deasy/penner partner Tori Horowitz, who has been with the company for over six years, is inspired by all things architecture, art, and design. The Los Angeles native says that she's constantly surprised by the range of styles that she is drawn to, from mid-century gems to grand old Mediterraneans. "I love a house that mixes styles inside," she says. "It makes the place more warm and personal." We recently caught up with Tori, who shares a Laurel Canyon home with her architect husband and two sons, ages 7 and 9.
Do you have a favorite house that you have sold or bought for a client?
It was an artist's compound in Laurel Canyon built by hand by the artist Hans Burkhardt over a period of decades from 1930 on. It was four small buildings on a hillside, accessed by a steep staircase down from the street, and also by a cable car. It had an authentic artisanal quality to it that I had never seen before and have not seen since. The fireplace was made of petrified wood, the beams throughout were hand sanded; you could see his stroke in every inch of the house. The seller wouldn't let me turn the lights on during showings because the house was sited deliberately to take advantage of the movement of the sun. The gardens were resplendent with citrus trees and aromatic herbs, avocado trees and ancient cactus and palms. It's truly a once in a lifetime kind of home.
What's your best piece of advice to someone house hunting in the Los Angeles area?
There are so many special spots that buyers often assume they would not be interested in. Take your time in considering different neighborhoods and know your options. Find an agent who knows the whole city back and forth, who you feel like will really give you the inside scoop, and can give you an insiders look at many areas. Where do residents do their grocery shopping? What cultural events happen in the area? Where do kids play? What schools are near by? What local eateries do people frequent? Are there hiking trails or outdoor activities near by? Ask about the things you are interested in. Really get a sense of different communities, and drive around and explore. Ask other residents what they like and dislike about the neighborhood. Stop people on the street. In my experience, neighbors are always happy to share their impressions.
Whenever possible, keep your commute in mind. It's a big part of living in LA. Don't fall in love with an area that's going to keep you in the car for hours every day. Even thought it may seem like a good idea at the time, it will wear you down. And don't be discouraged if you don't get the first house you write an offer on. I know its hard to believe in the moment, but everything works out perfectly in the long run. Don't give up. Your house will find you.
What' something that sellers need to do better?
In today's market, it's really important to be realistic about pricing and remember that you have one chance to make a first impression with buyers. Every seller I have ever worked with thinks their house is the most beautiful house ever built. And they should feel that way, because it's their home. The market tells you what your house is worth. Don't be stuck on a price that may be unattainable. Hire an agent who knows the market, can guide you on pricing, can expose your home to great marketing and press opportunities, get excellent interior and exterior photos (preferably with a professional architectural photographer) and let them do their job. It helps to be flexible. Sometimes the plan changes according to the market and feedback from buyers and their agents. You have to be willing to take it all in and readjust, if necessary.
What's your favorite LA neighborhood and why?
I have lived in Laurel Canyon for almost 20 years and it has been perfect for me, and subsequently, my family. It's a real community. I know many, if not all, of my neighbors, far and wide, and I appreciate the collective spirit here. The creative legacy of the musicians and artists that came here in the 1960s and 70s (and before) is still very much alive. We attend living room and backyard concerts often. One neighbor just opened her home to a weekly yoga class, which I walk to from home, taught by another canyon dweller. I look forward to it every monday morning.
We love the community we are a part of at Wonderland Elementary school. Another big draw is the nature. My whole family has a sense of belonging and comfort in the beautiful greenery we have right outside our window. Our kids jump over the backyard fence after school and on weekends to play with their friends. We lay in bed at night listening to the coyotes howl and the owls hoot their soft songs. We hike on secret paths, past century old houses and find ancient gardens of flowering cactus and grazing deer on the hillsides. We pinch ourselves every day that we can be in a huge city like LA and be away from it all at the same time. I feel like I am a lucky member of a secret club.
