LOS ANGELES (AP) — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate edged higher this week after a two-week drop, a modest move in line with a mostly moderate shift in home-loan rates in recent weeks.
Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 6.39% from 6.35% last week. The average rate a year ago was 5.25%.
The average benchmark rate has moved lower in seven of the last 10 weeks since reaching a high for this year of 6.73% in early March. Still, it remains elevated relative to 2020 and 2021, when the average rate fell below 3%.
High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for homebuyers, limiting how much buyers can afford at a time when the housing market has slowed, but remains unaffordable to many Americans after years of soaring home prices.
“Higher mortgage rates have slowed home purchase activity during a time in the year when typically home shoppers are out in full force,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS. “Rate-sensitive homebuyers have either been priced out of the market or are holding off in the hopes that rates will fall.”
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell 23.2% in the 12 months ended in April, marking nine straight months of annual sales declines of 20% or more, according to the National Association of Realtors. The national median home price fell to $388,800 last month — down 1.7% from a year earlier and the biggest year-over-year drop since January 2012, the NAR said Thursday.
Despite the pullback in home prices, a dearth of properties for sale is fueling bidding wars in many markets. One reason for the limited number of homes for sale: Many homeowners who locked in an ultra-low mortgage rate in recent years are reluctant to sell now that rates have since doubled.
Low mortgage rates helped juice the housing market for much of the past decade, easing the way for borrowers to finance ever-higher home prices. That trend began to reverse a little over a year ago, when the Federal Reserve started to hike its key short-term rate in a bid to slow the economy and cool the highest inflation in four decades.
Rates for 30-year mortgages usually track the moves in the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing loans. Investors’ expectations for future inflation, global demand for U.S. Treasurys and what the Fed does with interest rates can also influence rates on home loans.
The Fed has raised its benchmark interest rate 10 times in 14 months. At its meeting of policymakers two weeks ago, the central bank signaled that it could finally pause its yearlong campaign of rate hikes, though a pause would likely only nudge mortgage rates slightly lower.
Yet recent warnings from several Fed officials about the continuing threat from high inflation suggest it’s far from certain that the central bank will forgo another increase in their benchmark rate when they next meet in mid-June.
The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with those refinancing their homes, held steady this week at 5.75%. A year ago, it averaged 4.43%, Freddie Mac said.
Featured image credit: Howard Nourmand courtesy of Nourmand & Associates
A home is a symbol of status.
That sentence rings true whether you live in New York or Beijing, Vancouver or Madrid, Prague or Mumbai. But nowhere is the competition to stand out quite as fierce as Los Angeles, where million-dollar homes go to extreme lengths to appeal to potential buyers.
In what seems like an endless parade of upscale amenities, sprawling floorplans, and lavish interiors, the luxury segment of L.A.’s already competitive real estate market is constantly adapting to the changing needs (and growing expectations) of buyers in this price range.
But in a city that’s rife with new builds, there’s an undisputed appeal for homes with a bit of history — and a design that’s guaranteed to withstand the passage of time.
Paul Williams homes are hot commodities in L.A.
Out of the many architects that left their mark on the City of Angels, one name stands out: that of Paul Revere Williams, one of the most prolific and accomplished architects in recent history.
With his wide range of architectural styles — from traditional colonials to casual ranch-style to midcentury modern marvels — Williams left his mark on the city’s most glamorous and exclusive enclaves, including Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air and the Hollywood Hills.
A Paul Williams-designed house in Westwood, Los Angeles. Image credit: Howard Nourmand courtesy of Nourmand & Associates
He designed or revamped close to 3,000 buildings starting in the 1920s all the way through the 1970s, and rose to fame as the go-to architect of California celebs and business magnates alike.
Paul Williams counted Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, William “Bojangles” Robinson and other entertainers among his high-powered clientele.
But beyond his flashy role as ‘The Architect of Hollywood”, Paul Williams built countless homes whose owners have not been immortalized on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. And these homes, with their timeless design and quality of build, continue to attract buyers in droves.
“Paul Williams’ homes are hot commodities in LA. His classic style and long-standing career designing for LA’s most storied legends make him one of city’s most celebrated architects. Owning a Williams home is owning a one-of-a-kind, classic home that has stood the test of time.”
Michael Nourmand – President, Nourmand & Associates
SEE ALSO: The Chemosphere House and 6 other striking John Lautner-designed homes
And he should know. Michael’s company, Nourmand & Associates, a leading real estate brokerage in the Los Angeles area, sold three Paul Williams-designed homes in 2021 alone — one more charming than the other.
Villa Andalusia, a striking Paul Williams-designed home in Los Feliz sold for $11.5 million in 2021. Image credit: Nourmand & Associates
“It’s an honor for myself and Nourmand agents to have represented both buyer and seller in the most recent Paul Williams listings.”
Most recently, Nourmand & Associates closed on the $11.5 million sale of Villa Andalusia (pictured above), a 1931-built Italianate Pallazo that’s touted as one of the finest properties in Los Feliz. Konstantine Valissarakos represented the buyer in the transaction.
The sale followed two other noteworthy transactions closed by Michael Nourmand himself; the first, a picture-perfect family home that traded for $8.75 million, and the other an exceptionally well-crafted Beverly Hills home that commanded a $5.198 million sale price. For the latter, Michael Nourmand held the listing alongside Adam Sires, with another Nourmand & Associates agent, Jill Epstein, representing the buyer.
A stately Paul Williams residence on one of the largest lots in Little Holmby sold for $8.75 million in 2021. Image credit: Howard Nourmand courtesy of Nourmand & AssociatesAnother Paul Williams house was sold this year by Nourmand & Associates, commanding a $5,198,250 sales price. Image credit: Nourmand & Associates
And these million-dollar sales are by no means outliers.
In early 2021, a Brentwood manor Paul Williams built back in the 1930s for opera singer-actress Grace Moore and her husband, Spanish actor Valentín Parera (later occupied by legendary actor Tyrone Power) sold for $10.1 million to veteran CAA agent Josh Lieberman.
Prolific celebrity house flippers Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have also just closed on a Paul Williams-designed home in Beverly Hills Post Office. According to the Los Angeles Times, the couple paid $8.5 million for the pristine mid-century home that’s tucked in the gated enclave of Hidden Valley Estates.
But beyond the visual and structural appeal of the homes the lauded architect left behind, there’s a much more complex legacy.
The legacy of Paul R. Williams
While he’s widely remembered as “the architect of Hollywood” and a top choice among the stars of his time, Williams’ repertoire is vast in both style and quantity, creating some 3,000 buildings before his death in 1980.
A 2012 NPR profile chronicling his work crowned him as “the trailblazing architect that helped shape L.A.” Beyond the residential projects he worked on, Williams didn’t shy away from tackling ambitious public and commercial buildings.
Paul R. Williams – with biographical paragraphs. Image credit: National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
He helped design iconic structures like the Los Angeles County Courthouse, the historic Spanish-colonial style YMCA building in downtown LA, and even parts of Los Angeles International Airport.
He was part of the LAX planning and design team, working on some of the most well-known commercial and municipal projects, including the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building, Hillside Memorial Park, Westwood Medical Center, and the First AME Church.
Because of his varied portfolio, you might even recognize his handwriting: it’s prominently plastered on the façade of the Beverly Hills Hotel (which he didn’t build, but expanded and renovated throughout the years).
But Paul Williams’ legacy extends beyond the structures he helped build.
He was the first African American architect to become a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1923, and later, in 1957, he was inducted as the AIA’s first black fellow.
Despite the deep prejudice and racism he faced, Williams masterfully navigated the business and social circles of the day.
The LA Conservancy reports that he even learned to draw upside down in order to sketch for clients from across the table — for the benefit of any white clients who might have been uneasy sitting next to an African American.
Williams famously remarked upon the bitter irony of the fact that most of the homes he designed, and whose construction he oversaw, were on parcels whose deeds included segregation covenants barring Black people from purchasing them.
Later in his career, Williams chose to devote more of his time to projects aimed at providing affordable housing; he co-designed the first federally funded public housing projects of the post-war period (Langston Terrace in Washington, D.C.) and later the Pueblo del Rio project in southeast Los Angeles.
It wasn’t until 2017, 37 years after his death, that the American Institute of Architects awarded him his gold medal for the outstanding contributions he made in the world of architecture.
“Our profession desperately needs more architects like Paul Williams. His pioneering career has encouraged others to cross a chasm of historic biases. I can’t think of another architect whose work embodies the spirit of the Gold Medal better. His recognition demonstrates a significant shift in the equity for the profession and the institute.”
William J. Bates, FAIA, in his support of William’s nomination for the AIA Gold Medal, Architectural Digest via Wikipedia
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The FHFA determines the conforming loan limit each year, basing it on the average U.S. home value over the past four quarters.
They utilize their own Federal Housing Finance Agency House Price Index (FHFA HPI®) to determine how much home prices have risen in the preceding 12 months.
This captures home price movement from the third quarter of 2021 to the third quarter of 2022.
Their latest HPI found that property values had risen 12.21% over the past four quarters, which allowed them to raise the conforming loan limit by the same amount.
As such, home buyers and those looking to refinance will be able to get a mortgage backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (conforming loan) as large as $726,200 for a one-unit property.
Typically, conforming loans are easier to qualify for than jumbo loans, those which exceed the conforming loan limits.
Additionally, mortgage rates are often lower on conforming loans, though lately it’s been a bit mixed due to adverse conditions in the secondary market.
We’re actually lucky the conforming loan limit for 2023 rose as much as it did, as home prices have decelerated immensely.
Despite experiencing positive annual appreciation each quarter since the start of 2012, home values were up just 0.1% in the third quarter from a quarter earlier.
That meant the 12.21% increase was significantly lower than the 18% increase in loan limits seen a year prior.
And the way things are going, we could see a negative number in the fourth quarter from the third.
As noted, the high-cost loan limits are, well, even higher, exceeding $1 million for the first time ever.
This means existing homeowners and prospective home buyers in places like Los Angeles, the Bay Area, New York City, and even Park City will be able to obtain Fannie/Freddie-backed mortgages for seven figures.
Specifically, the new ceiling loan limit for one-unit properties in these areas will be $1,089,300, which is 150 percent of the 2023 baseline limit of $726,200.
And if we’re talking about a four-unit investment property, loan amounts can exceed $2 million, which is bonkers.
Additionally, in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the baseline loan limit matches the high-cost loan limit of $1,089,300 for one-unit properties.
The FHFA noted that because of rising home values, the loan limits will be higher next year in all but two U.S. counties or county equivalents.
Prior to this announcement, several mortgage lenders increased their conforming loan limit in anticipation of the higher loan limits.
For example, the nation’s top mortgage lender, Rocket Mortgage, began accepting loan amounts as high as $715,000 back in September via their wholesale division Rocket Pro TPO.
And the nation’s new top mortgage lender (as of the third quarter of 2022), United Wholesale Mortgage, did the same shortly thereafter.
It appears they played it safe, knowing home price appreciation would be sufficient to keep their speculative loan limits below the official ones.
The Golden State is known for its sunny and sandy beaches, historic cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, picturesque national parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree, and array of outdoor activities – hiking, skiing, surfing, and running trails. It’s no wonder that 39 million people live in California. There are many draws to the state, no matter what city you’re living in. So, if you’re looking to buy a home in California this year, you might be wondering what kind of classic California style homes you’re likely to find.
Look no further, Redfin is here to guide you. We’ve gathered 8 quintessential California style homes you might want to consider buying whether you’re looking for a home in Sacramento or rental property in Irvine. While home styles vary across the state, here are some of the most common home styles in California you’re likely to find. Let’s jump in.
1) Cape Cod
Cape Cod homes are a well-known and loved house style across the US. They’re most recognizable for their symmetrical design, steep roof with pitched triangular areas, and large chimney. These homes often have two-to-three bedrooms and an open floor plan. They’re typically single-story, but you can often find Cape Cod style homes with more floors. Cape Cod style homes have lots of windows to let in natural light, adding to the charm. You’ll find these homes have cedar shingles, brick, stucco, or stone exteriors.
2) Contemporary
If you’re looking for a home that’s got modern and chic elements consider a contemporary style house. These homes are common in many cities up and down the state, from Malibu to Vacaville. Contemporary homes typically have sleek and streamlined designs, with plenty of natural light and an emphasis on functionality, perfect for the sunny California days. Expect to see a mix of materials and textures, such as wood, metal, and glass to complete the home.
3) Craftsman
Craftsman style homes in California are known for their unique blend of traditional and modern elements. These homes have low-pitched roofs with exposed rafters, wide front porches, and a mix of materials like stone, wood, and brick. Inside, expect to see plenty of natural light and an open floor plan, with built-in cabinetry and detailed woodwork adding to the charm. Whether you’re looking for a cozy bungalow or a larger, more spacious home, you’ll find options with the Craftsman style.
4) Mediterranean
Mediterranean-style homes are a popular architectural choice in California, drawing inspiration from the historic buildings found in Spain and Italy. These homes often feature stucco exteriors, red roof tiles, and metalwork accents, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Many Mediterranean homes also incorporate exposed wooden beams, adding to their rustic charm.
One of the defining features of these homes is their seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living, making them ideal for California’s mild climate. Whether you’re looking for a seaside villa or a cozy retreat in the hills, you’re sure to find the perfect Mediterranean-style home in California.
5) Mid-century modern
A home style that gained popularity during the 1940s through 1960s, mid-century modern homes are still very loved today, including in California. These homes have clean lines, functional design, and natural elements. Mid-century modern homes in California are typically single-story or split-level with floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding doors, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. Additionally, mid-century modern homes showcase neutral colors and natural wood finishes throughout the home, creating a minimalist and sleek look.
6) New construction
New construction homes in California typically feature modern and sleek designs with an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. They often incorporate sustainable materials and energy-efficient features to help reduce their carbon footprint. Many homes offer open-concept living spaces, large windows, and high ceilings to maximize natural light and create a sense of spaciousness. Smart home technology is also common, allowing you to control everything from lighting to temperature.
7) Ranch
California ranch homes are typically a single-story design with a low-pitched roof and wide eaves. These homes often have a simple, open floor plan, with a living room, dining room, and kitchen all connected. You may find large sliding glass doors leading to outdoor living spaces, like patios or decks, to take advantage of California’s mild climate. Many ranch homes in California also feature mid-century modern design elements, such as floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beams, and natural details.
8) Victorian
You can find variations of Victorian homes throughout the state, but, by far, the most well-known Victorian homes are in San Francisco. The “Painted Ladies” are recognized by their ornate and colorful facades. They feature bold hues and intricate details such as gingerbread trim, stained glass windows, and decorative brackets. The Victorian style homes in California were primarily built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The main architectural styles are Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, and Italianate.
The most popular person in Los Feliz is Joan, the owner of a soon-to–be-vacant prewar apartment on Avocado Street. On a gloomy afternoon, Joan stands at the apartment’s doorstep, surrounded by five prospective tenants. We wait, hushed and breathless, as Joan takes the key from her purse.
“You’re the lucky ones who get to see it early,” she says.
Yes, we are the chosen, desperate few. Among nearly 50 interested callers in the three days the unit has been listed, we are the ones who called Joan multiple times. We left beseeching voicemails. We begged to submit applications without even seeing the apartment. We promised to be perfect tenants. We’ve witnessed its grandeur on Zillow — a $3,800 two-bedroom that’s a 15-minute walk from Griffith Park — and we know this one won’t last.
As Joan fits the key into the lock, I glance at the other prospective tenants, all of whom appear to be nice, respectable people. This is extremely unfortunate as they are now pitted against me in one of L.A.’s most cutthroat endeavors: finding an apartment.
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As Joan ushers us inside, I ask a woman in a pea coat how her housing search is going.
“Brutal,” she says. “I just lost a place to someone who paid an entire year’s rent up front.”
Inside, the apartment is gorgeous. We are collectively awed.
“Is this place staged?” a man with an Australian accent asks more than once, admiring the current tenant’s furniture. A short woman in a ball cap kneels on the floor, takes out a tape measure and begins aggressively assessing different walls. It is a power move. A laminated application is tucked beneath her arm. “My landlord is the new attorney general and she’s happy to provide a reference,” the ball cap woman tells Joan, loud enough for everyone to hear.
I catch the eyes of a blond woman in a trench coat. An understanding passes between us. We are no match for the ball cap woman. We did not laminate our applications. In fact, I didn’t even bring an application because I don’t own a printer. As the other tenants hand in their applications, Joan casts a hard, appraising glance my way. “I’m gonna email it,” I mumble. I immediately feel like a naughty child who hasn’t handed in her homework — the exact opposite of the sort of person who will get the place on Avocado Street.
In the backyard, an orange tree hangs heavy with overripe fruit. “Imagine, fresh orange juice for breakfast every day,” someone says. We sit silent for a moment, envisioning the future that will someday belong to only one of us: sitting at the cozy dining nook, sipping juice made from freshly picked oranges before heading out for a stroll to Griffith Park.
“It’s just nice to know this place exists,” the blond says, sadly.
In my hunt for an apartment, I saw more than 30 places: dumps and palaces and everything in between. Despite news of an L.A. exodus, the housing market shows no sign of cooling. At nearly every open house, I was pitted against New Yorkers who, like me, had decamped from Brooklyn in search of sunlight and a place to park their cars.
I found and lost my dream home twice. Aside from Joan, I met many landlords and found that, generally speaking, they are strange people.
Some, like a soft-spoken older woman leasing an $1,800 one-bedroom apartment at the foot of the Hollywood Hills, are delusional. The unit, which was advertised using Zillow’s two most-favored descriptors — “charming” and “sun-drenched” — turned out to be neither. It faced a hideous building that choked out even the smallest possibility of afternoon sun-drenching. When the landlord asked if I was interested in renting it, I said no, sorry. I was hoping for a place with more light. A place with a view.
“But this place has a view,” she insisted. “The building across is so lovely.”
Many landlords I met, like the owner of a $3,900 Spanish two-bedroom in Echo Park, have a frazzled, frantic demeanor. The Echo Park landlord hoped to sell the property or rent it, whichever happened first, he told me. He’d originally bought the place to market it as an Airbnb, but the city tightened its restrictions and he was forced to rent it out long-term. This was a relief in some ways, he said, because he’d found that managing an Airbnb was a nightmare.
“People are monsters,” he said. He once hosted guests who infested the unit with bedbugs. Another group stole all the lightbulbs. Worst of all was the man who defecated on the floor and said the cleaning fee should cover the cost of its removal.
“Are you sure it wasn’t a dog?” I asked.
“It was definitely human,” he said.
I asked where he found the feces. He pointed to the middle of the living room floor, the very place I’d envisioned my coffee table.
A more discreet landlord would have concealed this sordid history. Still, it’s sometimes difficult not to consider the sad circumstances that lead a property to be listed on the market in the first place.
This is especially true when you look at lease takeovers for one- or two-bedroom apartments. These leases, in my experience, often are broken due to heartbreak: Two people who once loved each other now hate each other and can no longer live together. One man I met who had advertised a lease takeover on Zillow greeted me in the driveway of a pretty, $4,000 Silver Lake two-bedroom condo. He looked as though he’d just been crying. He showed me inside, and when I told him the place was nice, he let out a low, resentful bleat of laughter.
“Yeah, isn’t it great?” he said. “I thought my partner and I would live here for years. But life is unpredictable, isn’t it?” And then he gazed ruefully out the window.
Walking through the condo, I wondered in which room he and his partner had argued most. Had they screamed at each other in the 250-square-foot bedroom with the attached bath? Had they bickered in the recently remodeled kitchen? Had they realized they no longer loved each other as they sat in the charming, sun-drenched living room?
Another consideration is who your new neighbors will be. One property manager leasing a snug one-bedroom apartment on Los Feliz Avenue for $2,200 vented for several minutes about the people who lived directly above the unit. More than anything, the property manager wanted to evict these tenants, who, he said, had not cleaned their toilet for several years. This had resulted in a grievous plumbing situation that affected not only their unit but also the one below it — the very unit I had come to see.
“The apartment is yours if you want it,” the property manager told me. I said I’d think about it, but I knew I’d never live there. It seems that I am always being offered the places I don’t want and never the places I do.
When I first came to L.A., I promised myself two things: I would never live on the West Side (I wrongly thought at the time that Silver Lake was superior), and I would never live in an apartment with vertical blinds. But the housing market humbled me. I signed a lease for an apartment in Santa Monica. I had the vertical blinds removed.
Two days after I saw Joan’s apartment, she sent me a text: “Thank you for your interest,” she wrote, “but the Avocado Street unit has been rented.”
I hope that the ball cap woman enjoys her place and that all her furniture fits.
Cue up your favorite girlboss anthem, because the high-powered female brokers at the Oppenheim Group are back!
And along with them come more million-dollar deals, some fresh new faces, and all the drama you’d expect from the Netflix series best described as ‘Real Housewives meets Million Dollar Listing.‘
Spicing things up this season are two new additions to the Selling Sunset cast, joining familiar faces like Chrishell Stause, Mary Fitzgerald, Emma Hernan, Heather Rae El Moussa, Amanza Smith, and Chelsea Lazkani.
O Group veteran Nicole Young steps into the limelight (after she’d only made brief appearances in past seasons, including a memorable one in Season 2 when she officiated Mary and Romain’s wedding), alongside model-turned-real estate agent Bre Tiesi.
For those of you keeping up with celebrity news, Bre might already be a familiar face, as the ambitious real estate agent was holding headlines last year after having a baby with Nick Cannon.
We also get to meet Jason Oppenheim’s new girlfriend, Marie-Lou Nurk, and Chrishell Stause’s partner (later turned wife), G Flip. But despite the show’s new additions, what we’re most excited to see more jaw-dropping mansions and multi-million-dollar homes — and there’s no shortage of those in the new season.
So we took it upon ourselves to track down all the spectacular houses in Selling Sunset Season 6, and give you a breakdown of their impressive features, endless lists of amenities, and upscale features.
The spectacular houses in ‘Selling Sunset’, Season 6
Selling Sunset doesn’t disappoint when it comes to real estate eye candy. From sprawling penthouses to massive mansions, Season 6 brought us plenty of million-dollar homes to daydream about — and even had us revisit some past favorites, like Chrishell Stause’s beautiful home in Hollywood Hills.
And since luxury real estate is our obsession, we couldn’t help ourselves and tracked down all the Selling Sunset houses that graced our screens in Season 6 of the hit Netflix show.
With the exception of Chelsea’s Santa Monica listing, which we couldn’t find as there weren’t many details available (or maybe Chelsea didn’t land the listing?), and Nicole’s West Hollywood listing, here’s a quick update on all of the houses featured this season, along with property photos and videos that allow you to take a closer look at these phenomenal estates.
Bonus: before we go into the houses that made their way on-screen, we’d like to take a second to applaud the Netflix production crew’s choice when picking the shooting location for promotional images.
The posters for Selling Sunset‘s sixth season were shot at the iconic Sheats-Goldstein Residence, an architectural marvel and Hollywood landmark designed by lauded architect John Lautner.
Saint Ives Place, West Hollywood – Harry Styles’ former house
An impressive property with celebrity pedigree, this West Hollywood manse was the perfect location to kick off Season 6 of Selling Sunset.
Previously owned by As It Was hitmaker Harry Styles (who bought and sold quite a few Los Angeles-area mansions over the years, including one that later became Lizzo’s house), Emma’s listing has a phenomenal location and all the luxury amenities you’d expect from a former celebrity pad.
With 4 bedrooms, 6 baths, and 4,401 square feet of living space, the Netflix-features Saint Ives Pl. is ideally located behind private gates right above the Sunset Strip — which means it offers beautiful panoramic views that extend from Downtown L.A. to the ocean.
At the time Selling Sunset filmed its Season 6 episodes, the property was listed for $7,995,000. Not to spoil anything for Netflix fans (as Harry Styles’ former house may make a comeback in the next season), but the property is still on the market, with a slightly reduced price.
We’ve also learned that the property is available as a rental asking a whopping $1,500 PER DAY.
Lloydcrest Drive in Beverly Hills, Emma’s $18,995,000 listing
We’re suckers for striking modern mansions, and the Lloycrest Dr house on Selling Sunset is right up our alley.
The 5-bed, 9-bath house, which comes with a coveted address (it’s set in the prestigious Crest Streets in Beverly Hills), was listed for just under $19 million.
Hardworking Emma had already secured a buyer for the modern Beverly Hills spread, but the sale fell through as the buyers were not happy with how much they’d have to pay for fire insurance, which ran high even for a property this size (the show mentions that the cheapest fire insurance for the house would be 200,000/year – yowza!)
(Spoilers ahead) Fast-forward to now, Lloydcrest Drive is still on the market, though at a significantly lower price point. The property — which offers 10,359 of living space, a massive 2,000 sq. ft. primary suite with a private glam room and hair salon, a gourmet kitchen, and a 20-person home theater with a bar, among others — is currently listed for $12,995,000.
Jason Oppenheim’s two $7.5M penthouses on Hollywood Boulevard
After his Season 5 breakup with Chrishell, O Group co-founder Jason Oppenheim threw himself into work — specifically, converting four condo units on Hollywood Blvd. into two spectacular penthouses with massive rooftop decks and the finest luxury finishes.
As mentioned on the show, Jason sunk nearly $10 million of his own personal money into the project, and he’s looking to cash out by listing each of them for a whopping $7.5 million.
(Spoiler) The two penthouses are still on the market following Selling Sunset‘s Season 6 premiere, though the smaller of the two — both units have 3 beds and 4 baths, but one is slightly larger at 3,820 square feet versus 3,580 sq. ft. — has seen its price drop by $500,000. It’s now listed for $6,995,000 (and as a rental for $49,900/mo), while the larger unit retains the original $7,495,000 asking price and a $49,900/mo rent price.
Micah’s Hillside Ave house
Micah, the developer behind the impressive Lloydcrest Drive property we mentioned earlier, was also selling his original home — and had enlisted Emma to be his agent for this one too.
Set on the same prime Hollywood Hills street as the unforgettable $40 million Hillside house from Season 1 and 2, the 5-bedroom, 5-bath home comes with 4,840 square feet of luxurious living space, an open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, and a King Kong statue(?) guarding the pool area.
Remember when Emma said how flattered she was that Micah was entrusting her with the sale of this home? Well, turns out he was right to do so (Warning, spoilers ahead): The Hillside Ave house from season 6 of Selling Sunset sold for more than the asking price.
Listed for $5,495,000 in August 2022, the 5-bedroom spread sold for $5,726,000 a few months later, in November 2022 per public records. Way to go, Emma!
N Stanley Ave, the black house on Billionaire’s Row
For this one, we didn’t have to do much research, as we extensively covered this beauty when it came to market last year.
Photo credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The Agency
Definitely one of the most impressive houses featured on Season 6 of Selling Sunset, the newly-built N Stanley property that Heather and Bre visit together is nestled in the hills above Sunset Strip, in the coveted ‘Billionaire’s Row’.
Priced at a cool $24.995 million, the plush property offers all the bells and whistles you’d expect from an ultra-luxurious L.A. listing. And a few extras that probably wouldn’t have crossed your mind.
Offering panoramic views of DTLA, the Pacific Ocean, and the canyon, the spec house offers 6 beds, 9 baths, and nearly 10,365 square feet of living space. It also has a custom home theater, fitness center, wine cellar, second living room, and all the finest custom finishes.
Photo credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The Agency
The sophisticated smart home also features museum-quality crystals sourced from around the world and placed with extraordinary care throughout the home to energetically enhance the luxury residence. Take a closer look at this stunning Hollywood Hills mansion.
Now, while on the show we see Bre and Heather touring the property (and later, Bre showing the house to her client, Adam), the black N Stanley house from Selling Sunset‘s season 6 was never listed with the Oppenheim Group.
The listing agents for the property are Camellia Yeroomian of The Agency (the other luxury brokerage that has its own Netflix series, Buying Beverly Hills) and Monty Abramov of The Beverly Hills Estates. Which means it isn’t a spoiler if we reveal that the fabulous mansion is still on the market, boasting a slightly altered listing price of $22 million.
300 The Strand, Chelsea’s $22M listing in Manhattan Beach
Set on a corner lot facing one of California’s best beaches, 300 The Strand is a rare oceanfront listing with all the bells and whistles its high price point commands.
With 4 bedrooms, 9 baths, and 4,440 square feet of modern coastal living space — plus a Strand-front patio, and a sports court with basketball hoop and a private, heated entertainment terrace with in-ground spa, fire pit and BBQ — Chelsea’s 300 The Strand listing is definitely one of the most impressive properties featured in Season 6 of Selling Sunset.
Related: Manhattan Beach’s priciest listing is a $36M modern mansion with luxury resort vibes
A few months after the season filmed, the oceanfront home in Manhattan Beach is still on the market, looking for either a buyer (it’s still listed on the O Group’s website for $21,999,000, though it’s worth noting that other industry websites no longer have it listed for sale) or a renter (it also appears as a $55,000/mo rental on popular real estate websites like Zillow or Realtor.com).
The Woodvale Road property in Encino
Heading over to Encino, new O Group agent Bre Tiesi is hoping to land a phenomenal listing set on Woodvale Road.
The newly built, 8-bedroom, 14-bath property is the pinnacle of luxury, offering over 21,000 square feet of meticulously crafted and designer done living space.
With stand-out features like a chef’s prep kitchen, home theater, professional gym, full spa, hair salon, elevator, temperature-controlled wine storage, 14-car garage that doubles as an event space, outdoor basketball court, and fabulous detached two-story guesthouse, the Woodvale Road property was priced at $25 million, and Bre was eyeing the ultra-generous $750,000 commission she would make from the sale.
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(Spoiler ahead) However, a little bit of research shows that Bre did not in fact land the Encino listing. Public records for the property show that it did find a buyer though — even if the O Group was likely not involved in the transaction.
The Encino mansion ended up selling in February 2023 for a cool $17,500,000, a price point that made it one of the biggest transactions in the family-friendly Encino neighborhood.
The Benedict Canyon house Mary was eyeing for one of her clients
For one of her clients — a couple from the UK who works in events and needs plenty of space and a large backyard — Mary was touring a stunning Beverly Hills property aptly dubbed Jardin de los Suenos (the House of Magical Gardens).
The newly designed Benedict Canyon house on Selling Sunset comes with 6 bedrooms, 7 full baths and one half-bath, and a generous 7,000 square feet of living space.
With extra tall ceilings (14-foot ones for the common spaces, and a 23-foot ceiling in the formal entry foyer) paired with equally tall windows and sliding glass doors, the property perfectly embodies the indoor-outdoor Cali living.
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2231 Benedict Canyon Dr Beverly Hills from Barcelo Photography Inc. on Vimeo.
Also featuring a total of 5 fireplaces, a 200-bottle temperature-controlled all-glass wine storage room, and a media/screening room, plus a one-bedroom guest house, it’s no surprise that the property didn’t linger on the market for too long.
(Spoiler alert) Listed for $8,999,995 in late July of last year, the property was sold a couple of months later for almost full ask: $8,956,000. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like Mary’s clients were the lucky buyers. Public records show that a different brokerage was attached to the sale.
The Oak View Drive house in Encino that Chrishell visits
On Episode 5, S06 of Selling Sunset, we join Chrishell for a property visit that brings us back to Encino to tour a 7-bedroom, 9-bathroom house on Oak View Drive.
Boasting the “best views in Encino”, the 7,003-square-foot home had been completely re-imagined by the developers, who invested about $1 million in property upgrades before listing it themselves.
Featuring beautiful cedar and oak detailing, a perfectly-appointed kitchen, a 1,000-square-foot primary bedroom with a large bathroom, and an infinity pool (plus a quirky neon sign that says “I Licked It So It’s Mine”) the Oak View Drive house also got Amanza and Heather’s seal of approval.
What happened to it since that episode was filmed? (Potential spoilers ahead) While Chrishell mentions that she does have a client that’s looking for something in this price range (especially if the developers/listing agents are willing to adjust the price, if needed), it seems that the property may have not been a good fit after all.
Listed for $7,895,000 million at the time of filming, the Encino house is still on the market — but has recently been re-listed at a revised price of $6.5 million. Take a closer look (swipe for more pics):
The sleek $33M Londonderry Place mansion Bre tours with her client
Bre means business! Her drive to sell eight-figure properties leads to her showing a striking $33 million mansion to one of her clients, Telli Swift, the fiancée of championship boxer Deontay Wilder.
One of the most bonkers mansions we’ve seen this season, the Londonderry house blends black and gold finishes throughout its 14,000 square feet of living space.
With 6 bedrooms, 8 baths, and soaring 30-foot ceilings, this sleek Selling Sunset mansion has an endless list of amenities, including a spa wellness retreat with a cryo chamber, hot yoga and salon, and a two-level glass-bottomed pool.
The striking property was also featured on Architectural Digest a few years back, with its unique amenities and aesthetic appeal attracting over 4.5 million views on YouTube.
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(Spoilers) At the time of writing, shortly after Season 6 of Selling Sunset aired, the Londonderry house is no longer on the market, per public records. However, since no sale was recorded in the meantime, it could very well be that the property is still up for grabs but held as a pocket listing by one of L.A.’s top luxury brokerages.
Poo Bear’s house at Zorada Court
Once again courting her many famous friends, we see Bre touring music producer Poo Bear’s house in Los Angeles, a 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath modern retreat overlooking Nichols Canyon.
Poo Bear and his wife, Ashley, are looking to list the property as they’re moving to Miami and Bre is hoping to get the listing, which could potentially earn her a $297,000 commission.
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Beyond the property’s many attributes, Poo Bear’s house is also where music history has been made. The music producer/songwriter has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Usher, Skrillex, and J Balvin, with many of their famous songs being written in this house.
In fact, the white piano (that comes with the house) is where Justin Bieber’s Yummy was created, Poo Bear shares.
Related: Where does Justin Bieber live? His many houses — both past and present
As for what happened to the property after its Selling Sunset appearance (warning, spoilers ahead): after first being listed in November 2022 for $8,900,000, Zorada Ct’s price was dropped to $7,995,000 in early February 2023, only to sell less than two months later for $6,850,000. No O Group agent was involved in the transaction, neither on behalf of the seller nor of the buyer.
Chelsea’s listing at 15th Street in Manhattan Beach
Taking us back to dreamy Manhattan Beach, Chelsea walks us through her 3-bed, 4-bath listing with easy beach access.
While the first offer Chelsea got for the property was fairly low ($3.6 million), she knew she priced the house right and wasn’t going to budge until she got the offer up for her client.
And she stayed true to her words, selling the 3-story for $3,900,000 — just $50k shy of the initial asking price of $3,950,000. Way to go, Chelsea!
The Beverly Boulevard condo Heather tours for Heather and Terry Dubrow
Leading the home search for Real Housewives of Orange County star Heather Dubrow and her husband, plastic surgeon and Botched co-host, Terry Dubrow, Heather tours a $17,500,000 condo at 8899 Beverly Boulevard, hoping she will land her biggest sale to date.
Accompanied by Brett, Heather walks us through the 4-bed, 4.5-bath condo with jaw-dropping views and resort-level amenities.
However, we learn later on that Terry and Heather Dubrow didn’t purchase the place, but they did ‘settle’ on an equally expensive penthouse set in the coveted Century building known as the Cavalli Penthouse (due to its many upscale furnishings that bear the signature of Roberto Cavalli).
Heather wasn’t the only one to land a killer commission though. (Potential spoiler) The $17.5 million penthouse from Selling Sunset was sold a few months later (at full ask), with none other than Brett Oppenheim repping the buyer.
Elvis’ honeymoon house
Okay, so this isn’t an O Group listing, we know. But how can we write an article about all the phenomenal luxury listings featured in this season of Selling Sunset without at least mentioning Elvis and Priscilla’s honeymoon house?
An iconic Palms Springs property, the futuristic residence was actually built in 1960 by pioneering Modernist architect William Krisel.
At the time, its spaceship-like design earned it the moniker “The House of Tomorrow”, but that didn’t last long, as Priscilla and Elvis Presley famously celebrated their honeymoon here in 1967 — after which it became widely known as “Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway”.
Related: Graceland, Elvis Presley’s house in Memphis – everything you’ve ever wanted to know
Last year, the property had a brief stint on the market, listing in early October 2022 for $5,650,000. Unsurprisingly, a month later, the King’s honeymoon house was already sold at full ask.
The Brentwood house Bre shows Saweetie
Heading over to celebrity-friendly, suburban Brentwood, Bre takes us — and her friend, rapper Saweetie — on a tour of a 7,401-square-foot beauty priced at a cool $8,800,000.
The 5-bedroom, 7-bath home at 19th Helena Drive sits on a quiet cul-de-sac and boasts beautiful architectural details. With an expansive open floorplan on the main floor, inviting (and ultra-private) bedrooms shielded by the lush landscaping, and a lower level designed for entertainment — featuring a plush theater and deluxe wet bar, opening directly to the impressive pool with spa, green lawns, barbecue area, and built-in firepit — the house does seem to be a perfect fit for Saweetie.
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(Potential spoilers) However, despite Bre’s excellent match-making, it wasn’t a done deal. Public records show that the property did indeed sell, but the sale closed in late March 2023 and doesn’t show Bre or any other Oppenheim Group agents associated with the transaction.
The selling price was $7,000,000, considerably lower than the $8.8 million ask mentioned on the show. Fun fact: the property was actually first listed for a whopping $12,949,000.
The house Heather and Bre visit on Sunset Plaza Dr
The last property of this season takes us to Sunset Plaza Dr, where a new-to-market 3-bed, 4-bath listing needs to be assessed by Bre and Heather, to see if it’s a good fit for their clients.
Listed for $4,995,000, the 3,364-square-foot bachelor pad has a massive primary bedroom suite that gets several “Oh my gosh” out of Heather, which isn’t an easy feat given the type of properties she’s used to.
This sleek contemporary home located above the Sunset Strip showcases jetliner panoramic views from Downtown to the ocean. It then comes as little surprise that the home also has multiple outdoor decks and a rooftop deck to capitalize on those extraordinary views, as well as an infinity edge pool with a private Baja deck and swim-up bar.
As for what happened to it (Potential spoilers), the Sunset Plaza Dr property sold in April 2023 for $3,150,000. While it may not have been a good fit for any of Heather or Bre’s clients, the O Group did get a significant commission out of the sale, as Jason Oppenheim was the listing agent for the property.
Admittedly, while watching the show, I felt like there were fewer properties and considerably more drama than in previous seasons. However, after writing about each Selling Sunset house that graced our screens in Season 6 of the hit Netflix docu-soap, I realize there were quite a few show-stopping mansions for us to daydream about. Hope we’re going to get to see some of them return in Season 7.
Editor’s note: While we did our best to identify all the properties featured on Selling Sunset, there’s always a possibility that we’ve missed something. If you spot anything that’s off, or you have an inside tip on one of the properties, drop us a line anytime at hello (at) fancypantshomes.com
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What do JFK, Jackie O., William Randolph Hearst, Beyonce, Francis Ford Coppola, and Whitney Houston have in common, besides incredible fame and fortune?
They’re all tied, in one way or another, to the house at 1011 N. Beverly Drive in California.
Also known as the Beverly House (or the Godfather house, or the Bodyguard house, take your pick), it’s long been one of the most expensive houses for sale in Beverly Hills, having last been listed in 2018 for $135 million, down from its ambitious initial ask of $195 million.
Pool view of the legendary Beverly House at 1011 N Beverly Drive, Los Angeles. Photo credit: Jim Bartsch
But despite its countless attributes and storied history, the property known simply as the Beverly House failed to attract a buyer, and was auctioned off in 2021 with a $63.1 million winning bid.
So, you’re probably wondering, ‘what makes this house so expensive?‘
As it turns out, the Beverly House has an illustrious history of hosting famous individuals and serving as filming grounds for some of the most memorable Hollywood movies.
The history of the Beverly House – and its glamorous Hollywood roles
The Beverly House, as we call it today, was designed by Gordon Kaufmann and built in 1926 for banking executive Milton Getz.
Driveway leading up to the Beverly House at 1011 N Beverly Drive, Los Angeles. Photo credit: Jim Bartsch
In 1946, it found a new owner in actress Marion Davies, who bought it for her lover, American media mogul William Randolph Hearst, a time when the sprawling property came to be known as the Hearst estate.
The businessman, who never divorced his wife, Millicent Hearst, lived at the estate with Marion until his death in 1951.
Their love affair, along with the wealth that surrounded it, was highly publicized at the time, with Orson Wells’ iconic Citizen Kane — recognized as the best movie ever made — being inspired by Hearst and Davies’ story.
Most notably, in 1953, the Beverly House was one of the destinations for JFK and Jackie Kennedy’s honeymoon, and later, it even served as Kennedy’s West Coast presidential election headquarters.
But the estate’s interesting history doesn’t end here.
Remember that scene in The Godfather when Hollywood producer Jack Woltz, after having crossed the Corleones, wakes up with a severed horse head in his bed?
View of the backyard and pool area of the Beverly House, made famous by some of the hit movies filmed here, like The Bodyguard and The Godfather. Photo credit: Jim Bartsch
The infamous scene was allegedly filmed at the house at 1011 N. Beverly Drive, although the property’s previous owner suggests that might not be true after all.
True or not, the estate has been often referred to as ‘the Godfather house’ because of its alleged appearance in one of the most famous movies of all time.
And while it may be up for debate whether 1011 N. Beverly Drive is indeed the Godfather house, one thing that can’t be contested is that the property is The Bodyguard house.
Prominent scenes from The Bodyguard, the wildly popular 1992 movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, were filmed on-site at the 1011 N. Beverly Drive house.
The pool and outdoor area in particular have been heavily featured in the 1990s box office hit.
In recent years, the estate’s biggest claim to fame — other than being one of the most expensive homes for sale in the area — was its feature in Beyoncé‘s latest visual album, Black Is King.
Scenes from Beyonce’s visual album, Black Is King, showing the Beverly House in the backdrop. Photo credit: Beyonce / Youtube
Queen Bee shot a number of scenes in the Spanish-style mansion, which served as the perfect backdrop for the colorful visual feast thanks to its light pink hue and pops of green foliage.
1011 N. Beverly Drive’s many attempts at finding a new owner
You would think that buyers would line up to snag such a prestigious estate, but the Beverly House was a tough sell, despite its fame.
It was put up for sale in 2007 with an asking price of $165 million, a pretty steep price at the time. After a few years on the market, it was listed again in 2010, with a ‘discounted price’ of $95 million.
The Beverly House hit the market again in 2016, asking a whopping $195 million, but it failed to find a buyer. By 2018, it made the news rounds again, being listed with a price tag of $135 million.
Prospective buyers were long put off by the steep asking price. Besides, there probably isn’t a lot of demand for 19-bedroom, 29-bathroom homes, not even in ritzy Beverly Hills.
But the estate’s long wait for a new owner came to an end in 2021, when the property hit the auction block.
Who owns the Beverly House now?
Billionaire investor Nicolas Berggruen is the newest owner of the former Hearst Estate, after paying $63.1 million for the property at auction in 2021.
Prior to that, the Beverly House had been owned by financier and attorney Leonard M. Ross for more than 40 years.
Ross declared bankruptcy in 2010, which might explain why the house was listed for ‘just’ $95 million that year, however, he didn’t have any luck finding a buyer.
Even prior to the auction, Ross openly admitted that he was aware that there aren’t a lot of buyers out there interested in a property of this size, so he’d be willing to sell just a percentage of the home, if needed.
That’s likely why he was also open to renting out the Beverly House for a monthly rate of $600,000 to $900,000, or $20,000 to $30,000 a day.
A closer look at the sprawling estate with 19 bedrooms and 29 bathrooms
Inside the Beverly House at 1011 N Beverly Drive, Los Angeles. Photo credit: Jim Bartsch
The Beverly House, or the Hearst estate, as some still call it, is spread across 3.5 acres of land, on a 153,692-square-foot lot.
It features 19 bedrooms and a whopping 29 full bathrooms, as well as a jaw-dropping wood-paneled library, a covered ballroom that can accommodate more than 1,000 guests, a billiards room, and a tiled formal dining room that can seat up to 400 people.
Other features include a massive courtyard and garden, gated entry, a hot tub/spa, swimming pool, a wine cellar, a bar, a tennis court, terrace and balconies.
Outside, in the expansive gardens, there are Venetian columns, waterfalls, a projection room, and even a nightclub.
Leonard Ross further added to the dazzling array of fabulous amenities by creating his very own Art Deco-style lounge modeled after ‘Touch,’ Hugh Hefner’s former Beverly Hills club.
Ross reportedly purchased the doors of the club when it closed, doors that were commissioned by Hefner himself, along with the etched glass and the bar.
The billiards room is also one of a kind, featuring herringbone parquet floors, a hand-carved stone fireplace mantle, and an intricate ceiling that’s identical to one of the ceilings at Hearst Castle.
Inside the Beverly House at 1011 N Beverly Drive, Los Angeles. Photo credit: Jim Bartsch
All of this within just three blocks from the Beverly Hills Hotel and the bustling Sunset Boulevard.
The property on Beverly Drive is known by many names: the Beverly House, the Godfather house, the Kennedy estate, the William Randolph Hearst house, or ‘that gigantic thing that everyone always talks about but that nobody wants to buy.’
Even so, we’re happy to see that the house proved naysayers wrong and that a new owner took the reigns at 1011 N. Beverly Drive.
If you’d like to take a closer look at this iconic estate, you can take a short tour of the house by watching the video below:
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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Summer is just around the corner — and it’s shaping up to be a bumper travel season with big crowds, flight delays, and high temperatures (and tempers!)
You’ve probably booked your flights and hotels by now (if not, you should do that right away). However, one part of your trip may be lacking: tips on how to make your trip more comfortable.
This could include anything from zipping through the airport to avoiding crowds, taking advantage of more comfortable seats on your flight and getting freebies or upgrades along the way.
Today, let’s look at the best credit cards for making your next trip more enjoyable.
Premium credit cards that improve your travel experience
Having a premium credit card can offer a lot of perks. You can breeze through airport security, skip the line at rental car facilities and wait comfortably at an airport lounge simply by having a premium credit card in your wallet.
Here’s how these cards can make your travel experience better:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express provides access to numerous travel benefits to make your next trip more comfortable.
First, you can access numerous lounges while waiting for your flight at the airport. These include American Express Centurion lounges, Delta Sky Club lounges (when flying Delta that day), Priority Pass Select lounges, Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner, Airspace lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Lufthansa lounges and other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges (search for locations here). Enrollment is required in advance for some benefits.
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To move quickly through security checkpoints, you can receive reimbursement from your Amex Platinum Card when paying for your membership fees to Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and Clear. These programs provide dedicated security lanes, which often mean shorter waiting times. Enrollment is required in advance for these benefits.
You also can make your flights more comfortable thanks to up to $200 in statement credits per year for airline incidentals. You must select a preferred airline in advance, and then you can be reimbursed for expenses like checked bags, preferred seats or even inflight Wi-Fi purchases. Enrollment is required.
Related: How to use the Amex Platinum $200 airline fee credit
Amex Platinum cardmembers also have access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection and can enjoy up to a $200 annual hotel credit in the form of a statement credit on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel. Note that there is a two-night minimum stay for The Hotel Collection bookings. These programs provide access to high-quality hotels and benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast or late checkout.
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Other hotel benefits come in the form of room upgrades and earning points at higher rates, thanks to elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Amex Platinum cardmembers can enroll for complimentary Gold status in both programs.
To elevate your rental car experience, enroll for elite status in rental car programs, including Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis Preferred and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive. This will provide benefits like car upgrades, a free second driver and the ability to skip the line when picking up your car — meaning you can head straight to your car and get on the road.
Related: Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee?
Plus, if you need a ride to an airport or hotel during your trip, you can take advantage of up to $200 in Uber Cash per year. You can use this for rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S. by adding your Amex Platinum card as a payment method in your Uber account. Enrollment is required.
The Amex Platinum Card’s benefits come with an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees).
Official application link: The Platinum Card® from American Express
The American Express® Green Card
The American Express Green Card offers 3 points per dollar on broader travel, restaurants and transit, as well as annual statement credits for Clear (up to$189) and LoungeBuddy ($100) that more than cover its $150 annual fee (see rates and fees), making it a compelling offer for any occasional traveler.
The card also offers extended warranty protection, purchase protection and return protection when you purchase eligible items with your card, as well as baggage insurance and secondary car rental loss and damage insurance, with the option to upgrade to primary coverage through Amex’s Premium Car Rental Protection.
Right now, Amex is offering new cardmembers 60,000 Membership Rewards points after they spend $3,000 on purchases in their first six months of card membership. Based on TPG’s valuation of Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, the welcome offer points are worth at least $1,200.
You’ll also get 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases in your first six months to earn up to $200 back, making the total welcome offer worth up to $1,400.
In all, the card’s a great option for the modern traveler.
Official application link: The American Express® Green Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a slightly lower annual fee ($550) than the Amex Platinum and also comes with numerous perks to make your next trip more comfortable.
Like Platinum cardmembers, Sapphire Reserve cardholders also have access to over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide. They also have access to Chase Sapphire Lounges, coming to nine airports. These will include popular airports like New York-LaGuardia, San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Washington-Dulles. The first lounges are already open in Boston and Hong Kong.
The Sapphire Reserve card also reimburses your application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or quicker access between the U.S. and Canada through Nexus.
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If you need help securing difficult reservations or booking activities during your trip, Sapphire Reserve cardholders have access to a concierge service to assist.
And those looking for boutique hotel experiences can access the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection. These bookings provide benefits like daily breakfast for two people, a $100 on-property credit and room upgrades (when available).
While the Sapphire Reserve card doesn’t provide credits strictly allocated to airline incidental credits, ride-hailing apps or even elite status, it does have something that can offset these expenses. Cardholders have up to $300 in annual travel credits that apply automatically to the first $300 they spend in broad travel categories each year — such as rides to the airport, airport parking, seat upgrades or even the beachside cabana that requires a paid reservation at a resort.
When renting a car, you’ll enjoy complimentary National Emerald Club Executive membership plus benefits with Avis and Silvercar.
Official application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
With an annual fee of just $395, the Venture X card may seem like a bargain compared to the Amex Platinum Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve. However, it still comes packed with benefits to make your next trip more comfortable.
Along with access to Priority Pass lounges, cardholders also have unlimited visits to Capital One lounges and Plaza Premium lounges. Lounge benefits also extend to your authorized users, who can also bring two guests of their own — meaning your whole family could access a lounge for free during your next trip.
Related: Big family? No problem! Get unlimited lounge guests with this credit card
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Venture X cardholders can also enjoy reimbursement for their Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee to help move through security quickly.
For rental cars, Venture X cardholders (and Venture X authorized users) enjoy top-tier Hertz President’s Circle status.* After registering for this benefit, you can enjoy skip-the-line privileges, guaranteed upgrades, the widest range of selection and a free additional driver. Moreover, once you have rental car status with one company, you can use this to match your status to other rental car programs.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program, and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
Related: Is the Capital One Venture X worth the $395 annual fee?
For other comforts during your trip, you can take advantage of 10,000 bonus miles on every account anniversary and up to $300 in annual statement credits for travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal. Great uses of these credits would be booking a boutique hotel or even stacking benefits with your Hertz car rentals.
Official application link: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Airline cards that make your flight more comfortable
Breezing through security without the need to take off your shoes or wait in a long line is great. So is waiting comfortably in an airport lounge. However, your trip doesn’t end there.
Here’s how cobranded airline credit cards can make your next flight more comfortable:
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A free checked bag is a key feature of nearly every airline credit card. This can save you money and improve your airport experience since you won’t carry as many things through security or onto the plane.
You can enjoy a free first checked bag on your flight across various credit cards and annual fees. This includes the United Explorer Card ($0 introductory annual fee, then $95), the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card ($95 annual fee), Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® ($450 annual fee) and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($550 annual fee; see rates and fees).
Many credit cards also extend the checked bag benefits to other people on your same reservation. However, the number of people this perk covers depends on the card and can vary widely. And while this benefit generally extends to any trip associated with your frequent flyer account number, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines credit cards are an exception. To get free checked bags, you must pay for the ticket with your United Airlines or Alaska Airlines credit card, respectively.
For more details, see the following:
Beyond offering free checked bags, you can enjoy other comfort-adding perks from airline credit cards. Examples include priority boarding and access to preferred seats or seat upgrades.
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However, those holding credit cards with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines or United Airlines will enjoy some level of preferred boarding when flying on those airlines. Generally, this means boarding before economy passengers but after business- and first-class passengers. By boarding early, you can access overhead storage bins before they’re full.
Airline credit cards can also offer the chance to upgrade to better seats. Aside from using airline or travel credits on the premium credit cards discussed above, United and Delta flyers can access preferred seats in other ways.
Those who hold the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex can request complimentary upgrades before their flight, potentially moving up to Comfort+ seats. These cardholders receive upgrades ahead of those with the same status and seating cabin who don’t hold the Reserve card. Those with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can also receive upgrade priority after meeting the Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) waiver requirement of spending $25,000 on the card in a calendar year.
With United Airlines, those with elite status normally don’t receive upgrades on award flights — just on paid flights. However, those who hold a United Airlines credit card with an annual fee can receive complimentary upgrades according to their elite status level even when flying on award tickets. Thus, you could get a roomier seat if you have status with United Airlines — and you can even get that roomier seat on an award flight if you also hold a card like the United Quest Card.
Related: 4 reasons someone in your family needs a United credit card
Hotel cards that improve your stay
When you think about adding comfort to your hotel stays, your first thought probably includes upgraded rooms. However, free (or faster) Wi-Fi, breakfast and parking, and expedited check-in lines can also elevate your stay.
Having the right credit card in your wallet could offer you automatic entry-level status, netting you a few extra points and a free bottle of water. But it also might offer top-tier elite status that qualifies you for upgrades to suites and luxury treatment during your stay.
Studio one-king bedroom at the Conrad Los Angeles. MELANIE LIEBERMAN/THE POINTS GUY
Hilton Honors credit cards
If you want top-tier Diamond status with Hilton — which includes perks like suite upgrades based on availability at check-in, lounge access at hotels that have these, bonus points, free breakfast and more — you can get this without the effort of counting your hotel nights every year.
Simply holding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card confers Diamond status automatically for as long as your account is open. The card’s annual fee is $450 (see rates and fees), but this may be less than what you would spend on the necessary hotel stays to qualify for Diamond status annually.
The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Another option for Hilton status is carrying the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, which confers automatic Hilton Gold (mid-tier) status. There’s an annual fee of $95 (see rates and fees). For this fee, your Gold status will confer benefits like bonus points on paid stays, room upgrades (but not suites) based on availability at check-in and either food and beverage credits or free breakfast, depending on the hotel.
Related: How to choose the best Hilton credit card for you
IHG One Rewards credit cards
If you’re looking for elite status with IHG One Rewards, you can receive complimentary Platinum Elite status (the third-highest of the four tiers) pretty easily. Cardholders of the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card receive Platinum Elite status automatically; the card has a $99 annual fee. Platinum Elite status offers benefits like bonus points on paid stays, upgraded rooms (including suites at some properties), welcome gifts of points or snacks and discounts on reward nights.
Related: IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card review
IHG’s Atwell Suites Miami Brickell. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
For those aiming for elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, you can unlock Platinum Elite status simply by having the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. This status offers benefits like bonus points on paid stays, welcome gifts (which can range from points to a complimentary breakfast), lounge access at hotels that have these and upgrades to suites, based on availability at check-in. These benefits come with an annual fee of $650 (see rates and fees) on this card.
The next status tier below Platinum is Marriott Bonvoy’s Gold Elite status. You can get this status automatically with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful credit card. Both cards carry an annual fee of $250 (see rates and fees of the Bonvoy Bevy card). Gold status provides benefits like enhanced internet speeds in your hotel room, upgrades to preferred rooms when available at check-in, late checkout and a welcome gift of bonus points.
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Which Marriott credit card is right for you?
World of Hyatt credit cards
It’s also possible to gain elite status with World of Hyatt by holding a credit card. However, you’ll only gain Discoverist status by holding the World of Hyatt Credit Card, which has an annual fee of $95. This status offers benefits like space-available upgrades to preferred rooms — such as a preferred location within the hotel or a nicer view — complimentary bottled water each day during your stay, premium internet access and late checkout.
Hyatt elites also can match their status to MGM Rewards and enjoy benefits from Hyatt’s partnership with American Airlines. This will include earning Hyatt points for spending money on AA flights.
Related: ‘One of the most valuable hotel cards’: A review of the World of Hyatt Credit Card
The swimming pool at the Park Hyatt New York. HYATT
Wyndham Rewards credit cards
You can gain automatic status with Wyndham Rewards through credit cards, as well. The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card offers automatic Platinum status (the third-highest of four tiers), providing benefits like rollover nights, free Wi-Fi, preferred rooms, late checkout, early check-in and a status match to Caesars Rewards. The card has a $75 annual fee.
The no-annual-fee Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card offers automatic Gold status, providing benefits like free Wi-Fi, preferred rooms and rollover nights.
The information for the Wyndham Earner and Wyndham Earner Plus cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Which Wyndham Rewards credit card is right for you?
Bottom line
Multiple credit cards can make your next trip more comfortable. From better seats on your flight to better rooms at your hotel and better experiences at airport security, what you hold in your wallet could elevate your next trip and remove stress points.
Premium credit cards can offer a range of perks and help you skip the lines at multiple points in your journey. Airline credit cards can offer perks like free checked bags, better seats and priority boarding. And hotel cards can get you free breakfast, room upgrades and late checkout.
Summer travel is hectic. These cards can remove some hassle from your trip, leaving your travel companions as one of the only potential stressors during your vacation.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Green Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Delta Reserve card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Aspire card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Surpass card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Amex card, click here.
Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox, Summer Hull and Stella Shon.
For the longest time, luxury homes were synonymous with opulence, deriving their worth from their lavish interiors, massive scale, and over-the-top features. But gone are the days when oversized crystal chandeliers were crowning living spaces and imposing staircases with intricate wrought-iron railings were the pinnacle of luxury.
Modern luxury is devoted to the creation of beauty and function, with livable, inviting spaces dethroning Gilded Age-worthy interiors and overt opulence.
In fact, the shared point of aesthetic reference for the modern luxury space is centered on minimalism, with spaces that cater to both the physical and mental wellbeing of its residents. And we’ve found the best example of that: a newly built contemporary masterpiece that recently came to market in the coveted Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
The $70 million home is a modern architectural feat that’s just as striking and spectacular as it is warm and inviting. Credit for that goes to the powerhouse team behind the project, which consists of award-winning architect Noah Walker, AD 100 interior designer, Jamie Bush, and renowned landscape designer, Christine London LTD, who all worked together to bring this tour de force to life.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
A 19,000-square-foot architectural marvel
A long private driveway leads to the tiered property, where the expansive home immediately makes an impression with its contemporary yet warm appearance, clean lines and abundant natural materials.
Set on a sprawling four-acre lot, the house offers six bedrooms and 12 bathrooms alongside many recreation rooms — all spread across approx. 19,000 square feet of indoor space.
The Brentwood property has 270-degree views of the city, ocean and canyon, and a long list of amenities that include a theater room — with acoustical wall paneling and a commercial cinema-quality projection system — a gym with a steam room, a 75-foot indoor lap pool, outdoor architectural pool and dual offices.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
Warm interiors create a sophisticated yet inviting space
Credit for the perfectly appointed interiors goes to Jamie Bush, who is recognized for his ability to blur the lines between the architecture of a building and its interior design.
Jamie’s designs have been featured in over 70 publications worldwide including Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Vogue, Elle Décor, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times as well as several coffee table books.
His design style, combined with Noah Walker’s approach to architecture — centered on creating modern structures that are warmly minimal with careful considerations of light, space and the unique qualities of each project’s location — created a truly outstanding home.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
The primary suite has its own separate wing
The entire home has been envisioned as a relaxation oasis. But just in case that’s not enough, the primary suite has been contained in its own wing, to ensure maximum privacy.
Sliding doors open to balconies overlooking the large grassy yard, presenting views that extend across the canyon to the ocean. The primary suite has Poliform walk-in closets — one with a vanity — and a sitting area separated by a double-sided fireplace.
Its ensuite bathroom includes dual vanities and a freestanding tub, a chaise lounge and a connected outdoor lounge seating area. Each additional bedroom suite includes its own marvelous views and impeccable design; the upper level has two additional bedrooms with Juliet balconies and the lower level’s two bedrooms open to beautifully landscaped gardens and walkways.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
On the market for $70 million
The newly built 19,000-home has been recently listed for sale with an ambitious $70 million asking price.
Blair Chang with The Agency has been tasked with finding a buyer, a very inspired choice seeing that his expertise and sales track record made him one of the highest producing real estate agents in the country (according to RealTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals’ ranking), bringing in $141,870,500 in sales volume last year alone.
And given the price point, along with the property’s stellar attributes, we’re going to keep an eye on this one. Celebrities have long been snapping up homes in the Brentwood area, with A-listers like Travis Scott, Reese Witherspoon, Channing Tatum, and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee buying homes here recently. We wouldn’t be at all surprised if this architectural marvel manages to attract new star power to the area.
More luxury homes
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Now it’s time to check out the top mortgage lenders in DC, the capital of the United States.
In 2021, nearly 800 mortgage companies originated roughly $139 billion in home loans in The District.
That was one of the bigger totals for a state, even though the District of Columbia isn’t actually a state
Anyway, there can be only one…top mortgage lender to rule the rest. And as you may have guessed, it was Rocket Mortgage.
Some local companies made the top-10 lists as well. Read on to see who.
Top Mortgage Lenders in DC (Overall)
Ranking
Company Name
2021 Loan Volume
1.
Rocket Mortgage
$8.4 billion
2.
Pennymac
$6.4 billion
3.
Freedom Mortgage
$5.5 billion
4.
Truist
$5.4 billion
5.
Wells Fargo
$5.1 billion
6.
loanDepot
$4.7 billion
7.
Mr. Cooper
$3.3 billion
8.
McLean Mortgage
$3.1 billion
9.
Intercoastal Mortgage
$3.1 billion
10.
UWM
$3.1 billion
In 2021, Rocket Mortgage led the District of Columbia with a solid $8.4 billion funded, per HMDA data from Richey May.
They were trailed by Los Angeles-based Pennymac with $6.4 billion, which is a top correspondent lender.
In third was Freedom Mortgage with a close $5.4 billion, followed by Truist with $5.1 billion and Wells Fargo with $4.7 billion.
The bottom half of the top 10 included loanDepot, Mr. Cooper, McLean Mortgage, Intercoastal Mortgage, and United Wholesale Mortgage.
Both McLean Mortgage and Intercoastal Mortgage can be considered local companies as both call Fairfax, Virginia home.
Always good to see some homegrown lenders shake it up with the big national brands.
Top Mortgage Lenders in Washington DC (for Home Buyers)
Ranking
Company Name
2021 Loan Volume
1.
Truist
$2.5 billion
2.
Pennymac
$2.4 billion
3.
McLean Mortgage
$1.9 billion
4.
Wells Fargo
$1.8 billion
5.
Intercoastal Mortgage
$1.7 billion
6.
Chase
$1.4 billion
7.
Caliber Home Loans
$1.4 billion
8.
Atlantic Coast Mortgage
$1.4 billion
9.
U.S. Bank
$1.4 billion
10.
George Mason Mortgage
$1.3 billion
If we focus on home buyers, the list changes quite a bit, both with new names and a new order.
In first was Truist with $2.5 billion funded, not a big surprise as home buyers often turn to banks over nonbank lenders for an important home purchase.
However, Pennymac was a very close second with $2.4 billion funded, followed by McLean Mortgage with $1.9 billion.
Home buyers also seem to like using local options as it probably gives them peace of mind.
In fourth was Wells Fargo with $1.8 billion, and Intercoastal Mortgage rounded out the top five with $1.7 billion.
Others included in the top 10 were Chase, Caliber Home Loans, Atlantic Coast Mortgage, U.S. Bank, and George Mason Mortgage.
They all had surprisingly close home purchase totals to one another.
Top Refinance Lenders in DC (for Existing Homeowners)
Ranking
Company Name
2021 Loan Volume
1.
Rocket Mortgage
$7.1 billion
2.
Freedom Mortgage
$4.5 billion
3.
Pennymac
$4.1 billion
4.
loanDepot
$4.0 billion
5.
Wells Fargo
$3.1 billion
6.
Truist
$2.8 billion
7.
Mr. Cooper
$2.5 billion
8.
UWM
$2.0 billion
9.
Navy FCU
$1.9 billion
10.
Newrez
$1.8 billion
What about existing homeowners looking to a refinance a mortgage? Well, that list was different too.
Like the overall list, Rocket Mortgage was king with $7.1 billion funded. That was a good chunk of their overall volume.
In second was Freedom Mortgage with $4.5 billion, known as a VA loan specialist.
Pennymac took third with $4.1 billion, followed closely by loanDepot with $4 billion and Wells Fargo with $3.1 billion.
The rest of the best included Truist, Mr. Cooper, United Wholesale Mortgage, Vienna, VA-based Navy FCU, and Newrez.
It’s not uncommon for existing homeowners to use out-of-state lenders for a refinance, which sums up this list.
The Best Mortgage Lenders in Washington DC
Now let’s talk about the best mortgage lenders in the District of Columbia based on customer reviews.
As always, I turn to Zillow to check out customer reviews. For DC, it’s a bit unique as none of the lenders are actually in DC.
But they are local companies in nearby states, including Maryland and Virginia.
McLean Mortgage comes in with an excellent 4.99/5 score from nearly 3,000 customer reviews, which is basically unbeatable.
Chevy Chase-based Forbright Bank has the second largest number of reviews (about 1,500) and a 4.82/5 rating. Pretty solid.
Then there’s Bethesda, Maryland’s Presidential Bank and its superior 4.99/5 rating, which is obviously nearly flawless. That’s from about 750 reviews.
McLean-based Aurora Financial has a similar number of reviews but a 4.7/5 rating, while Navy Federal Credit Union has a 4.22/5 from just over 100 reviews.
There’s also Bethesda-based Mortgagestar, which has a perfect 5/5 rating from over 200 reviews and Alexandria, VA-based Potomac Trust Mortgage’s 4.91/5.
So plenty of good options for a home loan in The District. Don’t forget to include local mortgage brokers in your search as well.