Nothing increases the appeal or saleability of Long Beach Homes and condos more than a great kitchen and bath remodel.  With all of the information and choices out there it can get pretty confusing for a consumer.

Where do you start?

The key is in the design.  If your kitchen is the center of activity in your home then the design needs to accommodate that.  Consumers are seeking more integration, more space and more high-end features in today’s kitchen remodels.  They want a kitchen they can be proud of and show off.

In most older Long Beach Homes kitchens are very closed off, seperate rooms, removed from the activities of the family, Formal Dining rooms sit largely unused.  Many Long Beach Homeowners are opting to tear out the doors and walls between the kitchen and dining room and are incorporating the square footage into a more useful, functional and attractive space, integrating the kitchen with the rest of the home.

Allowing more natural light to stream in can create the illusion of more space.  Many are adding additional windows, skylights or are just increasing the size of existing windows.

While some homeowners are still opting for white cabinetry, the current trend is towards the darker woods, cherry and maple are the most popular with some interest in hickory as well.  Oak is so out!

Consumers are concentrating on the design and style, choosing more streamlined cabinets with less detail, instead placing more emphasis on pulls and hinges.

Granite countertops have long been a favorite and still are.  Other popular countertop materials such as glass, wood and concrete are providing options for one of a kind looks.  Many homeowners are combining and incorporating different materials together for a unique look. Use of decorative concrete is very popular in the Downtown Long Beach Lofts, greatly enhancing the appeal of the Manhattan style loft lifestyle.

Hewn and Hammered, a subsidiary of Rejuvenation.com recently did a wonderful article on unique remodeling materials which I thought was outstanding.  While you may or may not be interested in their suggestions, the read really gets the mind working on the endless possibilities that are available in todays market.  Rejuvenation.com is a great resource if you are considering a home remodel of an older or historic home.

Consumers are purchasing Energy Star rated appliances with their kitchen remodel.  The majority are leaning toward the higher-end stainless models which work best with the more streamlined designs.

Green building materials are becoming more available, for instance Richlite countertops, which are made from paper believe it or not.  These countertops blend well with the sleeker look consumers seem to crave.

Green building choices have not made the impact that many have hoped that they will.  I wonder if it is because we are just not as familiar with what is available or because we just have our minds set on granite or another equally as popular surface?  They certainly are a viable option.

This Downtown Long Beach Condo Kitchen Remodel reflects some of the above mentioned design styles and materials:

Some of the design elements of this beautiful kitchen include:

• Slate Flooring
• Cherrywood Cabinetry
• Sleek long pulls.
• Top of the line stainless appliances.
• Openness

LONG BEACH REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

The Turret House

Historic Victorian Bed and Breakfast For Sale

Downtown Long Beach California

The Turret House, a successful historic bed and breakfast in the heart of Downtown Long Beach California is For Sale. This elegant Victorian bed and breakfast provides its guests with a comfortable environment to unwind with period pieces throughout, and provides separate owners quarters, offering the new owner a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Location is in the Wilmore Drake Historic District, one of 17 historic districts in Long Beach California.

Built in 1906, by a Kansas carpenter, this Historic Inn retains its charm to this day. Walking distance to the Downtown Long Beach business district the Victorian B & B provides a homey welcome to avid business travelers tired of spending the bulk of their time in typical hotels. The Inn was last renovated in 2003 with much attention spent on a beautiful restoration.

Business travelers account for over half of the room bookings. The Inn offers a unique travel experience for weary road warriors. A short walk into the Downtown business district the Inn has become a favorite for many business travellers tired of being on the road and wanting a more homey and comfortable environment. The Inn is also a favorite getaway for Anniversary celebrations and weekend getaways. Many Downtown locals book rooms for visiting family members. The Turret House also rents out the Inn for the use of Showers, Tea Parties, etc..

The business is solid, the Inn is usually fully booked. Even in the slower months of the year (November-December) the Inn is usually about 75% booked. The hotel has built expansive internet exposure, is highly rated and enjoys a friendly relationship with referring vendors. The Turret House provides a nice healthy, steady income for its current owners, it can for you too.

The Turret House has 5 themed guest rooms; all rooms have private baths, fireplaces, claw-foot tubs and showers, are lovingly decorated and are fully booked most of the year.

The Turret Room Five leaded-glass windows frame this cozy room, complimenting its 12 foot high turret from which the house derived its name. Full-size antique bed. A private bath with stall shower and slipper claw foot tub is steps from the Turret Door.
	Provincetown Room Embracing the Inns diversity, the Provincetown Room is the jewel of the house, with antique four-poster queen bed and matching carved wood dresser sink. Artwork by prominent P-Town artist Doug Marr graces the walls and French doors lead to a private balcony where guests may sit and enjoy their mornings or cool evening breeze. Private bath.
Queen Mary Room Named after our citys historic ocean liner, this room features sky blue walls and artifacts from the ships sailings. Queen bed, private bath.
	Vagabond Room As its name indicates, the Vagabond Room features a world traveler decor with mementos of far-away places and faces. King bed, private bath.
Dreamcatcher Room Slip away into surreal dreams in this relaxing room. Earth-tone colors with an eclectic mix of paintings and prints. Queen bed, private bath.

Each room currently includes television with DirecTV including free HBO, Cinemax and Showtime, fluffy bathrobes and free passes to nearby Golds Gym. Internet access is also provided. Guests may also relax in the Inns private outdoor spa. The Turret House is a pet friendly bed and breakfast that feels more like a grand old home.

The Turret House won the 2005 Long Beach Heritage Preservation Award and has been voted the best bed and breakfast by the Press Telegram. It is no wonder, a tour of The Turret House will leave you with the sense of having stepped back in time with every nook and cranny lovingly restored.

This fine bed and breakfast offers its new owner more than just a steady income stream, it offers a lifestyle. The on site, separate owners quarters make this lovely Inn an extension of your home. You will have to see this wonderful haven to understand the warmth it exudes.

Southern California, Long Beach and the Downtown Long Beach areas offer unlimited resort amenities and endless entertainment. Centrally located, Downtown Long Beach is just 6 miles from the Long Beach Airport, 20 miles south of LAX, 22 miles north of John Wayne Airport and 51 miles east of Ontario Airport.

Downtown Long Beach is a highly evolving urban redevelopment area. Over the last few years many new high rise condominiums have been built; historic buildings have been converted into highly desirable Manhattan style lofts and new business has been moving into the Downtown area. Plans for continued development continue into our future. More information on the redevelopment in Downtown can be located on the City of Long Beach Site here.

Guests can walk to area beaches, the Long Beach Convention Center, The World Trade Center, the Downtown business district, Pine Avenue, area restaurants, local galleries, the East Village Arts District, The Aquarium of the Pacific, Rainbow Harbor and The Pike.

If you are searching for the perfect Historic Bed and Breakfast, The Turret House may just be the perfect choice for you.

Contact Laurie today to explore the possibilities.

Offered at: $995,000

Listing Agent: Laurie Manny – Main Street Realtors Long Beach 562-212-5420

Contact Me

Understanding how your credit score will affect the purchase of Long Beach
homes.

We all know that a good credit score is not only helpful, but today it is necessary to get a mortgage to purchase Long Beach homes, or even buy a car.  Your credit score will also determine the interest rate you have to pay.

Factors that go into figuring a credit score?

• Have you Established Credit? Paying cash is often construed to be the act of a responsible consumer, by doing so you establish no history for a mortgage lender to examine. One way to establish credit is to get credit cards and use them – you can, and should, pay them off every month and on time.  A credit score considers the number of creditors as well as payment history.
  

Read Also: How to establish credit

• Prompt Payment of Financial Obligations. This is very important, but you should know that this accounts for only about a third of the total score.

• Amount of Available Credit. Your credit score might be impacted by the number of credit cards you have, even if you never use them.  They indicate the amount of credit you have access to, thus opening up the chance of financial strain.

• Your Debt Ratio.
  Lenders will consider your debt ratio when you apply for a Long Beach mortgage. In spite of an excellent credit rating they will use this debt ratio to see if you can take on additional debt for a mortgage on your Long Beach home.

• Consolidation of Debt. Although, this might make it easier to pay off debt and thus increase your credit score, the process of consolidation will have no effect on your credit score.
  

What do the Credit Score numbers mean?

Your FICO score is comprised of a compilation of your credit history from the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Transunion, and Experian. Basically your credit score is determined by a formula that is calculated that is proprietary information and owned by Fair Isaac.  Your credit score number will be between 300-900, and the higher the number the better off you are.

Are you ready to start the process of applying for a Long Beach Mortgage now?  Before you approach a lending institution for a Long Beach home mortgage, know where you stand with your credit score.  Not sure where you stand, a good Mortgage professional will assist you with obtaining a copy of your report.  After obtaining a copy of it, they will review it with you and assist you to resolve any issues that are affecting your
credit score negatively.

Guest author: Colleen Kulikowski, Buffalo NY Realtor

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

Long Beach real estate market 2009 Forecast

Author: Brian Brady.

If bifurcation was the theme for the 2008 Long Beach real estate market, convergence will be the theme in 2009. Both the bifurcation of 2008 and the Convergence of 2009 are closely tied to the ability to finance Long Beach properties.  While prices were lower across Long Beach, this past year, the under
$400,000 real estate market was extremely hard hit. Vanishing stated income and Sub-prime loan programs reduced the number of qualified buyers, driving prices dramatically lower in areas like California Heights, Lakewood Plaza/Rancho, Bixby Knolls, and the non-waterfront condominiums in Downtown Long Beach. In some cases, those prices are below the fundamental value, and offer a great buy for investors and owner-occupants alike.

The Long Beach neighborhoods of Belmont Shore, Belmont Heights, Bluff Park, Alamitos Beach and Virginia Country Club might not fare so well in 2009, While I expect Long Beach homes priced below $500,000 to hold relative value next year, it’s the homes priced over $700,000 and below $1,000,000 that are most vulnerable to vanishing financing. I discussed this very challenge in my 2009 San Diego Real Estate Outlook:

The key component to the housing recovery for San Diego remains in
The ability for a home buyer to get financing. The US Treasury stepped
In to provide financing for properties under $625,000, by:

(a) increasing the loan limits for FHA, conforming and VA loans to 115% of median price (expected Jan,2009)
(b) nationalizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (guaranteeing the loan from default)

The luxury home market ($1,000,000 and above) is generally a cash
Market. As such, credit availability affects those housing units far
Less than the “rank and file” developments inhabited by those of us in
The “working class”. Expect SOME softness in the luxury home market but
If the buyer likes the home, she’ll either pay cash or have access to
Highly specialized financing available to the only asset-rich.

After January 1, 2009, the government loan limits will be capped at $625,000 for Long Beach. This means that rates for loan amounts above that number will be as much as 2% higher than the government-backed Financing and downpayment requirements will be 25% or greater. If you’re selling a home in that price range, the buyer pool is about to shrink in about 3 months.

Exacerbating this financing issue is the loss of jobs a recession may bring. Unemployment in California has spiked this past year.  Job losses have been concentrated in the lower to middle income range
in 2008 while the upper-income jobs have remained relatively safe. A recession will hit those upper-income jobs harder than the lower income ones. I said that 2008 is the year where the “rich will get not rich and the poor will get clobbered“; that certainly happened this year. 2009 will be the great equalizer as the higher-priced homes decline and higher-paid jobs disappear.

What then, should be your strategy for 2009?

Investors should pay close attention to the lower-end of the real estate market for fantastic buys. Long Beach real estate is a great investment and opportunities to own a property that offers positive cash flow are evident today in the under $500,000 market. There will be some great opportunities in those mid-priced homes, next year as well as the $700,000 to $1,000,000 drops below the financing caps.

If you’re planning on selling a Long Beach home in that $700,000 to $1,000,000 price range, better to list it today rather than to wait until after the new year. Veterans can buy up to $729,000 with no money down. FHA buyers can buy up to $729,000 with 3.5% down. Conventional buyers can buy to that limit with as little as 5% down…today. Next year, that all goes away.

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