Stevie Wonder home in Los Feliz sells for $2,407,000 #latimes #realestate

Stevie Wonder via last.fm

By Lauren Beale
July 21, 2009
A Los Feliz home owned by singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder has sold for $2,407,000.

The four-bedroom, three-bathroom Mission-style house of 4,511 square feet was built in 1928. A tiki room on the bottom level of the two-story home leads to a swimming pool with a large yard, gated parking and a one-bedroom guesthouse. There are hardwood floors, a family room fireplace and city light views. Arched windows look out onto the less-than-half-acre of grounds.

The record producer, instrumentalist and winner of 22 Grammy awards performed in January at a concert in Washington, D.C., the weekend before President Obama’s inauguration and earlier this month at Michael Jackson‘s memorial service at Staples Center.

Wonder, 59, received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in February. Among his early Motown hits were “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” (1970), “Superstition” (1972) and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” (1973). He appeared on “American Idol” in 2006 and this year on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

Public records show Wonder is the owner of about a dozen residential and commercial properties in the Los Angeles area.

The listing agent was Melody A. McCully of Universal Realty, according to the Multiple Listing Service. The buyer was represented by Dorothy Carter and Michael Orland, both of Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz.

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California Lawmakers Reach Deal on Budget

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California lawmakers, their state broke and its credit rating shot, finally sealed a deal Monday night with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on a plan to close a $26 billion budget gap.

Blogger: There’s light at the end of this tumultuous tunnel offering more stability to plan for our future. Go Governator.

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RENTERS REJOICE: Consumer Price Index Drops; No (0%) Annual Rent Adjustment for 2009-2010 #realestate

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At its June 25, 2009 meeting, the Rent Stabilization Commission announced that the annual rent adjustment for West Hollywood tenants subject to the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance is 0% (no allowed increase) for the period beginning September 1, 2009 and ending August 31, 2010.

The 0% (no allowed increase) amount was required under the City’s Rent Ordinance, which sets the annual general adjustment by looking at the change in the Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers from May to May each year.

As of May 2009, the Los Angeles CPI, which is calculated by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statistics, showed a decrease of 1.82% over the May 2008 number.

West Hollywood Municipal Code Section 17.36.020 states that: “In the event that the CPI decreases, no increase or decrease in rents shall be authorized pursuant to this chapter.”

For more information about the CPI, visit the Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics web site: www.bls.gov/cpi or call (202) 691-7000.

“No rent increases may be given to any tenants between Sept. 1, 2009 and Aug. 31, 2010.”

General Adjustment: Questions & Answers

Q. With the 0% general adjustment, can rent be raised for any tenants?

A. No. No rent increases may be given to any tenants between Sept. 1, 2009 and Aug. 31, 2010.

Q. What if the landlord missed a general adjustment in the past. Can it be taken now?

A. Since 1996, annual adjustments are available on a “use it or lose it” basis. They are forfeited if not given during the year they are available. Any post 9/96 adjustments not given have been lost.

Q. Do landlords need to give tenants any written notice even though the rent isn’t going up?

A. No notice is necessary, that is why the Department did not enclose the blank rent increase form as is the standard practice.

Q. Can rent increases be given if the effective date is before Sept. 1, 2009?

A. Only if the tenant has lived in their unit at least 12 months and at least 12 months have passed since the last rent increase, if one was given. The increase available through August 31, 2009 is 2.75%. Remember, tenants must receive at least 30 days written notice under California law for any rent increase to be legal.

Q. Why is the West Hollywood general adjustment 0% when other rent control jurisdictions allow different amounts? Doesn’t everyone look at the same CPI statistics?

A. The rent ordinance for each rent controlled district determines what CPI data is used and how the data translates into the annual adjustment. West Hollywood takes 75% of the rise in the CPI from May to May and rounds to the nearest 1/4 of 1%, unless the CPI decreases, then no increase is allowed. Los Angeles Rent Stabilization averages the monthly CPI increase from September to September each year to determine the increase allowed the following July. Los Angeles also has a minimum adjustment of 3%, even when the CPI data is below that amount. Santa Monica does an annual study of landlord expenses. CPI data is included in the study, but not relied on as the sole determiner of the increase amount.

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How California’s Fiscal Woes Began: A Crisis 30 Years in the Making

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California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger addresses a joint session of the legislature discussing the state's budget crisis and the necessary steps that must be taken to solve it. Peter Grigsby / Reuters

By Kevin O’Leary / Los Angeles Wednesday, Jul. 01, 2009

With California a day away from issuing IOUs instead of paying its bills, Gov. Schwarzenegger and the legislature remain at odds over how to close a now $26.3 billion deficit. Schwarzenegger on Thursday ordered a third unpaid furlough day for 235,000 state employees. With its $1.7 trillion economy sputtering and 11.5% unemployment surging, California’s difficulty in balancing its budget could affect the national recovery.

But the Golden State’s budget problems are hardly new. The seeds of them were planted more than 30 years ago.

Read More

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‘Gossip Girl’ producer Levy buys in Hollywood Hills area – Los Angeles Times

“Gossip Girl” executive producer Bob Levy has purchased a Hollywood Hills-area home for $1,005,000.

There are two bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms in about 1,620 square feet. The listing described the house as a “modern reinterpretation” of the 1965 design by L.A.-based architect Chet Callahan. Sliding glass doors off the living, kitchen and dining areas open to terrace views of Hollywood, downtown L.A. and the Griffith Observatory.

The two-story house previously sold for $759,000 in 2004.

Levy was the vice president of prime-time series at NBC before joining Alloy Entertainment in 2001, where he is an executive producer of all of the firm’s television projects, including “Gossip Girl” (2007-present), “The Vampire Diaries” (2009) and “Samurai Girl” (2008).

The listing agent was Crystal Heatherly of Deasy/Penner&Partners, Beverly Hills. Konstantine Valissarakos of Sotheby’s International Realty, Los Feliz, represented the buyer.

‘Gossip Girl’ producer Levy buys in Hollywood Hills area – Los Angeles Times

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The Patio Del Moro – For Lease in West Hollywood’s North Harper Avenue Historic District #realestate

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• Patio Del Moro: (1 of 2 avail. apts.) The Charlie Chaplin Apartment at 8235 Fountain Avenue:

MLS#: 09-375805

With its unique layout which includes multiple entrances and exits this unit would serve Chaplin’s needs to visit his then mistress Paulette Goddard who occupied the adjoining also two story apartments. This completely restored and fully furnished apartment boasts not only three bedrooms but a private patio with tile enhanced fountain, a living room, and fire place with plaster relief reaching to the vaulted ceilings with hand painted beams. The secondary bedroom has a Moroccan arched veranda overlooking the living room and rear patio below with daybed. The two secondary rooms have cedar closets with storage, while the master bedroom is fitted with a full walk in closet. Above the bathroom is the attic / loft with a picture window facing out on to the Hollywood Hills. No expense has been spared to make this unit charming, comfortable, private, and cozy all with silently running hidden and seamless modern amenities (remote control Mitsubishi Mr. Slims). The moment you walk in, you never want to leave. Images of Charlie’s

8235 Fountain AvenueWest Hollywood, CA Apartment $4,450/month 8235 Fountain Avenue Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1.0 Sq Footage 1,200 Parking 2 dedicated Pets Inquire Deposit $8,900 view detailed listing

• Patio Del Moro: (2 of 2 avail. apts.) The Paulette Goddard Apartment at 8237 Fountain Avenue:

MLS#: 09-375827

Paulette Goddard’s apartment adjoins lover Chaplin’s & is restored unfurnished with a private fountain in its courtyard, overseen by second story bedrooms. Dining room boasts a period dinette with four upholstered chairs. Picnic table under grapevines. Storage. Salon with gas fireplace. Hardwood floors & carpets throughout. Moroccan arched portals & ornamentation abound. Stairs. Juliet Balcony overlooks salon and one bedroom. Other bedroom has french door-ed balcony with Cherub sconces. Western light. Nothing spared to be comfy, cozy with silent hidden modern amenities (remote control Mitsubishi Mr. Slims). 30’s Moorish elegance. Images of Paulette’s.

8237 Fountain Avenue West Hollywood, CA Apartment $4,450/month 8237 Fountain Avenue Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1.5 Sq Footage 1,200 Parking 2 dedicated Pets Inquire Deposit $8,900 view detailed listing

We also have PDM listed with these Online Search Engines:

Offices offices everywhere, AHH what a place to meet.

AMERICA HOME HUNTERS OFFICES IN CALIFORNIA

Standard Hours of Operation 8:00 to 5:00, *8:30 to 5:00

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

BEVERLY HILLS
BEVERLY HILLS TRIANGLE
9595 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

CENTURY CITY
WATT PLAZA*
1875 Century Park East, Suite 700
Century City, CA 90067

CULVER CITY
CORPORATE POINTE
400 Corporate Pointe, Suite 300
Culver City, CA 90230

DOWNTOWN LA
WELLS FARGO*
333 S. Grand Ave., 25th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071

SANTA MONICA
BROADWAY PLAZA*
520 Broadway, Suite 350
Santa Monica, CA 90401

HOWARD HUGHES CENTER
6601 Center Dr., West, Suite 500*
Los Angeles, CA 90045

PASADENA
790 East Colorado Blvd., 9th Floor*
Pasadena, CA 91101

KOLL CENTER PASADENA*
1055 E. Colorado Blvd., 5th Floor
Pasadena, CA 91106

WESTWOOD
THE TOWER
10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600
Los Angeles, CA 90024

WESTWOOD PLACE*
10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400
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#College bound family members considering Southern California’s Universities?

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As your college bound family members may be considering Southern California‘s Universities, Please allow me the opportunity to answer any questions they may have about the area and its property offerings as college campuses have on-campus housing shortages for incoming Freshmen.

Give the gift of ownership. If you haven’t yet considered it, on graduation day wouldn’t it be nice to discuss renting or selling your graduate’s housing that’s appreciated from the bottom of this market?

Or give the gift of stability with a four year lease. What could be better than locking in a four year rental agreement giving far better leverage to you in negotiating terms providing peace of mind to your Freshman student? Keep them focused and avoid costly moves and anxieties.

Use my complimentary MLS Market Snapshot to peruse the market and choose options that we can talk about. Together we can find your college or university student a safer more secure and appreciating place to live with great terms now near any of these SOCAL colleges or universities:

* Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles
* Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena
* Pepperdine University, Malibu
* University of California, Los Angeles
* University of Southern California, Los Angeles
* Art Center College of Design, Pasadena
* Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles
* Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
* Southern California Institute of Architecture, Los Angeles
* California State University, Long Beach
* Woodbury University – Burbank
* Mount St. Mary’s College, Los Angeles
* California State University, Los Angeles
* California State University, Northridge
* California Baptist University, Riverside
* California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
* California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks
* National University, Sherman Oaks
* California National University, Northridge
* Whittier College, Los Angeles
* Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles
* American Jewish University, Los Angeles
* Claremont Colleges, Claremont

o Claremont McKenna College, Claremont
o Harvey Mudd College, Claremont
o Pitzer College, Claremont
o Pomona College, Claremont
o Scripps College, Claremont

Rental Properties

 

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