Team Indermill

David R. Indermill, 37, who spent 10 years detailing cars and the last nine selling beach real estate – $60 million worth so far – offers some do's and don'ts when it comes to beach living and buying:
Oceanfront property is great, but it'll cost you: The price per square foot for homes in prime locations can reach $2,700. Even in inland blocks, it can still set you back a hefty $500-$600 per square foot.

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“Parking is golden”: If you're buying a condo, don't settle for one space, buy a second even if it adds $20,000 to $75,000 to the price, because on-street parking is so scarce.
Noise: Expect loud parties, especially in the summer. “You get conditioned to the environment – either you're a beach person or you're not.”

Space: On small lots, expect small living spaces that some architects and builders have cleverly designed for maximum efficiency. The dream of many beach buyers: a roof deck.

Flowers and trees: Curb appeal sells and a little grass and shrubbery can boost value. “Landscaping can make or break a house.”

If it's broke, fix it: The sea air and swirling sands play havoc with stucco walls, metal railings and other fixtures and features. If you're in a homeowners association, make sure the board budgets liberally for upkeep. If you're not, don't delay minor repairs or you'll pay much more later.

Off the beach: Restaurants, shops and entertainment are tops, from Oceanside to Imperial Beach. There are chains but many more one-of-a-kind places to enjoy.

Rental rants: If you rent your home a few weeks a year (so you can pay the mortgage the rest of the year) or operate year-round rentals, be tough. “Take heavy deposits” to cover damage and if the rental agreement limits occupancy to four people and you find there are now 10, evict 'em. “You have to have a strong management company that doesn't put up with any nonsense.”

Don't sell, remodel: Indermill plans to scrape his 1,350-square-foot, 70-year-old home on Sail Bay in the next three years and replace it with two three-story homes of 2,100 to 2,400 square feet.

Keep it in the family: The beach real estate business is contagious. Indermill's long-term partner, Rosanne Apodaca, is a title representative with Advantage Title, and her daughter, Alexandra List, 16, is learning to enter data for Indermill into the multiple listing service.

I have been a Multi-Million Dollar Producer since 1998, and a member of ReMax's Award Winning Platinum Club. I am also honored to have been selected into the Re/Max Hall of Fame.

Less than 10% of the 10,000 plus Sales Associates in California and Hawaii achieved this
PLATINUM CLUB level in 2006.

Less than 10% of the 133,000 plus Sales Associates in California and Hawaii achieved this HALL OF FAME level in 2006.

Indermill and his associates work at Penny Realty-Re/Max Coastal Properties and can be reached at www.teamindermill.com or (858) 414-5478.