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.
![Short Sales – The New Normal!]()
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-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.
by cgilles | Feb 13, 2012 | a-El Segundo, a-Hermosa Beach, a-Long Beach, a-South Bay, Blog, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach
If you are selling your home, you can control at least 3 factors that will affect the sale of your home.
The condition of the house
The price you are asking
Marketing Strategy
It’s important to note that there are numerous other factors that will influence a buyer, and you need to understand these consumer trends when you enter the sellers’ market. It’s important that you keep your home competitive while on the market. Your real estate agent or broker can advise you on how to best position and market your home to overcome any perceived downsides.
Location:
The most influential factor in determining your home’s appeal to buyers is something you can’t control: its location. According to the National Association of REALTORS, the neighborhood quality is the No. 1 reason buyers will choose certain homes. The second most influential factor is commute times to work and school.
Size:
Keep in mind that there will be some buyers who wish to downsize or who will want a smaller home, but over the years, homes have continued to increase in size, almost double of what it was in the 1950s. Smaller homes typically appeal to first-time home buyers and couples whose children have grown up and moved out.
Amenities:
Peoples preferences in floor plans and amenities continue to go in and out of fashion, and your real estate agent or broker can help you and familiarize you of the “hot ticket” items that are selling homes in your area and market. If you home is missing or lacks a particular feature, you can renovate the house to increase its appeal, however, you want to make sure that the investment you will have to make will actually help, no hinder, your profit margin in the end. I as your REALTOR can use the current market conditions and activity in the neighborhood to determine the best way to go.
by cgilles | Feb 11, 2012 | a-South Bay, Blog
All of us tend to get behind on the little things that need to be done around the house but when you are going to sell the house, and have open houses, you no longer can procrastinate and must get to work to get your South Bay Home where it looks appealing.
OUTSIDE:
Keep the grass cut and flower beds trimmed, remove all yard clutter.
Weed flower beds, and replace dead plants with new ones.
Apply fresh paint to wooden fences, and make any fence repairs needed.
Tighten and clean all door handles, including screen doors.
Clean windows inside and out, and the screens also.
Powerwash home’s exterior, touch up paint or re do paint if necessary.
Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.
Clean or paint the front door, and railing too if needed.
Buy a new welcome mat.
Put a large fern or plant at the front entrance.
INSIDE:
Review the furniture arrangement in each room, get rid of any old clutter.
Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans, and shampoo the carpets, wax floors.
Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks and personal pictures.
Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps, and make any minor repairs that needs to be done. This includes replacing worn door and cabinet knobs.
Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
Replace broken tiles and fix or replace old or discolored grout.
Replace worn counter tops.
FOR AN OPEN HOUSE OR SHOWING:
Turn on all the lights, and open all window coverings and shutters during the daytime.
Put new towels in bathrooms and new bedding in the bedrooms.
Set the dining room table so it looks elegant and inviting.
Keep pets secured outdoors, away from any potential buyers.
Replace old lamps or lampshades.
Light the fireplace and be sure the ashes have been cleaned out.
Play quiet background music, not rock and roll or hip hop.
Place some fresh fruit on the counter in kitchen, or some apple scents or vanilla scents.
Be sure that the property is vacated by everyone in the family during an open house.
