The Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles Architecture
The styles of homes in Los Angeles are closely tied to the city's history and evolution. At the time of its founding in 1850, Los Angeles was scarcely more than a semi-lawless pioneer outpost with encampments near the Los Angeles River.
As ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on December 18, 2020 in Communities
Best Beaches and Parks in Laguna Beach
A visit to a beach is one of the top things to do in Laguna Beach. It is easy to do so; there are many beaches and parks that access over eight miles of coastline here. The stunning ocean views from Laguna Beach's neighborhoods add to the quality ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on December 11, 2020 in Communities
Living in Pacific Palisades [Insider's Guide]
One of the most exclusive and sought-after neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades draws affluent professionals, many from the entertainment industry looking for a quiet retreat with easy access to the beach and mountains. It can be ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on December 8, 2020 in Communities
Fun Things to Do in Griffith Park [Insider's Guide]
Named after controversial mining magnate and philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, the 4,310-acre Griffith Park is the second-largest city park in California. Griffith originally acquired the property, having bought the area that was Rancho Los ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on November 29, 2020 in Communities
Xeriscaping 101: Drought-Resistant Landscaping Guide
Xeriscaping (pronounced “zer-is-caping") is landscaping that is designed to minimize water consumption. It is used most often in regions that receive little or sporadic rainfall. The overall goal of xeriscaping is to create an aesthetically ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on February 24, 2020 in Buying a Home
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guide
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary residence that occupies the same property as a primary single-family residence. ADUs can be freestanding or attached to the main residence and cannot be sold separately.
Depending on where you live in ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on January 20, 2020 in Buying a Home
5 Great Recreational Bike Rides in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a notoriously auto-centric city. Traveling by car here reigns supreme over other forms of transportation. However, that is slowly changing thanks to the Los Angeles County Bicycle Plan and other initiatives that aim to change and ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on July 25, 2019 in Communities
Gated Communities in Los Angeles
Bel Air
Bel Air Crest
Bel Air Crest is a 24-hour, guard-gated community just above Getty View Park in Bel Air. Depending on the position of the home, homeowners and their guests can enjoy vistas that include the Getty Museum, the Los Angeles Basin, ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on July 4, 2019 in Communities
Closing Costs in California Explained
Who Pays Closing Costs in California?
Closing costs are a combination of service fees and taxes collected at the final stage of a real estate transaction.
When you buy a home in California, local government entities are paid a portion of taxes ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on March 16, 2019 in Buying a Home
What Does a Realtor Do?
Most Realtors complete real estate transactions behind the scenes, only involving their clients when necessary. Realtors do this intentionally, as they understand that their clients hired them so that they need not be concerned with the day-to-day ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on February 6, 2019 in Buying a Home
California Jumbo Loans: Mortgage Limits & Requirements
This article was updated on December 9, 2021
What is a California Jumbo Loan?
Depending on the amount you need to borrow and the location of the home you want to buy in California, you may need to finance your home with a jumbo loan. A jumbo loan ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on December 29, 2018 in Financing a Home
Change of Address Checklist
Among the myriad of moving tasks, changing your address is one of the most important. Missing mail, unpaid bills, or service disruptions are the last things anyone wants to happen during a move.In fact, the earlier you can notify people, government ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on December 8, 2018 in Selling a Home
Things to Do in San Clemente
San Clemente has a variety of outdoor activities perfect for individuals and groups. From some of the most beautiful and famous beaches in California to miles of hiking trails and parks, a multitude of year-round activities is just outside your ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on October 28, 2018 in Communities
Best Suburbs of Los Angeles
The Greater Los Angeles area is massive; Los Angeles County covers 4,751 square miles. The size can make it tricky for home shoppers, especially folks planning to move here from out of town who might not know the area very well. It takes a few ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on September 25, 2018 in Communities
Living in the Hollywood Hills [+ Neighborhood Video Tour]
Planning a move? Check out all the homes for sale in the Hollywood Hills.
For a moment, let’s pretend there are only two kinds of people in the world: beach people and hill people. If you love panoramic views and being surrounded by ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on August 30, 2018 in Communities
Living in Santa Monica - Here's What it's Like [Insider's Guide]
Santa Monica’s quality of life ranks high, making it one of Southern California’s most coveted places to live. People move to Santa Monica to be close to the beach, to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, and to take advantage of all its ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on July 22, 2018 in Communities
Living in Beachwood Canyon: Here’s What It’s Like
Beachwood Canyon is wedged into the eastern portion of the Santa Monica Mountains and sits directly below the iconic Hollywood Sign. It is home to one of the original Hollywood Hills neighborhoods, Hollywoodland, perched on the southern facing ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on July 20, 2018 in Communities
Living in Beverly Hills - Here's What it's Like [Insider's Guide]
Beverly Hills is clearly the most famous area in Los Angeles County and perhaps Southern California. It is both a place (a stand-alone municipality surrounded by Los Angeles) and a symbol (the embodiment of the entertainment industry, fame, and ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on June 25, 2018 in Communities
Los Feliz is a Great Place to Live. Here's Why.
If you drove through Los Feliz without knowing its history, you’d hardly be able to tell the significant role the neighborhood and its residents played in the early days of the motion picture industry. There are no shrines, statues or ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on May 19, 2018 in Communities
Living in Echo Park – Here’s What it's Like [Insider’s Guide]
Echo Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Echo Park borders Silver Lake, Chinatown and Downtown Los Angeles. It occupies 2.4 square miles of Central Los Angeles, with Echo Park Lake sitting in the middle. It has a population of ...
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Posted by Tony Mariotti on May 14, 2018 in Communities