Should You Have Earthquake Insurance? - 03/31/11 10:45 PM

Owners of Palos Verdes real estate wonder if they should have earthquake insurance.  Most of my clients have researched the pros and cons of the only earthquake insurance offered in California by the California Earthquake Authority (as I have myself).  A huge factor is the price of the policy versus the high deductibility for damage.
Yesterday, Kathy M. Kristof, of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article, “Quake coverage worth the cost?” which included a link to an online calculator from the California Earthquake Authority (click here to view).  This helpful tool gives you an estimate of your policy premium after you enter some specific … (4 comments)

Visit Lido Bakery - My Favorite In Palos Verdes/South Bay - 03/30/11 09:43 PM

Where does a Palos Verdes “connoisseur” with a sweet tooth go to buy bakery treats?  I am very particular when it comes to bakeries after owning my own several years ago (Carlson’s Cookies).  Lido Bakeryin Manhattan Beach is my favorite bakery in the Palos Verdes/South Bay area because their ingredients are fresh and their products are so tasty.
Lido Bakery is a family owned and operated bakery.  The head baker/pastry chef came from Sweet Lady Jane in West Hollywood.  They use only fresh fruit (with the exception of cherries – can you imagine pitting enough cherries for just one pie?)  My favorite treats are  their … (1 comments)

Palos Verdes Tour Tips - 03/29/11 09:23 PM
There were 25 homes on the March 15, 2011 Palos Verdes real estateBroker’s tour.  We currently have 234 active single family Palos Verdes homes for sale ranging in price from $725,000 in Rancho Palos Verdes 90275 to $12,800,000 in Rolling Hills 90274 (the low in Eastview is $619,900).  There are 76 townhomes for sale priced between $185,000 and $2,495,000.  My favorites homes on tour today were:
 
Kim Hall’s (Remax Palos Verdes Realty) 800 Via Somonte, Palos Verdes Estates 90274 (above left) is a 5 bedroom, 6 bath, 5,273 square foot home for $2,950,000.  This elegant Malaga Cove Italian style villa features fabulous Queen’s Necklace Ocean/Coastline views, a plush media room and … (1 comments)

Spring Impressions at Terranea Resort - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/28/11 10:31 PM

On Saturday, April 16, 2011, from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., Terranea Resort will be hosting the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy and Art to Grow On, Inc., for Spring Impressions,  a family coastal hike and children’s art workshop.  The children will enjoy a short hike down the discovery trail with fun activities along the path which will show them how to observe patterns of color and the different textures that are seen in nature.  Then the young artists will take their new skills and transfer all their new impressions into their own masterpieces.  This is a fun event for children over 3 to enjoy.  There is limited space and reservations are required.  … (0 comments)

Forrestal Nature Preserve Hike in Rancho Palos Verdes - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/26/11 11:59 AM

Have you ever wanted to hike through the Forrestal Nature Preserve but didn't want to go by yourself?  Now you can put on your hiking boots and get first-hand information from the Docents of the Los Serenos de Point Vincente.  On Saturday, March 26, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., the docents will lead you on this moderate hike for about two hours and will educate you about the local geology.  You will be enjoying the preserve's hiking trails which offer beautiful views, majestic canyons, and magnificent foliage.  You might also see red-tailed hawks, wild rabbits,  and threatened plants and animals such as a coastal sage … (0 comments)

Palos Verdes Saturday History Series - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/26/11 11:55 AM

The Malaga Cove Library will be having another installment of their Local History Saturday Series on Saturday, March 26th, 2011, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in their Gallery.  This lecture will be about the history of the city of Rolling Hills and will give you information about the development of this area which has grown throughout the years.  Rolling Hills is known for its enduring respect for native wildlife and natural surroundings.  Speaker, Kristen Raig, will cover everything from the founding of the city of Rolling Hills to its continued value as part of our Palos Verdes Peninsula.
On Saturday, April 9th, there … (0 comments)

Palos Verdes Community Theatre - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/25/11 10:13 PM

The Norris Center for the Perming Arts, will stage its 25th annual community variety benefit show called "Jumpin Jukebox Jive" on Friday, March 25th, through Sunday, March 27,2011.  Act II, the support group for the theatre, will feature top local talent from young children to seniors.  There will be numerous singers, a large local school show choir, guitarists,  a pianist and several dance troupes all performing  music from the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s.  All of the money raised will go for outreach projects of the Norris Center for the  Performing Arts.  The performances for Saturday & Sunday are at 7:30 p.m. … (0 comments)

I Love Cookies! - 03/25/11 10:05 PM

Those who know me know I love cookies.  I love to bake them, eat them, research recipes, try friends' cookie creations and talk about cookies.  Cookies are my passion.
On Tuesday's Palos Verdes real estate Broker's Tour, an agent made cookies and was serving them during her open house.  I asked if they were made from scratch and thus began a discussion about the nuances of cookie baking.  The agent suggested that I write about cookies on this blog as I am both knowledgeable and passionate about them.  Some years ago, I had a commercial bakery called Carlson's Cookies;we packaged … (7 comments)

Palos Verdes Historic Homes Tour - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/24/11 10:03 PM

You are invited to view three of the earliest homes built on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the early to mid 1920′s that were selected for their historical significance.  These homes are all  part of that era's Spanish revival architecture and each has its own unique features and colorful history.  The tour will take place on April 15th and 16th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The tour will begin at the First Church of Christian Scientist located at 4010 Palos Verdes Dr. North, Palos Verdes Estates 90274.  The tour is organized by The Circle, a support group for the Palos Verdes Art Center.  Part … (0 comments)

Point Fermin Lighthouse Historical Site - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/24/11 09:40 PM

One of Palos Verdes Peninsula's interesting architectural structures is the Point Fermin Lighthouse located in San Pedro.  Built in 1874, the Point Fermin Lighthouse was the first navigational source of light in the San Pedro Bay.  Phineas Banning had petitioned the Federal Government along with several businessmen in 1854 to place a lighthouse on the point.  After 20 years it was finally built in what is known as the Stick Victorian Style which is a simpler design than the later Victorian period.  The lighthouse did not have a fog-signalling apparatus and was a one keeper station until 1941 when all coastal … (0 comments)

Declutter Your Home - Declutter Your Life - 03/24/11 09:35 PM

I am sure you have read those words before and it is really true.  My clients who are selling their Palos Verdes homes usually go through a process of decluttering and staging their home before putting it on the market and I often hear, "I wish I did that before; my house looks so good and I feel so liberated!"  I have taken that to heart and have gone through my own home and put some of those "treasures" away in boxes.
However, I still have an issue with my clothes.  I did read a helpful tip - Every time you … (4 comments)

Visit The Farmer's Market - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/17/11 10:40 PM

What are you doing on Sunday mornings?  Many Palos Verdes homes owners visit our local Palos Verdes Farmers' Market right here in the Peninsula Center.  Every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. local farmers and growers sell their crops directly to the public.  You can find a wide array of fresh and locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables.  You will also find other vendors which complement the farmers produce with fresh breads, prepared food, meats, fish  and even crafts.  You can stop by the local coffee shop for a cup of coffee, or try some of the hot foods with their tantalizing aromas. 
… (2 comments)

Palos Verdes Cash Buyers - 03/16/11 06:44 PM

How many Palos Verdes homes sell for cash without any financing?  In 2010, 19.4% of Palos Verdes single family home sales were all cash transactions and in January of this year, 13.5% of single family home sales in Palos Verdes were all cash.
Lauren Beale in a recent Los Angeles Times article, "More home buyers offer cash deals" gave statistics for the all of California and then specific cities.  In the past, all cash buyers usually meant foreclosed property buyer but that is not currently true.  Two reasons were given - the challenge of getting a jumbo loan (over $729,250) and speculation … (1 comments)

Visit Fort MacArthur Military Museum - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/16/11 06:35 PM

The Fort MacArthur Museum is dedicated  to the preservation of the history of Fort MacArthur, an army post which guarded the Los Angeles harbor from 1914 to 1974.  The museum was established in 1985 and is housed in corridors and galleries of the historic Battery Osgood-Farley.  The concecpt was to create a collection of historical structures which were part of the U.S. Army's role in the defense of the continental coastline from invasion.  The structures were part of the American coastal defenses when the Los Angeles harbor was a military port for both the Army and Navy.  The rooms and galleries contain a variety … (0 comments)

Take A Beauty Break! - 03/15/11 08:54 PM

I want to share with you a photo of the beauty and serenity of the Owens River in California.  Winter is so peaceful in the Sierras with its muted colors.  I took some time to relax and recharge in the tranquility of nature.  What a stunning location!
Photo courtesy of Arvin Design
… (3 comments)

Palos Verdes Homes Tour - 03/15/11 08:42 PM
There were 33 homes on the March 1, 2011 Palos Verdes real estate Broker's tour.  We currently have 214 active single family Palos Verdes homes for sale ranging in price from $725,000 in Rancho Palos Verdes 90275 to $12,800,000 in Rolling Hills 90274 (the low in Eastview is $675,00).  There are 76 townhomes for sale priced between $190,000 and $2,495,000.  My favorites on tour today were:
 
Steve Simonetti's (Remax Palos Verdes Realty) 2839 Via Victoria, Palos Verdes Estates 90274 (above left) is a 3 bedroom 4 bath, 3,840 square foot home for $1,895,000.  This Spanish Colonial Revival home in Upper Lunada … (0 comments)

Chandler Preserve - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/14/11 08:48 PM

When many of us hear the name Chandler we immediately think of the sand and gravel pit in Rolling Hills Estates.  Linden H. Chandler, was the original owner; he moved here from Colorado when he was 9 and became an influential figure during the early growth of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  Chandler was an active member of Los Rancheros Vistadores and rode in many Rose Parades.  Perhaps this is why he so clearly wanted  to see the land in this area preserved for horseback riding and hikers.  The Linden H. Chandler Preserve was created in 1993 through a sale and donation by the property … (1 comments)

Palos Verdes February 2011 Market Statistics - 03/14/11 08:34 PM

February 2011 statistics for Palos Verdes real estate indicate that we are "holding".  32 Palos Verdes homes sold/closed escrow in February compared to 37 homes sold in January and this February compared to February 2010 were exactly the same with 32 homes sold.  February 2011 had 51 homes with pending sales - up from 49 homes in January.  There were 209 active Palos Verdes homes for salein February compared to 193 homes in January.  The trend is going upward for the Spring selling season.
Average sales price for February 2011 was $1,361,000 which was up from $$1,246,000 in January.  The average … (0 comments)

Palos Verdes Kids Camps and Connections - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/10/11 09:50 PM

It might seem early to be thinking about summer activities, but before you know it the kids are out of school and looking for something to do.  On Saturday, March 12, 2011,  What's Up For Kids will be having their annual Kids, Camps and Connectionsfor Palos Verdes parents with exciting ideas for activities for your children this summer.  It will be held at the Norris Pavilion from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. and will have many different exhibitors and resources for children of all ages.  There will be information on academics to sports, beach to science and everything in between.   There is no admission on Saturday for this … (0 comments)

Cabrillo Museum Whale Watching Trip - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/09/11 09:40 PM

Our local Cabrillo Marine Aquarium,  located at the base of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, has introduced a  new opportunity to appreciate our beautiful Pacific gray whales.  They will be offering an adventure that begins with an educational slide show and lecture about the life of a whale; then you will board a San Pedro whale-watching boat for a two hour voyage.  During this time you will continue to learn about the whales and also seach for dolphins, sea lions and sea birds.  The Pacific gray whale takes a 10,000-14,000 mile round trip up/down the coastline annually, as they enjoy their summers off … (0 comments)

Martingale Trailhead Park - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/07/11 09:54 PM
If you are looking for a place to hike this weekend, or take your horse out for a ride, visit Martingale Trailhead Park.  Considered one of Rancho Palos Verdes'"passive parks", this trailhead provides access to a trail system serving Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates. The trail has seen some recent improvements including landscaping, a tri-level drinking fountain (which serves not only humans but horses), a mounting block and also a seating rock.
Park hours are from dawn till dusk.  The park is located at 22 Martingale Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes 90275.
Photo Courtesy of Rancho Palos Verdes PVNET
… (0 comments)

Luxury Homes Sales Jump.... - 03/05/11 11:13 AM

That is the headline from a recent Los Angeles Times Business Section article.  The article by Lauren Beale states a 21% increase in 2010 statewide home sales over $1,000,000.  The statistic for Palos Verdes real estate is exactly the same.  However, in 2010 single family Palos Verdes homes  over $2,000,000 experienced a 55% increase in sales compared to 2009!  I actually wrote an article on January 5th about 2010 Palos Verdes real estate sales (click here to view). 
2010 Palos Verdes home sales increased 14% while according to the LA Times, "the total number of California homes sold last year dropped 9%".  The mix of Palos … (1 comments)

Cherry Blossom Picnic Day - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/04/11 08:42 PM

Palos Verdes homes owners are in for a special treat as the Cherry Blossoms are blooming at the South Coast Botanic Garden.  This is the closest location for us to see the beauty and color of these trees.  This yearly event reminds us that Spring is just around the corner.  This Saturday, March 5th, from 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. bring a picnic and enjoy Cherry Blossom season at the Garden.  Cherry Blossomsare said to be an omen of good fortune, and also an emblem of love and affection.  So why not enjoy nature and celebrate these gorgeous blooms.  The upper … (0 comments)

See The Talking Clock - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/03/11 11:07 PM

When taking a trip to our local shopping mall the Promenade on the Peninsula in Rolling Hills Estates, you can check the time by stopping to visit  the outdoor "Talking Clock".  It sits at the front of the mall on Silver Spur Road near the steps to Ruby's and the Ice Chalet.  Seasonal flowers make up the face of this working time piece. 
The clock plays the National Anthem at noon and tells the time each hour.  This work of art was donated to the city by the Medawar Time Corporation.  Owner Mr. Michel Medawar, who was a watch repairer in Beriut, Lebanon,  came … (3 comments)

Whale Of A Day! - Things To Do In Palos Verdes - 03/02/11 05:23 PM

If you are looking for a fun outing this weekend for the whole family, stop by the Point Vincente Interpretive Center and enjoy "Whale Of A Day" activities.  This is a popular annual event for Palos Verdes homes owners and their neighbors throughout the South Bay.  The festival celebrates the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale from its summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chuchki Seas in Alaska to its calving grounds in Baja, California. 
Whale Of A Day this Saturday, March 5th, will include whale watching from the shore, museum tours, Point Vicente Lighthouse tours (ages 7 and older and 44″+ tall) … (0 comments)

Palos Verdes Homes Broker's Tour - 03/01/11 01:51 PM
There were 26 homes on the February 15, 2011 Palos Verdes real estate Broker's tour.  We currently have 204 active single family Palos Verdes homes for sale ranging in price from $750,000 in Rancho Palos Verdes 90275 to $12,800,000 in Rolling Hills 90274 (the low in Eastview is $549,900).  There are 70 townhomes for sale priced between $190,000 and $2,495,000.  My favorites on tour today were:
 
Young Ok Lee's (Keller Williams Palos Verdes) 2912 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates 90274(above left) is a 5 bedroom, 7 bath, 6.046 square foot home for $4,990,000.  This Lunada Bay estate features expansive ocean views, separate … (0 comments)

 
Elaine Carlson (Remax Palos Verdes Realty) Rainmaker_large

Elaine Carlson

Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

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Remax Palos Verdes Realty

Office Phone: (310) 802-2393

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