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

My seven year old grandson recently received an award for being A Model 2nd Grader.  He was not quite sure what it meant.  His mother explained his efforts, attitude, preparation and performance were exceptional, and his teacher hoped other students would model their behavior after his.  He felt pretty good after hearing that.  He's pretty good at his job.

As agents and independent contractors we do not receive annual reviews (at least I never have), and we do not receive written report cards.  As a former teacher, I found myself thinking perhaps it would be a good idea to design a quick and easy report card for my customers and clients to fill out.

We often receive testimonials--usually from raving fans.  But maybe if we sometimes received a letter grade we would think "C--you mean my efforts were perceived as average?  What can I do in the future to earn an A or at least a B?  A little extra credit effort might do the trick.

More blogs about a real estate agent's life 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.

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I am in awe of many of the bloggers I read on Active Rain.  I admire the dedication, the regularity and the variety of topics covered.  Who knew real estate could be so fascinating?  I can count on many of my favorite writers to deliver day after day a thought provoking post filled with fresh content.  That my friends, is a labor of love.

It takes courage to begin a blog and commitment to continue it. Consistency is key to building a loyal readership.  I've learned a lot about blogging by reading the blogs of others.  I learned much about my profession by reading posts that caught my interest, dealt with similar issues or with a touch of humor helped me make it through the day.

I enjoy molding and crafting a post.  I enjoy the sense of accomplishment and the camaraderie of sharing with my peers and readers.  A blog is always a work in progress--it is never finished and that is the beauty of blogging--there is no end in sight.

More Active Rain related blogs 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.

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Rancho Palos Verdes Horse Property Blog - View Homes for Sale in Palos Verdes Estates Blog -
Palos Verdes Neighborhood Market Reports - Moving to Palos Verdes -
Needles RV Park, Motel and Land for Sale - Coachella Valley Equestrian Luxury Estate Lots for Sale

It is spring and the signs are everywhere; especially in the real estate market.  The second half of March was alive with new activity--my Goggle calendar greeted me each morning with a fresh list of proof the market is gathering momentum.  This morning my cell phone rang a few minutes before 8:00 a.m--a buyer was out for a walk and saw the lawn sign at my new listing.  In this age of instant gratification she called me while standing in front of the house.  

I am expecting an active April.  Yesterday I showed buyers who plan to have their child in the Palos Verdes School system by September. Another prospective buyer who is currently renting thinks the time is right to purchase and has scheduled a day of house hunting this week.  Interest rates and house prices are both sending a buy signal her way.

I'll be posting March real estate reports for Palos Verdes next week.  I have not run the numbers yet, but I'm guessing pending and closed sales will be up.  What better indicator of spring could there be?  The historically low interest rates and realigned property prices will not last forever. 

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.

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32245 Phantom Drive in RPV, CA

Stop by and linger a few moments on the patio while you absorb the multitude of views this property offers:  Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, coastline, cliffs, whitewater, Trump National Golf Course and the hills of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

This is not your typical remodel.  The ceiling of the great room soars and numerous skylights illuminate the loft-like space.  The open kitchen features limestone counters, butcherblock center island and a 6-burner stove.  Plank flooring runs throughout and unifies the living space.

There is a fireplace for those chilly coastal nights, the retaining wall was built to support an infinity pool and the view wall of the living room is ready for Nana sliders that fold into the wall and erase the boundary between outdoors and indoors.  The seller also has plans for a master suite overlooking the view.

Offered at $1,395,000 and open for you to enjoy Sunday 1-4 p.m..

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.

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292 Granada Avenue's appeal spills over into the wide avenue used to approach the property and the neighboring homesadd a touch of class to this one level charmer.  The kitchen/family room is a light filled space.  Hardwood floors flow throughout the living, dining and bedrooms on the first floor.

There are two bedrooms on the main floor and one bedroom on the lower level.  The formal living room opens to a covered patio and large swimming pool.  A rooftop deck atop the 2-car garage overlooks the swimming pool and cityscape.

The white picket fence gate will be open and I'll be waiting on the front porch so stop by and see 292 Granada, Long Beach on Saturday afternoon.  Offered at $999,000.

Norma Toering RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty 310-493-8333

Palos Verdes Lifestyle - Norma's Local Real Estate Blog

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

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There are four separate cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula each with its own distinct flavor and feel.  I see many homes each week--only a few standout in my memory at the end of the day.    Some I remember because of price, others for the view and still others for style and irreplaceable setting.  Here are my homes of distinction for this week:

Palos Verdes Estate:  1616 Barcelona oozes architectural style.  It is anything but your standard four walls! It is located on a cul-de-sac street high in the hills of Palos Verdes Estates.  If you are searching from something out of the ordinary this one is worth seeing.  Priced at $2,500,000 it is 4678 sq ft with pool and ocean view.

Rancho Palos Verdes:  Perhaps it is no coincidence I think 32245 Phantom Drive is the Rancho Palos Verdes home of the week--it is my listing.  That aside, it is a home that carries a powerful punch.  Step inside to soaring ceilings and a loft -like open floor plan, then rest your gaze outside for a moment to enjoy views of the ocean, Catalina, Trump National Golf Course and the hills of Palos Verdes.  Priced at $1,395,000 with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths it is a one-level winner.

Rolling Hills:  1 Buckboard is not a home I love, but I do love its potential.  It is a rambling one level hungry for a remodel with 3477 sq ft on a 53,535 sq ft lot with pool and view priced at $1,599,000.  The neighborhood is full of $3M and up homes.  This is a hot opportunity in the "Gated City" of Rolling Hills.

Rolling Hills Estates:  9 Celeste is a four bedroom, four bath home with one of the most spectacular outdoor living spaces I've ever seen.  Anchored by a large swimming pool flanked with Ritz Carlton worthy lounges there is a covered dining/bar area complete with fireplace.  There are fountains, gardens and paths to explore.  If you love spending time outside you should not miss this one.  Offered at $1,749,000. 

To schedule an appointment to see any of these "Best of Show" homes contact me and I'll share these treasures with you!

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

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When everyone is cutting back, putting off and holding back it seems a bit unrealistic to expect the economy to magically begin to expand.  Something has to ignite the hum of movement.  From my perspective I'm seeing energy and confidence building on my little peninsula of the world. Sparks are beginning to fly from the housing sector.

The national housing numbers are up, and based on my month of March I believe the numbers for this month will show a definite increase in sales.  I've encounter multiple offers several times this month, and have more than one first time buyer losing hope of snagging a great deal on a foreclosure. They are beginning to wonder if they missed the wave.  Bidding wars are breaking out and the bests deals are going over asking price in several areas.   No doubt about it the first time buyers are adding much needed fuel to the economy.

Showings are picking up on my listings and the battery on my cell phone is getting a good workout from buyers again!  The media will not pick up on these indicators for a few more weeks---escrows must close, numbers must be crunched. I have no doubt many sellers and buyers will wait for a formal consensus the market is moving toward recovery.  My proof is in offers written, listings taken, buyer calls,  number of showings and escrows closed.  They are all up. 

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

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There are a few glimmers of sunshine breaking through the clouds hovering over the housing market.  On the national front the interest rates are crazy low and prices are more affordable.  However, my focus is local and this is what I have to report from a weekend in the field, or perhaps I should say a weekend on the coast:

A developer contacted me regarding my $7.7M raw land listing on the Colorado River.  Yes that's right, a developer, and a good sign the sleeping giant of construction is rousing from months of hibernation and looking for potential projects. 

I had 35 groups (over 60 people) at my weekend open house.  I have to go back to 2006 to top that attendance number.

On Friday I had a sign call from a prospective buyer before the sign company finished installing the for sale sign at my new listing. 

A 1st time buyer submitted an offer on Friday, and I sent off the repair request for a 1st time investor before 7:00am this morning.

I showed property to two buyers on Saturday and a third buyer was unable to see the house she wanted to view.

The local real estate forecast is not entirely sunny; Palos Verdes properties priced over $2M are experiencing a raging buyer's market.  So if you've always dreamed of living along the gorgeous coast of the Palos Verdes Peninsula your dream is on sale.

How's the market is a common question these days, and my response is, "It's partly sunny."  Opportunity is not everywhere, but the sun is definitely shinning on some segments and areas of the real estate market.  With education and guidance the savvy buyer and wise seller can outperform the overall market.

More blogs about a real estate agent's life 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 Homes for Sale Blog - Palos Verdes Property Website
Palos Verdes Houses for Sale Search - More information on Palos Verdes

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Rancho Palos Verdes Horse Property Blog - View Homes for Sale in Palos Verdes Estates Blog -
Palos Verdes Neighborhood Market Reports - Moving to Palos Verdes -
Needles RV Park, Motel and Land for Sale - Coachella Valley Equestrian Luxury Estate Lots for Sale

Four houses are for sale in one of the neighborhoods I track.  Here are basic descriptions of each:

House No. 1:  Panoramic view, 1960 original, four bedrooms--$1,175,000.

House No. 2:  Panoramic view, remodeled interior & exterior 2008, 3 bedrooms--$1,395,000.

House No. 3:  Partial view, interior remodeled, 3 bedrooms--$1,149,000.

House No. 4:  No view, original 1960 interior & exterior, 4 bedrooms--$938,800.

All properties are located in a coastal communities with wonderful ocean views as you enter and leave the community.  It is a wonderful neighborhood.  I've sold several houses in the neighborhood and most of my clients are still there.  It is rare to have four houses for sale at the same time.

Here's an update:  House No. 4 accepted an offer and is scheduled to close mid-April.  Price trumped view and remodeled!  Any bets on which house will sell next?

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 Property Blog - Palos Verdes Homes Website
Palos Verdes Real Estate Search - More information on Palos Verdes

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Add another chalk mark to the tally of homeowners that cried, "I surrender," in the economic war.  They hoisted their surrender flag in the form of a For Sale sign in the front lawn.  They are not happy it is there, but the payments are too much to handle.  The burden more than they can bear.  Another couple becomes collateral damage in the economic battle zone running rampant in the streets of our cities and towns.

There is nothing special about this couple.  Like many Americans they have worked all their life, raised a family, suffered a setback or two, then picked themselves up and carried on.  They have enough history and life under their belt to know this is not the end of the world; but it has turned their world upside down.  They do not need a face or a name; they are uncomfortably close to being everyman and every woman.  Same story, different faces.

The American dream of owning a home of ones own has many people a few paychecks away from foreclosure. Blame is a senseless game.  At this point they need solutions not assigning fault.  Far too many are experiencing the harsh reality of how fragile their dream is.  Starting over is hard at forty, at sixty-five plus it is devastating. 

This couple, like many others, is making lemonade from the lemons life handed them.  They will downsize sooner than they wanted too.  They will move away from family and lifelong friends to a less expensive area.  They will continue to work to generate much needed income.  The equity they were counting on to bring comfort during their retirement years is no longer there.

It is time to suit up in my real estate armor and head out to the day's battlefield.  There's an offer to check  on, a request for repairs to negotiate and a house to hold open.  Business, as life, goes on.

P.S. Today I could use a glass of extra sweet lemonade.

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 Property Blog - Palos Verdes Homes Website
Palos Verdes Real Estate Search - More information on Palos Verdes

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