The Spring Edition of The Beverly Hills Art Show is back! Sponsored by the City of Beverly Hills among others, the art show makes its Spring appearance as 250 incredible artists come together to display their art this weekend on May 19th and 20th in the Beverly Gardens Park.

A crowd comprised of 50,000 local residents, art lovers, art dealers, celebrities and visitors come from all over to attend the show each Spring and Fall. Talented artists will showcase their work in sculpture, photography, mixed media, drawings, ceramics, jewelry and more.

The Art Show’s Wine & Dine Garden as well as the Beer Garden will feature an extensive collection of red and white wines and beer. If you’re hungry for a snack, you can dine at several of the food trucks at the event including Georges Greek, Crepe’n Around, Lobsta Truck and The Greasy Wiener.

The Beverly Hills Art Show covers four blocks along Santa Monica Boulevard from Beverly Drive to Rexford Drive from 10 am to 6 pm. Parking is available at any City lot. For more information, please call (310) 285-6830.

I attend the art show each Spring and Fall. I look forward to this weekend and to meeting all the amazing new artists and their creations.

Have you attended any previous shows? Do you have a favorite artist that will be presenting? Please share your thoughts. I always enjoy hearing from you!

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There is no doubt that the real estate market in Los Angeles is on fire. Seems that everyone is feeling the change in our market. Los Angeles Times reported last month that home sales in Southern California are climbing, while price declines are slowing down. According to a report on CNN Money, housing prices will start rebounding later this year.

Tuesday’s Broker’s Caravan was an accurate reflection of what’s going on in our market. Multiple offers is the topic of every real estate conversation, so is a lack of good inventory. I saw several homes from Beverly Hills to Pacific Palisades this week. 624 N. Hillcrest Road took my breath away and gets my vote for this week’s Beverly Hills Top Property.

This beautiful gated contemporary Spanish was recently rebuilt with superb taste and quality. Unlike most of the new construction I’ve seen recently, this home has warmth, character and so much charm, it’ll be hard for any buyer to resist. It also features the following:

• 7,125 sq ft on a larger 18,561 sq ft lot
• inviting courtyard and formal entry with spiral staircase
• luxurious living and dining rooms
• striking gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances
• an exquisite master suite with an equally impressive walk-in closet
• spacious master bath with freestanding marble soaking tub
• resort style backyard with pool and fireplace

I can’t remember the last time I was smitten by a home in the Beverly Hills Flats. I recall not wanting to leave, only to be dragged out by my associate who insisted that we had other properties to preview. To say that I’d live there in a heartbeat is a definite understatement. 624 North Hillcrest Road is listed for $9,998,000.

Did you happen to see this beautiful home? If so, what did you think of it? If you missed it, click here and see some of the photos. Please share your thoughts. I always enjoy hearing from you!

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If you love classic cars, unique art or if you’re looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day in Beverly Hills, there are endless options and events going on in the City to satisfy every palate.

This May, locals and visitors will have the opportunity to take in many wonderful events that Beverly Hills has to offer. Here are a few that you can enjoy with family and friends:

Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance: On May 6th, the 3rd Annual Concours d’Elegance will take place at the Greystone Mansion where over 150 world class cars and motorcycles will be on display. Your entry will include unlimited food catered by Lawry’s, beer gardens, margarita bars, full access to the estate grounds and interior of the mansion, lecture series on the collector car market, parking and shuttle service, program book and event poster. Tickets are $108 and $133 at the door. To purchase tickets click here or for more Information please call (310) 285-6830.

The Beverly Hills Art Show: Each October and May, Beverly Hills presents an exquisite art show by over 250 exhibitors from all across the nation. The spring edition will be held on May 19 & 20 from 10 am to 6 pm. Talented artists will showcase their work in sculpture, photography, mixed media, drawings, ceramics, jewelry and more. Be sure to take advantage of the art tours, wine garden, food and music. The Beverly Hills Art Show is located along Santa Monica Boulevard between Rodeo Drive and Rexford Drive. For additional information please call (310) 285-6830.

Dining with Mom: There’s not doubt that honoring Mom on May 13 is on top of your list. Fortunately there are a host of restaurants in Beverly Hills that would love to celebrate Mother’s Day with you. Here are a few suggestions on where you can take Mom on her special day:

• Mother’s Day Brunch or Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula Hotel. Maybe a Spa package for mom would be the icing on the cake.
• Lunch or dinner at Cafe Roma: All moms will get a complimentary dessert too!
• Mother’s Day Brunch at Cut at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel: A three-course brunch with a complimentary glass of rose champagne to celebrate.
• Coupa Cafe: A three course prix fixe menu available all day.
• Brunch at Enoteca Drago: A la carte or three course brunch.

Are you planning on attending any of these events in Beverly Hills in May? How will you celebrate Mother’s Day? Please let me know in the comments section below. I always enjoy hearing from you!

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I see plenty of homes each week. Whether it’s on Broker’s Caravan, at a Sunday open house, or at a private showing, I take in a lot of inventory on a weekly basis. The more homes I see, the more I’m drawn to unique houses regardless of their condition. And I’m not talking about crazy and outrageous features. But I guess some cookie cutter homes recently built just aren’t as exciting as they used to be.

My choice for this week’s Beverly Hills Top Property is 9541 Sunset Boulevard. Built in 1986, this charming Mediterranean estate with a European flair is definitely unique and features the following:

• 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms
• 8,324 Sq ft on a 25,000 sq ft lot
• soaring ceilings and grand scale rooms
• flying double staircase
• luxury material and finishes throughout
• impressive hedged grounds with pool/pond

I really liked the space and with a few cosmetic fixes, this house can be even more spectacular. There’s a lot of love that has gone into this home. I could tell the moment I stepped inside. I especially liked some unique features such as the private phone booth upstairs, and the breakfast room with soaring ceilings and plenty of light.

There are a couple of details that some may find quirky. The entrance to the home is technically in the back of the house, while the pond/pool is in the front as you enter through the gate. With all the great outdoor space, I’d love to see a full sized pool in the backyard.

The home is warm and great for entertaining on a large scale. 9541 Sunset Boulevard is listed for $8,995,000.

Did you get a chance to see this home? What did you think of it? Please click on this link if you’d like to see some photos. I always enjoy hearing from you.

photos courtesy of Bret Parsons

Beverly Hills Real Estate | Beverly Hills Flats - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in the Beverly Hills Flats.

Yesterday was a super busy day on Broker’s Caravan. Seems that the Passover and Easter Holidays gave us all extra energy to hop on from one home preview to the next, from one side of town to the other.

My vote for this weeks Beverly Hills Top Property goes to 1010 Lexington Road. Located just North of Sunset Boulevard, this contemporary architectural tennis court estate sits on nearly an acre of land on a coveted street.

Apparently this home was initially build as an “adult party house”. But as you step inside, you can’t help but to be impressed by the 20 ft-high pitched ceilings and glass walls in each room which open to the backyard and pool. With a split level gallery, this house provides the ideal space for art display. The home also features the following:

• 6 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms
• 10,367 sq ft on a 38,220 lot
• house sits behind a gated motor court
• courtyard floor plan with rooms surrounding the pool
• natural light flows liberally throughout the house
• large master suite with french doors that lead to private patio
• North/South Tennis court
• Detached 2+2 guest house

The right buyer will appreciate the home it its current condition or may choose to remodel while keeping the integrity of the house. There is a generally positive vibe about the home that I felt and appreciated. 1010 Lexington Road is listed for $11,450,000.

Did you get a chance to see this house? If so, what did you think of it? If you didn’t make it to the open house, please feel free to click on this link and take a look at the pictures. I always enjoy hearing from you!

photos courtesy of Jory Burton

Beverly Hills Real Estate | Beverly Hills Flats - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in the Beverly Hills Flats.

The beginning of Spring brought with it a healthy appetite from buyers who are looking to purchase homes in Beverly Hills. Everywhere I turn, there are talks about multiple offers, new listings coming up and Brokers desperately trying to find their clients a great property. March Madness has officially rolled into the Beverly Hills Flats!

Let’s take a closer look at my Beverly Hills Real Estate Market Watch and recap what went on in March. From March 1 to April 1, a total of 11 new listings hit the market ranging from $4,375,000 to $39,000,000 with a median price of $7,495,000.

Four homes are looking for backup offers, two are pending sale and six homes have sold in March. With a median price of $6,499,000 and an average of $1,070 a sq ft, these homes were on the market for an average of 57 days before they sold.

New Listings:

• 619 N. Oakhurst Drive $4,375,000
• 629 N. Oakhurst Drive $4,395,000
• 622 N. Trenton Drive $4,700,000
• 1001 N. Rexford Drive $5,750,000
• 630 N. Elm Drive $5,895,000
• 628 N. Alta Drive $7,495,000
• 726 N. Bedford Drive $8,885,000
• 905 N. Camden Drive $8,900,000
• 811 N. Foothill Road $21,500,000
• 901 N. Alpine Drive $29,999,999
• 809 N. Hillcrest Road $39,000,000

Homes looking for back-up offers:

• 508 N. Sierra Drive
• 631 N. Arden Drive
• 503 N. Foothill Road
• 722 N. Camden Drive

Homes pending sale:

• 904 N. Rexford Drive
• 617 N. Camden Drive

Homes that have sold:

• 920 N. Foothill Road sold for $6,625,000 (sold over asking and closed escrow within 9 days)
• 606 N. Alta Drive sold for $5,450,000
• 816 N. Roxbury Drive sold for $7,515,000
• 903 N. Roxbury Drive sold for $10,425,000
• 708 N. Hillcrest Road sold for $9,283,453
• 509 N. Walden Drive sold for $2,625,000
• 612 N. Crescent Drive sold for 4,050,000

Feel free to click the links above if you’d like more information on each property or if you just want to look at the pictures. I definitely feel a shift in energy and in the market in general as I walk through the doors previewing homes each Tuesday.

How do you see the market coming along? Please share your thoughts and experiences with me. I look forward to hearing from you!

Beverly Hills Real Estate | Beverly Hills Flats - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in the Beverly Hills Flats.

Spring has officially sprung and with the new season comes a fresh list of holidays to enjoy including Easter and Passover. For those of us no longer privy to the delights of an official spring break, these holidays are a great excuse to get out and have some fun.

Many people choose to spend the holidays at home with family, but if you’re looking to get out of the house this year and maybe not worry about the dishes and house guests, LA offers a host of activities to help you get out and into the holiday spirit.  Here are some events happening in Beverly Hills this year:

1. Easter at the Montage: The famed hotel is offering an assortment of holiday treats including a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and Easter Brunch at Scarpetta.  Call (310) 860-7940 to make a reservation.
2. Celebrate in style at one of Beverly Hills’ famed restaurants.  Many of the top spots including The Polo Lounge, The Belvedere and L’Ermitage are hosting special Easter breakfasts and brunches.
3. Temple of the Arts’ Second Night of Passover Seder: Hosted at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, this second annual event offers community members the chance to come together and celebrate.  Reserve your spot by calling the temple (323) 658-9100.
4. Happy Minyan Second Night Passover Seder: “Singing, stories, commentary and more highlight the Shlomo Carlebach-inspired congregation’s seder.” Purchase tickets online.

For me, I’ll be attending Passover seder with my family at our house on Friday night, as I do each year.  On Sunday I’ll be joining a friend for Easter dinner because, well, I have a lot of love to give!   I think that however you chose to spend these holidays, as long as you’re with your loved ones, you’re bound to have a great time.

How will you be spending the holiday weekend?  Will you be staying at home or venturing out?  Please share your ideas and leave your comments below.

Photo courtesy of Ralph and Jenny’s Flickr

Beverly Hills Real Estate | Beverly Hills Flats - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in the Beverly Hills Flats.

I’m not sure how else to describe the real estate market these days other than to say the term March Madness has taken over and no longer only refers to basketball. Our market is hot and multiple offers are rising with the temperature!

My vote for this week’s Beverly Hills Top Property goes to 247 South Roxbury Drive. Located South of Wilshire Boulevard, this mini Mediterranean Villa was built in 1937 and has recently been renovated to reflect today’s modern necessities. The home includes the following features:

• 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 bathrooms
• 3,930 sq ft on a 7,680 lot
• beautiful dark hardwood floors and built-ins
• high end finishes and kitchen appliances including Viking and Miele
• dining and living rooms have a great flow to the backyard
• resort style yard with pool and waterfall
• detached gym
• a huge deck off upstairs rooms that overlooks the tranquil backyard

I remember seeing the home when it was on the market back in 2006. But I hardly recognized it because the owners have done a fantastic and tasteful job with the renovations. It’s not a huge home, but it’s perfect for a small family looking for a home in the Beverly Hills School district. 247 S. Roxbury is listed for $3,399,000.

For more pictures, please click here and let me know what you think. With a backyard like this, I can get used to taking more staycations. Do you agree?

Beverly Hills Real Estate | Beverly Hills Flats - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in the Beverly Hills Flats.

I don’t have too many memories of my childhood in Iran. I left shortly after the revolution and started my life in Los Angeles. This is my home and this is where I’ve spent the last thirty years of my life.

What I do remember is my family celebrating Norouz, the Persian New Year which coincides with the first day of Spring. It’s a beautiful custom and we’ve celebrated it every year since our arrival to the States.

On Monday March 19, Iranians all over the world will celebrate the beginning of the Persian New Year. Norouz is a pre-Islamic festival that dates back at least 3000 years and is rooted in rituals from the Zoroastrian religion. But the celebration crosses national and religious boundaries and it is observed by different nationalities and religions all over the world.

In preparation of the New Year, families start with a heavy duty Spring cleaning at home. Out with the old and in with the new. We buy new clothes, stock our refrigerators and pantries full of Persian sweets and treats, and we set a table filled with an assortment of items that symbolize the arrival of Spring. Called Haft Sin, the table has seven symbolic items that start with the letter “S” in Farsi:

• Sabzeh: sprouted wheat or another grain grown in a beautiful dish, symbolizes rebirth
• Sir: garlic for good health
• Senjed: died fruit of a lotus tree for love
• Somagh: crushed sumac berries symbolizing the color of the sunrise
• Seeb: apple, for natural health and beauty
• Serkeh: vinegar to symbolize patience and age
  
• Samanu: sweet pudding made from sprouted wheat to symbolize fertility and the sweetness of life

Along with an assortment of pastries, you will also find a mirror to represent an image of creation, candles to represent enlightment and happiness, coins to symbolize wealth and Hyacinth, Spring flowers that represent the scent of heaven.

At 10:14 pm PST families will gather around to ring in the New Year. My parents are having friends and family over for dinner, and if you’ve ever been to a Persian dinner party, you’ll know to arrive hungry. Note: my mom thinks she needs to cook for an entire army.

I feel lucky to be able to celebrate the New Year twice a year. The Persian New Year in particular feels cleansing and marks the beginning of all things good in my life!

With such a large Persian community in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills in particular, it’s hard to imagine that you’ve never heard of Norouz. What has your experience been like if you’ve ever attended a Persian New Year celebration? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. I always enjoy hearing from you!

photo: courtesy of Portrait Artist- Enzie Shahmiri via flickr

Beverly Hills Real Estate | Beverly Hills Flats - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in the Beverly Hills Flats.

Every once in a while you’ll come across a property in Beverly Hills where you know you’re about to enter a very special home. Among all the new construction that’s going on in the City, a home that’s part of a by-gone era is sure to stand out.

While I saw some amazing homes on Broker’s Caravan yesterday, one in particular caught my eye. My vote for this week’s Beverly Hills Top Property goes to 904 North Rexford Drive. Located just North of Sunset, this Mediterranean beauty was built in 1925 and has not been on the market in 87 years.

The home was designed by residential architect Ray J. Keiffer and was known as the “Winter House” as it was occupied by insurance executive Frank Winter and his family.

With amazing details reflective of that era, the home remains in its original condition with the following features:

• 4 bedrooms and 4 baths
• 4,748 sq ft on a huge 27,880 lot
• large scale dining room with carved alabaster windows
• spacious living rooms with high ceilings
• Outside sitting area and tennis court

The home doesn’t have a pool, but certainly has enough room for one. It needs heavy updating and possible expansion for the buyer that requires more space. With such tremendous potential, I’m just hoping that the home will be saved and restored and not torn down. They don’t make them like this anymore! 904 N. Rexford is an excellent value listed at $5,500,000 and I’m predicting multiple offers in no time.

If you didn’t get a chance to see the house, you can click on this link and take a look at the pictures. I’m wondering if you love it as much as I do. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below. I always enjoy hearing from you!

photo: courtesy of Bret Parsons

Beverly Hills Real Estate | Beverly Hills Flats - Your neighborhood hub for community news, local events, and real estate information in the Beverly Hills Flats.