Manhattan Beach, CA Real Estate News

By Jonathan Schultz & Ashley Novak, Real estate team serving Los Angeles and South Bay
(Novak Schultz Real Estate Group)
Manhattan Beach California is located within the South Bay area of Los Angeles county just 4 miles South of LAX airport along the Pacific Coast. Manhattan Beach was established in 1912 and is known as the jewel of the South Bay because of its prime position on the “Queen’s Necklace” where you get stunning views from Palos Verdes to the Santa Monica mountains. It’s a great location for people who commute outside of the South Bay or travel frequently because its location allows for easy access to freeways and the airport.Manhattan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California and repeatedly voted one of the best places to live in the country. It ranked as the #3 best suburb to live in Los Angeles and raise a family. This is in large part to the great school district. M...
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By Tiffany Wilson, SFR, First Time Home Buyers & Investors
(eReal Estate Corp)
The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation is holding their 14th Annual Manhattan Wine Auction on June 14, 2008 at the Manhattan Country Club.  Guests to this event will be able to enjoy tastings of wines from over 80 leading wineries, along with food prepared by over 30 local restaurants.Guests at this beneficial event will be entertained by the John Browne band.  The live and silent auctions will dozens of spectacular prizes, including some of the best collectible wines, dining and also travel.Funds raised at this event will benefit Manhattan Beach public schools, supporting their libraries, PE, music program, a wide variety of elective classes, specialized science programs, counseling, classroom assistants, and more.  For more information on this event, visit http://www.manhattanwineau...
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By Tiffany Wilson, SFR, First Time Home Buyers & Investors
(eReal Estate Corp)
Some of you may have noticed that I have already blogged about my favorite restaurant in the whole world - Wahoo's Fish Taco - but I don't feel like I did an adequate job.As restaurant owners well know, a successful restaurant isn't just about the food - it's about the entire experience.  The same goes for Wahoos.  I will be the first to tell you that their food is AMAZING, but the environment and atmosphere is also a large draw for myself, and thousand of others.Wahoos Fish Taco (or just Wahoos, for short) is a chain of restaurants which first got their start in California.  They are now also in Hawaii, Arizona, and I believe also Colorado.  My Wahoos of choice is the one located in Manhattan Beach, just off of Manhattan Beach Blvd, on Manhattan Avenue.The moment that you walk into any...
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By Tiffany Wilson, SFR, First Time Home Buyers & Investors
(eReal Estate Corp)
The Manhattan Beach Pier - the icon of this sunny beach town located in the South Bay of Los Angeles County.  Its image graces the front of postcards.  It is the subject of artists' paintings  It is the most heavily photographed landmark in Manhattan Beach.  You even find a picture of the Manhattan Beach Pier on the header and home page of the city's website.  The pier is most definitely a treasured site in Manhattan Beach.But did you know that the Manhattan Beach Pier is more than just a "pretty face"?  There is a lot more to this recognizable landmark than you may think.  In fact, a visit to the Manhattan Beach Pier can result in a multitude of sights and activities.As you walk onto the pier, you'll notice almost immediately brass plates embedded into the concrete surface.  The sandy ...
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By Tiffany Wilson, SFR, First Time Home Buyers & Investors
(eReal Estate Corp)
From this...      to this! Over 10 years ago, I made a major life decision:  I decided that I had had enough of the blustery, snowy winters in Western Canada's prairie province of Manitoba, and that I was going to escape to the sunny, sandy shores of Southern California.  It is one of the best decisions I have ever made (along with marrying my husband, having my kids, and getting into real estate).Now, at the time I was not married and I did not have any kids.  But that did not make the move a "slam dunk".  Luckily for me, finding a job at the time was easy as it was the height of the web boom and I was an IT professional.I didn't even have a lot of furniture or other personal items that needed moving.  But when you are moving across the border, it's always a hassle whether you have a l...
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By Stewart Fournier
(BSA Realty)
                                          What does Donald Trump Know That You Don't ? Rumor has it that "The Donald" is buying up real estate like crazy nowadays. Is he crazy like a fox? Well only the future well tell. What's important to learn at this point that is that reading the doom and gloom about the financial world especially as it relates to real estate can be more of an opportunity than just more bad news for you.Our local market like most of the nation has lost value over the last year. In the South Bay this has translated into about a 10% decrease of property value. Is that bad news?When you consider that most of the nation is losing a great deal more than 10% perhaps it's really not bad at all. We are losing less at a slower pace than millions of homes across the nation. W...
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By Tiffany Wilson, SFR, First Time Home Buyers & Investors
(eReal Estate Corp)
What?  Me exaggerate?  Okay, I admit that I can sometimes get a little passionate about certain things, and end up being a little too dramatic.  But in this case, all the drama and hype are warranted.First off, I would consider myself a "foodie", but not in the sense that I have a snobbish palate that settles only for the finest pate and caviar.  In fact, I've never even tried either one!  I know what I like and I appreciate high quality, fresh ingredients at a reasonable price.Now, there are lots of great restaurants in the South Bay of Los Angeles county, but one stands out as I think I have tried - and enjoyed - just about everything on the menu.  That place is Wahoo's Fish Taco in Manhattan Beach.Wahoos is a chain of "fast food" restaurants which started in California years ago and ...
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By Mary Thomas BH,MB,HB, PV, Estates LA+, Mary C. Thomas Your Agent around the Globe
( Remax Estates Properties)
  If you are looking for  the Wedding of your dreams then you must talk to Emily Cristiano at Cristiano Designs.  Her custom wedding floral designers are slowly no longer becoming the best kept secret of the RIch and Famous.Pic  courtesy of google image                 IF you are hosting a exclusive celebration, Corporate dinner also you must check out Emily Cristiano at Cristiano Designs. Emily specializes in events held at La Venta Inn, Trump National, Beverly Hilton, Private Estates and the Hoiday Homes Tour in Palos Verdes Estates. She also has done events and weddings in Manhattan Beach and the South Bay.Cristiano Designs has gone from creating romantic moods at the La Venta Inn to a wedding on the beach at the Portuguese Beach Club, decorating a sandy beach into a Hawaii Wedding E...
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By Rebecca Chambliss
(Vista Sotheby's International)
3 Bedrooms 3 Bath 2200sf remodeled home just listed for $1,199,000.  Best deal in Manhattan Beach currently.Remodeled kitchen with Subzero and Therm-adore appliances, high end cabinetry.  Family room and separate living room BOTH with fireplacesLarge master with 3rd fireplace, huge master bath with spa tub and walk in shower for two.Fenced front courtyard area has patio and lawn, plenty of room for kids' playset.  Second yard space has deck for entertaining and another grassy area.This is a must see, do not miss opportunity in Manhattan Beach.3412 Pacific Ave.http://www.rebeccachambliss.com/
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
If you are looking for a new loan to purchase a home in Manhattan Beach or one of the Beach Cities or if you want to refinance your existing loan; you may be wondering where rates are going in the next few weeks. If you have been hoping to get a little insight from the "experts" in the field you may be disappointed.I just received Dan Green's The Mortgage Reports where he has posted a link to Bank Rate's Trend Report. I love it.. even the "experts" are uncertain about where rates are going...Bank Rate Panel Views on Where Rates are Headed: Up:38%Down:31%Unchanged:31%In my Post wondering on is it time to buy I received the following comment from a reader...Now why would anyone buy in this market that is clearly coming down, just because of interest rates? Interest rates always adjust, co...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
Redondo Beach Homes under $800,000Why are you waiting... Jim Cramer says it's time to buy a house ....so it must be time to buy!Looks as if the recent FED cuts have really stirred the pot. Jim Cramer, who just a few months ago, was telling anyone within shouting distance that buying a house was a stupid move and everyone who owned one should sell.. fast.. has had a change of heart. Not only does Cramer think it might be a good time for the general public to buy a home but he may even do it himself... WOW!For a change,  Cramer may be on the right track... If you need to buy then now might be a good time. It is definitely the time to refinance if you have a loan that will reset within 2 years. OK..so just take a deep breath and  wait a minute before you start to beat up on me... If you n...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
Last week was quite a week with mortgages bouncing up and down in a matter of days while Wall Street and the financial community tried to decide if the FED move was good, bad or mediocre. All of us in the South Bay-Beach Cities were also trying to decide how this cut and further cuts would affect our local real estate market.Amid all the breaking news there have been a couple of related stories that tell a lot about the current housing crisis and the mindset of many consumers. Peter Viles who writes the The LATimes real estate blog LALand posted an article about people who were just walking away from their homes. One comment from a person who labeled herself as Condoblue wound up as another post. It seems that Condoblue has a mortgage that is getting ready to go up and her property has ...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
The House Republicans and Democrats with the approval of the Treasury have tentatively agreed to increase conforming loan limits to $625,000 from the current level of $417,000 as part of their economic stimulous package. The bill must still be approved by the Senate ans the White House before it becomes law. Speculation is that the bill will be signed and could impact loans as soon as February 15, 2008.If the package goes through it would be a boost for the jumbo loan market and our South Bay-Beach Cities real estate market. The increase would be great for those who need to refinance and for many buying property at $900,000 or less. Loans up to $729,750 would get the same treatment as conforming loans of $417,000 or less now receive.. that is lower rates.Brian Brady in a post this morni...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
Classic Redondo Craftsman on the AvenuesThere is no doubt that sales volume has declined from the peak of 2005. Prices, on the other hand, have increased in almost all areas and for all types of property in each of the Beach Cities. While 2007 was not a great year it was not as bad as many had predicted due to surprisingly strong sales in the first half of the year.In August 2007 we saw the first hint of serious trouble within the financial community. Huge numbers of lenders have closed their doors because of losses from subprime loans. Lenders have supposedly revamped their requirements as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have restructured what they will buy and are putting a real premium on FICO scores with penalty points for those who have low scores.While interest rates on conforming loan...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
Manhattan Beach Pier.. January 2008The Manhattan Beach real estate market has always been contrary.. contrary to logic... to income standards... to investment basics... basically to most yardsticks used to measure property values in other places. We have continued to maintain high prices even as the market has slowed down. The number of sales have decreased, the days on market have increased while prices have only seen slight declines.The question floating through our Manhattan Beach community is whether or not this will be the year that we see the real estate market move downward or will we continue with minor adjustments and a basically flat market. Buyers are opting for prices moving downward while sellers are hoping to hang on with a flat market or a minimal downturn.Manhattan Beach...
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By Robert Kissig
(Real Estate West)
Find a terrific Publicist (Real Estate Agent) who knows how to create some pizzaz, a unique attraction around your home. You may not realize how special your property is, only your agent appreciates what a jewel you have. This is what goes through his mind as he takes steps to  present this for sale. If your agent is competent and articulate, he/she will be able to present a side of your property that the buyer does not appreciate; the features that make your home a discovery that creates a need that otherwise did not exist. This is creative selling at its best. There are logical calculated steps you can take to sell your home faster including:= Reducing the sales price: Check out the neighborhood for comparable properties pricing.= Repairing and updating to the home: It's surprising wh...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
Manhattan Beach Home Prices : DOM & Median Price...2000-2007 part IIThe Manhattan Beach real estate market has been slow the last few months when compared to the first part of the year. The national credit crunch along with continued high prices and fears of a recession have created a lot of questions about the direction of housing in most of California, Los Angeles County and locally in the Beach Cities.While working on Part I and Part II of this report one of the things I noted is that trends in the Manhattan Beach market seem to be far more stable then many realize. The market started going up in 2002 and while price levels have bounced around they have not showed any major declines. Sales volume is off but not drastically when compared to the last three years. The DOM(Days on Market...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
Manhattan Beach Home Prices 2000-2007 Part II've been compiling a lot of numbers in the last week on home prices in Manhattan Beach and the Beach Cities. Over the next two weeks I will be posting that information beginning with Manhattan Beach. The following information is based on the number of sales and the price per sqft for single family homes in Manhattan Beach from January 2000-December 2007.Manhattan Beach: Home Prices January-June 2000-2007 ( click on graphs to enlarge) Manhattan Beach: Home Prices July-December 2000-2007One of the things I noticed is that the number of sales for 2005, 2006 and 2007 are fairly consistent from January-December with the exception of November 2007 when sales were half of previous sales in November for the last three years. The number of first quart...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
I thought I would start the New Year with a few observations. The last week has seen the R word rear it's ugly head in most of the media. The problem with recessions is that you are usually in one before the smart guys have figured it out. I know a number of people who believe that all the signs for a recession are staring us in the face. Others tend to think that while the economy may be on the weak side.. it still has enough punch to keep things rolling along.. slower but still rolling.I'm not sure how much difference a small recession is going to make in our area. Right now there are no signs of big trouble in the South Bay. That of course could change in about 20 minutes but for now we seem to be somewhat stable since our job sector diversified from being 90% aerospace oriented. The...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
If you've been following the financial news the last few days... amid all the Holiday hoopla... the financial pages have been running articles pointing the finger of blame about the real estate crisis, continuing credit liquidity issues, plans for government bailouts for some homeowners, and today the plight of credit card companies who are seeing some major delinquencies by customers.Now as I've noted before...I'm not a certified financial planner or an economist from a prestigious east coast university. But I do know a thing or two about the Southern California South Bay-Beach Cities real estate market and life in general.It seems to me that many of the developing financial problems stem from a view by the financial community that higher rates are smart business. Yes.. I understand al...
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By Kaye Thomas, e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA
(Real Estate West)
Walk Street Hermosa BeachOnly 11 more days until the end of the year. Inventory is down in most of the beach cities. Much of that is due to the time of year. Many builders have taken homes off the market until after the first of the year in hopes buyers will be more receptive. Rates are bouncing around with jumbo loans still priced well above rates for conforming loans. But even at that rates are still at historic lows.The market is slow.. not dead. Price doesn't seem to be as big a factor as perceived value. There are a number of homes selling in the high range in Manhattan Beach as well as small townhomes under $600,000 in North Redondo. South Redondo had a fairly good month while Manhattan Beach saw some really bad numbers.We still have not been hit with a high number of foreclosures...
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