http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/dec2009/bw2009127_753974.htm

I didn’t say it… Business  Week Magazine did in this article by Mark Roth on December 8th, 2009.  Please take a moment to check out these compelling reasons not to miss out on what many say is the real estate buying opportunity of a lifetime. 

If you want to live in Oceanside, Carlsbad Vista, San Marcos, Encinitas or Escondido it’s time to pay attention and hang with the surfman.  There is a good reason there are so many cash buyers in the market.  They want to make money!  Either off renters or appreciation. 

Like my karate instructor used to say, “the time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself”.

Marc Roth is the founder and president of Home Warranty of America, which touches just about every part of the real estate industry since it sells through builders, real estate agents, title companies, mortgage companies, and directly to consumers. 

Real Estate related industies from  Realtors, to Builders-and  all connections to that indstry have a deep concern for the future. In my circle of connections we share good news as we learn it. Our local MLS  www.SouthBayAOR.com  in the South Bay of Los Angeles, is creating a “Guide for Greening our home.” It is located in Torrance California. It serves Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Lawndale, Lomita . 

This Christmas let us be mindful of the energy savings we can do. Small steps…energy saving front porch light is a great start. When you order new appliances did you know to take advantage of the money you can save both initially and over time? (It’s usually posted online or on the appliance)

These are som e web links on Rebates Discounts and Special offers available TODAY.

South Bay Environmental Services Center http://www.sbesc.com

Southern California Edison www.sce.com

The Gas Company www.socalgas. com 

West Basin Municipal Water District www.westbasin.org

Merropolitan Water District of Southern California www.bewaterwise.org

www.epa.gov

www.energystar.gov

www.epa.gov/watersense

Follow the guidelines on tree removal in your local city.

Drive slower and save gas with a soft petal

Bless people in your thought as you move through the holidays. Malls, roads, bring the spirit of joy and don’t fallinto the rush.

Look into a simple thing…insurance from  the department of water and power. for a small fee you can insure the line from  your home to the main city connection, several dollars per month on your water bill.  and possibly save thousands if there is a break in between. Without it…its your property and your bill.  How did I hear about that….I read the little paper the put in the bill one day…its usually a good suggestion before you toss it away.  They usually have a tip.

Otherwise: Clean out those roof gutters, weatherstrip the doors, caulk the tub shower and sink and you are on your way to homeowners pride and JOY.

December 5th, 2009 - Here in the Hollywood Riviera there are only 15 houses for sale right now.   6 on the Torrance (90505) side of the line and 9 on the Redondo Beach P.O. Box (90277) side of the line.  The Hollywood Riviera neighborhood has 2 addresses - Torrance and Redondo Beach although it should be noted that the entire area lies in the City of Torrance.  The Redondo Beach side is merely a P.O. Box and has nothing to do with the city of Redondo Beach.  Schools are all South Torrance - Riviera Elementary, Richardson Middle School and South High School.

Of the 15 homes currently for sale - the prices range from $615,000 on 5026 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505 to 517 Paseo de la Playa, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 which is located right on the bluff above Torrance Beach listed for $3,500,000.  As you can see there is quite a broad range of homes for sale.  In the mid-range, let’s say $949,000 - $1,099,000 there are 4 houses for sale that all have different qualities that make them each unique. 

1. 4817 Via El Sereno, Torrance, CA 90505 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a nice open modern floor plan.  The house has many upgrades including a very decked out garage.  The home has a nice city lights view out the back from a nice deck with a built-in firepit and seating.  Surround sound package and high-end lighting systems make this home ready to move into today!  $949,000

2.  452 Via los Miradores, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (although one bath is off the kitchen and not near the bedroom area.)  Newer kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances looks out back to the sunny south facing pool area.  Main bathroom is nicely remodeled as well with double sinks and pretty tile.  $949,000

3.  359 Paseo de Gracia, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 - One of the few short sales in the neighborhood (currently there are 2 active on the market.) This one has been on the market a while and it was way over-priced at $1,179,000 but they just reduced the price to $958,000 which makes this 3 bedroom, 2 bath with over 1800+ square feet seem much more attractive.

4. 209 Vista de Parque, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 - as the name implies, it’s located adjacent to El Retiro Park and this nicely appointed, recently remodeled throughout 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home priced at $1,099,000 is quite nice.

If you are interested in seeing any of these or other Hollywood Riviera homes for sale, just give me a ring or an email.
Thanks, Kelly

The pricier areas will likely have more short sales show up soon. Keep several things in mind…LENDERS- Investors are bidding up the lower income properties and this may be harder for the lenders who have to get people qualified for the conforming and Jumbo loans.

Redondo Beach may have some affordable properties show up in the short sale arena.

 NEW INFORMATION:

Short Sales have been difficult to close, and these new measures are a huge step in the right direction. One major highlight: A lender must give a yes or no answer to an offer within 10 days. Also included: a moving allowance, incentives for sellers and lenders, commission rules, and a stipulation that releases sellers from debt liabilities.

This is a very HOT topic. Stay tuned to know how this can help you buy or sell a home. As a CDPE specialist- (Certified Distressed Property Expert) expect to keep up on the latest breaking news.