Palos Verdes Coastal Homes 310-493-8333: 2010

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Your Home Is Staged Whether You Know It or Not

Forget about fifteen minutes of fame. The average home showing takes less than ten minutes. If your home captures the heart and soul of the prospective buyers they may stay longer. If not, they are gone in under five minutes. Yes, your house is staged whether you know it or not.

The image of your home is frozen in time in the buyer's mind. Images of the style, the condition, the smell, the amenities and the ambiance are locked away for future consideration or rejection. These components make up the overall "staging" of your property at the time of each showing.

When you grant permission to show your home you are issuing tickets to a show. Consider it your personal Broadway production. Just as a theatre patron expects to be entertained and have an unforgettable experience, the prospective buyer wants to be "moved" by a house they hope to call home. Your job is to set the stage, engage their senses and make the value of your home visible on every level.

Are you ready for your close up? Whether you pay for professional staging or not, your home is the stage and the prospective buyers are the players. You get one showing to make them want more. Give it your best shot the first time.

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players...Shakespeare

For advice on how to make every showing unforgettable contact Norma Toering & Team.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Homes In Palos Verdes - Palos Verdes Agent Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Property Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes - Beach Cities Homes

Needles River Front Land

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Palos Verdes Home Sales 2010

Palos Verdes Home sales in 2010 ranged from a high of $5,500,000 (Rolling Hills sale) to a low of $450,000 (Eastview area in Rancho Palos Verdes). The Palos Verdes Peninsula offers a wide selection of homes in various styles and price ranges.

Here is the breakdown for sold inventory of Palos Verdes homes for 2010:

Sales over $5,000,000: 2 Single Family Home Sales

Sale price from $2,000,000 to $4,999,999: 68 Single Family Home Sales

Sales from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000: 256 Single Family Sales

Sales under $1,000,000: 190 Single Family Home Sales

Total Single Family Palos Verdes Home Sales YTD: 506 homes sold on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Sales are up and inventory is low in Palos Verdes. For a Free e-market analysis of your property contact Norma Toering & Team. Find out the value of your property as the sun sets on the first decade of the 21st Century.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Needles River Front Land

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Selling Your Palos Verdes Peninsula Home --Three Phases

The move from one residence to another does not happen overnight; it takes planning, preparation and time to execute the three phases of selling one home and purchasing a replacement property.

Phase One: Once the decision to sell is made it is time for the pre-sale planning and property preparation to begin. This is the time to engage the services of a real estate professional. An agent can provide you with recent sales and current listings in your neighborhood. It is important to know the neighborhood real estate comps for precision pricing of your property. If your price is too high it will languish on the market for months. On the other hand, you deserve to receive the highest value the current market will support. An agent will review recent market activity with you and based on the condition and location of your home will offer a suggested list price.

The agent will also offer suggestions on improvements to increase the appeal and value of your property. Fresh paint and new carpet are transformational changes. Clean windows are a more subtle improvement but will add additional light and sparkle to every room. A room by room approach will create a pre-sale "To Do" list that will not only please prospective buyers but maximize the desirability and value of your home.

Phase Two: Marketing your home begins the moment it is listed on the MLS and your agent sends it viral on the Internet. It takes new techie knowledge and old school tired and true methods to sell a house in today's slower market. A savvy agent will employ a variety of marketing tools to ensure all prospective buyers are reached one way or another.

Phase Two requires excellent communication and negotiations skills. Follow up and follow through will increase the likelihood your property will sell faster and at a higher price.

Phase Three: Once an offer is accepted it is time to open escrow and begin the inspections and complete all disclosures and a plethora of California Association of Realtors requirements. From rooftop to basement your home will be poked and prodded with each discovery being documented.

The escrow period is typically 30 to 60 days but may vary from sale to sale depending upon circumstances of the parties involved in the sale and purchase. As the sale nears completion the seller must finalize moving arrangements. If another home is being purchased the closings must be fine tuned to coincide and often requires some amazing juggling on behalf of agents, seller and buyer.

When selecting an agent to guide you through the process of selling make sure it is a professional you trust and is responsive to your requests and questions. It takes several months to move from the idea of moving to the completion of the sale. I like to tell my clients, "I am your new best friend for the next few months, and I'll do my best to make sure we enjoy our time together."

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Homes In Palos Verdes - Palos Verdes Realtor Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos

Needles CA River Front Land

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

High-end Home Expectations on the Palos Verdes Hill

I previewed four Palos Verdes Peninsula luxury homes yesterday. The price of the homes ranged from $2,400,000 to $3,800,000 and I noticed several common threads connecting the amenities offered in the luxury properties:

1) Outdoor Living Areas - Complete with pools, spas, cabanas, seating area focused around fireplace or fire-pit and a high quality outdoor kitchen. This is Southern California and outdoor living is a year-round possibility.

2) Oversize Gourmet Kitchen - With top of the line energy efficient appliances, walk-in pantry, large center island, causal dining area and seating for guests who enjoy congregating in the kitchen to watch (or help) the cook prepare the food.

3) Oversize Master Bedroom and Bath Suites - The trend is to create a spa experience at home with a luxurious retreat where the homeowner can go to retreat, refresh and rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Think multihead showers, whirlpool tub and towel warming racks. A meditation room, a library or a sitting room with a view and a very luxurious bed complete the high quality luxury hotel feel to these at home bedrooms.

4) In Home Office Headquarters - A place for the homeowners to manage the household and their busy lives now dependent upon the Internet and wireless communication. A command central of sorts for living life in the 21st century.

5) High Tech at Home - Superior surround sound theatre and music throughout the home is expected as the home theatre experience rivals that of the local movie complex. Other home techie trends are sensored faucets, room darkening shades that open and close with the touch of a button (for movie watching or sleeping in) and fail-safe security systems.

Luxury home buyers on the Palos Verdes Hill expect their homes to keep pace with their changing needs and improve their quality of life.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Colorado River Front Property

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

So you want to live in Palos Verdes?

Reasons People Want to Live in Palos Verdes:

1) Few places on earth are more beautiful.

2) The Palos Verdes Unified School District is one of the top public school systems in California.

3) It is located in Los Angeles County, and is close to all the urban conveniences, but is a coastal retreat far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

4) The climate provides many days of sunshine, a few of rain, but snow is a rare occurrence.

5) The coastal location provides easy access to beaches. The Palm Springs desert towns are an easy 2.5 hour drive and ditto for the mountain ski destinations.

6) Housing choices run the gamut from condos to grand estate homes. There are beachy cottages, rambling equestrian estates and hillside villas. Prices range from condos under $200,000 to multi-million dollar mansions. No matter what your budget there is a Palos Verdes home for you. The views are enjoyed by all.

If you're considering a move to one of the four Palos Verdes Peninsula Cities, it would be my pleasure to arrange a tour of the area.

If you're looking for a resort like area to call home, the Palos Verdes Peninsula is calling your name.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Colorado River Front Property - Beach Cities Blog

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Palos Verdes Luxury Homes - What is selling in 2010?

Breakdown of luxury 2010 sales by Palos Verdes Peninsula cities:

Palos Verdes Estates: Seven homes priced over $3,00,0000 closed escrow to date. The most expensive home sold for $5,000,000.

Rolling Hills: Two homes priced over $3,000,000 closed escrow to date. The most expensive home sold for $5,500,000.

Rolling Hills Estates: No homes priced over $3,000,000 sold to date.

Rancho Palos Verdes: Five homes priced over $3,000,000 closed escrow to date. The most expensive home sold for $4,500,000.

14 Homes priced over $3,000,000 sold on the Palos Verdes Peninsula to date in 2010. If you're searching for a luxury home now is a great time to explore the possibility of living in Palos Verdes. There are 45 single family homes priced over $3,000,000 currently for sale.

Whether your style is a rambling ranch, sleek modern or Mediterranean there is a home and view waiting for you in Palos Verdes.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Colorado River Front Property

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Palos Verdes Drive West - Home Sales Aug 2010

Hallway Palos Verdes Drive West neighborhood real estate and home sales report for the Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in August 2010.

Active listings: 12 Homes are for sale in the PVDW area priced from $1,279,500 to $7,900,000.

Pending sales: 6 Houses are in escrow priced from $888,808 to $2,999,900.

August sales: No homes closed escrow during August 2010.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Colorado River Front Property

Friday, September 17, 2010

Palos Verdes Drive South - Aug 2010 Home Sales Report

OceanFront in RPV Palos Verdes Drive South neighborhood real estate and home sales report for the Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in August 2010.

Active listings: 19 Homes are listed for sale priced from $896,000 to $12,000,000.

Pending sales: 8 Homes are in escrow in the PVDS area priced from $798,000 to $4,999,999.

August sales: 3 Homes sold in August 2010:

Vigilance Dr $999,000
Nuvola Ct $2,070,000
Sea Cove Dr $3,440,000

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Needles Land for Sale on the Colorado River

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Smart Buys in Palos Verdes

You do not have to give up your dream house; you may simply need to adjust the dream. This week's smart buy on the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers all this and more:

1) Coastal View

2) Private Setting

3) Pool

4) Gorgeous Grounds

5) Gated Estate

6) Income

7) Easy Freeway Access

8) Timeless Design

Offered at $2,500,000 this Mediterranean beauty offers a pool house, a second single family house on the property, lush landscaping, several patios and balconies overlooking views of the Pacific Ocean. It is Norma Toering and Team's choice for this week's Smart Buy in Palos Verdes. Call to arrange your private tour.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Selling Palos Verdes Homes - Palos Verdes Agent Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos

Land for Sale on the Colorado River

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

2017 Suana Dr - Mid-Century Modern in Palos Verdes, CA

Join me at my open house August 28 & 29, 2010 at 2017 Suana Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes. The property will be open each day from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

It is a brand new listing and this is the first open house; don't miss seeing this Mid-Century Modern with a view extending from San Pedro to Long Beach and beyond.

The home has three bedrooms, two baths and a view from nearly every room! 2017 Suana Drive

List Price: $849,000

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Needles River Front Land for Sale

Friday, August 13, 2010

Palos Verdes Buyer's Question: Where Can I Take My Kids to the Beach?

Yesterday a prospective buyer asked, "Do you have sandy beaches in this area?" It was a fair question since we were looking at properties in Palos Verdes, an area famous for its breathtaking beauty and majestic cliffs towering above the blue Pacific, but not noted for sand filled beaches.

My resounding reply was, "Of course we do!" The Beach Cities offers some of the best beaches in Southern California. Torrance Beach is a local favorite and RAT Beach is a delightful beach at the end of Torrance Beach with access from Malaga Cove.

It's summer and beach questions are to be expected. Check out these photos of beach destinations in the South Bay.

There are bike paths too!

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Listing a Palos Verdes Home - Sell My Oceanfront Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Palos Verdes and Beach Cities Luxury Coastal Estates - Over $5 Million

I decided to take a mid-year pulse on the high-end luxury home market in Palos Verdes and the Beach Cities of Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. The Strand in Hermosa Beach CA

Beach Cities:
Manhattan Beach has 7 homes currently for sale priced over $5,000,000. Hermosa Beach has 14 properties for sale above the $5,000,000 mark. Redondo Beach has only 1 property in the $5,000,000 and up price range.

Palos Verdes:
Palos Verdes Estates has 6 properties listed for more than $5,000,000. Rolling Hills has 5 homes listed in the $5M and up price range. Rancho Palos Verdes contributes 8 homes to the $5M and up price category.

2010 Sales in the $5,000,000 and up price range are as follows: Manhattan Beach: 5 Sales ranging in price from $5,250,000 to $7,500,000. Hermosa Beach: 2 Sales ranging from $5,175,000 to $5,800,000. Rolling Hills: 1 Sale at $5,500,000.

Contact Norma Toering and Team for more information on luxury living on the Palos Verdes Peninsula or the Beach Cities.

Home with a Pool

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Palos Verdes Homes Blog - Rancho Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos

Seller Tip: How To Know When and How Much To Reduce Your Price

I requested a price reduction on a listing last week. The seller wants to know how much she should reduce the price to still be enough to generate an offer but not take unnecessary cash from her pile on the closing table. She also wants to know how I know it is time for a price reduction. Fair questions and very typical ones for every seller contemplating a price reduction.

My first response was to remind her she chose to list it at the highest dollar of the suggested listing price range I provided based upon recent sales in her neighborhood. True, her property boasts a long list of improvements and shows like a near model home, but improvements rarely return dollar for dollar. Next, we discussed the number of showings and the fact we have passed the first thirty days without so much as a nibble. Lots of compliments and kudos for terrific upgrades, but no offers.

I do not have a set formula for price reductions. I do keep a close eye on market activity in the area and monitor showings for feedback. My initial goal is neither to overprice or under-price a listing; the goal is to price it at market value. We are close but not quite on the money. Sometimes a small adjustment will move a property into the "sell zone" before staleness sets in and lowball offers emerge.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Palos Verdes Homes Listed and Sold - First Half of 2010 - All PV

PV Map

Neighborhood	Available	In Escrow	Sold 1-6/2010
All of Palos Verdes	264	102	261
Lunada Bay	41	5	30
Monte Malaga	23	6	16
Malaga Cove	13	7	12
Valmonte	13	8	25
Palos Verdes Dr. North	26	13	26
Rolling Hills	16	2	11
Palos Verdes Dr. East	13	9	20
Mira Catalina	5	4	8
Palos Verdes Dr. South	22	5	7
Palos Verdes Dr. West	20	1	7
Country Club	16	5	8
La Cresta	10	4	16
Los Verdes	9	11	13
Crest	8	2	11
Peninsula Center	12	2	8
Silver Spur	7	8	17
Eastview	9	10	26

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Oceanfront Community: Luxury Living in Rancho Palos Verdes

PV Sunset Oceanfront is a high-end subdivision in Rancho Palos Verdes consisting of 79 single-family homes. The site is located at the intersection of PV Drive West and Hawthorne Blvd. Construction began in 1998. The 132-acre site enjoys phenomenal ocean views. Over 70-acres were dedicated to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes as open space including at least 30 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat. Pedestrian walkways, bicycle trails and public parking are available.

Multi-million dollar homes line Via Del Cielo, Paseo De La Luz and other streets in the development. Most of the homes are two levels and many have a pool, view and other luxury amenities one expects at this price point.

There are currently eight homes for sale in Oceanfront. The least expensive home is listed for $3,199,900. The most expensive is listed for $7,900,000.

The developer, Capital Pacific Holdings, Inc., sold a section of the development to another developer and Calle Viento and Pacifica Del Mar contribute a lovely addition of smaller homes (mostly single level) with a price range a bit lower than the rest of Oceanfront.

If you are in the market for a high-end coastal home in Rancho Palos Verdes Oceanfront is an excellent place to begin your search. The location offers shopping and restaurants in the nearby Golden Cove Shopping Center. Trader Joes recently opened a new store in the center and the patio at Starbuck's offers panoramic views.

Homeowners at Oceanfront can watch whales and dolphin frolic offshore. A lighthouse is part of the local landscape and the world-class resort, Terranea, is five minutes away. If you are looking for location, luxury and coastal living Oceanfront is a lovely place to call home.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Palos Verdes Coastline - Photo

Sometimes the view is too beautiful for words! I snapped this photo on a picture-perfect Southern California day. The Palos Verdes Peninsula is famous for its bluffs and abundant ocean view properties, and of course the weather is one of the best selling features of the area.

A photo does make words unnecessary, and I hope it makes you want to experience the Palos Verdes lifestyle and enjoy all the amenities the area has to offer.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma