The Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood of Mira Catalina was relatively quiet during September from a real estate viewpoint.   Active Listings:  13 homes are currently for sale priced from $995,000 to $3,399,000. Pending Sales:  1 property is currently in escrow listed for $1,295,000. September 08 Sales:The MLS shows no homes were sold during September.   There are some fabulous view homes on the market in the Mira Catalina area.  Check out this view from a home currently listed in the area.   If you would like to know what your Mira Catalina home is worth in today's market I will provide a FREE market analysis for you.  Make the call and find out what your home is worth, and what you can do to make it worth even more!  310.493.8333 Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty (310) 493... 10/08/2008

In all of my years as a Realtor, I never actually went to an auction of homes on the courthouse steps until today.  That isn't to say I wasn't curious.  It's just that our attorneys are always warning us to avoid these types of sales like the plague because of the pitfalls. For example, you probably won't get title insurance, you have to pay cash and unless you really do your homework ahead of time, you could inherit a bunch of nasty liens and judgments along with your winning bid. I have also been told that even if you win an auction you may not get the property because you don't meet the bank's reserve. Nevertheless, these economic times seemed like the perfect opportunity to find out what really happens at the courthouse.  So, my group and I, agents from Palos Verdes and Redondo Beac... 10/08/2008

September was a brutal month for most markets, but the Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes was buzzing with real estate activity. Palos Verdes Dr. East September 2008 Real Estate Update: Active Listings:  29 homes are currently for sale ranging in price from $859,000 to $3,400,000. Pending Sales:  8 properties are currently in escrow priced from $825,000 to $2,200,000. Closed Sales:  3 properties closed escrow priced from $690,000 to $1,250,000.   The Palos Verdes Dr. East area is home to Miraleste Intermediate School, the Miraleste Library, Miraleste Plaza and some incredible Los Angeles Harbor view homes.  Check out this view photo from a property located in Miraleste Hills. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831... 10/08/2008

I never thought I would need or use the skills I have learned in these last 5 months in my hometown, Rancho Palos Verdes.  But I figured I would share a few useful tips when coming up against government entities for the first time in your life. This is my first experience (and, maybe my last) in fighting city hall. Here's my story:  Since the owners of a local gas station decided they wanted to replace their station with a CVS Pharmacy three times larger, on our neighborhood corner, I have discovered many new friends in my neighborhood who have banded together to fight this proposed "big box store". I live in the Los Verdes section of Rancho Palos Verdes, California and one of the delightful aspects of small town living (74,000 people approximately), is the ability to voice an opinion a... 10/07/2008

Anyone who may have been driving down Hawthorne Blvd this morning facing Catalina island was in for a treat. The ocean was like a mirror reflecting all the majesty of the whole island. It was a postcard scene. It was just another special day in Rancho Palos Verdes. The market continues to hold up better here than most other area's of the state. At the current time there are 139 single family residences for sale in the city from $578,000 (short sale) to $6,900,000. There are currently 36 homes in escrow and the average time on the market is still around 95 days. I continue to advise all my clients to get approved for their loans with 2 different lenders in this tough credit market. All the lenders I recommend don't mind this, because they know us Realtors have been competing with each ot... 10/07/2008

There are numerous wonderful nature trails throughout the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The following are some of the best: Monthly walks led by PVP Land Conservancy --- 310-373-0202Palos Verdes Estates :    Trails run along the blufftop at Paseo Del Mar, starting at the northern intersection      of Palos Verdes Drive West.    Also in the city of Palos Verdes Estates, trails head down to the ocean from the      top of several coves, including Lunada Bay. One good trail starts on Paseo       del Mar in Malaga Cove, about a half-mile past the Neighborhood Church.Rancho Palos Verdes:    Peacock Flats at the end of Crenshaw Boulevard offers several miles of trails       ( See Virtual 360 view of views from trail). This is adjacent to Del Cerro Park.    Another good trail starts at the top of the... 10/07/2008

  Although there are no dog parks on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, thereare two dog parks within a 15 minute drive. One is located in Redondo Beach at the corner of Flagler and 190th Street, and the other is located on Front Street in San Pedro. We are currently working on establishing a dog park somewhere on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, so if you are interested in supporting our efforts, please contact me. My contact information can be found at my website http://www.maureenmegowan.com (By the way, the picture on the left is a puppy picture of our miniature Australian Shepherd -Click on the Picture to Enlarge) 10/07/2008

I have lived in the same neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes for 31 years.  That's a long time for a Realtor, but I'm like most of the people in this town who like to brag they will move when the mortuary comes for them and NOT A MINUTE SOONER! That said, it's rather remarkable that I know so very few of my neighbors.  At least, that was the story until the CVS pharmacy came to town. CVS wants to build one of their big box pharmacies on the corner near my neighborhood and suddenly I discovered my neighborhood was full of people like me who HATE the idea. We hate it because it will increase traffic and it will be an eyesore in our rather bucolic community.  Let's face it. I don't think most people relish the idea of commercial buildings in a residential neighborhood.  But, here's the kic... 10/03/2008

It was reported today that a state appelate court has struck down the Landslide Moratorium that Rancho Palos Verdes had instituted which prohibited building on vacant land located in the ancient landslide area of Portuguese Bend in Rancho Palos Verdes. The court said that absent evidence of an imminent threat to life and safety, that the Moratorium amounted to an unlawful taking of property. Picture of Portuguese Bend landslide area The land in this area has moved more than 400 feet seaward, and continues to creep towards the ocean to this day, requiring constant repair and maintenance by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. A significant amount of the City's annual road maintenance budget is spent on this work. A building moratorium still exists in the landslide area. Several homes continu... 10/03/2008

 This is a very serious email  I received today to keep all of this stock market crash and the present economy in perspective and if you vote for Obama I would add another $1000.00 for Beer!!! If you had purchased $1,000 of Delta Air Lines stock one year ago, you would have $49 left.   With Fannie Mae, you would have $2.50 left of the original $1,000.   With AIG, you would have less than $15 left.   But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drunk all of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have $214 cash. Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle! Just thougt we were all getting a little too serious and needed a good laugh!!   Hope you have a good week!!!! 10/02/2008

I have a page on my award winning website http://www.maureenmegowan.com that has detailed information about each of the major condos and townhome / townhouse projects on the Palos Verdes peninsula. Information provided include location maps, pictures, price range of recent sales, and information on the size/number of bedrooms of each of the models, amenities, homewowners association dues, and much more. To access this page, go to http://www.maureenmegowan.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=1803289&NF=1 Prices for condos and townhomes have been slowly declining on the Palos Verdes Peninsula as can be seen on the following graph: Condos and Townhomes have been taking a little longer than 2 months to sell on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and have recently sold at about 94% of asking price. ... 10/02/2008

 Thinking of selling/buying in Los Verdes? Call the Los Verdes Experts Kathy & Rachel (310)802-2334 LOS VERDES REAL ESTATE UPDATE: Total # of Listings 10 Lowest Price $899,000 Highest Price $1,659,000 Average Price $1,155,390 Avg. Price/SqFt $536.75 Avg DOM 51  Street Address Bds Bth Sqft Built L Price S Price Sold Date DOM 7013 Beechfield 3 3.00 1,926 1962 $899,000 7    6616 Madeline Cove 4 2.00 1,925 1971 $999,999 18  6965 Abbottswood 4 2.00 1,991 $1,049,900 4  29322 Golden Meadow 4 2.00 1,617 1963 $1,050,000 18  6846 Abbottswood 4 2.00 1,806 1963 $1,090,000 18  28016 Lobrook 4 3.00 2,305 1964 $1,098,000 242  28814 Cedarbluff 5 3.00 1,901 1963 $1,150,000 10  6755 Monero 3 2.00 2,427 1963 $1,259,000 11  28035 Braidwood 5 3.00 2,262 1964 $1,299,000 41  28312 Plainfield 4 4.00 3,888 197... 09/26/2008

Every May this is my favorite neighborhood in Rancho Palos Verdes because of the many Jacaranda trees that line the streets of some sections of the community.    Eastview Real Estate Market Update for August 2008: Active Listings:  21 properties are currently for sale priced from $619,000 to $1,299,000. Pending Sales:  5 homes are currently in escrow priced from $539,000 to $949,000. August 2008 Sales:  4 homes closed escrow priced from $612,000 to $770,000. Interested in seeing homes in the Eastview area of Rancho Palos Verdes?  I'm only a phone call away at 310.493.8333. 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... 09/25/2008

The Peninsula Center neighborhood on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is conveniently located close to schools, shopping and access off and on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Peninsula Center real estate update for August 2008: Active Listings:  5 homes are currently for sale priced from $964,000 to $1,450,000. Pending Sales:  3 homes are currently in escrow priced from $949,000 to $1,295,000. August Sales: No properties closed escrow during August. Peninsula High is nearby. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty (310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 Subscribe via ActiveRain Subscribe via Email Norma on Facebook Norma on Twitter Palos Verdes Lifestyle Blog Toering and Team Palos Verdes Equestrian Property Blog - Palos Verdes View Property Blog Rolling Hills Estates House Market R... 09/24/2008

  Located at the top of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the Crest community is home to gated communities, close to local shopping and just minutes from movie theaters and restaurants. Real Estate Activity for Crest area for August 2008: Active Listings:  9 properties are currently listed for sale priced from $899,000 to $1,329,000. Pending Sales:  2 homes are currently in escrow priced at $895,000 and $1,299,000. August Sales:  1 property closed escrow at $1,100,000. The Brickwalk shopping area. 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, Redon... 09/24/2008

The Los Verdes Community is nestled in the hills of Palos Verdes off Hawthorne Blvd. and above Palos Verdes Dr. West.  Many of the homes have sweeping ocean views. Real Estate Activity for August 2008 for Los Verdes area: Active Listings:  8 properties are currently for sale priced from $999,999 - $1,659,000. Pending Sales:  3 properties are currently in escrow priced from $899,000 - $1,099,000. August Sales:  4 properties closed escrow priced from $975,000 - $1,200,000. Los Verdes Golf Course is nearby! 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, ... 09/23/2008

Homes in theLa Cresta neighborhood in Rancho Palos Verdes often have spectacular ocean views.  After all, the area is located at the top of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The numbers are in for August 2008 for the La Cresta area of Rancho Palos Verdes: Active Listings:  15 homes are currently for sale priced from $1,249,000 to $3,200,000. Pending Sales:  2 homes are currently in escrow priced at $1,495,000 and $1,888,000. August 08 Sales:  4 homes closed escrow priced from $1,480,000 to $1,900,000. Pictured above is the entrance to Vantage Pointe, a gated community off Crest Road.  If you would like to see homes located in Vantage Pointe or any other area of the La Cresta neighborhood it would be my pleasure to give you a tour of available properties.  Call today!  310.493.8333. Norma Toer... 09/20/2008

Los Verdes Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes is encircled by the Country Club neighborhood.  If you're a golfer the homes in this area may be of special interest.  Los Verdes is a public golf course and those are rare in the Palos Verdes stratosphere.  August 2008 real estate activity for the Country Club area of Rancho Palos Verdes: Active Listings:  14 homes are currently for sale priced from $1,199,000 through $3,875,000. Pending Sales:  2 homes are currently in escrow listed at $1,649,000 and $1,740,000. August 08 Sales:  1 property sold for $1,650,000       If you would like detailed information on a particular property, please contact me at 310.493.8333. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sel... 09/20/2008

Palos Verdes Dr. West hugs the coastline and showcases some lovely ocean front estates (I attended a birthday party last weekend at a gorgeous home in the Oceanfront development--Wow what a home!) as it takes you from Rancho Palos Verdes into Palos Verdes Estates. August 2008 was an active month for the Palos Verdes Drive West neighborhood: Active Listings:  14 homes are currently listed for sale priced from $1,195,000 to $6,780,000. Pending Sales:  4 homes are currently in escrow priced from $1,340,000 to $1,498,000. August 08 Sales:  2 homes closed escrow priced at $1,118,000 and $5,500,000. 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, R... 09/19/2008

The resort side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula remains a sought after area and consequently the month of August was an active month for the Palos Verdes Drive South neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes. Real Estate Activity for August 2008: Active Listings:  15 properties are listed for sale priced from $1,099,000 to $6,780,000. Pending Sales:  3 properties are in escrow priced from $1,639,000 to $1,949,000. August Sales:  1 property closed escrow at $2,436,525. The Wayfarer's Chapel is located on Palos Verdes Dr. South in Rancho Palos Verdes. 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 Ver... 09/19/2008