Doc Brown Master of Time & Space
Greetings Friends
While you may have lost an hour this morning, I've got a plan to give you back that time and more. You see, last fall, I started interviewing Real Estate Agent from across the country to find the high-performing and accountable ones. Now, I'm introducing them to you so you don't have to spend time vetting your own when, and if, your search expands beyond SoCal.
In this month's newsletter, I'll introduce you to a great Real Estate Agent in Idaho, identify some of the most notorious Oscar Snubs and highlight a few wonderful local restaurants that offer incredible alfresco dining experiences.
On to Spring!
The "Other" Pacific Northwest: Meet Greg Volland
When I think of the Pacific Northwest, it's typically along the I5; Portland to Seattle. But the Eastern Washington/Idaho area is simply magnificent and that's where my friend and Compass Associate, Greg Volland began his real estate career in 2004 after graduating from the University of Washington Business School.
While experienced in multiple practice areas, Greg is an expert when it comes to the intricacies of analyzing investment properties, executing value-add renovations designed to maximize a home’s value and purchasing new home construction. Which is a good thing for anyone looking to build a life on the banks of Lake Coeur d’Alene where Greg lives with his wife, 2 active sons and a gaggle of Canadian geese.
If you are interested in exploring Eastern Washington or Idaho, whether as a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, I’d be happy to make an introduction to Greg. In the meantime, watch the video below.
The Volland Family, sans Geese
Coeur d'Alene Market St
And the Oscar Snub Goes to...
It's a Travesty, I Tell You!
Do you believe in Oscar Snubs? I do, which is sort of silly considering it’s really just a subjective popularity contest.
That said, there have been quite a few doozies. I mean, Citizen Kane didn’t win Best Picture! Chaplin, Kubrick and Hitchcock never won Best Director! And the Goodbye Girl lost out to Annie Hall. (Well, at least that got rectified this year when the Neil Simon classic was screened in Episode 6 of The Last of Us in the Jackson commune theater).
For me, however, Al Pacino losing to Art Carney in 1975 is simply ridiculous. Take a look below:
As I said, it’s subjective and Art Carney’s performance is wonderful but c’mon, subtle Pacino is a thing of perfection. For a more in-depth list of all time Oscar Snubs, click through to the BuzzFeed compilation below.
And, no, Goodbye Girl is not in Annie Hall's league.
Buzzfeed's Most Notorious Oscar Snubs
In Escrow!
14281 Willow Lane Westminster, CA
4BD | 2BA offered at $869,000
One of the reasons I'm so intent on building out a network of quality real estate pros across the country is a story like this one.
I was first introduced to my buyer clients in 2020. At the time, they were focusing on homes in Sherman Oaks and Toluca Lake. And then, tragically, life happened, and their ownership dreams were put on hold for 2 years. Last summer, they picked up their search again, but the focus had now shifted to the OC to be closer to family.
Because I had already been vetting a number of high performing Real Estate Agent in the OC, I was able to confidently make a few introductions. After interviewing three, my clients chose one of my associates out of the Compass Dana Point office and now, they are in escrow on a lovely pool home in Westminster.
This is why the referral network is valuable. I currently have 4 outbound referrals underway; Portland, OR, Coral Gables, FL, Carlsbad, CA and the above one.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about opportunities outside SoCal, please consider me a resource that will connect you with a quality real estate pro, wherever your dreams may carry you.
The Best Al Fresco Dining in LA
In spite of LA's mind-boggling blizzard like conditions (ok, a slight exaggeration), spring's a coming, which means we can all get back to the great SoCal tradition of year round outdoor dining. And, while the pandemic spawned those efficient, but lofi outdoor restaurant parklets, there's nothing quite like a well-designed patio.
So toss off the parka and venture out to one of these destination worthy restaurants that offer alfresco dining with gorgeous views and unique menu and cocktail items.
Meteora - 6703 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood
This breathtaking dining experience by Michelin Star Chef Jordan Kahn has opened on Melrose, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors seamlessly. You’ll feel like you’re seated deep in the jungles of Mexico with misty streams of light pouring in from circular skylights, organic curves of the space and an abundance of greenery flowing from every corner. Undoubtedly, one of the most incredible patios you can dine at in L.A.
Meteora in Hollywood
Malibu Farm + Cafe - 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu
Waterfront? This spot’s water-on. The dual-concept restaurant bookends the famous Malibu Pier. Enjoy healthy, produce-forward dishes such as cauliflower pizza organic veggies, farm-fresh eggs and more all while perching over the Pacific. Not bad, not bad at all.
Dining at the edge of the Continent
A.O.C. - 8700 West 3rd Street, West Hollywood
Still one of the great patios in all of LA (Joe Allen's, in the 70s, Orso in the 90s) A.O.C.'s French countryside meets Napa vibe on West 3rd Street in the shadow of Cedars does not disappoint. While not entirely outside, the indoor dining room spills out onto a gorgeous open-air space, where a small balcony peeks out over diners and foliage creeps up the restaurant’s walls. Suzanne Goin’s vibrant small plates and shareable dishes only make for an even more picturesque meal.
LA's best high walled patio for 50 years!
Just Sold!
22663 Macfarlane Drive
4BD | 4BA Sold at $1,225,000
My clients first saw this home when it hit the market last November and loved it! But at $1.35M, it was overpriced and as the Seller was firm on price, we moved on. Over the holidays, we saw another 25 homes. But my clients kept coming back to this one; the views, the size, the possibilities of what could be. And then the January rains hit, and the home was put on hold.
Curious, I called the agent and learned they had found a minor leak coming from one of the original sliding doors, which they intended to repair and then come back on the market in February. Knowing that Sellers hate to spend $$ on repairs that don’t increase value (and my clients were going to replace the sliders if they purchased), we made an aggressive offer $125,000 under ask and as expected, the Sellers accepted, ready to cut losses and move on.
Lessons learned:
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Get out and view inventory in person
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Communicate well and often with your agent
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Remember, a seller’s asking price is often simply a conversation starter.
This is The Art of Representation
Who Do You Know?
Pop Quiz: What qualities do you expect from your real estate representative? I proudly offer:
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Insights
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Accountability
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Hustle
If you, or someone you know, is ready to demand more from their real estate representative, please reach out to schedule some time on my calendar below. I’d love to have a conversation with you.
30-Minute Meeting - Paul Small
Calendly
A native Angeleno, I grew up in a "show-biz family" and began my career as a third-generation theatrical agent, impacting the careers of actors including the likes of Crispin Glover, Ray Liotta and Demi Moore. After beginning a family, I traded Sunset Blvd for Madison Avenue and spent the next 20 years in advertising, creating and implementing marketing strategies that drove new business growth, resulting in the successful onboarding of clients such as Coca-Cola, Comcast, Electronic Arts, Nike, Pinkberry, Princess Cruises and the US Army among many others.
I now apply those same principles of agency; integrity, accountability and perseverance on behalf of my clients as we work together to define and fulfill their real estate investment strategies.
You can learn more here
