Downsizing - How to Re-Feather an Empty Nest

My son will be heading off to college next month, and the reality of being an empty-nester has struck me like a ton of bricks. Standing in the doorway to his bedroom and seeing the future, actually the floor which has been covered in clothes, towels, dishes and skateboards for years, leaves me with mixed feelings. Soon his room will be clean, and devoid of the wonderful chaos he has brought to this house for the past 19 years. I know this is a passage most parents face, especially this time of year, thus this months topic. 

As a soon-to-be empty nester, you won’t need as much extra space, the kids are gone, you’re traveling, and now your big family home is becoming too big. It might be time to downsize! Moving into a high-end condo is a great option for those who don’t need so much space, and are looking to eliminate some responsibilities. With a condo, you don’t have to worry about home repairs, lawn upkeep, high utility bills, or just cleaning rooms that never get used. Plus, many luxury condos come with perks like gyms, pools, and community events! 

You can still find condos with extra bedrooms so you can entertain, or when those kids inevitably come home with bags of laundry and voracious appetites for summer vacations. Plus, the built-in community of a condo lets you meet like-minded residents. Embrace your new kid-free life and enjoy the condo’s events, communal pool, or gym. 

Even if you aren’t an empty-nester, downsizing is an excellent option. Even small families with one child can enjoy living in condos. If you love to travel, a condo makes it easier to pick up and go, as you don’t have to worry about holding your mail or timing the sprinklers. Condos are often much more affordable than large homes, but with many more amenities than you get with a house.

Empty-nester or not, Los Angeles is a great spot to find a gorgeous luxury condo that’s tough to resist! 

Some things to consider: condos can have less privacy than a house, and living in closer quarters might not be for you. But, on the flip side, they also create a community of likeminded residents. You might find that you like getting to know the people around you and it's easy to visit new friends in the building. These buildings will sometimes offer fun events, and a communal pool, tennis court, or gym which allow you to easily meet your neighbors. 

Los Angeles has long been a hub for gorgeous luxury condos that are tough to resist! Historic pre-war doorman buildings offer elegance, security and the chance to live a glamorous Hollywood lifestyle.

As many of you know I work extensively with historic properties - Country Club Manor, Faubourg St Michelle, and Colonial House ( home of Bette Davis), to name a few. This Hancock Park building is a historic French-Normand style building built in 1926 by famous Los Angeles architect, Leland Bryant. The elegant lobby features a piano and cozy fireplace, and you can wander the grounds with hidden gardens and fountains.

Another building designed by Leland Bryant is the Colonial House in West Hollywood. This gorgeous property has been home to Hollywood stars Bette Davis and F. Scott Fitzgerald, among others, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Each light-filled unit has original bookcases, spectacular views, and updated kitchens. Don’t miss the beautiful heated pool nestled among the meticulously maintained grounds. 

If you’re interested in something a little more modern, check out 432 Oakhurst in Beverly Hills this sophisticated condo is the epitome of convenience and luxury. Each unit has a luxurious master suite, boasts spa-like soaking tub, and the spare bedrooms have en-suite baths and private balconies, The building boasts state-of-the-art fitness center, concierge, and guest lounges for extra space. There are currently units available in this building, contact me for details. 

For those who work downtown - or just want to explore this bustling hot spot - TenTen Wilshire is a luxurious high-rise to consider. Each suite comes furnished and with new kitchen appliances. But the real benefit is the rooftop, which has a pool, fire pits, outdoor game tables, and frequent networking events and happy hours, plus has sweeping views of DTLA. 

Or, switch out a city skyline for the beach and check out The Seychelles in Santa Monica. Luxury units include gourmet kitchens and private balconies, then get social and step onto the community rooftop. Lounge by the pool, attend parties on the terrace, and take your dog to the pet spa. 

Downsizing can offer great opportunities to live somewhere spectacular, get extra amenities, and remove the stress of owning a home! These luxury units are spacious and remodeled, and you’ll love the convenience. If you think it might be time to downsize please call me to help you “refeather you nest”