Here were are and it’s already June 4th. Summer is a few weeks away and many buyers are getting itchy in today’s market to make a play. But is there anything “affordable” out there right now? Let’s take a look at what’s for sale in the general Riviera/South Torrance/South Redondo Beach areas?
Hollywood Riviera (Area 128) - Under $700,000
The Riviera boasts 5 properties under the $700K mark - one single family home located on Pacific Coast Highway (the service street) and it’s listed for $689K and has 1132 sq ft, 3 beds/3 baths. There is one townhouse in the Village Palos Verdes complex (AKA - the “Brown Townhouses”.) It’s a nice looking, clean, end unit w/ a view too - for $699K. And last but not least, there are 3 condos - all located in the “Cote D’Azur” complex which is located right on the border between Palos Verdes and the Riviera. They range in price from $540K - $599K (there are other units for sale in that complex as well that are more expensive - typically those units are completely remodeled and/or have terrific views!) The complex itself offers a large pool, putting green area, underground parking areas, a private walk down to the Torrance…R.A.T. Beach. It sits on the bluff above the beach there..it’s quite a lovely location.
South Torrance/Seaside Ranchos Areas (Area 129) -under $700,000
In the Seaside Ranchos neighborhood there are 10 single family homes for sale under the $700K mark - a few of them are on Anza, a cute small one on Linda Drive and a few others. 2 townhouses - one for only $519,000 and has 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. The other is newer construction - 1999 - and is listed for $670K. There are 5 condos in the South Torrance/Seaside area for sale all under $599,000.
South Redondo Beach (Areas 155-157) - Under $700,000
South Redondo Beach holds quite a bit of inventory under $700,000 - a total of 42 properties: 4 single family homes: $579K for a 1 bedroom/1 bathroom to a $699,000 2/1 on Sierra Vista. 6 townhouses range from $615K - $679K for a cute remodeled unit off of Opal. The condo market holds quite a bit to choose from - 32 condos that range from $329K for a 1 bedroom/1 bathroom over in Brookside Village to a nicely updated 2 bedroom condo at Catalina & Torrance Blvd for $685,000.
Looking for a simple, inexpensive upgrade to give your property a selling edge?
Try some lovely landscaping.
It doesn’t matter whether you are planning to sell this year or five years from now, beautiful landscaping will give you very high returns on your investment now and later. And, with landscaping, the value usually increases with time and a little TLC.
For return on investment, landscaping rivals kitchen and bathroom remodeling, experts say, but a simple landscape upgrade can be done for much less than either of those interior upgrades.
According to Realtor Magazine, a minor kitchen remodel averages about $15,000 and returns than 98 percent of the cost.
Landscaping done well can return 100 percent to 200 percent of an investment and can be accomplished for an average of $5,000, according to Money Magazine.
Sources differ on the value beautiful landscaping adds to a home. However, estimates range from a 10 percent to 20 percent increase in value. This Old House magazine (April 2003) puts the value at 20 percent. Smart Money magazine (March 2003) reports that if you spend 5 percent of the value of your home on landscaping, you increase the value by 15 percent.
Experts generally agree that landscaping should be modest. Complicated garden designs and vegetation that requires a lot of tending won’t increase most home values.
Of course, landscaping alone won’t help sell a home in poor condition, but it will lift a home’s profile among similar properties.
Don’t confuse landscaping with simple exterior curb appeal. Nearly any property can be made more appealing by keeping the lawns trimmed and mowed, removing lawn ornaments, and judiciously placing flowers. Landscaping involves more permanent elements, such as ornamental and shade trees, flower beds, and water features.
If you decide to improve your home’s landscaping, consider getting professional advice from a landscape architect or designer. Even if you do the actual installation yourself, getting professional advice can prevent some common landscaping errors that actually decrease the value of your home.
One typical error is planting pine trees too close to the home. The trees may look nice when they are small, but 20 years later an enormous pine tree can dwarf a home. Planting the right trees can make or break your landscape.
The Hollywood Riviera has its own Garden Club by the way - The Riviera Garden Club. Check out their website for more info http://www.RivieraGardenClub.org
