Condos on the Wilshire Corridor at "The Californian" (located at 10800 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles) seems to be fetching top prices for condo re-sales in Los Angeles.Over the last few weeks the highest price condo sales in Los Angeles have been recorded at this 23-story 80-unit condo tower.

A 3300 sf ft 3-Bed 3-Bath unit on the 17th floor recently sold for $4,825,000 (with monthly HOA Dues of $3000) while a 3485 sq ft 2-bed 2-Bath on the 14th floor recently sold at $3,395,000 (Monthly HOA Dues of $2875).

For those of you that missed these two units, don't panic .... there are six other units currently for sale in the building ranging from $1,495,000 (2nd floor, 2-Bed 2-Bath) - $4,495,000 (9th floor, 3-Bed 3-Bath).

Average List Price: $1,026,000

Average HOA Dues: $842 pm

The Combined LA/Westside MLS (CLAW) has an interesting category in the choice of area searches - "Out of Area (Outside USA)".

Who knew that our MLS contained listings for exotic islands in Fiji and private coastal retereats in New Zealand?

There's "Lomalagi" (meaning "Heaven"), 25 tropical acres on Vanua Levu Island in Fiji's beautiful lush northern islands.

The MLS describes it as an exquisite Beachfront Resort with 6 private Villas offering privacy and seclusion and a working Coconut Plantation, and it could be your for $4 Million. (Listed by Ewing Sotheby's)

Or how about this spectacular 40-acre coastal retreat overlooking the beautiful waters of Doutless Bay, a 45-minute helicopter ride north of Auckland (New Zealand). Available for $7 Million. (Listed by Coldwell Banker)

There's also this exotic location in Bora Bora where The Four Seasons manages private residences priced at $2.4 Million.

However, I noticed the commission offered to the Selling agent is only 1% ...... (Listed by Simon & Associates)

West Hollywood Condos - Market Report for October 2009 (September/August 2009)

Average Selling Price: $514,000 ($523,000 / $509,560)

Average List Price: TBA ($539,300 / $538,774)

Median Price: TBA ($494,500 / $450,000)

Total Sold in Dollars: $14,386,000 ($12,551,000 / $15,796,000)

Number of Units Sold:  28 (24/31)

Lowest Price Condo Sold: $235,000 ($230,000 / $299,000)

Highest Price Condo Sold: $1,200,000 ($835,000 / $880,000)

Average Days on the Market: TBA (107/93)

(Statistics obtained from The CLAW MLS and rounded off for ease of comparison. Statistics are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed)

Larry Hagman and his wife Maj have listed their 43-acre Ojai estate for $11 Million.

The 9-Bedroom 14-Bath Mediterranean-style estate is located at 9950 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai, CA 93023 - about 50 miles from Santa Barbara and about 80 miles from Los Angeles.

I recently saw this property featured on a TV series: "Planet Green's Living with Ed". Apparently Hagman converted the entire estate to solar power so that his annual electrical bill was a mere $13.00 - down from $37,000.

Admittedly, he spent $750,000 on the project but he did receive a $300,000 credit from the electric company.

Listed by Natalie Grubb and Wayne Natale of Village Property Realtors.

The National Museum of the American Indian - Washington, D.C.

Royal Lofts aboard Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of its newest addition to its fleet of cruise ships, "Oasis of the Seas".

At an estimated cost of $1.5 Billion this is the world's biggest and most expensive cruise ships ever to set sail. The gigantic ship that is five time bigger than the Titanic and can accommodate over 6000 passengers in 2700 staterooms and suites, began its maiden voyage this week from Finland to Florida.

What I found most interesting about this incredible floating resort are the modern lofts that have been incorporated into the design. The lofts look more like condos than state-rooms or cabins. According to press releases there are 25 Crown Loft Suites (737 sq ft), a number of corner Sky Loft Suites (722-770 sq ft), and the Royal Loft Suite (1524 sq ft) that features both indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Personally, the idea of being on a ship with over 6000 other guests doesn't appeal to me .... I prefer something a bit less crowded and intimate ..... but I think the Oasis of the Seas is an impressive and noteworthy achievement for the shipbuilders.

Perseverance Pays Off - Holmby Hills House Sells for $13,200,000

Originally listed at $27,500,000 this 12,000 sq ft 9-Bed 9-Bath has finally sold in Holmby Hills (in the Bel Air/Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles) for $13,200,000 - 50% of it's original Asking Price! The MLS describes the property as a "Grand 1930's Hollywood Georgian, completely remodeled." The house includes a hidden wine-cellar, screening room and sauna.

The property was originally listed in May 2008 and was on the market for 429 days before it finally sold ..... proving that Perseverance Pays Off, give or take a few million in the pricing.

(Listed by Stephen Resnick of Westside Estate Agency and Sold by Eric Hassan of Coldwell Banker Beverly Hills)

Is Mercedes really about to launch a Gullwing, hybrid SLK?

Several Auto Blogs (following the lead from Auto Express) are featuring articles about a new hybrid Mercedes.

Daimler Benz has a 10% investment in Tesla Motors, currently the only manufacturer of an all electric car prodcution car - so this may not be beyond the realm of reality!