South Bay Real Estate Blog
Local guides and straight answers on buying and selling in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, Torrance and Palos Verdes, from Robert Neff, Ph.D., REALTOR®.
Renting in Hermosa Beach: How to Search by Size, Location and Lease Terms
How to search for a Hermosa Beach rental by size and distance to the beach, what to check in the lease, California deposit and rent-increase rules, and how to avoid rental scams.
Manhattan Beach Property Taxes: What Buyers Should Budget
In Manhattan Beach, your property tax is based on your purchase price, not the seller's bill. How Prop 13, voter-approved charges and supplemental bills shape your budget.
Moving to El Segundo: How Housing, Commuting and Transit Shape Daily Life
In El Segundo, where you live within the city shapes your day: walk to downtown, drive to work, take the K Line or deal with airport proximity. How to test a home against your routine.
Torrance Home Prices: What the Forecasts Say and How to Read Them
Statewide forecasts point to modest price growth for 2027, but Torrance prices move street by street. How to read the forecast and the local signals that matter.
South Bay Real Estate Commissions: How They Work and Who Pays
Commissions in the South Bay are negotiable, not set by law. How buyer and seller agent pay works after the 2024 NAR settlement, and what to ask before you sign.
Redondo Beach vs. Hermosa Beach: Key Tradeoffs for Homebuyers
Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach share a coastline but differ in size, housing stock, pace and transit. How to compare them based on the home and routine you want.
Manhattan Beach Schools: How to Confirm Attendance Areas and Enrollment for a Home
How the Manhattan Beach Unified School District is organized, how to confirm the school assigned to a specific address, and where to find official school information.
Moving to El Segundo, CA: Housing Costs and Getting Around
A practical guide to El Segundo housing options, ownership and rental costs, rail and driving access, parking, and where to find official local information.
Single-Story Homes in Torrance: How to Search and What to Compare
Torrance has a large supply of mid-century single-story homes. How to search for them, what to compare beyond beds and baths, and what to inspect.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home in Redondo Beach
The most common Redondo Beach buyer mistakes: deciding after one visit, waiving protections, misreading disclosures, underbudgeting ownership costs and wire fraud.
Dog-Friendly Condos in Hermosa Beach: How to Check Pet Rules Before You Buy
A "pet-friendly" label isn't enough. How California law, HOA rules and Hermosa Beach's own dog rules shape which condos really work for you and your dog.
Buying Property in Manhattan Beach: Prices, Rental Rules and Long-Term Value
Manhattan Beach can be a strong long-term hold, but it's rarely a cash-flow play. What to know about pricing, short-term rental rules and ownership costs.