Dave Harbison's Long Beach CA Real Estate Update

Safety & Security In Long Beach

2012-01-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

I recently spoke to a client of mine who was vandalized over the holiday. It seems that there has been an uptick in break-ins these past few years. The economy obviously plays an important part as does the over all emotional view of all of us.

In my eyes, Long Beach is a city with small town values and great community support. Yes, there are areas in the city that are extremely diverse. And, the reputation molded in the past, presents a skewed perception of the city and its neighbors. Overall however, Long Beach is a safe place to live and has great people.

Nonetheless, keeping your home protected from outside intruders will provide solid "peace-of-mind" in knowing you, your family and your home will be safe. A close friend of mine provided some interesting tips in keeping your home secure.

Consider a Professionally Installed Security System

It is a nice addition to your home defense. There are many to chose from. Consult a professional and don't hesitate to go on-line to consumer reports or blogs that focus on home security. There are plenty out there that will give you. Two that come to mind are:

Home Security Blog

101 Home Security Letter
Keep The Outside Well Maintained

Take a look at your property from the outside-in. Make sure it doesn't look neglected, hidden or uninhabited. Burglers are looking for an easy target. If the front door or walkway is hidden by shrubbery, it offers burglers the cover they need to break a door or window. Trim shrubs and trees awy from windows and consider widening your front walk.
Install Motion Detector Lights

An intruder can get into your home from just about anywhere. That's why installing motion detector lights on all sides of your home will provide ample light to greatly deter someone from doing breaking in your home. Simple motion-activated floodlights cost less than $50 each. And installing them is very easy.
Store Anything Valuable in a Safe Spot

Burglers want things that are easy to grab - electronics, cash, jewelry and other things that allow them to get in and get out safely. Don't get me wrong, they are not above taking your big-screen TV...This is why their first stop is to your bedroom where you likely hide the things that are most valuable. Take a look at each room in your home and ask yourself is there anything here that I can move to a safer spot - one that theives would not consider to look. And, for an investment of $150-200, is a home safe that's bolted to a basement or cement slab be the answer?
Keep Your Computer Data Out of Reach

In today's digital world, your computer data can be as much a target as anything else. Access to information is power. So, take steps to back up personal information including account access/login codes and passwords, pictures, anything you think valuable. Consider a password to protect your login screen. And always turn off your computer when it is not being used. Make access to your computer harder than blowing up a safe.
Prepare Ahead of Time in Case the Worst Happens

Take a photo or video inventory of items of value in your home and stor them online or in a home safe. Also, make sure you are properly insured for theft so that if something does happen, you will be able to replace those items that are replacable.

Thinking that your space can be violated is not something any of us want to focus on. However, a little preventative forethought will go a long way in greatly decreasing the likelihood that your home will be targeted by unscrupulous characters.

--- Dave Harbison Long Beach REALTOR® Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770 --- Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert ---

The Internet Has Changed The Game - Home Buying Tips

2011-12-13T17:07:00.000-08:00

Since the early part of this decade, on-line emergence of Real Estate tools and technology used to evaluate, analyze and scrutinize homes for sale, have changed how Realtors and Buyers alike, approach home-buying. At first, my colleagues and I were a bit skeptical about on-line searching and even fearful it would take business out of our pockets. However, over the past few years, I've not only embraced the digital and on-line world, I have become somewhat addicted to it.

With resources available on Realtor.com, Zillow.com, Homes.com, Yahoo.com, Trulia.com and others, the home buyer has an opportunity to be more informed and in-control of the home buying experience than ever before. And with all the insight available across the internet , the home buying experience can be more precise, less time consuming and much less stressful.

Here are just a few tips I'd gathered over time to help home buyers as they begin the process:

1. Make a list of everything you MUST have for your home. From location, school district, size, number of bedrooms, number of bathroms, layout and type of garage. Then put together a wish list of amenities such as flooring, kitchen shelving, fireplace and storage. Don't forget to also list things you absolutely don't want in a home. You may not end up getting everything on this list, but it will provide a great start and vision for the search

2. Find a lender that can pre-approve you for a loan in the price range that will put you in position to get the home of your dreams...or provide you with a good idea of what you can be approved for

3. Research homes on the internet so you get a feel for what is out there. I can help you sort through the properties within your price range and help you pinpoint homes that fit your criteria. By reviewing the photos and videos on your computer, you can get a good idea of what the property will look like...HOWEVER, just as the internet has revolutionized the home search, ADOBE PHOTOSHOP has made it possible to make interiors and exteriors of homes look much different in the photos than in person. So keep this in mind when looking at photos or virtual home tours

4. Focus on the big picture. I recommend to all my clients not to get stuck on the aesthetics that can be changed out easily -- carpet, paint colors, bad decor and old/faded/cracked (or just plain funky) fixtures

5. Find a professional Buyer's REALTOR like myself that can be your mentor throughout the process. They represent you, and only you -- always looking out for your best interest. And, in almost all cases, they would be paid by the seller, not by you. I always recommend against using the Realtor that lists the property that interests you or has their name on the property sign. They have signed a contract with the seller and have a responsibility to bring the seller the most money they can for their home. Which can end up costing you more for the home. It is a negotiation process in which the focus should be on you. Not on the seller. Especially in a "Buyer's Market".

There are plenty of tips, you as a buyer, should consider. Give me an e-mail or call and I can send you a copy of my special report "GREAT TIPS TO GET MORE HOME FOR YOUR MONEY."

--- Dave Harbison Long Beach REALTOR® Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770 --- Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert ---

Holiday Season Hits Belmont Shore With a Smile

2011-12-07T17:13:00.001-08:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Bayshore and Naples is teaming with excitement. The cool, crisp air and holiday lights help bring the community together. Setting the stage for the "Locally Famous" Belmont Shore X-Mas Parade.

Thousands lined 2nd Street this past Saturday evening (December 3rd). Children smiling and delighting in the cadence of numerous school marching bands and cheerleaders, drum corps and local High School ROTC. Fire trucks, Colorful floats with smiling faces waving at the crowds. And last but not least, the featured guest of the evening...Ole St Nick!

Santa Makes an Appearance

Close friends and I enjoyed the holiday cheer and reveled in the mood all those around us. We look forward to next year...

Now, we are "gear-in" up for the beautiful lights of Naples on December 17th! See ya there!

--- Dave Harbison Long Beach REALTOR® Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770 --- Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert ---

Ready to Add on to Your Home?

2011-12-06T21:37:00.000-08:00

These days, more and more of my clients have come to the realization that making a move to a new home may not be their best interest, finanicially. In a topsy-turvey real estate market, the more prudent solution is to add a second floor or addition to their existing home.

No matter what you choose to do, planning, preparation and coordination will make the difference to you and your pocketbook.

First of all, adding an addition to your home, if done well, will enhance your property's value in addition to helping you gain a considerable amount of living space. If done with "NO" consideration about resale value, the time and investment you put into the project may end up costing you!

Before you consider anything, I recommend involving a design professional and remodeling contractor, it will also be important for you to become familiar with building codes, structural issues. Having a clear understanding of the process will allow you to be on top of all phases of project and ensure that work is done correctly and runs smoothly without costly delays.

Here are some steps to take prior to making any move to remodel or add on to your home

1. Take a Look at Your Neighborhood

I recommend you walk your immediate neighborhood, take pictures and notes to get a clear understanding of homes nearby that are similar to yours in terms of appearance, size and features. This will help you understanding if adding on to your home is within the neighborhood norm. If your vision much larger than what is acceptable for area, the investment may not pay off as much as you invest. (Having a 5,000 sq. ft. add-on to a home in an area where 1,500 sq. ft homes are the norm, may not yield the return when you decide to move. It may be considerably harder to convince potential buyers and Realtors that your home should be valued exponentially higher than those around it.)

2. Hire Professionals

The complexity of any addition to layout and future value of a home dictates that you engage the services of an architect and reputable contractor. An architect will prepare code-compliant plans and will provide you experience you can't get anywhere else, at a cost of only 5-20% of the total project cost.

A reputable general contractor will coordinate workflow, source materials, schedule delivery and help you with valuable insight during the construction process.

Ask your nieghbors that have done similar renovations who'd they recommend and don't be shy about asking 3-4 companies to bid on the whole project and go with the one you feel most comfortable with -- even though they may not be the lowest cost.

And, always ask for an itemized bid!

Hiring professionals with experience allows you to focus on making the right decisions about your home renovation/addition and is ideal to minimize stress and coordination.

3. Understand the Building Codes and Restrictions for Your Area

Not adhering to building codes and ordinances can result in major setbacks to any project you propose for your property. Leaning on your architect and/or general contractor to make assurances does not provide 100% safety from the inspector. You should have a checklist of all the acceptable and expected requirements of building.

Certain codes, ordinances and association rules might stipulate building height and historical parameters with the goal to preserve continuity and established environment. Also, don't be surprised if there are codes that dictate maximium percentage of your lot that can be covered by built structures. Even the trees and fences allowed, color of paint and roof materials you can use for the structure.

Start by gathering basic information about your home. Lot dimensions, property lines and any surveys can be available through The City or municipal property office or building department. In addition, get as clear as you can about the what permits will be needed and any pitfalls you need to be aware of.

Being proactive about your remodel/add-on will save you time and MONEY in the short term. And make you lots of $$$$ down the road.

---Dave HarbisonLong Beach REALTOR® Main Street Realtors (562)618-9770 Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties,Long Beach Relocation Expert---

Attracting Birds Can Attract Buyers

2011-05-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

I've been intrigued at how many different aspects of a home hits home with perspebuyers. Recently, there have been several buyers that have previewed my listings and mentioned that they asked about birds. Yes Birds!

I'm surprised to find out how big bird watching is. It seems to be a popular past time shared by many...And the the back yard is a great place to enjoy it. Thanks to a few landscaping techniques, you can trade your binoculars for a lawn char and enjoy bird watching from the convenience and comfort of your own home.

Attracting Birds of A Feather

If you want to attract local birds to your backyard, you have to make it a place that they will be drawn to. One way of doing this is by studying the feeding and/or nesting habits of the local birds that you want to attract. Birds have unique characteristics that are specific to their type and knowing what they enjoy will be your first step toward inviting them to your home.

Bird Basics

Birds need three basic things - food, shelter and water. By planting familiar foliage, you will be providing a protective covering for birds. Flowers, inviting nesting areas and a birdbath will provide additional comfort.

Bird food, which is commonly available at just about any retail store, is often specific to certain bird types. For instance, black oil sunflower seeds will attract goldfinches and chickadees, while millet seeds are appealing to doves and sparrows. If you want to attract hummingbirds, you will need to include a sugar-water feeder in your backyard landscaping. A bird feeder, which is used to house seeds and food for your backyard birds, should be cleaned regularly.

The Beautiful Bird Bath

Birdbaths are a great addition to your landscape if you want native birds to feel welcome. the single feature offers birds a way to bathe and drink, which makes your backyard very inviting to visiting birds. Adding fresh water and keep it clean and free of bacteria buildup always works to provide an inviting habitat for birds.

The Birdhouse

The cornerstone of attracting birds, is a birdhouse. These structures provide a safe environment and a way to feel secure. When choosing a birdhouse, consider the size of bird that you want to attract -- the size of the entrance is key. A quality birdhouse will have proper ventilation and drainage are also import. And by all means, keep the bird's nest dry and free of any water buildup.

---Dave HarbisonLong Beach REALTOR®Main Street Realtors(562) 618-9770---Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert---

Common Mistakes I See Sellers Make

2011-04-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

Signs are finally pointing to a stablizing of the Real Estate marketplace in Southern California. More homes are being sold. Buyers are out in full force looking for the most home for their money. And banks are starting to loosen up the purse strings (albeit, very cautiously). This is not to say we're out of the woods yet. Our economy is fragile and any hiccups in our economic machine may drive us back to where we were a couple of years ago. I'm always optimistic, so I firmly believe we're on the way up, not down. With that said, I enjoy educating sellers on how to take advantage of these times, even though the perception is that the buyer is in control. This is not always the case. In fact, if handled correctly, sellers can still reap bountiful rewards on the sale of their home. That's what I look to do when presenting the opportunities to sellers. Yet, I am constantly overcome by the amount of sellers that feel compelled to execute a strategy that may cost them profits in the long term. Here are a few mistakes I see sellers make these days when selling their property:

OVERPRICING THEIR HOME Home values have obviously adjusted themselves from their peak in 2006. This makes it tempting to list your home based on the value a few years ago and not today -- especially if you purchased it while the sellers market was "red hot". Things have changed quite a bit since then. Buyers have become much more aware of the marketplace and values. They have been inundated with information from all different news sources and are much more informed...and cautious. Overpriced homes sit longer and often go through several price reductions before being sold. If you're a motivated seller, be realistic about your home's value. Make the hard call to price it to sell today, not like it's 2006. You'll have greater peace-of-mind and the good feeling that comes with looking to your next challenge in life.

UPGRADES/UPDATES/REMODEL This is a very hard decision. The goal is to make as much from the sale of your home as possible. Curb and room "Appeal" always plays a part -- especially in a buyers market where similar homes with more appeal and updated/remodelled features are in competition with your property. Seriously evaluate the pros of upgrading your kitchen and/or bathroom(s) and even front lawn against how your home would fare against the competition without any updates or changes. Depending on inventory and desirability of the location, you may want to make the investment.

OVERPRICING IN A BUYER'S MARKET It's no secret that home values have decreased over the past few years. By some accounts, as much as 27% since 2006. Some markets even declined 50-60%. Do a reality check. Get a firm understanding of the marketplace TODAY. Know what other homes have already sold for in the past 3-4 months, then gauge your listing price on that. In real estate, home sellers are either leading the market or chasing it. If you are chasing the market by listing your home above recognized market value, you most likely will fetch less for your home than you would have if pricing it close to market value as buyers would feel there is something wrong with the home. In addition, focus on the homes recently sold in your area and those currently for sale. Each represents a reference point/competition (respectively) to your home.

USE AN AGENT THAT IS TECH SAVVY Although Real Estate has traditionally been thought of as a "localized business", the effectiveness of reaching beyond your community's borders is extremely important these days. Make sure you're Realtor is actively engaged with the main Real Estate Portals and social media outlets. There are so many additional ways to expose properties to buyers. Real Estate is a global business with potential buyers all around the world and always within our social connections.

PHOTOGRAPHY IS KEY In a web-centric world, photos and virtual tours represent key marketing communication vehicles for your home. Be sure your agent is able to capture the essence of your home, its highlights and those areas most important to buyers -- kitchen, bathrooms, yard and living space

DON'T HANG AROUND WHILE BUYERS ARE PREVIEWING YOUR HOME If you are in your home or follow potential buyers around while they are previewing your property, chances are the buyers will feel a bit nervous. It's been my expereince that privacy while my buyers are looking at a home is important to gather true feedback and better position the home for sale. Buyer's agents are there to help you sell your home. Try to stay out of their way.

Don't hesitate on giving your Realtor a call to gain additional "ins" and "outs" of positioning your home for sale.

---Dave Harbison Long Beach REALTOR®Main Street Realtors (562)618-9770---Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert---

Mortgage Interest Deduction - Helping You and I Every Day

2011-02-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

I normally try to stay as far away from politics and legislation as possible. Recently however, with trillions of dollars in deficits, rising cost of living and shrinking middle class, there has been a push by some in Washington to make sweeping changes to the tax structure we Americans have become accustom too over the past few decades.

Yes, we as a country need to curb our spending and become more responsible with how things are done here in the United States. As a Realtor, I am driven to protect the rights of us professionals to continue doing what we do with limited interference. I depend on our legistlators to protect me as well as my clients. As a service, our industry is very vulernable to changes the economy and economic outlook. So, in a sense, I have skin in the game when it comes to making sure all of us act responsibly and in the best interest of everyone.

So, What About Mortgage Interest Deduction - Where Do I Stand?

There was an article in the Washington Post recently that drove a misperception that the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) benefits the wealthy. My feeling is, MID primarily benefits the middle and lower income familes who earn less than $100,000. From my research, approximately 91% who claim less $200,000 are MID beneficiaries - many being younger middle-class families

The MID helps families become home owners by reducing the carrying costs of owning a home. The ability to deduct interest on a mortgage can save a significant amount of taxes.

Unlike the very wealthy who have a large portion of their wealth tied up in stocks and the market, most of the middle-class in America have their home as their largest investment. Millions of Americans bought their home with the understanding that mortgage interest is and always will be tax-deductable, and many of them steadily paid down their mortgages to build equity in their home.

By eliminating or reducing MID, equity would be significantly decreased, home pricing would be in free-fall, one of the strongest industries in the United States would stumble and possibly crumble and the financial futures of millions of Americans would be thown into chaos.

And, for people who don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings to buy a home outright, tax benefits like the MID help them begin to build a future through home ownership.

With all the economic pressures our middle class faces today, it is not the time to throw those that work the hardest under the bus.

---Dave HarbisonLong Beach REALTOR®Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance(562) 494-4600 ext 2281---Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert---

What Are Luxury Home Owners doing in Long Beach?

2011-02-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

Living in Long Beach, CA, I am not exposed to as many grand homes as those Realtors in Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Manhattan Beach, Santa Barbara, Rancho Palos Verdes or other select parts of Southern California. Don't get me wrong, our city has a great number of places, on the water, and inland that hold you breathless.

To me, Long Beach is a hidden gem -- a secret place situated between Los Angeles and Orange County that provides a lifestyle that is a mixture of bustling east coast and laid back west coast.

Naples, Belmont Shore, Park Estates, Lakewood Country Club and Virgina Country club are places that most resemble the lifestyle synonymous with what everyone perceives as California luxury. It is, but at a fraction of the cost of other areas.

In the past 10 years, a great many of the homes in this area have been remodelled or totally rebuilt to reflect the changing face of expectation in luxury. After doing a little digging, I've uncovered a number observations about the upper-tier housing market in Long Beach -- that align very closely with other areas in the whole of California:

Professional Landscaping is a must
Upgraded the kitchen. In the luxury market there is a great number of homes in Long Beach that have "Designer" kitchens
Wine cellars are becoming more popular as available room, especially in Naples, Belmont Shore and Belmont Heights is becoming more of a premium
Wet Bars are starting to make a come back
In-ground swimming pools with spas have long been popular and are even making a splash in smaller lots in Belmont Heights
Installed Security systems are the norm rather than the exception
Surround sound systems with the latest wireless capabilities

I can only speak for myself, but luxury in Long Beach is more than design. Add taste, style, convenience, flowing floorplans and timeless individuality and what you see will be incredible.

Any chance you get to view a home that peaks your interest. Do it!

---Dave HarbisonLong Beach REALTOR®Main Street Realtors (562)618-9770---Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert---

Hidden Costs of Moving -- A Must Know Before You Move

2011-01-24T16:14:00.000-08:00

I recently helped a really nice couple move from the Pacific Northwest to sunny Long Beach, CA. We spent countless hours sifting, identifying and choosing properties to preview. We went out on Saturday and Sunday for 3 straight weekends, looking at over 30 properties. We identified one property that was "heads and tails" above the rest and quickly made a very generous offer (albeit below asking price). The sellers accepted.

My clients' exhuberance was overwhelming. It was great!

Long before the "real work" of looking for the perfect property began, an important part of my job as their Realtor was to position exactly what is entailed around the transaction. One area that I make sure to cover were hidden costs not normally talked about when trying to sell real estate.

There are several that come to mind that I always make sure are clear:

1. Insurance Costs

I recommend my clients contact their insurance agent to provide them with guidance and estimates on homeowners insurance...AND...Automobile insurance.

The geographic area (flood, tornado and brush fire prone areas), parking situation and surrounding environment may effect the amount of insurance you will end up paying for your two and three most valued assets (Your Home and car...I rate you and your family as a solid #1 valued asset -- above your home and auto). Always shop insurance and look for the best value before you settle on the lowest price.

2. Amenities

The cost of living in New York city will vary greatly from rural Kansas. Long Beach, CA, although it is considered to be much more affordable than other areas of Southern California, costs more than other places in the United States. Gain a solid understanding for what things cost and what is available where you plan to move -- from accessibility to things you like to do to groceries to entertainment. All will have an effect on your lifestyle and quality of life.

If you're unfamiliar with the area your moving too, ask your Realtor and get online. See what the area is like, what there is to do and how things are priced. Knowing this beforehand will make the adjustment much more fluid and enjoyable.

3. Utilities

Utility costs differ from city to city, region to region. And can vary greatly based on the size of the property and efficiency in architecture and systems. See if the current owners wouldn't mind providing you with copies of utility bills (after your offer has been accepted) so you can get a handle on the costs you will incur after close.

4. Taxes (booooo!!) and Assessments

As the ole' saying goes..."There's only two things you can't avoid in life, death and taxes". So, that being true, having a clear understanding of the tax base and expectations will make your planning a lot more effective and easy. In Los Angeles County the property tax is approximately 1.25% of property value at the time of purchase (Note: As property values have decreased over the past few years, I always advise to familiarize themselves with the local tax assessor office and spend a few minutes on the phone to receive direction on how to lower your tax base to the value of the property at the time of sale. Often times, non-committed new home owners will continue paying the inflated tax rate of the property when the property was previous sold (if it was higher).

Other taxes, assessments, bonds and mello roos also play a part in your tax budgeting for the year. Talk with your Realtor about the area that you are interested in and have them investigate any of these additional taxes. You should get this information in the Combined Natural Hazard Report/Tax Disclosure or Preliminary Title report provided during escrow. But doing some legwork beforehand, never hurts.

Also, it's not just property tax that will effect your life style, sales tax, state tax and local income tax can also play a role. Don't be afraid to lean on your realtor to provide you the information or point you in the right direcdtion. Simply "Googling" sales tax in Long Beach will provide you a wealth of information.

5. The Commute

I know plenty of homeowners that moved many miles from work in order to increase the amount of home they could afford. Moving to Southern California from just about anywhere can be deceiving. On a map, going from Corona to Long Beach is only 30 miles. But those 30 miles during peak traffic can be up to 2.5 hours each way.

The cost of time, gas and car maintenance can far outweigh the additional cost to be right down the street from work. Carefully evaluate, prior to moving, where you want to live in relation to your work. It can be a life (and relationship) saver.

Rule of Thumb: For many years, the rule of thumb is to keep housing costs below 33% and combined costs for housing, taxes, utilities and commute to less than 46%. I know, in these economically challenging times, it may be difficult. However, standing as close to these percentages will go a long way to making your body, mind and spirit a much happier place to reside.

---Dave HarbisonLong Beach REALTOR®Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770---Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert---

The Bembridge House - Quintessential Victorian

2011-01-19T17:38:00.000-08:00

I was driving down Magnolia Avenue in the Long Beach yesterday and decided to detour on 10th. I had heard about this exquisite victorian home near Drake Park. I wasn't disappointed.

Born and raised in outside of Buffalo, NY, I had the chance beautiful victorian homes every day. In my home town, Main Street was lined with big, old, impeccably kept Victorians with gabled tops, patterned shingles and stained glass windows.

Right in the heart of the city of Buffalo, on Delaware Avenue near Casanovia park, these homes abound.

As I stopped to have a look, it brought back memories of home and days gone by.

I know little about the Bembridge home located at 953 Park Circle Drive. It was built in 1906 by Josephine and Stephen Green. In 1918, the parents of Dorothy Bembridge bought the home. Dorothy would live in the home for the next 80 years -- hence the Bembridge House.

It is currently owned by the Long Beach Heritage Organization, a great local nonprofit group dedicated to the knowledge and preservation of historical architecture in Long Beach. http://www.lbheritage.org/.

If you ever get the opportunity take a drive down 10th, past Magnolia. You'll run right into it...on the right hand side.

The Media Hype About Real Estate - Believe it or Not?

2011-01-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

The past three years have been very interesting in the state of real estate... To say the least. Recently Fox and CNN economy and political experts groused about the explosion of Foreclosures in 2011 (when we hit the 5 year point from when the last of the millions of toxic 5-yr adjustable loans were issued).

In the 60 months, the economy has been challenging. Job market has spuddered. Consumer confidence has waned. And, in all the negativity, the opportunity to own a home has become more affordable than any time in recent history. And interest rates are...well better than ever.

Now's the time to get a peice of the American dream. Banks are lending, but are much more diligent in their vetting process (as they probably always should have been). Americans are slowly coming to grips that we need to save and work hard to realize our dreams.

We'll get through this time, but in much different fashion than past recessions. With so much information at our finger tips, the stress, anxiety and speculation shot in our direction by any number of a 1000 different media outlets is looking to take control of our emotions and actions.

In my opinion, Southern California home prices, specifically Long Beach, have adjusted to pre-2002 levels. To most of us consumers, we learned the hard way that our homes are not piggy banks. Home value increases seen in the early 2000's are a thing of the past.

Your home will always be a valuable and worthwhile investment if you plan to live in it for a long period of time or have enough equity to gain a positive cashflow from it.

As a Realtor with over 5 years experience, I've always found one of our most valued attributes is as prognosticators of the real estate future. We get asked all the time "So, where do you think the market is going?"

My answer? UP. Always UP, if your thinking is long term.

---Dave HarbisonLong Beach REALTOR®Main Street Realtors (562)618-9770---Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert---

Open Houses Are Great for Just....Going!

2011-01-18T19:18:00.000-08:00

Well, the new year always kicks off a new season of Open Houses. As a Realtor for a number of years, I always enjoy people stopping by and looking at the great homes I hold open. Most of them are not in the market to buy the home, but enjoy seeing what their neighbor's home looks like, what improvements have been made, what improvements need to be made and how it compares to their home.

The point is, going to an open house serves a lot of purposes. I think most of all, it is to get a feel for the vision you may have for your dream home. Whether you plan on moving into it sometime soon or already live there, an Open House is a place where your mind can wander pick up unique things that will work in your home

So many people ask interesting questions that help me dig deeper into the history of the home, its features and architecture.

In a way, we're extremely lucky here in Southern California. The rich history and architecture coupled with great weather allow our little peice of the world to evolve in a powerfully unique way.

When you pass by an Open House. Take the time to stop in. You never know what great ideas are behind those doors.

Buyer's Approach to A Home That Needs TLC

2011-01-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

Today, there are more homes on the market that would be considered "Distress sales" - the majority of which are short sale or a bank owned properties. In California, properties are sold "As Is"... And believe me, many need work. The questions you need to ask yourself as a buyer should drive you to a clear conclusion as to whether you should consider presenting an offer. Here is a list of, what I like call, "areas of clarity" that may help you gain peace-of-mind during the highly stressful and anxious home search experience:

1. Can you envision the end result?

2. What are the priorities of your purchase and how does the home rank? (Location, neighborhood, access, size, lot size, bedrooms, bathrooms, curb appeal, potential etc...)

3. What do you need to do to make the home "live-able"...to your standards?

4. What projects take priority and what things can be done down the road?

5. Is the list price at market value or quite a bit above or below?

6. Is there any "wiggle-room" or flexibility in the list price?

If there is anything I have learned in my years in Real Estate -- One family's "teardown" home is another's castle. If it feels right, 9 times out of 10, it is right!!

The Mystery of the Short Sale In Long Beach, CA

2011-01-16T07:24:00.001-08:00

I'm sure you've been inundated with ongoing news about the state of Real Estate. Not much of it has been good. In fact, CNN reports that this year, foreclosures across the United States will peak. The experts go on to predict that interest rates will stay steady for the first part of the year then start to creep up into the 5.5% range or higher.

So, when a foreclosed home or short sale comes to your attention, you may automatically think "DEAL". Especially in the first few months of 2011 while the rates are still low.

The "Short Sale" may seem like a simple transaction. It's not. The owners owe more on the home than it is worth. Often times 25-30% more. They're looking for a way out. The lienholder(s) are looking for their money...Then you enter as the "Eager Buyer". It can get pretty sticky.

Here are some things I've noticed and experienced as a Realtor doing short sales.

The Price listed by the "listing agent" is often not the price the bank will accept, but one that the realtor will put in order to get an offer to submit to the bank so they can see where the bank falls. The rule of thumb

The property may be listed for sale, yet already have an offer at the bank...which puts your offer behind (in back up) to the one submitted. All too often my clients get really jazzed about a property only to find that an offer was submitted to the bank months ago.

I've heard of short sales taking 8-10 months to complete (although the one I'm working on now should only take 5 months...fingers crossed). It can take exponentially longer than the standard sale.

If your offer is approved, there is a good chance you will get the property "AS IS". In other words, the bank or current title holders will not make any repairs. This often frustrates buyers as they feel they are entitled to the same courtesies normally extended to a standard sales transaction. The difference is twofold:

The title holders (owners) owe more than the property is worth and are taking a hit on their credit and most likely in in their pocketbook in order to get out of the property. They, in their own minds, have already walked away from the property and don't want to do anything more.

The bank (lienholder) is not in the business of losing money. They have not written the property off and want to keep the "bleeding" to as little as possible.

Realtors that list short sales and are not educated in the process get frustrated quickly, making the process more difficult and time consuming to complete

Yes, a short sale can be a great buy! But be prepared to walk a windy road as statistically, most short sales do not close. And, before you start identifying short sale properties, be sure to quiz your Realtor as to their knowledge about short sales:

Have they ever done a short sale?

How many have they done?

What is the process?

Will there be a nogotiator involved?

How do they investigate a short sale? What types of questions do they ask the listing agent?

Typically, how long, in their experience, will it take to close a short sale

There is always opportunity in Real Estate...Have your Realtor map out the best strategies for you to achieve your goals.

---Dave HarbisonLong Beach REALTOR®Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770---Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert---

Tax Breaks on Your Home Improvements

2010-03-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Everyone I've talked too knows that finishing an attic, upgrading a bathroom, remodeling a kitchen or re-landscaping your yard can increase the value of your home. But very few know the ins and outs of capital improvements when it comes to lowering your tax bill when you sell their home.

As it stands now, rules will let you add capital improvement expenses to the cost basis of your home. Simply put, costs associated with improvements (whatever they may be) lowers total profit. Or as the IRS puts it, taxable income.

The best thing to do is to get in touch with your accountant and Realtor prior to putting your home on the market and have a firm strategy for netting the most profit (and paying the fewest taxes) as possible.

Here's a link to an article that sheds even more light on the tax saving opportunities that improving your home may provide when you decide to sell: http://bit.ly/9ohY3p

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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance
(562) 494-4600 ext 2281
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Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
---

Sellers - When a New Roof Matters

2010-03-08T16:32:00.001-08:00

I always say, a well placed investment of time a money are worth a lot when it comes to selling your home... One of the biggest hurdles to overcome to a successful sale is a old or bad roof. In today's buyer's market, it is even more important than ever to go into into your home sale knowing exactly what you are willing to do about your roof. Here are some tips worth considering:

First, Have all the paperwork available showing when your roof was put on and if the warranty is still in tact.

Second, have up to 2 roofing contractors come over and evaluate your roof -- The condition of your wood shingles, composition, tile, slate or stone. Have them also the flashing to see that they were done correctly and that all the plumbing pipes and vents are sealed with caulk. Again, ask them if it was done correctly and professionally. You'd be surprised how many roofers don't take the time to do the job right!

Third, have the contractors go into the attic and evaluate the condition of the wood framing, sheathing and drywall for dry rot or termite damage. This will effect the estimate -- especially if there have been slow leaks that have effected the wood.

Forth, have them explain the material they plan on using, the life of the roof, who the manufacturer is and how long the warranty is in effect for materials and labor.

In today's real estate marketplace, it is highly unlikely that buyers will overlook the challenges that are presented for a property with roofing problems. Handle them up front and diffuse any questions they may have with logically, confident answers -- like you are in control. It is ultimately up to the buyer, however, it has been my experience that they will be less inclined to cancel or hardball a seller if they are presented a clear picture of the facts up front.

Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance
(562) 618-9770
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Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
---

Just Listed! 5bd/5ba 4,337 sq. ft. Home in Park Estates

2010-01-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

Magnificant pool home nestled on an expansive lot in the heart of Long Beach's most coveted neighborhoods - PARK ESTATES!

Opportunity abounds in this immaculately maintained mid-century pool home just steps away from Cal. State University of Long Beach and close to everything that Long Beach has to offer -- unparalleled privacy, expansive lot and updates too numerous to mention.

* 4,337 sq.ft. living space on 9,000 sq.ft lot

* 5 bedrooms/5 bathrooms

* Expansive master suite

* Walk-in wardrobe room

* Pool/Spa with waterfall

* Newer AC unit

* 2 Fireplaces

* Original oak wood and oak parquet floorsd

* Storage throughout

* Easy access to freeways

Make the move to Park Estates!

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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance
(562) 494-4600 ext 2281
---
Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
---

Fed Leaves Rates Alone and Supports Mortgage Market

2009-10-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

On September 23rd, we received some more good news regarding the Fed Fund Rate. It will stay the same. Additionally, the Fed reiterated plans to support the mortgage market to the tune of $1.5 trillion. This is good news for the housing industry. Signs of stablization and great opportunity for both buyers and sellers. In my opinion, this is much needed to get us back on track.

The fed confirmed its plan to hold the funds rate near zero percent "for an extended period" even though they acknowledged that the U.S. economy is "picking up following a severe downturn". They feel financial markets need to improve more before considering a Fed Fund Rate increase.

Yes home prices are on the rise nation wide. In July, they increased 0.3%. The housing market is holding its own. I feel it will continue with a few bumps along the way.

Home prices and sales in Long Beach vary greatly depending on the area in which you live. There is a good sign that we have weathered one of the greatest downturns since the great depression. Foreclosures are down. Inventory is steady and people seem to be more optimistic about the future.

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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance
(562) 494-4600 ext 2281
---
Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
---

5 Quick Tips -- Get Ready to Sell Your Home!

2009-07-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

When the time comes to sell your home, prioritizing projects to get top dollar will undoubtedly help drive the net amount of money you will pocket at the close of escrow . There are a number of important things to consider. I'd like to focus on 5 important aspects of selling your house. More can be found in a great Seller's Guide to selling your home. If these five tips interest you, give me an e-mail and I'll mail you one.

Curb Appeal - This is often overlooked by the seller when they first consider selling their home. Yet it's so important. Your front yard, afterall, is where buyers form their first and strongest opinions. Make sure your home, from the street, is immaculate, clean, well cared for and inviting. It will bring more buyers that are serious about making an offer on your home.

Don't Lose Sight of the Minor Details - Buyers in this market are (and can be) picky. Make sure to walk through your home and see that even the smallest of things (i.e. electrical covers, chipped paint, worn varnish, brass plates, etc) are in tip-top shape. Give buyers fewer reasons not to fall in love with your home.

Clean, Clean, Clean - Understand that you are trying to sell your home for TOP DOLLAR. In order to do this, you need to make sure that your home is clean, there is no dust, all the floors shine, the kids rooms are immaculate and the walk way to your front door is clear of any leaves, weeds and cut grass. You'd be surprised how many homes lose buyers because they don't tidy up on a daily or weekly basis.

Paint - This is probably one of the least expensive ways to breathe new life into your home. A fresh coat of paint, preferably in a neutral color, allows buyers to visualize how they would change the room and make it their own without creating opportunity for them to put a negative check mark next to the room because of the paint color. And, be very wary of "the wall paper syndrome". If it's there, it probably shouldn't be. Wall paper in this marketplace is not the most desirable attributes for buyers.

Be Realistic - Over-improving may sound like the right thing to do, especially when you talk to buyers, but it can negatively effect your net proceeds. Take the time to talk with your realtor and discuss what improvements should be done, and what shouldn't. Be mindful of costs and return on investment. In a buyer's market, you will see buyers expecting more for much less.

Small improvements can provide a wealth of value to your bottom line. The right approach to planning your sale can make a huge difference.

Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance
(562) 494-4600 ext 2281
---
Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
---

Buy Now? Sell Now? BOTH!

2009-07-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

Over the past 18 months, many people I've run into (that know I'm a Realtor) tell me they're afraid to buy a home now. With the economy taking a dive and home prices continuing to fall, it doesn't make sense to invest in a declining investment. Far fewer buyers are seeing a bright light at the end of a long tunnel. Yet, they are the ones who look at "these times" as the opportunity of a lifetime.

Right now, you're negotiating power is stronger than it ever has been. As the market begins to turn, that position diminishes. Now, it is still not beyond reasonable for you to ask for price reductions, closing costs and even improvements. And guess what, an extremely motivated seller is very likely to work with your demands.

I can identify many more reasons for buying a home now. In the interest of time, I've included my top 4 reasons:

1. Affordability is better than ever

NAR's (National Association of Realtors) housing affordability index as of December 2008, clearly communicates that homes are more affordable now than at any other point since the group started the index in 1970. In simplist terms, the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income falls greatly in your favor.

2. Inventory is "busting" at the seams

After the past 7 years, of little inventory and multiple offers, we've realized a huge number of homes on the market and ready to sell. Like most of the United States, Southern California real Estate Time on Market has grown to months rather than days or weeks. Housing are taking a lot longer to sell, creating loads of inventory. Another factor, Foreclosures and distressed properties, have added tremendously to the inventory and have been a driving force for declining home prices to nearly 2001 levels in many places in Southern California.

Today, it is nearly impossible to time the bottom of the housing market, and even if you do, chances of making a HUGE profit is slim at best. As we climb out of this recession, many markets will not see the huge home-price gains they saw a few years ago.

3. Mortgage rates are extremely low

It's not just the price of the home that will affect affordability, mortgage terms will also effect your monthly payments. These days, rates are very attractive for conforming loas, those that can be purchased by mortgage agencies -- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These daysthe current limit is $417,000, although that can rise to as high as $729,750 depending on various factors of the sale.

4. You can get a federal tax credit

There's now a federal credit line of up to $8,000 for home buyers who haven't owned a home in at least 3 years. Unlike the previous credit, this money doesn't have to be paid back. The extra cash will come in handy: The average first-time home buyer spends about $6,000 in the first 6 months of owning a home. Should you wait?

No. Waiting for further federal developments may zap a buyer's negotiating power, as more people get back in to the market and competition returns. The bottom line is this -- The more Washington gives, the demand for such products will increase.

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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance
(562) 494-4600 ext 2281
---
Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
---

Real Estate in 2009... Awwwwwwesome!

2009-01-12T16:53:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays have come and gone, we can turn our attention to the new year. There's no doubt that, in 2008, we experienced challenges and turmoil that most of us didn't expect to ever see in our lifetime. And, if your eyes are glued to the news, prospects of a recovery in the upcoming months seem dim.

I SAY BULL!

Believe it or not, last year's real estate activity in Long Beach, CA and the surrounding area was very encouraging. Through the course of the past 12 months we saw demand, which is measured by the number of pending sales related to the number of active listings, rise 59%. We also experienced a 25% drop in the number of listings on the market. Most importantly sales increased 10.4% over 2007 numbers. And in the fourth quarter of 2008, sales were approaching 2006 levels -- a perfect opportunity for both buyers and sellers.

In my experience, increased demand coupled with decreased supply suggests that price depreciation that we hear so much about will moderate and stablize...then moderately appreciate in the near future. Coupled with once-in-a-lifetime interest rates of 4.5% to 5% range, a rebound is right around the corner.

Call me an optimist, but I'm going to be bullish on 2009.

Welcome to Dave Harbison's Long Beach CA Real Estate Update!

2008-09-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Watch this space for the new real estate information blog for the city of Long Beach including the fine communities of Alamitos Heights, Artcraft Manor , Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Bixby, California Heights, Carson Park, Circle Area, Downtown, East Side, Los Altos, Park Estates, Los Cerritos, Marina, Naples, Plaza, Poly Area, Signal Hill, South of Conant, University Park Estates and Wrigley Heights, California from Dave Harbison. Look to us for timely news, market updates, hot new listings and more!