The Southern California Conundrum: Drought vs. Rain, a Los Angeles Vacant Land Realtor’s perspective.
We have been enjoying the long overdue rain for the past 30 days in Los Angeles. Our sprinklers have been turned off and we were watching how our grass has turned from brown scorched grass masquerading as a lawn to green. Every day I was thrilled at the progress of the front yard’s transition from brown to green, until this morning.
News outlets have been tracking and bragging about how we are getting out of the longest drought California has endured for the past four years or so. Northern California was the first to go in the “green” and it started looking good for the Greater Los Angeles area as well.
My mantra has been, that every drop of rain is “good for the grass” it is good for our “citrus trees”. Diane has been thrilled from a home owner’s perspective, that the water bill will be good this billing cycle.
Then here comes the bad news. Diane called me this morning from the road, that historic “Laurel Canyon” is closed. Not one to have the news on, I was unaware. I immediately cancelled two showings on my vacant lot in the heart of Laurel Canyon with fantastic city views (that is another story).
There is a Conundrum here, since’ Droughts’ cause a multitude of problems in the greater Los Angeles area, sadly so does ‘Rain’. What to cheer for and what not to be excited about.
Some of you might have heard on the news, that a retaining wall slid down from the hills with mud and rocks onto Laurel Canyon Blvd. For those unfamiliar with, historic Laurel Canyon, it is famous for many of the original Rock Musicians living and starting out their road to fame in Laurel Canyon. Hence it has been a magnet for the “new Rock Musicians” as well.
Just to be clear, the older homes are mostly “rental homes” and are slowly being replaced by “new construction” that are built to current code. From viewing the photos, this home looks like one of the older ones built in the late forty’s early fifties.
I have been in Escrow on many a similar home, where the Structural Engineer and the Geologist came out during the investigation period and advised my buyers, that the only way they would live there if the entire house was torn down and rebuilt to current code. Hence, I was not surprised to hear the news and seeing the style and type of home that this happened to. I can still hear the Structural Engineer and the Geologist saying ‘…I would not move in this home with my family….’ Keep in mind this is not what a Realtor wants to hear, when the buyer is all excited to want to buy, but I am digressing.
Of course, I advised my buyers to get out of the transaction and look for another home, different style, different built, anyway you get the idea. When it comes to inherent Structural Problems, I would not want any of my clients buying a home like that, unless their intent is to tear it down and build a new home.
The current Hillside Ordinance requires that the Caissons go to bedrock and strong building codes are intended on preventing such situations as it happened. Most people grouse that the requirements are so strict, this is an example why it is to everyone’s benefit. I am enclosing the News Article, for your reading. If you do not want to read it let me give you the good news, no one got hurt!
Laurel Cyn Patio & Retaining Wall failure
Now if you are looking for a Realtor who will give you good advice in bringing out ethical Structural Engineers and Geologists in your next home or land purchase, please reach out to me directly.
If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 (m) or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at http://www.endrebarath.com. I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commission to local animal rescue organizations.
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