News and Views of the South Bay

New Listing in Redondo Beach - 1809 Phelan, Redondo Beach CA 90278

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:34:40 -0500

Come by on Thursday October 15th from 12-2 to have a look.

Keith Kyle | South Bay Brokers | 310-546-7611| www.KeithKyleHomes.com

1809 Phelan, Redondo Beach, CA

Charming 3 Bedroom Redondo Single Family Home for Condo Price

3BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $525,000

Year Built	1957
Sq Footage	912
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	3,000 sqft
HOA/Maint

DESCRIPTION

This is your opportunity to own a wonderful single family home in North Redondo Beach for less than most condos. The home has been meticulously maintained and lovingly taken care of. The home features a bright and open kitchen and dining area, hardwood floors, a private patio and back yard and is located walking distance to parks, shopping and dining.....and just a short drive to the beach.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Hardwood floor	- Living room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Washer	- Dryer
- Laundry area - garage	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Welcome home	Bright bedrooms
Living room	Private patio and yard
Bright and open kitchen	2nd Bedroom

Contact info:

Keith Kyle

South Bay Brokers

310-546-7611

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 13, 2009, 8:02pm PDT

Ocean View Living in Redondo Beach - Seascape I, II, and III

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:02:09 -0500

There are endless reasons that the South Bay and Redondo Beach are great places to live, and without question the proximity to the ocean is one of them. Redondo Beach offers a wider variety of options than neighboring Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach as it's zoned to allow higher density housing in some areas.....meaning larger condo complexes. Some of the most ideal complexes are located in South Redondo Beach just off of Catalina and are known as The Village or Seascapes I, II and III. All of the Seascape Buildings are also known as the Village (they're actually all on Catalina but the addresses are on The Village) All of the complexes have Homeowners Associations with relatively high HOA dues to cover the various landscaping, pools and some insurance, but if you're looking for an affordable way to have a beach home, they may be ideal for you. All three buildings offer some fantastic ocean, Catalina, and harbor views and are centrally located just a short walk or bike ride to the beach, marina, restaurants and shops and parks. Keep in mind that some of my comments are just opinions on what is both good and bad about the buildings based on my observations and feedback from my clients.

Seascape I

Seascape One is actually located between Seascapes II and III and consists of 210-250 The Village. It was built in 1978 and is just east of King Harbor and the Redondo Beach pier. Many of the units have fairly unique windows that allow for plenty of light and breezes. The smallest units are 1 bedroom 1 bath with around 577 square feet with the largest units being 2 bedroom 2 bath with just over 1600 feet. Values depend primarily on the location and view as well as the upgrades that the owners have done over time.

Pros: Location, location, location. Seascape I is central to everything and you truly don't have to get in the car on the weekends. It's directly adjacent to the marina and the Redondo Beach pier and has a large grassy park just outside your door. Some of the units are very nicely remodeled and some have tremendous ocean views (although those unblocked view units rarely come on the market. This is an affordable way to live by the beach or use a rental unit. See additional pictures of an ocean view unit at 240 The Village.

Cons: The complex is a little maze like and finding your way around isn't always simple. The complex also has shared laundry with a laundry room near the elevator on every floor. Another negative is that there seems to continually be an assessment in addition to the HOA dues and currently all of the planters and ponds have been undergoing continual work. Unlike Seacapes Two and Three the complex is not gated (although the parking is)

Seascape II

Seascape 2 was built in 1980 and looks a bit more modern than Seascape I. The units are much larger with the smallest one bedrooms just a bit over 900 square feet and the largest condos having 2 bedrooms plus a very good sized loft (with an additional balcony) and just at 1900 square feet. Seascape 2 consists of the buildings with 100-160 The Village addresses and is the furthest north of the oceanfront/oceanview buildings. The complex has a very nice pool area and is walkable to just about everything imaginable. Seascape 2 also has some townhome units with larger square footage and attached garages. Many/most of the units have been extensively remodeled and many have stunning ocean and harbor views.

Pros:Again the location is excellent with shops, restaurants, gyms and the beach just a stroll away. The complex has a very nice vacation like feel to it and is ideal for those looking for a beach home, second home or just wanting a primary residence at the beach....without the price tag of many other oceanview properties.

Cons:There are often assessments and the monthly HOA is fairly high and currently around the mid $400s as of this article. It's a fairly large complex and often a bit confusing to find your way around. Although the views can be stunning some of the units are a bit further back with a service road and a few buildings in front of the views of some of the lower units.

Seascape III

Built in 1980 Seascape III feels very similar to Seascape II with a slightly more "vacation" type feel. The condos are fairly large with the smallest 1458 square feet and the largest being the penthouse 2 bedroom with an ocean view loft and separate patio with slightly over 2000 square feet. This is the furthest south of the Seascape buildings but still walkable to everything.

Pros: Again the location is just ideal and the complex has a great second home or vacation feel. Higher floor units have some tremendous views and many have been very nicely upgraded. As with all of the Esplanade and Village buildings, prices have come down considerably as they have had a very high second home ownership in the past and have suffered quite a bit with some foreclosures and short sales forcing prices down which makes for an ideal environment for buyers

Cons: As with all of the Seascape buildings the HOA is quite high and the age of the buildings, coupled with their environment of sun and salt air, often make for additional assessments. HOA is also fairly restrictive as to what can be done to the units, but this can also be considered a positive for many.

Keith Kyle is a licensed Realtor and e-Pro with South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beach. He serves his clients throughout the South Bay and his websites KeithKyleHomes.com and FindYourSouthBayHome.com offer the most comprehensive real estate websites in the South Bay with free MLS access, current home listings, open houses, recent home sales information and more. Keith can be reached at 310-251-2344 or by email at info@KeithKyleHomes.com

Looking to buy in Carson.....be prepared for a short sale

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:03:41 -0500

I was just on the MLS setting up appointments for showing tomorrow with my client. He's interested in finding a newer townhome in Carson and generally in the $375,000-$425,000 price range. In searching the homes that he's interested in seeing it never ceases to amaze me the sheer volume of short sales. Of the ten homes he's hoping to see....9 of them are short sales. As Carson is one of the lower priced areas of the South Bay, it shouldn't be surprising that it was one of the hardest hit communities, but it makes it a challenge for both buyers and sellers. Click here to view the current Carson real estate listings.

About the Author

North Redondo Beach Foreclosure and Short Sale Update for June 2009

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:15:00 -0500

There continues to be an increase of homes on the market in North Redondo Beach at some stage of the foreclosure process. There are currently 15 "distressed" homes on the market in North Redondo (areas 151-154) with 7 of them single family homes and the remaining 8 being a mix of condos and townhomes. Of the 15 homes on the market 12 are short sales with 3 being bank owned homes or REO properties. Click here for a current list of North Redondo bank owned and short sale homes.

June 2009 Update for The Village and Seascape in Redondo

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:32:19 -0500

Activity seems to be picking up in the condo market of South Redondo Beachwith several homes having recently gone into escrow. At the same time, however, inventory remains high in Seascape I, II, and III and The Village with 14 condos currently for sale.

As of May 1, 2009 there are currently 6 condos currently in escrow with 3 closed sales. Price information is below.

Keith Kyle is a licensed Realtor and e-Pro with South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beach. He serves his clients throughout the South Bay and his websites KeithKyleHomes.com and FindYourSouthBayHome.comoffer the most comprehensive real estate websites in the South Bay with free MLS access, current home listings, open houses, recent home sales information and more. Keith can be reached at 310-251-2344 or by email at info@KeithKyleHomes.com

Fusion South Bay Home Update - May 18, 2009

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:00:00 -0500

Activity continues to increase in Fusion South Bay with both a variety of sizes and floorplans, but a combination of traditional sales, short sales, and one for sale by owner. There are currently 6 homes in Fusion on the market with 4 active listings and 2 that have gone into escrow. In addition there may be two new listings coming onto the market that we know of in the coming weeks. See below for some basic information on the homes currently active and in escrow.

So you think it's a buyers market eh?

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:31:26 -0500

You just can't help being influenced by the media reports that the market is slow, homes are sitting unsold, that it's a buyers market, and anything can be bought for a minimum 20% below the listing price. While it's certainly true that overpriced homes, or even some homes priced just at the top of market value, can sit on the market...the reality is that things are starting to move and that there is so much pent up demand that when a well priced home in a desirable neighborhood comes along....be ready for multiple counters. I submitted 4 offers toward the end of last week of which 3 were over the asking price and here I am blogging about it instead of opening escrows. I thought that an email from one of the listing agents (on my offer that was over list price) pretty well summed up the shift in the market. This shift may be temporary but it certainly dispells the media myth to go in low and get a deal....regardless of the asking price.

"We ended up with 12 offers, the last one arriving as I was walking out the door to meet with the wife seller ....3 offers were in the 700K+ range and one offer was All Cash. Of all the offers, one was significantly better in both price and terms than all others, and the sellers are inclined to go with that one. We are planning to Counter some of the offers to see if anyone wants to be in the BackUp position."

So much for a slow market.....

Keith Kyle is a licensed Realtor and e-Pro with South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beach. He serves his clients throughout the South Bay and his websites KeithKyleHomes.com and FindYourSouthBayHome.comoffer the most comprehensive real estate websites in the South Bay with free MLS access, current home listings, open houses, recent home sales information and more. Keith can be reached at 310-251-2344 or by email at info@KeithKyleHomes.com

3 Pinto Lane - New Rolling Hills Estates Horse Property

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:55:14 -0500

Keith Kyle | South Bay Brokers | homes@keithkylehomes.com | 310-251-2344

3 Pinto Lane, Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Wonderful single level ranch home on a huge 20,540 foot equestrian lot in Rolling Hills Estates.

4BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $1,315,000

Year Built	1962
Sq Footage	2,430
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	4+ Car garage
Lot Size	20,540 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Welcome to the wide open spaces of Rolling Hills Estates. This beautiful ranch style home sits on a huge lot with over 20,540 feet of property and has it all......beautifully landscaped grounds, gated pool, jacuzzi, horse facilities, plenty of parking, great location and more. This 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath ranch style home with tree top views feels miles away from the congestion of the city and is the perfect home for families looking for some space. A horse property with coral and tack room, it's just a side-pass away from the extensive Palos Verdes trail network. The home features a driveway which runs street to street and almost 300 feet in length. Features include: 2 master bedrooms, 2,430 square feet of living space, updated kitchen with oak cabinetry, family and dining room with hardwood floors and beautiful stone fireplace, remodeled master with granite and tile bathroom, tranquil saltillo tile patio, grassy front, side and backyards. All this and award winning PV schools.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	Walk-in closet
Hardwood floor	Tile floor	Family room
Living room	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Attic	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard
Swimming pool	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Award winning PV Schools

Horse property with coral and take room

Pool and jacuzzi

2 master bedrooms

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Pool and Spa	Ranch home on huge lot
Horse property!	3 Pinto Lane
One of the master bedroom	Dining area and kitchen

Contact info:

Keith Kyle

South Bay Brokers

homes@keithkylehomes.com

310-251-2344

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 9, 2009, 11:46am PDT

Patience is a virtue.....and a requirement in a short sale

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:18:37 -0500

As I've mentioned in the past, I just can't seem to avoid bank owned homes and short sales. They seem to be everywhere in the South Bay and we even see a continuing rise in places like Manhattan Beach. As many buyers, and especially first time home buyers, are looking for the great deal, that often inevitably leads to short sales. A short sale is basically a sale in which the homeowner owes more money than they can sell their home for and therefore need bank approval to allow the sale to go through. That's where the problems start. Today I'll focus on the good aspects of the short sale and tomorrow the bad as they're certainly intertwined.

The Good

Without a doubt a short sale can make for an incredible deal for a buyer willing to wait out the process and remain patient. As the seller isn't walking away with any proceeds, the realtor doesn't need to do the usual dance of trying to get the seller to be reasonable on the value of their home while trying not to offend them with the reality of the market. So in essence, it's usually the realtor who sets the price, and it's their goal to get as much interest as possible...often listing the home for far less than the actual value. This often leads to multiple offers and some discouraged buyers who have heard media reports that everything can be purchased for well below asking price...regardless of what that price is. As I tell many of my clients who may not have the highest offer, is that this is a marathon...and not a sprint. While there are other offers, there is also a very good chance that many, or all, of the interested buyers will eventually drop out, lose interest, or find something else. Often short sales can be even better deals than bank owned, or REO properties as they're usually jumped on immediately with offers often well over asking price.

So if you're not in a hurry....short sales may be the opportunity for you.

Keith Kyle is a licensed Realtor and e-Pro with South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beach. He serves his clients throughout the South Bay and his websites KeithKyleHomes.com and FindYourSouthBayHome.comoffer the most comprehensive real estate websites in the South Bay with free MLS access, current home listings, open houses, recent home sales information and more. Keith can be reached at 310-251-2344 or by email at info@KeithKyleHomes.com

And Yes....I do Windows

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:03:11 -0600

While waiting for a buyer and their agent to show up to my Plaza Del Amo listing in Torrance recently I had a bit of time to kill. This is an end unit townhome so the windows and views are a big part of what makes it different and what I'm marketing. While standing in the kitchen I noticed that the windows were very dirty from the recent rain (who says it doesn't rain in Southern California). What to do.....so I searched under the sink, found some Windex, popped the window out and made them nice an clean.

Look at the "streak free" views!

I've always touted myself as a full service kind of realtor, but now I can honestly say....and yes, I even do windows.

New Townhome For Sale On Plaza Del Amo

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:48:23 -0600

Keith Kyle | South Bay Brokers | 310-251-2344

3101 Plaza Del Amo #101, Torrance, CA

Fantastic end unit townhome in the Windsong complex. Bright and spacious with attached garage, updated kitchen, private patio, 2 fireplaces and more.

2BR/3BA Townhouse

offered at $515,000

Year Built	1986
Sq Footage	1,361
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	2 sqft
HOA/Maint	$343 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful end unit townhome in the Windsong complex on Plaza Del Amo. Location, location, location. This wonderfully cared for home is central to everything and just across the street from the Madrona Marsh Nature Reserve and walking distance to shopping, dining, LA Fitness and more. The home is bright and spacious with two large bedrooms, and oversized master bedroom with sitting area and fireplace, views of Palos Verdes, 2 car attached garage, private patio and a beautifully updated kitchen. Located in the charming and smaller Windsong development, the community offers landscaped grounds with a pool perfect for the warm summer weekends and a spa to relax and unwind. Come and take a look at this beautiful home in a great school district and live central to everything!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	Living room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Granite countertop	Laundry area - garage	Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking	Guest parking	Swimming pool(s)
Sauna/Spa	Gated property

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Windsong	Bright and Spacious
Pool and Spa	Upgraded Kitchen
Master Bedroom	Guest Bedroom

Contact info:

Keith Kyle

South Bay Brokers

310-251-2344

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 6, 2009, 12:24pm PST

Don't call for status.....if it shows active it is available (Unless it's not)

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:47:50 -0600

In this continually changing South Bay real estate market in which you just can't seem to avoid short sales and bank owned homes, I keep running across listings with the agent remarks "Please don't call for availability. If it shows active it is available." That's great and all, but it seems that more often than not I go view it with my clients, call the listing agent with a question about my clients wanting to write and offer only to be told.....it's actually in escrow. Now I realize that many of the agents that specialize in REOs and short sales have quite a few listings and may not market and promote the property like other agents, but why put this remark in all of your listings if you don't update them on the MLS? I get calls all of the time asking about the status of my listings and I've never really understood until now why I'm getting this call when it clearly shows that it's active....until now.

Maybe the realtors should clarify in the notes "please don't call for availabilty. If it shows active it is available......unless it's not, which is probably the case."

Keith Kyle is a licensed Realtor and e-Pro with South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beach. He serves his clients throughout the South Bay and his websites KeithKyleHomes.com and FindYourSouthBayHome.comoffer the most comprehensive real estate destinations in the South Bay with free MLS access, current home listings, open houses, recent home sales information and more. Keith can be reached at 310-251-2344 or by email at info@KeithKyleHomes.com

It Really Just Struck Me the Difference We Can Make In Peoples Lives

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:55:12 -0600

Over the weekend I was out showing homes in Torrance to a very nice young couple. They had their 18 month old daughter with them and were looking, of course, for something with a yard, room to grow and great schools nearby.

As I was sitting on my computer preparing to send some homes to them it struck me.....the homes I recommended and the advice that I gave might have a lifelong impact for their family. They, like so many others, are looking for guidance on neighborhoods and schools, streets and homes, and as I was sitting here I realized that the advice I gave them might be helping determine the schools that their little girl is going to go through for the next 16 years, what neighbors they have and friends that they make! As the father of 2 little girls I might be a bit sappy in that department but I just can't help but think what a big deal that is....and just how cool it is to be a part of it. I think about the people I know from the neighborhood, from school, from sports and so much of it is influenced by the neighborhood and home that we chose at some point.

As a Realtor you certainly have to be businesslike as there's certainly a lot at stake, but its definitely more than just a sale, or deal, or commission...it's a huge chapter in peoples lives and I'm happy to be a part of it.

This business has it's ups and downs and it sure is a lot of work, but I can't imagine doing anything else.

Keith Kyle is a licensed Realtor and e-Pro with South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beach. He serves his clients throughout the South Bay and his websites KeithKyleHomes.com and FindYourSouthBayHome.comoffer the most comprehensive real estate destination in the South Bay with free MLS access, current home listings, open houses, recent home sales information and more. Keith can be reached at 310-251-2344 or by email at info@KeithKyleHomes.com

One of the many reasons I love the South Bay

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:07:09 -0600

There are so many reasons to just love living here in the South Bay. The weather, the beach, the people and the nightly show that happens just down the street. This was a picture from just another evening down my street in Hermosa Beach. Honestly.....how lucky are we to live in a place like this?

My wife took my keys and now I can't get on the MLS.....oh how I hate the MRMLS token

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:08:56 -0600

I've tried to embrace it.....tried to convince myself it's for the best.....tried to believe that the MLS had my best interest in mind (ok I know that's a reach), but I just have to admit it.

I hate that SAFEMLS little token. There's just got to be a better way. I have yet to speak with anyone that actually likes the little thing. With the proliferation of the Redfins, and the Trulias, and the Zillows does it really keep our information safe? Can we not come up with another way....one that doesn't require us to continually have this little thing attached to us.

The MRMLS has told us that our information and the security of that information is vital to our business, but so is actually being able to get on the MLS at any moment.

So here I sit and instead of looking at new listings or sending my clients information on their dream home....I'm get to vent.

Am I the only one that feels this strongly?

Keith Kyle - Realtor, e-Pro - South Bay Brokers- 2501 N Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 - 310-251-2344 - Keith.Kyle@SouthBayBrokers.com

For real estate information, open houses, and FREE MLS access visit www.KeithKyleHomes.com

Brokers Open 12-2 on 1/16 - New Hermosa Hills Home - 541 Gravely Court

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:23:01 -0600

Keith Kyle | South Bay Brokers | homes@keithkylehomes.com | 310-251-2344

541 Gravely Ct, Hermosa Beach, CA

Great opportunity to live in now and build an ocean view home in the future. Upgraded throughout

2BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $759,000

Year Built	1952
Sq Footage	845
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	2,960 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This is your opportunity to live in the wonderful town of Hermosa Beach at an incredible price. This 2 bedroom 1 bath house has been extensively upgraded throughout and offers a spacious kitchen, dining area, large bedrooms and a beautifully landscaped backyard....perfect for enjoying summer evenings.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Tile floor	Living room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Beautifully Landscaped Yard

Open and Bright

Feels Much Larger than Most Two Bedroom Homes

Extensively Remodeled

Potential Future Ocean View from 2nd Floor

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Keith Kyle

South Bay Brokers

homes@keithkylehomes.com

310-251-2344

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 15, 2009, 4:53pm PST

Lower Priced Hollyglen/Del Aire Housing Market Really Picking Up

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:08:43 -0600

With downward pricing pressure from foreclosures and short sales, the market for lower priced homes in Del Aire is really picking up. Homes that had been sitting on the market are now going into contract. Of the 5 single family homes priced below $400,000 (which would have been unheard of a year ago) 4 have gone into escrow in the past month after some were sitting on the market for quite a while. Of the 5 homes 2 are bank owned homes, 1 is a short sale, one is a court ordered (not probate) sale and only one is traditional seller. Click here to view the current Hollyglen and Del Aire homes for sale.

Keith Kyle is a licensed Realtor and e-Pro with South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beach. He serves his clients throughout the South Bay and his websites KeithKyleHomes.com and FindYourSouthBayHome.comoffer the most comprehensive real estate websites in the South Bay with free MLS access, current home listings, open houses, recent home sales information and more. Keith can be reached at 310-251-2344 or by email at info@KeithKyleHomes.com

Hermosa Market Update - Home Sales for December 2008

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:18:09 -0600

Hermosa Beach home sales update for December 2008. We saw 12 properties close escrow during the month of December. Of the 12 properties to sell, 3 were single family homes, 8 were townhomes and one condominium. Of the homes to close in December two were distressed property with one short sale and the other being a bank owned home. The median price was just under $1,050,000.

Type	St#	Street	Area	Price	Br/Ba	Year	Sqft	DOM/CDOM
CONDO/A	1707	PCH #501	149	$393,000	1/1.00	1972	697	215/215
CONDO/A	711	3RD St	149	$640,000	2/2.00	1985	1322
SFR/D	1122	1ST St	150	$815,000	3/2.00	1964	1292	57/57
TWNHS/A	330	Culper CT #B	148	$825,000	3/3.00	1988	1535	152/152
TWNHS/A	501	2nd St	149	$860,000	3/2.00	1974	1626	96/96
SFR/D	595	20th St	148	$910,000	3/2.00	1953	1689	26/26
CONDO/D	530	25th Street	148	$1,125,000	3/3.00	1988	2516	47/47
TWNHS/A	520	8th St	148	$1,150,000	3/4.00	2008	2082	106/106
TWNHS/D	165	Manhattan Av	148	$1,250,000	3/4.00	2007	2109	117/117
TWNHS/A	1019	Monterey Bl	148	$1,265,000	3/4.00	1998	1930	29/29
TWNHS/A	604	5th St	149	$1,275,000	4/4.00	2007	2500	379/379
SFR/D	2215	Hermosa Av	148	$2,100,000	4/4.00	1988	2815

Click to see pictures and descriptions of December Hermosa Beach Home Sales

Keith Kyle - Realtor, e-Pro - South Bay Brokers- 2501 N Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 - 310-251-2344 - Keith.Kyle@SouthBayBrokers.com

For real estate information, open houses, and FREE MLS access visit www.KeithKyleHomes.com

Recycle Those Christmas Trees in Redondo

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:09:03 -0600

The city of Redondo Beach has gone green....green Christmas that is. The city is promoting their Christmas tree recycling program. Information from the City of Redondo is below:

Redondo Beach Holiday Tree Recycling

Remember to Recycle your holiday tree! By recycling your holiday tree, you can help our environment and keep this valuable resource out of the landfills. Flocked trees and trees coated with fire retardant will be accepted.

Single-Family Units with curbside trash collection -

Holiday trees will be picked up on your normal trash day (place at curbside).
Friday, December 26, 2008 through Friday, January 16, 2009
Trees should be free of decorations, tinsel, metal containers, stands and lights.

Multi-Family Units (proof of residency required) and Businesses with centralized trash service

Drop your tree on December 27 & 28, 2008 and January 3, 4, 10 & 11, 2009from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the following locations:

Recreation Dept. 320 Knob Hill Ave.

Dominguez Park 200 Flagler Ln.

Anderson Park 2229 Ernest Ave.

Please remove plastic containers, ornaments, tinsel, and metal stands as trees will be mulched. For more information call:

Recycling Hotline: (310) 318-0613 www.Redondo.org

Personalize Your South Bay Blog and Make it Stand Out

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:57:05 -0600

As I was looking at some of the posts in our South Bay Group, I noticed that some of you are missing out on a great little feature that Active Rain offers. It's really quite simple and makes your blog much more personalized and professional. I've customized my blogs to look fairly similar to one of my websites, FindYourSouthBayHome.com and you can brand it with any header and footer images.

To improve the look of your activerain blog click on the "Customize" link on the left side of your active rain home page. (see below)

Once you click on this link, you'll be taken to a customize page (see below) You can add a header image which is generally the same image you have on your website and the ideal size is 1000x115. In addition to the header and footer images you can change the color scheme as well. Click save changes and check out your new blog. In a few minutes you have a much more professional looking blog page which may help steer more business to your website.

Keith Kyle - Realtor, e-Pro - South Bay Brokers- 2501 N Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 - 310-251-2344 - Keith.Kyle@SouthBayBrokers.com

For real estate information, open houses, and FREE MLS access visit www.KeithKyleHomes.com

Searching for a home in the South Bay?

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:06:25 -0600

Looking for information on real estate and homes for sale, the housing market, lifestyle, schools, cities realtors and more in the South Bay? Keith Kyle Homesand South Bay Brokers are your online resource for homes and information on all of the South Bay cities below. Find South Bay area homes for sale, see recent home sales, and learn more about the area.

Click on any city below to get valuable information and view all of the current homes for sale in that city or area.

Carson

El Camino Village - Gardena and Lawndale

El Segundo

Gardena

Golden Hills - Redondo Beach

Harbor City and Harbor Gateway

Hawthorne

Hermosa Beach

Hollyglen and Del Aire

Hollywood Riviera

Lawndale Homes and Information

Lomita

Long Beach

Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Village

Palos Verdes Estates

Playa Del Rey

Rancho Palos Verdes

Redondo Beach

Rolling Hills

Rolling Hills Estates

San Pedro

Torrance

Walteria - Torrance

Wilmington

South Bay City Information and Web Links

New Group For Real Estate in Southern California's South Bay

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:51:20 -0600

We've put together a new group dedicated to real estate in the South Bay. As those of us that specialize in the South Bay know (and frequently tell our clients) the South Bay is really a very different market than much of Southern California. Whether you are a realtor, mortgage broker, stager, contractor, etc. please consider joining our group so that we can help build a group dedicated to the South Bay.

Visit our group at South Bay Realtors

Keith Kyle - Realtor, e-Pro - South Bay Brokers - 2501 N Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 - 310-251-2344 - Keith.Kyle@SouthBayBrokers.com - www.KeithKyleHomes.com

El Porto In North Manhattan Beach - The Most Affordable Way to Live in the Sand Section

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:18:21 -0600

While the real estate market around the country may be taking a hit, home values along the coast of the South Bay is almost as stable as ever. The "sand" section of Manhattan Beach has remained particularly strong as oceanview and oceanfront homes that are walkable to the beach are always in demand. Home prices in the sand section (see map) are reaching unbelievable highs with full lot walkstreets in the 3-6 million dollar range, depending on age, condition and view.

Typical 1/2 Lot El Porto Home Some Stunning Ocean Views

While these homes are out of reach for most South Bay buyers, there is an area of Manhattan Beach that offers far more reasonable prices. The area is known as "north" Manhattan, although it's more familiar to most as El Porto. El Porto is the northernmost neighborhood of Manhattan Beach. Ideally located for commuters traveling to Santa Monica or downtown Los Angeles, El Porto offers close proximity to LAX, Marina Del Rey, the Westside and more. As El Porto lies on a fairly steep grade, homes in the area often offer stunning ocean and panoramic views from Palos Verdes to Malibu. One unique feature of El Porto is that it offes many half lots generally measuring 45x30 which allows for some more affordable housing within a block or two from the ocean. Many of these homes are "legal non-conforming" duplexes with a 2 bedroom unit upstairs and a 1 bedroom or studio rental downstairs. Homes in the area start in the mid $800,000 and depending on size, age, and views can go up to the $2,000,000+ range. The area is ideal for people not needing a huge home, that love the beach and ocean, and want to shave off 15 minutes of their commute. For surfing enthusiasts, it happens to front the best surfing beach in the South Bay.

Keith Kyle - Realtor, e-Pro - South Bay Brokers - 2501 N Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 - 310-251-2344 - Keith.Kyle@SouthBayBrokers.com

For real estate information, open houses, and FREE MLS access visit www.KeithKyleHomes.com

Close to the beach? New Construction? There are deals to be had in Fusion in Hawthorne

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:41:54 -0600

When we were at the peak of the market the townhomes in the Fusion complex drew a great deal of interest for many couples and singles priced out of the nearby Beach Cities. Fusion is technically on 149th Street in Hawthorne, but is just off Aviation Blvd and directly across the street from Manhattan Beach. As the market cooled so did the prices in Fusion and we're now seeing smaller 2 bedroom townhomes selling in the low to mid $400,000 range. The homes are just a few years old and are a great option for those looking to live near the beach. Some of the benefits are:

Location - just a short drive to the beach with nearby freeway access and a short drive to LAX
New Construction - The homes feature granite kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and many additional features
Options - the units have a number of floorplans, configurations and sizes to choose from.

If you are looking for a nice home, fairly close to the beach in the South Bay, Fusion may be a good fit for you. Contact us to see what's currently on the market.

Keith Kyle - Realtor, e-Pro - South Bay Brokers- 2501 N Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 - 310-251-2344 - Keith.Kyle@SouthBayBrokers.com

For real estate information, open houses, and FREE MLS access visit www.KeithKyleHomes.com

Dawn Barnes Karate Kids in Redondo and Manhattan Beach - Buyer Beware

Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:36:36 -0600

As the parent of two here in Hermosa Beach, I'm always on the lookout for new and healthy activities in the Beach Cities and always happy to pass along information for kids activities. We had the chance to get a free session at Dawn Barnes Karate Kids back in 2006 in Redondo Beach. Our daughter seemed to enjoy it so we enrolled in the age appropriate class and were happy....for a while.

We quickly realized that the original tuition quickly becomes so much more. Our one day a week class soon turned into two as our daughter got a bit older, and along with it our tuition doubled.....OK more classes more money...I get it. As we had our first "belt test" I realized that the costs of this were starting to become a bit daunting. In this "belt test" she performed the same moves she had in class in front of the teacher. After about 5 minutes (I'm not exaggerating and have the video to prove it) she passed and was awarded the new belt. Then we were told that the past 5 minutes would cost $55. Yikes.

Over time our daughter started to decide she would rather do other activities and no longer wanted to do Karate Kids. We notified the staff and were told we would be fine as it was the end of the year as they make you sign your life away with a 12 month contract.

All was well until the billing company called us about 2 months later saying we owed money. For what we asked....their response was that we needed to talk to Karate Kids to find out. We called Karate Kids and they told us to find out what the cost was from the billing service! Round and round we went until we were finally told it was a cancellation penalty. One of which they had never mentioned of course. After endless phone calls and a huge waste of time, they realized it was their error and forgave the cancellation penalty.

Until just the other day we receive a call from the billing service! We still owe the money......2 years later.

In a normal situation I wouldn't post a negative article about a local business, but as a local Realtor, and one who gives advice and information about local events and activities I thought I'd be doing a service by putting this out there.

Karate Kids...buyer beware.