DISQUS

Mr. Money Bags · 10 months ago

Alright, I'll kick it off. I loved a post I read last night about the guy who said he feels like he went to the party sober and didn't wake up with a stranger in bed. Classic! And well put. There seems to be 2 types of people on this blog. Pissed off Realtors and pissed off prospective buyers. Realtors are trying to protect their ground and buyers are trying to gain ground. Until Realtors give up (IMO) I'm certain we haven't hit bottom. Bottoms will be hit when EVERYONE throws in the towel on this thing. When blogs like this become less and less visited....basically when there's no real (or perceived) interest out there. Who am I...I'm a Mortgage Broker. My office is in Hermosa. I service all South Bay cities...yes even Redondo and Torrance....I don't discrimiate against greenbacks, no matter what zip code they're born in. Yes deals are still getting done...very very few deals. Standards are simply reverting back to the day when we did loans for people who could actually afford to buy a house. Imagine that. I happen to have a few friends waiting in the wings to buy. They don't need my help...okay, well maybe just a tad, because they do in fact have cash in hand, one family with more than 1mm and no debt. Yep, they're low life renters. I wish I was as lowly! Words of wisdom...the trend is your friend.

Fight on · 10 months ago

My wife is part of a Mommy and Me class that has 8 ladies in it. 4 of the 8 ladies were worried because their husbands either lost their jobs or are in the process of relocating because of a job situation. To say its never going to hit MB is insane. The economy is now the factor, not just people sitting on the side line waiting for housing prices to drop. People who pulled their house off the market last summer hoping to get back on this summer with a better market will be in for a bad realization. Its actually worse now and its going to get worse. I think the lending restrictions coupled with the economic instability will drive prices down just as fast if not faster than the overwhelming supply. i'm not the sky is falling kinda person.

life beyond M.B. · 10 months ago

Let me know when the mommies get jobs and their allowances are cut, and then I will admit things are looking dire.

hushhush · 10 months ago

Take a look at these articles, 1 from LA Times, 1 from MSNBC. Both talk of a "tsunami" of reo's that have not been listed for sale yet by the banks. Apparently due to balance sheet issues. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/cdqndd" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/cdqndd LA Times <a href="http://tinyurl.com/at6u5k" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/at6u5k MSNBC

Bubble Boy · 10 months ago

But none of those Tsunamis are in MB. And none of the buyers in MB need to sell their current residences. And if they do, those residences are NOT going to be affected by the Tsunamis. MB is a special place with special people. We live in a bubble. Ecnomics 101 does not apply.

anon · 10 months ago

I was thinking that many of the people in this blog could stand to loosen up and wake up with a stranger. Sexual frustration is likely one of their key issues.

anon · 10 months ago

I saw this report on TV and was equally in shock. This can easily drag LA down another 30% this year or perhaps even more.... frightening scenario indeed.

See no evil! · 10 months ago

If is fun to go through Redfin and look at the shortsales, isn't it? Wish I'd been here in '98 and bought a house for 800-K, refi'd out a million or so and then put it up for "shortsale" at 1.6-M. Good times.

PROPAGANDA ALERT! · 10 months ago

I guess I periodically have to remind any casual readers who have stumbled into the lair of the terminally clueless (we call these chicken littles the COTC or Cult of the Clueless) that there are virtually no foreclosures / REOs in Manhattan Beach. Don't fall for the COTC propaganda - they are bitter renters who look to this site as a form of therapy for their 'sour grapes' mentality. Amazing how I, as a longtime MB homeowner, have yet to run into someone locally in severe financial distress but the COTC phonies seem to know all the homeowners who are in distress, losing their jobs or about to be foreclosed on. And, for the most part, the COTC are renters who don't even reside in the SFR-only neighborhoods (although they often pretend to be local homeowners on this blog). Has anyone even noticed that there is a lot of construction going on locally that is not spec? It's actual homeowners having their own homes custom-built. Or how about all of the recent lot purchases by individuals (1900 Laurel, 768 26th, 701 25th, to name a few) who plan to build custom homes for themselves in the future. Not exactly a sign of a community is severe distress, now, is it?

Simple Jack · 10 months ago

My wife is part of a mommy and me and yoga and bar method class and personal training group and at least two of them are worried they are going to have to stop bar method because their husbands aren't getting their $900,000 bonus this year. This site has two types of people on it. Broke people who complain a lot and rich people who don't. Coincidence...I doubt it.

Yoctum Schlevak · 10 months ago

It's all over, Simpleton Jack. If you do indeed own your dwelling, you had better sell before it's too late.

here no evil · 10 months ago

Ironically, while you spouted your usual bile, you did not refute my point. There are indeed several shortsales on redfin meeting the descriptiohn that I gave. That's a fact. So who is spreading "propaganda".

Monterey Jack · 10 months ago

Stop complaining, simple jack! Also, I think we can pretty safely assume that their will be "no" bonuses this year for financial guys on the dole. Now law firms specializing in bankruptcy, maybe.

Rich · 10 months ago

But you cannot refute the fact that many houses have lowered listing prices multiple times (not all builder-owned). To me, that is a sign of distress. Otherwise, they would pull out of the market and just hold on until the house value doubles in 2010.

Idiot Prof. Lady · 10 months ago

In the pic if MBC's coverage area from space -- I see toys littering the walk streets!

Misogynist Alert! · 10 months ago

With every post you reveal your sexism. I feel sorry for your children.

Which Rich · 10 months ago

Must be Rich VR. No wonder you're not cutting the prices of your houses, you think they are going to double in 2010! HaHaHa.

chez what · 10 months ago

nice, the heterophobe strikes again...perhaps an urban living loft situation in venice would work better for you? no gross families, kids or their toys to worry about, just lots of alternative types and your pick of GREAT triple mocha chai and organic wheat grass at the local cafes.

anon · 10 months ago

Just clean-up your toys and trying to be a loving parent.

no chance · 10 months ago

glad to see 2 new tree homes on redfin today: 1821 palm: 2.4mm? nice house, but not that nice. esp for a 1990 vintage. 2103 elm: new spec home, practically on sepulveda, for 2.2mm. listen people, if this is how you are going to do it, its gonna be a long spring. pricing above all other comps for worse homes? here's to optimism!

anon · 10 months ago

Agreed. At this rate, we should see listing count at 250 pretty soon and perhaps 300 by summer time. What will prices do when listings get that high? Should be a very interesting year....

Anon · 10 months ago

<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB12331042141..." target="_blank">http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB12331042141... This article says all you need to know about the future of Manhattan Beach real estate.

Atrain · 10 months ago

Your wife better get ready to get back to work if you are posting replies in the middle of a work day. I think McDonalds is hiring..and pay is about $8.50 per hour..however its stiff competition from ex-bankers, traders and laid off StarBucks Baristas

Atrain · 10 months ago

I think you should change your name from "Mr. Money Bags" to "Brother can you spare a dime." Honestly, Mortgage Brokers have about as much skill set as a bum panhandling on the corner or Sepulveda and Wilshire. Actually, the problem with you folks is that incentives are not aligned between buyers and pests (that would be you). Mortgage Brokers just care about getting the transaction done regardless of what weapon of mass financial destruction they are naviely peddling. And hey, if you can convince somebody that they are worthless for not being able to afford a $2M stucco box then hey..more power to you. I once had a Mortgage Broker try sell me on a home by showing how a 10% increase in the house price over 5 years meant my cost of ownership was zero after I told him I was in the asset management biz. What a looser....

anon · 10 months ago

Yeah, it is amazing that you can see the big red balloon from out there. It must be huge up close.

REALTOR ALERT! · 10 months ago

I guess I periodically have to remind any casual readers....that there are a group of out of work realtors (we call them OOWR) who blog this site from their part time jobs at Lawndale Toyota, insisting that everything is fine in the 90266, insisting that everyone is still taking happy pills, making money hand over fist and just for fun, stoning lowly renters at social gatherings. While no disputes MB is an upscale community, many dispute its real value. Buyer beware.

anon · 10 months ago

I don't call any community "upscale" that allows their streets to be taken over by entitled bullies.

wondering · 10 months ago

huggy, any thoughts? you always rail against emotional raving of the cotc vs fact-based reporting...so here are some facts to discuss: - houses are moving in MB at a much slower pace than in the past - listings are higher than in the recent past, and are increasing. not saying its never been worse, but the trend is up. - the trend in pricing is flat at best when looking at medians, but clearly its at or near 04/05 levels when looking at prices for homes where deals are getting done. - white collar layoffs are increasing in scale and pace, esp in finance and real estate. if you are a survivor, your pay is going to be a shadow of its former self due to lack bonus. - bank problems are worsening, not improving. credit is being tightened massively. see jumbo article and shadow inventory articles for examples. - people are cutting back on spending and hoarding cash...not a great environment for people making the largest purchasing decision in their lives i cant think of any real positive catalysts to be honest with you. and yet...for all those seemingly negative things, housing prices in MB arent off by a ton, maybe 10% depending how you slice it. is that because a) MB is next to get hit or b) its just going to weather it better?

WSJ, are they right? · 10 months ago

Obviously, the WSJ did not consult Huggy when writing its Jumbo article. Huggy can get Jumbo loans at much lower rates than quoted by the Journal. The Journal must be part of the Cult of the Clueless. It's all a conspiracy to keep Huggly from making any money.

Mommy with job · 10 months ago

Not in that mommy group, but am a mommy that had her allowance cut and platinum card taken away....luckily I am able to pick up shifts (am a RN that has been working 2/days per month, just to keep myself in it) Now I am proud to say I pay for Karate, ballet and my lattes!

Daniel · 10 months ago

Drove by Rich VR's home today and he has a very ugly cabinet out front with a "free" sign on it. As if anyone wants the cabinet, let alone one of the stucco boxes he develops.

Sick of realtors · 10 months ago

No there are many types of people in here. I happen to belong to the "homeowner who will ride this downturn out" group. Furthermore I hate realtors, and now with the internet I find very little use for them.

Bush Hater · 10 months ago

You forgot to mention that NO ONE is predicting anything positive for the rest of this year. It's gonna get much worse before it gets better.

50% Probability · 10 months ago

I'm voting for (b). If I'm right, what do I win? Seriously, everything you say is correct or partially correct. I would dispute the impact of a "flood of REOs" on Manhattan Beach, which has very few REOs (mostly in crappy locations and, when a good REO appears like 2509 Palm, it is immediately snatched up by an all-cash buyer). Bottom line. however, is that all the factors you mentioned, while present in Manhattan Beach, are present to a much lesser degree than many less desirable areas. So I'll pick (b) among your two choices and keep my fingers crossed that I'm right (fwiw, I was wrong about the last housing downturn here; South Bay was significantly impacted by aerospace job losses but we have a much more diverse pool of high income homeowners now).

In no rush · 10 months ago

Not surprised by the article. I think a certain bank is avoiding taking additional losses by dragging their feet in the foreclosure process. I can think of two properties that will eventually become REOs. One of them is a home where they have completely stopped construction.

LOSER ALERT! · 10 months ago

It's also worth reminding casual readers that the bitter renters of the COTC hate anyone who owns a home in Manhattan Beach (even as they insist that they have many homeowner friends who are all in financial distress), anyone involved in the real estate market (realtors, homesellers and builders) and, just to top off their sour grapes envy, they will periodically bash Manhattan Beach itself ("many dispute its real value" - then why are you on this blog, loser?). However, I do like the "stoning lowly renters at social gatherings" idea. But I would restrict the stoning to the bitter renters of the COTC (most are already stoned anyway so they won't even notice).

Colostomy Bag Alert! · 10 months ago

MB is surrounded by oil refineries and the biggest sewage treatment plant on earth, and not to mention a seriously deranged woman obsessed with her neighbors' toys. Lawndale's looking very nice.

Love Where U Live · 10 months ago

It's nice to see you're finally acclimating, CBA. You've obviously never been to Manhattan Beach (and I would urge you to continue that trend). "Seriously deranged?" Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

Love Where U Aren&amp;#039;t · 10 months ago

LWUL, where is Manhattan Beach? Oh, is that the overpriced sewage treatment adjacent slum south of El Segundo?

cant spel · 10 months ago

whats a looser?

POV&amp;#039;s · 10 months ago

I have a family home in Hancock Park and a 1 bedroom on the Upper East Side. I'm proud of owning both, but feeling strongly that both are now worth a lot less than they were two years ago. I am thinking of selling both properties and buying in MB. I've been an avid reader of MBC, while also keeping a very close eye on CURBED LA and <a href="http://www.streeteasy.com(for" target="_blank">www.streeteasy.com(for Manhattan RE). Everyone on MBC is in rarefied air. There is no doubt. I don't care if you rent or own, MB is a very special and highly priced area for buyers and renters. That being said, MB, the highly prized RE in LA, and Manhattan are all in the same boat. I recommend everyone on this site reading the blogs for all those areas because all said areas have a lot in common. I'd also add to the mix <a href="http://www.dealbreaker.com." target="_blank">www.dealbreaker.com. That will fill you all in on how bad anyone in the "non-doing-anything-benificial-for-society" kind of job is in for. I have to admit, I'm a former seven figure guy who did nothing beneficial for society guy, who's now looking to leave that arena (it looks doubtful I can get paid that much)..............

POV&amp;#039;s Lack Vision · 10 months ago

Blanket generalizations betray your lack of intelligence and your propensity for stating the obvious (yes, we peruse those websites as well), MB is a very unusual place. Irrespective of the attacks on this blog against MB, other than Broad Beach in Malibu, this is the best beach north of Laguna. POV, you are the one who needs to do more research.

reality · 10 months ago

no, you dont. no, youre not. next.

THIS JUST IN!! · 10 months ago

Anyone read the Beach Reporter article on MB's little budget short coming? Sure, we're got money in the bank and no one is freaking out just yet about city services continuing to function, but, MB Finance Dir. Bruce Moe said, "WE ARE IN A DEEP RECESSION WITH NO END IN SIGHT." Could he possibly be referring to the 90266???!!!! OMG, stone him, the outcast. The city goes on to admit to revenue losses in part from "... lower property tax revenues," and ADMITS THE MB HOUSING MARKET IS "...TAKING A DIVE." Guess they missed Huggy's most recent data huh? Furthermore, THE CITY OF MB ESTIMATES that, "The real estate transfer tax is expected to drop 55.6% from 2009 budgeted to 2009 estimated..." Now now don't go getting giddy, this doesn't mean they're expecting sale prices to come down 55%, just activity to come down 55% from last year's already record low sales levels. Can you say inventory? Now I'm sure some of you all knowing RE Agents around here know better than the city officials that are writing the checks don't you?

flawless... · 10 months ago

Don't spoil Huggy's rhetoric with any information that doesn't paint MB as utopia. Last time someone did that, Huggy discounted MBPD's warning about increased local robberies as a PROPAGANDA ALERT! Some people just prefer to have their head's in the sand.

Flawless=Clueless · 10 months ago

More COTC propaganda. I never discounted the MBPD's warning. However, one of your clueless cohorts, in an effort to ramp up your cult's anti-Manhattan Beach propaganda, claimed that six women were beaten and robbed at gunpoint, a transparent piece of fiction that once again confirms my point about the "sour grapes" envy of the COTC having completely overtaken their thought processes (assuming that COTC and "thought processes" can even coexist in the same sentence). Obviously, flawless has his head somewhere dark but it ain't in the sand.

anon · 10 months ago

I'm editing you. I'm so powerful. I'm a renter. I can edit you and I make $34, 000 a year. Wee.

HUGGY ALERT! · 10 months ago

Huggy, you didn't dispute the MB CITY FACTS AND FORWARD ESTIMATES! Why not buddy?

Lt. Col. Killgore · 10 months ago

I love that smell...that gasoline smell from the refinery. That and the smell of feces smells like...falling home prices.

Vlad · 10 months ago

MBC, you're on Curbed tonight: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/dj99lt" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/dj99lt

MelvyntheMustang · 10 months ago

I peek at this blog from time to time and it seems to get better and better. I have no problem saying who I am. I grew up here, will end up living in my parent's hill section house, and like to pee in the south MB alleys on the way back from the beach when I'm annihilated. I only make around $60 K a year and pocket every penny. MB housewives keep me busy while their hubbys slave away. Oh yeah, there are plenty others like me. Your kids may even join the ranks someday. I apologize in advance if I puke or piss on the lawn of your $3 million dollar house. Welcome to (overrated) paradise.

Gran Torino · 10 months ago

Melyvn, if I catch you puking or pissing on the lawn I will have to beat you. Nothing personal, punk.

MBCOC · 10 months ago

MB is a great beach if you don't consider the oil refinery, sewage treatment plant and LAX either next door or slightly upstream. Not to mention absurd traffic and congestion. Oh, at least the density and setbacks are pretty good...oops?

get real · 10 months ago

Crime is, was and always will be a problem in MB. It's a proximity issue that will not go away

Anon · 10 months ago

You are such a jerk. One post did have the facts incorrect but truth was very shocking. I am not certain where your "sour grapes" thing is going but you should be thankful no one was hurt in any of these terrible events. I guess it's all about you.

Redondo Beach dude · 10 months ago

Flawless, you don't know how right you are! Timmy sent me this pic of huggy he snapped just North of the pier at about 15th St. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/6efakm" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/6efakm

friendlytrendly · 10 months ago

Weak reply. Facts are facts. Crime is an issue, end of story. Sorry, no sour grapes anywhere around here...except maybe posters calling others jerks for posting facts.

COTCPropaganda=Facts · 10 months ago

Only in the skewed "sour grapes" mentality of the COTC does propaganda =facts. When a COTC loon makes up fictitious crime stories (6 women beaten and robbed at gunpoint in MB) and the rest of the COTC comes to the defense of the fiction writer, then you know all you need to know about the mental health of the COTC. Here's the COTC's subconscious at work - "We're bitter and angry because we can't afford to buy in Manhattan Beach so we'll make stuff up and post it on MBC to make us feel better about not being able to afford a home there (or anywhere for that matter). Now back to the bong, losers. Your fiction is fooling no one (except maybe your fellow cultists). Oh, and be sure to go back to your keyboards and start posting your comments about how you were looking for a home in MB but after reading the comments on this blog, you're going to look in less crime-riddled neighborhoods. Those are usually good for a laugh or two. For any non-COTC readers (those with a brain), yes, there is crime in Manhattan Beach. There's crime everywhere and it needs to be taken seriously. We're safer here than most areas but , like all of LA, you still have to exercise precautions. For reliable info and advice on the proper precautions, contact MBPD (802-5100).

Huggy=Propaganda · 10 months ago

Give it up Huggy. Only one poster posted that story, and it was roundly discredited by all other posters. The true MBPD memo was linked to. The nonsense original post has never been referrred to again......except for our true resident spinmaster and propagandist......Huggy. I believe that is the key to "good" propaganda. One small element of fact to element the rest of the lie. Huggy is very good at it. It is also referred to as obfuscation.

Huggy=Truth · 10 months ago

Sorry, loser, but at the time, I was the one who had to discredit the COTC propaganda; none of you loons would ever slap down a fellow cult member. What really made me laugh was your fellow COTC propagandist who called the fake crime report of six women being assaulted at gunpoint "an exaggeration." What you need to do is examine your own psychology and try to understand why you and the rest of your cult loons feel this overwhelming need to "exaggerate" and paint an obviously false picture about Manhattan Beach. I think you'll see, underneath it all, a simple case of sour grapes and envy. Must suck to be you.

he&amp;#039;s totally lost it · 10 months ago

wow Huggy, you seem to be going off the deep end. Just concede that you honed in and based your entire insult-filled arguments on that one post that was never discussed again... While everyone spoke in broader terms, you clinged to a comment that everyone who had read the MBPD warning already disregarded. But you kept clinging... Why? Because you were proved to be wrong - so you got defensive... A more secure and sane person would've conceded. This is becoming more and more a common occurrence, and as a result, you're becoming more and more unraveled. I guess no commission and a bleak outlook were enough to do it. Good luck in the future, but you just seem to be a miserable old hack.

whylieaboutit · 10 months ago

Crime, unfortunately, is an issue in Manhattan Beach. It's a product of the area. Always been the case. Maybe newcomers are just figuring this out.

Huggy=Truth=Loser · 10 months ago

Two of the assaults reported over the last six months were within two blocks of my house. There have also been two incidents in the last two months which were unreported. A prowler was spotted on two separate times in back yards at night about 3 blocks from me. Police response and helicopters. While I agree that the one post was nonsense, it is undeniable that we are having a significant increase in some pretty ugly types of crime. And again, enough of the name calling. Use your brain to discuss things. I can see why you have so much trouble thinking.

whatitsallabout · 10 months ago

Mortimer - "Tell him the good part" Randolph - "The good part is that no matter whether our clients make money, or lose money, Duke & Duke get the commissions."

anon · 10 months ago

Sounds pretty suspicious that all of the crime is centered around your house.

COTC=Fiction=Loon · 10 months ago

Glad you were able to forego the namecalling. I can see why you have so much trouble thinking. 15 years ago we had a police officer killed in the Manhattan Village parking lot after a routine traffic stop. By the COTC's loony chicken little reasoning, that would make Manhattan Beach the equivalent of Fort Apache. Serious crime is everywhere, even in Manhattan Beach, but far less here than other areas. It's the bitter renters that want to "exaggerate" in order to make it appear far worse than it is here. Sour grapes, pure and simple. I've got an idea. You're all bitter renters so you can just move somewhere else and report back to us if that solves your crime concerns. For those of us who are actually a part of this community and take these issues seriously, I participate in my local neighborhood watch, we have yearly meetings with MBPD to discuss crime and precautions and I take nothing for granted since crime can happen anywhere at anytime.

anon · 10 months ago

I could care less about those incidents just as long as no one touches the toys littering our walk street.

Melvyn&amp;#039;s Fantasy · 10 months ago

Melvyn, quite an active fantasy life you have there. I'm sure the only true parts are the peeing in alleys and punking on lawns parts.

keep trying, loser · 10 months ago

Man, you really are dense and completely out of touch. Your example is not applicable and just shows how ridiculous your thought process is. One unfortunate murder is not a trend; nor was it considered one by MBPD. 5-6 robberies within 1.5 months is a trend; enough of one for our police department to issue a warning. Why do you even draw the parallel? Because you lost the argument, showed that your head is in the sand, and are a complete and utter joke. Based on how you are minimizing the police department's warning - which is a clear sign that you would NEVER disclose this to a potential buyer - adds disgusting, unethical used house salesman to your description. Give it up. First you cling on that one post that was never discussed again, now you fantasize over this poor police officer's isolated tragedy as a way to take more shots at the mythical "COTC." You are the ultimate osfucator and straw man. If anyone should leave our community, it is a POS like you.

Reality · 10 months ago

What could terrorists target (potentially, of course) hmm... let's see... Refinerys and airports?

whatitsreallyabout · 10 months ago

Mortimer Duke - "TURN THOSE MACHINES BACK ON!!!!!"

Billy Ray · 10 months ago

Sell Mortimer, Sell!

Redondo Beach dude · 10 months ago

Trace Meyer of RunToGold.com says: "I have a reasonably good idea of when I think the market will bottom and when to begin purchasing. The monetary metals are used to perform mental calculations of value or the pricing mechanism. Currently, an average American home costs about $220,000, 18,333 ounces of silver or 248 ounces of gold. I will begin looking for real estate deals, both commercial and residential, when an average American house is around 500-1,000 ounces of silver or 75-80 ounces of gold. So for 80 oz of gold at a current value of $900/oz, the current national average housing price would have to be somewhere around $72,000 before Trace Mayer would take the plunge. So home prices would have to drop by an additional 66%. Either that, or Trace Mayer would take the plunge if gold rocketed up to $2,750/oz. If this reasoning is correct, I would expect some combination of the two. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/bzs7me" target="_blank"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/bzs7me" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/bzs7me

BitterRentersUnite · 10 months ago

Hey, glad you could elevate the discussion KTL. No bitterness and renter's angst evident in your comment. I think your histrionics and borderline postal comment says all we need to know about you and the COTC. However, I would suggest to you that this blog's therapy is not having the intended effect on you. Seriously, seek help for that terminal 'sour grapes' problem of yours, it's really affecting your thought process (and, in your case, I'm stretching the meaning of the term 'thought process'). "minimize the police dept's warning?" What a loon.

noendtotheputzing · 10 months ago

Dear BitterRentersUnite, What a completely lame response to a very coherent post. Seriously, your gibberish borders on "I know you are, but what am I?", which most children stop using right after potty training. Truly pathetic.

Reality=Fantasy · 10 months ago

Great, now the COTC baboons have gravitated from the propaganda line "Manhattan Beach is Fort Apache, The Bronx" to "Manhattan Beach is tops on Al Qaida's target list." You loons need to go back to the bong (or your sedative of choice). I think you'll find it under your bed where you've been hiding.

Who&amp;#039;s A Putz? · 10 months ago

Completely lame? Truly pathetic? I know you are but what am I? Little known fact: Many people attribute that line's popularity to PeeWee Herman. In actuality, it was first popularized by RB Dude's other cult leader, Eckhart Tolle. His view is that you wouldn't know what a lame and pathetic putz really looks like unless you first observed the characteristics of one in yourself. Wise man, that ET (the extra-terrestrial). Now if we could only get RB Dude to pick just one cult and stick with it.

gottagonow · 10 months ago

Dear, Who's A Putz? Another swing and a miss. It's 0-2 and you look a little overmatched in this at bat. My advice? Take a called 3rd and walk back to the dugout. Tomorrow might be a better day.

Simple Housing Needs · 10 months ago

While this Blog is MB-centric, as are its regular posters, the justifications for high-housing prices are similar to other "nice" neighborhoods of L.A. We've been looking for over a year, no hurry, my child won't start school for a couple more years. MB is one of the neighborhoods we look at. I have what I consider rather simple desires. I want my child to attend a quality neighborhood school so she has friends in the neighborhood. Having attended private school, and commuted, it's better to have friends you can play and study with, close by, after school. I'd like to be able to walk my child to school. I'd like a house big enough where I can work at home (I am self-employed), but not be distracted by the goings-on in the kitchen, etc. I'd like to have a BBQ in my backyard and a patio area that is truly functional (not all shady, moist and tiny like most tree section houses).

Casual observer · 10 months ago

So THAT'S what huggy looks like. I'm thinking Timothy took that shot because he likes seeing huggy in that position.

simple housing needs · 10 months ago

MB has areas that may work. For a very big price, and for not a lot of house.__Other areas in L.A. also may work.__We've looked at San Marino, South Pasadena, El Segundo, Santa Monica, Palos Verdes, Claremont and Calabasas.__They, too, have blogs and realtors who greet you at Open Houses.__Those Blogs and Realtors also praise the school systems, the community feel, the safe streets, and relate that their town is "special" and housing won't go down there to the extent it has in other areas.____"Special" is in the eye of the beholder, of course. But ALL of these areas can't possibly retain their values. There's just not enough qualified buyers.__I don't believe that any of them, including MB, is an exception.__Okay, cue Huggy: I am a poser who only dreams of MB but can't ever possibly afford to live there. Whatever.____Frankly, I can get a LOT more house in those other areas for the $1.5M I plan to spend, then I can get in MB.__And, honestly, I don't really go to the beach as much as I once did. I also no longer drink alot and puke and pee on other people's property.

Its a Secret, shhh.. · 10 months ago

South Redondo's Riviera Village area trumps MB. Prettier beaches, coastal views, lot sizes are larger, less traffic, friendlier residents, less, much less hubris and aloofness than MB.

FACT ALERT!!! · 10 months ago

How come none of you realtors have commented on the only sane posting in the Open Forum so far? MB Finance Dir. Bruce Moe said, "WE ARE IN A DEEP RECESSION WITH NO END IN SIGHT." Could he possibly be referring to the 90266???!!!! OMG, stone him, the outcast. The city goes on to admit to revenue losses in part from "... lower property tax revenues," and ADMITS THE MB HOUSING MARKET IS "...TAKING A DIVE." Guess they missed Huggy's most recent data huh? Furthermore, THE CITY OF MB ESTIMATES that, "The real estate transfer tax is expected to drop 55.6% from 2009 budgeted to 2009 estimated..." What gives guys (gals)...no debate? Do you concede?

Concerned · 10 months ago

And what are they going to do with the pension obligations that are underfunded?

Daniel · 10 months ago

There was another on Tuesday at 9:45pm at thee corner of 9th and Highland.

Simple housing Needs · 10 months ago

My wife has been lobbying for Riviera Village. It just seems very remote to me. Several times a month I have to drive to downtown and other environs during morning rush hour. I also like to visit family on the westside during the dinner hour. How difficult is it to get in and out?

huh · 10 months ago

Who the hell is Eckhart Tolle, and how do you know so much about him? And RBDudes lkes and dislikes?

Happy renter · 10 months ago

Try renting in MB. You can rent a 1.5-M house for about the cost of owning a 500-K one. And there are more and more rentals as poor deluded homesellers decide they would rather sell at the bottom (apparently). That way you can try the neighborhood out. Both my kids go to MB elementary school.

huh huh · 10 months ago

RB Dude used to post on this blog quite regularly, until he was exposed in his lie about owning a big house in South Redondo. RB Dude always quoted Eckhart Tolle (check him out on wikipedia -- cuckoo cuckoo) and was usually pretty long-winded, so everyone got a pretty detailed view of his likes (renting) and dislikes (owning, realtors).

West is Best · 10 months ago

Who let the EMB person on this blog?

huh huh huh · 10 months ago

OK, he looks like some doofus spiritual guy. How do you know RBD was quoting him again"

redondo beach dude · 10 months ago

RIGHTEO, happy renter. That's exactly the ticket! The cost to own is so much higher, why buy now? As this simple fact, among others, becomes apparent to all concerned parties, watch the 'FOR SALE' signs pop up on lawns like dandelions this spring.

Its a Secret, shhh.. · 10 months ago

It's tough, we're about as landlocked as you can get. For me it's about 20 min to the 405 northbound. Prospect Ave to 190th to Inglewood Ave. Also you can hug the coast through the beach cities, Valley/Ardmore to Highland to Vista del Mar to Culver to wherever you need to go. Being remote is a plus... just don't tell anyone, it's a secret, ok?

magic money · 10 months ago

I dunno. Maybe they do a special election and recall him and then just issue a bond or something? Isn't that the way it's supposed to work ? Just make more money?

Reality · 10 months ago

And MB hasn't even started to decline yet. Right, huggy?

anon · 10 months ago

MBW: Any idea how many realtors MB had at the peak vs how there are now? That should be a very interesting data if available...no?

MB_Watcher · 10 months ago

Since so many people work multiple areas (and of course you don't need to live in MB to work here), that'd be hard to nail down. Sales volume is down quite a bit – maybe 35-40% down 2007 to '08, much further from peak years, so you'd start with those figures. Add to that consolidation that comes as part-timers quit and long-term, full-time, presumably better agents remain. You can easily see a potential for a 60%+ drop in the number of working agents, even before we try to find numbers from the actual field...

RB Dude&amp;#039;s Conscience · 10 months ago

RBD, seems to me that you have the best both worlds since you obviously have no problem lying about owning a home.

RB_dude · 10 months ago

Ercoles... nice reference point. Be in there tomorrow night after Mucho. huggy, stay away! Everyone else is welcome. If your obsession me is uncontrollable, (which is a given, considering your obsessive/compulsive disorder), please remember to wear your HUGGY t-shirt. Tell you what, just keep on hit the bong and the refresh button. Over and over and over, ad infinitum...... Just as you do all day long, everyday... after day... after day......

anon · 10 months ago

MBW: Any idea how many worlds can fit on the head of a pin? When I'm really high, which is always, I wonder such relevant things.

Reality · 10 months ago

huggy, please stop posting anon. Have the courage of your convictions. Oh, wait. You have none.

Simple Housing Needs · 10 months ago

I won't tell. But being landlocked like that (thanks for the info and the best route), could drive me insane. Perhaps I'll take another look, though. A 4480 sq. ft. tree section lot just feels like a rip-off to me.

shoppingaround · 10 months ago

I have lived in both RB and MB (twice). Commuting from RB is MUCH harder--it just takes forever to get to the freeway. People can be more, hmm, let's say, "down home" in RB--less "living in the rarified air" than MB. Most people on this blog trash East MB, but one of our homes in MB was there and we loved it. Walked our kid to school everyday. Plenty of neighborhood kids to play with. Lots more house and yard. I guess the lowered opinions make it a better buy, too. But it's still MBUSD. Tree section and south walk streets are two other "kidville" areas. Virtually no kids in El Porto (lots of retirees and surfers).

shoppingaround · 10 months ago

Probably a better move than buying right now, unless you find the perfect place and have all cash.

Edith-Anne · 10 months ago

All, STOP. Take a step back, look at the world we live in. Is this the kind of discussion that matters? Do you in MB really feel you are chosen? Do you outside of MB really think we can smell the refinery? Who can deny that home sales are down in volume and price? So what? For those than can afford to buy now, welcome. For those that still cannot, wait it out, you may find a steal. For those that are here and plan to stay, enjoy it. It is a community with families, singles, elderly, crime, warm social events, haughtiness, humbleness, traffic, serenity, sports, laziness, and basically all that is found in any other suburban SoCal community. I for one am happy to be here and happy to take the good with the bad. I am not worried about home prices dropping to 2004 levels, because they went up too fast (countywide) in the 1st place. In the end, the market will be the market and that will be that. And that's the truth.

Edith Anne · 10 months ago

All, STOP. Please. Take a step back, look at the world we live in. Is this the kind of discussion that matters? Do you in MB really feel you are chosen? Do you outside of MB really think we can smell the refinery? Who can deny that home sales are down in volume and price? So what? For those than can afford to buy now, welcome. For those that still cannot, wait it out, you may find a steal. For those that are here and plan to stay, enjoy it. It is a community with families, singles, elderly, crime, warm social events, haughtiness, humbleness, traffic, serenity, sports, laziness, and basically all that is found in any other suburban SoCal community. I for one am happy to be here and happy to take the good with the bad. I am not worried about home prices dropping to 2004 levels, because they went up too fast (countywide) in the 1st place. In the end, the market will be the market and that will be that. And that's the truth.

BeachRat · 10 months ago

Nicely stated, Edith-Anne.

James · 10 months ago

MB is the best place I have ever lived. Not a lot of Homosexuals hitting on guys and bums looking for a hand out. Pretty clean too.

I Heart James · 10 months ago

James, you sound hot, do you shave? I love luring straight guys over to the fun side. I'll be Shade tonight. See you there.

anon · 10 months ago

Edith-Anne, just clean-up your children's and spare us the homilies.