ericaruvuducj
Tessa Carla Blog's
Hi I Am Tessa Carla From USA and 32 Year Old. Recently I complete my study in Information Technology. I like swimming and music.Google+My Blog
7571 posts
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
Last Seen Blogs
foggypolicetyphoon
Untitled
bb-contest-stars
Blueberry Academy’s Contest Club!
eriksdrwrs
confessional
stephaniedoppler
Stephanie Doppler
Text
Midcentury Skolnik Residence in L.A. Lands on the Market for $4M
Realtor.com
For the first time in almost three decades, the Samuel and Bertha Skolnik residence, designed by the renowned architect Rudolph Schindler, is on the market for $4 million in Los Angeles.
It’s been exquisitely maintained since its inception in the early 1950s, and was last sold in 1994 for $525,000.
Completed in 1952, the midcentury modern masterpiece was one of the last of over 500 homes that the prolific Schindler completed. He died in 1953.
The master architect was experimenting with new forms when he designed this three-bedroom beauty.
“The house is essentially a carousel, an open space with a merry-go-round in the middle,” Schindler’s biographer Esther McCoy said of this design.
Samuel and Bertha Skolnik residence
Realtor.com
Front exterior
Realtor.com
The reference to the carousel refers to the fact that the architecture conveys the effect of rotating around the central pivot point of a stylish, indoor-outdoor fireplace.
As light passes through the translucent fiberglass roofing and the sun moves through the sky, the home almost feels as if it is slowly rotating.
Central indoor-outdoor fireplace
Realtor.com
Great room with fiberglass roof
Realtor.com
This was the last of three homes Schindler built in this translucent style. He developed the idea while overseeing the construction of Frank Lloyd Wright‘s famous Hollyhock House.
Schindler called his later work “space architecture,” but not because it had anything to do with the cosmos. Rather, it was because the interior space in his designs was illuminated by natural light from as many directions as possible.
He was also ahead of his time with the concept of allowing indoor spaces to seamlessly flow into outdoor space.
Seamless indoor-outdoor transition
Realtor.com
The Skolnik house is perched neatly on a Hollywood Hills hillside below Griffith Park and its famous Observatory.
It features 2,357 feet of living space and sits on a terraced lot with views of Los Angeles below.
Previous owners have been careful to preserve and restore the classic residence, and prominent architects have been involved in the property’s expansion and alteration.
In 1962, the architect Gregory Ain was commissioned to add a swimming pool, cabana, and a separate large studio with a kitchenette, bathroom, and changing area.
Guesthouse
Realtor.com
In 1986, the owner at the time, Stacy Peralta, a skateboard entrepreneur, hired the architect David Serrurier to restore and reconfigure the main bedroom to accommodate a walk-in closet and to build doors that open to the outside view deck.
Primary suite
Realtor.com
Note that the bathrooms and the kitchen have been updated, but are aligned with the home’s original aesthetic.
Kitchen
Realtor.com
Updated bathroom with natural light
Realtor.com
The current owners have taken great care to preserve the blond wood built-ins, which include cabinets, banquets, desks, and bookcases.
Original built-in banquette
Realtor.com
Bedroom with built-in desk
Realtor.com
An outdoor kitchen and dining area in the back was added to fit into the lush, drought-resistant landscaping.
Whether you’re indoors or out, the natural surroundings lend this classic residence an organic feel.
Terraced backyard with outdoor kitchen
Realtor.com
The post Midcentury Skolnik Residence in L.A. Lands on the Market for $4M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/midcentury-modern-skolnik-residence-la-lands-on-market/
0 notes
Text
U.S. New Home Sales Surge in November
Getty Images
The numbers: U.S. new home sales jumped 12.4% to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 744,000 in November from a revised 662,000 in the prior month, the government reported Thursday. The revised October sales was the lowest since the worst period of the pandemic in April 2020.
Despite the jump, the pace of sales was below expectations because of the sharp downward revision. Analysts polled by The Wall Street Journal had forecast new-home sales to occur at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 766,000 in November.
The data are often revised sharply. Sales in October were initially reported at 745,000.
Key details: The median sales price of new houses sold in October was $416,900 marking a new record high. The supply of new homes for sale fell by 8.5% between October and November, equating to a 6.5-month supply.
Regionally, sales rose in all regions in November except the Midwest. Sales were strongest in the West.
Big picture: The housing sector remains robust but off the highs seen last year. Sales are 14% below last year’s level.
Although the sector is expected to continue to be strong, the prospect of higher mortgage rates should keep activity from getting red-hot, economists said.
What are they saying: “This is a seriously odd report. We would not be at all surprised to see both the October and November numbers being revised up substantially. In the meantime, the rising trend in mortgage applications probably is a better guide to the underlying state of demand in the housing market,” said Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.
Market reaction: Stocks were higher on Thursday on continued optimism that the omicron variant would not detail the global economy.
The post U.S. New Home Sales Surge in November appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/u-s-new-home-sales-surge-in-november/
0 notes
Text
San Francisco Mansion Once Owned by Nicolas Cage Finds a Buyer
Getty Images / Realtor.com
A San Francisco mansion once owned by the star of “National Treasure,” Nicolas Cage, has found a buyer.
The home had last been listed for $9.95 million, and is now in “pending sale” status, The Real Deal reported.
The buyer also has an option to purchase an adjoining lot for an additional $3 million—which could push the final price upward.
Located on Russian Hill, with iconic views of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island, the historic home was the subject of a popular painting. However, it had a hard time landing a buyer.
Built in 1914, the four-story Tudor Revival initially came on the market in 2017 for $12 million.
Later that year, the price dropped to $10.95 million and stayed at that price through 2020. This March, the price was further discounted to $9.95 million.
While the prime location was a huge selling point, it needed a refresh. Renovations were recently completed, with updates including a modern kitchen with new counters and cabinets, refinished flooring, a redone powder room, and exterior paint.
Artful abode
After the renovation, the 6,305-square-foot home maintains much of the original architecture.
The front entrance has a Gothic stone archway. The main floor includes a library with a wood-burning fireplace, a formal dining room with leaded glass windows and original wood detail, and an elegant living room with windows overlooking the bay.
The second level features the primary suite, with two dressing rooms and a large bathroom. There’s an additional en suite bedroom and a mirrored wet bar on this level.
Updated abode
Realtor.com
Living room
Realtor.com
Newly renovated kitchen
Realtor.com
Dining room
Realtor.com
Russian Hill residence
Realtor.com
The third floor has are two more en suite bedrooms with vaulted ceilings. A lower level has a family room, bonus room, wine cellar, and one more bedroom and bathroom.
The property also comes with a two-car garage. If the buyer picks up the adjacent lot, a guesthouse or office could be added to create a true compound.
As for the Cage connection, the star apparently picked up the place and the next-door lot for $9.4 million in 2006. He sold both properties in 2008 at a loss, for $8.5 million, the Real Deal notes.
Mark Levinson of Compass holds the listing.
Cage’s cribs
The movie star had previously owned a grand Victorian in nearby Pacific Heights, which he sold in 2005 for $3 million.
The renovated 7,000-square-foot abode came back on the market again in 2018 for $12 million. After some price cuts, it sold for $5.9 million, less than half of its original asking price.
That home still has some Cage touches: The actor added stained-glass panels featuring underwater scenes with octopuses during his stay.
Stained-glass dating to Cage’s time in the Pacific Heights home
Realtor.com
The post San Francisco Mansion Once Owned by Nicolas Cage Finds a Buyer appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/san-francisco-mansion-once-owned-by-nicolas-cage-sells/
0 notes
Text
9 Horrifying Holiday Decor Fails, Outdoor Edition: Scare the Neighbors Away for Good
Photos via Instagram by josedzine / 67brea / carolcammero
Some of us wait patiently all year to put together a tasteful holiday tableau out on the lawn, planning a cute little Rudolph here and a winding garland there. Other folks go right ahead and give outdoor Christmas decor a bad name.
Oddball, creepy, over the top—you name it, and you can find it on every social channel and probably down the street in your own neighborhood.
Maybe it’s because people aren’t willing to let go of Halloween, with its shock value, when Yuletime rolls around? Or perhaps these crazy looks are due to a few loose screws?
Who knows? But what is clear is that every time the season begins, we’re left just shaking our heads.
Still, let’s be honest: Rubbernecking at these holiday equivalents of car wrecks can be amusing—and, for those who need a little extra guidance, can teach you about exactly what not to do in your front yard.
Whatever your reason, read on if you feel like having a gander at the looniest, most crazy-town, outdoor holiday looks.
1. Never hand a snowman a hairdryer
instagram
It’s bad enough that many communities are facing an uptick in crime in real life. Do we need our holiday blow-up lawn decorations getting in on the act?
Not much holiday spirit on display here, and matters aren’t helped by the bandit wielding a blow-dryer rather than a gun: Threatening to melt poor Frosty is pitiful. Also, moisture and electricity don’t mix. This one is a no-go from every angle.
2. Santa should not be breaking and entering
instagram
We get it: Not all homes have a working chimney Santa can pass through.
Still, having him try to break and enter through a window or from the fire escape is not the answer. For that matter, there is only one Santa—way to go confusing the kids.
3. With shiny baubles, more is not more
instagram
Wow—just wow. This decor has zero sense of scale or restraint. It’s a miracle that this rainbow ball scheme is actually staying put on this home (kudos to the person behind the scenes!).
This petite house is loud and proud, though, and we’re actually going to give it a thumbs-up for sheer ball-siness.
4. Don’t go overboard with the lights
instagram
Christmas is the season of light, but this display is borderline crazy-town. We’re pretty sure this dude has his own substation to power his display and doesn’t flinch when the electric bill arrives.
Let’s hope he turns the colossal assemblage off at night, so his neighbors don’t have to sleep bathed in twinkling light.
5. Stay away from skeletons
instagram
Here’s where we lament the fact that some homeowners think it’s perfectly fine to mix Day of the Dead and Halloween pieces with presents under the tree.
We suppose if you’re also a Grateful Dead fan, this montage could be considered acceptable. But if not, please do the right thing and save the bone men for next October.
6. Enough with the inflatables
instagram
When your inflatable is larger than your domicile, you need to rethink your outdoor holiday decor.
Don’t let a menacing balloon loom this large—babies will cry, dogs will bark, and your friends will think you’ve gone around the bend.
7. Reindeer should look cute rather than creepy
instagram
It’s nice that these critters reuse a natural resource—we’re all for going green at the holidays and avoiding plastic and other bits that clog up the ocean.
But we’re just not certain this is the way to do it. The “antlers” look ready to poke someone’s eye out, in the immortal words of “A Christmas Story,” and those bows? Too big, and they sure don’t suit the naturalistic theme.
8. You don’t have to fill your whole yard
instagram
Someone likes decorating their yard for the holidays. We mean, really, really likes it.
The crowded results—almost like an overpacked cocktail party or some crazy post-Christmas tag sale—wind up just making passers-by dizzy. Our advice: Do the right thing, and offer at least half of these to your neighbors.
9. Stick to snow sculptures rather than real ones
instagram
Frankly, we’re not sure what this girl is doing in the yard or why someone felt the need to dress her in pine boughs.
All we know is we’re getting some uncomfortable “Midsommar” vibes. But if odd nature figures are your thing, we’re not here to stop you.
The post 9 Horrifying Holiday Decor Fails, Outdoor Edition: Scare the Neighbors Away for Good appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/holiday-decor-fails-outdoor-edition-scare-the-neighbors-away-for-good/
0 notes
Text
Terrific Old-School Tudor in Jacksonville Is Bursting With Character
Realtor.com
Known as “Arbor Abbey,” a brick Tudor manor with an opulent interior is on the market for the first time in over four decades.
Bulit in 1932, the home in Jacksonville, FL, is now available for $2.45 million. The stately, three-bedroom residence is gorgeous from the outside. Inside, the home will leave a visitor with a case of sensory overload.
“It’s one of my favorite homes, because of the curb appeal. I was a little awestruck when I walked inside, because it is very opulent,” says the listing agent, Anita Vining with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
Inside the 3,514-square-foot home, many of the finishes are original and formal. High ceilings feature mahogany, and the floors are either in hardwood or Cuban tile. Several windows are stained-glass and others are traditional Tudor in style.
Exterior of residence in Jacksonville, FL
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
Dining area
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
Bedroom
Open House Optics
Bathroom
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
A buyer will acquire most of the furnishings seen in the opulent listing photos.
“All of the draperies and things that you see would stay,” Vining says, while acknowledging that the style might be too rich for the taste of some buyers.
“They’re all floor-to-ceiling velvet, which is beautiful,” she adds. “They’re just different in terms of what you typically see.”
Some of the home’s colorful stained-glass windows are original, and others were added later.
“There’s stained glass in almost every room in the home,” the agent explains.
Kitchen
Open House Optics
Kitchen
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
Entry
Open House Optics
The imposing kitchen has an abundance of dark wood cabinetry and stone countertops.
Bedrooms in the home are large, but the agent told us they lack crucial features that today’s buyers are looking for, including larger bathrooms and more closets.
“In a 1930s home, they just didn’t have a lot of closet space,” she says, “because they used armoires and other furniture.”
Grounds
Open House Optics
Exterior
Open House Optics
Exterior
Open House Optics
Gate
Open House Optics
Outdoor space
Open House Optics
Balcony
Open House Optics
Pool
Open House Optics
The residence sits on a half-acre lot and features manicured grounds in the front and back. A large pool in the backyard evokes classic Hollywood style.
“It has an Esther Williams-style pool,” Vining says.
A beautiful balcony off the home’s upper level is spacious and unique. The agent says it has the feeling of a fortress and reminds her of Windsor Castle.
Interior
Open House Optics
Exterior
Open House Optics
A detached two-car garage has guest space above it and opens up a couple of options for the next owners.
“It’s very spacious, so if someone had a nanny or someone that they wanted on the property, it would be a nice space for them,” Vining says. “[The buyers] might want to renovate it and redo it, but the space is there.”
An elegant office space, perhaps?
Just south of downtown and a short walk to the St. John’s River, other historic homes can be found throughout this neighborhood. Finding a buyer willing to buy into a bit of Florida history will require lowering expectations a bit.
“You couldn’t build the home for what we’re selling it for today,” says the agent, adding that many buyers at this price point want larger homes with more bedrooms.
Roaming geese
Open House Optics
Bedroom
Open House Optics
Bathroom
Open House Optics
Bathroom
Open House Optics
The current owners have lived in the home since 1976. Vining says they are hoping to downsize and move on to something different.
Wherever they go, they’ll take their flock of pet geese with them, which live in a green-and-yellow structure behind the home.
“They even have their own little pond,” the agent says, noting that the sellers] are quite attached to their pets.
Interior
Open House Optics
Bathroom
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
Dining area
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
Interior
Open House Optics
Entry
Open House Optics
The post Terrific Old-School Tudor in Jacksonville Is Bursting With Character appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/terrific-old-school-tudor-jacksonville-bursting-with-character/
0 notes
Text
U.S. Existing Home Sales Rise in November to Highest Level in Ten Months
Getty Images
The numbers: U.S. existing-home sales rose 1.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.46 million in November, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday. That is the third straight monthly gain and the highest level since January. Compared with November 2020, home sales were down 2%.
Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected an increase to 6.5 million units.
Key details: On a regional basis, the southern states are seeing the most gains. Sales rose 2.9% in the South, and 2.3% in the West. Sales were up a slight 0.7% in the Midwest and were unchanged in the East.
The median price for an existing home sold in November was $353,900, an increase of 13.9% over the past year.
There were 1.11 million homes available at the end of November, down 13% on a year-on-year basis.
Unsold inventory was at a 2.1 month supply in November, the lowest since January. That’s down from 2.3 in the same month last year.
Big picture: For now, existing sales have momentum, with sales up 10% over the first eleven months of 2021. Economists say the future trajectory of sales will largely depend on the supply of listings buyers have to choose from.
“Inventories have declined over the last three months, but they are off record lows,” Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics, noted in a recent report, adding that prices, while high, have also moderated.
With inventory so limited, buyers simply have few options, putting a ceiling to the number of sales that can close each month. Survey data from Realtor.com suggests that the number of homeowners who plan to sell their property will increase in the early part of 2022. Should that come to fruition, it would grease the market’s wheels.
Meanwhile, rising mortgage rates could push buyers into the market in the short-run but also add worries for the sector over the longer-run.
What the NAR is saying: “Mortgage rates are expected to jump in 2022, but I don’t expect the imminent increase to be overly dramatic,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the NAR. Sales are expected to decline next year due to higher interest rates from the Fed, he added.
What economists said: “The housing sector has staged an impressive rebound in the fourth quarter, after two quarters of back-to-back declines. The positive momentum continued in November, with existing home sales increasing by 1.9% month over month.. While the increase was shy of expectations, it was a solid report nonetheless,” said Aneta Markowska, chief economist at Jefferies.
Market reaction: Stocks moved higher on Wednesday in a week of volatile trading.
The post U.S. Existing Home Sales Rise in November to Highest Level in Ten Months appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/u-s-existing-home-sales-rise-in-november-to-highest-level-in-ten-months/
0 notes
Text
Mike Singletary Hopes To Tackle a Buyer for His $1.7M Dallas Home
Getty Images / Realtor.com
The Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Singletary is tackling the sale of his Dallas home. The former 49ers head coach is asking $1,699,000 for his custom residence.
In 2020, he left his most recent gig at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, TX, a high school he had been coaching from 2018. Now the Texas native has also vacated his home.
The Super Bowl champion picked up his Lone Star state residence in 2014 for an undisclosed price. The property had been on the market for $1,195,000.
Updated throughout in 2021, the large residence offers seven bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, and spans 6,181 square feet.
1/5
Living room (Realtor.com)
2/5
Dining room (Realtor.com)
3/5
Kitchen (Realtor.com)
4/5
Bedroom (Realtor.com)
5/5
Pool (Realtor.com)
Built in 1984, the home opens to a foyer with a curved staircase. The main level boasts custom cabinetry, high ceilings, and arched windows. A welcoming floor plan features a living room with a fireplace, and a formal dining room with a chandelier.
A kitchen with stainless-steel appliances and white cabinetry includes an eye-catching backsplash. The kitchen sits adjacent to a morning room with built-ins and French doors that open on an outdoor patio.
Other details include a wet bar, and an office, which also opens outside.
Also on the main level, you’ll find two bedrooms, plus the primary bedroom, which connects to an en suite bathroom with a separate soaking tub, dual vanities, and custom closets.
Upstairs, along with four more bedrooms, the upper level also features a media room. The seventh bedroom could be converted to an office, gym, or school room, the listing notes.
Set on nearly an acre, the grounds sport a pool, lawns, trees, and a basketball court.
Singletary, 63, was a star linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1981 through 1992. He transitioned to coaching and worked for the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and Los Angeles Rams.
The former coach is now focused on “motivational speaking and consulting enterprises.”
Stacey Lake of Ebby Halliday-Ebby’s Little White House holds the listing.
The post Mike Singletary Hopes To Tackle a Buyer for His $1.7M Dallas Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/mike-singletary-hopes-to-tackle-buyer-for-his-dallas-home/
0 notes
Text
Live La Dolce Vita on a Beautiful Canal in Venice, CA, for $4.5M
Realtor.com
Imagine a gorgeous home on one of the romantic canals of Venice, without having to move to Italy or learn Italian. Molto bene!
And it is possible, if you can swing the purchase of a modern house on the canals of Venice, CA.
This colorful, bright residence recently landed on the market for $4.5 million. It served as a rental over the last decade, but has been meticulously cared for.
It was designed by the prominent architect Glen Irani, AIA, who is known for his creativity and sustainable designs, and you can see his signature touches at every turn.
Because space on the Venice canals is so coveted, homes are built up rather than out. The well-designed living space in this three-story dwelling measures 3,409 square feet, while the lot itself is only 2,701 square feet.
Three-story home on canal in Venice, CA
Realtor.com
Canal side of house
Realtor.com
It’s quite a feat to design a multistory home right next to its neighbors without sacrificing light or privacy. Irani did it with elan and used walls of glass—some of them two stories high—to take full advantage of the home’s southwestern exposure.
Great room with two-story walls of glass
Realtor.com
A spacious great room and kitchen on the main floor are filled with light.
Kitchen
Realtor.com
A sunny nook with glass walls on three sides reaches out toward the canal.
Sunny nook
Realtor.com
A loft and glass bridge soar above the living space.
Loft
Realtor.com
Glass bridge
Realtor.com
There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms, most with light wood custom cabinetry and built-ins. One bedroom comes with its own balcony, overlooking the canal.
Bedroom
Realtor.com
Office/bedroom/library
Realtor.com
The primary suite has a fireplace, walk-in closet, concrete floors, and a more spacious deck, with plenty of room to lounge.
Primary suite
Realtor.com
Sunny walk-in closet
Realtor.com
The canals of Venice are minutes from Venice Beach, between Marina del Rey and Santa Monica.
They were built in 1905 by a developer, Abbot Kinney, in an effort to recreate the look and feel of Italy in the United States. A few years later, another group of investors added another set of canals adjacent to the originals, known as the New Amsterdam Canals.
By the late 1920s, cars were the rage, and people wanted to drive around, not boat around. Many of the canals were filled in, to provide more street space. Others fell into disrepair and became filled with trash.
But in 1993, the remaining canals experienced a renaissance. Although the canal area was reduced to about a quarter of what it once was, the land was rebuilt into an upscale residential neighborhood, with lovely bridges and walkways, unlike any other in Los Angeles—and priced accordingly.
Modern homes on canal
Realtor.com
Water enters the canals at high tide via sea gates, and is held for three days. In an ingenious piece of engineering, the waterways are drained at low tide and refilled again when the tide rises, so the water in the canals doesn’t become stagnant or dirty.
There are no gondolas or singing gondoliers in these Venice canals, but the area has plenty of bridges and colorful rowboats, as well as lovely, modern homes like this one.
Venice canal bridge
Realtor.com
The post Live La Dolce Vita on a Beautiful Canal in Venice, CA, for $4.5M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/live-la-dolce-vita-beautiful-canal-in-venice/
0 notes
Text
Suzanne Somers Finally Sells Her Palm Springs Compound for $8.5M
Getty Images / Realtor.com
The actress Suzanne Somers has finally sold her longtime Palm Springs compound. After many years on the market and several price cuts, the desert retreat sold in May for $8.5 million, People reported.
Longtime desert domicile
Somers and her husband, Alan Hamel, had owned the home since the 1970s. The couple decided to let go of their longtime residence in 2017, initially placing the 70-acre spread on the market for $14.5 million.
The next year, the couple put the property up for auction, but later canceled the bidding process. In 2019, they tested the waters yet again, with a $9.5 million price tag.
In February, they relisted the place at $8.5 million with Josh Flagg of Rodeo Realty. Another change: The acreage was reduced from an overwhelming 70-acre parcel to a more manageable 28 acres.
The multistructure property is anchored by a main house with an open living room, chef’s kitchen, and butler’s pantry, as well as a “secret” wine cellar for upward of 2,000 bottles.
Suzanne Somers’ desert compound
Realtor.com
Dining room
Realtor.com
Kitchen
Realtor.com
Bedroom
Realtor.com
Pool
Realtor.com
The formal dining room with a fireplace and wet bar can comfortably seat 32. A primary suite features a private patio, outdoor shower, dressing area, dual closets, two home offices, and a safe room.
Somers’ spread also includes the Rock House—designed by the celebrated modernist architect Albert Frey—which features a two-room suite with walls of glass, a fireplace, hand-carved Balinese garden doors, a clawfoot tub, rock shower, and meditation garden.
The grounds include a pool, spa, waterfall, a two-car carport, and two-car garage. An open parking area has 15 additional spaces.
The natural surroundings certainly served as a lure to a buyer who appreciated the desert landscape.
“The grounds are the show, with acres of entertainment areas set among spectacular rock formations and featuring a natural amphitheater with stage, swimming ponds, waterfall, and hiking trails on the property itself,” the listing noted, adding, “There is simply no home like this anywhere.”
Eventually, a buyer agreed, and snapped it up in May, for the discounted asking price.
Downsized digs
As for Somers, she had already downsized to a 1978 contemporary nearby.
Downsized in Palm Springs
Realtor.com
The couple purchased the four-bedroom home on 1.22 acres in 2019 for $2.35 million. Located in SouthRidge, a private, gated community, the place offers Palm Springs views, outdoor space with a pool and spa, and an open plan with walls of glass.
One upside for Somers, even though the compound took so long to sell: She and her husband had plenty of time to renovate their 1970s-era pad before moving in.
Former beach property
Over on the coveted California coast, a luxe Malibu home built on the spot where Somers’ former beach house once stood has landed on the market with a $40 million price tag.
Somers had previously owned a waterfront home on the land, but it burned down in 2007, and she never rebuilt it. She eventually sold the two lots in 2016, for a total of $12.3 million, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Now a spectacular coastal escape stands on those beachfront lots. The offering features a 5,000-square-foot structure with 100 feet of beach frontage.
Malibu mansion built on the spot where Somers’ home burned down
Marcelo Lagos and Simon Berlyn for Sotheby's International Realty
The state-of-the-art build contains four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Custom finishes include Italian porcelain flooring, walnut cabinetry, and fully automated, floor-to-ceiling disappearing glass doors.
Other features of the home include a kitchen with Miele appliances and a quartzite kitchen island, a roof deck with a hot tub, a pool and pool deck, and private gated beach access. Shen Schulz of Sotheby’s International Realty holds the listing.
Somers, now 75, starred in the 1970s sitcom “Three’s Company.” The self-help author and wellness entrepreneur also competed in the 20th season of the reality show “Dancing with the Stars,” finishing in ninth place.
The post Suzanne Somers Finally Sells Her Palm Springs Compound for $8.5M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/suzanne-somers-sells-in-palm-springs/
0 notes
Text
Chicago Bears Star Khalil Mack Selling San Ramon, CA, Home for $2.88M
Getty Images / Realtor.com
The Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack has placed his home in San Ramon, CA, on the market. The fearsome defender is asking $2.88 million for the suburban spread.
Should the three-time All-Pro sell the place for anywhere near the asking price, he’ll pocket a hefty profit on the investment. He purchased the upscale estate in 2015 for $1,725,000, while he was starring for the Oakland Raiders. He was traded to the Bears in 2018, and is now ready to leave the Bay Area behind for good.
The trade happened just before the regular season three years ago. Some of his family members and his dog remained in San Ramon after the All-Pro quickly left for Chicago, according to NBC Sports.
East Bay abode
Built in 2013, the stately residence is located in the gated community of Norris Canyon Estates in the East Bay. The premium corner lot on nearly an acre features a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home with 3,641 square feet of living space.
The luxury residence takes in views of rolling hills and city lights from multiple windows. Along with a living room with a fireplace, the layout includes a formal dining room and an eat-in kitchen. The kitchen serves up Viking appliances, quartz counters, and a slab island with bar seating.
1/6
Dining room (Realtor.com)
2/6
Living room (Realtor.com)
3/6
Kitchen (Realtor.com)
4/6
Premium lot (Realtor.com)
5/6
Bedroom (Realtor.com)
6/6
Pergola (Realtor.com)
Upstairs, a spacious primary suite opens from a rotunda entrance, and comes with a custom, walk-in closet and an en suite, spa-style bathroom.
Other features of the home include a family room, home theater, hardwood floors, solar panels, and an upstairs laundry room.
The living area extends outside. The landscaped backyard has been equipped with low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants, concrete patios, two pergolas, and a gas fire pit, perfect for alfresco entertainment year-round. There’s also an attached three-car garage.
Mack, 30, a native of Florida, played college ball at the University of Buffalo. The Raiders selected the All-American as a first-round draft pick in 2014. After he was dealt to the Bears, he signed a six-year, $141 million contract extension, becoming the highest-paid defensive player at the time.
Real estate deals
In November, the six-time Pro Bowler was sidelined due to injury, after playing seven games this season. He’s since undergone foot surgery and turned his focus to the real estate game.
He recently sold his Glencoe, IL, mansion for $3.9 million, the Chicago Tribune reported. The sale earned him a small profit on the 15-room estate, which he purchased brand-new in 2018 for $3.75 million.
According to the Tribune, the Bears star now owns a three-bedroom condo on Chicago’s Gold Coast, which he scooped up in March for $6.85 million.
Maria Afzal with Keller Williams Palo Alto holds the San Ramon listing.
The post Chicago Bears Star Khalil Mack Selling San Ramon, CA, Home for $2.88M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/chicago-bears-star-khalil-mack-selling-san-ramon-ca-home/
0 notes
Text
Built in 1710, Former Cider Mill in Rhode Island Is the Week’s Oldest Home
Realtor.com
Prestigious properties can be found throughout this week’s list of the oldest homes to land on the market.
Our top 10 is kicked off by a lovely antique in Rhode Island from 1710. It’s located in the heart of the small state’s “apple country” and includes what was once a cider mill.
And get this, there are two—yes, two—vintage properties named Bittersweet Farm on this week’s list. The first is a 34-acre gentleman’s farm in Pennsylvania with a main house from 1726. The second is a 3.5-acre property with a home built in 1780 in Massachusetts.
There’s also a $10.8 million thoroughbred farm in Kentucky that covers 381 acres plus an exquisite jewel in the heart of historic Charleston, SC, built in 1754.
So pour a tall glass of your favorite cider and scroll on down for a full look at all 10 of these historic beauties.
1. 85 Austin Ave, Smithfield, RI
Price: $699,000
Year built: 1710
Waterman-Winsor House: Fully restored, this four-bedroom, 3,198-square-foot home is a combination of two small homes.
The 2-acre property is located in the state’s “apple country,” according to the listing. It includes three barns and a former cider mill. In addition, there’s a winter skating pond, gardens, and lawns. The interior of the home has pine floors, a family room with fireplace, and two front parlors.
Smithfield, RI
Realtor.com
2. 24 Merrill St, Newburyport, MA
Price: $750,000
Year built: 1725
Quintessential Newburyport: Ready for a renovation but loaded with potential, this three-bedroom, 2,092-square-foot home includes five fireplaces and pine floors.
Outside, there’s a brick patio, which can also be used as a parking spot. There’s also an unfinished attic, which could be used to expand the living area.
Newburyport, MA
Realtor.com
3. 457 E London Grove Rd, West Grove, PA
Price: $2,400,000
Year built: 1726
Bittersweet Farm: This updated Federalist home has 7,438 square feet of living space, including six bedrooms.
Modern-day amenities include a kitchen with pizza oven and a sauna in the main bedroom suite. Vintage features like exposed beams and multiple fireplaces remain.
The 34-acre farm includes a stone terrace, entertainment area, pool, and tennis court. For the horses, there’s a five-stall barn and tack room.
West Grove, PA
Realtor.com
4. 9202 John S Mosby Hwy, Upperville, VA
Price: $800,000
Year built: 1730
Four-level treasure: Situated on a third of an acre in the heart of town, this three-bedroom, 2,590-square-foot gem has a chef’s kitchen, new bathrooms, and a roomy backyard. Historic touches include hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and six fireplaces.
Upperville, VA
Realtor.com
5. 22956 Carters Farm Ln, Middleburg, VA
Price: $6,000,000
Year built: 1740
Rutledge Farm: Minutes from town, this 85-acre estate has a main house with 4,720 square feet of living space, including six bedrooms. The interiors feature five fireplaces as well as detailed woodwork.
The property comes with equestrian facilities, including four barns, a derby field, indoor arena, polo field, and farm office with staff housing. For guests, there’s a carriage house with an apartment plus a three-bedroom stone house with a gazebo.
Middleburg, VA
Realtor.com
6. 109 Prince St, Tappahannock, VA
Price: $650,000
Year built: 1751
Old customs house: When the Rappahannock River was a major commercial waterway, this home served as the customs house.
It went on to become a tavern. After additions in the 19th century, it’s now a private two-story residence with 2,499 square feet of living space, including three bedrooms.
Tappahannock, VA
Realtor.com
7. 17 Tradd St, Charleston, SC
Price: $3,250,000
Year built: 1754
Charles Warham House: One of just a few pre-Revolutionary War homes in town, this updated three-bedroom Georgian offers 2,993 square feet of living space with glorious architectural details.
There are five working fireplaces, a modern kitchen, a balcony, and outdoor gardens with two fountains.
Charleston, SC
Realtor.com
8. 26 Whittemore Hill Rd, New Ipswitch, NH
Price: $295,000
Year built: 1770
Quiet cottage: Get back to nature in this three-bedroom,1,055-square-foot cottage nestled on 2.5 acres in the New Hampshire countryside.
It’s located at the edge of a dead-end road for peace and privacy. The cottage features a deck, and the yard has plenty of space for gardens.
New Ipswitch, NH
Realtor.com
9. 18-20 Bear Hill Rd, Merrimac, MA
Price: $669,900
Year built: 1780
Bittersweet Farm: Zoned for two families, this six-bedroom, 3,656-square-foot home could also work for a single family.
Over the past 30 years, the home has been lovingly cared for by the sellers. It features five fireplaces plus wide-board, pumpkin pine floors. Outside, the 3.5-acre property has gardens and sitting areas.
Merrimac, MA
Merrimac, MA
10. 3899 Georgetown Rd, Lexington, KY
Price: $10,800,000
Year built: 1780
Hurricane Hall: This thoroughbred farm measures 382 acres and comes with a five-bedroom, 4,558-square-foot house that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A turnkey farm, the property features extensive horse facilities, barns, a stallion complex, breeding sheds, staff houses, and offices.
Lexington, KY
Realtor.com
The post Built in 1710, Former Cider Mill in Rhode Island Is the Week’s Oldest Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/former-cider-mill-rhode-island-oldest-home/
0 notes
Text
Emmanuel Acho Snags a Comfortable Hollywood Home for $6.3M
Photos courtesy of Marc Angeles / Getty Images
The former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho has scored a Hollywood home for $6,325,000.
The cool contemporary, high in the Hollywood Hills, was initially listed in August 2019 for $6.95 million. The price dropped a few months later to $6.5 million.
With no buyer stepping forward, the home came off the market for a bit. In October this year, it returned at a price of $5.95 million. In early December, Acho snapped up the sleek space for $6,075,000.
The Fox Sports commentator also paid an additional $250,000 for an adjacent plot of land. The extra parcel next door, which had been available for separate purchase, adds approximately 10,156 extra square feet.
Acho, who is familiar to Bachelor Nation as the host of Season 25’s installment of “After the Last Rose,” has picked up some prime real estate.
1/7
Pool and deck ( Marc Angeles)
2/7
Living room ( Marc Angeles)
3/7
Dining space ( Marc Angeles)
4/7
Kitchen ( Marc Angeles)
5/7
Media room ( Marc Angeles)
6/7
Bedroom ( Marc Angeles)
7/7
Emmanuel Acho ( Marc Angeles)
Built in 2005, the home is set behind private gates and offers spectacular L.A. skyline views.
The stylish space features four bedrooms and five bathrooms on 5,952 square feet. Indoor-outdoor living is a breeze, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to the yard and pool.
You can prepare gourmet meals in the sleek kitchen, with top-of-the-line appliances. An island offers a welcoming breakfast bar. You can also serve feasts in adjoining indoor and outdoor dining areas.
An open living room with walls of glass is the perfect place to entertain—or simply to enjoy the views. The flow continues to a spacious media room and an outdoor meditation garden.
Upstairs, a glass-walled primary bedroom suite contains a sitting area, two walk-in closets, and a balcony overlooking city lights. A luxurious en suite bathroom features two vanities, a large soaking tub, and a separate shower.
A gorgeous roof garden adds more options for alfresco fun. The property includes Creston smart home technology, a driveway, and a carport.
The location is described as “moments” to the famed Sunset Strip, with shopping, entertainment, and dining options.
With the extra land, the popular personality has the option to keep building, for example, adding a guesthouse or a gym, or building a recording studio where he can work from home. Whatever the broadcaster decides, he certainly has plenty of options in this posh perch.
The Texas native played college football at the University of Texas before being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 2012 NFL draft. In 2013, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. He played with the team until he retired from the NFL in 2015. He now serves as a Fox Sports 1 analyst.
In 2020, Acho launched a YouTube series called “Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man.” His project went on to become a New York Times bestselling book.
Brooke A. Elliott of Aaron Kirman Group at Compass represented the seller, while Kennon Earl of Rare Properties at Compass represented Acho.
The post Emmanuel Acho Snags a Comfortable Hollywood Home for $6.3M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/emmanuel-acho-snags-comfortable-hollywood-home/
0 notes
Text
Where the Cool Kids Are: 10 Trendy U.S. Metros Where You Can Still Afford To Buy a Home
Getty Images
Much like every new tech startup is dubbed “the new Uber,” it seems whenever a newly hip and fashionable town or neighborhood emerges someplace in the U.S., it gets tagged “the next Brooklyn.”
After all, the New York City borough has become shorthand for an area packed full of craft cocktail–guzzling, bike-commuting, indie rock–loving, tight T-shirt-wearing residents—that rarefied species once commonly known as “hipsters.” They usher in the totems of trendiness, from adventurous shops and restaurants, to art installations and cool public spaces, to artisanal pickle shops and luxury beard-waxing salons. Status and livability shoot up, as do home prices.
Certain Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg made the full transformation from shabby to chic—from urban blight to the land of one-bedroom rentals for a median $3,500 a month—in the relative blink of an eye.
So how do you lock in on the next hot spots, before home prices go into the stratosphere and over-gentrification sets in?
Just in time for the new year, our team of data wizards set out to find affordable metros that have lots of cool things to do and emerging cultural scenes. These are the sorts of places with bike shops, breweries, food trucks, and farmers markets, where younger buyers can still find relatively affordable starter homes.
What we found were mostly smaller cities in the Northeast and Midwest as well as a few larger ones in the South—the kinds of places where residents tend to make less money than in the bigger, flashier cities and home prices are still reasonable. Some have managed to fly under the radar, attracting fewer outsiders who can push up home prices when they arrive by bringing more cash to the table, says Danielle Hale, chief economist of Realtor.com®.
“The fact that these gems have remained relatively hidden has helped them maintain affordability,” Hale says.
So how’d we figure it all out?
To come up with our list, the Realtor.com data team looked through the country’s 300 largest metro areas in search of ones that have a young, culture-rich urban experience but also plenty of affordable homes for sale.
To be included, each metro had to have plenty of amenities loved by the trendy set: yoga studios, breweries, and art house theaters, to name a few. Each metro recorded an increase in the population of 25- to 34-year-olds moving to the area from 2018 to 2019, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Census Bureau.
In order to weed out areas that could be out of reach for first-time homebuyers, we limited the list to places where the median home list price was $400,000 or less in November by using Realtor.com listing data. (Metros include the main city and the surrounding suburbs, towns, and smaller urban areas.)
Ready to take a walk on the trendy but oh-so-affordable side?
Homebuyers don’t necessarily have to pay big prices in these up-and-coming cities.
Tony Frenzel for Realtor.com
1. Savannah, GA
Median listing price: $340,403
USA riverfront skyline in Savannah, GA
Getty Images
For the past decade or so, this waterfront city in the South, home to Savannah College of Art and Design, has been luring new residents who seek a calmer pace of life—albeit one drenched in history and unique culture.
The city features pedestrian-friendly blocks dotted with oak trees and great restaurants—from old-school stalwarts like Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House to New York imports such as the Fat Radish, and even The Grey, whose chef nabbed a James Beard award in 2019.
Because of its artsy scene and large numbers of tourists visiting from across the country, the city is more diverse and accepting than other cities in the South.
“Savannah is purple politically,” says writer and comedian Nichelle Stephens, who moved here a few years ago from New York City. Translation: A good mix of differing viewpoints is reflected throughout the city.
Buyers who want to live near the historic core—and take advantage of the city’s moving incentive—can find condos in the $400,000 range, including this one-bedroom listed at $350,000 and this charming two-bedroom townhome asking $425,000.
2. New Orleans, LA
Median listing price: $348,500
The French Quarter of New Orleans, LA
Getty Images
New Orleans might be best known for its debauched Mardi Gras festivities, but locals know that the real life of the city extends far past tourist meccas like Bourbon Street—a dynamic, still-rebounding urban mecca that’s home to artists, musicians, amazing food, and cultural attractions ranging from family-friendly to freaky.
Throughout the city are hip cafes, fun bars, and more great restaurants than most denizens will ever have time to sample. Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District, for example, boasts vintage boutiques, record shops, killer breakfast spots such as Molly’s Rise and Shine (owned by the folks who operate iconic sandwich spot Turkey and the Wolf), and relatively affordable condos.
Buyers can find historic places like this one-bedroom condo asking $185,000 and this large one-bedroom condo on the market for $285,000.
3. Philadelphia, PA
Median listing price: $312,450
The Schuylkill River Boardwalk in Philadelphia, PA
Getty Images
The City of Brotherly Love is chock-full of culture, history, and quaint neighborhoods that have been dubbed “the next Williamsburg”—for a fraction of the price.
Fishtown, for example, is home to some of the trendiest boutique hotels in the city. They include Lokal Hotel and Wm. Mulherin’s Sons Hotel, which boasts midcentury modern rooms right above the hotel’s Italian restaurant.
When locals aren’t visiting art galleries or shopping at trendy boutiques, they fill up at restaurants such as Pizzeria Beddia, the Lebanese cafe Suraya, taco spot Loco Pez, and barbecue joint Fette Sau (which also boasts a Williamsburg location, just sayin’).
In this trendy hood, homebuyers can score nice places for less than the cost of rent in Brooklyn. They include this sunny two-bedroom townhome asking $349,000 and this three-bedroom townhome on the market for $359,000.
4. New Haven, CT
Median listing price: $329,950
New York City is famed for its pizza, but many would argue that the best pies in the nation are in New Haven, a two-hour train ride away.
The city’s renowned clam pizzas may not be the primary reason NYC residents have been relocating to Elm City, but they probably don’t hurt matters. Since the pandemic hit, New Yorkers have been packing up their apartments for large homes with yards near the water in this historic Connecticut metro.
While the beach is certainly a draw, this college town, home to Yale University, also has the restaurants, cafes, yoga studios, and other hip amenities urban folks want.
“New Haven is a great hub for restaurants,” says Regina Sauer, A Realtor® with Frank D’Ostilio at Real Living Milford. “There’s all different kinds of international cuisine here, and great seafood places.”
For under $400,000, it’s possible to get a giant spread such as this six-bedroom, multifamily Queen Anne listed at $395,000 or this two-bedroom condo with views of the Quinnipiac River and East Rock on the market for $234,900.
5. Sioux City, IA
Median listing price: $193,450
Veterans Memorial Bridge between Sioux City, IA, and South Sioux City, NB
Getty Images
The artsy hub of Sioux City is essentially the museum capital of the tri-state region of Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska. It boasts the Sioux City Art Center, which highlights artists from the region, the Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center, the Sioux City Public Museum, and far more.
Known as “Little Chicago” during the wildest days of Prohibition, Sioux City is tamer these days. The city has implemented programs to get residents walking, eating well, and spending time together in the community. It has yoga studios, dance studios, and other wellness options along with dozens of cafes for gathering with neighbors.
Real estate is much more affordable here than in the rest of the country, so residents don’t have to stress as much about paying the bills. Nice homes can be bought for under $200,000, including this four-bedroom Colonial right near Grandview Park for $159,950 and this brand-new two-bedroom, one-bathroom on the market for $140,000.
6. Albany, NY
Median listing price: $319,900
There’s a reason out-of-town buyers flooded New York’s once-sleepy state capital during the pandemic: affordability. Homes in the Albany metro go for less than half of what they cost the New York metro (which has a median price of $655,000). And die-hard New Yorkers don’t even need to leave their state.
In addition to lots of outdoor activities on nearby mountains and lakes, the home of the State University of New York at Albany offers all the yoga, coffee, breweries, and restaurants a city person could dream about. And unlike other major cities, the restaurant scene here actually grew during COVID-19.
White-collar telecommuters from as far as California have been taking advantage of the trendy amenities and comparatively low cost of real estate. A three-bedroom, single-family home that’s walking distance to historic Madison Theatre, Saint Rose restaurants, and more is listed for $157,000.
7. Kalamazoo, MI
Median listing price: $189,000
This college town, home to Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University, is not just inexpensive, it’s also downright welcoming.
The blue-leaning city is a gay-friendly haven that presents annual Outfront Awards to local people and businesses that have made strides for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer equality in the community.
Events and businesses that welcome LGBTQ members include Queer Theatre Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Popular hangouts and restaurants include Bell’s Eccentric Cafe and Rose Gold Coffee Company.
House hunters can find nice homes in great locations for under $200,000, including this $179,000 three-bedroom ranch within walking distance to WMU. This historic five-bedroom home asking $120,000 is located in the charming Stuart neighborhood right near lots of dining and entertainment.
8. Eau Claire, WI
Median listing price: $239,900
“Sawdust City” has been earning a reputation for a whole lot more than its lumber mills.
Located about an hour and a half east of Minnesota, Eau Claire has been reinventing itself as an outdoor and cultural paradise with boutique hotels, farm-to-table restaurants, and an $80 million arts complex at the crossroads of two gorgeous rivers.
Because it’s still somewhat under the radar, buyers can find nice homes in walkable areas such as this two-bedroom Craftsman with a lilac-lined driveway asking $214,900
9. Baltimore, MD
Median listing price: $215,000
The Baltimore, MD, downtown
Getty Images
Baltimore boasts great restaurants, cafes, breweries, and much more throughout its historic neighborhoods. Bonus: It’s way more affordable than nearby Washington, DC, where the median-priced home was $505,000 last month.
The growing food scene has been gaining recognition from the James Beard Foundation, which many consider the Oscars of food. They include Outstanding Bar Program nominee Clavel Mezcaleria and Cindy Wolf as Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic. There’s no shortage of eating establishments to explore here.
In Canton, walkable from the trendy Fells Point area, buyers can get into a renovated one-bedroom condo for $179,000. In Hampden, the indie shopping mecca of the Mid-Atlantic, it’s possible to buy an updated two-bedroom townhouse for $219,900.
10. Orlando, FL
Median listing price: $335,000
Downtown skyline next to Lake Eola in Orlando, FL.
Getty Images
Orlando may be best known as the home of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, but many newcomers to O-Town are drawn for reasons that have nothing to do with Disney.
They include Christopher Wray, a musician who moved to Orlando from the Miami area a few years back. He’s found his way into the local music scene and regularly frequents new restaurants, breweries, and cocktail bars.
While he knew it was a great place to raise a family, Wray says he has been pleasantly surprised by all the amenities and activities for younger adults.
“It’s a much slower pace, less stressful, more casual,” he says. “But there’s always stuff going on.”
The home of the University of Central Florida has lots of great restaurants, breweries, cafes, and art house theaters that regularly host community events.
Buyers can dig around a bit to find deals in hip neighborhoods such as this two-bedroom home asking $300,000 in College Park and this midcentury modern three-bedroom on the market for $340,000 in Audubon Park.
The post Where the Cool Kids Are: 10 Trendy U.S. Metros Where You Can Still Afford To Buy a Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/where-the-cool-kids-are-10-trendy-u-s-metros-you-can-still-afford-to-buy-a-home/
0 notes
Text
Bulbous Green Domes in the Idaho Wilderness Instantly Attract Buyers
Realtor.com
On the banks of a gorgeous creek in Clark Fork, ID, sit three green, bulbous structures.
This small assemblage of domes sits on 5 acres, and each can serve as a separate living space.
While life inside a dome isn’t for everyone, this compound has proved popular. After it was listed in October with an asking price of $269,000, a buyer snapped it up in less than two months.
“It’s definitely pretty unique,” the listing agent, Jeremy Brown with Realm Partners, says. “The buyers plan to renovate the property and live in it permanently.”
Exterior of dome home in Clark Fork, ID
Jeremy Brown
Aerial view
Jeremy Brown
Exterior
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
A previous owner built the structures in the northern panhandle of the state in the late 1990s. Each of the trio of domes measures a different size. The biggest dome has three bedrooms with a single bathroom, the middle one has two bedrooms and one bathroom, and the smallest is a petite one-bedroom, one-bathroom.
With the options available, the property appealed to buyers with large families and those in search of multigenerational options.
“It seems we have an influx of people moving up here that want to have multiple generations of family moving on to one property,” Brown explains.
That is what clinched this deal.
As the agent notes, “Having the three separate living spaces already set up—that just needed to be cleaned up and given a little TLC—was a good fit for the buyers.”
Medium dome
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Kitchen
Jeremy Brown
Small dome
Jeremy Brown
The seller had never lived in the domes, so the agent says they needed some upkeep.
“They definitely needed cleaning, and there were a lot of unknowns,” he says.
The property had been vacant for many years, he adds. However, the unknowns weren’t a roadblock to an eventual sale.
“The power was off, and the water was off, and there was no heat in the property,” Brown says. “They held up really well, mainly due to the construction.”
Nearly impervious to the elements, the domes are made of concrete at least 6 inches thick, with a layer of insulation and then a waterproof membrane over the top. Brown says the temperature within the structures remained fairly stable inside, despite the lack of electricity.
He says he didn’t quite know what to think when he first saw the property he was about to list.
“I was a little shocked, because I hadn’t seen anything like that before. I knew there were going to be challenges based on the condition,” he says.
But soon after the domes were listed, multiple offers came in.
As for the ambiance inside the domes?
“It feels like you’re inside of a giant ball. I mean, it’s just totally round,” Brown explains. “There’s not a lot of usable wall space. If you like pictures, it would be challenging.”
During the listing process, Brown definitely got a kick out of reading all the comments online about the property. While the haters may have had a giggle at these strange structures, Brown had the last laugh, when the sale concluded swiftly.
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Bathroom
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Kitchen
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Interior
Jeremy Brown
Outbuilding
Jeremy Brown
Creek
Jeremy Brown
The post Bulbous Green Domes in the Idaho Wilderness Instantly Attract Buyers appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/bulbous-green-domes-idaho-wilderness-instantly-attracted-buyers/
0 notes
Text
Alex Rodriguez Flips a Prime Property in Miami for $6.3M
Getty Images / Realtor.com
The baseball great Alex Rodriguez is playing the real estate game. The former slugger recently sold an investment property in Miami for $6.3 million, Architectural Digest reports.
The transaction occurred just eight months after A-Rod picked up the lakeside abode in April for $5.5 million. Weeks later, he put the pad back on the market, initially asking $8.5 million. In May, the price dropped to $7.2 million, before he sold it in December at the still-lower amount.
Even with the discounts, Rodriguez pocketed a small profit from the quick flip.
According to reports, the place will be torn down by the new buyers to make way for new construction that takes full advantage of the waterfront setting.
Home run
Set on a third of an acre, the single-story residence offers four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Built in 1962, the midcentury modern space comes with walls of glass, an open concept plan, and indoor-outdoor living.
1/5
Pool and lake views (Realtor.com)
2/5
Kitchen (Realtor.com)
3/5
Living and dining room (Realtor.com)
4/5
Single-story residence (Realtor.com)
5/5
Lakeside property (Realtor.com)
In the heart of Miami’s Design District, it’s on the gated private island of Bay Point Estates.
The location offers views of Sabal Lake and the Miami skyline. Renovated in 1985, the minimalist design features ceramic floors, a light and bright kitchen, and a living and dining space that opens to the patio through glass sliding doors.
Outside, the private oasis features lush landscaping, a pool, and outdoor kitchen.
The listing notes that the buyer can opt to build anew or renovate—which it describes as both “win-win options with its perfect location.” The scenic spot is close to Miami Beach, downtown Miami, the highways, and the airport.
High-profile properties
The former third baseman also owns a spectacular $40 million property on Star Island that he reportedly purchased with his ex, the superstar Jennifer Lopez. He also owns an artful mansion in Coral Gables, FL.
During their time together, the high-profile couple teamed up to take a few swings at the real estate market. They flipped a Malibu beachfront pad they bought from the actor Jeremy Piven for $6.6 million, selling it for $8 million.
The pair also bought and quickly sold a luxury condo in a high-rise on Billionaires’ Row in Manhattan.
Rodriguez is a 14-time All-Star who played for 22 seasons with the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers. Now retired, the baseball legend serves as an ESPN analyst and is a part-owner of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.
Arlene Dunand with Coldwell Banker Realty, Rodriguez’s sister, represented Rodriguez. Julianna Castro with Compass represented the buyer.
The post Alex Rodriguez Flips a Prime Property in Miami for $6.3M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/alex-rodriguez-flips-prime-property-in-miami/
0 notes
Text
Treat Yourself: 5 Real-Life Gingerbread Houses Tailor-Made for the Holidays
Realtor.com
Of all the holiday pastimes, building gingerbread houses is quite possibly our favorite—after all, it’s an activity that combines our passion for cute homes with our love of sweet treats. Of course, we’d be into that!
In fact, we’re so fond of gingerbread houses that we got to thinking: Wouldn’t it be downright delightful to live in one?
Luckily, our dreams aren’t so far off from reality—gingerbread-style homes actually do exist. Dating to the late 1800s, these decorative cottages are known for their lacelike trims, elaborate embellishments, and brightly painted hues.
And here’s the best gift of all: Five of these festive homes are on the market right now. Just beware: The architecture is not edible!
234 Randolph Ave, Cape Charles, VA
Price: $775,000
Blue beauty: This ocean-hued house is just two blocks from the beach. Built in 1892, the five-bedroom home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 2,128-square-foot home has been completely renovated, with period details like moldings, cornices, and marble fireplaces all well-preserved.
New flooring, updated baths, and an open kitchen now grace the place, and a lovely primary bedroom can be found on the first floor. Outside, there’s a fenced backyard and off-street parking for three cars.
Best of all? It’s located in a popular getaway area, so it can be used as a vacation rental with “outstanding earning potential.”
Cape Charles, VA
Realtor.com
1361 Pebble Dr, Graham, NC
Price: $535,000
Noble in North Carolina: Although this place was built in the 1980s instead of the 1880s, the design features everything we love about historic Victorians.
A spacious front porch with columns, the gorgeous gingerbread trim, and an ornate fireplace are among the highlights of this delightful dwelling. The four-bedroom, 3,666-square-foot home features a living room with an oval fireplace, a sunroom, and a newer kitchen.
Graham, NC
Realtor.com
346 College Ave, Carlinville, IL
Price: $286,000
Brick bargain: Built in 1900, this beautiful home is a true treat thanks to the eye-catching gingerbread trim.
And it’s a huge bargain, too. The large six-bedroom home measures 6,595 square feet, which means it’s priced at a paltry $43 per square foot.
Highlights include a finished lower level with a rec room, bar, and kitchenette. On the main floor, there’s an open living room, large kitchen, and a double-sided fireplace shared with the dining room. Other features include a primary bedroom on the main level, a sunroom, and an office. Set on nearly an acre, the large lot includes a patio and lawn.
Carlinville, IL
Realtor.com
2601 College Ave, Fort Worth, TX
Price: $659,500
Fantastic farmhouse: Here’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of Fort Worth history. Lovingly maintained by the owners for 30 years, this Victorian-style farmhouse features gingerbread lattice, stained glass, and bay windows.
Inside, the three-bedroom floor plan features a living room with a fireplace and dining area. Just adjacent, an open kitchen features glass doors that open to a deck.
The home’s oversized lot includes a fenced yard.
This property is being offered at a discount: After about a month on the market, the price was cut by $19,000.
Fort Worth, TX
Realtor.com
104 Greenville St, Abbeville, SC
Price: $427,199
Historic home: Built in 1881, this adorable abode is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The exterior features its original Victorian gingerbread trim. Restored rooms in the four-bedroom residence feature fireplaces with ornate mantels, 12-foot ceilings, and original pine floors.
Other highlights include the main bedroom with a walk-in closet and updated baths with original claw-foot tubs. Outside, the fenced yard includes a new deck and an antique barn.
Abbeville, SC
Realtor.com
The post Treat Yourself: 5 Real-Life Gingerbread Houses Tailor-Made for the Holidays appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/gingerbread-homes-for-the-holidays/
0 notes
Text
Many Affluent Millennials Are Now ‘Lifestyle Renting’ Instead of Buying Homes. ‘It’s the Best Option for Now,’ Some Say—but Is It Really?
Getty Images
Move over white picket fence, it’s all about the doorman and a sleek gym for an increasing number of monied millennials—or at least that’s what a new study from real estate site RentCafe implies. It finds that the share of millennials who are lifestyle renters—defined as renters with above-average incomes who are using their bigger budgets to rent in amenity-rich, fancier apartments rather than buy a place—is on the rise. This year’s millennial rental applicants are making 10% more than those who moved last year, and 39% of applicants this year had individual incomes above $50,000. “There are individuals who opt to rent because they want to and not because they have to. They typically don’t want to be tied down by home ownership and mortgages. They often look for buildings with amenities such as gyms or for buildings that may be closer to where they work,” explains Michael J. Romer, managing partner of real estate law firm Romer Debbas.
But is renting a nice pad better than buying right now? Mortgage rates are still near historic lows—some 30-year rates are still near 3% and 15-year rates near 2%, as you can see here—and experts say they expect them to rise. But at the same time, housing prices rose nearly 20% year over year, which is giving some pause—though many economists and analysts we spoke to don’t see this as a bubble, and instead think prices will continue to rise, though at a more gradual pace, thanks, in part, to constrained supply issues.
The answer of whether to rent or buy depends a lot on your individual circumstances, pros say. From a high level, the rough rule of thumb is that if you don’t plan on staying in the home or area a long time (longer than say 3-5 years), renting is often the better option. This is in part because when you buy a home, you have to factor in closing costs, a down payment, property taxes and more. This rent vs. buy calculator from NerdWallet can help you figure out whether it makes sense to rent or buy now.
A significant downside of renting is the loss of real estate appreciation, which varies based on location and market conditions, but tends to average 4% over the long term, as well as tax deductions such as mortgage interest, real estate taxes and private mortgage insurance. “Simply put, real estate is an asset when you own it and merely an expense when you rent it,” says Romer.
Romer notes that when looking at the financials of buying, “you’d have to calculate the approximate mortgage interest you would have to pay and the real estate taxes for potential property. Be sure to keep state and local tax deductions (SALT) in mind and always check with your accountant first.” Home ownership also requires maintenance that, when renting, the landlord would do for you.
And, it’s not just a question of renting vs. buying: In recent years, Romer says one could argue that investing in stocks is actually more profitable than investing in real estate.
You may need to rent in order to save up to buy: “How long depends upon how much one is able to set aside. Save up to purchase that home—it’s worth it,” says Romer. And RentCafe researcher Alexandra Ciuntu says: “It comes down to the individual’s ability, financial or otherwise, to take the leap toward homeownership and one’s goals. While previous generations felt the need to cross home buying off their list and associated it with status, millennials are more prone to lifestyle renting as a viable, successful alternative. For some higher-earning renters hoping to become homeowners, lifestyle renting might not make sense, but it’s the best option for now. Renting in close proximity to an important hub can help evaluate the homebuying market and hopefully land the right opportunity to buy. For some, waiting it out in a perfect home buying hunting ground can prove a solution.”
Of course, renting versus buying is about more than just money. Renting “is of particular interest to young people who want to try different locations, property types and trendy amenities. Younger professionals are generally income rich and liquid asset poor,” says Lisa K. Lippman, a real estate broker at Brown Harris Stevens in New York. “Therefore, renting allows them to live life at a standard comparable to their income without plunking down a large down payment for a purchase.“ Adds Romer: “A prime candidate would be someone who works in an urban area and wants to live nearby, but doesn’t have the necessary liquidity to purchase. Another example would be empty nesters who have sold their suburban home and no longer want the responsibility of home ownership. For them, renting can certainly be a lifestyle.”
In the end, it’s a personal choice—and it’s not only about money, but also about how you want to live your life.
The post Many Affluent Millennials Are Now ‘Lifestyle Renting’ Instead of Buying Homes. ‘It’s the Best Option for Now,’ Some Say—but Is It Really? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
from https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/many-affluent-millennials-are-now-lifestyle-renting-instead-of-buying-homes/
0 notes