Long Beach California Luxury Home Market Update

Leave a comment »

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, the buyer has 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

Read More Details

Long Beach California Luxury Home Market Update

Belmont Shore Real Estate Market Report-2008-Belmont Park-Naples Island-Marina Pacifica-Long Beach California Real Estate

Leave a comment »

Belmont Shore Real Estate Market Report

Including Belmont Park, Naples Island, Marina Pacifica

Homes, Condos and Income Properties

Long Beach California

Last Updated 10/8/2008

Belmont Shore boundaries: North - Broadway East - Bay Shore South - The Ocean West - Livingston Drive

Belmont Park boundaries: North - Monrovia Avenue East - Marine Stadium South - Broadway West - Bay Shore

Naples Isand boundaries: North - Belmont Park East - Marina Pacifica South - The Peninsula West - Belmont Shore

About Belmont Shore and Naples Island California

Long Beach Homes For Sale in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park and on Naples Island

 

There are currently 74 Long Beach homes for sale in Belmont Shore, Naples Island and Belmont Park.

• 3 homes are for sale between $500,000 and $600,000 (All in Island Village)
  
• 1 home is for sale between $600,000 and $700,000
• 10 homes are for sale between $700,000 and $800,000
• 11 homes are for sale between $800,000 and $900,000
• 9 homes are for sale between $900,000 and $1,000,000
• 17 homes are for sale between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000
• 8 homes are for sale between $1,500,000 and $2,000,000
• 7 homes are for sale between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000
• 5 homes are for sale between $3,000,000 and $4,000,000
• 3 homes are for sale between $4,000,000 and $5,000,000
  

 

• Average Price: $1,498,262 down from last months:  $1,564,786
• Average Days on Market: 134

 

FHA loans are available to a maximum loan of $729,750 with a minimum 3.5% down payment (up from 3% as of 10/1/08) until January 1, 2009 when they are currently scheduled to drop the maximum loan amount to $625,000, this could change. 

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
  

Jumbo Loans are currently requiring approximately 30% down payment and start at $729,000, also currently scheduled to drop concurrently on 1/1/09 to $625,000 unless something changes between now and then. 

 

There are currently 12 homes pending (in escrow) in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park and on Naples Island.

 

• 12 Homes are accepting Back-Up offers
  
• 13 Homes are pending

 

Back-Up Offers:

• Average Price: $1,171,650 down from last months $1,286,983
• Average Days on Market: 104 up from last months 84

Pending Offers:

• Average Price:$1,459,061 up from last months $1,311,130
• Average Days on Market: 98 up from last months 81

 

 

69 homes closed escrow (SOLD) in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park and on Naples Island in 2008; up from 46 closings on 8/22/08, that is a nice healthy jump!

 

• Lowest Price Home Sold: $625,000
• Highest Price Home Sold: $4,450,000

• Average Price: $1,216,423 up from last months  $1,171,889
• Average Days on Market: 92 up from last months 66

 

59 Homeowners Cancelled their Listings

• Average Price: $1,367,521

• Average Days on Market: 152

1 Homeowner Withdrew their home from the market

• Average Price $1,299,000

• Average Days on Market: 140

42 Listings Expired

• Average Price: $1,325,699

• Average Days on Market: 155

 

1 Listing has been placed on Hold

• Price:  $939,900
• Days on Market:  20

6 Homes removed from their listings from the market and Leased

• Average Lease Price:  $3,966
• Average Days on Market:  113

 

Search homes for sale in Belmont Shore,Naples Island and Belmont Park

 

• Belmont
  Shore-Naples Island-Belmont Park Homes for sale under $1000000
  
• Belmont
  Shore-Naples Island-Belmont Park Homes For Sale $1000000 to
  $2000000
• Belmont
  Shore-Naples Island-Belmont Park Homes For Sale $2000000 and
  up
• Bay Harbour Homes For Sale

 

 

 

Long Beach Condos For Sale in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park, Naples Island and Marina Pacifica

 

There are currently 23 Long Beach Condos for sale in Belmont Shore, Naples Island, Belmont Park and Marina Pacifica

• 3 for sale between $200,000 and $300,000
• 3 for sale between $300,000 and $400,000
• 1 for sale between $400,000 and $500,000
• 5 for sale between $500,000 and $600,000
• 2 for sale between $600,000 and $700,000
  
• 1 for sale between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000
  
• 1 for sale at $3,799,000

• Average Price: $815,563* up dramatically from last months $531,386
• Average Days on Market: 106 down just a bit from last months 109

*Please note that the dramatic increase in average listing price does NOT reflect an upturn in the local real estate market. It does reflect higher end properties coming available (which did occur here) or incorrect pricing. 

 

There are currently 9 condos in escrow in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park, Naples Island and Marina Pacifica.

 

• 4 condos are accepting Back-Up offers.
• 5 condos are pending

 

Back-Up Offers:

• Average Price: $474,725 down from last months $541,628
• Average Days on Market: 55 down dramatically from last months 113
  

Pending Offers:

• Average Price:  $340,659 down from last months $407,450
• Average Days on Market: 199 up dramatically from last months 28
  

 

 

39 condos have closed escrow (SOLD) in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park, Naples Island and Marina Pacifica in 2008, up from last months 31

 

• Lowest Price Condo Sold: $225,000
• Highest Price Condo Sold: $780,000

• Average Price: $518,815 not far off from last months $513,912
• Average Days on Market: 83 about the same as last months 85
  

 

19 Condo owners Cancelled their Listings

• Average Price: $528,431

• Average Days on Market: 123
  

 

 

26 Listings Expired

• Average Price: $614,600

• Average Days on Market: 192
  

 

2 Condo owners Leased:

• Average Lease Price:  $2,225
• Average Days on Market:  176

 

 

Search Condos for sale in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park, Naples Island and Marina Pacifica

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long Beach Income Properties For Sale in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park and Naples Island

 

There are currently 19 Long Beach Income Properties for sale in Belmont Shore, Naples Island and Belmont Park, down from 21 last month. 

 

• 9 are duplexes
• 6 are triplexes
• 1 is a four-plex
  
• 1 has 9 units
• 1 has 10 units
• 1 has 23 units

 

• Lowest Price: $789,900
• Highest Price: $6,950,000

• Average Price: 1,716,568 down substatially from last months $1,946,614
• Average Days on Market: 119 down from last months 138
  

 

 

There are currently 3 income properties in escrow in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park and Naples Island.

 

• 1 income property is accepting Back-Up offers.
• 3 income properties are pending.

 

Back-Up Offers:

• Price: $1,495,000
• Days on Market: 78
  

Pending Offers:

• Average Price:  $1,389,666 down dramatically from last months $1,699,000
• Average Days on Market: 157 up from last months 142
  

 

 

13 income properties have closed escrow (SOLD) in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park and Naples Island in 2008, up from last months 12. 

 

• Lowest Price income property Sold: $799,000
• Highest Price income property Sold: $3,500,000

• Average Price: $1,662,115 down from last months $1,734,041
• Average Days on Market: 129 down from last months 135
  

 

7 income property owners Cancelled their Listings

• Average Price: $1,316,685

• Average Days on Market: 292
  

  2 income property owners Withdrew their properties from the market

• Average Price $837.250

• Average Days on Market: 76
  

18 Listings Expired

• Average Price: $1,456,883

• Average Days on Market: 218
  

 

Search Income Properties for sale in Belmont Shore, Belmont Park and Naples Island

• Belmont
  Shore-Naples Island-Belmont Park Income Properties For Sale

 

 

 

*All statistics are as represented by the MLS and are not to be interpreted as the representations of the author.

Read More Details

Belmont Shore Real Estate Market Report-2008-Belmont Park-Naples Island-Marina Pacifica-Long Beach California Real Estate

Buying Fixer Upper Homes in Long Beach - Long Beach Real Estate

1 Comment »

Long Beach Real Estate News

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.

 

Quite a few buyers of Long Beach Real Estate think a home that requires paint and carpet is a fixer upper.  These are cosmetic fixers and while they do cost a fair amount of money to update, it is very common to need paint and replace flooring when purchasing Long Beach homes.  This could be called a cosmetic fixer, but then many homes that require extensive work in the kitchen and bath - or even replacement - are often referred to as cosmetic fixers as well.  Costs can start to add up and the buyer isn’t going to be thinking “cosmetic fixer” as the price tag begins to reach the stratosphere. 

 

• Paint interior and exterior
  
• Carpet or sanding/replacing hardwood or tile flooring.
  
• Kitchen Remodel or refacing
  
• Bath full or partial remodel

 

There are many items your home inspector will look at that can add to this already hefty amount of necessary repairs and/or upgrades.  Electric and plumbing replacements can get pricey if added to the already climbing total of necessary upgrades. Here are a few important items to inquire about:

 

• Has the electric been upgraded - at least partially? When?
• Is the plumbing copper? When was it installed?
  
• Are the upgrades nearing the end of their useful life? 
• Will you need to replace them at some point in the near future?

Lets not forget the roof.  There are many types of roofs, made out of many materials, but roofs do have a life expectancy. Find out how long ago the roof was installed and if the homeowner purchased a 30 year roof.  It will give you an idea of when (not if) you will need to upgrade it once again.  Roof replacements come in several forms.

 

• Adding an additional layer of shingle. (moderately expensive)
  
• Adding an additional layer of shingle and replacing the wood underneath it. (more expensive)
  
• Entire roof replacement including roof frame and ridge-board.  (quite pricey)

 

Most roofs are supposed to be able to handle the weight of about 3 layers of shingle.  3 layers makes for a very heavy roof and can bow the ridge board creating a rather expensive repair.  Check the roof to see how many layers of shingle are currently on it.  1 is best, 2 is OK, 3 means that it will eventually have to be removed to replace it with another layer, adding to the cost of your roof replacement. 

 

Termites, left to their own devices, can cause tremendous damage over time.  While most Long Beach homes require a moderate amount of termite work done during the escrow process, occasionally a home will have a tremendous amount of damage and the costs can skyrocket.  Termite work is usually the responsibility of the seller contractually.  Sometimes the seller will place a financial cap on how much work they are willing to do, if the buyer accepts this during the negotiation process they will be contractually obligated to complete the work themselves. Smart homeowners have annual contracts with a pest control company to keep the little buggers under control. 

 

Many bank owned properties are refusing to do termite inspections and work.  It is advisable to have a termite inspection during your contingency period to assure yourself that the home is sound and the work will not have astronomical costs attached to it after purchase. 

Foundation issues are usually deal breakers.  If an entire foundation needs to be replaced the estimated costs are usually so high the seller will refuse and the buyer will decline.   If you discover foundation problems, you absolutely should get 3 estimates for the work.  You may be shocked at how far apart the estimates can be.  Some years ago I saw 3 estimates for the same foundation replacement come in at about $20k, $35k and $52k, it can be confusing and it can make people very angry.   Most buyers are not equipped to handle this level of problem. 

 

Some cracks in foundations are easily repaired with a liquid epoxy.  The problems are not always major.  Foundation problems can sometimes be detected by a noticeable tilt of the floors. Large cracks can be an indicator of stress to a particular area of the foundation.

 

A sagging in a particular area of the home could indicate that a post needs to be replaced under the home.  This is not as major of a job as one would think, and is fairly reasonable to correct. 

 

Heaters must work, most lenders will not fund a loan without an operating heating system. 

I recently showed a very nice home to a buyer client.  The home was in very good condition and showed really well.  The seller happened to be home and was very forthcoming with information about the house.  She has lived in it for 25 years, having purchased it from a very handy gentleman years before.  The prior owner added on a large master bedroom and bath, the work was quality.  It seems that he also delivered the house with a new roof and 15 year old plumbing.  The electric had not been a problem, so it had not been upgraded.  The kitchen, while nice, was in need of a remodel.

 

Having informed us that she had lived in the home for 25 years repair free, we now knew that just about everything in the home was nearing the end of its useful life and would need to be replaced over the next few years.  As nice as the home was, the potential investment in it over the first few years was too high, even at a reduced selling price. 

There is much to consider when purchasing a home.  Most buyers in today’s real estate market do not have the money to handle expensive upgrades and/or repairs after purchase.  Smart sellers are putting their homes into tip top condition prior to listing their Long Beach homes on today’s real estate market.  These homes are experiencing multiple offers and are selling very fast.  There just are not very many of them available.  Other Long Beach homes continue to sit on the real estate market because the buyers know they will not be able to do the work after purchase. 

Buying Long Beach homes requires a great deal of investigation and knowledge.  It is easy to overlook potentially expensive repairs that are just a short way down the road.  This is one of the many reasons it pays to hire a knowledgeable “Long Beach Realtor®” to protect your interests when you are shopping for “Long Beach Real Estate”.

 

Contact Laurie to begin the search for your new home

 

 

Read More Details

Buying Fixer Upper Homes in Long Beach - Long Beach Real Estate

Fun on the Naples Island Canals-Long Beach California Real Estate

1 Comment »

Long Beach Community News

Naples Island - Long Beach California

Life and Fun on the Naples Italianesque Canals

Saturday afternoon, August 30, 2008

 

Another glorious day in Long Beach California.  Does this ever get boring?  Not!  Today I showed duplexes in Belmont Shore and Seal Beach, dropped my client off and cruised around Naples Island taking pictures on the canals. 

 

I met 2 lovely young ladies, Sophia and Sylvia, who were sunning themselves on one of the bridges.  They were kind enough to agree to let me photograph their sunny faces, so cute!  Imagine my surprise when they asked me “Do you want to see us jump off of the bridge?”  Well, they didn’t wait for an answer, they just went ahead and jumped off of the bridge!  Then dragged themselves out of the canal at a convenient dock. 

 

The 2 adorable little river rats were having a ball.  I cracked up laughing.  Just had to get pictures of this to share. 2 little hams, didn’t mind, they wanted to make sure I got them mid air.  So, here they are, mid-air…  They are looking forward to seeing their pictures here.  Girls I hope you like them. 

 

Apparently the girls are well known for their antics as most of the neighbors are used to seeing them do this often. 

 

There were people swimming and kayaking below and boats passing through, I was very relieved to notice the girls taking extra precautions to make certain the coast was cleared for a safe landing. 

It looked like so much fun, if I were still a kid, I’d have jumped in with them, lol…

 

I hope you enjoy the video of this afternoons pictures. 

Best,

Laurie

 

Are you thinking about moving to Long Beach?  Think you might enjoy living on Naples Island, perhaps raising your family there and watching your kids shiny, smiling, joyful faces as they jump off a bridge?  If living on a gorgeous Italianesque canal, having a boat slip and living in a luxury waterfront home appeals to you, contact Laurie. 

 

Naples Island and 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
• Bay Harbour Homes For Sale Long Beach California

Naples Island, Belmont Shore and Marina Pacifica Condos For Sale

• Belmont Shore and Naples Condos For Sale
• Marina Pacifica Condos for Sale Long Beach CA

 

Naples Island and Belmont Shore Income Properties For Sale

• Belmont Shore-Naples Island Income Properties For Sale

 

 

Read More Details

Fun on the Naples Island Canals-Long Beach California Real Estate

Sunday Afternoon in Belmont Shore - Long Beach California

2 Comments »

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

 

Read More Details

Sunday Afternoon in Belmont Shore - Long Beach California