Monday, October 31, 2011

Closing Costs

Closing Costs, Palos Verdes and the South Bay 
Closing costs are the fees associated with buying or selling a home. Some fees are automatically assigned to either the buyer or the seller; other costs are negotiable or dictated by local custom.
Seller closing costs
If the seller has not yet paid for the house in full, the seller's most important closing cost is satisfying the remaining balance of their loan. Before the date of closing, the escrow officer will contact the seller's lender to verify the amount needed to close out the loan. Then the original loan will be paid at the closing before the seller receives any proceeds from the sale. Other seller closing costs include title insurance, broker's commission, property taxes, transfer taxes, and documentary stamps on the deed.
Buyer closing costs
When a buyer applies for a loan, lenders are required to provide an estimate of their closing costs. The fees vary based on several factors, including the type of loan they applied for and the terms of the purchase agreement. Some of the closing costs, especially those associated with the loan application, are paid in advance. Some typical buyer closing costs include the down payment, loan fees, inspection fees, prepaid interest, appraisal, title insurance, mortgage insurance, hazard insurance, and documentary stamps on the route.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Palos Verdes Local Attractions- South Coast Botanic Gardens

The South Coast Botanic Gardens located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, 10 miles south of the Los Angeles International Airport, is known as the Jewel of the Peninsula.
The 87-acre garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants from places such as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. Popular areas of the garden include a small lake, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Herb Garden, Water-Wise Garden, Children's Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and the Garden for Senses. It also offers a Wedding Lawn with two Gazebos, Events Meadow, and the Frances Young Auditorium.
The Garden is open to the public 364 days a year and closed Christmas Day.
GARDEN HOURS:
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last ticket sale at 4:30 PM)
FOUNDATION HOURS:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
GIFT SHOP HOURS:
Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission
Foundation Members:
FREE
Adults:
$8
Seniors - 62 and over:
$6
Students (with ID):
$6
Children (5 - 12):
$3
4 and under:
FREE
Third Tuesday of each month:
FREE

26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California 90274, Phone: (310) 544-1948

Friday, October 21, 2011

First-time home buyers in Palos Verdes

Are you first-time home buyer in Palos Verdes, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, or the surrounding South Bay area?


Follow these tips from HGTV
Part 1: Evaluate your life and finances
Compare the pros and cons of renting versus buying
Create a Wish List
Calculate a monthly mortgage payment you can afford
Create a budget for monthly homeowner expenses
Research the market where you want to buy
Figure out how you will get a down payment and pay closing costs
Start off small
Know your rights as a homebuyer and borrower
Part 2: Shop for a Loan
Study your financial picture
Learn the basics
Shop for the best mortgage rate and loan terms
Get pre-approved
Look into programs that will save you cash
Research homebuyer assistance programs
Figure out the impact on your taxes
Arrange financing for the home you want to buy
Protect yourself
Part 3: Find a House
Choose a neighborhood, type of house, and style of house
Research online to see what's available
Look for a Realtor that is right for you
Work with the Realtor and discuss what you are looking for and can afford
Narrow down your choices and see the houses again
Caluclate the home's market value
Make an offer
Part 4: Close the Deal
Finalize the purchase and sale contract
Choose a title company that will research the title and coordinate the closing
Get an appraisal
Get a professional home inspection
Get homeowner's insurance quotes and pay the premium
Consider home warranty coverage
Do a final walk-through of the house
Review each closing document carefully
Get to know the HOA
Plan your big move!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Rancho Palos Verdes Home for Lease

Beautifully updated 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home in the Peninsula Center area of Rancho Palos Verdes. Breathtaking canyon, city lights and mountain views. Updated kitchen adjacent to family room with custom built-ins and granite bar. This is a great floor plan and is ideal for entertaining. Spacious master suite with updated bath. Large living room with fireplace. Formal dining room. Huge private rear deck overlooking the canyon and panoramic city lights/mountain views. Other features include freshly painted interior, newer carpeting, remodeled bathroom, traditional floor plan, newer window blinds, 2 car garage. This home is very clean and in pristine condition.



Tuesday, October 18, 2011

New Listing In Rancho Palos Verdes

Very rare end unit situated on an interior corner lot in desirable Mira Verde in the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. Because of it's great location this unit is very private and gets tons of natural light. This charming town home has beautiful curb appeal and truly lives like a single family home. Light and bright free flowing floor plan with a spacious living room that has a charming fireplace, soaring vaulted ceilings and sliding doors leading to a private shaded patio. Large family room with sliding doors to a cozy balcony, a walk in bar w/sink and adjacent to the formal dining area. Great kitchen with tons of storage, recessed lighting and newer appliances. Spacious master bedroom with 2 closets one of which is a walk-in that has access to ample attic storage. Other features of this great property include ceiling fans, parquet wood flooring in entry, built-ins, downstairs bonus room(w/o permit & not included in sq.ft.) w/recessed lighting, would make a great office, 2 car garage w/newer roll up garage door. This picture perfect gated community offers several in-ground pools and spas, a tennis court, sports courts, outdoor BBQ's, 24 hour guard service and conveniently located in close proximity to award winning Palos Verdes Peninsula Schools.







Monday, October 17, 2011

Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal

Ways to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Home-


Looking to draw more attention to your home in a positive way? Here are some solutions to improve the curb appeal of your home.


1. Fresh paint can do wonders for the look of your home.
2. Create symmetry- add light fixtures or potted plants at the entryway and make sure you replace old, weathered house numbers, door knobs, and light fixtures
3. The front door is the focal point for people passing by. Paint your front door a complementing color to your house and add a wreath of your liking to create an inviting entryway.
4. Install outdoor lighting to create accent lighting in trees or along a path to your front door. Bonus- this also acts as a way to deter potential burglars.
5. Get your plants into shape by weeding and pruning; mulch to restore the color.
6. Install window boxes to your front windows to bring some charm back to the home. Chose copper or iron boxes to achieve a traditional feel or painted wood for a cottage feel.
7. Add shutters or an accent trim to your windows
8. Create a planting bed along driveways, walkways, corners of the front yard, etc. Choose features that will frame your home and go for stone or precast concrete blocks. Mix plant size, color, and texture.
9. Repair cracks and stains in the driveway, kill any weeds, and stain the concrete
10. Build a walkway to your front door. This gives your home an inviting feel. Create a path with stone or bricks
11. Paint any porch and stoop railings or replace all together
12. Replace your beat-up mailbox or give it some fresh paint if it is made of wood.
13. Trim branches that obstruct views of the house from the street
14. Buy colorful pots and plant complementing flowers in them. Place them by your front door.

Hope some of these tips help!


Friday, October 14, 2011

10 Fun Things To Do With The Family In Palos Verdes

10 Fun Things to do With The Family in Palos Verdes
1. Spend a day by the pool at the Terranea Resort
2. Play a game of tennis at the Palos Verdes Tennis Club
3. Go whale watching at Point Vicente
4. Shop, ice-skate, and catch a movie at the Promenade on the Peninsula
5. Visit the Farmer's Market every Sunday 9:00-1:00 at the Peninsula Shopping Center
6. Take a stroll along one of our local beaches 
7. In the mood for mexican food? Visit Red Onion in Rolling Hills Estates
8. Add some culture and education at the Palos Verdes Art Center
9. Go for a hike along the trails by the Pacific Ocean and pass by the Point Vicente Lighthouse
10. Spend the day outside at the South Botanic Gardens

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Prominent Palos Verdes CA Real Estate Specialists Launch New Website

Prominent Palos Verdes CA Real Estate Specialists Launch New Website

Why to Select Us To Help You Sell Your Home

Why to Select Us To Help You Sell Your Home 
Selling your home can be a complex process. As seasoned listing agents, we will help you with the entire home selling process. As your listing agents, we will help you get the best price for your home and help sell it in the fastest possible timeframe.

Selling a home in Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Redondo Beach, Torrance, or any other area means a comprehensive plan must be in place. Let us assist you in selling your home in Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and surrounding Los Angeles County, CA areas. If you select us as your listing agent, we will:
  • Provide you with a free home valuation to help determine your home's worth.
  • Review comps in the area to show you what is happening in Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and surrounding Los Angeles County, CA areas.
  • Negotiate on your behalf to receive the most money for your property and home.
  • Network with other real estate professionals here in Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and surrounding Los Angeles County, CA areas as well as throughout other relevant areas to find the perfect buyer for your home.
  • Arrange showings of your home that work in conjunction with your schedule.
  • Advise you how to best prepare your property for potential buyers to view.
  • Engage in a comprehensive advertising campaign to give your home the ideal amount of exposure.
  • Utilize technology including my personal web site to showcase your property to other real estate agents along with potential home buyers.
  • Work with you through the complex paperwork and legal issues that can impact the sale of your home.
  • Represent you in a manner that is both professional and thorough
  • Tailor the sale of your home to the area of your property and to each of its unique features.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District: Elementary Schools in Palos Verdes


When considering what home to buy, the community is just as important to consider with your real estate transaction. Below are a list of all of the elementary schools in the PVPUSD; visit their websites to learn more. 
Cornerstone @ Pedregal Elementary
http://www.edline.net/pages/Cornerstone_at_Pedregal_Elemen
6069 Groveoak Place, Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275-2261
Dapplegray Elementary
http://www.edline.net/pages/Dapplegray_Elementary
3011 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Lunada Bay Elementary School 
http://www.edline.net/pages/Lunada_Bay_Elementary
520 Paseo Lunado, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
MIra Catalina Elementary
http://www.edline.net/pages/Mira_Catalina_Elementary
30511 Lucania Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275-6272
Miraleste Elementary
http://www.edline.net/pages/Miraleste_Elementary
6245 Via Canada, Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275-6540
Montemalaga Elementary
http://www.edline.net/pages/1_1
1121 Via Nogales, Palos Verdes Estates CA 90274-1671
Point Vicente Elementary
http://www.edline.net/pages/Point_Vicente_Elementary
30540 Rue de la Pierre, Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275-5364
Rancho Vista Elementary 
http://pvpusd.k12.ca.us/index.php/schools/elementary_schools/rancho_vista_elementary/
4323 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates CA 90274-1576
Silver Spur Elementary
http://www.edline.net/pages/Silver_Spur_Elementary
5500 Ironwood Street, Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275-1739
Soleado Elementary
http://www.edline.net/pages/Soleado_Elementary
27800 Longhill Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275-3909
Vista Grande Elementary
http://www.edline.net/pages/Vista_Grande_Elementary
7032 Purpleridge Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275-3059
Valmonte Developmental Kindergarten 
http://www.edline.net/pages/Valmonte_Elementary
3801 Via La Selva, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Home Moving Assistance, South Bay

Moving to Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Redondo Beach, Torrance or surrounding Los Angeles County, CA areas and need assistance? Here are some real estate resources.

Moving is a huge challenge associated with any real estate transaction and can be very stressful. The following resources should help you when buying or selling real estate and the moving associated with it:

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Places to Visit in Palos Verdes: Palos Verdes Art Center

Places to visit in Palos Verdes: Palos Verdes Art Center

The Palos Verdes Art Center offers non-profit visual arts education, exhibition, and community service programs in Palos Verdes, Los Angeles County. The center provides art classes and workshops, free exhibitions, cultural activities, and events for the Palos Verdes community. 

For the past 78 years, the Art Center aims to "inspire individuals to celebrate, appreciate, and create art." 

Current exhibit: Off the Wall
The current "Off The Wall" exhibit runs from October 14-November 20,2011.  Artists rent space at the gallery to display their favorite pieces. This gives guests a great opportunity to view and learn about all types of artwork. 

550 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 261, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90275
http://www.pvartcenter.org