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 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 ... 07/03/2009

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 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, ... 06/29/2009

Summer is coming and the Point Fermin coastal community of San Pedro is a perfect choice for homeowners who desire to be close to the water. April 2009 Real estate statistics for Point Fermin: Active Listings:  12 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $250,000 to $1,250,000. Pending Sales:  6 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $259,000 to $575,000. April Sales:  3 Single Family Homes closed escrow priced from $299,000 to $680,000. For more details on any of these properties contact Norma Toering and Team.  We will be happy to answer your real estate questions or show homes of your choice. Previous 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 ... 05/29/2009

The Palisades, a coastal community of San Pedro, CA, is a sought-after neighborhood.  Demand is always high for homes in this area of charming and varied styles of house choices.  Looking for an Old Spanish?  How about a beach cottage?  Craftsman anyone?  Come to the Palisades to house hunt and stay a lifetime. April 2009 real estate activity: Active Listings:  15 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $459,000 to $1,189,000. Pending Sales:  6 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $490,000 to $699,000. April Sales:  3 Single Family Homes closed escrow priced from $395,000 to $710,000.   There are many pieces to a move:  Location, finances, schools and  a home.  If you would like some professional guidance when you're ready to buy a home, Norma Toering & Team are here to he... 05/29/2009

There are only four single family homes for sale in South Shores as I write this.  At least in South Shores, this is not a buyer's market, it's a seller's market! Here's the real estate statistics for South Shores for April 2009: Active Listings:  4 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $829,000 to $1,899,000. Pending Sales:  4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $450,000 to $799,900. April Sales:  2 Single Family Homes closed escrow:  1924 W. 35th St. --- $630,000;   1923 W. 35th St. ---                 $825,000. Sellers, many agents have buyers for your neighborhood.  Your competition is nearly non-existent.  If you would like to know the value of your South Shores home in today's market contact Norma Toering and Team. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(3... 05/22/2009

The State Lands Agency of California, which administers Port Lands within the State of California, has recently ruled that the proposed plans for a park on the top of Knoll Hill in San Pedro are not consistent with the State Tidelands Trust which regulates the permissable land uses on State Tidelands and Port Property. A citizens committee had proposed that the land be improved with backstops that would be used part of the year by the Eastview Little League, and as general park use for the rest of the year, and would also have a children's playground. The Agency ruled that land uses must be of a Regional nature and not just serve a local use, and determined that the proposed uses were only local in nature. They have also indicated that a dog park, which is currently at the base of the h... 05/22/2009

Several Cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, have been diverting cruise ships that had been scheduled to visit Mexican ports to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro . This is due to the swine flu scare that has virtually shut mexico down as far as the tourist trade goes. Boosters of downtown San Pedro, however, were very disappointed when many of the passengers were shuttled to Long Beach for day outings instead of seeing the sites in San Pedro. San Pedro leaders have been trying for years to boost tourism in San Pedro. Many visitors to the area are not aware of the wonderful attractions in San Pedro. These include the following: 1) Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Cabrillo Beach                                                           Cabrillo Cabrillo Beach                          ... 05/01/2009

March was an active month for the Palisades neighborhood in San Pedro, CA.  Offers were made and escrows opened, and that means sales are not far behind. March real estate statistics for the Palisades neighborhood March 2009: Active Listings:  10 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $459,900 to $925,000. Pending Sales:  5 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $490,000 to $559,000. March Sales:  2 Single Family Homes closed escrow priced at $550,000 and $1,475,000. That's a sizzling month for the Palisades! Previous 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... 04/23/2009

San Pedro's Centre Street Lofts off 7th still have units for sale! Wow, I can remember when my sister was visiting from Texas and we went to look at these. At the time they were still under construction. I remember thinking what a great investment they would be! We loved the materials used and design of the units. At the time I believe the two bedrooms were up in the 600k price range which I thought was way too much. Now you can get a two bedroom for only $349,000!!! What a deal! Well, to be exact this is the only two bedroom left for this price. It is 85% sold out and occupied according the mls. The monthly homeowners dues are not too steep either at $367 a month which is typical especially with newer construction buildings. What a deal for a 2007 construction loft style 1,227 square ... 04/22/2009

This may come as a surprise, but based on the current inventory of active listings and pending sales the popular San Pedro neighborhood of South Shores is experiencing a Seller's Market.  Yes, that's right--there are currently more homes in escrow than there are homes for sale.  If you're thinking about selling now might be the time to get serious, very serious. South Shores real estate statistics for March 2009: Active Listings:  5 Single Family Homes are listed for sale priced from $699,000 to $1,899,000. Pending Sales:  7 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $450,000 to 1,189,000. March Sales:  3 Single Familly Homes closed escrow priced from $595,000 to $707,500. If a new addition has you shopping for a larger home, South Shores might be a great place to look for an ocean v... 04/22/2009

By 1835, San Pedro had become the most important port on the Pacific Coast. Because of shallow water and mud flats, ships had to drop anchor about a mile off shore, and small boats would then transfer passengers and cargo ashore. These would often capsize, spilling both passengers and cargo into the muddy water. During this time, the Sepulvedas built a crude dock and landing at the base of cliffs near present day Fourteenth and Beacon Streets in San Pedro, which became known as Sepulveda Landing. San Pedro in 1850, Dead Man's Island in the background In 1851, 21 year old Phineas Banning arrived in San Pedro from Philadelphia. Banning, and his partner, George Alexander, soon began operating a stagecoach service from San Pedro. When August Timms bought the Sepulveda Landing, early in 1852... 04/04/2009

The Steering Committee charged with coming up with a proposed plan for the Knoll Hill property owned by the Port of Los Angeles which is currently being utilized as baseball fields by the Eastview Little League is considering one proposal that would create 2 baseball fields next to each other in a semi-circular formation (reduced from the current 3 fields), which would be used by the Little League for 4 months, and then converted into a public performance space by moving the temporary backstops. This is just the latest in a series of proposals being discussed which may include an exploratory playground for children, restrooms and food service, and trails, as well as the possible expansion of the off-leash dog park at the base of the hill.   Unfortunately, long term plans for the site ca... 03/26/2009

I did not want to make the call---again, but I had to do it.  My first time buyer is in the middle of another multiple offer situation.  Last time, there were only four offers. My buyer was not the lucky one, so we looked at twelve more properties and moved on by writing an over asking price offer. It is a bank-owned beauty.  Yesterday I received notice to respond with the buyer's best offer because the bank will only respond to the best of the fifteen offers---yes, fifteen! I called Miss Buyer and we increased the offer and crossed our fingers.  We're not relying only on luck--we provided a new letter from her direct lender.  We provided proof of down payment and proof of employment.  I checked it twice then sent it on its way on St. Patrick's Day.   St. Patrick, we could use a bit of ... 03/18/2009

The Vue is now leasing at least 4 units which showed up on the MLS today.  They are 2 bedrooms listed for lease for between $2200 and $4500 a month. They also listed one unit for sale on the MLS for $554,204.  This one is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath 1045 sf unit. The MLS can be viewed through my website at www.RebeccaChambliss.com I also spoke to another attorney who explained how they organize the purchase contracts to be "iron clad."  That developments now use these contracts that are virtually impossible for the buyer to regain their deposit if they default.  The issue is always being sure to READ the contract and understand it so you know what you are getting into.  The other issue is making sure in any real estate purchase that you have excellent single sided representation, whether that b... 03/16/2009

Breaking news-- the coastal neighborhoods of San Pedro are experiencing a sellers' market based on the supply and demand of inventory.  Yes, I know every news story talks about the Buyers' Market, but in these neighborhoods the buyer is not holding all the cards!  Absorption rate is increasing and inventory is shrinking---classics signs of a Sellers' Market.  Yes, you heard that right!  See the statistics below for the month of February 2009. South Shores Neighborhood: Active Listings:  6 Single Family Homes are listed for sale priced from $625,000 to $1,999,000. Pending Sales:  4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $700,000 to $849,000. February Sales:  2 Single Family Homes sold priced at $755,000 and $885,000.   Palisades Neighborhood: Active Listings: 6          Pending Sa... 03/14/2009

South Shores real estate statistics for January 2009: Active Listings:  6 Homes are listed for sale priced from $625,000 to $1,999,000. Pending Sales:  4 Properties are in escrow priced from $599,000 to $899,000. January Sales:  1 Property closed escrow at $524,000. My favorite is a bluff top beauty.  There is also a one-level with a panoramic view that's very nice too.   Palisades real estate statistics for January 2009: Active Listings:  13 Single family homes are listed for sale priced from $369,900 to $929,900. Pending Sales:  2 Properties are in escrow priced at $629,000 and $1,565,000. January Sales:  0   Point Fermin real estate statistics for January 2009: 17 Single Family Homes are listed for sale priced from $255,000 to $599,000. Pending Sales:  6 Homes are in escrow priced fr... 02/18/2009

Everyone wants a deal, or better yet a steal, when it comes to buying real estate in a s l o w market. It is human nature and my clients are human (at least most of them). Today, I will show one client two short sales. One has languished for months on the market and smells like the owners either left their cat behind, or an agent locked a feral cat and several feline friends in the house for a week or so. Before entering, I take a deep breath at the front door, enter, race to the sliders and throw them wide open before my client arrives. The yard is littered with furniture and personal belongs left behind, and the garage is still full of items that did not fit in the moving truck. Let's just say it is not the most pleasant house to show. Listing agent, do you ever visit this listing? Th... 02/18/2009

If you're in the market for a beach bungalow, seaside cottage or Craftsman style home the Point Fermin area is a great neighborhood to begin your house hunting excursion. 2008 Real estate statistics for the Point Fermin neighborhood of San Pedro, CA: Active Listings: 17 Single family homes were for sale at the close of 08 priced from $279,900 to $625,000. Pending Sales: 2 Homes were in escrow priced at $575,000 and $649,000. 2008 Sales: 23 homes closed escrow in 08 priced from $190,000 to $1,100,000. 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, Lomi... 01/29/2009

The Palisades neighborhood of San Pedro hugs the coastline and offers some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. 2008 Real estate and home sales statistics for the Palisades area of San Pedro: Active Listings:  11 Homes were for sale at the close of 2008 priced from $469,900 to $899,000. Pending Sales:  1 Property was in escrow priced at $1,565,000. 2008 Sales:  34 Single family homes closed escrow priced from $435,150 to $950,000.   Paseo Del Mar in the Palisades is a favorite jogging site of many residents.  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 P... 01/29/2009

The South Shores neighborhood in San Pedro, CA borders Rancho Palos Verdes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  Many of the homes have a view of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.  The area below 25th Street is Lower South Shores and the area above is referred to as Upper South Shores.  Both areas enjoyed robust activity during 2008. South Shores real estate statistics for 2008: Active Listings:  10 Homes were for sale at the close of 08 priced from $625,000 to $2,100,000. Pending Sales:  2 Properties were in escrow listed for $529,000 and $599,900. 2008 Sales:  28 Single family homes sold in 08.  The most expensive home sold for $1,500,000. For more information on selling or buying a home in South Shores contact Norma Toering 310.493.8333 Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(... 01/29/2009