"Chi! Chi! Chi! le! le! le! Los Mineros de Chile!"
Friday, October 15, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
SEPTEMBER 2010 SALES STATS FOR THE BEACH CITIES
MANHATTAN BEACH
There were 38 closed sales in Manhattan Beach, ranging in price from $570,000 for a condominium at 640 Manhattan Beach Boulevard to $3,270,000 for 644 17th Street, a 5 bedroom, 6 bath home built in 2003. In addition closed sales, there were a total of 27 properties that went into back up or pending status in escrow during the month of September.
HERMOSA BEACH
There were 12 closed sales in Hermosa Beach (the smallest of the beach cities) ranging in price from $369,000 for a condominium at 1707 Pacific Coast Highway (The AppleTree) to $2,500,000 for 242 33rd Street, a 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom home built in 2005. In addition to closed sales, there were a total of 13 properties that went into back up or pending status in escrow during the month of September.
REDONDO BEACH
There were 52 closed sales in Redondo Beach (the largest of the beach cities)ranging in price from $295,000 for a condominium at 1400 South Catalina to $2,000,000 for 1600 The Esplanade, a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhome built in 2000. In addition to closed sales, there were a total of 62 properties that went into back up or pending status during the month of September.
So, though prices continue fluxuate and have not yet stabilized, there is no question that property IS selling in our beach cities. Higher end continues to be a bit of a challenge due to the continued restraint being exercised by lending institutions. However, I am aware of several all cash transactions for multimillion dollar properties. Many entry level home buyers and first time beach property home owners are taking advantage of the recent reductions in home prices and making their dreams of owning a home at the beach come true.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
IS A PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE REALLY A GOOD IDEA?
How often do you find yourself thinking, today I am going to open wide our front door and welcome in any stranger off the street? Better yet, I am going to advertise in the paper, and on the internet to see how many strangers I can draw into my home. They can casually walk through my entire home and make themselves privy to the most personal part of my world ...
Having been in the real estate business for quite a few years, personally, I will rarely conduct a public open house. I actually discourage my clients from allowing these for many reasons, typically safety and privacy issues. Many Realtors use a public open house to meet new people and pick up new clients. Others are hopeful for an opportunity to "double pop" the sale, meaning that they will pick up the buyer for the property and earn additional commission. For me, though those opportunities would be nice, I choose safety (for myself and for my clients). Additionally, for me open houses are a very passive way of conducting business; waiting for someone to come to me rather than being out mixing and mingling.
BUT, should a client want public open house, I will absolutely accommodate with several suggestions. I let them know that they can expect their neighbors to come through along with people looking for interior design ideas. The recommendations are made to take down all personal photography, lock up all valuables and put away any prescription medications. For me as the Realtor alone in the home, I let someone know that I am there, and I keep a sign in log though if someone were there for the wrong reasons, they would not include their true name and contact information. I ask several qualifying questions and if I'm not comfortable with the answers, I ask a few more (and then will often make a call to have someone on the other end of my phone). I carry my cell phone with me everywhere and pay very close attention to the people coming into the home. I am grateful to say that to date there have been no issues of any kind on open houses that I have conducted, but do know that there can be.
The article below taken from Manhattan Beach Patch on September 9th (my birthday by the way), shares very specific reasons as to why these public open houses are not a great idea.
MANHATTAN BEACH PATCH Article:
On Aug. 30, a woman reported items missing from her home, including her husband's watch, her camera and a box with her mother's cremated remains. The items were reportedly stolen from the master bedroom during an open house showing of the woman's home on the 400 block of 29th Street.
The woman told police that she and her family did not attend the open house on Aug. 7, but that they currently live there. On Aug. 8, she noticed the items missing.
Police contacted the real estate agent who oversaw the open house. The agent told police that the only suspicious behavior he recalled was two people who had walked in and out of the home "fairly quickly." One of the two people, a woman, spent most of her time in the middle level of the home, where the master bedroom is located, the agent told police.
How often do you find yourself thinking, today I am going to open wide our front door and welcome in any stranger off the street? Better yet, I am going to advertise in the paper, and on the internet to see how many strangers I can draw into my home. They can casually walk through my entire home and make themselves privy to the most personal part of my world ...
Having been in the real estate business for quite a few years, personally, I will rarely conduct a public open house. I actually discourage my clients from allowing these for many reasons, typically safety and privacy issues. Many Realtors use a public open house to meet new people and pick up new clients. Others are hopeful for an opportunity to "double pop" the sale, meaning that they will pick up the buyer for the property and earn additional commission. For me, though those opportunities would be nice, I choose safety (for myself and for my clients). Additionally, for me open houses are a very passive way of conducting business; waiting for someone to come to me rather than being out mixing and mingling.
BUT, should a client want public open house, I will absolutely accommodate with several suggestions. I let them know that they can expect their neighbors to come through along with people looking for interior design ideas. The recommendations are made to take down all personal photography, lock up all valuables and put away any prescription medications. For me as the Realtor alone in the home, I let someone know that I am there, and I keep a sign in log though if someone were there for the wrong reasons, they would not include their true name and contact information. I ask several qualifying questions and if I'm not comfortable with the answers, I ask a few more (and then will often make a call to have someone on the other end of my phone). I carry my cell phone with me everywhere and pay very close attention to the people coming into the home. I am grateful to say that to date there have been no issues of any kind on open houses that I have conducted, but do know that there can be.
The article below taken from Manhattan Beach Patch on September 9th (my birthday by the way), shares very specific reasons as to why these public open houses are not a great idea.
MANHATTAN BEACH PATCH Article:
On Aug. 30, a woman reported items missing from her home, including her husband's watch, her camera and a box with her mother's cremated remains. The items were reportedly stolen from the master bedroom during an open house showing of the woman's home on the 400 block of 29th Street.
The woman told police that she and her family did not attend the open house on Aug. 7, but that they currently live there. On Aug. 8, she noticed the items missing.
Police contacted the real estate agent who oversaw the open house. The agent told police that the only suspicious behavior he recalled was two people who had walked in and out of the home "fairly quickly." One of the two people, a woman, spent most of her time in the middle level of the home, where the master bedroom is located, the agent told police.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
133 6th Street, Manhattan Beach ~ $3,500,000
133 6th Street in Manhattan Beach has recently enjoyed a $250,000 price reduction, making it the least expensive single family home on a 100 block in Manhattan Beach. I MAY be just a little bit bias about 6th Street having grown up on this block and then raising my two daughters there. But in my humble opinion, this is one of THE best blocks in all of Manhattan Beach, and a great home. Home was custom built by current owner and completed in 1992. Main house offers four bedrooms three full baths and two powder rooms. In addition, there is a two bedroom, two and a half guest house that could be incorporated into main house. This home boasts spectacular north and south west facing ocean views along with white water, sand and volleyball! Location south of town is far enough that there is only light visitor traffic (if any) but close enough that it is a leisurely walk to downtown restaurants and shopping. Morning walk to Robinson Elementary School takes about one cup of coffee.
Take a look at my website for additional information.
133 6th Street in Manhattan Beach has recently enjoyed a $250,000 price reduction, making it the least expensive single family home on a 100 block in Manhattan Beach. I MAY be just a little bit bias about 6th Street having grown up on this block and then raising my two daughters there. But in my humble opinion, this is one of THE best blocks in all of Manhattan Beach, and a great home. Home was custom built by current owner and completed in 1992. Main house offers four bedrooms three full baths and two powder rooms. In addition, there is a two bedroom, two and a half guest house that could be incorporated into main house. This home boasts spectacular north and south west facing ocean views along with white water, sand and volleyball! Location south of town is far enough that there is only light visitor traffic (if any) but close enough that it is a leisurely walk to downtown restaurants and shopping. Morning walk to Robinson Elementary School takes about one cup of coffee.
Take a look at my website for additional information.
Friday, August 27, 2010
GOT ME THINKING ...
This morning I turned on CNN to reports about it being five years since hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf. The topic was primarily the fact that there is still SO much rebuilding to be done. Townships only returning to two thirds their original populations and surviving without shopping, goverment buildings yet doing their best to rebuild with what resources they have ... Commercial ... Next story, the United States has just given Pakistan $50 million dollars! I absolutely stand by helping others, but when there are children and families here in our country who are in desperate need of those resources, why would we not share those American dollars here?
This morning I turned on CNN to reports about it being five years since hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf. The topic was primarily the fact that there is still SO much rebuilding to be done. Townships only returning to two thirds their original populations and surviving without shopping, goverment buildings yet doing their best to rebuild with what resources they have ... Commercial ... Next story, the United States has just given Pakistan $50 million dollars! I absolutely stand by helping others, but when there are children and families here in our country who are in desperate need of those resources, why would we not share those American dollars here?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
NEW LISTING
I will have a new listing coming out second week in September. The property will be in north Manhattan Beach for under $1,000,000. The Seller shared that she had chosen me because of my business name, Beach Girl Realty, Inc. She said that she'd thought, I'd like to work with her. And I, am privileged and looking forward to working with her!!
I will have a new listing coming out second week in September. The property will be in north Manhattan Beach for under $1,000,000. The Seller shared that she had chosen me because of my business name, Beach Girl Realty, Inc. She said that she'd thought, I'd like to work with her. And I, am privileged and looking forward to working with her!!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
MANHATTAN OPEN 2010
I have got to say, all this controversy about the Manhattan Open going old school has gotten me thinking. The idea that there are pros out there who apparently chose to boycott this event is so disappointing to me. With the failing of the AVP so close to event date, the only alternative would have been canceling the event all together. Makes sense to this beach girl to have gone old school. Perhaps these althletes should take a moment or two and reflect upon how beach volleyball came to be what it is today. If not for the old school Manhattan Open and the tremendous athletes that grew up participating in this event, who knows what volleyball would be today.
Having grown up here in Manhattan Beach, I can remember like yesterday the Manhattan Open weekend. Early Saturday morning, I would grab a towel and a bottle of Coppertone and be out the door. My mother would not see me until the sun went down. I did the same thing on Sunday. We had to leave early to get the best seats. The first time I saw grandstands up, I could not believe my eyes! What in the world?
Bigger is not always better. More is not always better. Sometimes, a gentle reminder that simpler things, make for simpler lives can be useful. In recent years society has become so wrapped up in more, more, more ... this is an opportunity to take a step back, relax and enjoy --- embrace it!
Where is my towel?...
Photo Credit: Duke Noor
I have got to say, all this controversy about the Manhattan Open going old school has gotten me thinking. The idea that there are pros out there who apparently chose to boycott this event is so disappointing to me. With the failing of the AVP so close to event date, the only alternative would have been canceling the event all together. Makes sense to this beach girl to have gone old school. Perhaps these althletes should take a moment or two and reflect upon how beach volleyball came to be what it is today. If not for the old school Manhattan Open and the tremendous athletes that grew up participating in this event, who knows what volleyball would be today.
Having grown up here in Manhattan Beach, I can remember like yesterday the Manhattan Open weekend. Early Saturday morning, I would grab a towel and a bottle of Coppertone and be out the door. My mother would not see me until the sun went down. I did the same thing on Sunday. We had to leave early to get the best seats. The first time I saw grandstands up, I could not believe my eyes! What in the world?
Bigger is not always better. More is not always better. Sometimes, a gentle reminder that simpler things, make for simpler lives can be useful. In recent years society has become so wrapped up in more, more, more ... this is an opportunity to take a step back, relax and enjoy --- embrace it!
Where is my towel?...
Photo Credit: Duke Noor
Sunday, March 28, 2010
HOMEBUYERS' TAX CREDIT HAS BEEN BRIEFLY EXTENDED
More good news Friday when it was announced that California's Governor had signed a bill hoping to assist in the sale of vacant homes in his state while generating some new construction. Proposed bill will extend a first time homebuyers state tax credit up to $10,000. These prospective homeowners MUST PURCHASE HOME BY MAY 1, 2010, and can claim up to 5% of the purchase price against California taxes, not to exceed $10,000.
In looking at the price point of many homes selling in the south bay, and in discussion with several of my persoal clients, I do personally believe that this incentive is absolutely assisting in moving homes off the market. If you are on the fence, now could be the time for you, but prior to making any decision, be sure to discuss with your tax accountant and a professional Realtor.
More good news Friday when it was announced that California's Governor had signed a bill hoping to assist in the sale of vacant homes in his state while generating some new construction. Proposed bill will extend a first time homebuyers state tax credit up to $10,000. These prospective homeowners MUST PURCHASE HOME BY MAY 1, 2010, and can claim up to 5% of the purchase price against California taxes, not to exceed $10,000.
In looking at the price point of many homes selling in the south bay, and in discussion with several of my persoal clients, I do personally believe that this incentive is absolutely assisting in moving homes off the market. If you are on the fence, now could be the time for you, but prior to making any decision, be sure to discuss with your tax accountant and a professional Realtor.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
ROBINSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE COMEDY AND MAGIC CLUB, HERMOSA BEACH
Wednesday, March 24th ~
6:30 Doors Open
6:30-8:00pm Dinner, optional
8:00-9:30pm Comedy Show
You can support Robinson Elementary School and have a laugh all at the same time! Join the fun at the Hermosa Beach Comedy and Magic Club. Tickets are only $15.00, and 100% of the proceeds support Robinson Elementary School.
Tickets must be purchased in advance online at: http://www.comedyandmagicclub.com
Use the Calendar page to purchase March 24th tickets. Use Promotion Code: ROB
$2.00 web processing fee per ticket and a 2 beverage minimum per person.
Come share a laugh with friends while supporting your school!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOME BUYERS PAYING ABOUT 10% MORE THIS YEAR TO LAST.
Median home price rose 10% in the month of February compared to February 2009. This coupled with information shared by Leslie Appleton Young, Chief Economist for the California Association of Realtors, would indicate that if you are on the fence about buying, you may want to seriously consider doing something in the next few months. Even if prices dip a bit, interest rates will definately be increasing. Why spend money you don't need to?
Median home price rose 10% in the month of February compared to February 2009. This coupled with information shared by Leslie Appleton Young, Chief Economist for the California Association of Realtors, would indicate that if you are on the fence about buying, you may want to seriously consider doing something in the next few months. Even if prices dip a bit, interest rates will definately be increasing. Why spend money you don't need to?
Friday, March 19, 2010
SAND DUNE PARK IN MANHATTAN BEACH
If you are looking for something to do this weekend, have any interest in Sand Dune Park and are the rallying kind ...
A grass roots group calling themselves Citizens for Outdoor Recreation and Exercise (CORE) have organized a "Happy Rally" to celebrate 40 years of physical activity at Sand Dune Park. Scheduled to begin at 2:00pm on Sunday, the group will meet at 26th Street and The Strand in Manhattan Beach and gather peacefully and with the intention of fun. It is said that there is a possibility that once the group has assembled they might "March to The Dune" as a symbol of action.
I for one will not be in attendance, as just THOUGHT of walking the sand dune causes me to break out in a pretty bad sweat!
If you are interested in information on what is happening with Sand Dune Park on a city level, the Manhattan Beach City Council will be conducting a workshop on the park at the Joscelyn Community Center at 1601 Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach on Tuesday, April 13th. Workshop is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm.
If you are looking for something to do this weekend, have any interest in Sand Dune Park and are the rallying kind ...
A grass roots group calling themselves Citizens for Outdoor Recreation and Exercise (CORE) have organized a "Happy Rally" to celebrate 40 years of physical activity at Sand Dune Park. Scheduled to begin at 2:00pm on Sunday, the group will meet at 26th Street and The Strand in Manhattan Beach and gather peacefully and with the intention of fun. It is said that there is a possibility that once the group has assembled they might "March to The Dune" as a symbol of action.
I for one will not be in attendance, as just THOUGHT of walking the sand dune causes me to break out in a pretty bad sweat!
If you are interested in information on what is happening with Sand Dune Park on a city level, the Manhattan Beach City Council will be conducting a workshop on the park at the Joscelyn Community Center at 1601 Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach on Tuesday, April 13th. Workshop is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Great article in March 8, 2010 LA Business Journal regarding local real estate. You will need to cut and paste this link as I continue to figure out this blog stuff....
http://webmail.aol.com/30746-111/aol-1/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=1.28104063&folder=NewMail&partId=9&saveAs=LABJ_Article.pdf
http://webmail.aol.com/30746-111/aol-1/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=1.28104063&folder=NewMail&partId=9&saveAs=LABJ_Article.pdf
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Welcome to my very first attempt at blogging. I think it was a week or two ago I heard that blogging was not as hot as it once was. So much for being ahead of the game. Regardless, I thought I would take a stab at it and see if what I have to share is useful to others. I am still getting my barrings, so please bare with me.
This site is meant to be an honest and open forum. The primary purpose will be to discuss beach cities real estate, but I am sure it will not limit itself to just that. I welcome all questions and comments, but must request that all be kind hearted. I will attempt to check blog daily and update as often as time permits. I will do my best to keep information timely and accurate, but please remember, I am simply human as are you and have no doubt that there may be inaccuracies along the way.
I look forward to knowing how this adventure unfolds....
This site is meant to be an honest and open forum. The primary purpose will be to discuss beach cities real estate, but I am sure it will not limit itself to just that. I welcome all questions and comments, but must request that all be kind hearted. I will attempt to check blog daily and update as often as time permits. I will do my best to keep information timely and accurate, but please remember, I am simply human as are you and have no doubt that there may be inaccuracies along the way.
I look forward to knowing how this adventure unfolds....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
