<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>South Bay Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/luxury-dog-houses.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/luxury-dog-houses.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>Luxury Dog Houses</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The South Bay is home to some of the most luxurious properties in the country.  And with that comes many lucky pets that get to partake and benefit from living the life of luxury by the beach.  Because Manhattan Beach and the surrounding beach cities are known for being very dog-friendly and having lot's of outdoor activities, parks and running paths, we got to thinking...  What would a dog house look like if it were on par with the luxury real estate in the South Bay?


Well, there are many over-the-top structures out there.  Some are miniature replicas of the owners main house.  Others were designed to fit the personality and style of the dog who lives there.  There are lots of pictures online of the various styles, but this article had the best examples of some "lap of luxury" dog houses.


Check out some of these amazing homes of some lucky canines around the world.  Feel free to share some of your favorite luxury home pics of your animals with us.



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 22:04:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/hows-the-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/hows-the-market.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>"How's The Market?"</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
How's the market?  Well, here's the latest South Bay market update.  Despite the fact that we're in what the media has been calling a quote-unquote "Buyer's Market," more and more we're seeing homes sell with multiple offers .  Why is that?


Well the answer is simple.  It's the predictable law of supply and demand.  In 2010, there were many more homes on the market.  Buyers had more to choose from.  The past 5 months have seen a real drought in inventory and there are more buyers than there are houses for sale.  





Three of the last 4 offers I've written have had multiple offers on them.  One of my clients is in escrow because their offer was the best of 8 total offers on this property.  This doesn't mean that there aren't deals to be had out there.  It just means that well-priced homes are selling quickly and in some cases selling for more than the asking price.  Of course, if the buyer is getting a loan to buy the home, it will also need to appraise for the purchase price for the bank to lend on it.


In the last 60 days in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach there have been 260 homes sold. The average Current List Price-to-Sold Price ratio was 98.1%.  This figure indicates that once a home was priced where it should be, buyers were scooping them up.  There are currently 295 homes on the market in the Beach Cities.  With the average absorbption rate of 97 homes sold per month, that means that there is only 3.04 months worth of inventory available today.  This is on the low end for sure.


As always, we recommend involving a professional to help navigate the homebuying process.  Happy hunting!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:55:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/greg-geilman-intro-video.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/greg-geilman-intro-video.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>Greg Geilman Intro Video</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In the early 2000's real estate professionals began to gain a poor reputation. For the most part the real estate industry turned away from customer service and into capitalizing on the market for ones own interest. Here at South Bay Residential we are not only looking to bring back customer service but to transform the real estate industry here in the South Bay.





 


If you are looking for a home in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach or Hermosa Beach you have to meet Greg Geilman. He is a RE/MAX agent that understands technology and brings a refreshing approach to customer service in the real estate industry today.



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:38:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/how-much-is-a-great-view-worth.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/how-much-is-a-great-view-worth.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>How Much is a Great View Worth?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
There has and always will be a debate in real estate on how much a great view is actually worth because there are many different factors involved. Some prefer to watch the waves crash from their living room and others wish to be on their deck overlooking the "Queen's Necklace" below.





How much is a view worth?  The simple answer is that it all depends.  It depends on location and characteristics of the view. Most of the time when people refer to a view in the South Bay, they are either referring to an "ocean view" or a "city lights view."  Putting a price tag on one of these is a bit of an art and a science. It is nearly impossible to find two identical homes, one with a view and one without.


From our knowledge of working in the South Bay for years, here are some guidelines that will help you evaluate the different types of views and how much value they add to a home.  So, below we have categorized and defined 4 different view types and the prospective values it adds to a home in the South Bay. This is, of course, dependent on area, location and condition of the property as well. Is it in Torrance or is it on The Strand in Manhattan Beach?  Additionally, if a view is "unobstructable," then it will call a higher price for the inherent future value.





Basic Guidelines For Valuating A View


Peek-A-Boo View ($10,000 - $30,000)


A peek-a-boo view has a sliver or small view from probably only one area of the property. This is usually something that can be overlooked if you're walking through the home quickly.


Partial View ($30,000 - $60,000)


A partial view is usually more than 50% obstructed by other buildings or structures. There is no doubt that there is a view though in this category.


Premier View ($60,000 - $150,000)


A home that has a premier view is very special indeed. Because there are only so many homes with premier views, this is where the prices really start to climb. Premier views are typically only minimally obstructed (0-20%) and have a wide field of vision.


Panoramic View ($150,000 -$500,000+)


This view is always breathtaking! Usually the words "Wow" or Oh my gawd!" are heard when you turn the corner and see it for the first time. Of course, people will argue that an unobstructable, panoramic ocean and city lights views will retrieve even more.


Whether you're buying a view or selling a view, placing a dollar figure on it can be a bit tricky. We recommend doing a deep analysis of the particulars based on location, category and condition. But one thing's for certain, once you have one, a view is truly a priceless addition to any home.



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:22:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/top-south-bay-restaurants.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/top-south-bay-restaurants.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>20 Top South Bay Restaurants</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Recently a friend of mine and I were debating about which were the best restaurants in the South Bay.  Because there are so many to choose from, I actually had a hard time picking.  So I just scanned through my recent Facebook check-ins and threw together a list of my favorites in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach,and Redondo Beach.  Some are fancy sit-down places and others are just fun places to get a quick meal.  Ambiance is often a big part of a meal for me.  I like people-watching and seeing the sights as I enjoy my lunch or dinner.


Tin Roof Bistro Hots KitchenYellow VaseZinc at Shade Hotel Mucho La Sirena Grill Four Daughters Kitchen Katsu Sushi The Green TempleSushi Chitose Coyote Cantina   Chronic Tacos Bluewater GrillHudson House MediterraneoLa Playita RestaurantThe SpotZane's Ortega 120 Catalina Kitchen at Terranea


There are many more to choose from and many more that could have made this list.  I'm always on the run and enjoy taking a breather by sitting down to enjoy a good meal. What are some of your favorites?















 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:30:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/is-this-the-right-time-to-sell-a-south-bay-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/is-this-the-right-time-to-sell-a-south-bay-home.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>Is This the Right Time to Sell a South Bay Home?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Years of bad news about the real estate market has left many property owners with the idea that there are no buyers and that     it is a bad time to list a house for sale. However the South Bay real estate market is showing signs of life. Homes located in desirable Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and the surrounding inland communities are attracting buyers. 


If you have been thinking about selling your home, this could be the right time to move forward.  


Granted, prices have not returned to the peaks seen four or five years ago, but South Bay homes are spending a respectable average of 100 days on the market, and some properties are receiving multiple offers. Since so many property owners have been put off by the bad news or the label “buyer’s market,” home inventories are low and there is significantly less competition as in years past.  


The great location and beautiful surroundings draw buyers to the area, and fantastic upgrades can really make South Bay homes shine. The real secret, though, to selling quickly in a soft market is to make sure your home is priced fairly and competitively so that it stands out to buyers right from the start. A well priced home, at any price point, is going to make a better impression on buyers looking to make a wise investment, and may provide just the incentive they need to make a good offer.  


It can be tough to put a dollar amount on something as personal as your home, and it is hard to put aside those big numbers we were seeing a few years back. But if you are ready for your next opportunity, whether it is in another home within the community or in a distant place, do not let assumptions about the South Bay real estate market hold you back. 


Feel free to contact me to discuss your South Bay home's potential in the local market. Whether your property is in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach or an inland community, I can give you a no-obligation analysis of your house and the competition, to help you make a good decision about whether this is the right time to sell.



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:15:00 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/dustin-and-melissa-testimonial-video.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/dustin-and-melissa-testimonial-video.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>Dustin and Melissa Testimonial Video</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Dustin and Melissa didn't get the first home they wrote an offer on.  And thank goodness!  They wanted the beach lifestyle and a house that had an open kitchen and a nice backyard.  They found that and so much more right on the border of Hermosa and Redondo Beach.







They wanted to move up to the South Bay from their condo in Long Beach.  After pointing them to the Hollywood Riviera and showing them certain special spots around South Redondo Beach, they decided that this is a place they could call home.  We thought we found the right house for them, but it turns out there was another one that was even better waiting just around the corner.  We were able to negotiate a very favorable price for both the purchase of their South Redondo Beach home and the sale of their Long Beach condo. We were honored to be able to be a part of this important time in Dustin and Melissa's lives.



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:16:00 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/south-bay-residential-moves-to-remax.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/south-bay-residential-moves-to-remax.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>PRESS RELEASE: Greg Geilman and South Bay Residential Move To RE/MAX Manhattan Beach</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
With the New Year brings significant changes for us as well.  Our new digs are overlooking the South Bay, right on the border of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.  This marks a very exciting time for many people who are considering entering the real estate market.  This also marks a very exciting time for us as local South Bay and Los Angeles County real estate experts.  The following is excperted from the press release that came out earlier this week.


Manhattan Beach, CA (PRWEB) 1/12/12


RE/MAX Beach Cities is pleased to announce that Greg Geilman and the South Bay Residential real estate team (http://www.southbayresidential.com) have joined the RE/MAX family of top producing REALTORS. Greg and his team are based in Manhattan Beach and specialize in homes and real estate in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and surrounding beach cities including Sand Section, Tree Section, South Redondo, Hollywood Riviera, The Avenues, and The Esplanade. Greg and his team can be reached at http://www.southbayresidential.com or directly at (310) 251-7725.


"Moving to RE/MAX is another step for us in being able to better serve the real estate needs of our community," Geilman said. "We look forward to continuing to help home buyers and sellers in the South Bay accomplish their goals in a hassle-free and friendly way. As a part of RE/MAX, we now have even more resources to help you."


Born and raised in Los Angeles, Geilman's love for real estate started early on, with a passion for Monopoly as a young boy. With that passion, he continues to excel, representing buyers and sellers throughout the South Bay. Integrity is #1 on Greg's priority list, and having sold property all over the South Bay, he is confident negotiating the sale of homes in the area at any price.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:59:12 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/uncommon-praise-from-another-real-estate-agent.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/uncommon-praise-from-another-real-estate-agent.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>Uncommon Praise From Another Real Estate Agent</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Selling homes in the South Bay is very rewarding.  We get to meet a lot of interesting people and get to be present and helpful during this time of transition in their lives.  It is not uncommon to receive recommendations from our clients.  What is more rare is receiving praise from the agent on the other side of the table.  Here is a letter I received after closing a transaction.



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:02:27 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/happy-customers-move-to-playa-vista.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/happy-customers-move-to-playa-vista.html</link>
            <author>greg@southbayresidential.com (Greg Geilman)</author>
            <title>Happy Customers Move To Playa Vista</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Bree and her husband, Alex, approached us to help them sell their home in Sherman Oaks. They were anxious to move closer to work because they had just had a baby girl and the long drive to and from the office meant too much time away from the family. They wanted it sold quickly and they wanted to get a certain price. After listing their home, we immediately built and executed a strategic marketing plan.


Watch Their Video





Less than 10 days later we had an offer and we negotiated an excellent price for them and closed the deal shortly after. Solid, smart marketing is key to a successful sale. Knowing how to effectively promote a property, reach the right buyers and negotiate the deal makes all the difference. We were honored to help Alex and Bree's family achieve such an important personal goal.



Playa Vista Listings


There are currently 33 active listings in Playa Vista.







 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:48:00 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
