Palos Verdes Lifestyle - Norma Toering's PV Real Estate Blog

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 relationship with the parties and players well past the close of escrow. 

Avoid being the weakest link by:

1.  Provide information and documents in a timely manner to the appropriate party.

2.  Pay attention to deadlines and meet them.

3.  Return calls, acknowledge emails and in general keep all people informed of any changes or delays.  Surprises are usually not well received!

4. Be respectful of the time others are spending in an effort to effect a timely and successful closing.

5.  Take time to thank the individuals for playing a valued role in selling or finding a new home for a client.  This is important work we do.  Not only is it big business it is a very personal business.  A simple note expressing your gratitude wiill strengthen the "chain" the next time it is called upon.

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 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.

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Next week I'll be showing a Palos Verdes buyer who wants a one level home with no stairs-no step down living room, or steps up or down to the garage.  I previewed several one levels in search of a "step free" house.

After eight or nine houses they all began to look alike.  I found myself making notes such as "granite kitchen and stainless appliances" on many, and "original condition" on several others.  I returned to the office uninspired and more than likely my client will have a similar response to the look alike one levels.

Sellers, what makes your house stand out from the crowd?  Is it: 

Staged?

Priced aggressively?

Squeaky-clean?

Easy to show?

Move in condition?

Buyers look at many houses; they buy only one.  Present your property in its most favorable light.  Peeling and faded paint will be viewed as a future expense.  Ditto for the worn and stained carpet I saw in several of the homes I previewed.

Buyers have lots of choices, so make a big first impression.   More than likely you will not get a second chance.

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 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

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The Palos Verdes Peninsula is a sought-after area in Los Angeles County.  Palos Verdes Drive snakes around the entire peninsula and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and the Los Angeles Harbor.  The many hills offer breathtaking city and ocean views.  The Mediterranean climate invites outdoor living and activities during most of the year.

There is a wide variety of home choices, styles and prices.  Here's a breakdown by price of homes currently for sale on the Palos Verdes Peninsula:

Number of homes under $1,000,000:  25                                

Number of homes priced from $1M to $2M:  107                       

Number of homes priced from $2M to $3M:  29                        

Number of homes priced from $3M to $5M:  22                        

Number of homes priced from $5M to $10M:  21                      

Number of homes priced over $10M:  5                                   

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 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

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I have a couple of buyers who are like kids in a candy store; they are overwhelmed with all the choices and want to sample them all!  Others are hard-core comparison shoppers and they are waiting for the next price reduction or interest rate cut. 

 There is no sense of urgency in this market.  The buyers are keeping their emotions at arm's length and it's up to the sellers to entice them to commit to a property.  Last week while showing property in Palos Verdes I informed the buyer that two of the homes we previously looked at were now in escrow.  She shrugged her shoulders, and said, "There are plenty of houses that aren't selling, so I'm in no hurry.  There are plenty of fish in the sea."

She's right.  Sellers, it's up to you to make your house stand out from the crowd:

Price:  It's everyone's bottom line.  Your house must be the best value in the neighborhood, hands down.  No buyer will overpay in this market, nor should they.

Condition:  It's competitive out there.  Make sure your property wins "Best of Show" and earns a place on every agent's show list. 

Terms:  Make it easy for a buyer to purchase your home.  Buyers want a clean offer from you too.  For example, making your sale contingent upon finding a replacement property will discourage many buyers from looking at it.   Sell it, rent, store the furniture and take your time to find the new home of your dreams.  After all, your down payment is already in the bank and now you get to be the choosy buyer!

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 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

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Unheard of in the recent past, but true!  The view captures the twinkling lights of Los Angeles at night, the sparkling waters of the Pacific, the shimmering snow of white capped mountains and a bustling harbor during the daylight hours.  It's a 24/7 view and you can enjoy it from the window-lined interior or poolside!

A winding drive curves up a hill and delivers you to this special one-level home with abundant privacy.  The three bedroom home has two fireplaces and an expansive living room with a wall of windows to enjoy the view.  The kitchen/family room includes a cozy fireplace. 

Rolling Hills, CA is a gated community on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  The price range for properties in Rolling Hills is $1.7M up to $23,000,000.  A property recently sold for $12,900,000.   

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 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

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The photo caused me to pause as I was leafing through an upscale magazine in the waiting room (boy, is that room particularly well-named) of my doctor's office. The photograph oozed serenity and peacefulness from the glossy page. It was identified as a home sanctuary and wellness room; wellness rooms are a growing trend in the luxury home market, and this picture made me want one--now. Later, I found myself wondering if a wellness room (or space) is really a luxury, or is it a necessity in today's fast paced world?


As I studied this new wellness room, there was no intimidating exercise apparatus in sight. There was a massage table beside an atrium filled with green plants. There were several yoga/exercise/meditation/nap mats rolled up in a cubby. Yes, a nap mat for those little refreshing catnaps or those power naps before an important event. Two body contouring lounge chairs were grouped amid a cluster of bamboo plants and other greenery. There was an adjoining steam shower, sauna, whirlpool tub and stacks of lush white towels, big thick bathrobes and bath accessories. There was soft lighting, relaxing music (no CNN allowed) and a mini fridge stocked with bottled water and nothing else. Cardio? You'll have to do that elsewhere. This room is for decompression, relaxation, self-tending, physical, emotional and spiritual restoration.


And napping. Didn't we learn to do that in kindergarten? Close your eyes, be quiet, remain still and rejoin the world refreshed and renewed in just twenty minutes.


Now that's a room I want to come home to.

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 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

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Here's a mid-month update  for February 2008 on single family residence real estate activity in the four cities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula:

Rolling Hills

Rolling Hills Estates

Palos Verdes Estates

Rancho Palos Verdes

26 Single Family Homes have sold since January 1, 2008.

68 Single Family Homes are currently in escrow.

266 Single Family Homes are currently for sale.

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 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

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One of the things I like best about being a real estate agent is each day we venture into the unknown.  We may have a plan but it's merely a rough draft of the day we want to have, not necessarily the one we will have.

Today was a great reminder of the risks and rewards of life as a Realtor in the 21st century.  I arrived at the office early to load a new listing on the new MLS system.  All went well until I pushed the save button after loading eighteen photos.  The dreaded words, System Error appeared in red on the screen. So much for my artfully chosen words to describe the property and the studied arrangement of photos.  After several minutes on hold the customer service rep assured me in his zen monotone, they will have it fixed as soon as possible, and reminded me I have ten days to add photos. Ten days! My type A reply was to request he call me on my cell the minute it was up and running.  He did, and this time it worked!

I needed to preview six homes for buyers and was heading out the office door when my phone rang.  A client was in tears. One of her beloved dogs died suddenly and she would not be at home to oversee an installation.  We exchanged pet bereavement experiences and I assured her I would handle the appointment. I suggested she gather photos and memories of her pet in an album.  When I returned from my mad dash around the Palos Verdes Peninsula previewing properties, there was a pet eulogy with photos straight from her heart waiting in my email.

Another client who swore he would not give me a price reduction, did!  I dropped by to see the new color palette in several of the rooms and  left feeling optimistic about the improvements and the new price.  Next stop, the bakery to pick up cookies for tomorrow's broker open house.  As I'm checking out the phone rings; it's a client who wants me to come see his house.  Appointment made.  It's 4:30 and I'm running late to my final appointment for the day.  I need to drop off some listings to my hairdresser.  She sold her home a couple of years ago and has been waiting for the right time to buy.  After a few minutes of discussing various listings, she selected a few she wants to see next week.

When I came out of her Redondo Beach salon, the fog was rolling in and stealing the sunshine of a perfect Southern California day.  I've always loved the fog, and as I drove home I pulled off Palos Verdes Drive West to watch the sea and cliffs disappear in the heavy clouds.  It was just an ordinary day filled with some success, a little frustration, a shared loss, and plans for the future.  I'm thankful for the daily ups and downs this job provides.  Life, it's all good.

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 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

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The face of San Pedro is changing.  Hundreds of new lofts and condos are dotting the downtown horizon.  Several new galleries, restaurants and bars are bringing new life to the area.  Kissed by ocean breezes and wonderful views it still remains the most affordable coastal town in Southern California.

The Point Fermin area is graced with spectacular views, quaint beach cottages, historical old homes and numerous ocean view parks.  It's a popular area for artists and other creative types.

This charming home is perched on a hill with harbor and ocean views.  Remodeled, with a show-stopping kitchen, refinished hardwood floors and a separate studio, this property is perfect for an artist or work at home professional.  Plenty of parking too with a 2-car garage and a 2-car carport.  $669,000

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 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

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The chill of winter is almost behind us and the sun is shining in Southern California after a cold and wet (we needed the rain) winter.  Can thoughts of moving be far behind?

If you're considering moving to one of the four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula here's what's happening on "The Hill."

211 Single Family Homes are currently for sale

45 Single Family Homes are currently in escrow

16 Single Family Homes have sold in 2008

Sellers, note the number of homes in escrow--the market is beginning to move. 

 Remember, all real estate is local.  The Palos Verdes market is not the same as the national market or even the Los Angeles market. 

 If you would like more information on your local neighborhood in Palos Verdes email me and I'll be happy to provide it within 24 hours.

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 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

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