Manhattan Beach: Point of sale retrofits are on the way!   On Tuesday, November 16, 2010,  the City of Manhattan Beach will decide whether or not they are going to require point of sale retrofits for toilets.  What this means for residents is that when you sell your home you would have to either prove that you have installed a new low flush toilet ( 1.28 gallons vs current 1.6-3.5 gallons per flush)by showing a signed permit from the city or if you have not installed a new low flush toilet you would need to do so before the property closes escrow. The interesting thing about the proposed ordinance is that the City may not be making a new toilet a requirement if you remodel a home only if you sell... which doesn't make a lot of sense.  If the goal is greater conservation of water then it... 11/11/2010

  The South-Bay Daily On the Front Page: Shoring up the aquarium in Manhattan Beach  Volunteers hope not only to raise enough money to keep the Roundhouse Aquarium afloat and all its classes intact, but also to establish permanent, annual fundraising drives to ensure the learning center will sit at the end of the city's pier for years to come. And the first event to be organized is a fundraiser at 6 p.m. Thursday at Elleni Couture with a silent auction featuring donations from local eateries, designer stores and the Los Angeles Lakers. All proceeds will benefit the aquarium. The small center was opened in 1981 and consists of several displays, including a 3,500-gallon saltwater tank stocked with sharks and eels. Smaller tanks serve as homes for mollusks, sea stars and the official saltw... 11/09/2010

While the South Bay market contines to slow, there's no shortage of open houses to visit.  The weekend of October 20th and 21st is no exception with everything from bank owned townhomes in Manhattan Village to 7 bedroom estates available and open to see.  For other neighboring cities and if you're seeing this post on a different weekend visit our South Bay and Manhattan Beach open house site.   Day Hours Address Description Price Sat. 1-4 1450 Man. Bch. Blvd. #C 2 BD, 2 BA, Views $549,000 Sat. 1-4 1450 Man. Bch. Blvd. #D 2 BD, 2 BA, Views $567,000 Sun. 1-4 1529 Artesia Blvd. #B 3 BD, 2.25 BA,Lowest Price in MB $639,000 Sun. 2-4 3 Laguna Ct. 2 BD, 2 BA,Bank Owned Home $713,900 Sat. 2-4 21 Marin Ct. 2 BD, New listing $799,000 Sat. & Sun. 1-4 1641 21st St. 3 BD, 1 BA, Remodeled $839,000 Sa... 10/21/2010

Interest Rate Update - 10/10/10 Mortgage interest rates continue to provide affordable opportunities for buyers. 30-year fixed conforming loans are at 4.25%. If you are in a position to pay off your home within 15 years, then it is just outstanding with rates available at 3.625%. Adjustable Rate Loans actually have a "2" in front of them!! Once again, the common theme here is "IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BUY" I'm still shooting for buying property in Hawaii!!  With rates like this, who knows? Here's a chart of where average rates are at: Los Angeles Homes For Sale Los Angeles Condos For Sale Los Angeles Townhomes For Sale 10/10/2010

Manhattan Beach Real Estate Facts / How to Buy and Sell   Adjustable Rate Loans for Manhattan Beach ARMS may be called by various names including, variable-rate loans, adjustable rate loans or adjustable mortgage loans for your Manhattan Beach home. They all feature an interest rate that can vary over the rate of the loan.Advantages: The monthly payment on a typical ARM is lower in the early stages than the fixed rate loan. This may make it easier for the buyer to afford the Manhattan Beachhome.Disadvantages: As interest rates increase, your monthly payment may increase or the amount of your payment applied to the principle may decrease which means that you must gamble on property appreciation to offset this increase in your indebtedness. Manhattan Beach Homeownsers Insurance Bundle you... 10/04/2010

While many reports tout the dire situation in the housing market it's often assumed that the luxury real estate market in higher end cities such as Manhattan Beach certainly must be slow to non existent.  Surprisingly that's simply not the case.  Since August 1, 2010 9 homes have sold for over $2,000,000 with an additional 6 homes in escrow.  While the numbers are certainly lower than during the peak of the market, they are far different from the perception that nothing is selling in the luxury market.  The demand for Manhattan Beach luxury real estate has remained strong despite the challenges that the jumbo mortgage market presents.  Click to view current Manhattan Beach real estate listings by price or view recent Manhattan Beach home sales. Below are the homes sold since August 1st ... 09/20/2010

These week's open houses in Manhattan Beach has something for everyone with Manhattan Village court homes starting at $725,000 to beautiful private estates up to $7,000,000.  Visit our Manhattan Beach real estate website to view any of these current Manhattan Beach homes for sale   Days Hours Address Description and Details Price Sat. & Sun. 1-4 5 Coronado Ct. 2 BD, 2 BA,Steps to the pool and spa $725,000 Sun. 1-4 3 Laguna Ct. 2 BD, 2 BA,Bank Owned $728,900 Sat. & Sun. 1-4 325 11th St. #C 2 BD, 2 BA, walkstreet condominium $849,000 Sun. 2-4 1412 Faymont Ave. 3 BD, 1 BA, Starter inLiberty Village $875,000 Sun. 2-4 3515 Vista Dr. 2 BD, New listing,Cool Beach Pad $899,000 Sun. 1-4 3521 Pacific Ave. 2 BD, Plus Studio,Tree Section Charmer $915,000 Sun. 2-4 944 Rosecrans Ave. 3 BD, 1 BA, Huge... 09/16/2010

Manhattan Villageis a gated community in the heart of Manhattan Beach.  Offering 24 hour security and all the amenities of a resort, the community offers housing options ranging from multi level "court" homes, to more traditional townhomes, to beautiful estate homes enjoying the very best of beach living.  The real estate market in Manhattan Village continues to remain fairly strong but the inventory is at very high levels with homes of every type and price currently on the market. Visit our Manhattan Village real estatewebsite to see the current listings, floorplans areas map or to contact us about any of the homes currently for sale. 09/11/2010

The inventory of luxury ocean front homes in Manhattan Beachand Hermosa Beach continues to rise with a variety of types, styles and price ranges.  In years past it would be rare to see a single Strand home on the market and the current inventory offers 15 ocean front homes ranging from 1,749,000 for a 2 bedroom condo at 1504 The Strand to the brand new construction on an oversized lot located at 2826 The Strand.  Click on any home below to visit our Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach oceanfront Strand home listing site.  View all Manhattan Beach real estate listings If you're looking for other Manhattan Beach real estate listings visit our Manhattan Beach real estate website. Keith Kyle is a licensed Realtor, short sale specialist and Top Producer with South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beac... 09/07/2010

The number of distressed properties continues to rishe in the high end real estate market of Manhattan Beach with 12 properties currently active for sale.  The properties range from Manhattan Village townhomes to luxury estates.  To view more information visit our Manhatttan Beach foreclosure site.  Contact us to set up a private tour of any of the homes or visit the South Bay open house list to see an updated schedule for Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. Keith Kyle is a licensed Realtor, short sale specialist and Top Producer with South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beach.  He serves his clients throughout the South Bay and his websites KeithKyleHomes.com, ManhattanBeachLuxuryRealEstate.com and FindYourSouthBayHome.com offer the most comprehensive real estate websites in th... 08/14/2010

Manhattan Village real estate has picked up some steam in the past few weeks with almost all inventory now in escrow.  There are currently 7 Manhattan Village townhomes or courthomes in escrow with only one active townhome listing at 24 Malaga Pl.  In addition there is another plan 1 court home due on the market later in the week.  As court homes are often the most affordable housing option in Manhattan Beach the market has picked up in this lower price point in Manhattan Beach as interest rates for conforming loans has remained as historical lows.  Of the homes currently in escrow 3 are Plan 1 Court Homes, 3 are Plan 2 Court homes, and one is a Plan 6 Townhome. Click to view: Current Manhattan Village home listings Court Home and Townhome floorplans Manhattan Village Map Keith Kyle is ... 08/03/2010

I've posted many blogs about upcoming events in the South Bay and each has it's own charm and appeal but this event has to be considered one of the biggest spectacles of the year.  Coming this weekend, July 31st and August 1st is the event known as the International Surf Festival.  The various events include the pier to pier swim, lifeguard competitions and many others, but none draws the attention of the Charley Saikley 6 Person Volleyball Tournament.  Although the city is trying to dramatically reduce the crowds (estimated at 70,000 participants and spectators in 2009) and some of the rowdy behavior, it is still something to see.  It is a combination of Halloween on the beach, with many teams dressed up in everything from the WWF (with wrestling ropes on their court, to the Lakers (of... 07/26/2010

      A few weeks ago I ordered some patio furniture from Costco.  The order form said it could take 4-6 weeks to arrive which meant that I probably wouldn't get the patio furniture until mid to late August.  Two weeks ago I received a note  from Costco telling me my order had arrived and would be delivered within a few days.  I was excited that I would get the furniture in time for summer! Unfortunately the carrier who was going to deliver the furniture had a few issues and a lot of reasons why they were unable to deliver the furniture.  After 12 days of excuses and no furniture I called Costco.  The furniture was delivered the next day! I asked the delivery folks if they had heard from Costco and they told me they had received a not so subtle call that the furniture was to be delivere... 07/14/2010

Manhattan Beach Open House Schedule for July 10th and 11th If you are looking to go open house hunting in Manhattan Beach this weekend see below for the open house schedule.  Prices on the open homes range from just under $600,000 to well into the millions so if you're looking to buy a home in Manhattan Beach, there's something for everyone.   Day Time Address Description Price Sun. 1-4 1320 12th St. #D 2 BD, 2 BA,1,257 sq. ft. $599,000 Sun. 1-4 20 Bermuda Ct. 2 BD, Beauty Townhouse $755,000 Sat. & Sun. 1-4 27 Tiburon Ct. Golf Course RetreatIn The Village $760,000 Sat. & Sun. 2-4 1202 Tennyson #8 3 BD, 2.5 BA,1,755 sq. ft. $765,000 Sun. 1-4 10 Cayman Ct. 2 BD, StunningTownhouse $799,000 Sat. & Sun. 1-4 1412 Faymont Ave. 3 BD, 1 BA, Totally updated $899,000 Sun. 2-5 716 Rosecrans Ave. 3 ... 07/08/2010

Whether you're looking to buy a home in Manhattan Beach, are considering selling and want to see the comparable homes, or just like to look at other peoples homes, weekend open houses are a great way of accomplishing this.  Manhattan Beach real estate offers everything from condos to oceanfront mansions and alll are available to see this weekend.  See below for the open houses for the weekend of June 19th and 20th.  If you find yourself looking for open houses on future weekends we update our Spouth Bay open houses every week.   Day Time Address Description Price Sun. 1-4 20 Bermuda Ct. 2 BD, Manhattan Village $755,000 Sat. & Sun. 1-4 27 Tiburon Ct. Manhattan VillagePlan 2 Townhome $760,000 Sun. 2-4 13 Catalina Ct. Manhattan VillagePlan 1 Townhome $775,000 Sat. & Sun. 1-4 20 Santa Cruz ... 06/19/2010

For those of us that live in Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach the green belt is something we use or drive past on a daily basis.  For those not in the area or relocating to the South Bay it may not be quite so obvious.  So what is this green belt anyway? The Green Belt is the Path Winding it's way through the above picture The green belt is a landscaped path that cuts through the middle of both Manhattan and Hermosa and is a popular place to walk dogs, go for a run, or just a pleasant route to get from here to there.  The path starts near the corner of Sepulveda and Rosecrans and winds it's way through town to eventually end in Hermosa Beach near the corner of Valley and Herondo.  The path is around 3.8 miles long and follows the old Sante Fe Railroad path. At one point the plans were t... 06/16/2010

The unusual abundance of oceanfront beach homes on the Manhattan Beach Strand has declined somewhat in the recent weeks as some homes have been pulled from the market and others have sold and closed escrow.  There are currently 4 homes on the market with some very unique and interesting opportunities.  The list price for 1700 The Strand is actually for a 50% undevided ownership interest which is certainly uncommon for Manhattan Beach real estate listings.  Of the other 3 homes one is a very large oceanfront townhome, one is new construction with Tuscan inspired architecture, and the other is a modern Ray Kappe design built in 1985.  For further descriptions and pictures visit our Manhattan Beach oceanfront homes site or click below. Recent Manhattan Beach Strand Home Sales Two oceanfron... 06/16/2010

Opportunities continue to exist in the the luxury real estate market of Manhattan Beach with 13 distressed homes currently for sale at some stage of the foreclosure process.  Of the 13 homes there are 7 single family homes, 5 townhomes and 1 condominium.  3 of the homes are bank owned properties with the other 10 being either short sales or homes with NOD's filed.  Visit our Manhattan Beach short sale and foreclosure website to see more information. Keith Kyle is a licensed Realtor, short sale specialist and Top Producer with South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beach.  He serves his clients throughout the South Bay and his websites KeithKyleHomes.com and FindYourSouthBayHome.com offer the most comprehensive real estate websites in the South Bay with free MLS access, current home listings, op... 06/06/2010

Tracking the Manhattan Beach Tree Section Over the Years Sand Dune Park is but one of the many great attributes of the Tree section of Manhattan Beach.  It had become increasingly popular as a workout destination in the last few years to the point of frustrating many of the neighbors to the park.  Apprently, the increased visitor count was taking a toll on the area. The city council closed the park for several months, but eventually agreed to re-open it with significant restrictions on the use of the dune.  The intent of this post is not to delve into the politics behind the decision, but rather to explore the Tree section from the standpoint of property values changes this past decade. Though no single metric perfectly captures the relative home values for an area, median sales prices ... 05/14/2010

Krystyna Baty | Century 21 Amber Realty | (310) 918-5027 1421 12th St # 4, Manhattan Beach, CA Beautiful Manhattan Beach Townhome 2BR/3BA Townhouse offered at $649,000 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 1,337 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 1,498 sqft HOA/Maint $150 per month DESCRIPTION Amazing value in Manhattan Beach! This luxurious townhome is move in ready! Enjoy the best of MB living! Walk to Excellent, Award winning elementary and middle schools! Walk to Polliwog Park and enjoy picnics with family & friends @ Concerts in the Park! This fabulous and elegant 2 Bedroom 3 Bath Townhome features Large and Bright Living room w/cozy Fireplace, Remodeled Kitchen and Bathrooms with exquisite, high end upgrades and finishes; Rare TWO MASTER SUIT... 05/07/2010