Torrance Armed Forces Day – May 19, 2012

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Carol

The City of Torrance Presents the 53rd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade May 19, 2012.

Sat May 19 at 1:30 PM

Over the years, the dedicated servicemen and women of the American military have insured that our freedom and democratic form of government has served as an example around the world. In order to honor our past and present military personnel, the City of Torrance has been a proud sponsor of the annual Armed Forces Day Parade. The parade is an official Department of Defense event and is the City’s annual way of expressing respect and reverence for the personnel who serve on our Armed Forces. The Parade has the distinction of being the nation’s longest running military parade sponsored by any city.

The 53rd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012. And this year’s honored branch is the United States Air Force.  The 2012 GRAND MARSHALL is Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, DC.

It begins at approximately 1:30 P.M and concludes at approximately 3:30 P.M. Beginning at the intersections of Crenshaw Ave. and Torrance Blvd., the parade will proceed westbound and terminate at the intersection of Madrona Ave. and Torrance Blvd. All streets intersecting the parade route will be closed to through traffic for the majority of the parade day.

Air Force Band Performs

This year’s parade may include the following personnel and equipment from our present Armed Forces and our historic past:  Over 60 entries of active and reserve military units from the five branches of the Armed Forces. The parade will also include flyovers by military aircraft and will have military equipment and vehicles of all descriptions including; a Howitzer, Humvees, armored personnel carriers, support vehicles, and main battle tanks will also rumble down the streets of Torrance. Torrance High School Bands, local Veteran groups Color Guard, ROTC will participate. Additionally, military and elected dignitaries will honor the hundreds of military service men and women as they pass in review

In addition to the parade, the City of Torrance will present Military exhibits on display, including aircrafts, vehicles, support equipment may be viewed at the Del Amo Fashion Center, in the lower parking lot west of the parking structure for the Lifestyle Wing. The exhibits are open on Friday, May 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday, May 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Many of the spectators who first viewed the parade as children in the 1960s and 1970s now bring their own children and grandchildren to the weekend’s events. This experience helps instill a respect for country and demonstrates appreciation for the sacrifices the men and women of the armed forces have made to secure our freedoms.

Note: My family has participated in this event. My husband, Bob, was a Vietnam Veteran. We have “walked” with the 1st Calvary Veterans. My son, Matt, participated with the Marching Bands for both JH Hull Middle School and Torrance HS.

This event is  TORRANCE’S way of giving THANKS TO THOSE WHO SERVED AND THOSE WHO ARE SERVING TODAY!’

And don’t forget to bring your FLAG and camera!

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Tips on Ways to Squeeze More Miles From That Tank of Gas.

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Carol

Most of us know these tips already, but forget some of them from time to time.

  • Keep your air filter clean and change it on a regular basis.
  • Change you cars oil according to the owners manual.
  • Check the fan belt. Is it too tight or too loose? This can affect your mileage.
  • Change your spark plugs regularly according to the owners manual. Worn plugs can make your car get less miles per gallon.
  • Try driving your lighter car. Heavy cars get worse mileage.
  • Only use the Air Condition when necessary.
  • Using your cruise control can increase mileage.
  • Don’t warm up your car. It isn’t needed and it will cost you money.
  • Check your tire pressure and keep the tires inflated according to the owners manual.

 

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Reasons To Stage Your Home For Sale

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Carol

If you’ve been thinking of selling your investment house or your South Bay home, you should make sure that you take full advantage of home staging trends.  One of the best things about staged homes is that they sell in less time.  Staged homes also sell for more money.  A staged exterior will also draw viewers.  Once a buyer has stepped inside of the home, he will know within a matter of seconds whether or not he likes the home.  Staging the living rooms and kitchens will also help to sell the home.  Staged homes will also attract more real estate agents and get more advertising as well.  There’s no other way to look at it, other than staged homes sell.  They attract more buyers, more real estate agents, and they give people the feeling of home.  When you go out of your way to make the buyer feel that your home is his dream home, he will know it.

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Why Do I Need an Escrow?

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Carol

Whether you are the buyer, seller, lender or borrower, you want the assurance that no funds or property will change hands until ALL of the instructions in the transaction have been followed.

In California, the escrow holder has the obligation to safeguard the funds and/or documents while they are in the possession of the escrow holder, and to disburse funds and/or convey title only when all provisions of the escrow are in compliance.

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Buying Unfinished Homes

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Carol

Unfinished homes present a great way to save a lot of money and get yourself a new home in the process. If the El Segundo home you are looking at has plans for a garage, you can save thousands if you decide not to go with the garage.  Unfinished homes may have other planned on additions as well, in which you can save a lot of money just by leaving them out.

Always try to talk to the builder if possible and share your ideas of what to complete and what not to complete. If you are planning to get a mortgage, most banks will need to ensure that the home is up to local codes and in living condition.  If the home is lacking quite a bit in terms of being unfinished, most banks won’t give you a mortgage. Most banks are also known to turn down unfinished home mortgages that they feel will have trouble selling in the event that you default.  Banks have strict requirements when it comes to unfinished homes, which is why you should always check with your bank before you invest in an unfinished home. In most cases you can save a lot of money and still get a home that will provide years and years of memories for yourself and your entire family.

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Torrance is the place for Senior Housing

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Carol

New Horizons South Bay in Torrance, Ca

Unless you are looking for a single family home, or a home in a particular area like the beach, Torrance has a selection of senior housing like no where else.  Condos, town homes, and beautiful apartments are just waiting for discriminating senior to come and experience the new and exciting complexes that exist here. Full amenities, including a choice of floor plans, 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms, multi baths, security, fitness and spas, you name it and these Torrance senior oriented complexes have it all.

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South Bay Real Estate is Like No Other

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Carol

We all know that the South Bay area includes many beach cities and several inland towns and communities. Each community and city in the South Bay is unique in its own way and has something different to offer in the way of life style and atmosphere.

The South Bay has some of the most beautiful and user friendly beaches along our magnificent Pacific Coast.  Bicycling, Walking, Jogging, Hiking, Surfing, Sailing and people watching make the South Bay a tourists delight for sure.

The South Bay is close to LAX, Downtown Los Angeles and the Entertainment Capital of the world, and having this great location that we have, puts us in a unique situation not only to live in but for the 1000s of annual visitors.

The South Bay cities have award winning schools, great restaurants, cafes and coffee houses. Just about all areas of the South Bay are family oriented, with plenty of wholesome activities and entertainment, including our world famous beaches in Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo Beach, Torrance Beach, San Pedro too. The South Bay is also diverse in many ways, including the South Bay homes, employment centers, activities and its people

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Small Homes are Now In – No – Out Again

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Carol

Today’s new home buyers may surprise all of us, because preferences regarding buying a home is changing. This comes directly from the International Builders Show held in Orlando in February, this year. We all though that home size were going to get smaller, but the experts say different.

New homes are being built with more amenities. More houses built in 2011 had four or more bedrooms, three or more bathrooms, three-car garages, finished basements, patios, and two stories. Maybe we are just getting a clearer picture of what the qualified buyers are looking for. Many people are out of the credit market for awhile due to the last few years of recession and depressed real estate market.  So the answer now is: “Who is able to buy”?

In the much tightened lending environment of the last few years, buyers have had to be  “superstar” qualifiers, with at least 20 percent down, a high credit score, well-documented income, and proof of established employment history.This type of credit situation has left many buyers, especially first time buyers out of the “Home Buying Equation”. The real estate pendulum swung to first time buyers with various tax credits, etc., now its swinging back to the established real estate buyers and they want it all, few downsizing. Builders build homes based on what the market demands. In the last few years many South Bay home buyers said that they may be downsizing, but look forward to either buying a much bigger home or building one soon.

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Summer is Right Around The Corner:Time to Get The Yard and Patio Ready

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Carol

Just because the weather is still  a little chilly at times here in the South Bay, it doesn’t mean you can’t start thinking about getting your outdoors areas ready for summer and warm weather.

Plans can be made about what plants you are going to put and where. Need to order seeds?  Check out those outdoor lights, fix any wiring problems and put in new bulbs if needed. What about the BBQ pit? Do you need to replace the burners or grill area?  Also, does the patio floor need a refinish?My suggestion is to talk to a pro and get some advice and new ideas especially if you plan to put your home on the market. Many of us are caught up in the rut of just getting the yard ready every year that we aren’t aware of the new products and plants and decorating ideas out there.

Think about this: Once you have the planters finished, think about a fountain or water feature someplace in the patio, or yard.  Everyone loves them and they look nice, and sound great in the hot summer evenings.
So whatever improvements you make to your Torrance home, your family will reap the benefits all summer long and after.

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Staging Tips From the Experts

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Carol

We asked staging experts to give us some one liner staging tips since we are getting close to summer and hopefully a better pickup in Torrance real estate sales.
Here are several for you to choose and get-to-staging:

  • One owner of a staging business says she uses natures bounty to help her stage her clients homes.  Twigs, branches and seashells are just some of the items she likes to decorate with.
  • Another Lady who owns a staging company says she uses those little flat furniture movers and saves time and money with no floor scratches and she can do it all herself.
  • Another Professional Staging expert says her IPhone is the key because she can get all the comps and other info she needs, fast.
  • A Professional staging expert in Oregon says the key is to create ambiance, no matter what type of property you are staging.

Here are a few other suggestions:

  1. *Create a focal point in the house.
  2. Pick out the most visible corner in the house and put a large plant there,     with a spotlight behind it.
  3. Set up a chat room for conversation and have entertainment too.
  4. Don’t leave any carpet “dents” showing.
  5. Use the outdoors by bringing in many plants and flowers.
  6. Put stoppers in all the sinks and drains, whether the home is vacant or not.

And the list goes on and on. Common Sense and a little scrubbing, and cleaning and re arranging will usually do the trick.

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