Author: cgilles
I had the opportunity to tour CLEOPATRA : The Exhibition at the California Science Center near USC. 13,000 Sf of dramatic displays, the largest collection of Cleopatra-era artisans from Eqypt come alive! Cleopatra became the Queen of Eygpt in 51 B.C. at only seventeen years old! Her country... Read More
Since home prices began falling a few years back, property appraisals have also been plummeting. Appraisal complaints have been rising steadily throughout the industry. Buyers and Sellers need to know that Real Estate Appraisers just report what the market is, they do not make or influence the market. Appraisals can come in low for a variety of reasons.You need to understand that appraisals are based on closed sales for a comparable home or property. A low appraisal can prevent you from buying or selling a home at the price you have negotiated or planned on. If the appraisal comes in really low, the buyer has the option of increasing the down payment to lower the total loan amount. A buyer can also use a low appraisal to re negotiate a lower price. Both buyers and sellers should do their research on values in their neighborhood. The sellers should always clue in the appraiser on recent sales and on any special features that might influence the appraisal, like improvements or special materials that make the property more valuable. The sellers should also be present when the appraisal is being done. Even when all of the above has been taken into account, some appraisals still come in short. The buyer usually pays for the appraisal and the buyer has the right to ask for another appraisal if the buyer isn't happy with the results of the first appraisal. Also, the appraiser should be a local appraiser so they are aware of the market conditions of the area. Read More
The City of Torrance Presents the 53rd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade May 19, 2012. Sat May 19 at 1:30 PM Over the years, the dedicated servicemen and women of the American military have insured that our freedom and democratic form... Read More
n the city of Torrance located near Maple Avenue and Sepulveda Blvd. is the community of New Horizons-Southbay. The several hundred condo complex is situated on an over-sized piece of property and includes a 9 hole golf course, 2 pools, wood working shop, ceramic (kilns) shop, a full gym with facilities for men and women, tennis courts, billiard room, and more. This complex was built in the early 1960s and is boasted as the first planned California Condominium Complex. Another similar complex was built at the same time just north of Santa Barbara. This is a 55+ Senior Community with all modern amenities, a clubhouse featuring a large kitchen, auditorium, library, and several card rooms. The property is absolutely beautiful with plenty of walking trails and sidewalks that meander through the two story and bungalow buildings. The units are 1,2,3 bedrooms and most have 1 1/2 baths. Some units even have 2 garages, but all have at least 1 enclosed garage space. The entire facility is all electric. Walking around this large neighborhood reminds one of being in one of the beautiful condo complexes in Palm Springs. The complex is operated by a HOA, managed by the homeowners themselves. There is much pride in both the community and in the way the complex is managed by volunteer homeowners themselves. There are condos available for sale or for lease from time to time, but not many people want to move once settled down here. Read More
Most of us know these tips already, but forget some of them from time to time. Keep your air filter clean and change it on a regular basis. Change you cars oil according to the owners manual. Check the fan belt. Is it too tight or too loose? This can affect your mileage. Change your spark plugs regularly according to the owners manual. Worn plugs can make your car get less miles per gallon. Try driving your lighter car. Heavy cars get worse mileage. Only use the Air Condition when necessary. Using your cruise control can increase mileage. Don’t warm up your car. It isn’t needed and it will cost you money. Check your tire pressure and keep the tires inflated according to the owners manual. Read More
If you’ve been thinking of selling your investment house or your South Bay home, you should make sure that you take full advantage of home staging trends. One of the best things about staged homes is that they sell in less time. Staged homes also sell for more money. A staged exterior will also draw viewers. Once a buyer has stepped inside of the home, he will know within a matter of seconds whether or not he likes the home. Staging the living rooms and kitchens will also help to sell the home. Staged homes will also attract more real estate agents and get more advertising as well. There’s no other way to look at it, other than staged homes sell. They attract more buyers, more real estate agents, and they give people the feeling of home. When you go out of your way to make the buyer feel that your home is his dream home, he will know it. Read More
Unfinished homes present a great way to save a lot of money and get yourself a new home in the process. If the El Segundo home you are looking at has plans for a garage, you can save thousands if you decide not to go with the garage. Unfinished homes may have other planned on additions as well, in which you can save a lot of money just by leaving them out. Always try to talk to the builder if possible and share your ideas of what to complete and what not to complete. If you are planning to get a mortgage, most banks will need to ensure that the home is up to local codes and in living condition. If the home is lacking quite a bit in terms of being unfinished, most banks won’t give you a mortgage. Most banks are also known to turn down unfinished home mortgages that they feel will have trouble selling in the event that you default. Banks have strict requirements when it comes to unfinished homes, which is why you should always check with your bank before you invest in an unfinished home. In most cases you can save a lot of money and still get a home that will provide years and years of memories for yourself and your entire family. Read More
We all know that the South Bay area includes many beach cities and several inland towns and communities. Each community and city in the South Bay is unique in its own way and has something different to offer in the way of life style and atmosphere. The South Bay has some of the most beautiful and user friendly beaches along our magnificent Pacific Coast. Bicycling, Walking, Jogging, Hiking, Surfing, Sailing and people watching make the South Bay a tourists delight for sure. The South Bay is close to LAX, Downtown Los Angeles and the Entertainment Capital of the world, and having this great location that we have, puts us in a unique situation not only to live in but for the 1000s of annual visitors. The South Bay cities have award winning schools, great restaurants, cafes and coffee houses. Just about all areas of the South Bay are family oriented, with plenty of wholesome activities and entertainment, including our world famous beaches in Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo Beach, Torrance Beach, San Pedro too. The South Bay is also diverse in many ways, including the South Bay homes, employment centers, activities and its people Read More
Today's new home buyers may surprise all of us, because preferences regarding buying a home is changing. This comes directly from the International Builders Show held in Orlando in February, this year. We all though that home size were going to get smaller, but the experts say different. New homes are being built with more amenities. More houses built in 2011 had four or more bedrooms, three or more bathrooms, three-car garages, finished basements, patios, and two stories. Maybe we are just getting a clearer picture of what the qualified buyers are looking for. Many people are out of the credit market for awhile due to the last few years of recession and depressed real estate market. So the answer now is: "Who is able to buy"? In the much tightened lending environment of the last few years, buyers have had to be “superstar” qualifiers, with at least 20 percent down, a high credit score, well-documented income, and proof of established employment history.This type of credit situation has left many buyers, especially first time buyers out of the "Home Buying Equation". The real estate pendulum swung to first time buyers with various tax credits, etc., now its swinging back to the established real estate buyers and they want it all, few downsizing. Builders build homes based on what the market demands. In the last few years many South Bay home buyers said that they may be downsizing, but look forward to either buying a much bigger home or building one soon. Read More
Just because the weather is still a little chilly at times here in the South Bay, it doesn't mean you can't start thinking about getting your outdoors areas ready for summer and warm weather. Plans can be made about what plants you are going to put and where. Need to order seeds? Check out those outdoor lights, fix any wiring problems and put in new bulbs if needed. What about the BBQ pit? Do you need to replace the burners or grill area? Also, does the patio floor need a refinish?My suggestion is to talk to a pro and get some advice and new ideas especially if you plan to put your home on the market. Many of us are caught up in the rut of just getting the yard ready every year that we aren't aware of the new products and plants and decorating ideas out there. Think about this: Once you have the planters finished, think about a fountain or water feature someplace in the patio, or yard. Everyone loves them and they look nice, and sound great in the hot summer evenings. So whatever improvements you make to your Torrance home, your family will reap the benefits all summer long and after. Read More