Long Beach Green Living-Water Conservation

Owners of Long Beach Homes have a unique opportunity to contribute to the environment, go green and conserve water. 

Did you know that most homeowners over water their lawns by 30% to 300%?  That’s a whole lotta wasted water folks!  I have to admit, I’ve been guilty of doing this myself on occasion, it’s just so nice to have a lush, green lawn and it shows a real pride in Long Beach home ownership.  With the economy in shambles and water in short supply and sporting a hefty price tag, now is a good time to think of creative ways to both conserve water and money in our Long Beach Homes. 

Ric Romero of ABC Eyewitness News reports: Rob Patten of Agoura Hills lives on 3/4 of an acre.  His water bills have been coming in at over $300 monthly, a staggering number which made him decide to do something about it. After installing a new gadget called Cyber-Rain he has been able to reduce his monthly bill by about $100 and conserve a fair amount of water at the same time.  See How it Works.

Cyber Rain XCI is an 8 zone sprinkler system which claims to save homeowners 30% to 70% on their watering bills through the use of their PC and automatic weather updates from the Internet by automatically adjusting the amount of water usage based on weather and seasonal conditions.  It even provides the ability to check your water usage on your computer.  Ingenious!

Jonathan Neidnagel, CEO of Cyber-Rain claims that this system can pay for itself in 3 or 4 months.  Priced at about $295 this is not a cheap system, but may very well offer the best return on the investment and is a wonderful green contribution to the environment. Read more about this product and the effect it can have on our Southern California community over at the Cyber-Rain blog. 

A big thanks to my friend Joe over at the Sellsius Blog for finding this great gadget. 

Posted on October 31, 2008 03:29:10 by Laurie.Manny

Long Beach Mortgage Rates Report: Fed Cut To Prompt Lower Mortgage Rates Into November 2008?

Long Beach Mortgage Rates Report: Fed Cut To Prompt Lower Mortgage Rates Into November?

We analyze mortgage rates by examining the mortgage-backed securities market and its reaction to economic data and events.  Today, the Federal Reserve cut the Fed Funds rate to an historical low of 1%:

The Fed funds rate target is now 1%, the lowest level in more than four years. In announcing its decision, the Federal Open Market Committee cited a drop in spending by consumers and businesses, and predicted that consumption may slow further due to tighter lending standards.

“The pace of economic activity appears to have slowed markedly,” the FOMC said in a statement, “owing importantly to a decline in consumer expenditures.”

Why’s the economy in the tank?  You just aren’t spending enough money, Joe the Plumber.  Of course, you can’t borrow any either so you’re hesitant about spending.   Hence, the Fed cut in rate.  Normally, a Fed cut should be followed by a RISE in mortgage rates but it looks like the mortgage-backed securities market anticipated the cut a week ago. 

Let’s take a look the crystal ball (market chart):

See what’s happening here?  Two weeks ago, we had a six day BIG drop, which caused rates to rise from 5.875% to 6.5%.  That drop was followed by a 5 day rally, which brought rates back down to 5.875%.  Then, we had a six day BIG drop, driving mortgage rates back up to 6.5% (today)…

…and I think the market overreacted which means I think we’ll see lower mortgage rates into the beginning of November.

This is the kind of volatility we’ve come to expect.  Mortgage rates should drop to 6.25%, pause, then drop again to the 6% level or below.  No guarantees but November closings should get a peek at 6% or better rates soon.

Brian Brady is a Managing Director with World Wide Credit Corporation, a San Diego-based mortgage banking and brokerage firm. Google calls him America’s #1 Mortgage Broker; you can call him at (858)-777-9751

Posted on October 29, 2008 15:32:17 by Laurie.Manny

Lakewood Plaza Rancho Neighborhood Market Report-2008-Long Beach Real Estate

Lakewood Plaza Market Report

2008 Long Beach Real Estate Sales

January 1, 2008 - October 23, 2008

What’s going on in the Lakewood Plaza/Rancho Real Estate Market?  

There are 31 Lakewood Plaza Rancho homes for sale on the real estate market at an average price of $517,762 while the average price for closed sales in the area is $501,568.  This is a very negotiable gap.  Homes are selling in the area with an average of 60 days on market.  This is not bad for todays market.  Sellers in this Long Beach neighborhood are pricing homes to sell at today’s market price point, buyers are recognizing this and are purchasing in the Lakewood Plaza Rancho communities. 

The Lakewood Plaza Rancho neighborhood is known for its exceptional elementary school and its quiet tree lined residential streets making it quite attractive to buyers. 

While the real estate market certainly still has its challenges and more are certain to follow, the Lakewood Plaza/Rancho area has fared quite well.  It remains an excellent place to purchase a house and to call home. 

This is a great time to be on the market priced to sell. 

There are currently 31 homes for sale in the Lakewood Plaza/Rancho neighborhood of Long Beach.

• Average Price: $517,762 down considerably from our update of 6/20/2008; $606,919
• Average Days on Market:  121 down a bit from June’s 137

There are 8 homes in Lakewood Plaza Rancho pending in escrow, down from 21 in June.  

• Average Price: $506,825 up a bit since June’s $488,192
• Average Days on Market: 115 up considerable since June’s 71

There are 10 homes in Lakewood Plaza Rancho in escrow, accepting back-up offers, up a bit from June’s 6.  

• Average Price: $466,935 down a bit from June’s $472,649
• Average Days on Market: 47 up slightly since June’s 44

100 homes in Lakewood Plaza Rancho have sold (closed escrow) in 2008, up from June’s 70.  

• Average Price: $501,568 down a bit since our last report of 6/20/08 when it was at $528,545
• Average Days on Market: 60 down a bit since June 70

There is currently 1 home in Lakewood Plaza Rancho on Hold (do not show).

• Price: $425,000
• Days on Market:  8
  

34 Lakewood Plaza Rancho homeowners cancelled their listing, up from 22 in June.  

• Average Price: $544,888 down a bit since June’s $563,336
• Average Days on Market: 107 up slightly since June’s 104

44 Lakewood Plaza Rancho home listings expired in 2008, up from 34 in June

• Average Price: $599,377 down a bit from June’s $606,919
• Average Days on Market: 146 up a bit from June’s 137

View Lakewood Plaza Rancho Homes For Sale in Long Beach California

Posted on October 23, 2008 14:27:00 by Laurie.Manny

Long Beach California Luxury Home Market Update

Long Beach California is home to the West Coasts most affordable beach real estate.  Set in sunny Southern California we enjoy moderate temperatures year round, sweet ocean breezes and a resort atmosphere.  With our purchase prices so reasonable is it any wonder snowbirds are flocking here?  Palm Desert, 2 hours inland, is fantastic, but nothing compares to luxury oceanfront property and the beach is just more fun! 

Long Beach has an endless array of entertainment to suit any lifestyle or age from water-sports to nightlife, theater and fine dining.  This is the perfect place to do everything, do nothing or to just go fly a kite!

Yes we have golf courses!  Long Beach is centrally located making access to all Southern California golf courses just a short drive. 

Long Beach is conveniently located just 20 minutes south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 20 minutes north of John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Irvine, and home to our own Long Beach Airport - which we love.  We are also just a 20 minute drive into Downtown Los Angeles - in case you were thinking about catching a Lakers game; attending a concert at the fabulous Staples Center or a performance at our beautiful Music Center.  Fantabulous and incomparable, 8 time Grammy award winner, Tina Turner is performing at the Staples Center as I write this, had I known that ahead of time I would be there tonight singing along……..What’s love got to do with it?  La la la… Gotta love that woman! 

Did I say we were centrally located?  A 2 hour drive north will find you in beautiful Santa Barbara.  Head north just a little further and enjoy a day, or a romantic weekend, in wine country.  A leisurely drive south will take you into lovely San Diego.  Catch a Padres game or spend a day at the San Diego Zoo or perhaps SeaWorld with the family then head into the Downtown San Diego gaslight district for a delicious dinner and some relaxing down time. 

Surfer?  10 minutes to surf city - Huntington Beach, where you will catch some of the finest waves on the west coast. 

Long Beach is slated to become the new home of the largest movie studio in California.  A deal has been struck to take over the Boeing facility near the Long Beach airport. This will infuse new life into Long Beach and will certainly attract celebrities to our lovely waterfront homes and high rise condominiums.  How could they resist?  You never know who your new neighbor may be! 

Did you know that Hollywood got its start in Long Beach?  Long Beach was known as the motion picture capital of the world until post World War I when Hollywood developed around the glitz of the era.  With its perfect Southern California climate, Long Beach afforded the perfect setting for the industry.  There were eight film houses, two stock companies, roller-coasters and bath houses at the historic Pike, along the shore of Downtown Long Beach.  This was the home of the Balboa Amusement Production Company, the world’s most prolific silent-film studio.  W. C. Fields and other stars lived in beautiful mansions in the Bluff Park neighborhood along Ocean Boulevard and First Street, many of which remain in the families to this day.

Speaking of historic districts, Long Beach has 17 of them, California Heights being the largest.  We love our historic homes here.  You can find out more about the history of Long Beach here as well. 

Redevelopment in Alamitos Beach and the bustling Downtown Long Beach communities has birthed fabulous luxury high rise condominiums with endless ocean views, Manhattan style lofts and many fabulous new dining opportunities. 

The luxury home market is generally a cash market.  Brian Brady’s 2009 Real Estate Market outlook predicts that disappearing jobs and financing will likely drive the price of luxury properties down in our waterfront and higher end communities.  While that is tragic for the owners of these Long Beach properties it is an incredible opportunity to purchase the Long Beach home, condo or vacation property you have been waiting for.   

The Long Beach real estate market has gone through several tumultuous years, this winter is certain to be a difficult time for sellers of Long Beach luxury homes, condos and income properties.  FHA loan limits, currently capping at $729,750 for single family home purchases are slated to be decreased to around $625,000 on January 1, 2009.  Decreasing buyer purchasing power is certain to affect prices in the mid-market range of $700,000 to about $1,000,000.

What does this mean for sellers?  If you are planning on selling, you should plan on closing your escrow before the end of the year and should price it to do so. It would be our pleasure to provide a home value assessment. 

What does this mean for buyers?  This is an incredible opportunity to purchase your new home at an incredible price.

International buyers are flocking to the United States to purchase real estate at our current depressed prices, there is limited financing for foreign nationals, most are purchasing with all cash.  Long Beach prices have become very attractive to these buyers. You can start your search for Long Beach homes here.  VIP service is provided with the ability to set up custom searches with an automatic email alert system. 

If you are interested in purchasing a Long Beach luxury oceanfront home or a high rise luxury waterfront condominium, this winter is the time to make that purchase. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

Long Beach California City and Relocation Resource Guide

Posted on October 17, 2008 16:27:20 by Laurie.Manny

The Golf courses of Long Beach California

The Golf courses of Long Beach CA

Bixby Village Golf Course, Bixby Village Course

The 9-hole ˜Bixby Village course at the Bixby Village Golf Course facility in Long Beach, California features 1,567 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 29. The course rating is 57.5 and it has a slope rating of 86. Designed by Ron Fream, the Bixby Village golf course opened in 1980.

Recreation Park South Golf Course 18-Hole

This Municipal 18 hole Golf Course with over 6,317 yards with a par of 72. Billy Bell-designed layout is one of the oldest courses in Southern California.

Located among beautiful rolling hills, Recreation Park was constructed in 1917 and was originally known as Virginia Country Club. This very private club was opened to the public in 1931 and has since been known by its current name. Recreation Park, designated as one of the busiest golf courses in the nation, provides a night lighted driving range, practice greens, pro shop, full service restaurant and banquet facilities for up to 150 people.

Recreation Park Golf Course 9-Hole

Located directly across 7th Street from the majestic 18-hole course, this nine-hole, par 29, executive facility affords guests a selection of shots and settings, which range from rolling hills to views of the Colorado Lagoon. This course also offers practice greens, a pro shop and food service.

El Dorado Park Golf Course, El Dorado Park Course

The previous venue of the Queen Mary Open, this facility has now been selected as the site of the prestigious Long Beach Open. A magnificent 18-hole layout, El Dorado can truly be called a ˜players course, due to its expansive layout and numerous water hazards. Extensive practice facilities and full service restaurant are available at El Dorado.

Skylinks At Long Beach Golf Course, Skylinks Course

Directly across Lakewood Blvd., from the Long Beach Airport, this course provides an interesting blend of playing characteristics. Several water hazards and numerous bunkers await your errant shots, while excellent fairways and greens rewards your good play. This 18-hole course is a very enjoyable experience for all skill levels. Skylinks also offers a night lighted driving range, practice greens, a full service restaurant, bar and banquet facilities that can hold up to 150 people.

18 holes over 6,372 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)

Skylinks Flyover Tour Video

Heartwell Golf Course, Heartwell Course

18 holes over 2,143 yards with a par of 54 (Municipal)

For those seeking this alternative, this facility offers an extremely enjoyable 18-hole round of par 3 golf. With holes ranging from 85 to 140 yards, two water hazards and numerous sand traps, this course will test the skills of the most seasoned player, as well as remain exceptionally enjoyable for the beginner. This fully lighted course also boasts of its excellent practice range, full size chipping and putting greens, full service restaurant and a professionally staffed pro shop.

• Click here for information about golf instruction for youth.
• Click here for information about golf instruction for adults.

Virginia Country Club, Virginia Course

The 18-hole ˜Virginia course at the Virginia Country Club facility in Long Beach, California features 6,505 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 70.9 and it has a slope rating of 128 on . Designed by William P. Bell, ASGCA/® Robert Muir Graves, ASGCA/Edward B. Dearie, Jr., the Virginia golf course opened in 1909. (Private Equity)

Golf Courses near the City of Long Beach CA:

Within a 10 mile radius of Long Beach there is a large Selection of additional Golf Courses to enjoy:


Leisure World Seal Beach Golf Course, Leisure World Seal Beach Course

9 holes over 829 yards with a par of 27 (Private Equity)

Old Ranch Country Club, Old Ranch Course

18 holes over 6,835 yards with a par of 72 (Private Non-Equity)

Lakewood Country Club & Tennis Center, Lakewood Course

18 holes over 7,045 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)

Navy Golf Course, Executive Course

9 holes (Public)

Navy Golf Course, Navy Course

18 holes (Public) and 9 hole Executive Course (Public)

Meadowlark Golf Course, Meadowlark Course

18 holes over 5,609 yards with a par of 70 (Municipal)

SeaCliff Country Club, Sea Cliff Course

18 holes over 6,935 yards with a par of 72 (Private Non-Equity)

Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine, Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Course

9 holes over 1,468 yards with a par of 29 (Municipal)

Harbor Park Golf Course, Harbor Park Course

9 holes over 3,200 yards with a par of 37 (Municipal)

David L. Baker Memorial Golf Course, David L. Baker Memorial Course

18 holes over 3,825 yards with a par of 62 (Municipal)

Golf Resources on the Web:

• American Golf Corporation
• Amateur Golf.com
• American Junior Golf Association (AJGA)
• Junior Golf Association of Southern California
• Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour (LPGA)
• PGA of America
• PGA Tour
• Public Links Golf Association of Southern California
• Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
• Southern California Golf Association (SCGA)
• Southern California Professional Golf Association (SCPGA)
• Womens Public Links Golf Association
• Womens Southern California Golf Association
• United States Golf Association (USGA)

Refer to our Long Beach City and Relocation Guide for more great Long Beach information. 

Long Beach has many beautiful townhomes, homes and estates backing our lovely golf courses.

It would be our pleasure to assist you in your home purchase or sale. 

Posted on October 17, 2008 13:58:43 by Laurie.Manny