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

Who Moved My Keys

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:40:51 -0500

Yesterday, I listened as a soon-to-be-dad spoke about saving money to purchase a new home for his growing family. A challenging but lofty and worthy goal to be sure. The pre-recession years were filled with spiraling housing costs and many young families were forced to take a seat on the fence and wait for sanity to reclaim the house prices in Los Angeles. Many felt they were stuck between two decisions and neither one was palatable. They could stay put in a rental or condo, or they could move inland and extend their commute by an hour or two each way.

Then along came the Great Recession. After years of waiting for the realization of what they were beginning to think might be their impossible dream, home prices had a head-on collision with an economy losing steam, a banking industry in disarray and housing prices started marching south.

Years passes and as the inflated air drained from the local housing scene, color, tinged by that powerful aphrodisiac we know as hope returned to many a first time (and seasoned) buyer’s face. Today, after much pain and suffering, the housing landscape in the Greater Los Angeles Area is filled with opportunities.

These opportunities to finally receive the long-awaited keys to a first home, a move-up home, investment property, second home or retirement villa are much more attainable as we begin our trek through 2012. Prices are down, loans are easier to obtain, interest rates are the lowest I’ve seen in my 20 plus year career, and if I’m not mistaken, there is a new level of hope and determination to make 2012 the year buyers add a new key or two to their keyring.

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle- Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Chosen by MovingCost.com as one of the best Los Angeles realty blogs. Awarded 5 out of 5 stars by Lender411 blog review. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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. Based on information from the Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing as of the initial date of this article/blog publication and /or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.

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Ten Things to Remove Before Listing Your Palos Verdes or South Bay Home

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:21:36 -0500

De-clutter is a subjective word--it means one thing to some people and an entirely different thing to others. If you're thinking of listing your Palos Verdes home for sale and know you must tackle the ubiquitous "clutter" but not quite sure what qualifies, or where to begin, here's a terrific list compiled by a fellow agent.

Via Lindsey Hasford (Coldwell Banker Vision):

Everyone has heard rumors of de-cluttering when it's time to sell your home. But, what does that really mean? Before going hog wild and moving out... here's a few of the most important things to consider removing before you list your home for sale.

10. Personal photos. I don't always recommend removing photos of the 'family' but if you have hallways filled with photos or photos on every end table it is probably necessary. Buyers really DO get distracted by them. They will take them all in as they walk down the hall. Not only do they take away from the home, but it's really disturbing when a buyer is excited to 'know' the sellers. And, the buyers do look at them.

9. Bills and personal papers. I understand that you cannot remove these document from the home all together, but please take the time to organize them, box them up and put them out of sight. If you have bills laying out on the counter or kitchen table it's like an invitation for the buyers to 'peek' at them. Believe me - I discourage it - but it still happens. And as a seller you just don't want to leave the temptation behind.

8. Money. I would love to say that every buyer (and Realtor) going through every home is honest, but I really don't want to test those waters. If you have cash, cash boxes or coin jars sitting out in the open... put them away. It's just better for everyone if it's out of sight. As Realtors we do what we can to protect your home, but your help makes a difference!

7. Valuables. Jewelry, watches, valuable antiques.... anything that might be worth a bit of money that you wouldn't want to lose. Out of sight, out of mind. If buyers don't know they are there they won't think about it. I can't tell you how many homes I've been in where the jewelry is left on the dresser.... somehow it's uncomfortable. At least put it away.

6. Guns and ammo. I don't care if they are in a case or out laying around or under a bed. It's better if you just plain old remove them from the home prior to listing. For some reason they make buyers (in my experience) feel really insecure.

5. Shoes! If you have a pile of shoes at the door... ask yourself why. A pile of shoes gives a buyer two impressions. The first? That there isn't enough storage in your home. 2. That there are too many people living in the home. So, in order to avoid wondering on the part of the buyer... just put them away.

4. Medicine. Take it out. Don't store it on the counter. Don't store it in the cabinet. Don't store it in the bathroom. Remove it. There have been many complaints over the years of potential buyers 'stealing' the medicine out of the cabinets. I have never had it happen on my time clock, but to avoid any trouble it's best to simply remove it.

3. All things on your kitchen counter. Everything? Really? Yup. The cleaner you can leave the counter, the more buyers dream of being in there. Have you ever been in a cluttered kitchen? Does it feel inviting? How about a cleaned up kitchen? Does it make you wanna spend time there? Also, if you store things on the counter it gives the appearance that you do not have enough storage space.

2. No more junk drawers. Seriously. Clean 'em out. There is nothing more tacky than a potential buyer opening the cupboards and drawers and having things sticking out everywhere. Box up all the notes, pens, tacks, and odds and ends and put them away. Chances are you don't dig in the drawer often anyways.

1. Nothing but magnets.... and maybe not even that. Take a photo of your fridge, take everything off, wash the front (and side), and take another photo. It is really refreshing to walk into a home that has a clean fridge. The kids pictures are beautiful (believe me... my fridge is covered in them) but buyer's can't imagine their own children's drawing on there if it is covered with yours. And, the magnets... If they aren't decorative (and even then) they are generally more of a distraction to the room than a help. Consider it.

There are many more ways to declutter a home for sale... but these are some important things to consider. For more information on selling your home in Minnesota... give me a call.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

                 In the meantime... if you are looking to move into the area... I'll wait for you to call!

Selling Real Estate in Minnesota!

If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. And, please feel free to share my name with anyone that you know who needs assistance buying or selling a home ~ I love referrals!

                                                   Lindsey Hasford, REALTOR
                                                        Coldwell Banker Vision
                                             231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
                                          763-241-5488 (office) 763-218-1347 (cell)
                                         lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
                                                  http://www.hasfordhomes.com

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

The Luxury of Living the Artful Life in the Greater Los Angeles Area

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:45 -0500

I enjoyed lunch with a friend at Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills this week. It was a quiet Monday and I accepted the impromtu invitation without hesitation. If you haven't experienced Chinese food at this trendy restaurant it is an experience worthy of putting on your bucket list. Come to think of it, I would have accepted the invitation regardless of my workload.

As we headed back to the 405 Freeway I noticed Wilshire Blvd. was lined with banners depicting Frida Kahlo's face. Yes, there's an art show coming to LA featuring the works of female surrealist artists. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will exhibit more than 175 works by 47 artists including Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois and Leonora Carrington along with lesser-known surrealist’s artists such as Maya Deren and Helen Lundeberg. The LACMA show opened January 29 and will run through May 6.

If you love photography, Los Angeles and Ansel Adams there is a not to be missed exhibit of his work depicting Los Angeles in the 1940s opening soon. The Ansel Adams Los Angeles Exhibit goes on view at dkrm Gallery February 18.

drkrm is located at 727 S. Spring Street in the Gallery Row district of Downtown Los Angeles.

All gallery events are free and open to the public.

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Norma Toering's Eastview Home Sales Report - Dec. 2011 - Rancho Palos Verdes

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:23:57 -0500

Eastview neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in December 2011.

Homes for sale: 12 Homes are listed for sale priced from $539,000 to $769,000.

Pending sales: 5 Houses are in escrow in Eastview, RPV priced from $539,900 to $830,000.

December sales: 8 Homes sold in Dec. 2011:

Address

Sale Price

Bed/Bath

Sq. Feet.

Lot

Year Built

Days Listed

1839 Jaybrook Dr

$407,500

2/1

853

6490

1950

2079 Noble View Dr

$590,000

3/2

1719

8460

1957

371

1921 Summerland St

$610,000

3/3

2064

8650

1955

110

28614 Mount Sawtooth Dr

$670,000

4/3

2460

5326

1973

105

28621 Mount Hood Ct

$700,000

3/3

1768

7886

1974

1815 Toscanini Dr

$710,000

3/3

2029

7867

1962

208

2042 Crestwood St

$715,000

4/2

2015

8203

1956

27831 Pontevedra Dr

$737,500

4/2

1746

11299

1959

118

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Norma Toering's Silver Spur Home Sales Report - Dec. 2011 - Rancho Palos Verdes & Rolling Hills Estates

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:17:09 -0500

Silver Spur neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes & Rolling Hills Estates, CA in December 2011.

Pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee as you review sales in the Silver Spur neighborhood.

Homes for sale: 10 Homes are listed for sale in the Silver Spur area priced from $729,000 to $1,149,900.

Pending sales: 5 Houses are in escrow priced from $530,000 to $865,000.

December sales: 3 Homes sold in December 2011:

Address

Sale Price

Bed/Bath

Sq. Feet.

Lot

Year Built

Days Listed

27051 Springcreek Rd

$721,960

3/2

1780

9583

1960

124

5547 Bayridge Rd

$730,000

3/2

1321 9475

1956

26916 Springcreek Rd

$825,000

3/2

1642

9026

1960

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Norma Toering's Peninsula Center Home Sales Report - Dec. 2011 - Rancho Palos Verdes & Rolling Hills Estates

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:28:46 -0500

Peninsula Center neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in December 2011.

Homes for sale: 4 Homes are listed for sale in the Peninsula Center area priced from $819,000 to $999,000.

Pending sales: No homes are currently in escrow.

December sales: No homes sold in Dec. 2011.

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Shake Your Moneymaker

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:37:26 -0500

Do you know where your stream of income sources are tonight? Maybe they are snoozing undisturbed in your database, maybe their name is scribbled on a piece of paper in your pocket or your purse. Or worse yet, they may be swirling around unrecorded on the "to do" list in your head. In order to shake your moneymaker(s) you must be able to put your hands on them. My moneymakers are my past client database and my blogs.

My memory is one of my strengths, but one mind can only contain so much retrievable data. My moment of reckoning came late last year when I saw a listing (coulda, woulda, shouda been mine) pop up on the MLS. What? They listed with someone else? How could that be when only three months ago she told me they were going to wait a year? Yes, I know, three months is far too long to wait to contact a homeowner with selling on her mind. But I thought we had a relationship, rapport and so on so forth. Nature abhors a vacuum and I obviously allowed another agent to step in and fill the gaping hole I left in our communication. Mea culpa.

2012 may be the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese Calendar but Norma Toering & Team will track time, contacts, efforts and results with the daily care and feeding of our database. We will calendar contacts months in advance and note every client contact. As month one of 2012 draws to a close I find this new habit is becoming second nature, and I'm enjoying this more methodical but also more rewarding approach.

I'm a big fan of the one-page business plan and this year mine is pretty simple--Blog daily (online presence), work that database (offline presence) and shake your moneymaker(s) often.

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Where Is My Passion Today?

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:27:10 -0500

As consciousness returns to my being after a restful night's sleep, I savor those first few moments of wakefulness by focusing on where my passion will be aimed during the coming day. Today, as most days, its energy and power will be centered on moving my current Palos Verdes and South Bay clients' real estate dreams closer to the realm of reality. Some days this task can feel like a hike up Mt. Everest.- leaving one breathless but exhilarated.

Yes, Bank of America, I'm talking to you. For the love of Pete, isn't four months long enough to decide whether you are going to approve a short sale or not? The natives, that would be my clients, are getting restless and pretty fed up with the wait. Last week they had me preview another property for them. I'll share this information with you--there's a backup in their mind, so get your big bank head together and give us an answer before it's too late.

Next on my list (almost called it a hit list due to pent up steam from the previous paragraph but that seems a bit severe) is a looming deadline for contingency removal and we're not quite ready. We're waiting for FHA to bless the deal or at least tell us what must be fixed before escrow can close. My first time home buyers are so close to receiving the keys to their dream home they can almost taste it. After two years of searching, a few losses of homes that were not meant to be, I'm fortunate to be a part of their joy.

There are listings to assess and evaluate, and new buyers to add to the database and other typical daily real estate stuff. After all, without sellers and buyers my business would not exist. However, when I pull one file from the masses and place it front and center on my desk, my entire focus is on the individual buyer or seller that enlisted Norma Toering & Team to help them achieve their real estate goal.

I have a passion for your success.

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Norma Toering's Crest Home Sales Report - Dec. 2011 - Rancho Palos Verdes

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:09:46 -0500

Crest neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in December 2011.

Homes for sale: 4 Homes are listed for sale in the Crest area priced from $995,000 to $1,225,000.

Pending sales: 1 Home is in escrow priced at $799,000.

December sales: Two homes sold in Dec. 2011:

Address

Sale Price

Bed/Bath

Sq. Feet.

Lot

Year Built

Days Listed

28740 Doverridge Dr.

$805,900

3/2

1874

10873

1969

6433 Seabryn Dr.

$930,000

4/3

2432

8851

1970

204

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Norma Toering's Los Verdes Home Sales Report - Dec. 2011 - Rancho Palos Verdes

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:45 -0500

Los Verdes neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in December 2011.

Homes for sale: 6 Homes are listed for sale in Los Verdes priced from $829,000 to $1,190,000.

Pending sales: 5 Houses are in escrow priced from $758,000 to $1,399,000.

December sales: One home sold in Dec. 2011:

Address

Sale Price

Bed/Bath

Sq. Feet.

Lot

Year Built

Days Listed

28312 Plainfield Dr

$1,299,000

4/4 3888

12110

1974

169

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

15 Minute Listing Appointment

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:57:20 -0500

Before the Internet changed the world I always allowed one hour for Palos Verdes listing presentations. Last week, with much of the research completed and emailed to the seller prior to the appointment, I arrived at the property with iPad in hand and a few documents to clarify some concerns the seller expressed during our phone conversation. I expected to spend about 30 minutes making my condensed presentation and touring the property.

After a quick tour of the property, I segued into sharing a little about myself and how I work. The seller, politely cut my soft spiel short. "I've done my homework. I've checked your website, blog and other online information. That's why you're here."

Round one of the seller's vetting process was conducted online. Round two was the face-to-face and property tour. Round three (the decision) is yet to come, but either way, the experience was efficient, effective and fast. The process is a shining example of how a strong Internet presence helps not only the consumer but also the agent.

The seller, a night owl, told me he conducted our interview while I was sleeping. What else was there to say, but thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to going to work for you soon?

In and out in 15 minutes.

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Norma Toering's La Cresta Home Sales Report - Dec. 2011 - Rancho Palos Verdes

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:01:09 -0500

La Cresta neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in December 2011.

Homes for sale: 8 Homes are listed for sale priced from $1,370,000 to $3,899,900.

Pending sales: 6 Houses are in escrow priced from $1,198,000 to $1,879,000.

December sales: One home sold in Dec. 2011:

Address

Sale Price

Bed/Bath

Sq. Feet.

Lot

Year Built

Days Listed

17 Hillcrest Manor

$1,765,000

4/6

5126

18767

1992

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Norma Toering's Country Club Home Sales Report - Dec. 2011 - Rancho Palos Verdes

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:53:54 -0500

Country Club neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in December 2011:

Homes for sale: 7 Homes are listed for sale priced from $1,159,000 to $1,850,000.

Pending sales: 3 Houses are in escrow in the Country Club priced from $1,399,000 to $1,690,000.

December sales: 3 Homes sold in Dec. 2011:

Address

Sale Price

Bed/Bath

Sq. Feet.

Lot

Year Built

Days Listed

30057 Avenida Tranquila

$1,500,000

4/4

4352

16008

1969

7071 Crest Rd

$1,790,000

5/4

4107 21080

1966

167

6863 Alta Vista Dr

$2,000,000

5/5

4530

20600

1979

103

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Drive West Home Sales Report - Dec. 2011 - Rancho Palos Verdes

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:50:19 -0500

Palos Verdes Drive West neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in December 2011.

Homes for sale: 8 Homes are listed for sale in the PV Drive West area priced from $1,325,000 to $9,888,000.

Pending sales: 4 Homes are in escrow priced from $2,999,900 to $4,990,000.

December sales: 5 Homes sold in December 2011:

Address

Sale Price

Bed/Bath

Sq. Feet.

Lot

Year Built

Days Listed

7302 Lunada Vista

$2,635,000

5/5

3784 10011 2011

73 Via Del Cielo

$2,925,000

3/5

5123 25879

2001

282

18 Via Del Cielo

$3,050,000

5/6

7031

24799

2000

5 Via Del Cielo

$3,850,000

6/8

8179

25021

2006

182

6 Marguerite Drive

$6,300,000

7/9

10000

49658

311

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Drive South Home Sales Report - Dec. 2011 - Rancho Palos Verdes

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:28:52 -0500

Palos Verdes Drive South neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in December 2011.

Homes for sale: 19 Homes are listed for sale in the PVDS area priced from $888,000 to $10,000,000.

Pending sales: 3 Homes sold priced from $1,999,000 to $2,195,000.

Dec. Sales: 3 Houses sold in Dec. 2011:

Address

Sale Price

Bed/Bath

Sq. Feet.

Lot

Year Built

Days Listed

3535 Heroic Dr

$843,500

4/2 2000 21780 1963 80

2 Barkentine Rd

$910,000

3/2

2215 9199

1954

6520 Via Baron

$1,000,001

5/5

4632

10328

1984

317

Sell Smart, Buy Wise and Live Well

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma