South Torrance and Walteria Real Estate Torrance is a coastal community in the South Bay area of Los Angeles.  It's mild Mediteranean climate, family friendly neighborhoods, close proximity to Los Angeles, excellent schools, less known Torrance beach,  make Torrance a great place to live.  In Torrance, we have many neighborhoods and communities.  Today, I'll focus on South Torrance and Walteria communities. South Torrance and Walteria real estate comprise of mostly single family homes.  Well established, tree lined neighborhoods are perfect for raising a family or to retire in.  We have a limited nunber of condos or townhomes in South Torrance so they sell quickly. Here is the summary of home for sale in the South Torrance and Walteria areas as of January 2012: The inventory of homes fo... 01/07/2012

South Bay Senior Condos For Sale - January 2012 Report South Bay area of Los Angeles is known for its beautiful 55+ senior condo communities.   Most of them are located in Torrance, but you can also find them in Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills Estates and Lomita. Due to the changing demographics, the demand for senior condos has been strong.  New 55+ condos that were built in the South Bay area sold out quickly.  The availability of resales varies daily.   Here is the informaion on currently available 55+ senior condos for sale in the South Bay, Torrance, Redondo Beach and Rolling Hills (based on MLS data): Total units available: 24 Torrance - 18 In Torrance, most units are 2 Beds/2 baths, but there are three 1 bd units available as of today.  We have one 3 bd condo available at New Horizo... 01/05/2012

Torrance was founded on May 31, 1911 by Jared Sidney Torrance and Associates by the purchase of 2,791 acres of land from the Dominguez Estate Company for $976,850. Susana Dominguez del Amo sold an additional 730 acres to Torrance for $350 per acre. This land was originally a small part of the Spanish land grant called Rancho San Pedro, given to Juan Jose Dominguez in 1784 ( See the History of the South Bay for a discussion of the early Spanish land grant ranchos). At its inception, this planned industrial town provided housing for 500 people. In March 1912, Torrance had originally proposed that the new development be named "Dominquez". The post office would not allow the use of this name since there was already a post office with that name. On March 12, 1912, at a meeting of the board o... 11/27/2011

  Home sales in Torrance have done better than other surrounding communities. The number of sales is was up and the average home selling prices in Torrance have been going up over last few months. The average prices have still been slightly lower than a year ago though.  The Torrance average home selling price was down by 5% in October 2011 when compared to same period a year ago, bringing the average Torrance home price to $526,543. Average selling price in Torrance was $499,705 in September. Number of sales was up from 63 to 68 homes sold last month.   The average single family home in Torrance sold for $566,182 down 7% on y-o-y basis but up when compared to a month ago when it was $535,703. Torrance Sold Listings Average Sales Price Average DOM* October 2011 68 $526,543 86 October 20... 11/18/2011

Buying your first Torrance home can be challenging.  Despite the Torrance CA real estate downturn, home prices in Torrance are still often out of reach to young families who want to buy their first home and take advantage of excellent Torrance schoolsand safe and beautiful Torrance neighborhoods. If you are a first time homebuyer, or if you're thinking about downsizing, consider buying a condo or a townhome.  Torrance real estate consists of many nice single family home neighborhoods that also, include beautiful condo communities with excellent amemities, such as pools, spas, exercise rooms and more.  The HOA (Homeowner Association Fee) will cover the cost of those amenities, insurance, trash, water in most cases. Torrance condo prices range from low $200,000 and up.  If you're interest... 11/18/2011

Pacific Terrace is a luxurious condo community in West Torrance, just minutes walk to the beach.  It's located at 5500 Torrance Blvd. just bordering South Redondo Beach.  This resort style gated community offers beautiful, spacious 3 bd condos built in 1990.  Pacific Terrace complex offers a clubhouse, pool, sauna and fitness room.   Pacific Terrace condos have been selling between $405,000 - $435,000. This year, total of 6 units sold at Pacific Terrace, two of them were pre-foreclosures (short sales) and four were stardard sales.  Currently there is only one unit listed for sale at $400,000 - it's a short sale. Please contact me and I'll provide you with a Free Hot List of available condos at Pacific Terrace or any other community you're interested in. If you're interested in buying a ... 11/18/2011

There are currently 7 homes for sale in the Southwood Area of Torrance Listed from $565,000-$995,000 The average market time is 78 days for active listings in Southwood The average asking price for a home in Southwood is $654,843 There have been 37 homes to sell in Southwood since the first of the year The lowest priced Southwood home to sell was $490,000 The highest sold price was $1,020,000 The average market time was 61 days for sold homes There are currently 8 homes in escrow starting at $599,000-$708,625 To see all the current listings in Southwood Click here: http://www.palosverdesrealestateteam.com/PropertySearch 11/17/2011

Torrance Real Estate   Located in the South Bay, Torrance is  the eighth largest city in Los Angeles County, just north of Palos Verdes, east of Redondo Beach and 11 miles south of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The city offers a relaxed beach scene with 1.5 miles of shore-front beaches off the Pacific Ocean. Its beach lies between the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Redondo Beach on the Santa Monica Bay.     The Torrance Unified School District (TSUD), established in 1947, encompasses all of the City of Torrance, operating 17 elementary schools, eight middle schools, five high schools and two private high schools, three adult schools, a community college, and a child development center. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Torrance had a population of 145,438. This expansive res... 11/17/2011

Torrance Gardens is a charming Torrance neighborhood, comprised of mostly smaller single family homes but with mixed in larger four or more bedroom homes.  Torrance Gardens is bounded by Madrona Blvd, Crenshaw Bvld, Carson Blvd and Torrance Blvd. You'll find street named "Iris", "Maple", "Juniper", "Date" or "Hickory" in the Gardens. If you're a fortunate Torrance Gardens resident, you can walk to the Farmers Market, beautiful walking paths, play tennis or baseball at nearby Wilson Park.  Torrance Courthouse , Police Station and the Library are also located in the area.  If you're in the mood for shopping or dining out, Del Amo Shopping Center is just a couple of blocks away. Homes in the Torrance Gardens community have been selling in the $430,000 - $725,000 range this year. Torrance G... 11/14/2011

Marble Estates is a single family home community in Torrance.  It's comprised of 350 homes.  Marble Estates are bounded by Crenshaw Boulevard on the east, Greenwood Avenues on the west, 230th Place on the north and 234th Street on the south.  Average home size is 2,100 sq ft; average number of bedrooms is 3.76.  Most homes in this planned community were built in mid 1960s by Don Wilson Builders. The Marble Estates community grew around two focal points that still draw new residents:  Hickory Park and Hickory Elementary School.  Small town atmosphere, family friendly, safe environment  and, at the same time, close proximity to shopping, restaurants  and South Bay beaches make this community desirable and sought after. Marble Estates homes:                                                 ... 11/13/2011

  Prestigeous La Terrazza gated community of 130 beautiful, Mediterainean style townhomes, was built in the early 1990s and it's located in central Torrance.  The community consists of mostly 3 bd/3 ba homes;  there are only six 4 bd/3 ba units, located by the putting green area.  This beautiful Torrance community is near Wilson Park, Del Amo shopping center, restaurants and highly rated Torrance schools. Beautiful surroundings at La Terrazza, Torrance townhome gated community: :   2011 sales at La Terrazza: Total of five units sold, all of them 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms; prices ranged from $560,000 to $606,000.  Two of those sales were foreclosures (short sales). Please contact Krystyna Baty at 310.918.5027 if you'd like to move into this unique community of La Terrazza.  Sign up for our... 11/12/2011

Pacific Colony is an exclusive gated community in West Torrance, CA,  located on the border with Redondo Beach,  just minutes from the local South Bay  beaches.  This beautiful community of detached 89 single family homes was built in 1991-1996 .   Pacific Colony homes are 3 or 4 bedroom single family homes;  Five floorplans, range from 2403 sq ft - 3396 sq ft.  Visit www.PacificColony.com for detailed floorplan information. Pacific Colony residents enjoy many amenities, such as clubhouse, gym and the pool.  This family friendly South Bay community is located in the award winning West High school district Typical home at Pacific Colony, Torrance: CALL KRYSTYNA BATY AT 310.918.5027 OR E-MAIL INFO@ISELLSOUTHBAY.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A HOT LIST OF HOMES FOR SALE AT PACIFIC COLONY. 11/10/2011

I just sold another senior condo at New Horizons in Torrance.  This 55+ senior condo community is well hidden from traffic and busy South Bay streets and yet, it's perfectly located, close to shops, restaurants, hospitals, YMCA. There is even a private gold course with driving range and putting green there - right in the heart of Torrance! Recreational facilities include the main clubhouse with the lounge offering big screen TV, billiard room, and community room with remodeled kitchen. Across the complex is the Sports Center with the second pool, spa, full modern gym, lighted tennis court, ceramic and wood shops, table tennis room The New Horizons senior complex is always beautifully landscaped, which adds to a resort like feel. My clients relocated to Torrance from Northern California.... 11/04/2011

The Torrance average September selling price was down by 12.3% when compared to the same period a year ago.  Number of sales was up by 9%, from 67 to 73 homes sold last month.   Torrance SoldListings AverageSales Price AverageDOM* September 2011 73  $499,705 87  September 2010 67  $569,752 78  *All stats are compiled from the California Regional  Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. *DOM - days on market. All stats are for Torrance proper - Torrance PO is not included. The average single family home in Torrance CA was down by 12.7%.  Single family home sold at the average price of $535,703 in Torrance last month, compared with $613,491 12 months ago.  Foreclosure activity was up in Torrance last month.  Foreclosures accounted for 24.7 percent of s... 10/21/2011

Walking Tour of Historic Old Torrance Today. In celebration of the city's centennial in 2012, the Torrance Historical Society is hosting a free walking tour, with docents pointing out many of the historic sites and landmarks of Old Torrance, 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, 1345 Post Ave.; For more information, call 310-328-5392. For the History of Torrance, go to the following link on my website:  HISTORY OF TORRANCE 09/25/2011

A former client who keeps us informed of South Bay happenings, Jackie Balestra, recently contacted me, asking if I would be a guest on the South Bay Small Business Hour. Although I wasn't sure I could talk for an hour (which is actually much less between introductions, closers and commercials), I could have used more time to talk passionately about home staging! Check it out - we discuss the psychology behind home staging, why we ask clients to put away personal photos, and what buyers are looking for.   South Bay Home Staging Radioblog   09/10/2011

We just successfully closed another 55+ senior condo at Village Court in Torrance.  Torrance has become a popular destination for active 55+ from all over the country with its various  senior communities.  My clients are relocating from Indiana to enjoy our California sun and the beaches in their retirement. Village Court is an active 55+ senior condo development. Amenities include large recreation room with kitchen, TV, pool table and card tables. Spacious outdoor courtyard area includes built-in barbecues, multiple areas to relax and a pool and spa. There is also a fully equipped gym and a reading room. This wonderful development is in a great South Bay location and is just a short walk to Del Amo mall, banking, shopping, restaurants. If you're thinking about buying a senior condo in ... 09/08/2011

Hot August Nights: The Torrance Historical Society features extended museum hours every Thursday night through the end of August. The public is invited to stop by and explore some of the museum's collections that include one of the first Torrance Police Department uniforms, photos dating back to the Westin Ranch days, and a huge collection of high school yearbooks. 1-8 p.m. Thursday, and Aug 18 and 25. Call             310-328-5392       or visit Torrance Historical Society for more information. Torrance was founded on May 31, 1911 by Jared Sidney Torrance and Associates by the purchase of 2,791 acres of land from the Dominguez Estate Company for $976,850. Susana Dominguez del Amo sold an additional 730 acres to Torrance for $350 per acre. This land was originally a small part of the Sp... 08/15/2011

We've recently created a website designed specifically for Torrance CA real estate and home buyers and sellers.  Unlike many of the other areas of the South Bay, Torrance is a relatively large city with a diverse population and an equally diverse housing market.  One size definitely does not fit all in Torrance.  We designed the website to allow users to find more detailed information on specific neighborhoods.  The site features free Torrance MLS access, home buyers assistance pages, recent sales, market information and data, neighborhood information and data on the market per neighborhood and per home type.  We hope that the site is of great assistance to Torrance home buyers and sellers. 08/03/2011

The Torrance average selling price dropped in June 2011 by 2.6 percent compared to same period a year ago, bringing the average price to $527,431.  Number of sales increased from 86 sales in June 2010 to 98 home sales in June '11, which translates into a 14% sales volume increase. Torrance SoldListings AverageSales Price AverageDOM* June 2011 98  $527,431 72  June 2010 86  $541,594 55 *All stats are compiled from the California Regional  Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. *DOM - days on market Please note all stats in this article are for Torrance proper only (Torrance PO is not included)  Below is my  Torrance real estate market report broken down by property types. Torrance single family homes sales ramained on the same level, compared to June... 07/11/2011