1st time looking for a Mortgage in Torrance California? Read these tips first! Mortgage Tips for First Time Home Buyers in the Torrance Real Estate Market Most people have the dream of one day starting a family and living in their Torrance dream home. If you have made smart financial decisions throughout the years, you are most likely very close to reaching your goal. However, there are some tough steps that lay ahead before your dream is a reality. You will need to do tons of research and evaluation to be sure you receive everything you want and can handle. Read Also:  Better for Torrance Citizens: Conventional Home Loans or FHA Loans? If you are close to making the decision to enter the Torrance Real Estate Market, study these tips on mortgages before searching all Torrance Homes for ... 09/06/2008

Credit Rating and The FCRA: How They Affect Torrance Real Estate Mortgages It is possible that you are a Torrance consumer who is facing money issues and looking for a quick fix to the problems. Loans are commonly utilized as a way to deal with the situation. Currently, there are a great deal of loan options, such as pawning possessions, asking organizations for some temporary money, loans from commercial lenders, etc. Home loans One option, specifically for people with high debt in Torrance, is a mortgage. A mortgage is just giving up the property title to a company as collateral for a substantial loan. Before receiving the loan, certain terms are set, such as payment amount and dates, and violating the agreement could cause you to lose your property. Unfortunately, some people cannot ... 09/04/2008

Ways to Avoid Foreclosure of your South Bay Area Home Tips on How to Avoid FHA Home Foreclosure of Your South Bay Area Home FHA home foreclosures are foreclosed homes that were previously financed by individuals, either by homeowners or investors in the South Bay area. Various situations cause foreclosures: financial difficulties due to unemployment or death in the family, debts from credit card use and others. What to Do When You're Faced with an FHA Home Foreclosure The foreclosure of a South Bay area home can be shocking and demoralizing to any homeowner. However, it can still be forestalled by certain simple measures and proper education. If you own a home in the Palos Verdes Peninsula area (Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates), the Bea... 09/04/2008

Yes, you read this right. I predicted that the buyers who were still waiting needed to stop 6 months ago. http://activerain.com/blogsview/487163/Interst-Rates-up-Dont 4/28/08  Courtesy of Google, moneytips.com Why because it is a common known denominator in this down turned housing market that rates will go up when prices go down. Just as rates are going up now. As a buyer in the South Bay you need to do the math and see that waiting is costing you money. Unless you can predict the interest rate future, it does not look like it is going down. Don't wait. I have worked in this market for over 25 years and seen interest rates at 17% in 1981, 7% jump to 11% in 1986 and now from 2005 to 2008 we have watched interest rates go from 5% to 6.75% and more.                                What thi... 09/03/2008

Home Loan Readiness for Those Looking to Enter the Torrance Real Estate Market. The American Dream Purchasing a home is one of the largest dreams many people have. One's own home is a symbol of an extended period of hard work and careful planning. Unfortunately, home ownership is not a simple process. For a monetary standpoint, all the options and complications can be extremely confusing. Also, a potential buyer must posses substantial money before even considering entering the real estate market. Read Also:  Torrance California Mortgage for those that are credit challenged! One must analyze their own financial situation before trying to buy a home. This includes carefully looking at savings and current and future sources of income. If one expects to receive a loan, a clear strategy for... 09/03/2008

Torrance CA American Dream Comes True with FHA Loans   An Analysis of the FHA for Torrance Citizens Has the idea of purchasing a Torrance home ever struck you? Does it seem within reach and affordable? With FHA home loans, many people are able receive the money necessary for home ownership. What is the FHA? An FHA loan gives the ability for a consumer to buy a property with a tiny down-payment of 3%, in contrast to many other types of loans which require a higher percentage. With this loan program, first-time buyers without much extra money will also see benefits when searching Torrance homes for sale. Realize that the FHA does not actually grant these loans; they insure them.  If a buyer defaults on his loan, the lender will receive payment covered by the FHA.  To receive an FHA loan, ... 09/03/2008

Better for Torrance Citizens: Conventional Home Loans or FHA Loans?  What is the difference between FHA and Conventional Home Loans? When selecting a Torrance property, we all want the best possible deal, and for an example, look at your own home.  In the movie "Duplex", Drew Barrymore and Ben Stiller debate many advantages and disadvantages before making the decision to remain in the property. That strategy must be utilized when you decide to purchase Torrance real estate. Read Also:  Torrance CA American Dream Comes True with FHA Loans A place to live, no matter the type, is a major investment, and most consumers cannot afford to pay directly on the spot. This is where mortgages come into play, as they allow for payments over a period of time. Currently, someone purchasing property in... 09/03/2008

 Prepare you the Seller to sell your house.  Do your best to see the house, no longer as your home, but as a your most major investment to be marketed for the best price.  This is perhaps our hardest challenge as a Realtor. It takes some work and mental adjustment. especially if you have been in the home for 7 o rmore years, you will  have many memories there. Try to not get sentimental but keep in mind your goal. Whether it is getting that extra bedroom so your children can have seperate rooms or downsizing to allow you more freedom to visit those darling grandchildren or keeping a foreslosure off your credit hard as they all maybe it is all for the good. Keep the reason for selling in the forethoughts of your mind.  It is all good and change is hard but it is the only thing we are gua... 08/30/2008

Torrance House Values Affect Divorce Rate   Every Torrance homeowner knows a quick glance at today's news will often result in some sort of information on the recent real estate crash. Although some areas have avoided direct effects from the housing crash, the vast majority of locations have been affected in some way. Consequently, almost all homeowners have been hurt in some way from the collapse. Continuing with basic ways of life is becoming more of an issue due to the market fall. Specifically, many more couples are getting divorces as a result of the problems with the housing market. In Torrance and elsewhere, it has become commonplace for divorcing couples to place their home on the market, split the proceeds, and begin their new lives alone. The problem is that with a huge suppl... 08/26/2008

Torrance For Sale By Owner: AKA now interviewing Realtors Torrance Homeowner - Warning to Potential For Sale By Owner If you are looking to sell your Torrance CA home, you may think that it would be better to try to sell the home yourself.  For sale by owner may sound like an appealing way to sell your Torrance home.   Just think of the money you could save!    Just stick a sign out front Place an ad in the paper Host a couple of open houses How difficult could it be? What does it take to get your Torrance home sold? Let's talk about what you are getting into and why the commission you pay to an experienced Torrance Realtor may be worth every penny.  There are many things your Torrance Realtor will do for you.  In this highly competitive LA County Real Estate market, the first thirty da... 08/25/2008

Turn your Torrance Second Home into a Vacation Rental Savvy Torrance Real Estate Investing: Turn Your Second Home into a Vacation Home and Rent It Out The idea of acquiring a second home has grown more popular over the last few years. In fact, the American real estate business has benefited from the fact that nearly four in ten investments are being made by individuals who want to own their second home. Often, second homes are located in pristine, picturesque locations, such as the Torrance in the South Bay area of Los Angeles California,  that provide their owners a retreat from the whirlwind fatigue of city life. However, for most part of the year, these homes are often empty and left unused. Second Homes: Another Source of Income You can generate income from your second home in Torr... 08/25/2008

Torrance California Short Sales - Is it right for you? What is Torrance Property Foreclosure? Due to the prevailing economic slips in the country, a lot of businesses have been hit with huge slaps of losses. One of the businesses affected in Torrance California is real estate. There has been a tremendous three-fold increase in the foreclosure of properties in America now and because of that, the condition has been considered an epidemic. Many houses in the Torrance area and cities across the country are up for foreclosure. Because of this crisis, a new kind of business emerged - that which Short Sale properties. Short selling of a property is something landowners should clearly understand first before they hop onto it since knowledge of the method or lack of it will spell out profit or ... 08/25/2008

It is that time again to address prospective home buyers, especially those of you who are new to the process, regarding the importance of pre-qualification with a lender. Many times I have encountered home seekers who would like me to take them to view properties, yet are unfamiliar with the process of buying a property. If you are serious about purchasing a home, it really is necessary to get pre-qualified with a lender before you start looking. Why? Because many prospective buyers don't really know what they will qualify for, as they haven't furnished their assets and debts, nor obtained a credit score from a lender in order to receive a hard number. A lender will tell you, "You may purchase a property for up to this amount:" (fill in the blank). He or she will also tell you how much ... 08/16/2008

Torrance, CA residents who have purchased properties in the Hillside Overlay Area are especially concerned with protecting their views, as well as maintaining the look and feel of their unique communities. In 1977, the Hillside Overlay Area was established in Torrance, CA in order to address issues concerning building, remodeling, and protecting views and privacy. Below are links to both the Hillside Overlay Area Map and an excerpt from the Torrance Municipal Code relating to this issue. Hillside Overlay Area Map: http://www.torrnet.com/PDF/OverLays.pdf Torrance Municipal Code Excerpt (Hillside Overlay): http://www.torrnet.com/1692.htm If you are thinking of purchasing in these areas, be advised that remodels must adhere to strict rules by the Planning Department. Visit them at http://w... 08/16/2008

Average home price was $588,983 compared with $671,807 in July  '07, 11.4% price drop!  Average price went up by 10.9% on a month to month basis! Total of 99 homes were sold  last month - same as last year.  Average DOM was 63 days compared to 45 days a year ago. Highest priced home sold at $1,115,000; lowest at $260,000. Check out recent sales in your area!  Visit http://www.FantasticTorranceHomes.com for latest on Torrance real estate, Search FREE MLS, and more!!   08/16/2008

Picture courtesy of  Listing in Begonia Village Torrance After analyzing the recent sales in the South Torrance area,I have found that the winning homes that are selling are homes in pristine condition, completely updated and like new. 11 homes sold this month 51 are currently for sale 7 are in escrow pending back up offers Selling Prices ranged from $762,000 to 879,000. Buyers are choosing homes that are in the best condition in this market. Homes that are not updated and that need work are unfortunately sitting in this market in the last 6 months.  It follow the market right now, since lenders are only making loans on a 700 fico score and above. Most buyers in the 800's are given a tight screening.  I find that most clients with high fico scores that take pride in their credit and are... 08/13/2008

The "Old Torrance" area of Torrance, CA has been enjoying an incredible gentrification process. The newer, high class restaurants and townhomes mix beautifully with the classic shops and old-town atmosphere of yesteryear. Walk to your favorite coffee shop or drive through the streets to find the few historic Spanish, Tudor, or Craftsman homes in the area. Call me for a detailed property search. Mary Walker, The Real Estate Group (310) 508-8507   08/04/2008

Here is a list of important numbers to know in Torrance, CA. Compliments of Mary Walker, The Real Estate Group. (310) 508-8507. City Hall 3031 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503 - (310) 328-5310 Building & Safety (310) 618-5910 Torrance Airport 3301 Airport Dr., Torrance, CA 90505 - (310) 784-7900 Cable/Utilities Time Warner Communications 1511 Cravens Ave., Torrance, CA 90501 - (888) 892-2253 S. Cal. Edison Co. (800) 655-4555 Torrance Water 20500 Madrona Ave., Torrance, CA 90503 - (310) 781-6900 California Water Service Co. 2632 W 237th St., Torrance, CA 90503 - (310) 257-1400 The Gas Co. Residential: (800) 427-2200 Business: (800) 427-2000 AT&T Residential: (800) 310-2355 Business: (800) 750-2355 Verizon Residential: (800) 483-4000 Commercial: (800 483-5000 Multilingual: (800) 743-248... 07/31/2008

Many new condos and townhomes have been built in Torrance in the last few years.  If you're looking for a brand new home, now is a very good time to buy.  Builders have been offering close out prices and incentives  - call me at 310.918.5027 or email at krystyna@ISellSouthBay.com for more information. New Condominium &Townhouse  Communities in Torrance The Village on OakNew luxurious townhome gated community in Old TorranceParkview Court Brand new 55+ Senior Community overlooking Wilson Park;  Units are priced at $279,000 & up.     The Meridian At Cabrillo Brand new 55+ Senior Community  Please visit http://www.ISellSouthBay.com for all your Torrance and South Bay real estate needs. 07/20/2008

07/23/2008 11:30 AM -2:30 PM 1031 exchange workshop on the requirements, structures, processes, strategies, and compliance issues necessary to successfully complete a 1031 exchange, including a discussion of Tenant-In-Common (TIC) investment properties as 1031 exchange replacement property solutions.  Continuing education credits available for Realtors, CPAs and CFPs.  Learn More Intermed.Level Torrance,California 07/18/2008