Dave Harbison's Long Beach CA Real Estate Update

Not much good news has passed by our ears or eyes the past 5 years.  Our economy and resolve has certainly been tested.  And will probably continue to be tested for the forseeable future. 

During the time, I've seen our Realtor ranks diminish greatly (my estimate is 30%), the number of houses sold decrease by >25% from the market high and home values decrease by as much 30%+ in certain areas of Long Beach.  It's been quite a ride.  (I can't imagine the roller coaster Florida, Nevada and places like Riverside, CA have gone through.  And I don't think it is fully over.  The ride will continue, but at a much steadier even-keeled pace...and upward. 

A really positive article appeared in a Real Estate Directory newspaper I read periodically.  Backed by reputable sources (38 of the nation's leading Real Estate Economists).

They predict:

• Housing starts will nearly double
• Overall home prices will stop declining this year and increase by 2% and 3.5% in 2013 and 2014 respectively
• Rents are expected to increase for all property types
• Vacancy rates are expected to drop for office, retail and industrial properties
• With an improving economy, interest rates will rise as will inflation

All of this, of course, is predicated on (at least) steady economic growth and a stronger world economic outlook.  Any major event can turn this recovery in to double (possibly triple) dip recession.
By all indications, the turnaround is going to be a slow and certainly not like the meteoric rise we experienced in the early part of the last decade.  I, for one, am looking forward to more positive indications that we are back on the right track.

To learn more about what to expect in the future.  Go to Real Estate Will Rock In 2014! by www.RISMedia.com


--- 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 ---

Labels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Bungalow, Home Value, Housing Market, Housing Recovery, Long Beach Homes, Park Estates

I previewed a home a couple of months ago and noticed that the Air Conditioning unit(s) looked relatively old.  Upon talking with the listing agent, I was told the sellers had never maintained the unit...in 4 years!  Wow, I thought, this is not good. 

As it turned out the, owners had to spend a sizeable amount of money to have a new. larger air conditioning unit installed or the buyer would walk...After negotiating such a a deal, I'm sure these sellers learned an important lesson. 

Maintenance can save you a lot of $$$ !!!

There are plenty of reputable HVAC companies out there that will (for a minimal fee), Many will recommend semi-annual visits in the spring and fall.

• Spring time is when the technician will clean the indoor and outdoor condenser coils, verify refrigerant charge, and inspect all the wiring
• In the fall, look for them clean and inspect the furnace blower, burners, and heat exchanger.

• Make sure that outdoor air conditioning units and heat pumps are on firm and level ground or pads.  The ground can shift (even a little) over the course of a year and that can greatly effect efficiency and life of your unit
• Once a year, preferably in the spring, take a cup of bleach  and put it down the air conditioner condensate drain.  This will do a lot to prevent the buildup of mold and algae -- both of which can cause problems down the road
• To avoid undue strain on your HVAC unit, don't close the home's register more than 20%

--- 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: Belmont Shore, Bungalow, Craftsman, Home Improvement, HVAC, Long Beach, Real Estate, remodel

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