Dave Harbison's Long Beach CA Real Estate Update

I had a client talk to me about their roof the other day.  They plan to put their home on the market soon and they wanted recommendations as to what they should do - New Roof or not.  As a Realtor representing them, my job would be a lot easier selling their home with a new roof.  However, what really needs to be asked -- "Is the investment going to turn into top dollar for their home?"

Here are a few things, in my opinion, that should consider:

1. It's a Buyer's Market
   
   We have been in a buyer's market for quite some time.  Good Realtors will guide their buyers to properties that provide the most home for the money.  I always tell my clients the two most important things to look at when considering buying a home is foundation and roof.  After all, these can be the most costly if not in the best condition.  Third and forth on the list would be plumbing and electrical.
   
   
2. State of the Roof
   
   The roof sheathing and outer roof over 20+ years of age most likely has experienced deterioration regardless of type of roof (composition, tile, wood shake, even metal).  The cost of replacing your roof may provide a worthwhile investment to conscious buyers who are looking to get the most for their money in addition to "peace-of-mind" knowing the cost of replacing the roof will not be out-of-pocket.  In my experience that lenders also put more positive weight on a new roofs than ones at the end of their life.
   
   Before any decision is made, have more than one roofing professional out to take a look at your roof and provide a detailed report of the state of your roof and recommendations (have them include photos if possible).
   
   
3. Competitive Market Analysis
   
   Today, you not only have to convince buyers that the price they are paying for your home is worth it.  You also have to convince the Bank!  Homes that are priced quite a bit higher than others in the neighborhood, regardless of upgrades and updates, may not be able to capture the value they deserve.  Banks are much more conservative than in the past and appraisers have tightened up their practices as well.

There are several situations in my recent past where, when asked, I recommended against a new roof and my clients opted for roof repair.  The recommendation I would make is to know the state of the homes that have sold in your neighborhood, have intimate knowledge of the state of your roof (where there are leaks, drainage issues and deterioration) and have your Realtor or trusted Real Estate professional provide their view of value with and without a new roof.  An informed seller is always more powerful these days!


--- 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 ---

Last week I was driving through Virginia Country Club on my way to meet a client to preview a home.  On the corner of Pacific and Country Club Drive I stumbled on a beautiful California Bungalow that looked absolutely fabulous. 

Eager to find out more, I scoured the internet and found a treasure trove of information anoub the home. The Jennie A Reeve House as it is referred to by the Long Beach Historical Society, was originally a 4 bedroom two story bungalow built for an activist and progressive woman's movement in the Long Beach and LA basin.  The original architect, Greene & Greene, set out to build a home that incorporated a multi-gable design with deep, overhanging eaves that threw strong shadows across the planes of the house. Originally built with a modest landscape plan, the property evidently incorporated a simple post-and-rail fence and low gate at the path from the sidewalk. In the entry, there was a square entry hall gave access to the living room on the right, and to a short passage at the foot of the stairway, which led to the dining room on the left.

Alot has changed since 1902 when the original home was built and Ms. Reeves lived there.  Last sold in 2004 it was listed as having 7 bedrooms, 3 baths, a huge 60 ft. living room with two fireplaces overlooking the grounds including pool & meandering stream. Spacious formal dining room, St.Charles kitchen with center island and custom cabinetry. Hardwood floors throughout, rich handcrafted wood paneling and french doors. Absolutely Stunning!!!

I have not had an opportunity to walk through the home but will definitely put it my bucket list.

If you want to explore more about the Jennie Reeves home.  Visit the following web sites and see for yourself:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jennie_A._Reeve_House.jpg

http://www.usc.edu/dept/architecture/greeneandgreene/232a.html

http://www.gamblehouse.org/nnb/object/415.html

--- 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 ---

Labels: Bungalow, Craftsman, Historical Landmark, Jennie Reeves, Long Beach Architecture, Long Beach Bungalow, Long Beach Heritage, Long beach Historical

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.

1.  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
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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?
   
5. 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.
   
6. 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 ---

Labels: flood lights, Homes, Long Beach, Safety, Security Systems, System, Well Maintained

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 ---

Labels: edison, huntington, millikan, poly, rogers, school district, tips, wilson

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 ---