Ivanhoe Elementary School in Silver Lake with an API score of 950 for 2012

3021 La Paz Drive – completely remodeled, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths – asking price is $744,698

Ivanhoe Elementary School in Silver Lake with an API score of 950 for 2012

2510 Griffith Park Blvd. – 2 bedrooms, 1 bath – asking price is $649,000

Ivanhoe Elementary School in Silver Lake with an API score of 950 for 2012

2408 Griffith Park Blvd – 2 bedrooms, 1 bath – asking price is $675,000

Ivanhoe Elementary School in Silver Lake with an API score of 950 for 2012

2677 Glendale Blvd. – 2 bedrooms, 1 bath – asking price is $479,777

Franklin Elementary School in Los Feliz with an API score of 916 for 2012

4230 Newdale Drive – 2 bedrooms, 1.50 baths, – asking price is $679,000

Franklin Elementary School in Los Feliz with an API score of 916 for 2012

2012 Sanborn Ave. – 3 bedrooms, 3 baths – asking price $799,500

Mount Washington Elementary in Mount Washington with an API score of 906

3986 San Rafael Ave. – 2 bedrooms, 1.50 baths -  asking price is $619,000

Mount Washington Elementary in Mount Washington with an API score of 906

409 Rustic Drive – 2 bedrooms, 2 baths – asking price is $449,000

Looking for a home with great schools please call Diane at 323.401.3987 or email

Silver Lake stairs connecting Kenilworth Ave. to Moreno Dr.

If you want a really great workout try climbing the 280 stairs starting at Westerly Terrace (cross street is Swan Pl.), which connects you to Resdesdale Ave. The second set of stairs takes you to Rotary Dr. Sorry, you are not finished yet, continue with the third set which ends on Westerly Ave. It is downhill from there. Now do that 3 times more!

The stairs starting on Westerly Terrace. (cross street is Swan Pl)

The school’s website explains that “the Silver Lake Studio Middle School is neither a charter school, nor a private school, but something new: a public pilot school that has been given the freedom to innovate schedules, curricula, instruction, and partnerships within the second largest school district in United States. A team of committed, experienced and passionate Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) teachers who know school can be academically rich, socially developmental, and engage with the real world. Supported by both LAUSD and Future Is Now Schools, led by pioneer Green Dot Founder Steve Barr. The goal is to create a small, safe learning environment that truly serves the students and the families of Silver Lake and the surrounding communities through innovative practices, rigorous academics and commitment to the arts. This is just the beginning.”

A few years ago, there were few good middle schools to choose from in the Silver Lake and Los Feliz areas. Thomas Starr King, the only middle school for the area, was not an option for many families because it had a bad reputation. Over the years King has taken big strides to improve academically, plant delightful gardens, and divide the school into three magnet schools to provide smaller learning communities. Currently there is a Gifted Arts and Technology Magnet, an Environmental Magnet and a new one starting in the Fall 2013 with a focus on cinematic arts. The addition of the Silver Lake Studio Middle School will provide families with another top school to send their middle schoolers, making Silver Lake an even more desirable place to live.

To learn more about the Silver Lake Middle School, please visit their Facebook page

A. 2435 West Silver Lake Dr. LA, 90039

B. 2331 West Silver Lake Dr. LA, 90039

C. 2501 West Silver Lake Dr. LA, 90039

D. 2261 Kenilworth Dr LA, 90039

E. 2087 Redcliff St. LA, 90039

F. Redcliff St. and Rock LA, 90039

G. 2812 Bright Lane LA, 90039

H. 2815 Bright Lane LA, 90039

I. 2913 Angus St. LA, 90039
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4421 Finley Ave. Los Angeles, 90027

list price: $799,000     bedrooms – 3     baths – 2     sq.ft. – 1492

Built in 1910, this special Los Feliz California bungalow blends old world charm and modern touches. It was re-done by the talented Design Vidal team. Public records show the home to be 1492 sq ft, but I think it is definitely larger. So close to all the cool restaurants and shops on Hillhurst Ave. It is in the Franklin Elementary School.

The new chef’s kitchen opens up to the living room and dining room creating a warm open space.

There are three bedrooms upstairs, an enclosed sleeping porch, and large new bathroom, with a soaking tub and separate shower.

Great big newly landscaped backyard!

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Looking to be in the Ivanhoe Elementary School district?  I love this open, airy, light-filled home with an enormous backyard and plenty of room to add on.

The walking path for the Silver Lake Reservoir is down the street. Who needs the gym??

2607 Rokeby St. Los Angeles, 90039

list price – $799,000      bedrooms – 2      baths – 1.5      sq.ft -1247

The living room is bathed in natural light with French doors leading to a wood deck and grassy, flat yard. Great for entertaining!

A newly remodeled kitchen has Caesarstone counter tops and opens up to the backyard.

The bathroom is roomy, with a tub and separate shower. I am a big fan of separate showers. There is also a half bath for guests.

There is so much you can do with this finished garage. Umm…. an office, art studio, kids playroom, man cave. So many choices!

Perfect Backyard!

 If you would like to see this home please call Diane at 323.401.3987 or email

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4471 Finley Ave. listing courtesy of Karen Lower – Coldwell Banker-BH North

2607 Rokeby St. – listing courtesy George and Eileen Moreno – Remax

The real estate market in Silver Lake changed as of January 1^st 2012.  We went from a buyers market to a sellers market almost over night.  The inventory is shrinking with only 36 homes for sale on the Multiple Listing Service in all of Silver Lake and Echo Park. I have never seen inventory this low. The interest rates have been amazingly low, the prices of homes have come down and rents have gone up.  It now makes sense for buyers who have been sitting on the sideline to jump into the market and purchase a home. The problem is there are so few homes for sale and multiple offers on most.  Many of my would be sellers do not have enough equity in their home for a down payment on a more expensive home after paying Realtor fees and any repairs.

Here is an example of what happened to my buyers this past January.  In late December 2011 my buyers wrote a purchase contract on a house in Silver Lake, which has been on the market since March 2011 and never had an offer.  My buyers and the seller could not meet on the price.  In the next few days we went to see a few more houses when my buyers changed their mind and decided to meet the seller’s price.  Maybe there was something in the universe but at the same time the seller got 3 other offers and they went with a higher offer. This house has lingered on the market for 10 months with no offers and now there were four. This was the start of the sellers market we are now experiencing.

When looking to buy a property in Silver Lake, you need to make sure you are working with an agent who really knows the area and is someone you trust.   An experienced agent will know the market and be able to help you come up with the best offer to increase your odds of getting the house you want.

Homes in the hills of Silver Lake.

A Silver Lake home along the Silver Lake Reservoir.

The borders of Silver Lake.

According to the Huffington Post about 50,000 students are enrolled in dual-language programs in California, State Department of Education officials say, and about half of them are English learners. Ninety percent of the programs offer Spanish as the second language, followed by Mandarin (4 percent), Korean (3 percent) and other languages (3 percent).

Another big change at Micheltorena Elementary is that Citizens of the World Charter will be occupying five classrooms at the school. The focus of Citizens of the World is to create a national network of charter schools that reflect the socioeconomic, racial and cultural diversity of their communities and exemplify a rigorous, student-centered academic program. CWC will be on split campuses. Micheltorena  will be the home for the 2nd and 3rd grade classes, while kindergarten and 1st grade will be at Grant Elementary. With all the educational cutbacks, a growing number of parents are sending their kids to charter schools, LAUSD magnet schools, private schools, or home schooling. This recent trend has left a hole in public education, leaving many public schools without support. Smaller learning communities with a vision seem like the way of the future for LAUSD. What are your thoughts?

Micheltorena Elementary School’s organic school/community garden has replaced a parking lot with the help of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council.

Micheltorena Elementary School

1838 Westerly Terrace, Los Angeles, 90026

 A new Silver Lake listing with 916 sq. ft. has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. There is another 391 sq. ft. of non-permitted space under the house which has been converted into a guest bedroom, .75 bath, small office, and storage. The asking price is $819,000.

It is easy to miss this gem from the street. This light filled home is tucked away behind a gate and lots of greenery.

The house has dark stained floors throughout with french doors in the living room with steps leading down to the pool, spa,  guest bedroom, bath, office, and storage.

Charming galley kitchen with marble counter tops, antique stove, and eating nook. I can see myself sipping my morning coffee as I am catching up on my emails. There is direct access to the one car garage from the kitchen. Hmmm, perhaps a future office or family room???

The master bedroom has tree top views. There are 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on the main level.

The second bedroom has a fireplace.

Spacious remodeled bathroom stays true to the soft neutral tones of the home. Great bathroom!

The downstairs guest room, with a 3/4 bath, and office are accessed from the outside.

The house is not very big for the price, but who cares. It is beautiful, peaceful, charming, and has a pool with a spa! What else would anyone need?!

If you need any help in finding the house of your dreams please call me at 323.401.3987

2215 Canyon Dr. Los Angeles, 90068

6 bed /4bath within 2,838 sq ft on a 8,460 lot   -  asking price is $1,350,000

Built in 1958 this mid-century modern 2,838 sq, ft home has 6 bedrooms and 4 baths. The living room, dining room and family room has an open floor plan with high pitched wood ceilings, built-in book shelves and a wall of sliding glass doors to the backyard.

There is a well designed entry-way with 3/4 walls before entering the living space and period kitchen.

I love this kitchen down to the 1950′s Formica dinette set. It still has the original stove top and oven.

You don’t see bathrooms like this very often!

The sliding glass doors open to the enclosed private flat backyard.

 If you would like to see this home please call Diane at 323.401.3987 or email

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Listing courtesy of Patty Ruben of Sotheby’s Realty – Los Feliz

There have been 16 flipped homes sold in Highland Park in the last 6 months with many selling within in days of coming on the market. Take a look at some of these…….

6202 ST Albans St. Los Angeles, 90042

list price $369,000 – sold price $368,00  -  2/bed & 1/bath within 951 built in 1921   -  sold in 14 days

  1316 Highgate Ave. Los Angeles, 90042

list price – $499,000 – sold price $500,000  -  3/bed & 2/bath within 1,402 sq.ft. built in 1924  -  sold in 4 days

5423 Meridian St. Los Angeles, 90042

list price $429,000 – sold price $435,000  -  2/bed &2/bath within 1,050 sq ft.  -  sold in 10 days

5022 Granada Dr. Los Angeles, 90042

list price $429,900 – sold price $430,000  -  3/bed & 2/bath within 1,092 sq ft.  -  sold in 10 days

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If you would like to be the first to see what is coming on the market on the Eastside please call Diane at 323.401.3987 or email