Tag Archives: Manhattan Beach lifestyle

Judging a House by Its Cover

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

Weekly Caravan Recap: Pristine Cottage in Manhattan Beach

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!

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

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.

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

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!

Mid-Remodel- Taking a Pulse on Progress

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.

New Year’s Resolutions — Local

Well, it’s the second week of the new year and I am just now deciding on my New Year’s Resolutions… Yes, I know, it has taken me awhile. I actually spent the first week deciding if I was going to make any at all, but the universal pull (guilt) has won out.  I have to admit, I am not doing anything unique, it is the usual line up of – consistent exercise, eating lean, taking more time for family, updating and evaluating my volunteer activities and doing my best to support our local community with local purchases and services. My outside-the-box resolution brain has been in low gear, but there is something to be said for keeping up and keeping on with the right things to do.  We are lucky because we are in a place where we have suport services and goods to make all these resolutions happen.   We just thought we would post a few local buisnesses and services where you can support those resolutions right here in 90266.

Olympian Fitness "We Work Your Butt Off"

GROW: The best little market this side of the internet.

Gorgeous SOUTH BAY location: 740 Allied Way, El Segundo, CA 90245 (310) 322-6500

Work is already underway. The Vitality City initiative is a three-year process that begins with engaging leaders and understanding what strong programs already exist, then transitions to civic engagement, transformation and innovation.

Let’s Do Lunch!

The other day my colleagues and I were taking a company photo down at the pier because South Bay Magazine is doing a featured story on NW Real Estate Brokers next month! You can expect a blog post about that soon.

After the photo shoot it was time for lunch. Another agent, Taya Asimos, recommended Creme De La Crepe. I had never been there before and decided to give it a try.

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I was in the mood for something fresh and healthy, but fulfilling. I ordered the grilled salmon salad, and was so happy I did. The salmon was cooked perfectly; flaky, but still moist, and full of flavor.  If you’re ever on Highland Ave. and are hungry for lunch, Creme De La Crepe does not disappoint! Great food, friendly service, cozy and quaint ambiance, and generous portions.

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They also have 2 other locations in the south bay, one on Pier Ave. in Hermosa and another on Catalina Ave. in Redondo. If you’re also a fan of Creme De La Crepe, please post a comment and let us know what else is good on the menu!

Bon appetit!