Manhattan Beach remains one of the most desirable and sought after places to live in Southern CA. The weather, life style, location, airport proximity, and over all convenience are difficult to top anywhere.
Manhattan Beach Real Estate historically has featured some of the most desirable and pricey homes in Southern CA. While prices have declined from the highs of the bubble years, homes that are priced right and show well are selling now.
During April of 2011, 35 homes were sold in Manhattan Beach, CA. That compares with 44 in March and 36 during April of 2010. January through April of 2011 there have been 116 sales compared to 112 during the same time period in 2010. On average there have been 29 sales per month YTD 2011.
For April 2011, single family houses accounted for 26 of the sales (72%) and the balance (9) were townhouses. There were 14 homes sold in the Sand Section, 9 homes sold in the Tree Section and 2 sold in the Hill Section. The total "West of Sepulveda", 25 homes sold, was approximately 71% of sales. In the neighborhoods east of Sepulveda, there were 6 sales in the Mira Costa neighborhood, 1 in Manhattan Village, and 3 in Liberty Village/Manhattan Heights.
The total volume of Manhattan Beach Real Estate sales for April 2011 was $64,360,500. The least expensive home sold was $662,000 and the most expensive was $10,9000 for a home on The Strand. The average selling price was $1,838,871 and the median home price was $1,425,000. The oldest house sold was built in 1928 and the newest one built in 2010. The average year built of the homes sold was 1978. One home sold first day on the market, the longest one took 475 days and the average days on market was 93.
The smallest property sold was 1189 sq ft and the largest 8250 sq ft. The average size 4364 sq ft which, by any measure, is quite large. There were price reductions of 28 of the homes before they sold. Remarkably, there were 3 price increases.
Of the homes sold 2 were bank owned REO foreclosures and one was a short sale. This is much healthier than in almost any other area in Southern CA and is helping to support housing prices.
This month, we are going to change things up a bit and instead of reporting on an ascending or descending price scale, we're going to review the sales by neighborhood.
Scroll down after the individual home reviews to view homes currently listed for sale in the MLS using either our map based search or pre-set quick searches. Whether you want to buy, sell, or invest in Manhattan Beach Real Estate, we hope you find this information useful.
MANHATTAN BEACH SAND SECTION HOME SALES
As mentioned above, there were 14 homes sold in the Sand Section during April. Statistically, that's 40% of the total Manhattan Beach Real Estate sales for the month. Here's the "inside scoop" on Sand Section Real Estate sales.
522 24th St:
3 bedroom, 1.5 bath 1560 sq ft single family house on a 2730 sq ft lot street to alley lot in the "Gas Light" area of the Sand Section. Listed by Northwest Realty for $1,349,000 and sold by Shorewood Realtors for $1,275,000 after 73 days on the market with no price reductions. Exellent location - walk to parks, beaches, downtown, schools. Hardwood floors, skylights, built-ins, California Custom Closets, formal living room with fireplace and beamed ceiling, and updated kitchen, If you like fireplaces (and we do) this one had one in the living room, bedroom, and even an outdoor built in! The seller allowed a $2000 closing concession to the buyer to pay for repairs.
225 20th Pl: This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath 1573 sq ft attached townhouse West of Highland was built in 1984 and has been nicely updated with African Mahogany floors, Brazilian granite counters and wet bar, Italian porcelain floors, features 3 bedrooms all on the same floor which is rare in townhouse floor plans. Located 2 blocks from the ocean south of Marine this property was on the market for 475 days before it closed escrow. And, it was a short sale. Originally listed by Northwest Realty for $1,585,000 it was subsequently reduced in the MLS to $1,399,000 and sold for $1,312,000. Along the way the commissions for the agents were reduced from 3% to 2.5% and the buyer picked up a $15,439 credit presumably for closing costs or repairs.
464 34th St: North End 2142 sq ft Cape Cod style single family house built in 1952 with 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths on a 2700 sq ft lot.
Remodeled in 2003 with a detached ocean view guest house. e with .75 bathroom and large closet. Garage fits two cars plus there are two additional parking spaces outside which can come in useful when you are located just 4 blocks from the Strand and the ocean and close to the El Porto surfing. Listed by Forecast Realty for $1,389,000 and sold by Shorewood Realtors for $1,327,000 in just 14 days with no price reductions or seller concessions which again proves our point: price your home right to sell now and not linger on the market.
424 3rd St: Approximately 2200 sq ft 3 bedroom, 2 bath, single family house located on a 2700 sq ft lot. Remodel in 2003: the kitchen has Viking and Sub Zero appliances, granite slab counter tops, cherry cabinetry, custom stone floors. The family room boasts a contemporary gas fireplace and flows to the side patio with a built in stainless BBQ, jacuzzi, after beach shower and relaxing Koi pond water feature. The master suite offers vaulted beam ceilings, plentiful custom cabinetry, skylights, plaster walls, perfectly designed walk-in closet and master bath adorned with magnificent stone slab marble integrated for the flooring, dual head shower area, counters and soaking tub. Listed by Coldwell banker for $1,795,000 and sold by Shorewood Realtors for $1,680,000 after one price reduction and 70 days on market.
521 12th St: Completely remodeled by the sellers in 2007 with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths: New gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite and custom cabinets, one of a kind master bath with steam shower and surround sound, vaulted ceilings with sky lights, wide plank maple floors, 450 bottle wine closet, new double pained windows and new doors, central air conditioning, tankless water heater, new forced air heating, and more. There are separate Living and Family rooms each with custom fireplace. The sq ft was "taped" at 3020 and the lot is 3000 sq ft. Listed and sold by South Bay Brokers for $1,820,000 after 49 days on the market after the price was reduced from the initial listing $2,195,000.
1300 Manhattan Ave: Fabulous three bedroom, two and one half bathroom completely detached townhome in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach – just steps to the sand, the pier, boutiques and restaurants. Panoramic Ocean and Pier views from the entire living area. The third level has a remodeled kitchen that opens to the living and dining areas. There is also a "bonus" office/den area on the top floor that has great views. All three bedrooms are on one level--a great feature for a three story townhome. Ocean views from the master and second bedroom. Master bedroom suite has a fireplace and a huge customized walk-in closet, as well as an ocean viewing deck. The third bedroom has direct access to two exterior decks including one large patio. Huge ocean view wrap around deck with built-in heater and gas bbq hook-ups – perfect for entertaining! Many upgrades throughout including custom cabinetry, granite counters, designer tiles, dual pane windows and bamboo floors. Lots of storage throughout and 5 car parking.
324 8th St: At the other end of the spectrum (no pun intended for the work out crowd) is this 1928 Spanish single family walk street house with 45' frontage and 2 blocks to the Strand and the ocean. The 1227 sq ft house sits on a 4050 sq ft lot and has 3 bedrooms and 2 half baths. There is also a detached one bedroom guest house with kitchenette and 3/4 bath not part of assessed sq ft. Can you imagine what this house has seen in this neighborhood since 1928? A lot of change for sure. We wouldn't be surprised to see a new home built here in the next few years. Listed by Real Estate eBroker for $2,600,000 and sold by Northwest Realty for $2,255,000 after 28 days.
2212 Manhattan Ave: Another pocket listing, this time from Coldwell Banker, entered into the MLS for "comparable purposes only" (lol) and again showing 0 days on market. 4 bedroom 4 bath with views of the ocean. Third level has large gourmet kitchen, living room, dining room with 2 large balconies and small office area. There is also a 1/2 bath. The second level has 2 bedrooms and a master suite with large bathroom jacuzzi tub and spa shower. The bottom level has a bedroom, a full bath, with patio 2 car garage and full laundry room. 2600 sq ft and sold for an even $2,500,000.
205 20th St: Walk-Street Beach Bungalow (approx. 8 houses from the Strand!). Highly Desirable Walk-Street Location on the North side of the street. Built in 1948, this 2 bedroom and 1.5 bath split-level home offers 1,096 sq. ft floor-plan that features a living room, dining area, and separate den. The property also includes a detached Sun-Room and Walk-Street brick patio boasting Ocean Views. This is a great opportunity to build your dream home! (Value is in the land.) Listed for $2,895,000 and sold for $2,645,000 by South Bay Brokers.
132 20th St: Prime 100 Block walkstreet location. Fantastic ocean and white water views from this wonderful 5 bedroom home. Top level also includes a formal dining room & sizable living room w/ fireplace which also has french doors leading out to the front deck with sand & white water views. Great family floor plan with 4 bedrooms in middle level including a big master suite with ocean view deck and a beautiful light & bright bath w/ jacuzzi tub. Ground floor features a large front playroom off the walk street, guest bedroom and bath. 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 4003 sq ft house on a 2700 sq ft lot built in 1986. Listed by Shorewood Realtors for $3,750,000, reduced to $3,450,000 and sold after 262 days on market for $3,300,000.
125 2nd St: Spectacular south Manhattan walkstreet custom built home. Panoramic ocean views from Palos Verdes to Malibu. Exceptional finishes embrace this stunning combination of contemporary design and ageless finishes. Gorgeous hardwood floors on main levels and both stairways. Top floor has remarkable views from living room and office. Great ocean views from middle floor family/living room off formal dining room. Kitchen with highest quality stainless steel appliances. Granite counters and functional counter island. Vertical grain douglas fir windows and sliders throughout entire home. Bottom floor rec room opens up to private spacious walkstreet courtyard.
MANHATTAN BEACH TREE SECTION HOME SALES
3608 Maple Ave: This single family house sold as a bank owned foreclosure (REO). As we are seeing repeatedly, when out of area agents list Manhattan Beach foreclosures, they often over shoot the market and list the properties too high. This 934 sq ft 2 bedroom 1 bath on a 4640 sq ft lot started out at $769,000 but sold for $689,000 after 90 days on market. Do I hear land value?
1907 Pacific Ave: This classic American home has been lovingly updated and is in “like new” condition. The kitchen was completely remodeled with new cabinetry, granite counters, glass tiles and stainless steel appliances. It is ideally located to downtown Manhattan and just steps from both Pacific School and American Martyrs. Initially listed for $1,079,000 by South Bay Brokers, reduced to $998,500 and then sold for $975,000 by Stroyke. Was a trust sale.
3100 Laurel Ave: Corner lot, great location in the highly desirable Tree Section of Manhattan Beach. Original condition throughout, needs some TLC and upgrades. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs including the master which has a balcony overlooking the pool. On the main floor there is the other bedroom plus an office space/room which could be used as a 5th bedroom. Listed by Shorewood Realtors for $1,225,000 (way OP), reduced to $1,099,000 and then sold by Shorewood Realtors for $995,000 after 85 days on the market. Probably a good deal at the selling price.
3400 Bell Ave: Flower filled front entry to a single level corner home. Featuring a lovely living room with lots of light and slate fireplace, holiday dinner sized dining room, newer kitchen with copious cabinet and counter space, master suite with his/her closets and tumbled travatine bath, fun and functional family room with. A total of three bedrooms and two baths. American Cherry floors, custom lighting, dual paned windows throughout. Listed by South Bay Brokers for $1,099,000 and sold for $1,100,000 by Sotheby's after 47 days on market.
2920 Laurel Ave: Located in the highly desirable Tree Section of Manhattan Beach, this 3 bedroom and 2 bath home 1,800+ sq ft two-story floor-plan features a formal living room with fireplace and spacious downstairs family room. The kitchen features a Viking range and subzero fridge. The master bedroom features a private balcony. There are front and rear brick patios perfect for entertaining. Amenities include hardwood floors, newer carpet, designer paint, and plantation shutters. Price price and sold price $1,249,000. South Bay Brokers and Northwest Realty.
2609 Oak Ave: REO listed by Andre Tabaco of Palm Realty (he must have recently moved from RE/MAX Manhattan Beach) and sold by Shorewood Realtors. List Price $1,599,000. Sold $1,550,000. 5 bedrooms and 5 baths, 4480 sq ft, location not the greatest. As with other REO sales in Manhattan Beach recently, we just don't see this as that great a deal. Kind of almost fair market value.
2612 N Poinsettia Ave: Corporate Owned REO in a super Tree Section location. Sunny home flooded with tons of natural light, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings throughout and brilliant use of clerestory windows, with generous amounts of quality materials and finishes as well. Recent remodel gourmen kitchen with stonework, furniture quality cabinetry and top of the line appliances. Bathrooms have been tastefully remodeled too. Traditional floor plan with one large bedroom on ground level. Listed by Prudential CA Realty for $1,659,000 and sold for $1,620,000 after 47 days.
709 25th St: Curiously, the MLS listing had no description and only one picture. Here's what we can tell you: 5 bedrooms and 5 baths, 3794 sq ft single family house built in 2001 on a 5120 sq ft lot. Listed by Northwest Realty for $2,249,000 and sold for $2,175,000. MLS listing showed 0 days on market so this may have been another one of the pocket sales we've previously referenced.
1706 Pacific Ave: Great location, walk everywhere. Exquisite custom Mediterranean. Very large square footage, approx 4634 includes basement. Huge lot approx 7150 sf (55x130), much wider and longer than normal. Luxurious custom mahogany office/library could be sixth bedroom. Basement could be gym or hobby room. Amenities include: hand distressed hardwoods thru-out, crown molding, vaulted wood and beam ceilings, remodeled baths and kitchen, 5 custom masonry fireplaces, 3 furnaces, copper drains and downspouts, new carpet, bay window, sconce lighting, and much more. Listed by Shorewood Realtors for $2,379,000 and sold for $2,300,000 by Shorewood Realtors.
MANHATTAN BEACH HILL SECTION HOME SALES
1022 Duncan: Probably land value in the Hill Section. 4000 sq ft potential ocean view lot with a 3 bedroom 1692 sq ft house. Listed for $1,025,000, reduced to $950,000 and sold for $850,000 after 114 days on market. Oh, there were also $20,000 in agent commission concessions to make it work at that price. Ouch!
932 Manhattan Beach Blvd B: We have posted about this project previously. If you have been following this blog, you know we love modern and would like to see more architectural in the South Bay. Award winning Architect Patrick Killen has created a live/work masterpiece inspired by Dutch Artist Piet Mondrian and the design received a Design Award in 2007 from AIA Long Beach/South Bay. This project artistically interrelates two Townhome Style Residential Units and Boutique Office and Retail Space. The living and work spaces are joined by vibrant open walkways that project urban energy – and a private city view roof top garden offers a secluded retreat.originally listed for $929,000, this unit sold for $880,000.
MANHATTAN VILLAGE HOME SALES
25 Catalina Ct: This Plan 1 unit has been well maintained but not upgraded and is ready for a makeover. The unit is in an ideal location near the pool without any pool noise. This was a probate trust sale with no court onfirmation needed. Property sold in "as is" condition. 1465 sq ft and 2 bedrooms (if you are not familiar with the Village plans). Sold for $665,000 after 64 days on the market. If you are thinking of buying in Manhattan Village, here's something you should know. While these units look like attached condo tonwhouses, they are zoned as "PUD" which means that from a lender perslective, the rate is the same as a single family home.
MANHATTAN BEACH HEIGHTS - LIBERTY VILLAGE
1304 12th St C: This contemporary 2 bedroom 2.5 bath remodeled town home located in Manhattan Heights offers a bright, open, and functional floor plan with 1,180 square feet of living space. The inviting living room has a warm fireplace, plantation shutters, and two patios that are perfect for entertaining and everyday indoor-outdoor living. Completely remodeled in 2009, the tasteful updates in the home include beautiful hardwood floors, upgraded kitchen with black granite counters, refinished cabinetry, upgraded fixtures, and stainless steel appliances, and upgraded baths. Listed by Shorewood Realtors for $669,000 and sold for $662,000 after 67 days on the market.
1411 12th St 5: This end unit townhouse features three levels of living with a bonus room on the lower level that is perfect as a third bedroom or home office. The master bedroom has soaring ceilings, newer stone walk in shower and a deck area that enjoys sunshine all afternoon long. This 1352 sq ft attached townhouse was listed by Shorewood Realtors for $689,000 and sold by Shorewood Realtors for $670,000 after 180 days on the market. Great MB location at almost Redondo Beach prices!
1901 Manzanita: This home includes 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and 1,091 sq ft, sits on a large corner lot of 5,841 sq ft, (59 X 99 lot dim). Large Private backyard. Original 1950’s hardwood flooring underneath all of the carpet, windows were upgraded in 2000, New Roof in 2000. This home needs TLC and updating. Listed by South Bay Brokers for $799,000 and sold for $795,000 with $9000 of seller credits to the buyer for repairs. On the market for 41 days.
MANHATTAN BEACH MIRA COSTA HOME SALES
1633 1ST St: East Manhattan location at crest of street. "Starter" with remodeled kitchen. 2 full baths, nice yard and detached garage. Family room, master bedroom with bath and walk-in closet. This is the one many first time buyers want: 1300 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 5000 sq ft lot. It worked when it was built in 1951 and still does today. Listed for $849,000 by South Bay Brokers and sold for $835,000 by Keller Williams in 48 days.
1250 10th St: Originally listed for $1,035,000 by Tim Patterson of Century 21 and then lowered to $969,000, this 1800 sq ft 3 bedroom on a 7500 sq ft lot finally sold for $969,000 after 16 days on market. What we found curious is that Patterson primarily deals in foreclosures (this was a standard sale) and his usual turf is Long Beach. So, as we've been noting, it was entirely in keeping with our observation that out of area agents are initially over pricing Manhattan Beach Real Estate.
1765 Curtis Av: 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath single family house built in 1989. 373 sq ft on a 6000 sq ft lot. Main floor bedroom with walk-in closet and bath off hallway. Upstairs master suite with his and hers walk-in closets, vaulted ceilings and private fireplace, huge master bath with step up spa tub. Listed by South Bay Brokers for $1,350,000 and sold by RE/MAX Beach Cities for $1,315,000 after 32 days on the market. Nice floorplan and good size but the price was impacted by location and the fact that there were updates needed to be more consistent with today's finish work.
1248 2nd St: 3065 sq ft Featuring 5 bedrooms 31/2 baths and 2 master suites. Huge kitchen with breakfast bar and nook. Living room and family room have a double sided fireplace, family room has wood beam ceiling and stain glass sky lite. Private dining room with built in buffet. Gleaming hardwood floors in entry and most rooms. Huge 8250 sq ft lot, with beautifully mature landscaped rear yard with fruit trees. Large wrap around wood deck firepit. Oversize 2 car garage, plus covered parking for one more. Listed by RE/MAX Beach Cities for $1,425,000 and sold by Californa Prudential for $1,399,000 after 49 days on market.
1508 8th St: Bright, open floorplan with soaring, 2 story ceilings. Formal living room is open w/fireplace on angle providing very inviting and warm setting. Formal dining room has ambient lighting accents and opens to the gourmet kitchen with center island, special home management station, under-cabinet lights, walk-in pantry and breakfast area. Backyard has flat, grassy yard and large patio space w/built in gas fire pit. Full main floor master suite. Listed by Shorewood Realtors for $1,895,000 and sold for $1,830,000 after 25 days on market. 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths 4400 sq ft on a 6750 sq ft lot.
1750 8th St: 4,400 sq ft custom Cape Cod home with 6 bedrooms including one downstairs with it's own private bath. Extensive use Carrera Marble and glass tile. Two sided fireplace opens to the living room formal dining room. Family Room with fireplace French doors leading to the back yard. Oversize kitchen features Stainless Steel Appliances, Exotic Granite Counter Tops and a center Island with room for 6 Bar Stools. The White Oak hardwood floors Have were completely refinished. Large 3 Car Garage Offers Room for storage. The home is south facing and the back yard is fenced. There is an Outdoor Fireplace (making this the 4th fireplace in the home) as well as a custom Built-In BBQ. Listed by Northwest Realty for $1,995,000 and sold by RE/MAX for the same amount after 49 days on market.
MANHATTAN BEACH REAL ESTATE FOR SALE - MLS LISTINGS
MANHATTAN BEACH REAL ESTATE MLS"QUICK SEARCHES"
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: All Homes for Sale
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Single Family Homes for Sale
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Townhouses and Condos for Sale
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Foreclosures and Short Sales
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale less than $1,000,000
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale $1,000,000-$1,500,000
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale $1,500,000-$2,000,000
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale $2,000,000-$2,500,000
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale $2,500,000-$3,000,000
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale $3,000,000-$4,000,000
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale over $4,000,000
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale in the Sand Section
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale in the Hill Section
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale in the Tree Section
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale in East Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Real Estate for sale in Manhattan Village
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Townhouses and Condos 2 bedrooms
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Townhouses and Condos 3 bedrooms
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Townhouses and Condos 4 bedrooms
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Single Family Houses 2 bedrooms
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Single Family Houses 3 bedrooms
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: Single Family Homes 4 bedrooms
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: 30 day price reductions
Manhattan Beach MLS Listings: 10 days or less on the market
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