My family has had desert tortoises as pets for many years.  They were given to us as “rescue” tortoises and we have learned so much about them – i.e. what to feed them, how to care for them when they had a cold, how to keep them safe from raccoons, etc.  Sprout, pictured above, is 26 years old, loves to be pet on his head and is partial to cooked zucchini. On Saturday, October 13, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,  Madrona Marsh Nature Center will be having an event with representatives from the California Turtle and Tortoise Society.  This special Turtle and Tortoise Day will have live turtles with a “hands-on” event, where you can become familiar with their shells and learn about the different breeds and type of tortoises.  In addition to the turtles/tortoises on display, there wil... 10/08/2012

We just listed the affordable 1 Bd / 1 Bathroom 55+ senior condo at Sunset Gardens, Torrance.Sunset Gardens is the 55+ senior community, located in the heart of South Bay, close to shopping, restaurants, medical center and more.  Torrance Crossroads center is just across the street.   This wonderful community offers many amenities, such as indoor pool, spa, active community center to its residents, making it the great, yet affordable choice for any active senior.Sunny and bright Move-In ready 1 Bd condo, with views of Palos Verdes and cool ocean breezes at the 55+ Senior condo community of Sunset Gardens. This condo has plenty of natural light, air conditioning, new carpet, new dual pane windows, laundry inside, large master suite, open concept floorplan and more.Listed at $165,000, thi... 10/04/2012

Open Sunday, August 19, 2012 1-4 PM A fabulous Summerwind townhouse awaits you! Graced with cherry hardwood floors, an abundance of windows and a prime location near the complex mailboxes and the largest of three pools in the complex, this end unit will not disappoint. Smooth ceilings framed by new crown molding and newer flooring throughout adds appeal to the spacious open floor plan. Summerwind is a well maintained complex with pools, spa and playground. The HOA covers water, trash, exterior maintenance, landscaping and homeowner insurance. Summerwind is conveniently located near restaurants, parks, shopping areas and within a short drive to the local beaches as well as the 405 and 110 freeways. The current owners absolutely loved being within walking distance to Wilson Park with its... 08/18/2012

Hollywood Riviera real estate and home sales report for Torrance/Redondo Beach, CA in May 2012. Homes for sale: 10 Homes are listed for sale priced from $874,000 to $1,999,000. Pending sales: 16 Houses are in escrow priced from $631,900 to $7,800,000. May sales: 7 Homes sold in Hollywood Riviera suring May 2012: Address Sale Price Bed/Bath Sq. Feet. Lot Year Built Days Listed 412 Via Linda Vista $665,000 2/1 1494 7125 1953 0 251 Calle De Andalucia $720,000 3/1 1120 8012 1948 30 100 Via Estrellita $949,000 3/3 1983 7430 1950 19 339 Calle De Andalucia $1,000,000 4/3 2309 6450 1948 134 142 Calle De Andalucia $1,099,000 4/3 3550 5751 1998 273 103 Via Mesa Grande $1,141,000 4/3 3002 9840 1954 77 464 Via El Chico $1,285,000 4/3 3016 5911 1973 119 144 Via La Circula $1,400,000 4/3 3048 7172 1... 06/24/2012

Lloyd Cullen Real Estate is a local Torrance Short Sale Realtor. As a Torrance Short Sale Company that specializes in short sales, you are assured the highest standard of professionalism and can always count on our Torrance Short Sale Realtor to help answer any questions you have in regards to Torrance Short Sales. Short Sale My Torrance Home Lloyd Cullen is a local Torrance Short Sale Expert with experienced Torrance Short Sale Agents here to assist you.   Short Sale My Torrance Home We specialize in Short Sales for Torrance and Surrounding Areas You may be wondering where to go when it comes to your Torrance short sale questions. The answer is your local Torrance Short Sale Agent with Lloyd Cullen Real Estate. Our Torrance Short Sale Agents are qualified to answer any questions that y... 06/05/2012

Lloyd Cullen Real Estate is a local Torrance Short Sale Realtor. As a Torrance Short Sale Company that specializes in short sales, you are assured the highest standard of professionalism and can always count on our Torrance Short Sale Realtor to help answer any questions you have in regards to Torrance Short Sales. Torrance Short Sale Realtor Lloyd Cullen is a local Torrance Short Sale Expert with experienced Torrance Short Sale Agents here to assist you.   Torrance Short Sale Realtor We specialize in Short Sales for Torrance and Surrounding Areas Financially stressed homeowners who are trying to avoid foreclosure in Torrance have many options. Real estate professionals often advise working with the bank or lending institution first to see if an alternate payment plan can be developed. ... 05/28/2012

West Torrance has always been a highly sought after neighborhood due to great schools, charming tree lined neighborhoods, and affordable prices compared with neighboring Redondo Beach.  While the South Bay real estate market in general has been very active since the beginning of the year, the real estate market in West Torrance is extremely active but inventory is on the rise which may temper price rises just a bit. In Escrow - 24 Days on Market 5018 Arvada 3 Bed 1 Bath - Remodeled Multiple Offers Listed at $570,000 In Escrow - Off Market Sale 19445 Sturgess 3 Bed 2 Bath - Huge Lot Multiple Offers. Never Made it to Market! Just Closed - Off Market Sale 19522 Anza 3 Bed 1 Bath Never Made it to Market! Sold for $539,000 The chart below shows the recent increase in listing activity with in... 05/09/2012

We just listed this completely Remodeled End Unit Townhome in the Prestigious "Chatelaine" gated community in Torrance. This spacious townhome features a step-down living room opening to a private patio. Shutter blinds, Fireplace, High Ceilings, & Formal Dining room. Large Kitchen with beautiful Custom Cabinets, Granite Counters and Stainless Appliances. Large Master Bedroom with Vaulted Ceilings and Walk-in Closet. The Master Bathroom features a Large Tub, Separate Shower, and Dual Vanity Sinks. Direct-access 2-car garage with a bonus storage room. Convenient Laundry Area. Central Air and Forced Air Heating. This townhome is located in Chatelaine Torrance gated community, featuring many recreational facilities, pool, clubhouse. Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2.5 Size: 1,738 sq ft VISIT PROPERTY WE... 03/27/2012

We just listed this 4 bedroom 3 bath, spacious 2,434 sq ft home, located in beautiful South Torrance. This is a must see home. Too many upgrades to list.   Three level home, with living room leading out to the Sun Deck and the family room bottom level leading out to a brick patio and nice size privat and secluded backyard.  New granite counter tops in kitchen and the 3 bathrooms. All new appliances, Stove, Dishwasher, Microwave. Eating area off kitchen or maybe you might want to use as an office. Marble around face of firplace with Marble tile hearth. New carpeting upstairs and new laminated floors in family room and living room and dining room.  Move right in! Walking distance to South High, Torrance School District schools. Location:  Kent Ave, Torrance, 90505 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 3 Siz... 03/27/2012

The 14th Annual South Bay Conference for Women I wanted to share an event that would benefit many people in the community on April 13th, 2012. Enjoy a day for YOU! Reinvent, Inspire, Engage, and Reflect. Walk out a new person full of energy and a fresh dose of motivation. Share this special day with your favorite women. Learn how to appreciate YOUR uniqueness, qualities and gifts all over again. I Hope to see you there! - Kim Jones CostLocationAdditional Info Adults $115 / Students $75 Torrance Marriott South Bay3635 Fashion Way Torrance, CA View map » SponsorPhoneContact nameContact emailWebsite Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce and Women In Business 310-880-5548 Lisa N. Machii Lisa@LisaMachii.com http://www.mbwib.com/ 03/26/2012

Torrance CA Home Sales Update The Torrance average home selling price was down by 1% in December '11 when compared to same period a year ago.The average home selling price was $542,963 in Torrance (Torrance proper only - Torrance PO not included) By comparison, average selling price in Torrance was $512,557 in November, $526,543 in October and it was $499,705 in September. This data indicates an upward price trend over last few months. Number of sales was down by 3% after a huge over 40% spike in November.   The average single family home in Torrance sold for $581,725 down 6 % compared with same period a year ago, when it was $618,413 Torrance SoldListings AverageSales Price AverageDOM* December 2011 65 $542,963 86 December 2010 85 $548,608 85 *All stats are compiled from the California... 01/19/2012

South Torrance and Walteria Real Estate Torrance is a coastal community in the South Bay area of Los Angeles.  It's mild Mediteranean climate, family friendly neighborhoods, close proximity to Los Angeles, excellent schools, less known Torrance beach,  make Torrance a great place to live.  In Torrance, we have many neighborhoods and communities.  Today, I'll focus on South Torrance and Walteria communities. South Torrance and Walteria real estate comprise of mostly single family homes.  Well established, tree lined neighborhoods are perfect for raising a family or to retire in.  We have a limited nunber of condos or townhomes in South Torrance so they sell quickly. Here is the summary of home for sale in the South Torrance and Walteria areas as of January 2012: The inventory of homes fo... 01/07/2012

South Bay Senior Condos For Sale - January 2012 Report South Bay area of Los Angeles is known for its beautiful 55+ senior condo communities.   Most of them are located in Torrance, but you can also find them in Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills Estates and Lomita. Due to the changing demographics, the demand for senior condos has been strong.  New 55+ condos that were built in the South Bay area sold out quickly.  The availability of resales varies daily.   Here is the informaion on currently available 55+ senior condos for sale in the South Bay, Torrance, Redondo Beach and Rolling Hills (based on MLS data): Total units available: 24 Torrance - 18 In Torrance, most units are 2 Beds/2 baths, but there are three 1 bd units available as of today.  We have one 3 bd condo available at New Horizo... 01/05/2012

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 ( See the History of the South Bay for a discussion of the early Spanish land grant ranchos). At its inception, this planned industrial town provided housing for 500 people. 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 o... 11/27/2011

  Home sales in Torrance have done better than other surrounding communities. The number of sales is was up and the average home selling prices in Torrance have been going up over last few months. The average prices have still been slightly lower than a year ago though.  The Torrance average home selling price was down by 5% in October 2011 when compared to same period a year ago, bringing the average Torrance home price to $526,543. Average selling price in Torrance was $499,705 in September. Number of sales was up from 63 to 68 homes sold last month.   The average single family home in Torrance sold for $566,182 down 7% on y-o-y basis but up when compared to a month ago when it was $535,703. Torrance Sold Listings Average Sales Price Average DOM* October 2011 68 $526,543 86 October 20... 11/18/2011

Buying your first Torrance home can be challenging.  Despite the Torrance CA real estate downturn, home prices in Torrance are still often out of reach to young families who want to buy their first home and take advantage of excellent Torrance schoolsand safe and beautiful Torrance neighborhoods. If you are a first time homebuyer, or if you're thinking about downsizing, consider buying a condo or a townhome.  Torrance real estate consists of many nice single family home neighborhoods that also, include beautiful condo communities with excellent amemities, such as pools, spas, exercise rooms and more.  The HOA (Homeowner Association Fee) will cover the cost of those amenities, insurance, trash, water in most cases. Torrance condo prices range from low $200,000 and up.  If you're interest... 11/18/2011

Pacific Terrace is a luxurious condo community in West Torrance, just minutes walk to the beach.  It's located at 5500 Torrance Blvd. just bordering South Redondo Beach.  This resort style gated community offers beautiful, spacious 3 bd condos built in 1990.  Pacific Terrace complex offers a clubhouse, pool, sauna and fitness room.   Pacific Terrace condos have been selling between $405,000 - $435,000. This year, total of 6 units sold at Pacific Terrace, two of them were pre-foreclosures (short sales) and four were stardard sales.  Currently there is only one unit listed for sale at $400,000 - it's a short sale. Please contact me and I'll provide you with a Free Hot List of available condos at Pacific Terrace or any other community you're interested in. If you're interested in buying a ... 11/18/2011

There are currently 7 homes for sale in the Southwood Area of Torrance Listed from $565,000-$995,000 The average market time is 78 days for active listings in Southwood The average asking price for a home in Southwood is $654,843 There have been 37 homes to sell in Southwood since the first of the year The lowest priced Southwood home to sell was $490,000 The highest sold price was $1,020,000 The average market time was 61 days for sold homes There are currently 8 homes in escrow starting at $599,000-$708,625 To see all the current listings in Southwood Click here: http://www.palosverdesrealestateteam.com/PropertySearch 11/17/2011

Torrance Real Estate   Located in the South Bay, Torrance is  the eighth largest city in Los Angeles County, just north of Palos Verdes, east of Redondo Beach and 11 miles south of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The city offers a relaxed beach scene with 1.5 miles of shore-front beaches off the Pacific Ocean. Its beach lies between the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Redondo Beach on the Santa Monica Bay.     The Torrance Unified School District (TSUD), established in 1947, encompasses all of the City of Torrance, operating 17 elementary schools, eight middle schools, five high schools and two private high schools, three adult schools, a community college, and a child development center. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Torrance had a population of 145,438. This expansive res... 11/17/2011

Torrance Gardens is a charming Torrance neighborhood, comprised of mostly smaller single family homes but with mixed in larger four or more bedroom homes.  Torrance Gardens is bounded by Madrona Blvd, Crenshaw Bvld, Carson Blvd and Torrance Blvd. You'll find street named "Iris", "Maple", "Juniper", "Date" or "Hickory" in the Gardens. If you're a fortunate Torrance Gardens resident, you can walk to the Farmers Market, beautiful walking paths, play tennis or baseball at nearby Wilson Park.  Torrance Courthouse , Police Station and the Library are also located in the area.  If you're in the mood for shopping or dining out, Del Amo Shopping Center is just a couple of blocks away. Homes in the Torrance Gardens community have been selling in the $430,000 - $725,000 range this year. Torrance G... 11/14/2011