There are only a handful of homes for sale  in the Crest neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes.  Located at the top of the Palos Verdes Peninsula with easy access off and on the hill and just minutes from shopping, dining and entertainment this area is a popular choice with new Palos Verdes residents. Here's an update on Single Family Home activity for September 08: Active Listings:  10 properties are listed for sale priced from $850,000 (short sale) to $1,475,000. Pending Sales:  3 properties are in escrow priced from $799,000 t0 $1,329,000. September Sales:  2 properties closed escrow for $990,000 and $1,465,000. If you have questions about the Crest neighborhood, or would like tips on preparing your home for sale, you may email or call me and I'll provide the information.  I look forwa... 10/22/2008

It was an accident.  We were driving to a development in San Pedro that featured new homes but we lost our way and kept driving. Soon, we were driving along the most incredible coastline we had ever seen.  It was unspoiled with miles of scrub grass and amazing views of the coves.  We didn't know where we were!  Finally, we came to a small town that resembled a fishing village.  We decided to stop into the local real estate office to ask if we could afford any homes in the neighborhood.  Well, of course, we were told we could afford a home!  So, we piled into the agent's cadillac and took "the tour"....  30 Homes later, we found our dream home in Los Verdes!     My family swore they would never visit us because we were on the dark side of the moon, according to them.  But, before long, m... 10/20/2008

One of the best seats in town for watching the fantastic sunsets over the Pacific Ocean is right at the Subway restaurant in Golden Cove.  My husband and I like to order a sandwich and pull up a seat just when the sun starts to set.  Then for dessert, we grab a Starbuck's next door. It is much cheaper than most of the other restaurants right next door and possibly healthier too.  Try it some time.  You'll get hooked!  Especially, on these balmy nights when the weather is too nice to spend time indoors! We're supposed to eat like paupers at dinnertime anyway, aren't we? 10/20/2008

The real estate inventory is down in this delightful seaside Rancho Palos Verdes neighborhood of Los Verdes.  Perhaps it is all those stunning ocean views, or maybe it is the outstanding and high scoring elementary school in the neighborhood.  Vista Grande Elementary is usually near the top in districtwide educational test scores.  I'm not surprised as my daughter is one of the 4th grade teachers, and three of my very brilliant grands attend Vista Grande! Here's what happened in Los Verdes in September 08: Active Listings: 10 homes are currently for sale priced from $899,000 to $1,659,000. Pending Listings: 1 property is currently in escrow listed at $899,000. September Sales:  3 properties closed escrow priced from $999,000 to $1,299,900. If you would like to call Los Verdes home, call... 10/20/2008

The neighbors of Los Verdes who banded together to fight a zoning change for the Valero Gas Station property at the corner of Granvia Altamira and Hawthorne in Rancho Palos Verdes WON the battle at the RPV City Planning Commission last Tuesday night.  The proposal didn't even come up for discussion until midnight so we all had to hang around and fight off the need for sleep.  There were 33 speakers who presented their opinions for and against the zoning change from Residential 4 to Commercial Limited and the final vote wasn't tallied until 3:30 am.  It was like survival of the fittest to see who could manage to stay awake the longest!  But, finally, the City Planning Commission voted 6 to 1 to deny the application to change the zoning so we were thrilled to have a positive outcome after... 10/19/2008

While showing homes last week, I came across a really nice listing in the Country Club area that just came on the market.  It's one of those rare homes that have it all pulled together.  The yard is a tropical retreat with palm trees, black bottom pool and mature landscaping and has a really nice ocean view.  The house is a contemporary gem with lots of glass so you have an indoor/outdoor feel throughout the house.  There is a wonderful outside patio room where you can enjoy the splendid yard sheltered from the sun. I can just imagine spending my Sunday, lounging there while reading the paper and enjoying my morning coffee.  I have included the link from Realtor.com.  The listing belongs to Jan Jay Judah at RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty and it is listed for $1,499,000.   http://www.realtor... 10/19/2008

We all know the market is frightening right now. No one has all the answers.  But, there is a pent up demand for homes in my part of the country and buyers are ready to write offers.  The question is, what should they offer?  If the inventory of homes is low, as it is in Rancho Palos Verdes, should they bid high in order to have a chance to win in multiple offers?  Or, should they just cite the dreadful economy and ask for a 10% or more discount as protection for another downturn in the next few months?  Just studying the comps isn't really the answer because I have seen both scenarios work.  What are you doing in this market?  Low inventory, bad economy, uncertainty, fear.  What does it all add up to? 10/15/2008

If you watch "The Hills" which is actually filmed in the "flats", or any other slice-of-unnatural-life tv about Southern California, you would think our local world along the coast in L.A. is populated by shallow, back-biting, botoxed bimbos.  But, you would be wrong. Sure, I suppose you could find those types if you look hard enough.But most Angelinos are hard-working, paycheck-to-paycheck types.  Most of us, who live in the beach towns, never see movie stars or the inside of "The Ivy" where TMZ photographers hide in trees.  We're too busy living normal lives like the rest of the world. Except, we are surrounded by the most amazing scenery. Like tonight, for example.  Driving along the streets of Rancho Palos Verdes on my way to an appointment with a client, the sky looked like it was ... 10/15/2008

I'm a bit punchy after spending 8 hours at a city planning session, but I won! At 3:30 AM,  I won my argument that our town doesn't need another big box pharmacy!  The City Planners felt my testimony and others were compelling enough to give them a no vote against the commercialism that threatens to envelope our little town. There was an attempt by a property owner to upzone their property from R4 to commercial limited.  It took my group 5 months of concentrated effort but we convinced our planners that we didn't need another pharmacy in town.  I am quite sure the owners of the property will appeal the decision, but we have managed to get one step further in winning our argument.  This is why I love living in a town where my voice can be heard. We just have to care enough about how our ... 10/15/2008

There are currently 128 active listings for property for sale. Prices range from $619,000 for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home off Palos Verdes Drive East to $6,900,000 for 5 Bedrooms, 7 Bath home on Emerald View Drive. That is overlooking Trump National Golf course. Rancho Palos verdes boasts wonderful ocean views and excellent schools and very much nmore. 10/15/2008

The Trader Joes that had been proposed for the Golden Cove Shopping Center in Rancho Palos Verdes at the junction of Hawthorne Blvd. and Palos Verdes Drive West has been resubmitted for approval by the owner of the Shopping Center. The new Trader Joes had been proposed several weeks ago, but the application had been pulled by the developer when objections had been raised about the height of the proposed building which critics had claimed would block existing ocean views. The developer had withdrawn his application over cost concerns as well as the delays in the approval process. The developer has now resubmitted revised plans calling for a scaled down footprint and reduced height of the proposed structure, and is optimistic that the new plans will be approved. City officials have reacte... 10/15/2008

What is Staging?:Staging your home means presenting your home to potential buyers in the best possible light in order to make a lasting impression with them. It is all about creating a first impression of the home that will lead to a quick sale. Buyers tend to develop their opinion of a home immediately upon driving up to it and develop a lasting impression of a home within the first five seconds that they enter the house. Staging is meant to broaden the appeal of your home to the greatest number of potential buyers possible. Staging Steps:Declutter:  Buyers like homes with a bright and open feeling to them. Store all of your knick-knacks and most of your books, and get rid of any extraneous things that are lying around your home. Depersonalize: When a buyer tours your home, they need t... 10/14/2008

The La Cresta neighborhood in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA is located at the top of "The Hill" and is gifted with some stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.   September 2008 real estate statistics for La Cresta, Rancho Palos Verdes: Active Listings:  15 homes are currently listed for sale priced from $1,395,000 to $3,200,000. Pending Sales:  2 homes are currently in escrow priced at $1,495,000 and $2,400,000. Sold Sept. 08:  2 homes closed escrow priced at $1,850,000 and $2,025,000. Psst, here's a hot tip:  One of the homes currently for sale is bank owned and the price was recently reduced.  Call me at 310.493.8333 for more information! Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, house... 10/14/2008

The Country Club neighborhood in Rancho Palos Verdes encircles the Los Verdes Golf Course, so if that's your game this might be the neighborhood for you. Country Club real estate activity for September 2008: Active Listings:  13 properties are currently for sale priced from $1,199,000 to $3,475,000. Pending Sales:  There are no properties currently in escrow. September Sales:  3 properties closed escrow priced from $1,650,000 to $1,725,000.   To see any of the homes currently available in the Country Club neighborhood in Rancho Palos Verdes, simply give me a call and I'll make the arrangements.  Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates,... 10/14/2008

The west side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean and a variety of homes to enjoy the view from! Here's what happened in the Palos Verdes Drive West neighborhood during September 08: Active Listings:  16 Homes are currently for sale priced from $1,149,000 to $6,780,000. Pending Sales:  2 homes are in escrow listed at $1,149,000 and $2,288,000. September Sales:  3 properties closed escrow priced from $1,340,000 to $2,800,000.   If you would like to buy a seaside cottage or a seaside mansion Palos Verdes Dr. West might be the perfect place to start your search.  For more detailed information contact me via email or call 310.493.8333.   Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles ci... 10/13/2008

What a weekend!  I couldn't run fast enough to write offers for my clients!  In spite of an awful week in the financial markets, i had clients willing to bid on properties that were priced 10-20% under market.  All of the offers I wrote were either full price or very close to the asking price.  ALL of the properties sold for significantly higher than the asking price.  Is anyone else having this problem?  I suppose the lesson is that if a property is priced well below the market, the buyers need to jump and jump HIGH to get them.  Where is the bear real estate market?   10/13/2008

If there is one real estate market that is buzzing with activity in the Los Angeles area, it's the bank owned properties.  Compared to most neighborhoods, there are still aren't many available n the South Bay cities of Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates and Rolling Hills Estates.  So, when a property comes along that is priced 20% under market by the bank, people line up at the door to write offers.  Since the media has talked incessantly about how we are in a buyer's market, it takes a bit of an education to understand that the trade off for getting a great buy from a bank is the lack of control about all other aspects of the transaction.  Here's how it probably will go: 1.  The bank will require the buyer to be pre-approved by someone affiliated wi... 10/11/2008

  AS A 31 YEAR RESIDENT OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, HERE ARE SOME LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT THE PENINSULA FOR NEWCOMERS:   The pedestrian crossing buttons are raised up to horse-rider height in Rolling Hills Estates.  One of the best free outdoor concerts around is located at the Malaga Cove Library on Tuesday evenings during the summer. Pack your blanket and a picnic dinner to enjoy on the grassy area near the fountain. But, if you don't put your blanket down at 3 pm, chances are there won't be any spaces left.   You can reserve library books by telephone or online. You can drop off library books at any branch including Malaga Cove, Peninsula Center or Miraleste. The library has free online language courses.   Malaga Cove Library has a basket of magazines you can take for free. Once a month... 10/11/2008

On October 1, 2008, the State Appeals Court reversed a lower court decision and decided that the Land Slide building moratorium ordinance of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for the Portuguese Bend area constituted an unconstitutional "taking" of property, and that the City should issue building permits to property owners wishing to build homes in the area. Portuguese Bend Landslide area, with Livingston Quarry at Ladera Linda in upper center "A permanent ban on home construction cannot be based merely on a fear of personal injury or significant property damage," the jurist concluded, and ordered the case remanded for further proceedings to determine an appropriate remedy. On October 8th, the City Council decided to appeal this decision to the State Supreme Court. For more information ab... 10/10/2008

Palos Verdes Drive South offers some incredible views, and the Palos Verdes Dr. South neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes offers a variety of homes with breathtaking views. Here's the September 08 real estate market report for Palos Verdes Dr. South: Active Listings:  16 homes are currently on the market priced from $999,900 to $6,900,000. Pending Sales: 2 homes are currently in escrow priced at $1,639,000 and $1,650,000. September Sales:  2 properties closed escrow priced at $850,000 and $977,000. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 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... 10/08/2008