Dana Graham

Palos Verdes Information Category

The History of Palos Verdes (straight from those of us who lived it)

Just out on You Tube is a fascinating history of Palos Verdes Estates as told by those of us who lived thru it.  You'll see many faces and places you recognize, including me.  Sorry, this link is down for some reason -- it's being investigated.      Continue Reading!

November 2014 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor: The market continues as before.  I would say it’s about a 7 on a scale of 10.  I sense, though, that many buyers think the market has peaked or is about to.  The argument for buying now remains low interest rates – just over 4% for 30-year fixed.  I’m telling you, we’re all going to look back on this as the good old days. The subject this month is the agent you hire.  Hire me.  OK, letter’s over.  But seriously,...Continue Reading!

This May Be Your Chance in Upper Malaga Cove

                          Just Listed.  Oh baby, oh baby.  This is a really special Malaga Cove house overlooking Bluff Cove (no, it's not on the Drive) with a view from Catalina to King Harbor.  2531 square foot one level 3 (big) bedrooms 2.5 baths lovingly maintained older home that just exudes understated class.  This house has only sold once since it was built and current owners have owned it forever.  You've seen and admired this house when you drive down Via Montemar....Continue Reading!

The History of Neighborhood Church

As one of the few living people from the early days, I am often asked to speak on the history of this Palos Verdes Estates landmark.  It helps that my parents were heavily involved in the Church from their arrival in 1947, including my arrival later that year. Here is the link to that speech, which will be airing on local Channel 33: http://youtu.be/6ihW8ti20roContinue Reading!

Show Me Your List(ings)

When you're interviewing agents to sell your house, one the best things you can do is to ask them for a list of homes they've actually sold in your area.  If you're in Palos Verdes, a list of sales in the 90274 and 90275 zip codes would be appropriate.  Any others would be nearly irrelevant.  As explained below, the agent you're interviewing may not really be active in your area and/or may be starting with you.  If the agent isn't active...Continue Reading!

July, 2013, Newsletter

Dear Neighbor:  As I said in my March newsletter, “it’s just a matter of time (and not much time) before rates rise”.  Well, that time arrived last week as you probably heard on the news.  30-year fixed rates on loans over $730,000 have shot up to nearly 6% from around 4% a month ago.  Though it may look high, 6% is still low by historic standards (my parents loan on Pleasant Hill Drive was 6.25% in 1963), and it’s a pretty...Continue Reading!

May, 2013, Newsletter

Dear Neighbor:  Onward and upward!  Reasonably-priced homes continue to sell quickly, often with multiple offers.  Interest rates still have not moved upward, remaining at around 4%.  And lenders have begun making 95% loans again (5% down) – I think this is called amnesia.  One of the less-obvious issues we’re having these days is that of appraisals.  This is always a problem when the market is rising, as appraisers use closed sales (which, of course, are lower in a rising market) to determine...Continue Reading!

March 2013 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor:  The real estate market is still jumpin’, with interest rates remaining below 4% for all but the biggest loans or smallest down payments.  There is still very little for sale, and prices have certainly risen during the past 6 months or so.  The feeling on the street is that it’s just a matter of time (and not much time) before rates rise, so my theory (not exactly genius) is that everyone who has been thinking about buying and can,...Continue Reading!

Hilltop Circle — Sold in Two Days!

On the market as of January 8, 2013 is this lovely 1948 square foot 2 or 3 bedroom RPV townhouse.  Located in desirable Hilltop Circle, it features a sweeping view of the City, Mountains, and Bay, remodeled kitchen and baths, 2-car attached garage, high ceilings, new carpet, new paint, gated community with all amenities, and is priced to sell at $695,000.  So don't wait.  Call me if you're interested -- 310 613-1076. [nggallery id=22]Continue Reading!

November 2012 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor:  As you can see from the enclosures, things are jumpin’.  As I hinted the last time I wrote, it seems as if everyone who ever thought of buying is attempting to do so now – and who can blame them?  With interest rates at levels we won’t see again in our lifetimes (3.5% 30 year fixed -- well, not in my lifetime -- maybe in yours) and prices still unrecovered from the ridiculous levels of 2007 (don’t hold your breath...Continue Reading!