Monthly Archives: October 2011

Just got back from Friday’s Brokers’ Open House tour.  It was a short tour as there are very few new listings.  We have buyers backed up waiting for that great house to pop up on the market, but new listings are coming out at a trickle pace.  However, there were several new gems featured on the open house tour.  The one we think is a real find is in the  “Mira Costa area.”  One of the major benefits of this neighborhood is the large lots, many of which are 50′ wide and 150′ deep.  The result is a very nice size home and a yard – a feature you don’t often get in the “Sand”‘ or “Tree Section.” Also, if you have kids in, or soon to attend, Mira Costa High School, it is great to be within walking distance.

So why feature this house?  It is a unique design, which is a refreshing change from the standard issue 3,000-3,500 square foot homes built over the last 10 years. The vaulted ceilings and the stone fireplace in the living room set the tone from the moment you walk in the door.  The interior is reminiscent of The Ahwahnee Hotel with a bookcase crammed with good reads and large leather chairs perfect for a good curl up.  The kitchen is rich in finishes and well placed and there is a wonderful office/den space off the kitchen and family room area. Yard? Yep, a big one.  Upstairs the master bedroom is truly a retreat with two additional large bedrooms.  At $1,525,000 we think it is a value.  Take a look – you might be surprised, but you won’t be disappointed!

At a business related social event last week, I was speaking with a Mom of a 2 1/2-year-old. She found out that I live in Manhattan Beach and she immediately started quizzing me on the different neighborhoods, schools, community, etc.  Why?  She had been to Noah’s Bagels in downtown Manhattan Beach on a Saturday and could not believe the number of families and kids swarming around the downtown area. To a Mom of a very busy toddler this was playdate Heaven and she wants to move here!

She is not alone, Manhattan Beach is ranked 3rd in the State for K-12 schools based on the Star Testing. Forbes rated the Manhattan Beach #1 in its article The Best Schools for Your Real Estate Buck.  The School District is strongly supported by the Manhattan Beach Ed Foundation.  Also the Community, at large, is hugely supportive of the schools.  Just this month our local TEDx-Manhattan Beach organization is holding a day of Transforming Learning on October 22, 2011 – featuring 20 speakers at the forefront of thought leadership in Education-Tickets on sale now!

If that is not enough, the City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department offers an overwhelming number of classes for kids of all ages.  The City holds great family community events.  This month checkout The World Famous Pumpkin Race held each year at the Manhattan Beach Pier!

All this bundled with beautiful beaches, amazingly friendly people and incredible homes – for all family sizes!

Interested in learning more?  Give us a call or post a comment! OR Grab a pumpkin and we’ll see you at the races!