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Manhattan Beach, CA Real Estate News

Home sellers in Manhattan Beach continued to experience difficulties closing deals in October. For the month of October the MLS listed 232 homes for sale with only 26 homes closing, meaning barely 11% of home sellers were able to close a deal. In September 30 deals closed out of 224 listings and in August 38 deals closed out of 219 listings. For the complete breakdown of Manhattan Beach sales click October 2008 Manhattan Beach Home Sales.
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By Justin Reese
(JRealty)
Today I went to a co-sponsored event, Emerging Trends in Real Estate. It was hosted by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Price Waterhouse Coopers. In summary, there are major issues with jobs, housing, credit, manufacturing, and other sectors that will continue to hamper economic growth through at least the end of 2009. Large and small real estate development firms are not developing product right now because, among other reasons, replacement costs are higher than current sale prices, and the capital providers are basically making credit impossible to secure. The outlook is rather glum nationwide, however, the pain isn’t going to be as bad for Los Angeles as it will be for over 50 other large cities. Los Angeles moderate income multi-family is expected to perform fair. LA Live is expec...
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By Keith Kyle, Top Producing Agent
(Vista Sotheby's International)
If you are a home buyer looking in Manhattan Beach you can visit our South Bay public open houses page for helpful information on dates, times and locations.  Open houses are generally held from 1-4 on Saturdays and Sundays with new listings often open both days.  The open house list is updated weekly and offers days and times for open houses in the sand section, tree section, hill section, El Porto, East Manhattan and surrounding neighborhoods.   Keith Kyle - Realtor, e-Pro - South Bay Brokers- 2501 N Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 - 310-251-2344 - Keith.Kyle@SouthBayBrokers.com   For real estate information, open houses, and FREE MLS access visit www.KeithKyleHomes.com
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By Keith Kyle, Top Producing Agent
(Vista Sotheby's International)
One of the many reasons people move to the South Bay, and the Beach Cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach in particular, is for the award winning schools. Buyers plan their moves and even their lives around these schools, but often make the move years before kindergarten begins. There are some great options for daycare and preschool in the South Bay and all have much to offer, but one thing that they almost all have in common is a waiting list. Some of the local daycares are in such high demand that they have a year wait, so better to get on those lists early. I've had my experience with several of the schools in the area including Sea Sprites, Beach Babies and Montessori. As every child is different, and every parent is different, they each appeal to varied people ...
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By Keith Kyle, Top Producing Agent
(Vista Sotheby's International)
Halloween is a great time in the South Bay as it really gives the cities a small town feel.  There are plenty of events for the family and despite the 80 degree whether in late October....it makes it really helps make it feel like the beginning of the holidays. One of the local Halloween Carnivals is the Meadows Halloween Carnival.  The carnival is located at Meadows Elementary School in East Manhattan Beachand is located at 1200 Meadows Avenue east of Sepulveda and just north of Manhattan Beach Blvd.  The event will be from 4-9 on Saturday October 25th and will feature a haunted house, games for the kids, food and other Halloween fun.  Kids are encouraged to wear costumes. Happy Halloween in Manhattan Beach. >View Larger Map Keith Kyle - Realtor, e-Pro - South Bay Brokers- 2501 N Sepul...
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By Keith Kyle, Top Producing Agent
(Vista Sotheby's International)
Are you and the family looking for a great place to spend Halloween in the South Bay?  The walkstreets in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beachare a fun and safe place to go trick or treating.  The walkstreets in both cities offer a small community feel in which neighbors all know each other and often plan a "block party" with haunted houses, decorations and lots of fun.  The walkstreets are pedestrian only streets which makes for a safe and fun environment without cars to worry about.  The walkstreets can be found within a few blocks of the oceanfront Strand in both cities.  There are plenty of kids that live on the streets, and plenty of kids that drive in to take advantage of the wonderful Halloween atmosphere. Keith Kyle - Realtor, e-Pro - South Bay Brokers- 2501 N Sepulveda Blvd Manhat...
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By Keith Kyle, Top Producing Agent
(Vista Sotheby's International)
I have many home buyers approach me about their home search in Manhattan Beach and I have to make sure that they understand that Manhattan Beach has some very different neighborhoods and each has something unique to offer.  There are really 5 distinct neighborhoods in Manhattan Beach that are the sand section, tree section, hill section, Manhattan Village and East Manhattan Beach An ideal location for families, East Manhattan Beach offers something much of the South Bayand other neighborhoods of Manhattan don't.....space. With lot sizes generally being either 50x100 or 50x150, homes in areas east of Sepulveda Blvd. often allow for larger homes and large yards.  These larger lots have been of particular interest to builders in the past few years and there has been a tremendous volume of ...
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By James Engel
(KW Commercial Beverly Hills)
Summer Doesn't Have To Be Over When You Have Famers' Markets All Year Round! I love going to my local Farmers' Market and getting the freshest fruits and veggies all year round! Shopping at you local Los Angeles Farmers' Market is good for you and good for the local small businesses. Right now there's a whole bunch of great produce in season. How about a fresh spinach and mushroom salad with Asian pear, dried cranberries and a light vinaigrette dressing?  That sounds like a great light lunch or a tantalizing starter to a dinner of steak and winter squash with green beans. So, how do you go about finding your local Farmers' Market in Manhattan Beach? Look no further, I have all the info you need right here! Here are the details and a website listed below for your convenience:   Day: Tues...
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By Keith Kyle, Top Producing Agent
(Vista Sotheby's International)
Manhattan Beach is an absolutely ideal place to call home endless housing possibilities.  From oceanfront "Strand" homes to charming cottages in the tree section, Manhattan has the right home for everyone.  Within Manhattan Beach is the community of Manhattan Village.  Manhattan Village is truly a world of it's own and is ideal for those looking for a small community feel with quiet and safe streets.   Manhattan Village is a gated community that is ideally located near shopping, golf, the beach and a shorter commute than most of the South Bay.  The lush landscaping, multiple pools and proximity to the beach provides a safe and tranquil coastal living.   Manhattan Village offers three distinct type homes with varying square footage and layouts in each.  Court Homes- The Court Homes in Ma...
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By Keith Kyle, Top Producing Agent
(Vista Sotheby's International)
While the real estate market around the country may be taking a hit, home values along the coast of the South Bay is almost as stable as ever.  The "sand" section of Manhattan Beach has remained particularly strong as oceanview and oceanfront homes that are walkable to the beach are always in demand.  Home prices in the sand section (see map) are reaching unbelievable highs with full lot walkstreets in the 3-6 million dollar range, depending on age, condition and view.                       Typical 1/2 Lot El Porto Home                                             Some Stunning Ocean Views While these homes are out of reach for most South Bay buyers, there is an area of Manhattan Beach that offers far more reasonable home prices.  The area is known as "north" Manhattan, although it's mor...
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Who would have thought that in a town with a seemingly endless beautiful sand beach, one of the best places to go get some exercise would be on a hill....or more precisely a big sand dune.   As there is some structure or another on just about every part of Manhattan Beach, most people are unaware that the hills we see and live on along the coast are really just big sand dunes.  One great place to find this out is a small park just North of Rosecrans known as Sand Dune Park.  The park is certainly aptly named as the main feature of the park is a big 100 foot high sand dune.  As if running through sand isn't difficult enough....try it on a big slope!  The dune isn't all that long but it sure feels that way about half way up the slop. It's a fantastic way to get some quick exercise while e...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
Real estate values in Manhattan Beach and the Beach Cities have held up fairly well compared to other parts of the nation and the state over the last few years. However, make no mistake, we are headed for some rocky times if the FED can't figure out the right way to solve the current financial crisis. No question Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson along with FED Chairman Ben Bernanke and New York FED President Tim Geithner did their best to find a reasonable solution to a major disaster... the question is whether or not the solution is going to work.A lot has happened in the last week as credit markets scramble to deal with some massive changes... Fannie and Freddie got a lifeline, Lehman is toast, AIG is saved, BofA got a whole lot bigger, while Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are no lon...
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By Lynne Pope, "Out of the Blue" solutions for perfect homes
(eXp realty, MFA,Hermosa Beach,Redondo Beach,South Bay )
  Imagine a plastic mat across the sand. Moms with strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, canes, and all alternative ways to get closer to the water across the sand. http://www.mobi-mat-civil-access-deschamps.com/en/beaches.php Beaches Beaches are a place where people gather to play on the sand and be at the water's edge. The sand is a barrier to those of us with crutches, canes and wheelchairs.   Mobi-Mat RecPath can help you : Make any beach area accessible and help you meet ADA (American Disabilities Act) and DDA (Disabled Discrimination Act) requirements. Make your beach more inviting and accessible to more people Extend your existing boardwalks up to the water's edge Create a continuous beachfront walkway Recover and store your pathway in minutes in case of hurricane Control erosion of sa...
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By Ryan "Rocky" Rockwood
(Keller Williams Palos Verdes)
VA Loan Foreclosure explained for Manhattan Beach Investors Manhattan Beach Real Estate Investing: What is a VA Loan Foreclosure? A quick check of a VA loan foreclosure will reveal that this isn't made to be understood at first glance. Just like anything in this world, a complete understanding of what foreclosure and repossession is will require a second or a third look on the matter. Though repossession and foreclosures may not copy the usual characteristics that come with real estate buying in Manhattan Beach, there are still some features that make repossession and foreclosures unique. Read Also:  Torrance California VA Home Foreclosures Here are some features that help make repossessions a league different from real estate buying; you don't need shell out money for a down payment an...
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By Tiffany Wilson, SFR, First Time Home Buyers & Investors
(eReal Estate Corp)
This Saturday, August 30th at 7:30 pm, the Parks and Recreation department of Manhattan Beach is showing a FREE movie at the beach!  Bring the whole family to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on the North Side of Manhattan Beach Pier. You don't find much of anything free these days, so this is a wonderful treat for folks in the South Bay.  Bring warm and fuzzy blankies, snacks, and some hot chocolate for instant memories!  And don't forget to clean up after yourself - we love our beaches! For more information, visit www.citymb.info or call  310-802-5448 .
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By Lynne Pope, "Out of the Blue" solutions for perfect homes
(eXp realty, MFA,Hermosa Beach,Redondo Beach,South Bay )
Congratulations to schools that made the top list in high schools in our South Bay area Mira Costa- serving Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach students Palos Verdes High and  Palos Verdes Peninsula High plus Private school-Chadwick West High for Torrance Hawthorne Math and Science Academy for Hawthorne, CA What does this do for home sales?  You know it....keeps the properties strong and consistant. This is the value that keeps on giving to the kids, teachers, families and the whole community. I have one son that attended Chadwick and My husband graduated from Mira Costa. I have sold properties in all the communities listed above. I have one home for sale in the West High area. Its a diamond in the rough. Why do I say that? Its vaule is deep like a diamond copper plumbing, sparkling elect...
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By Mary Thomas BH,MB,HB, PV, Estates LA+, Mary C. Thomas Your Agent around the Globe
( Remax Estates Properties)
According to the Caifornia Assoc. of Realtors stats in June, 2008, prices are increasing in these 10 cities in California, including our own South Bay city of Manhattan Beach and our own San Gabriel Valley city of Temple City. Courtesy of google pic mb images  Here is some excerpts from the California Association of Realtor statistics, "Note: Large changes in local median home prices typically indicate both local home price appreciation, and often, large shifts in the composition of housing market activity. Some of the variations in median home prices for June may be exaggerated due to compositional changes in housing demand. The DataQuick tables listing median home prices in California cities and counties are accessible through C.A.R. Online at http://new.car.org/economics/historicalpr...
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I often have clients contact me from out of the area who are moving to the South Bay and are interested in finding a home in Manhattan Beach.  While most people think of Manhattan Beach as one town, the various neighborhoods are all quite a bit different, have their own pros and cons, and appeal to very different types of people.   From a real estate standpoint, Manhattan Beach is broken into 6 sections, but really 5 different type neighborhoods.  In this post, we'll cover the Sand Section of Manhattan Beach- This is the area that most people envision when they are picturing Manhattan Beach with beautiful sunsets, broad beaches and a charming downtown area.  Who - This is really the area for those wanting to be close to the ocean or wanting ocean views.  There is a premium on houses in ...
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By Maureen Megowan, Palos Verdes Real Estate Blog
(Remax Estate Properties - )
Trying to understand the The California Residential Purchase Agreement (California Association of Realtors form RPA-CA) can be an extremely daunting task, with the average home buyer typically overwhelmed by the legal nature of this document. This is a standard document used in the State of California sponsored by the California Association of Realtors, and is used in the overwhelming majority of residential real estate purchases. If you visit my website at http://www.maureenmegowan.com/Nav.aspx/Page=/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=1584411%20 I provide a step by step, paragraph by paragraph explanation of this purchase contract, explaining in plain English what is included in the contract and how to undeerstand its legal provisions.
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
My favorite breakfast place is in Manhattan Beach, some 90 miles north of Carlsbad. Not only is it my fave in Manhattan Beach but my favorite anywhere I think. The Local Yolk is on Highland in the heart of this charming, and expensive, beach town and has been feeding locals since 1984. I first learned about it about 9 years ago when my daughter was at USC. We have visited many times over the years for breakfast, most recently this morning on the trip home from Los Angeles to Carlsbad. If you are a resident in the area you undoubtedly know this place, but for folks further north or south, it may not be on your radar screen. Both The Local Yolk and Manhattan Beach should be on your list of places to visit in Southern California. This is a no frills kid of place with huge omelets and a lar...
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