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Katie Cotter"Sometimes it is not enough to do our best. Sometimes we must do what is required." Winston Churchill |
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November 25 Pilgrim HousesAs Thanksgiving approaches, we talk alot about the Pilgrims...Everyone obsesses about how the started the holiday and a big feast. Do you know what I think about (because, of course, I'm a Realtor)? They invented first gated community in America!
Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts When the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock there was virtually an untapped plethora of lumber for home construction. While none of those homes still exist (photos are of replicas), historians surmise that wooden homes were built utilizing English construction techniques. Oak, pine, walnut and cedar were used to build frames. Clay, sand and gravel were used, as well as wood pins for fastening. At first, the roofs were thatched, but numerous fires lead lawmakers to prohibit that starting in 1627.Most homes had dirt floors and later board floors. There was one central living room where everything happen: dominated by a hearth. Then, there were lofts where children and servants slept. There were very few windows and those had to be shuttered in the winter--the first settlers wrote home and encouraged prospective colonists to bring paper and linseed oil to use instead of glass. Glass did come eventually. Colonist families averaged seven to eight children who were home schooled. However, by the time the youngsters reached six or seven years of age, they were put to work helping their parents. Religion and civic accountability dominated the settlement’s social life--and laws prohibiting idleness kept everyone out of trouble. If you would like to read more on your own about the Pilgrim settlement the links below were great resources. July 15 Walk to the beach condo
More Real Estate Advertising goofs!Here's another segment in my overbundant supply of goofs by Real Estate agents describing their listings. These goofs have actually appeared on the Multilistings. Read these and scroll the blog entries through for even more!
This was regarding a house built in 2003:
"Completely updated kitchen"
What could you possibly have to do to update a 2003 kitchen? Have they invented new things in the last five years?
"...has very nise cerbeapel"
Didn't even know people cared about Cerbeapel? I think we're going for "curb appeal?"
"..specious...equidistant...buildong"
But no cerbeapel? Come back for more!
June 17 Way to go Mattman!Number one son, Matthew, just graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz!
For 17 years he was "my baby." I nick-named him Mattman, because he is my superhero.
While his older sister, the brainiac med student, breezed through school... Matt and I bonded over his homework.
I am exceptionally proud that he has the strength of character to overcome a handicap of sorts. He's great at believing himself (although he may not believe that!) He tried out for a lead in The Sound of Music -- and if after he wasn't cast, he still learned the lines and went to rehearsal because he knew he was Kurt, darn it! Once the director started working with Matt, she recognized that he really is very talented gave him two performances.
Now he's off to TVs-ville. While Matt's not completely committed to a career or future plans--but he has secured an internship on the Dr. Phil show. So look for the back of his head in wide-shots next fall! June 04 TV star's house in foreclosure!McMahon, who starred in StarSearch, TV Bloopers and also known for many commercials, is $644,000 behind in his house payments.
Countrywide apparently filed a default notice -- it's "flagged: in the tax records.
McMahon has not been working much since he broke his neck 18 months ago...
The house was listed in Feburary of 2007 and expired after 471 DOM.
In case you're interested: news reports McMahon owes: $4.8 million. The house is in a gated community and was last listed for $6.25 mil.
Here are some photos of the home:
The former listing agent complained in news reports that part of the "hard-sell" could be Britany Spears living up the street and papparazi everywhere. However, the home is said to be in a gated community.
Maybe the harder sell is the "history" -- McMahon, you may remember, sued and won a $7.2 million an insurance settlement after claims that mold killed his dog Muffin and sicked him and his wife.
Even the rich and famous are not immune from real estate troubles! May 26 The real scoop on Foreclosures"El barato llega a ser caro"
The cheap becomes expensive!
That's what Judge Marilyn Milian of People's Court says -- she's always quoting her grandmother when she admonishes buyers for taking advantage of a deal that's really too good to be true.
In fact, my business partner Randy always tells me: "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!"
Yet buyers are always asking me about FORECLOSURES, because they want a "deal."
Are there really "deals" in real estate?
Foreclosures are cheap -- or at least, they "look" cheap compared to other real estate prices.
So are foreclosures really a "deal?"
Here's the real scoop on foreclosures:
Yes, foreclosures are "cheap" in comparison to lots of real estate prices.
Banks want properties to sell fast.
So they instruct their listing agents to price the properties low, to get offers.
Banks are in the business of making money off of money.
So when they take back a property, they want to convert it into money as quickly as possible. Owning property is expensive... taxes, maintenance, insurance, etc.
However, the banks don't "give away" property, either... there's no money in that!
Yes, banks may take a loss--but they always try to get the highest amount the market will bear.
I know, because I do "Broker Price Opinions" for banks all the time.
When banks are marketing a foreclosure, they order these Opinions from local brokers and try to determine the fastest, highest price.
So while foreclosures are "priced low" -- they aren't priced "lower" than the going rate.
The market... supply and demand... the ability for buyers to get loans... inventory... it all goes into factoring any price.
Lots of houses on the market, you have to compete for the few buyers out there, you keep lowering the price to "win" the competition.
Therefore: You don't have to buy a foreclosure to a deal.
A seller who wants to and has to sell, will lower their price, too--including a seller who owes more than the house is currently "worth" (scroll down to my entry on Short Sales).
Also, banks have layers of decision makers.
So when a bank sets a price and terms... there's not a lot of room for negotiations. Once the bank decides on a price, they have researched and confirmed to their satisfaction that the price is right, so there's not a lot of room for changing the institution's mind... there's SOME wiggle room--because there's probably a "range" where a bank can okay without more research and approvals, but the bank usually goes with it's best price right out of the gate to get the deal done.
Regular sellers are deciding for themselves what time and money is worth... so you could "low-ball" a seller and if they HAVE to move or are TIRED of waiting, they might lower their price for you.
In addition, many banks don't want to do repairs, wait for contingencies, or pay for "extras." In fact, some banks have their own purchase contracts where what a buyer would normally have in terms of time and conditions are not an option... For instance: in a California Association of Realtors contract, buyers usually have 17 days to inspect the property and not risk their deposit. One contract I've seen recently only allows the buyer 7 days to have a home inspection and AUTOMATICALLY puts the deposit "at risk," if buyer doesn't cancel before the deadline.
Finally, foreclosures may require extensive repairs.
Some foreclosures are still in good condition -- but I've seen some pretty beat-up foreclosures.
Here's the rationale:
If you don't have money to make house payments, you probably don't have money to make repairs--and if you did, would you repair a property you are losing? or save the money for a rental deposit?
If you are "losing" your home, you might not have money for a cleaning crew or some people might even be bitter on their way out the door.
The most EXTREME case of a foreclosure needing repairs was a home I showed last month.
All but two of the doors were gone. The countertops were gone. The toilets were pulled right off the floor and missing. Some of the light fixtures and faucets were missing. The house was nicely remodeled, but I think the people who remodeled the house felt like they improvements were "theirs" and just removed them!
The house was priced really "cheap" -- but you would have to buy a lot to just live there... (unless you could live without toilets).
Some foreclosures will have newer flooring and new paint. And some will just be dirty.
So my conclusions, as a busy Realtor in this market?
1. Buy with a Realtor.
We can run numbers on foreclosures and fair market sales to help you get the best price the market will allow regardless. If we're dealing with banks, we can speak their language. If we're dealing with resident/owners we'll help you research that sellers situation so that maybe you can negotiate a price you think is a "deal."
Either way buyers do not pay for their agent's commission. Sellers pay agent's commission.
2. Foreclosures are priced low, but may require some work.
3. Foreclosures "pressure" the market to lower prices to compete... so even if you look at non-foreclosures, you are liable to get a competitive price.
4. Right now most foreclosures are "listed" on the MLS -- there is no "inside track -- no "special list" -- no "certain way" to buy a foreclosure. Many of the foreclosers available are sold through traditional and conventional means, but Realtors, such as myself.
I've been on those websites that say "foreclosure" listings, etc. There's nothing there, that I can't find on my own, being a Realtor.
5. Use Randy and me as your agents: Randy has been around through a couple of real estate cycles and knows how to negotiate with banks. Randy is a broker so he has 25 years of experience in real estate contracts and have overseen more than 7500 real estate transactions. I show about 40 properties aweek, so I am keenly aware of the local inventory, price trends, condition. Also, I complete approximately 100 Brokers Price Opinions a month, so I know what banks are analyzing in terms of value. We can help you make a deal you want!
Let's go find a deal!
April 15 More What were they thinking?Here are more advertising goofs by real estate agents writing copy for the MLS (note, I am NOT including my own
 )"Larve family room"
Because I want my insects to be comfortable, too!
"Dog on side of house"
It's easier to find the house, instead of using an address or stupid Real Estate sign
"...toilet behind the house."
Because when the toilet is in the front yard, it's a harder sell
"...supper high fence."
The breakfast high fence was just too low
"Go size garage."
and a Stop size house?
"Completely repaired by the bank"
Banks need tellers who can count money AND lay carpet!
"Nower carpet"
As opposed to the 'thener" shag.
"Missing kitchen and some interior walls"
Let's call a lumber alert!
"Gleaming hardware floors."
right underneath the bed of nails.
"Great neahborhood to raise your kids..."
yeah, if you don't care if they can spell.
"Kitchen, living room and dinging room..."
So Quasimoto can come by and ring his bells?
"Bach and one 1-bedroom."
For those who prefer Classical to go to sleep.
Scroll down for MORE in my continuing list!
Newer Ocean view condo downtown
488 W. Ocean at Long Beach Blvd google map yahoo map New LA listing: downtown condo
360 W Avenue 26 at Broadway google map yahoo map New listing: Bellflower home with larger lot
14746 Betty Jean at Clark google map yahoo map March 24 Is NOW a good time to BUY?It is nice to be the center of attention -- all the headlines and news about the real estate slump, prices going down and foreclosures.
Any publicity is publicity, eh? In fact, I feel a bit like a celebrity these days.
It used to be that when I told people I was a Realtor, they would tell me that their uncle, cousin, best friend, ex-wife's nephew were into real estate...anyone can do it, if they can't keep a real job or they're too lazy to work 9-5.
Now when I tell people what I do, I'm like a superhero!
Then, when I talk to someone, they ask: "What's going on in this crazy market?!" Or they write: "Is NOW a good time to buy REAL ESTATE?"
I'm flattered...they must think I'm really, really smart because alot of the industry "experts" and "economic" forecasters, who are supposed to tell professionals what's happening...they don't really know!
But here's something I found in last month's TIME Magazine -- and I think TIME is a pretty reputable source.
The article's headline says that buyers should: "Ignore the Headlines".
According to the article, real estate prices may still go down a bit, but if the mortgage interest rates go up then your house payments would be the same...
The magazine gives an example of how an approximate $20,000 decrease in price and a 1/2-percent increase in interest rates offsets each other (this is based on a purchase price range of about $200,000).
There are some tax and equity differences--that you should pencil out for yourself (principal on the loan, verses a write-off on interest: a tax professional would be your best source for that).
But I think the "bottomline" is that: give or take -- now is probably an okay time to buy. Certainly prices are "lower" and sellers who need to sell are negotiating.
If you're ready to own your home and can qualify for a loan--we're approaching the "sweet spot," if we're not already there -- and that's not me, an Agent, that's TIME, the magazine! March 21 Buying Short SalesIf you're looking around for a house right now, to take advantage of the lower prices, you're going to run into "Short Sales." There's a lot on the market in this area.
What is a "short sale?"
When the mortgaged amount on a house is higher than the current market value of the house... a sale will be "short" the amount owed. Someone buys a house for $400,000 last year. They have to sell, but the house is only worth $380,000 right now. That means the borrower should have to pay "$20,000" to sell or that the sale will be $20,000 short.
Many sellers won't have the extra money to pay when they sell. Many sellers in this position are being forced to sell because they HAVE to move or their house payments may be going up.
If you are a distressed seller, the lenders may allow you to sell the house and accept the "short" fall of the amount owed.
Are "short sales" smart buys?
It depends...Lenders and mortgage companies are more scientific about calculating market value than regular sellers who dream about a high sales price and imagine their house is worth "more" even in a declining market climate. Lenders evaluating a short sale use comparables and broker price opinions (where a local real estate agent, not involved in the transaction, gathers information about the appr. value) They have to be more realistic when they're crunching numbers. Financial institutions tend to understand that market conditions are what they are, so with appropriate evidence, they reconcile that prices are down, even if they don't "like" it.
If you're buying a short sale, you can be sure that you are buying at basic, approximate market value... probably not too inflated, but probably not at a "foreclosure" price. Foreclosures are discounted maybe a bit further because now the lender actually owns the property and is paying "carrying" costs. Lenders usually want to get rid of property they own fast because there's no income and they have to pay property taxes and such. Also a foreclosure is vacant and maybe there are some repairs and cosmetics needed, maybe the foreclosure required some kind of eviction so maybe the door was slammed hard on the way out. In some neighborhoods, foreclosures have boarded windows, etc.
So the good news is that you probably won't have be be afraid of "over-paying" for a 'short sale' and owners are usually nice to their houses, especially when they want to sell --
Are "short sales" easy?
For the buyer, a short sale works pretty much the same way that a normal transaction between buyer and seller works -- EXCEPT it takes so much longer!!!! Lenders and banks have "layers" and "systems" that an offer must travel through before it can be "approved" or "accepted." Depending on the lender, how may sellers looking for approvals at any given time, how many people the file has to visit, how many file handlers are on the job... just getting the offer accepted could take weeks.
Once the offer is accepted, things will move along as normal--it's just getting that dang thing approved!
Buyers beware?
If a seller is selling "short" -- maybe they haven't been able to make repairs? Maybe there is no money to make repairs during escrow if a home inspection uncovers an issue. Once the price is negotiated, adjusting it or expecting
Sometimes the lenders will want a "quick" escrow because there's an expiration on the approval. (Ironic? you'll wait for weeks and they want YOU to hurry up!)
Also, some short sales are listed "below" market value, to get offers. Therefore, keep in mind -- the lender may only approve a "higher" than list price, so you may not be getting the "deal" you hoped for.
If the property IS a good "looking" deal... chances are you'll be competing with other offers. You'll have to have a great financial presentation to impress a lender or seller who doesn't want you to fall out of escrow. Therefore, you'll want to be "pre" qualified for a loan and know how you're going to pay closing costs or fees and be able to "prove" that to the seller and or lender involved with the property.
Quick commercial for me! If you want to take advantage of short sales or foreclosures! Please use an agent, namely me or my partner BECAUSE -- we have been through all types of sales and can really help you avoid the pitfalls. while maximizing the benefits of each!
Also, if you have any questions about Foreclosures, Probates, Auctions, Short Sales, etc. PLEASE EMAIL ME!!! I would be happy to answer you questions personally or in the Blog! February 19 My daughter is going to MEDICAL SCHOOL!Yes, now at least my oldest child can afford to put me in a decent nursing home someday! The 23-year-old girl is going to Howard University as a Med student this summer.
Since middle school,
After high school,
For the past year, she's been serving at Claimjumper at South Coast and working with Spanish-speaking children who have learning difficulties. (Yes, she speaks Spanish--which helps the kids even more!)
Howard University was founded right after the Civil War in 1867, to help educate African-Americans. Since 1998, the University has produced a Rhodes Scholar, A Truman Scholar, six Fulbright Scholars and nine Pickering Fellows... The bad news (for me) is that it is located in Washington DC -- which is the absolute furthest point from Long Beach?
February 11 I've MOVED!Since 2000, I've been with Century 21 Sparow -- then it was Century 21 Sparow-Shoreline -- and now it's Century 21 BEACHSIDE!
The Beachside thing requires a "move" across the street however!
My new office address is:
6265 E Second St.
Long Beach, CA 90803
Everything else is the same -- EXCEPT:
We have more in-house power! Beachside has more advertising venues, more offices throughout the Southland, more agents... it's supposed to be a great thing for me to offer you in the way of improved service.
And, in case you're interested, I'm closer to the Albertsons and it knocks off 30-seconds drive time to office.
More later! K
Long Beach Locations in the MOVIES, Part 2Below, I wrote about an older (1980s) movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off being filmed in a Long Beach neighborhood -- but that's not the only film that was shot in the Virginia Country Club area.
The plot focused on four high school senior boys, trying to loose their virginity... Many of the neighborhood exteriors were Virginia Country Club Homes:
4153 Cedar was the main character, Jim's home. In real life, it's 3500-plus sq. ft., 4-bedroom/3-bath house built in 1929. Just down the street, is Jim's love-interest in the movie. Her character's home is located at 3925 Cedar. The photo with the white picket fence represents the house as it looked in the movie, but when the house sold in 2006 for $1.15 million, it was painted tan.
In the movie's sequel, American Pie 2, the same boys go to a resort town in Michigan for the summer. As they cruise the downtown areas, of that town, they were really rolling around Seal Beach and Naples. Schools scenes in both movies were shot at Millikan (2800 Snowden) and Poly (1600 Atlantic) High Schools in Long Beach. Interior scenes were shot at Poly and the exteriors at Millikan. Poly has also been used for several other productions, including: Cold Case (CBS TV), Boston Legal (ABC TV) and American Beauty (1999). Source: January 26 Ferris Bueller's Famous Long Beach HomeWhile the movie was set in a Chicago and Ferris' home located in a suburb, the actual house is in Long Beach, California.
Exteriors of the home and the infamous "chase" scene at the end of the film (where Ferris is trying to get home before his parents find out) were shot in a higher-end neighborhood called Virginia Country Club.
The traditional "look" of the area and it's proximity to Hollywood probably made this a highly convenient choice. However, regional trees -- like the familiar-to-California Eucalyptus--were a problem. The then resident of the house said a big tree in the backyard had to be "disguised" during filming.
I don't have too many details on the actual house because it last changed ownership in 1993--before the multi-listing system and tax records went "internet"--but I do know that it's a 4900 sq. ft. house on a little less than a half acre: seven bedrooms, five baths, a pool, and it was built in 1928. Just an average Country Club Home...
The area is adjacent to the Virginia Country Club and Golf Course -- named Virginia, by Col. Chrales Rivers Drake, who was proud of his home state. The golf course (which was the city's first) was original located closer to downtown and the old, now gone Virginia Hotel. Then, it was moved to Recreation Park on the Eastside, before it was moved to it's current location on Long Beach's North West.
While the movie was very popular in it's time, it's now a "classic" and appears "timeless" in it's appear. Even my oldest son who was born the year it was made (1986) loves it and relates.
It starred Matthew Broderick
This was not the only film shot in this 'hood. Come back in a few days to see more!
Reference sites:
January 03 More: What were they thinking?!?More in my ongoing series of goofs by real estate agents when advertising property. I just take them out of the Multi-listings System!
"Is located on the boarder line of Lakewood and Bellflower"
Little know fact: if you have an extra room, there are people lining up between Lakewood and Bellflower who want to rent.
"Mostly tiled in wet areas."
1. Not a big fan of wet areas in a house. 2. We'll just tile most of them? You'll have to step around the rest?!
"Upgrades plumming."
We weren't happy with our regular plums, so we planted a larger tree.
"Bring your buyers"
I hate when I'm showing property to clients and I forget to bring them!
"Partially upgraded windows."
They only put in one pane of the dual-paned windows.
"2 Bathroom dinner area."
Just in case 1-bathroom in the dinner area isn't enough...
"Bedroom, bath and kitchen...in garage."
So when you get home, you don't even have to go INTO the house.
There's several more entries further down in the blog --- scroll through for more fun.
Also, check out the one's I pulled from Jay Leno's Tonight Show "headlines" -- I couldn't resist adding my own comments! Click on the photo album to the right...
December 31 Buy a TV Stars house?After spending 8 years as a TV housekeeper, you'd think that Tony Danza's real-life house should at least be clean AND now it's for sale! Internet sources say that the TV star's Sherman Oaks pad is on the market. (Just so I wasn't proliferated gross gossip, I did check the tax records and the house belongs to the Danza family with the same first names as Tony and his wife--so I'm thinking it's at least probably true.)
Rumor has it that the couple is split after more than 20 years, their home in the San Fernado Valley is currently listed.
Danza's perhaps most famous for his Who's the Boss '80s TV show.
So what is a TV stars house like? Other than it's priced at more than $6-million and it's in a gated community, it's seemingly "normal:" not highly pretenious, just huge at 6778 sq. ft. (That's like a whole lot size in most neighborhoods here in Long Beach/Lakewood.)
The house was purchased from the late Robert Urlich (Vegas) in 1996 after the Northridge earthquake for about $1.5 million. Then, the Multi-listing entry says it was "completely rebuilt from the ground up."
It's on 2.3 acres in Longridge Estates. There's a guest house, pool/spa, gym, tennis courts and a batting cage.
Remember, I am licensed to sell all through the state and have sold from South Orange County to Malibu--so if you wanna buy, I'm your buyers' agent! Call or write and I'm thinking roadtrip to the Valley!
Sources:
December 29 House of the Future!As 2008 comes rushing right into us -- as a kid in the '60s, I expected something different by now. Why aren't we living like The Jetsons?! Where's my Star Trek jumpsuit? 2001: A Space Odyssey was totally bogus -- no human brain computer named HAL...
However, of all the "science fiction" I remember, Disneyland's "House of the Future" probably came closest to predicting today's reality!
The Disneyland attraction was inspired a very popular "bathroom of the future" exhibit located in the Anahiem theme park. In 1956, Disney asked Monsanto -- a major chemical company -- to sponsor a larger attraction in Tomorrowland -- "The House of the Future." Monsanto then commissioned architects from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to design the building.
The premise was that plastics were more "durable" than natural materials (Monsanto made plastics and synthetics among other things). So modules of plastic and fiberglass rooms were connected and balanced on an (earthquake-reinforced) concrete pedestal. The pedestal idea was to allow for less of a foundation saving preparation and space. And, also to facilitate construction in less "level" or more "remote" locations, in addition to traditional neighborhoods.
Plastic modular construction was obvisously not embraced by contemporary builders because we're still relying on traditional "stick" houses on slabs for new homes -- HOWEVER! the irony is that when "The House of the Future" was removed in 1967-- it proved so formidible that wrecking balls just bounced off the sides.
The interior conveniences of the house are mostly where the predictions were almost on the Future-life bulleyes. Some of the 1956 fantasies that are now reality include:
1. Microwave cooking
3. Microphones without cords that could be transmitted on radios
4. A kitchen appliance so powerful that it could turn whole foods into juice
5. Picture and speaker phones
6. Insulated glass walls
7. Electric toothbrushes
8. Easy-to-clean synthetic fibers for upholstery, drapes and home surface coverings
9. Climate control
10. Lights and appliances that went on and off by a clap of the hands
While all of these innovations are now realities -- some of them sooner than the 1986 everyday lifestyle The House of the Future was supposed to portray... others are only NOW becoming commonplace.
Ironically, The House of the Future was removed just 10 years after its construction because it was deemed "outdated" for Disneyland's 1967 redesign of Tomorrowland ---
Sources:
November 19 1001 Belmont! Location, location!1001 Belmont, unit 211 -- Location, location AND gorgeous remodeled interior!
Some units have sold in the $400s -- but this one is priced to go right away at: $324,900-$331,000.
Located by Recreation Park, Cal State Long Beach and a short drive to the Marina. Belmont is a smaller street located between Ximeno and Termino. Close to Circle area shopping and restaurants.
2-bedrooms
2-baths
Gas range and diswasher
Kitchen window
Generous living space
Large lanai-style window and balcony
Fireplace
Larger bedrooms (at least, can accomodate California King)
Mediterrean-influenced building architecture
Courtyard with fountain
Elevator access
Ground level parking with building elevator
For more information, visit the listings website: http://1001Belmont211.com
Please call me: Katie Cotter, Century 21 Sparow-Shoreline, 562 230-0896 cell.
November 13 More What were they thinking!Here is some actual copy from advertising to sell homes--taken right off the Multi-listing System.
(and of course, my editorial observations.)
"You Must bring your fuzzy buyers"
So are we talking Cookie Monster or can they be fluffy, too, like Big Bird?
"Remodeled kitchen fireplace."
Have they heard of those brand new-fangled inventions called STOVES?
"Caverd patio"
Sellers are Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
"New interior walls"
What a selling point! Who cares about new roofs and plumbing. I WANT new walls! And then: What would you have to do to a house to destroy WALLS? I've had kids smash into them riding scooters in the house (Taylor)... I've had dents shaped exactly like soccer balls (Matthew)... shaving cream or hairspray (I never got the REAL story -- Matthew, again) rot the varnish off of wood paneling, I have two more (albeit, less 'creative') kids and two dogs... and STILL I've never had to replace ALL the interior walls! Dude, let's buy the house and find out what happened!
"Master bedroom with brand bew master bath."
Isn't that supposed to be spelled: "boo" -- I looked it up in on Dictionary.com!
Until next time!
November 09 645 Pacific, #412Other units in this building (smaller) have gone for $410,000! This is priced at $274999!Downtown Long Beach is probably one of the last "affordable" beach cities left in California... there's no rent control, so investing in real estate here gives you plenty of options!
Currently, there's lots of revitalization and new energy being infused into the beach community's center! The Pike is a larger shopping area with popular restaurants: Islands, Outback Steak House, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Gladstones, California Pizza Kitchen, PF Changs and Chilis. There's also a multi-plex Cinemark movie theater with stadium seating, a Gameworks (10 lanes of bowling), Arena Sports Bar and a Borders. Near-by is Pine Avenue where the Cityplace shopping area is located (featuring a Nordstroms' Rack) and surrounded by new loft-style condos and apartments. If shopping, eating and going to movies gets boring, Long Beach features several live theater and concert venues, including The Vault 350 and the Terrace Theater. The Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific are downtown landmarks.
The Blue Line makes commuting to Los Angeles convenient!
This unit conveniently located within blocks of the freeway and all the hip-happening areas of downown Long Beach. Top-floor unit with vaulted ceilings and skylights!
Forced air heat AND central air conditioning!
New granite kitchen with wood flooring...
Balcony and view facing East for morning sun.
More than 1000 sq. ft.
Two parking places in ground-level garage with building elevator to your floor.
Fireplace (gas).
Popular downtown building...close to public transportation...keyed, building and elevator entry, association spa.
For more information, please go to the following link, the property has it's own interactive website with details on statitistics, including HOA dues.
Please write me: Katie Cotter at
or
call: 562 230-0896 for a showing! November 04 What Buyers WANT!Home buyers say they want:
That's according to statistics released by the National Association of Realtors in October's Realtor magazine who surveyed buyer preferences.
Even if your home doesn't have any of these qualities, it's still important for you to know what matters to buyers--ESPECIALLY important to me, while buyers have an increasing number of houses on the market to choose from.
It helps "position" your home against the competition. I know which features to push "up-front" on marketing materials...
And it helps YOU to know which improvements to emphasize when the remodeling "itch" starts twitching...
You can add central air to upgrade your home, you can have a home theater system installed.
Of course, you can't "create" a larger garage...but you can invest in a storage system for maximizing space and organizing what's there. (photo comes from: www.garageenvy.com)
Likewise, if you don't have a "walk-in" closet in the master bedroom, you can look at space-saving organizers.
The one thing in the research that puzzled me was a separate showers in the master bath? I'm sorry, if you can share a room and share a bed--why is having your own "dedicated" shower an issue? Sinks, yes, with toothpaste and whiskers... but, I need some help with the showers?
Any buyers out there that can explain that one?
Set your clocks BACK tonight!It's November already, why are we just now ending Daylight Saving Time?
That's because President George W. Bush signed a new law that came into effect, this year -- lengthening the period of Daylight Saving Time...
Instead of Daylight Saving extending from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October -- this year (2007) Daylight Saving began on the second Sunday in March and ends the first Sunday in November (tomorrow).
The reason? Some studies show that longer daylight hours reduce energy consumption... less lights, fewer people indoors equals more electricity saved!
In fact, during World War II -- when resources were being rationed to aid the war effort, Daylight Saving Time was used year round and it was called "War Time. Then again, in the 1970s, during the "energy crunch," Nixon signed a law that instigated Daylight Saving Time again throughout the year. However, I'm remembering there was a lot of complaining because that it was really dark in the mornings when kids left for school. So year-round Daylight Saving wasn't very popular idea.
In fact, Daylight Saving time is not popular with everyone and not observed in all states: ... Hawaii, which is much closer to the equator experiences longer days year-round, so they beg off. and Arizona just doesn't participate.
Who's idea was Daylight Saving? Benjamin Franklin is credited... although it wasn't until 1966 when the President Lyndon Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act that everything became official and standardized...
You'll note that I DO NOT say: Daylight SavingS time... According to my source: http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/b.html the correct usage is Daylight Saving.
Finally! BE CAREFUL next week... The Associated Press says
"After clocks are turned back this weekend, pedestrians walking during the evening rush hour are nearly three times more likely to be struck and killed by cars than before the time change, two scientists calculate."
But to end on a positive note -- let's talk about who benefits from the Daylight extension -- I got this off Wikipedia:
Enjoy your last extra hour of sunlight tonight until next March!!!! |
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