During the month of December 2016, 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:  Guided Nature Walk by Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy will take place at Filiorum Reserve, on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at 9:00 a.m.  You will walk Jack’s Hat Trail on this 191 acre property linking the Three Sisters and Portuguese Bend Reserves.  This wildlife corridor boasts beautiful ocean views and lots of native habitat.  This is considered a strenuous walk.  Parking will be on the street on Ocean Terrace Drive near Pacifica Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes.  This walk is free an... 11/29/2016

Palos Verdes real estate sales October 2016 for Palos Verdes homes increased compared to September.  53 Palos Verdes houses sold in October which increased from the 38 homes sold in September and decreased from the the 67 homes that sold in October 2015.  There were 76 Palos Verdes single family homes pending in October which increased from the 58 homes pending in September.  The number of active Palos Verdes homes for sale in October (196) decreased  from the 216 homes for sale in September. Average sales price for Palos Verdes homes sold in October increased to $1,690,000 from $1,488,000 in September and decreased from the $1,758,000 in October 2015.  Price per square foot for Palos Verdes houses that sold/closed escrow in October decreased to $579 from $591 in September.  Average da... 11/28/2016

Recently, I attended a presentation by Joshua Peck, Librarian for the Palos Verdes Library District, entitled, “The Peninsula: Through The Lens Of Hollywood.”  Joshua shared that Hollywood has been filming movies here in Palos Verdes for over 100 years beginning with “The Unchanging Sea” which was filmed in San Pedro in 1910.  Palos Verdes with its dramatic shoreline “could be anywhere the movie tells us.”  Below are some interesting facts from the presentation.  The Palos Verdes Library has a complete list of movies/television shows that were filmed in Palos Verdes.  Palos Verdes Library is located at 2400 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. “Blackbeard” was filmed in Redondo Beach in 1911. “Ten Commandments” produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille was partially filmed in Palos Ver... 11/23/2016

   Now that we have taken down the Halloween decorations, Palos Verdes homes owners are moving into the 2016 holiday season. Several of our neighboring cities are hosting some fabulous holiday events which are listed below:Torrance Memorial Medical Center will be presenting their 33rd annual “Holiday Festival” beginning Tuesday, November 29, 2016, and running through Sunday, December 4, 2016  The Festival will feature decorated trees and a holiday celebration that includes a food court, musical entertainment, fun children’s activities and a large Holiday gift section.  More than 30 trees are each decorated with a different theme (and will be sold with proceeds going to support the transformation of Torrance Memorial’s North Patient Tower).  The “Holiday Festival” is located in the parki... 11/19/2016

Palos Verdes homes sales in the West Palos Verdes neighborhood for the first half of 2016 decreased to 7 single family homes sold in 2016 compared to 9 in 2015.  Price per square foot for West Palos Verdes houses that sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $739 from $618 in 2015, a 19.5% increase.  Average sales price for West Palos Verdes homes sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $3,559,857 in 2016 compared to $2,249,817 in 2015.  The most expensive Palos Verdes home sale in the West Palos Verdes neighborhood was $6,100,000 and the lowest priced Palos Verdes home sale in the West Palos Verdes neighborhood was $1,225,000. Currently, the West Palos Verdes neighborhood has 8 single family Palos Verdes homes for sale ranging in price from $1,799,000 for a 4 bedroom/3 bath, 3,0... 11/16/2016

Palos Verdes homes owners have a wonderful opportunity to attend the art reception for the Palos Verdes Library District’s Annual Community Art Show.  On Saturday, November 12, 2016, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., there will be a free reception for the public to view and enjoy selected artworks (from over hundreds of entries) to be displayed at this year’s Art Show.  Every November, the Palos Verdes Library District holds their Annual Community Art Show, inviting both professional and amateur local artists to participate. At the Art Show itself, selected Palos Verdes artists of all ages will exhibit their artwork at the Peninsula Library.  The exhibit and the opening reception is highly anticipated by both the patrons and artists and allows them to connect in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.  T... 11/10/2016

Palos Verdes real estate single family home sales in the first 20 days of October 2016 are 35 homes which is an increase from the 21 Palos Verdes homes sold in the first 20 days September and a decrease compared to the first 20 days of October 2015 (53).  (It may take an additional week for some sales to post after the actual close of escrow).  The average sales price for single family Palos Verdes homes from October 1st to date is $1,722,969 which is an increase from last month’s average of $1,622,500 for this same time period and a decrease from $1,899,822 last October. In October 2016 to date, the highest priced Palos Verdes home sold for $4,850,000 and is located in the Monte Malaga neighborhood of Palos Verdes Estates and has 4 bedrooms, 7 baths and 5,310 square feet on a 18,472 s... 11/08/2016

The Palos Verdes Half Marathon and 10K and 5K run will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016.  The Palos Verdes Marathon, which is part of the Lexus LacedUp Running Series, is being presented by Saucony.  Lexus is underwriting the costs of the event and will contribute funds raised to Kiwanis Club for their many scholarship programs. The race will start and finish at Pelican Cove adjacent to Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes.  The course will follow the road through grandiose residential neighborhoods with million dollar homes and will be flowing along scenic coastal cliffs with views of Catalina Island.  With one of the most scenic vistas of rolling hills and coastline views, this event attracts runners and spectators from all over the world.  After finishing the race, you can r... 11/08/2016

Palos Verdes real estate sales September 2016 for Palos Verdes homes decreased compared to August.  39 Palos Verdes houses sold in September which decreased from the 66 homes sold in August and the the 61 homes that sold in September 2015.  There were 66 Palos Verdes single family homes pending in September which increased from the 50 homes pending in August.  The number of active Palos Verdes homes for sale in September (216) decreased  from the 241 homes for sale in August.Average sales price for Palos Verdes homes sold in September decreased to $1,519,000 from $1,747,000 in August and from the $1,535,000 in September 2015.  Price per square foot for Palos Verdes houses that sold/closed escrow in September decreased to $600 from $657 in August.  Average days on market in September inc... 10/25/2016

My favorite Palos Verdes Homes on the October 11, 2016, Palos Verdes real estate Broker’s Tour (16 homes had open houses today) are described below.  We currently have 214 single family Palos Verdes homes for sale ranging in price from $865,000 in Rancho Palos Verdes 90275 to $48,000,000 in Rolling Hills Estates (The low in Eastview is $650,000).  There are 36 Palos Verdes townhomes for sale priced between $259,000 and $2,995,000.  My favorite Palos Verdes homes today are:   Gayle Probst and Debbie Taylor’s (RE/MAX Estate Properties) 1437 Via Coronel, Palos Verdes Estates 90274 (above left) is a 4 bedroom 3 bath, 3,888 square foot home for $3,200,000.  This beautiful upper Lunada Bay home features panoramic ocean views, a designer kitchen, fabulous master suite, and remodeled pool/spa. ... 10/25/2016

Palos Verdes homes sales in the Mira Catalina neighborhood for the first half of 2016 increased to 16 single family homes sold in 2016 compared to 11 in 2015.  Price per square foot for Mira Catalina houses that sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $539 from $510 in 2015, a 5.5% increase.  Average sales price for Mira Catalina homes sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $1,344,232 in 2016 compared to $1,233,713 in 2015.  The most expensive Palos Verdes home sale in the Mira Catalina neighborhood was $1,975,000 and the lowest priced Palos Verdes home sale in the Mira Catalina neighborhood was $1,050,000. Currently, the Mira Catalina neighborhood has 2 Palos Verdes homes for sale.  There are 2 single family homes for sale ranging in price from $1,595,000 for a 4 bedroom/3 bat... 10/21/2016

The Peninsula Education Foundation is once again seeking donations to support our local Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District.  The primary source of income for most public school districts in California, including the PVPUSD, is from the State.  However, State support has declined since 2007-08.   The most stable and reliable funding source in recent years has been local revenue from the Peninsula Education Foundation.  As can be seen from the recent Newsweek article (click here) our high schools have been in the top 100 in the state, and in the top 500 in the nation for the last few years. The income from Peninsula Education Foundation has allowed PVPUSD to continue providing students the programs and services needed for their success in college and/or the workplace.The Penin... 10/19/2016

The inventory of unsold condos and townhomes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula of 35 units at the end of September is up approx. 10% compared to this time a year ago. The average number of sales per month over the last 3 months of 13 units per month is down approx. 9% compared to a year ago however. There are 15 units in escrow at the end of September.   The average price per square foot of condos and townhomes sold on the Palos Verdes Peninsula over the last 3 months of $407 per sq. ft. is up about 1% 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. 2 months recently. Condos and townhomes are currently selling at an average of 97of list price.   With 35 units for sale at the end of September and the... 10/18/2016

Summary: The number of homes listed for sale on the Palos Verdes Peninsula surged significantly higher this summer  ( although dipping in September) with the number of homes sold during the last three months down 10% compared to the prior year, leading to an increase in unsold inventory to almost a 4 months supply. Prices per square foot are 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 months to sell.The number of properties listed for sale for the overall Palos Verdes Peninsula at the end of September of 216 properties is 2% higher than the same time last year, and the average number of homes sold per month of 57 over the last 3 months is 10% less than the com... 10/18/2016

Interest rates for buying a home on the Palos Verdes Peninsula firmed up this week . The following are excerpts from the newsletter on interest rates published by HSH Associates :"Interest rates continue to edge higher this week, nudged there by fair economic data and a firming expectation that the Federal Reserve will actually pull the trigger on a December hike in short-term interest rates. The date of the meeting where this is expected to happen is now just two months away, but given the likely change's proximity to the holiday season, it's probably not a bad idea for markets to at least start to prepare.The chance of a December move seemed to be enhanced with the release of the minutes of the FOMC's September meeting on Wednesday. Described as a "close call" on whether to raise the ... 10/14/2016

I always look forward to hearing the Palos Verdes Peninsula City Managers at our Palos Verdes Real Estate Board Breakfast Meeting with presentations from the City Managers from all 4 cities on the Peninsula – Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills.  This is a great opportunity to learn what is happening in Palos Verdes.  Last week, the City Managers gave us the following updates:Rolling Hills – Raymond R. Cruz, City Manager, gave the following update: Developement in this 3 square mile city has increased with permits doubling in the last 4 years. There has been a “boon” in permits for barns and infinity pools. They are working with issues on tree and view disputes. Must underground utilities if add as little as one square inch of space to exis... 10/14/2016

Palos Verdes homes sales in the Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood for the first half of 2016 decreased to 28 single family homes sold in 2016 compared to 29 in 2015.  Price per square foot for Palos Verdes Drive East houses that sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $527 from $490 in 2015, a 7.5% increase.  Average sales price for Palos Verdes Drive East homes sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $1,372,832 in 2016 compared to $1,312,284 in 2015.  The most expensive Palos Verdes home sale in the Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood was $2,400,000 and the lowest priced Palos Verdes home sale in the Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood was $759,999. Currently, the Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood has 27 Palos Verdes homes for sale.  There are 27 single family homes fo... 10/12/2016

Halloween stores are popping up all around the area and children and adults are already choosing this year’s costume.  As a benefit for Palos Verdes homes owners, the Costume Closet in Palos Verdes will extend their hours beginning October 17 and extending through November 5, 2016.  The extended store hours will be Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.If you haven’t been to the Costume Closet lately then you are in for a big surprise!  Along with their inventory which has grown to over 8,000 costumes, they have increased not only their Halloween costume area, but also their theatrical/period clothing, wedding/formal wear and high end vintage clothing.  Their accessory and shoe department has tripled and now can be accessed quickly wi... 10/11/2016

Palos Verdes homes sales in the Rolling Hills neighborhood for the first half of 2016 decreased to 14 single family homes sold in 2016 compared to 18 in 2015.  Price per square foot for Rolling Hills houses that sold in the first half of 2016 decreased to $767 from $812 in 2015, a 5.6% decrease.  Average sales price for Rolling Hills homes sold in the first half of 2016 increased to $3,798,521 in 2016 compared to $3,740,319 in 2015.  The most expensive Palos Verdes home sale in the Rolling Hills neighborhood was $7,300,000 and the lowest priced Palos Verdes home sale in the Rolling Hills neighborhood was $1,200,000. Currently, the Rolling Hills neighborhood has 28 Palos Verdes homes for sale.  There are 28 single family homes for sale ranging in price from $2,450,000 for a 3 bedroom/3 ... 10/10/2016

 Palos Verdes 11th Annual Senior Health & Wellness Fair will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Neighborhood Church.  This Senior Health Fair is offered by PVE-CARES (Community Assistance and Resources for the Elderly and Seniors).  The program was created by the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department to assist seniors so they may live independently and feel safe in their homes on the Peninsula.  The program offers many different events to increase awareness of what the city offers for seniors – updating them on security issues, how to notify the police department when leaving on vacation to local assistance in health care and medical needs.Palos Verdes homes owners will once again be able to get free flu shots for seniors and other medical screenin... 10/07/2016