The Homes of Open Listings

Five manses form LA's new broker-busting startup

By The Editors
July 15, 2015 9:00 am

What’s the best time to buy a house in L.A.?

If you believe the Fed’s raring to jack up interest rates in September, maybe it’s now.

Or perhaps prices will fall in the ebbing buyers’ tide those higher rates will bring.

Point is: you can’t predict the future. But you can protect yourself from getting gouged by a broker.

That’s the mission behind Open Listings, a new buyer-friendly virtual database of L.A.’s best homes.

They substitute the percentage-based fee a broker usually gets — about 2.5% of the purchase price — with a flat fee of $5,000.

Below is a list of five of the highest quality homes currently on the site. Serious stunners here. Happy viewing.

The Henbest-Birkett Residence

A slice of 1960s California modernism atop Rancho Palos Verdes, one of the most coveted ‘hoods in the area. Originally designed by Pierre Koenig and recently updated by designer Robert Sweet to make it technologically and environmentally contemporary. Plus: a pool and a hot tub.

Listing provided courtesy of Crosby Doe, Crosby Doe Associates, Inc.

13211 Mulholland Drive

The infinity pool in this five-bedroom pad overlooks the Valley from 1,300 feet above sea level. That’s the top of Mulholland. Nearly all of the bedrooms have patios, and there are separate three-car garages and a recording studio. It also has a private hiking trail and waterfall.

Spectacular views and entirely gated with a long formal drive leading to dramatic entrance.

Listing provided courtesy of Joshua Altman, Douglas Elliman

Seal Level Malibu

Across the street from this Malibu manse are a set of stairs that take you to sandy Lechuza Beach. It’s also close to El Matador Beach. The ceilings soar. The floors are dark bamboo. Lots of glass walls with unobstructed views of the ocean and a gourmet kitchen. This is Malibu living.

Listing provided courtesy of Tony Mark, Sotheby’s International Realty

Summit Ridge Beverly Hills

It’s hard to find 2.8 acres of promontory space atop Beverly Hills. But this place on Summit Ridge has the land and loggias that let you appreciate it. Eco-friendly rooftop gardens, an office and a library round out a four-bedroom pad. The saltwater pool and solar panels make it all the better.

Listing courtesy of Jodi Rubin, Sotheby’s International Realty

Broad Beach Road

Elevators open on each floor of this six-bedroom, seven-bath Malibu Beach house. It’s literally on the beach, and has an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific. Expansive master suite with dual baths and dual closets, private deck and a separate sitting room or office. Plus it has a spa.

Listing provided courtesy of Amy Alcini, Sotheby’s International Realty

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.