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

I saw them out of the corner of my eye as I rushed through the automatic doors at Trader Joes.  There they were still snug buds with no hint of their showy over-sized beauty.  Those were peonies and I had to have them.

As a child it was my Memorial Day duty to clip flowers from the row of peonies in the side yard and make bouquets for soldiers, friends and relatives no longer on this earth.  I thought it was a rather morbid task, but I did so enjoy selecting just the right vases and ribbons, so the task was filled with more pleasure than pain.  Even though the ants crawled up and down my arms as I carried the armloads of blossoms to the kitchen sink, I tried to stay focused on the positive aspect of the job.  I try that with real estate too!

Those bouquets were always lovely and I felt a sense of accomplishment as we left each one in remembrance and appreciation of a life lived. 

 As an adult, I realize what a valuable lesson my peony exercise was for me.  Work involves tasks we would like to avoid, but we do not get to pick and choose what part of the job we will do.  Beauty is often intermingled with loss and pain.  Life is transitory in nature, and like the peony blossoms it buds, blooms, withers and leaves a legacy of its own design.

Cycles are a natural part of life, business and certainly real estate.  The foreclosures, short sales and interest rates of today are not permanent fixtures.  A cycle by its very nature is changing and morphing into something new.  This market will move on too.

Norma Toering and 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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Many people move to Palos Verdes CA for the schools, others come for the location, but I believe the strongest card the Palos Verdes Peninsula has to play is the VIEW CARD.  It is a fantastic little decision maker when it is time to buy a house.  Right now I have two couples searching for the perfect view.  Fortunately, their idea of perfect is just enough different to keep both of them from coveting the same house with a view.

One couple wants the wide open Pacific Ocean view with a bit of coastline, Catalina Island, cruise ships and a few lights at night.  The other couple prefer a few more lights at night to keep the view alive 24/7.  Of course, if the right house comes along and the view is a little off, most buyers will accept it as being close enough to perfect for them.  The reverse is also true; if the view is right but the house is less than dreamy they are usually willing to do a makeover on the house. 

A phrase I often repeat when working with view clientele is, "Buy the view you want because you can't put it in later."  A new kitchen is easy to add later, a view is another matter.

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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Needles RV Park, Motel and Land for Sale - La Quinta Equestrian Luxury Estate Lots for Sale

If you're in the market to buy a second home in the California desert cities, or perhaps make a permanent move to the area, I recommend you explore the option of buying a lot in Boitano Palms, a gated equestrian development under construction in the Coachella Valley along Avenue 54 and Calhoun.

The twenty-two lots are approximately two acres each. Lot 12 has a 3900 sq ft. "green" home under construction. The property will also include a 3-stall stable. The remaining lots are for sale with Lot 2 priced at $550,000 and Lot 3 priced at $650,000 offered by Norma Toering & Team. Call for pricing information on the remaining lots, and semi-custom building options.

The seller will pay the cost of drilling wells on each property (self-sufficient water supply is a good thing with the rising water costs in CA), and the lots are septic tank approved. All lots front on a cul-de-sac street.

The property is located just minutes from the golf and tennis facilities in La Quinta, CA. World class shopping and dining are available along with entertainment choices throughout the desert cities of Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta and more.

Horse lovers will be thrilled with the proximity to HITS (Horse-shows In The Sun) in Thermal, CA. Urban dwellers, if you're a weekend cowboy these 2-acre ranchettes will satisfy your wild west dreams. Organic farmers, this is rich Coachella Valley farmland. Environmentalists, walk your talk and buy, build and live a greener, more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Do not miss this opportunity to live in the Coachella Valley with views of the Santa Rosa and Chocolate Mountains, swaying palm trees and your own private piece of Boitano Palms. Phase I of Boitano Palms is aggressively priced to sell---lot prices were slashed from 2007 prices of $1,500,000 each.

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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Needles RV Park, Motel and Land for Sale - Coachella Valley Equestrian Luxury Estate Lots for Sale

The June 2009 real estate scene is still no summer picnic, but sellers are more realistic with their expectations and prices.  One battle won!  After maneuvering this market for a couple years prospective homeowners now know a buyer's market does not mean sellers are giving property away; it does mean there are buying opportunities not present a few years ago.  In short, buyers and sellers are moving closer together. 

A short bridge is easier to build than a long one; it takes less time and energy too.  I've seen the battle fatigue in sellers, buyers and agents (present company included).  I've seen, and presented, offers with such a large money gap the chances of the offers being accepted were about the same as me swimming the English Channel.  Not a chance that is happening, and those words, or similar ones, were heard in response to many offers written by earnest but unrealistic buyers.  I believe buyers get it now, and I'll celebrate that success.

Sellers were slow to adapt to the real estate price slide, but most have adjusted, if not embraced it, and accepted the reality of today's market. Another cause for celebration!  A market thrives when sellers are offering a desirable commodity at a price that is attractive enough to make a buyer want to part with his money.   That is business at work whether it is taking place at a flea market, in a corporate boardroom or a seller's living room. 

I am optimistic about the second half of 2009; working in a realistic marketplace is something I look forward to with great anticipation.

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

Summer is coming and the Point Fermin coastal community of San Pedro is a perfect choice for homeowners who desire to be close to the water.

April 2009 Real estate statistics for Point Fermin:

Active Listings:  12 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $250,000 to $1,250,000.

Pending Sales:  6 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $259,000 to $575,000.

April Sales:  3 Single Family Homes closed escrow priced from $299,000 to $680,000.

For more details on any of these properties contact Norma Toering and Team.  We will be happy to answer your real estate questions or show homes of your choice.

Previous Market Reports

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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Needles RV Park, Motel and Land for Sale - Coachella Valley Equestrian Luxury Estate Lots for Sale

Nearly 40 South Bay schools performed among the top 10th of campuses across California in a statewide academic index released by education officials Thursday.  Check statewide rankings according to the Daily Breeze Newspaper article.

"Just as the data showed last year, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and the Palos Verdes Peninsula school districts saw all of their campuses make the top tenth." 

Those are some impressive tests results for local school systems and it is even more impressive to see the year to year data. As a former teacher and parent of four Palos Verdes Unifed School District graduates, I am not surprised by the tests results.  Although there are many wonderful privates schools on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the performance of the public schools has a direct impact on home values in the area.

Combined with the coastal location and envious weather, the stellar performance of the local public school system continues to attract new residents to the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  

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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Needles RV Park, Motel and Land for Sale - Coachella Valley Equestrian Luxury Estate Lots for Sale

I am currently working with two couples who plan to relocate to the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  They are both from the greater Los Angeles area, but are unfamiliar with the perks of living in Palos Verdes.  Sometimes a relocation distance of 30 miles can be just as disruptive as one of 3,000 miles.  I know, I've made both type of moves!

I've written numerous articles about various aspects of life on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and many were written with prospective new residents in mind.  As a matter of fact, Relocation.com chose my blog, Palos Verdes Lifestyle, as one of the top ten real estate blogs in Los Angeles.

If you're contemplating a move to Palos Verdes, here are a few articles I hope you will find insightful and helpful.

Got kids?  Then you may want to start by reading about our top-ranked Palos Verdes Unified Schools.

Palos Verdes High Schools Ranked in Nation's Top 100

Palos Verdes offers a wide selection of home styles and prices.  Whether you're in the market for a seaside villa, a coastal cottage or an equestrian estate you can probably find it in one of the four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

 There's a Home in Palos Verdes for You

The Value of a View in Palos Verdes by Norma Toering

Give Buyers Information Not an Offer Price  

Searching Through Cyberspace for a Place to Call Home

Why I Chose Palos Verdes 20 Years Ago

Buying Ground That Moves

The Dirty Side of Real Estate - Norma Toering RE/MAX Palos Verdes

Check out the beaches, yes we have them in Palos Verdes, along with our spectacular bluffs and rocky coastline.  RAT BEACH in Palos Verdes Estates is Great for Kids

Palos Verdes Daily Photo --Beaches

 Palos Verdes Daily Photo  Great coastline photo taken on my morning walk.

In the mood for a hike or a horse ride?  Rolling Hills & Palos Verdes Peninsula Trail Guide

Palos Verdes Pictorial

 Ready for a day trip?  Try one of these:  Day Tripping from Palos Verdes - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes

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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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 -
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Needles Lots, RV Park, Motel and Land for Sale - Palm Springs Equestrian Luxury Estate Lots for Sale

The ground moves in California, and if you live here long enough you will feel the earth move too.  Not only do we have blissful weather, beaches, mountains and more than our fair share of sunshine, we also have earthquakes on a regular basis, and in Palos Verdes we also have one of the largest active landslides in the country.  Mudslides are a common threat during the rainy season. Yes, our precious California land does its fair share of shaking, slipping and sliding.

What's a prospective buyer to do?  Educate yourself, investigate the area, and inspect the property.  Most of the Palos Verdes Peninsula is made up of bedrock and building a foundation on a bed of rock is a stabilizing anchor for most Palos Verdes homes.

A visit to the local city planning department will reveal details not only about the property in question, but also about building moratoriums, building restrictions and local codes.

No one should purchase a property subjected to earthquake shaking without having a thorough physical inspection of the property.  If further investigation is suggested, it may be advisable to engage a structural engineer and/or a geologist. 

In California the real estate purchase contract grants the buyer 17 days to inspect the property.  The savvy buyer will use these days to assemble and evaluate a written assessment of the property.  Numerous disclosures and reports by the sellers, inspectors, real estate agents and other professionals engaged to inspect the property deserve and require the buyer's attention and acceptance in order to complete the purchase. 

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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Needles CA RV Park, Motel and Land for Sale - La Quinta Horse Luxury Estate Lots for Sale

If you're longing for a little ranch in the burbs of the big city, better make arrangements to see this one before another buyer puts his brand on the place!

Located  less than ten minutes from Pacific Coast Highway and twenty minutes for the Pacific Ocean, it's a fine horse property with direct access to the bridle trails.  The ranch style home is inviting and offers four bedrooms in over 2800 sq. ft.  I showed the property last night and my prospective buyer was ready to move in.  Offered at $1,450,000.

For more information on this property or other "Eye for Value" selections, contact Norma Toering and Team.

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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Needles RV Park, Motel and Land for Sale - Coachella Valley Equestrian Luxury Estate Lots for Sale

There are only four single family homes for sale in South Shores as I write this.  At least in South Shores, this is not a buyer's market, it's a seller's market!

Here's the real estate statistics for South Shores for April 2009:

Active Listings:  4 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $829,000 to $1,899,000.

Pending Sales:  4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $450,000 to $799,900.

April Sales:  2 Single Family Homes closed escrow:  1924 W. 35th St. --- $630,000;   1923 W. 35th St. ---                 $825,000.

Sellers, many agents have buyers for your neighborhood.  Your competition is nearly non-existent.  If you would like to know the value of your South Shores home in today's market contact Norma Toering and Team.

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