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If Clients Gave Report Cards - 03/30/09 07:50 PM
My seven year old grandson recently received an award for being A Model 2nd Grader. He was not quite sure what it meant. His mother explained his efforts, attitude, preparation and performance were exceptional, and his teacher hoped other students would model their behavior after his. He felt pretty good after hearing that. He's pretty good at his job.
As agents and independent contractors we do not receive annual reviews (at least I never have), and we do not receive written report cards. As a former teacher, I found myself thinking perhaps it would be a good idea to design a quick (5 comments)
It Takes Hours of Labor to Give Birth to a Blog - 03/29/09 11:44 PM
I am in awe of many of the bloggers I read on Active Rain. I admire the dedication, the regularity and the variety of topics covered. Who knew real estate could be so fascinating? I can count on many of my favorite writers to deliver day after day a thought provoking post filled with fresh content. That my friends, is a labor of love.
It takes courage to begin a blog and commitment to continue it. Consistency is key to building a loyal readership. I've learned a lot about blogging by reading the blogs of others. I learned much about my profession (16 comments)
The Lion is Leaving With a Roar - 03/29/09 10:23 AM
It is spring and the signs are everywhere; especially in the real estate market. The second half of March was alive with new activity--my Goggle calendar greeted me each morning with a fresh list of proof the market is gathering momentum. This morning my cell phone rang a few minutes before 8:00 a.m--a buyer was out for a walk and saw the lawn sign at my new listing. In this age of instant gratification she called me while standing in front of the house. I am expecting an active April. Yesterday I showed buyers who plan to have their child in the Palos Verdes School system by September. Another prospective buyer (13 comments)
Spilling the Secret of How Real Estate Really Works - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/28/09 11:15 AM
Yesterday a co-worker called me to vent. It seems she showed an out-of-town couple thirty houses in three days, took them to meet with a lender and facilitated return visits to the top choice homes. She arranged for a builder friend to meet with them and discuss possible remodeling projects, and in general did everything possible to help them make the most of their short visit from another state. On their way out of town they called her to say they leased a house in their friend's neighborhood, and used the listing agent to write up the lease (and take the commission), not (10 comments)
32245 Phantom Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes Open Sun. 1-4 p.m. - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/27/09 10:56 AM
32245 Phantom Drive in RPV, CA Stop by and linger a few moments on the patio while you absorb the multitude of views this property offers: Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, coastline, cliffs, whitewater, Trump National Golf Course and the hills of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
This is not your typical remodel. The ceiling of the great room soars and numerous skylights illuminate the loft-like space. The open kitchen features limestone counters, butcherblock center island and a 6-burner stove. Plank flooring runs throughout and unifies the living space.
There is a fireplace for those chilly coastal nights, the retaining wall (0 comments)
Belmont Heights Bungalow Open Saturday 1-4 p.m. March 28 - 03/27/09 10:34 AM
292 Granada Avenue's appeal spills over into the wide avenue used to approach the property and the neighboring homesadd a touch of class to this one level charmer. The kitchen/family room is a light filled space. Hardwood floors flow throughout the living, dining and bedrooms on the first floor. There are two bedrooms on the main floor and one bedroom on the lower level. The formal living room opens to a covered patio and large swimming pool. A rooftop deck atop the 2-car garage overlooks the swimming pool and cityscape. The white picket fence gate will be open and I'll be waiting on (0 comments)
The Best Little Buys on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Case You're Looking This Weekend - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/26/09 02:56 PM
There are four separate cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula each with its own distinct flavor and feel. I see many homes each week--only a few standout in my memory at the end of the day. Some I remember because of price, others for the view and still others for style and irreplaceable setting. Here are my homes of distinction for this week:
Palos Verdes Estate: 1616 Barcelona oozes architectural style. It is anything but your standard four walls! It is located on a cul-de-sac street high in the hills of Palos Verdes Estates. If you are searching from something out (0 comments)
Housing is to the Economy as Sparkplug is to an Automobile - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/26/09 11:52 AM
When everyone is cutting back, putting off and holding back it seems a bit unrealistic to expect the economy to magically begin to expand. Something has to ignite the hum of movement. From my perspective I'm seeing energy and confidence building on my little peninsula of the world. Sparks are beginning to fly from the housing sector.
The national housing numbers are up, and based on my month of March I believe the numbers for this month will show a definite increase in sales. I've encounter multiple offers several times this month, and have more than one first time buyer (2 comments)
That was Delicious News, May I have Another Serving Please? - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/24/09 09:20 AM
Yesterday's news was worthy of a second helping. I made it home from work in time to hear the national news lead off with some good news about the stock market--up over 500 points. What a refreshing change to start with something positive. Yes, there was more than enough gloom and doom sandwiched in between, but Katie closed on a housing high note too! Sales were up in February. It's been a long time since there was good news on both fronts. Hallelujah! I must admit I raised my carrot juice to toast the news!
The housing market is beginning (9 comments)
As the Sun Rises on Another Day in Real Estate - 03/23/09 10:04 AM
There are a few glimmers of sunshine breaking through the clouds hovering over the housing market. On the national front the interest rates are crazy low and prices are more affordable. However, my focus is local and this is what I have to report from a weekend in the field, or perhaps I should say a weekend on the coast: A developer contacted me regarding my $7.7M raw land listing on the Colorado River. Yes that's right, a developer, and a good sign the sleeping giant of construction is rousing from months of hibernation and looking for potential projects. I had 35 groups (over (5 comments)
Who Will Win the Race to SOLD and Who Will Be the Last to Arrive? - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/22/09 11:58 AM
Four houses are for sale in one of the neighborhoods I track. Here are basic descriptions of each: House No. 1: Panoramic view, 1960 original, four bedrooms--$1,175,000. House No. 2: Panoramic view, remodeled interior & exterior 2008, 3 bedrooms--$1,395,000. House No. 3: Partial view, interior remodeled, 3 bedrooms--$1,149,000. House No. 4: No view, original 1960 interior & exterior, 4 bedrooms--$938,800.
All properties are located in a coastal communities with wonderful ocean views as you enter and leave the community. It is a wonderful neighborhood. I've sold several houses in the neighborhood and most of my clients are still there. It (8 comments)
Collateral Damage of the Economic War - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/21/09 12:46 PM
Add another chalk mark to the tally of homeowners that cried, "I surrender," in the economic war. They hoisted their surrender flag in the form of a For Sale sign in the front lawn. They are not happy it is there, but the payments are too much to handle. The burden more than they can bear. Another couple becomes collateral damage in the economic battle zone running rampant in the streets of our cities and towns.
There is nothing special about this couple. Like many Americans they have worked all their life, raised a family, suffered a setback or two, then (6 comments)
Seriously, this 1939 Long Beach bungalow is built like a fortress. The owner said it was designed to be a two-story, but the builder decided to make it a one-story after the foundation was poured and ready to support the extra load. The 6000+ square foot lot, detached 2-car garage and large swimming pool are ready and waiting for a second story addition.
(2 comments)
Yep, This One is All That and More! - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/20/09 09:23 AM
32245 Phantom Drive is filled with surprises. First, from the street it appears to be a typical suburban home in the coastal city of Rancho Palos Verdes. The signs that signal you are in for a treat appear as you approach the antique European doors (formerly owned by Donald Trump).
Once inside you will want to pause and absorb the soaring ceilings, the abundance of skylights, the loft-like flow of living space. Then go ahead and give in to the pull you feel toward the outdoor living space and that mesmerizing view. Depending on your vantage point, you can view (0 comments)
Want a Foreclosure? Get in Line! - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes Realty - 03/18/09 08:11 AM
I did not want to make the call---again, but I had to do it. My first time buyer is in the middle of another multiple offer situation. Last time, there were only four offers. My buyer was not the lucky one, so we looked at twelve more properties and moved on by writing an over asking price offer. It is a bank-owned beauty. Yesterday I received notice to respond with the buyer's best offer because the bank will only respond to the best of the fifteen offers---yes, fifteen! I called Miss Buyer and we increased the offer and crossed our fingers. We're (10 comments)
Active Rain and Weight Gain - 03/16/09 07:40 PM
I decided not to go for a walk after work today. Instead, I'm blogging and checking in on other social medias--a moment or two on Facebook, a tweet here and there, before you know it an hour passes by. Balance can be a precarious thing.
I consider my time on Active Rain as marketing and lead generation time. I must admit it quickly became in integral part of my day. Today as I typed ads for corporate newspaper advertising I found myself wanting to add photos and upload the ad myself. Instead, it is sent to the receptionist who will send it (14 comments)
Bernard Bernanke, You're Right, It's Time to Start Spreading the Good News (and there is some) - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/16/09 09:37 AM
In case you missed 60 Minutes last night Bernard Bernanke's interview was on point--he's neither a politician nor a Wall Street suit, he grew up on Main Street in small town America. His view is not one of doomsday (although he admitted we came close) nor is he a Pollyanna with a Marie Antoinette attitude of let them eat cake. He is so determined to find solutions to the financial crisis we are in the midst of, he often sleeps on the sofa in his office. He certainly inspired me to do my part to help restore confidence in the economy of the USA. (13 comments)
Norma Toering's San Pedro Coastal Homes February 2009 Real Estate Report San Pedro, CA - REMAX Palos Verdes Realty - 03/14/09 05:05 PM
Breaking news-- the coastal neighborhoods of San Pedro are experiencing a sellers' market based on the supply and demand of inventory. Yes, I know every news story talks about the Buyers' Market, but in these neighborhoods the buyer is not holding all the cards! Absorption rate is increasing and inventory is shrinking---classics signs of a Sellers' Market. Yes, you heard that right! See the statistics below for the month of February 2009. South Shores Neighborhood: Active Listings: 6 Single Family Homes are listed for sale priced from $625,000 to $1,999,000. Pending Sales: 4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $700,000 (0 comments)
Norma Toering's Eastview Neighborhood Real Estate Report February 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes - REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/14/09 04:46 PM
Inventory is down and sales are up in the Eastview neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes. I think the escrow officers have a smile on their face--they are getting busy! Eastview statistics for February 2009: Active Listings: 11 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $585,000 to $2,150,000. Pending Sales: 4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $649,000 to $710,000. February Sales: 1 Single Family Home closed escrow priced at $590,000. Based on the above indicators of supply and demand the Eastview neighborhood is shifting into a Seller's Market. Buyers, the media does not know this yet, so better go shopping (0 comments)
Spreading Compassion Throughout the Land - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/14/09 12:43 PM
If Warren Buffet is correct in his proclamation of the "...the economy has fallen off a cliff..." I think the one thing the jobless and foreclosed upon members of humanity need is compassion. They need others to feel their pain, and realize misfortune and hard times do not always happen to the other guy. Yesterday, as I showed foreclosures and short sales, I could not help but notice the sadness in the owner's eyes as they opened the door to allow strangers in a home they do not want to leave. Signs of departure were easy to detect--boxes filled with a (15 comments)
Day Tripping from Palos Verdes - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/11/09 08:49 PM
I admit Palos Verdes is a quiet, isolated and very private community, and I, along with many others, like it like that! More than once I've heard the lament of, "There's nothing to do in Palos Verdes," and that is absolutely not true. Hey, this is LA! We really have it all. There's the Pacific Ocean with its beaches, surfing and boating opportunities. There are many wonderful fishing spots plus deep sea charters are available. The Palos Verdes hills are laced with hiking and horseback riding trails. There are parks and places to go whale watching. Cyclists love the winding roads and challenging (4 comments)
Norma Toering's Top of The Hill Real Estate Report for February 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 - REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/11/09 02:20 PM
Since Rancho Palos Verdes is the largest city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula I am breaking the market reports into several categories to make it less cumbersome to find your neighborhood, or the one you would like to track. The Top of The Hill report for February 2009 will cover the following areas: Country Club Neighborhood Active Listings: 12 Pending Sales: 3 Closed Sales: 1
La Cresta Neighborhood Active Listings: 19 Pending Sales: 2 Closed Sales: 1
Los Verdes Neighborhood Active Listings: 10 Pending Sales: 4 (Go, Los Verdes!!) Closed Sales: 1
Crest Neighborhood Active Listings: 11 Pending Sales: (0 comments)
Will the Spring Market be a Door Buster or Simply a Bust? - 03/11/09 10:44 AM
Last night I sat up, turned the volume up and listened as one of the talking heads on the news said he expects the recession to end in four to five months. Even though I was running a fever, my brain quickly calculated his time-frame coincides with the conclusion of the spring housing shopping spree.
I am not sure what his indicators are, but mine are pointing to a busy March. Yes, the bargain shoppers are out in force, and why not? It has been a long time since real estate was "on sale" at today's prices.
The last short sale offer (4 comments)
First Responder's Market Indicators for Palos Verdes Peninsula - Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Real Estate Blog - 03/10/09 08:15 PM
I stayed at home today (I have a fever and chills) but I did not stay away from my computer and my blogging! Thankfully, email allows us to work without exposing co-workers to contagious illnesses and I even fit a short nap into my day. My Type A personality enjoys being productive even when I'm sick. I had time to check the local statistics to see if my market indicators are pointing me in the right direction. I've noticed a bit more activity in March. More phone calls, more prospective buyers at open houses and yes, more offers going out and (6 comments)
The Joneses Have Left the Building - Norma Toering RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty - 03/10/09 11:37 AM
The desire to keep up with the elusive Jones family, whoever and wherever they may be, is dissipating. No one needs to read an article in today's New York Times to realize there is a major shift in the buying habits of the average and not-so-average American. This shift is occurring across income and geographic lines. If you would like to delve deeper see Conspicuous Consumption, a Casualty of Recession by Karen Ann Cullotta contributed reporting from Chicago, Gretel C. Kovach from Dallas, and Rebecca Cathcart from Los Angeles in today's paper.
Note the quote used by the reporters to illustrate (4 comments)
Is This the Shift We are Searching For? - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes Realty - 03/09/09 09:46 AM
I stumbled across this quote during my Monday morning motivational readings. I believe this is exactly the way life is suppose to work, and perhaps is the purpose of life itself---helping others. "You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want." Zig Ziglar, American author, salesperson, and motivational speaker The opportunity to help others presents itself on a daily basis in real estate. For instance, today I will help two young couples begin their journey of building wealth through real estate investing. One offer was accepted over the weekend and the other (12 comments)
So What are You Doing to Stretch and Grow? - Norma Toering RE/MAX Palos Verdes - 03/08/09 11:59 AM
When my children were babies I delighted in watching them master new tasks. Whether it was rolling over from back to tummy or reaching out to grasp a new toy, one of my favorite things to say to them was, "Stretch and grow." Those words are very apropos for today's real estate market and the economic times.
There is a revolution happening in real estate. The way we market is changing. As much as I love Sunday morning and a big fat newspaper, print medias are struggling to survive. Real estate advertising, one of their largest sources of revenue, is shrinking at an alarming (6 comments)
Open House Sunday, March 8, 2009 in Rancho Palos Verdes - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/07/09 05:32 PM
Yes, this bluff top estate will be open tomorrow from 1:00 to 4:00pm. If you are in the mood to see a 7000 square foot home with pool, incredible views of the coastline, Catalina Island and the blue Pacific Ocean, then stop in for a tour. The 35,000 square foot lot is park-like with its paths that lead directly to hiking trails on the cliffs. The scale is grand throughout, but the master suite is one of the largest I have ever seen, and the walkin closet leaves many people drooling. Yes, it was built in 1989 and is showing its (0 comments)
In Difficult Times, What is the Definition of Living Well? - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/07/09 10:44 AM
Today's online headlines scream Unemployment Hits 8.1%, and US Prepares for Big Bank Failures. Last week I sent a market update to my past clients showing a 2-year supply of luxury homes are currently for sale on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, an upscale area in Southern California. So my question is, are the luxury buyers hunkering down for hard times too? Real estate agents view a cross-section of life in their community on a daily basis. We see the one-bedroom condo and we see the 7-bedroom mansion with pool, view and guesthouse. We also see the tell-tale signs of financial woe. It (14 comments)
Norma Toering's Rancho Palos Verdes February 2009 Real Estate Report for Coastal & Harbor Areas - REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/06/09 10:02 AM
Rancho Palos Verdes is the largest of the four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The following statistics are for the coastal and harbor neighborhoods: Palos Verdes Drive East Neighborhood: With many stunning harbor, ocean and city lights views this area offers a 24/7 view. While the ocean is dark the lights of the harbor and city twinkle through the night! Active Listings: 22 Single Family Homes are for sale priced form $849,000 to $2,995,000. Pending Sales: 4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $930,000 to $1,365,000. February Sales: 2 Properties sold priced at $800,000 and $985,000.
Mira (0 comments)
Active Rain is the Putty of My Real Estate Mosaic Life - Norma Toering REMAX Palos Verdes - 03/05/09 04:54 PM
No offense guys, but I just realized I use Active Rain to fill in the unscheduled moments of my real estate day. For instance, I am waiting for a client to call me with his counter offer terms; while I'm in this hurry up-and-wait mode, I wrote a quick post on local sales. I often sneak in a comment or two while waiting for a phone call to be returned or a client to show for a scheduled appointment. I have added my outside blog address to my flyers and marketing materials. I refer open house attendees to my blog and they (5 comments)
Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Dr. North Real Estate Report February 2009 - REMAX Palos Verdes Realty - 03/05/09 04:03 PM
If you are in the market for horse property or a home located in a country atmosphere, come to Palos Verdes Drive North. Here is a snapshot of real estate activity for the month of February 2009 in the Palos Verdes Dr. North area: Active Listings: 27 Single Family Homes are listed for sale priced from $1,099,000 to $2,790,000. Pending Sales: 4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $930,000 to $1,365,000. February Sales: 0
With four homes in escrow the sales number should be better when I post the March statistics. Stay tuned for monthly updates for (0 comments)
Lunada Bay: Active Listings: 38 Single Family Homes are currently listed for sale priced from $949,000 to $5,999,900. Pending Sales: 2 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced at $1.075,000 and $1,695,000. February Sales: 1 Single Family Home closed escrow at $1,180,000.
Monte Malaga: Active Listings: 21 Single Family Homes priced from $1,265,000 to $12,000,000. Pending Sales: 4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $1,795,000 to $4,788,000. February Sales: 1 Single Family Home closed (0 comments)
I walked out on the news last night, and yesterday's Wall Street Journal hit the circular file half-unread. Yes, I will still tune in on the national and global picture, but my focus is going local.
My little niche of the world may not be turning at the same speed as in markets past, but it is not stagnant. Have I had to adjust my plan you ask? You bet. Have I changed my business model? (7 comments)
Making Old School Connections - Norma Toering RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty - 03/03/09 09:16 AM
I have a Mont Blanc fountain pen and every once in awhile I have the urge to use it. I know, I know--totally old school, but there is something about a handwritten note that conveys so much more than a quick email. There are occasions when taking the extra time to express your thoughts with penmanship and postage simple says I care enough to take the time to write this not only to you but for you.
I like to send a handwritten note of thanks after I give a listing presentation. Whether I receive the listing or not, I was (14 comments)
Number 1: There's a counter offer to respond to--an easy number one on the list. Number 2: There's research and an offer to write on a foreclosure--if it is still available. Number 3: A client wants to see a property today. Another client said he is sending me a list of 10 to 12 homes he wants to (7 comments)
Norma Toering's Equestrian Estates, Horse Properties and Ranchettes in Rolling Hills CA 90274 - RE/MAX Palos Verdes - 03/01/09 10:27 AM
It is my habit to check the MLS Hotsheet each morning while I enjoy a cup of tea or two! This morning I found one of my favorite buys in Rolling Hills was back on the market at a very attractive new price. I could not wait to email the listing to a couple of my clients who covet a home in Rolling Hills--at the right price of course! The prices in Rolling Hills are becoming more attractive or more "right" with each passing day. February was a month of price reductions, a few new listings and no sales. There are (2 comments)
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.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.