Do Not Duck and Cover: New Rules for Earthquake Safety - 02/29/08 02:49 PM
 
I rode out the Northridge earthquake securely (or so I thought) braced in my bedroom doorway.  Based on this excerpt from Doug Copp's article entitled The Triangle of Life it was the wrong place to seek refuge from the rock and roll of an earthquake. Worse yet, I had all four of my children standing in their doorways too!
Callifornia is earthquake country, and although they do not occur very often, it's nice to know what to do when one does happen.  Here are the new rules for surviving The Big One!
 
TEN TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY 1) Do Not Duck and CoverMost everyone … (17 comments)

The Weakest Link in a Real Estate Transaction - 02/26/08 04:54 PM
When moving through the stages of selling a property--from showing to closing-- I often think of the quote, "It takes a village to raise a child."  It also takes a group of committed professionals to close a real estate transaction.  One weak link, whether it be agent, lender or escrow officer can turn a positive experience into a painful memory. 
I've enjoyed many seamless closings and many more with only minor glitches that all parties worked together to resolve.  Naturally, if you do something long enough you will build a body of work that includes a few transactions you would like to forget.  … (19 comments)

No Matter What Road You've Chosen Success Equals Knowledge, Passion and Belief - 02/25/08 10:20 AM
This morning's quote seemed particularly apropos to a career in real estate.  It's not the market we must believe in, it is the skills and services we provide, our ability to do it well and our passion for our field of choice.
"If you want to be successful, it's just this simple: Know what you're doing. Love what you're doing. And believe in what you're doing."Will Rogers, comedian, humorist, social commentator, vaudeville performer and actor, 1879-1935
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 … (6 comments)

Get Noticed and Get Sold - 02/23/08 10:00 AM
 
Next week I'll be showing a Palos Verdes buyer who wants a one level home with no stairs-no step down living room, or steps up or down to the garage.  I previewed several one levels in search of a "step free" house.
After eight or nine houses they all began to look alike.  I found myself making notes such as "granite kitchen and stainless appliances" on many, and "original condition" on several others.  I returned to the office uninspired and more than likely my client will have a similar response to the look alike one levels.
Sellers, what makes your house stands … (12 comments)

Home Prices in Palos Verdes - 02/20/08 06:57 PM
The Palos Verdes Peninsula is a sought-after area in Los Angeles County.  Palos Verdes Drive snakes around the entire peninsula and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and the Los Angeles Harbor.  The many hills offer breathtaking city and ocean views.  The Mediterranean climate invites outdoor living and activities during most of the year.
There is a wide variety of home choices, styles and prices.  Here's a breakdown by price of homes currently for sale on the Palos Verdes Peninsula:
Number of homes under $1,000,000:  25                                
Number of homes priced from $1M to $2M:  107                       
Number of homes priced from $2M to … (0 comments)

Plenty of Fish in the Sea - 02/20/08 04:58 PM
 
 
I have a couple of buyers who are like kids in a candy store; they are overwhelmed with all the choices and want to sample them all!  Others are hard-core comparison shoppers and they are waiting for the next price reduction or interest rate cut. 
 
 
 There is no sense of urgency in this market.  The buyers are keeping their emotions at arm's length and it's up to the sellers to entice them to commit to a property.  Last week while showing property in Palos Verdes I informed the buyer that two of the homes we previously looked at were now in escrow.  … (7 comments)

$1,700,000 Buys a Panoramic View in Rolling Hills, California - 02/20/08 11:03 AM
Unheard of in the recent past, but true!  The view captures the twinkling lights of Los Angeles at night, the sparkling waters of the Pacific, the shimmering snow of white capped mountains and a bustling harbor during the daylight hours.  It's a 24/7 view and you can enjoy it from the window-lined interior or poolside!
 
A winding drive curves up a hill and delivers you to this special one-level home with abundant privacy.  The three bedroom home has two fireplaces and an expansive living room with a wall of windows to enjoy the view.  The kitchen/family room includes a cozy fireplace. 
 
Rolling Hills, CA is a gated community on … (2 comments)

Wellness Rooms. Are They a Luxury or Necessity? - 02/19/08 06:19 PM
The photo caused me to pause as I was leafing through an upscale magazine in the waiting room (boy, is that room particularly well-named) of my doctor's office. The photograph oozed serenity and peacefulness from the glossy page. It was identified as a home sanctuary and wellness room; wellness rooms are a growing trend in the luxury home market, and this picture made me want one--now. Later, I found myself wondering if a wellness room (or space) is really a luxury, or is it a necessity in today's fast paced world?As I studied this new wellness room, there was no intimidating exercise … (6 comments)

Palos Verdes Peninsula Real Estate Inventory Update February 2008 - 02/15/08 05:13 AM
Here's a mid-month update  for February 2008 on single family residence real estate activity in the four cities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula:
Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills Estates
Palos Verdes Estates
Rancho Palos Verdes
 
26 Single Family Homes have sold since January 1, 2008.
68 Single Family Homes are currently in escrow.
266 Single Family Homes are currently for sale.
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 … (2 comments)

Price Reduction, Pet's Passing, New Listing-- All in a Day's Work - 02/12/08 09:40 PM
One of the things I like best about being a real estate agent is each day we venture into the unknown.  We may have a plan but it's merely a rough draft of the day we want to have, not necessarily the one we will have.
Today was a great reminder of the risks and rewards of life as a Realtor in the 21st century.  I arrived at the office early to load a new listing on the new MLS system.  All went well until I pushed the save button after loading eighteen photos.  The dreaded words, System Error appeared in … (12 comments)

Coastal Artist's Retreat in San Pedro, California - 02/11/08 08:47 PM
The face of San Pedro is changing.  Hundreds of new lofts and condos are dotting the downtown horizon.  Several new galleries, restaurants and bars are bringing new life to the area.  Kissed by ocean breezes and wonderful views it still remains the most affordable coastal town in Southern California.
The Point Fermin area is graced with spectacular views, quaint beach cottages, historical old homes and numerous ocean view parks.  It's a popular area for artists and other creative types.
This charming home is perched on a hill with harbor and ocean views.  Remodeled, with a show-stopping kitchen, refinished hardwood floors and a separate … (4 comments)

Looking for a Home in Palos Verdes? - 02/10/08 01:56 PM
The chill of winter is almost behind us and the sun is shining in Southern California after a cold and wet (we needed the rain) winter.  Can thoughts of moving be far behind?
 
If you're considering moving to one of the four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula here's what's happening on "The Hill."
211 Single Family Homes are currently for sale
45 Single Family Homes are currently in escrow
16 Single Family Homes have sold in 2008
 
Sellers, note the number of homes in escrow--the market is beginning to move. 
 Remember, all real estate is local.  The Palos … (2 comments)

A Sure Cure for Buyer's Remorse - 02/07/08 07:45 AM
Making major decisions in uncertain economic times requires steady nerves, and often a leap of faith that the decision is being made at the right time and for the right reasons.  If you've been in the real estate trenches long enough you've encountered a case or two of full blown buyer's remorse. Perhaps as a consumer you've suffered from the malady. Sometimes it's only a 24 hour bug, other times it's terminal.
Last week one of my buyers came down with a case of it.  This week she is feeling much better. I have an examination of questions I administer before prescribing any solution:
Has your 'why … (14 comments)

29 Homes For Sale Under $1,000,000 In Palos Verdes - 02/05/08 06:56 PM
There are currently 29 single family homes for sale in Palos Verdes for less than $1,000,000.  19 of those homes are located in the Eastview area of Rancho Palos Verdes.  The others are scattered throughout the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
The Eastview area has the option of attending Los Angeles Unifed Schools or Palos Verdes Peninsula School District. 
 This three bedroom (plus office) is an example of what $898,000 will purchase in the Eastview neighborhood of Rancho 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 … (6 comments)

Showing Buyers What They Want - 02/05/08 07:10 AM
Today I'll be showing property in Palos Verdes and for this particular buyer the yard is more important than the house.  We will be looking at homes in her price range with the "best" back yards. 
Best, for her, means:
No Busy Streets
Plenty of Room to Roam and Play
Outdoor Dining & Living Space
A Natural Landscape
A Country Setting
Oh yes, and they have chickens--just a few.
 
So sellers, don't forget the outdoor living space when you're preparing your home for sale.    Many buyers check out the lay of the land before they will even look at the house.  And today, if we see a property with a … (5 comments)

 
Norma_ar_logo_1k_junker Ambassador_large

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

Email Me

Subscribe to Norma Toering's ActiveRain Blog - Thank You!

Search for Los Angeles Homes

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.




  • Google+

    • Follow Me on Pinterest

    Toering and Team on Facebook

    Subscribe to Norma Toering's ActiveRain Blog

    Search for Homes in Southern California

    Norma Toering on Twitter

    Norma Toering's profile on LinkedIn

    PalosVerdesLifestyle chosen as one of the best Los Angeles real estate blogs by Relocation.com

    MovingCosts Blog Award

    Palos Verdes Lifestyle wins 5 stars

    Palos Verdes Real Estate Blog
    Locations of visitors to this page

    Palos Verdes Market Reports
    Seller Tips from Norma
    Buyer's Tips from Norma
    Active Rain related blogs



    Listings

    Links

    Archives

    RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog