US economy is gradually downshifting, recession unlikely

Friday’s national employment report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed a number of recent economic reports which showed that the U.S. economic growth is gradually downshifting to a slower gear, but not collapsing. The employment report showed that the U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in August including the 25,000 additions due to Census hiring. While August’s jobs report suggests slowdown in hiring, there...

English country chic in the heart of Larchmont Village

Hidden behind a charming corner gate in historic Larchmont Village, this timeless 1923 home at 122 South Larchmont Boulevard has been stylishly enhanced for today. The welcoming, light-filled interior is highlighted by vaulted ceilings, arched doorways, rich hardwood floors and a Batchelder fireplace. A subtly vintage designer kitchen is superbly equipped for everything from meals in the breakfast nook to elegant entertaining in the dining...

Home of the Week: Modern in Mill Valley

This one-of-a kind residence is proof you can balance modern design and materials with nature. Nestled on a hillside in a grove of trees, the house’s private location offers a sense of intimacy. Each of the 10 boxes in this multicellular design represents a room. The 1,740 sq ft. home features ample space, with three bedrooms, a kitchen and dining area, a study, a foyer,...

Home of the Week: New showcase luxury modern in coveted WeHo enclave

This premier new residence at 9021 Rangely Avenue is the first of its kind in the exclusive West Hollywood neighborhood defined by Beverly, Melrose, Doheny and Robertson. The architectural design marries serene privacy with lovely views of treetops and city lights. All three levels reflect the ultimate in lavish living, defined by soaring ceilings, exquisite finishes, light-streaming clerestory windows and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Beyond...

Home of the Week: Matthew Perry’s astonishing LA sky palace

When Friends star Matthew Perry bought the entire 40th floor of 1 West Century Drive, he hired architect Scott Joyce and noted interior designer LM Pagano to transform the 9,318 square foot penthouse into a statement of sweeping luxury. Now, as the actor finds himself spending more time in Malibu and New York, this spectacular setting has come on the market. Penthouse 40 is a...

Compass SoCal July 2019 Real Estate Market Update

Across the majority of Los Angeles communities, median home prices increased again in July with the overall increase averaging about 4 percent compared to last year. Some communities in Mid City, Los Angeles saw even stronger increases in median home prices as sales of higher-priced homes picked up again. In contrast, some of the more affordable Los Angeles communities saw relatively lower price growth as...

Economic Straight Talk: How are lower interest rates impacting Los Angeles housing markets?

Executive Summary After a large dip in housing market activity starting in the last quarter of 2018 and first quarter of 2019, housing markets in recent months have mostly bounced back to where they were last summer. The number of home sales trends about the same, home prices have recovered to again show annual increases, inventories are scarce, and absorption rates have returned to the...

Home of the Week: View-swept retreat overlooking Sonoma

Seamlessly blended into the contours of Sonoma Mountain, a tranquil private domain overlooks wine country from its forested vantage point at 19501 Brooklime Road. Inside, a symphony of rich woods and vast windows pays tribute to the mastery of William Turnbull, the renowned Pacific Coast architect whose “devotion to wood, and to the softness of the landscape, gave all his buildings an easy, relaxed grace”...

Neighborhood Spotlight: Playa Vista’s The Collection

Playa Vista’s The Collection, in the heart of Silicon Beach, close to selling out Most of The Collection’s 66 multi-level single-family residences have sold with move-in ready homes ready for purchase and final homes being built Playa Vista, the connected urban community on the Westside of Los Angeles, is nearing successful culmination in the heart of Silicon Beach. The 66 homes in The Collection, Playa...