Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Luxury Consumers--What They Want Now

I've always associated luxury with quality, not necessarily quantity or size. I think a small house can exude luxury and quality without being palatial in size. Attention to architectural details and decorative style is another way to drape a home in luxury. A home filled with art, living plants and music offers a luxurious retreat from the demands of the outside world.

Luxury, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. My idea of luxury may differ from yours, but most will agree luxury emerges when our surroundings are rich with what we love and thereby add great pleasure to our lives. Robert Frank takes a look at the life and culture of the wealthy in The Five Species of Luxury Consumers. It is an interesting read.

The definition of luxury is always evolving. Has the recent recession changed consumers opinion of what constitutes luxury? Definitely, and happily the definition of luxury is expanding to include the intangibles of peace of mind, time with loved ones and the ability and time to help our co-inhabitants on this earth.

If you are selling your Palos Verdes luxury home or in the market to purchase a home that offers the luxury features important to you and your family, contact Norma Toering & Team. We can help you achieve what you want now.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos VerdesNorma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.


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Palos Verdes Luxury Homes - Beach Cities Homes

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Palos Verdes Luxury Homes - What's Selling and What's Not

Breakdown of luxury 2010 sales by Palos Verdes Peninsula cities:

Palos Verdes Estates: Seven homes priced over $3,00,0000 closed escrow to date. The most expensive home sold for $5,000,000.

Rolling Hills: Two homes priced over $3,000,000 closed escrow to date. The most expensive home sold for $5,500,000.

Rolling Hills Estates: No homes priced over $3,000,000 sold to date.

Rancho Palos Verdes: Five homes priced over $3,000,000 closed escrow to date. The most expensive home sold for $4,500,000.

14 Homes priced over $3,000,000 sold on the Palos Verdes Peninsula to date in 2010. If you're searching for a luxury home now is a great time to explore the possibility of living in Palos Verdes. There are 45 single family homes priced over $3,000,000 currently for sale.

Whether your style is a rambling ranch, sleek modern or Mediterranean there is a home and view waiting for you in Palos Verdes.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos VerdesNorma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.


Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Search for Homes in Palos Verdes California on Toering and Team.

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Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
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So You Want to Live in Palos Verdes, CA

Reasons People Want to Live in Palos Verdes:

1) Few places on earth are more beautiful.

2) The Palos Verdes Unified School District is one of the top public school systems in California.

3) It is located in Los Angeles County, and is close to all the urban conveniences, but is a coastal retreat far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

4) The climate provides many days of sunshine, a few of rain, but snow is a rare occurrence.

5) The coastal location provides easy access to beaches. The Palm Springs desert towns are an easy 2.5 hour drive and ditto for the mountain ski destinations.

6) Housing choices run the gamut from condos to grand estate homes. There are beachy cottages, rambling equestrian estates and hillside villas. Prices range from condos under $200,000 to multi-million dollar mansions. No matter what your budget there is a Palos Verdes home for you. The views are enjoyed by all.

If you're considering a move to one of the four Palos Verdes Peninsula Cities, it would be my pleasure to arrange a tour of the area.

If you're looking for a resort like area to call home, the Palos Verdes Peninsula is calling your name.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos VerdesNorma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.


Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Search for Homes in Palos Verdes California on Toering and Team.

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Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos

Colorado River Front Property - Beach Cities Blog

Luxury Living in Palos Verdes: It Begins With the View

Palos Verdes is an upscale community located in the Greater Los Angeles area. There is no shortage of multi-million dollar homes available to purchase. This coastal area of Southern California offers stunning view properties, enviable equestrian estates and hillside villas perched above the bluffs with waves from the Pacific Ocean crashing in regular rhythm below. These are the homes luxury dreams are built on.

Has the recession caused the luxury home dream to shift, adjust and reform itself? Donald Trump is pushing the luxury market in Rancho Palos Verdes with his new homes at Trump National Golf Course. The area could not be more beautiful. There are ocean views with Catalina Island beckoning in the distance. There is a golf course and miles of hiking trails along the bluffs overlooking the ocean. The climate is as close to perfect as Mother Nature provides.

Will Mr. Trump's mega-million dollar ($12,000,000) spec home sell? Luxury home buyers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula will determine the answer.

I have several wealthy clients in my database, and although they have worked hard to achieve their level of success, their goal is to have a sanctuary, not necessarily a show place, as their home. When nature provides a stunning backdrop the house must complement the setting. Kudos to Mr. Trump for letting the setting speak.

Redefining luxury living in Southern California begins with a shift in attitude and living in harmony with nature.

If you're looking for a luxury coastal home with forever views allow me to introduce you to those available on the incomparable and unforgettable Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos VerdesNorma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.


Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Search for Homes in Palos Verdes California on Toering and Team.

Homes In Palos Verdes - Palos Verdes Realtor Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos

Colorado River Front Property - Beach Cities Blog

Luxury Living in Los Angeles--The Art of the Bath

The size of homes may be shrinking in this new post-recession (It is post, right?) housing market, but I've noticed the bathroom, especially the master bath, has gone near palatial and is a place of full-on pampering. It has become the place to recession-proof yourself. It is now a spa experience.

The healing and soothing effects of water on the mind, body and soul is not a 21st century discovery but more of a return to elevating the art of the bath to the central place it held in various cultures throughout history.

At home spas, complete with massage tables, are becoming more common in luxury homes. Steam showers, soaking/whirlpool tubs and saunas play a role in rounding out the modern luxury bathroom. Add the sound of ocean waves or rain-forest wafting down from Bose speakers and the mood is set. Select the aromatherapy scent of choice and it is time to remove the day's armor, wash off the dust and bruises of another day's battle and enjoy the luxury of the bath.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos VerdesNorma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.


Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Search for Homes in Palos Verdes California on Toering and Team.

Homes In Palos Verdes - Palos Verdes Realtor Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
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Palos Verdes -- High-end Homes on "The Hill"

The Palos Verdes Peninsula rises up from the flatlands of the South Bay offering some of the most spectacular views in Southern California. Naturally, these breathtaking views make the "dirt" on the pricey side. Add a luxury home to the view and the price tag heads skyward.

If you are looking for a coastal home with a view, Palos Verdes is a glorious area to begin your quest for a home. Each of the four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers high-end homes. The current number of luxury homes for sale is:

$2,000,000 to $5,000,000: 60 Single Family Homes For Sale in Palos Verdes.

$5,000,000 and up: 12 Single Family Homes For Sale in Palos Verdes.

There are currently 222 Single Family Homes For Sale on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Nearly one-third of the homes in Palos Verdes are priced over $2,000,000.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos VerdesNorma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.


Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Search for Homes in Palos Verdes California on Toering and Team.

Homes In Palos Verdes - Palos Verdes Realtor Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos

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High-end Home Expectations on the Palos Verdes Hill

I previewed four Palos Verdes Peninsula luxury homes yesterday. The price of the homes ranged from $2,400,000 to $3,800,000 and I noticed several common threads connecting the amenities offered in the luxury properties:

1) Outdoor Living Areas - Complete with pools, spas, cabanas, seating area focused around fireplace or fire-pit and a high quality outdoor kitchen. This is Southern California and outdoor living is a year-round possibility.

2) Oversize Gourmet Kitchen - With top of the line energy efficient appliances, walk-in pantry, large center island, causal dining area and seating for guests who enjoy congregating in the kitchen to watch (or help) the cook prepare the food.

3) Oversize Master Bedroom and Bath Suites - The trend is to create a spa experience at home with a luxurious retreat where the homeowner can go to retreat, refresh and rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Think multihead showers, whirlpool tub and towel warming racks. A meditation room, a library or a sitting room with a view and a very luxurious bed complete the high quality luxury hotel feel to these at home bedrooms.

4) In Home Office Headquarters - A place for the homeowners to manage the household and their busy lives now dependent upon the Internet and wireless communication. A command central of sorts for living life in the 21st century.

5) High Tech at Home - Superior surround sound theatre and music throughout the home is expected as the home theatre experience rivals that of the local movie complex. Other home techie trends are sensored faucets, room darkening shades that open and close with the touch of a button (for movie watching or sleeping in) and fail-safe security systems.

Luxury home buyers on the Palos Verdes Hill expect their homes to keep pace with their changing needs and improve their quality of life.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos VerdesNorma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.


Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Search for Homes in Palos Verdes California on Toering and Team.

Homes In Palos Verdes - Palos Verdes Realtor Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos

Colorado River Front Property

Fantasy Home Features--What's Number One on Your List?

This morning I awoke to the dull throb of an old tennis injury in my shoulder and I muttered under my breath, "I need a massage." Instead, I reached for the vibrating heating pad and settled for twenty minutes of heat and an application of Ben Gay. As I sipped a cup of hot coffee and waited for"Ben" to work his magic on my shoulder I thought how fabulous it would be to have a home spa, complete with masseuse table, and the number of a mobile masseuse close at hand. Since I love a day at the spa, that's the fantasy home feature I dream about.

I see luxury homes day in and day out as a real estate agent on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. These high-end homes are filled with dream kitchens, glorious gardens, grand living rooms, heavenly views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island and twinkling lights of Los Angeles. When showing these homes I watch prospective buyers to see what triggers their personal "tipping point" and I've noticed a shift from kitchen to master bath in many women.

The 21st Century woman is busy, very busy. Career, kids, community and social commitments mean dinner is often takeout, eat out or a shared duty with spouse and kids. The kitchen is still the hub and heart of the home, but the master bath's evolution into a rejuvenation center and sanctuary is a growing trend. Discerning home buyers are not willing to wait for a vacation to restore and renew their spirit; they want the spa experience available in the comfort and convenience of their home.

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos VerdesNorma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.


Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma

Search for Homes in Palos Verdes California on Toering and Team.

Homes In Palos Verdes - Palos Verdes Realtor Home
Palos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor Blog
Boitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes Homes
Palos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos

Colorado River Front Land and Acres