Pocket Listings

Dana Graham

Whenever the market gets hot, the subject of pocket listings comes up.  A "pocket listing" is a signed listing with an agent who, for whatever reason, does not put that property on the general market.  The reasons might be that the seller doesn't want hordes of people tromping thru, or that the agent would like to see if his buyer will buy it before exposing it to other agents, thus ensuring the agent of a bigger commission.  While the first...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!

Just Listed in The Gardens

This closed escrow at $413,000.  There is pretty much nothing for sale in The Gardens, mostly because people who live there love it and won't move.  Here's your chance to join them with this coveted end unit with 2 master suites, family room off the kitchen, private patio, 2-car garage, and not far from the pool/clubhouse (but far enough).  2 bedrooms with big closets, 2 full baths + a guest bath on lower level.  I hope, for your sake, that this...Continue Reading!

First Time on Market in Los Verdes

Formerly "Coming Soon", I now have a lovely 5 bedroom 3 bath Los Verdes home on the market at $1,099,000.  Well-maintained by the original owner, this home has 2440 square feet of living area, a 3-car garage, a lovely ocean view, and the most amazing windows throughout that you've ever seen.  Call me at 613-1076 if you're interested cuz this will not last. [nggallery id=28]Continue Reading!

Why Your Escrow Won’t Close on Time

Dana Graham

Escrows almost never close on the date scheduled which, if you don't do this every day, may seem strange.  After all, both parties signed an agreement that the escrow would close on a certain date.  Why doesn't it? There are a bunch of potential reasons, but here is by far the most common: The buyer's lender.  This is by far the single biggest reason for late closings.  It isn't that the lender doesn't have time to process the loan.  The problem is that, apart...Continue Reading!

Sold in 3 Days — 4045 Via Pima, PVE

Dana Graham

Formerly "Mystery Valmonte pocket listing"!  This sold instantly and is now in escrow.   This is a totally remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath one level home of just under 1500 square feet, 2-car attached garage, lovely red oak floors throughout, and very nice curb appeal.  Nice size rear garden.  Completely turn-key.  This house is on one of Valmonte's premier streets  -- I know, I know --  they all say they're "on the best street", and in Valmonte there really aren't any bad ones,...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!

Sold Instantly! 4017 Via Nivel, PVE

Don't wait on this excruciatingly cute 1450 square foot one level Valmonte home, on the market May 20!  Remodeled 2 bedroom 2 bath with 3rd bedroom converted to family room and could be converted back. Over 8000 square foot flat lot, wonderful street, move-in condition, 2-car garage and, as you can see, curb appeal to die for.  $1,095,000 and worth every penny.  Call me at 310 613-1076 for a sneak preview! Update:  This property sold at $1,090,000 -- we deducted $5000...Continue Reading!

New Lease on Whitehorn

This will not last.  It didn't.  Leased 4/21/13.  For $2900/month you get this lovely about 1600 square foot one level 3 bedroom 2 bath home at 26629 Whitehorn Drive, RPV, which is walking distance to Silver Spur Elementary and Peninsula High.  There is also a convenient office, inside laundry room, private rear garden, and a 2-car garage with direct entry. [nggallery id=25]Continue Reading!

Coming Soon!

All these listings have sold and closed escrow -- call me for the latest on what's coming up -- 310 613-1076. I've got a few listings coming up in the next 30 days, so don't say I didn't warn you. Update:  Everything here is sold or leased except Los Verdes, which is still coming up late July. 5718 Ravenspur #303:  a lovely about 1500 square foot 2 bedroom 2 bath penthouse with high ceilings, big rooms, and even a little view.  Walk to...Continue Reading!