The Palos Verdes Peninsula is a unique place to live. Surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and situated high on a hill above the flat lands below, the views are varied and breathtaking. Aside from the stunning topography and serene location I believe the views are unsurpassed in the Los Angeles area, and one of the primary reasons residents come to Palos Verdes and rarely leave.
A few of the many amenities the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers its residents are:
The Climate: San Diego lays claim to "the perfect climate" but in my opinion, Palos Verdes is as close to perfect as this former Midwestern woman ever needs. Marine air from the open sea bathes the area with gentle ocean breezes and moderate temperatures throughout the year. Only a few winter days require bundling up "Back East Style" and on a few summer days Santa Ana winds bring a dry heat reminiscent of the desert. Coastal fog makes its appearance periodically and yes, we have a few rainy days, but all in all those sunshine filled days you see in the movies are the real deal.
The Schools: Peninsula residents are justifiably proud of the Palos Verdes Unified School District that serves all four cities and unincorporated areas of Palos Verdes. Test scores are consistently in the top 10% of all California schools and approximately 90% of the student body goes on to higher learning upon graduation.
The Location: Owning a home on the Palos Verdes Peninsula ensures you will be close enough to Los Angeles to enjoy all the advantages of living near a major metropolitan area, yet so very far removed from the daily hustle and bustle of urban congestion.
The Views: The homes of Palos Verdes enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the Los Angeles area. The variety of views include panoramic ocean, Catalina Island, Los Angeles Harbor, city lights, coastline, whitewater, mountains and the coveted Queen's Necklace view. Buying a home on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is a wonderful adventure. There are a variety of neighborhoods, four separate cities and a wide variety of styles and prices. Welcome, and enjoy your search for a home on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
I hope this site aids in your quest. When you're ready to start viewing homes it would be my pleasure to help you discover the right neighborhood, the right street and the perfect house for you and your family.
Palos Verdes Beach Club in Palos Verdes Estates is a private club but the adjoining beach is public. This is a great spot for photos and long walks on the beach. This is one of my favorite beach spots to take my grands and a wonderful place to go for a stroll along the water's edge.
The Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes is a popular wedding site and offers not only stunning architecture but panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day Catalina Island. The grounds are worthy of a leisurely stroll. The church and grounds are open to the public.
The Old Spanish architecture of the La Venta Inn, is a popular site for weddings on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The grounds are gorgeous and the Queen's Necklace view of the coast is stunning.
Where the Pacific Ocean meets the bluffs along the Donald Trump's golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes. The south side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula is becoming the resort side of the hill.
Trump National Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes offers some of the most stunning views of any oceanfront course in the country. There are also many wonderful hiking trails along the bluffs as well as access to the beach and rocky coastline.
Norma has been a Palos Verdes Real Estate agent since 1992 helping buyers and sellers find homes in each of the cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula: Rolling Hills, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rancho Palos Verdes.
Five things I love about Palos Verdes
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 Outstanding School District: Hands down this is why I moved to Palos Verdes 19 years ago. It remains the main draw for many new residents.
3. The Country Setting in an Urban County: Los Angeles is one of the most densely populated counties in the country, but upon entering Palos Verdes you are immediately struck by the open space.
4. The Breathtaking Views: You do not have to own a view property to enjoy the spectacular vistas. A drive around the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers views of Catalina Island, a couple of lighthouses, sweeping coastline views, Los Angeles Harbor views, and dazzling city lights views.
5. The Low Profile Attitude: This is not Hollywood or even Beverly Hills. It's quiet here.
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Why I Chose Palos Verdes 20 Years Ago
I was a reluctant house hunter. I thought Los Angeles was a fun place to visit, not to live. As the jet approached the Los Angeles area the night I arrived, I was struck by how immense the area is. I wondered how I would find the right schools, the right neighborhood and the right house to begin the California chapter of our lives.
I had 3 Absolutely Must Haves:
1. CLEAN AIR - Don't laugh, I thought it would be impossible to find, but with a child with severe asthma it was my number one criteria.
2. TOP RATED and RANKED SCHOOLS - As a former teacher quality education was a top priority.
3. LOCATION - We needed to be close to freeways (to join the 405 crawl), schools, hospital, airport and for fun the ocean/beaches, mountains and desert.
Jackpot! I found them all in Palos Verdes! They are still here waiting for you.
Ok, the desert and mountains are a couple of hours away, but they are both worth the drive and the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
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Daytripping from Palos Verdes
I admit Palos Verdes is a quiet, isolated and very private community, and I, along with many others, like it like that! More than once I've heard the lament of, "There's nothing to do in Palos Verdes," and that is absolutely not true. Hey, this is LA! We really have it all.
There's the Pacific Ocean with its beaches, surfing and boating opportunities. There are many wonderful fishing spots plus deep sea charters are available. The Palos Verdes hills are laced with hiking and horseback riding trails. There are parks and places to go whale watching. Cyclists love the winding roads and challenging hills of a ride around the area. But if you really want to get out of town for the day here are few of my favorite ways to spend a day, then return to Palos Verdes for the night.
1. Catalina Island is only a short boat trip away and a world apart. With quaint shops, a wide variety of dining choices and gorgeous scenery it is a lovely way to spend a day in Southern California.
2. The Getty Center or Getty Villa are world class museums and a lovely way to enjoy a day in LA.
3. The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is a gardener's paradise and one day is not long enough to see it all. The halls are filled with great art and the gardens are filled with plant specimens from around the world.
4. Let's not forget Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios and the amusement park list goes on and on.
5. For sports fans how about tickets to a Lakers or Dodgers game, or another favorite team?
If you broaden your choices to include an overnight stay Palm Srpings is a two hour drive away. The mountain resorts in Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are open for year round fun. So there you have it: The ocean, the desert, the mountains and nearby island escapes. Oh, and Santa Barbara is stunning and historical. I could go on and on. There is always something to do in Palos Verdes!
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Down-sizing Seniors, Don't Leave Your Los Angeles County Tax Relief Behind!
Members of the 55 and over club may be feeling a bit left out of the housing stimulus plan. If you've owned your home for thirty years you certainly do not qualify for the $8,000 tax credit, but you may be eligible for the senior citizen's replacement dwelling benefit.
Yes, Proposition 60 and 90 allows seniors to keep their property taxes at the same rate they have paid for years. That's right, longevity counts on this one. If you or your spouse that resides with you is age 55 or older, you may buy or construct a new home of equal or lesser value than your current home and transfer the base value to your new purchase.
The property tax demon can no longer hold you hostage in your cavernous home because you are reluctant to part with the owner-friendly annual property tax bill you enjoy due to Proposition 13. California property is reassessed upon sale. The tax rate is approximately 1.25% of the purchase price when all assessments are added. If you qualify you can take your old tax rate with you.
Naturally there are some stringent eligibility requirements. Primary Requirements:
1. You, or your spouse must have been at least 55 year of age when the original property was sold.
2. Both the original home and the new purchase must be your principal residence.
3. This is a one-time only benefit.
4. The replacement property must be of equal or lesser "current market value" than the original property.
5. Your original property must have been eligible for the Homeowner's or Disabled Verterans' Exemption.
6. Time is a factor. The replacement property must be purchased or built within two year (before or after) of the sale of the original property. If a claim is filed more than three years after purchase or completion of new construction, relief will be granted beginning with the calendar year in which the claim is filed.
There are several other requirements and only a few counties cooperate, so consult a professional before making a downsizing decision. Making the right move will save you thousands of dollars over time. With more funds available your retirement will be a whole lot more fun.
Here are some answers of frequently asked questions from the California Board of Equalization.
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Sellers, This is Your Home Talking - Original Post
We've had some good times together, but the time has come for us to go our separate ways. You'll be moving on and I'll stay behind. Yes, it's true, you have outgrown me. Before you walk away, here are a few hints to make our parting filled with more sweet than sorrow:
1. Garage sale, Goodwill or Simply Give Stuff Away: I don't want to look like I'm bursting the seams of every room, closet and drawer. So please help me lighten the load, look sleeker and more spacious by keeping only what fits. Once that excess baggage is gone you'll be surprised at how roomy I can still look.
2. Cover the Walls (and scuff marks, crayon marks and fingerprints) with a Fresh Coat of Paint: Paint is to walls as botox is to wrinkles. There's nothing like fresh paint for an instant lift. Dollar for dollar it is one of the best pre-sale investments you can make. Go neutral but not boring. There are some gorgeous taupes, vanillas and milky whites shades of paint. Every room does not have to be white. Show off my best architectural features with a shade lighter or darker in the same color family. After the painting is finished scrub, polish and shine the rest of the house. You may be surprised to discover your old house can still turn more than a few heads.
3. Now Don't Get Emotional, You Want Someone Else to Fall in Love with Me: I know I'm looking so good you are having second thoughts about leaving, but you know in your heart we are no longer right for each other. I appreciate your help in making me as attractive as possible for my next owner, but I know it serves you well too. Your extra efforts will put more cash in your pocket at the closing table. A house with curb appeal and interior pzazz will often sell sooner, and for more money, than a neglected "as is" wall flower. You did the right thing and can leave with your head held high, plus the extra cash will come in handy when it's time to dress up your new place.
4. Deferred Maintenance Will Get You One Way or Another: Fix it now, or pay later either with a cash credit or repairs prior to the close of escrow. My roof is patched and showing its age and yes, those leaky faucets are still dripping away. I'll show so much better with those problems gone.
Ok, I see that admiring look in your eyes, you're pretty pleased with my results aren't you?
Together we were quite a team, and moving forward will be so much easier with a little effort before the "For Sale" sign goes in the ground.
Find more tips for home sellers on my Seller's Tips page.
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Pass The Peace Pipe - Negotiating Tactics
The mini wars of real estate negotiations often resemble the big wars of mankind; there are two sides each fighting for the outcome they believe is right and fair--and most beneficial to them. Disputes over territories often result in power struggles; transfers of property are filled with similar nuances. Do you have to engage in battle to win the war, or is there a peaceful approach to this exchange of cash for keys?
Begin with the end in mind. One party wants to sell and the other party wants to buy. This is a wonderful beginning and should be viewed as an indicator of success. The combined efforts of the seller, buyer and agents yielded the initial desired result.
Expect differences. An offer less than asking price is not an insult, it is a starting point. Bartering is normal business behavior. Most buyers are not trying to steal a property, but they are trying to find the seller's bottom line. That's normal, and to be expected.
Balance the give and take. No one wants to play with a bully. Play the game of give and take--give something they want; take something you want. Negotiate is defined as to confer with another so as to arrive at the settlement of some matter. Remember, both sides share common ground; both desire the same outcome.
Don't burn bridges. Sometimes walking away is the right thing to do. Accept not every offer will result in a closed sale. It's best to part pleasantly and leave the bridge back standing. Buyer often return with a second offer and a better understanding of what it will take to seal the deal.
More Seller Tips from Norma!
More Buyer's Tips from Norma!
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, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.
Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma
Palos Verdes Real Estate Blog - Palos Verdes Homes Website
Palos Verdes Homes Search - More information on Palos Verdes
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Three secrets for smart sellers
The sellers I work with are smart and savvy. They know today's real estate market is challenging. They are adapting to the new rules of real estate with a shift in attitude, increased market knowledge and by playing their property's trump card with pride. 
Shift your mindset: Pack your emotions away. You are now a seller and that requires a shift in attitude. You have a property to market and sell before you can move on with your life.
Know what buyers want, and give it to them. Today's buyers are savvy and they want a good product at a fair price. Make sure your property meets or exceeds their expectations. Get serious about showcasing your product.
What's your property's wow factor? If it's the view then accent it by orienting the furniture to showcase the view. Open the drapes and blinds to show it off. Lead the buyers toward your home's best features.
Maybe it's a wonderful outdoor living space, a spacious master bedroom or a breathtaking garden. Go ahead and be a bit of a show-off, and chances are you will soon be enjoying the pay-off.
More Seller Tips from Norma!
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3 Ways to Close the Gap Between Sellers and Buyers - Original Post
Negotiating the real estate dance requires a bit more finesse these days. There are new steps, extra twists and turns, and wide gaps between what a seller wants and what a buyer is willing to pay. What's the best way to bring these opposing partners together?
1. Education: Begin early and make it a continuous process. Show sellers the competition. Provide pending and sale information in their neighborhood the day it happens. Anchor them in the reality of the real estate market. Ditto for buyers.
2. Communication: Tell them what they need to know before they need the information. A buyer who is knowledgeable about financing terms, recent sales and active listings in their neighborhood of choice is a buyer who will be ready, able and willing to write an offer when they find the right house.
3. Cooperation: Remind them selling and buying a property is a team effort. They need each other, and they will not achieve their respective goals without the cooperation of the other party. They must be willing to connect, accept some give and take and move toward a common goal.
Sellers are weary. They've reduced their price, made their home available to strangers and are doing their best to live in a "ready to show" house that no longer feels like home. Buyers, please be appreciative and respectful of their efforts to accommodate your desire to see and perhaps purchase their property. If you decide to extend the invitational offer make sure it is dressed for acceptance. Include a preapproval letter from a reputable lender and a personal letter along with your offer. Small gestures make a big impression.
Buyers are worried. Prices are still adjusting and job security appears to be an archaic term. These are uncertain times. Buyers do not want to overpay in a declining market and stagnant economy. They do want a house that offers good value based on current market conditions. Sellers, when a qualified buyer chooses your house as the one to make an offer on, I hope you'll dance.
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The Queen's Necklace view is one of the most sought after on the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula. Many residents of Palos Verdes Estates are fortunate to enjoy this amazing sight from the comfort and convenience of their home. It is a combination of Pacific Ocean meeting the encircling lights of the Beach Cities and beyond all the way to Malibu. Toss in snow capped mountain in the background on a clear day and few would disagree this is a million dollar view.
The Blue Pacific and Catalina Island is another very popular view in Palos Verdes. A drive along Palos Verdes South will soon reveal why Lowe's chose to build one of the most spectacular resorts in Southern California overlooking this view. Terranea will open this summer and the views are incredible and inspiring. Donald Trump's golf course is located nearby and enjoys the same view.
