1. The structure. From a reasonably distant vantage point, look at the house. Do the walls appear to be plumb and flat? From inside, are any walls bowed or not square at corners? When you jump in the middle of the living room floor, does it flex or feel solid?
2. Water control. Does the ground slope away from the base of the house? Will gutters, downspouts and drainage pipes carry excess water away from the house…or into the basement? Is there any evidence of water damage?
3. The roof. Is the roof new and in good shape? Does it look neat and properly applied?
4. Details. Do you see signs of quality workmanship in the finish details such as moldings, tile work, hardware and paint?
5. Kitchen & bath fixtures. Are sinks, toilets and tubs quality fixtures? Do they work properly? Is the water pressure good when you turn on the faucets and flush the toilet?
6. Electrical system. Are the number and locations of receptacles adequate to the needs of the house?
7. Water heater, plumbing. Is the water heater gas or electric (gas is much more efficient)? Water supply pipes from the water heater to fixtures should be copper.
8. Heating. Where is the furnace or heater located and what type is it? Are any rooms not heated? Do registers look adequate for heating the spaces? Is the house air-conditioned?
9. Insulation. Look in the attic for insulation..
10. Fireplaces. Do they have screens or glass doors (doors are more efficient). What about dampers and log lighters? Is there a combustion vent that draws air from outside and a spark arrestor at the top of the chimney?If you ask me, these are items These are just a few items any buyer should check.

I have lived by the beach most of my life, yet I have never paddle board. How is that possible?

Although I grew up at the beach, paddle-boarding was never something my family did. I was never introduced to it until moving to the Southbay.

During the summer, my 11 year old finished her first Junior Lifeguard program where she participated in a relay run~swim~paddle board race. She chose to paddle and absolutely LOVED it. I was obviously excited for her and quickly decided I needed to get on this paddle board love train.

Paddle~boarding has become a huge trend. It has clearly been around for years, but for some reason I feel as though it’s everywhere and everyone is doing it.

Recently, the owner of Nikau Kai in Manhattan Beach was so generous to donate a private lesson towards The Richstone Center Gala Event. During my visit to his beautiful Waterman shop, I decided that was it…and booked my lesson.

I look forward to paddling with my daughter in the Pacific Ocean and spotting a blue whale. How amazing would that be!

For as long as I have been in Real Estate, I have often questioned why a seller would list this way. How can a realtor effectively test the market and secure the best real estate value for a clients home.

As a realtor, I aim to do right by my client, that is the job I signed up for, and the right thing to do. So not testing the market seemed limiting to me.
I can honestly say, now I get understand why and how to effectively sell properties “off market” and do right by my client.

There are many reasons for listing a home this way. First, a clients privacy, this is very important for many. It is after all, the choice of the client, of how and with whom they list their home.
Secondly, during these current low inventory days, particularly in the affluent areas of Los Angeles. Such as Beverly Hills, Malibu, Hollywood Hills, Newport Beach and the beautiful Southbay-Beach Cities, it’s not too hard to sell a home without putting in the MLS. A realtor like myself, with several networks and great relationships can easily make a few phone calls, send a few emails to create a great buzz about the new quietly listed property.

This is not the perfect model for all cities, clients or properties, but it’s an option nonetheless. And who doesn’t like options…

Any Real Estate needs? Contact me for any market or pocket listings available.

Best regards,

Karina

I have to be honest, while this new change caught me a bit off guard, I am sure you’ll agree with me, it was bound to happen.

It has been wonderful to hear stories from clients and friends who have bought a home or refinanced at the low rates we have been offered these last weeks.

As home prices have stabilized and the market shows proof of recovery, I sure hope mortgage rates do not try to make up for lost time and climb to unrealistic numbers. Qualifying for loans is already a challenge for many, this would add heartache for those borrowing.

Here is that great article that brought us the news.

What are your thoughts?

For a few years, we lived on a darling, bright and sunny street. Our little house was a cottage like home with  a lot of character and the neighbors were are charming as the street. Definitely great memories there.

The Golden Hills is a special pocket in Redondo Beach, adjacent to Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Hills and curbs give it its neighborhood appeal occupied by the many known “Tall and skinny” homes that the Golden Hills is known for.

1609 Ripley is a new listing of mine. It is located in this charming part of Redondo Beach in what I think is the perfect spot in the Southbay. You are close to Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, South Redondo Beach which has a charm of its own, as well as Palos Verdes. And for those who like to venture outside the Southbay bubble, the 405 is 7-10 minutes away. Once on the 405, 35 minutes to Downtown Los Angeles, the Valley, or Orange County (on a good day).

Nonetheless, 1609 Ripley is one of the few bright and spacious 5 bedroom  homes I have for you. This is especially special because it is on a private street. The living space in on the third floor overlooking the beautiful mountains, Downtown Los Angeles and city light views.

If you have kids, you have several very close choices. Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, Jefferson School Elementary, Coast Christian School and Redondo Beach High School. All great.

It’s definitely a rare find. Contact me for showings!

Your realtor friend,

Karina Pacific

karina@karinapacific.com

To make matters worse, many lenders have taken to using appraisal management companies, which often hire appraisers who do not know the local markets  they are appraising well enough. This in my opinion, is where the issues lies, these appraisers may prefer to err on the safe side, setting prices too low.

But with every challenge, there is always a solution. At the very least learn from it and prepare accordingly.

As an educated Real Estate Agent, knowing the ins and outs of the area and  property appraised is crucial. We need to make sure comparable sales used by these appraisers are applicable to the property at hand. Good comps involve sales from recent months of similar homes nearby. From that list, you want to make sure all homes are of similar living quality.

If the property at hand is located on a quiet bright street, you want to make sure and get rid of any comparables on a noisy dark corner which may be worth less than the identical home on the quieter spot. All these little details are crucial to point out and review during the appraisal report.

I hope this helps your buying and selling process. Read more about this very common topic in Real Estate.

Happy Wednesday

Karina Pacific

NW Real Estate

I can not believe school is out in 15 days. Where does time go?

My 5th grader is jazzed there are only 15 days left, and especially excited to have a few weeks off before her new Junior Guard adventure.

Junior Guard only covers 5 weeks of summer…what to do with the rest is my question. This is especially a concern when working full time.

My sweet friend Michelle gave me a little nudge last night and sent me one fabulous Summer camp resource which you’ll find bellow. I also took the liberty of adding Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and El Segundo’s very own Summer Park and Recreation for your convenience.

You can pull any Summer Camp activity from your own cities website. Great camps, activities and outings for kids of all ages.

Beachsports~Surf Camps

Redondo Beach Parks and Recreation

Hermosa Beach Parks and Recreation

Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation

Fitness by the Sea

Performing Art Workshop

I hope you find these links useful and happy summer planning!

Your realtor friend,

Karina Pacific

Don’t get me wrong, I would never encourage an overpriced property, but there is always a reason why a property if over priced. It may be for reasons one can’t see on paper or pictures. Or it can be just that, an inflated number. But why not find out why?

To avoid buyers from being turned off by  an overpriced home which they would otherwise love, I will do the leg work before presenting it.

I start with Brokers Open. Here I  have the listing agent face to face excited to showcase their new listing, while pointing out every single detail about the property. If it is over priced, not only will I hear the agent justify the price, but I will also hear the other visiting agents opinions and chatter about the property while walking through it. This to me is valuable information which I can bring back to my buyers.

I recently came across a great article referring to this very common issue. Things to consider when presented with an overpriced home you like. It’s a good read!

Have a great week!

Karina Pacific

I’m embarrassed to say I missed it. As a parent and full time working mom, one gets bombarded with all sorts of things to do, from all angles of life. This year has been so incredibly busy, that I missed the week.

Teachers as so special, and with the many cuts and issues happening with the California’s school system, all teachers deserve a little extra appreciation and love.

Thankfully for me, I know this really cool gal who will save me again. Erincondren.com has the PERFECT Teacher appreciation week idea.

Last year, I gifted Mrs. Xifo, my daughters 4th Grade Teacher the Teacher Lesson Planner. Mrs. Xifo was over the moon when she opened it. She uses her planner everyday! This I know because she tells me

She could not comprehend how Erin thought of every detail a teacher would need in a yearly planner. She was also not surprised when I mentioned Erin had consulted and talked with many teachers in her kids school to make sure this planner would make a teachers every school day much easier.

Take a peek through the pages and see it for yourself. It’s sure to make the teachers in your school very happy!

Enjoy!

Your realtor friend,

Karina Pacific

As some of you know, I am a big fan of the City of Angels. With that said, I am not a fan of the very unpredictable traffic situation we have in Los Angeles. Rule of thumb, you can’t time traffic in Los Angeles. And when you think you have the perfect time and formula for traffic, it will surely change its pattern in no time.

During these long travels, driving clients from property to property, I can’t help but to reflect on how large and diverse Los Angeles really is. It’s huge!

Interestingly enough, it was Mother’s Day that I realized I have lost touch with Downtown Los Angeles.

My daughter asked me what I wanted for Mothers Day to which I said, “I want to tour Downtown LA”. I told her I had been there many times, but I felt I had not seen the best of it yet. Knowing her response would be less than enthusiastic, I knew I had to use the Mothers Day card to my advantage. I won!

In searching for things to do and visit with my sweet tween, I was overwhelmed with the amount of activities, museums and entertainment I haven’t yet experienced. I felt even worse for Kyra, my daughter. After all, she was born here.

The plan was to start in Olvera Street, and when looking at the map, we realized Union Station is a few blocks away. As well as Walt Disney Concert Hall, Chinatown, The Los Angeles Cathedral and The lower part of Angels Flight. This is all walking distance. While mapping this route,I reassured Kyra this would  be a great adventure. Still unable to see the fun in my plan, I could see “torture” written all over her.

Less then three miles, you have LA Live. LA Live has drastically changed entertainment in Los Angeles. LA Live offers an array of delicious restaurants, such as Rock’n Fish, one of my favorites. Sporting and music events in the Staples Center as well as high end accommodations by the Ritz Carlton or Marriott Hotels near by. Evening time, LA Live is very exciting.

Kyra is yet to appreciate how unique Los Angeles really is, I can’t blame her, she’s young. All I can do is expose her as often as possible to the special traits, real estate, neighborhoods, cultures, food and people the City of Angels has to offer. The rest is up to her!

Stay tuned for pictures from our Downtown Los Angeles adventure!

Happy Day!

Karina Pacific