Tag: Torrance Realtor
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
If you listen carefully, people are still in conversation as to why they wish to get involved in the South Bay real estate market and eventually buy a home. The #1 reason is still the fact they want to own the place they live in. And, they just want to be a homeowner. The tax considerations, growing equity over time and being able to renovate and remodel to their tastes or as they see fit, is part of being a homeowner. Even after the few bad years in the real estate market that we have all experienced, the vast majority of people want to invest in their own place to live. The #2 reason is that many want to buy now and then move later. This is a partially market-based sentiment, of course, as the rationale for buying right now is that prices and interest rates are low. The #3 reason is that they don't want to have to move anymore. Many people bought homes at the top of the market and many ended up selling the home for less than they bought it for, and of course, many went underwater and lost the home to foreclosure. Loss of jobs, re-location and other reasons, including rising gasoline prices and prices of other items did not help the situation. This all proves that owning real estate, especially the home you live in is still an American dream that lives on and on Read More
If you are selling your home, you can control at least 3 factors that will affect the sale of your home. The condition of the house The price you are asking Marketing Strategy It's important to note that there are numerous other factors that will influence a buyer, and you need to understand these consumer trends when you enter the sellers' market. It's important that you keep your home competitive while on the market. Your real estate agent or broker can advise you on how to best position and market your home to overcome any perceived downsides. Location: The most influential factor in determining your home's appeal to buyers is something you can't control: its location. According to the National Association of REALTORS, the neighborhood quality is the No. 1 reason buyers will choose certain homes. The second most influential factor is commute times to work and school. Size: Keep in mind that there will be some buyers who wish to downsize or who will want a smaller home, but over the years, homes have continued to increase in size, almost double of what it was in the 1950s. Smaller homes typically appeal to first-time home buyers and couples whose children have grown up and moved out. Amenities: Peoples preferences in floor plans and amenities continue to go in and out of fashion, and your real estate agent or broker can help you and familiarize you of the "hot ticket" items that are selling homes in your area and market. If you home is missing or lacks a particular feature, you can renovate the house to increase its appeal, however, you want to make sure that the investment you will have to make will actually help, no hinder, your profit margin in the end. I as your REALTOR can use the current market conditions and activity in the neighborhood to determine the best way to go. Read More
The city of Torrance has without a doubt, some of the most unique and beautiful residential areas of any other city in the Los Angeles area. You can find upscale estate type single family homes, more traditional homes in traditional all American neighborhoods, sitting on tree lined streets, hillside homes... Read More
One of the best kept secrets in the South Bay is the Hollywood Riviera section of Torrance and the 'way back' connection to Hollywood. Homes in the area are located on the slopes of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and many have incomparable coastline views. There are 180-degree views that can include the ocean, beaches, mountains and city lights of numerous cities across the Los Angeles basin! This is the city of Torrance, but it's zip code is that of Redondo Beach. The area is located between Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes Estates and extends the city boundaries to the ocean where the County owns and operates a lifeguard tower and a parking lot at the shoreline. The residents of Hollywood Riviera are part of the award winning Torrance school district. Hollywood.jpgAerial view of the Hollywood Riviera Beach Club taken on July 27, 1930. Back when the original developer first had the thought about building homes in the area now called Hollywood Riviera, his idea was to get the then Hollywood trend setters and stars to consider this area to live in and grow from there. Today, the 'Riviera' has wonderful older traditional single family homes, condominiums, town homes, and even some apartments, especially down the hill closer to PCH and to the beach south of Riviera Village. Riviera Village has retail shops, specialty shops, restaurants, coffee cafes, grocery stores, medical and professional services and other offices and services. In summary, there are Hollywood Rivera homes with spectacular ocean views, and homes that are situated on hilly, quiet rural-like streets. Housing prices will vary according to location, size, age, etc., and offer prices to fit just about all budgets. There is something for everyone in the Hollywood Riviera, including peace, privacy and much seclusion if that is what you are looking for in a home. Read More
The Torrance Rose Float Association is having a weekly fundraiser. So if you are hungry on Thursday night, check out the link and see which restaurant you can go to and make a donation to TRFA! http://www.torrancerosefloat.com/fundraising.html Read More
Our award winning float Had the time of my life riding on the Torrance Float at the Rose Parade. It was an honor. ... Read More
Most people look at corner lots as a plus, however even though you might get a bigger sized lot for the same price, it might not be what you want in the long run. There is more upkeep and maintenance as the total front yard area is usually much bigger. On the other hand look at this Torrance Home for sale, It sits perfectly on a corner lot on Maple Ave. There can be the problem of people using the sidewalks on either side and then cutting across the yard. Traffic noise could be much higher due to having a home basically on two different streets, however if there is stop signs then it might be less. Corner lots are not preferred by people who have young children as they usually would rather have larger backyards for the kids to play in. You could have more parking on a corner lot. The lot is much larger. You would only have one neighbor on the front side instead of two. You would usually have more unobstructed views out your windows. Corner lots allow more light to come into the home. It really comes down to your own preference and the corner lot and home itself. There are pros and cons and each situation has to be looked at individually. Price of course will play a big part in the consideration. Read More
Shopping around and taking some time can pay off today when looking to find the best deal in mortgage loans for either purchasing or refinancing that new South Bay Home, however one needs to be aware of all of the costs involved and specifically the origination costs. Those costs can be as little as zero dollars and go all the way up to thousands. Talk to several banks and other direct mortgage lenders but also talk to mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers to get a clearer idea of what is available and who has the best all around rates. Read More
Looking through the local news papers and driving through the city of Torrance, I quickly realize the great housing Torrance Real Estate options that has always had for all ages and for all income brackets, and especially for senior citizens. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGtvRcs5l0E From age restricted "over 55" communities like 'New Horizons', one of the first master planned condo projects in California, to many new moderately priced and luxury priced, modern condo complexes located in the city. Many of the complexes are almost sold out before they are even completed. Read More