LONG BEACH CA: There Goes the Neighborhood!!

I had a lot of fun as I always do combing the great Long Beach, CA neighborhoods and taking photos of the wonderful people and events around me. It was also a great way to let new acquaintances know I’m a Realtor® who knows, loves and understands the dynamics of the many neighborhoods and communities of Long Beach, CA!

For those of you who missed it or who are looking to buy or sell real estate in the following Long Beach communities and neighborhoods of Bluff Heights, California Heights, Naples, Belmont Heights and the area of South Long Beach, CA. I’ve posted below an easy one-stop neighborhood shop for you. Click the link above each photo. Enjoy!

BLUFF HEIGHTS LONG BEACH, CA – A Good Fit For You? You Decide…

Bluff Heghts Long Beach CA photo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CALIFORNIA HEIGHTS LONG BEACH, CA – A Historical City Treasure!

NAPLES LONG BEACH, CA: Buy, Sell or Sail By…

BELMONT HEIGHTS LONG BEACH, CA: Where Small Town Beach Living Awaits You!

SOUTH LONG BEACH CA FAMILY EVENTS: Home is Where the Water is!

SOUTH LONG BEACH, CA – Get Up, Get Out and Start Beach Living!

If you are interested in buying or selling in any of the above areas of Bluff Heights, California Heights, Naples, Belmont Heights and the area of South Long Beach, CA, do not hesitate to call me at 310-508-4354 or visit my website at www.AndiGrant.com or here for Long Beach CA Homes for Sale.

CALIFORNIA HEIGHTS in Long Beach, CA – A Historical City Treasure!

 California Heights in Long Beach, CA – A Historical City Treasure! 

 

 

California Heights is one of my favorite historic Long Beach, CA neighborhoods! If there is an area that says “lovely” this is it!  You’ll know your in California Heights when you start to see the beautifully restored antique lamp posts.  There are many style of homes to be seen in the area, such as the Tudor, 1938 Ranch and the occasional Craftsman Bungalow.  But what I’m most partial to, are the many Spanish Revival homes that feature red spanish tile roofs, welcoming terra cotta courtyards and vines growing over arched doorways. 

To enchant you even further, you’ll see these historic California Heights homes while driving down picturesque tree-lined streets that have trees reaching across the street to one another in a great arc. *SIGH*  Interestingly enough, almost all of my male colleagues that saw the tree photos didn‘t share in my enthusiasm as they immediately pointed out the dusting off their cars would need if parked underneath.  Ok, so I may have romanticized it a bit. But I also believe this may fall under the “Men are from Mars” category!

What does California Heights historical preservation entail?

Living in Cal Heights or any historically preserved district, though very rewarding, can be quite challenging for the homeowner.  Due to the preservation mandates, the homes are to remain unaltered and “preserved” due to the many architectual nuances and details that reflect the era in which they were built. 

Deteriorated features are normally repaired rather than replaced which can be quite costly if the item has been discontinued. When repair is impossible due to damage or condition, replacement materials must match in design and quality among many other criteria. No mickey-mouse jobs here!  There’s no calling cousin Freddie on those occasions! 

 

What Kind of Buyer Moves to California Heights?

California Heights home buyers are hopefully those who have a great respect for historical preservation, pride of ownership and most importantly are team players. Why team players? California Heights is just one of 17 historical districts located in Long Beach, CA yet it is one of the most distinguishable in all of the city.  The line of demarcation isn’t as blurred as with other historical districts which could only mean there is stricter enforcement to the adherence of these guidelines and those that will occasionally challenge them.

When buying in a historical district, you are signing on to not only preserve history, but to be a part of it.   Does this mean that someone on “the board” who doesn’t have a life should be harassing you at every turn, absolutely not!  It just means that when you buy in a historical district such as California Heights, you have to play by the rules and color in-between the preservation lines so to speak.  Anyone who takes the time to willingly preserve and respect a home, will preserve a street.  Those that preserve a street, will preserve a neighborhood. This will undoubtedly help to maintain or increase home values in the area.  Increased value while being a part of history and continuing a legacy is the bigger picture. 

California Heights Historic District boundaries are:

Bixby Road to the north, Atlantic to the West, Wardlow Rd to the South, Cherry to the East

For detailed information regarding historical preservation guidelines.

For more information about California Heights, please visit CalHeights.org

If you would like to get more information about buying in the lovely California Heights neighborhood or for a free Home Value Quote, do not hesitate to call me at 310-508-4354. 

Be sure to check out my blogs on Bluff Heights  and Belmont Heights. 

 

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Is Bluff Heights in Long Beach, CA a Good Fit for You?  You Decide…

 

 

 

 

 

Bluff Heights is a quaint beach town neighborhood located in the southeastern section of Long Beach, CA. It is within walking distance to the best that Long Beach, CA has to offer.  In one day you can cover many activities and attractions.  You can bike ride, get a tan, walk to a 5-star restaurant, take a romantic gondola ride, see a lighthouse, board a cruise ship, shop for a 1920′s vintage typewriter and if its the summer, watch a moonlight screening of a classic movie right on the beach and then walk home afterwards!  

  

  

The Unspoken Dress Code and Protocol  for Living in Bluff Heights

 

Now I must warn you that once you move to Bluff Heights you may develop what I call  ”permanent vacation” syndrome.  All of a sudden uptight people become more relaxed.  Even their pets seem to become more laidback.  A person’s closet becomes filled with great year-round summer apparel and of course the uniform of choice, shorts and flip-flops.  You’ll also notice that people in Bluff Heights are very warm and friendly in nature.  They don’t have to know you to smile at you and the smile actually reaches their eyes!  

 

 

 

Bluff Heights Residents Are Big on the Word “Alfresco!”

 

While you are hitting the snooze button, some Bluff Heights residents are already headed to the many outdoor cafes offering great breakfasts and complimentary newspapers.  For lunch and dinner, there are many great neighborhood restaurants to choose from.  Just a few blocks further south and you have a choice of either ocean or marina view seating. 

Those are just a few things to keep in mind when considering whether or not Bluff Heights is right for you.  Great location and friendly people are the heart of what makes Bluff Heights!  If this great neighborhood in Long Beach sounds like a good fit for you, or you need a Free Home Value Quote, do not hesitate to call me at 310-508-4354.

 

 

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Short Sale Sellers Getting FHA Loans to Buy Another Home Within MONTHS of Closing Their Short Sales

Is this true? Was there a Home Raffle for ex-short sale sellers that we weren’t made aware of?  Within two days, I’ve been informed from trusted colleagues who practice in hard hit short sale states, that previous short sale clients were able to obtain legitimate FHA financed loans WITHIN MONTHS of their closed short sales based on certain criteria.  Too good to be true? Not necessarily!  I checked with my recommended lenders and based on the following there are eligibility exceptions which is GREAT news for some borrowers:  

Pg. 2 Excerpts of pages from FHA mortgage letter

BORROWERS ARE CONSIDERED ELIGIBLE for a new FHA-insured mortgage if • they were current on their mortgage and other installment debts at the time of the short sale of their previously owned property, and • the proceeds from the short sale serve as payment in full. Reference: For detailed information, see “Short Sales” at 4155.1 4.C.2.l.

 

Borrowers are not eligible for a new FHA mortgage if they pursued a short sale agreement on his or her principal residence simply to • take advantage of declining market conditions, and • purchase, at a reduced price, a similar or superior property within a reasonable commuting distance.  Reference:  For detailed information on converting existing principal residences into rental properties, see 4155.1 4.E.4.g

Borrowers in default on their mortgage at the time of the short sale (or pre-foreclosure sale) are not eligible for a new FHA-insured mortgage for three years from the date of the pre-foreclosure sale. Lenders may make exceptions to this rule under certain circumstances. Reference: For detailed information, see “Short Sales“, at 4155.1 4.C.2.l.

 Full 6 pg. Dept of Housing and Urban Development Letter detail the criteria. 

IS THERE A CATCH?

There are certain variables to take into consideration when determining whether or not you will qualify that aren’t listed above.  Was your closed short sale a FHA-insured loan in which you may have been required to be 31 days delinquent or more prior to short sale approval consideration?  Was your short sale due to job relocation or other legitimate reason to have to move?  How was your lender approved short sale reported on your credit report?  What was your final set of FICOs after the next credit bureau reporting cycle? etc.  Do not hesitate to call me for more information at 310-508-4354 or check with a recommended FHA lender professional to see if you qualify.

Also, I can’t help but feel betwixt for the FHA short sellers who may have been encouraged to be in arrears in order to obtain FHA short sale approval based on eligibility section of Preforeclosure Sales Program Guidelines.  This same FHA institution will now allow the conventional loan short sellers to get a 2nd chance by rewarding them for not being late on payments? Is it because conventional loans required a lot more personal down-payment from the conventional borrowers than FHA borrowers?  Hmmm…

Well, it is great news for some borrowers, so I guess we just have to be VERY thankful for that! 

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First-time Homebuyers – We Both Need the Same Thing and Only YOU Can Provide It

What you need most from me is someone who will listen to your needs, keep within your budget and help you to make a sound investment on a home that you can grow in and absolutely love for years to come. 

What I need most from you is for you to listen to your needs, for you to keep within your budget and for  you to help yourself to make a sound investment on a home that you can grow in and absolutely love for years to come.   

You said you needed:

• Nice affordable home, priced closer to the middle of your price range so that you aren’t house poor – check!
• Home in one of your desired neighborhoods – check!
• Located in an award winning school district – check!
• 4 bedrooms, one with a room downstairs for mother-in-law with bad knees – check!
• Large backyard for kids to play in – check

So why are you now looking in an area for a bigger house that you think will impress friends more, has all upstairs bedrooms, with a small backyard that abuts an alley, in an area in which expensive private schooling is mandatory for a decent education? 

Not only will you be trying to keep up with the Jones’s with every purchase of a newer car, bigger flat screen, exotic trips and anniversary gifts, but your mom will stop visiting as much because she will not have any comfortable place to sleep - there goes your built-in babysitter.  In addition to your higher mortgage, you will have to spend a pretty penny on getting a quality education for the kids as well. 

I have seen a change in course from buyers of all ages the more they are “advised” from coworkers, family and friends about their home purchase. 

I’m not your parent or boss, I’m your REALTOR.  It is not up to me to lecture you on the stress of an extremely high mortgage and what it does to families, but up to me to caution you about it when it doesn’t have to happen.  You have many great options that will make you happy, if not happier.   There’s nothing better than having very happy clients that thank you for giving them just enough independence to draw their own conclusions and make sound decisions, while at the same time being close enough for soft guidance and mild but firm intervention when you see them headed down dead-end roads called Jones St. or Emotion Ave. 

 

Posted via web from Long Beach CA Real estate

Downey CA Homes for Sale week ending 3/12/10

 

Check out the hundreds of Downey CA Homes for Sale in your specific price range HERE as of 3/12/10! For instance this lovely Downey CA home located on Pangborn Ave. in the coveted area of North Downey.

All Downey CA Homes for Sale 3/12/10

$0 – $100,000
$100,000 – $200,000
$200,000 – $300,000
$300,000 – $400,000
$400,000 – $500,000
$500,000 – $2,500,000

Search for homes by price in the following cities as well: Long Beach, Los Angeles, Lakewood, Bellflower and Carson.

 

 

Call me for details on how to start the process of buying or selling a home or to schedule a viewing for any of the lovely homes that you would like to see at 310-508-4354.

It features 3 Bedrooms, 2 baths, Large Family Room, Dining Room, Spacious Kitchen with Granite Countertops and Newer Appliances. Master Bedroom and Bath Suite, Hardwood Floors, Cathedral Ceilings and Fireplace. Terraced and manicured yard with firepit. An entertainer’s dream! SHOW & SELL.

Posted via web from Long Beach CA Real estate

Long Beach, CA Homes for Sale as of 3/11/10

 

LONG BEACH CA HOMES FOR SALE AS OF 3/10/10!

Search the MLS today for homes currently for sale in Long Beach, CA! Be sure to check out the BEAUTIFUL SPANISH 3 bed/2 ba home located on palm tree-lined San Francisco Ave in the Wrigley area of Long Beach. Cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors throughout. Large formal dining room that extends out to terrace – perfect for entertaining! 

Call me for details on how to start the process of buying or selling a home or to schedule a viewing* for any of the lovely homes that you would like to see at 310-508-4354.

LONG BEACH, CA HOME SEARCH BY PRICE:

 

 

*Scheduled viewing for pre-approved buyers only. To find out what you would qualify for within 24-48 hours, do not hesitate to call me at 310-508-4354

 

$0 – $100,000
$100,000 – $200,000
$200,000 – $300,000
$300,000 – $400,000
$400,000 – $500,000
$500,000 and higher

Search for homes by price in the following cities as well:  Los Angeles, Lakewood, Bellflower, Downey and Carson.

Posted via web from Long Beach CA Real estate

NEW First-Time Home Buyer Program for Los Angeles County 3/10/10

NEW HERO-STATE PROGAM!!

From the County of Los Angeles:

• Only REO, foreclosed or abandoned properties are eligible *see participating cities below*
• For first-time homebuyers
• Grants for up to $25,000 are available with the program to fix code violations only
• Down Payment assistance of up to $75,000 depending on income
• Also have additional closing assistance up to $10,000 depending on purchase price

Q:  How do I get into the program? 

A:  Call Andi Grant at 310-508-4354 in order to get the details or to have the information sent directly to you.

Q:  I’ve already contacted Andi, reviewed the program details and I meet the median income conditions, now what?

A:  Choose from the list of approved participating lenders to be pre-qualified in purchasing a foreclosed or abandoned home (this usually takes 24-48 hours).

Q:  Ok I’ve been pre-qualified now what is the next step?

A:  Andi will follow-up with you in order to schedule home showings that meet your specific location, size and feature criteria.

CAPITALIZE ON THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY BEFORE FUNDS RUN OUT!

NEW CITIES NOW A PART OF THIS PROGRAM:

Entire City Participation (all census tracts)

Alhambra, Artesia, Burbank, Cerritos, Gardena, Glendale, Glendora, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, Torrance, West Covina, Whittier

 

Designated Census Tracts Only – Participating Cities

1st District:  Azusa, Bell, Commerce, Irwindale, La Puente, Maywood, 2nd District:  Lawndale, 3rd District:  San Fernando, 4th District:  Diamond Bar, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada 5th District: Covina

 

 1st District Area:  Avocado Heights-bassett, Covina Islands (Citrus), East Azusa Islands, East Los Angeles (belvedere/City Terrace/Eastmont), Florence, Hacienda Heights, North Whittier, Rowland Heights, South San Jose Hills, South Whittier, Valinda, Walnut Park, West Puente Valley; 2nd District Area: Athens-West/Athens-Westmont, East Compton, Florence, Graham, Lennox, View Park-Windsor Hills, West Compton, Willowbrook 4th District Area:  Hacienda Heights, Norwalk-Cerritos (islands), Rowland Heights, South Whittier 5th District: AltaDena, Castaic-Vla Verde, Covina Islands (Citrus), East Antelope Valley (Lake Los Angeles, Roosevelt, East Azusa Islands, East canyon County (Lang/Sulphur Springs), Littlerock-Pearlblossom (Juniper Hills/Longview/Llano), Oat Mountain, Quartz Hill (Del Sur/Green Valley/Leona Valley), South Antelope Valley, West Antelope Valley (Elizabeth Lake/Green valley), West Canyon Nountry (Bouquet Canyon/Forrest Park), West Santa Clarita Valley (Stevenson Ranch)

 

GOOD LUCK!

 

 

Designated Census Tracts Only – Unincorporated Areas:

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A Violent Tenant, REALTOR Sabotage, Buyer Backing Out, Out-of-state 1031 Exchange…and THAT WAS JUST MY FIRST DEAL!

 

My first deal – talk about an accelerated real estate crash course!  Several years ago, I had just received my license when my cousin called to tell me that he wanted me to list his property.  The same cousin who used to babysit my siblings and I and said we would never grow up in his eyes?  My hero!  I was sure it was going to be the easy-to-list, immaculate 3 bedroom home he had.  No!  He wanted me to list one of his 4-unit apartment buildings.  To a new agent an apartment building sounded like selling Trump Towers!  In addition to that, he was selling it and doing a 1031 exchange for several homes out-of-state, which meant there would be strict time deadlines to take into consideration.  If that wasn’t enough, he would also be out of town most of the time and would be signing docs and coaching me from a distance.  *GULP* Thank God for my wonderful agent-friendly broker! 

 

1. Tenant #1 was great!  Young single guy and very cooperative.
2. Tenant #2 was a REALTOR.  My cousin had used her before for transactions, but told her that he would be using “family” for this one.  Well apparently this didn’t sit well with her as we would later discover.
3. Tenant #3 – lovely kind woman.  She warned me about the “special one.“
4. Tenant #4 – the “special one.”  My cousin said she might be a little difficult.  Oh lovely. 

Within no time, we got the offer we wanted and were in escrow!   

INSPECTION DAY:

Tenants #1 and #3 easy-breezy great!

Tenant #2 (the Realtor) who was reportedly a neat freak according to the other tenants and my cousin, had clothes strewn all over the place in every room of the house.  Doors were hanging off hinges and there were NEW permanent stains in the carpet just in time for the date of inspection.  Nice.

Tenant #4 had a terminally-ill and not-so-mentally stable border living with her who, unbeknownst to me, was going to be present for inspections.  Oh and did I mention that he also suffered from “Demophobia” which is a fear of crowded places? I had scheduled the physical inspection, termite and appraisal all in one day.  Two of the aforementioned were either early or late and at one point there were 7 people in the 2 bedroom apartment all at the same time (me, the buyer, the buyer’s agent, the border, the appraiser, the termite inspector and the physical inspector).  I guess it became too much for him because all of a sudden he jumped off the couch and started yelling at the buyer!  His fists were balled and he was threatening the buyer’s life!

Oh Lord.  I took in the entire situation with eyes darting back and forth.  The buyer’s agent looked like he was going to faint before the buyer did.  The border was fighting mad and with him being terminally ill, this poor guy had NOTHING to lose!  What to do, what to do?!

In a calm voice, I told him that it was ok. I added that *special one’s name* whom he bordered with, wouldn’t be very pleased to know we didn’t get to finish today and we’d have to reschedule another appointment that same week. He backed off. The buyer backed out. I had backup offers – Thank God!

I was later to learn that “special one” bragged to the other tenants about having the border scare the first buyer off!  She then tried a another routine with the new backup offer buyer. He saw right through it though and said he would be moving forward.  After he and his Realtor drove off, she started yelling that my cousin owed her a relocation fee because she knew the law and that’s what happened at her last place.  I politely informed her there wouldn’t be a relocation fee paid this time because the city she resided in wasn’t under rent control.  I told her the new owner was also aware of this and hopefully was very forgiving.

She started crying and blaming me for not telling her that he was going to be the owner (???) and then stormed off to her apartment.  I felt bad…well not really. I know that’s probably a bad thing to say, but I’m being truthful about how I felt at the time. Tenant #3 witnessed the entire episode. She took my business card and said when she was ready to buy I would definitely be her Realtor if I could come out of this still sane and smiling.

Building sold for top dollar, cousin had a successful out-of-state 1031 exchange and it was a happy ending for all…or was it?

FAST FORWARD TO TODAY

The owner is losing the apartment building!  It is a pre-foreclsosure short sale now selling for hundreds of thousands less than what he bought it for.

 

Tenant #1 – moved away and I’m sure is a fine upstanding citizen somewhere. 

Tenant #2 – a.k.a. the REALTOR – I have no idea what became of her.  I only hope she has repented for her behavior and has since become a home stager in recompense.

Tenant #3 – went to live with her son.  I wish this kind sweet-spirited woman all of the best and would be more than happy to represent her!

Tenant #4 – I found out from tenant #3 that terminally-ill border ran away!  “Special one” came home from work and all of his stuff was packed and gone.  She was also said to have skipped paying rent over various trumped up complaints, creating a difficult situation for the new owner throughout his years of ownership. Poor guy!

My cousin was glad he sold during the “good years.” 

I’m glad that what I learned back in that first deal, is more than what most agents have learned in years of doing real estate.  After that, my attitude was fearless! BRING IT ON!

 

Posted via web from Long Beach CA Real estate

Long Beach Real Estate Is in the Red…and Loving It! PART I

RED DOOR LIVING – PART I

When driving through the quaint Long Beach, CA neighborhoods of California Heights, Los Altos, Belmont Heights, Naples, Bluff Park and Bluff Heights, you can’t help but notice the homes that have an eye-catching red door. Is the color symbolic to the homeowner or did they simply watch too much HGTV? How I would love to know the stories behind each red door!

 

Look at this Long Beach red door home. You just know that ony a few months ago, their holidays were warm and toasty and gifts were exchanged sincerely from the heart! I suspect the aroma of fresh baked cookies were in the air as well! Or maybe I’m just having a sweet tooth moment. I LOVE the look of both elegance and warm simplicity of this well-appointed Long Beach home!

 

 

…and this one. Does this red door open up into an expansive foyer? Are there photos hung diagonally on the wall as you climb the stairs taking you down memory lane of when little Timmy had a missing tooth and when Rebecca had her recital? Is there a very special box in the attic containing Nana’s handmade wedding dress?

 

 

At first glance, this red door home screams traditional because of the white picket fence, the filigree posts and cut of shrubbery. But its in those very same clues that you reconsider your first hasty conclusion. The varying degrees of texture and dimension will not allow you to easily categorize them. Confirmation comes with the contemporary and modern red door. The homeowners love and appreciate the best of both worlds in this Long Beach treasure!

 

Now of course I’m only guessing what kind of homeowner lies behind each door. It’s simply an exercise to remind me that no home or homeowner is the same no matter how many homes I’ve seen or how many clients I’ve helped to buy or sell. Besides, it’s a lot of fun to see how close I am to my actual guess if or whenever I meet the homeowners!

Stay tuned for more of my Long Beach Red Door Living series in the upcoming weeks…

 

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