Posts

Posted on

Corey Chambers Real Estate Newsletter January 2025

The California Home
The California Home

Exciting New Year’s Resolution…

As a fellow lover of the holidays, I’m writing you this personal letter to share some exciting news for the New Year. Most people establish New Year’s resolutions, but fall short of keeping them for whatever reason. So each year, I highlight an excellent book that helped my team improve our follow-through on achieving important goals. I wanted to share with you GETTING MORE. Author Diamond offers a revolutionary approach to negotiation, emphasizing emotional intelligence and understanding others’ perspectives over traditional logic and power tactics, to achieve more successful and mutually beneficial outcomes in both professional and personal settings. 

Corey Chambers, Broker
Corey Chambers, Broker

Some of your friends, neighbors, associates, or relatives may have a New Year’s resolution to make a move. Well – we can help them with that, help you and help the kids at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles at the same time.

Your referrals help the kids!

Go Serve Big!!! Investing In Our Southern Californian Kids

If you or a friend are thinking about selling, make sure to choose a real estate company you can trust! A real estate company with experience, proven results and a give-back philosophy!

For the month of January, anyone you know wanting to sell their house — I will guarantee the sale of their home for 100% of Market Value, or I’ll Pay the Difference.*

They outline the goals, I agree to deliver. If I don’t, I pay the penalty. Who do you know considering selling their home that would benefit from that kind of peace of mind? Just let me know, and we’ll give them a call!

AND REMEMBER… Your referrals help the Kids…

We are on a mission to raise $25,000 for CHLA. We do this by donating a portion of our income from homes we sell. As you know, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles does great work in helping kids fight through and survive serious life-threatening diseases like cancer, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia and others. They also lead the way in helping kids come back from spinal cord injuries as well as early diagnosis of autism. Last year alone, Children’s helped over 1,000,000 kids right here in Los Angeles. BUT, Children’s relies on sponsorships and donations to provide their elite level of care, and to keep families’ expenses to a minimum. So YOUR REFERRALS REALLY DO HELP THE KIDS…

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to my real estate sales team?

Not only will they benefit from our award-winning service, but you can rest assured we are also donating to a very worthy cause.

Go Serve Big!!! Investing in the Children of Los Angeles.

A Real Estate Company that Gives Back!

Children’s Hospital LA leads the way in serving kids one patient at a time.

We are still boldly on a mission to raise $25,000 for Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and we are making progress! We donate to them a portion of our income from homes we sell. As you know, CHLA does AMAZING work in helping kids fight through and survive debilitating diseases like cancer, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, and others. They also lead the way in many other fields.

They can provide this care and keep patient costs to a minimum due to donations and sponsorships. We are proud to support the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles!

As in the attached story, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles provides the best pediatric medical care available anywhere in the country. To do that, CHLA needs donations to continue its leading-edge care. We proudly donate a portion of our income from real estate sales to CHLA to help them continue serving the needs of those who most need it in Los Angeles!

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to our real estate sales team? Not only will they benefit from our award-winning real estate service, but a very worthy cause will also benefit as well. To refer anyone considering buying or selling a home, just give me a call or pass on my number. 213-880-9910.

Thank you in advance for your referrals!

You and your referrals mean more than ever to my team and me. As we move forward thru this winter, please know we are extremely thankful for you and you being a special part of our business.

Go Serve Big!!! — Corey Chambers

Your Home Sold Guaranteed!

P.S. I copied and pasted the story below from the CHLA website. It better tells the story of the work they are doing.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

As a leading charitable hospital, CHLA depends on sponsorships and donations to continue its leading-edge service. We proudly donate a portion of our income from real estate sales to CHLA to help them continue serving the needs of those who most need it in Los Angeles!

A real estate company with experience, proven results and a give-back philosophy!

Over the years of helping many families sell their homes and/or buy another, we have met some wonderful, loving, caring people. People like you! So your referrals can rest assured that, not only will they get the award-winning service we are known for and the guarantee to back it up, but that a solid portion of the income we receive will go toward helping the kids.

Refer your friends, neighbors, associates or family members considering making a move:

You can go to www.ReferralsHelpKids.com and enter their contact info online or forward the link to someone you know considering a move.

Of course, you can always call me direct as well at 213-880-9910

Why I support ChildrenĘźs Hospital, Los Angeles

I grew up right here in the Greater Los Angeles Area, born in Los Angeles County at St. Francis Hospital. I remember when I first heard about a young person close to our family suffering from a painful disease and getting treated for that at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. It was then that I began to pay closer attention to the work they do at that hospital. Since then, I have learned that it is a collection of hard-working healthcare professionals, most making their home right here in the Los Angeles area, all coming together for a common cause. That cause is to help young people overcome unfortunate health issues that life sometimes throws our way. Being a Los Angeles Area California native, I take pride in supporting in a way that I can do the good work these people do at Children’s. My team rallies around our annual goal of raising money and donating portions of our income to help Children’s in their quest to heal young people when they need healing. My team and I are committed to providing outstanding results for buyers and sellers referred to us by our past clients. I have discovered that Children’s Hospital Los Angeles shares a similar commitment to their patients. And since their services survive on sponsorships and donations, we are happy to contribute and proud to support them.

Sincerely,

Corey Chambers, Broker

*seller and Corey must agree on price and time of possession. DRE#01889449

Afflicted with severe myocarditis as an infant, Sawyer beat the odds and got a second chance at life with a new heart.

Mia Gets a Second Chance After Liver Transplant

by Monica Rizzo

Diagnosed with liver disease at 2 months of age and in need of a new liver, Mia and her family turned to CHLA’s world-class pediatric Liver Transplant Program to save her life.

From the moment she was born, Mia has been daddy’s girl. Her frequent smiles make him laugh. Her nighttime cuddles on his chest, nuzzling her head under his chin, warms his heart and reminds him of the first time he held her in his arms.

“She was born the day of the Grammy Awards,” says Mia’s father, Leandro, a music producer. “There I was, sitting and holding my newborn baby, watching the Grammys on my phone and I won a Grammy that same day. I was ecstatic.”

Leandro and his wife, Sara, orchestrated a harmonious routine caring for little Mia and her older brother, Liam, 2. Because Leandro tended to work late at night, Sara would go to bed early and get up early, and Leandro would take care of Mia’s late-night feedings and diaper changes. Everything was going well except that Mia’s eyes were yellow. The doctors chalked it up to a common condition known as breast milk jaundice, which can occur in newborns due to higher levels of bilirubin, the yellowish pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells, which is then processed by the liver. Generally, the condition is not harmful and goes away within a few weeks.

But in Mia’s case, the yellowing of her eyes persisted. Following a blood draw at her two-month checkup, Mia’s pediatrician instructed Sara and Leandro to take her to the hospital for more tests.

“We celebrated our five-year wedding anniversary by taking the kids for a hike in Malibu,” Leandro says. “Literally the next day, Mia’s bloodwork results came in and we were at the hospital.”

A devastating diagnosis

After additional tests and scans, doctors at a local hospital diagnosed Mia with biliary atresia, a liver disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver. In healthy babies, bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and eventually to the small intestine. Bile includes chemicals that the body is trying to get rid of. When the bile ducts are blocked, toxic chemicals collect in the liver. This is called cholestasis. This can lead to cirrhosis (severe scarring) by 6 to 12 months of age. Doctors recommended that Mia receive a Kasai procedure, which would replace her damaged bile ducts and gallbladder with a piece of her own small intestine.

Following the Kasai procedure, Mia developed ascites, a buildup of fluid in the abdomen that is common in patients with a liver disorder. Doctors informed Leandro and Sara that Mia would likely need a liver transplant—which was outside their scope of treatment—and referred them to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Trusting the experts

“We called a few people, and they said ‘CHLA is the best place you can go,’” Leandro says. “Looking back, we are so grateful we did.”

Established more than 25 years ago, the Liver Transplant Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is one of the largest in the country and has performed more than 500 pediatric liver transplants.

“Mia had progressed to end-stage liver disease,” says Kambiz Etesami, MD, Director of Abdominal Transplantation, and Surgical Director, Liver and Intestinal Transplant at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, noting that Mia was malnourished due to an inability to digest and absorb nutrients. She received intravenous nutrition, but because her liver was so badly damaged, fluid continued to build up.

“Liver transplantation is a specialized field, and pediatric liver transplant is even more specialized,” says Dr. Etesami. “It can be very challenging to find an organ from another infant. You might be waiting a long time, and often these children don’t have much time.”

On June 4, 2024, Mia was placed on the pediatric liver transplant list. As her condition worsened, the ascites impacted her breathing and required specialists in Interventional Radiology to drain the fluid from her abdomen every few days. Despite her critical condition, the tests used to assess a patient’s priority on the transplant list did not reflect Mia’s true level of need. The scoring system that prioritizes patients for liver transplants is far from perfect, particularly for infants and young children, often underestimating the severity of their illness. This was precisely the case for Mia.

“Part of my role is advocating for patients,” explains George Yanni, MD, Director, Transplant Hepatology Fellowship Program, who wrote multiple letters to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) about Mia’s case. “I try to reassure them as much as I can that I will fight for her—and that’s what we did.”

Less than three weeks after she was added to the transplant list, a liver donor was located for Mia.

A second chance at life

On the day of her transplant, Mia’s belly measured nearly 60 centimeters in girth and more than one liter of fluid was drained from her abdomen. The 11-hour transplant surgery was complex for the team because of Mia’s size—she weighed less than 9 lbs.

“Transplants for a small baby are technically challenging, especially when we are making the connections between the new liver and the body,” Dr. Etesami says. “The blood vessels are very small, often 2 or 3 millimeters, so we do this type of surgery under what we call a surgical loop—a microscope.”

“We are experts at transplants, but it’s never a one-man show,” adds Dr. Yanni. “It’s a whole team effort, from the nurse coordinator to the transplant hepatologists, the attending staff on service, the social workers, the nurses, the nutritionists, the surgeons.”

The family was overcome with gratitude to Mia’s entire care team, and to the organ donor’s family.

“We wrote a letter to the donor family to let them know that during their hardest time, they saved our 4-month-old daughter’s life,” Sara says, tearing up as she reflects on the magnitude of organ donation. “A lot of people have that red dot on their driver’s license, but until you go through it, and you are waiting for an organ on the other end, you have no idea what those selfless acts of people donating loved ones’ organs are doing for the family on the other side, waiting.”

Three weeks after her transplant, Mia was discharged. Because of her fragile immune system, she and the family isolated at home for the first three months. Sara, a former schoolteacher, focused on helping Mia reach some critical infant milestones like holding her head up, rolling over, and sitting up on her own.

Now 8 months old, Mia enjoys daily activities like mat time, reading, playing with her toys, and trying to do whatever her big brother is doing. She’s also “mostly” sleeping through the night, Leandro says, and she’s eating solid foods. Another milestone for Mia? She’s found her voice—and she isn’t afraid to use it.

“She squeals and she sounds like a pterodactyl!” Leandro says of his daughter, who he affectionately calls “my spicy chicken nugget. She has FOMO (fear of missing out) and does not like sitting down. If she’s sitting in her chair and she wants to get up, she’ll squeal and start throwing her toys at me!”

As for Mia’s prognosis, Dr. Etesami says it’s “very good,” noting that her surgery and her early weeks of recovery went smoothly. “Most kids can have many decades of essentially ‘normal’ lives with a transplanted liver.”

Mia currently takes seven different medications, has weekly blood draws, and sees her doctor once a month. Because of their experience, Sara and Leandro have become mini medical experts and hope to be a resource for other families facing a similar health challenge.

“We understand there will be parents in the same situation we were in before we got to the brighter side of things,” Leandro says. “I remember how we felt during that time, and how comforting it was to know people out there went through the same thing and had positive experiences. CHLA has done so much for us.”

So far, 2024 has been a whirlwind of surprises for the family, who are grateful for every moment they have together.

“CHLA gave our whole family a second chance,” Sara says. “We couldn’t be more thankful to every person we met along the way that helped us. I still call the nurses with questions, and they are always warm and helpful. They never make me feel like I’m bothering them.”

At CHLA, patients and their families are never far from their care team’s minds or hearts.

“Mia is very close to my heart,” Dr. Yanni says. “For parents, their kids are so precious. We know this and that is why we work so hard.”

CHLA’s annual #SeasonOfGiving campaign is underway, where donations through Dec. 31 will help ensure that CHLA patients like Mia receive the critical, lifesaving care they need. 

Give today and Credit Unions for Kids will MATCH all donations to the Children’s Fund, up to $500,000.

How you can help the kids:

Refer your friends, neighbors, associates, or family members who are considering making a move:

www.ReferralsHelpKids.com or call Corey at 213-880-9910

Story and photos courtesy Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles

Copyright Š This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with the information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker, DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association, or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com, Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties are subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if the buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.

Posted on

Lofty Dreams: Converting an Industrial Building into a Loft in Los Angeles

Turning an industrial building into a trendy residential loft in Los Angeles seems like a dream—brick walls, soaring ceilings, and a fusion of grit and glamour that screams urban chic. But behind the Instagram-worthy vision lies a labyrinth of zoning laws, city planning commissions, attorneys, and budget-busting surprises that make the process more of a dystopian nightmare for most would-be loft pioneers.

The Reality Check

It’s no secret that Los Angeles boasts an enviable collection of converted lofts. From the Arts District to Downtown, these spaces exude character and charm. However, most of these conversions were done decades ago when regulations were more forgiving, and costs weren’t astronomical. Today, the rules have changed, and so have the costs—just ask anyone who’s tried to convert an industrial building into a residential masterpiece.

“Three years and $600,000 later, and that’s just for the city and attorneys,” one frustrated property owner shared. â€œNobody I’ve talked to who’s been through it would ever do it again.”

The process requires more than just a passion for raw concrete and exposed beams. Zoning changes alone demand navigating a bureaucratic maze with fees, hearings, and modifications that can stretch timelines and wallets. Then there’s hiring attorneys and planners, and meeting the city’s requirements for safety, accessibility, and sustainability.

Translation: If your budget doesn’t include a few commas, your lofty dreams might come crashing down.

Why Buy When You Can Convert?

The idea of converting a blank industrial canvas into your ideal living space is undeniably appealing. But before embarking on this journey, loft real estate specialist Corey Chambers often asks one key question:

“What’s your intention?”

The answer, more often than not, involves a desire for something cities don’t allow—or can only approve after years of negotiations. That’s where existing lofts come into the picture. Most buyers can achieve their vision in a pre-converted loft without the headaches of rezoning or reconfiguring utilities.

For instance, someone with a $900,000 budget might dream of converting a warehouse into a live-work paradise. But Corey breaks down the math:

  • The $900,000 budget needs to double to accommodate zoning, planning, attorneys, and construction costs.
  • This means finding a commercial property for $250,000, which is nearly impossible in areas where people actually want to live.
  • By the time loans, interest, and years of planning are factored in, most people burn through their savings before even breaking ground.

“Why not just buy a loft that’s already been converted?” Corey probes. With so many options on the market, from airy penthouses to cozy industrial chic units, it’s often the more practical—and enjoyable—choice.

The Catch-22 of Financing

Let’s say you’re determined to go down the industrial-to-residential rabbit hole. Unless you’re paying cash, financing becomes another hurdle. Most lenders require a commercial loan, and that means hefty down payments—20% minimum, but often 30% to 50%. If you’re not an established business or a wealthy movie star, securing these funds is daunting.

On top of that, properties undergoing zoning changes rarely generate income during the process. This makes paying back loans a challenge, especially for those relying on their converted space to cover costs.

The Better Path

For most aspiring loft owners, the takeaway is clear: skip the red tape and go straight to the good part. Existing lofts in Los Angeles offer the same industrial aesthetic without the years of frustration and financial drain. Whether you’re an artist craving space or an entrepreneur eyeing a stylish live-work setup, the market has something for you.

So before you pour your life savings into a warehouse conversion, consider the simpler, smarter option: buying a loft. Your sanity—and your wallet—will thank you.

Interested in exploring lofts in Los Angeles? Fill out the online form or contact Corey Chambers at 888-240-2500 or visit Entar.com for expert guidance on finding your dream space.

The Reality Behind the Conversion to Loft Living in L.A.

The allure of turning an industrial building into a chic residential loft captures the imagination of many urban dreamers. But as we uncovered above, the journey from raw industrial space to polished residential living can be a perilous and costly venture. In this follow-up, we dive deeper into the nitty-gritty details, with stories, trends, and tips to help you make the right decision—whether to convert, buy, or admire from afar.

Case Studies: Tales from the Conversion Trenches

Not every dream starts with a blank canvas—and for those who tried, the experiences have ranged from wildly successful to painfully regretful.

  • Success Story: A retired tech entrepreneur in the Arts District invested $2 million in a warehouse and another $1.5 million in renovations. The result? A stunning live-work space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop garden. But even for him, the process took four years and a nerve-wracking number of zoning appeals. He said that he would NOT do it again.
  • Cautionary Tale: A filmmaker with a $900,000 budget underestimated the cost of legal fees and city mandates. Two years in, he had burned through his savings and abandoned the project, opting instead for a pre-converted loft in Downtown L.A.

The $600,000 Breakdown: What It Really Takes

Wondering where all that money goes? Here’s a glimpse into the often-hidden expenses of converting an industrial building:

  1. Legal and Zoning Fees: $50,000+
    • Attorneys, zoning specialists, and permits to navigate the city’s red tape.
  2. City Approvals: $150,000+
    • Hearings, environmental impact studies, and architectural compliance.
  3. Construction and Safety Compliance: $400,000+
    • Upgrading old structures to meet modern safety and accessibility standards.
  4. Unexpected Costs: Priceless
    • Hidden issues like asbestos removal, utility upgrades, and delayed approvals can easily add six figures or more to your bill.

The Lifestyle Dream vs. Reality

Everyone loves the idea of a light-filled loft with industrial charm, but let’s not forget the “reality” part of the dream:

  • Dream: A unique, personalized space where creativity flows.
  • Reality: Years of navigating bureaucracy and construction headaches before you can even hang your first piece of art.

Fortunately, pre-converted lofts offer the same aesthetic appeal without the hassle. Many existing lofts still allow for customization, so you can get the best of both worlds.

Loft Buyer’s Checklist

Thinking of converting a loft space despite the challenges? Take this quick self-assessment first:

  1. Do you have a budget at least double the cost of the building?
  2. Are you prepared to wait at least three years to see the final results?
  3. Do you have reliable cash flow or income to cover costs during the process?
  4. Are you willing to deal with lawyers, planners, and city officials regularly?

If you answered “no” to any of these, it might be time to explore existing lofts instead.

Trends in Loft Living

Why are lofts so popular in Los Angeles? It’s not just the architecture—it’s the lifestyle.

  • Remote Work Revolution: High ceilings and open layouts are perfect for creating inspiring home offices.
  • Creative Professionals: Artists, designers, and entrepreneurs flock to lofts for their flexible spaces.
  • Walkable Neighborhoods: Areas like the Arts District and Historic Core offer urban convenience and cultural amenities.

Special Offer: Let Corey Chambers Help You Find Your Dream Loft

Skip the headaches and jump straight into your ideal living space. Corey Chambers, one of L.A.’s top real estate experts, offers:

  • A free consultation on finding the perfect loft.
  • A downloadable guide: â€œ10 Things to Know Before Converting an Industrial Building.”
  • Exclusive access to pre-converted lofts in L.A.’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Fun Facts About L.A. Lofts

  • A Storied Past: Many of Los Angeles’ iconic loft buildings were originally factories or warehouses from the early 1900s.
  • Pop Culture Stars: L.A. lofts have been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and music videos, embodying the ultimate urban aesthetic.
  • The Definition of Loft: Originally, “loft” referred to the upper floors of barns and warehouses used for storage—but today, it’s shorthand for cool, creative living.

Converting an industrial building into a loft may sound like the ultimate passion project, but for most, the path to urban bliss lies in embracing the charm of pre-converted spaces. Most serious prospective loft owners find it more practical to own a loft condo unit that has already been converted. With the right guidance, you can skip the struggle and start enjoying your lofty dreams today.

Call Corey Chambers at 888-240-2500 or visit Entar.com to find your perfect loft! Fill out the online form.

Copyright Š This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and photos created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.