Vacant Herald Examiner building in downtown L.A. to be converted to mixed use

The Herald Examiner building on South Broadway at 11th street in downtown Los Angeles was commissioned by publisher William Randolph Hearst in the early 1900s and designed by Julia Morgan, who later designed Hearst Castle. The vacant building will be turned into creative office space and mixed use.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Southern California home sales soar in June; prices climb 5.7%

The Southern California housing market, known for its dramatic swings, is settling into a more normal, healthy pattern.

Home sales are up. All-cash and investor purchases are down. And home prices are rising at a more sustainable pace than in the last few years.

Economists said those factors put the regional housing market on a path for growth that won't wash away in a tsunami of foreclosures and ruined credit scores.

“The healing continues,” said Stuart Gabriel, director of UCLA's Ziman Center for Real Estate.

Q&A Can security deposit be used to pay final month's rent?

Question:  I recently bought my first home, so I will be giving a termination notice to my landlord soon.  My security deposit is quite large, and it would help me financially if the landlord allowed me to use it for my final month's rent.  

What can the landlord do if I don't pay the final month's rent and instead tell him to use my deposit for last month's rent?

Answer:  Landlords are not obligated to use security deposit funds for the final month's rent, unless it is specifically stated in your written rental agreement that the deposit can be used for this purpose.

If your landlord does not agree to use your deposit for the final month's rent, he can serve a 3-Day Pay Rent or Quit Notice to you, which could escalate to a legal action, known as an unlawful detainer (eviction process in court).

For more information, contact a local fair housing or mediation program, or Project Sentinel at (888) 324-7468, or visit http://www.housing.org.

The Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles sold for $103 million

The trendy Ace Hotel that opened last year in a refurbished historic building in downtown Los Angeles has been purchased by a Maryland real estate investment trust for $103 million.

The Ace Hotel also has a rooftop bar that stands between a swimming pool and outdoor lounge area. Off the lobby is a restaurant, coffee bar and a mezzanine-level cocktail lounge.

Angels' Josh Hamilton lists Newport mansion for sale at $16.5 million

Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton has put his mansion-estate in Newport Coast on the market for $16.5 million.  The Provence-style residence, sited on the highest point in the Crystal Cove community, takes in wide views of the harbor, Santa Catalina Island and the surrounding coastline.  

Built in 2013, the 10,850-square-foot house has vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, stone finishes and an elevator servicing all three levels.

Here are 5 Trends in Smart Home Technology

1. Décor-Friendly Gadgets. Home automation technology can blend in better with your décor than traditional devices. TechCrunch highlights thermostats with good design that are aesthetically pleasing, and smart door locks that look sleek and modern.

2. Programmable or Zone-Based Thermostats. Have you ever heated your home for no one? Turn the heat on or down from anywhere with your smart phone or tablet with a programmable thermostat. Zone-based thermostats use motion sensors and heat only occupied rooms.

3. Wireless Power Controls. Home automation allows you to control myriad devices with the touch of your finger. This California man installed an automated sound system for music inside and outside his home, along with HVAC, lighting, security and pool/spa features that could all be controlled with his family's iPads, wall touchpanels or remote controls.

4. Automated Door Locks. If you’re carrying heavy grocery bags or a crying child, unlocking your door can be quite a feat. Smart locks take the guesswork out of using a key by automating your front door to unlock or even open as you approach.

5. Advanced Security Systems. Watch your kids get home safely from school, make sure they’re doing their homework and not watching TV, or simply set up and arm your security system and other alarms while you’re away with the touch of a button.

3 trends popping up in high-end kitchens

Here's what luxury homeowners are adding to their kitchens.

1.  Steam cooking

Steam ovens are becoming more popular in higher-end kitchens, said Adam Stickle, general manager of luxury home builder Primrose Homes in Pennsylvania. 

Some of the steam-cooking appliances have a compartment that can be can filled with water, but he said manufactures are starting to run water lines directly to the appliances.

2. Touch open cabinets

Forget cabinet hardware. 

Stickle said he's been installing cabinets in high-end kitchens that open automatically with just a touch. 

The minimalistic look has also led to a more integrated kitchen, according to Jason Maltas, president of luxury home builder Gordon Gibson Construction in California, with hidden storage spaces for everything. 

"Think of those things like ladles and spoons that would usually be on the counter top in a vase," he said. "Instead now, they are integrated in a drawer that pops up next to the range and there's a space cut into the drawer for every utensil."

3. Refrigerated drawers

No more cramming the fridge after a big grocery haul. Refrigerated drawers are being added throughout kitchens to add more chilled storage space. 

"They look just like a regular drawer in your kitchen that you pull out," said Robinson, adding that nearly every kitchen he built in the last year had this feature.