A Rolling Hills City View

This post has an alternate title of “What To Do When You Want It All When Buying a Home on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.” Obviously, that title is a bit too long.  

I am working with clients who must have a view, 3000+ sq. ft. of living space, horse property, and room for a pool and guest house. The redeeming factor is they are willing to remodel and add the pool and guest house in the future. We are in escrow on a property that meets those requirements, but it also has several issues we are working to resolve.

My take on buying real estate is you can have it all, but expect to compromise on price or condition–maybe both.

For more information about Rolling Hills horse properties contact Norma at 310.493.8333

Palos Verdes Equestrian Property Suitable for Multiple Horses

"You have how many horses?" I asked the prospective buyer to repeat her reply as I wanted to make sure our less than clear cell phone connection wasn't playing tricks with my hearing.
"Six," she replied.
"That's what I thought you said. That's a lot of horses, but yes, I can show you properties in Palos Verdes, notably Rolling Hills, that will comfortably meet your equine needs."
And so we were off to look at horse properties in Palos Verdes after tightening up her requirements and price point.

At our first meeting, I presented the prospective buyer with a copy of the Palos Verdes Trail Guide that shows the plethora of riding trails lacing the hills and canyons of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. I prefer to show rather than tell when it comes to providing information about the available equestrian trail options in Rolling Hills and other Palos Verdes cities. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

For more information about buying or selling horse property on the Palos Verdes Peninsula contact Norma Toering at 310.493.8333 or email Norma@CharlemagneProperties.com

Where Is the Best Palos Verdes Horse Property?

Last week I received an email from a person interested in purchasing horse property in Palos Verdes.  His first question was, "Where are the best Palos Verdes horse properties located?
Best is such a subjective word. Before I could answer the question, I needed to delve deeper into his equestrian wants and requirements. Did he want the best price, the best location, the best horse facilities, or the best house in an area zoned for horses?

Unquestionably, the best and top horse properties are located in Rolling Hills with its large lots and miles and miles of riding trails. It's  a horse lover's paradise and one of the top equestrian communities in Southern California. The gated community with its sweeping ocean and city views is the number one equestrian neighborhood in the South Bay of Los Angeles.

However, acreage, privacy and 24-hour security come with a price. Two of my favorite Rolling Hills horse properties currently for sale sport price tags of $5,000,000 and up. Both are prime horse properties with excellent horse facilities and the amenities for humans are outstanding as well with pools, guest houses, and lovely grounds.

If a buyer is searching for a budget-friendly horse property in Rolling Hills, there's a property for sale just over $2.5MM with a small storybook stable and a rambling ranch house in need of a little TLC.

Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes also offer some excellent options for buyers in search of horse property in Palos Verdes. Many of the properties in the Palos Verdes Drive North corridor are zoned for horses. The Dapplegray and Strawberry Lane areas are two of my favorite equestrian areas in Rolling Hills Estates.

The gated Portuguese Bend neighborhood off Palos Verdes Drive South in Rancho Palos Verdes offers the best options for horse lovers. There are gorgeous stables, riding rings and coastal riding trails throughout the neighborhood.

Once you define what "Best" means for you, you're ready to begin the search for your Palos Verdes horse property.

Norma Toering at 310.493.8333 or Norma@CharlemagneProperties.com

Palos Verdes Horse Property Real Estate Report July 2017

There are currently 32 Palos Verdes single family homes listed as horse properties for sale. There are only two horse properties under contract and in escrow with accepted offers per the local Multiple Listing Service.

Year-to-date in 2017,  23 Palos Verdes Properties zoned for horses sold, with the majority being in Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates.

There are few places in Los Angeles County equestrians can live and keep their horse(s) in their backyard. Palos Verdes has numerous properties with private stables or barns, and it's not unusual to see private riding rings as well as community riding arenas. There are miles and miles and riding trails through the canyons and hills. Many of the trails offer spectacular ocean views.  If you're searching for the equestrian lifestyle, you'll find it on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

If you're interested in buying or selling horse property in Palos Verdes, contact Norma Toering at 310.493.8333 or Norma@CharlemagneProperties.com for more information.

Palos Verdes Horse Property For Sale May 2017

There are currently 30 horse properties for sale on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. As horse property specialists know, the majority of equestrian properties are located in Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates.  Here's the current location breakdown by the city:

Rolling Hills:  21

Rolling Hills Estates:  7

Rancho Palos Verdes:  3

These thirty properties are zoned for horses, but that does not necessarily mean they are suitable for horses. Both improved and unimproved properties are included.

Prices range from a low of $849,000 for a fixer on 3/4 acre in the Portuguese Bend area of Rancho Palos Verdes, up to $48,0000 for a Rolling Hills property.

My favorite horse property currently for sale is 10 Johns Canyon Road in Rolling Hills listed for $5,700,000. It has one of the best barns/stables in Rolling Hills, an exercise ring as well as a beautiful residence, guest house, and pool situated on 2.8 acres of nearly flat land. The property exemplifies the equestrian lifestyle on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The price was recently reduced $800,000 making the opportunity to own this one of a kind property a wise decision for some lucky horse lover.

For more information about buying or selling horse property on the Palos Verdes Peninsula contact Norma at 310.493.8333 or Norma@charlemagneproperties.com

Rolling Hills CA Property Values and the Magic of Time

What buyer, of any product, does not want to make a smart and savvy purchase?  Whether you're purchasing lipstick online because the same brand costs less on Amazon than it does at CVS (as I did this week), or you are making a multi-million dollar property purchase in Rolling Hills, there are few things higher on the satisfaction scale than knowing you made a savvy purchase.  But how do you know at the time it is the right thing to do?

 

The art of the real estate deal, in Donald Trump speak, is a cauldron mix of part science (sale statistics), part art (comparing apples and oranges takes a certain amount of finesse and market knowledge) and a dose of gamble (future value predictions are a mix of research and hoping current economic conditions don't waver excessively). Plus, let's not forget the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

When a buyer wants to ensure a decision to purchase is based on a solid foundation a review of historical sales is a good starting point.  An agent can quote percentage increases or decreases as was the case during the recession years, but the power of seeing it in black and white will add unquestionable weight to support the words.

Just for the fun of it let's look at time's effect on a few Rolling Hills property sales for 2014-2016:

2003 Sale price:  $3,220,000                    2014 Sale price:  $4,500,000

2002 Sale price:  $1,550,000                    2014 Sale price:  $2,438,500

1996 Sale price:  $1,269,000                     2014 Sale price:  $5,000,000

1989 Sale price:  $1,575,000                     2014 Sale price:  $6,650,000

1987 Sale price:  $1,925,000                     2015 Sale price:  $4,000,000

2004 Sale price:  $1,755,000                    2015 Sale price:  $4,500,000

2000 Sale price:  $2,179,000                    2015 Sale price:  $4,450,000

2010 Sale price:  $1,700,000                    2016 Sale price:  $5,200,000

2000 Sale price:  $3,747,500                    2016 Sale price:  $7,300,000

A quick glance reveals a buy and hold strategy is a wise one when it comes to Rolling Hills properties. These sale numbers do not consider any improvements made to the property.
Although a Rolling Hills property's primary purpose may be to provide shelter, over time it can provide not only an enviable lifestyle for family living but a solid return on investment as well.

Norma (310) 493-8333.  For more information about Rolling Hills properties, or to arrange your private showings call me or email Norma@CharlemagneProperties.com

Where in Palos Verdes Can I Board My Horse?

Norma Toering out showing horse property in Palos Verdes.

Where can I board my horse in Palos Verdes?  I’m frequently asked this question and the answer is there are many places and it depends on what you want and where you want it.  One of the most popular choices for horse owners who do not own their own horse facility is to rent a stall.  Horse property homeowners often rent available stalls if they are not using them.  Privileges vary and the agreement should be in writing.  Homeowners often advertise boarding opportunities on local neighborhood bulletin boards, feed stores and wherever horse lovers gather.

If you elect not to board your horse at a private property there are several stables on the Palos Verdes Peninsula with varying services, amenities, and cost.   A map is included to show some locations of the available facilities.  With a little research,you will be able to find a home for your horse in Palos Verdes where both of you will be happy and ready to hit the miles and miles of riding trails lacing the hills and canyons of Palos Verdes.

– Norma (310) 493-8333

Buying Palos Verdes Horse Property--What You Need to Know

Rolling Hills horses with an ocean view!

Based on MLS records, there are 29 Palos Verdes properties zoned for horses currently for sale. Sixteen of those horse-friendly properties are located in Rolling Hills. Seven horse properties are currently for sale in Rolling Hills Estates, and Rancho Palos Verdes has six equestrian properties list for sale.

Although these properties are zoned for horses, they vary immensely in size, lot terrain, proximity to riding trails and horse facilities, such as barns, riding rings, etc. Some are zoned for horses but are unimproved meaning there are no current horse facilities on site. Perhaps the stable is now a guest house or the riding ring a swimming pool. The zoning indicated what is permitted not necessarily what exists on the land.

With 225 Palos Verdes single-family residences for sale and a mere 29 zoned for equestrian use, it is easy to understand why when a premiere property comes on the market, it is often sold within a few days.

If you would like to follow listings and sales of Palos Verdes horse property, I can help you. Contact me with your specific requirements and I'll make sure you receive notification of equestrian properties meeting your specifications.

For more information about Palos Verdes horse property contact Norma@CharlemagneProperties.com or call me at 310.493.8333.

Palos Verdes Horse Property Market Update--July 2016

There may not be as many horses roaming the hills of the Palos Verdes Peninsula as there used to be, but equine sightings are still a common occurrence when one is out and about in Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates.

Although Palos Verdes Estates does have a lovely stable in the Valmonte neighborhood, private residences are not zoned for horses, but it is not uncommon to see a group riding the trails along Palos Verdes Drive North.  Rancho Palos Verdes has some equine friendly neighborhoods especially in the Palos Verdes Drive East area, and I'm happy to say some of the trails are being improved.  However, the south side of Rancho Palos Verdes is noted for the gorgeous Portuguese Bend Riding Club, and it's a lucky horse who get to call the Old Spanish style stable with ample riding rings its home.

The price of Palos Verdes Property ranges from just over $1,000,000 for an entry level residence with equestrian zoning to well over $10,000,000 and up when you enter the gates of Rolling Hills.

If you'd like some help in discovering the horse property with the amenities and location right for you and your horse, Contact Norma Toering at Norma@CharlemagneProperties.com or call 310.493.8333.  Whether you're buying or selling Palos Verdes horse property is a unique niche of the local real estate market, and the best buys are not always easy to find on the general real estate websites.

Norma Toering, Broker/Owner of Charlemagne Int'l Properties 310.493.8333

Horse Property in Rolling Hills Estates

Josh and I only previewed two new Palos Verdes listings today.  There were several homes open but many were making their second debut and, as usual, we saw them the first time around on the broker open house tour.


What a difference a major remodel makes!  We saw this property "Before" and although we thought the horse property was a fabulous feature, the house was in need of some 21st century improvements. Done!

Today's two open houses were both good examples of what is trending in the Palos Verdes real estate market.  Both homes are remodeled and staged.  The expectations of buyers, and sellers' desire to obtain the highest and best value for their property created this trend.  Gone are the days when a For Sale sign was stuck in the ground in front of a property with very little consideration giving to putting its best face forward.  Buyers simply are not as forgiving and sellers do not want to leave any money on the table.
Everybody wins.

- Norma Toering, 310-493-8333

Homes for sale around this neighborhood (PV Drive North)