Category: Search for Homes
506 Paseo De La Playa – One Funky House in one Spectacular Location
By Keith Kyle
**This home sold in 2014 and is no longer available**
Paseo De La Playa, the oceanfront street in the Hollywood Riviera, offers some incredible opportunities in the rare instances when homes become available. These homes sit oceanfront on the bluff, offer huge lots, and some even offer a path down to Torrance Beach, an almost private beach due to the inaccessibility for most. The homes along the cliff were primarily built in the 60’s and 70’s and most definitely have that Brady Bunch vibe…with a multi million dollar view. Some homes have been extensively remodeled and updated but not the home at 506 Paseo. It’s like stepping back in time with shag carpets, paneling, funky colors and more. The home may be funky but it has limitless potential as the views and location are stunning. This home needs a complete overhaul, and with the level of work we feel it’s significantly overpriced but for the right buyer this truly presents the opportunity to create a showcase home.
What’s the difference between North and South Redondo Beach?
By Keith Kyle
Redondo Beach is a wonderful city in the South Bay offering housing options for
just about every buyer. The city is a rather odd shape and is squeezed in between Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, Hawthorne and Torrance. Unlike some of it’s neighbors the zoning in Redondo Beach has allowed for far more styles and types of homes ranging from large condo complexes, retirement communities, 2 on a lot and 3 on a lot townhomes, and single family homes.
From a real estate standpoint the city of Redondo Beach is broken into two distinct areas…..North Redondo and South Redondo. Each has a very different feel and a fairly different price range. The general dividing line is generally at 190th Street.
So what’s the difference?
The primary difference is the location and the “feel” the areas have due to that location.![]()
North Redondo is landlocked between Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Hawthorne, Lawndale and Torrance. The area , with the zip code of 90278, has some great housing options that are generally priced lower than South Redondo beach but none of the neighborhoods have much of a coastal feel and none of the areas offer any type of ocean views. One of the most prevalent types of homes in North Redondo are townhomes but may not be what many think of when they think of endless rows of identical homes. The main types of townhomes in Redondo are known as 2 on a lot and 3 on a lot townhomes. The entire “complex” consists of 2 or 3 units and many, especially when detached, feel like single family homes. Some of the more notable neighborhoods are the Golden Hills which lies just east of Hermosa and offers primarily single family homes with square footage around 1800 feet. The other area consisting of primarily single family homes in on the eastern border and known as the TRW tract. Throughout North Redondo there is a mix of types and styles and prices generally range from the low $500Ks to over $1,000,000. Visit the North Redondo listings page to see the current homes for sale in this part of Redondo Beach.
South Redondo sits on some pristine coastline and has a much “beachier” feel. Due to zoning this part of town has some very large condo complexes, especially along the water. South Redondo with the zip code of 90277, offers numerous two on a lot townhomes (3 on a lot townhomes are more rare in this part of town), condo complexes and single family homes. Some of the more well known buildings are the Seascape condos near King Harbor, the various oceanfront buildings of the Esplanade, The Village, and Brookside Village. Prices range dramatically due to the factors of proximity to the beach and the ocean views but is consistently higher priced than North Redondo. In addition to the beach, this part of town offers an abundance of activities and sites from King Harbor and the Redondo Pier, to Riviera Village, Seaside Lagoon, Wilderness Park and more. The schools are great in both areas.
As mentioned, prices range higher than in the North Redondo area. To see the current homes for sale in South Redondo visit our South Redondo real estate information page.
How to find off market and pocket listings in Redondo Beach
There’s no doubt that the current market conditions greatly favor sellers in Redondo Beach. Demand has remained strong with low interest rates and low inventory and every “deal” seems to be a competition between every buyer interested in the area. Tear downs get bought by builders, fixers get scooped up by flippers and investors, demand for mid range properties and townhomes continues to drive prices up, and the influx of money on the high end means luxury properties often disappear in a hurry as well.
Want to keep updated on off market and pocket listings in Redondo Beach?
Pocket listings and off market homes are all the rage in this market and can sometimes mean less competition and allowing buyers a “chance” to find something and pay a reasonable price. With social media, networking groups and an abundance of realtors chasing every possibility these off market homes are less of a secret than they used to be, but still offer the most likely way of a buyer having a chance of finding a home and avoiding a bidding war.
Pocket and off market listings can mean a lot of different situations. Sometimes a realtor has a listing agreement that doesn’t start for a while, sometimes they home is getting “prepped” and isn’t quite ready for the market, sometimes a realtor talked with a homeowner and they don’t want it on the market but may consider selling for the price. The reasons are endless but these are all sellers that would consider selling their home.
So how does a buyer find out about these types of homes?
As these homes are not on the market, that means they’re not on the MLS which means they don’t generally show up on the Zillows, Trulias, Redfins and the searches that realtors send their clients. These homes are more likely found by realtors very tied into the local market. Whether through direct contact with potential sellers, networking groups, inter office communications or other sources, they are certainly harder to find.
The best bet is to look for a local real estate specialist that sells quite a bit in the area you’re looking. Realtors that have experience in the area and have been successful, generally have made connections with sellers and realtors that could ultimately be very beneficial to you. If you already have a relationship with a realtor that does all of that than let them know you’re searching for off market, as well as on market, homes. If you don’t have that relationship we would be happy to help and search resources most realtors don’t have access to. Contact us or fill in the form below to get started.
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Condo Spotlight – 721 Esplanade – Oceanfront Condos in Redondo Beach
By Keith Kyle
In our continuing discussions of oceanfront condos in Redondo Beach today we’ll spotlight the Oceania building at 721 Esplanade. As this is one of the furthest south of all the larger condo buildings views are often about as good as they get….especially on units that face NW. Oceania consist of 28 1 and 2 bedroom condos, all directly facing the ocean. Some of the units sit on the corner and enjoy even more dramatic views that extend from Palos Verdes to Malibu with the coastline and King Harbor in between.
HOA fees run around $315 a month (as of August 2014) but the amounts vary slightly. Oceania has a very nice sun deck but the building does not have a pool or spa. The building does have a small fitness room and laundry is common area with individual units not having W/D hookups. As of this post, pets are permitted according to the CCRs.
721 Esplanade sits as high on the bluff as any of the buildings so views are just about as good as it gets (it also has the best ocean front views of any parking lot we’ve seen).
Another very nice aspect to the location of Oceania is that it is a relatively short walk to the charming shopping and dining area of Riviera Village near the Hollywood Riviera.
Currently there is one beautiful corner unit for sale and while still for sale can be seen here.
