Pushing Through the Storm and into the Rain - 12/31/07 12:36 PM
2008 is about to envelope us and I'm anticipating another stormy year in real estate, but sunshine can get a little monotonous day after day.  A bit of inclement weather can force us to batten down the hatches, watch for leaks and be careful not to slide down a slippery slope.   However, a peek of sunshine amidst the storm often produces unexpected rainbows. 
Like a graceful swan gliding effortlessly across the lake, I plan to move toward my goals with inner determination and outward calm, but like the swan's, my feet will be pedaling and pushing forward. I've added some new weapons to … (10 comments)

Palos Verdes Peninsula Real Estate For Sale Best Buy January 2008 - 12/30/07 12:53 PM
Hello Buyers!  This best buy gem is located in the unincorporated area of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  It enjoys the award winning Palos Verdes Unifed School District as well as other perks to be found in the Palos Verdes area.
27133 Sunnyridge is a luxury home built in 2004.  The 6200 sq. ft. home has 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, pool, view and incredible quality throughout.  Current listing price is $2,995,000.  A $355,000 price reduction puts it on my Best Buy list for January 2008.
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty (310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800
South Bay Los Angeles cities … (2 comments)

Rancho Palos Verdes Real Estate Best Buy for January 2008 - 12/30/07 12:29 PM
Hello Buyers!  Don't put your shopping shoes away just yet---January is a great month for sales, and there are some door-buster deals in Rancho Palos Verdes!  With nearly one hundred homes on the market in Rancho Palos Verdes it took some scouring to find my No. 1 recommended buy, but here it is:
3 Via Del Cielo in Rancho Palos Verdes is NEW Construction in the Oceanfront development.  This 4768 sq. ft. gated estate has 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. It's lovely, but the best news is the price--reduced from $4,690,000 to $3,990,000!  That's 700k, and that's why it makes my best … (0 comments)

Palos Verdes Estates Real Estate For Sale Best Buy January 2008 - 12/30/07 12:04 PM
Hello Buyers!
2008 will be a great year for you.   Here is my top pick as Buy of the Month in Palos Verdes Estates.
4252 Via Pinzon located in the oh so charming Valmonte neighborhood has slashed $100,000 from its listing price, and is now available for $1,099,000.  With 1962 sq. ft and three bedrooms/two baths this is considered a starter home in Palos Verdes Estates, but it would also be perfect for downsizing.  Lovely location and great yard puts this one on my buy list. If you would like to see it, don't wait too long to call me.  Prediction:  It will soon be on the … (2 comments)

Rolling Hills Real Estate For Sale Best Buy for January 2008 - 12/30/07 11:38 AM
Hello Buyers!
2008 is going to be a great year for you.  This is no crystal ball prediction or wishful agent thinking.  I'm seeing some serious price reductions on premium properties in Rolling Hills and other cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  So get your pre-approval updated, put on your buyer's boots and check out my best buys for January 2008.
Rolling Hills:  4 E. Ringbit was just reduced to $2,200,000!  This 4 bedroom 2.5 bath is a single level traditional home of more than 3,000 sq. ft.  plus it's updated and move-in condition.  Pool and View included! $530,000 was trimmed from the … (0 comments)

State of Single Family Home Sales in 2008 - 12/28/07 03:32 PM

2007 was an unbelievable year for real estate-it grabbed front-page headlines nearly every day.  Sub-prime submersion, buyer bailouts, and other notorious stories unfolded with growing concern for both sellers and buyers. These national stories are important and do have an economic impact, but let's go local for what transpired in Palos Verdes in 2007.
Three key factors have cushioned the fall for the cities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula:
Coastal LocationLimited New ConstructionAward Winning School DistrictThis golden trio provides the pillars that continue to support real estate values in Palos Verdes.  Read them again. 2008 will not see any one of the three … (2 comments)

Seeking Funds for Face-Lift - 12/27/07 08:05 PM
It's an architectural masterpiece.  It's also beginning to show its age.  After fifty years of enduring salt spray from the nearby Pacific Ocean it is in need of a few nips and tucks, and a little polishing to bring back its original luster.  Yes, the little glass chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes is going under the scaffolding.
 
The world-renowned Wayfarers Chapel is a prized landmark on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the fifty year old tower is in need of a lift.  Couples fly in from all over the world to be married within its glass walls.  Located at 5755 Palos Verdes Drive … (2 comments)

Rolling Hills & Palos Verdes Peninsula Trail Guide - 12/27/07 08:25 AM
If you are in the mood to saddle up the horse and go for a leisurely ride you might want to consult the Palos Verdes Peninsula Horsemen's Association Trail Guide.  It is the only complete guide to the equestrian trails of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  Maps feature all of the equestrian trails superimposed on an aerial map.
The PVPHA Guide sells for $20, plus tax, and includes an equine service directory.  The Trail Guide may be purchased at the General Store in Rolling Hills Estates, or you may order it from PVPHA, P.O. Box 4153, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA  90274.
In … (1 comments)

Christmas Eve and Still Shopping - 12/23/07 11:15 AM
Would You Show or Shop for Property on Christmas Eve?
I'm not, but my former broker loved to tell the story of his Christmas Eve mega sale.  It seems he received a call from a former resident, now retired, who was back in town for the holidays. This past client and former resident was driving through his old neighborhood, one of the most exclusive on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and saw a for sale sign in the yard of the property he had always coveted.  This would-be-buyer and Christmas Eve spoiler, found the closest pay phone (no cell phones in his … (10 comments)

You'd Better Contact Your Clients, I'm Telling You Why - 12/21/07 11:54 AM
The past client holiday letters have been sent, random client Christmas calls have been made and many gifts have been delivered.  Whee, it's a chore and each year I evaluate whether it's worth it or not.  Should I scale back?  Do those letters end up in the circular file?
Yesterday I received the answer.  A past client called (2002 Rolling Hills sale) with my letter in hand. She has a relative who will be in town for the holidays and he will be relocating to Palos Verdes.  She thinks a beach house will suit him just fine!  Or perhaps an Old Spanish with a jaw-dropping … (10 comments)

When Your Career is on Fire Beware of Burnout - 12/20/07 10:44 AM
When making your business plan for 2008 don't forget to make a personal plan too. 
 Burnout is all too common in this career.  Real estate agents work weekends (yes, I'm showing property this Sunday two days before Christmas), schedule evening appointments, and I've even met a client at 6:30 AM to sign documents before he left the country on business. His schedule became my schedule, and I wouldn't have it any other way, but the hours can get pretty crazy. The demand of juggling so many balls without dropping one requires not only an agile and organized mind, but creates its own anxiety.
2007 was … (5 comments)

Realtor Goodwill Returned Ten-Fold - 12/19/07 11:44 AM
I could hear the concern in my daughter's voice as soon as I answered the phone.  "Mom, I'm on the way to the emergency room with James, can you meet me there?"
She quickly informed me James, my six-year-old grandson, had suddenly lost his ability to speak.  His speech was slurred and she was able to understand only a few words.  We met at the hospital, James was admitted, and my daughter spent the night in James' room.
I received a call early the following morning from my daughter asking if I could please bring a few toys, games and books for James … (4 comments)

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Single Family Home Sales 2004-2007 - 12/18/07 05:21 PM
I'm busy finalizing my 2008 business plan this afternoon.  In order to make accurate plans for the future I'm checking to see what happened in 2007 in my marketplace--The Palos Verdes Peninsula.  Rancho Palos Verdes is the most populous city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  Consequently, it posted a higher number of sales, but in keeping with the other cities--Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates and Palos Verdes Estates volume is down.
2004:  475 Single Family Homes sold.
2005:  400 Single Family Homes sold.
2006:  331 Single Family Homes sold.
2007:  316 Single Family Homes sold.
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos … (2 comments)

Rolling Hills Estates, CA Single Family Home Sales 2002-2007 - 12/18/07 05:01 PM
I met with clients from Rolling Hills Estates today.  They will be listing their home in the Spring.  The following statistics reflect the number of single family homes that have sold in Rolling Hills Estates during the past 5 years:
2002:  85 Single family homes sold in Rolling Hills Estates
2003:  85 (yes, I double-checked the number and it is the same as 2002).
2004:  57
2005:  58
2006:  46
2007:  41
The volume of sales of single family homes in Rolling Hills Estates is currently down more than 50% from the high of 2002-03.
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty (310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: … (0 comments)

Palos Verdes Estates, CA Single Family Home Sales 2002-2007 - 12/18/07 04:39 PM
A home I previously listed in Palos Verdes Estates will be coming on the market in 2008. In anticipation of re-listing the property my research revealed the following statistics for sales of single family homes in Palos Verdes Estates:
2002:  280 Single family homes sold--the beginning of the hot market years!
2003:  245 Single family homes sold
2004:  209 Single family homes sold
2005:  173 Single family homes sold
2006:  130 Single family homes sold
2007:  147 Single family homes sold--as of Dec. 18, 2007
Other cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula showed a similar decrease in sales volume.
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty (310) 493-8333 / … (0 comments)

How Much Will You Gain This Holiday Season? - 12/15/07 11:39 AM
Yikes, the boxes of candy and baked goodies are arriving daily, not to mention the party invitations.  The temptation to overindulge is ever-present this time of the year, and I plan to do so.  However, I am not talking about the food pyramid; I plan to partake freely from the platters that fuel a real estate agent's business.
Client Contact:  Now is the perfect time to update, sort and review your database.  I made several calls last week to obtain email addresses. Yes, even my 83-year-old client now has one.  Make no mistake those were business calls, but it gave me an … (4 comments)

In Defense of Holding Open Houses - Palos Verdes - 12/14/07 10:17 AM
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've never held an open house that someone didn't attend.  There was a time or two when I had only one person show up, but rain was the culprit--in Southern California people don't like to get wet except in their pools. 
The secret to a successful open house is selecting the right house to hold open.  A staged vacant house is my number one choice, followed closely by a vacant home in a great location and in good condition.  I rarely hold owner occupied properties open unless the sellers are away, or need to sell right away, as I … (0 comments)

Rolling Hills, California Real Estate Sales 2002-2007 YTD - 12/13/07 10:48 AM
In preparation for an upcoming listing appointment, I'm delving into the statistical archives of sales in the gated community of Rolling Hills.  The little gated city is nonpareil in the greater Los Angeles area.  There are miles of riding and hiking trails, ocean and city views, gorgeous equestrian estates and lots begin at one acre and go up.
Price is not the issue; sales volume is.  While prices continue upward, sales have slowed dramatically.
Rolling Hills sales 2002 - 2007 (as of 12/13/2007):
2002:  32 Closed Sales
2003:  24 Closed Sales
2004:  25 Closed Sales
2005:  24 Closed Sales
2006:  20 Closed Sales
2007:  16 Closed Sales
2007 sales are down 50% compared to 2002 … (2 comments)

Twas Two Weeks Before Christmas and the Toys for Tots Collection Boxes Are Not Filling Up! - 12/11/07 06:32 PM
Perhaps it's a sign of the economic times, but that big toy collection box the young Marines dropped off at my office remains almost empty.  So I'm looking for a toy sale because I refuse to send it back with the bottom of the box still showing through.
Last year two boxes were overflowing by mid-December.  What a difference a year makes. 
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 … (0 comments)

An Open Letter to Al Gore - 12/11/07 10:28 AM
Dear Al,
Congratulations on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize!  In my personal opinion, that is so much more significant and important than being President of the United States. You've proven it is true when one door closes, another one opens.  As a real estate agent that happens to me all the time. Lose one listing, get a better one. One buyer falls off the radar, another one pops up out of the blue.
I'm glad you've put all that hanging chads business behind you, and moved on toward loftier goals.  You've gone global and changed the world!  Even itsy-bitsy individuals like me are working on … (39 comments)

Morning Coffee and Active Rain Are So Good Together - 12/09/07 09:03 PM
I'm working on changing a few ingrained habits.  See, I'm a morning person. I've never needed an alarm clock, and I wake up smiling (most of the time).  I'm anxious to read emails, check the MLS hotsheet, and fill my daily plan with more tasks than I can possibly accomplish, but not until I've made a super-sized cup of coffee.
 
With coffee in hand, I turn on the computer and start my workday--usually around 6 AM (On a good day I've already done 30 to 45 minutes of yoga).  But the addition of AR blogging, reading and commenting requires and deserves an additional hour of … (10 comments)

The Pareto Principle: How Do You Apply It to Your Life? - 12/09/07 12:04 PM

 
Most people are familiar with The 80:20 Rule. In the real estate field it is often bandied about that 20% of the agents do 80% of the business. This predictable imbalance holds true in other arenas of life such as distribution of wealth, power, and yes, time management. 
 
 When I was a rookie agent I watched a seasoned pro operate day in and day out for the first few weeks.  My company, at the time, had a one-day training program. At the end of the day the broker gave you a desk and a key to the office (yikes, what do … (8 comments)

Flat Ryan is in Palos Verdes for a First Timer's Tour - 12/06/07 10:06 PM
If you're not up on children's literature, Flat Stanley is required reading in most elementary schools.  It's about a boy, Stanley, who is flattened and mailed on various adventures.   My 6th grade nephew's class read the book, so a kraft paper Ryan arrived in my mailbox this week. I am to provide the finale of his whirlwind postal tour.
Sounds like fun and easy enough, right?  I simply have to show Ryan a good time.  Since he's from Kansas City  a trip to the beach is expected.  I've decided to give him the same tour I give my out of town buyers. … (4 comments)

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Real Estate Market Update 2006-2007 - 12/05/07 05:15 PM
 
Rancho Palos Verdes is the largest city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The city's boundaries stretch from the east side of the hill to the west side.  Spectacular views include Los Angeles Harbor, Catalina Island, Pacific Ocean, lighthouse and a craggy coastline that includes bluffs and beaches.
 
Contact Norma Toering at 310-493-8333 or NormaToering@gmail.com for information on Rancho Palos Verdes Properties. 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 … (2 comments)

Rolling Hills, CA Real Estate Trends Aug. 2006--Oct. 2007 - 12/05/07 04:47 PM
 
Please note six homes sold during 12/06 and 1/07.  I sold one of those homes.  My clients enjoyed seeing the homes decked out for the holidays.  They also enjoyed looking at property during their more relaxed holiday work schedule.   Now might be the best time of the year to market your Rolling Hills home.
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 … (0 comments)

Ladera Linda Neighborhood Looks Down on Trump - 12/05/07 02:16 PM

Ladera Linda properties are nestled in the hills above Donald Trump's golf course and estate homes.  Most homes offer breathtaking views of Catalina Island and the Pacific Ocean. 
Wow! There are two homes for sale in your Rancho Palos Verdes neighborhood-and one in escrow. I'm sure you are curious about price, amenities and how your home compares. Here's the basic information:
32332 Phantom Dr.  3 bedrooms, 2 bath 1922 sq. ft. home; 12,740 sq. ft. lot;    $1,279,000
Remodeled with hardwood floors and stacked stone fireplace.  Great one-level living with private backyard.  Ocean view from living/dining area.  Sale Pending!
 
3602 Vigilance Dr.   4 bedrooms, 3 bath 2435 … (0 comments)

Palos Verdes High Schools Ranked in Nation's Top 100 - 12/01/07 06:09 PM
Wow, this should heat up the Palos Verdes real estate market. 
 Why pay for pricey private schools when nationally ranked high schools are part of the Palos Verdes Unified School District?  Peninsula High came in at No. 89 and Palos Verdes High was ranked  No. 93 in U.S. News & World Report magazine's list of the top 100 Gold Medal public high schools. 
The teachers from kindergarten forward are to be commended for this outstanding result! (My daughter teaches fourth grade in the PVUSD--congratulations girl!).
Whether you're looking for a 2 bedroom starter home or a $20,000,000 equestrian estate, there's a home on … (0 comments)

Rolling Hills Best Buys December 2007 - 12/01/07 05:37 PM
The end of the year may present some true buying opportunities for the savvy buyers who have been waiting for the right moment to purchase a home on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Don't dally too long--Peninsula High School was recently named one of the top 100 high schools in the USA!   Many families move to Palos Verdes because of the outstanding educational opportunities.
 Here's my December 2007 top pick for each of the Palos Verdes Peninsula cities:
Rolling Hills:  3 Flying Mane offers ocean view and the prestigious location of our gated city, Rolling Hills.  The interior is dated, but the acre lot offers … (0 comments)

 
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Norma Toering Palos Verdes Homes in Los Angeles Area

Broker-Associate

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

More about me…

REMAX Estate Properties Broker Associate Lic# 01147470

Address: 8 Miraleste Plaza, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, 90275

Office Phone: (310) 493-8333

Cell Phone: (310) 493-8333

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Broker Associate with RE/MAX Estate Properties. Tune in for Best Buys in Palos Verdes; Market Updates; Buy & Sell Signals; Advice to Buyers & Sellers and other real estate related topics of interest. Updates will be posted on all four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, PV School District and other happenings on The Hill.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate 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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