Rolling Hills Real Estate Blog by Norma Toering

Hunting Down the House For You

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:04:36 -0600

How can you find the best buys in any market? Sometimes they stand out like a sore thumb and other times they are sleepers concealed by neglect, atrocious decorating and deferred maintenance. Often buyers simply never see them. If Fido is yelping in the backyard and there is no lockbox on the front door (or nearby) it soon becomes classified as difficult to show. Even if it is an outstanding buy for one reason or another many prospective buyers may never see it. There are too many obstacles between you and the interior.

It all begins with price. Everyone has a budget. However, do not shop entirely by price. Price is one of the easiest things to change through artful and intelligent negotiating if it is out of line with current market values or the condition warrants a discount.

The pretty ones are popular. Agents like to show the in-crowd listings. They show beautifully, they are staged to sell and often they are easy to show. Don't be swayed by too much gloss and cosmetic glow if you are looking for a deal. You're shopping for a diamond in the rough you can polish to your heart's content, and the hard work you're willing to do should be reflected in the price.

Shop outside the box. Most prospective buyers have a first choice neighborhood and a list of "I wants" when they begin their search for a home. Often the two collide with the price they can afford. Stepping over your original boundaries may open up new neighborhoods with new opportunities.

Happy house hunting. If you would like an experienced guide it would be a pleasure to act as your agent on your big adventure.

Happily Ever After Sales

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:40:28 -0600

It's a wonderful feeling when a property closes escrow and everyone walks away feeling like a winner. It's really quite an accomplishment when you consider how many people and variables must come together before a legal change of ownership can occur.

If one piece of the puzzle is missing, neglected or ignored the transaction may be doomed. If a material fact regarding the property is not disclosed, a legal letter may find its way to your mailbox at some future date. Full disclosure will help you avoid the headache of dealing with problems after the property is sold.

It is important to begin with the end in mind. Yes, sellers we really do want a fairy tale ending to the story of the sale of your house! As the story unfolds, bear in mind there will be moments of uncertainty, drama and a plethora of issues to resolve. There will also be moments of joy, fulfillment and utter relief.

Sometimes it helps to think of the sale or purchase of your residence in business terms instead of emotional baggage. You're selling or buying an asset. A dollar value will be placed on it, not an emotional value. No one said this would be a cakewalk. It will take your time and your energy, as well as a small army of real estate professionals to move from listing the house to closing escrow.

Life dictates most moves. A growing family, a shrinking family, a new job or loss of an old one propels us forward on our life's journey. When it's time to move on, leave your old home with fond memories and a clear conscience.

New beginnings are much more enjoyable with no problems from the past tagging along.

More Seller Tips from Norma!

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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

Rancho Palos Verdes Homes for Sale - Rancho Palos Verdes Houses
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Palm Desert Area Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Rancho Palos Verdes Homes

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Norma Toering's Country Club Home Sales Report October 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes 90275 - REMAX Palos Verdes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:33:06 -0600

Country Club neighborhood home sales and real estate report for October 2009 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Active listings: 6 Homes are currently for sale in the Country Club neighborhood priced from $1,399,000 to $3,299,000.

Pending sales: 2 Properties are currently in escrow priced from $1,600,000 to $1,890,000.

October sales: 3 Houses sold during October 2009:

Cartier Dr $950,000
Avenida Altisima $1,450,000
Crest Rd $1,650,000

All Country Club real estate and home sales reports.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Drive West Home Sales Report - October 2009

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:23:50 -0600

Palos Verdes Drive West neighborhood home sales and real estate report for October 2009 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Active listings: 14 Homes are currently for sale around PV Drive West priced from $1,195,000 to $7,900,000.

Pending sales: 2 Properties are currently in escrow priced from $2,800,000 to $5,199,000.

October sale: 2 Houses sold in October 2009 in the Palos Verdes Drive West neighborhood:

Berry Hills $890,000
Lunada Vista $2,075,000

All Palos Verdes Drive West real estate and home sales reports.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Drive South Home Sales Report October 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:10:44 -0600

Palos Verdes Drive South neighborhood home sales and real estate report for October 2009 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Active listings: 13 Homes are currently available in the PV Drive South area priced from $895,000 to $6,900,000.

Pending sales: 4 Houses are currently in escrow priced from $999,000 to $1,599,000.

October sales: 3 Properties sold around Palos Verdes Drive South in October 2009:

Barkentine Rd $949,000
Beachview Dr $1,050,000
Phantom Dr $1,283,000

All Palos Verdes Drive South real estate and home sales reports.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Do You Take the Paper Trail or the Electronic Trail?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:26:55 -0600

When I moved to my own office space nearly three years ago one of my goals was to have an environmentally friendly space. I have a few plants, a full wall of floor to ceiling glass for lots of natural light and I only run the air or heat on an "as needed" basis. We can do that in Southern California. It is wasteful folly to wear a sweater in the summertime because the office is too cool, or wear a sleeveless dress in the winter to avoid excessive heat.

It is the paper I cannot give up. Yes, it's true I have a dependency on paper. Oh, it is not as severe today as it was in the past, but it is still a struggle for me to bypass printing important conversations with clients and customers. Yes, I enter the date and note in my database, and stash the email in an e-folder but I also still dedicate a section of every file to "correspondence" for my paper trail.

Has everyone but me switched to the electronic trail?

More blogs about a real estate agent's life from Norma.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Leave the Light On - Tips for Selling Your Home

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:29:51 -0600

No, I am neither advocating we return to wasteful habits of the past nor thumbing my nose at the green movement. I am attempting to shine a light on a few dark corners, hallways and dangerously dark stairs during the darker days of fall and winter.

It is November and the beginning of the rainy season in Southern California and what we fondly call winter. The weather mix includes more cloudy days and a few days of much needed rain. Even the brightest of homes can appear dark when heavy clouds are overhead. A lamp or singular bulb can chase the darkness away and shine a light on a focal point or illuminate a tricky stairway.

I have never had a prospective buyer tell me they want to purchase a dark house. However, many homes are eliminated because they are too dark. So on those darker days of the season turn on a few energy efficient light bubs for the sake of your sale and the safety of your prospective buyers.

More Seller Tips from Norma!

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Stop the Whine By Changing Your Mind-Set

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:05:39 -0600

It's Monday morning and I haven't read the headline news yet, but I'm guessing it will be top heavy with negative bold print. As a real estate agent the steady barrage of bad news has become a staple in the daily news diet for nearly three years. If we constantly focus on what is wrong, it is difficult to see what is right. Rather than wring our hands and whine about what's wrong with the world, the economy and our jobs, perhaps it is time to change our mind-set. We often get out of life exactly what we put into it, and expecting the worst may become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Do not wait for good times and prosperity to find you. Hunt it down. Do not let fear, disappointment and uncertainty become the leaders in your life. Fear and excitement are closely linked emotional cousins--one can stop you in your tracks and the other propel you forward. Get excited about your abilities to succeed by paying less attention to the national numbers and more attention to your numbers, your goals and your dreams.

A little trick that works for me when nothing seems to be going my way is to choose three tasks I've been postponing, putting off and procrastinating over at the top of my list and take action. The first step is often the most difficult, but once I remove those roadblocks holding me back the path ahead is much easier to navigate. Three is a small number but it is absolutely capable of producing life-altering changes.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Norma Toering's Mira Catalina Home Sales Report October 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:36:04 -0600

Mira Catalina neighborhood home sales and real estate report for October 2009 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Active listings: 12 Homes are currently for sale in Mira Catalina priced from $945,000 to $3,399,000.

Pending sales: No properties are currently in escrow in the Mira Catalina neighborhood of RPV.

October sales: No houses sold during October 2009

All Mira Catalina real estate and home sales reports.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Norma Toering's Rolling Hills Home Sales Report October 2009 Rolling Hills CA 90274 - REMAX Palos Verdes

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:24:37 -0600

Rolling Hills neighborhood home sales and real estate report for October 2009 in the city of Rolling Hills, California.

Active listings: 24 Homes are currently for sale in Rolling Hills priced from $1,289,000 to $14,900,000.

Pending sales: 6 Properties are currently in escrow priced from $1,395,000 to $2,995,000.

October sales: One house sold in Rolling Hills during October 2009:

Saddleback Road $5,500,000

All Rolling Hills CA real estate and home sales reports.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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

Rolling Hills Homes for Sale - Rolling Hills Houses
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Palm Desert Area Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Rolling Hills
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Rolling Hills Homes

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Rolling Hills CA High-end Home Sales on the Palos Verdes Peninsula

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:34:54 -0600

A remodeled home in Rolling Hills hit the market a few days ago and the list price is under $1.3M. I saw the property when it was listed at a higher price. It's not perfect, but hey, it is Rolling Hills, the gated city at the top of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Buyers, that is a deal based on location alone! The median price of homes in Rolling Hills is over $2M.

Here's a peek at home sales over $3M in Rolling Hills for the past few years:

2009: 3

2008: 3

2007: 10

2006: 8

2005: 7

(numbers based on MLS--deemed correct but not guaranteed)

No doubt about it, sales are down and so are prices in Rolling Hills. If you're thinking of making a move to behind the gates of Rolling Hills, now is an excellent time to see if your dream home is available at a surprisingly attractive price.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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

90275 Homes for Sale - Rancho Palos Verdes Houses
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Palm Desert Area Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Rolling Hills Homes

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Luxury Home Sales in Palos Verdes Estates in 2009 YTD

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:48:11 -0600

The over $3,000,000 home sales have endured a sluggish couple of years on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Chalk it up to the near extinction of jumbo loans and the economic decline. I noticed during the usually quiet dog days of summer a high end sale or two started appearing on the MLS hotsheet.

Digging a little deeper, and closing a high-end home in Palos Verdes Estates myself, encouraged me to delve a little deeper to determine whether my sale was a fluke, a stroke of good luck or a turning point in the local housing market. Here's what I found:

10 Palos Verdes Estates homes $3,000,000 and up closed escrow in 2009. 4 Homes in the price range are currently in escrow.

9 Palos Verdes Estates homes $3,000,000 and up closed escrow in 2008.

18 Palos Verdes Estates homes $3,000,000 and up closed escrow in 2007.

13 Palos Verdes Estates homes $3,000,000 and up closed escrow in 2006.

17 Palos Verdes Estates homes $3,000,000 and up closed escrow in 2005.

It appears the high-end home market in Palos Verdes Estates hit bottom in 2008, and the number of sales in 2009 will be back in the double digit zone.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Drive East Home Sales Report October 2009 Rancho Palos Verdes

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:49:42 -0600

Palos Verdes Dr. East neighborhood home sales and real estate report for October 2009 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Active listings: 21 Homes are currently for sale around PV Drive East priced from $750,000 to $2,695,000.

Pending sales: 8 Properties are in escrow priced from $836,000 to $1,900,000.

October sales: Four houses sold in the PVDE area October 2009:

Surrey Ln $750,000
Kingsridge $790,000
La Vista Verde Dr $830,000
Via Frascati $1,400,000

All Palos Verdes Drive East real estate and home sales reports.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Dr. North Home Sales Report October 2009 Rolling Hills Estates - REMAX Palos Verdes

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:27:42 -0600

Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood home sales and real estate report for October 2009 in Rolling Hills Estates, California.

Active listings: 29 Homes are currently for sale around PV Drive North priced from $850,000 to $2,998,500.

Pendings sales: 17 Properties are currenlty in escrow priced from $915,000 to $3,249,900.

October sales: 5 Houses sold in the PVDN neighborhood in October 2009:

Westvale Rd $725,000
Rousseau Lane $1,010,000
Golden Spar $1,100,000
Deerhill $1,140,000
Empty Saddle Lane $1,450,000

All Palos Verdes Drive North real estate and home sales reports.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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

Palos Verdes Homes for Sale - Palos Verdes Houses
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Palm Desert Area Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Rolling Hills Estates Homes

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Norma Toering's Valmonte Home Sales Report October 2009 Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:14:26 -0600

Valmonte neighborhood home sales and real estate report for October 2009 in Palos Verdes Estates, California.

Active listings: 16 Homes are currently for sale in Valmonte priced from $840,000 to $2,999,000.

Pendings sales: Two properties are in escrow priced from $855,000 to $899,000.

October sales: One house closed escrow in Valmonte during October 2009:

Via Nivel $1,051,500

All Valmonte real estate and home sales reports.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Portuguese Bend Club Equestrian Neighborhood in Rancho Palos Verdes

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:57:26 -0600

Yes, you can have an ocean view and horses in Palos Verdes. You can also live in a gated community surrounded by stunning natural beauty and enjoy one of the best climates on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Located just off Palos Verdes Dr. South, the Portuguese Bend Club equestrian neighborhood is smaller than the gated city of Rolling Hills (and less expensive) but it, too, is graced with abundant open spaces, horse and hiking trails and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

I am watching the neighborhood for a client who has kids and horses. We're hoping a four bedroom with stables and a view will come on the market in the next few months. Portuguese Bend home prices range from just under $1,000,000 to multi-million dollar equestrian compounds.

The Portuguese Bend Club has a neighborhood stable for boarding horses, riding rings and exercise areas plus miles of riding trails. The Portuguese Bend Club Horse Show is an annual event in the neighborhood.

Located on Palos Verdes Drive South between Donald Trump's golf course and Terranea Resort the Portuguese Bend neighborhood is a few minutes from recreational and fine dining options. Upon entering the gates you will find it hard to believe you are in Los Angeles County.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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

Palos Verdes Homes for Sale - Rancho Palos Verdes Houses
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Palm Desert Area Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Portuguese Bend Homes
Palos Verdes Homes Videos - Portuguese Bend Video

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Portuguese Bend Beach Club is Gated and Glorious and in Palos Verdes

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:14:42 -0600

If you are not watching for it, you will drive right past the entrance to the Portuguese Bend Beach Club on Palos Verdes Drive South in Rancho Palos Verdes. The guard house is small and set back from the street, but once inside the gates amazing ocean views unfold and you find yourself at the ocean's edge.

An eclectic mix of modern mansions, chic cottages and beach shacks hug the soaring bluffs above the ocean in the upper area of the club, and homes on the lower level are close enough to be kissed by the salty mist. Their backyard is sand and the Pacific Ocean. There are palapa umbrellas shading an abundance of picnic tables, fire-pits (yes, you can build a bonfire at this beach) and a playground scattered about the private beach. If it sounds like a mini resort and an ideal vacation spot, it is, but a few fortunate Rancho Palos Verdes residents also call it home.

There are a few Portuguese Bend Beach Club homes for sale. Prices ranges from approximately $1M (that's a starter shack with a great ocean view) to multi-million dollar homes. The last home I sold in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club sold in the $1.5M price range. It was a remodeled 2-bedroom with a fantastic deck to enjoy the sights and sounds of beach living.

Located next to Trump National Golf Course and just minutes from Terranea Resort, the Portuguese Bend Beach Club enjoys a private location, great climate and the perks of living in a beach community on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Shake It Off and Step Up

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:16:21 -0600

Setbacks happen. Life is sprinkled with challenges as we navigate our way through our daily path. Sometimes it is a minor annoyance, sometimes it is more serious; setbacks come in all sizes and impacts.

I like to start the week with a little motivational reading and today it is the source of inspiration for this post. I'll paraphase and truncate it in my attempt to share it.

A mule fell into a dry well and cried out for help. He knew he could not escape such a deep hole without assistance. The farmer heard his cry, investigated and deemed the rescue impossible. He decided to end the mule's suffering and began shoveling dirt and stones upon the mule's back.

The mule was confused when the first scoop full of debris hit his back. When the second struck he felt betrayed. When the third load fell on him he knew it was time for action. He shook it off his back and stepped up. The farmer continued to shovel and each time the mule shook it off and stepped upon the growing mound of soil and stones beneath his feet.

Amazed at his mule's will to overcome, the farmer called for his worker and together they shoveled, and the mule continued to shake it off and step up. At the end of a long challenging day, the mule stepped up and walked out of the well.

Shake it off and step up.

Thanks to Yoga For Every Body--the catalyst for this post.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Palos Verdes Drive South Horse Property in Palos Verdes

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:37:58 -0600

If you are familiar with the Palos Verdes Peninsula you know most of the horse property and equestrian estates are located in either Rolling Hills or Rolling Hills Estates. Palos Verdes Drive East also has some properties zoned for horses. Few people equate Palos Verdes Drive South with horse property.

Palos Verdes Drive South is now recognized as the resort side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. A drive along PVDS will take you past Donald Trump's golf course, the Portuguese Bend Beach Club and Terranea Resort. While gazing at the stunning ocean views you're apt to miss the gated entrance to the Portuguese Bend enclave, an equestrian neighborhood complete with boarding stables and miles of riding trails, on the opposite side of PVDS.

When I first moved to Palos Verdes over twenty years ago, I fell in love with the South side of the Palos Verdes. It has a personality of its own. This uniqueness is most apparent in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club (think funky beach cottages with amazing ocean views) and its equestrian counterpart located in the hills of the Portuguese Bend neighborhood. Both communities are gated and many Palos Verdes residents have never visited either community. It's a secluded coastal equestrian paradise.

A client is in the market for an equestrian property and I think the Portuguese Bend neighborhood might be a perfect match for her family and her horses.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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How Do You Get Away From Real Estate?

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:52:24 -0600

I'm planning a long weekend away in the desert with my best gal pal. I have a capable partner to watch over the business while I'm away for three or four days. It was planned as a rest and relaxation break before the holiday madness begins. I wondered if I would be lost without my daily real estate fix.

No worries, it looks like I will not suffer from real estate withdrawal. My friend wants to check out the best deals on Rancho Los Palmas condos while we are in Rancho Mirage. That's easy since we'll be staying in a friend's condo at the resort.

I'm working with a developer on the Boitano Palms development in the Coachella Valley and really need a few more photos of the area. My camera will be tucked in my bag and I'll sneak out early one morning to catch the sunrise over the mountains.

I've found real estate is easily woven into most days even when I'm supposedly taking a break from the work I do.

Where do you go to get away from real estate? After all, it's everywhere.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Now You Know What I Did Last Saturday Night

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:19:23 -0600

I wore sequined finery and Cleopatra eyes. A harvest moon and few street light illuminated my stroll along crowded streets.

The past few weeks were heavily scheduled with real estate duties--all good, but I did take time off last Saturday night to dress up and have some fun with my fabulous grandkids.

We transformed pumpkins into smiling jack-o-lanterns, then walked the neighborhood filling our trick or treat bags with sweets and filling our hearts with happy memories.

I hope you had a Happy Halloween too!

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Who Turned the Buyer Spigot On?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:44:32 -0600

I need an energy drink, or maybe eight hours of solid sleep would do the trick. Suddenly, past clients, new customers and contacts from the past decided this was the week to move their status from inactive to hot buyer. Think of the Morton Salt slogan, "When it rains, it pours." I never really understood what that had to do with salt, but I do understand the concept when it comes to buyers!

Who turned the buyer spigot on? Did the media finally decide to feature some of the positive housing news instead of the grim? Like a simmering volcano, the pent-up demand for housing can only smolder so long before it unleashes itself with unstoppable force, and there's no putting the top back on the mountain or the buyers back in wait and see mode.

The hot spot in my local housing market is still the under $1M crowd. Those properties are flying off the shelf, often with multiple offers. My buyers lost in a multiple offer frenzy in Eastview earlier this week. Another first time buyer's offer was unable to compete with an investor's cash, and at the sales meeting our broker reported open house attendees exceeded 250 at one under a million dollars beauty in Torrance. That's close to a stampede and I'm sure the agent felt a need for crowd control!

We're ready. My licensed assistant, and all things techie expert, is moving up to buyer's agent. We're hoping there will be enough new inventory to satisfy this enormous buyer appetite. Homes for the holidays is exactly what many buyers are hoping for.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Are Your Listings on Hold for the Holidays? Your Seller May Miss a Sale

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:26:20 -0600

A prospective buyer will be coming into town in a couple weeks, yes, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, to shop for a home in Palos Verdes. Today as I scrolled through the MLS and started to assemble a show list of homes, the agent's remarks on one likely candidate stated it would be off the market for the holidays. Geez, and it was one the prospective buyer requested to see.

I will call the listing agent and try to coax her to allow the prospective buyer to tour the home. I'll provide a pre-approval letter and verification of down payment to convince her sellers to make an exception, but I have to wonder if it's wise to miss two months of the year's supply of buyers--especially this year when the market is gathering some end of the year momentum.

My out of town buyer intends to purchase a home while he is in Los Angeles. He is doing his homework and narrowing the selection of homes to a choice few. We will look at eight to twelve homes. Sellers, those are not bad odds. I do know if I can't show it, he won't buy it.

I know the holidays are full of festivities and social calendars are often overloaded, but family and home take on a special glow during this time of year. My buyer is shopping for just the right home for his family, and it might be the home you want to sell.

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Norma Toering's Malaga Cove Home Sales Report October 2009 Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:21:39 -0600

Malaga Cove neighborhood home sales and real estate report for October 2009 in Palos Verdes Estates, California.

Active listings: 17 Homes are currently for sale in Malaga Cove priced from $1,275,000 to $3,999,000.

Pending sales: 3 Properties are in escrow in Malaga Cove priced from $1,995,000 to $2,299,000.

October sales: 2 Houses sold in October 2009:

Palos Verdes Dr West $1,200,000
Via Arriba $1,200,000

All Malaga Cove real estate and home sales reports.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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Norma Toering's Monte Malaga Home Sales Report - October 2009 Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:10:11 -0600

Monte Malaga neighborhood home sales report for October 2009 in Palos Verdes Estates.

Active listings: 20 Single family homes are currently for sale in Monte Malaga priced from $1,249,000 to $12,900,000.

Pending sales: 10 Homes are currently in escrow priced from $999,950 to $6,999,000.

October sales: 3 Properties sold in Monte Malaga in October 2009:

Via Alamitos $1,170,000
Via Nogales $1,750,000
Lower Paseo La Cresta $6,400,000

Monte Malaga Home Sales Report for 9/2009.

Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports

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

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

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

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