Category Archives: Real Estate

Can’t Find the Right Home? Maybe You Need a New Search Button. . .

Posted on April 9, 2013 by carolannglover | Leave a comment

House Hunting

We have come to rely on the Internet for. . . well, for just about all our information! We search for friends, family, restaurants and REAL ESTATE. As Realtors, we search and search for the perfect new home for our Buyers and for the perfect sales price for our Sellers. However, what we cannot do is touch and feel the real estate market through the internet. The search buttons just don’t do house hunting justice. We often hear Buyers discarding properties because the pictures are bad – or they are just boring. You just can’t tell from the internet how a home “lives,” which is why we spend a tremendous amount of time going to the Broker previews. It is the only way that we know how to provide valuable information and input to our buyers and sellers. We are sometimes very disappointed by the actual feel of a property — often we are pleasantly surprised.

So what’s the point of this blog? A great Realtor is an extremely effective “Search Button.” Find someone who will really listen to you and then share with them what you want. . . not just the number of beds and baths but how you want your new home to LIVE. We love it when clients describe their lifestyle and how they want their home to feel day in and day out. The Realtor then becomes an incredibly useful and time-saving tool and not just someone who can just unlock the front door. Wouldn’t you trade endless hours of internet house hunting – for hours curled up with your IPAD in a cozy chair in your new home, spending your time searching for friends, family, and oh, those great restaurants!

Let us know how we can help you achieve your real estate goals! Call us today!

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Tagged 90266, buying a home in manhattan beach, Buying in Hermosa Beach, Carol Glover, carol glover realtor, chair, cozy, curb appeal, Dave Salzman, design, entertainment, fix it project, front door, home, home hunting, home photos, home renovation, house hunting, How to Use a Realtor, internet, internet house hunt, internet pictures, internet search button, IPAD, Living in the south bay, Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach Dave Salzman, Manhattan Beach lifestyle, Manhattan beach real estate agents, Market Update, Realtor, top real estate agents manhattan beach, using a Realtor, where to live in mnahattan beach

Upcoming Listing {under construction}

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Taya DiCarlo | Leave a comment

My business partners, Dave and Carol, have a development company called Estates Construction & Development, LLC.

1605 Harkness Avenue in Manhattan Beach is the latest property to undergo a a renovation. This is their 154th renovation project! Watch this video to get a sneak peek at what improvements have been made to this 3 bedroom, (now) 2 bathroom home in the Liberty Village section of Manhattan Beach.

My favorite part about these projects is that Dave and Carol are truly rejuvenating the neighborhood. It’s refreshing to see a home get remodeled instead of bulldozed. If you ask me, I think the work they do could easily be featured on TLC’s “Flip That House!” ;-)

Stay tuned in the next week or so to see the complete transformation!

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Tagged Carol Glover, Dave Salzman, flip that house, home renovation, house flipping, house flipping manhattan beach, liberty village homes, manhattan beach pocket listing, manhattan beach real estate, Taya Asimos

Manhattan Beach Homes – Eclectic!

Posted on September 8, 2012 by carolannglover | 1 comment

Classic Beach Cottage Living Room

I Love Surprises! That is what you get when touring homes on Broker’s Opens. Today was no exception. I chose two homes to review because they epitomize Beach living – at two extremes. One is a charming classic Beach home and the other is a brand new contemporary. Homes can be wildly apart in living style, location and price — but that is what is so great about 90266. A mix of vintage and modern with a wide array of architectural styles; throw in the feel from the very different neighborhoods and you have eclectic. We often don’t reflect on the variety within the four square miles of Manhattan Beach but today’s tour was a big reminder. While touring, my colleagues (Dave Salzman, Taya Asimos, Randy Leaf) and I selected our “most memorable” picks for the afternoon. The winner for Quintessential Beach Living went to 429 36th Street, Manhattan Beach. Actually a duplex, built in the 40’s these two units are in impeccable condition. The are identical 2 bedroom, 1 bath units, (2,150 sf) but were clearly built by someone with style and a little money to burn at the time. Little details make these units VERY special – large rooms, detailed plaster ceilings, large kitchens. The two units sit at the rear of the lot providing a great front yard – rare in the Sand Section. I have to thank the current and former owners of this duplex for lovingly maintaining the integrity and beauty of the original finishes. This duplex gets a huge stamp of “ADORABLE” and our hope and prayer that the next owner chooses to live in this charming piece of Beach History. Listing Price $1,450,000. Next on our Winner List is the brand new construction townhome at 1402 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach. This is a 3 bedroom, 4 bath within 2,400 sq ft of beautiful from the moment you walk in the door. The finishes are spot-on and the views – well worth the price tag. Not to mention – walking distance to downtown Manhattan Beach. If an older home must be torn down to make way for “the new” it is a relief to see the old replaced with a home of vision and style. This townhome is the winner of High Style Contemporary gets a stamp of “STUNNING.” Listing Price $2,799,000. Happy hunting in finding your unique Manhattan Beach home.

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Tagged 90266, beach cottage, buying a home in manhattan beach, Buying in Hermosa Beach, Carol Glover, contemporary, downtown Manhattan Beach, duplex, Hermosa Beach Real estate, home renovation, Living in the south bay, Manhattan Beach Dave Salzman, Manhattan Beach lifestyle, Manhattan beach real estate agents, North End, Stunning Beach, Taya Asimos, top real estate agents manhattan beach, townhome, townhomes, townhouse, where to live in mnahattan beach

Impeccible Style in Hermosa Beach – New Listing!

Posted on April 20, 2012 by carolannglover | Leave a comment

Catch the video on 408 29th Street, Hermosa Beach, one of our favorite homes on Caravan { in addition to our new listing at 201 43rd Street in Manhattan Beach, of course!}

Check out photos below for both 408 – 29th Street, Hermosa Beach and our new Listing at 201 43rd Street, Manhattan Beach, CA.

Have a fabulous weekend!!

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Tagged buying a home in manhattan beach, Buying in Hermosa Beach, Carol Glover, carol glover realtor, entertainment, health food store manhattan beach, Hermosa Beach Real estate, Living in the south bay, Manhattan Beach Dave Salzman, Real Estate, Selling in Hermosa Beach, Taya Asimos, Taya Asimos NW Real Estate Brokers, top real estate agents manhattan beach, where to live in mnahattan beach

One Man’s Ceiling is a Remodeler’s Floor

Posted on March 17, 2012 by carolannglover | Leave a comment

If you don’t LOVE the process of remodeling or even the prospect of remodeling- Don’t Do It! Buy a home that has already been done. It is not a process for the faint of heart or pocketbook. Personally, my partner and I, Dave Salzman, LOVE IT! We absolutely love saving homes that have “great bones” but are suffering from years of neglect. We just put our most recent project, 2001 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 on the MLS. We have almost completely remodeled the home and, if we do say so ourselves, it turned out quite well.

We had an interesting Broker’s Open House today, as the property just across the street at 2000 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach also went on the market this week. It is a FIXER… of course Dave and I fell in love with it immediately. But, alas, we are already working on our next project (just closed escrow today– stay tuned for more information about this one). The property across the street is larger than ours, and has a larger lot. . . but, if it were to be fixed up, and not bulldozed, we estimate a $150,000 – $200,000 budget. Add that to the purchase price and the buyer is in for a total price tag of $1,199,000+. If you have the cash pocket-book and the desire. . . our warmest of wishes. . . as we believe 2000 Pacific could turn out cute. But if you are a Man or Woman who likes an already remodeled “Ceiling,” check out 2001 Pacific Avenue! We will be there March 17 & 18th from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

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Tagged 90266, buying a home in manhattan beach, Buying in Hermosa Beach, Carol Glover, carol glover realtor, Ceiling, Dave Salzman, fix it project, Floor, health food store manhattan beach, Hermosa Beach Real estate, Living in the south bay, Manhattan Beach Dave Salzman, Manhattan Beach lifestyle, Manhattan beach real estate agents, One man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor, Remodel, remodel or tear down, Remodeling, renovation opportunity, selling real estate in manhattan beach, Taya Asimos, Taya Real Estate Agent, top real estate agents manhattan beach, where to live in mnahattan beach

Do All Good Things Have to Come to an End?

Posted on March 3, 2012 by carolannglover | Leave a comment

When you see a listing in the Beach Cities and there are only one or two pics, you can almost bet that the handwriting is on the wall. These properties are doomed. We went out on Brokers’ Open Caravan and I had my heart-broken—Twice. Two properties that speak to the history of Manhattan and Hermosa Beach were on caravan today. They both caught my eye and my indomitable remodel spirit. Alas, these two homes most likely have a date with the bulldozer, but I have to ask the question: Why? Why is it aways that the land value will trump retaining a very cool existing home and a bit of beach history? I actually know the answer of course, that little thing they teach you about land–“highest and best use”–but, still, sometimes it just saddens me that a slice of our local home history appears destined to go down.

I hope that I am wrong and that whoever buys these two homes will fall in love with their original character – remodel and enjoy. But, just in case I am wrong, this post is a tribute to the little 1930s beach shack (think sandy, sunburned children and streetcars) and the 1960s Uber Cool view home (think Martinis and Dean Martin).

Casting away reality for a moment, my dream would be to remodel 2434 Manhattan Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA and 1160 Duncan Drive, Manhattan Beach, CA.

The two could not be more different. Manhattan Avenue is a small beach cottage built in 1931! It is only 1,173 sq ft on a 30 x 100 foot lot, but what a location. A short walk to the beach; I am quite sure that when it was built there was nothing around it but open sand dunes. This is a house filled with summer vacation memories. It is a classic – small rooms – small kitchen – a basement with changing rooms and beach showers. It just doesn’t get any more beach cottage than this. What would you do to it? Not much, the structure itself is so old, that one could easily overspend. It could be fixed up – wisely – and enjoyed for many more years. Eventually it will fall, but with some love, this 81-year-old beach beauty could easily make it to 100!

On the other end of the scale is 1160 Duncan Drive, Manhattan Beach. You could not pick a more private location or a larger lot. This is a 1963 build – 3,482 sq. ft. on a 18,393 sq ft lot. This home was specifically built for, and indeed has, one of the most spectacular east views I have ever seen in Manhattan Beach. The entire east side of the upper level of this split level home are windows and there is nothing obstructing the panorama of the City of Los Angeles before you. Stunning!! This would be such an amazing remodel. Scrape the ceilings, open up the kitchen, install new period appropriate tile, grab that shag rug and hunt down every shop you can find for Danish Modern furniture and Voila! – you have the Coolest –Most Stunning City View–Private Retreat in Manhattan Beach.

Ah well, a girl can dream!

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Tagged 90266, buying a home in manhattan beach, Buying in Hermosa Beach, Carol Glover, carol glover realtor, fix it project, Hermosa Beach Real estate, home renovation, Living in the south bay, Manhattan Beach Dave Salzman, Manhattan beach real estate agents, Market Update, renovation team, Selling in Hermosa Beach, selling real estate in manhattan beach, Taya Asimos NW Real Estate Brokers, top real estate agents manhattan beach, where to live in mnahattan beach

Walking in The Front Door…

Posted on February 28, 2012 by carolannglover | Leave a comment

Over the weekend I was processing the properties that we saw on Brokers’ caravan last Friday. We previewed a very intriguing duplex in Hermosa Beach, a stunning ocean view property in Manhattan Beach, a classic ocean view ranch style that needs love in Hermosa Beach (no bullozers, Please!). However, we wanted to blog about our “surprise” of the afternoon, because this home reminded us that no matter how internet savvy we are. . . nothing trumps walking in the front door.

Case in Point: 766- 33rd Street, Manhattan Beach. Asking $2,400,000. From the internet pictures [which are nicely done, by the way] the home looks like a large – but typical mediterranean style 1990s built home. It is on a large lot on a beautiful street, so the square footage and location gets your attention. Still, it just doesn’t grab you. . . until you go inside.

The home designer created an extremely interesting floor plan. Some would say “strange” — however, I LOVED it! The home has almost a split level design of the master and guest suites, with sitting rooms and offices all pouring out onto different level patios and balconies. I was intrigued by the intricate design and the use of space to create several living levels and private retreat areas. It is a wonderful home for entertaining and perfect for a buyer who has older children or who has frequent out-of-town visitors. For a large home it has the right balance of large gathering spaces and cozy rooms. We like nice surprises; this one did not disappoint! So, if you are completely into your internet searching, get up and take a walk. . . you may find your perfect Front Door.

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Tagged 766 - 33rd Street, 90266, buying a home in manhattan beach, Buying in Hermosa Beach, Carol Glover, carol glover realtor, Dave Salzman, front door, Living in the south bay, Manhattan Beach Dave Salzman, Manhattan Beach lifestyle, renovation specialist, Taya Asimos, top real estate agents manhattan beach

ON THE FENCE ABOUT SELLING?

Posted on February 21, 2012 by davesalzman53 | Leave a comment

It is a rare day when at least one article is not in the news regarding the mortgage meltdown, national foreclosure statistics and concern over the impending tsunami of foreclosures soon to flood the market.

We could blog for days on national statistics – but we’ll let others do that. We are concentrated on the Beach Cities, specifically Manhattan Beach. We are seeing a local market that is long on buyers and short on sellers! The frequent topic of discussions among Realtors is frustration at the low inventory of available houses for sale. We brought out two new listings in February—we received offers within days of our market launch. Both generated multiple offers. One sold close to asking price, the other went overbid!

So what is going on? Has the local market passed the bottom?

It is quite clear that it has!

The Beach Cities residential properties have sold off dramatically in recent months. We see the effects of this fact every weekend at open houses.

We meet many qualified buyers actively searching for the right home but frustrated by the very limited inventory to choose from.

This is exactly the opposite situation that we were observing not many months ago when the market was long on sellers and short on real buyers.

Clearly the local market has passed the bottom of this cycle and, interestingly, has also just barely passed the balance point between buyers and sellers!

Yes, as strange as it may seem from the point of view only months ago, when we had a buyers market for years prior, we are now seeing the local market in the Beach Cities beginning to rotate ever so slightly back to a sellers’ market!

Available inventory has dropped to 3 months of sales activity or less. Much of this available inventory amounts to a “legacy” of overpriced or under conditioned, or both, properties that languish on the market.

Quality, well priced properties that are offered for sale now generate immediate interest and offers. Proper presentation and pricing for value of properties offered is critical as buyers are still very focused on real value and will not press offer prices much above reasonable, “appraise-able” values.

This is why over priced or under conditioned properties continue to languish.

Consider the following market reports regarding residential properties from our local MLS system as of February 20, 2012:

Manhattan Beach:

There are 91 available and 72 in escrow; so about 1.26 available for every 1 in escrow.

Using an approximate 60 day escrow period Manhattan has about 2.5 months inventory available.

Status: Active (91)
		List Price	ADOM	Selling Price	BR	BA	Year Built	SqFt	Lot SqFt
	Min	499,000		–	1	1.00	1908	744	1,347
	Max	24,900,000	567	–	8	8.00	2012	7,000	59,678
	Avg	2,330,955	90	–	3	3.34	1979	2,399	5,409
	Sum	212,116,943		–
Status: Pending Sale (37)
		List Price	ADOM	Selling Price	BR	BA	Year Built	SqFt	Lot SqFt
	Min	715,000		–	2	1.00	1927	792	1,346
	Max	3,900,000	208	–	6	6.00	2012	6,289	10,500
	Avg	1,562,160	61	–	4	3.24	1979	2,534	4,505
	Sum	57,799,921		–
Status: Backup Offer (35)
		List Price	ADOM	Selling Price	BR	BA	Year Built	SqFt	Lot SqFt
	Min	575,000	12	–	2	1.00	1925	650
	Max	10,500,000	480	–	6	7.00	2011	4,974	10,017
	Avg	1,801,235	115	–	4	3.40	1981	2,516	4,504
	Sum	63,043,222		–

Hermosa Beach:

There are 48 available and 33 in escrow; so also about 1.45 available for every 1 in escrow.

Using an approximate 60 day escrow period Hermosa also has about 3 months inventory available.

Status: Active (48)
		List Price	ADOM	Selling Price	BR	BA	Year Built	SqFt	Lot SqFt
	Min	329,000	2	–	1	1.00	1922	439
	Max	14,950,000	668	–	8	10.00	2012	9,884	59,585
	Avg	1,513,683	117	–	3	3.05	1981	2,074	10,888
	Sum	72,656,790		–
Status: Pending Sale (17)
		List Price	ADOM	Selling Price	BR	BA	Year Built	SqFt	Lot SqFt
	Min	550,000	2	–	2	1.00	1938	756	1,451
	Max	3,495,000	267	–	5	6.00	2012	3,865	6,118
	Avg	1,461,494	98	–	3	3.35	1986	2,119	3,174
	Sum	24,845,400		–
Status: Backup Offer (16)
		List Price	ADOM	Selling Price	BR	BA	Year Built	SqFt	Lot SqFt
	Min	324,900	7	–	2	1.00	1946	756	1,734
	Max	2,899,000	411	–	6	6.00	2006	4,450	42,508
	Avg	1,106,181	102	–	3	2.88	1978	2,029	10,834
	Sum	17,698,900		–

Redondo Beach:

There are 144 available and 136 in escrow; so only 1.06 available for every 1 in escrow.

Using an approximate 60 day escrow period Redondo has only about 2 months inventory available.

Status: Active (144)
		List Price	ADOM	Selling Price	BR	BA	Year Built	SqFt	Lot SqFt
	Min	247,500		–		1.00	1910	410
	Max	6,995,000	676	–	6	6.00	2012	4,283	273,001
	Avg	735,860	87	–	3	2.68	1980	1,836	20,650
	Sum	105,963,879		–
Status: Pending Sale (70)
		List Price	ADOM	Selling Price	BR	BA	Year Built	SqFt	Lot SqFt
	Min	149,900	3	–	1	1.00	1941	619
	Max	1,579,000	349	–	4	4.00	2011	3,448	202,465
	Avg	549,691	64	–	3	2.22	1980	1,568	12,601
	Sum	38,478,369		–
Status: Backup Offer (66)
		List Price	ADOM	Selling Price	BR	BA	Year Built	SqFt	Lot SqFt
	Min	329,000	6	–	1	1.00	1908	761	723
	Max	1,399,000	704	–	5	5.00	2012	4,254	197,362
	Avg	636,152	113	–	3	2.70	1981	1,799	17,751
	Sum	41,986,029

In closing, this is the lowest level of available inventory that we’ve seen in the Beach Cities market in years. While parts of the rest of the country are still experiencing an excess of inventory, here, that phase of the market cycle is behind us.

If you’re on the fence about selling or buying… get off! There’s no time like the present.

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Tagged Carol Glover, Dave Salzman, manhattan market recovery, market update hermosa beach, market update manhattan beach, market update redondo beach, market update south bay, real estate climate south bay, Taya Asimos, time to buy, time to sell

C’est Une Belle Vie

Posted on February 11, 2012 by carolannglover | Leave a comment

Aujourd’hui, nous etions joyeux de voir une nouvelle listage sur l’un de nos rues favorites dans le la section Arbre, 657, 31e rue

. . . Ah well, that is the extent of my French language skills (with a little help from my son), but I had to start off this way. This home – renovated – would be a stunning French Normandy statement on this already stately street.

If you want a home to spread your wings and your decor talent, this is it ! It is a 4 bedroom, 3,623 sf home built in 1989 [read : tile counters and oak floors] that was top of the market in its day. It is dated, but . . .What a House! With only 4 bedrooms in 3,623 sf the rooms are huge; you could get lost in the master suite. This home looks like it needs a new roof and definitely needs updated finishes, but the final result would be elegant!

Bonne Chance to the savvy buyer who can polish this Norman Beauty.

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Tagged 4 bedrooms, 90266, Beautiful Street, buying a home in manhattan beach, Buying in Hermosa Beach, Carol Glover, Dave Salzman, Decor, fix it project, French Normandy, home renovation, Living in the south bay, Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach Dave Salzman, Manhattan Beach lifestyle, Manhattan beach real estate agents, Savvy buyer, selling real estate in manhattan beach, smart buyer, top real estate agents manhattan beach, Tree lined Street, Tree Section, Tree Section Manhattan Beach, value, where to live in mnahattan beach

Putting the HOME in Townhome!

Posted on February 10, 2012 by carolannglover | Leave a comment

Taya Asimos and I went out today to investigate the Redondo Beach, Hawthorne and Torrance new single family home listings. We covered a lot of territory today, not really seeing anything that stood out to us as a stunning home. . . until we hit 2422 Gates Avenue, Redondo Beach. This home epitomizes gracious living. It has been meticulously decorated and has a nicely, and recently, remodeled kitchen. The house is 2,650 sf per the developer, but it lives much larger. The beauty of the floor plan is that it is situated on an extra wide lot and occupies the corner. This means that it has that classic floor plan of formal living and dining room up front with the kitchen and family room at the back spilling out into a lovely yard. All the bedrooms are upstairs and they are ample. This is what we affectionately refer to as a “just bring your toothbrush” house. You only need to unpack and settle in front of the cozy family room fireplace and toast your good fortune at buying such a pretty house! The kicker—it is not a single family residence; it is a two-on-a-lot townhome. You would never know, but the great feature of this is that it is priced as a townhome. So, if you are frustrated by the price vs. size options you are finding in the Single Family market you might expand your search to townhomes that have a similar configuration. We see these and other “out of the box” solutions every week. Call us!