Back to School - Long Beach Resources

Long Beach Community News

Back to School Resources

The lazy, hazy days of summer are just about over.  September is closing in on us and the beginning of the new school year is just around the corner.  Are you ready? 

The CBS Early Show put together this great segment on cool back to school gadgets:

• Crammer Study & Sound System - Cool Tool!
• Lightweight laptops -EEE PC 900 (only 2.18 lbs., runs Windows XP and plenty of space, it even has a webcam and it is somewhat shockproof) See the video below to view the many features this neat little gadget provides.
• Digital lunch pail/printer - unlikely duo, but it works
• Cheap MP3, only $39 - not a favorite with kids though
• Back friendly back packs with air lifts to lift the weight off your child - those books are heavy! 

Read more »

Posted on August 30, 2008 08:00:00 by Laurie.Manny

Long Beach Mortgage Rates Report for August 29, 2008

Weird things are happening in the mortgage-backed securities market.  Strong buying, in the 30 year-fixed rate loans, has dropped rates .25% since my last report,  The ARM rates, however, have RISEN.  A weird phenomenon, indeed.  I'm only quoting two loan programs (the others make no sense):

Mortgage rates  for August 29, 2008.  Loan amounts up to $417,000:

5/1 ARM              5.750%

30 Year Fixed      6.125%

All rates offered to the borrower with 1 point cost.  Rate quotes assume a purchase transaction with a 20% down payment, 720 credit score, and full income qualification.  Rates are subject to fluctuation.  Custom rate quotes and rate lock advice are available by calling (858)-777-9751.

Short-term, this is about as good as it gets.  I think we'll see some higher rates, in the next 7-10 days, with rates coming back down to this level by the end of September.  I'm befuddled for the 3 month trend so I'll stay neutral.

MORTGAGE RATE TREND:

Next 7 days:      Higher 

Next 30 days:     Neutral

Next 3 months:    Lower? (I'm stumped)

Long Beach mortgage rates report is offered courtesy of Brian Brady.  Contact Brian for more information about a home loan.

Posted on August 29, 2008 11:39:41 by Laurie.Manny

Sunday Afternoon in Belmont Shore - Long Beach California

Sunday Afternoon in Belmont Shore

Long Beach California

August 24 2008

Today was the most gorgeous day here in Long Beach.  Is it any wonder why we all love it here so much?  I was out showing homes today to a new buyer, when we were through I drove into Belmont Shore and up Bayshore along the canal.  It was about 5:30 in the afternoon and many people were enjoying the beach.  Adults and children alike were in the water swimming, paddling around on boogie boards, and kayaking, others were relaxing on the sand.  Small boats were slowly making their way down the canal.......it was perfection.  It is what Long Beach is all about. 

I parked the car, grabbed both cameras and walked onto the bridge above the canal.  The tide was high, several boats that had been out for the day weren't able to make it back under the bridge to return home were turning around to travel another route home.  People were out on the water having fun, the sun was glistening and the water was an incredible azure blue, as was the sky.  Today was a gorgeous day here in Long Beach.

In the background music could be heard, a 3 piece band had set up on the end of one of the docks on the other side of the bridge.  Nice background for the end to a perfect day, thanks for adding a beat to it. 

Residents of Belmont Shore and Naples Island were walking to the beach with sand chairs tucked under their arms planning on finishing their day off relaxing on the sand while the sun sank in our sky.  What a great way to end the day and a wonderful weekend. 

Relocating to Long Beach California-Resource Guide

Belmont Shore Homes For Sale

• Belmont Shore and Naples Condos For Sale
• Belmont Shore CA Homes for sale under $1000000
• Belmont Shore-Naples Homes For Sale $1000000 to $2000000
• Belmont Shore Naples Homes For Sale $2000000 and up

Belmont Shore Condos For Sale

• Belmont Shore and Naples Condos For Sale
• Marina Pacifica Condos for Sale Long Beach CA
• Bay Harbour Homes For Sale Long Beach California

Belmont Shore Income Properties For Sale

• Belmont Shore-Naples Island Income Properties For Sale

Posted on August 24, 2008 23:50:45 by Laurie.Manny

Long Beach Mortgage Rates Report for August 15, 2008

Mortgage rates were stable this week.  ARM rates went up and the fixed rate mortgage rates are the same as they were Monday.  I mentioned that traders felt "stuck in the middle" of conflicting data.  Core inflation is rising but oil prices are falling like a rock off a cliff.  I'm as confused as the mortgage bond traders so I'm taking this opportunity to lock rates for loans closing within 30 days. Why?  I think the rising ARM rates suggest that traders believe, in their hearts, that the Fed will tighten before Thanksgiving.  I'm more about mitigating risk rather than pouncing on opportunity so when I'm confused, I lock mortgage rates.  Maybe the descent in oil prices will continue and mortgage rates decline further but "I ain't seeing it" from my ivory tower. Read more » Laurie Manny Long Beach Realtor (562) 212-5420 Main Street Realtors Belmont Heights 244 Redondo Avenue Long Beach California 90803   Long Beach Real Estate Blog Long Beach Real Estate Website   http://www.lauriemanny.com/004110 Posted on August 15, 2008 01:07:36 by Laurie.Manny

Aug 13 Are YOUR Granite Countertops "HOT"? -Long Beach Real Estate Leave a comment » Are your Granite Countertops "HOT"? Granite Countertops are one of the top selling points for homes and condos.  In a recent article "Words that Sell Homes", it was disclosed that the word Granite was one of the 7 top words that help sell a home. When thinking about a Long Beach Home Kitchen Remodel, it is the Granite counter-top that is the finishing touch.  Will you go dark or light?  A lot of texture or more sedate? Domestic or Imported? Almost everybody loves granite countertops.    Recently the NY Times published an article raising questions regarding harmful levels of radon gases being emited by the breadown of uranium in the many varieties of granite countertops.  Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.   Having read through many of the articles available on the internet most suggest that the countertops emitting the highest levels of radiation seem to be those imported from Brazil and Namibia.   The Marble Institute of America has said such claims are "ludicrous" because although granite is known to contain uranium and other radioactive materials like thorium and potassium, the amounts in countertops are not enough to pose a health threat.   If you have granite countertops and are concerned whether radon or radiation is a problem you can:   Contact the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (aarst.org). Testing costs between $100 and $300. Find a certified technician at the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site at epa.gov/radon, as well as from state or regional indoor air environment offices, which can be found at epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html. Radon test kits are available from the National Safety Council  (or call 1-800-SOS-RADON).  Some home improvement stores sell test kits.  To find a qualified testing or mitigation contractor, contact your state radon office or either of the national private radon programs.   Articles on the subject you might be interested in reading:    What's Lurking in Your Countertop? - NY Times Granite Countertops A Health Threat? - CBS News Radon in Granite Could your granite countertops be leaking radon gas? Granite Countertops & Radon Gas   Laurie Manny Long Beach Realtor (562) 212-5420 Main Street Realtors Belmont Heights 244 Redondo Avenue Long Beach California 90803   Long Beach Real Estate Blog Long Beach Real Estate Website   http://www.lauriemanny.com/0040C1 Posted on August 13, 2008 20:34:28 by Laurie.Manny