by cgilles | Mar 15, 2012 | a-South Bay, Blog
Today’s new home buyers may surprise all of us, because preferences regarding buying a home is changing. This comes directly from the International Builders Show held in Orlando in February, this year. We all though that home size were going to get smaller, but the experts say different.
New homes are being built with more amenities. More houses built in 2011 had four or more bedrooms, three or more bathrooms, three-car garages, finished basements, patios, and two stories. Maybe we are just getting a clearer picture of what the qualified buyers are looking for. Many people are out of the credit market for awhile due to the last few years of recession and depressed real estate market. So the answer now is: “Who is able to buy”?
In the much tightened lending environment of the last few years, buyers have had to be “superstar” qualifiers, with at least 20 percent down, a high credit score, well-documented income, and proof of established employment history.This type of credit situation has left many buyers, especially first time buyers out of the “Home Buying Equation”. The real estate pendulum swung to first time buyers with various tax credits, etc., now its swinging back to the established real estate buyers and they want it all, few downsizing. Builders build homes based on what the market demands. In the last few years many South Bay home buyers said that they may be downsizing, but look forward to either buying a much bigger home or building one soon.
by cgilles | Mar 12, 2012 | a-South Bay, Blog, Torrance
Just because the weather is still a little chilly at times here in the South Bay, it doesn’t mean you can’t start thinking about getting your outdoors areas ready for summer and warm weather.
Plans can be made about what plants you are going to put and where. Need to order seeds? Check out those outdoor lights, fix any wiring problems and put in new bulbs if needed. What about the BBQ pit? Do you need to replace the burners or grill area? Also, does the patio floor need a refinish?My suggestion is to talk to a pro and get some advice and new ideas especially if you plan to put your home on the market. Many of us are caught up in the rut of just getting the yard ready every year that we aren’t aware of the new products and plants and decorating ideas out there.
Think about this: Once you have the planters finished, think about a fountain or water feature someplace in the patio, or yard. Everyone loves them and they look nice, and sound great in the hot summer evenings.
So whatever improvements you make to your Torrance home, your family will reap the benefits all summer long and after.
by cgilles | Mar 9, 2012 | a-El Segundo, a-Hermosa Beach, a-Long Beach, a-South Bay, b-Distress Sales, b-Foreclosure, b-Short Sales, b-Upside Down, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance
SHORT SALES: TOP 9 MYTHS DEBUNKED! I have been doing short sales for 3 years. All of my short sale listings have closed and the sellers have avoided foreclosure. But there is some confusion .. so here are some answers to clarify what you may or may not know about...
by cgilles | Mar 6, 2012 | a-South Bay, Blog, Torrance
According to several researchers from several universities, “Now is the perfect time to buy that real estate property that you have been wanting to buy. The study which was completed in February 2012, concluded that now is the time for renters to buy that real estate property and become a homeowner if they ever plan to. The study was aimed at those renters who feel that owning a real estate property can appreciate and build them wealth. This is a part of a series discussing the rent vs. buy decision that faces some of us.
So if you are one of our South Bay residents still renting, perhaps I could show you some properties you will love and the ways it is possible for you to purchase that Torrance home of your dreams.
by cgilles | Feb 13, 2012 | a-Hermosa Beach, Blog
Where you decide to buy a Hermosa Beach home or any other South Bay house, the location not only affects the homes current value but also affects future value, your standard of living and your lifestyle. It’s important that you be direct with your real estate agent or broker about your preferences with regards to neighborhoods, amenities, schools, parks, etc.
Some important factors that you should carefully consider and communicate to your Realtor are the following:
Location: rural, city, urban, or suburban
Your commuting times for you and your family. This means for work and schools and commuting to the conveniences that you are used to. Shopping, entertainment, gasoline stations, post office, etc.
What school district are the kids going to be in. Check out the district and how the schools score statewide.
Get a list of all desirable neighborhoods in the community or city that you want to move to.
Proximity to restaurants, entertainment, parks, recreation centers, banking, and retail shops, grocery stores.
Proximity to transportation hubs: Airports, trains, buses, and major highways.
Proximity to medical offices and health care facilities.
How long do you plan on living in your new home? If your real estate agent or Realtor is aware of your plans, he/she can research growth trends, and planned developments in the area that might affect your lifestyle and overall standard of living. This could affect your return on your investment dollar over time.
by cgilles | Feb 13, 2012 | a-El Segundo, a-Hermosa Beach, a-South Bay, Blog, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance
The South Bay area Los Angeles, has fifteen incorporated cities plus portions of the City of Los Angeles and unincorporated portions of the County of Los Angeles. The area is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the south and west, and generally by the City of Los Angeles on the north and east. Its called the South Bay because it is located on the south end of the Santa Monica Bay.
Because of its location, with the Pacific Ocean at its backdoor, LAX and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the South Bay area is prime real estate because of these transportation hubs.
The real estate throughout the South Bay area is highly desired and sought after. This is a beautiful part of Southern California and most of the real estate is made up of beachside communities like Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes, and El Segundo. There are many other cities that are all located within a few miles of the Pacific Ocean and beaches.
The South Bay area is not only a beautiful place, but it is also a geat place to live, work and vacation, which accounts for the thousands of tourists that visit the South Bay each year.
You can find a diversity of homes in the South Bay including single family homes, estate homes, hillside and waterfront homes, condominiums and townhomes, cottages, duplexes and beautiful apartment buildings. Many of the homes in the South Bay that are going on the market for sale, often sell before they can be advertised in the newspapers. The South Bay homes real estate market has always been, and continues to be very hot. Demand remains very high for any South Bay homes for sale.
The South Bay home buying market is hot, but the South Bay selling market is just as active. Often, there is a shortage of homes on the market for buyers. South Bay prices are rising again with many homeowners unaware of just how much their homes are increasing in value.
Commercial properties in the South Bay continue to be hot also, whether it’s land, new, pre-owned or undeveloped, there is always a demand for good location business property.
With the diversity and great selection available in residential homes in the South Bay, you can find just about the perfect home for you and your family and at a price to fit your budget.
