Torrance, CA residents who have purchased properties in the Hillside Overlay Area are especially concerned with protecting their views, as well as maintaining the look and feel of their unique communities. In 1977, the Hillside Overlay Area was established in Torrance, CA in order to address issues concerning building, remodeling, and protecting views and privacy. Below are links to both the Hillside Overlay Area Map and an excerpt from the Torrance Municipal Code relating to this issue. Hillside Overlay Area Map: http://www.torrnet.com/PDF/OverLays.pdf Torrance Municipal Code Excerpt (Hillside Overlay): http://www.torrnet.com/1692.htm If you are thinking of purchasing in these areas, be advised that remodels must adhere to strict rules by the Planning Department. Visit them at http://w... 08/16/2008

Average home price was $588,983 compared with $671,807 in July  '07, 11.4% price drop!  Average price went up by 10.9% on a month to month basis! Total of 99 homes were sold  last month - same as last year.  Average DOM was 63 days compared to 45 days a year ago. Highest priced home sold at $1,115,000; lowest at $260,000. Check out recent sales in your area!  Visit http://www.FantasticTorranceHomes.com for latest on Torrance real estate, Search FREE MLS, and more!!   08/16/2008

Picture courtesy of  Listing in Begonia Village Torrance After analyzing the recent sales in the South Torrance area,I have found that the winning homes that are selling are homes in pristine condition, completely updated and like new. 11 homes sold this month 51 are currently for sale 7 are in escrow pending back up offers Selling Prices ranged from $762,000 to 879,000. Buyers are choosing homes that are in the best condition in this market. Homes that are not updated and that need work are unfortunately sitting in this market in the last 6 months.  It follow the market right now, since lenders are only making loans on a 700 fico score and above. Most buyers in the 800's are given a tight screening.  I find that most clients with high fico scores that take pride in their credit and are... 08/13/2008

The "Old Torrance" area of Torrance, CA has been enjoying an incredible gentrification process. The newer, high class restaurants and townhomes mix beautifully with the classic shops and old-town atmosphere of yesteryear. Walk to your favorite coffee shop or drive through the streets to find the few historic Spanish, Tudor, or Craftsman homes in the area. Call me for a detailed property search. Mary Walker, The Real Estate Group (310) 508-8507   08/04/2008

Here is a list of important numbers to know in Torrance, CA. Compliments of Mary Walker, The Real Estate Group. (310) 508-8507. City Hall 3031 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503 - (310) 328-5310 Building & Safety (310) 618-5910 Torrance Airport 3301 Airport Dr., Torrance, CA 90505 - (310) 784-7900 Cable/Utilities Time Warner Communications 1511 Cravens Ave., Torrance, CA 90501 - (888) 892-2253 S. Cal. Edison Co. (800) 655-4555 Torrance Water 20500 Madrona Ave., Torrance, CA 90503 - (310) 781-6900 California Water Service Co. 2632 W 237th St., Torrance, CA 90503 - (310) 257-1400 The Gas Co. Residential: (800) 427-2200 Business: (800) 427-2000 AT&T Residential: (800) 310-2355 Business: (800) 750-2355 Verizon Residential: (800) 483-4000 Commercial: (800 483-5000 Multilingual: (800) 743-248... 07/31/2008

Many new condos and townhomes have been built in Torrance in the last few years.  If you're looking for a brand new home, now is a very good time to buy.  Builders have been offering close out prices and incentives  - call me at 310.918.5027 or email at krystyna@ISellSouthBay.com for more information. New Condominium &Townhouse  Communities in Torrance The Village on OakNew luxurious townhome gated community in Old TorranceParkview Court Brand new 55+ Senior Community overlooking Wilson Park;  Units are priced at $279,000 & up.     The Meridian At Cabrillo Brand new 55+ Senior Community  Please visit http://www.ISellSouthBay.com for all your Torrance and South Bay real estate needs. 07/20/2008

07/23/2008 11:30 AM -2:30 PM 1031 exchange workshop on the requirements, structures, processes, strategies, and compliance issues necessary to successfully complete a 1031 exchange, including a discussion of Tenant-In-Common (TIC) investment properties as 1031 exchange replacement property solutions.  Continuing education credits available for Realtors, CPAs and CFPs.  Learn More Intermed.Level Torrance,California 07/18/2008

SOUTH BAY 55+ SENIOR COMMUNITIES   If you're looking for outstanding, 55+ Senior communities, you're in the right place!  There are several senior communities in the South Bay.  Most of them are located in Torrance.  From the beautiful, well established New Horizons to luxurious, brand new Parkview Court, there is a lot to choose from! As the specialist in Torrance CA, Redondo Beach CA and South Bay senior communities, I've created this website to help you access specific 55+ real estate information .  Please contact me today with any questions!  Call (310)918-5027 today!Visit our South Bay Senior communities website to more info and current 55+ listingsNew Horizons      Nadine Circle - Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90505                                                                        ... 07/12/2008

June 2008 home sales in Torrance   Average home price in Torrance was $538,172 compared with $641,428 in 2007, a 16,1% price drop. Total of 92 homes sold in June '08 compared with 104 homes sold in June '07. Sales volume has picked up again on a month to month basis. Is it just a "summere spike" or real recovery? We won't know for quite a long time - after the fact, as it's always the case..If you're thinking about buying a home - now is the time to buy!Average DOM (days on market) was 58 - homes stayed on the market 20 days longer on average  this year.Highest priced home sold at $1,250,000; lowest at $250,000.There are more foreclosure sales in Torrance this year pushing prices down.  IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!Contact me for a Foreclusure  list in the Torrance area of your interest Pl... 07/12/2008

I received this from AARP and just wanted to pass it on to our over 50 Active Rain Members and those who are worried about the future of Medicare.  This is an issue that will affect all of us one day.If you want a good education in the seriousness of the health care crisis watch the moving that my Physician/surgeon recommended to me which you can find at any video store-"Sicko"a great documentary by Michael Moore a real eyeopener to our Health Care System and it's dangers. Elderly are losing their homes due to having to pay health care bills, it is really sad. Don't wait until you are the victim, Pick up the fight now!  The Health Care benefits are a national crisis in this Country, especially for the elderly. Please help by clicking on the link below to encorage Presidient Bush not to ... 07/11/2008

1031 Exchange Workshop  It's Not Just Another 1031 Exchange Seminar - It's a Workshop! See all of our 1031 exchange seminar programs. Intermediate Level 1031 Exchange Workshop This is an intermediate level workshop on forward, reverse and improvement (build-to-suit or construction) 1031 exchange transactions pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 1.1031 of the Treasury Regulations. 1031 Exchange Workshop Content The educational workshop will begin with an introduction to various tax-deferral and tax-exclusion strategies, including combining Section 1031 with Section 121.  The discussions will focus on the requirements, structures, processes, strategies, and compliance issues necessary to successfully complete a 1031 exchange transaction.  We will finish with a... 07/08/2008

In the State of the State speech, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed cuts to virtually every department within the state, including Education. This drastic action by the Governor is in an attempt to close a budget gap of $16 billion. The Governor asked legislators to suspend Proposition 98, which guarantees schools receive 40% from the State's general budget. For TUSD this translates into cutting next year's budget by $9.4 million in order to maintain a 3 percent reserve. These cuts include all major categorical programs being reduced between 5 to7 percent. This includes class-size reduction, home-to-school transportation and supplemental counseling. The same percentage reduction is being proposed for special education, which is a federally mandated program. TUSD continues to find ... 06/11/2008

Housing in Torrance is equally diverse, ranging from small apartments to sprawling mansions, but prices have risen across all sectors and in all neighborhoods during the last several years. In 2002, the median price for a single-family home in Torrance was $355,500, according to DataQuick Information Systems, and had risen to $600,000 in March 2007. 06/11/2008

A short sale is an "arrangement" between the current owner of a home and the bank that lend them the money to buy their home to accept an offer for less than the total amount owed to pay off the home. The "deficiency" is the difference between the amount owed and what the bank collects at the short sale. 06/11/2008

 I just recieved this special Voter Review from Craig Huey's Reality Alert: Special Election Issue   Your Resource for a Christian Worldview for those of you that are interested. .I believe that important care needs to be taken with the nominees for the California Supreme Court...See my article on our serious condition of the United States Supreme Courts. I hope this is helpful to you as it was in the last election. If you go to electionforum.org, Craig has a printer friendly guide to take with you to the polls.Craig's email  article below:     "May 28, 2008     Concerned Voter,             Voting your values has never been so important.         That's why I'm sending you our recommendations for the June Primary. Recommendations are listed below by county.         These are based on can... 05/28/2008

April 2008 home sales in Torrance Average home price in Torrance was $617,660 compared with $639,040 in 2007, a 3.5 price drop. Average  price went up by 6.4% on a month to month basis (compared with March '08). Total of 67 homes sold in April '08 compared with 127 homes sold in April '07.  Sales are UP - has the market bottomed out? Average DOM (days on market) was 65 - homes stayed on the market 29 days longer on average  this year.Highest priced home sold at $1,100,000; lowest at $230,000. There are more foreclosure sales in Torrance this year pushing prices down.  IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!Contact me for a Foreclusure  list in the Torrance area of your interest For more information on Torrance real estate visit http://www.FantasticTorranceHomes.com or call me at 310-918-5027 for a f... 05/21/2008

This is an article I wrote on my new Southern California Home Blog that we are launching soon. Below is the link:http://www.realestateforthesoul.com Real Estate is like a box of chocolates because as a Realtor you never know what you are going to get. 1. A wonderful Client who move quickly takes your advice from the get go and finds an excellent buy on a house 2.A client that turns you into a detective. Everything is a mystery about them until you build the trust. So it takes you a long time to service them and meet their needs. 3. Some clients are like a quick trip to the dentist. The initial meeting is like pulling teeth to gather information and then once you see how you can help them you move swiftly and quickly to find the perfect real estate investment for this client. 4. Some cli... 05/09/2008

Project Touch been in the South Bay since 1973. Check out this awesome program for kids, Dinner, Social Hour and one hour of group therapy. .Preteens to Teens. Kids listening to kids, Make new friends and confidential sharing. Kids really get it when they hear it from other kids. Helping kids that have issues with single parents, no father involved etc... Check out this awesome video Courtesy of the Daily Breeze. http://medianewsgroup.a.mms.mavenapps.net/mms/rt/1/site/medianewsgroup-lang-dailybreeze-pub01-live/current/launch.html?maven_playerId=dailybreezevideoplayer&maven_referralObject=c1bd3dc3-c79f-4e79-a978-5411    Featured Home of the Week    Rancho Palos Verdes Condominium- View from Living Room     http://activerain.com/blogsview/388938/32646-Coast-Site-Rancho   Rancho Palos Verd... 05/07/2008

Realtors and Fellow Finance Professionals,  As a real estate finance professional its important to display what types of loan services are currently offered here in southern California which is my primary target market. I can lend in 35 other states as well. Lending guidelines have currently changed but in my opinion for the better. Appraisals values are getting cut by lenders due to the number of current foreclosures across the nation. Full income documentation is the norm but there are a few banks that are offering stated income loans but their requirements are pretty rigid. Contact me if you have a scenario. Here is what i can Currently offer *: Home Equity Loans to 75% CLTV in Southern California, inquire within for other states. FHA financing for purchase (3% Down) and refinance lo... 05/01/2008

Increasing your home value is such a "open-ended" term because one persons treasure can be another persons nightmare. For example adding a swimming pool in the back yard can easily be viewed as a "Wow" factor to someone who loves having a pool and can afford the maintenance of owning a pool. However, to another person it may appear as more of a burden and a safety issue which will decrease the value to that buyer. Some clients are just dead set against a pool. They see it as a extra monthly expense and if they have small children they do not want to risk the danger.  It is very interesting how each client views upgrades depending upon their likes and dislikes.    Property Maintenance Will Increase Your Home Value The best way to increase home value is to treat it like an investment and... 04/29/2008