03/22/2015

31326 MARNE DRIVE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CA 90275 $1,690,000 | 4 BEDROOMS | 1,3/4,3/4,1/2 BATHROOMS | 3 CAR PARKING | 3300 SQUARE FEET | MLS: PV15055415 This impressive, mid-century modern one level home in Monaco features views of the ocean and Catalina Island from most rooms. With vaulted beamed ceilings and lath and plaster walls, this home features a wonderful, easy-living floor plan! The large, private backyard encloses a re-tiled pool and spa as well as a fire pit, lemon tree, separate flat yard and plenty of room for outdoor entertaining. The wide entry hall opens to a spacious living room with walls of windows and a stunning concrete fireplace. The formal dining room with built-in cabinets has ocean and island vistas too. The master retreat has a newly remodeled bathroom featuring... 03/18/2015

Palos Verdes Whale Of A Day Celebration! Whale Of A Day festival on April 4, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. can be enjoyed be Palos Verdes homes owners and their neighbors throughout the South Bay.  This annual event is co-sponsored by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the docents of Los Serenos de Point Vicente.  This is a festival which celebrates the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale from its summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chuchki Seas in Alaska to its winter breeding and calving grounds in Baja.  To date the season count from Point Vicente is 2,362 whale sightings.  If you are looking for a popular fun outing for the whole family to enjoy, stop by the Point Vicente Interpretive Center and participate in the free “Whale Of A Day” activities. Whale Of A Day will incl... 03/16/2015

Palos Verdes Drive South neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in March 2015. The south side of Rancho Palos Verdes is fast becoming the resort side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula as the location is home to Terranea Resort and Trump national Golf Course. The neighborhood is graced with some of the most breathtaking view on the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula. Palos Verdes Drive South homes for sale: (See all Rancho Palos Verdes homes for sale) [idx-listings linkid="231878" count="45" showlargerphotos="true"] Palos Verdes Drive South homes in escrow: Homes that have sold in the last 12 months in the PV Drive South area under $1.5M: Homes that have sold in the last 12 months in the PV Drive South area over $1.5M: Palos Verdes Housing Market Indicator - Ma... 03/15/2015

Mira Catalina neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in March 2015. The Mira Catalina neighborhood is home to Marymount College, a four year college, and the area enjoys spectacular views of Catalina Island. Mira Catalina Elementary School is located in the neighborhood and is within walking distance of most of the homes. Palos Verdes homes for sale in Mira Catalina: (See all RPV homes for sale)   Mira Catalina homes in escrow: Mira Cat. (Palos Verdes) homes that have sold in the last 12 months: Palos Verdes Housing Market Indicator - March 2015 03/15/2015

  Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in March 2015. The Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood is known for its large lots and lower density than many neighborhoods on "The Hill". Although there are pockets with a subdivision feel, the area is known for its country atmosphere. It also has one of the best locations for easy freeway access. A wide variety of styles and prices are available. Palos Verdes Drive East area homes for sale: (See all Rancho Palos Verdes homes for sale)   Palos Verdes Drive East area homes in escrow: Palos Verdes Drive East, RPV homes that have sold in the last 12 months under $1M: Palos Verdes Drive East, RPV homes that have sold in the last 12 months over $1M: 03/15/2015

The level of inventory of homes for sale of 81 homes in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes at the end of February is up about 33% compared to the end of February last year. The average number of homes sold per month over the last 3 months of 22 homes per month, is the same as during the comparable 3 month period last year. There are 40 homes in escrow at the end of February, forecasting strong sales over the next two months .       The following is a list of the 20 homes sold during the month of February 2015:         The average price per sq. ft. for homes sold in Rancho Palos Verdes over the last 3 months of $516 which is approx. 6% higherr than the comparable period last year.     The average list price of homes offered for sale of $2.1 million is now 16% lower than this time last year.... 03/14/2015

When moving through the stages of selling a property--from showing to closing-- I often think of the quote, "It takes a village to raise a child."  It also takes a group of committed professionals to close a real estate transaction.  One weak link, whether it be agent, lender or escrow officer can turn a positive experience into a painful memory.  I've enjoyed many seamless closings and many more with only minor glitches that all parties worked together to resolve.  Naturally, if you do something long enough you will build a body of work that includes a few transactions you would like to forget.  Usually, these unpleasant surprises are the direct result of one member of the team dropping the proverbial ball.  It's important to select your team with care.  You will have a daily relation... 03/14/2015

Palos Verdes Real Estate Palos Verdes Drive East Neighborhood Sales  2014 2014 Palos Verdes homes sales for Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood decreased was nearly the same as 2013 - 62 single family homes sold in 2014 compared to 63 in 2013.  Price per square foot for Palos Verdes Drive East houses that sold in 2014 increased to $450 compared from $430 in 2013, a 4.6% increase.  Average sales price for Palos Verdes Drive East homes sold in 2014 was $1,316,305 compared to $1,171,419 in 2013.  The most expensive home sold for $2,810,000 and the lowest priced home sold for $350,00. Currently, Palos Verdes Drive East has 19 active Palos Verdes homes for sale.  There are 20 single family homes ranging in price from $928,000 for a 4 bedroom/2 bath, 1,716 square foot home, to $4,499,000 for... 03/12/2015

Housing Market Indicators   The local South Bay of Los Angeles real estate market continues to sizzle and is firmly entrenched in the sellers' corner.  Lack of sufficient inventory is the primary reason as demand is high and supply of homes for sale is low.    Although our little yellow dot indicating who the current real estate market is favoring seems to be stuck in seller territory, the buyers in today's market have a strong card to play as well. Buyers are equipped with loan pre-approvals and low interest rates.  A pre-approval letter from a lender ensures they can present sellers with a strong offer and present proof of ability to secure financing for the purchase.  Locking in a long-term low interest rate makes the purchase more affordable for the duration of the loan.   If you're... 03/08/2015

  Mira Catalina neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in February 2015. The Mira Catalina neighborhood is home to Marymount College, a four year college, and the area enjoys spectacular views of Catalina Island. Mira Catalina Elementary School is located in the neighborhood and is within walking distance of most of the homes. Palos Verdes homes for sale in Mira Catalina: (See all RPV homes for sale)   Mira Catalina homes in escrow: Mira Cat. (Palos Verdes) homes that have sold in the last 12 months: Palos Verdes Housing Market Indicator - Feb 2015 02/27/2015

Palos Verdes Drive South neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in February 2015. The south side of Rancho Palos Verdes is fast becoming the resort side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula as the location is home to Terranea Resort and Trump national Golf Course. The neighborhood is graced with some of the most breathtaking view on the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula. Palos Verdes Drive South homes for sale: (See all Rancho Palos Verdes homes for sale)   Palos Verdes Drive South homes in escrow: Homes that have sold in the last 12 months in the PV Drive South area under $1.5M: Homes that have sold in the last 12 months in the PV Drive South area over $1.5M: Palos Verdes Housing Market Indicator - Feb 2015 02/27/2015

Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in February 2015. The Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood is known for its large lots and lower density than many neighborhoods on "The Hill". Although there are pockets with a subdivision feel, the area is known for its country atmosphere. It also has one of the best locations for easy freeway access. A wide variety of styles and prices are available. Palos Verdes Drive East area homes for sale: (See all Rancho Palos Verdes homes for sale)   Palos Verdes Drive East area homes in escrow: Palos Verdes Drive East, RPV homes that have sold in the last 12 months under $1M: Palos Verdes Drive East, RPV homes that have sold in the last 12 months over $1M: Palos Verdes Housing Market Indicator ... 02/27/2015

I wrote the original version of this article back in 2008--some things change and others remain the same.  Even though I've gone on to expound in-depth about the Palos Verdes lifestyle with my article 100 Reasons to Call Palos Verdes Home, the original 5 still top my list. Original article as written January 2008: I was recently asked by a soon-to-be resident what I like best about living in Palos Verdes.  My answer was not as concise and to the point as I would have liked.  Later, I found myself thinking about the very legitimate question and here's my list: 1. The Coastal Location:  I have a need to be close to the ocean.  A long walk along a beach is one of my favorite indulgences, and I partake often. It's a quality of life decision for me. It's also called location. 2.  The Outsta... 02/22/2015

The level of inventory of homes for sale of 75 homes in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes at the end of January is up about 17% compared to the end of January last year. The average number of homes sold per month over the last 3 months of 25 homes per month, is 11% lower than the comparable 3 month period last year. There are 25 homes in escrow at the end of January .       The following is a list of the 20 homes sold during the month of January 2015:             The average price per sq. ft. for homes sold in Rancho Palos Verdes over the last 3 months of $484 which is approx. 5% lower than the comparable period last year.     The average list price of homes offered for sale of $2.2 million is now 14% lower than this time last year. The average price of homes sold has been much lower than... 02/21/2015

  When selling Palos Verdes horse property I rarely focus on properties zoned for horses in the Palos Verdes Drive East area of Rancho Palos Verdes.  Although there are some lovely equestrian properties often the network and conditions of existing horse trails are less than desirable, especially for those properties located on the easterly side of PVDE.     Those long-neglected, overgrown and rarely used trails are about to have some major work done as the City of Rancho Palos Verdes prepares to spend over $400,000 on trail improvements per today's Palos Verdes Patch article: "The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has obtained a grant in the amount of $300,000 from the County of Los Angeles and has approved the expenditure of an additional $145,000 in City funds to restore the Sunnyside Ridge... 02/15/2015

  I reconnected with a woman I met years earlier at an open house and her comment gave me reason to evaluate the marketing of me!   The sale of her property was not going as she wished. She said she didn't know I sold condos or she would have called me to list hers.  She went on to add she thought I only sold in the upscale area where we originally met, and would not have the time to sell her little starter condo.  This conversation took place at a charming little bungalow in a trendy but not upscale area.   Oops.  I had to wonder--is my brand burning me?  Am I limiting my appeal by advertising my expertise in equestrian estates and luxury coastal homes?   I'll admit those are wonderful to specialize in, but not to the exclusion of all other real estate.   At least in one buyer's mind C... 02/13/2015

  Perhaps you fell in love at first sight.  Or maybe it took some time for those feeling to emerge, but if you're like most homeowners, you love your house.  After all, it is home and the place where many milestone moments in your life have taken place.  There are memories to be dealt with.   If you're ready to sell it, it's time to sever the heartstrings and take a long hard look at those emotional ties. Yes, this is a bit of a breakup. It's time to shed some light on the flaws, deal with the deficiencies and acknowledge it is time to move on.    Leaving gracefully is always a challenge.  Do you simply walk away, or do you engage in some home therapy to make the place more appealing to prospective suitors?    You may recall memories of kids and pets frolicking on the family room floor.... 02/12/2015

I recently read a terrific article, Huffington Post I think, about the importance of taking mini breaks throughout the work day (and while traveling :) as I'm doing in the photo since sightseeing all day is as exhausting as showing property all day). It seems sitting for hours can shorten your life, stifle your creativity and increase the likelihood of gaining weight.  Not to gloat, but I was right about red wine and chocolate being good for you, and it seems my preference for the up and down, in and out lifestyle of a real estate agent might be good for me as well. My stints at full-time office work were short and thankfully so.  I'm not good at sitting still hour after hour. Obviously, all the stair climbing we do while previewing property for our clients is good for our heart health... 02/12/2015

I know my friends on the other coast and in the heartland have not had a chance to put down their snow shovels and ice scrapers, but if they're in the mood to hop a plane they can celebrate a really hot weekend in Los Angeles.  Yes, our temps are running hot and high (nearly 20 degrees above average) and there's a warm Santa Ana wind blowing as well.   Today's high temperature is forecast to be 84 degrees and the heat wave is predicted to run through the weekend.  No matter what your Valentine's Day plans may be, if you're in Los Angeles things will be pretty hot!   For more information about "hot" properties in the South Bay of Los Angeles contact Charlemagne Int'l Properties at 310 493 8333 or email us at ToeringandTeam@gmail.com  02/12/2015