The Summit Club is undoubtedly the epicenter of luxury living in Las Vegas.
Located just 15 minutes from the Strip, this exclusive neighborhood and golf community is spread across more than 600 acres of stunning desert landscape and features a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, unique wellness and recreation programs, and 260 luxurious residences.
Celine Dion just sold a house here for $30 million, setting a new local real estate record and making a killer profit in the process. The singer reportedly paid $9.2 million for her then-freshly-built Las Vegas manse back in 2017, heavily renovated the place in the years since, then tripled her initial investment by selling it in an off-market transaction for $30 million.
Actor Mark Wahlberg recently bought a $14.5 million bungalow in The Summit Club, while waiting for his mansion to be built on a separate 2.5-acre lot in the same community, which he purchased last year for $15.6 million.
Now, a new $23.5 million property recently hit the market at The Summit Club — and it’s as impressive as you’d expect.
The modern, minimalist abode at 11051 Witchcraft Court was designed and built by renowned luxury homebuilder, Blue Heron, and is nestled on a premium corner homesite with unparalleled views of the golf course, mountains, and the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.
“This architectural gem spans an impressive 9,827 square feet which includes the attached five-bedroom casita with private entrance,” said Lillie Shines of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty Global Luxury with whom the property is exclusively listed.
Completed in 2022, the luxury residence offers 9 bedrooms and 9 baths, and is lined with expansive pocket sliders to create an indoor-outdoor living experience.
“The sophisticated, single-story design of the main house features retractable glass walls which open to create a seamless indoor/outdoor living experience that beautifully incorporates the home’s captivating exteriors and natural surroundings,” Shines added.
The gourmet chef’s kitchen, equipped with top-of-line appliances, an oversized quartz island with waterfall edges, and custom white cabinetry, is the hub of the home and makes it easy to access all the other areas, including the flex room, secondary bedrooms, pool area, elevator to the deck, gym, or even the attached casita.
“The temperature-controlled wine wall is a centerpiece of the designer kitchen promising to elevate every celebration to new heights,” said Shines. “There’s also an elevator to easily serve your guests on the rooftop deck.”
The primary bedroom features a private sitting area with direct access to its own spa. The primary bathroom too comes with a luxury spa vibe, boasting an “outdoor oasis with dual showers”, per the listing.
Not to be outdone, the casita on the property stands as a private two-story retreat, complete with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a separate 2-car garage. The first floor of the casita features a gathering room with a kitchen and a primary suite, while the second floor offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Originally intended to be a multi-generational space, there are endless possibilities on how to maximize this unique area.
Heading outside, we find a resort-style backyard with not one, but TWO zero-edge pools, and plenty of outdoor amenities that add to its appeal. This includes a spa, an outdoor kitchen equipped with a pizza oven, and a bar.
And just in case the future owners need even more space for entertaining, they can take the party to the roof, where a stylish rooftop deck with a bar offers jaw-dropping views of the Las Vegas strip and city lights.
Listing agent Lillie Shines has witnessed the complete transformation of this property as she has been working with the home sellers since 2019 when they first selected this parcel of land at The Summit Club.
From its inception, Shines was integral in both the transaction and coordinating the design of the custom build as her sellers had to communicate with her from overseas while international travel was halted during the pandemic.
“Exceptional properties deserve representation of an equally exceptional caliber and that is what the Global Luxury program and sales professionals like Lillie bring to the table,” said Bob Hamrick, chairman and CEO of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty. “This extraordinary property will charm even the most discerning buyers.”
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In the heart of Missouri, overlooking the idyllic Lake of the Ozarks, the Midwest’s premier lake resort destination, a spectacular turnkey home is looking for new owners.
Inspired by the New England architecture style prevalent in Nantucket, MA, the 6,800+ square-foot home has rightfully been dubbed Nantucket Point and stands as the crown jewel of the Lake.
Listed for $13,000,000 (Andrea Sanders & Colleen Lawler with Coldwell Banker Realty and The Kelly Bennett Team at EXP Realty share the listing), the sprawling property is one of the most expensive homes for sale in the entire state of Missouri. And it has all the bells and whistles to justify its high price point.
With 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths and 2 half-baths, Nantucket Point sits on a one-of-a-kind 1.24-acre lot with 500′ of shoreline with seawall, deep water, and views of the main channel.
Offering an extra generous 6,811 square feet of living space, the Nantucket-inspired estate is filled with laid-back luxury, coastal design, and hidden passageways leading to tucked-away spaces.
Every room has a view of lush landscaping and the sparkling lake, and each is more inviting than the next. The house’s bright, light-flooded spaces are matched by the property’s equally-impressive outdoor areas — which offer more than 3,000 square feet of outdoor living space, including a covered patio, a wraparound deck, and a veranda with its own fireplace.
There’s also an infinity pool just steps away from the lake and two docks for boating enthusiasts, one of which boasting two slips, jet ski lifts, and even a kitchenette.
If the house sells anywhere near its asking price, it’ll undoubtedly become one of the most notable sales in the entire state of Missouri.
Just a few months ago, a St. Louis-area estate traded hands for $13 million, making it not only the biggest dollar amount for a home in the St. Louis area, but one of the priciest deals ever recorded in Missouri. Nantucket Point has all the potential to match that sale, so we’ll be keeping our eye on this one.
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Step into a world where sleek lines, open spaces, and a harmonious marriage of form and function reign supreme.
Mid-century may be a classic style from the mid-1900s, but homes built in this style have a timeless appeal. With their distinct architectural features — which often include flat roofs, horizontal planes, and geometric shapes — they embrace simplicity, functionality, and a seamless integration with the surrounding environment.
Nature and lifestyle were key when designing mid-century houses, so many of them were built with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the yard, sliding glass doors, and many access points to the outdoors.
Incorporating clean lines and basic shapes, simple furnishings, a practical Scandinavian approach with muted color palette, and warm inviting earth tones, simplicity is a notable characteristic of mid-century design. Mid-century modern homes also used spaces efficiently with their split-level design, which makes it easy to see why the this architectural style continues to fascinate with both its practicality and its aesthetic appeal.
Our favorite midcentury modern houses
For those who want to immerse themselves in the world of midcentury beauties, we’ve rounded up our favorites. Carefully restored by their owners while preserving their original character and incorporating modern amenities and technologies, we believe the examples below have done a great job at striking a balance between maintaining the historical integrity of the house and making it functional for contemporary living.
Without further ado, here are 13 stylishly refreshed-yet-classic mid-century modern houses that we’ve covered in the past, many of which had some quite famous owners (or architects).
#1 A secluded mid-century modern home with unique features and views of lush surroundings
There is so much to love about this Santa Clarita property — which was home to ‘Dallas’ Star Linda Gray for almost FIVE decades. Named Oak Tree Ranch after the stunning oak trees that grow on the property, the private California compound has many unique features.
Designed by acclaimed architect A. Quincy Jones, the mid-century house is unquestionably elegant and captivating. True to the principle of bringing the outside in, the floor is made of heart pine, (meaning the heart of the pine tree), sourced from a New Orleans schoolhouse.
The freestanding fireplace is another unique feature of this property. The kitchen was designed by renowned architect Josh Schweitzer who added beautiful racks to hang pots and pans out in the open, pro-style appliances, and a pizza oven.
Sitting on 2.7 acres of lush land, the property has stables for four horses, a tack room/barn, a north-south tennis court, a large swimmer’s pool with spa, organic gardens, koi pond, chicken coop, and an endless lawn to enjoy the outdoors.
#2 This mid-century modern home built by Steele & Van Dyk resembles a semi-secluded paradise
The 8.86-acre property located in the Sonoma County town of Sebastopol is one of the most spectacular (and most lovingly preserved) mid-century homes you’ll find.
It was once owned by Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts and his children have fond memories of the property, which was used by their father as a creative studio.
There were several lots on the original 27-acre property such as Schulz’ main house, his grandmother’s house, a large pond, a baseball field, a miniature golf course, a large swimming pool, an enclosed entertainment pavilion, and his studio, all surrounded by vineyards and apple orchards.
The family who bought the property after Charles Schulz’ ownership made a few changes to the studio but made sure not to alter the nature of the design.
They renovated the studio and turned it into an inviting one-bedroom home which operated as a licensed vacation rental for a few years.
True to the architecture of mid-century modern houses, the former art studio has clean lines, minimal decoration, and large, flat panes of glass windows and doors which allow a connection with nature.
With the home surrounded by natural beauty, you’ll find a four-hole golf course, Redwoods groves, and walking trails lined with numerous rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, dogwoods, several varieties of ferns, fruit trees, and plenty of flowers.
#3 One of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s last projects, a mid-century masterpiece
Sitting on 14 acres of protected land in New Canaan, Conn., we find one of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s final projects, built in 1955, just a few years before his death in 1959.
Known as Tirranna — a moniker inspired by an Australian Aboriginal word meaning “running waters”, as the home is cantilevered over a pond and overlooks a waterfall on the Noroton River — the property is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest residential properties.
The architect also lived here while building the Guggenheim Museum and even used some of the scalloped glass windows from the Guggenheim Museum project to complete the home’s south-facing greenhouse.
Clocking in at a generous 7,000 square feet, the 7-bedroom, 8.5-bath home blends geometric complexity with nature’s flowing curves, in typical Frank Lloyd Wright style.
Throughout the home, the architect combined and contrasted soaring ceilings and open living spaces with cozy and cocoon-like mahogany-paneled bedrooms.
The home’s functional wood-paneled and stainless-steel kitchen epitomizes the mid-century modern aesthetic, while each of the bathrooms are spa-like and adorned with spectacular wood panels and unique features.
#4 A Mid-century home in Palo Alto that has maintained the integrity of its original design
This mid-century modern home is so simple that it reads as sophisticated.
It bears the signature of internationally recognized architect and Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Aaron Green. The 3-bed, 2-bath home features extensive use of mahogany, slab floors with radiant heat, built-in beds, desks and dressers, and Formica counters.
With flat roofs, both the exterior and interior have a clean and functional design. Inside the home, there is minimal decoration and the various cabinetry adds depth and variation in elevation.
The large windows give magnetic views of the yard. All in all, a gorgeous home updated for modern living while still retaining its mid-century authenticity.
#5 One of the most spectacular mid-century modern houses with a Moroccan theme and great views of the Coachella Valley
This stylish home is located in a compound in Rancho Mirage’s Thunderbird Heights — a prestigious gated hillside community adjacent to Thunderbird Country Club.
The mid-century home was custom-built for famous entertainer Bing Crosby and his second wife, Kathryn Grant, and was an absolutely perfect fit for its celebrity owner who loved to live large.
Among its most striking features, Bing Crosby’s former home lists a large living room with a stone fireplace and bar, a chef’s kitchen, a movie theater, and a beautiful and spacious 1,400-sq. foot master suite with a stunner of a walk-in closet and a fireplace, as well as four additional en-suite bedrooms.
Spread over 1.36 acres of land, the phenomenal home has approximately 6,700 square feet of living space that extend into the outdoor areas.
The home’s most famous guests, though, were definitely Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy. In honor of their stay there, the two-bedroom attached casita has been named the JFK Wing.
#6 An architectural gem with mesmerizing views of its lush surroundings and direct entrance to Rustic Canyon Park
Set in Los Angeles, this mid-century home designed by notable architect David Hyun has formerly been the residence of prominent entertainment lawyer Gary Concoff and his wife Jean.
The house dubbed ‘the Modern Tree House’ has large floor-to-ceiling windows which provide scenic views of the century-old trees that surround it and encourage a sense of harmony with the outdoor spaces it’s built around. The combination of the large windows and open floor plans let in a lot of beautiful natural light into the two-story home.
Notable features on the lower level of the house include an eat-in Eggersman kitchen, a full-service bar, a formal powder room, and three bedrooms. The distinctive spiral staircase leads to the primary suite upstairs fitted with generously sized closets as well as two separate offices and a large den/media room.
The massive backyard of the nearly quarter-acre property features a large swimming pool, a unique area for dining set amongst the trees, and a gate directly into Rustic Canyon Park, said to be one of the best parks in Los Angeles.
#7 The lovely mid-century modern house Richard Neutra designed for his secretary
One of the most impressive celebrity homes on our list, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea’s house is made out of two architecturally significant structures: The first is a modern heptagon-shaped house designed by AD100 architect Michael Maltzan and the other is a lovely midcentury-style house built by famed architect Richard Neutra in the early 1950s.
Clocking in at 1,350 sq ft, the midcentury-style home has 2 bedrooms, and one bath, and is surrounded by walls of glass.
The home was built by Richard Neutra for his secretary, Dorothy Serulnic and her husband, George, back in 1953. Neutra, one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century, made sure that his secretary’s home is as livable and comfortable as it is visually appealing.
He designed several built-ins including a sofa system with a record player and concealed speakers, multiple desks, shelving systems, a dining room table, and a sliding breakfast nook, which are still present in the house today (or, rather, were still there when Flea tried offloading his La Crescenda compound a while back).
Architect Michael Maltzan then built a dramatic, seven-sided house on the property half a century later. The spaceship-like house is surrounded by seven exterior walls (some made out of glass) and is anchored by an open-air courtyard that sits right at the center.
A small cabin built by artist and craftsman Peter Staley provides a little extra space for guests and an eye-grabbing feature.
#8 Master architect Richard Dorman’s award-winning home, the Seidenbaum Residence
Tucked away down a long private driveway into a quiet, secluded compound we find architect Richard Dorman’s Seidenbaum Residence.
With its timeless appeal and unique design, the home is nestled in the Hollywood Hills on Mulholland Drive, overlooking outstanding views of the San Fernando Valley and the Hollywood sign.
Spanning 3,198 square feet, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home has two peaked roofs and clerestory windows that capture the California sunshine inside the main living area.
Boasting an open-concept layout, the home blends mid-century and modern designs. From the dining and main living areas to the kitchen, the fluid design captures a sense of tranquility amid the walls of glass that draw in the natural light.
Providing warmth and intimacy, the see-through, double-sided fireplace is a show-stopper in the great room.
#9 This elegant home with a zen factor beautifully remodeled for modern-day living
Originally built in 1955, this home offers a fresh, contemporary take on the timeless midcentury style. Esteemed architectural firm OWIU (which stands for the only way is up) updated the property, building on its mid-century modern legacy.
The 1,516-square-foot home is in Mount Washington, a historic neighborhood in the San Rafael Hills of Northeast Los Angeles. It has bright, warm interiors, and is filled with the natural finish of attractive light oak wood.
The house — which has retained its original charm —is all about comfort, timeless design, and an approachable elegance.Kane Lim from the popular reality show Bling Empire was once the owner of this beautiful property.
It has all the standard features of a mid-century home and then some,with floor-to-ceiling windows, clean lines, breathtaking views, and a deck in the primary suite that leads to a Japanese-style garden with bonsai and maple trees.
The house’s exterior has fresh pathways and gardening beds, a gate that leads to the lower portion of the property, and a large open space that has a sculptural staircase and custom wood bench surrounding a fire pit.
#10 A charming, thoughtfully updated former celebrity home on a quiet hilltop
On a quiet hilltop right above the famed Mulholland Drive sits a 4-bedroom hilltop hideaway once owned by power couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski.
The secluded, single-level mid-century home has a large open plan design and walls of glass that allow light to enter rooms from multiple angles.
With soaring, beamed ceilings, wide plank hardwoods, and original stonework, the living room is as eye-catching as it is inviting and features a gas fireplace.
The primary bedroom suite is one of the main highlights of this home and it looks and feels like a retreat in itself. With its vaulted, beamed ceilings, and massive windows inviting the outdoors in, a sitting area, custom built-ins, a walk-in closet, and a marble-clad ensuite bath with a soaking tub and steam shower, it truly is a stylish and elegant space.
The flagstone patio is surrounded by mature oak and olive trees and features a bubbling fountain, making it a great place to relax and soak in the picturesque views of mountains, the canyon, and the slivers of the city skyline.
#11 A spectacular stilt house with jaw-dropping views and a unique taste of Los Angeles history
Nestled in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, this is one of 17 unique homes propped up over the side of the Beverly Glen Canyon. The mid-century house was tastefully modernized by its previous owner, acclaimed architect Donald M. Goldstein. It’s undoubtedly a part of architecture history in Los Angeles.
Known as Neutra’s Platform Houses because they were originally designed by legendary architect Richard Neutra, these gravity-defying homes are incredible. Also known as the Stone-Fisher Speculative Houses (as they were built for the Stone-Fisher development company), the unique abodes were later completed by architect William S. Beckett.
The one-story home creates the illusion of a floating vessel in the sky. The unique structure has a rectangular form, horizontal emphasis, long balconies stretching the full width of the house, and large windows to display magnificent views of the San Fernando Valley.
Some of the notable features of the 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home include pyramid skylights, raised ceiling and roof lines, a 300+ bottle wine cellar, a Roman soaking tub, and its black metal exterior is coated with a 24-gauge Kynar finish.
#12 A classic mid-century house in a prime location with a long list of past celebrity owners
The star-studded Los Angeles Tree House — carefully tucked away from prying eyes in the famous Mulholland Drive — has attracted names like Ellen DeGeneres, Heath Ledger, and Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson as its owners.
The charming home with its lush surroundings is as serene as it is private. Inside, the clean mid-century modern style is warmed by a blend of natural textures, with walls of glass opening the home to the beautifully landscaped outdoors.
The home’s most extraordinary feature is its expansive 2,500-square-foot outdoor deck which is pretty phenomenal.
It overlooks the leafy treetops illuminated with ethereal lights at night and is furnished with an outdoor grill, lots of seating areas, and an open-air screening room with a retractable projection screen.
#13 A two-story mid-century gem in Bel Air with artsy appeal
Set in a quiet cul-de-sac, the 5,134-square-foot mid-century modern home features 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and has been fitted with everything from stone counters to auto window shades, radiant limestone floors, and high-end SS Thermador appliances.
The two-story Bel-Air home features dramatic vaulted ceilings that soar over the living, dining, and family rooms.
With its seamless indoor/outdoor living, scenic surroundings and the floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that are popular in mid-century modern houses, the house is flooded with natural light.
The home’s interior is stylishly refreshed with inviting warm-toned furnishings providing a relaxing and enriching experience, with art and pops of color accenting its midcentury aesthetic.
Midcentury modern houses continue to captivate and inspire with their timeless charm and architectural elegance. From their clean lines and expansive windows to their innovative use of materials, these houses represent a design movement that has left an indelible mark on the world of architecture, one that will continue to attract homeowners and renovators for years to come.
Especially since, as we’ve seen with the examples listed above, updating these midcentury gems creates true masterpieces.
Darren Dreifort, the former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers is ready to part ways with his house in the coveted Pacific Palisades health issues, is married to former sports journalist Krystal Fernandez. The two have been living in the Pacific Palisades abode ever since they got married in 2010, and this is the first time the property is on the market since they purchased it 14 years ago for $3 million, public records show.
Now, the 7,698-square-foot, 3-level home landed on the market with an $8.5 million price tag (Adam Jaret and Ally Jaret with Compass hold the listing) — and we’re here to give you a quick tour of the lovely family home.
Set just a block away from Asilomar Beach and State Park (also known as Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea”), Dreitfort’s house sits on a prime corner lot in El Medio Bluffs — a seaside hamlet that’s often touted as a “bespoke coastal village”.
With 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms (7 full and 1 half-bath), the property has 7,698 square feet of living space spread across three floors.
The main floor has an office, a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, formal living, dining room, family room with fireplace, and a spectacular kitchen with a huge island and generously-sized casual dining banquette — that looks like the perfect gathering place for the whole family.
The top floor features the primary suite and 3 more large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, one more inviting than the next.
There’s even more space on the lower level (which has its own separate entrance), where we find 2 more bedroom suites, a kitchen, yoga/ fitness studio, media/ game room and tons of storage.
“Located a half block away from the El Medio bluffs, this 7,700-square-foot California coastal residence boasts an open living space, game room, home theater, gym, and yoga studio, along with an expansive rooftop deck with ocean and mountain views, large backyard, fitness pool and basketball court – perfect for the quintessential Pailsadian family,” listing agent Adam Jaret told us in an email.
Darren Dreifort’s house is located in one of Los Angeles’ priciest and most desirable neighborhoods, Pacific Palisades. Set on the city’s southern bluffs, this affluent neighborhood is known for its beautiful canyons and stunning beaches, its vibrant “downtown” center (The Village), and its proximity to Malibu and Santa Monica.
“The market is still strong for Pacific Palisades, and we anticipate a quick sale due to low inventory and high demand in the neighborhood,” Jaret added.
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In the family-friendly neighborhood of Encino, in the San Fernando Valley region of L.A., a former NBA All-Star’s house is looking for new owners.
Listed for $4,999,000 (Michelle Schwartz and Mauricio Umansky of The Agency hold the listing), the gated mid-century estate is currently home to former NBA player Kiki VanDeWeghe and his wife, acclaimed interior designer and structural engineer Peggy VanDeWeghe.
Kiki, whose full name is Ernest Maurice “Kiki” VanDeWeghe III, and Peggy bought the house back in 2010, per public records, and have revamped the entire residence — giving the mid-century home a refreshed, stylish look that combines bold, sophisticated design elements with wellness amenities and an overall emphasis on wellbeing and relaxation.
The single-level, 5-bedroom home has a harmonious, Feng Shui-inspired layout, accented by dramatic design elements.
The elegant dining room and wine bar are ideal for hosting large and small gatherings alike, while the zen den — featuring walnut floors and a stone fireplace with a fossil stone hearth — provides a peaceful space to unwind.
Arguably the most attractive part of the house, the family room boasts high ceilings, oak floors, and a 23-foot stone alcove wet bar that seamlessly transitions into the chef’s kitchen.
Kiki and Peggy’s primary bedroom suite is actually a fully-fledged retreat.
It features a loft, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, dual bathroom vanities, a steam shower, and a massive walk-in closet.
The are 4 additional private suites, each with its own custom finishes, en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, and a walkout to the luxe outdoor space.
Speaking of the outdoor areas, the couple’s home features an oversized saltwater pool, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, a putting green, a veggie garden, and even a rooftop deck.
The long-retired hoopster, who played for the Denver Nuggets (1980-1984), the Portland Trail Blazers (1984-1989), the New York Knicks (1989-1992), and the Los Angeles Clippers (1992-1993), moved on to become the general manager of the Denver Nuggets and the New Jersey Nets, and a head coach of the Nets.
He also served as the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations for 8 years, playing a significant part in modernizing the league’s basketball operations during his tenure. VanDeWeghe stepped down from his position in 2021 but retained a league advisory role.
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Virtual is an option for just about everything these days, from doctor’s appointments to school. Many apartment communities have hopped on board this trend with great gusto and are only too happy to show an apartment virtually when needed for prospective residents.
Before the days of Skype, Facetime and such, prospective tenants were left with few options for apartment tours. Either haul over to the apartment community for an in-person tour or sign on the dotted line, sight unseen. Since pictures of units are often misleading, the latter is definitely not an ideal option. Sure, not all tenants wound up disappointed in their rental space, but it’s a safe bet that some weren’t happy come move-in day.
What is a virtual tour of an apartment?
A virtual tour is just that — an apartment tour done virtually by landlords or others in charge. Unlike a live tour or in-person tour, this type uses apps or services like Facetime, Skype, Google Hangouts or Zoom.
A typical rental property also offers a canned video for a prospective tenant to watch online, however, those don’t involve specific units, and instead, focus on the community as a whole. Think of that as more of a “highlight reel,” which shows common areas like the laundry facilities, other amenities and a sample unit. Landlords curate those to show the very best of the community.
Why choose a virtual apartment tour?
The purpose of a virtual apartment tour is to help a prospective tenant lay eyes on the unit and community without actually being there. A video call like this is extra helpful for people who can’t travel to do an in-person showing, but who want to have a good sense of what the community is like before signing a lease. A lot of renters have specific ideas about what they want from a new apartment or rental house, and a virtual tour can help them refine a lengthy list of a few top apartments.
How do you set up a virtual apartment tour?
A few years ago, setting up virtual apartment tours might have been something of a headache, but now it’s ultra easy to view a property. Simply do a Rent. search for the type of apartment that fits your needs. Most apartments have a handy “Schedule Tour” button on their Rent. listing, which serves as a step-by-step guide to getting the appointment set. The blue button is under the property phone number at the top right of the screen when viewing on a computer, or it’s within a white button at the bottom of a phone screen, when looking at it that way.
Common ways to tour apartments
Once you’ve clicked the “Schedule Tour” button, several options will pop up. These can include “Live Video Tour,” “Self-Guided Tour” and “In-Person Tour.” Apartment communities offer some, all or none of these options. Spoiler alert — a self-guided tour, while not terrible, is not the best option for potential renters with lots of questions about the house or apartment. This is why many people choose to take a virtual apartment tour that’s guided by landlords.
Scheduling a virtual tour
If “Live Video Tour” is available, click that option. A calendar should pop up showing the dates and times that virtual tours are available. Select the one that works best for you, fill in your contact information and add the event to your calendar.
How do I prepare for a virtual tour?
Like any other important life decision, it’s important to go into the apartment hunting experience prepared and with both eyes wide open. Once you make the virtual open house appointment, it’s important to prep accordingly. Here are some handy tips to make sure you cover everything.
Develop a list of general areas to “see”
The apartment unit and its floor plan aren’t the only part of the community you’ll want to see. Everything is fair game! Here’s a general list of areas you’ll want to see while on the virtual apartment tour:
Parking situation (deck, lot or street?)
All the amenities (pool, fitness, athletic courts, laundry, doggie run, etc.)
The rental office
Hallways leading to and from the unit in question
Exterior landscaping
Mail pickup and drop-off locations
Garbage disposal areas
The entire floor your prospective unit is on
If any of those are in disrepair it’s a sure bet that the unit itself isn’t properly maintained.
Put together a list of questions for landlords
This one-on-one time with the leasing agent is the ideal opportunity to ask questions, albeit in a virtual environment. Here are some sample questions to work from during virtual tours. A few things might not apply to your situation, but most will.
Tips for virtual tour questions
What are the lease terms?
What fees are you responsible for upon move-in? Are there any monthly fees in addition to rent, like parking costs?
How are rent and other fees paid and when?
Which ones are refundable upon move-out? How do you ensure that this happens?
How much notice must a person give when terminating a lease?
Is any work being done to the unit before move-in, such as carpet cleaning/replacement, painting, appliance repair/replacement, etc.?
What are the pet policies and related fees at the property?
How do tenants request maintenance/repairs for their apartments or building?
How do renters file complaints?
Does the community observe “quiet hours?” How do the landlords enforce them?
What are the policies about painting, nails on the walls and other improvements?
What’s the neighborhood like? How is access to public transportation, and are any businesses within walking distance?
Will the building be repainted or have a new roof installed anytime soon?
Is renters insurance necessary? If so, how much?
Take detailed notes during the tour, as all of this information will start to bleed together if you do multiple virtual tours.
How does a virtual tour work?
At this point, the typical leasing agent has done a lot of these types of tours, so they’ll probably have a process in place. Follow their lead, but don’t hang up from the call without seeing everything or asking all of your questions.
How to do a virtual apartment tour in the unit
At some point, you should explore the entire floor plan of the unit you’re interested in. Start at the base of the building. Move through the hallways and stairwells until you reach the correct floor. You’ll want to know ahead of time if your next-door neighbor plans to leave trash bags or 32 garden gnomes outside their door.
Tour each room
Once at the front door (note the unit number), it’s time to enjoy a full view of the potential new home. Visit all rooms, including bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, etc. Note how many windows there are, if the windows are in good repair and how much natural light is coming in at that time of day.
Examine the flooring
Take a close look at the flooring. If it’s carpeted, are there any stains, rips or tears? If so, how will they fix it? Note the other types of floor found in the unit, including laminate hardwoods, tile, etc. They require different cleaning methods.
Look closely at the paint
Next, note the paint in each room. Is it dingy and covered in dings and scuffs? If so, ask if they will repaint. Can you choose the new room color?
Make sure everything’s in working order
In the bathroom and kitchen area, ask the leasing agent to run water from all faucets, so you can gauge how good or bad the water pressure is. Also, make sure all appliances are in working order.
Check out the storage potential
Have the tour guide open up all cabinets and closets in each room, so that you see the storage space. Inquire about additional storage, if needed.
Examine the exterior
Visit the deck or balcony area and note any wood rot, beams that need replacing/painting, the view and so on. Smaller details really make or break an apartment!
Log your concerns
If anything needs repair or replacement in any room, take photos via screenshots and note your concerns. Send them in an email to the leasing agent and find out if they plan to rectify the issues. Once the landlord fixes the issues, ask them to take more photos and keep them on file, if you intend to move forward. A new place doesn’t need perfection but look for clean, fully functional and well maintained.
Virtual tour of the community
Once the prospective apartment has met expectations, it’s time to check out the rest of the rental property. Check off each spot on your list as you “go” there, so that you can see them all. A good property manager is only too happy to walk a wannabe tenant around.
Questions to ask about the community
This is a great time to ask general questions about the community. When does the pool open and close for the season? What hours are the fitness center and laundry facilities operational? When is trash day? That sort of thing.
Make note of anything that looks broken or dingy. Find out when the landlord scheduled any needed repairs. Don’t be afraid to ask property managers to zoom in on certain areas. Many apartments will have some areas that need work, but too much disarray is a warning sign.
Virtual tours are a great starting point
If at all possible, schedule in-person showings once you’ve landed on a few top rental properties. It’s always better to lay eyes directly on an apartment before renting than to rely on the camera work of a person you don’t really know. If you’re not local to the area, ask a trusted friend who is to tour on your behalf, then ask their honest opinion about the listing. It might seem like a lot of effort, but renters who do their due diligence are likely far happier in their new homes.
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.
I’ve invested a significant amount of my personal capital (all of it..) into my own startups. But, never someone else’s company. Until a couple of months, that is.
I’m excited to announce I’m an angel investor in Resident Ventures, a company that hosts bespoke culinary experiences in unique, residential spaces.
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The back story: At CREtech New York last year, I met Brian Mommsen, the founder, and was instantly drawn to the blend of community, real estate, and hospitality — the three things I’ve spent my 15-year professional career obsessed with. It just so happened that the GEM was an enterprise community that could benefit from a next-gen networking experience. So, I proceeded to become a customer of theirs to produce a founders VIP dinner in NYC at the end of January. I was so blown away with the food + experience and raving feedback by attendees that not only is there another GEM founders dinner in the books (NYC Feb 2021, here we come)…. but I went on to make my very first angel investment in the company.
Further thoughts on Resident’s concept can be found here.
If you’re interested in reviewing the deck and/or discussing further, the round is still open. Looking for strategic real estate asset owners to participate, and/or anyone with a passion for food, hospitality, community & real estate.
You probably know him best for his role as hopelessly duped FBI agent Stan Beeman on the FX series, “The Americans.”
And now, Noah Emmerich, the talented actor who portrayed Beeman, is selling his lovely New York City apartment.
Interested? Prepare to dig deep. The listing price for the modest one-bedroom, 1.5-bath pad in the East Village is $1,999,000. The apartment last sold in 2007 for $1,175,000.
While just 1,150 square feet, the home’s elegant details and standout, north-facing views give it a roomier feel.
The apartment is a large one-bedroom space, but it was originally designed as a two-bedroom home. The main bedroom sits behind pocket doors and has its own large walk-in closet and a fancy marble bathroom.
The sleek galley kitchen sports stainless appliances, custom cabinets, and a subway-tile backsplash. A sizable dining space, unusual for an apartment this size, sits just outside the kitchen.
There are also hardwood floors throughout, recessed lighting, central air conditioning, and a half-bath with a linen closet tucked inside.
The high-end building features a number of amenities, including 24-hour door attendants, a live-in manager, storage rooms for bikes and personal items, and a gym. There’s also a shared, outdoor space with a planted deck, tables, seating, and a rooftop pool.
Emmerich has appeared in a number of movies—”The Truman Show,” “Little Children,” and “Super 8,” among others—and seems to enjoy playing federal investigators. Another role has him working for the government as an FBI agent, this time in the Apple TV show “Suspicion,” with co-star Uma Thurman.
Rodrick Wayne Moore Jr., the famed rapper who goes by the stage name Roddy Ricch, is stepping back into the real estate market with his Beverly Hills home.
This time, the four-bedroom, five-bath property is available with a leaner price tag of $5.75 million—reduced from the original ask of $5.9 million in October 2022.
The musician picked up the home in 2021 for $5.6 million.
Cool crib
With more than 3,400 square feet, the private abode is tucked away among stately palms and lush lawns.
The verdant views outside pop against the interior’s soft, white color scheme. There’s a fireplace in the living room— which flows to the outside—along with the kitchen and dining area in the open floor plan.
The cook space offers luxe, stainless steel appliances and an island with seating for three.
Pretty wood floors, recessed lighting, and glass doors are among the home’s many enticing features.
One of the dwelling’s four bedroom suites is on the first floor and another larger space is situated upstairs. A private deck (and lounge for morning coffee or an aperitif in the evening) is right off the main bedroom. The primary bathroom boasts a very long tub and separate shower with a massive window in the center.
The requisite pool, spa, and grilling area are situated behind the home. There’s also another large, outdoor living room one level down from the swimming spot, with a big piece of lawn and a basketball hoop.
Ricch hit the charts with his single “Die Young” in 2018. He’s been nominated for nine Grammys, winning one in 2020 for Best Rap Performance. Next up for Ricch—a 2023 tour of 33 cities, as the opening act for Post Malone.
This is the first post from Winston, the new GRS editorial assistant.
My wife and I have saved thousands of dollars by landscaping our own yard.
Four years ago, we were feeling overwhelmed by our back yard. We’d been in our home for a couple of years, had spent some time and money on the inside, and were ready to move on to backyard projects.
We spent a couple of seasons moving dirt around, trying different types of landscaping materials. This left us lighter in the pocketbook, but still unsatisfied with way things looked. Finally, we decided to contact a landscape architect. But we were worried that we couldn’t afford such a luxury, and doubted anyone would want to work on a small project like ours.
Professional Help
After asking the neighbors for recommendations, we discovered somebody who might be able to help. A long-time landscaper had just sold his business to his son-in-law to focus strictly on home landscape design. We scheduled an initial no-cost appointment with him, and instantly felt he had the skill and understanding to design a useable backyard we could enjoy.
He bid $500 for the design, which was over our budget. We talked with him about our $350 limit, and he found ways to reduce costs by providing black-and-white designs instead of color, and by leaving some beds for us to design ourselves.
After talking with us about some types of elements we liked and disliked (such as colors, textures, structures, and plant types), doing some measurements, and a few follow-up meetings, the designer presented us with the plans.
We received exactly what we were hoping for and could never have done ourselves: a beautiful landscaping plan that worked with both the house and the yard. Because he knew we planned to do the work ourselves over a period of years, the designer provided suggestions about where to begin, what to hire out, and how to implement the plan.
Laying the Foundation
Last summer, we tackled phase one of the plan.
A month after we received our plans, a local nursery had a 40%-off “going out of business” sale. With the designer’s list in hand, we were able to purchase about a third of our total plant materials at a substantial discount. We were worried because we weren’t anywhere near ready to put them into the ground yet. Fortunately, we live in a mild climate, and the plants survived several months in pots.
Hiring a landscape architect may have been the best thing we did for this project, but the second best was spending money to rent a track hoe to dig a base for the patio and to tear out a dilapidated 80-year-old concrete pond:
It amazes me that the rental yard in town would hand over the keys to such a destructive and powerful machine after only a five minute tutorial to a novice like myself. What would have taken months, if not years to accomplish by hand, this mighty machine accomplished in two days.
A third worthwhile expense was to have the concrete professionals come in to frame and pour the patio. We did the prep work — digging out the base, hauling out several yards of rock by wheelbarrow — but in a little over three hours, the concrete workers ensured a nice shape, proper drainage, and a beautiful pour for just over $800.
To finish last year’s backyard work, we put in the lawn. The ground was level and the soil was adequate, so all we had to do was rent a roller ($7), add minimal nutrients, and it was ready to go. We chose to lay sod because we have children and a dog, and it would have been very difficult to keep them out of seed-sown grass for an extended time. The small area lent itself to sod, and provided instant green for minimal cash outlay.
Putting It All Together
This year, we implemented phase two of our project. Hauling over 16 yards of compost and 1/4″-minus rock by wheelbarrow isn’t fun for most people, but I found it satisfying to see everything come together. Other things we’ve done include:
For the past two years, we’d been saving money for the plants, flowers, and shrubs we wanted. With a couple exceptions, we followed the professional design.
To build the three large raised gardening beds, some of the wood came from a deck we’d demolished four years ago.
To minimize water waste and the mental anguish of dragging hoses around, I installed six faucets in the various beds and gardening areas.
Before we’re finished, we’ll add the final grape arbor and to build a new fence around the garden.
Three years ago, our landscape architect estimated it would cost $25,000 to $30,000 to pay somebody else to implement his plan. By doing most of the work ourselves, we’ve spent a little over $3,500 on building materials, plants, shrubs, compost, soil, gravel, equipment rental, and the water system. We haven’t tracked our work hours, but our family of four has enjoyed the time outdoors and being together, even if it meant a lot of sweat equity.
The thrill of having dinner outside on the patio, enjoying the fruits of our labor, has exceeded our high expectations and has made the work and the expense worthwhile.