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

Palos Verdes Junior Ranger Program Registration The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is once again offering the Junior Ranger Program  in cooperation with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.  Palos Verdes homes owners can encourage their children from 7 to 12 years of age to learn more about the outdoors and explore this beautiful Peninsula.  The program will teach them about our local trails, the wildlife and outdoor preparedness to enable them to have basic trail etiquette and safety practices. Orientation for the Junior Ranger Program is on February 7, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Ladera Linda Community Center, located at 32201 Forrestal Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes.   Children must attend this session with their parents in order to participate in the program.... 02/09/2015

Palos Verdes Market Update (Feb 2015)   Thinking of selling your  Palos Verdes home?  If not, perhaps you want to reconsider as inventory is low and demand is high.  There are currently 80 Palos Verdes homes in escrow with accepted offers.  Why not add your home to the list?   For help in determining what your South Bay of Los Angeles home is worth in today's market contact Norma or Josh Toering.      - Norma Toering, Broker-Owner of Charlemagne Int'l Properties (310) 493-8333 02/02/2015

The Charlemagne Market Sliders  Few words are needed as these market snapshots tell the story--it is still a very strong sellers' market in Palos Verdes, the beach cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.  The entire South Bay of Los Angeles real estate market still favors sellers, but interest rates are in the buyers' corner.   For more information about real estate in the South Bay coastal cities of Los Angeles contact ToeringandTeam@ gmail.com.   - Norma Toering, Broker at Charlemagne Intl Properties(310) 493-8333 02/02/2015

Eastview neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in January 2015. The Eastview neighborhood was formerly a part of the City of Los Angeles. Years ago it was annexed by Rancho Palos Verdes and the residents have the option of attending Palos Verdes Unified or Los Angeles Schools. The area is one of the most affordable on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Homes for sale in the Eastview section of RPV: See all Rancho Palos Verdes homes   Homes in escrow in the Eastview section of RPV: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in Eastview RPV under $700,000: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in Eastview RPV over $700,000: 02/01/2015

Silver Spur neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes & Rolling Hills Estates, CA in January 2015. Silver Spur is a popular neighborhood for first time residents on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Silver Spur is also one of the most affordable neighborhoods on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. That's a winning combination and consequently the demand for Silver Spur homes is always high. Homes for sale in Silver Spur: (See all homes in Rolling Hills Estates - All homes in Rancho Palos Verdes) [idx-listings linkid="230364" count="45" showlargerphotos="true"] Homes in escrow in Silver Spur: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in Silver Spur, Palos Verdes under $900,000: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in Silver Spur, Palos Verdes over $900,000: 02/01/2015

Peninsula Center neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rolling Hills Estates & Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in January 2015. Peninsula Center neighborhood is centrally located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula with easy access off the hill. Many of the homes have wonderful views and all the conveniences of living near shopping, dining, library are at the fingertips of residents of the Peninsula Center neighborhood. Homes for sale in the "Pen Center" area of Palos Verdes: (Homes in Rolling Hills Estates - Homes in Rancho PV)   Homes in escrow in the Peninsula Center neighborhood: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in the Peninsula Center neighborhood: 02/01/2015

Crest neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes & Rolling Hills Estates, CA in January 2015. Crest neighborhood is home to both spectacular view homes and several other gated communities from single family homes to townhouses. It is close to the town center with dining, shopping, banking and other amenities just minutes away. Homes for sale in the Crest area of Palos Verdes: (Homes in all of Rolling Hills Estates or RPV)   Homes in escrow in the Crest area of Palos Verdes: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in the Crest neighborhood under $1.2M: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in the Crest neighborhood over $1.2M: 02/01/2015

Los Verdes neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in January 2015. Los Verdes is a lovely community below Hawthorne Blvd, yet still high above the Pacific Ocean. Its location offers some of Palos Verdes most affordable homes and many of them come with a view and within walking distance of Vista Grande Elementary School. Homes for sale in Los Verdes in PV: (See more Rancho Palos Verdes homes for sale or homes in all of PV)   Homes in escrow in Los Verdes in Palos Verdes: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in Los Verdes under $1.1M: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in Los Verdes over $1.1M: 02/01/2015

La Cresta neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes & Rolling Hills Estates, CA in January 2015. La Cresta is nestled high in the Palos Verdes hills with easy access off and on the Peninsula via Hawthorne Blvd. Its central location on the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers easy access to amenities both on and off the hill. Homes for sale in the La Cresta area of Palos Verdes: (See all homes in Rolling Hills Estates / Rancho Palos Verdes)   Homes in escrow in the La Cresta neighborhood: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in the La Cresta neighborhood under $2M: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in the La Cresta neighborhood over $2M: 02/01/2015

Country Club neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in January 2015. Many of the homes in the Country Club neighborhood have a view of Los Verdes Country Club and since the neighborhood is near the top of the hills there are also gorgeous view of the ocean, Catalina Island and even some city lights. The Country Club area also has shopping nearby with the Golden Cove center at the base of Hawthorne Blvd and Ralphs just up the hill at Crest. Homes for sale in the Country Club area of RPV: (See all homes in Rancho PV)   Homes in escrow in "Country Club": Homes that sold in the last 12 months in "Country Club": 02/01/2015

Palos Verdes Drive West neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in January 2015. PVDW is home to many of the mega mansions in Rancho Palos Verdes. With its miles of ocean frontage it is the perfect setting for many of the elite ocean view homes hugging the Palos Verdes coastal area. Oceanfront Estates and Marguerite Drive are two neighborhoods to explore if you're in the market for a Rancho Palos Verdes luxury home. Homes for sale in the PV Drive West area of Rancho Palos Verdes:   Homes in escrow in the PV Drive West area of Rancho Palos Verdes: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in the Palos Verdes Dr West area: 02/01/2015

Mira Catalina neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in January 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: 02/01/2015

Palos Verdes Drive South neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in January 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: 02/01/2015

Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in January 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: 02/01/2015

  Sellers rule the current real estate market in my area of the South Bay of Los Angeles, California.  The buyers' market of the recession years left town in 2013 and sellers swept in and took tight control.  Low inventory in most of the local markets continues to give sellers the upper hand. What's a buyer to do?   1. Be willing to accept less than the perfect property.  Perhaps you don't want to remodel a kitchen, but if everything else about the property is in line with what you want, then take a deep breath and make an offer reflecting the work you will need to do to bring the house up to current expectations for the neighborhood.  That's what flippers do, and you can do it yourself without paying a flipper to be a middle man.  Plus, you get the kitchen you want--it's a smart trade-... 02/01/2015

Palos Verdes Abalone Cove Tidepool Walk Los Serenos de Point Vicente is offering their 2015 walks for Palos Verdes homes owners to enjoy.  Once again they will be guiding us to explore the local wildlife areas made possible by the wonderful volunteer groups who help to protect our Peninsula. A moderate hike of the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park on Saturday, February 15, 2015, at 12:00 p.m. will be sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente.  This is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about the fascinating marine life in our area.  This is a free public walk and, no matter how many times you have been to the tide pools, the ever changing waters captivate us all.  Palos Verdes homes owners are lucky to be surrounded by such beauty. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park features two beach... 01/30/2015

There's no question the real estate market has traversed some peaks and troughs during the past decade.  If you recall, prices were on a steep incline ten years ago in 2005.  Alas, all good things must end, and the real estate joy ride of rising prices was no exception.  The plummet began in 2008 and continued until the beginning of 2012 when, by my calculations, prices bottomed out and bounced back with amazing speed.  2013 was the year of double-digit gains (Rancho Palos Verdes price gains were just below 20%), with stabilization reached in 2014.  That's a short synopsis of a very turbulent decade in Southern California real estate. Where are we now, and what is my home worth?  These are important questions for every homeowner, or those who are posed to enter the real estate market. ... 01/28/2015

I'm not sure how many horses live on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, but I do know there are many equestrian properties in Palos Verdes.  Both Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates are noted for horse friendly zoning.  Rancho Palos Verdes has a few pockets of properties zoned for horses but the riding trails may not be as well maintained as in RH and RHE.  The exception is the Portuguese Bend area off Palos Verdes Drive South in RPV. Some properties may be zoned for horses but due to other improvements on the land, may not be suitable for horses.  For instance, some stables have been converted to guest or pool houses, and some corrals paved for sports or tennis courts.  Zoning alone does not determine suitability for horses.  Some properties may be zoned for horses, but are unimproved me... 01/28/2015

The Eastview area of Rancho Palos Verdes( area 177 in map below) had the following real estate market activity for single family residences during the 4th Quarter of 2014: Properties Sold: 16           Average Sales Price of homes sold during 4th Quarter: $ .8 million   Properties for Sale as of 12/31/2014:   5 ( 1 month inventory, based on the average monthly sales in the most recent quarter of 4 homes sold per month, but with 3 properties in escrow at the end of the quarter )       Average List Price at 12/31/2014: $ .8 million Average Price per Sq. Ft. for Properties Sold during 4th Qtr: $ 414 per sq. ft.   Properties sold at an average of 98% of Original List Price For more Palos Verdes real estate market reports see the following link on my website: Market Reports       01/19/2015