Rolling Hills Real Estate Blog by Norma Toering

A Little Celebrating, a Little Selling and a Whole Lot of Appreciation for Independence

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:31:30 -0500

America is a bit battered and bruised from the hard knocks of the housing crisis, the faltering economy and the lack of character and leadership of far too many of our business and political leaders. I do not remember a time when the morale of the average person on the street was so downbeat. It's not a jubilant time in the United States of America, but this is our holiday and celebrate it we must.

My personal and professional plans will overlap this weekend. I'll do some face to face social networking with long-term friends (and a great source of new business) this evening, there will be a family barbecue (I'm willing to bet the topic of real estate will come up). Sunday morning I'll be up early having my tea and strawberries and cream while I watch the Wimbledon finals, and on Sunday afternoon I'll hold an open house.

Independence is a precious and precarious gift. Untold lives were, and still are, given to ensure our independence continues uninterrupted. It's not perfect, there are problems to be solved and challenges to be met, but it's still worth fighting for. So twirl a sparkler, watch some fireworks and remember those who fought bigger battles, stronger foes and emerged victorious.

I think the best thing I can do for my country this weekend is go sell a house.

Norma Toering's Point Fermin Real Estate Report May 2009 San Pedro

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:21:18 -0500

For the first time in recent memory a recent check of the Point Fermin real estate statistics reveal there are more single family homes in escrow than there are for sale--could this signal a turning point in the local real estate market? Time will tell, but for now inventory is limited and pending sales are up, up, up!

Point Fermin neighborhood in San Pedro, CA real estate statistics for May 2009:

Active Listings: 8 Single Family Homes are from sale priced from $319,000 to $995,000.

Pending Sales: 9 Properties are in escrow priced from $250,000 to $575,000.

May Sales: 1 Home closed escrow for $370,000.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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, 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.

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Norma Toering's Palisades Real Estate Report May 2009 San Pedro

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:12:03 -0500

Wow, it's almost the 4th of July and I'm just posting the sales for May in the Palisades neighborhood of San Pedro. Business is picking up and my blogging time is limited---that's good news for the local real estate market.

Here's what's happening in the Palisades:

Active Listings: 13 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $459,900 to $1,139,000.

Pending Sales: 2 Homes are in escrow priced at $525,000 and $799,000.

May Sales: 0

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

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2537 W. 227th Street, Torrance, CA

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:09:20 -0500

Want to see one of the prettiest houses in Hickory Park? Check out the photos of this 3-bedroom one level in one of Torrance's most sought-after neighborhoods.Ready for a peek inside?

This has to be one of the prettiest kitchens and perfection to a serious cook.

If you enjoy spending time outside this is the backyard for you!

If you would to see the rest of this special property, drop by our open house on Sunday, July 5, 1:00 to 4:00pm or call Norma Toering & Team to arrange your special showing.

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

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My Take on the Balanced Life Debate

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:29:42 -0500

I find a real estate agent talking about balance almost laughable. Some days are so busy I barely have time to eat. Other days I find myself wondering if my cell phone is broken as it's painfully quiet. We can have balance, but not every day. And that is as it should be.

The balance I find in my life is spread out over time, actually over a lifetime. When I was a child I loved school. I read voraciously and studying was one of my favorite things to do. Go ahead and laugh, actually my own children responded to that story with, "Mom, you're sick!" I enjoyed my days as a student and made the most of them. Was my life was out of balance? Oh yeah, I was obsessed with learning.

I taught school with the same passion I approached my education. I wanted the best for my students, and as a result other areas of my life were not perfectly in balance during my teaching years, but I have some wonderful memories of triumphs and break-through moments. Those fulfilling memories will be with me always.

Motherhood found me with four children in ten years. Those were the years of living with very little sleep, and suppressing my own goals while I spent time nurturing, teaching and enjoying my kids. Those were also years filled with laughter and joy. Was my life balanced? Not at all. Was full-time motherhood worth it? For me, absolutely. No regrets.

When the youngest was in school full-time I was off to real estate school and delighted to find I could comprehend more than Dr. Seuss and Disney stories. Oops, now I'm working weekends, searching for property all hours of the night, juggling evening appointments, checking homework and quizzing for tests. Balance seemed to elude me. However, I found happiness in each chapter of my life.

The children are grown, I'm single and have all the time I want for career I did not have when they were babies. Looking back, there was beautiful balance in the life I composed. I had it all, just not all at the same time. I'm so looking forward to traveling too much, painting too much, blogging too much and selling too much real estate during this chapter of my life.

Being a bit off balance at times is challenging, exhilarating and fun. Don't beat yourself up if yours disappears every once in awhile. You may discover you are stronger and capable of so much more than you ever believed.

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

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Norma Toering's South Shores Real Estate Report May 2009 San Pedro CA

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:34:00 -0500

The South Shores neighborhood of San Pedro is a wonderful seaside community bordering Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. The month of May found real estate activity on the rise and inventory on the decline.

South Shores Real Estate Activity May 2009:

Active Listings: 7 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $775,000 to $1,899,000.

Pending Sales: 4 Homes are in escrow priced from $699,000 to $849,000.

May Sales: 2 Properties closed escrow priced at $600,000 and $1,080,000.

"Anyone have a listing coming up in South Shores?" is a common question at sales meetings. If you're thinking of listing your South Shores home Norma Toering & Team can help.

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

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Will There be Mulitple Offers, or None at All?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:26:31 -0500

Last week the bank foreclosed on a client's house. Today a coworker will lose a home to the same fate. The housing market is far from receiving a clean bill of health.

Yesterday at my open house three prospective buyers lingered, sat on the patio and soaked in the oh-so-stunning panoramic view, but walked away unable to pull the purchase trigger. Two of the three absolutely want the house, they can afford the house, but they are gripped by fear and lack confidence in the stability of the housing sector. How can a single agent overcome such valid concerns?

The truth is I cannot remove all the risk and offer them a money-back guarantee that purchasing a panoramic view property in Palos Verdes, CA is a good investment. I can tell them their decision to purchase in this coastal community is supported by a strong school system, an almost perfect climate, some of nature's most glorious work in combining the ocean, desert and mountains within a two-hour drive. Ok, so we have an earthquake every now and then, our freeways are overcrowded, and although improved, the air quality is less than desirable when the Santa Ana winds are blowing. All the more reason to come home to your own private sanctuary with the constancy of the undulating ocean and gentle coastal breezes blowing.

It takes courage to break away from the herd mentality. It takes intestinal fortitude to part with cash in times of uncertainty. So my best advice is buy smart. Buy within your means and comfort zone. Real estate is on sale. Big views are on sale. Shop with care. Be careful and be wise. Consult professionals.

Back up your purchase with as many property inspections as it takes to make you comfortable with the condition of the house. Be diligent, but be reasonable. Sellers are not giving properties away. Most properties have flaws. Evaluate and proceed when your concerns are satisfied and your questions are answered.

I'll be surprised if this week does not yield an offer from Sunday's open house. It's a house that is hard to forget and a view that belongs to only a few. It is the gifted shopper who can sift through the racks and find the gem. And so it is with houses.

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

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Norma Toering's Eastview Real Estate Report May 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes CA

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:44:31 -0500

Wow! What a month May was for the Eastview neighborhood in Rancho Palos Verdes.

This neighborhood has the option of attending either Los Angeles Unified Schools or Palos Verdes Unified Schools. Consequently, it offers the opportunity to own a home for well under a million dollars and still have the option of attending Palos Verdes schools. Many families opt to send their children to the neighborhood elementary school, and then select the intermediate and high school that best matches the needs of their child for the higher grades.

Eastview real estate statistics for May 2009:

Active Listings: 12 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $475,000 to $1,975,000.

Pending Sales: 9 Homes are in escrow priced from $529,000 to $820,000.

May Sales: 2 Properties closed escrow at $675,000 and $710,000.

If you're looking for a new backyard for holiday celebrations Norma Toering & Team can help.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

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Norma Toering's Silver Spur Real Estate Report May 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes CA

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:30:49 -0500

Someone forgot to tell the Silver Spur neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes the real estate market is slow. Homes are selling like hotcakes in this centrally located community on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

May real estate statistics for Silver Spur:

Active Listings: 12 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $799,000 to $1,125,000.

Pending Sales: 6 Homes are in escrow priced from $837,900 to $1,020,000.

May Sales: 2 Properties closed escrow priced at $754,000 and $1,100,000.

If you're looking for a new place to hang your hat, Norma Toering & Team can help.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

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What's Your Palos Verdes View Worth?

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:56:58 -0500

The Palos Verdes Peninsula possesses a full portfolio of views. Would you like ocean and island view? We have it. How about city lights? Yes, lots of those available. Are you happy with a peek-a-boo view? Those are quite common. If only a panoramic view will do, the price will reflect a big view is included.

Many buyers want to know what a view will cost. Sellers want to know what their view is worth. Pricing a view is one of the most subjective things an agent must do when listing a view property. History and experience helps us with this subjective and opinion filled task.

Last week my business partner and I decided to approach pricing view properties based on a more scientific approach. Using the sales from a recent 30 day period, we compared the price ratios of homes that sold with no view, any view, ocean views and panoramic views. We placed all single family sales in the most appropriate view slot. We then calculated the price per square foot for averages for each type of sale. The ratios of each category revealed rough estimates of the premium buyers place on each type of view.

The results:

Homes with a small view sold for an average of 10% more than homes with no view.

Homes with any view sold for an average of 17% more than homes with no view.

Homes with ocean views sold for an average of 25% more than homes with no view.

Homes with panoramic views sold for an average of 40% more than homes with no view.

There are many variables in this calculation (which means it still remains very subjective) and the percentage will vary with the number of homes sold and the type of view those properties possessed. Pricing a view home is best done by a knowledgeable and experienced agent because certain views are considered more valuable than others even though they may both be deemed panoramic.

We had fun compiling the list and assigning a value to our Palos Verdes views, but please remember the true value of view is determined by what buyers are willing to pay for view properties.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

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Norma Toering's Peninsula Center Real Estate Report May 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:10:33 -0500

Homes are selling in the Peninsula Center neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes. If you cruise through the neighborhood looking for For Sale signs you will find only a few, and many of those will have a Sale Pending sign attached. That's good news for Peninsula Center homeowners.

Peninsula Center real estate statistics for May 2009:

Active Listings: 8 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $899,000 to $1,299,000.

Pending Sales: 5 Properties are in escrow priced from $800,000 to $1,290.000.

May Sales: 2 Homes closed escrow at $875,000 and $1,000,000.

If you're searching for a home in Palos Verdes and need some help in finding the right house in the right neighborhood I would be happy to help.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

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Norma Toering's Crest Neighborhood Real Estate Report May 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes 90275

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:41:38 -0500

For the first time in many months there is a Palos Verdes neighborhood that has more homes in escrow than it has for sale. The Crest neighborhood has nine homes in escrow and only six active listings.

Active Listings: 6 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $1,079,000 to $1,250,000.

Pending Sales: 9 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $799,000 to $1,374,900.

May Sales: 1 Property closed escrow for $1,099,000.

House hunting is serious business. For more information on homes in the Crest neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes contact Norma Toering & Team.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

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Norma Toering's Los Verdes Real Estate Report May 2009 Ranch Palos Verdes 90275

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:23:12 -0500

Sales are up, inventory is limited and several homes are in escrow in the Los Verdes neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes.

May 2009 real estate statistics for Los Verdes:

Active Listings: 12 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $930,000 to $1,549,000.

Pending Sales: 5 Properties are in escrow priced from $899,000 to $1,389,900.

May Sales: 2 Homes sold priced at $819,000 and $940,000.

For more information on homes for sale in Los Verdes area of Rancho Palos Verdes contact Norma Toering & Team.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

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Norma Toering's La Cresta Real Estate Report May 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:09:37 -0500

May was an active month for the La Cresta neighborhood:

Active Listings: 16 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $1,050,000 to $#,150,000.

Pending Sales: 6 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $950,000 to $2,699,000.

May Sales: 2 Homes closed escrow priced at $1,020,000 and $1,450,000.

If there's a move in your immediate future don't hesitate to ask for help in finding the right neighborhood and the right house. For more information on any of the homes for sale in the La Cresta neighborhood contact me and I'll supply you with the latest real estate information.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

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Norma Toering's Country Club Real Estate Report May 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:37:25 -0500

Los Verdes Golf Course is located in the Country Club neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes. Country Club is also home to Ralphs -- so most homes in Country Club are no more than five to ten minutes from a grocery store.

Active Listings: 11 Single Family Homes are listed for sale priced from $1,360,000 to $3,150,000.

Pending Sales: 5 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $1,219,000 to $1,2999,900.

May Sales: 1 Property closed escrow for $2,155,000.

For more information on any property for sale, in escrow, or sold contact me and I'll be happy to provide more detailed information.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

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Sellers, Perhaps It Is Not the Price

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:11:04 -0500

In a declining market it is easy to blame the price if a property does not sell within a reasonable length of time on the market. Most of the time price is the culprit blocking the sale. However, there are always exceptions to the rule.

Here are a few that have deterred and deferred my showing plans for various properties:

"Large dog on premises. Looks vicious." Enrolling Mr. Vicious in doggie daycare would solve the problem and allow the house to sell without risking life and limb.

"Several pets in house; please make sure all doors are SHUT." Hmm, I'm wondering what type of pets this owner is keeping and why the agent thinks I want my clients to wander amid animals as they tour a property.

"24 hours notice required." I understand this one, but sometimes a client will call in the morning with the intent to tour properties in the afternoon. Ease of showing really counts in these instances.

"To show, call listing agent." I use this one myself, but I try to respond to all requests within minutes of receiving the call. It's very frustrating when we can't find the listing agent, and often the sellers miss a showing. Sometimes we reschedule, sometimes we do not.

Price, location and condition are important, but easy and safe access is crucial, especially when a buyer has many choices.

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

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Terranea Resort Loves Your Pet

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:14:40 -0500

Terranea, Lowe's new resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, is a pet friendly place. I snapped this photo on the veranda. There were also pets (well-behaved and on leashes) in the lobby, walking the grounds and exploring the trails and pathways lacing the manicured grounds.

Last Sunday when my clients needed a place to hang out while I held their house open, I suggested Terranea. They loved the idea of taking their two small dogs along for a stroll, conversation around the fire-pits and enjoying a relaxing afternoon on the glorious California coast.

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

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32245 Phantom Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:23:25 -0500

My new listing at 32245 Phantom Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes is a head turner of a home! Last week it had four showings and one is scheduled for this morning.

If you would like to experience the Wow Effect of its remodeled interior coupled with a stunning exterior view, come by this Saturday or Sunday--Open House from 1:00 to 4:00pm--there will be a chair on the patio for you to sit and soak in the sights.

This one-level "hottie" likes to show off an enviable view of Pacific Ocean, Trump's golf course, Catalina Island and craggy California coastline. The 20 foot sliders make the aforementioned view an integral part of the interior space. It's a one of a kind house and view that epitomizes the Palos Verdes lifestyle.

It's Open Today! 32245 Phantom Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes $1,429,000.

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

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Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Drive West Real Estate Report May 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:50:52 -0500

One of the questions I am frequently asked by buyers contemplating purchasing a home on the south or west side of Palos Verdes is, "How far away is the closest grocery store?" That answer just became more pleasant to deliver. Palos Verdes Drive West neighborhood will soon be home to Trader Joes new store located at the intersection of Hawthorne Blvd. and Palos Verdes Drive West. The new addition will be welcomed by the residents of Oceanfront and surrounding residential areas.

Palos Verdes Drive West real estate statistics for May 2009:

Active Listings: 12 Single Family Homes are listed for sale priced from $1,485,000 tp $6,995,000.

Pending Sales: 4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $1,099,000 to $2,800,000.

May Sales: 2 Single Family Homes closed escrow in May for $886,800 and $1,200,000. Both were located on Via Rivera.

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

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Exposing the Essential Events of Escrow--The Condensed Version

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:32:33 -0500

In California escrow companies are the repositories for all agreements, documents and funds from the time a purchase agreement is accepted until the property is recorded in the new owner's name. Escrow is a neutral third party and they direct the transaction pursuant to instructions from the parties to the transaction--seller, buyer, lender etc. Each real estate transaction is unique and involves a variety of steps and requirements uniquely its own. However, there are some general similarities.

Escrow is responsible for drawing up amendments to the original contract, and securing signatures from all parties to the purchase contract agreeing to a specific change. Escrow may issue cancellation at the direction of one party to the contract, but may not release deposit funds until all parties to the contract have agreed to such a release.

Escrow works closely with the lender and title company to secure funds and title requirements during the escrow period. Most escrows are typically 30 to 60 days in length. There are always exceptions to the rule and I have closed a 15 day escrow and a 100 plus day escrow. Extensions to the escrow period must be mutually agreed upon as it involves a change from the original agreement.

Once all contingencies have been removed escrow will contact the lender and request funding. Escrow sets up the recording with the County Recorder and works closely with the title company and lender to transfer funds and payoff demands from previous lenders, taxes and other fees. The remaining funds are sent to escrow to be given to the seller after any remaining fees are deducted.

Upon satisfactory settlement the seller receives a check and the buyer receives the keys. Escrow is closed, but during those 30 to 60 days escrow solves many problems and manages a plethora of calls, emails and face to face meetings. A good escrow officer is often one of the most important links in the real estate chain.

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

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Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Drive South Real Estate Report May 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:50:29 -0500

I'm spending more and and more time in the Palos Verdes Drive South neighborhood. Trump's is a favorite area to walk. Terranea is now open for business and fast becoming a favorite spot to meet friends and clients. I have a new listing at 32245 Phantom Drive and I'm showing a couple buyers everything that comes on the market in the area. It is certainly a beautiful place to hang out!

Palos Verdes Drives South homes for sale, in escrow and sold in May 2009:

Active Listings: 20 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $899,000 to $6,900,000.

Pending Sales: 5 Properties are in escrow priced from $859,000 to $1,195,000.

May Sales: 1 Home sold on Via Baron for $1,249,000.

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

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Norma Toering's Mira Catalina Real Estate Report May 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes,CA

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:25:51 -0500

If you're searching for Rancho Palos Verdes homes for sale, the Mira Catalina neighborhood only has a few, but it is a wonderful seaside neighborhood anchored by Mira Catalina Elementary School and Marymount College.

Mira Catalina real estate statistics for May 2009:

Active Listings: 6 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $959,000 to $3,399,000.

Pending Sales: 1 Property is in escrow listed for $1,049,000.

May Sales: 1 House sold on Corinna Drive for $835,000.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

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If You're Looking for a Palos Verdes Homes with a View Don't Miss This One

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:27:28 -0500

If you missed seeing 32245 Phantom, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA last weekend at its premiere open house consider this your personal invitation--it will be open for an encore performance Saturday and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00pm.I can't think of a more enchanting place to spend my weekend afternoons.

The inviting patio overlooks the stunning view. Last Sunday I watched sailboats on the Pacific, golfers on Trump's course and paragliders ride the coastal thermal waves all while "working" my new listing.

If you're looking for a view you'll never want to leave, stop by and spend a few minutes on the patio at 32245 Phantom Drive. By the way, the very cool remodeled house shows off the view with new 20 ft. sliding glass doors--when you close the doors the view is still there to enjoy.

32245 Phantom Drive $1,429,000.

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

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

Palos Verdes Homes for Sale Blog - Palos Verdes Real Estate
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Phishing in the Rain

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:24:37 -0500

I get excited every time I receive an email from an Active Rain contact. Feeling a bit overdue for another consumer contact, I gleefully clicked on Monday's email. Yikes, my hopes for a seller or buyer were dashed by someone out phishing for email addresses. Here's the message I received:

Subject: hi (Sent via Activerain)
hello
My name is jessica, i saw your profile today and became
intrested in you,i will also like to know you more,and
if you can send an email to my email address,i will
give you my pictures here is my email address
I believe we can move from here!
Awaiting for your mail to my email address above jessica

Sorry, Jessica, I won't be sending you my email address, and although I'm sure your picture is lovely, I prefer a pre-approval letter. Oh, by the way, please keep your spam and scam out of the rain.

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

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

Palos Verdes Homes for Sale Blog - Palos Verdes Real Estate
Palos Verdes Houses for Sale Search - More about on Palos Verdes

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Both Palos Verdes High Schools Made Newsweek's Top 1500

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:46:03 -0500

Newsweek magazine released its annual list of the 1,500 top public high schools in the country last week. Read the full article.

Here are the rankings for local schools that made the list: 56, Hawthorne Math & Science Academy; 144, Palos Verdes Peninsula High; 185, Palos Verdes High; 299, Mira Costa High; 351, California Academy of Math & Science; 445, Animo Venice; 582, Animo Leadership; 667, Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy; 738, Redondo Union High; 977, Animo Inglewood; 1,062, Carson High; 1,326, El Segundo High; 1,375, Narbonne High; 1,463, Westchester High.

As a former teacher I am always interested in local school rankings. I was especially pleased to see schools from a variety of cities in the area make the list. Obviously there is some great teaching going on and some motivated students--kudos to both and keep on excelling!

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

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

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