View out from the top of the property

Top of the World

Okay, maybe just high up a hill in LA. My land purchase has closed escrow and I am now the proud owner of a 5,000 sq/ft piece of what is considered Hollywood Hills. Where I thought this was a fairly long process with bumps and curves along the way, looking back, it actually was pretty smooth and relatively quick. My entire land purchase journey, from when I decided to seriously research and place offers on property, to actual ownership was only about five months. I think the lack of inventory on the market (at least within my price range) and the 'scare factor' of building on a hill for many people kind of worked in my favor.

Speaking of 'scare factor' – my land is steep. The pictures above show (clockwise) the view out halfway up the property, a look down, a rough retainer wall halfway up, and the flatter area behind that wall. I'll know a lot more once the detailed topographic survey is delivered and the geology report completed. While I'm anticipating bad news on something along the way, I'm thrilled that the first step of my project is now completed, and at 20K under my budget ceiling for land.

Make that my 'adjusted' budget ceiling after learning what it really costs to play.