As the calls and emails continue to come in asking for information about what is going on with the condos downtown, I am well overdue for an update. The Vue has been renegotiating contracts with buyers apparently.  Price and terms are both up for negotiation, I also hear they are working with a new lender who might be a little more flexible with buyers. There are a number of people who have said they are walking away.  There is an attorney negotiating with the Vue attorneys to settle with a group of buyers who are unable or unwilling to close.  There are other buyers who are closing and planning to move in.  I haven't seen anyone there yet but I do know they are leaving lots of lights on at night to make it appear well lived in. I haven't seen the offering plan, but I might suggest thos... 01/22/2009

The military has had a long history in San Pedro. Camp Drum was established as a five company post originally named Camp San Pedro in January 1862, and located one mile from Wilmington, now a part of Los Angeles, on land donated by Phineas Banning. This post until 1 December 1863 called itself Camp Drum; it was thereafter designated as Drum Barracks. It was named by the War Department in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Drum, assistant adjutant general of the Department of California. Drum Barracks was a footnote in U.S. Military History when it participated in the grand experiment of utilizing camels in troop movements. In 1863, Major Clarence E. Bennett, post commander, complained, "They had been kept at this post a long time on forage when in San Bernardino and various places with... 01/14/2009

San Pedro has a fascinating history, which includes two islands previously knows as Deadman's Island and Rattlesnake Island. 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. Two major geographical features of San Pedro Harbor at this time was Deadman's Island (which was later dredged and became part of the current breakwater) and Rattlesnake ... 01/07/2009

If you like cottages, bungalows and beach houses the Point Fermin neighborhood in San Pedro will delight you.  There are view penthouses and a plethora of condos and townhouses too. Point Fermin real estate statistics for November 2008: Active Listings:  20 homes are currently for sale priced from $279,900 to $669,000. Pending Sales:  4 homes are in escrow priced from $529,000 to $689,000. November Sales:  2 homes closed escrow priced at $466,000 and $620,000. 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, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manh... 12/30/2008

The Palisades is one of the best walking neighborhoods in San Pedro.  With ocean frontage, parks, and wide sidewalks it's an oceanfront gym for many of the locals.   Palisades real estate statistics for November 2008: Active Listings:  12 homes are currently for sale priced from $469,900-899,000. Pending Sales:  1 property is in escrow priced at $1,565,000. November Sales:  2 properties closed escrow priced at $466,000 and $620,000.     If you're thinking of selling or buying in San Pedro it would be my pleasure to help you with your move. 310.493.8333 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, Ranch... 12/30/2008

Inventory is down in the San Pedro seaside community of South Shores.  With a variety of housing choices and some spectacular Catalina and Pacific Ocean views it remains one of San Pedro's premiere neighborhoods.   South Shores real estate statistics for November 2008: Active Listings:  9 homes are currently for sale priced from $625,000 to $2,100,000. Pending Sales:  3 homes are in escrow priced from $529,000 to $788,000. November Sales:  1 property closed escrow priced at $640,000.   For information on the South Shores neighborhood call Norma Toering & Team at 310.493.8333. 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, Roll... 12/30/2008

Currently there are eight South Shores properties that are in escrow. 3 are taking back up offers and 5 are pending. Of the 3 homes accepting back up offers the average days on market for them is 249 and the average price per square foot is $408.63. The average asking price was$642,633. For the 5 pending escrows the average days on market was 90 and the average price per square foot is $685,860 averaging $374.59 a square foot. The addresses are listed below from the lowest to greatest priced homes: 1214 W. 25th 2626 Patton 1812 Pescadores Av. 1707 Grenadier Dr. 2209 W. 34th St. 2500 Gunnell 1821 Mantis Av. 2175 Grenadier Dr. For more details regarding the South Shores real estate market please contact:   RachelmTyndall@gmail.com   1 year 15 months   Oct 07 Oct 08 % Change Aug 07 Oct 08 ... 12/09/2008

Today is December 9th, 2008. There are currently 10 homes for sale in South Shores. Two of which are Short Sales(A sale of a house in which the proceeds fall short of what the owner still owes on the mortgage.   Many lenders will agree to accept the proceeds of a short sale and forgive the rest of what is owed on the mortgage when the owner cannot make the mortgage payments. By accepting a short sale, the lender can avoid a lengthy and costly foreclosure, and the owner is able to pay off the loan for less than what he owes.) The average price per square foot is currently $475.53 which is actually up from last years $362.00 a square foot. Here is a list of the current single Family residences on the market in South Shores:   2420 Robalo                   $625,000 1616 W. 20th            ... 12/09/2008

Point Fermin is a coastal neighborhood in San Pedro, CA.  With a wide variety of homes and prices, there is something for everyone in this seaside neighborhood.   Point Fermin real estate update (single family homes only) for October 2008: Active Listings:  27 properties are listed for sale priced from $279,900 to $1,299,000. Pending Sales:  6 properties are in escrow priced from $499,000 to $649,000. October Sales:  2 properties closed escrow for $399,000 and $500,000. 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, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beac... 11/21/2008

Last week I showed property in the Palisades neighborhood to an artist friend.  We both fell in love with an Old Spanish charmer tucked away on a hillside.  Our excursion reminded me why I love this little coastal neighborhood in San Pedro.  Not only are the views spectacular, there are miles of walkways for hiking along the coast and even a park or two within walking distance from anywhere in the area. October single family homes real estate update for the Palisades area in San Pedro: Active Listings:  20 homes are currently for sale priced from $469,900 to $1,565,000. Pending Sales:  3 homes are in escrow priced from $525,000 to $699,000. October Sales:  1 home closed escrow at $775,000. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South... 11/21/2008

The South Shores neighborhood in San Pedro borders Rancho Palos Verdes along Palos Verdes Drive South.  This coastal neighborhood has some fantastic view homes. One of my favorite listings at the moment is a bluff top ocean frontage property--the view is breathtaking! South Shores real estate update for October 2008: Active Listings:  14 homes are listed for sale priced from $569,950 to $2,100,000. Pending Sales:  6 (WOW) homes are in escrow priced from $599,900 to $649,000. October Sales:  0 homes closed escrow in Oct. (townhouses and condos are not included in the above statistics) 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 Hil... 11/21/2008

San Perdo is a community fortunate enough to have a Certified Famers' Market! Make sure to check it out every week for all your fresh fruits and veggies!            Name: San Pedro CFM Day: Friday Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Location: Old Town, Mesa & 7th City: San Pedro County: Los Angeles Manager: Lee Ostendorf Office Address: 390 W. 7th, San Pedro, CA 90731 Phone: 562 449 9299             Pumpkin Spice Bread Ingredients 2 cups canned pumpkin 3 cups sugar 1 cup water 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves Directions Heat oven to 350. in a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, water, vegetable oil and eggs. Beat until well mixed. Meas... 10/22/2008

List Price ADOM Selling Price BR BA Year Built SqFt Lot SqFt Min 409,900 9 - 2 2.00 1954 1,246 5,400 Max 699,000 248 - 3 2.00 1969 1,580 84,690 Avg 617,967 91 - 3 2.00 1958 1,408 23,791 Sum 5,561,700   -               Average price per sq.ft  10/09/2008

1214 W 25th st 3/2 $409,900 1,315 sq.ft built in 1956 2420 Robalo Av  3/2 $675,000 1,476 sq.ft built in 1955 Rachelmtyndall@gmail.com *please note the above listing are represented by other agents 10/09/2008

There are some great buys on residential income properties in this market.  In fact, there are often multiple offers, yes I said multiple offers, for the best ones.  I have come in second on the last two residential income offers I wrote.  Consequently, my buyers and I are still shopping. Today I saw another property of interest on the MLS, I previewed it, sent the information to a client and did some research on REAP in Los Angeles.  Rent control applies to this property and all LA City residential income buildings built before 1978.  However, the listing stated, "In REAP."  I had to look that one up!  Here's the link that explains REAP in LA!         http://www.caltenantlaw.com/LARSO.htm Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty (310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 Subs... 10/08/2008

There have been significant improvements made to the San Pedro Waterfront recently, with much more to come. The overall project is called "From Bridge to BreakWater", and is planned to be a 30 year build out for the complete project. The first phase of the project being implemented is the Gateway Plaza and the Cruise Ship Promenade. As stated in the San Pedro Waterfront Improvement website, "The project concept involves development of a public pedestrian promenade, an entry plaza, streetscape and pedestrian enhancements, and street intersection improvements. The purpose of this project is to make improvements to the gateway area to the Port and to meet the following objectives:~ enhance public access to the waterfront; ~ provide an attractive pedestrian-friendly corridor ; and ~ provide... 10/07/2008

Today is Thursday August 21Th, 2008. There are currently 12 homes for sale in the desirable South Shores neighborhood of San Pedro, CA. They range in price from $649,900-$2,499,900.  Here are the streets with homes for sale: Gunnell Mantis 20th Robalo Grenadier Rue La Charlene Amirante 34th Paseo Del Mar Warmouth For more details about any of the above homes please contact Rachelmtyndall@gmail.com   08/21/2008

          Click on the event for details: JUNE 12-AUGUST 9 · SHAKESPEARE BY THE SEAJUNE 27-JULY 27 · LITTLE FISH THEATREJULY 4-6 · FOURTH OF JULY ON CABRILLO BEACH JULY 12-13 · OLD FORT MACARTHUR DAYSJULY 18-19 · 3RD ANNUAL HOT PEDRO NITESJULY 18-19 · 2ND ANNUAL WINDSURF ENDURO AUGUST 2-3 · 20TH ANNUAL TASTE IN SANPEDROAUGUST 15-17 · FESTIVAL OF SAIL LA 2008AUGUST 15-17 · TALL SHIPS® MOVIE WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 19-21 · LOBSTER FESTIVAL 2008 From the sight of the cruise ships sailing down the channel, to the taste of a variety of multi-ethnic cuisines, to the smell of fresh ocean breezes, to the sound of "action" as film crews utilize our scenic locations, to the feel of the Pacific Ocean on your toes, the community of San Pedro is a sensory delight! The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce invite... 08/11/2008

Today I called the sales office for the Vue.  I identified myself and was quickly transferred to the sales manager.  I started to ask questions and she refused to answer them.  She was quite rude and with a raised voice said, "We KNOW who you are!"  Gosh, the power of a little blog. She insisted that 80% of the units were sold and that they were closing in October.  I asked how many units were still available and it was, "80% sold! 80 sold!" like a robot.  I find that odd since the ads have claimed 80% have been sold for over a year. She questioned my motivation for wanting information and refused to give me any information.  At one point she asked if I'd like to come down and look at their sales record and my reply was, "if that is an invitation, then yes."  She then told me it was non... 08/04/2008

Great video from Newt grinrich on the War an Terror and He says some very true statements about How Serious this is in Wake up America! I encourage you to take the time to watch this video....it's not politically slanted, but rather a blunt and chilling answer to a serious question posed to Newt Gingrich. It's a clearly worded warning I have yet heard from any public figure concerning the state of world affairs. This is one the most powerful and articulate summaries of the dangers of our current situation that I have ever heard, and a mystery to me why this is not painfully aware to every American and a subject of constant discussion. 05/10/2008