Editor's Note: Real Estate specialist Cindy Shearin of The Shearin Group talks about Manhattan Beach real estate this time of year, and growth in the area, in this exclusive Q&A.
Do you find a lot of people moving to Manhattan Beach this time of year?
Yes, summer is an ideal time to move to Manhattan Beach. Our weather is always optimal, and the gorgeous beaches are the perfect escape for relaxing and enjoying some much-needed fun in the sun while in the midst of unpacking. Likewise, our downtown area is full of great restaurants with famous chefs, boutique shopping, coffee shops, surf shops, and paddleboard stores. There is a perpetual laid-back spirit in the air here which makes acclimating easy.
For families, our schools are some of the best in California. Most are Blue and Green Ribbon schools with excellent API scores. Therefore, naturally, we have many clients moving at this time to be ready for the school year.
Photo Credit: Linda Cotter
Are there any new areas in your market where you have seen a lot of growth?
The Manhattan Village area of Manhattan Beach is seeing tremendous growth. Being the only gated community in Manhattan Beach isn’t the only thing that makes this area unique. In the Village, there are many cul-de-sac streets with no thru-traffic which is desirable for families with small children at play. Also, the community backs up to the Manhattan Village Mall, an outdoor plaza that is currently under major renovation and contains national chain stores and boutique shopping, plus multiple dining options both upscale and casual. Additionally, Manhattan Village has direct access to the Manhattan Beach Country Club. The sprawling tennis club offers multiple courts and competitive level coaching, a state-of-the-art gym, an Olympic size adult pool as well as a kids pool, several restaurants, poolside dining including a cocktail bar, plus event space available for members to rent.
Photo Credit: Linda Cotter
What amenities are buyers requesting more this time of year in their new homes?
As noted previously, our weather is perfect almost all year which welcomes blending the indoor/outdoor spaces. Whether it is an indoor dining room or living area that opens onto an outdoor space, clients want disappearing glass doors to open completely to bring the indoors outside.
For residents in the sand section, we have a lot of requests for beach rooms on the ground floor which open onto a yard or outdoor space and typically include a wet bar and a big-screen television. This community is very social so beach rooms are great for hosting parties, especially in the summer.
Photo Credit: Linda Cotter
Throughout Manhattan Beach, most newer or remodeled homes will feature full outdoor kitchens along with the dining and living areas. Families with kids are requesting mudrooms and homework/homeschool spaces. Likewise, the adults are working more out of their homes, therefore, a dedicated home office is an item high on the priority list. With the advent of Covid-19, these requests are all paramount.
Thanks to my 30 years in the marketplace, and my design and development skills, I know just how to assist my clients with their desires. Whether they opt for upgrades and changes, building a new home or moving into a home that better addresses their current needs…I am equipped to tackle any of these directions.
Photo Credit: Linda Cotter
How are you spending the end of the summer?
As much as I’d love to say vacationing in the South of France, I am actually delighted with all of my custom design & development projects, six of them at the moment, and closing four escrows as of this interview. I love what I do, so secretly, it’s just as satisfying as any vacation I could desire.
Photo Credit: Linda Cotter
