Staging Your Long Beach California Lofts

STAGING YOUR LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA LOFTS

Living "loft style" is a total change of lifestyle. Loft living in Long Beach is for those who love to entertain more and enjoy life,  rather than spend time taking care of their Long Beach homes and gardens. Lofts are located within walking distance of Downtown Long Beach restaurants, nightlife and public transportation.  I tend to think that original, creative, entrepreneurial types are drawn to the lifestyle of loft living.

My visualization of a loft is having a brick wall interior, a view of the city lights, concrete or wood flooring and an open floor plan with high ceilings, large windows and lots of square footage.  The home stager's job is to define the space and style by separating areas with dual-functionality furniture, "portable walls" and accessories taking into consideration the views and special features of your loft by the placement of accessories and furniture.

Staging or setting up your loft is a bit different than a home staging for a traditional 3-bedroom 2-bath home.  The loft's one large room image needs created room definition. There's a lot of versatility in designing a loft. Repositioning the "walls" creates a new place, almost as if you've moved.  

The challenge is changing the virtual kitchen, dining room, living room and office into reality, well worth the time spent! Just as we know creating the illusion of openness with paint color in a traditional home works, the illusion of separation in a loft can be accomplished in a different way using floor rugs, two-sided bookcases, hanging panels, floor screens and portable walls. The high ceilings create and keep the openness of the floor plan - the reason why so many love lofts. The use of mirrors positioned to reflect the sunlight will brighten up entire space. For pet owners, it's also possible to incorporate an awesome area for your pet in an end table or nightstand.

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Posted on July 08, 2008 05:45:49 by Laurie.Manny

Downtown Long Beach California - July 2008

Whats going on in Downtown Long Beach?

So many people are downsizing and looking for new diggs in a more urban environment. What I am hearing more often is "I want to be able to walk to stores, coffee shops and entertainment." Where better to live than our very own "Downtown Long Beach". With such a wide variety of choices there is housing available to quench almost any buyers thirst.

Downtown has its very own Historic District replete with early century Craftsman Homes, Victorian Homes, California bungalows and lovely Spanish style homes (Willmore City Historic District). Prefer a duplex, triplex or fourplex; perhaps a stock co-op or an own your own (OYO)? We have those as well, and in all price ranges; from the very affordable to the very pricey.

In Downtown Long Beach, condos both old and new, fantastic loft spaces (urban living at its finest), abound. Prefer a brand new luxury high rise condo on the waterfront or with an ocean view? We have those too! We even have a landmark historic high rise on the ocean that it just to die for gorgeous, have you seen the Villa Riviera lately?

Moving your business here as well? Downtown Long Beach has many commercial properties; office space is available.

Buyers who are thinking about "Relocating to Long Beach" usually ask for particulars about the area. Questions like "What is there to do in Downtown Long Beach"? This question always brings a smile to my face, because our little Downtown is a jumping mecca of entertainment for all types and ages, we have a lil sumptin to entertain just about everybody here.

If you are feeling like a slug, you can sit outside of one of our many coffee shops or restaurants and just people watch; bring your laptop and tap into the Downtown Wireless Hotzone network. Now that may sound pretty boring to some of you, but I assure you Downtown is anything but boring. While you are sitting there, you may hear some incredible jazz or blues and choose to follow those enticing sounds right on over to the Blue Cafe. Stay a while, enjoy the music, play a game of pool, chill out. If it happens to be a Tuesday afternoon, between 11 AM and 4 PM, you can walk across the street to the Farmers market and pick up some fresh fruit and veggies for dinner. Check out the local crafts on display here as well.

The East Village Arts District in Downtown Long Beach hosts the 2nd Saturday Artwalk every month 4 - 10 PM. Enjoy an evening of art, entertainment, food and wine. Hey make a day of it, walk over from the Blue Cafe, its a short walk.

"MOLAA" (The Museum of Latin American Art) is free every Sunday in July 2008, compliments of Target. Hey, thanks Target! Enjoy the Latin Culture of Long Beach free every Friday, compliments of MOOLA.

Enjoy live music concerts monthly at:

• The Vault
• Blue Cafe
• The Cellar
• Downtown Long Beach Summer Music Series
• Seaside Summer Concert Series
• South Coast Chorle in Concert
• The Long Beach Symphony
  

Is the Theater more your bag? We have theater!

• Terrace Theater
• The Garage Theatre
• The Found Theatre

Head on over to the Aquarium of the Pacific for Shark Lagoon Night from 6 - 9 PM, go ahead, reach out and touch one of over 150 sharks. Aw geez, I just never had the guts for this one, but my little niece and nephew shamed me by reaching in and stroking jaws!

The Queen Mary is hosting several very interesting events this July.

• LA Motorcycle Show - July 12-13
• Calendar Girl Music Fest - July 12-13
• Caribbean Summer Music Festival - July 27
  

Did you ask if we had Sports?

Yes, Downtown Long Beach hosts sporting events on a regular basis. This month (July 2008) we have some exciting sporting events:

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Posted on July 05, 2008 23:00:21 by Laurie.Manny

Independence Day

Independence Day is a celebration of America's Independence from the British Empire. We celebrate the freedom we enjoy with fireworks and parties. It is a time to remember those that have served this country to protect that freedom for which we enjoy. It is a day of picnics with family, community parades and fireworks to celebrate the birthday of the United States.

Read Also: Constitution of the United States

At the time of the signing the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England's King George III. There was growing unrest in the colonies concerning the taxes that had to be paid to England. This was commonly referred to as "Taxation without Representation" as the colonists did not have any representation in the English Parliament and had no say in what went on.

With the high cost of gasoline, many Long Beach residents are staying local this July 4^th long weekend. Downtown Long Beach California is full of historic homes, condos and home to many large hotels, necessary to handle the busy traffic created by The Long Beach Area Convention Center. This holiday weekend you have so many wonderful things that you can do in Long Beach from the RMS Queen Mary to the Aquarium of the Pacific but it doesn't stop there!

Here are some fabulous things to do in Long Beach California this weekend:

• Dockside Boat & Bed - Spend the night on a Yacht
• Long Beach California Japanese Garden and Koi Pond
• Romantic Gondola Ride - Naples Island

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Posted on July 05, 2008 00:08:23 by Laurie.Manny

Investment Properties Market Report-2 to 4 units For Sale-Long Beach Real Estate

Sales of Investment properties (2 -4 units), formerly a robust market here in Long Beach have slipped into the abyss along with homes and condos for the last few years. As with Long Beach homes and condos many owners of these investment properties have been facing difficulties meeting the financial responsibilities of ownership, some have already lost their properties to foreclosure.

Bank owned investment properties are starting to come available which is beginning to bring back the dormant investment property market here in Long Beach.  Investors are finding some great deals, several which will deliver an instant return on investment (ROI). 

The days of a 14 + gross rent multiplier are gone.   We are beginning to see GRM's back in the healthy 10 range once again. 

Many of these available properties are short sales.  Given the level of attention and interest the banks have been showing short sales these days, many of these are likely to be tomorrows REO properties.  There are bank owned properties in the mix already and smart investors are scooping these up rather quickly.  Several smart owners who would like to get out with thier shirt still attached to their backs have also priced thier investment properties to sell.  Its a good time to be out shopping.

Although we are part of Los Angeles County, we do not have rent control in Long Beach.  This makes Long Beach an ideal place to own and operate investment properties. 

There are currently 195 duplexes for sale in Long Beach.  

Average Price:$558,084

Average Days on Market:  102

Lowest priced duplex for sale in Long Beach:  $229,900 (2 one bedroom units in North Long Beach-no financials provided)

Highest priced duplex for sale in Long Beach:  $5,500,000 (Totally tricked out custom duplex on the sand with 360 views - no financials provided, lol...)

There are currently 77 triplexes for sale in Long Beach. 

Average Price:  $655,460

Average Days on Market: 132

Lowest priced triplex for sale in Long Beach: $300,000 (1 two bedroom, 1 one bedroom and 1 single, claims a gross scheduled income (GSI) of $42k and a GRM of 7.14, not a shabby return on your investment if the numbers are for real.  Located in Long Beach above Downtown Long Beach and below Wrigley.)

Highest priced triplex for sale in Long Beach:  $1,899,000 (1 three bedroom, 1 two bedroom and 1 one bedroom (and mysterious other income of $500 per month), with a boat dock. Claiming a GSI of $73,200 and a GRM of 25.94.  Yeah, it's a trophy property, but its got location, location, location - on the canal at Bayshore in Belmont Shore - and its really nice!)

There are currently 121 Four Plexes for sale in Long Beach. 

Average Price: $745,425

Average Days on Market: 130

Lowest priced four plex for sale in Long Beach: $425,000 (there are 3 for sale at this price)

1)  No clear details - the 2 units appear to have been combined, claims huge lot, able to build more.  No financial details avaiable.  Might be a short sale.

2)  1 three bedroom, 2 two bedrooms and 1 one bedrrom.  Claims GSI of $48,900 and a GRM of  8.69.  At this price its no wonder!

3) A mixed use property. This means you will need a commercial loan and an exceptionally large down payment - 40% or higher.  Comprised of 1 storefront and 3 residential units; 2 two bedrooms and a single.  Claims a GSI of $46,260 and a GRM of 9.19.  Again, at this price its no wonder!

Note:  You do understand that there is very little chance of the bank accepting an offer anywhere near this price for the 2 short sales - don't you?

Highest priced four plex for sale in Long Beach: $1,695,000 ( 1 two story, 3 bedroom upgraded owners unit, 1 two bedroom and 2 one bedrooms.  Claims a GSI of $81,240 and a GRM of 20.86.  Located in the heart of Belmont Heights, this one is new on the market, clean and attractive.  

Contact Laurie for more information, available property lists, or to purchase investment properties in Long Beach (562) 212-5420

• Duplexes For Sale in Long Beach California-Long Beach Real Estate For Sale
• Triplexes For Sale in Long Beach California-Long Beach Real Estate For Sale
• Four Plex's For Sale in Long Beach California-Long Beach Real Estate For Sale
• Income Property For Sale in Long Beach California 5+ Units Long Beach Real Estate For Sale
• Long Beach Income Property Market Report-January-December 2007-Including Signal Hill
• Long Beach Own Your Owns-OYO-OYOs-Condo Conversions-Income Properties in Long Beach
• Long Beach Real Estate Market Statistics- March 2008 - Absorption Rate

(562) 212-5420

Posted on June 28, 2008 15:05:32 by Laurie.Manny

Alamitos Beach Condos Market Report-2008-Long Beach Real Estate Sales

Alamitos Beach Condos Market Report

2008

Long Beach Real Estate Sales

Ocean Boulevard Corridor Condo Sales

January 1, 2008 - June 3, 2008

Active

There are currently 59 Ocean Blvd Corridor Condos For Sale in Alamitos Beach, many with fantastic waterfront views, some with city views.

• 17 of these condos are priced under $500,000 and range from 580 sq ft to 1,128 sq ft.
• 28 of these condos are priced between $500,000 and $1,000,000 and range from 846 sq ft to 1,850 sq ft.
• 13 of these condos are priced between $1,000,000 and $1,499,000 and range from 1,264 sq ft to 2,065 sq ft.

Pending

5 Alamitos Beach Condos are pending in escrow.

• 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,535 sq ft., $930,000, 51 Days on Market
• 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,245 sq ft., $619,000, 182 Days on Market
• 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,818 sq ft., $774,900, 83 Days on Market
• 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths, 1,788 sq ft, $799,900, 100 Days on Market
• 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,590 sq ft., $910,000, 82 Days on Market

Back Up Offers

4 Alamitos Beach Condos are in escrow accepting back up offers:

• 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 732 sq ft., $459,000, 73 Days on Market
• 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,320 sq ft., $699,900, 51 Days on Market
• 3 bedroom 3 bath, 1,788 sq ft., $899,000, 15 Days on Market
• 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,800 sq ft., $1,649,000, 120 Days on Market

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Posted on June 04, 2008 17:22:08 by Laurie.Manny