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Health & Fitness

Hot Dirt

The temperatures have begun to mirror the sizzling hot real estate market. The spring time selling season got off to a slow start, mainly because of a very limited supply of homes for sale, however recent new inventory and the resulting sales are starting to normalize the market. Properties that are priced well are getting offers within the first week listed.

The summer weather is upon us and because we live in a normally temperate beach city climate, many Santa Monica homes were constructed without air conditioning. Here are the best ways to keep your house cool without having to turn on the air conditioning.

1)      Block out the sunlight by installing light colored shades for the east and west windows.

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2)      Avoid letting unwanted air in during the day, the evening is the best time to ventilate.

3)      To help ventilate, use window or ceiling fans by moving the hot air out and the cooler air in.

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4)      Invest in awnings to provide shade and reduce solar heat.

5)      Plant shade trees around the home, it’s a natural way to save energy.

6)      Avoid using heat generating appliances such as the dishwasher, dryer, stovetop or oven. Instead use the microwave, toaster oven or Barbeque.

7)      Power-down unused electronics.

8)      Invest in energy efficient light bulbs such as fluorescents or LED’s that give off less heat.

9)      It may sound funny but before we had air conditioning people would take a bucket of ice and place it in front of an electric fan. This still is a very effective way to stay cool.

10)   Finally, install attic insulation; it helps keep the cold air from escaping from the ceiling.

Here is your up to the minute real estate market info:

There are fourteen homes available to buy North of Montana Avenue with a prime location property at 225 Georgina Ave entering the MLS three days ago.  There are eight homes in escrow.  Closed sales went up to seventeen homes year-to-date with 522 21st Pl. closing in the last week.

New Listings this Week

225 Georgina Ave. -  4bd + 4ba.  $7,900,000.  One of the most sought after streets in Santa Monica. Huge 21,000+ sq. ft. flat lot.   Rare opportunity to live in or develop this property.  This is priced at $376 per sq ft of land. (Huge $)

438 11th St. -   3bd + 2ba.  $2,195,000.   Great opportunity to develop or build new.  Charming (probably a Cecil Gale, mostly original Spanish). Last sold in October 1999 for $935,000. My guess is that this sells for at least $2.3 million.

New Sales this Week

334 25th St. -   5bd + 5ba.  $4,395,000.  Sold in two weeks!  Unique English Arts & Crafts style home.  Extensively remodeled by architect Eric Charles Parlee.  High ceilings, hardwood floors, beautiful spaces with a good floor plan.  Quality craftsmanship all throughout. Detached guest cottage w/bath. Last sold in September 1999.

703 12th St. -   5bd + 5ba.  $3,750,000.  A couple of price reductions and now an accepted offer on this Spanish style home by Robert Ramirez. Bright with lots of natural light. Last sold in January 2010 for $2,795,000.

Closed Deals this Week

522 21st Pl.-   6bd + 6ba.  $5,510,312 

Pence Hathorn Silver Active Properties:

502 16th St.  – 5bd + 7.5ba - $8,495,000

601 17th St. – 5bd + 6ba - $4,495,000

844 17th St. #102 – 2bd + 2ba - $1,795,000

911 26th St. – 3bd + 1.75ba - $1,595,000

416 Entrada Dr. – 3bd + 1.75ba - $1,575,000

1330 Stanford St. #F – 2bd + 2.5ba - $1,189,000

Search for more homes, see real time analytics and learn about the North Santa Monica / North of Montana  Ave. community on our North of Montana blog.   Add your comments (scroll down to the “Add Your Comment” section) and read other blogs.  And please call my mobile phone (310) 924-4014 with any questions.

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