5611 PARK OAK PL. - RESTORE GREEN

This 1948 Mid-Century home in the "The Oaks" an  exclusive enclave located in the Los Feliz neighborhood of  Los Angeles is a prime example of a perfect home to go green.  The home needs extensive renovation to bring it up to today's standards.  So why not seal the envelope of the house and insulate it correctly so this home will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  The choice of materials such as low or zero VOC paints or cork flooring in the kitchen will help with indoor air quality.  EnergyStar appliances and solar would significantly lower electric bills. Enjoy city and hillside views in a very private setting.

• Bedrooms:  2
• Baths:  2
• Square footage:  2,151
• Lot size:  18,890

 

Offered at:  $1,100,000.

Offers will be be reviewed on Thursday, December 9th 2010.

For more information or to view this home call:

Liz Brown  818.321.7200

Courtesy of Eileen & George Moreno, Re/Max Tri-City

GREEN WON'T BE EASY FOR BROWN

You can imagine my surprise this morning when I saw on the front page of the Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-brown-jobs-20101202,0,2842087. GREEN WON'T BE EASY FOR BROWN  Liz Brown?  No Jerry Brown!  His plan is for California to generate one third of all its power from renewable resources by 2020, the bulk of which Gov. Brown wants to be produced  in California.

The article emphasizes the high cost of the project.  It is a daunting number in this economy but this project will put people to work and provide cleaner energy.  The project is about investing in our state and lessening our dependence on coal.  As homeowners we all need to not only think about the  cost of energy but our consumption of energy.  Before installing solar you need to look at your whole house

My philosophy is  the whole home approach.  What is the point of installing a roof of solar panels when your heating and AC ducts are leaking,  windows and doors are drafty and you have no insulation or improperly installed insulation..All of this may sound overwhelming but if you first invest in an energy audit the auditor will prioritize your list of improvements for your budget.  Check into rebates through your utility company.
Los Angeles DWP , Glendale Water and Power (GWP)

Many utility and solar companies offer free audits but they are not as complete as having a qualified energy auditor/rater.   Check out www.resnet.us  Residential Energy Service Network for a certified energy auditor/rater and qualified contractors/builders.  We can make our homes more energy efficient while Sacramento figures out how to implement alternative resources.  Who do you think will be done first?  I bet on homeowners.

SMALL LOT ORDINANCE HOMES - MORE TO COME IN ATWATER & SILVER LAKE

Two small lot ordinance projects that are under construction now are Casitas Village the 27 single- family residences on Casitas Ave. in  Atwater Village and the Edgecliffe Townhomes four single-family residences on Edgecliffe Ave. in Silver Lake.  With a small lot ordinance home you own the land under the house and their are no or minimal HOA fees.

The Casitas Village homes are across the street from Casitas Studios which is an art complex composed of  theaters, artists' studios, art classes for kids, a gym and a cafe (the cafe hasn't opened yet) and within walking distance of Glendale Blvd. that has restaurants and shops.  The homes are 2 to 4 bedrooms and 4 baths starting at 2800 sq. ft.  The architecture is modern with floor-to-ceiling windows that create great air flow and an indoor/outdoor feeling.  The construction is all steel and concrete (fireproof).  The rooftop garden will have a kitchenette and bathroom, great for entertaining. There are spectacular views of the San Bernardino mountains.  A really smart feature in this home is a dumb waiter from the garage all the way up to the rooftop.  This project is going for a LEED Platinum rating.  Opening soon probably January 2011.

Edgecliffe Townhomes are 1/2 block from Sunset Blvd. in Sunset Junction where there is a farmer's market every Sunday and very hip restaurants and shops.  Two of the homes have a small yard and all have rooftop gardens with views of the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Park Observatory.  Each home has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. This project is sustainably designed with dual glazed low- e windows, dual zoned HVAC, low or no VOC finishes, pre-wiring for electric car charger and solar thermal chimneys plus many more features.  Opening Summer 2011.

GREAT GREEN HOME IN ATWATER VILLAGE REDUCED

This home at 3795 Valleybrink Rd. was a termite infested mess and has been transformed into a healthy, energy efficient and beautiful  home.  Unfortunately when it came on the market it was priced too high for the neighborhood but now the price has come down to $710,000. and it is in the range. 

• LEED for Homes Certification
• Energy Efficient Appliances
• Drought tolerant landscaping
• Original fireplace
• Dying avocado tree re-purposed into outdoor benches.
• 3 bedrooms/2 baths
• 1372 square feet
• 4796 LSZ

For more information or if you would like to see this home.  Contact:  Liz Brown 818-321-7200 or email lizbrown198@gmail.com.

 

Listing courtesy of Nicole Van Parys, ReMax Olson & Assoc.

EAST SIDE ECO TOUR 2010 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24th 12-4 p.m.

As an EcoBroker I am always looking for homes that are green, meaning energy-efficient,  comfortable and water wise.  Last year I went to the East Side Eco Tour and discovered those homes right in my backyard: Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park and Atwater Village.  There was new construction, craftsman homes, modern homes and a Southern-style Colonial home.  The last home is the residence of Tomas O'Grady and his family.  Tomas is the organizer of the Eco Tour, www.farmfeliz.org, and it promises to be even better this year.

This year a green apartment and a look at a green  wedding have been added along with the Franklin Hills community garden, the Green Beacon Foundation home and many private homes.

This tour is a  great way to see what green looks like on the east side of L.A.

Liz Brown