Plans for the 228 acre development project slated for the Chandler Palos Verdes Sand and Gravel pit in Rolling Hills Estates continue to move forward. Plans for development on the site include the construction of a new golf course for the Rolling Hills Country Club as well as 114 luxury homes. The city recently released a state-required environmental report on the project, which has been in the planning stages for about six years. Part of the property is in Torrance, which has agreed to swap 32 acres with Rolling Hills Estates so that the residential portion of the project can remain in the latter city. A portion of the golf course would be in Torrance, as will nearly 4 acres of open space. Total cost of the project has been estimated at approx. $300 million. The new homes to be develop... 07/28/2009

Real estate statistics for the Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood June 2009: Active Listings:  31 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $799,000 to $3,986,000. Pending Sales:  8 Properties are in escrow priced from $925,000 to $1,995,000. June 2009 Sales:  4 Homes closed escrow: Buckskin Lane:  $1,030,000. Vista Real Drive:  $1,120,000 Sunnyridge Road:  $1,434,000 Singletree Lane:  $1,600,000 If you would like to call the Palos Verdes Dr. North neighborhood home, Norma Toering & Team can help. Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Ranc... 07/13/2009

The Palos Verdes Drive North area of the Palos Verdes Peninsula ( area 165 in map below )had the following real estate market activity during the 2nd Quarter of 2009: Properties Sold:  8 5021 Rolling Meadows $865,000 3 BR 2 BA 1,645 sf 38 Buckskin LN $1,030,000 3 BR 3 BA 2,658 sf 25 Silver Saddle Ln. $1,096,000 4 BR 3 BA 2,227 sf 3 Vista Real DR $1,120,000 4 BR 3 BA 2,368 sf 12 Pony LN $1,120,000 3 BR 2 BA 2,317 sf 35 Empty Saddle LN $1,230,000 5 BR 4 BA 3,850 sf 27124 Sunnyridge RD $1,434,000 5 BR 4 BA 3,601 sf 7 Singletree LN $1,600,000 4 BR 4 BA 3,085 sf Properties for Sale as of 6/30/09:  30   Average List Price at 6/30/09:  $1.7 million Average Sales Price of homes sold during 2nd quarter: $1.2 million Average Price per Sq. Ft. for Properties Sold during 2nd Qtr:   $ 450 per sq. ft... 07/12/2009

A group of Palos Verdes Peninsula residents will hold a Tea Party Tax Protest Rally from noon to 1 p.m. on the Fourth of July to protest "out-of-control" government spending, tax hikes and increasing federal debt that will burden future generations. Protesters will be waving signs and flags at passing motorists. Those wanting to attend can join the group at the corner of Western Avenue and Delasonde Drive (Westmont Drive) in Rancho Palos Verdes. For more nformation about Palos Verdes Real Estate and buying and selling a home on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, visit my website at http://www.maureenmegowan.com . I try to make this the best real estate web blog in the South Bay Los Angeles and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. I would love to hear your comments or suggestions.  06/30/2009

For a real estate market that is supposed to be slow, I am busier than I have ever been. In the last 2 weeks, I have closed a house in Rancho Palos Verdes, and a home in Rolling Hills Estates tomorrow.  My listing on the Esplanade in South Redondo Beach sold immediately, I picked up another listing yesterday, and have 2 listings on Lower Lunada Bay .  I think that people may just now be realizing that this may be the time of a lifetime to buy a home with drastically reduced selling prices and historically low interest rates. For more information about South Bay Real Estate and buying and selling a home on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, visit my website at http://www.maureenmegowan.com . I try to make this the best real estate web blog in the South Bay Los Angeles and the Palos Verdes Penin... 06/30/2009

May was a productive month for the Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood.  Homes are selling at a healthy clip and I know at least one property received multiple offers.  The Rolling Hills Estates real estate market is definitely on the move.   Palos Verdes Drive North real estate statistics for May 2009: Active Listings:  28 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $950,000 to $4,500,000. Pending Sales:  10 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $925,000 to $1,995,000. May 2009 Sales: 1 Single Family Home closed escrow on Silver Saddle for $1,096,000. Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Pal... 06/12/2009

The 22nd Annual Palos Verdes Street Fair and Music Festival, presented by Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance will take place this year on Saturday June 6th from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday June 7th from 10 am to 9 pm. In addition, new this year is a Friday evening event "Friday Teen Fun Night" opening the carnival rides on Friday June 5th from 6 pm to 10 pm. The location for the Fair is Crossfield Drive and Silver Spur Road in Rolling Hills Estates. Activites will include more than 200 arts and craft booths, carnival rides for all ages, continuous live entertainment on two stages, an International Food Court and Beer Garden, a children's petting zoo, and train rides. Carnival rides will include a Ferris Wheel, bumper cars, Twister and many others. All day ride wrist... 06/05/2009

I saw them out of the corner of my eye as I rushed through the automatic doors at Trader Joes.  There they were still snug buds with no hint of their showy over-sized beauty.  Those were peonies and I had to have them. As a child it was my Memorial Day duty to clip flowers from the row of peonies in the side yard and make bouquets for soldiers, friends and relatives no longer on this earth.  I thought it was a rather morbid task, but I did so enjoy selecting just the right vases and ribbons, so the task was filled with more pleasure than pain.  Even though the ants crawled up and down my arms as I carried the armloads of blossoms to the kitchen sink, I tried to stay focused on the positive aspect of the job.  I try that with real estate too! Those bouquets were always lovely and I felt ... 05/30/2009

My husband Bruce and I are making some great headway towards building support for the construction of a dog park somewhere on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  We are currently promoting the idea of the construction of a dog park on the former Palos Verdes Landfill site. Ownership of this site converts to the County of Los Angeles in 2010, and they are currently soliciting ideas for use of this site for public purposes. We have distributed petitions in support of this idea at several locations on the Palos Verdes Peninsula including the PETCO store at the Peninsula Center, as well as the Dog Food Market at Lunada Bay Plaza. In addition to signing our petition at one of these locations, you can also email us your name and address indicating your support of a Palos Verdes Peninsula dog park to... 05/23/2009

If you're longing for a little ranch in the burbs of the big city, better make arrangements to see this one before another buyer puts his brand on the place! Located  less than ten minutes from Pacific Coast Highway and twenty minutes for the Pacific Ocean, it's a fine horse property with direct access to the bridle trails.  The ranch style home is inviting and offers four bedrooms in over 2800 sq. ft.  I showed the property last night and my prospective buyer was ready to move in.  Offered at $1,450,000. For more information on this property or other "Eye for Value" selections, contact Norma Toering and Team. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos ... 05/22/2009

Over the last few weeks, I have received several calls from folks looking to move to the Palos Verdes Peninsula from various parts of the country. In fact I am currently in escrow for a home with a lovely couple relocating from Connecticutt. How do these people find me. Through a lot of hard work, actually. My husband and I have put a tremendous amount of effort into our website http://www.maureenmegowan.com to make it a one-stop source of information for people looking to relocate to the South Bay of Los Angeles or the Palos Verdes Peninsula. We have included detailed information on each of the beach cities that someone new to the area would want to know, including school information, info on sports, parks, and recreation, info on local arts and culture, neighborhood descriptions, and ... 05/19/2009

How does an agent show genuine excitement after viewing a new listing?  I don't know about other agents, but I blog about it! This post was forming in my head on the drive back to the office.  3 Vista Real Drive in Rolling Hills Estates is located in the Montecillo neighborhood of Rolling Hills Estates, and is just around the corner from the Jack Kramer Club (when my kids were small we were members and it's a great place for swim and tennis lessons and all round summer fun).  Score a big point for the location--close to the freeway, PCH and shopping and dining areas of Torrance. Score another point for a great floor plan---one level with four bedrooms, big family room, eat-in kitchen and spacious living/dining area.  Add one more point for a great backyard and just a hint of golf course... 05/11/2009

The mini wars of real estate negotiations often resemble the big wars of mankind; there are two sides each fighting for the outcome they believe is right and fair--and most beneficial to them.  Disputes over territories often result in power struggles; transfers of property are filled with similar nuances.  Do you have to engage in battle to win the war, or is there a peaceful approach to this exchange of cash for keys?Begin with the end in mind.  One party wants to sell and the other party wants to buy. This is a wonderful beginning and should be viewed as an indicator of success.  The combined efforts of the seller, buyer and agents yielded the initial desired result. Expect differences.  An offer less than asking price is not an insult, it is a starting point.  Bartering is normal bu... 05/05/2009

Here are the real estate statistics for the Palos Verdes Drive North area of Rolling Hills Estates and the Palos Verdes Peninsula for the month of April 2009: Active Listings: 30 Single Family Homes are listed for sale priced from $925,000 to $4,500,000. Pending Sales:  4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $1,049,000 to $1,695,000. April Sales:  3 Single Family Homes closed escrow:  5021 Rolling Meadows - $865,000;  12 Pony Lane - $1,020,000;  35 Empty Saddle Lane - $1,230,000. Previous Market Reports Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, To... 05/04/2009

On April 27th, the state Department of Toxic Substances Control presented findings to the public that the former Palos Verdes landfill was being operated safely. The county Sanitation Districts closed the landfill in 1980 after it had accepted an estimated 24 million tons of trash, including some hazardous waste. The discovery of contaminated groundwater in 1984 led to a series of mitigation measures. The massive state review was intended to examine how effectively they are working.  A portion of the former landfill has been developed as Ernie J. Howlett Park and as the South Coast Botanical Gardens.  Map Courtesy of the Daily Breeze The nearly 6,000-page report cost more than $4 million, compared to around $30,000 for similar mandated reviews, DTSC officials said. Many community activi... 05/02/2009

The Silver Spur area of the Palos Verdes Peninsula had the following real estate market activity during the 1st Quarter of 2009: Properties Sold:  6 Properties for Sale as of 3/31/09: 10 Average List Price at 3/31/09:  $1.0 million Average Sales Price of homes sold during 1st quarter: $ ,8 million   Average Price per Sq. Ft. for Properties Sold during 1stQtr:   $480 per sq. ft. Properties sold at an average of 97% of List Price For more information about the Silver Spur area and Properties for Sale on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, visit my website at http://www.maureenmegowan.com 04/24/2009

The Palos Verdes Drive North area of the Palos Verdes Peninsula had the following real estate market activity during the 1st Quarter of 2009: Properties Sold:  3 Properties for Sale as of 3/31/09:  32   Average List Price at 3/31/09:  $1.6 million Average Sales Price of homes sold during 1st quarter: $1.2 million Average Price per Sq. Ft. for Properties Sold during 1st Qtr:   $ 472 per sq. ft. Properties sold at an average of 93% of List Price For more information about the Palos Verdes Drive North area and Properties for Sale on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, visit my website at http://www.maureenmegowan.com 04/09/2009

The Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood on the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers a wide variety of homes for sale.  There are equestrian properties, view properties and suburban tract houses along the Palos Verdes Drive North corridor.  With 36 single family homes on the market it is a great time to go house hunting in the neighborhood. March 2009 statistics for Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood: Active Listings:  36 Single Family Homes are for sale priced from $950,000 to $2,790,000. Pending Sales:  2 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced at $1,250,000 and $1,365,000. March Sales:  1 home closed escrow listed for $1,100,000. Palos Verdes Drive North Jan. 2009 Statistics Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angel... 04/07/2009

Jumbo mortgage rates (those in excess of $729,750) are now in the 6.25% to 6.5%range, which many people consider to be too high, when compared to the extremely low rates for conforming mortgages (those less than $417,000) which are below 5%. What potential borrowers need to consider is that these rates, although high compared to conforming loans, are still quite low compared to the last 10 years. HSH Associates (http://www.hsh.com/. ) notes in their latest newsletter that "Jumbo 30-year FRMs continued to decline; the week's 6.44% puts us back at rates last seen two years ago this week.Since the turn of the decade, some 480 weeks have elapsed. Those contending that jumbo rates are "too high" would do well to learn that only 166 of those 480 weeks have featured an average interest rate be... 04/04/2009

If you are in the market for horse property or a home located in a country atmosphere, come to Palos Verdes Drive North.  Here is a snapshot of real estate activity for the month of February 2009 in the Palos Verdes Dr. North area: Active Listings:  27 Single Family Homes are listed for sale priced from $1,099,000 to $2,790,000. Pending Sales:  4 Single Family Homes are in escrow priced from $930,000 to $1,365,000. February Sales:  0   With four homes in escrow the sales number should be better when I post the March statistics.  Stay tuned for monthly updates for all neighborhoods on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos... 03/05/2009