Old Torrance Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Old Torrance CA Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Neighborhood Spotlight – Old Torrance

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Homes for Sale in the Old Torrance Neighborhood of Torrance CA


Why Do People Live here?

Old Torrance has a look and feel unlike anything else in the South Bay.  It’s like stepping back in time with wide tree lined streets and an abundance of historic craftsman homes.  The area has a real community feel and the revitalized downtown area is very charming with a hip but old school feel.  The area is also home to some large corporations such as Honda which makes for a vibrant employment area.

Looking for a home in Old Town Torrance?

Interested in finding homes for sale in Old Town area of Torrance CA? Click that link to find all the currently available homes in this area of Torrance.

What’s the Neighborhood Like?

Many of the homes in the area are historic, and the people that live there like that nostalgic charm.  Many homes were built in the 20’s and 30’s and most were just bungalows at the time.  There are occassionaly really special homes for sale like the craftsman home we recently sold at 1323 Cota which was once owned by the Torrance family and sat on an incredible 10,000+ foot lot.  Not all homes in the area are historic and there are some post WWII tract type homes as well as lots in which the homes were knocked down at some point to make way for new homes or townhomes.  There are also some larger townhome or condo complexes in the areas as well.  In general driving down these fantastic streets is like going back in time.

What’s Going on Nearby the Old Town Torrance Neighborhood?

The highlight of the area is the downtown area. As with the rest of the neighborhood it has a real historic feel with old, but remodeled brick buildings reminiscent of main street America.  There has been a real revitalization of the area with an influx of some great restaurants and breweries.  Some of our favorites are Local Kitchen, Strand Brewing and Depot Restaurant.

What Schools will the Kids Attend?

Homes in Old Torrance attend the award winning Torrance Unified School District.  TUSD consists of 17 elementary, 8 middle, 4 high schools and 1 continuation and 1 alternative high school.  Most of the Old Torrance area attends Fern Elementary or Torrance Elementary, Madrona Middle School, and Torrance High School.

Now You Really Want to Find a Home Here, Right?

If you are interested in the current homes for sale in Old Torrance click on the link. Our ‘for sale’ property information is a direct feed from the CRMLS MLS and is updated multiple times per day.  If you want and even easier way to search, tell us just a bit about your ideal home and we’ll customize a search just for you and send you daily listing updates straight to your email.  Never miss a new Old Torrance listing again.

Do you have a question about Old Torrance?

Email us and let us know…..

 

Mortgage Musts – What A Buyer Needs to Do To Start the Mortgage Process

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If you are considering buying a home in Old Torrance you’ll likely be financing the purchase.  There are a number of things a buyer needs to do to get a mortgage. The earlier these are done in the process the less stressful things get while in escrow or scrambling to make an offer.  Knowing about your financing abilities or how much you can afford, eliminates many challenges and stresses that may come up in the home buyer process in Torrance and the loan process for any Southern California home.    Here are 5 essential steps to successfully navigating the loan and financing process:

  1. Get pre-approved:  It’s currently a sellers market and in a highly competitive housing market, it’s critical to be pre-approved or at least pre-qualified to give yourself the best chance of an offer being considered.  Most realtors and sellers won’t even consider an offer with financing if a preapproval letter isn’t included.
  2. Choose a realtor that can help avoid appraisal problems. A good realtor will meet the appraiser with the most current information in hand.  As a local real estate expert often knows more than the appraiser, the realtor may have insight and information not readily available to the appraiser.  Doing a bit of research to find out what the homes are in escrow actually sold for and the reasons why one home sold higher or lower can go a long way in making the appraisal go according to plan
  3. Know your credit score:    It’s not only important to have good credit and know your credit score, but equally important that your credit score stays the same throughout the escrow process.  No big purchases, no opening numerous new credit lines and no late or missed payments.
  4. Review the closing disclosure forms or CD.  Due to regulations, lenders must provide you with a closing disclosure at least 3 days before closing in order to see fees, details, etc.
  5. Make it through underwriting:  Before you get loan clearance and final approval, your mortgage has to go through the underwriting process.  Be ready and supply the underwriters with all requested documents quickly to avoid the stress of needing to ask the seller for extra time.  Most loan contingency periods are 21 days or shorter so time is of the essence in the loan process.

What’s Nearby? The Gated Communities of Plaza Del Amo

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Welcome to the gated communities and complexes of Plaza Del Amo. Conveniently located in the heart of beautiful Torrance CA. These wonderful communities offer an ideal housing solution for many home buyers. Plaza Del Amo is a street (actually two distinct streets) that range from Madrona to Crenshaw and then pick up a few blocks away from Torrance Blvd to Border Ave. The bulk of the complexes that make up Plaza Del Amo are centered around the Madrona to Crenshaw section but not all street addresses are actually Plaza . The housing options vary from condominium units, to townhouses, to detached three and four bedroom single family style homes. Although some of the complexes have street addresses not on Plaza Del Amo the community in general is known by this name. Click on the map below to see information specific to that community or complex.

View the current Plaza Del Amo townhomes for sale

laterrazza hickorypark parkplaza plazaverde

Home prices in Plaza Del Amo generally range between the low $400,000s for a 1 bedroom condo in Windemere to over $900,000 for a single family style home (fully detached) in some communities such as Hickory Park, the Breakers and Verdi Collection.

Gated communities and complexes near Plaza Del Amo

Current Homes for Sale in Plaza Del Amo Torrance

Future Proofing Your Kitchen

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As kitchen remodels are generally the most expensive project they can have tremendous impact on future value….but not always for the positive.  When kitchens become too custom and it’s suited to very specific tastes, it can sometimes make for a challenge when it comes to selling.  Here are some ideals to future proof your kitchen so that it won’t look dated in a few years.

Luxury kitchens