Helping my clients purchase 1134 W 210th St in Torrance was an exciting and rewarding journey from start to finish — and this one meant even more because the buyer was one of my best friends in the world.
I’ve known Jacqui since 10th grade. We grew up just four houses apart in La Verne, so we basically lived at each other’s homes. She and her brother were close with me and my brothers, and our moms were great friends too. We spent countless afternoons, weekends, and holidays together throughout high school and beyond.
Life shifted in 2008 when my mom’s adjustable-rate mortgage spiked and her house payment doubled. She sold the home and we moved into a rental, which meant moving away from Jacqui. Over time, her family moved too, and none of us were on that same street anymore. But we always stayed connected.
Years passed. College happened. Careers began. Life moved forward. Jacqui met and married an incredible guy named Ross, and they had a son. Then one day I got the call — it was time for them to buy their first home.
Like most first-time home buyers, they weren’t sure where to begin. We started with preparation. I connected them with my trusted mortgage lender, who provided outstanding service and a competitive rate. Once they had their pre-approval letter in hand, they were confident and ready to tour.
They knew they wanted to be in the South Bay. We explored Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, San Pedro, Palos Verdes, and even considered Lomita, Carson, Gardena, and Lawndale. With a toddler, being close to Ross’s mom in Redondo Beach — their son’s grandma — was a major priority. Location mattered not just for value, but for family.
As with most couples, they had slightly different visions. Ross was open to buying a lower-priced fixer and putting in the sweat equity himself. Jacqui preferred something turnkey and move-in ready. My role was to help them evaluate each opportunity logically, weighing risk, renovation costs, resale value, and long-term goals.
We toured about ten properties — a mix of private showings and open houses. Then we walked into 1134 W 210th St in Torrance. It had great bones, a functional layout, and real potential, but it was clearly a fixer. Jacqui was hesitant because of the visible work needed. Ross immediately saw the upside and long-term savings.
In the South Bay market, speed and strategy are everything. After reviewing comparable sales and current competition, we crafted a strong offer designed to stand out without overexposing them financially. There were multiple interested buyers, so terms mattered just as much as price. Because of the rapport I built with the listing agent and the strategic questions I asked to uncover the seller’s motivations, we positioned Jacqui and Ross as serious, qualified buyers who could close. Our offer was accepted.
We opened escrow shortly after.
During inspections, we brought in trusted inspectors and contractors to provide real repair estimates. That gave them clear numbers instead of guesswork. Using the inspection report and contractor bids, I negotiated a significant price reduction that protected them financially and helped support the appraisal. The appraisal process went smoothly, and financing stayed on track thanks to the preparation we had done upfront.
There was a small hiccup with Ross’s credit mid-escrow, but we acted quickly. I connected him with our credit specialist, Eric Torres, who resolved the issue efficiently and kept everything moving. With contingencies removed and full loan approval secured, we closed without unnecessary delays.
Then came the transformation.
The remodel took about three months. Watching them turn that fixer into a beautiful family home was incredibly rewarding. They moved in just in time for Thanksgiving — celebrating the holidays in a home they worked hard to secure and improve.
The best part of representing buyers is seeing that emotional payoff. Walking through the home at final walkthrough, knowing it was officially theirs, was powerful. Buying a home is more than a transaction — it’s a milestone.
Helping clients is always meaningful. Helping lifelong friends reach that milestone hits differently.
Find out more from the sold listing:
Property Highlights
Address: 1134 W 210th St, Torrance, CA 90502
Sold Price: $875,000
Year Built: 1954
Size: 1,280 sq ft
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Neighborhood: Torrance (South Bay)
Represented By
Justin specializes in helping buyers and sellers throughout:
Claremont
Pomona
La Verne
Upland
Glendora
Chino Hills
Rancho Cucamonga
Helping buyers win in competitive markets takes preparation, precision, and steady guidance through escrow. If you’re ready to purchase your next home, I’m here to help you navigate the process with confidence.