🔴 How Our Buyer Won 135 Calle De Andalucia in Hollywood Riviera Against a Higher Offer
How Our Buyer Secured 135 Calle De Andalucia in Hollywood Riviera — Even Against a Higher Offer
In a competitive South Bay purchase, the highest offer does not always win. At 135 Calle De Andalucia, our buyer successfully secured a rare single-level Hollywood Riviera home at $1,650,000 after the sellers chose her offer over another offer that was higher in price. The difference came down to structure, certainty, communication, and a clear commitment to closing.
135 Calle De Andalucia: A Rare Hollywood Riviera Opportunity
135 Calle De Andalucia is a remodeled single-level home in the Hollywood Riviera, one of the South Bay’s most distinctive coastal neighborhoods. Public listing information described the property as a 1949 residence with approximately 1,021 square feet, two bedrooms, one bathroom, a detached two-car garage, and an asking price of $1,650,000.
The home blends mid-century character with a more contemporary California aesthetic. Hardwood floors, black-framed windows, a remodeled kitchen, updated bathroom, crisp stucco exterior, and a strong indoor-outdoor connection gave the home a distinctive feel. The backyard, centered around a mature tree and outdoor entertaining spaces, was particularly memorable.
Another important feature was the lot itself. The property was marketed as being outside the Hollywood Riviera hillside overlay, creating potential future flexibility for a buyer interested in expanding upward, subject of course to applicable municipal rules, permitting, engineering, and design review.
The Buyer Profile: Lifestyle, Commute, and Financial Flexibility
Our buyer began the search with a very practical motivation: reduce a long-standing commute while creating a second South Bay home base that could also be enjoyed on weekends. She worked for Honda, while her spouse worked at UCLA, making location and commute efficiency particularly important.
The initial plan was to purchase with cash, but during the search the financing strategy evolved. Rather than automatically liquidating appreciated assets, the buyer explored whether carrying a smaller mortgage could make more financial sense. That created an additional layer of complexity because lender timing, underwriting, asset availability, and documentation all had to be evaluated quickly once the right home appeared.
Primary Goal
Reduce commute time while creating a comfortable coastal home base.
Price Range
Initially approximately $1.5M–$1.6M, with flexibility for an exceptional property.
Home Style
Smaller, manageable, ideally single-level, attractive condition, and low maintenance.
Lifestyle
Coastal climate, quiet streets, proximity to the beach, trails, shops, and restaurants.
Yard
Usable but manageable outdoor space; room for planting and relaxing.
What Was Not Needed
A pool was ultimately not a priority because of maintenance considerations.
How We Narrowed the South Bay Home Search
The home search started broadly across the Palos Verdes Peninsula and nearby South Bay neighborhoods. Rather than immediately locking the buyer into one ZIP code, we compared several distinct lifestyles: Hollywood Riviera, South Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, and areas closer to the coast.
That process was important because online listing data alone does not explain the differences between these locations. A home can look nearly perfect on paper and still miss because of traffic, microclimate, neighborhood feel, road noise, topography, or commute.
We used curated tours to compare representative homes and neighborhoods side by side. Each property was evaluated against the buyer’s priorities rather than simply price per square foot.
What We Prioritized
- Commute to Honda of approximately 30 minutes or less
- Quiet neighborhood setting
- Move-in-ready or manageable improvements
- Smaller, efficient single-family home
- Coastal weather and lifestyle
- Usable yard without excessive maintenance
What We Compared
- Hollywood Riviera versus inland Torrance
- Rancho Palos Verdes versus closer-in Beach Cities
- Single-family homes versus townhomes and two-on-a-lot alternatives
- Turnkey condition versus value-add opportunity
- Location premium versus additional square footage
Buyers researching the area can also explore our Hollywood Riviera Real Estate Guide and our Hollywood Riviera lifestyle guide.
How We Found the Home
135 Calle De Andalucia was an on-market MLS opportunity that surfaced during one of our curated buyer tours. It was not initially the only home under consideration, but once we toured it in person, it immediately became one of the strongest matches.
This is an important lesson for South Bay buyers: the home that ultimately works is not always the largest, newest, or least expensive. In this case, the location, lifestyle, yard, single-level layout, architectural character, and commute created a stronger overall fit than homes with more square footage.
Why This Home Was Selected
During the showing, the buyer’s reaction clarified what mattered most. The home felt livable immediately, yet still offered opportunities to personalize over time. The remodeled interior eliminated the need for an immediate major renovation, while the lot and detached garage created future possibilities.
The Hollywood Riviera location also solved several goals at once: proximity to the coast, access to Riviera Village, a pleasant neighborhood environment, and a much more convenient commute.
The Competitive Situation: Multiple Offers at the Same Price
The transaction became competitive quickly. The sellers had been negotiating with another buyer before our offer arrived, and another competing offer ultimately came in at essentially the same time as ours.
The first earlier offer did not come together. The sellers then had two strong offers to consider. Importantly, the competing offer that ultimately remained in contention was higher than ours.
That meant price alone was not going to determine the winner.
What Sellers Were Evaluating
- Likelihood of closing
- Contingency periods
- Buyer financial strength
- Escrow timing
- Flexibility around the sellers’ move overseas
- Overall confidence in the transaction
Why This Matters
Buyers often assume the only way to compete is to offer more money. This transaction is a strong example of why thoughtful terms and confidence of performance can be equally important.
The Offer Strategy That Won
We submitted an offer at the full $1,650,000 asking price. Rather than blindly bidding against an unknown competing buyer, we focused on building an offer that would be easy for the sellers to trust.
Key Offer Terms
- $1,650,000 purchase price
- Approximately 30% down payment
- 21-day escrow
- Seven-day contingency period
- Buyer flexibility to accommodate the sellers’ overseas relocation
- Strong proof of financial capacity
- Clear communication with the listing agents
The buyer had initially planned to purchase with cash, which helped demonstrate overall financial capacity even though she ultimately chose to finance a portion of the purchase. At the same time, we coordinated with lenders to make sure financing would not become the weak link in an otherwise strong offer.
Inspections and Due Diligence
Winning the offer was only the first part of the job. The property had undergone significant remodeling, and the seller disclosed that portions of the prior work had been completed without permits. That made the inspection and disclosure review especially important.
General Inspection
Reviewed electrical, plumbing, garage, drainage, safety, roof-related and maintenance items.
Termite Inspection
Identified subterranean and drywood termite activity plus localized dry-rot damage.
Roof Inspection
Evaluated flashings, exposed fasteners, gable vent flashing and general maintenance needs.
Sewer Inspection
Line was hydro-jetted to improve visibility; older line and root intrusion were identified.
Title Review
Reviewed vesting, recorded loan, historical CC&Rs, Edison easement and mineral reservations.
Permit Review
Seller disclosures identified unpermitted remodeling, including removal of a kitchen/hallway wall.
The termite report included a written bid of approximately $5,300 for recommended Section 1 and Section 2 work, including fumigation, subterranean treatment, garage wood repairs, and debris removal. The roof contractor provided a $2,250 maintenance proposal for flashing corrections and related work.
How Repairs and Credits Were Negotiated
The goal during inspections was not to turn the process into a long list of cosmetic requests. We separated meaningful safety and deferred-maintenance issues from minor items the buyer was willing to handle herself.
Electrical concerns included extension-cord wiring, exposed wiring, AFCI protection, an improperly powered garage door opener, deteriorated exterior conduit, and an uncovered junction box. Plumbing findings included a visible leak beneath the home, an improperly sloped drain line, corroded gas piping, and smaller drain and dishwasher installation issues.
We also documented termite and roof work using actual contractor proposals rather than unsupported estimates. The sewer line had root intrusion and could require future lining, but the buyer chose not to include that potential future expense in the requested credit.
Our Repair Negotiation Approach
We requested a $15,000 seller credit toward allowable buyer closing costs and lender-approved expenses. The documented immediate and near-term repair items exceeded that amount, but the buyer intentionally kept the request measured and reasonable.
The buyer also requested that several furnishings remain with the property, including selected furniture, washer and dryer, patio pieces, shelving, mirrors, and other items. The sellers ultimately agreed to leave the requested items at no additional cost.
Obstacles We Worked Through
Several issues could have complicated the transaction if they had not been addressed quickly.
- A competing offer arrived late in the process.
- The competing offer was ultimately higher than ours.
- The buyer’s financing strategy changed from all cash to partial financing.
- Lender underwriting required careful attention to timing and documentation.
- The seller disclosed unpermitted remodeling.
- Inspections uncovered termite, electrical, plumbing, roof and sewer concerns.
- Contingency periods were short, requiring fast coordination of specialists and reports.
Each of these issues was manageable individually. The challenge was handling all of them simultaneously while keeping the transaction organized and the buyer informed.
Transaction Management Behind the Scenes
A successful purchase requires coordination far beyond writing the offer. During this transaction we worked with the buyer, multiple lenders, escrow, Lawyers Title, the listing team, general inspectors, termite specialists, roofers, plumbers, sewer professionals, and contractors.
Financing required particular attention because the buyer was evaluating different lending options while maintaining the ability to close on schedule. We stayed in communication with the lender and listing side so that the seller’s confidence in the buyer remained strong.
Once all investigations were complete and the buyer was comfortable moving forward, all contingencies were released. The transaction then shifted from due diligence to final closing coordination.
Why Buyers Continue to Target Hollywood Riviera
The Hollywood Riviera sits along the southern edge of Redondo Beach and western Torrance and combines beach access, Riviera Village, ocean breezes, established streets, and a relaxed coastal feel. Housing ranges from original ranch and mid-century homes to extensively remodeled properties and custom residences.
One of the subtleties buyers need to understand is that “Hollywood Riviera” is more of a neighborhood identity than a simple mailing address. Some properties carry a Redondo Beach postal address while receiving Torrance municipal services. This home is a good example: the property is associated with a Redondo Beach address while title records identify it as being within the City of Torrance.
Location within the Riviera also matters. Hillside properties, flatter streets, proximity to Riviera Village, ocean-view potential, school boundaries, lot orientation, road traffic, and municipal jurisdiction can all materially affect value and buyer appeal.
Lifestyle Advantages
- Riviera Village shops and restaurants
- Easy access to the beach and The Strand
- Coastal weather and marine influence
- Established residential streets
- Access to parks, recreation and the broader South Bay
Buyer Considerations
- Lot slope and hillside overlay considerations
- Remodel permits and building history
- Older sewer, electrical and plumbing infrastructure
- Micro-location and traffic
- Future expansion potential
For a deeper neighborhood overview, visit our Hollywood Riviera Real Estate Guide. You can also follow current South Bay conditions in our South Bay Real Estate Market Report.
Our Perspective on the Property’s Long-Term Appeal
From a buyer-representation standpoint, the value proposition was stronger than the raw square footage might suggest. The home is compact, but the combination of Hollywood Riviera location, lot quality, detached garage, single-level living, outdoor space, and future potential gives it characteristics that are difficult to replace.
Homes like this can appeal to several future buyer profiles: professionals seeking a coastal base, downsizers wanting single-level living, couples prioritizing location over size, and buyers who may eventually expand or rebuild.
Why the Buyer Connected With the Home
The buyer’s reaction during the showing was meaningful. She was not simply evaluating countertops and square footage; she could picture actually living there.
The location shortened her commute, the manageable size reduced maintenance, and the backyard and proximity to the coast created the type of South Bay lifestyle she had been seeking. The home also allowed her to move in comfortably while retaining the option to make thoughtful improvements later.
The Result: A Higher Offer Did Not Win
The sellers ultimately selected our buyer’s $1,650,000 offer even though another offer was higher.
According to feedback from the listing side, the sellers valued our terms and the buyer’s commitment to purchasing the home. That is the clearest measure of whether the offer strategy worked.
Successful Outcome
- Offer accepted at $1,650,000
- Won despite a higher competing offer
- Completed extensive due diligence
- Negotiated inspection issues
- Secured requested furnishings at no additional cost
- Released all contingencies
Why It Worked
- Seller-specific terms
- Clear communication
- Strong financial profile
- Short contingency timeline
- Flexible closing approach
- Demonstrated commitment to the home
Key Takeaways for Future South Bay Buyers
1. Do Not Compete on Price Alone
Before raising your price, understand what matters to the seller. Escrow length, contingency periods, possession, flexibility, and confidence of performance can all influence the decision.
2. Get Financing Fully Organized Early
A financially strong buyer can still lose a property if the lender cannot perform within the required timeline. Financing strategy should be addressed before the perfect home appears.
3. Inspections Are About Risk, Not Perfection
Older South Bay homes often have deferred maintenance or prior remodeling. The goal is to identify material issues, quantify them, and decide whether they affect the value or desirability of the home.
4. Use Contractor Documentation
Repair negotiations are stronger when supported by actual termite, roofing, plumbing, sewer or specialist reports instead of broad estimates.
5. Know the Micro-Market
Hollywood Riviera values can change significantly based on street, slope, ocean orientation, municipal jurisdiction, lot usability, and proximity to Riviera Village.
6. Stay Focused on the Buyer’s Real Priorities
The largest house is not always the best home. Lifestyle, commute, neighborhood feel, maintenance, and future flexibility can matter more than square footage.
Why Work With Scherb Homes Group as a South Bay Buyer?
Buyer representation is more than opening doors. Our role is to help buyers understand neighborhoods, identify opportunities, compare properties objectively, structure competitive offers, coordinate financing, investigate property condition, negotiate repairs, and manage the transaction through closing.
We work throughout Palos Verdes, Hollywood Riviera, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, and the surrounding South Bay. Our approach combines local market knowledge, agent relationships, on-market search, private and off-market opportunities, careful due diligence, and hands-on transaction management.
Buyers can also explore our South Bay Private Buyer Match Report and our Hollywood Riviera off-market opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying in Hollywood Riviera
How can a buyer win in a multiple-offer situation without being the highest offer?
Focus on the entire package. Strong financing, shorter but responsible contingency periods, flexible timing, seller-specific terms, clean documentation, and responsive communication can make an offer more attractive than a slightly higher price with greater uncertainty.
Why use a buyer’s agent in Hollywood Riviera?
Hollywood Riviera has meaningful street-by-street differences involving views, slope, city jurisdiction, traffic, lot orientation, remodel potential, and neighborhood feel. An experienced local buyer representative can help interpret those differences and structure an offer around the specific seller and property.
What inspections should buyers consider for an older South Bay home?
At minimum, buyers often consider a general inspection, termite inspection and sewer inspection. Depending on the property, roof, electrical, plumbing, foundation, drainage, chimney, mold, pool, geological or other specialized inspections may also be appropriate.
How are repairs negotiated after inspections?
Buyers may request repairs, seller credits, price changes, or other contractual solutions. Strong requests are usually focused on material findings and supported by inspection reports or contractor estimates rather than cosmetic preferences.
What should buyers know about permits and remodeling?
Many older South Bay homes have been remodeled over decades. Buyers should compare seller disclosures, city permit history, inspections, and actual improvements. Unpermitted work does not automatically mean poor workmanship, but it should be understood before contingencies are removed.
What makes Hollywood Riviera desirable?
Buyers are attracted to the neighborhood’s coastal setting, Riviera Village, beach access, ocean breezes, views, established architecture, community feel, and convenient access to both the Beach Cities and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Thinking About Buying in Hollywood Riviera or the South Bay?
Whether you are relocating, downsizing, moving closer to work, searching for a second home, or simply trying to understand which South Bay neighborhood is the best fit, we would be happy to help you build a thoughtful buying strategy.
Scherb Homes Group works with buyers across Hollywood Riviera, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and surrounding communities, including both on-market and private opportunities.
Contact Scherb Homes Group Explore Hollywood RivieraPrimary keyword: Hollywood Riviera Home Buyer Representation. Secondary topics: Hollywood Riviera real estate, Redondo Beach home buyer representation, Torrance real estate, South Bay buyer agent, multiple-offer strategy, buyer inspections, South Bay home buying, coastal Los Angeles real estate.
CLIFF SCHERB
CLIFF SCHERB | Global Real Estate Advisor
Email Cliff@ScherbHomes.com
Vista Sotheby’s International Realty
DRE# 02207710
COMMITTED TO YOUR HOME JOURNEY
As seasoned real estate professionals in the South Bay, Cliff and Kimberly Scherb leverage their unique backgrounds to provide exceptional service. Cliff, with expertise in health and wellness, ensures a holistic approach to real estate, while Kim, a former ballet dancer and acupuncturist, offers refined design insights. Together, they deliver a comprehensive and client-focused experience.