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Jan
26


Lakewood Plaza Ranchos and El Dorado Park in Long Beach California

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Lakewood Plaza and Rancho



If you are seeking a tree lined, quiet, well established neighborhood with a family atmosphere¦youll love Lakewood Plaza and the Ranchos.

Its located close to Long Beachs El Dorado Park where your family can enjoy a day of golf or a picnic in the park.  Nearby freeways are easily accessible and make for an easy commute to work and shopping.  The Plaza area is home to Cubberley School, a K-8 California Distinguished School.


Ranch style homes are the specialty

Built up between 1950 and the late 1960s, this neighborhood is well known for its open floor plan Ranch style homes.  Whether you´re looking for a smaller starter home with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath or a spacious family home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, youll find it here.  There are homes from 850 square feet to over 1,700 square feet.

Of particular interest are the Cliff May ranch-style homes, built in the early 50s, for which The Ranchos are famous.  Considered by many to be the father of the California ranch-style house, Cliff May was a builder with extraordinary vision of what the ideal California home should encompass.  He believed homes should be designed for livability rather than facade and designed about 18,000 of these beautiful homes as well as more than 1000 custom homes across the United States.  His additional goal of bringing the outdoors in was achieved in his designs by incorporating large expanses of glass creating a home that was filled with natural light bringing the outside gardens in, vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams, clean lines with little decoration, attached garages, large patios with sliding glass doors, and rooms that flow into each other.

As you can imagine, the classic, mid-century Cliff May style homes are highly desirable and as a result rarely come on the market.  If youre interested in finding out more about the availability of these fabulous homes, give Laurie Manny, your Ranchos real estate expert, a call at (562) 212-5420.

Enjoy the Outdoors

At nearby El Dorado Park, youll find activities for the whole family.  Theres a 12-station fitness course, an archery range, bicycle trails and even radio controlled model aircraft and sailboat areas.

El Dorado Regional Park

Encompassing 815 acres, El Dorado Regional Park, located in Long Beach California, is one of the largest regional parks in southern California and indeed in the entire USA.  Although El Dorado Regional Park is a very large park, you´ll find it still retains a homey, old-fashioned feel.  The park is comprised of the following areas:

You´ll find varied recreational, sports and wildlife opportunities for the entire family.  There are plenty of easily accessible clean restrooms and generous parking facilities throughout the park system.  There´s so much to see and do, you could explore for days and never see it all!

El Dorado East Regional Park

This section of the El Dorado Regional Park is the largest with a massive 400.8 acres of accessible fun for all.  The park is located at 7550 E. Spring Street.  For information including hours of operation, call (562) 570-1771.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the playgrounds with slides and swings throughout the park.  Need a place to take your youth group?  The park has a campground set aside just for the enjoyment of youth groups.  For those of you who love fishing, there are fully stocked fishing ponds.

Reserve a picnic shelter for your next family reunion or a small get-together.  Or, show off your grilling techniques at one of the picnic areas equipped with barbecue grills. Tired of cooking?  Take advantage of the food and catering services.


You can even reserve a party package at ‘Caboose Corners.’   Party packages include a reserved picnic site for up to 100 people.  Included in the package are 25 tickets for a train ride on the El Dorado Express.  Food is not included; however you can call for a list of catering companies with the park office at (562) 570-1771.

Long Beach California Real Estate
El Dorado East Regional Park Train


L
et your spirits soar while you fly model airplanes in the model aircraft flying area.  If sailing boats are more to your liking, you´ll love the model sailboat area.  If you like to exercise and stay fit, bring your bicycles and enjoy a beautiful day in the rolling hills.  The bicycle trail has over 4 ½ miles of paved bicycle trails.  In addition, there are 12 stations with physical fitness courses.  There´s an archery range with plenty of free instruction and you can bring your own equipment or use the park´s at no cost to you.  Call (562) 924-2880 to schedule the one hour safety and orientation class.

There are other amazing activities available for youth and adults alike.  You will find train rides, pony rides, hay rides and a petting zoo for the children to enjoy.  If you like the water, schedule some time in one of the pedal boat rentals.


El Dorado Nature Center

Long Beach California Real Estate
El Dorado Nature Center

Get away from the harried pace of urban life at the serene El Dorado Nature Center. The Nature Center sits in a lush, green space of 102.5 acres of woodlands right in the middle of Long Beach and is easily accessible.

The center opened in 1969 and is part of the El Dorado East Regional Park.  Originally it was a flood plain of the San Gabriel River and later became a calico bean field.  Today, the Nature Center is home to all kinds of wildlife including a wide variety of birds such as egrets, hawks, herons, coyotes, foxes, squirrels and skunks.

There are a variety of trees including redwoods, oaks and alders.  See the magical trees with roots so large they have burst through the top soil and formed caves.  The roots are so tall they tower over your head and you have to walk about 100 yards to get around the roots.

Long Beach California Real Estate
El Dorado Nature Center Flowers


Long Beach California Real Estate
El Dorado Nature Center Bridge

Enjoy a peaceful day walking around the serene, treed, canopied trails.  For a short walk, try the ¼ mile paved trail.  Ready for something longer?  Go for the 2 miles of unpaved trails that wind around lakes and a stream.  When you need a breather, sit beside the waters edge and take in the natural, breathtaking scenery while your cares float away.


El Dorado Park West

This area of El Dorado Regional Park encompasses 303.8 acres.  It´s located at 2800 N. Studebaker Road and you can call the park at (562) 570-3225 for information.  You won´t believe the sports and recreation areas available.  There are plenty of picnic areas and playgrounds with slides and swings.  You´ll even see a large duck pond where the ducks congregate in large numbers.   Bring snacks for the ducks and spend some quiet time feeding them.

Long Beach California Real Estate
El Dorado Park West

Long Beach California Real Estate
El Dorado Skate Park

You will find a generous sized community center for all kinds of activities.  Call (562) 570-3111 to rent the community center or reserve a picnic site.  Get together a game of Frisbee or Croquet with family and friends.  All of the sports areas are lit at night for your nighttime enjoyment.  They have clean restrooms and plenty of parking facilities.  Get your team together and head to either the baseball, softball or soccerbasketball, volleyball or tennis courts.  There is even a roller hockey court and a skate park.
fields.  Bring your friends and get a real workout at either the basketball, volleyball or tennis courts.  There is even a roller hockey court and a skate park.

El Dorado Tennis Center


If you really enjoy the challenge of a great game of tennis, you´ll love the 15 lighted tennis courts at the El Dorado Tennis Center.  Break your string?  Don´t worry¦there´s a 24 hour racket stringing service so you won´t have to lose much time on the court.

Tennis classes are available from beginners to advanced skill levels.  Tennis enthusiasts can see United States Tennis Association sanctioned tournaments throughout the year.  Additionally, there is a fully stocked tennis pro shop and computerized ball machines¦wow; now that´s easy!


Long Beach California Real Estate
Ready for a Game of Tennis?


El Dorado Park Golf Course

If you´re an avid golfer who loves playing a beautiful course, try the El Dorado Park 18-Hole Golf Course.  It´s located in the El Dorado Park West area at 2400 Studebaker Road.  You can call (562) 430-5411 for more information and to reserve a tee time.

Long Beach California Real Estate
El Dorado Park 18-Hole Golf Course

This gorgeous golf course was the previous site of the Queen Mary Open Golf Tournament.  The tournament was named for the ship Queen Mary that resides in the Long Beach, California harbor.  The El Dorado Park Golf Course is currently the venue of the highly prestigious Long Beach Open Golf Tournament.

The 18-hole course is a par 72 for men and par 73 for women.  Warm up and practice your shots on one of the practice facilities available before your game.  You´ll find this course will take all your skills to maneuver around the many water hazards!

When you have finished your game, you can get a refreshing drink and snack in the restaurant.  Reserve the restaurant facility for up to 150 people for any special occasion, family reunion or business meeting.  This ‘Ultimate Player´s Course’ will definitely be a winner with you and you´ll want to come back time and again.


Want to Know More?


Are you thinking of buying or selling in Lakewood Plaza or The Ranchos?  I can help you find your dream home.  Call Laurie Manny today at (562) 212-5420.

If you are Relocating to Long Beach; thinking about Selling your Long Beach Home or about to Purchase a Long Beach Home, Contact Laurie today.

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Laurie Manny
Long Beach Realtor (562) 212-5420

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Main Street Realtors Belmont Heights 244 Redondo Avenue Long Beach California 90803

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Long Beach Real Estate BlogLong Beach Real Estate Website

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Lakewood Plaza Ranchos and El Dorado Park in Long Beach California
Posted on January 26, 2008 by Laurie Manny
Jan
26


Alamitos Heights, Long Beach California

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HeaderAlamitos Heights - Long Beach CA

 

Alamitos Heights Neighborhood of Long Beach California

 
 
If youre looking for a quiet, family-oriented community, look no farther than Alamitos Heights.  Here you will find large 2 story colonials, single story ranch styles and Spanish and Mediterranean style homes.  Bordering Belmont Heights to the north, Alamitos Heights is located on the edge of Recreation Park.

Picnic in the Park
 

With 210.9 acres, Recreation Park is one of Long Beach’s largest parks.  Here youll find plenty to do including playing tennis at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center and lawn bowling.  Other amenities are dog park, baseball fields, casting pond and playground. Theres a community center offering a wide range of art, walking, fitness and aerobic classes. Whether you need a space for an indoor or outdoor function, think about Recreation Park.  The center has meeting space available for community groups as well as private groups.  Just call to make a reservation.  If you need outdoor space for a large group, reserved picnic sites are also available.

 
Golf Anyone?
 

 Recreation Park 18-Hole Course
 
18711089.jpgLocated among rolling hills, is Recreation Park Public Golf Course, a regulation size 18 hole golf course in Alamitos Heights.  Constructed in 1917, it was originally called Virginia Country Club.  This very private and exclusive club opened to the public in 1931 and was renamed Recreation Park.  In addition to a pro shop, this beautiful course provides a night lighted driving range, practice greens, full service restaurant and banquet facilities that accommodate up to 150 people.  At this centrally located, easily accessible course, youll enjoy the amenities of a private golf course for the price of a public course.


No time for 18-holes?  Across the street from this magnificent 18-hole golf course is a 9-hole course called Recreation Park South.  Here you´ll find practice greens and a pro shop.
 
 
It would be my pleasure to consult with you regarding available properties in the Alamitos Heights area.  Contact Laurie Your Long Beach CA Real Estate professional.  

 

If you are Relocating to Long Beach; thinking about Selling your Long Beach Home or about to Purchase a Long Beach Home, Contact Laurie today.


Because:
In a Slow Market you need a Strong Realtor.
I dont make promises.
I deliver results!

Relocating to Long Beach California-Resource Guide

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Laurie Manny
Long Beach Realtor (562) 212-5420

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Main Street Realtors Belmont Heights 244 Redondo Avenue Long Beach California 90803

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Long Beach Real Estate BlogLong Beach Real Estate Website

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Alamitos Heights, Long Beach California
Posted on January 26, 2008 by Laurie Manny
Jan
25


Romantic Gondola Cruise – Naples Canals

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 LONG BEACH REAL ESTATE
NAPLES CANAL - LONG BEACH - CALIFORNIA
Naples Island – Long Beach – California

Romantic Gondola Cruise through the Naples Canals

 
 
  Naples Island Romantic Gondola Cruise

A visit to Naples isnt complete until youve taken a gondola cruise through its mile of canals.  A gondolier dressed in stripes and wearing an Italian cap will be your guide!  Your hour long adventure includes a basket of French bread, cheese and salami.  Bring your sweetheart or pack up the family¦some gondolas seat up to 14 passengers.  And dont forget:  its customary to kiss your partner under each bridge.  Youll glide under five arched passageways as you sail through the Naples canals. 
 
 
 

 

 

Come Home to the Beach Communities of Long Beach

Want to be near the water wherever you go?  Close to outstanding shopping, entertainment and more¦without giving up the convenience of being close to a large city?  Youll like it here!

NAPLES - LONG BEACH - CALIFORNIA

 

Want to Know More?

Are you buying or selling Belmont Shore or Naples Island Long Beach California Real Estate?  I can help you find your luxury dream home. 
 

Call Laurie Manny today at (562) 212-5420

 

 

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Laurie Manny
Long Beach Realtor (562) 212-5420

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Main Street Realtors Belmont Heights 244 Redondo Avenue Long Beach California 90803

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Long Beach Real Estate BlogLong Beach Real Estate Website

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Romantic Gondola Cruise – Naples Canals
Posted on January 25, 2008 by Laurie Manny
Jan
24


Long Beach CA Historic Homes and Districts

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Historic Long Beach California Real Estate


Long Beach is widely celebrated as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States.  But diversity is not just for people!  Youll recognize the width and breadth of our uniqueness as you tour homes in any of the citys 17 historic neighborhoods:

  • Belmont Heights
  • Bluff Heights
  • Bluff Park
  • Brenner Place
  • California Heights
  • Carroll Park
  • Craftsman Bungalow Historic Village
  • Eliot Lane
  • Linden Avenue
  • Minerva Park Place
  • Rose Park
  • Rose Park South
  • Sunrise Boulevard
  • Willmore City/Drake Park
  • Wilton Street
  • Wrigley
  • Citywide Historical Districts Map

From the massive front porch timbers of the Craftsman Bungalow to the intricately detailed Victorian woodwork...theres a historic home style here to suit every preference.

 

 

Community Working Together


Grab a sweater on a cool coastal morning and smell the sweet fog as it melts into a crisp California day.  Relax on a bench on the wide open porch of your vintage Craftsman Bungalow style home.  The wide eaves reveal authentically exposed roof rafters that make you feel uniquely peaceful.  Across the street, a neighbor tends to her garden as children play under ancient oaks and elms.  You admire the intricate wrought iron grillwork and heavy red tile roof of your neighbors Spanish Colonial Revival style home.  There is comfort in living among a community of people working together to assure the vitality of your neighborhood.

 

Step Back in Time


Are you searching for a well maintained, architecturally significant home in a neighborhood where community is valued?  As you drive along the tree lined streets youll feel as if youve stepped back in time.  Youll see antique street lamps lighting cobblestone paths and gardens bordered by authentic picket style fences.  Youll see beautifully manicured lawns and flowering gardens.  Youll see neighbors working together to assure that historic features of an area are maintained.  When you live in a historic district, you become part of a unified effort to protect the areas rich heritage.
 

Historic Homes of Long Beach-Diane House
The Diane House 

Historic Homes of Long Beach-Perry House
The Perry House


Dedicated to Preservation


Long Beach is dedicated to the preservation of its rich history.  In 2003, the city received an A on the Los Angeles Conservancys report card for overall preservation.  Long Beach was one of only five cities to receive high marks out of 45 Southern California locations.  And in 2004 the Willmore City historic area won the Neighborhoods USA Best Neighborhoods contest for social revitalization.


Individual Long Beach California Real Estate qualifies for historic status when it:

  • is historically significant
  • is architecturally unique
  • has retained its original style
  • is built from original materials

A more recently built structure may qualify for historic status when it is a well built representation of a past architectural style.  Want to know more about Long Beachs rich history?  Visit the Long Beach Historical Society.

Historic Homes of Long Beach-The Robert House
The Robert House 

Historic Homes of Long Beach-The Tina House 
The Tina House


Preserving the Past


If you love strong, structurally sound, beautiful old homes¦Come Home to Long Beach CA!  Historic districts here maintain or re-create an atmosphere of old Long Beach.  Is your Long Beach California Real Estate in a potentially historic area? 


If your community contains a high concentration of intact and original vintage architectural styles, and property owners want to protect the buildings as assets to the community¦your neighborhood may qualify for historic status.

 

Historic Landmarks of Long Beach-Lafayette Lobby
Historic Lafayette Lobby

   

Historic Status for Your Neighborhood


A district may qualify for historic designation when:

  • two-thirds or more of the structures in the area are 50 years old or older
  • buildings retain their original appearance
  • buildings are constructed of original building materials

An area may be designated historic when structures together preserve the visual qualities and ambiance of the past.  Sometimes individual homes are already designated historic sometimes its the area itself thats notable.

 

Meeting the Citys Criteria


To gain historic status for your neighborhood, contact the
Long Beach Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC).  Youll provide specific information about your community to the commission, who will conduct a cultural resources survey to determine if the structures in your area meet the citys criteria for historic designation.  The CHC makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission who drafts an ordinance for City Council approval.  This is the final step!  Once the ordinance is approved, your area is officially designated a historic district.

A Valuable Asset


Your historic home is more than a poignant reminder of a by-gone day.  It is a glittering emblem of community pride.  It attracts tourists interested in viewing a piece of the past.  And historic neighborhoods enjoy increases in property values that exceed similar non-designated neighborhoods.  Whether youre interested in revitalizing a neighborhood, love vintage properties or are considering an investment in Long Beach Real Estate¦your historic home is a valuable asset!

 

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Laurie Manny
Long Beach Realtor (562) 212-5420

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Main Street Realtors Belmont Heights 244 Redondo Avenue Long Beach California 90803

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Long Beach Real Estate BlogLong Beach Real Estate Website

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Long Beach CA Historic Homes and Districts
Posted on January 24, 2008 by Laurie Manny
Jan
23


History of Long Beach California

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History of Long Beach California

Long Beach California History

 

 

From the People of the Earth to the City of Long Beach


A Native American tribe known as the Tongva (which means ˜the people of the earth) were the citys first known residents.  The Tongva disappeared in the 1800s as settlers began pouring into the area.  Manuel Nieto built a rancho on a huge parcel of land awarded him through the Spanish Land Grant in 1784.  Over time, his property was divided many times for business and personal reasons.  Long Beach grew out of two settlements that came from Nietos tract:  Los Cerritos and Los Alamito.

 

 

Settling Long Beach

In 1880, Englishman Erwin Willmore created the first township here by subdividing parts of Los Cerritos.  Even after the township failed, settlers were drawn to the areas easy access to the ocean, wide beaches and business opportunity.  By 1888 the City of Long Beach had a name, 59 buildings and a school.  Long Beach incorporated in 1897. 

 

 

Do you like historic homes? 

Today, Willmore City has more Craftsman, Prairie, Victorian, Mission and Spanish Colonial Style homes than any other Long Beach historic homes districts.  Named for Mr. Willmore, it was part of the citys original 1881 plan.

 


Historic Villa Riviera CondominiumsHistoric Villa Riviera Condominiums

In 1933 Long Beach was hit by a very large earthquake which caused incredible damage to buildings for miles around the city.  During the 30s and 40s the city slowly rebuilt itself and began to attract the motion picture industry. 

 

Elizabeth Taylor spent her first honeymoon at the Hilton Hotel on Ocean Boulevard, she married Nicky Hilton, son of Conrad Hilton.  The Breakers Hotel Penthouse has since been converted to the magnificent restaurant The Skyroom (my personal favorite).  

 

 

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 worlds 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.

In 1967 the Queen Mary (built in 1936) was withdrawn from service to the Cunard line and brought to rest in Long Beach Harbor.  She was to become a floating hotel, open to the public.  She was outfitted with restaurants, shops and tours -  open to the public.  Did you know that the Queen Mary transported troops during World War II and served as Winston Churchills headquarters at sea?  She was painted gray and nicknamed ˜The Gray Ghost.  The Queen transported over 800,000 troops and traveled 660,000 miles.  The Queen Mary is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

 

Historic Landmarks right here in Long Beach. 


Long Beach is home to many interesting and well preserved historic landmarks.  One such historic landmark is Fire Station #10, the oldest remaining fire station in Long Beach.  Today it is no longer in service for firefighters, but instead houses the Long Beach Firefighters Museum and contains a collection of antique fire engines, historical photographs, and other firefighting memorabilia.


 
The  Long Beach Museum of Art
 
in historic Bluff Park, is housed in the historic Elizabeth Milbank Anderson House, a stunning Craftsman Mansion, built in 1929.  The museum is perched on a towering bluff overlooking Long Beach Harbor.  With ocean front gardens and a charming cafe, it is a wonderful place to escape to for a day of gazing out over the ocean, watching the comings and goings of the cruise ships and viewing the harbor. 

If you love books, be sure to visit the historic landmark Acres of Books a family owned used books store that has been in Long Beach for over 50 years.  With more than 750,000 used books in stock, youre sure to find something to enjoy.  (...Read More About Long Beach Historic Landmarks)

Historic Treasures

Today the  Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens and Rancho Los Cerritos Historic sites are owned by the City of Long Beach.  Be sure to stop by these history-rich treasures!  Youll see agricultural buildings, acres of gardens and adobe ranch homes dating from the 1800s.  Long Beach is packed with historic homes and significant older structures.

 

 

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Laurie Manny
Long Beach Realtor (562) 212-5420

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Main Street Realtors Belmont Heights 244 Redondo Avenue Long Beach California 90803

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Long Beach Real Estate BlogLong Beach Real Estate Website

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History of Long Beach California
Posted on January 23, 2008 by Laurie Manny

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Long Beach Condo Buyers Beware

The condo market in Long Beach, and nationwide, may be in for a few rather large shockers which could rattle more than a few cages.  We have already come across several HOA\'s in, or very near, serious financial jeopardy.

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Buying Fixer Upper Homes in Long Beach

Many buyers who are searching for homes in Long Beach express interest in purchasing a \"fixer upper\" . It is always interesting to hear what their idea of a \"fixer upper\" is. There are so many levels of fixer upper it is necessary to clarify what the buyer has in mind.

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Buying Long Beach Homes

Issues for the \"First Time Home Buyer\"

With so many Long Beach homes on the market at affordable prices one would think it should be really easy to find a home and get a great deal. So why are so many first time buyers having trouble finding a home that suits their needs at a price they can afford?

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FHA Loan Limits

FHA loans are available to a maximum loan of $729,750 with a minimum 3 to 3.5% down payment until January 1, 2009 when they are currently scheduled to drop the maximum loan amount to $625,000, this could change.

Current FHA Lending Limits for LOS ANGELES COUNTY (LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-GLENDALE, CA METROPOLITAN AREAS):

  • Single Family Home or Condo : $729,750
  • Duplex : $934,200
  • Tri-plex : $1,129,250
  • Four-Plex : $1,403,400


7 Steps to Pre-Home Purchase Preparedness

    1-Choose a Lender 2-Checking Credit Scores Prior to Starting the Purchase 3-Be Pre-approved Prior to Searching 4-Have A Solid Financial Plan 5-Insist on a Lock-In Letter 6-Demand a Loan Commitment 7-Waiting to Sell Your Home

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Long Beach California is Best Neighborhood for Walking

One of the most appealing draws to living in Long Beach California is the walkability of many of our local neighborhoods.

Long Beach California has been ranked as the 8th Most Walkable Neighborhood!

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Relocating to Long Beach California?

If you are relocating to Long Beach California you will need lots of information. You will be curious to know about Long Beach communities , neighborhoods and resources . We have tried to include as many area resources as possible here to make your transition a smooth one.

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