Ben Lee Properties — January 2021 Newsletter
This Month's Article
By Ben Lee I t’s 2021 and if you are anything like me, you are holding your breath a little bit, slightly nervous that this year will be anything like the one we just endured.
I was almost too superstitious to buy a 2021 calendar (yes, I actually keep a paper calendar along with my electronic one).
I didn’t want any action on my part to jinx future best laid plans.
But the only thing we can really do at this point in time is to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
That doesn’t seem too overly optimistic for the January issue of this publication but we know better now than we did a mere twelve months ago when it was all: New Year’s Eve! whoo-hooot raging good times! and big cheers for what 2020 may bring.
We’ve aged since then and it feels like we’ve achieved a new level of maturity; the kind that comes after returning from battle. 2020 was dangerous and exhausting and we all could use a break.
So, with a modicum of excitement and measured level of optimism, I’m happy to close the book on 2020 and hopeful about the coming year ahead.
I’m not sure there will ever be another year like 2020.
It was the sort of year where we would often hear the phrase: “If this was a movie, no one would believe it!” Or, “You couldn’t make this up!” I have to imagine that mere humans don’t have the tools to withstand two years like that in a row.
No one but possibly the front line/essential workers are built that strong!
They are the ones who travel to Antarctica and remember to pack their parkas while the rest of us figure a windbreaker will be good enough.
I will forever be grateful to all those who had to go into work day after day for the benefit of the rest of us.
Even though as a real estate professional I fall into the category of essential worker, I know what I endured doesn’t hold a candle to the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe, fed and medically cared for.
The elements of the job that were deemed dangerous in the age of Covid, mainly Open Houses, were eliminated.
I was able to sell and show properties but in a much more isolated, socially distanced way.
Sometimes videos would replace in-person showings but accommodations were always made to insure that tours, inspections and construction work could all still take place safely.
For being relatively locked down, I was actually surprised at how busy I was.
Clients new and old had a variety of reasons as to why they were buying and selling during a pandemic.
Some wanted to get out of the city, state, even country.
Others found themselves working at home for the foreseeable future and needed more space, specifically with private home offices.
Suddenly homes that had served them well had bedrooms now too cramped to accommodate Zoom school for the kids.
And there were a handful of people who just needed to make a change and exert control and ownership during the most unpredictable time of our lives.
I was surprised to see my business actually increased by twenty percent from 2019.
For that I am incredibly grateful. And, honestly, a little guilty since I know there are so many businesses struggling right now.
On the back page of this newsletter, I’ve included a list of local restaurants as a reminder to try and order from them to help keep our favorite neighborhood places afloat.
Think about how sad you’d be if you could no longer enjoy an Apple Pan Hickory Burger or chili fries from Marty’s.
Imagine the anguish if you could no longer satisfy cravings for a piping hot John O’Groats’ biscuit or orzo salad from FOOD?
You can purchase gift cards now and redeem later and every bit helps.
These familyrun places help make our community special and now’s the time to show them the love they’ve shown us over the years.
I know how tough it’s been. We’ve trudged through the last several months as best we could but, thankfully, the light at the end of the tunnel is now in view.
I hope that with this new year comes a reenergized bit of strength to keep going a little bit longer until it’s our turn to get the vaccine and then return to the life we once knew.
Yes, there is a certain mount of uncertainty standing at the threshold of 2021, a shared fear of enduring anything close to a repeat of 2020.
But I hope we can set our trepidation aside, gingerly let out that bated breath and embrace this new year with enough optimism and resolve to make it our best year yet.
And if “best year yet” is reaching too high, at least there is solace knowing that the Westside real estate market is still strong, a vaccine is on the horizon and, provided we can lend a hand to our local small businesses, life in 2021 is decidedly looking up.
Featured Listings
Cheviot Hills - FOR LEASE! 2839 Medill Pl $11,000 Per/Mo. 5 Bed / 4 Bath 3,703 Sq. Ft., 7,953 Sq. Ft. Lot
IN ESCROW Beverlywood - NEW LISTING! 9320 Oakmore Rd $3,995,000 6 Bed / 4.5 Bath
Cheviot Hills - NEW LISTING! 3062 Earlmar Dr $6,995,000 6 Bed / 9 Bath
Cheviot Hills - FOR LEASE! 9825 Altman Ave $6,000/month 4 Bed / 2 Bath 2,316 Sq. Ft., 6,679 Sq. Ft. Lot A magnificent brand new construction on one of the most coveted streets in the Country Club Estates section of Cheviot Hill. Unique design flourishes really set this traditional style home apart from the pack and it manages to feel warm and intimate. Stone entry leads to a hard wood open floor plan that allows a breezy flow from room to room. The Master Bedroom retreat offers a romantic fire place, cozy seating area, enormous walk in closet and a bathroom with free standing tub, brass fixtures and toilet room. See to believe! NEW CONSTRUCTION! A stately Mediterranean style manor on a tree lined, quiet street in Beverlywood masterfully combines sophisticated elegance with familial warmth. A grand foyer opens to two rooms at the front of the home: an intimate formal living room with fireplace and lovely view of the neighborhood and a handsome private office. Each bedroom is bright and airy with generously sized closets and the front two bedrooms also have balconies. Please visit this gorgeous home today as it certainly won’t be on the market for long! T ucked within a rustic and quiet street with a cul-de-sac, this 4 bedroom/2 bath home is as delightful as it is efficient. Built in 1941 this sweet and charming home offers all hardwood floors, updated kitchen, natural light, an abundance of storage, new washer/dryer as well as many other amenities such as dozens of mature fruit trees, rose bushes and a large expanse of grass in the vast backyard. Located walking distance to the award winning Castle Heights elementary school, this is an ideal house to call home.
Rancho Park - IN ESCROW 10513 Blythe Ave $1,995,000 3 Bed / 2 Bath 2,885 Sq. Ft., 6,202 Sq. Ft. Lot
Beverlywood - SOLD! 1929 Hillsboro Avenue $1,995,000 3 Bed / 2 Bath / Den 2,303 Sq. Ft., 7,771 Sq. Ft. Lot 9906 Girla Way $2,349,000 3 Bed / 3 Bath 2,481 Sq. Ft., 10,139 Sq. Ft. Lot
Cheviot Hills - SOLD! 3043 Oakhurst Ave $1,649,000 4 Bed / 3 Bath 2,163 Sq. Ft., 5,000 Sq. Ft. Lot
Rancho Park - SOLD! 10756 Ashby Avenue $1,895,000 3 Bed / 2 Bath 1,920 Sq. Ft.
Community & More
By Michael Harris A lthough not uniformly accepted that the month of January is named for the Roman God Janus (some say it was named for Juno) the myth of Janus is a fitting symbol for the month of January.
Janus in ancient Roman myth was the god of beginnings, time, passages, and endings.
He is depicted as having two faces because he looks to the future as well as the past.
I suggest that anytime that an old movie is to be played on Turner Classic Movies or wherever old movies are shown that if it is from Janus Films that it is worthwhile watching.
The symbol for Janus Films is the two faced man and the output from this British company is always worth watching.
So if January seems a little bland take a look at a Janus movie and enjoy the production and storytelling.
Beverlywood happenings Westside Stories If you enjoy reading these vignettes each month, you may want to check out my father-in-law’s book, Westside Stories.
It’s a memoir/history of growing up on the Westside of Los Angeles in the 1940s and 1950s with great photos, anecdotes and stories.
Perfect for the history buff/enthusiast in your family!
It’s available for purchase on Amazon, just search for Westside Stories by Michael Harris.
By Ben Lee I n the spirit of supporting our local restaurants, we are starting the new year off right by giving away a $100 gift certificate to The Six on Pico!
Featuring a delicious and gourmet menu that includes burgers, pizzas and a wide array of vegetarian selections, there’s definitely something for everybody in your family to eat and enjoy!
To win, simply send an email to: ben@ benleeproperties.com and write ‘SIX ON PICO’ in the subject line.
That’s it! We’ll select a winner at random at the end of the month.
Good luck! Raffle By Ben Lee P lease support these local restaurants that could use our help!
Thanks to all the neighbors who contributed ideas and especially to Beverlywood resident Jim Kronman for organizing all the names of the restaurants into this list.
FOOD 10571 W Pico Blvd Thai Boom on Venice 10863 Venice Blvd Chica’s Tacos 9345 Culver Blvd Carasau 3918 Van Buren Pl Barrio Tacos 3500 Overland Ave #100 The Six 10668 Pico Blvd Allegra 4437 Sepulveda Blvd Anarbagh 138 S Beverly Dr Backhouse (Sushi & Yakitori) 10915 W Pico Blvd O’Briens Restaurant & Pub 2226 Wilshire Blvd Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle 2057 Sawtelle Blvd Skylight Gardens 1139 Glendon Ave Big Boi 2027 Sawtelle Blvd Marty’s Hamburger Stand 10558 W Pico Blvd Asuka Sushi on Westwood 1553 Westwood Blvd Edoughble Sweet Shop 2625 S Robertson Blvd Kiyono Sushi 255 S Beverly Dr Cafe Dahab 1640 Sawtelle Blvd Apple Pan 10801 W Pico Blvd Bianca Bakery 8850 Washington Blvd Fred’s Bakery 2831 S Robertson Blvd Creme De La Crepe 9111 W Olympic Blvd Tarte Tatin 9123 W Olympic Blvd Pomodoro 1393 Westwood Blvd Upper West 3321 W Pico Blvd Rae’s Restaurant 2901 Pico Blvd Harajuku 4410 Sepulveda Blvd La Bruschetta 1621 Westwood Blvd John O’Groats 10516 W Pico Blvd Asia Kitchen 11279 Venice Blvd Founders Ale House 8771 W Pico Blvd Blasteran 272 S La Cienega Blvd Matteo’s Hoboken 2323 Westwood Blvd Gloria’s Café 10227 Venice Blvd Grand Casino Bakery and Café 3826 Main St.
Boardwalk 11 10433 National Blvd #5 Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine 10855 Venice Blvd Cafe 50’s 11623 Santa Monica Blvd Mama’s Original Pizza & Pasta 3311 Motor Ave Aki Sushi Restaurant 11513 Santa Monica Blvd Big Tomy’s 11289 W Pico Blvd The Stalking Horse 10543 W Pico Blvd Niko Niko Sushi 10839 National Blvd Holy Cow BBQ 10645 W Pico Blvd Pastina 2260 Westwood Blvd Uzumaki 11060 Washington Blvd California Fresh 2000 Westwood Blvd FIN Asian Tapas 12223 W Washington Blvd Factors Deli 9420 W Pico Blvd Maria’s Italian Kitchen 10761 W Pico Blvd Gourmet Courier Delivery Service PopUpItalia (Grubhub or Doordash) Bella Roma SPQR 1509 S Robertson The Mint 6010 W Pico Asian Fusion 1710 S Robertson The Vegan Joint 10438 National Blvd Le Petit Jardin 1456 S Robertson El Rincon 4361 Sepulveda Tandori Eats 10004 National Blvd La Bruchetta 1621 Westwood Blvd Local Restaurants Need Our Help
