Interest rates for buying a home on the Palos Verdes Peninsula remained steady this week . The following are excerpts from the newsletter on interest rates published by HSH Associates :"Thanks to an early-week settling of interest rates from a soft stock market, our expected small bump for mortgage rates failed to materialize this week for the most part. That's actually a good sign, given the onslaught of new data to process and a Federal Reserve meeting to digest, situations that have produced higher rates in the not-that-distant past.The Federal Reserve met on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss monetary policy. No action by the central bank was expected, and none came, but we did detect perhaps a bit more confidence being expressed by the Fed in the statement that closed the two-day aff... 02/04/2017

During the month of February 2017, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is offering outdoor hikes/activities for Palos Verdes home owners to enjoy including bird walks, nature walks with naturalists, nocturnal full moon walk and volunteer opportunities which are listed below. Special Events:  George F Canyon Nature Center Docent Training will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  This is a great opportunity to show your love of nature by volunteering in sharing the unique geographic and historical features of the area with visitors. Sign up at www.pvplc.volunteerhub.com. Trail Crew Introductory Class will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  When you join this introductory class you will learn how you can i... 02/03/2017

Palos Verdes AYSO Region 10 is hosting its 2017 Spring Playtime Adventure program designed for children 3-4 years of age.  This unique program is designed to help develop children physically while focusing on improving a child’s Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) in a fun, parent participatory atmosphere utilizing age appropriate activities and storybook adventures. Each one hour class helps the child’s utilization and development of specific motor skills.  At the end of the class, the child will receive a Soccer Treasure sticker to go in their Adventure Storybook & Movement Guide.  Children and parents receive a Playtime Adventure Storybook which follows the curriculum of the various weekly themes, and both child and parent will receive their Playtime Adventure tee shirt.  At the final cl... 01/30/2017

Palos Verdes real estate remained strong in 2016 with increases in average sales price, median price, and price per square foot!   Median sales price in 2016 increased 4.2%.  2016 average sales price for Palos Verdes homes was $1,693,483 compared to $1,673,238 in 2015 – an increase of 1.2%.  Average price per square foot for Palos Verdes homes sold in 2016 was $611 compared to $594 in 2015 – an increase of 3.0%.  There were 26 less single family Palos Verdes homes sold in 2016 – 690 single family Palos Verdes homes sold in 2016 compared to 716 homes in 2015 – a 3.6% decrease. The mix of Palos Verdes homes sales for 2016 showed less sales under $1,000,000 and nearly the same in the $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 range.  In 2016, 109 Palos Verdes homes sold for under $1,000,000 (compared to 12... 01/26/2017

PALOS VERDES FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION 2016The Palos Verdes Peninsula Senior Center is once again offering free income tax preparation to Palos Verdes homes owners through the AARP Tax-Aide Program.  These one hour sessions are held on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. beginning February 4, 2017, and ending on April 15, 2017.  In order to take advantage of this free program, you must have all your tax documents for 2016 in hand before going in.  You are also required to bring copies of your 2015 Federal and State income tax returns.   It is open to all ages including seniors, but remember that space will be limited and you must bring your tax documents organized and ready to go.This year, they will have tax preparation sessions on a first come – first serve basis so plan according... 01/24/2017

Parents of eighth grade students should have received high school information packets and it is time to designate which high school their child chooses to attend in September 2017.  To assist in this decision, Palos Verdes High School and Palos Verdes Peninsula High School will be hosting their annual tours at both schools for Palos Verdes homesowners (and tenants) to visit.  Any current eighth grade student will have an opportunity to enroll under “open enrollment” which means that the students who will enter 9th grade in September 2017, may choose which Palos Verdes high school to attend.  Planning for the 2017-2018 school year is beginning, and enrollment numbers are critical to effectively prepare for this next school year.Both high schools have scheduled several sessions to assist ... 01/23/2017

Palos Verdes homes owners can start a healthy new year by joining in one of South Coast Botanic Garden’s winter sessions of Tai Chi or Yoga classes on Saturday mornings in January and February.  Classes will be held at the Koi Pond Patio, giving Palos Verdes residents the opportunity to exercise in a natural setting instead of a studio environment.  You will feel the peace and energy of the Gardens around you.  The pace of these classes are appropriate for most individuals.Tai Chi in the Garden, will be taught on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., on January 21, 28, February 4, 11, & 18, 2017.  Tai Chi consists of graceful Chinese meditative movements that help to maintain physical health, well being and spiritual essence.  This ancient Chinese technique emphasizes relaxation, balan... 01/18/2017

Palos Verdes homes owners (and/or tenants) who have children entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2017, are invited to attend a Kindergarten Registration Information Program.  The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District recommends that parents attend even if they have had other children go through the system because the program has changed.  This is an important event if you have Kindergarten age children because some Palos Verdes elementary schools are impacted.  California Law (SB 1381) regarding the age requirement for Kindergarten enrollment was changed.  The new law requires a child be five years old on or before September 1, 2017, to be eligible for Kindergarten. To enroll in Transitional Kindergarten (which is a separate program), children must be five years old before De... 01/16/2017

Here are my favorite Palos Verdes homes in 2016 taken from my weekly articles reviewing new homes for sale that were on the Broker’s Tour.  I have also included an update on those homes to let you know if they have sold and at what price.  Chris Adlam’s (Vista Sotheby’s Int’l Realty) 2101 Rosita Place, Palos Verdes Estates 90274 (above left) was a 4 bedroom, 5 bath, 3,620 square foot home listed for $12,500,000.  This 1925 Spanish “Casa Felicia” ocean front home in Malaga Cove features unobstructed ocean views, old world charm and lush landscaping on a 65,000 square foot bluff lot.  This Palos Verdes home came on the market on May 16, 2016 and sold/closed escrow for $11,950,000 on June 23, 2016.  Raju Chhabria’s (Chhabria Real Estate) 2805 Via Segovia, Palos Verdes Estates 90274 (above ... 01/16/2017

The inventory of unsold condos and townhomes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula of 33 units at the end of December is up approx. 44% compared to this time a year ago. The average number of sales per month over the last 3 months of 15 units per month is up approx. 45% compared to a year ago however. There are 19 units in escrow at the end of December.   The average price per square foot of condos and townhomes sold on the Palos Verdes Peninsula over the last 3 months of $462 per sq. ft. is up about 10% over the similar period last year.     The average days on market to sell a condo or townhome on the Palos Verdes Peninsula has been approx. 1 to 2 months recently. Condos and townhomes are currently selling at an average of 98% of list price.   With 33 units for sale at the end of December and... 01/12/2017

Summary: The number of homes listed for sale on the Palos Verdes Peninsula has decreased to seasonal lows, but the number of homes sold during the last three months is up 4% compared to the prior year, leading to a decrease in unsold inventory to just over 2 months supply. Prices per square foot are essentially unchanged compared to the prior year's quarterly average. Lower priced homes are also moving faster than the upper end of the market. Houses have also been taking approx. 2 to 3 months to sell.The number of properties listed for sale for the overall Palos Verdes Peninsula at the end of December of 130 properties is 10% lower than the same time last year, and the average number of homes sold per month of 58 over the last 3 months is 4% higher than the comparable period last year. ... 01/12/2017

  The Palos Verdes housing market is ending the year still entrenched in a seller's market. Inventory remains low and demand is strong. At the current rate of absorption, and without additional new inventory to replace the sold properties, there is less than a two-month supply of homes for sale in Palos Verdes.  There are currently 166 single family homes for sale.  91 properties are in escrow with accepted offers, and year-to-date 641 Palos Verdes single family homes have sold.   Thank for your 2016 readership, your business, and referrals.  I wish you and your family a happy holiday season and a prosperous 2017. Please keep me in mind if you have real estate questions or needs in the New Year. Let's work together to make 2017 a fabulous year for your real estate portfolio. 12/27/2016

Palos Verdes homes sales in the Crest neighborhood for the first half of 2016 decreased to 15 single family homes sold in 2016 compared to 16 in 2015.  Price per square foot for Crest houses that sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $558 from $518 in 2015, a 7.7% increase.  Average sales price for Crest homes sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $1,341,267 in 2016 compared to $1,328,219 in 2015.  The most expensive Palos Verdes home sale in the Crest neighborhood was $1,500,000 and the lowest priced Palos Verdes home sale in the Crest neighborhood was $1,150,000. Currently, the Crest neighborhood has 22 Palos Verdes homes for sale.  There are 3 single family homes for sale ranging in price from $1,359,000 for a 4 bedroom/3 bath, 2,448 square foot home, to $1,775,000 for a... 12/20/2016

During the month of January 2017, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is offering outdoor hikes/activities for Palos Verdes home owners to enjoy including bird walks, nature walks with naturalists, nocturnal full moon walk and volunteer opportunities which are listed below. Special Events:  Farming in the South Bay Then and Now Presentation at White Point Nature Education Center will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Author, Judi Gerber, will discuss the rich history of the area’s local family farmers that dates from the late 1700’s.  This is a free event.  RSVP at www.pvplc.org/Events & Activities. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at White Point Nature Preserve, will take place on January 16, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  This ... 12/19/2016

Terranea Resort adds a bit of luxury to this holiday season with its many Holiday Traditions that the resort offers to Palos Verdes homes owners.  You can sit and relax while gazing at the beautiful ocean views and enjoy some of the special holiday meals that are being offered this season. Terranea Resort will be serving a Hanukkah Dinner at the Catalina Kitchen from Saturday, December 24, 2016, through Sunday, January 1, 2017, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.  The restaurant will offer its special meal choices in its newly remodeled restaurant that will be opening on Friday, December 9, 2016.  The Hanukkah dining cost is $36 for adults and children (children under 5 will be $20 per person). Sea Beans restaurant will be serving a Hanukkah lunch featuring matzo ball soup and potato pancakes on Sa... 12/17/2016

Palos Verdes real estate sales November 2016 for Palos Verdes homes increased compared to October.  53 Palos Verdes houses sold in November which is exactly the same as the 53 homes sold in October and a decrease from the the 59 homes that sold in November 2015.  There were 56 Palos Verdes single family homes pending in November which decreased from the 69 homes pending in October.  The number of active Palos Verdes homes for sale in November (166) decreased  from the 196 homes for sale in October. Average sales price for Palos Verdes homes sold in November increased to $1,698,000 from $1,690,000 in October and increased from the $1,546,000 in November 2015.  Price per square foot for Palos Verdes houses that sold/closed escrow in November increased to $614 from $579 in October.  Avera... 12/15/2016

My favorite Palos Verdes Homes on the December 6, 2016, Palos Verdes real estate Broker’s Tour (24 homes had open houses today) are described below.  We currently have 161 single family Palos Verdes homes for sale ranging in price from $832,000 in Rancho Palos Verdes 90275 to $48,000,000 in Rolling Hills Estates (The low in Eastview is $659,000).  There are 38 Palos Verdes condos/townhomes for sale priced between $249,000 and $2,995,000.  My favorite Palos Verdes homes today are:         Steve Watts’ (RE/MAX Estate Properties) 3806 Via Palomino, Palos Verdes Estates 90274 (above left) is a 4 bedroom, 4 bath, 3,377 square foot home for $2,695,000.  This fabulous one story Valmonte home features an elelgant private master suite, a dream kitchen, an office w/built-ins, and a serene peacef... 12/10/2016

Palos Verdes homes owners and their children are getting ready for the 2016 Santa visits that will be occurring throughout the Peninsula.  Here are just a few of the opportunities in the area. Santa arrives at Lunada Bay Park on Thursday, December 7, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  This holiday event includes not only a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, but also a petting zoo, train ride, Santa letter writing station, cookie decorating station and refreshments.  Wear warm clothing as there will be snow to play in!  Bring your camera and get a special picture with Santa.  Lunada Bay Park is located at 2325 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates. On Saturday, December 10, 2016, Christmas Spectacular On Ice will take place at the Promenade on the Peninsula at 5:00 p.m.  This holiday p... 12/08/2016

Palos Verdes homes sales in the La Cresta neighborhood for the first half of 2016 increased to 20 single family homes sold in 2016 compared to 18 in 2015.  Price per square foot for La Cresta houses that sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $604 from $554 in 2015, a 8.9% increase.  Average sales price for La Cresta homes sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $2,242,575 in 2016 compared to $1,978,417 in 2015.  The most expensive Palos Verdes home sale in the La Cresta neighborhood was $4,525,000 and the lowest priced Palos Verdes home sale in the La Cresta neighborhood was $952,500. Currently, the La Cresta neighborhood has 9 Palos Verdes homes for sale.  There are 8 single family homes for sale ranging in price from $1,499,900 for a 4 bedroom/2 bath, 2,700 square foot home,... 12/05/2016

My favorite Palos Verdes Homes on the November 15, 2016, Palos Verdes real estate Broker’s Tour (11 homes had open houses today) are described below.  We currently have 169 single family Palos Verdes homes for sale ranging in price from $985,000 in Rancho Palos Verdes 90275 to $48,000,000 in Rolling Hills Estates (The low in Eastview is $788,000).  There are 36 Palos Verdes condos/townhomes for sale priced between $259,000 and $2,995,000.  My favorite Palos Verdes homes today are:        Joe Alessi’s (RE/MAX Estate Properties) 3008 Via Victoria, Palos Verdes Estates 90274 (above left) is a 4 bedroom, 5 bath, 4,000 square foot home for $3,399,000.  This newly constructed Spanish style Lunada Bay home features high ceilings, office, all bedrooms w/ensuite baths, and folding glass wall to... 11/30/2016