Tag Archives: Taya Real Estate Agent

One Man’s Ceiling is a Remodeler’s Floor

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.

Buyers Desperately Seeking Inventory

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.

{Before the McMansion} Hermosa Brokers Tour Recap

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