doors, and a redwood bar and countertops.

The treehouse includes a walkway to a platform overlooking the 4.5-acre property, which features two creeks and a zipline.

“We do have two fairies that have already moved into the treehouse, and if you look closely you will notice two fairy doors,” according to a listing posted last week by Sue Humphreys of Re/Max.

Asking price: $135,000.

The home is already under contract, Humphreys said.

“We had 60 people through at an open house on Sunday, and I could’ve written about 12 contracts,” she added.

People just keep calling. “I’ve never had a property get this much attention. … I can’t get dressed. I can’t eat,” Humphreys said.

She doubts the buyer will accept offers to buy out her contract. It’s a cousin of Johnny Knight’s.

“It’s going to stay in the family, which is as it should be, because of the local history,” she said.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/enchanted-treehouse-184464/
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015

UPDATE: Robin Williams' Vineyard Estate Takes $3M Price Cut

UPDATE: After 10 months on the market, the listing for late comedian Robin Williams’ former vineyard estate in Napa has taken a $3-million price cut. The asking price is now $22.9 million for a 20,000-square-foot mansion on 639 acres atop the Mayacamas Mountains.

ORIGINAL POST 11/26/14: The legacy of incomparable actor and comedian Robin Williams — from "Mork & Mindy" to classics like "Good Will Hunting" and "Mrs. Doubtfire" — will live on forever. And now a piece of his personal history is hitting the market again — a venerable Napa, CA estate worthy of the man whose death this year came far too early.

Williams' longtime vineyard residence, called the "crown jewel of Napa" in the listing, is currently available for $25.9 million. One of the Valley's most notable estates, Williams called it Villa Sorriso — or "Villa of Smiles" — and there’s no doubt the luxurious property prompts smiles.

The main residence was commissioned by Williams and built in 2003 by David Gast and Associates. Inspired by the Palladian philosophy of dramatic architectural statements grounded with harmony and balance inside, the home manages to be at once extravagant and welcoming.

Perfectly suited for relaxing and entertaining, the elegant villa has 5 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms in 20,000 square feet. From the classic exterior of Portuguese limestone and oak-paneled rooms to a 12-seat indoor theater and climate-controlled wine and art storage, the estate lacks nothing. There is even the thrill of a private tower accessible via a bridge from the master suite.

For the outdoor enthusiast, a 9-stall horse barn, tennis court, hiking trails and a spring-fed pond for bass fishing provide endless opportunities. The home’s blue-tiled roof melts into the sky, and the infinity and lap pools overlook the mountains and nearby Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

The 639-acre property is a working vineyard with more than 18 acres producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc varietals. The grapes are bought by Robert Craig Winery, a highly-rated vintner, says listing agent Cyd Greer of Coldwell Banker. Over 100 fruit-producing olive trees also dot the property, with plenty more acreage that could be cultivated.

Williams did try to sell the estate a few years back, and it was unofficially available earlier this year. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were in the market, but opted for a much smaller property, purchasing a 3-acre estate with a vineyard this summer.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/robin-williams-longtime-home-listed-165193/
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Mortgage Rate Update

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages did not change this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgages at 3.73 percent, unchanged from last week.

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose on Friday, then hovered around 3.76 percent before falling to the current rate Tuesday.

"Mortgage rates are almost unchanged from last week despite some volatility in response to mixed messages from incoming data and Fed commentary," said Erin Lantz, vice president of mortgages at Zillow. "Despite a number of important speeches and data releases this week, expectations for the first Fed rate hike are firmly focused on December. We expect rates will remain roughly flat in the absence of exceptional global events."

Additionally, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate was 2.92 percent, and for 5/1 ARMs, the rate was 2.74 percent.

Check Zillow Mortgages for mortgage rate trends and up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state, or use the mortgage calculator to calculate monthly payments at the current rates.

*The weekly mortgage rate chart illustrates the average 30-year fixed interest rate in six-hour intervals.



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/30-yr-fixed-mortgage-rate-165351/
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Should You Try a Peer-to-Peer Loan?

For many people, coming up with thousands of dollars takes more than dipping into their savings account. One option is taking out a peer-to-peer loan. What are these loans all about?

Here’s what you need to know about this rapidly growing alternative mode of lending that removes the bank as the middleman.

What is peer-to-peer lending?

Also known as P2P lending, peer-to-peer lending is the large-scale lending of money between people - online.

Thousands of borrowers and lenders work together in a relationship that is secured by a lending company such as industry leader Lending Club and its main competitor, Prosper.

While peer-to-peer marketplaces are still relatively new, they are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and are required to register in individual states, too. Lending activities must comply with federal and state consumer lending laws.

How does peer-to-peer lending work?

Unlike traditional lending in which borrowers apply for money from the bank itself, P2P lending connects borrowers with investors - those who have agreed to lend out their money (incentivized by an attractive return) - directly.

The person doing the lending checks out the borrower's credit history and decides whether or not they're going to lend him/her money.

How much can you borrow?

Loan amounts vary by P2P lending site. Lending Club offers loans between $1,000 and $35,000. Prosper offers loans between $2,000 and $35,000.

Pros of P2P lending

Many borrowers like P2P lending for its low loan rates, which means low monthly payments and a low total cost of borrowing.

Interest rates at Lending Club and Prosper range from about six percent to 30 percent. The average loan is about $13,000, and the average FICO score of a borrower at both lenders is about 700, according to Consumer Reports.

Other benefits include:

  • A simple application process
  • Loan approval is relatively easy compared to a traditional bank
  • You can qualify for smaller loans than most traditional banks are willing to make
  • Loans are term-based with monthly payments
  • You can receive your funds in a matter of days

Cons of P2P lending

Prosper and Lending Club both charge fees for new loans: one to five percent of the total loan amount.

They also charge fees for late payments, which are assessed if your payment is more than 15 days late.

And if you're a credit risk, you'll be rejected. You must have a solid credit history, with a minimum credit score in the mid-600s.

Finally, you must live in a state that allows this type of borrowing.

To learn more about P2P lending, go to LendAcademy.com.

Related:

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/try-peer-to-peer-loan-184433/
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Tyra Banks' Next Top Home Hits the Market

shutterstock_273590024Fresh off the $4-million sale of a New York City apartment, supermodel and reality television titan Tyra Banks has listed one of her Southern California mansions - a Spanish villa in the coveted 90210 ZIP code - for $7.75 million.

The 6,040-square-foot, renovated home has charm up to here.

Built in 1926, it retains that era’s tiled fountains, French doors and clerestory windows overlooking a loggia and expansive lawn. The floors are clad throughout with travertine stone and maple planks.

The master suite, which boasts city views, includes a sitting room, walk-in closet and safe room.

Entertaining is a breeze inside and out, with a chef’s kitchen and formal living and dining rooms, plus an outdoor living room and kitchen, the latter with a fire pit and seating for 12 beside the pool in a walled garden.

"I was not looking for another home until I discovered a property in the Malibu hills through a friend," the “America’s Next Top Model” and “FABLife” host told the Wall Street Journal.

Banks also owns other homes in New York City and Southern California.

The listing agent is Heidi Lake of Sotheby’s International Realty.

Photos courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/tyra-banks-lists-beverly-hills-184424/
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Monday, September 28, 2015

Appealing to Autumn Home Buyers

For years, seasons and school calendars have dictated real estate markets. Many buyers search hard in the spring and early summer so they can find a house and close before the school year starts in September.

As a result, many sellers have held off listing their homes near the holidays and in the winter, favoring the warm spring months to showcase their landscaping and outdoor spaces.

These cycles worked well for decades because families were the most common buyers. But many of today's buyers are young millennials or empty nesters. School schedules and seasons don’t typically dictate their home purchase time frame. These buyers are active in the fall and even into the winter months, including the holidays.

If you have a home to sell, fall is a great time to list it, despite conventional wisdom. With less competition than in the spring, it may even turn out to be better financially. Here’s how to appeal to the two types of home shoppers that are particularly active in the fall.

Marketing to millennials

For millennials, the market is always on. As long as their smartphone or tablet is within reach, they are active buyers.

Fully connected and attached, millennials will look at listings and analyze data 24/7. Sellers must keep their home in tip-top shape and showing-ready at all times.

Don't expect millennial buyers to wait around for an open house. Many prefer to see homes they like on their timeframe. Be ready to accommodate them.

Have great listing photos online the minute the home hits the market. Nothing is more frustrating to young buyers than to be notified via text or email about a property in an awesome location, only to find that the listing doesn’t include any photos.

Millennials are visual. Spend extra time on the photo shoot, and make sure your agent hires a professional photographer. Good photos get your buyers in the door. Give them what they want.

Attracting empty nesters

Empty nesters tend to be more old school than millennials. They can be slower and more methodical about a purchase. Don't rush them.

Many older buyers are looking to downsize, which means they either need to sell their existing home before they buy, or they will need to take a loan against their current home to purchase. Juggling finances means they come to the table with an incredible amount of stress. Give them time to process decisions.

Empty nesters may not be as responsive as other buyers, and may not communicate quickly via text, or even check email during off hours. If possible, accommodate their response times. If they feel rushed or under the gun, no matter how hot your home or how competitive the market, they will walk away.

Don't forget, someone with five or six decades of life experience comes to the table more informed. Having been through a couple of financial and housing crises, they may be more cautious as they approach retirement and life on a fixed income.

The best salesperson knows and understands his or her buyers. The same holds true for real estate sales. As a seller, prepare to meet a buyer that may be very different from you. Plan in advance to give them what they want. Once you have a buyer on board, learn as much as you can about who they are, and work with them. What works for some buyers may not work for others.

Related:

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/appeal-to-autumn-home-buyers-184416/
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UPDATE: Tom Cruise Had Them at $11.4M

Tom CruiseUPDATE: Faster than you can say “Top Gun 2,” the action star sold this Hollywood Hills estate for $11.4 million.

ORIGINAL POST 4/7/15: Tom Cruise is done living on the edge of the Hollywood Hills.

The celeb top gun is asking almost $13 million for a villa compound on 2.75 acres overlooking the city, Variety reports.

The main house features walls of glass that offer breathtaking views and an Italian farm-style kitchen with chef-quality appliances. Wide-plank oak floors and Venetian plaster walls lend warmth to the home, which has three bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.

The guest house boasts four bedrooms, 4 baths and a kitchen, and the yard includes a patio, bridge, lagoon-style heated pool, a spa and a waterfall. There’s also a stone-clad craft building that can be used as a wine cellar and tasting room.

The listing, by Michael Eisenberg of Keller Williams, calls the estate “virtually irreplaceable” - mission impossible, indeed.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/tom-cruise-lists-hollywood-hills-173383/
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Elisabeth Hasselbeck Lists Colonial With Pool View

shutterstock_111619007Television phenom Elisabeth Hasselbeck, formerly of “The View” and now with “Fox & Friends,” and her former-quarterback husband Tim have listed their Connecticut mansion for $4.795 million.

The classic colonial on 1.5 acres in the heart of Greenwich features a grand-scale, three-exposure family room and a kitchen and breakfast area that opens onto terraces overlooking the pool.

The home’s 7,605 square feet encompasses seven bedrooms, six of them with en-suite bathrooms. The master suite boasts a fireplace, sitting room and two walk-in closets.

For families with small children, there’s a third-floor playroom with guest quarters suitable for an au pair.

The listing agent is Ellen Mosher of Houlihan Lawrence.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/elisabeth-hasselbeck-lists-ct-184374/
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See Inside an English Country Home in Beverly Hills

English country charm can be hard to find in sunny California. But this Beverly Hills home, listed at $2.4 million, offers all the ivy-draped gentility any Anglophile could want.

The 2,100-square-foot home - owned by Katherine Power, founder of Who What Wear, Byrdie and MyDomaine, and her husband, celebrity photographer Justin Coit - offers two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and fireplaces in almost every room. The exterior features a red-brick paved walkway, a blue door and matching shutters, and fig ivy adorning the front of the home.

The home makes a powerful impression, says Power. "It's a very emotional house when you walk in,” she explains. “You feel the character. I was attracted to the European feel.”

Leaded- and stained-glass windows, intricate moldings, and hardwood floors contribute to the home’s allure. The first-floor powder room is outfitted with the signature Beverly Hills Hotel palm leaf wallpaper for a touch of glamour.

Since purchasing the home in 2013, Power has given the bathrooms a cosmetic update, and installed a pool and built-in grill in the backyard, but has tried to stay true to the details of the 1937 home. Power also used the services of one of L.A.'s most famous interior designers, Estee Stanley, to style the home.

"The home is the perfect amount of everything,” Powers says. “Everything is spatially well laid out and has a lot of beautiful character.”

The listing agent for Power's home is Alex Brunkhorst at The Agency.

Read more about Power’s thoughts on the home.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/english-country-home-beverly-hills-184371/
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How to Get Rid of Your Roommate (Legally!)

He's messy, his rent is always late, and now he "lost" his pet scorpions somewhere on the premises. In other words, it's high time for your roommate to hit the road.

But how to get him out? Legally speaking, can one tenant kick the other to the curb based on a few common lease violations? And, if so, what is the least-stressful way to accomplish this feat? Below, we discuss several tips and techniques for lawful roommate eviction, as well as conduct to avoid at all costs - or you may find yourself on the curb.

Communication is key

As in any relationship, lack of clear communication between roommates could be the downfall of an otherwise promising cohabitation situation. When a problem first arises, talk it out. Perhaps your roommate is under unusual stress, isn't aware of the rules or just needs a little coaxing to meet obligations. Hopefully, this tactic will calm the waters.

But if not, it may be time to bring your landlord in on the conversation. If your roommate is engaging in clear violations of the lease agreement, your landlord should be notified immediately, and the violations should be clearly documented through pictures and descriptions. Assuming your roommate is a tenant of record (more on that below), he or she maintains a distinct legal relationship with the property owner or landlord and must abide by the terms of the lease. While general messiness is not usually cause for eviction, late rent payments and unapproved pets likely are, so alert your landlord. He or she can start the eviction process under your state's landlord-tenant laws.

Off-the-record roommates

This issue can become much more acrimonious if your roommate is not a tenant of record (i.e., an inhabitant who has not signed a lease agreement). In essence, this person has no legal duty or obligation to the property, its owner, or its lessee (you), so state landlord-tenant laws do not apply. Accordingly, it may be time to seek an alternative legal remedy. However - and this is key - you cannot physically force a roommate out the door by pushing them or throwing belongings on the sidewalk.

Most states have enacted a more civilized approach that provides the unwanted guest the right to notice and due process. In many states, a roommate must first be put on notice that he or she is no longer welcome. To accomplish this, a simple one-page statement declaring that the roommate arrangement has ended should suffice. Further, provide the roommate with a deadline for leaving, which usually must be at least 15-30 days from the date of the notice. Lastly, as much as you might like to avoid actual interaction, be sure the roommate actually receives the document.

See you in court!

Hopefully, the roommate will take a hint and exit gracefully. If this does not happen, however, it will be necessary to file a petition for eviction in your local court, which is likely the same court that handles formal landlord-tenant matters. By allowing the roommate to remain on the property sans lease, you actually created a month-to-month oral tenancy agreement, which must be undone using proper legal channels.

The court staff will give you a date and time for an eviction hearing. At the hearing, be prepared to present the eviction notice mentioned above, as well as evidence to show that the roommate was never included on the lease and - at most - had a month-to-month tenancy as an off-the-record roommate.

The court will likely grant the petition, and your roommate will have no choice but to vacate the premises immediately.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-roommate-184260/
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Friday, September 25, 2015

Mold, Termites and Your Home Insurance

By Samantha Alexander

Nothing’s worse than finding unwanted visitors in your home. A surprise appearance by a spider is enough to make you want to move out altogether. However, some house guests are even worse - you can’t crush them or spray them to get rid of them. Two chief culprits: mold and termites.

Silent intruders such as these can be costly to fix - not to mention a major headache to deal with. Even though standard home insurance policies cover a wide variety of perils, you may not have adequate protection for damage from certain pests.

While you should review your specific policy, here's a quick breakdown of how mold, termites and other pests typically are covered (or not covered) by standard home insurance policies.

When mold moves in

It goes without saying that mold is not something you want in your home. Even in the most well-kept home, there's often a little bit of mold somewhere. The problem is when mold is allowed to grow and spread unnoticed. Severe indoor mold infestations can lead to serious health problems, and should be addressed immediately.

Because it costs so much to get rid of mold and repair the damage it causes, some homeowners may hope to rely on their home insurance policy for help. This is where things get tricky. First, it's important to know what causes mold.

Mold thrives on moisture, which means humid and damp areas are vulnerable. Mold spores can enter your home through doors and windows or can grow after a leak occurs. If the mold in your home is caused by a covered peril such as a burst pipe or leaky roof, repairing the damage it creates could be covered through your home insurance policy.

There’s a ‘but’ coming, of course: Most policies include certain mold exclusions. Many standard policies won't offer coverage for mold that arises from poor maintenance, chronic or repeated water leaks, or failure to properly ventilate rooms.

There’s another circumstance in which damage from mold is not covered: when it’s caused by flooding from rising waters such as lakes, rivers or oceans. Flooding isn’t covered by standard home insurance, and neither is mold caused by flooding. For that, you’ll need a separate flood policy. Learn more at FloodSmart.gov, the website for the National Flood Insurance Program.

Curious about your level of mold coverage? Call your home insurance company and find out what your policy says. Many carriers offer add-on coverage for extra protection.

The truth about termites

Every homeowner, at one point or another, has wondered if termites are quietly eating away at the unseen parts of his or her home. It's a very real fear. Termites can destroy the structural integrity of your home, if they go unnoticed. Unfortunately, termite infestation is something that isn't often covered by standard home insurance policies.

Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage, according to the National Pest Management Association. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to prevent a termite takeover from happening to you.

Termite barriers, bait and monitoring systems, and soil treatment are all effective methods of preventing termites on your property. If you're serious about prevention, you may even want to consider hiring a professional to check your property annually - many mortgage lenders will require this, in fact.

In addition to mold and termites, other unwanted visitors can wreak havoc on your home, including bed bugs and rodents. Most of the time, damage caused by or removal of these pests is not covered by standard home and renters insurance policies. The best way to avoid a costly run-in with a pest is by maintaining your home and conducting regular home maintenance checks. If you see a problem, deal with it before it gets out of control.

Termite damage typically isn’t covered, while mold can be, but only under specific circumstances. Home insurance, in general, is no substitute for proper home maintenance.

All homeowners should familiarize themselves with their insurance policy. If you have questions about your coverage or policy limits, a licensed agent is the best resource.

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Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/mold-termites-home-insurance-184244/
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House of the Week: A Home With Five Levels of Below-Ground Luxury

Like a nuclear bunker for the Hollywood set, this 50,000-square-foot mansion hides most of its glamour underground.

The subterranean luxury begins with a 10,000-square-foot, Moroccan-style spa that offers more opulence than many 5-star hotels: a sauna, meditation rooms, baths and an indoor pool surrounded by archways that were constructed by 300 nomadic Moroccan tribesmen and assembled at the home’s location just outside Los Angeles.

“It’s literally the most extraordinary work of art I’ve ever seen,” said listing agent Marcie Hartley of Hilton & Hyland.

An actual artist lived in the home for 10 years doing gold-leaf work, from religious figures in the chapel to faux shelves in the library that conceal a powder room.

Beneath ground with the grand spa is a five-story tennis court where Pete Sampras played.

It transforms into a banquet hall that seats 350 people, has an adjacent catering kitchen and opens to an outdoor clay tennis court, an outdoor pool and a large lawn with a pizza oven.

The yard also features a bocce court flanked by citrus trees, 70-year-old carob trees along the driveway and herb gardens overlooking the city.

The owner, shrimp importing CEO John Blazevich, took 17 years to build the mansion, finishing in 2002.

It’s on the market for $53 million, making it one of the most expensive homes in the West.

The mansion delves downward because of a community rule that homes have only a single story above ground, according to the Los Angeles Times. All 9 bedrooms and many of the 25 bathrooms are on the 20,000-square-foot, above-ground level.

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from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/5-levels-of-below-ground-luxury-183935/
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Thursday, September 24, 2015

5 End-of-Summer Home Maintenance Projects

As summer draws to an end, everyone enjoys lazing in the last of the year's warm, sunny days. But along with the end-of-summer bucket list - one last visit to the public pool, a Cracker Jack-fueled trip to the baseball stadium, and the grand finale to a season of backyard barbecuing - a number of chores must be tackled before autumn's chill sets in.

Cap the season with five DIY projects that will ready your house for colder weather, and have significant payoff in the months ahead. Plus, with these pro tips, you'll make short work of your to-do list so you can get back to soaking up those last rays of sunshine.

Put on a fresh coat

If you've been meaning to paint a room in your home, now's the perfect time. Heat and humidity are down, yet it's still pleasant enough outdoors to keep the windows open while you work, helping your new look dry faster.

fresh paint

Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

First, cover your floors, then prep by sanding and filling any holes in your walls. For flawless results, you'll want to start by cutting in a clean line at the corners and along the edges where wall meets trim before coating the rest of the wall with paint. Dip a brush about a third of the way into the paint, and tap off the excess - don’t wipe!

When the brushwork is done and you’re ready to roll, apply paint in short, overlapping strokes. Wait until the paint is completely dry (two to four hours for latex, 24 hours for oil-based paint) before adding a second coat, otherwise your refreshed room may be marred by streaks, peeling, or uneven color.

Wake up your windows

The days are getting shorter, so to maximize your home’s natural light through the end of the year, give your windows a thorough washing. Start by banishing dirt and dust.

windows

Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

Indoors, use a moistened microfiber cloth; outdoors, where windows are bound to be dirtier, start by spraying them down well with the hose. Next, go at the glass with a vinegar-and-water solution or a commercial cleaner, using a squeegee for professional-quality results.

While you're at it, survey your screens and repair or replace where necessary. Now that you’ve switched off the air conditioner and haven’t yet turned on the heat, you’ll want to keep your windows open - and you’ll enjoy those fresh breezes more if they’re not accompanied by bugs.

This is also a good time to check that your window locks are working so your home will be secure.

Retire your patio gear

Your outdoor furniture and grill work hard all summer, so give them the TLC they deserve before packing them away for the winter. Wipe tables and chairs with a dry cloth to get rid of surface grime, pollen and bugs, then follow up with a good hosing.

deck

Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

Fabric cushions may need a bit more attention to deter mold and mildew (check labels for cleaning instructions). Be sure all items are completely dry before covering them loosely or moving them into storage. A little care after each season of use will preserve your furniture and cushions, ultimately increasing their lifespan.

Similarly, when you're closing up the grill for the season, degrease it with a warm, soapy cloth, then treat any moving parts to a light application of lubricating oil.

If your grill is gas powered, make sure the tank’s valve is closed, then detach the tank and store it outside, standing upright, in a well-ventilated area.

Rig up a mudroom

Not all homes are built with a spot to collect wet outerwear and footwear, but most could use one, especially once nasty weather sets in.

To make your entryway more functional and encourage both family and guests to kick off their shoes at the door, consider adding a large, standalone piece of furniture with a bench seat, cubbies, and hooks that can handle everyone's gear. If space is limited, slide a slim, sturdy console table into the hall, place baskets beneath for shoes and boots, and station a coat rack nearby.

mudroom

Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

This mud area should be as close to the front door as possible to prevent slushy, muddy tracks throughout your house. You may have to remind family members (kids, especially) to stow their stuff before they come charging through. Chalkboard nameplates to designate hooks and shelf space can help.

Get a grip on the garage

Only 30 percent of homeowners actually keep a car in the garage - there’s just not enough room with all the clutter in there. Even if you don't intend to store the family vehicle in your garage, it could no doubt use a little tidying up.

Sort through all you've amassed and obey the golden rule of tossing everything you haven't used in two years. Show no mercy to the outgrown, expired, and irreparable.

Arrange keepers by type - tools, sporting goods, and so on - and consider upgrading the shelves and adding see-through stackable bins to maintain order.

garage

Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

Once it’s organized, give the garage a serious sweeping and, for a real makeover, coat the floor with an epoxy paint. Just two coats later, the floor will be easier to clean and shielded against grease and oil stains, both common offenders in the garage. It's best to get this paint job out of the way now, while you can still empty the garage out into the driveway or porch for an afternoon while you work.

Replace your garage's fixtures and stored items, and you’ll hardly recognize the space.

Finally, ensure that your garage-door opener has a U.L.–listed motor as well as an auto-stop feature, an important safety precaution should a child or pet try to slip in underneath.

Related:



from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/end-of-summer-home-maintenance-184240/
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