South Bay News

On the fence about whether to buy or sell your home this year? There is good news

For nearly two years, real estate professionals have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of buyers and sellers during the pandemic.

Since March 2020, seasoned experts in the art of real estate transactions have also learned new technologies, plus safety and sanitation measures. As new variants emerge their education continues, which equals key ways agents add value.

Regarding in-person showings, agents don’t leave anyone’s health up to chance. They follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Association of Realtors (NAR) to ensure in-person showings are safe. NAR maintains specific resources to inform agents on latest recommendations and best practices.

Guidance from the CDC also equips real estate professionals with the know-how to employ sanitation and disinfectant measures, so that they’re safe for you and your potential buyers.

Digital tools also enhance home sales. Agents are well-versed in using new technology and digital tools to sell homes efficiently. These tools have been reimagined like never before, as serving clients at a distance and limiting exposure to others is so important. Restricting the number of people interacting during the sales process is key to keeping everyone safe.

A variety of methods to serve our clients include virtual open houses, tours, and listing appointments; high-quality photos for online presence; eSignatures; video conferencing.

The health challenges facing our world today have fundamentally changed the way real estate professionals conduct business for the better.

Connect with the Dennis Hartley Team today so that you have the latest tools on your side, to feel safe and confident when you buy or sell this year.

Like the game of chess, the homebuying process requires one to plan and think about strategy, from the very beginning of the game.

The following offers a few things for mindfully strategizing a strong game plan when beginning a home search.

Pre-Approval is the Best Opening Play To Make  

It’s important to have a great opening play when you’re buying a home. The best move a buyer can make to begin a home search is getting pre-approved by a lender. Knowing this is an important step, it’s important to understand exactly what pre-approval is and what benefits it provides.

 Freddie Mac says:

“The pre-approval letter from your lender tells you the maximum amount you are qualified to borrow. Getting a pre-approval letter is not a loan guarantee, it simply states how much your lender is willing to lend you. This pre-approval allows you to look for a home with greater confidence and demonstrates to the seller that you are a serious buyer.”

In the game of chess, a strong opening move signals to your opponent that you’re a serious competitor. As a homebuyer, your pre-approval letter signals to the seller that you’re a serious, interested buyer.

Homebuying is a Team Game

Every step you take to create your strategy as a buyer is important in today’s market. Why? Mortgage rates are still low, but increasing. Prices are going up. There’s a limited supply of homes for sale. 

These are just a few key variables in today’s market you need to be prepared for.

That means leaning on expert guidance as you plan every move is more important than ever. Have a team of professionals – like your trusted real estate agent and a loan officer – every step of the way to make sure you make the right moves.

Connect with the Dennis Hartley Team today to ensure your winning strategy during the home buying process.

Photo by Devanath on Pixabay

Did you know?

About 70% of US households have pets, and pets play a surprisingly large role in the home buying process.

American pet owners spend over $1100 a year to care for their furry friends. Nearly half of these people say that they would move for better accommodations and amenities – like fenced yard, open space, easy-to-clean hardwood floors - for their pets.

A vast majority of pet owners say that community animal policies influenced where they chose to live.

If you’re a pet owner looking to move, let’s open a conversation about finding a home that meets the needs of each and every family member.

Photo by Catherine on Unsplash

If you’re planning to sell your house this winter, you’ll want it to look its best inside and out.

Take the time and focus on tasks that make it inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal.

Here are a few tips:

·         Fix anything that’s broken, including replacement of light bulbs and fixtures.

·         Declutter throughout.

·         Organize countertops, closets, cabinets.

·         Clean windows.

·         Tidy up landscape.

Connect with the Dennis Hartley Team today for an expert opinion on what to focus on, so it shows well and catches your perfect buyer’s eye.

Photo by Minh Pham on Unsplash

Equally important to choosing the perfect gift is supporting local merchants and communities while shopping. In turn, everyone wins. Rallying for the home team that are your friends and neighbors is both kind, and most likely means discovering unique items not found anywhere else.

Online shopping from big companies can be challenging regarding distance-shipping right now, so shopping from small, local merchants guarantees delivery convenience as well.

Consider the following tips for shopping local – in person or online – and be an especially important part of Small Business Saturday on November 27th. 

Mind your own local circulars.

Take a close look at snail-mail promo pieces that are likely to include coupons for local stores, information on special holiday business events, and inviting sales. Keep an eye out for specials in relation to Small Business Saturday—and throughout the holiday season. Discounts on gifts, holiday foods, and more are inevitable and waiting to be enjoyed.

Visit holiday markets and pop-ups.

In your neighborhood or close by, pop-up holiday markets and bazaars may be going on, especially on weekends.  At these markets, many local artisans offer exquisite pieces ranging from handmade jewelry, clothing, foods, housewares, and all sorts of other splendid unique treasures. These experiences are both memorable and render extraordinary gift items to take home.

Use the internet.

Nearly every small business has a website so consider using a search that ends with “near me” (i.e., for florists, bakers, specific crafters, etc.). Review feedback from past and current clients of local businesses to find exactly the right match for your search.

Ask neighbors and friends for local recommendations.

Word of mouth is said to be the best advertising! Most people love to share a great find, deal, new merchant discovery. Ask around for ideas regarding which businesses you are seeking, and the types you would like to support this season.

Think global, shop local.

Instagram, Pinterest, and sites like Etsy offer the special opportunity to buy from the global community; that is, internationals selling their wares here in the US. This also supports the growth of future unique businesses. Shop mom-and-pop from the comfort of home, and make a difference in the lives of men, women, and children both in your community and around the map.

Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash 

Got a lengthy road trip coming up this holiday season?

Avoid children’s inevitable Are we theeeeere yet? with a distracting game under the guise of a scavenger hunt.

Ideally they’ll be occupied trying to spot as many items as they can, so drivers can have a little more peace with which to focus on the journey ahead.

Download PDF cards for two additional hunts in addition to the driving Road Trip cards, for more fun once at your destination – a Seashore Search, and Forest Find.

Start by spotting these items for Highway Hunt:

Signs

• Stop sign
• Speed limit signs: 25, 55, 65
• Exit signs: 3 different numbers

Cars

• 18-wheeler
• Red car
• Green car
• Blue car
• Police car
• Bus

Buildings

• Church
• Rest stop
• School
• Restaurant
• Gas station

Miscellaneous

• Railroad tracks
• Unique license plate
• 10 green lights
• Airplane
• Limousine

Photo courtesy of American Lifestyle Magazine

Holiday cheer is in the air and this season gives special meaning to being at home. I hope this month finds you and yours enjoying memorable time together.

As 2021 comes to a close, there are many questions about what 2022 holds for the local, statewide and national housing market. I am frequently asked if the current market will continue.  

My reply is that all signs point to a continued strong market and yes, rising prices. My recent listings have all seen multiple offers and sale prices way above list price. The buyers I have been working with are forced to make strong offers just to be in the running. 

A stable local economy with high employment has supported the market since 2011. Many millennials are now looking to buy their first homes but many baby boomers are choosing to stay in place rather than downsize or relocate. 

A new law allows homeowners over 55 to transfer their low property tax rate to another home within California; this may help increase the number of homes coming on the market.   

If you’d like to explore your own real estate options for 2022, let’s get you set up for success and hit the ground running in the new year.  Call me anytime.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season!

Live, in-person Halloween events are back, alive and well, in the South Bay this weekend!

There’s something for everyone, great memories are waiting to happen.

Enjoy a great, safe, and happy weekend!

Halloween on the Redondo Beach Pier

When: Friday, October 29, 2021; 6-8pm

Where: Redondo Beach Pier

Children of all ages are invited to this free event.

Costumes and prizes, balloons, boat rides, dancing, and trick-or-treating along the Boardwalk and Pier.

Family Halloween Carnival

When: Saturday, October 30, 2021; 12PM to 4PM

Where:  Manhattan Heights Park, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach 

Enjoy carnival games, costume contest and parade, face painting, haunted house and much more. Perfect for ages 2 to 13.

Bring out the entire family and get into the Halloween spirit.

Events, attractions, and costs are subject to change without notice. 

Torrance Movie in the Park

When: Saturday, October 30, 2021; 5PM to 8PM

Where: Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance

Come and enjoy a free outdoor screening of The Addams Family at Wilson Park.

Wear costumes, bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Music, food booths, and costume parade round out the fun.

Japanese Halloween Costume Party

When: Saturday, October 30, 2021; 6PM 

Where: Ise Shima at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel, 21381 S Western Ave, Torrance

At this beautiful Asian-inspired hotel restaurant, a rare and unique-themed celebration offers an appetizer buffet, cocktails, special gifts, live entertainment.

Reservations may be made in advance.

Halloween Classic Car Show

When: Sunday, October 31, 2021; 10:30am 

Where: The Brew Hall, 21770 Del Amo Cir E, Torrance  

Gas Ratz and The Brew Hall in Torrance present this free event with a trunk or treat theme, as children are welcome.

Valve Cover Races and Best of Show add to the fun.

Lead photo Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay 

If you’re a homeowner, today’s rising equity is great news. On average, homeowners have gained $51,500 in equity since this time last year. National Equity increased by 29.3%.

Home Equity is a great tool that can be used to power dreams. Consider:

=>Funding an education

=>Fueling your next move

=>Starting a business

Ready to sell? Connect today with the Dennis Hartley Team. Let’s talk about how you can take advantage of your rising equity to reach your goals.

There’s definitely a chill in our South Bay air.

These very special events have lots of fun in store, both indoors and out.

Have a great, safe, and happy weekend!

Super Dimension Convention

When: Saturday, October 23, 2021

Where: Torrance Cultural Arts Center

This all-day festival celebrates everything Robot Anime. 

Live Idol performances, a specially curated café, panels and autograph sessions, contests, a vendor hall, and a special Macross museum.

Postponed from 2020, it promises to be a lively event!

Recent activity updates on Instagram: @superdimensioncon

Skechers Pier-to-Pier Friendship Walk

When: Sunday, October 24, 2021, 9am

Where:  Manhattan Beach Pier

Hosts of friends and families take on a round-trip walk between the Manhattan and Hermosa Beach Piers to raise funds for The Friendship Foundation, which assists special-needs children and their families through mentoring and social activities.

Dog Walking Hours at South Coast Botanic Garden

When: Sunday, October 24, 2021; 9am - 5pm

Where: South Coast Botanic Garden

Dogs on leash - and their people - are invited to explore gorgeous garden grounds each third Sunday.

Advanced reservations are limited and required.