Dana Graham

Sellers Category

Zillow and the Like

If you haven’t kept up on fast-moving real estate technology, Zillow may be an unfamiliar name to you.  If so, in the last few years, internet websites have sprung up for everything you can imagine, among which are those which purport to give you the value of your house or, perhaps more tantilizing, that of your neighbor.  Zillow is the most prominent of these, with such as Truila and Redfin also in the game. While the subject matter may not be...Continue Reading!

July, 2012, Newsletter

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 July, 2012  Dear Neighbor: Staging has become a hot topic lately, I suppose because with a slower market, sellers are looking for any edge they can get.  Staging, in case you don’t know, can refer to anything from re-arranging the existing furniture in the house, to bringing in a complete house full of new furniture, towels, accessories, dishes, wall hangings, etc, all in an effort to make the place look more attractive to a buyer.  In this case, I’m talking about...Continue Reading!

Staging

Staging has become a hot topic lately, I suppose because with a slower market, sellers are looking for any edge they can get.  Staging, in case you don't know, can refer to anything from re-arranging the existing furniture in the house to bringing in a complete house full of new furniture, towels, accessories, dishes, wall hangings, etc, all in an effort to make the place look more attractive to a buyer.   For the purpose of this discussion, I'm defining staging...Continue Reading!

Do You Need An Agent?

It's a valid question.  In my 28 years of doing this, my general impression is that 20% of the escrows go smoothly enough that an agent may not have been necessary.  But, and you knew this was coming, it's the part before and after, that we need to look at. Before:  Getting a property into an escrow that will close is not something that just happens.  Apart from helping you select the proper asking price, agents have ways of marketing and publicizing...Continue Reading!

May, 2012, Newsletter

Dear Neighbor: You will notice from the enclosures that all the listings I mentioned in my last newsletter have sold.  All sold inside 30 days.  More on that later. If you’ve been paying attention to the real estate market lately (as if you have nothing else to do), you have noticed that there just isn’t much for sale.  That is true throughout the South Bay and, if you’re a seller or thinking about becoming one, this is an excellent environment.  Buyers have...Continue Reading!

Flat Lot in Rolling Hills — SOLD!

SOLD!  I just listed the 1.5+ acre lot at 3 Meadowlark Lane, Rolling Hills, a secluded cul de sac near the Main Gate.  At the bargain price of $1,050,000, it comes with a complete set of pre-approved plans by noted architect George Sweeney for a magnificent 5000+ square foot 5 bedroom 6 bath house, infinity pool, motor court -- the works.  Contractors have bid that construction at about $1.5 million so, rather than going thru a remodel of an older home...Continue Reading!

4144 Via Solano, Palos Verdes Estates

SOLD!  I told you not to wait.  OK, if you missed my last one on Via Cardelina and have been waiting for another Valmonte home with no baggage, this home is now on the market, a classic post-War Valmonte home being offered by long-term owners.  It's a 3 bedroom 2 bath home in original but well-preserved condition.  The pipes are copper, the roof is lightweight concrete, hardwood floors under that carpet, good sized bedrooms (especially the master suite), 2-car garage, the...Continue Reading!

What do a roof, Cleveland, satellite dish, kitchen tile, and a stewardess have in common?

Answer:  Me.  My clients are constantly amazed at the things I do to help with their transaction, and the above are just a few examples: In 1989 I had a listing in Montemalaga which had the original wood shingle roof -- about 30 years old, shot, and leaking.  The seller (for reasons I'd just as soon not get into here) refused to make any repairs on the house, despite the fact that she was getting a fair price for it from...Continue Reading!

2425 32nd Street, Santa Monica — Lovely Sunset Park

Cute Pre-War (1937) 2 bedroom home in lovely Sunset Park.  Situated on a 40 x 160 lot with lots of lawn area, a 2-car detached garage, and plenty of charm, this house is priced to sell at $795,000.  Call me with any questions -- 310 613-1076.  [nggallery id=12]Continue Reading!

One Level Rancho Palos Verdes Townhouse

SOLD IN 10 DAYS!  Yes, this is one of those rare 1834 square foot one level townhomes at 77 Hilltop Circle (I had it taped and it's actually 1859 square feet).  Remodeled, view of the City, attached 2-car garage with direct entry, 2 bedrooms + den, atrium, formal dining, and the best part:  it's all on one level.  If you've been waiting for one of these, you probably know the floor plan.  These come up every couple of years (there are only...Continue Reading!