IS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFE?

Here in the South Bay we feel pretty safe and secure about our

neighborhoods.  We know the most important thing to consider when purchasing a home is always, location, location, location. 

But, what about other neighborhoods we may be considering for income property, vacation homes or helping one of our kids find their first place?   

Today, with the amount of information available online, crime statistics can be easy to find if you just know where to look.  Here are some helpful places to start...

 

Sex Offenders: Thanks to Megan's Law, determining if there are registered sex offenders in the area has never been easier. Simply Google "Megan's Law, (your city), (your state)," and you should see a list of available resources. You should be able to enter the address, neighborhood, town, ZIP code, or other identifiers that will allow you to see if there are any registered sex offenders in the area. Be aware that process may vary by state, and if you don't have any success with the keywords "Megan's Law," instead try "sex offender, (your city), (your state)."

 

Drugs: Has a property been used for drug sales or drug production? Was it ever a meth lab? It may be a bit tougher to find all the information you want, but there are options:

 

Google the address. If a crime had been reported there, some details may show up in the search, especially if it made the local paper or news channels.

 

Drive by in the evening or weekend (when people are most likely around) and talk with neighbors. They can often be the best source for what happened in that home before it went on the market.


 Justice Dept. website Click on the map to view a list of counties and addresses where drug labs have been found.

Crime: Want to find out about stolen vehicles, robberies, and more? Below are three sites to help your buyers do that (besides the Daily Breeze, of course.) 


Trulia: To get an understanding of the overall crime statistics in the area, Trulia can be a good place to start. After entering the address in the search field, scroll down to the "Local Info" area and click on the "Crimes" tab. This information is also available for larger areas using the "Local Info" tab in the search area.
 

CrimeReports: This site allows you to see the types of crimes that occurred throughout the area. By clicking on the icons, you learn what type of crime was committed, where it was committed, and when it occurred.

SpotCrime is another site that works similarly to CrimeReports, though you may find more details on the CrimeReports site depending on the area.

 

Of course, call me for information on any property in Southern California.  I'd be more than happy to help you research and find a safe place to live, vacation, relocate or check out for the kids.  
Charlie :)
Team South Bay Realty

24214 Hawthorne Blvd. Suite B

Torrance, CA 90505

310-534-3940

HARBOR LIGHTS & CITY SIGHTS

Has the Harbor always fascinated you?

Are you one of those people who love to watch the ships go out to sea and dream about far away adventures? If you are, I have a perfect home for you! Nestled on a hill top overlooking the city is this unusual home for the very discerning buyer. An open floor plan with city and harbor views from most rooms creates an otherworldly appeal. The handcrafted woodworking is reminicent of some of our great sailing vessels. You'll be the Captain in this home for sure, entertaining in its formal dining room with wood burning fireplace and sliding glass doors opening to huge decks and fabulous views. Three bedrooms and two baths can accommodate most families but this home also has a private 400 square foot separate office space for the busy entrepreneur. Upgraded kitchen with newer appliances and many well thought out conveniences are a BIG plus in this home. Extra large garage and additional storage are special added bonuses. Preview this home soon ... don't let it be a missed opportunity for your family.

1117 Sepulveda, San Pedro

Asking: $699,000

LEMONADE IN THE PARK ...

I may be dating myself here, but this picture reminds me of my childhood...hot summer days with ice cold lemonade, park-like backyards, playsets, lots of room and lots of time and lots of fun! Today, it's hard to find BIG BACK YARDS with quiet park-like settings.... nice places to sit and sip and talk. Put away the IPODS and Blackberries and just enjoy the quiet, watching the kids play...it makes you feel young again. And if you're the parents in this setting, it makes you feel secure and comfortable that your family has a safe, fun place to play and relax!

This is a lovely home in Lomita Pines. Not only does it have this fabulous back yard, it also has four bedrooms, two and one half baths, a large yet cozy living room with fireplace, remodeled kitchen, covered patio, balcony with city views, attached garage with custom cabinets and direct entry into the home, security system, forced air heat and air conditioning. Great floorplan too... one bedroom and bath downstairs has a private entrance (perfect for teens, nannies, inlaws or just guests.) Beautiful handcrafted oak stair rails lead to the spacious upstairs bedrooms with lovely city views. You have to preview this home to appreciate it. More information is available at: http://www.realestateshows.com/196690 or http://www.lomitahomes.com/.

Oh, did I mention that this home is also on a Cul De Sac? Visit us and feel the difference this neighborhood could make in your life and the lives of your family members.

Call me for more information on this and other beautiful homes in the Pines that may fit your needs. My business is in your neighborhood!

It's a Good Life!