Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Carswell’s illustrious career from Dallas to Manhattan to now southern California, and his ascendancy in luxury real estate.

Photo Credit: Anthony Barcelo

Ernie Carswell is one of the most accomplished and respected real estate agents in the industry today. His extensive roster of satisfied clientele includes the likes of Fortune 500 CEOs, professional entertainers, top studio executives, leading attorneys, government officials, ambassadors, and foreign dignitaries. Beginning his real estate career in the exclusive Highland Park neighborhood of Dallas, he claims, “Texas was a different Republic back in the 80s when I started there.” He continues, “I transferred to New York City and became a Manhattan broker having fantastic times there. I came to southern California in 1991 and have been working here ever since, not leaving, and not going anywhere else.”

Photo Credit: Anthony Barcelo

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Carswell.

Seth Semilof: When you first got into the business, what made you become a realtor?

Ernie Carswell: I was studying in my college career to be a psychiatrist. While I was in pre-MED, I was in the therapist training program for the state mental hospital of South Carolina. Do you think that was a great prelude to getting into real estate? It was because I learned a lot about human behavior that completely shaped my ideas about what I do now as a real estate agent.

SS: How scary was it going from working a steady paying job to becoming a real estate agent?

EC: There is no paycheck until you sell something and I like that. These technology companies are trying to change our industry and trying to make it a salary position. What about people like me that want to dream of an unlimited ceiling of income and unlimited potential. There is no limit to what I can do with my career, where I can go, and what I can sell. The beauty of what we get to do as real estate agents today, as long as it can last, is we have unlimited potential to sell as much as we can.

SS: What are some attributes that have made you successful for such a long time?

EC: One of the ways that propelled me here was I had mentors. Every agent that gets into this business should have their eyes on someone that they think is doing it right. What I would say the other thing is that I failed. Any agent listening should know that you are going to fail. If that bums you out and you cannot get out of bed the next day, this is the wrong business for you. Tomorrow is another day to meet with optimism and possibility.

SS: Back when you started 35 years ago, if you did not cold call, and if you could not knock on the door, it is was not like you had email. How did you build your business?

EC: Face to face. One at a time. I am pretty good at relationship building. The problem with real estate agents in these very sensitive deal making situations is they are only listening to the words that are being said, but they are not reading all. What you do is everything, so I judge people on their actions. Communication is really about 20% verbal and 80% body language.

SS: What advice do you have for somebody in the business for less than five years and not having the success that they envision or dreamed about?

EC: I do live the dream.  It was a lot of challenge and a lot of hard work, but I take every moment of it as a privilege. The people that work around me are just as grateful. Those TV shows and people running around like it is all just dripping on us is not true. People have worked hard and those agents on those TV shows have worked hard to get to where they are, but the shows themselves are just entertainment. This is a beautiful career I am still encouraging people to consider it and get into it while it remains what it is: the opportunity for unlimited success and potential.

SS: California real estate, specifically your area, has never been harder, so who is buying the properties?

EC: It is a true pipeline of business coming from around the world. We are also seeing real estate volume from locals. People are just moving around. They are not trying to leave the state or the city environments. They are just trying to get out from the density.

For more information, please contact Ernie Carswell at 310-345-7500 or ernie@carswellandassociates.com

Ernie Carswell is the exclusive agent representing the West Hollywood, California luxury real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 3: Ernie Carswell appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Ernie Carswell presents

The finest lifestyle resides here on Hancock Parks most coveted address street in the form of a grand Traditional Tudor that has beautifully morphed into Contemporary expression. Presiding over a private domain offering gated Driveway w/Porte Cochere and rear Motorcourt, Guest House, tiled Pool, fenced lawn & gardens, Canopy Refuge & expansive entertaining Terrace -the residence offers ultimate living in discreet secured privacy. Double height Owners Suite offers sitting Lounge and perhaps the Citys most beautiful double bath Suite w separate wardrobe rooms. Public spaces include the handsome Library/Office, Bar Lounge, Game Room, Wine Cellar clubroom & huge projection Cinema that echoes the Arclight experience. The drama of the upper hall suspended chandelier from the sky proves unforgettable and must be seen. 6 bedrooms suites, 2 Laundry service rms, outdoor Kitchen w/Pizza Oven complete a perfect scene for enviable comfort.

Address: 516 S Hudson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Price: $9,998,000

Photo credit: Noel Kleinman

For more information, please contact Ernie Carswell at 310-345-7500 or ernie@carswellandassociates.com.

Ernie Carswell is the exclusive real estate company representing the Sunset Strip/West Hollywood real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post Ernie Carswell Presents A Hancock Park Traditional Tudor appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Ernie Carswell presents

One of the largest private estates in the greater Los Angeles/Pasadena area and located in prestigious San Marino, the Seeley Mudd Estate has been a fixture in Southern California history since its construction in 1934. Designed by celebrated architect Reginald Johnson and nestled adjacent to the Huntington Library and Gardens on over 7 acres of resplendent landscape parkland donated by Henry Huntington and General George Patton, the approx. 14,000 sq. ft. American Colonial has been home to USC's presidential families since 1979. Modern conveniences and top-of-line systems blend seamlessly with historic accents including imported 17th Century wood paneling in Liv Rm, original steel window & door hardware & walnut hardwood flooring. Sweeping, endless lawns flow into a mature forest of Magnolias, Sycamores, Oaks and Chinese Elms passing English Rose Gardens and multiple fountains leading to a sunken championship Tennis Court on the far end of the expansive property. Hosting up to 2500 guests each year for dinners, gala events and important meetings, the property has served as a stately setting for University and charity events as well as a beloved family residence offering the incomparable luxury of living within a perfect Southern California landscape.
Co-listed with Austin Alfieri and Brent Chang.

Address: 1550 Oak Grove Avenue, San Marino, CA 91108

Price: $24,500,000

Photo credit: Noel Kleinman

For more information, please contact Ernie Carswell at 310-345-7500 or ernie@carswellandassociates.com.

Ernie Carswell is the exclusive real estate company representing the Sunset Strip/West Hollywood real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post Ernie Carswell Presents A San Marino Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

670 Perugia Way, Los Angeles, CA 90077, listed by Ernie Carswell

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

“I am so proud of the City of West Hollywood.  Of all the Los Angeles regional townships, West Hollywood has been visionary in its development plan for the beautification of the famous Sunset Strip retail & restaurant locations. Impressive world-class hotels have located here. Parks and broad avenues have been created. West Hollywood is a joy.” - Ernie Carswell, West Hollywood, CA.

22065 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 1, Malibu, CA 90265, Listed by Jeff Chertow

Photo Credit: Marcelo Lagos

"Malibu is still one of the most sought after locations in the world. I believe that prices will continue to increase as inventory is low. In 2020 we saw an influx of people moving to Malibu and I believe that people who have moved here have realized what an incredible place Malibu is." - Jeff Chertow, Malibu, CA.

Miramar Beach, Montecito, CA 93108, listed by Cristal Clarke

Photo Credit: David Palermo

“Montecito has seen exceptionally strong sales volumes in 2020 as the urban flight into our local communities continues. This, combined with increased Buyer activity from local homeowners, is expected to continue in the early part of 2021 and I see no reason for it to be otherwise.” - Cristal Clarke, Montecito, CA.

3555 Shaw Ranch Road, Pasadena CA 91107, listed by Tim Durkovic

Photo Credit: Mark Liddell

“Based on what has been happening as we close out 2020, I fully expect the Pasadena market to continue to thrive into 2021. Our median price just broke 1M and we are still seeing tight inventory, which is leading to multiple offers on many transactions at every price point! There is an influx of people wanting to live in Pasadena from the more western areas of LA because buyers typically can get more space, more house for their money, and a fantastic overall quality of life, all while still being minutes to everything.” - Tim Durkovic, Pasadena, CA.

Montecito, CA, listed by Wendy Gragg

Photo Credit: David Palermo Photography

“November marked the 13^th consecutive month of very low inventory and it set an all-time record low of only 1.99 months of supply.  Buyers, especially from Los Angeles and San Francisco have created a record-breaking year in sales revenue in 2020.  I expect to see low supply and strong demand continue into 2021.” - Wendy Gragg, Santa Barbara, CA.

2576 Bowmont Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, listed by Jeff Hyland

Photo Credit: Hilton & Hyland

“Just as the Spanish Flu gave birth to the Roaring Twenties, we feel the years ahead have many records that will be broken. Buyers who want to be in here have multiple residences and California Taxes aren’t any concern.” - Jeff Hyland, Bel-Air, CA.

650 Picacho Lane, Montecito, CA 93108, listed by Joyce Rey

Photo Credit: Roy Gelbart | One Shot Productions

“I am anticipating that 2021 will be the best year ever for Luxury Real Estate in Southern California. Normally December is a relatively quiet month! However, the Joyce Rey team is currently negotiating five properties between five and $20 million, which is an extraordinary number at any time! Both hope and optimism are evident with vaccines on the horizon! An improving economy and renewed focus on the home environment will spur residential investments in 2021!” - Joyce Rey, Beverly Hills, CA.

Beach House, 1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, listed by Cindy Shearin

Photo Credit: Linda Cotter

“With the new year upon us, we expect a continuing robust market in the greater South Bay. Luckily, real estate here has been hot for both the buyer and the seller during the 2020 pandemic. This has been largely due to our area's desirability in which to live, low inventory, and minimal new construction." - Cindy Shearin, South Bay area, CA.

4639 Gorham Drive, Corona del Mar, CA 92625, listed by Timothy Norman Tamura

Photo Credit: Andrew Bramasco

“The overall Corona del Mar market has seen a 32% increase in sales for 2020 vs. 2019.  The year over year growth in Corona del Mar can be attributed in part to pent up demand following the initial pause caused by Covid-19, migration from dense urban metro markets, i.e. NY, LA, SF, and historically low-interest rates.  The foregoing factors have placed pressure on the already strained inventory.  For 2021, it appears the current pace will continue, unless and until inventory and demand are more in equilibrium.” - Timothy Norman Tamura, Corona del Mar, CA.

12776 Aurora PL #3, Playa Vista, CA 90293, listed by Kris Zacuto

Photo Credit: Hilton & Hyland

"We anticipate seeing current trends continue with a slight rise in home sales and home prices in most Silicon Beach areas - such as Westchester, Mar Vista and Playa Del Rey. Playa Vista home sales should also maintain similar levels in 2021 although prices behave a bit differently in that market as home and condo prices are seeing decreases year over year." - Kris Zacuto, Silicon Beach, CA.

The post Southern California Real Estate Expectations For 2021 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Ernie Carswell presents

Singular World Class Gated Estate is balanced on a generous acre-plus lot overlooking fairways of the Bel-Air Country Club. Situated at end of the cul-de-sac on prestigious Perugia Way. Built in 2015 by London-based architect, Felicity Bell, this indescribable residence is nothing short of a masterpiece, it could be characterized as a Villa Moderne. As the ultimate Los Angeles retreat, meticulous craftwork presents unparalleled European quality & timeless elegance, comprising over 14,000 S/F of living space with jaw-dropping ceiling heights. The formal foyer & sky-lit Main Gallery lead to the large Grand Room with floor-to-ceiling motorized glass doors opening to expansive outdoor entertaining areas, sprawling lawn & infinity-edge pool. Significant Dining Rm, gourmet Kitchen, & Den. 3 guest bedroom suites, extraordinary dual walk-in closets, silk carpets, spacious Office with bath, 2 bedroom staff quarters residence, & indoor lap pool & gym. From sublime to the eternal.

Address: 670 Perugia Way, Los Angeles, CA 90077

Price: $38,500,000

For more information, please contact Ernie Carswell at 310-345-7500 or ernie@carswellandassociates.com.

Ernie Carswell is the exclusive real estate company representing the Sunset Strip/West Hollywood real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

Photo Credit: Jonathan Golden

The post A Masterpiece Estate In Los Angeles By Ernie Carswell appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Ernie Carswell presents

Celebrated architect Wallace Neff's last residential triumph sited on the 9th fairway of Wilshire Country Club in Hancock Park. Timeless neoclassic design joins contemporary austere styling for home originally created for the Chandler family of LA Times fortune & influence. The estate's innate grandeur is meticulously preserved including original hand-carved crown moldings, imposing entrance columns with roofline balustrade complement, marble portico, awe-inspiring foyer w/ 30 ceilings and herringbone wood floors throughout. Imported door & window fixtures from Paris - as the mansion was inspired by Louis XIVs Chateau de Louveciennes there. Recently installed new design elements echo Neff's original vision yet bring current technology & comforts to the forefront. Landscape design by Art Luna, gated motor court plus 7-car garage, captivating views, and boundless imagination support the experience of living in the capture of this rare residence.

4 BD | 6 BA | Pool | Golf Course Frontage

Address: 105 N Rossmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Price: $13,650,000

For more information, please contact Ernie Carswell at 310-345-7500 or ernie@carswellandassociates.com.

Ernie Carswell is the exclusive real estate company representing the Sunset Strip/West Hollywood real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Anthony Barcelo Photo Credit: Anthony Barcelo Photo Credit: Anthony Barcelo Photo Credit: Anthony Barcelo Photo Credit: Anthony Barcelo Photo Credit: Anthony Barcelo Photo Credit: Anthony Barcelo

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The Consumer Electronics Show is an annual showcase of the latest consumer technology. Since 1967, companies have gathered in Las Vegas to reveal products designed to make our home lives better. One of the earliest shows included the first-ever VCR.

Over 30 years later, devices have become far more complex. And as this year’s CES demonstrates, the hottest devices on the market are particularly relevant for homeowners: Iterations and new additions of smart home technology.

Here are the smart home devices we’re most excited to see hit the market.

Igloohome Smart Locks

Smart locks—locks that allow you to open and secure your door locks remotely from your smart devices—are nothing new. However, Igloohome has introduced a new concept that makes smart locks even safer.

One of the biggest concerns some homeowners have about smart locks is that they are susceptible to hacking, as they must connect to a home Wi-Fi or Bluetooth system.

Igloohome smart locks don’t have to connect to Wi-Fi to function. Instead, they use one-time pin codes generated at random to open and close locks. This means that no one can get access to your locks via hacking into your Wi-Fi system.

Samsung BESPOKE Refrigerator

Samsung introduced a new series of refrigerators, called the BESPOKE series, that take their smart fridge offerings and translate them into stylish options for the design-conscious homeowner.

The fridges are designed in a modular system. You can choose the sizes and shapes for a fridge and freezer system, and then piece the different sections together to form the fridge that’s exact for your space and needs.

Choose from different finishes and colors, and even opt for a special “Flex” option that can be used as a refrigerator or freezer.

Kohler Moxie Showerhead + Smart Speaker

Have you ever wanted to listen to music or a podcast in the shower? The Kohler Moxie Showerhead is designed to finally allow you to do just that.

The showerhead comes with a space in the middle for the smart speaker to attached via magnets (wire-free!). The speaker can then connect your smart home system or Alexa, Echo, or Google Nest to play music or podcasts, or read aloud the weather, the news, and more.

Photo Credit: Kevin Baquerizo

The Sero TV by Samsung

The Sero TV by Samsung is meant to replicate the experience of a handheld device, like a smartphone, on a larger screen. Namely, it can support both vertical and horizontal orientations.

Connecting to your smartphone, the TV will rotate as you rotate your phone, allowing you to experience websites, apps like Instagram, or streaming sites in the same way you do on your phone.

The Sero is set to release later this year.

Apple’s new smart home system

While these CES innovations are exciting, there’s one piece of news that would change the way smart homes operate entirely: Apple filed a patent in February of this year for a smart home system that would configure itself.

Currently, smart home systems and all the smart devices that connect to them have to be configured manually by a trained technician. Every time you purchase a smart home device like the ones in this article, a professional has to come to your home to configure it before it can function within your system.

Apple’s new patent would eliminate this friction and allow a smart homeowner to take charge of their own system, adding or swapping devices seamlessly as their needs change.

We hope you enjoyed this roundup of the latest smart home technology! We’re eager to see what developments arise throughout the remainder of 2020.

The post Ernie Carswell On The Most Useful Smart Home Technology appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Bel-Air is perhaps the destination for billionaires to invest in a brand-new private enclave. Located between Brentwood and Beverly Hills Post Office, Bel-Air meanders through the lower foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, dotting the hills with unmatched-in-luxury, multi-million-dollar estates.

This neighborhood is almost entirely residential, so you won’t feel like you’re living in a city, despite the proximity to Los Angeles and Hollywood. In fact, the neighborhood is penned in by a large gate, with only two elegant stone entryways. All this contributes to the feeling of being inside a beautiful hideaway.

The residential crowd is made up of… some of the most opulent homes you’ve ever seen. While there are a fair number of smaller mansions, you won’t be hard-pressed to find estates with multiple wings and stories and expansive views. Most homes are hidden from the street with high walls, fences, or shrubbery.

The lifestyle offered is… private and extravagant. Residents in Bel Air don’t spare any luxury in their homes and lifestyle—and why should they?

Photo Credit: James Harris

The most popular building type is… modern mansions with every comfort you could imagine and extensive security. The average home price is… $3.5 million. But there will also be several homes priced above $20 million (and in 2017, Bel Air boasted the first home listed for $250 million!).

The area’s greatest highlight is… the seclusion and exclusivity of living within one of the world’s most prominent gated communities.

The area’s best driving distance getaway is… the city of Los Angeles! From your private estate in Bel Air, you can get to any place in the city (from artful and historic downtown to the laidback beaches of Santa Monica) in under an hour.

The best spot to dine fancy is… Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air. Because the neighborhood is so residential, you’ll find a few stand-alone restaurants. However, the Hotel Bel-Air offers some of the finest meals in the city, designed by the renowned chef, Wolfgang Puck.

The best spot to find entertainment is… Stone Canyon Reservoir. This calming, natural spot offers hiking trails and beautiful overlooks.

The best spot to go shopping is… the Glen Centre. This small shopping mall is located nearby Bel Air and features charming, upscale local shops and restaurants.

The post Ernie Carswell’s Guide To Bel-Air appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo by Douglas Sheppard

Home staging is a special type of interior decorating that’s designed to appeal to the most people possible. Instead of décor that’s tuned to your taste, home staging décor is neutral, very contemporary, and meant to create a universally inviting atmosphere. The goal is to make it easy for potential buyers to envision your home as theirs.

Buyers may find it hard to conceptualize an empty home—or a home that’s filled with the previous owner’s years of furniture and sentimental items—as a place they can settle into. And home staging is often offered as the solution.

But you may be wondering if your beautiful home needs to be staged. Won’t it sell on its own? The answer depends on what you, as the seller, most value. Read on for the reasons why you should stage your home and the reasons why it might not be the right choice for you.

You should stage your home if…

• You want to do everything you can to get the highest bid for your home. A 2018 study of 4,200 homes found that more than two-thirds of staged homes sold for 9-12% more than similar homes that weren’t staged. For a list price of about $5 million, that’s the difference of $450,000-$600,000.
• You need your home to sell as quickly as possible. For homeowners who have already purchased a new home or who need to move on fast, staging your home can help your home sell faster than any other in your neighborhood. The most recent National Association of Realtor’s Profile of Home Staging found that over 50% of staged homes sold more quickly than similar non-staged homes.
• Your home has so many rooms that the function of each isn’t obvious. Beyond the standard bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and bathrooms, other extra rooms could leave buyers wondering what they’d use each room for. And even small added hesitation might cost you that sale. Home staging can define each room’s purpose so that imagining living in your home is easy for every buyer.
• Your home has a few architectural “quirks” or an unusual flow. You may love the unique aspects of your home, but potential buyers might see them as flaws. Home staging can help the home feel inviting and livable, rather than be seen as a little odd.
• You’re relying on online listings to fill your open house or book viewings. When all buyers know about your home is from the images they see online, the photos must be amazing. It’s been found that 38% of buyers are more likely to visit a home they saw online if it’s staged in the photos.
• Your home has been on the market for a while. If you haven’t gotten an acceptable offer in months, it’s time to give it everything you’ve got—including staging your home to sell.

Photo by Hutomo Abrianto

You might want to think twice about staging your home if…

• You’d rather not deal with the process. Home staging does take some time and effort for sellers, so if you’re too busy to consider it, then it’s not a good idea for you. In this case, your time may be worth more than the extra money you could get from the sale. Of course, many real estate agents will handle the process for you, so ask yours if that’s something they offer.
• You don’t want to foot the bill upfront. With home staging, you pay the cost of staging up front and hopefully get a return on that investment when you sell your home. com states that the average cost to stage a 2,000 square foot home is about $2,400/per month. If you would rather save your money now and potentially sell your home for a lower price than staging is not for you.
• You’re still living in your home while it’s on the market and don’t want to disrupt your life until you have to. Home staging involves switching out some or all of your furniture for new pieces, possibly painting rooms, and deep cleaning/decluttering. If you don’t want to move out right away (or you’re not comfortable living amongst the staged furniture), then you shouldn’t stage your home.

How do you find a home staging company?

If you decide to stage your home to sell, the best way to find a reputable and talented home stager is to ask your real estate agent.Often, agents will either offer the service themselves or will have a recommendation for a home stager they trust to do an excellent job. Sometimes, agents will arrange the entire process for you.

Most industry professionals recommend home staging—but the decision should be about what’s best for you

Home staging has become almost expected for homes on the market, even in lucrative and competitive markets like New York City and our own Los Angeles. However, you should decide for yourself.
Decide what’s most important to you: Getting the highest sale price possible? Selling your home quickly? Or saving time, money, and hassle right now (rather than later)?

If you can’t decide what to do, it’s always best to defer to your agent. They’ll know what makes the most sense for your type of home and the market you’re in.

Photo by Ian Dooley

The post Ernie Carswell On Staging Your Home Before You List It appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Sublime New & Grand Estate restored and perfected to magnificent standards rarely seen in Hancock Park or even LA. Rare Gated & Hedged (especially in HPOZ Hancock PK), fully private residence w/ Motor-court entry into a protected environment with specimen trees, lush landscape & bubbling fountains. Dramatic entry and Grand Foyer leads to Mahogany-cloaked formal Dining Rm and beautiful Living Rm displaying highly detailed ceiling moldings. Enormous combined Kitchen/ Family Rm becomes centerpiece activity area for this cultivated estate. Huge 1,800 sf poolside Guest House provides cinema sized theatre, large home gym, cabana, & 3 baths. Master Suite comprised of 4 rms plus view terrace to Downtown accessed from the gorgeous bath. 6 Bedroom suites, 8 baths, Porte-Cochere entry into the kitchen, outdoor fireplace Terrace, with bar & grill station. Seemingly endless parking for guest and owner vehicles. A luxurious resort in the heart of LA’s Garden District.

Address: 460 S Las Palmas Avenue, Hancock Park, CA 90020

Price: $8,295,000

For more more information, please contact Ernie Carswell at 310-345-7500 or ernie@carswellandassociates.com.

Ernie Carswell is the exclusive real estate company representing the Sunset Strip/West Hollywood real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photos courtesy of Ernie Carswell

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2341 Gloaming Way, Beverly Hills Post Office, CA 90210

Ernie Carswell is one of the most accomplished and respected real estate agents in the industry today. He has been included in The Hollywood Reporter’s “Hollywood’s Top 25 Real Estate Agents” listing, in Variety’s feature on “Showbiz Real Estate Elite,” Billboard’s coverage of the “Top 15 Real Estate Agents Representing Musicians Today,” and was ranked in the top 100 Agents in the nation by the Wall Street Journal’s Real Trends. Carswell caught up with Haute Residence to discuss why buyers love Sunset Strip in West Hollywood and what makes it so Haute:

What makes your market haute?

LA’s Sunset Strip in West Hollywood is the epicenter of social activity for the City, from finest restaurants, destination shopping to designer boutiques spread along trendy Melrose Avenue to the private member clubs such as Soho Club on Sunset Blvd and famous music venues like The Roxy or Whiskey a GoGo. Residential living in the Sunset Strip include the contemporary trophy homes of the Bird Streets or the historic Spanish estates of the Hollywood Hills, plus the convenient hi-rise condominium buildings offering doorman service, rooftop pools, and ultimate convenience. Whether a bungalow, a townhouse or a tech wizard’s estate retreat, Sunset Strip has it all for residential living.

The residential crowd is made up of...

large estates, new construction modern trophy homes, quaint bungalow cottages, Mid-Century architectural statements, townhouse condominiums and large doorman service buildings with hotel services.

The community vibe is...

very active! Endless shopping whether designer boutiques or large shopping venues like the Beverly Center is easily accessible and walkable. People are very visible here strolling along sidewalks or cycling in the bike lanes.

The lifestyle offered is...

convenient access to all daily activities, large avenues or small side streets keep traffic flowing smoothly, socializing with friends and business colleagues is easily shared with a multitude of diverse restaurant choices, small parks, and recreation areas offer athletic activities. One gets the feeling that the best of LA is contained within handy reach.

The most popular building type you’ll find is...

single family homes of all shapes and varieties mixed with architectural buildings such as the Cesar Pelli-designed Pacific Design Center.

The average home price is...

$ 2.5 million.

The area’s greatest highlight is…

dramatic views from the Sunset Strip seeing the entire city to the Ocean.

The area’s best driving-distance getaways are…

Santa Monica beach is 25 min drive, downtown Arts District is 35 min drive, LAX is 35 min drive.

The best spot to dine fancy is…

the Tower Bar, but also remember the Chateau Marmont!

The best spot to find entertainment is…

Sunset Boulevard between Doheny and Fairfax.

The best spot to go shopping is…

Melrose Avenue or the Beverly Center.

The best place to tee off is…

ugh oh—we don’t play golf in the Sunset Strip, but Bel-Air Country Club is 15 min away and Rancho Park golf course is 12 min away.

The post Ernie Carswell On What Makes Sunset Strip So Haute appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Ultra-modern Steel & Glass fortress atop a private ridge in Coldwater Canyon, Beverly Hills PO. Ultimate Swiss technology is immediately evident as you survey an installation of precise architecture and beautiful contemporary design, fashioned for luxurious comfort & enjoyment. Entire walls of glass open to feature endless panoramic views of the canyon, City & Ocean extending to Catalina Island on favorable days. A towering Stone Pine announces the guest entrance from walled Courtyard to the front door. Nature surrounds the setting and embraces the sensitive architecture it protects. Nearly maintenance-free external fiber cement wall panels never require paint/maintenance. Triple-paned pneumatic windows & doors maintain constant perfect indoor temperatures on the warmest or coolest of days. Gallery walls showcase a world collection in every room. Blissful outdoor entertaining offers 2000SF of the covered terrace, heated outdoor Kitchen & Dining, fire pit lounges–all overlooking serene views. Unique Master Suite semi-outdoor lounge utilizes sculptural panels to privatize the environment and to energize any event. Freshwater Infinity-edge Pool is a work of art to behold. Double garages plus parking for 12 add’l cars provides convenience in a city of cars. World class trophy, at home in California.

Address: 2341 Gloaming Way, Beverly Hills Post Office, CA 90210

Price: $13,800,000

For more more information, please contact Ernie Carswell at 310-345-7500 or ernie@carswellandassociates.com.

Ernie Carswell is the exclusive real estate company representing the Sunset Strip/West Hollywood real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

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