Kris Zacuto brings a wealth of knowledge to Hilton & Hyland with over 10 years of experience in Luxury Estate Management. The work ethic he acquired during his time on the diamond has translated into his new career and made him one of the area’s hardest working agents. His personal philosophy is “hard work and integrity breed success”. With a proactive perspective, a background in luxury properties, an appreciation for discretion, and the utmost professionalism, Kris possesses all the skills necessary to anticipate client needs to provide excellent customer service, and results. Haute Residence caught up with Zacuto to discuss Playa Vista, CA and what makes it so special
Where in Los Angeles is Playa Vista?
Playa Vista is in West Los Angeles, adjacent to both the LAX airport & the beach. It neighbors Playa Del Rey, Marina Del Rey, Loyola Marymount University in Westchester, and Del Rey. Playa Vista's location is attractive as its centrally located to many LA hot spots - DTLA, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills are all somewhat equal short drives.
How did that area come to be?
It was introduced as community development consisting of affordable and luxury housing, commercial/office spaces, and a variety of parks and amenities. Over the years, the commercial activity exploded with companies such as Google, Facebook LA, The Honest Company, and YouTube Space LA, to name a few. This expansion was accompanied by an increase in luxury offerings including exclusive three-unit condo buildings, to luxurious three-level single-family homes up to 4500 sqft.
What makes Playa Vista so special to buyers?
Playa Vista is special as it offers multiple demographics a unique experience in West LA. There is no comparison in LA where a neighborhood is both a developed planned community and remains central to other LA attractions. During the day residents have the ability to walk to Whole Foods, the pool/fitness center, or Town Center for a variety of retail offerings. At night they can choose to stay local at one of the many restaurants or take 20 minutes to drive into Downtown LA or Hollywood for the evening.
How is Playa Vista reacting to some of the market shifts?
The Playa Vista market is a bit of a submarket in LA. In a macro sense, Playa Vista is seeing longer Days on Market, and more price reductions than 6 months ago. However, it remains an incredibly desirable area to break into, as reinforced by the strong condo market. Properties Under $1M are acting relatively normal with only a slight uptick in Days on Market. Properties from $1.5M - $4M are feeling more of a shift, as buyers are being more patient, and allowing properties priced over market value to either go unsold or incur a price reduction.
Why did you decide to live in Playa Vista?
I've lived in the general area for many years - I attended St Bernard's High School in Playa Del Rey and graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Westchester. My family moved from Playa Del Rey, which we love, to Playa Vista when were having our 2nd child. The attraction of 29 parks, grocery stores, dry cleaners, nail salons, restaurants and more - all walking distance in a luxuriously developed community was the driving force. We live, work, and play in Playa Vista - but still get our much needed nights out in Manhattan Beach!
