Dana Graham

Palos Verdes Information Category

July Newsletter

And on it goes.  Demand for homes continues to outstrip supply.  Reasonably-priced houses in Palos Verdes are selling within a week, often with multiple offers.  You pretty much can’t buy a house on the Hill for less than $1.3 million, which generally gets you a 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1400 square foot original 1956-1963 house in RPV without any kind of a view and probably needing work.  I remember when the original Grandview houses were built by Zuckerman in 1956...Continue Reading!

The History of Palos Verdes

I recently gave a lecture ambitiously titled "The History of Palos Verdes" at Hesse Park.  There have been many requests for recordings/videos of it.  Until I can edit it, etc, here is the raw footage, compliments of videographer Jeff Koven who, if you need professional video services, is the guy to call: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jIFwDAIBdJMiJZhNSjIwXd2esyN6RV97/viewContinue Reading!

May 2023 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor: Local real estate prices continue to hold up better than most of us predicted, the primary reason being a lack of houses for sale.  Reasonably-priced houses are selling instantly, often with multiple offers. Nationally prices are down 12% from the June 2022 peak, although locally it feels like they are down less.  One reason for the smaller than predicted decline, apart from others I’ve discussed in previous newsletters, is the reticence of current homeowners to give up their low...Continue Reading!

The History of Palos Verdes

As you probably know, I've lived in Palos Verdes for 75 years -- probably why they made the President of the Palos Verdes Historical Society.  On May 12 at 4 pm at Hesse Park, I will be giving a one hour presentation on the history of Palos Verdes, beginning with Frank Vanderlip's 1913 purchase of the Peninsula.  I'd like to begin in 1821 with Mexico's independence from Spain, but I only have an hour.  Much of this is from my...Continue Reading!

March 2023 Newsletter

                                                                                                                                                                 ...Continue Reading!

The History of La Venta Inn

If you're interested in Palos Verdes history, do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear the owner of La Venta Inn discuss its history Wednesday, February 8, at 4 pm at La Venta.  Mark Matthews lived at the Inn as a child when it was the family home.  THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT and space is quite limited, so get your reservation in today either via the link in the flyer or by emailing me at [email protected]   Continue Reading!

January 2023 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor: As I usually do this time of year, I read back thru my newsletters for 2022, and they read like a history of the real estate market in 2022.  A year ago I was predicting the imminent demise of the Covid-driven hot market of the previous 2 years.  Me in January 2022:  “There are definite signs of slowing”; March 2022:  “The market is still strong, [but] I advise against waiting till Spring to put your house on the market”;...Continue Reading!

Around the Hill in 80 Minutes

Around the Hill in 80 Minutes – Apologies to Jules Verne - A Self-Guided Driving Tour. By Dana Graham   AROUND THE HILL IN 80 MINUTES – APOLOGIES TO JULES VERNE-A SELF-GUIDED DRIVING TOUR By Dana Graham The scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula, apart from hikers and bikers, is a favorite drive primarily for the scenery.  But you may be driving past a lot of the history.  So next time you are on quarantine and want to take a drive, take this with you and...Continue Reading!

November 2022 Newsletter

                                                                                                                                                               ...Continue Reading!

September 2022 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor: As we head down the back side of the recent meteoric rise in real estate prices, you can still get in on it.  Even though there may not be the frenzy of the past 18 months, prices are still near their all-time highs.  But, based upon the historical pattern (and I’ve been thru a few of these), if you’re considering selling and want top dollar, you need to act quickly.  While I don’t claim to have a crystal ball,...Continue Reading!