Long Beach Real Estate-Long Beach Condos

Long Beach Condos Buyers Guide|Manifesto

Whether you are a first time buyer an experienced pro or investor buying a Long Beach condo or loft can be a confusing and often stressful process.  It's an emotional experience filled with many decisions, most with financial repercussions.  Finding the right condo or loft is difficult enough; knowing what to offer, what and when to negotiate and how to make the deal work best for you, the buyer, is another story altogether. 

As a professional who has sold many Long Beach condos and placed countless buyers in the Long Beach condos of their dreams, I feel it is my responsibility to tell you that there is a lot you need to know before jumping into your condo purchase. 

Your Needs and Desires...

It is important that you have a clear image of what you are looking for and that you transmit this clearly to your Realtor.  Make a list and explain your needs and your desires.  Understanding the difference between your needs and your desires will make your choices much easier to make.  Your needs must be met, your desires may be sacrificed if they are not practical within your price range.  Are you looking for a larger place for your growing family or are you looking for a larger place for entertaining?  Where do you need that extra square footage?  What will you sacrifice for it, if necessary?    Are you downsizing?  What are you willing to let go of?  Don't let emotions cloud your judgment.  Make certain that you get what you need from the new purchase; if some of your desires are fulfilled, all the better. 

 

Be clear with your Realtor when explaining what you are looking for.  What is most important to you? 

• Newly Remodeled
• View
• Square Footage
• Number of Bedrooms
• Number of Baths
• Condition
• Flooring
• Fireplace
• Parking Spaces/Garages/Guest Parking
  • Side by side
  • Tandem
• Pet Rules
• Pool
• Spa
• Community amenities
• Concierge Services
• Doorman
• Gated Security
• High Rise
  
• Elevator
• Location in the complex/top floor/corner unit/bottom floor
• Neighborhood
• Age of condo
• Proximity to
  • beaches
  • restaurants
  • galleries
  • parks
  • golf courses
  • shopping
  • freeways
• etc...

Often a condo purchase is more about buying into a neighborhood lifestyle (location).  If lifestyle is at the top of your needs list make certain that is clearly communicated to your Realtor.   Do you entertain much?  Make sure your complex has guest parking or there is ample parking in your new neighborhood. 

Are You Ready to Start Shopping?

 

Unless you are an all cash buyer (be prepared with proof of funds), you will need to be pre-approved, preferably by a direct lender.  If you have great credit and belong to a credit union you may be able to get a stellar interest rate from them, check it out.  When you find a condo that you want to make an offer on you will need to submit you're pre-approval with the offer.  It is foolish to begin to shop without a pre-approval; you might find your dream condo the first day out, like another of my recent buyer clients. You need to be in a position to write and submit your offer when you find the Long Beach condos that you want to purchase.  Bank statements will probably need to be submitted along with your offer as proof of sufficient funds to consummate the transaction, have them with you with the account number blacked out.

 

Consider Your Future...

Always consider the future resale value of your condo purchase.  I know, it's difficult when you find the perfect condo in a not so perfect location; or it has the 2 bedrooms and 2 baths that you wanted but only has 1 parking space in a parking impacted area.  Unless you live alone that missing 2^nd parking space is certain to become a real problem while you are living in your new dream condo and will probably become the reason you will want to move on rather quickly.  Will you be able to sell that condo easily without a 2^nd parking space, or in an area that isn't in such high demand?  Some areas appreciate quicker than others, if you can afford to purchase in an area with higher appreciation it would be a much smarter purchase. 

Are you buying the smallest or least desirable condo in a highly desirable complex?  When it is time to sell you may sit on the market for longer, sell for less, or not sell at all if other larger more desirable units are for sale at the same time.   Buying the smallest, least desirable condo in a highly desirable complex and neighborhood isn't always a bad decision.  If it provides you with the lifestyle that you are craving at a price that you can afford, the condo will fulfill your needs.  Just remain aware that it will take you longer to sell it when the time comes.  In the meantime have a grand time enjoying the lifestyle you craved. 

 

Remain Flexible and Alert...

Your Realtor should be familiar with the inventory available in the neighborhood of your choice.  They will most likely show you the best of what is available, based on your stated needs and desires, on your first and second trips out.  If you do not find what you want you should begin making adjustments in your search criteria quickly.  Continuing to search, in a specific area, after you have seen the best of what is available within your price range is usually a downward spiral; either adjust your needs, desires or price range; or wait for new inventory to enter the market.  Remember there are other buyers watching and waiting as well, you will have to move quickly. 

Loose Lips Sink Ships...

While you are shopping you may run into a seller at home.  As a buyer this may seem like a stellar opportunity to ask questions and garner information about the condo, the complex and the area.  Often without realizing it, your simple conversation with the seller could cost you money at the negotiating table.  Without realizing it you may be letting the seller, or the listing agent, know how badly you want the condo, or how much you love the condo or neighborhood.  Knowing how badly you want it may net you a different counter offer than you may have received had you not had that conversation.  Sellers face the same problem, conversations with buyers or their agents often cost them money by way of a lower offer and tougher negotiation than they would have received.  This is why Realtors always try to keep the buyer and seller apart until the deal is either closed or past any possible negotiation time frames; loan approval, removal of contingencies, appraisal, repair requests, etc...  It's in your best interest!  You should be confident that your Realtor is capable of negotiating your offer and will not reveal personal information that could adversely affect your negotiations. 

 

Future Planning?

Condo prices are so affordable right now many buyers are purchasing more condo than they need with a mindset towards their future growth and needs; marriage, children, home office, etc...  Do you have future needs?  Will they become an issue in the next 3 to 5 years?  Perhaps you are a better candidate for a single family residence to anticipate these needs?  Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that you will be able to sell at break even in 3 to 5 years.  When you do sell you will need to recoup your purchase price plus the cost of sale.  The cost of sale involves commission, your closing costs and any costs given to your buyer during negotiations; plan on approximately 9% appreciation to break even.  That could take some time in today's market. 

 

After Purchase Expenses...

Not all condos are in turnkey condition.  Condo fixer-uppers can become expensive and the upgrades are all 'after purchase' money and can add up quickly. 

• Kitchen
• Baths
• Appliances
• Flooring
• Heating
• Air Conditioning
• Water Heater
• Paint
  • Wallpaper Removal
  • Ceiling Scraping

 

Do you have the after purchase resources to accommodate these upgrades?  Are you willing to pay market value, or near market value, then make an additional investment into the property?  How long will it take you to recoup the additional investment?  How will that affect your future life plan? 

Many inexperienced investors are purchasing, doing a quick remodel, then attempting to sell (flip) to recover costs and make a profit.  Often these inexperienced investors find they spent too much on the remodel and become stuck renting the unit out.  Truly experienced investors have warehouses filled with cabinets, flooring, etc... which were purchased at wholesale, and have crews on salary trained to go in and do a professional, fast and inexpensive remodel, list the condo and still retain a decent profit margin.  Flipping condos is not for the inexperienced investor. 

 

Read Also:  Buying Fixer Upper Homes in Long Beach - This article was written to Home buyers, but has many relevant points for condo and loft buyers as well. 

 

Always Inspect...

Hire a professional inspector.  While most problems in a condo are fairly visible a professional inspection will set your mind at ease regarding those that are not, like air conditioning, heating, water heaters, which are/are not operable and may possibly, be nearing the end of their useful life. 

 

Don't Procrastinate...

When you locate the condo that you want to buy you should write your offer right away.  If it is new on the market and highly desirable you may find yourself in a multiple offer situation.  Make the best possible offer that you are willing to, decide if you are willing to negotiate further if you receive a multiple counter offer and go for it.  Some people don't want to write offers if they even think there is going to be a multiple offer situation.............you have to be in it to win it!  Go ahead and write your offer, the worst that can happen is that you are overbid.  Your Realtor will have called the listing agent (I hope) and may have some information that will help you decide how to present an offer. 

Going home to sleep on it or wanting to bring parents or friends to look at it before you make your decision to even write an offer will often put you out of the game.  Write the offer, show it to them if your offer is accepted...good properties move fast.  If they ixnay it you can always get out of the deal during your 17 day contingency time frame, no harm, no foul! 

If you find a condo that you like, but something just doesn't feel right, it's probably not the right purchase for you.  In this case, go home and think about it for a while.  Yes you might lose it, but that may be for the best if you had reservations in the first place.  There is plenty more inventory on the market, something else will turn up. 

 

Your Realtor is Your Advocate...

Thinking about shopping without a Realtor?  Think you will just write an offer through the listing agent?  Think this will help you get your lowball offer accepted?  It will, if you find a crooked listing agent!  Do you want to be represented by a crooked agent?  Oh wait a minute....they don't represent you...they represent the seller; they are just facilitating your deal.  It's called dual agency or double ending.  It's actually legal in California, but very few agents can or will handle it in a truly professional manner.  It's not the best position for the buyer to be in and let's face it if the agent is crooked are you going to get actual disclosure or are you going to find out you were duped by a neighbor after you move in?  Having your own representation is more valuable than you realize. 

 

Buying Bank Owned?

Banks are not subject to the same level of disclosure as actual home owners in a standard sale are.  The government, recognizing their unfamiliarity with the property, has relieved them of much disclosure.  You will have to do some extra investigating to discover the facts about your possible purchase.   A good agent familiar with condo purchases can make a huge difference.   

 

Found My Condo...Now What?

When you find a condo and are considering writing an offer your agent should prepare a Comparative Market Analysis of like properties in the area and present it to you along with the actual Comparable Sales.  Together with your Realtor you will decide on the price and terms of your offer.  Remember when you submit an offer the bank or seller will be looking at their net proceeds.  So if you offer a solid price but ask for a lot of closing costs and other extras you could easily lose the deal to a better NET offer, even one that is less in price than yours.  It's all about the NET!

If your Realtor is really sharp they will find out what the sellers motivation is.  A motivated seller is more likely to negotiate than an unmotivated seller.  In a down market it isn't really wise to sell unless you have to, so most sellers are motivated on one level or another, some more than most.

Reasons for selling that will create a very highly motivated seller:

• Job Loss
• Job Transfer/Relocation
• Lifestyle Change
  • Marriage
  • Children
  • Home Business

 

Condos that have been sitting on the market for a long time, perhaps expired a few times and/or have reduced their price, sometimes several times, often have a worn down seller who is finally ready to negotiate.   Vacant condos are expensive for owners to maintain.  There is only so long anybody can/or is willing to carry the mortgage, HOA fees, taxes and insurance without the rental income to offset the expense. 

 

Home Owner Associations...HOA...

Many Condo Associations are in financial difficulty.  Once your offer is accepted the escrow company must order a fresh copy of the CC&R's, financials, budget and minutes and deliver them directly to the buyer within the contingency period indicated on the purchase contract; usually 17 days, unless that time frame has been reduced.  Buyers should go over these documents in fine detail and determine the financial stability of the association and whether is it prudent to move forward. 

• How much are the monthly expenses?
• How much is in the reserve account?
• Is the insurance current?
• Is there an increase in the HOA dues scheduled?
• Is there mention of any upcoming assessments?
• What do the minutes say?
  • Are there upcoming repairs scheduled?
  • Is there enough money to cover the repairs or will there be an assessment?
• Are the pet rules satisfactory?
• Have you read the Rules and Regulations?

 

Read the documents and ask questions until you are satisfied.  If the documents are unsatisfactory the buyer should cancel the escrow immediately.  Not all HOA's are in trouble, just beware of the one's that are.

 

Read Also:  Long Beach Condo Buyers Beware - Don't let this article frighten you, let it educate you. 

 

More Long Beach Condo Buyer Tips:  Long Beach Condos - Buyer Tips for a Smart Purchase

Are you overwhelmed yet? 

Sounds like a real handful doesn't it?  It is!  That is why you need top notch representation.  I can make this easy and a lot less stressful for you.  Call me if you are thinking about buying or selling a Long Beach Condo (562) 212-5420 Laurie Manny, Your Long Beach Realtor. 

 

 

Long Beach Condos For Sale

• Long Beach Condos For Sale $1,500,000 and higher
• Long Beach Condos For Sale $1,000,000 to $1,500,000
• Long Beach Condos For Sale $900,000 to $1,000,000
• Long Beach Condos For Sale $800,000 to $900,000
• Long Beach Condos For Sale $700,000 to $800,000
• Long Beach Condos For Sale $600,000 to $700,000
• Long Beach Condos For Sale $500,000 to $600,000
• Long Beach Condos For Sale $400,000 to $500,000
• Long Beach Condos For Sale $300,000 to $400,000
• Long Beach Condos For Sale Under $300,000

 

Relocating to Long Beach California?

Check out our Relocation and City Guide - Relocating to Long Beach California

http://www.longbeachrealestatehome.com/00ADC2

Live Work Properties - Long Beach Real Estate

Urban Living Lifestyle Alternatives

I often wonder what is in the minds of real estate developers.  How do they decide what to build and where?  Sure, they conduct surveys and build what they believe will be desirable enough to sell.   But do they hit the mark?  Are they really providing the living spaces that today's savvy buyers crave?  Sometimes yes...sometimes no. 

Long Beach Buyers who contact me almost always want an extra bedroom to convert into a home office; a guesthouse works great too.  I've seen dining rooms and garages in Long Beach turned into home offices when the needed space just wasn't available inside the home.   The thing is that a bedroom office is a work space contained within the homes living space and that isn't always ideal environment for all home based businesses, especially those with consumer traffic, or when you need 2 separate his and hers offices.  Where is the space going to come from?  Do you really want to buy a 4 bedroom house to accommodate the home offices inside the home? 

Our Long Beach Lofts are highly desirable live/work spaces for professionals who love the urban living environment they provide.  Quite a few buyers have either purchased or have considered purchasing one of the newer lofts in Downtown Long Beach or Alamitos Beach planning on carving a home office or work area into the expansive spaces.  It worked for some - mostly for those running virtual businesses from home. 

Downtown Long Beach Loft Living - It's a Lifestyle!

It's difficult to conduct business from within the home environment when children are present, even if you close the door.  While we love our children and most parents have a built in off switch, is it really professional to hear children running around being noisy in the background when you are on a business or sales call?  There is a real need for separate office space for many who chose to work from home. 

With so many people working from home now functional living and work space should be a factor when designing living environments in both urban and more rural areas.  We don't seem to have moved into this arena much; perhaps it is because we are already so built up.   When the majority of homes were built years ago on most of the available land we didn't have the same needs or concerns as we now do. 

When searching for a live/work home there are many things to consider. 

• Does the business need a separate space for instance a storefront or professional office?
• Would a particular neighborhood be more conducive to a successful business?
• Do you need a visible location on a main avenue with signage?
• Do you want your business housed in a free standing structure?
• Do you need a parking lot? If so, how many spaces are required?
• Are you willing to remodel the storefront or office to suit your personal needs? Is it financially responsible to remodel? Or does it need to be in ready condition - already close to perfect for your needs?
• Do you live alone or do you have a family to consider?
• Do you only need a functional living area or do you need an actual home?
• Does your business have foot traffic and how will that affect your personal living space?
• Is your business virtual? Will there be no foot traffic?
• Is the home environment more important than the business?
• Do you prefer a more residential neighborhood?
• Would a bedroom office work for you?
• Do you require a guesthouse to convert into your office? Does it need a separate entrance?
• Would additional rental income help you pay the mortgage?

Many questions need to be addressed and answered when you are considering consolidating your business into your home living space; it's a big decision. 

The shortage of available live/work space in Long Beach has caused some business owners to purchase mixed use income properties providing both space for their business and a living environment.  Live in one, use the other for your business, if that works for you.  In some cases a 3^rd or a 4^th unit will provide additional rental income to help offset that mortgage. 

In Long Beach we have a plethora of Mixed Use Properties available in all sorts of configurations and condition. 

• Storefronts or professional office space with apartments above.
• Freestanding retail stores or professional offices with units out back and/or above.
• Front houses on main avenues, zoned for retail or commercial use, with or without additional units.

Benefits of Working from Home

• Less Stress
• No distractions.
• Privacy. Conversations not overheard. No wandering eyes.
• Control schedule, can flex hours to fit lifestyle.
• Secure environment, no petty theft.
• No drive time. No more wasting 2 hours or more travelling to and from the job.
• No Prep time. Wake up. Have coffee. Go to work.
• Personal space. Decorate or arrange to personal taste. Make functional for yourself.
• Virtual environment
• Hire virtual employees as independent contractors. Decrease payroll expenses.
• Complete control over your life.

Monetary benefits of Working from Home

 

Deep Reductions in expenses: 

• Rent
• Payroll
• Insurance
• Utilities
• Gasoline
• Eating out
• Other business overhead expenses...
• Business attire
  
  • Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Accessories
  • Dry cleaning
  • Shoemaker
  • Etc...

 

A Mixed Use property purchase requires a commercial loan.  The interest rates are usually a bit higher as are the qualification requirements.  Lenders usually want the buyer to have at least 50% down payment before agreeing to fund the loan.  Before deciding to search for a property zoned commercial or retail you should consult with a commercial lender. 

If you are thinking that buying a Mixed Use property might work for you it would be my pleasure to guide you through the process from beginning to end.  Contact me to discuss this very real possibility at (562) 212-5420.  If you own a Mixed Use or Residential Income Property and are thinking about selling and understand the value of top of the search engine exposure, ask me about my Unique Internet Marketing plan. 

 

Long Beach Income Properties Market Update 2 to 4 units For Sale

 

Long Beach Income Properties For Sale

• Income Property For Sale in Long Beach California-5+ Units
• 2 to 4 Units For Sale in Long Beach California
• Triplexes For Sale in Long Beach California
• Duplexes For Sale in Long Beach California

 

 

http://www.longbeachrealestatehome.com/00AACC

Temple Loft Penthouse For Sale

835 Locust Avenue #611 - 90813

Historic Urban Chic Penthouse Loft in Downtown Long Beach For Sale

Have you been looking for a condo in Long Beach? Not finding anything that suits you? Are you really wanting something a bit different'? Looking for something a little more upscale and a little less apartmenty?  As more people transition to working from home our housing needs have changed as well; we have different spacial requirements in our homes and home/work/office space has become critical.  Lofts provide for our more modern needs.  There may be a Long Beach Loft in your future, and this one just may be it! Sophisticated Urban Chic Penthouse Loft with cityscape, bridge and sunset views that will take your breath away; new on the market at the Temple Lofts in Downtown Long Beach, with 25 foot ceilings, cement floors and original brick walls. This spacious showcase loft has many upgrades. Over $5k of electrical added, it has been painted in designer colors and the brick has been sealed to enhance the color.  Downstairs has a large added utility closet. The kitchen features Viking stove, microwave & hood; the dishwasher is Bosc. Black glass cabinets have been added upgrading and  enhancing the kitchen.  The counters are red African granite; lower cabinets are stainless clad for a thoroughly modern look. The full downstairs bath has a red African granite counter and a full tub w/shower. There are full size stack laundry hookups. Upstairs is the master suite, with a well designed bath addition including; a large 2 person shower & double Hans-Grohe heads, imported tumbled glass tiles, Kohler toilet and lots of storage. There is also an enormous walk-in closet with custom frosted sliding doors from The Sliding Door Company. Walk to all downtown attractions and Metro Blue line.  Read:  Downtown Loft Living - It' a Lifestyle! Temple Lofts 835 Locust Ave, Long Beach CA

Details: 

• Standard Sale
• Penthouse
• Historic Landmark Masonic Temple Conversion
• 1,786 Square Feet
• 2 Bedroom
• 2 Baths
• Open Floor Plan
  
• 25 Foot Ceilings
  
• Built 2005
• HOA Dues:  $399
• City, Bridge and Sunset View over Palos Verdes Peninsula
• Spiral Staircase
  
• Master Suite
• Walk in Closet
  
• Master Bath with over-sized shower, Imported Tumbled Glass tiles, Kohler toilet, storage.
• Lots of storage space
  
• Red African Granite Counter tops
• Viking Stove, Microwave, Hood
• Bosc Dishwasher
  
• Concrete Floors
  
• In unit stack-able laundry-gas dryer hook-up
  
• Forced Air Heat
• Central Air Conditioning
• Double Pane Windows
• Brick has been sealed
  
• Upgraded Electrical
  
• 2 side by side subterranean parking spaces
• Storage Space
• Walk to all Downtown Long Beach Restaurants, Galleries and Attractions
  
• Free Downtown Passport Bus
  
• Walk to Blue Line
• Close to all area freeways
  

Excluded from Sale:

Lights in:

• Dining Room
• Over Kitchen Counter
• Wine Room
• Washer/Dryer
• Refrigerator
  

Community:

• Dramatic Lobby
• Association Spa
• Gym
• Lounge with Pool Table
• Community Gardens
• 2 BBQs
  
• 3 Private Outdoor Areas

Offered at:  $565,000

Monthly HOA:  $399

2010 Temple Loft Sales

4 Lofts are currently For Sale at the Temple Lofts

• Average Price:  $552,225
• Average Days on Market: 75

3 Lofts are currently In Escrow at the Temple Lofts

1 is accepting Back Up offers:

• Price:  $418,000
• Days on Market:272

2 are pending In Escrow:

• Price:  $407,400
• Days on Market: 55

1 Loft Sold, Closed Escrow, at the Temple Lofts:

• Price:  $205,000
  
• Days on Market: 186

2009 Closed Sales - Temple Lofts - Downtown Long Beach Lofts

#	Address	Bed	B t/f	Gar	SqFt	Sold Price	SP/ SqFt	SP/LP	Sold Date	DOM
1	835 Locust Ave 111	0	1/1	1	791	$220,000	$278.13	93.66%	12/07/2009	77
2	835 Locust Ave 217	0	1/1	1	1,943	$320,000	$164.69	106.70%	7/27/2009	58
3	835 Locust Ave 117	0	1/1	2	1,993	$320,000	$160.56	100.03%	11/19/2009	6
4	835 Locust Ave 425	1	1/1	2	1,324	$332,500	$251.13	98.23%	8/26/2009	201
5	835 Locust Ave 510	1	1/1	1	989	$325,000	$328.61	92.86%	4/22/2009	154
6	835 Locust Ave 518	2	1/1	2	1,951	$350,000	$179.40	100.00%	9/18/2009	603
7	835 Locust Ave 517	0	2/2	1	2,240	$369,900	$165.13	100.00%	6/15/2009	51
8	835 Locust Ave 118	1	1/1	2	1,578	$383,000	$242.71	95.75%	10/16/2009	322
9	835 Locust Ave 616	1	2/1	1	2,003	$400,000	$199.70	91.53%	1/27/2009	0
10	835 Locust Ave 418	1	1/1	0	1,951	$470,000	$240.90	87.85%	5/15/2009	628
11	835 Locust Ave 610	2	1/1	0	1,249	$495,000	$396.32	92.52%	1/30/2009	497
12	835 Locust Ave 615	2	1/1	2	2,970	$700,000	$235.69	90.32%	2/20/2009	393
13	835 Locust Ave 218	1	1/1	0	1,704	$410,000	$240.61	99.54%	3/25/2009	124
Average		1		2	1,745	$391,953	$237.20	96.08%		260
Number of Properties: 13
Average ( SalePrice / SqFt ) : ( 391953 / 1745 ) = $ 224.61

The Lofts of Long Beach

• Temple Lofts 835 Locust Avenue Downtown Long Beach
• Kress Lofts 100 W 5th Street Downtown Long Beach
• Walker Building 115 W 4th Street Downtown Long Beach
• The Insurance Exchange 207 E Broadway Downtown Long Beach (on the Promenade)
• Courtyard Lofts 849 Pine Avenue
• Ebell Lofts 1100 E 3rd Street Alamitos Beach Long Beach CA
• BLU Condos-Townhouses-Lofts-350 Long Beach Blvd Downtown Long Beach

Long Beach Area Information

• About Long Beach California
• Long Beach California Beach Communities
  
• Belmont Shore and Naples Island California
• Downtown Long Beach California
• Alamitos Beach-Long Beach California

Contact Laurie (562) 212-5420 to view this beautiful Long Beach Penthouse Loft.

 

http://www.longbeachrealestatehome.com/00A82D

Long Beach Homes Condos Lofts Design Upgrades

You don't have to live without a fireplace just because you bought a Long Beach home, loft or condo that didn't have one.  You also do not have to live with an existing fireplace that you do not like.  You can warm up your space with a spectacular ventless gas fireplace insert.  There are many designs to choose from or you can design your own look, go long and horizontal, vertical or conventional.  Build them right in and make them 'belong' in your space. 

There are tons of hip new ideas in fireplace design, you are only limited by your imagination. You can go long and horizontal, making the fireplace a focal point. Or you can have a two sided fireplace that warms two rooms. 

Living in a smaller space?  Still want a cool fireplace?  Maybe the answer is to go Vertical to conserve space.  There is no reason that you cannot have a fireplace with so many new designs to choose from. 

Have an existing fireplace that is causing problems?  Need to replace a chimney and finding out how expensive that will be?  Were you thinking about just removing the fireplace rather than going through the expense of replacement? Want to replace an old wood burning fireplace with a clean gas model?  Want to keep the fireplace design you have?  Perhaps a gas insert is the way to go.  There are many shapes, sizes and models to choose from, including the more traditional.  Just choose one that suits your design and taste. Gas inserts are a reasonably priced alternative to expensive fireplace and chimney repairs... they are just cleaner. And, they look great!

These designs were all found online at "Gas, Logs Fireplaces and More".  Their prices are quite reasonable, there are many details about their products on their site including installation instructions for the do it yourselfers out there.  They can even help you with installation in many areas. Lots of good ideas to be found on this site.  (not a paid advertisement)  There are many sites exhibiting many different designs available to you online, I even found some on Ebay, very well priced.  

 

Fireplaces are a great addition to any home, condo or loft, they make a home feel warm and inviting.  Many existing homes, new condo developments and lofts in Long Beach do not have them and rolling in a portable one just isn't the same, they never really look like they belong.  Incorporating one into the design of your Long Beach home just makes more sense and looks so much better.  When buyers come to see your home, they will imagine themselves curled up in front of the fire in their new home.  It's the warm and fuzzies that sell homes. 

Long Beach Home Owner Tax Credit Information:

• Home Buyer and Home Owner Tax Credit Bill Passed by House and Senate>>>
• $8000 Tax Credit for Long Beach First Time Home Buyers>>>
• Long Beach Home Owner Tax Credit For New Insulated Garage Doors>>>
• Long Beach Home Owners Can Deduct PMI>>>

 

When it's time to buy or sell call Laurie (562) 212-5420, your Long Beach neighborhood expert.

http://www.longbeachrealestatehome.com/00A810

BLU Condos Grand Opening

350 Long Beach Blvd.

Saturday, February 20th at 11:30 AM

 

 

blu

New Coastal City Residences Offer Vibrant Lifestyle in Long Beach

The highly anticipated collection of 82 urban residences in Downtown Long Beach will celebrate its official Grand Opening on Saturday, February 20th at 11:30 AM.  Priced from the $300,000s to the high $400,000s with 3.5% special down payment and financing available, Blu is one of the best condo values on the real estate market in Long Beach.  Map

Tours of the designer-furnished model residences and exciting community amenities will be offered along with great music, food and prizes. Henry G. Cisneros, former Secretary of U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development and Executive Chairman of CityView, will speak at 12:00 noon on how the new addition of the community is helping to meet Long Beach's critical workforce housing need while embodying smart growth principles.  Long Beach City Councilman Robert Garcia (CD1) and former Mayor Beverly O'Neill will also be sharing thoughts on Blu as the latest urban addition to the city's residential landscape.

The community's hub is comprised of diverse but connected social spaces that complement all lifestyles.  From a fitness center to a sports club with lounge to a lobby Internet café and outdoor fireplace, residents will never want to leave home, but when they do, they are just steps or blocks from the Metro Blue Line, beach, freeways, Long Beach Airport and an eclectic mix of shopping, dining and entertainment venues.  Blu's desirable Downtown Long Beach location makes the Metro, walking or beach cruisers great alternatives to driving, but when residents do need their cars, they feel confident knowing they have assigned and gated parking in the building's convenient and secure garage.

 

Interior Appointments Reflect Urban Style

 

Offering one and two-bedroom residences, including town-homes, penthouses and live/work lofts ranging from 1,047 to 1,638 sq ft, Blu offers a vibrant coastal city lifestyle in a five-story setting with an array of home designs to suit individual tastes. 

The clean lines of Blu's urban architecture are echoed by the stylish interior appointments.  Nine-foot ceilings lend to an open feeling while designer-selected decorative tile and plush carpeting enhance each home.  Gourmet kitchens are the modern heart of the residences.  Sleek Eurostyle maple cabinetry with brushed chrome handles ground the look, while designer-selected granite countertops and backsplashes add personality.  A full KitchenAid stainless steel appliance package with microwave, range/oven and dishwasher are the gourmet connoisseur's choice and undermount stainless steel sink and polished chrome Kohler faucet with pull-out spray complete the look, with pantries adding extra storage in most plans.

The luxurious master suites offer dual sinks with Kohler faucets in polished chrome, granite countertops and backsplashes as well as oversized tile showers with clear glass enclosures.  The home's maple cabinetry continues into the bath and spacious walk-in closets will please any fashionista. Solid-core single-panel interior doors and 5-inch baseboards carry out the modern, but sophisticated look of quality while pre-wiring for ceiling fixtures, an alarm system and flat panel TVs are great added value conveniences. All residences include a spacious in unit laundry area and most plans offer outdoor patios or balcony living spaces.

Blu is highlighted by many green features that will allow residents and the HOA to save energy and money including an energy-efficient gas central boiler system, a recirculation pump for hot water, energy-saving Milgard dual paned vinyl windows with low e glazing, fully insulated exterior walls and ceilings, weather stripping on all exterior doors and energy-efficient recessed lighting in kitchens, living and dining rooms.

• Floorplans pdf
• Floorplans pdf
  

 

Social Spaces are True Community Places

Blu's complementary social spaces are designed to foster a real sense of community. Residents are sure to be the envy of all their friends as there is no shortage of "wow" when they discover the eclectically decorated lobby with uniquely patterned tall-back chairs for lounging or the thoughtfully designed Internet café. For casual gatherings to more put together parties, the sports club and lounge will be a favorite spot with a pool table, plasma TVs, game tables and community kitchen.

If grilling, pet play dates or simply enjoying a glass of wine is on the agenda, the interior courtyard offers the perfect social gathering place with terrace grilling areas, an open-air fireplace, putting green and lounge chairs for entertaining or relaxing.  A private fitness center with cardio and circuit training as well as free weights rounds out the amenities and saves on gym fees and driving.

 

 

Vibrant Coastal Location

Blu is located at 350 Long Beach Blvd. at 4th Street in Downtown Long Beach residing prominently next to the architecturally significant Art Deco US Post Office  and is conveniently located just blocks from the beach and Promenade's shopping and dining.  The Metro Blue line stops at Blu connecting residents to all of Southern California by train, while the 710 Freeway, just six blocks away, connects to most major freeways including the 405, 710, 605, 22, 110, 105 and 5  The Long Beach Airport is also only six miles away.  Living in Long Beach also puts residents close to the Aquarium of the Pacific, Convention and Entertainment Center, Belmont Shore, the Pike, Shoreline Village, and numerous other popular shops and restaurants as well as a world-class harbor.  A known business center, Long Beach is also conveniently located between both Los Angeles and Orange counties' employment centers, airports and other places of interest.

 

Successful Partnership

Blu is the result of another successful pairing of The Kor Group, creators of hotels, resorts and residential enclaves and institutional urban development investor CityView, LLC.

After revitalizing Downtown LA's Art District with Barker Block and the Marina Arts District with chic WestEnd, the partnership turned its attention to Downtown Long Beach, helping to energize the area as it continues to grow.

 

Contact us for more information about Blu (562) 212-5420

 

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Long Beach Lofts Market Update and Recent Sales

 

Call Laurie today to view available lofts in Long Beach (562) 212-5420

http://www.longbeachrealestatehome.com/00A775