Tag: Torrance Realtor
Sometimes when we purchase a home, we do so knowing that the kitchen needs some updating or at least some TLC. The challenge is then is find the money to make some changes. Well there are many small inexpensive way to give jazz up a space without breaking the bank. I suggest as your first step, check ut some magazines for ideas you can duplicate inexpensively. Here are some of my suggestions for you to consider. 1. Change up your walls: Choose neutral like beige or gray. 2. Brighten up the kitchen: Use mirrors. This can be very effective if you put the mirror across from a window. This also gives the illusion of a larger space. carol-mirrors 3. Make seasonal changes: Try removing pieces of furniture and decorations for a lighter feel. 4. Use slipcovers: Try using slipcovers over your dining chairs. carol2-chair covers 5. Cookbook Display: Align them in graduating sizes. Or color is another option. This is a great Idea from Juniper Books This is a great Idea from Juniper Books 6. Warm it up with rugs: Area rugs can add a splash of color and can hide a multitude of flooring problems. 7. Bring the outdoors inside: Plants are always in. They soften a space and make your room warm. carol3-plants 8. Change your look with accessories: A few new accessories can change your kitchen to dramatic! 9. Change the cabinet pulls: There are so many different styles of cabinet pulls these days. You can install. This can make your cabinets look new. carol1-pulls Read More
If your credit report is not good, you will not be able to get a loan or your interest rate and fees will be high. Read More
We in the SouthBay are so lucky to have so many shopping options available to us. I just returned from one of the many local farmers markets and what a great experience. Just knowing you are able to get farm fresh veggies, locally and organically grown, along with other great bargains like house plants and gift options is nice. We are able to go into most cities in the South Bay and attend one of the various outdoor markets almost any day of the week. Today, I went to the Torrance Farmers Market. The Torrance Outdoor market is located just north of Sepulveda Blvd. and Crenshaw Blvd. at the beautiful Wilson Park. It's open on Tuesday and Saturdays and has some great deals. It's worth going to this Farmers Market just to experience one of Torrance's many beautiful parks. Take the kids and maybe picnic lunch and enjoy the day. (There are B-B-Qs available here) Read More
Good news for the South Bay Real Estate Market. Well Fargo has lowered its FICO score standards from 640 to 600. This means that more people can qualify for mortgage loans that do not have perfect credit. You can be pretty sure that other lending institutions will follow the lead of Wells Fargo. "The goal is to increase access to credit, especially for low- and moderate- income borrowers and first-time home buyers," said Tom Goyda, a bank spokesman. "These are fully underwritten, fully documented loans, consistent with FHA program guidelines and responsible lending principles." Read More
According to the National Association of Realtors homes sales in 2013 were the highest level in seven years. Sales totaled 5.09 million, the best performance since 2006, when sales totaled 6.48 million. The median price of an existing home rose 11.5 percent last year to $197,100, the highest in eight years. This is more proof that our real estate market is on the upswing and all is getting healthy once more. Read More
dream is coming true. The renovation of the aging Del Amo Mall is beginning. By The Holiday season of 2015, we will not recognize Del Amo Shopping center. Rendering of the "New Del Amo Center Rendering of the "New Del Amo Center The first phase of the renovation is Patio Cafes, this new food court is located near the central Macy’s store, is going through what a spokesman called “a progressive opening.” Sbarro and Gengis Khan are now open, with the Panda Express, Chipolte and Stove Oven Gourmet Sandwiches set to open in the next few weeks. Ginza Grill will open in February and Blaze Pizza will open in the spring. This is part of the first phase of the work. Big changes on the North Side: The medical buildings on the north end of the Del Amo mall property — near the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf — will be demolished. Stores temporarily locating to the south portion of the center will be Cotton On, Cotton On Kids, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Lane Bryant, MAC, PacSun, American Eagle, Justice, Express and Claire’s. Stores temporarily relocating to the second level of the outdoor lifestyle wing are Robert Wayne Footwear and Stride Rite. H&M Men, Women and Kids will have two locations on the first level of the lifestyle wing. Relocating to permanent homes near the Patio Cafes area will be The Disney Store, Zumiez, Aeropostale, Gymboree and Hollister. We do suggest you call ahead to any of the store to verify where they are now located. Read More
Here are some of the events happening in the South Bay from Oct. 25 through Oct. 31: • The Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum will get into the season with a fun-filled day for the whole family. Pumpkin decorating contest, open to all ages and judged by Friends of Rancho San Pedro. Pumpkins will be judged based on age group, and prizes will be awarded for most color and most creative design. Tools will be provided for the contest. Costume parade Scary stories Light refreshments. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. The event runs from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 26 at 18127 S. Alameda St. in Rancho Dominguez. The city of El Segundo Recreation and Parks Departmentwill host its annual Halloween Frolic from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 31 on the 300 and 400 blocks of Main Street in downtown El Segundo. Costume contest for all ages, sponsored by the El Segundo Kiwanis Club at City Hall Plaza, Carved pumpkin contest, sponsored by the El Segundo Women’s Club. Seven inflatable bounce houses Obstacle course Carnival-style games for younger participants Five food vendors. Admission is free. Wristbands and tickets for games and bounce houses are $8 for unlimited use or $2 per ticket. Call 310-524-2700. • The Rosecrans Recreation Center will hold its Halloween event, suitable for ages 3-11, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 31 at 840 W. 149th St., Gardena. Call 310-327-3653 for more information. Carnival games, Moon bounce and a Costume contest. • The Hawthorne Community Affairs Bureau will hold a Halloween Safety Event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Hawthorne Police Department, 4455 W. 126th St. Highlights include Officer Scottie and Friends A Skechers giveaway Goodie bags, Costume inspection/contest Gaby the talking police car. Read More
Torrance has been named as one of the most livable midsize cites in the United States. It came in Number 32. The South Bay’s largest community received the rating from a survey of cities with populations of 20,000 to 350,000 conducted by the website livability.com. Torrance received high marks for the quality of education available and amenities such as parks and climate, but surprisingly low grades for health-care facilities. I do not understand that when we have Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Little Company of Mary Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Medical Offices plus Kaiser Medical Center just a few blocks from the city boundaries, Mayor Scotto said, “Rated 32nd in the United States is a pretty big deal, I think, all in all, people would say Torrance is a great place to live." Read More
The City of Carson completed the sale of a lot that formerly housed the Dominguez Trailer Park. The land will be used to build 13 new single family homes and the development has been approved by the City Council. The one acre parcel located at 2666 Dominquez St. was sold to City Ventures for $467,000. The city will use the profits to help develop an affordable housing complex at 409 E. Carson St. according to staff reports. Read More
June new home sales soared across the nation to it's highest levels in 5 years according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Sales across the country rose almost 8.5% over Mays sales. Overall sales have risen 38% in the last 12 months making the biggest annual gain since January 1992. Housing sales have been instrumental in the nations economic growth and overall health. While new-home sales make up only a small portion of the market, each home built creates an average of three new jobs and spurs more spending at furniture stores, moving companies, home improvement stores, hardware and of course, helps keep the real estate business successful. To these companies you have to add escrow, title companies, appraisal companies, mortgage finance companies, landscapers and architect companies, and all the construction trade companies involved. Read More