Happy Spring! Hard to believe we're already here.
I started 2026 in Vietnam and Cambodia with my close friend Laura. We've known each other since we were 14, and every six months we meet somewhere in the world. It's a rhythm that resets our perspective — and travel has always sharpened how I see things. This trip was no exception: while traveling, I was introduced (through a trusted friend) to a seller in Topanga Canyon. The property had been on the market for most of 2025 without success. When I looked at the previous listing, it was clear why — the marketing missed the nuance of the area.
Topanga isn't a plug-and-play market. It's layered, specific, and resistant to generic strategies. Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, I partnered with a Topanga-based agent who lives and breathes that community. That decision reflects how I work: the strongest outcomes come from the right combination of perspective, expertise, and restraint — knowing when to lead and when to collaborate.
Where the Market Stands: January 1 to Now
Since the start of 2026, the Los Angeles market has settled into a more thoughtful, selective rhythm. Inventory has ticked up, but much of it is aspirational rather than truly compelling — which means well-positioned homes are still moving while others sit. Buyers are active, though far more discerning: quick to act when something feels right, but unwilling to overlook pricing or presentation missteps.
As an agent with both active sellers and buyers, my job is to convey and show examples of the successful sales and the missteps alike. Knowledge, honesty, and acceptance of where we are at is crucial to being effective.
It's a market where strategy matters and where nuanced, hyper-local understanding can make a meaningful difference in outcome. Good marketing is more important than ever for sellers — and for buyers, knowing when to stop and when to go.
Case in Point: 2105 Ames, Los Feliz
A perfect example is the recent Los Feliz sale at 2105 Ames — a strong example of what happens when rarity meets demand. The property, a true fixer that hadn't been on the market in over 75 years, was listed at $999,000 and generated extraordinary interest.
30 offers in total, ultimately selling for $1,753,000 — 75% over list price.
That result speaks to the continued appetite for character properties in coveted pockets, especially when the opportunity is both authentic and scarce.
The Long View
Most of my business begins with relationships — long-standing, trusted, mostly referral-based. That shapes how I approach every opportunity: thoughtfully, strategically, and always with the long view in mind. Moving further into the year, I carry this perspective forward, staying close to the relationships that matter most and approaching each opportunity with intention.