January 2013 
There are 16 blog entries for January 2013.
Strand Happenings
Thursday, January 31st, 2013 at 3:47pm. 296 Views, 0 Comments.
Manhattan Beach (and Dave) got some nice references in today's LA Times. (See "Money finds a home.")
It seems like The Strand would like to be a part of the story this year. Time for a little love.
It wasn't a smashing year in 2012 along our treasured beachfront, despite the buzz all around MB. But here we go with an interesting launch to 2013.
First off is a newly pending sale, arranged off-market and posted to the MLS this week.
That's 3300 The Strand (5br/4ba, 4750 sq. ft.), a modern built in 2006 that benefits from a slightly larger, 3500 sq. ft. corner lot.
There's no past-sale information available besides the lot sale ($2.250M in 1996), so this would look to be a custom build from 6 years ago, hitting the market for the first time.
And what a way to…
It seems like The Strand would like to be a part of the story this year. Time for a little love.
It wasn't a smashing year in 2012 along our treasured beachfront, despite the buzz all around MB. But here we go with an interesting launch to 2013.
First off is a newly pending sale, arranged off-market and posted to the MLS this week.
That's 3300 The Strand (5br/4ba, 4750 sq. ft.), a modern built in 2006 that benefits from a slightly larger, 3500 sq. ft. corner lot.There's no past-sale information available besides the lot sale ($2.250M in 1996), so this would look to be a custom build from 6 years ago, hitting the market for the first time.
And what a way to…
2012 Sales & Medians West of Sepulveda
Wednesday, January 30th, 2013 at 1:05am. 357 Views, 0 Comments.
Prices are always going to be higher near the beach, but in 2012, how much higher?
Last year, SFRs west of Sepulveda had a 13% higher median price than homes in all areas of MB, taken together.
That's one finding from our careful look at median price data for the year that was.
Looking only at SFRs, you see a median price west of Sepulveda of $1.639M for 2012. The result is not much different if you add in townhomes, with the median dropping just $40K to $1.599M.
Both figures are notably higher than the SFR total for all of MB for the year: $1.455M. (For more on how MB citywide compared to past years, see our year-end post: "2012 Wrap: More Sales, Tiny Median Bump.")
Exactly like we saw with the citywide sales data, the total number of sales west of the…
Last year, SFRs west of Sepulveda had a 13% higher median price than homes in all areas of MB, taken together.That's one finding from our careful look at median price data for the year that was.
Looking only at SFRs, you see a median price west of Sepulveda of $1.639M for 2012. The result is not much different if you add in townhomes, with the median dropping just $40K to $1.599M.
Both figures are notably higher than the SFR total for all of MB for the year: $1.455M. (For more on how MB citywide compared to past years, see our year-end post: "2012 Wrap: More Sales, Tiny Median Bump.")
Exactly like we saw with the citywide sales data, the total number of sales west of the…Sunday Opens (1/27)
Sunday, January 27th, 2013 at 3:28pm. 383 Views, 0 Comments.
On schedule, we're starting to get that influx of new listings that we're hoping for.
This week, we can profile 6 new homes that had planned public open houses – though one sold too quickly and probably won't be open.
Before you know it, the Har-bowl will be upon us next week, officially launching Spring for local real estate.
To plan your weekend open-house tours, try this Redfin map list of open houses – sort by price or sub-region of MB by clicking the title on a column.
Or click here for the new-format Beach Reporter list of opens.
If you're thinking about getting into the market as a buyer or seller, please consider asking MB Confidential author Dave Fratello for help. For more, see MBC's Need an Agent?" page.
Sand Section
472 29th (5br/6ba, 4600 sq.…
This week, we can profile 6 new homes that had planned public open houses – though one sold too quickly and probably won't be open.
Before you know it, the Har-bowl will be upon us next week, officially launching Spring for local real estate.
To plan your weekend open-house tours, try this Redfin map list of open houses – sort by price or sub-region of MB by clicking the title on a column.
Or click here for the new-format Beach Reporter list of opens.
If you're thinking about getting into the market as a buyer or seller, please consider asking MB Confidential author Dave Fratello for help. For more, see MBC's Need an Agent?" page.
Sand Section
472 29th (5br/6ba, 4600 sq.…How 'Average' Price Misleads
Friday, January 25th, 2013 at 6:13pm. 303 Views, 0 Comments.
We go off on little data-nerd rants from time to time here at MBC, and today will be one of those days.
We recently reviewed a print publication which offered real estate statistics for 2012 for Manhattan Beach. (No names necessary here, we have a substantive point here, not a need for finger-pointing.)
This print pub offered the number of sales in various South Bay markets for 2012 and the "average price" of sales in each city.
Average price. You may instinctively know that it's irrelevant. But how irrelevant, and why?
First, why it's irrelevant. We have incredibly diverse housing stock in Manhattan Beach. If you include townhomes, then you've got $450K subunits of condo buildings along MBB, you have $800K old cottages along Marine, you've got all those…
We recently reviewed a print publication which offered real estate statistics for 2012 for Manhattan Beach. (No names necessary here, we have a substantive point here, not a need for finger-pointing.)
This print pub offered the number of sales in various South Bay markets for 2012 and the "average price" of sales in each city.
Average price. You may instinctively know that it's irrelevant. But how irrelevant, and why?
First, why it's irrelevant. We have incredibly diverse housing stock in Manhattan Beach. If you include townhomes, then you've got $450K subunits of condo buildings along MBB, you have $800K old cottages along Marine, you've got all those…
Close the Books on 1407 23rd
Thursday, January 24th, 2013 at 4:44am. 340 Views, 0 Comments.
When we try to imagine what 2013 might be like in Manhattan Beach real estate, naturally we look back at how 2012 wound up.
At least one of the listings that hit late in the year – December 2012 – delivered a couple of surprises to the high side.
Are these hints of what 2013 may hold?
1407 23rd (4br/2ba, 2000 sq. ft.) is the property in question.
It's hard to disagree with our initial opinion, that it "really doesn't look like much outside." It's a 1940s cottage that's been expanded and updated. (See "Weekend Opens [12/1-12/1].")
Inside, the remodeled home delivered a lot.
There's a big, open series of living spaces. A sharp, modern, open kitchen. Pretty good merging of the indoor with outdoor living spaces, which are ample on this 7000 sq. ft.…
At least one of the listings that hit late in the year – December 2012 – delivered a couple of surprises to the high side.
Are these hints of what 2013 may hold?
|
| 1407 23rd |
It's hard to disagree with our initial opinion, that it "really doesn't look like much outside." It's a 1940s cottage that's been expanded and updated. (See "Weekend Opens [12/1-12/1].")
Inside, the remodeled home delivered a lot.
There's a big, open series of living spaces. A sharp, modern, open kitchen. Pretty good merging of the indoor with outdoor living spaces, which are ample on this 7000 sq. ft.…
A Good Weekend for Two
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013 at 4:54pm. 330 Views, 0 Comments.
It was a good long weekend for 2 high-dollar listings in MB, as they made deals and went into "backup offer" status. That means they've both accepted offers, but might want others to take an interest – just in case.
Both listings seemed to debut quite high for what they were, back 3-4 months ago. There are 2 ways to make a sale when you've done that: Wait. And cut.
If you've been sitting on the sidelines watching 810 1st (5br/5ba, 4850 sq. ft.), you've waited too long.
This big 80s original debuted last August, canceled for the holiday season and just returned to market last week. Boom! They've got their deal.
Welcoming this one back to market only last week, MBC said:
The issue here is that absolutely everything needs a 21st-century update. That…
Both listings seemed to debut quite high for what they were, back 3-4 months ago. There are 2 ways to make a sale when you've done that: Wait. And cut.
If you've been sitting on the sidelines watching 810 1st (5br/5ba, 4850 sq. ft.), you've waited too long.This big 80s original debuted last August, canceled for the holiday season and just returned to market last week. Boom! They've got their deal.
Welcoming this one back to market only last week, MBC said:
The issue here is that absolutely everything needs a 21st-century update. That…
Weekend Opens (1/19-1/20)
Saturday, January 19th, 2013 at 5:30am. 288 Views, 0 Comments.
What makes MB special? Surely a part of it is the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier.
And what makes the pier iconic? That'd be the roundhouse at the end of the pier.
The roundhouse hosts a terrific aquarium, aptly named the Roundhouse Aquarium, and the aquarium needs your help with repairs and maintenance.
What better way to help than at a fundraiser at The Strand House?
On Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 6-8pm, you're invited to join a close-knit gathering at $80/head, which includes 2 beverages plus tasty appetizers. Proceeds go to the Roundhouse Aquarium.
Have fun, mingle, and help a good cause. Sign up today before the event sells out!
As to local real estate, this weekend has been largely skipped over by would-be new listings, with just a couple of exceptions. We're…
And what makes the pier iconic? That'd be the roundhouse at the end of the pier.The roundhouse hosts a terrific aquarium, aptly named the Roundhouse Aquarium, and the aquarium needs your help with repairs and maintenance.
What better way to help than at a fundraiser at The Strand House?
On Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 6-8pm, you're invited to join a close-knit gathering at $80/head, which includes 2 beverages plus tasty appetizers. Proceeds go to the Roundhouse Aquarium.
Have fun, mingle, and help a good cause. Sign up today before the event sells out!
As to local real estate, this weekend has been largely skipped over by would-be new listings, with just a couple of exceptions. We're…
Back for Another Go
Thursday, January 17th, 2013 at 1:14am. 279 Views, 0 Comments.
This is a funny week with the upcoming 3-day weekend, in that sellers (and agents) seem not to want to put out new listings. Worry not, though, Spring (for real estate) is right around the corner.
What we do see here and there now is the return of 2012 listings that didn't catch on. They always meant to sell, but took the holidays off.
Here's a recap of the newest returnees:
810 1st (5br/5ba, 4850 sq. ft.) is an 80s original on a big, flat, 9425 sq. ft. lot with some very nice ocean views – surprising, perhaps, for a house that's so close to Ardmore.
The issue here is that absolutely everything needs a 21st-century update. That takes vision and will take some cash. At the end, we see potential for a terrific house, but you've got to buy it at the right…
What we do see here and there now is the return of 2012 listings that didn't catch on. They always meant to sell, but took the holidays off.
Here's a recap of the newest returnees:
810 1st (5br/5ba, 4850 sq. ft.) is an 80s original on a big, flat, 9425 sq. ft. lot with some very nice ocean views – surprising, perhaps, for a house that's so close to Ardmore. The issue here is that absolutely everything needs a 21st-century update. That takes vision and will take some cash. At the end, we see potential for a terrific house, but you've got to buy it at the right…
$4M Off in the Hills
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013 at 8:06pm. 318 Views, 0 Comments.
Picture, if you will, an enormous, classically styled estate in the Hill Section, one with a timeless chateau feeling, and even its own loving name: Summerhill.
Add a huge lot – nearly a triple lot at over 14,000 square feet.
Add in some ocean views from high up the hill.
What's that worth?
That's the question they've been trying to answer at 250 S. Dianthus (5br/7ba, 8500 sq. ft.) since last June.
With 243 DOM under the bridge, Tuesday saw another big price cut at 250 Dianthus, as the sellers attempt to find their market.
The launch on the MLS was at $11.9M in early June 2012, but $2M came off the top quickly, before that month's end.
The listing shed another $1M in September before chopping a fourth $1M this week.…
Add a huge lot – nearly a triple lot at over 14,000 square feet.
Add in some ocean views from high up the hill.
What's that worth?
|
| "Summerhill" at 250 S. Dianthus |
With 243 DOM under the bridge, Tuesday saw another big price cut at 250 Dianthus, as the sellers attempt to find their market.
The launch on the MLS was at $11.9M in early June 2012, but $2M came off the top quickly, before that month's end.
The listing shed another $1M in September before chopping a fourth $1M this week.…
Tracking Two Craftsmen
Monday, January 14th, 2013 at 9:09pm. 322 Views, 0 Comments.
|
| 1031 Duncan |
Now, 2 of the 7 listings in the Hill Section (29%!) are in the Craftsman style. (Two Craftsmans? Craftsmen? Craftspersons?)
They are 1031 Duncan (4br/4ba, 4200 sq. ft.) at $2.799M and 624 6th (4br/4ba, 3450 sq. ft.) at $3.700M.
And though the homes are similar in several ways, they're different, too.
Both were built by the same builder, and around the same time. (Duncan in 2004, 6th in 2006.)
But Duncan is much larger (+750 sq. ft.) thanks to a basement family/media room. (Per the property website, it's a "man cave" that "the entire family will enjoy." Right. A family room.)
|
| 624 6th |
