"Starter" Homes in Manhattan Beach Harder and Harder to Find By Keith Kyle For the first time in quite a while there are no single family homes currently active for sale in any area of Manhattan Beach priced under $1,000,000. Currently there are 5 single family homes in escrow that are priced under $1,000,000 with almost all exclusively in the Liberty Village area which is the most affordable neighborhood in Manhattan Beach. Gone may be the days of homes in the sub $1,000,000 range. Below are the current homes in escrow (as of 12/18/13) and below is a historical chart showing the past 3 years of homes below $1.0M. 12/19/2013

Lots of Manhattan Beach residents, or soon-to-be residents, will be celebrating the holidays in their recently purchased new homes. Eleven Manhattan single family luxury homes priced over $2,000,000 sold during the month of November 2013. Not bad results for a month filled with a cold weather snap and a long holiday weekend filled with family, friends and plenty of turkey with all the trimmings. Speaking of trimming, the most expensive home sold in Manhattan Beach during November was a home short on trimmings with its Modern Minimalist style, but it pulled out all the stops with its over-the-top beach lifestyle view of sand and surf at its location on The Strand. The nearly 4,000 sq. ft. home sold for $8,700,000. There are currently 12 Manhattan Beach luxury homes in escrow with accept... 12/14/2013

With temperatures in the 50's (yikes...this is Manhattan Beach) it felt a lot like winter and to kick of the holiday season Manhattan Beach had it's annual holiday fireworks show. While some watched from boats, and others watched from the beach or the streets, I was fortunate enough to have front row seats in downtown Manhattan. 12/09/2013

We have definitely seen signs of the market slowing down over the past 2 months in the South Bay, but that doesn't mean that slow down has been shared equally.  In fact in situations where the home is special, or location is great, or just happens to be in an area in which inventory is still dramatically low, we're still seeing an absolute frenzy with multiple offers, appraisal contingencies waived, and prices over the already high list prices.  So what's leading this somewhat confused market? There are many factors that have led to some houses being a hotbed of activity while others seem to sit.  Price is always a factor.  As I often advise my sellers, we have one chance to be a "new listing" and take advantage of all of the excitement and momentum that comes along with that.  Price to... 11/29/2013

The answer to the question, "what's so great about the Manhattan Beach sand section anyway?" can be summed up with 3 words......Location, location, location. The "sand" section of Manhattan Beach gets it's name from the proximity to the beach. The area stretches from Hermosa Beach to the edge of Manhattan known as El Porto. In this wonderful area you're never far from the beach, often walking distance to shops, restaurants and bars, enjoy almost perfect weather, are treated to spectacular sunsets, and often have great ocean views. The biggest drawbacks to this area are the price and the limited space as land is at a premium and just about every inch of lot is taken up by homes. Gone are most of the beach bungalows that actually fit on the lot and most have been replaced by larger and la... 11/11/2013

  You know a real estate market is "hot" when there are more homes in escrow than currently for sale in a given neighborhood or price range.  Such is the case with Manhattan Beach luxury homes priced over $2,000,000.   Manhattan Beach luxury homes move from "Just Listed" to "Just Sold" at a very fast clip.  The message this sends to prospective buyers is move fast or risk losing the property to another buyer.  The message it sends to sellers is this is your market so make the most of it.  Yes, the market does indeed speak to us.   Here's a snapshot of what is happening in the Manhattan Beach luxury home market as of November 2013: 19 Single family luxury homes priced over $2,000,000 are for sale in Manhattan Beach. 20 Manhattan Beach luxury homes are currently in escrow with accepted o... 11/06/2013

Edward Kaminsky attends invitation-only conclave for top luxury Realtors®   “Leaders in Luxury” event attracts real estate professionals from across North America   DALLAS, Texas. (10/28/13) – [Edward Kaminsky] of [Shorewood Realtors] joined over 100 top real estate professionals, serving the upscale residential market, who converged the last week of October at The Four Seasons Hotel in Seattle (WA) for The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s annual Leaders in Luxury (LIL) conference.   According to [Kaminsky], the exclusive event was an invitation-only educational and networking opportunity for real estate professionals who handle million and multi-million dollar homes and estates. “This prestigious conference helps me deliver better service by providing cutting-edge information on w... 11/05/2013

When it comes to buying a luxury, beach front property in California, there are several cities that offer luxurious real estate at an affordable cost. Whether you’re looking for local amenities, privacy, golf courses, or just simply miles of sandy beach, you can find the exact piece of property that you’re looking for in a few of California’s high end cities.  Manhattan Beach, is the perfect beachfront city located in southwest LA County. Just south of El Segundo, Manhattan Beach homes for sale provide a locale that is perfect for beach volleyball and surfing fanatics alike. Manhattan Beach is home to some of sports biggest professionals, so you know you’ll be living in the lap of luxury when you choose from one of our many Manhattan Beach homes for sale. Another popular beachfront city... 10/30/2013

  Norma Toering & Team is seeking income property in the beach cities of Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beach.  Several of our long-term clients are currently enlisting our assistance in helping them build strong real estate investment portfolios.  Consequently, I check daily for additions and changes to the current available inventory. In addition to our market knowledge, we enlist the help of a Columbia MBA finance consultant to analyze the numbers and future potential of properties of interest.  We wish to give our clients the best service and information available whether they are purchasing a duplex or a large apartment complex. The Manhattan Beach income property market is very competitive as this coastal city has some of the most expensive real estate in Los Angeles.  The market... 10/30/2013

Top 10 Curb Appeal Tips, Each for under $99 -- Manhattan Beach For more detail on curb appeal or selling, please feel free to call me, Laura Buchanan at 310-294-9922. On to curb appeal!  Especially if you as a homeowner are considering selling your home, you should first consider the first thing a buyer will see upon arriving: the outside, also known as "curb appeal."   Curb appeal doesn't have to be a big, costly ordeal.  You can easily add some style – and value – to your home with the following Top 10 Curb Appeal Tips, each costing less than $99.  Pick and choose some of these that are your home's most serious Curb Appeal detractors, and you'll drastically enhance the home's Curb Appeal and value: 1. Foliage -- Trim foliage and pull any weeds.  You'll just need trimming shears, lawn ... 10/25/2013

  MANHATTAN BEACH UTILITIES AND IMPORTANT NUMBERS  City Hall (310)802-5000 Chamber of Commerce (310)545-5313 Fire Department (310)802-5200 Police Department (310)802-5100 Verizon (phone) (800)483-3000 Verizon Fios (888)553-1555 Waste Management (310)830-7100 Time Warner Cable (888)683-1000 Realtors (310)872-6358 So. CA. Gas Co. (800)427-2200 Manhattan Water/ trash (310)802-5558 Animal Aid (310)802-5159 Main Post Office (800)275-8777   10/22/2013

Manhattan Beach Luxury Homes - Video Report    Just because summer is but a lovely memory, does not mean luxury homes sales in Manhattan Beach must come to a close also.  Fall is a great time to enjoy the walking and bike trails that snake along The Strand, watch or play a little beach volley ball and continue the activities relegated to the months of summer in many locales.   For more information on Manhattan Beach luxury homes contact Norma Toering & Team.  - Norma (310) 493-8333 Manhattan Beach high end homes for sale:   10/11/2013

  Summer may be over but the Manhattan Beach real estate market remains very hot indeed.  Even though the temperatures may be cooling the ocean and sand continue to provide the Manhattan Beach lifestyle throughout the year. I reviewed market activity for luxury homes priced over $2,000,000 in the Manhattan Beach market and found the following: 1)  10 Manhattan Beach luxury homes priced over 2M sold during the month of September 2013. 2)  8 Manhattan Beach luxury homes are currently pending sales (in escrow with accepted offers). 3)  29 Manhattan Beach luxury homes are currently for sale.   For more information on luxury homes in Manhattan Beach contact Norma Toering & Team.   310.493.8333   Luxury homes for sale in Manhattan Beach:   10/06/2013

If August home sales numbers were any indication the market is continuing to go crazy, but from on the ground experience the South Bay real estate market is beginning to slow down a bit. There are likely several factors that seem to be driving this slowing market: Seasonal changes: The market always slows a bit once schools are back in. Summer home buyers eager to get a home in certain school districts keep the market buzzing in June, July and August. Interest rates: While still historically fantastic, it's taking buyers a little while to grasp that we're no longer likely to see rates in the 3% range, or even the mid to low 4% range. Rates had to adjust and although rates are still tremendous, borrowers are still suffering from a lowest rates ever hangover. In time the current rates wil... 09/26/2013

The very epitome of luxury coastal living in Southern California is The Strand in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. These homes have seen values increase dramatically over the last 18 months with homes priced and selling for over $10,000,000 being fairly common. With the number of homes on The Strand actually decreasing in the past 10 years with lots being combined and multi unit buildings being replaced with larger single family homes, the values look to continue to rise in the future. Currently there are 5 beachfront homes for sale on The Strand with the homes at 1140 and 2216 The Strand for sale in Manhattan Beach, and 136, 3001 and 2666 The Strand in Hermosa Beach. Current Beachfront Homes for Sale on The Strand   09/24/2013

Ever wonder how Rosecrans Avenue in Manhattan Beach got its name?  It was named after General William Starke Rosecrans, or “Old Rosy” as he was known to his men. He was born in Kingston Township, Ohio, on Sept. 6, 1819. The original family name was “Rosenkranz,” which means crown or wreath of roses. He attended West Point, and upon his graduation joined the Army Corps of Engineers. He resigned his commission in 1854 after reaching the rank of first lieutenant in order to spend more time with his family. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Rosecrans re-enlisted in the Army and became a brigadier general. He was considered one of the Union’s brightest leaders until his forces were defeated at Chickamauga in Sept. 1863. After that battle, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and Gen. Ulysses Gr... 09/24/2013

Manhattan Beach continues to post an impressive number of luxury home sales as summer wanes, but the end of summer is subtle in Southern California.  The nights become a little cooler but the sun still shines most days in this trendy coastal city along the Pacific Ocean. Luxury homes sales in Manhattan Beach for the month of August 2013: 14 Manhattan Beach luxury homes priced over $2,000,000 sold during August 2013. 11 Manhattan Beach luxury homes priced over $2,000,000 have accepted offer and are in escrow. 23 Manhattan Beach luxury homes priced over $2,000,000 are currently for sale. 221 7th St. topped the sold list at $5,400,000.  The newly constructed home, located on a walk street, was gorgeous.   If you are interested in purchasing a luxury home in Manhattan Beach contact Norma T... 09/09/2013

Working and living in a beach community, much of the appeal, and what buyers are searching for are views of the ocean. Many listings tout their panoramic ocean views, whitewater views, Catalina views etc so why can't I seem to find a picture of it? Buyers these days are savvy and understand that realtors often use words like cozy or quaint when they mean small, charming to mean original condition, etc. so when they can't see the view, they just may not believe it has the view. We are not only selling homes in Manhattan Beach, but a lifestyle and if a picture is worth a 1000 words, this is a missed opportunity. 08/03/2013

Make real estate a part of your weekend.  If you feel like a small diversion from the beach, take a look at many of the wonderful homes are currently for sale. There are plenty of open houses to take a look at this weekend in the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance and El Segundo. Click here to see this weeks open houses in the South Bay. This weeks highest priced home to see is located ocean front in Redondo Beach at 709 Esplanade (a rather interesting home to tour whether in the market or not with pink elephants, living room bar and more) and the least expensive home to tour is at 890 Oliver Street in San Pedro. 08/02/2013

There is an area in East Manhattan Beach in the area known as the poet streets. If the three most recent sales are any indication demand is driving prices way up with all three not only receiving multiple offers but selling dramatically over asking price.  The home at 418 Chabela was listed at $1,069,000 and closed escrow at $1,250,000....the home at 1150 Keats St was listed at $1,075,000 and closed at $1,275,000, and the home at 1250 Shelley St was listed at $1,175,000 and closed escrow at $1,325,000. See the map below to view the locations of these 3 East Manhattan Beach homes. View Poet Streets in Manhattan Beach in a larger map 07/17/2013