Hollywood a bust

One of our favorite past times is attending the array of open houses throught LA. We usually stick to the east side since Echo Park/Silverlake is ideally where we want to live but today we ventured over to Hollywood.

After almost a year of househunting we realize the bubble hasn't popped in LA and a single detached house with a yard still runs over $600k. We also looked on the other end of the spectrum at the miriad of lofts in the still harsh streets of downtown. But the lofts are a risky investment given the glut of development and high prices.

Today, I thought we'd try a happy medium and look at one of the condos from one of the old Hollywood residences. Online the price listed at $550k which seemed reasonable so we made the treck west.

This place was incredible. The historic building built around a spanish courtyard by the architects Arthur and Nina Zwebell in the 1920's was like stepping into another world. The space was completely restored with high beamed ceilings and charming balconies. We fell in love and the real estate agent was really friendly. We might even secure him for the future.

Then the heartbreak came when he told us that the place was $750k (that was the cheapest of the three). WHAT??? It was such a horrible tease. Evidently, the person listing the place on MLS accidently listed it at $550k instead of the correct $750k.

Lesson learned. Never look at the house you can't afford - it will hurt!