Category Archives: Real Estate

Taya’s Deal of the Day in Torrance

Posted on February 9, 2012 by | 2 comments

Thursdays are caravan days for Redondo Beach, Torrance and HollyGlen/Del Aire. Today, Carol and I previewed 8 new listings and out of the ones we saw this is my “deal of the day.” With an FHA loan (only 3.5% down), you could OWN this home for only $2,525 a month!

4126 W. 175th Place, Torrance 90504   |   MLS# S12016803

Single Family Home – Standard Sale

This house is just blocks away from Redondo Beach and west of the 405. Here’s a link to map its location.

What did I love about it? Well, for starters it’s in a good neighborhood. Close enough to the 405 to be convenient for commuters, but far enough away to be in a quiet suburban neighborhood. It is in fantastic condition! Gorgeous hardwood floors, upgraded kitchen, family room with charming brick fireplace that opens to a grassy yard and covered concrete patio. I also liked how the back yard is fenced in- great feature if you have dogs!

Here’s how the listing agent describes the property:

Clean, Gorgeous, Sun Filled & Move-in Ready! Completely remodeled with beautiful crown moldings throughout the house, recessed lighting, plantation shutters, Pergo floors, double-paned windows, sliding doors, and custom blinds. Stunning new custom kitchen with gorgeous under & over cabinet lighting, a beautiful peninsula, a built-in desk, pull-out shelves, stainless steel appliances and sink with water filter. Large Master bedroom freshly painted, family room with cozy fireplace that leads to a large covered patio perfect for outdoor dinning and entertaining. Perfectly manicured front & back yards with automatic sprinkler system. Fruit trees in the backyard. New copper plumbing, new garage door, new rain gutters and new cement driveway. 2-Car garage plus a lot of extra parking on oversized driveway. Over $100,000 in upgrades! Located in a beautiful and tranquil street of a nice pocket area of Torrance close to shopping stores, restaurants, coffee shops and sought-after Torrance schools! Centrally located with very easy freeway access! Come see this beautiful home, you will love the upgrades!

In my opinion, this house will not last long on the market. Get in there to see it this weekend! It will be open Sat and Sun from 1-4PM.

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Buyers Desperately Seeking Inventory

Posted on February 9, 2012 by | Leave a comment

At every real estate meeting I’ve been to lately, whether it be a networking event, or weekly company meeting, the consensus is in: Agents have buyers who are desperately looking for homes in Manhattan Beach. The problem? Inventory is significantly down compared to this time last year. Check out the stats below that chart the number of new listings by month in 2011 (Single family homes & townhouses in the sand, hill and tree sections of Manhattan Beach.)

Data Source: MLS

January 2011 there were 32 new listings. January 2012 we closed the month with only 30 new listings, and just 18 sales.

Interest rates are still at an all-time low, and buyers who qualify are chomping at the bit to  buy their dream home in our community. What does this mean for you if you’re a seller? Well, if you list your home now, it’s extremely likely that your house will get maximum exposure, which could equal maximum value in this market.

If you or someone you know is considering selling in Manhattan Beach, don’t wait until the ‘spring rush.’  Give us a call today. We promise that you’ll receive unparalleled customer service.

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Judging a House by Its Cover

Posted on February 4, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Today on Broker’s Open House caravan we saw  4320 The Strand – on the market for over 700 days – looks dingy and cramped from the exterior – and has been difficult to show.  We almost didn’t go to the open as from the outside it screams “tear down.”

However, as someone who grew up in this Beach town, I have fond memories of when a majority of the City was filled with little beach shacks like this one. So what’s a buyer to do?  Pay over $2,000,0000 for a shack?  Tear it down and build on this slightly larger than usual 1/2 lot?   The question is always a balancing act of purchase price – remodel budget and what is it worth post-remodel or as a new construction home?  This one has the further consideration of who will occupy this little slice of beach front real estate…a tenant after a paint and carpet job, a young couple building their dream home,  a couple of young professionals who will split the purchase and each live in one of the units, or will an investor turn it into a dreamy little Vacation rental?

Most would say: UGH! tear it down.  However, this place could be remodeled.  It has some nice features.  The studio over the garage is VERY small, but would be cute with new floors and tile finishes. It does have an ocean view.  The two units share a cozy little patio in between the two units – no ocean view from this space, but supremely private outdoor space – something Strand homes don’t often have.  Also the main unit is adorable; it has a wonderful fireplace, two cute little bedrooms and a kitchen that would respond well to paint and new hard surfaces.  The agent recent had the front unit staged  – think Coastal Living – and it really is amazing how several well-chosen furniture pieces gives this little place real charm.

So, if you have $2,000,000+ burning a hole in your pocket and you like the idea of owning your own piece of vintage 1950’s Manhattan Beach home, call us to take a look and let your imagination wander down the avenues of possibility. Since there are no photos online of the interior, here is some inspiration that I found to get your creative juices going!

the vibe on the inside. Note: this is not of the property

The Curb Appeal

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{Before the McMansion} Hermosa Brokers Tour Recap

Posted on February 4, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Let me start off by saying that the photos of this property do more harm than good for marketing this home. Note to selling agent: close to 90% of your buyers start their search online. If a buyer isn’t enticed by the photos, then they’re likely to move on to the next property, especially at this price point. There are only 9 average photos online for this $2.399 million dollar home. (FYI it was previously listed at $2.699 in August of 2011) I’d bet good money that this house would sell in a heartbeat if there were photos that accurately portrayed the property. I digress.

I had the joy of seeing this gorgeous mid-century ranch style home in person today. When Carol Glover and I pulled up to the house I got so excited. The home is tucked away on an adorable cul-de-sac street, has a beautiful gated front lawn, a 3 car garage and a detached in-law unit. When you walk through the front doors you’re greeted by an open living area that offers spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and queen’s necklace. The kitchen has been completely remodeled keeping with the integrity of its original charm. There is a quaint outdoor patio off the living room, 2 bedrooms in the main house, and an office with ocean views as well.

Although the bathrooms have not been updated and many aspects of the house are still in original condition, this house is special. You can tell that the owners took great pride in ownership. In a time where McMansions are sprouting up everywhere, it was so refreshing to stumble upon a home that offers such character, history, and charm. I only hope that the future buyer of this home feels the same way. If it were me, I would update the rest of the bathrooms and a few things here and there, but I would NOT tear it down. This home is fantastic just the way it is.

714 Marlita , Hermosa Beach 90254               

Photo Credit: MLSPhoto Credit: MLS

Photo Credit: MLS


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Turn Key Home Under $600K

Posted on January 26, 2012 by | Leave a comment

5536 West 134th Place
Hawthorne, CA 90250

Listing Price   $595,000
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1,371 Sq. Ft.

Holly Glen traditional meets contemporary living. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has been tastefully remodeled with a beautifully executed addition. Formal dining room and hardwood floors throughout. The living room offers gorgeous exposed beams and vaulted ceilings with skylights that fill the main living areas with light. Living room opens up to large family room and kitchen. Large backyard with patio, fountain, and grassy lawn excellent for entertaining. 2 car attached garage. Located on a tree-lined street in the Wiseburn school district. Easy access to freeway, shopping and entertainment.

MLS# S12011331
For the full virtual tour visit:

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Weekly Caravan Recap: Pristine Cottage in Manhattan Beach

Posted on January 21, 2012 by | 1 comment

MANHATTAN BEACH PICK OF THE DAY

A busy Friday Broker’s Open Caravan Day in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.  Whew! What a relief to have new inventory!! There were 15+ new properties to preview – including our own listing at 2401 Oak Avenue, Manhattan Beach (see pictures in our prior blog).

We simply had to write about another listing we LOVED.  This home is in the Mira Costa district – within walking distance to Mira Costa, Pennekamp and several private pre-schools.   What a beautifully remodeled and decorated property this is.  If you love the shabby chic style – this would be perfect for  you.  The house exudes “Cozy.”  From the moment you walk in the door you feel “at home”  – from the comfortable decor and floor plan – the sunroom overlooking the  backyard and a  wonderful outside living area with deep seated sofas and chairs.  This house is a Must See!

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Tree Section Home with a LARGE yard under $900K??

Posted on January 19, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Our new listing at 2401 Oak Avenue just hit the market yesterday. It is being offered at $879,000. Located in the desirable tree section of Manhattan Beach, nestled behind a picket fence on the west side of Oak Ave. is this adorable 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Granite counter tops, travertine flooring with pillow edge and versaille pattern in kitchen. Original hardwood floors throughout. Master suite opens up to a stunning backyard that offers a custom fireplace, big entertaining deck, custom built bbq with fridge, plus a large grassy area and spa! This house is a must see!

Come visit either of our public open houses this weekend, Saturday or Sunday from 2-4pm.

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Under the Housing Search Heading: “You’ll Know It When You See It”

Posted on January 17, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Been searching for that perfect house?!  You know the one— the one that simply feels like it fits on first contact.  Well, one lucky buyer is now in escrow on 303 Larsson Street, Manhattan Beach. This property came on the market last week and by the weekend there were more than five offers.  Why?  It is lovely, beautifully remodeled and ready for living and started out at a great asking price of $1,000,000. Kudos to the remodelers!!

We do a tremendous amount of remodeling and striking the right balance between personal taste and public appeal is not often easy.  We are working on our latest remodel in the tree section– our 153rd project.  If you want any tips on remodeling Do’s & Don’ts – just ask.  Also, check back in a couple of days to see our new  3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Tree Section listing – no remodeling needed on this new listing.  It is charming and ready for a new family!

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Mid-Remodel- Taking a Pulse on Progress

Posted on January 11, 2012 by | 1 comment

We are in the midst of a remodel project in the Tree Section of  Manhattan Beach, CA.  We are upgrading a post WWII 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath tract house for today’s lifestyle.  Typical layout of this era were small closed-off kitchens with large laundry rooms, 1 hallway bath, 3 bedrooms and smaller closets.  Also, they were not built with access to the backyard, other than through a side Kitchen door.  We are borrowing a little space from one of the bedrooms and are making a master suite with a door to the backyard and we have blown out the Kitchen walls to create a living-dining-kitchen area that is perfect for today’s more casual lifestyle.  Take a look at our before pictures and our mid-remodel video

be seeing you soon with updates!  If you are interested in remodeling your home and want to know what upgrades will have the largest value impact, contact us.  We are on our 143 project and have sorted out what works!

You can take a look at one of our prior projects here.

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Remodeling – Added Value or a Nightmare?

Posted on September 30, 2011 by | 1 comment

A Recent Remodel - Before

After the Dust Settled -

See Full Remodel Video Here 

Doesn’t remodeling look easy on TV?  I watch these shows and WISH that I had the army of people it takes to get their projects done and the discounted/free stuff that they get from their advertisers.  But, alas, for us mere mortals – We need a Plan – Great Referrals – Market Knowledge!

A PLAN:  Know what you are getting into and WHY.  Do you really need the $2,000 farm sink or will the $900 one do the job and still look great?   If you are not a designer – seek help.  It is very easy to buy an ill-fitting fixture, the wrong type of tile for the use, etc.  It seems expensive, but add a design fee as a line item your budget.  If you are going to do-it-yourself, value your own time and add this to the budget. Your time is valuable!  The budget is your working tool – playing on paper is cheap; ripping out mistakes, ouch! 

THE REFERRALS:  Ask your contractor for references — and call them!! I can’t tell you how many people I speak to who use contractors that they met at trade shows or the grocery store.  Sometimes this works. . . but a big gamble for your hard-earned money.  Take the easy way out..learn from other’s mistakes and wins and ask for referrals and then – even if you have a solid referral – ask the contractor for at least three more referrals.  Not a huge data set but better than zero!

MARKET KNOWLEDGE:  Before you sign any contract talk to a local Realtor about the “before and after” value.  If you are in 90266, 90277, 90278, 90245, 90254 call us about an opinion!   Are you doing things that will enhance value? Sometimes it is a necessary evil to fix stuff that does not sizzle (upgrading the electrical).  However, these do improve value.  On finishes that do show–make it clean, clear and make it last.  If you want something truly unique add your Wild-Thing touch with paint, carpet, art and furniture – NOT your hard finishes.  After you speak to a Realtor or two about value enhancement you may want to circle back to step one and tweak your budget.

Finally – Whatever you do, leave a solid cushion for the unknown. Good rule of thumb 10-20% if you are doing, paint, carpet, fixture swaps… 30-40% for the heavy lifting – room additions/moving walls, etc.

May your sawdust have a silver lining!

Want to search for your current home value?  Use this tool and then contact us for fine tuning.   http://SalzmanandGlover.smarthomevalue.com

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