Dana Graham

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!

When Nice Doesn’t Get It

This was actually written Sept 15, 2012, but I had to back-date it. Thomas Jefferson, though over-rated in my humble opinion, is definitely one of the better Presidents in US history.  His foreign policy was, however, not the best.  If more people were taught or studied that history, we might avoid some of the problems we seem to continually run into.  I'm referring specifically to North Africa at the moment. Prior to the American Revolution, the Colonies' not inconsiderable merchant marine enjoyed...Continue Reading!

Light Rail in Palos Verdes

Say what?  No, this is not some new scheme to bring light rail to Palos Verdes.  Actually, it was in the original plan for the City.   Everyone is familiar with the Red Cars that ran from downtown LA to San Pedro up until the early 1950's (my father used to ride them to work and back), but Palos Verdes was once slated to have its own system.  Like some other of the original ideas, it ran afoul of the Great...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!

Global Warming (thru the ages)

I originally wrote this in early 2009 but, sad to say, it still applies: I hate to waste time on this, but since it's currently fashionable to believe that man is causing global warming, I just can't help putting it to the "historical perspective" test. I am no scientist, and I'm not even going to get into the vested interests of a whole bunch of people who are riding the government gravy train "studying" this.  All that aside, it fails the...Continue Reading!

These Are Perilous Times

Originally written in May, 2009: Please.  No, they are not.    Every generation thinks they live in unprecedentedly "perilous times". Remember the bucolic 1950's? Ozzie & Harriet, Mickey Mouse, Howdy Doody, Elvis, and all that innocence? That's not what people thought at the time! It was "head for the bomb shelter and duck and cover" 'cuz them Ruskies could be sending a nuclear bomb over any minute. Not to mention polio and a bunch of other disesases since eradicated. We now know that...Continue Reading!

2 Spectacular Lots in Palos Verdes — Sold in One Day!

I just listed 2 half acre plus lots on Vista Del Mar just below Marymount College.  They are located on a cul-de-sac and run street-to-street, with gently sloping topography.  You get a hint of the views from these lots by the pictures below.  These lots may be developed within the existing tract guidelines pre-approved by the City.   I have them, so call me at 310 613-1076.  Located at the west corner of Palos Verdes Drive East and Vista Del Mar, Lot 11 is...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!

The Moore House, Palos Verdes Estates

There has been a lot of discussion about the impending demolition of the "Moore House", 504 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates.  Having lived here since 1947 and grown up in Neighborhood Church across the street from it, I remember when it was built and have some perspective on this: First of all, and cutting to the chase, I agree that the current owner has the right to tear it down and build the house he desires.  The PVE City Council...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!