I recently read the Swedes are strongly considering moving to a six-hour work day.  They plan to do this by being "...more focused and by reducing the number of meeting scheduled throughout the day..."  The goal is to allow more time and energy for life after work.   The article caught my eye because I'm working on the same plan--but their story broke first.  :) Since I left the Big Box Brokerage and started my own indie brokerage a few years ago, I have this unfamiliar feeling of having more time.  I know, each day has the same amount of time, but what we do with that time certainly affects productivity.   Reduce the interruption of endless meetings, and the necessity of making decisions by committee, and time seems to lie idle at your feet--almost.  Focus naturally intensifies when... 09/30/2015

Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in September 2015.The Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood is known for its large lots and lower density than many neighborhoods on "The Hill". Although there are pockets with a subdivision feel, the area is known for its country atmosphere. It also has one of the best locations for easy freeway access. A wide variety of styles and prices are available.Palos Verdes Drive East area homes for sale: (See all Rancho Palos Verdes homes for sale)Top Agent for Rancho Palos Verdes CAPalos Verdes Drive East area homes in escrow:Palos Verdes Drive East, RPV homes that have sold in the last 12 months under $1M:Palos Verdes Drive East, RPV homes that have sold in the last 12 months over $1M:Palos Verd... 09/24/2015

Moving from a house you've called home for many years is always a big decision.  Often, such a move is precipitated by a life event.  Perhaps it's retirement, divorce, death of a spouse, or the echos now heard in rooms once filled with children.  Life involves a series of changes and moving can be one of the most challenging but also rewarding."Where do I begin?"  This is the question frequently asked by anyone faced with the task of sorting their earthly possessions into categories of Keep This, Get Rid of That.  This shedding the skin of your past life and embracing the unknown of your future life is not only a huge physical task, it also involves the heart and spirit.  It touches the whole human and reminds us there is no way to carry everything with us to our new residence, except i... 09/23/2015

28114 BRAIDWOOD DRIVE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CA 90275 $1,175,000 | 4 BEDROOMS | 1.75 BATHROOMS | 3 CAR PARKING | 1786 SQUARE FEET | MLS: PV15206887 Looking for a pool and view home? This is it! Tucked away on a circular street in the Los Verdes neighborhood this freshly updated home features ocean and Catalina Island views and a large yard with pool, spa and fruit trees. This split level home features two bedrooms and bath on the main level and two bedrooms and bath on the upper level. With new carpet, paint and dual paned windows throughout, this is move in ready! The main rooms have a flexible floor plan. The room adjacent to the kitchen can be a formal dining room or family room. The living room has space for a dining area as well. You can have an eating area in the kitchen or add more... 09/19/2015

Often, my blog posts are inspired by my own curiosity rather than a pre-planned blogging schedule.  As I ground my morning coffee beans and listened to the sound of rain falling (rejoice!),  I found myself wondering about the number of homes for sale in various price categories.  The catalyst for this thought was undoubtedly the approaching arrival of a client in hopes of purchasing a remodeled Palos Verdes property with a big ocean view for under $2,000,000.So this morning's blog article is not only an update for the regular readers of my blog, but also research for an upcoming purchase.  Let's begin with single family homes for sale priced below $1,000,000:22 Palos Verdes single family homes are currently for sale priced at or below $1,000,000.  The majority of those homes are located... 09/15/2015

It was a productive summer, and autumn is showing no signs of a slowdown at Charlemagne Int'l Properties.  We've been so busy I canceled my vacation--yes, I really do put my cleints' needs first! The vacation can, and will be, rescheduled but the offer I'm submitting this morning and the listing we're taking next week could not wait.  One of the things I've always enjoyed about real estate is the flexibility it allows, and that's a two-way street. Another Charlemagne Int'l Properties Sale  If variety is the spice of life, our real estate listings and sales year-to-date are certainly zesty.  With listings and sales from Pasadena to the coastal tip of Rancho Palos Verdes, we've successfully represented several past clients and a few new ones with their real estate sales and purchases. Fro... 09/12/2015

The level of inventory of homes for sale of 116 homes in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes at the end of August is down about 11% compared to the end of August last year. The average number of homes sold per month over the last 3 months of 39 homes per month, is up 3% compared to the same 3 month period last year. There are 43 homes in escrow at the end of August.       The following is a list of the 29 homes sold during the month of August 2015:         The average price per sq. ft. for homes sold in Rancho Palos Verdes over the last 3 months of $545 which is approx. 7% higher than the comparable period last year.     The average list price of homes offered for sale of $1.9 million is now 1% higher than this time last year. The average price of homes sold has been much lower than the ave... 09/10/2015

 Snapshot of the local real estate market as of September 2015: This is the local real estate market speaking to both sellers and buyers.  The "yellow dot" is still firmly entrenched in the seller zone.  The Palos Verdes market made a slight move this month that favors sellers. The Beach Cities real estate market held steady and the overall South Bay of Los Angeles market cooled ever so slightly.  - Norma Toering, Broker-owner of Charlemagne Intl Properties310-493-8333 09/10/2015

Lunada Bay real estate and home sales report for Palos Verdes Estates during September 2015. View more articles on Lunada Bay, Palos Verdes Estates homes.Lunada Bay is a lovely coastal community in Palos Verdes Estates. It runs along the western ocean bluffs of the Pacific Ocean. The neighborhood is divided into two neighborhood by Palos Verdes Drive West. The area below and west of PVDW is known as lower Lunada Bay. The area is know for its charming tree-lined streets just a short stroll to the trails along the ocean, and for being one of the few neighborhoods in Palos Verdes with neighborhood schools within walking distance for most students. Palos Verdes High School and Lunada Bay Elementary are both located in lower Lunada Bay.Homes for sale in Lunada Bay, Palos Verdes Estates: (See... 09/10/2015

   Labor Day is aptly named when describing my holiday weekend schedule.  It is shaping up to be an "ideal" real estate work weekend with an offer written, preparing for a listing appointment tomorrow and open house at a new listing both Saturday and Sunday.  However, what I realized during this weekend indicates a shift in house hunting I welcome with open arms and perhaps more open houses. In one of the rare quiet moments at Sunday's open house, I made a few notes and questions for the seller. While writing the note it became crystal clean the majority of those who attended Saturday's open house were serious buyers.  Is there an agent out there who doesn't appreciate a buyer who does the homework of obtaining loan preapproval and previewing  property online in the neighborhood and pri... 09/07/2015

 Take a moment to "walk through" our new panoramic ocean view Palos Verdes condo listing for $885,000.  The high-end remodel is the perfect match for this highly desirable view property located in the Ocean Terrace condo complex in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. There will be an open house from 2-4 PM on both Saturday and Sunday September 5 and 6.  Stop by and see the view, the gorgeous condo and the resort-like coastal setting next to Trump National Golf Course. Norma Toering, Broker-owner of Charlemagne Intl Properties310-493-8333 - 3200 La Rotonda Unit 211 - Full MLS info and photos  09/04/2015

 View from balcony of upcoming listing  Not only was the weather hot this week, the real estate market in my little corner, was on fire as well!  All contingencies removed from this Charlemagne Int'l Properties listing! We listed, sold, removed contingencies, showed property and wrote offers during the heat wave.  It's all good, and it's what we do!  However, I  did say more than once, "Thank heaven for air conditioning." Charlemagne Int'l Properties represented the seller on this  August 2015 closed sale. Here's another snapshot of our upcoming condo listing.  It has one of the best views in Rancho Palos Verdes.  It overlooks Trump National Golf Course with ocean, coastline, the hills of Palos Verdes and yesterday Catalina Island was showing off her craggy topography as well.  Who says... 08/29/2015

 Last week I spoke with a prospective seller who was rather amused with all the claims of "Best Agent" and "Top Agent" as she perused several agent websites and profiles on the Internet.  I told her while I've been called both top and best by various clients, customers, peers and brokers, the word I strive to exemplify is "Exceptional." No doubt there are many competent agents selling real estate on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  As in any field, there is a wide range of experience, expertise and ethics.  I know, as I bought and sold several houses before I became a real estate agent.  Likewise, after more than 20 years in the real estate profession in the greater Los Angeles area,  I've encountered a plethora of agents--most competent, a few exceptional and a few, unfortunately sported t... 08/24/2015

Palos Verdes Drive West neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in August 2015.PVDW is home to many of the mega mansions in Rancho Palos Verdes. With its miles of ocean frontage it is the perfect setting for many of the elite ocean view homes hugging the Palos Verdes coastal area. Oceanfront Estates and Marguerite Drive are two neighborhoods to explore if you're in the market for a Rancho Palos Verdes luxury home.Homes for sale in the PV Drive West area of Rancho Palos Verdes: - Oceanfront Estates listing agent in Palos Verdes CAHomes in escrow in the PV Drive West area of Rancho Palos Verdes: Homes that sold in the last 12 months in the Palos Verdes Dr West area: Palos Verdes Housing Market Indicator - August 2015 08/23/2015

Palos Verdes Drive South neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in August 2015.The south side of Rancho Palos Verdes is fast becoming the resort side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula as the location is home to Terranea Resort and Trump national Golf Course. The neighborhood is graced with some of the most breathtaking view on the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula.Palos Verdes Drive South homes for sale: (See all Rancho Palos Verdes homes for sale) - Rancho Palos Verdes Listing Broker CharlemagnePalos Verdes Drive South homes in escrow:Homes that have sold in the last 12 months in the PV Drive South area under $1.5M:Homes that have sold in the last 12 months in the PV Drive South area over $1.5M:Palos Verdes Housing Market Indicator - August 2015 08/23/2015

Mira Catalina neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in August 2015.The Mira Catalina neighborhood is home to Marymount College, a four year college, and the area enjoys spectacular views of Catalina Island. Mira Catalina Elementary School is located in the neighborhood and is within walking distance of most of the homes.Palos Verdes homes for sale in Mira Catalina: (See all RPV homes for sale) - Rancho Palos Verdes Top AgentMira Catalina homes in escrow:Mira Cat. (Palos Verdes) homes that have sold in the last 12 months:Palos Verdes Housing Market Indicator - August 2015 08/23/2015

Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in August 2015.The Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood is known for its large lots and lower density than many neighborhoods on "The Hill". Although there are pockets with a subdivision feel, the area is known for its country atmosphere. It also has one of the best locations for easy freeway access. A wide variety of styles and prices are available.Palos Verdes Drive East area homes for sale: (See all Rancho Palos Verdes homes for sale)Top Agent for Rancho Palos Verdes CAPalos Verdes Drive East area homes in escrow:Palos Verdes Drive East, RPV homes that have sold in the last 12 months under $1M:Palos Verdes Drive East, RPV homes that have sold in the last 12 months over $1M:Palos Verdes ... 08/23/2015

 There are 201 single family homes for sale in Palos Verdes, and 46 of those residences are priced at or above $3,000,000.Those numbers back up my decision to raise the price bar from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000 on residences I "designate"  luxury properties on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  There's no question the real estate recovery is complete and sales are robust in all four cities in Palos Verdes.Here's a snapshot of July real estate activity in the luxury market on the Palos Verdes Peninsula:Sales:  Eight single family Palos Verdes homes sold at or above $3,000,000.  Four of those sale were in Palos Verdes Estates, three in Rancho Palos Verdes and one luxury property sold in Rolling Hills.Pending Sales:  Nine Palos Verdes luxury homes are currently in escrow with accepted offers.For S... 08/21/2015

The level of inventory of homes for sale of 106 homes in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes at the end of July is down about 12% compared to the end of July last year. The average number of homes sold per month over the last 3 months of 40 homes per month, is up 8% compared to the same 3 month period last year. There are 37 homes in escrow at the end of July.       The following is a list of the 38 homes sold during the month of July 2015:         The average price per sq. ft. for homes sold in Rancho Palos Verdes over the last 3 months of $551 which is approx. 9% higher than the comparable period last year.     The average list price of homes offered for sale of $1.8 million is now 4% higher than this time last year. The average price of homes sold has been much lower than the average lis... 08/13/2015

Palos Verdes is fortunate to have a variety of views--ocean, harbor, city lights and mountains to name a few.  It should be considered an added bonus when there are a variety of views from a single property. Such was the case with this view home located on a cul-de-sac street in the Mira Catalina neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes.  The coastline view is highly desirable.  Catalina Island offers a stunning view, the ocean view is panoramic and those twinkling lights below add a glow to the night sky. If you are in need of a Palos Verdes Realtor to help to buy or sell a property in the Mira Catalina area, or anywhere on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Norma Toering and Josh Toering of Charlemagen Int'l Properties can help you accomplish your real estate goals.  310.493.8333 or ToeringandTea... 08/09/2015