by cgilles | Nov 3, 2011 | Blog
In recent years, in the South Bay real estate Market, condominiums have become more and more popular with all age groups and income brackets, and for good cause. More and more people are choosing condos as their homes and many say its because of less maintenance and upkeep over a single family home. In a condominium complex there is no yard work, painting that has to be done,(except for inside)etc.
When purchasing a condo or a home in a planned development, or cooperative or common interest development, like a condominium, there are covenants written specifically for that complex or development to maintain the property values, safety, asthetics, etc., thus helping to increase the value of the investment the homeowners have made. Covenants are often lumped together under the collective term of “covenants, conditions, and restrictions” or CC&Rs, which is a term commonly found in real estate documents. Since most covenants involve some kind of condition or restriction placed upon the buyer, the collective term “CC&Rs” has been more widely used in recent years to indicate the existence or future existence of limitations associated with the use of the purchased land also. CC&Rs basically affect what you can do, or not do, on “common area” of the property. For example: you most likely can’t park your boat or RV in the driveway, put up a basketball hoop, put up a fence, even plant trees without pre approval from the homeowners association and in accordance with the developments CC&Rs. In some condo buildings, or developments, you may not be able to rent out your condominium unit.
When looking at real estate to purchase, your South Bay Realtor is the best person to explain the CC&Rs and the responsibility of the homeowners association for a condo building or complex. CC&Rs are written by attorneys and are submitted to the building department and approved by the city during the initial construction permitting phase.
![Fall Back! It’s Daylight Savings Time Again!]()
by cgilles | Nov 1, 2011 | a-El Segundo, a-Hermosa Beach, a-Long Beach, Blog, Goal Setting & Time Management, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance
Its that time again….Daylight Savings Time Ends and the rush of Holidays Begin. To make sure that your finishing off your year strong I’ve included the following 15 ways to manage your day effectively. Make it a great one!! Spend the first...
by cgilles | Oct 25, 2011 | Blog, Torrance
Unless you are looking for a single family home, or a home in a particular area like the beach, Torrance has a selection of senior housing like no where else. Condos, town homes, and beautiful apartments are just waiting for discriminating senior to come and...
by cgilles | Oct 24, 2011 | Blog, Torrance
Most people look at corner lots as a plus, however even though you might get a bigger sized lot for the same price, it might not be what you want in the long run. There is more upkeep and maintenance as the total front yard area is usually much bigger. On the other hand look at this Torrance Home for sale, It sits perfectly on a corner lot on Maple Ave.
There can be the problem of people using the sidewalks on either side and then cutting across the yard.
Traffic noise could be much higher due to having a home basically on two different streets, however if there is stop signs then it might be less. Corner lots are not preferred by people who have young children as they usually would rather have larger backyards for the kids to play in.
You could have more parking on a corner lot. The lot is much larger. You would only have one neighbor on the front side instead of two. You would usually have more unobstructed views out your windows. Corner lots allow more light to come into the home.
It really comes down to your own preference and the corner lot and home itself. There are pros and cons and each situation has to be looked at individually. Price of course will play a big part in the consideration.
by cgilles | Oct 22, 2011 | Blog
Shopping around and taking some time can pay off today when looking to find the best deal in mortgage loans for either purchasing or refinancing that new South Bay Home, however one needs to be aware of all of the costs involved and specifically the origination costs. Those costs can be as little as zero dollars and go all the way up to thousands. Talk to several banks and other direct mortgage lenders but also talk to mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers to get a clearer idea of what is available and who has the best all around rates.
by cgilles | Oct 20, 2011 | a-El Segundo, Blog
Well, it’s almost that time of year to start looking for that “perfect pumpkin” to carve and to start thinking about a costume to wear for trick or treating, or that Halloween party. Everyone wants to have a safe and happy Halloween for themselves, their guests and their children. Using a few safety tips and some common sense can help you make the most of your Halloween season, keeping it as enjoyable for your kids as it is for you! The excitement of children and adults at this time of year can sometimes make them not as careful as they would normally be.
Kids look forward to Halloween for many reasons. They like the dressing up in costumes but mostly they like it for the candy and treats! Even some adults still like to go out trick or treating. It makes them feel young and happy again. The best rule of safety for Halloween is to use common sense, accompany your children while they are out trick or treating and don’t eat any of the candy until you are back home, in the light and can see what you are eating. Be traffic wise, watch out for cars when cutting back and forth across the streets. If your kids are going out by themselves, have them follow a planned route and supply them with a cell phone in case of emergency. Have a set time for them to be home. Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to trick or treat without an adult. Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields if they are out alone. Make sure they know to stay in populated areas and not to go off the beaten track. Let them know to stay in well lighted areas with lots of people around. Know about any city curfews in your planned route of trick or treating.
Remember, children should always go out trick or treating accompanied by a responsible adult if possible. If you have a group of kids going, get two or three of the parents to help by going along to keep their eyes on what going on around them.
