The new Stimulus Bill recently signed by President Obama in 2009 includes an expansion of the Federal Energy Credits for certain home improvements that are made that meet certain energy savings criteria.  Highlights of the changes include: The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010 as well. The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%. The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ex $300 for a CAC), have been converted to 30% of the cost. The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009-2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum. The $200 cap on windows has been removed. must be "placed in service" from Janua... 02/22/2009

The Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood in Rolling Hills Estates is horse country. If you are searching for an equestrian property on the Palos Verdes Peninsula this would be an excellent starting point. January 2009 real estate statistics for the Palos Verdes Dr. North area of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Rolling Hills Estates: Active Listings: 24 Properties are listed for sale priced from $930,000 to $2,790,000. Pending Sales: 1 Property is currently in escrow listed at $1,249,900. January Sales: 2 Properties closed escrow at $905,000 and $1,670,000. Some of my favorite horse property streets along Palos Verdes Dr. North are Strawberry Lane, Dapplegray and Buckskin Lane. However, there are many non-equestrians neighborhoods along the PVDN corridor if you are not a horse enthusiast... 02/10/2009

    The Estates condo complex is located off of Crenshaw Blvd and Rolling Hills Road in Rolling Hills Estates. It is a fabulous complex that features a spa, two pools, tennis courts, exercise room, club house, waterfalls and lush landscaping. The monthly homeowners association fees covers the maintenance of the ground As well as earthquake insurance which is very rare for any of the complexes in Palos Verdes. Currently there are three condos for sale in the Estates. The first is 1/1 listed for a steal at $259,900. The other two for sale are 2/2 the first one is going for $350,00 and the second is listed for $374,000. 12 condos sold in the estates for 2008. The average e price per square foot for December of 2008 was $303 down from $459 the previous December. This complex is a great pla... 02/05/2009

    Hillcrest Meadows is a sought after community that was developed in 1991 located close to Highridge Park. Currently there is only one home listed for sale in the neighborhood. It is shown above. The details are as follows: $1,395,000 3 bedrooms/3baths 2,329 sq. feet with a lap pool A little history behind Rolling Hills Estates: The City of Rolling Hills Estates officially became Los Angeles County's 60th municipality on September 18, 1957. In that first year, the City's population totaled only 3,500; but its new citizens were united in their concern over maintaining the community's rural atmosphere characterized by rolling hills, vast open spaces and white fences. Annexation of new areas to the City was another ongoing concern during the City's early years. In 1959, the Montecillo, ... 01/27/2009

The Palos Verdes Dr. North neighborhood of Rolling Hills Estates and the Palos Verdes Peninsula is horse country.  Many of the properties are zoned for horses, peacocks roam the streets and horseback riding trails crisscross the area. Active Listings:  24 Single Family Homes were for sale at the end of 2008 priced from $930,000 to $2,790,000. Pending Sales:  1 Property was in escrow listed at $1,695,000. 2008 Sales:  33 Properties closed escrow priced from $840,000 to $2,787,500.     Looking for Palos Verdes horse property?  Call Norma Toering & Team for a list of available properties. 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 H... 01/22/2009

The Palos Verdes Drive North area of the Palos Verdes Peninsula had the following real estate market activity during the 4th Quarter of 2008: Properties Sold:  5 Properties for Sale as of 12/31/08:  24   Average List Price at 12/31/08:  $1.5 million Average Sales Price of homes sold during 4th quarter: $1.7 million Average Price per Sq. Ft. for Properties Sold during 4th Qtr:   $ 562 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 01/22/2009

        The Desirable "Ranch" community located in Rolling Hills Estates of Palos Verdes is a 24 hour gated community. The monthly Association dues are roughly $184 a month. Currently there are three homes for sale in "the ranch": 43 Misty Acres $1.719,000 2.   28 Country Meadow $1,750,000 3. 27 Country Meadow $1,899,000 The following is in escrow: 19 Country Meadow $1,495,000 And the following home sold last year: 30 Country Meadow $2,200,000  For more details about this neighborhood please contact Rachel. Rachelmtyndall@gmail.com (310)802-2334 www.rtyndall.com www.thepvrealtor.com   01/13/2009

A free Music Recital will be presented by pianist Mark Uranker on Sunday January 11th at the Rolling Hills United Methodist Church located at 26438 Crenshaw Blvd. in Rolling Hills Estates. he performs with the American Ballet Theatre and has written musical scores for several productions. For more information call 310-377-6771. For more information about Palos Verdes Arts & Culture visit my website at http://www.maureenmegowan.com 01/09/2009

There are some lovely equestrian neighborhoods along the Palos Verdes Drive North corridor in Rolling Hills Estates. The Dapplegray community and Strawberry Lane are two of my favorite horse property streets. I've sold equestrian properties in both neighborhoods and my clients were thrilled with their new homes and the neighborhood.  Palos Verdes Dr. North statistics for November 2008: Active Listings:  22 single family homes are for sale priced from $930,000 to $2,259,000. Pending Sales:  1 home is currently in escrow priced at $2,890,000. November Sales:  1 property closed escrow priced at $1,250,000. 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 ... 12/15/2008

The Rolling Hills Estates (RHE) Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on Monday December 15th. At 5:30 PM the topic will be the Promenade on the Peninsula Mall's request for a conditional use permit to build 66 condominiums and 16,620 square feet of commercial space in the 500 block of Deep Valley Drive. The latest count is that some 400 additional "condo" units are being proposed / contemplated for the rural community along Sliver Spur and Deep Valley Drive.           At 7:30 PM the topic is the proposed Medical Office Condominiums at 828 Silver Spur Road. This property is the former Arco station across from Long's & Bristol Farms. Those interested in these proposed projects may wish to attend the meeting. For more info about issues affecting the Palos Verdes Peninsula, I would reco... 12/14/2008

Silver Spur Court18 Courtyard condos, ranging in size from 1,700 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft.  with prices ranging from $930,000 to $1.7 million. Located on the corner of Crenshaw Blvd. and Silver Spur These new condominiums for buyers who are 55 years of age and older are now available for viewing. They are at the end of Silver Spur road and close to shopping, the Library, Post Office, medical offices and pharmacies, and the Promenade at Palos Verdes Regional Mall. They are generally larger than the Rolling Hills Villas which recently opened around the corner on Deep Valley Drive which are also condos for the 55 and older buyer. If you would like to view these condos, please contact me at 310-541-6416 or 310-259-7124 For more information about PV Condos & Townhomes / Townhouses visit my we... 12/14/2008

Escrow is the process which facilitates the transfer of title, the funding of a new mortgage, the payoff of an existing mortgage, the issuance of new title insurance, the proper payment of all fees and expenses and the proper pro rations between buyer and seller. The escrow agent acts a third party to insure that all parties to the transaction have met their obligations prior to the recordation of any documents relating to the sale. The escrow agent performs the following tasks:1. Escrow Instructions: Obtains copy of the purchase agreement and prepares Escrow Instructions to be acknowledged and signed by all parties. Most of the terms of the escrow instructions will be obtained from the purchase agreement (such as closing date, contingency periods, inspections to be obtained, etc.), how... 12/07/2008

The Palos Verdes Landfill is located between Crenshaw and Hawthorne Boulevards between Palos Verdes Drive North and Rolling Hills Road. The landfill was opened in 1952 by a private company after years of mining for diatomite (diatomaceous earth) The 291 acre site was purchased five years later by the county Sanitation District which accepted trash including hazordous materials until it was full and closed in 1980. Recently, the County had considered constructing a golf course, however local opposition killed the project. (See Palos Verdes Golf for a description of this proposed project ). An energy facility converts methane gas from the decomposing trash into energy on-site. For more information about the HISTORY OF ROLLING HILLS AND ROLLING HILLS ESTATES visit my website at http://www.... 11/30/2008

It is amazing to me how many people let their emotions control their lives, when with a little effort, you can choose how you react to situations. Do you let little frustrations during the day bring you down, or do you choose to forget them and move on?  If someone makes you angry, are you quick to forgive, or do you carry on a grudge?    What "head you wear" is up to you!!!!! 11/24/2008

  I recently visited the new 55 and over community of Rolling Hills Villas located in Rolling Hills Estates on Deep Valley Drive.  This is a welcome addition to Palos Verdes real estate.  It is conveniently located within walking distance to the Promenade, Bristol Farms, medical buildings, the post office, library and many other shops in the area.  The condominium units are beautiful with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, fireplaces, balconies and interior laundry areas with a washer/dryer.  Click here to read more...... 11/14/2008

The Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood in Rolling Hills Estates has many properties zoned for horses, and several desirable equestrian estates are for sale.  If you have horses and do not want to pay Rolling Hills prices, Rolling Hills Estates may be the perfect place for you.   Palos Verdes Drive North real estate update for October 2008: Active Listings: 21 properties are currently listed for sale priced from $999,000 to $2,250,000. Pending Sales:  5 properties are currently in escrow priced from $995,000 to $2,890,000. October Sales:  3 properties are in escrow priced from $1,130,000 to $1,600,000. If you have a property to sell, or would like to purchase property in the Palos Verdes Dr. North neighborhood, I'm here to help you accomplish your goal. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Pal... 11/07/2008

The brand new Rolling Hills Villas, an over 55 condo development at 901 Deep Valley Drive in Rolling Hills Estates has celebrated its grand opening. The 41 unit project has units ranging from 1 bedroom, 1 bath at 733 square feet (starting from $419,900) up to 2 bedrroms and 2 baths from 987 square feet to 1,577 square feet (with prices ranging from $519,900 to $899,900 ) . Floorplans of the various models can be viewed at http://www.rhvillas.com . Approx. 9 of the units have been sold to date. The property is located towards the eastern end of Deep Valley Drive and has a roof top deck area with tables and chairs and a bar-b-que area. This project is one of several designed to provide residents easy access to restaurants, shopping, and other services in the Peninsula Center commercial ar... 11/03/2008

Palos Verdes Drive North  ( Area 165 in MLS map below) Is an area of the Palos Verdes Peninsula that extends from the eastern boundary of the city, just south of Palos Verdes Drive east, to the northern boundary of the city with Palos Verdes Estates, and is located both north and south of Palos Verdes Drive North. Neighborhhoods include Colina Ranch, Strawberry Lane, Rollingwood, Rolling Hills Road, Roanwood, Saddlebow, Palomino Ranchos, Monticello, Marloma, Masongate, Empty Saddle, Dapplegray, Club View, and Bridlewood Circle, Another area of Palos Verdes Drive North in Rolling Hills Estates is south of Palos Verdes Drive North along Palos Verdes Drive East, and includes the neighborhoods of Hitching Post, Harbor Sight and Conestoga. Palos Verdes Peninsula: ( Area 165 in MLS map below)... 10/26/2008

The Boulevards at South Bay Shopping in Carson, just south of the junction of the 405 and 110 freeways, celebrated their groundbreaking yesterday. The Center under construction will consist of 168 acres, and a potential mix of approx. 2 million square feet of commercial, retail and entertainment uses, a 300 room hotel, and up to 1,500 residential units.It is expected to open in 2011 or 2012. For more abut what is happening in the South Bay of Los Angeles, visit my website http://www.maureenmegowan.com 10/15/2008

It is common for buyers to request that the sellers provide a home warranty. Standard Home Warranty packages includes protection against breakdowns in numerous systems of the home, including the following:Plumbing System, Plumbing Stoppages, Water Heater, Heating System/Heat Pump, Ductwork, Electrical System, Garage Door Opener, Central Vacuum System, Ceiling Fans, Doorbells, Pest Control, Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal, Built-In Microwave Oven, Range/Oven/Cooktop, Trash CompactorA trade service call fee per repair visit (usually about $55) or the actual cost of service, whichever is less, is typically charged. A disposal fee for replacement of large items may also be charged. The basic home warranty coverage costs approx. $255 - $260. A policy for a condominium costs slightly less. For ... 10/14/2008