Sept. 3, 2026

43 Years of Tradition: The Malibu Chili Cook-Off Returns for Labor Day Weekend

43 Years of Tradition: The Malibu Chili Cook-Off Returns for Labor Day Weekend

CAMPBELL WELLMAN MALIBU CHILI COOKOFF

For over four decades, Labor Day weekend along the coast has meant one thing: the Malibu Chili Cook-Off®.

What began in 1982 as a humble, grass-roots gathering of local chefs and residents sharing chili recipes has evolved into the Westside's quintessential end-of-summer ritual. Spanning four full days—starting Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7, 2026—the 43rd annual event brings together everything that defines Malibu’s unique culture: beachside nostalgia, world-class entertainment, custom skate culture, and deep community roots.

A Heritage Built on Community Resilience

While the ferris wheel lights and chili tastings draw visitors from across Los Angeles, the heart of the Cook-Off remains anchored in local impact.

100% of net proceeds from the event directly support the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM). Over the decades, BGCM has grown into a vital sanctuary and resource center for local youth and families. Beyond daily after-school enrichment and mentorship, the organization provides essential no-cost mental health and wellness services, as well as critical, long-term disaster recovery support for community members affected by regional fires.

Attending the Chili Cook-Off isn't just a holiday tradition—it’s an active investment in the safety net of our neighboring coastal community.

What’s Happening Across the Grounds

Located at 23575 Civic Center Way in the heart of Malibu, this year’s setup blends classic carnival nostalgia with modern coastal lifestyle:

  • The Chili Competition: Local culinary staples and regional favorites face off in meat and vegan categories. Attendees get to sample the offerings and cast their vote for the coveted People’s Choice Award.

  • Live Music on the Aviator Nation Stage: California lifestyle brand Aviator Nation is hosting the new Dreamland Music Stage, featuring live performances throughout the entire weekend. Exclusive, official event merch designed in collaboration with Aviator Nation will also be available on-site.

  • The Johnny Strange Skate Contest: A beloved annual highlight, the mini-ramp skate competition brings together local skaters across all age groups and skill divisions to celebrate community and coastal skate culture.

  • Carnival & Local Artisans: Classic fair rides, games, and stalls featuring local Malibu artists and vendors line the grounds, offering a complete family-friendly day out.

Event Logistics & Hours

  • Dates: Friday, September 4 – Monday, September 7, 2026

  • Location: 23575 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA

  • Friday Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Saturday & Sunday Hours: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Monday Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Ticketing: All event admission tickets must be purchased online in advance (children 5 and under are free).

CAMPBELL WELLMAN MALIBU CHILI COOKOFF 1

TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE.

The Campbell Wellman Take

The Malibu Chili Cook-Off captures what makes our coastal enclaves so rare. It’s high-end coastal living wrapped in a tight-knit, small-town atmosphere. Supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu while enjoying a quintessential California afternoon on Civic Center Way is the absolute best way to close out the summer season.

Sept. 3, 2026

What National "Seller Motivation" Really Means for Coastal LA Real Estate

Decoding the Market Shift: What National "Seller Motivation" Really Means for Coastal LA Real Estate

CAMPBELL WELLMAN PROPERTIES Q3 2026 ANALYSIS

For months, national economic headlines have repeated the same script: housing is stuck in an affordability trap, elevated interest rates are freezing transactions, and home prices remain stubborn.

Recently, new real-time analytics from Parcl Labs—highlighted across national investment channels like BiggerPockets—suggest that "the ice is cracking." The national Motivated Seller Index (MSI) officially tipped into "motivated" territory, signaling that seller leverage across the country is softening.

While national data maps highlight where sellers are starting to blink, understanding real estate requires zooming in. What holds true in Sunbelt overbuild markets looks drastically different when applied to the coastal pockets of Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Venice, and the South Bay.

The Macro Picture: How Parcl Labs Tracks the Shift

Parcl Labs measures market pressure across three specific metrics:

  • Supply vs. Demand Skew: Tracking regions where active inventory expansion is outpacing buyer demand.

  • Price Reduction Velocity: Tracking how fast sellers are cutting list prices to capture active buyers.

  • Unrealized Loss Margins: Identifying areas where listings are settling noticeably below their peak comps.

Across Texas, Florida, and portions of the interior West, new residential construction and elevated carrying costs have forced sellers to adjust prices downward. Nationally, seller leverage is shifting toward buyers for the first time in years.

Micro Reality: Why Coastal LA Operates on a Different Frequency

While national seller indices capture broader macro trends, coastal Southern California operates under unique structural dynamics.

1. Structural Inventory Insulation

Sunbelt markets experiencing significant price cuts often face competition from continuous new construction. In contrast, coastal Los Angeles—from the Palisades down to Manhattan Beach—is geographically locked between the mountains and the ocean. Supply remains strictly finite. Even when buyer activity slows seasonally, listing volume stays tightly controlled.

2. Liquidity Over Leverage

The national Motivated Seller Index is heavily influenced by rate-sensitive buyers and leveraged inventory. In our primary Westside and South Bay micro-markets, a high percentage of transactions are driven by cash, private equity, or substantial equity positions. That capital depth prevents panic pricing.

3. Re-emergence of Strategic Buyer Leverage

While local sellers are not panic-cutting prices, buyer leverage has evolved. Sellers who overreach on launch pricing can no longer rely on immediate, unvetted bidding wars. Buyers now have space to negotiate terms, request property repairs, and secure price adjustments on inventory that sits past its initial 30-day window.

The Campbell Wellman Take

 

National real estate data is fantastic for spotting broad trends, but real estate is always local. While national headlines talk about sellers 'blinking,' on the Westside and South Bay, we are seeing a return to a balanced, rational market. Well-priced, high-quality properties in top-tier locations continue to sell quickly. For homes that launch over-market, buyers finally have the leverage to negotiate realistically.

Aug. 27, 2026

Coastline & Custom Chrome: The 6th Annual Santa Monica Classic Car Show Takes Over the Pier

Coastline & Custom Chrome: The 6th Annual Santa Monica Classic Car Show Takes Over the Pier

CAMPBELL WELLMAN SANTA MONICA CLASSIC LOWRIDER CAR SHOW 2026

There is something singular about West Coast automotive culture. When you pair world-class custom builds with the ocean air, you get a scene that defines the Southern California lifestyle.

This weekend, one of our favorite local traditions returns as the 6th Annual Santa Monica Classic Car Show takes over the historic Santa Monica Pier. Whether you are a dedicated collector, a design enthusiast, or simply looking for an effortless weekend plan along the coast, this is one of those neighborhood events that captures the authentic spirit of the Westside.

What to Expect on the Wooden Planks

For one full day, the pier transforms into an outdoor museum of West Coast artistry and automotive history.

  • The Fleet: Over 200 meticulously restored classic cars will be lining the pier. Expect everything from pre-war 1930s cruisers to muscle cars, custom builds, and signature lowriders showcasing deep candy paint and intricate metalwork.

  • The Atmosphere: The event brings together live entertainment, family-friendly programming, and local food, set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Ferris wheel.

  • The Turnout: Building on last year’s turnout of over 5,000 attendees, this year’s show promises another lively, vibrant afternoon on the water.

Event Details at a Glance

  • Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Location: Santa Monica Pier

  • Admission: FREE for all spectators and foot traffic

Lowriding for a Cause

Beyond the polished chrome and coastal views, what makes this event particularly special is its mission. Hosted by the Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC), the car show directly benefits local youth services, after-school programs, and leadership development for underserved young people across Santa Monica and Los Angeles County.

Proceeds from vehicle registrations go straight into PYFC's community work, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Westside lowrider traditions while directly investing back into the neighborhood’s future.

The Campbell Wellman Take

 

Events like this showcase what makes living on the Westside so great. It’s not just about incredible design and prime oceanfront location—it’s about community, culture, and supporting local institutions that keep our neighborhoods grounded. Grab a coffee, walk the pier, and enjoy a great late-August afternoon in Santa Monica.

Aug. 27, 2026

The $4.4 Trillion Engine: Why California Real Estate Remains America’s Premier Safe Haven

The $4.4 Trillion Engine: Why California Real Estate Remains America’s Premier Safe Haven

CAMPBELL WELLMAN CA FLAG SANTA MONICA CA

When analyzing national headlines, it is easy to lose sight of the foundational economic drivers beneath our local real estate market. Recent data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) for Q1 2026 highlights a fundamental truth: California is driving America’s economy by a staggering margin.

The National Picture: A $31.87 Trillion Economy

Across the United States, total annualized GDP reached $31.87 trillion in early 2026. While economic output is distributed across 50 states, wealth generation and industrial output are concentrated in a handful of powerhouse regions.

The top 14 states generate the overwhelming majority of American GDP, with Texas (3.03T/9.5%),NewYork(2.55T / 8.0%), and Florida ($1.90T / 6.0%) anchoring significant regional economies.

However, one state sits in a league entirely of its own.

California by the Numbers: Leading the Nation

California generated $4.40 trillion in GDP in Q1 2026, representing 13.8% of the entire United States economy.

  • The Gap: California’s economic output is 45% larger than Texas (the second-largest state economy) and 131% larger than Florida.

  • Global Scale: If California were a sovereign nation, its $4.4 trillion economy would rank as the 4th largest in the world, sitting comfortably ahead of Japan and trailing only the aggregate U.S., China, and Germany.

  • Capital & Innovation Hub: Driven by biotech, entertainment, defense, and venture-backed technology, California continues to generate wealth at a rate that outpaces most developed nations.

What This Means for Coastal Los Angeles Real Estate

For real estate investors and homeowners in the Westside and South Bay—from Pacific Palisades and Venice down to Manhattan Beach—these figures reinforce why coastal property remains a high-conviction asset class.

1. Wealth Concentration & Sustained Demand

A $4.4 trillion economy creates an incredible concentration of high-earning professionals, founders, and executive liquidity. That capital flows directly into luxury real estate, sustaining buyer demand across prime coastal pockets even during fluctuating interest rate cycles.

2. Geographically Finite Supply

While states like Texas and Florida boast vast land for suburban sprawl, coastal Southern California is naturally land-locked between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Combining immense GDP output with strictly finite coastal land creates an enduring imbalance where demand consistently exceeds available inventory.

3. Long-Term Capital Preservation

Real estate in prime Westside and South Bay neighborhoods functions as an economic safe-haven asset. The sheer underlying strength of California's private sector—comprising 90% of the state's GDP—ensures that coastal property acts as an inflation hedge backed by real economic productivity.

The Campbell Wellman Take

 

National economic headlines often paint real estate with too broad a brush. When you zoom in on California, you’re looking at a $4.4 trillion economic powerhouse. When you narrow that down to coastal Los Angeles—where land is scarce and global capital converges—you realize why high-net-worth buyers continue to treat Westside and South Bay real estate as one of the safest long-term wealth stores in the world.

Aug. 20, 2026

The End of the "National" Housing Market: Navigating the 4 Real Estate Realities on the Westside

The End of the "National" Housing Market: Navigating the 4 Real Estate Realities on the Westside

CAMPBELL WELLMAN BLOG END OF THE NATIONAL HOUSING MARKET

When real estate leader Ryan Serhant stated during a CNBC Fast Money panel that "there is no longer a housing market in the United States... there are four Americas," he put a spotlight on the structural split defining today's industry.

Across coastal Los Angeles—from Pacific Palisades and Venice down to Manhattan Beach—broad national real estate headlines rarely tell the full story. Instead, transaction volume, pricing leverage, and buyer behavior are divided into four distinct categories:

  1. Cash Buyers

  2. Buyers Who Need Financing

  3. Mortgage Rate Lock Owners

  4. Homebuilders & Custom Remodelers

Here is how these four dynamics are playing out across our local coastal neighborhoods in August 2026, and what each group needs to know right now.

1. Cash Buyers: Living in a Different World

As Serhant noted, cash buyers operate on a totally different playing field. In hyper-prime coastal markets, cash purchasers are insulated from interest rate fluctuations. Historically, cash versus financing was simply a matter of speed. Today, cash provides total leverage over deal terms, contingency timelines, and price negotiations.

Across the Westside and South Bay, cash transactions continue to drive private off-market deals and luxury purchases, allowing buyers to move decisively on prime inventory without underwriting delays.

2. Financed Buyers: Balancing 6.5% and 20% Down

For buyers leveraging traditional financing, the math requires careful strategy. Purchasing with interest rates around 6.5% while putting 20% down changes monthly carrying costs and overall purchasing power compared to recent years.

In sub-markets like Venice or Santa Monica, financed buyers are prioritizing move-in-ready homes that require no immediate renovation budget. They are scrutinizing price-per-square-foot metrics and using tools like seller credits or temporary rate buydowns to bridge the gap.

3. Mortgage Rate Lock: Owners Aren't Budging

A primary cause of low public inventory in established neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades and Manhattan Beach is the "rate lock" effect. Homeowners holding legacy 3% mortgage rates face a steep financial hurdle to sell and trade into a new property at current rates.

Because these owners aren't budging, high-quality inventory remains constrained. Many are opting to stay put and invest back into their properties through major additions, custom remodels, or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to adapt their spaces instead of moving.

4. Homebuilders: Playing Their Own Game Entirely

With existing homeowners locked in, custom builders and developers are filling the inventory void. Because buyers are willing to pay a premium for brand-new, highly engineered modern homes, local construction continues to thrive.

Through our projects at Spiegel Wellman, we see firsthand how high the demand remains for single-family ground-up builds and comprehensive down-to-the-studs renovations that deliver modern resilience, energy efficiency, and outdoor living integration.

The Campbell Wellman Take

 

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or build, success starts with recognizing which of these four groups you belong to—and who sits across the table from you. A cash buyer evaluating a private listing in Malibu operates with completely different priorities than a family financing a home on the Westside. Structuring your strategy around these distinct realities is how deals get done.

Aug. 20, 2026

Community, Craftsmanship, and Classics: Cars & Coffee Returns to Swarthmore Avenue

Community, Craftsmanship, and Classics: Cars & Coffee Returns to Swarthmore Avenue

CAMPBELL WELLMAN PALISADES VILLAGE CARS AND COFFEE 2026

Following the grand reopening of Palisades Village, the community’s favorite morning tradition is officially back on the calendar. This Sunday, August 23rd, local automotive enthusiasts, families, and neighbors are invited to gather on Swarthmore Avenue for Palisades Cars & Coffee.

Running from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, the event offers a relaxed, casual morning designed around a shared appreciation for design, mechanical engineering, and community connection.

What to Expect

Swarthmore Avenue will transform into a walkable showcase featuring a curated lineup of vehicles:

  • The Lineup: Expect a diverse mix of rare vintage classics, air-cooled European models, mid-century American muscle, and modern supercars.

  • Coffee & Pastries: Grab a morning espresso or matcha alongside fresh baked goods from surrounding Village spots while exploring the street.

  • Walkable & Open-Air: The setting provides an easy, family-friendly atmosphere to chat with vehicle owners, catch up with local neighbors, and start the Sunday morning at a slow pace.

Event Details & Visitor Logistics

  • Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026

  • Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

  • Location: Swarthmore Avenue at Palisades Village

  • Admission: Free and open to the public.

  • Parking: The Palisades Village parking garage opens early, with complimentary parking available for guests as part of the Village's reopening month.

The Campbell Wellman Take

 

Seeing recurring neighborhood events like Cars & Coffee return to Swarthmore Avenue is what having the Village back open is all about. It’s low-key, accessible, and gives the whole community a great reason to walk down, grab a coffee, and connect on a Sunday morning.

Aug. 13, 2026

Welcome Home: Palisades Village Reopens This Saturday

Welcome Home: Palisades Village Reopens This Saturday

CAMPBELL WELLMAN PALISADES VILLAGE REOPENS 2026

This Saturday, August 15, marks a meaningful milestone for Pacific Palisades. Following months of recovery and rebuilding after the fires, Palisades Village is officially reopening its doors—bringing back the town’s centerpoint.

More than just a destination for shopping and dining, the Village has always served as Palisades’ living room: a place where neighbors run into each other, families spend weekends, and local memories are made. Its reopening signals a powerful new chapter of strength, connection, and renewal for residents across the Westside.

Grand Reopening Event Details

The community is invited to gather for a full day of celebrations to welcome back familiar faces, local merchants, and cherished gathering spaces:

  • Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026

  • Location: Palisades Village (15225 Palisades Village Lane)

  • Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: 10:30 AM — Bringing together community leaders, local business owners, and residents to officially cut the ribbon.

  • Shops & Restaurants Open: Doors open at 11:00 AM.

  • Daytime Festivities: All-day shopping experiences, pop-ups, tasting events, live entertainment, and family activities.

  • Evening Finale: 8:00 PM — A special evening tribute celebrating the resilience and unity of the Palisades community.

  • Parking Notice: Garage opens at 9:00 AM, with complimentary parking through September 2026 for all guests.

The Campbell Wellman Take

 

Rebuilding a neighborhood is about so much more than brick and mortar—it's about restoring the heartbeat of the community. Palisades Village reopening isn't just a win for local retail; it's a testament to the incredible resilience of Pacific Palisades residents. We couldn't be happier to see this vibrant gathering space back open for our neighbors.

Aug. 13, 2026

The 2026 AVP Manhattan Beach Open Hits the Sand This Weekend

The 2026 AVP Manhattan Beach Open Hits the Sand This Weekend

CAMPBELL WELLMAN AVP MANHATTAN BEACH OPEN 2026

Beach volleyball’s most storied tradition is back. Established in 1960, the AVP Manhattan Beach Open returns to the South Bay starting Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Often called the "Wimbledon of Beach Volleyball," the Manhattan Beach Open features the season's largest draw, highest stakes, and a singular honor: the tournament champions permanently etch their names onto bronze plaques embedded in the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Whether you're a dedicated fan or just looking to catch world-class sport on the sand this weekend, here is your guide to the action at the pier.

Event Details & Schedule

  • Location: Manhattan Beach Pier, CA

  • Admission: General Admission is FREE on a first-come, first-served basis surrounding the stadium court and outer courts.

Daily Tourney Schedule

  • Friday, August 14: Main Draw matches start at 8:00 AM (Box Office: 7:00 AM | Ticketed Areas: 7:30 AM)

  • Saturday, August 15: Main Draw matches start at 8:00 AM (Box Office: 7:00 AM | Ticketed Areas: 7:30 AM)

  • Sunday, August 16: Semi-Finals & Finals start at 8:00 AM (Box Office: 7:00 AM | Ticketed Areas: 7:30 AM)

Competition Format & Main Draw Qualifiers

The tournament features a dual-gender, 32-team Main Draw operating on a double-elimination format, played best two-out-of-three sets to 21 points.

Alongside top-seeded AVP pros and Olympians, 16 teams earned their way directly into the Main Draw through recent Contender Events:

Main Draw Bids Earned in Denver

  • Men's Teams: Mischa Freystaetter / Adam Hartmann | Jayden Pascua / Skylar del Sol | Alex Harthaller / Diego Perez | Charlie Siragusa / Marcus Carvalhaes

  • Women's Teams: Devanne Sours / Thais Treumann | Ella Connor / Marine Kinna | Avery Jackson / Sarah Wood | Anaya Evans / Logan Walter

Main Draw Bids Earned in Waupaca

  • Men's Teams: Gage Basey / Thomas Hurst | Cody Caldwell / Jacob Labouliere | Dylan Maarek / Lev Priima | Tim Brewster / Ryan Ierna

  • Women's Teams: Emma Donely / Erin Inskeep | Natalie Myszkowski / Madison Shields | Kendra VanZweiten / Megan Rice | Carly Kan / Macy Jerger

Know Before You Go: Spectator Tips

  • Parking & Logistics: Utilize public parking structures and street meters throughout downtown Manhattan Beach, or consider ridesharing due to high weekend volume and lot closures around the pier.

  • Prohibited Items: All bags are subject to search at entry points. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers are not allowed inside ticketed seating areas or general admission grandstands.

  • Arrive Early: Standard general admission bleachers fill up fast, especially for stadium court matches.

The Campbell Wellman Take

 

"As someone who has played volleyball my whole life, the Manhattan Beach Open is a favorite of the summer," says Colin. "It’s super fun to watch the competition. The tradition of this event is all-time." If you're around the South Bay this weekend, head down to the pier and check out some incredible matches… (Tix / More Info)

Aug. 13, 2026

Our Preston Way Total Remodel in Venice is Complete (and Available for Lease)

Our Preston Way Total Remodel in Venice is Complete (and Available for Lease)

CAMPBELL WELLMAN SPIEGEL WELLMAN PRESTON WAY VENICE REMODEL COMPLETE

Translating modern architectural design into tangible, high-caliber craftsmanship requires a clear vision and relentless execution. After months of careful work, the renovation on Preston Way in Venice is officially complete—a total remodel where clean lines, structural precision, and practical functionality align.

Brought to life by the construction team at Spiegel Wellman, the project transformed the 1,800-square-foot residence into a sun-drenched coastal environment built for everyday living and outdoor entertaining. With construction wrapped, the property is now officially offered for lease through Campbell Wellman Properties.

The Interior: Light, Craftsmanship, and Materiality

The interior execution centers on an open floor plan wrapped in crisp white walls and elevated by natural light. Overhead, bright skylights and a custom tongue-and-groove vaulted ceiling add volume and architectural texture to the main living space. Wide-plank light oak flooring runs throughout, creating a seamless connection from room to room.

CAMPBELL WELLMAN SPIEGEL WELLMAN PRESTON WAY VENICE REMODEL COMPLETE KITCHEN

Key craftsmanship details throughout the 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom build include:

  • Black-Framed Glass Doors & Windows: High-end architectural glazing frames the layout. Massive black-framed glass sliding doors open the main living area directly out to the rear grounds, blurring the line between inside and out.

  • Chef’s Kitchen: Engineered for effortless utility, the kitchen features clean white flat-panel cabinetry, a stainless steel Thor range and hood, matte black hardware, and dramatic veined marble countertops with a full-height matching slab backsplash.

  • Flexible 3-Bed Layout: Three spacious bedrooms offer quiet retreats, adaptable for family living, private guest quarters, or a light-filled home office.

CAMPBELL WELLMAN SPIEGEL WELLMAN PRESTON WAY VENICE REMODEL COMPLETE MAIN LIVING

CAMPBELL WELLMAN SPIEGEL WELLMAN PRESTON WAY VENICE REMODEL - BEFORE

Exterior Integration: Courtyard & Landscaping

In coastal construction, the entry sets the tone for the entire property. Behind a tall, private security gate nestled in dense green hedging, a tiled walkway with black diamond inlay guides you through a curated courtyard.

The low-maintenance, drought-tolerant grounds are designed as a living gallery—featuring crisp white gravel beds, oversized terracotta and clay pottery, mature shade trees, and a variety of sculptural cacti and succulents. At the rear, a private courtyard with a built-in fire pit offers a dedicated outdoor setting for cool coastal evenings.

CAMPBELL WELLMAN SPIEGEL WELLMAN PRESTON WAY VENICE REMODEL COMPLETE

Location & Leasing Details

Positioned on Preston Way, the home offers a central Venice location just moments from Penmar Park, the beach, and the dining and shopping corridors along Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Rose Avenue.

  • Layout: 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms

  • Size: 1,800 SF

  • Exterior: Private Gated Courtyard | Built-In Fire Pit | Sculptural Succulent Landscaping

  • Lease Rate: $14,750 / month

The Campbell Wellman Take

This project highlights what happens when construction precision and real estate strategy work together from day one. Spiegel Wellman executed the build to an uncompromising standard, and now Campbell Wellman Properties is proud to bring this turnkey architectural home to the Venice leasing market.

 

For private tour requests or leasing details, contact our team.

For more photos of the awesome finished property, check out our IG post.

Aug. 6, 2026

The Rise of Off-Market Sales Across Manhattan Beach & the Westside

The Rise of Off-Market Sales Across Manhattan Beach & the Westside

CAMPBELL WELLMAN OFF MARKET SALES

In Southern California’s most sought-after beach neighborhoods, there has always been a quiet trade in homes that never show up on public real estate portals. While strict industry regulations generally require listings to be submitted to the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the off-market phenomenon—often referred to as pocket listings, shadow inventory, or private sales—continues to thrive.

From the walk streets of Manhattan Beach to the bluffs of Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, and Malibu, private transactions play a major role in how local real estate moves.

Data confirms a clear multi-year shift: across prime Westside and South Bay markets, a substantial portion of transactions are closing completely behind closed doors.

The Numbers: Manhattan Beach Leads the Data Surge

Looking at MLS data for Manhattan Beach (where off-market deals are defined as closed transactions recorded with 0 days on market), a steady pre-2020 baseline of 5% to 6% per year took a sharp jump. Between 2021 and 2025, off-market sales hovered consistently between 13% and 15% annually, culminating in a record 20% through mid-2026.

To put that into context, one out of every five homes sold in Manhattan Beach in the first half of 2026 never saw a public listing sign or a Zillow notification.

CAMPBELL WELLMAN OFF MARKET SALES TREND GRAPH

When compared to adjacent South Bay communities, the distinction is striking:

  • Torrance: ~4% off-market sales

  • Palos Verdes: ~3% off-market sales

  • Redondo Beach: ~5% off-market sales

  • Manhattan Beach: ~20% off-market sales

Beyond the South Bay: The Westside Shadow Market

This flight toward private channels isn't isolated to Manhattan Beach—it is mirrored across prime Westside neighborhoods:

  • Pacific Palisades & Malibu: Off-market activity has historically represented 30% to 40% of luxury transactions. Following recent fire-recovery efforts and insurance shifts along the hillsides, private sales have surged further. Sellers frequently test pricing privately with qualified buyers to avoid long days-on-market metrics, while privacy-conscious buyers seek turnkey lots and custom architectural builds out of the public eye.

  • Santa Monica & Venice: In coveted pockets like North of Montana or the Venice Canals, off-market deals thrive through hyper-local networks—including school parent groups, entertainment industry contacts, and local tech executives. Upward of 20% of high-end sales in Santa Monica occur off-market before ever reaching a public portal.

  • Marina del Rey: Waterfront condos, penthouses, and pocket land parcels along the marina often move quietly between local investors and represented buyers who prioritize fast, discreet closings over public open houses.

Why Are Off-Market Sales Surging?

Three primary factors are driving the expansion of off-market channels:

  1. Privacy Demands: High-net-worth sellers, public figures, and executives frequently prefer to bypass public photo shoots, signboards, and open-house foot traffic.

  2. Updated MLS Reporting Guidelines: Evolved MLS rules now allow agents up to 30 days post-closing to log off-market sales. Modernized rules encourage proper historical record-keeping without penalizing agents for conducting private transactions.

  3. Targeted Speed & Certainty: Off-market sales eliminate the friction of public market competition. Sellers can match directly with vetted, serious buyers, streamlining the escrow process.

Navigating Private Inventory

While 80% of transactions still occur on the open market, relying solely on public search tools means missing up to a third of available properties in prime coastal locations. For buyers, accessing this hidden tier of inventory requires deeply connected local advisory. For sellers, balancing the discretion of an off-market sale with the price competition of a public launch requires a clear strategic framework.

 

At Campbell Wellman, navigating both public listings and private networks is built directly into our hyper-local market approach. With deep roots across Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Venice, Marina del Rey, and Malibu, our team ensures buyers gain complete visibility into all available inventory—while helping sellers achieve maximum value, on or off the market.