I recently had a listing in the Victoria Knolls neighborhood of Torrance and it was surprising just how many potential buyers told me that they didn't even know the neighborhood existed.  One of the best kept secrets in all Torrance and the South Bay is the neighborhood of Victoria Knolls. Located in the area of Walteria, Victoria Knolls is located east of PCH and just east of Crenshaw Blvd. It is accessible by only one road and this factor gives it a sense of privacy, security and isolation. In addition the area is located on the north facing side of the Palos Verdes peninsula and often offers striking city lights views. Homes in the area generally start in the low $600,000's for an original single family home and goes up from there depending on age, view, size and location. It offers... 04/28/2014

Hollywood Riviera real estate and home sales report for Torrance/Redondo, CA in April 2014. Hollywood Riviera is a charming beach community with winding tree-lined streets, ocean breezes and a unique neighborhood appeal in the city of Torrance. The local plaza at Rivieria Village has a wonderful selection of dining, entertainment, and shops. Homes for sale in Hollywood Riviera: (See all homes for sale in Torrance CA) Hollywood Riviera homes under $850,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $850,000 and $1,000,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $1,000,000 and $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes over $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: 04/21/2014

Hollywood Riviera real estate and home sales report for Torrance/Redondo, CA in March 2014. Hollywood Riviera is a charming beach community with winding tree-lined streets, ocean breezes and a unique neighborhood appeal in the city of Torrance. The local plaza at Rivieria Village has a wonderful selection of dining, entertainment, and shops. Homes for sale in Hollywood Riviera: (See all homes for sale in Torrance CA) Hollywood Riviera homes under $850,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $850,000 and $1,000,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $1,000,000 and $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes over $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: 03/24/2014

DQnews.com released their monthly Southern California real estate report and February was a good month.  In Los Angeles County, single family home prices are up 21% from last year.  Condos are up 30%, which isn’t surprising (click here to see why).  Certain zip codes in Torrance even exceed those numbers; especially in Old Torrance. Old Torrance (90501), home to some of the oldest residences in the city, saw 14 sales at an average of 41.2% higher than February 2013.  According to this statistic, a home might have sold around $350,000 in 2013 and will now sell close to $490,000.  That’s a HUGE difference.  Granted, areas close to Downtown Torrance in the historical districts likely skew the dramatic price increase, as it’s a highly sought after area and still somewhat affordable (for Tor... 03/19/2014

                                                  Louis “Louie” Zamperini Louie Zamperini is one of the greatest South Bay heroes who have ever lived. Louis Zamperini was born January 26, 1917 in Olean, New York, to Italian immigrants Anthony Zamperini and Louise Dossi. In 1919, the family moved to Torrance. Louis had a troubled childhood, and it is said that he developed his extraordinary running talents from out running the local police. Louie attended Torrance High. To counter Louie’s tendency to get into trouble, his older brother Pete encouraged Louis to join the track team. .Louie excelled in the long distance events and In 1934 set a world interscholastic record for the mile, clocking in at 04:21.2. This earned him a scholarship to the University of Southern California. Louie’s s... 03/09/2014

Hollywood Riviera real estate and home sales report for Torrance/Redondo, CA in February 2014. Homes for sale in Hollywood Riviera: Hollywood Riviera homes under $850,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $850,000 and $1,000,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $1,000,000 and $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes over $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: 02/24/2014

The analysis of income property has a vocabulary of its own. When you are looking over potential units for purchase, these terms will often be mentioned or included in the reports. Cap Rate (Capitalization Rate) - Cap rate or "cap" is very similar to an interest rate, such as on a bank CD or savings account. Cap rate is the standard starting point when reviewing an income building. The property cap rate provides an expected annual income return percentage rate by comparing the income after expenses to the purchase price. Note that loan payments are not included because those would vary by each purchaser's terms. The equation: Cap Rate = (Annual Rental Income - Annual Expenses excluding loan payments) / Purchase Price. The simple version: Assuming a cash purchase, after expenses what ki... 02/23/2014

Even though it was Super Bowl yesterday,  we had a FABULOUS turn out at yesterday's open house!!   We served super bowl snacks: We tied up ballons and placed our signs over town. Here we are: And the best part is we have 3 offers on this adorable home!   Cheers to Super Bowl Sunday!       02/03/2014

Hollywood Riviera real estate and home sales report for Torrance/Redondo, CA in January 2014. Homes for sale in Hollywood Riviera: Hollywood Riviera homes under $850,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $850,000 and $1,000,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $1,000,000 and $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes over $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: 01/27/2014

Torrance Condo For Sale Unique, modern 1 bd Torrance Condo in the popular Torrance 90503 zip code. This beautifully upgraded upper level condo is ready to move in. Recently remodeled kitchen with "granite transformations" counters, Italian glass backsplash and new cabinetry. Gleaming hardwood floors and dual paned windows. Upgraded bathroom with newer vanity and tiled shower with a tub. The hallway has 2 large closets with sliding doors. Bright and sunny living room opens up to a large balcony. There is a separate storage area outside the unit and one car garage with remote. Located in a very desired part of Torrance, close to Del Amo Mall, Madrona Marsh, Wilson Park, shopping and restaurants.Low HOA includes trash, maintenance of grounds and pool, insurance and basic cable. If you're l... 01/21/2014

Condo For Sale at The Gables in Torrance Popular Studio unit at the 55+ Torrance community "The Gables". This "The Avalon" unit is in move-in condition. It features all GE white appliances, including installed stackable washer/dryer. Granite countertops in kitchen and bathroom, breakfast counter, walk in shower, the balcony, A/C. Large community room with flat screen T.V. and library and internet access. Built in 2006, The Gables is centrally located near the Del Amo Fashion Center, Public Library, City Hall & Civic Center, Restaurants and more. If you're looking for an affordable, modern 55+ condo or a vacation gateway, don't hesitate, this move in ready studio apartment won't last! Call 310.918.5027 or email info@isellsouthbay.com  for more info and showing today! 01/21/2014

HOMES FOR SALE IN THE SOUTH TORRANCE NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE SOUTH BAY THERE ARE CURRENTLY 18 HOMES FOR SALE IN ALL OF SOUTH TORRANCE. BELOW THEY ARE BROKEN DOWN BY NEIGHBORHOOD. WALTERIA HOMES FOR SALE 6 HOMES FOR SALE Prices range from $465,000-$935,00 Average market time: 123 days HOLLYWOOD RIVIERA HOMES FOR SALE 6 HOMES FOR SALE, 2 OF WHICH HAVE TORRANCE ADRESSES (HOLLYWOOD RIVIERA IS MADE UP OF REDONDO AND TORRANCE) Prices range from $899,000-$1,490,000 for Torrance addresses Average market time: 152 days SOUTH TORRANCE 3 HOMES FOR SALE (2 in the SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD) Prices range from $879,888-$995,000 Average market time: 70 days SOUTHWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD 2 HOMES FOR SALE Prices range from $749,000-$870,000 Average market time: 19 days   SOUTH TORRANCE SCHOOLS SEARCH SOUTH TORRANCE HOM... 01/12/2014

The City of Torrance was founded on May 31, 1911 by Jared Sidney Torrance and Associates by the purchase of 2,791 acres of land from the Dominguez Estate Company for $976,850. Susana Dominguez del Amo sold an additional 730 acres to Torrance for $350 per acre. This land was originally a small part of the Spanish land grant called Rancho San Pedro, given to Juan Jose Dominguez in 1784. At its inception, this planned industrial town provided housing for 500 people.   Jared Torranc In March 1912, Torrance had originally proposed that the new development be named "Dominquez". The post office would not allow the use of this name since there was already a post office with that name. On March 12, 1912, at a meeting of the board of directors of The Dominquez Land Company, of which Jared Torranc... 01/04/2014

Hollywood Riviera real estate and home sales report for Torrance/Redondo, CA in December 2013. (View the newest listings in Torrance.) Homes for sale in Hollywood Riviera: Hollywood Riviera homes under $850,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $850,000 and $1,000,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $1,000,000 and $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes over $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: 12/23/2013

                            HOLLYWOOD RIVIERA   Hollywood Riviera is an area located in both Redondo Beach and Torrance at the base of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The Hollywood Riviera was initially developed by Clifford Reid.Clifford Reid was fascinated by the motion picture industry, and when he first viewed the area he compared it to the French Riviera. He believed that it would be very attractive to the Hollywood crowd, thus naming it Hollywood Riviera.   A tract sales office was built at the comer of Monte D'Oro and Palos Verdes Boulevard, which included a large dining hall and lecture hall built behind the office for sales presentations. Reid began selling lots in the 604 acre development in 1927 for the Huntington Land Company for about $3,500 .   Reid’s plan to attract movie st... 11/24/2013

                                            MADRONA MARSH The Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve, located just east of Del Amo Fashion Center and bounded on the north and south by Plaza del Amo and Sepulveda Boulevard, and on the east and west by Maple and Madrona avenues, is considered to be the last remaining vernal marsh in Los Angeles County. Vernal marshes are found in low-lying areas where rainfall runoff accumulates. The Marsh preserve is a remnant of once extensive natural systems that existed along the coastal plain and coastal terraces of Southern California . The preserve is situated on land that has been in oil production since 1924. This is why it was never initially developed for commercial or residential useTop of Form Inthe early 1960’s, this area had been included as a propo... 11/13/2013

    Torrance, California is one of the largest cities in the South Bay of Los Angeles.  It is home to a wide variety of neighborhood with many varieties of multifamily buildings ranging from duplexes up to much larger apartment complexes. Torrance is home to one of the largest medical facilities in the South Bay along with a strong job market made up of automakers, defense contractors and numerous other companies.  Del Amo Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the Los Angeles area.  The world famous Torrance Beach with its bike path and sandy beaches is where many an episode of Bay Watch was filmed. The central location allows you to have easy access to the freeway for commuting, and getting to the beach, shopping or bike paths on the weekend is easy too.  It's a convenient loc... 11/01/2013

TORRANCE Useful and Important Phone Numbers-Brought to you by the Tyndall Team City Hall (310) 328-5310 Chamber of Commerce (310) 540-5858 Fire Department (310) 781-7000 Police Department (310) 328-3456 AT & T (888) 296-2000 Main Post Office (800) 275-8777 Torrance Trash Department (310) 781-6900 Torrance Realtor (310)872-6358 Time Warner Cable (310) 618-9496 So. CA Edison (800) 655-4555 So. CA Gas Co. (800) 427-2200 Torrance Water Department (310)618-5831 Parks and Recreation (310)618-2930 10/22/2013

Hollywood Riviera real estate and home sales report for Torrance/Redondo, CA in October 2013. Homes for sale in Hollywood Riviera: Hollywood Riviera homes under $850,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $850,000 and $1,000,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes between $1,000,000 and $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: Hollywood Riviera homes over $1,200,000 that have sold in the last year: 10/22/2013

Thinking about buying your first home or an investment property?  In order to simplify the process, several steps must be taken, such as: Step 1: Are You Ready? The first step to buying a home is determining whether you're actually ready. Buying a home is time consuming and can be emotionally overwhelming. There is a way to make this process easier, such as getting preapproved for a loan (see steps 2 and 4). If you're thinking about changing careers or haven't decided where you want to live long term, you might want to postpone your homebuying plans. Step 2: Get Your Finances In Order You'll need at least 5% of your potential purchase price in cash for the down payment, and you'll want to get your monthly debt payments to a minimum. Check your credit scores (it's a myth you get dinged ... 10/18/2013