Halloween Home Decoration in Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach residents take Halloween seriously, at least in terms of exterior home decoration. I don’t recall when I’ve seen so many homes decked out for the holiday – and I don’t mean just a jack-o-lantern or two, an autumn wreath, or a sheaf of cornstalks. As you drive through the neighborhoods you’ll see mock graveyards, monster spiders, giant ghouls, orange lights and lots of spooky spider webs. Halloween may be overtaking Christmas for over-the-top home decorating in Manhattan Beach.

The Hill Section - To Each His Own (Bathroom)

If you want to impress out-of-town visitors, drive them around the Manhattan Beach Hill Section, where nearly all the homes induce awe (later take them for a walk on the Strand). I’ve had passengers comment that they have stayed in hotels smaller than some of these homes. It’s not quite Palos Verdes or Rolling Hills, but it’s closer to the beach, closer to LAX and has better freeway access.

I remember when the first Spanish-style “mansion” was built in the Hill Section at corner of John and 8th Street, back in 1980. Rumor around town was that it had 4 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. When most other Manhattan Beach homes had 3 bedrooms and 2 baths (if they had been remodeled), we couldn’t figure out why they needed all those bathrooms! I guess they were just ahead of the times. Now we’re wondering about a new Hill Section home with 5 bedrooms and 9 baths. That original mansion is still there. It has been under construction for the last several years and we’re curious what will become of that landmark.

Can't just kick the tenants out tomorrow to sell your home

Are you a Manhattan Beach homeowner, thinking about selling your tenant-occupied home?

Recent legislative action may affect the timing of your sale.

Existing law generally requiring a 60-day notice to terminate a month-to-month residential tenant, originally slated to sunset Jan. 1, 2010, has been extended indefinitely. A 30-day notice to terminate is sufficient if the tenant has lived in the property for less than one year.

What’s the big deal about a wood-burning fireplace?

As we start to experience cooler weather this Autumn, you may notice the smell of burning wood from fireplaces in Manhattan Beach homes. If you enjoy that aroma, savor it now before the clean air police (aka South Coast Air Quality Management District) ban it forever. In all fairness, the AQMD is responding to federal clean air mandates and most residents do appreciate cleaner air. It is just not clear (no pun intended) that the few homes still able to burn real wood in their fireplaces are the true culprits dirtying up the Los Angeles air.

If your home has a wood-burning fireplace, it could help boost its value, because they aren’t building them anymore. Due to cost, convenience, and complaints from neighbors about chimneys blocking their views, builders of newer Manhattan Beach homes have been opting to install fireplaces that burn natural gas. Now there is no choice. As of March 9, 2009, it is illegal to build a wood-burning fireplace in a new Manhattan Beach home.

As demand exceeds supply, homes with wood-burning fireplaces are likely to bring a higher price (or rent).

See full article

Buying an REO in Manhattan Beach? Now you can choose closing companies.

Are you planning to buy a bank-owned home (REO – real estate owned)? Manhattan Beach is seeing a few foreclosed homes that did not sell at auction and are owned by the bank that holds the loan.

If you are planning to purchase a Manhattan Beach home owned by a bank, you as the buyer have the right use the escrow and title companies of your choice. Effective October 11, 2009, California Assembly Bill 957, the Buyer’s Choice Act, prohibits the bank that is selling the property from requiring that you use the escrow and title companies they prefer. Your Realtor® can provide referrals of reputable escrow and title companies to help your purchase go more smoothly.

This new law, which expires on January 1, 2015, applies to residential property up to four units. You can read the complete press release at www.bestmanhattanbeachhomes.com/AB957.htm

Best Manhattan Beach Homes Website Launch

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www.BestManhattanBeachHomes.com