Norma Toering’s Mira Catalina Sales Report – Aug 2011 – Rancho Palos Verdes

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Norma Toering

Mira Catalina neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in August 2011.

Norma Toering’s neighborhood insider’s tip: The Mira Catalina area has an award winning elementary school nestled in its center so many children can walk to school–how green is that?

Homes for sale: 9 Homes are listed for sale in Mira Catalina, RPV priced from $820,000 to $1,700,000.

Pending sales: 2 Houses are in escrow priced at $800,000 each.

August sales: 2 Homes sold in Mira Catalina during Aug. 2011:

Address	Sale Price	Bed/Bath	Sq. Feet.	Lot	Year Built	Days Listed
3125 Corinna Drive	$849,000	3/2	1819	14778	1962	66
3259 Deluna Drive	$1,250,000	5/3	2750	12120	1962	40

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos Verdes Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle- Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Chosen by MovingCost.com as one of the best Los Angeles realty blogs. Awarded 5 out of 5 stars by Lender411 blog review. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Based on information from the Association of REALTORS ®/Multiple Listing as of the initial date of this article/blog publication and /or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.

Find Norma on: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Email Norma

Palos Verdes Homes Blog – Palos Verdes Houses
Palos Verdes Horse Property – Palos Verdes Realtor Agent
Colorado River CA Land - View Homes Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes – Rolling Hills Estates Home Search
Photos of Palos Verdes – Palos Verdes Videos
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes – Beach Cities Homes

California Housing Market Picks Up In June

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Norma Toering

In Southern California, housing sales jumped up 11.7% percent from the May numbers which is about twice the normal bump up for the spring escrows that finish in the summer. Prices for that same area edged up almost 2% for the month, but are still down compared to last June.

“California’s sluggish housing market showed some signs of life in June, with both Southern California and the Bay Area notching sales increases from May to June. June sales in the state increased 9.7% from May, with 38,975 newly built and previously owned houses and condominiums bought by shoppers, according to San Diego research firm DataQuick.

That figure was down 11.3% from June 2010, the last month to experience a surge of deals fueled by the now-expired popular federal tax credit for buyers.”

from The Los Angeles Times By Alejandro Lazo

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos Verdes Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle- Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Chosen by MovingCost.com as one of the best Los Angeles realty blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Email Norma

What is my home worth? And how do you know?

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Norma Toering

Yesterday I showed property in the Lunada Bay neighborhood of Palos Verdes Estates. We viewed property priced from $1,400,000 to $2,200,000. The prospective buyers especially love the Lower Lunada Bay area with its flat streets and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. After showing six homes my business partner and I then previewed homes for another client. Last weekend we showed 14 homes. Last week another buyer viewed nine homes. When a seller asks me what his home is worth I’m able make my guesstimate based on up to the minute knowledge of the local market.

When it is time to move beyond the “guestimate” and zero in on a list price I consult the comparable sales. Since I have personally viewed them, either from showing or previewing, I have detailed information about the condition, floorplan and other amenities. The appraisers who establish a value for lenders do not have as much information as an agent who is out in the field traipsing through home after home on a weekly basis. We know whether the remodeled kitchen was a do it yourself project or a high-end professional job. Appraisers call me on a regular basis to ask questions about sold comps they can no longer view.

One of the chief values of a real estate agent is market knowledge. If you do not know the market, and this means more than knowing the numbers, it is difficult to establish value. Seller need their agent to possess intimate knowledge of sales in their neighborhood. Buyers need their agent to advise them on neighborhood values and recent sales. This is not information that can be assimilated by driving by a property or studying the numbers. It is accumulated knowledge.

Yes, we unlock doors, but making sense of the nuances of the market and providing clients with invaluable knowledge is the key to selling smart and buying wise.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos Verdes Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle – Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Chosen by MovingCost.com as one of the best Los Angeles realty blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Email Norma

Homes For Sale Palos Verdes – Palos Verdes Houses
Palos Verdes Homes with Stables – PV Estates Blog
Colorado River CA Land - View Estates in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes – Rancho Palos Verdes Home Search
Photos of Palos Verdes – Palos Verdes Videos
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes – Hermosa Beach Homes

It May Not Be Spring, But the Housing Market is Heating Up in Palos Verdes

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Norma Toering

Interest in Palos Verdes properties is picking up. Last week Norma Toering & Team opened escrow on a Redondo Beach property. Next week we will close escrow on a Redondo Beach condo. The weekend found us busy showing Palos Verdes and Torrance properties. Today there was a mad dash to Long Beach to drop off keys to an upcoming listing and then off to show a view home in Rancho Palos Verdes. We have the South Bay area of Southern California covered!

Two new listings should be ready to hit the market in late February or early March. One buyer is heading back to China and another one will arrive South Africa in a few weeks. Thank heavens for my Google Calendar and comfortable showing shoes!

If you’re thinking of buying this spring, don’t wait too long to hop off the indecisive fence and begin your house hunting odyssey. With the right guide, it will be an enjoyable journey. Consumer confidence is on the rise, and interest rates and home prices may very well follow suit.

We’ll make a great team: You know what you’re looking for, we know the market and where to find what you want. Let’s get together and make it happen!

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos Verdes Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle – Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Email Norma

Homes In Palos Verdes – Palos Verdes Agent Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property – Palos Verdes Property Blog
Needles River Front Land - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes – Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography – Palos Verdes Videos
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes – Beach Cities Homes

FAQ in Real Estate–How Will I Know When We Hit Bottom?

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Norma Toering

“How will I know when we hit the bottom?” That was my client’s question as he mulled over the pros and cons of submitting an offer. “You won’t know until after it happens,” was my response.

It will take months for the numbers to be totaled, tallied and analyzed. Graphs and charts will pinpoint the low by the year, month, and probably the day it occurred. Meanwhile, the home that was perfect for his family, his commute and within walking distance to the elementary school for his children will house another family.

The waiting game is a gamble. Yes, maybe the prices will drop. Yes, maybe a better house will come on the market. Yes, maybe the interest rates will go down. But life changes drive the real estate market.

My top five clients at the moment are stirring up my real estate activity due to these life changes:

Birth of twins! Suddenly the romantic cottage is no longer an option. Up-sizing is a necessity.
Career advancement. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime in another state and will require uprooting and moving.
Retirement. Can travel be far behind? I’m searching for a condo and she’s checking out cruises.
Divorce. Need I say more?
Debt. His company was sold, and he’s unemployed and saddled with a large mortgage hit each month.

Change is constant and it is a powerful force in the real estate world. Life does not stop for a down market. The investors may be taking a break, the lenders may be restructuring their loan policies, the flippers are not as plentiful, but to quote the familiar, life goes on.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos Verdes Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle – Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Email Norma

Homes In Palos Verdes – Palos Verdes Agent Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property – Palos Verdes Property Blog
Needles River Front Land – Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes – Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography – Palos Verdes Videos
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes – Beach Cities Homes

A Charity Far From Home but Close to My Heart–Pay It Forward

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Norma Toering

I began 2011 looking for a new charity to give some of my time, effort and a little money. I believe we find what is meant to be found and lose what we no longer need. I already give to The Children’s Miracle Network each time I close a sale. I’ve collected Toys for Tots for many years and served on the Board of Happy Hats, a local non-profit organization, that serves the needs of hospitalized children.

Okay, it is fairly evident I like children. I am a former first grade teacher and mother of four. My grandchildren are the stars in my sky. I know the greatest hope for correction of flaws in the system lies within the power of present and future children of the world. If we want to see a change (and there are some things needing improvement if not radical changes) then we need to change the way children are treated, educated and valued–especially little girls born into this patriarchal world in third world countries.

Thanks to Carra Riley, a fellow Active Rain member, I discoveredEmpower Nepali Girls Foundation. I’m still learning about the program and I’m making my first, of what I hope will be many, donation to help a Nepali girl attend school and not be sold as a sex or domestic slave at the tender age of eight. That’s just wrong–so very wrong.

It does not require only major acts to change the world; millions of small acts of kindness will impact mankind.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos Verdes Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle – Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Email Norma

Another Palos Verdes Home Sold By Norma Toering & Team – 2017 Suana Dr.

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Norma Toering

2017 Suana, a Mid Century with walls of glass to enjoy the big ocean and harbor view, closed escrow yesterday. The home was lived in (and loved) for nearly fifty years by my client’s parents. I have a feeling the new buyer is in for the long haul too. According to his agent, “He loves the house!”

With a view from nearly every room, a stunning sunrise each morning and thousands of twinkling city lights to greet you each night, who would want to leave this charming house on the Palos Verdes Peninsula?

Were the sellers happy? Here is an excerpt from today’s email from one member of the family, “Josh & Norma, Thank you both for all your hard work. We had another pleasant experience with the Toering Team. You will be highly recommended in the future.”

If you are planning to sell your “House on The Hill” or searching for your own idea of “Heaven on The Hill” Norma Toering & Team are ready to help. You define it and we’ll help you find or sell it!

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos Verdes Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle – Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Email Norma

Palos Verdes Home Sales – Complete 2010 Report

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Norma Toering

Palos Verdes Home sales in 2010 ranged from a high of $5,500,000 (Rolling Hills sale) to a low of $450,000 (Eastview area in Rancho Palos Verdes). The Palos Verdes Peninsula offers a wide selection of homes in various styles and price ranges.

Here is the breakdown for sold inventory of Palos Verdes homes for 2010:

Sales over $5,000,000: 2 Single Family Home Sales

Sale price from $2,000,000 to $4,999,999: 68 Single Family Home Sales

Sales from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000: 256 Single Family Sales

Sales under $1,000,000: 190 Single Family Home Sales

Total Single Family Palos Verdes Home Sales YTD: 506 homes sold on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Sales are up and inventory is low in Palos Verdes. For a Free e-market analysis of your property contact Norma Toering & Team. Find out the value of your property as the sun sets on the first decade of the 21st Century.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos Verdes Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle – Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Email Norma

Homes In Palos Verdes – Palos Verdes Agent Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property – Palos Verdes Property Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale – Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes – Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography – Palos Verdes Videos
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes – Beach Cities Homes

Needles River Front Land

Palos Verdes Drive South – Home Sales Report Nov 2010

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Norma Toering

PV Drive South neighborhood real estate and home sales report for the city of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in November 2010.Active listings: 16 Homes are listed for sale priced from $839,000 to $12,000,000.

Pending sales: 6 Houses are in escrow around Palos Verdes Drive South priced from $835,000 to $3,400,000.

November sales: 2 Homes sold in November 2010:

Dauntless Dr $745,000
Channelview Ct $840,000

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos Verdes Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle – Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Email Norma

Needles River Front Land

Selling Your Palos Verdes Peninsula Home –Three Phases

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Norma Toering

The move from one residence to another does not happen overnight; it takes planning, preparation and time to execute the three phases of selling one home and purchasing a replacement property.

Phase One: Once the decision to sell is made it is time for the pre-sale planning and property preparation to begin. This is the time to engage the services of a real estate professional. An agent can provide you with recent sales and current listings in your neighborhood. It is important to know the neighborhood real estate comps for precision pricing of your property. If your price is too high it will languish on the market for months. On the other hand, you deserve to receive the highest value the current market will support. An agent will review recent market activity with you and based on the condition and location of your home will offer a suggested list price.

The agent will also offer suggestions on improvements to increase the appeal and value of your property. Fresh paint and new carpet are transformational changes. Clean windows are a more subtle improvement but will add additional light and sparkle to every room. A room by room approach will create a pre-sale “To Do” list that will not only please prospective buyers but maximize the desirability and value of your home.

Phase Two: Marketing your home begins the moment it is listed on the MLS and your agent sends it viral on the Internet. It takes new techie knowledge and old school tired and true methods to sell a house in today’s slower market. A savvy agent will employ a variety of marketing tools to ensure all prospective buyers are reached one way or another.

Phase Two requires excellent communication and negotiations skills. Follow up and follow through will increase the likelihood your property will sell faster and at a higher price.

Phase Three: Once an offer is accepted it is time to open escrow and begin the inspections and complete all disclosures and a plethora of California Association of Realtors requirements. From rooftop to basement your home will be poked and prodded with each discovery being documented.

The escrow period is typically 30 to 60 days but may vary from sale to sale depending upon circumstances of the parties involved in the sale and purchase. As the sale nears completion the seller must finalize moving arrangements. If another home is being purchased the closings must be fine tuned to coincide and often requires some amazing juggling on behalf of agents, seller and buyer.

When selecting an agent to guide you through the process of selling make sure it is a professional you trust and is responsive to your requests and questions. It takes several months to move from the idea of moving to the completion of the sale. I like to tell my clients, “I am your new best friend for the next few months, and I’ll do my best to make sure we enjoy our time together.”

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos Verdes Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle – Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

Find Norma on: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Email Norma

Homes In Palos Verdes – Palos Verdes Realtor Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property – Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale – Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes – Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography – Palos Verdes Videos

Needles River Front Land and Acres