Please join me on Sunday, February 28, 2010, between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at an Open House at 4224 Via Nivel, Palos Verdes Estates 90274.  I will be hosting the open house for the listing agent, Judy Henry (Remax Palos Verdes Realty).  Here is your opportunity to become a Palos Verdes homes owner.

This gracious Cape Cod home is located in the heart of Valmonte and features a beautifully redone kitchen.  It has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2,446 square feet and is listed for $1,410,000.  The formal living room and dining rooms as well as the office/fourth bedroom, enjoy sparkling city views.  The lushly landscaped yard features a waterfall, spa, outdoor fireplace and built-in Vinking barbecue.

Please join me for a tour through this charming Valmonte home.

Photo courtesy of MRMLS

Today’s Tour Tip for Palos Verdes Real Estate Broker’s Tour is my own listing at 838 Rivera Place, Palos Verdes Estates, which has spectacular panoramic ocean and Catalina views – and is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3,025 square foot home on a 14,600 square foot lot for $2,499,000.

This is a lavishly remodeled home with a private courtyard entry and ocean views from nearly every room. This exquisite home was designed with meticulous attention to quality and detail. The custom cabinetry throughout resembles fine furniture. It’s perfect for entertaining with a ground level kitchen, dining room, living room open floor plan with dramatic ocean views. The downstairs family room has a full bar (with 100-bottle wine refrigerator, humidor, draft beverage dispenser, dishwasher, refrigerator and ice-making machine) and leads to a covered patio and gardens, all with incredible ocean views.

Please come join me today, August 12, between 11:00 and 1:00 to view this beautiful home. There will also be a public open house on Sunday, August 17, from 1:00 to 4:00. View property website at www.838Rivera.com

Are open houses an efficient sales tool for sellers? I am up front with my clients selling Palos Verdes real estate. I tell them that I will hold occasional public open houses for them; statistics show that only 3% of homes are sold to buyers walking into an open house. Plus there is the security issue. I cannot be in every room at every minute and we receive periodic notices from other Realtors whose clients have had items stolen during open houses.

The Sunday LA Times Real Estate section had an article dealing with the open house issue. The Los Angeles Times reported that some sellers are now questioning the importance of open houses as a selling tool. There is the usual feeling of displacement as the seller has to vacate his home for several hours on the weekend as well as the feeling that his privacy is being invaded. The article infers that public open houses actually benefit the Realtors as it is an opportunity to meet new potential clients and that open houses draw people who “are more likely to be looking for decorating tips”.

A great reason for open houses is the instant feedback from the public regarding the condition and price of the home. And there is always that 3% chance that you could find your buyer. Do I agree with this article? I have mixed feelings about public open houses. I absolutely recommend broker open houses to my clients as 40% of buyers come from Realtor contact.