If you feel like the atmosphere in a room isn’t giving the vibe you want, the problem may be the paint color. Before starting renovations or buying a bunch of decor, consider repainting the walls or ceiling. That may be all you need to provide the feeling you’re looking for.
White paint can help to create the illusion that you’re in a larger space. This is true of both walls and ceilings, giving the feeling that there is more space above your head as well as around you. By contrast, darker colors have the opposite effect. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Using dark but warm colors with a slight red tinge can help to bring a cozier, more compact feel to a large, cavernous space. Cool colors have a calming effect. This is especially true if they’re softer or muted. Try something like an ocean blue or a leafy green.
Sometimes you want something to stand out or fade into the background. In either case, what’s important is not a specific color, but how much the colors contrast. Features with colors that are high contrast with the wall color will stand out quite a bit. If the colors are less contrastive, objects can appear like they’re simply part of the background. Depending on your situation and what the feature is that you’re focusing on, it might be possible to repaint that feature, instead of entire walls or ceilings.
Real estate sales in the Los Angeles South Bay have been a blend of red and black ink all year. Both the sales volume and the median prices have flipped and flopped from month to month. It hasn’t mattered whether the numbers are comparing last month to the prior month, or to the same month in the prior year. They’ve all been crazy with huge, wild swings.
Before the Covid pandemic, about 8,600 homes were sold each year in the South Bay. Because the artificially low interest rates during the pandemic created a rush on the market, many buyers who would have purchased in subsequent years, stepped into home ownership early. In 2024, the market transferred slightly over 6,600 homes, still about 30% below the norm. As a result, the number of homes sold each year is anticipated to continue increasing until the market catches up with the extra 4,000 units sold during the market explosion of 2021.
Despite that, the pace of sales has become sluggish, with property staying on the market much longer, and many times not selling at all. Some are being pulled off the sale market and leased out. A few are being pulled back for refurbishment. Many are seeing multiple price reductions before receiving an offer.
Median prices are declining twice as frequently as they were at the beginning of the year. Of the four market areas in the South Bay, only the Beach Cities have a positive median price for the year to date. The Harbor, Inland and Hill areas are all showing lower median prices as of August. There are four months remaining in the year, so there is still time for the outlook to change. Next month ends the third quarter–let’s see what happens!
Beach:
With the heat of August rising and the pressure building to move before school started, home sales in the Beach cities responded positively. Leaving behind most of the red ink, the only negative number was a 17% drop in the number of homes sold in August versus July. Looking at the raw numbers shows July came in with 130 homes sold, the highest in a single month this year, compared to 108 in August.
Despite the slippage in sales volume, the monthly change in median price showed a 1% increase over July. The month ended positively for the first time after six months, with a median of $1,863,000.
Annual sales volume at the Beach has found 2025 higher than 2024 every month of the year so far. This differs from monthly in that monthly sales have been up only four out of the first eight months of the year. August sales were up 15% from August of 2024. Showing a lot more volatility, the median price in August was up 10% from last year, however, the median had dropped by 1% each of the last two months.
Year to date through August reflects a 22% increase in sales volume, though sales are still down 16% from 2019. The median price was up 8% for the same period, which is 47% higher than in 2019.
Harbor:
With 310 homes sold, the Harbor area had a 1% increase in monthly sales volume for August compared to July. That was matched by a 1% increase in the median price, ending the month at $779,500.
Annually, August turnover showed a stronger 7% increase in sales from last August, though the Harbor area registered below the South Bay total of 10% upturn. Compared to August of 2024, the median price dropped $20,500 from $800,000 creating a reading of -0%.
For the first eight months of 2025 the Harbor area produced a 4% lift in the number of homes sold compared to the same period last year. Sales volume remains 21% lower than it was in 2019, the last pre-pandemic year. Year to date the median price has fallen a modest 1%. Compared to 2019 the median is still 41% higher than it was then.
Hill:
There were 59 homes sold on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in August, representing a 21% decrease in sales for the month compared to July. The fact the Hill is such a small area with so few homes bears repeating at this point. Two or three sales, more or less, can swing the percentages to seemingly ridiculous levels. In August, the median price likewise took a dive, falling 18%, to $1,800,000.
Year over year, comparing the same month in 2025 to 2024, shows Palos Verdes splitting another way. Sales volume was up 11% over last August, and at the same time the median price fell by 16%.
The first two thirds of the year have brought the number of homes sold up by 3%, still 15% lower than in 2019. The same time frame shows median price falling by 2%, though still up 43% from 2019.
Inland:
From July to August the number of homes sold in the Inland area climbed to 133 for a 2% increase. At the same time the median price tumbled 10%, falling to $880,000.
Year over year sales volume jumped by 14% in August, reversing the trend of the past two months where sales fell by a cumulative 15%. The median price bumped up by 1%. The Inland area has only had one other positive month since February.
Year to date sales volume is up by 2%, which is still down from 2019 by 17%. Median price for the same period has fallen 1%, and continues to be 35% higher than 2019.
Beach=Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo Harbor=Carson, Long Beach, San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City PV Hill=Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates Inland=Torrance, Lomita, Gardena
This is a once a month (every third Tuesday) show that is designed as a listening room for world class songwriters, many with hit songs, long touring/recording associations with music legends ETC… to play their original music in an intimate setting. NO COVER BUT DONATIONS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURED AND GO TO THE SONGWRITERS. Project Barley serves excellent Food (Gourmet Pizza, wings, sandwiches, salads), wine, and award winning beer. Food served till 8:30pm. No reservations so arrive early to get a table. This month we are proud to present: SEATBELT W/SCOTTY MCLEAN, PRESTON SMITH, JODI SIEGEL
SEATBELT
The sound of Seatbelt is distilled from the purest of American music ingredients: Sun Studios, rockabilly, hillbilly boogie, and honky tonk, performed on vintage gear but ever so slightly updated with a modern edge and energy that is as contagious as the Rockin’ Pneumonia! Playing live, the band delivers an intense brand of American Rockabilly Music, pulling from their catalog of original material as well as performing vintage tracks and obscure gems from legends the likes of Elvis, Gene Vincent, Johnny Burnette, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran and other less-known greats. They have also been known to update classic rock tunes in a rockabilly/hillbilly style. There is always a surprise or two in store for audiences!
The band consists of Scott “Seatbelt” McLean on guitar, Echoplex and vocals, Jim “The Kid” Matkovich on the upright bass and vocals, and John “Lenny” Lenkeit on drums and percussion.
Previously known as Seatbelt and the Pecking Order, the band has shortened its name mainly because that is what everyone calls them anyway!
Two CDs are currently available with a third on the way. Modern Sounds in Pagan Love Songs was released in 2007and received positive reviews in the OC Weekly and airplay on college radio across the country. Pour Me a Traveler, released in 2011, is jam packed with eighteen (!) of the finest original rockabilly, hillbilly, roots-rock Americana songs you’re likely to encounter. The title of the disc, Pour Me a Traveler, is reference to a hip flask filled with hi-octane fuel, just like the music of Seatbelt.
PRESTON SMITH
How does one categorize an artist who, during the span of his career, has sung for Barbra Streisand’s wedding, performed at countless functions for people such as Steven Spielberg, Aaron Spelling, and the late Sonny Bono, played harmonica and scat rapped alongside Salt’N Pepa on Quincy Jones TV show Vibe, played alongside Chaka Khan at a Grammy Awards Party for Black Entertainment Television Corporation, and has had the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Van Halen, Jerry Lee Lewis and Greg Allman, among countless others, join him on-stage for impromptu jam sessions. Preston has performed on The Tonight Show along with the late Jimmy Stewart and released an album on Curb Records entitled Preston Smith. He appeared on the hit movie soundtrack Cocktail starring Tom Cruise with the title song Oh I Love You So, which he composed, produced and performed. The soundtrack went on to sell over six million units foreign and domestically. Roseanne Cash then recorded his song Black and White, which released as a single, rose to number 30 on the country radio charts and was included in her greatest hits CD which went on to sell gold. Prestons latest CD’s are” That Real Feel”,which he produced and released on his own label, was recorded live in the studio and is a combination of many genres of the past. Other CD’s include……….. ” Romancing the Blues” a holiday CD. “Christmas Blues and Other Standards” and two new projects in the works entitled “A Night Blooming Jazz Man” and an all acoustic Solo performance Cd called ” So Lone”.His Music has been used by Arron Spelling,Fox for Fast Lane….and his “You Can’t Take It With You” song was used in the Julia Roberts movie ‘TheMexican” and new release for Artisan Films “Roger Dodger”. His song The “Ways Of Sin” was recently recorded by Bonie Raitt Band and Fleetwood guitarist Rick Vito and is receiving airplay in Europe it is also included in a new CBS Reality TV show.Preston has performed on many live radio and cable TV shows on both the east and west coasts, and has performed live on club circuits,Averaging 200 shows a year, in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville. His multifaceted talent has enabled him, both with his band and solo acoustic, to share stages with a diverse crowd of performers ranging from KROQ alternative rock favorites such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fine Young Cannibals, Fishbone, Wall of Voodoo, Concrete Blonde, Charlie Sexton, The Mighty Lemon Drops, and The Bonedaddys, to rock, R&B, and blues legends such as James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Bonnie Raitt, k.d. Lang, John Mayall and many more.
JODI SIEGEL
Jodi Siegel, originally from Chicago, IL, is a singer, songwriter and guitarist. Over the years Jodi has opened for and or shared the stage with many respected musicians including: Albert King, Robben Ford, Robert Cray, J.D. Souther, David Lindley, Fred Tacket and Paul Barrere (Little Feat) and countless others. Her songs have been recorded by Maria Muldaur, Marcia Ball, Tommy Ridgley and Teresa James.
She has recorded two CD’S; Stepping Stone and her latest CD, “Wild Hearts,” produced by Steve Postell (Immediate Family, David Crosby, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Iain Matthews), is filled with great songs, cool grooves, intimate, smart lyrics and some of the best of the best musicians in Los Angeles today including; Mike Finnigan (organ, piano), Hutch Hutchinson, Abe Laborial Sr., Alphonso Johnson (bass), Russ Kunkel, Michael Jerome Moore, John Ferraro, Arno Lucas (drums, percussion), Joe Sublett (Saxophone) and Maxayne Lewis and Clydene Jackson (background vocals). Each song has a soulful delivery with an undeniable down-home elegance. It has received great reviews by Patrick Simmons (Doobie Brothers), Maria Muldaur, Walter Trout, David Mansfield (T Bone Burnett), Leland Sklar, Mike Finnigan and Doug Macleod to name a few.
SUN, SEP 28 @ 4:00PM The Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro, CA 90731
Part Two of our CD Retrospective! After a Sold Out show in February exploring the material on our award-winning CDs, we’re digging deeper into our catalog! Join us for this show full of favorite originals and deeper cuts! Tickets on sale at https://grandvision.org/event/andy-renee-hard-rain-3/
Andy & Renee-Brews Hall
FRI, OCT 3 @ 7:00PM — 10:00PM Brews Hall Del Amo, 21770 Del Amo Circle East, Torrance, CA 90503
Andy & Renee-California Surf Club
FRI, OCT 17 @ 6:30PM — 8:30PM California Surf Club (Members and Guests Only), 245 N Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach, CA 90277-2508
Private Club. We are limited to 10 guests. Please RSVP to reneesafier@hotmail.com
In this new San Pedro on Film presentation, host Joshua Stecker (San Pedro Today publisher and San Pedro Heritage Museum president) will present a video showcase called “Bars & Bites,” featuring San Pedro’s bars and eateries through the eyes of Hollywood. The live talk will feature clips from notable films, TV shows, and commercials shot in familiar restaurants and watering holes, as well as historical photos, fun facts, raffle prizes, merch, and more.
All seating is first-come, first-served. Proceeds from tickets, merchandise, and raffle sales will benefit the San Pedro Heritage Museum.
This event is presented by San Pedro Heritage Museum. Please contact them for all questions related to this event.
Boston street buskers turned national touring artists, Ryan Green and Cameron Hood, deliver close acoustic Simon & Garfunkel-style pop-folk melodies, hope-filled lyrics and power guitar riffs reminiscent of the Dave Matthews Band.
They earned the 2014 International Acoustic Music Award for Best Group, E-mag For Folk’s Sake’s Best of 2021 and were recently named WFUV New York’s “Discovery of the Year.” Not to mention…they’ve won both “Best Folk Band” and “Best Rock Band” at the Tucson Music Awards!
Hear the timeless music of the Doobie Brothers with hits like “Listen to the Music,” “Black Water” and “What a Fool Believes.” The Doobie Doubles, having emerged from frontman Pete Hopkins’ love of the legendary rock band’s iconic sound, prides themselves of delivering high-energy performances that celebrate the Doobie Brother’s legacy.
Andy & Renee & Hard Rain present Album Retrospective
Andy Hill and Renee Safier with their band Hard Rain return for a night of their well-crafted original songs. The band have been referred to as “America’s best kept secret,” delivering a style of Americana folk-rock that’s thoughtful, danceable and full of memorable hooks. Their relatable lyrics, melodic content and tightly crafted arrangements have brought together fiercely loyal audiences up and down the West Coast in the US and Canada. In fact, the duo were this year’s honorees at Grand Vision’s annual gala, “The Gathering for the Grand.”
With 17 albums in their pocket and over 500 songs in their repertoire, Andy & Renee have won countless awards, including Americana Group of the Year by the LA Music Awards and Best Duo/Group at the International Acoustic Music Awards. The duo is approaching their 40th year of playing together and over a decade of performing at the Grand Annex with Hard Rain. They are also behind Dylanfest, the day-long music festival, now in its 36th year, celebrating the music of Bob Dylan and featuring over 70 of LA-based musicians.
Midnight Creative presents Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy
Thu, Oct 02, 2025 – Sat, Oct 04, 2025 All Day Event Ages 21+ Tickets
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is a chilling cocktail experience in San Pedro that brings four of his stories off the page and onto the stage as told through the Poe Historians while pairing them with four classic cocktails.
Highlights
Step into the world of Edgar Allan Poe in this 4-part chilling cocktail experience
Sip on delicious themed cocktails that are paired with each story
Hear Edgar Allan Poe’s work reimagined, as told by the Poe Historians
General Info
Dates and times: Thursday and Friday 6 PM, 8 PM and 10 PM shows, Saturday, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM and 10 PM shows
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID
Description Step back in time and immerse yourself in the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe. This exclusive speakeasy will transport you to a bygone era as you sip on expertly crafted cocktails inspired by four of Poe’s most beloved stories. Led by the speakeasy’s lead mixologist and Poe historians, this immersive evening promises to be a chillingly unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to bring Poe’s tales to life, one sip at a time, and get your tickets for the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy in San Pedro!
This show is produced by Midnight Creative. Please contact them with all event related questions.
Any time you’re looking to buy a home, you want to know exactly what it is you’re buying. That doesn’t only mean knowing information about the building itself, but also being familiar with the neighborhood. While it’s true that the seller will have to disclose major issues with the property, there could be problems that don’t need to be disclosed.
When someone is selling a home, there’s always a reason for that. The reason could be entirely innocuous — such as changing jobs or moving in with a new partner — but it could also be that the home has deferred maintenance or that the crime rate in the area is spiking. Ask about what repairs and renovations have been done and should be done. Ensure you know about all potential issues, not just the ones that legally must be disclosed. Consider the neighborhood, including crime rates, amenities, and schools, as well as future plans such as upcoming developments, zoning changes, and road work.
Even if there’s nothing wrong with the property or the area, there could be some unwanted surprises. It’s difficult to consider every possible factor in the cost of owning a home, but one that people often forget about is utility costs. These typically aren’t high, but you still need to budget for it. You also need to ask the seller what’s included in the sale. It’s not uncommon that things such as furniture and appliances aren’t included. Once you’ve decided to buy a home, there’s still more useful information. Learn about the state of the market — what prices are like, how competitive the market is right now, how long properties usually stay on the market before selling. Having this knowledge could give you an edge in negotiating.
Proximity to one’s workplace is often near the top of the list of priorities for buyers. While living close to where you work can offer convenience and save time, there are both pros and cons. The correct choice for you is the one that best fits your lifestyle and long-term goals. Consider ranking your priorities to see how important a short commute is to your situation.
It goes without saying that one of the biggest advantages of buying near your workplace is the reduced commute time. Less time spent in traffic and more time for family, hobbies, or rest can improve your overall quality of life and reduce stress. Additionally, living nearby can make it easier to handle unexpected work demands or emergencies.
That’s not the only potential advantage, though. Many workplaces are in commercial districts, which would mean they are also close to amenities, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. There is also a long-term advantage to living in commercial districts — consistent demand means home values won’t tank. If these other factors are important to you, it may be beneficial to live near your workplace, even if a short commute isn’t high on your list of priorities, perhaps because you work from home all or part of the time.
Living in a major commercial area has its downsides, too, though. They’re frequently dirtier and noisier than residential districts. In addition, the resistance to economic downturns means homes closer to major employment centers or urban areas often come with a higher price tag. This means your budget might be tighter or you may need to compromise on home size or features.
Spring and summer are the most common times to buy or sell a home, but that doesn’t mean the autumn market is without its advantages. And the advantages aren’t exclusive to either buyers or sellers. Both parties can benefit, though the seller might need to put more thought into the right way to attract buyers.
There are a couple major perks for buyers. The first is reduced competition. Because there is less activity in the fall compared to spring or summer, there are fewer other buyers competing with you for the property you want. This means more room for negotiation on prices or repairs. The second is that autumn typically has quicker closing times, so you don’t need to wait as long before moving in. However, you should be careful not to neglect heating, window, and roof maintenance. Winter will be fast approaching, and you don’t want to rush these repairs, especially if your area gets snow.
If you’re a seller, you can probably expect more serious buyers in the fall. People don’t look for homes in the slower seasons without a reason for doing so. The good thing about this is that you likely aren’t wasting your time or money showing your property to them, as long as you’ve set the right price. The difficulty is that more serious buyers are looking for exactly the right property for them. That means the seller needs to put in more effort to make the home look presentable. Fortunately, merely getting ready for the holiday season tends to do just that. Whether you’re showing your home or not, you might have already planned to make your home more inviting for holiday guests.
Peter Asher, multi-Grammy winner from British Invasion duo, Peter & Gordon and Apple Records, shares decades of rock history through songs and stories. Performs with Chris Stills, a versatile rocker like his father, Stephen. Joined by fiddler and vocalist Aubrey Richmond.
Feel the electrifying passion as this Billboard chart-topping rock/soul artist sings Tina Turner’s timeless hits like “The Best,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and “Proud Mary.”
SUN, SEP 28 @ 4:00PM The Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro, CA 90731
Part Two of our CD Retrospective! After a Sold Out show in February exploring the material on our award-winning CDs, we’re digging deeper into our catalog! Join us for this show full of favorite originals and deeper cuts! Tickets on sale at https://grandvision.org/event/andy-renee-hard-rain-3/
AUGUST IS GONNA BE ANOTHER FANTASTIC NIGHT OF ROOTS/AMERICANA MUSIC – FEATURING THE BLUESY/ROCKIN’ MASON SOUTH ( PHIL PARLAPIANO, DOUG HAMBLIN, LYNN COULTER) AND THEN ALL THE WAY FROM HAWAII IS THE COUNTRY FOLK SOUNDS OF THE DESERT HOLLOW DUO/GREAT HARMONIES TOO! ALL OF THESE FINE PLAYERS ARE MASTERS ON THEIR INSTRUMENTS, SING SOULFULLY AND WRITE GREAT SONGS! I’LL BE THERE PLAYING SOME TUNES AS WELL AND THEN JUST DIGGIN’ THE MUSIC AND THANKING MY LUCKY STARS THAT I GET TO MAKE MUSIC WITH MY PALS!
DON’T MISS THIS NIGHT! THESE TWO ACTS VERY RARELY PLAY ‘ROUND THESE PARTS! GET THERE EARLY TO GET A SEAT AND HOPE TO SEE YA AT THE DANCE!!
In July the South Bay real estate market made a valiant attempt to maintain a positive stance. It failed. Compared to June of this year, things looked better on the sales volume side, but June was already in the tank, so even the summer bump was only modest help. Looking back to July of last year gave a depressing picture. Overall sales for the south Bay were off by 1%. In itself that’s not a huge number, but considering the market started this year at well over 10%, it’s a big drop in sales.
Median price was an even greater disappointment. In January every area of the South Bay was in positive numbers. By July, every area except PV (which has been negative four out of seven months), was shrinking.
Year to date numbers have overall pointed in an equally negative direction. For the first seven months of the year the South Bay is looking at a 6% increase in homes sold. Compared to the 11% that started the year, one has to conclude the local real estate economy is trending down. The median price tells an even more down-trodden perspective with nearly all areas showing prices falling by 1% to 3% from the same period in 2024.
Beach: A One Month Jump?
The number of homes sold in the Beach cities during July jumped to 130 units, up 11% from June sales. Keep in mind, the increase follows a 4% drop in June, which followed a 2% drop in May. Month to month sales have been erratic at the Beach, while annual sales volume has been steeply up compared to 2024. July sales continued the trend with a 10% increase over the same month last year.
Median price is another matter. At the Beach the median came in at $1,844,000, down 3% from June. July was the sixth successive decline in month to month median prices for the Beach area. Annually the median has shown mixed results compared to 2024, ranging from a 32% increase in January to a 1% decline in July. This drop in July followed another 1% decline in June, continuing what looks like a year long slide in median price and in sales volume. While still higher than in 2024, July was the second lowest month this year in terms of homes sold.
Cumulative sales for 2025 were 23% higher than 2024, though still down 15% from 2019, the last normal year of business preceding the pandemic. For the same period, the median price is up 9% over last year, while coming in at 49% above the median in 2019.
Harbor: Volume and Median Down
July was not a positive month for the Harbor area. Compared to June, sales volume and median price both fell by 8%. The number of homes sold for the month fell to 307 units, while the median price dropped to $775,000. This was the steepest monthly drop seen at the Harbor in 2025.
Annual statistics weren’t any better. Looking back to July of 2024, shows sales volume declined by 3%, and the median price fell 9%, the largest annual drop this year. If the current trend continues for the balance of the year, Harbor area real estate may take a serious hit.
Year to date sales through July came in at 3%. While still positive, it’s important to note the Harbor started the year with sales volume at 10% and has been dropping all year. Similarly, the median price has gone from 1% up in January to 9% down in July, ending the first seven months falling by 1%.
A quick comparison to 2019, shows year to date sales volume still down 20% from pre-pandemic business. Median price is still 43% above the 2019 median.
Hill: Strikingly Good
The Palos Verdes Peninsula saw a strikingly good real estate market in July. Month over month sales climbed an astonishing 53%. Of course, it’s not so impressive when one notes that sales dropped 34% last month. Even at that, 75 homes were sold in July, well above the average sold in any month for 2024 and the highest number in yet this year. At $2,185,000, a 13% increase over June, the median price was likewise the highest month for 2025.
Though not as dramatic, the year over year statistics were also impressive with a 3% increase in the number of homes sold compared to July of 2024. Increasing at 8% over July of last year, made PV the only area with a positive median price this month.
Viewing 2025 versus 2024 year to date sales brought another increase of 2%, roughly on par with the rest of the South Bay. Then came the only negative on the Hill for July—a drop of 1% in the median price.
Year to date sales compared to 2019 are still down by 11% , while the median price remains up by 44% from 2019.
Inland: Long Term Slowdown
July versus June numbers showed surprising strength for the Inland area. Those cities kicked the sales volume by 15%, with the number of homes sold climbing to 131 units. While boosting the median price 1%, to $979,000, the Inland area topped the market except for the highly volatile PV peninsula.
The monthly trend reversed with the annual statistics. July 2025 compared to July 2024 showed a 8% drop in the number of sales, accompanied by a 2% drop in the median sales price.
Year to date for the first seven months came with mixed results. Sales volume showed a 1% increase. For the same period, the median price dropped 3%, ending very much like all areas except the Beach, which continued to show positive results.
Once again looking back to 2019, before the real estate market was irremediably shaken by the Covid pandemic, current sales are down 15% and median prices are up 36%. With five months left in the year and economic forecasts leaning toward stagflation, this could well be a tipping point.
Beach=Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo Harbor=Carson, Long Beach, San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City PV Hill=Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates Inland=Torrance, Lomita, Gardena
Investment property is typically thought of as something owned by people with significant amounts of wealth to throw around. While it’s true that investment by definition requires an upfront cost, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a big cost. Furthermore, it’s possible for your investment to be in a property you plan to live in as well, so you aren’t forced to buy multiple homes to invest.
Long-term investments, which rely on home values appreciating over time, don’t have to be costly at all, particularly if you plan to live there anyway. Foreclosures and auction sales are generally significantly lower price than the average home in any particular area. However, you should be careful about repair costs — homeowners whose homes are on foreclosure or auction typically couldn’t afford to keep their homes, which means they often also have deferred maintenance. You could also look in up-and-coming neighborhoods that aren’t pricey yet, but might be in the future.
Alternatively, there are strategies to reduce the upfront cost of purchasing a home. These include government programs to aid first time homebuyers, enlisting the help of other investors, or utilizing seller financing. Seller financing involves making monthly payments directly to the seller of a home instead of to a lender. Because it’s rarely advantageous for the seller and benefits greatly from knowledge of legal procedures, this is not a common financing method. But if the seller agrees to it, it can help to waive large down payment requirements, and possibly even grant a better interest rate. You might also choose not to purchase an entire home, but just part of one — a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) involves trading a percentage of a property on the stock exchange.
One of the most common strategies is actually quite simple. Just buy a home and rent out part of it, while living in it. This is called house hacking, and is usually done with multi-unit properties such as duplexes and triplexes. But if you can’t afford a multi-unit property, you can also buy a single-family residence and rent out specific rooms. This won’t generate as much income as renting out entire units, but frequently has a lower upfront cost.
When you start looking for a new home, some of the things that might jump out to you immediately are first impressions from the outside and the numerical square footage value. But these don’t tell you anything about what living in the home is like. For that, you’ll need to look at the rooms individually to see if they suit your needs.
The most important rooms are the rooms you’ll spend the most time in. For most people, these will include the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. It might include other rooms depending on your lifestyle, such as the living room if you plan to frequently host guests, or a home office if you work from home. The home you’re looking at might have a large dining area, but if you live alone and don’t frequently host, that could be taking space away that would be better used elsewhere. It’s possible you could convert rooms, but that may potentially make for an awkward floorplan. Space is limited, even if the square footage is high. Make sure the space is in the right places. Also, kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most expensive remodels. It might not be worth buying a home that needs all new bathrooms but otherwise looks fine.
If you want to know if a particular neighborhood is right for you to move to, you first need to know what to look for. Start by making a list of priorities. If you have kids or are planning to soon, you may want to research the local school district. But if you don’t have kids, perhaps a short work commute is more important. Maybe you want to live in a place with a vibrant community or plenty of local shops and entertainment, or maybe you just want a quiet neighborhood where you can feel relaxed. Regardless of what you’re looking for, make sure to be thorough in your search. Visit several times, at different times of the day. A neighborhood may feel nice in the afternoon, but have grueling rush hour traffic in the morning or feel dark and dangerous at night.
Regardless of where you rank your personal priorities, pretty much everyone wants to live in a safe area. Researching crime rates can help determine the level of a neighborhood’s safety. You can find this information online using crime maps or community forums, and also from local police department reports. Also, keep in mind that no community is entirely free of crime, some types of crime may be more or less prevalent than others depending on the area, and crime rates can shift over time. In addition, you may not think schools are relevant to you if you don’t have kids, but good local schools will also mean higher property values and better educated neighbors.
You might take for granted that certain types of indispensable locations –such as grocery stores and hospitals — exist in an area, but even if they’re accessible, they may not be close by. For less mandatory amenities such as entertainment venues, parks, and even libraries, there may not be any at all. Some towns also don’t have easy access to freeways, which could considerably increase commute times even if the linear distance doesn’t seem that far. However, some of these may already be in the works — make sure to check local news and city planning websites. If everything else about the community seems great, you may just have to live without for a while until construction is complete.
Imagine you’ve been searching for a new property, and you happen across a low priced home that seems to fit all your criteria. Is the deal too good to be true? Well, maybe, maybe not. It’s possible that you’ve come across a hidden gem, but it’s also possible that you’re missing some key factors.
You may have just gotten lucky with your timing — in which case, congratulations. The market fluctuates all the time, and it could be that home prices in the area you’re looking at are currently at or near a trough. If you aren’t sure, an agent can help you figure out local market trends.
Speaking of the local market, you should also ask your agent about the surrounding community. Maybe it has a high crime rate, low rated schools, or a weak job market, in which case a higher priced home in a better area may be preferable. In addition, if the home is in a low priced neighborhood, it’s entirely possible that all the homes in the area are cheap, and this one isn’t an exception — it may even be priced too high.
But if you didn’t simply get lucky or end up in a low priced area, there may be something about the property that you’re not seeing. The home may look fine at a casual glance, but there could be hidden problems with the property’s condition. Sellers are supposed to disclose issues that they’re aware of, and they probably know something if they’re choosing to list low, but they may not know everything. An inspection can help you uncover these. It’s also possible the home price itself is reasonable, but you aren’t accounting for additional costs such as property taxes, insurance costs, or homeowners association fees.
You may be inclined to think that if a property isn’t listed, it’s not for sale. Most of the time that’s true, but there are exceptions. Homes for sale that aren’t listed publicly may be called off-market properties, pocket listings, or quiet listings. There are multiple reasons for this, but regardless of the reason, finding these properties quickly can earn you an advantage when trying to buy.
The easiest way to find these properties is with someone else’s help — usually an agent, but investors and builders likely have connections as well. Someone with connections in the industry might know of an opportunity for you already without any searching. Even if they don’t, they can help you search. Agents can search for properties that are “coming soon” — ones that aren’t officially on the market yet, but will be once the listing is finalized. They can also help you find probate sales, pre-foreclosures, and inherited homes. Some agents even specialize in helping clients navigate the legal intricacies of these types of sales.
Sometimes you want to talk to the homeowner directly — though an agent can still help you with this. Agents with a client who is looking to buy will frequently send out letters to owners of properties that fit the buyer’s specifications. Homeowners might be considering selling but either haven’t decided yet or don’t want to list publicly. These letters help to find homeowners in this type of situation. You might also come across a home that is For Sale By Owner, commonly abbreviated FSBO. This means that the homeowner is planning to sell without the assistance of an agent, or sometimes is an agent themself. These properties probably won’t be listed on an agent’s listing service, but an agent can still help you with the transaction if you’re able to discover one.
TUESDAYS, 5:30PM — 7:30PM The Lighthouse Cafe, 30 Pier Avenue Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310 376-9833
Andy & Renee-Banana Leaf
THURSDAYS, 6:30PM — 9:00PM Banana Leaf & Beach Cities Social, 1408 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA
Andy & Renee-Brews Hall
FRI, JUL 11 & 25, 7:00PM — 10:00PM Brews Hall Del Amo, 21770 Del Amo Circle East, Torrance, CA 90503
Andy & Renee- Terranea Lobby Bar
FRI, JUL 18, 7:00PM — 11:00PM Terranea Lobby Bar, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Andy & Renee & Marty Rifkin-House Concert
FRI, AUG 8, 6:00PM
Special House Concert honoring August Birthdays! All are welcome. Show is in Hermosa Beach, hosted by Jean Merl. Special Guest Marty Rifkin. $30. BYOB and a snack. Doors 6pm, Show 7pm. Get tickets at our Store Page. Address given upon purchase of ticket.
Marimba Magic – Workshop and Show with Grita Marimba and Masanga Marimba
Learn to play Marimba with award-winning teachers, then enjoy a show with Sonoma County’s Grita Marimba and LA’s own Masanga Marimba.
Come join us at The Grand Annex Music Hall for a day filled with marimba magic! Our event includes a hands-on workshop where you can learn to play this beautiful instrument from talented musicians. Afterward, sit back and enjoy a mesmerizing show featuring marimba performances that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, this event is perfect for anyone looking to experience the joy of music in a unique way. Don’t miss out on this Marimba Madness – it’s going to be an unforgettable day!
Join us for three nights of live Cumbia music and dancing as SoCal bands put their own twists on the irresistibly fun Columbian genre that blends indigenous, African, and European rhythms. It’s impossible not to move! Check back soon for more information!
Like Simon & Garfunkel with a touch of Willie Nelson, twins Adam and David Moss dress up their well-crafted lyrics with vocals, fiddle and a splash of twang.
Selling your home as-is means listing it in its current condition without making repairs or upgrades. This approach isn’t for everyone, but it can save you time, reduce your up-front costs and speed up the selling process. That said, it’s important to know that you’ll likely need to accept a lower price and potentially a smaller pool of buyers. Here are a few ways to help make the process easier.
Before listing your home, make sure you and the prospective buyers know exactly the condition of your home and have a good idea of its value. For most sales, a home inspection only occurs after an offer is made. However, you should consider a pre-listing inspection. It gives potential buyers a clear understanding of the home’s condition, which builds trust and can lead to quicker offers. This also helps you to disclose any known issues up front to avoid legal issues later. Buyers will also appreciate the honesty, and serious ones are more likely to stick around.
You should also work with a good agent to determine a fair price based on market conditions and the home’s condition before listing the property. Listing a home at one price and significantly altering it later can look like either dishonest or shoddy work. You and your agent can also collaborate to highlight your home’s best attributes. Does your home have a fantastic location, rustic charm or positive quirks? Make sure those positives shine in your listing.
Another tip is that even if you don’t make full repairs,small improvements go a long way. Clean thoroughly, declutter, and consider a fresh coat of paint to help your home make the best impression. As-is means as it was when listed, not as it was when you decided you wanted to list. Don’t feel like you can’t improve anything in the meantime. Besides, new paint is a plus that can be added to your listing description.
