Saturday, February 22, 2014

Multi-Million Dollar Homes in Palos Verdes



A prospective buyer recently searched for "multi-million dollar homes in Palos Verdes."  The results must have startled this searcher, as nearly all the single family homes for sale in Palos Verdes are over $1,000,000.  There are currently 130 Palos Verdes single family homes for sale, and only 17 are priced below $1.000,000 with eight of those being located in the Eastview neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes.

With a list of over 100 homes, this buyer was overwhelmed and needed some help in eliminating those homes that were not a good fit for his family, commute and lifestyle.  By narrowing the search to 4+ bedrooms, single story, pool and view the list became much shorter.  By eliminating "fixers" and targeting desired neighborhoods the list was reduced to a manageable size.  Coupled with firsthand knowledge of most of the properties (attending broker open houses is crucial for increased market knowledge) a few more homes were scratched off the tour list.  It is much easier to find the right house after you eliminate the wrong homes.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula has four separate cities and an unincorporated area.  Each city has a distinct personality and amenities.

Palos Verdes Estates neighborhoods include Malaga Cove with its Old Spanish influence, abundant coastline, sought after Queen's Necklace view and hills dotted with villas.  Monte Malaga is the neighborhood above Malaga Cove and although the location is not at the water's edge, the higher altitude provides panoramic views from the lights of the cities to snow-capped mountains in the distance.   Some of Palos Verdes finest estates are located in Monte Malaga.  The Valmonte neighborhood is famous for its tree-lined streets and prime location for easy access to the amenities of the Beach Cites and the beach.  Lunada Bay lays claim to much of the coastal strip along Palos Verdes Drive West and this location allows for stunning ocean views.

Rolling Hills is located near the top of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  The gated city is home to some of the finest equestrian estates in Southern California.  Although the number of horse properties is on the decline it is still a premium location if large lots (1+ acres), security and wide open spaces are desired.  Many of the homeowners have converted stables to guest houses and riding rings to tennis courts, but it is still the number one location in Palos Verdes for horse property buyers.

Most of Rolling Hills Estates is located along the Palos Verdes Drive North corridor.  This is horse country and many of the properties zoned for horses are more affordable than those found in Rolling Hills.  Again, it is not necessary to own a horse to enjoy living in Rolling Hills Estates as there are many neighborhoods of a more suburban nature including several gated communities.

Rancho Palos Verdes provides the largest variety of homes.  Some of the most expensive and the least expensive Palos Verdes homes are located in Rancho Palos Verdes.  Oceanfront Estates, Marguerite Drive and The Estates at Trump National are prime luxury neighborhoods.   Other luxury enclaves are scattered throughout the largest city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The Palos Verdes Drive South area is  fast becoming the resort area of Palos Verdes Peninsula.  With some of the best weather and a world-class resort (Terranea) it is no surprise this area has some of the most stunning views in all of Palos Verdes and an abundance of luxury homes.

The unincorporated area, known as Palos Verdes Peninsula, is home to both suburban type neighborhoods and neighborhoods zoned for horses.  The unincorporated area is located along the Palos Verdes Drive North corridor.

There is a home in nearly every price range in Palos Verdes.  Currently the most expensive single family home in Palos Verdes is listed for $53,000,000 and is located in Rolling Hills.  The least expensive is a 3-bedroom home in the Eastview neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes with an asking price of $649,000.  Rolling Hills Estates has a studio condo for sale for $249,000.

There truly is a very wide price range in Palos Verdes.  However, keep in mind even if you do not have a big view in your backyard or direct ocean access, no matter what price range you purchase in you will still enjoy the spectacular views of ocean, city lights and Catalina when you become a resident.  Some of the parks have incredible views.  The hiking and horseback riding trails offer million dollar vistas.  The views from the streets alone can assure you moving to Palos Verdes was indeed a very good idea.

- Norma (310) 493-8333

Palos Verdes homes for sale priced over $5,000,000:
Palos Verdes homes for sale priced over $2,000,000:

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

2013 Luxury Home Sales by South Bay City


For this report I will focus on the beach cities and the Palos Verdes Peninsula since those areas make up the bulk of luxury homes sales priced over $2,000,000 in the South Bay of Los Angeles.

2013 Luxury homes sales by city:
  • Manhattan Beach: 171 Luxury homes sold in 2013.
  • Hermosa Beach: 39 Luxury homes sold in 2013.
  • Redondo Beach: 13 Luxury homes sold in 2013.
  • 2013 Luxury home sales total for the beach cities: 223
Homes priced over $2,000,000 sold proving the beach cities are a prime and highly desired area for those buyers seeking a high-end home in the South Bay of Los Angeles.

Palos Verdes Peninsula luxury home sales for 2013:
  • Palos Verdes Estates: 83 High-end homes sold in 2013.
  • Rancho Palos Verdes: 60 High-end homes sold in 2013.
  • Rolling Hills: 47 High-end homes sold in 2013.
  • Rolling Hills Estates: 17 High-end homes sold in 2013.
  • The grand total of luxury homes sold in the Palos Verdes Peninsula in 2013: 207.
Again, these are very strong luxury home numbers and attest to the recovery of the luxury home market on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. If you're in the market to sell or buy a luxury home in the South Bay of Los Angeles the above market statistics offer a snapshot of happenings in the luxury home market during 2013. For more information on luxury homes in the South Bay contact Norma Toering and Team.

- Norma Toering (310) 493-8333