Dave Harbison's Long Beach CA Real Estate Update

Although the nation has experienced unusually warm winter, we in Long Beach have had quite a chilly few months.  There were a few warm days from January through March, but on the whole, it was colder than in past years.

Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it's time to do a little spring cleaning.  Not only inside your home, but outside too.

Here are a few things you may want to consider doing this spring to the outside of your home.

1. CLEAN UP THE WINTER MESS
   
   Put a day or two aside on the weekend to clean up your yard and garage prior to even thinking about addressing your lawn and landscaping vision.  Trim back any trees, shrubs and other plants that have grown unruly during the past 4 months.  Start with a clean slate before you tackle the tough stuff...
2. PUT TOGETHER A VISION AND ACTION PLAN
   
   Like many, I like to dive-in and get my hands dirty right away when it comes to making the landscaping and appeal of my home the best it can be.  But, going at it without some sort of plan is costly in both dollars and sense.  Before you do anything, plan out your vision.  Know what you will need from patio furniture, to shrubbery, flowers and plants.  Don't be afraid to develope a whole design theme for the outside of your home.  And always search out the best deals so that you can rest assured your big (and small) landscaping projects are cost effective and up to your standards. 
3. IT'S THE SMALL THINGS YOU DO THAT CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
   
   Things are still tight out there.  So, if you are on a budget is small but your vision for your lawn and landscaping is quite large, look to the simple fixes first.  Ones that may take a bit more time but not as much expense.  Like trimming bushes and hedges, planting seasonal plants, painting the fence or outdoor fixtures.  Taking a little more time can be a major cost saver.
4. DON'T TRY TO DO TOO MUCH YOURSELF
   
   DIYers are great.  I consider myself one.  However, trying to cut corners on the big projects can end up costing you a lot more money and time.  Look to the professionals to do the jobs you don't have the time or tools to accomplish.  Things like re-sodding, mulching, cutting and exterior painting are two examples.  Remember, time is money...even on the weekends.  There's nothing wrong about being confident in your abilities.  But being wise is also a valued asset.

--- 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 Heights, Belmont Shore, Bush, Cleaning, Craftsman, Curb Appeal, Long Beach, Painting, Park Estates, Sod, Spring, Trim

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

Trend #1: Remodeling scales back
A new focus on moderation and value has entered the remodeling mind-set. Trends that are likely to show up in your kitchen next year include:

You’ll repair your existing appliances instead of replacing them, extending their life with good maintenance and care. If you’re replacing cabinets, you’re likely to build around your current appliances rather than choosing new models.

You’re scaling back your cabinetry purchases, with an increased emphasis on kitchen storage and functionality over elaborate decoration. For example, rather than stacked crown moldings throughout the kitchen, you’ll put your money into practical roll-out trays and drawer organizers.

Small-scale kitchen projects are big news. Changing out cabinet hardware, replacing a faucet, and refacing your cabinets upgrades your kitchen without major expense.

Trend #2: Simpler, warmer styles dominate

Fussiness and excess have faded away in favor of pared-back looks that present a more timeless, value-conscious style.

Cabinet decoration continues to streamline. For example, massive corbels, once fashionable as undercounter supports, will give way to sleeker countertop supports and cantelivered countertop edges. Stacked moldings will pare back or disappear entirely. Elaborately glazed finishes will yield to simpler paints and stains.
Kitchen finishes will continue to get warmer and darker, and feature natural and stained woods. Walnut especially is growing in popularity.

Laminate countertops will continue to surge in popularity, especially in contemporary design. The latest European-inspired laminates offer more textured and naturalistic finishes than ever before. While exotic wood kitchen cabinets are out of reach for most home owners, glossy, look-alike laminate versions can be had for about one-third the price.

Trend #3: Technology expands its kitchen presence

Many of the techno products and trends that relate to your smartphones and tablets have just started making their way into your local showrooms and home centers.

Appliances will be equipped with USB ports and digital screens so you can display your family photographs and kids’ artwork.

Smart, induction built-in cooktops ($500-$3,000) remember your temperature settings as you move your pans across their entire surface.

One light finger touch is all it takes to open the electronically controlled sliding doors of your kitchen cabinets — a boon to people with limited mobilities. You’ll pay 40% to 70% more for cabinets with electronically controlled doors than standard models.

You’ll be able to use your smart phones and tablets to control lights and appliance settings from anywhere you have a wi-fi connection, as well as to shop for appliances from major manufacturers.

You’ll be opting for LEDs for your recessed lights, under-cabinet task lighting and color-changing accent lighting. You’ll see more LED-powered pendants and chandeliers from major manufacturers as inefficient incandescent bulbs continue their march toward extinction.

A wide selection of affordable microwave ovens with convection and even steam features gives owners of smaller kitchen spaces more high-end cooking power.
Want to know more about Jamie? click this link.  She is quite an accomplished professional.  AND she has her first kitchen design book coming out later this year (2012)  http://www.houselogic.com/authors/Jamie-Goldberg/#ixzz1qRUL5YzP


--- 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 Heights, Belmont Shorts, California Bungalow, Craftsman, Kitchen Remodel, Long Beach, Park Estates, Real Estate

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 ---

Labels: Craftsman, Dave, edison, Future of Real Estate, Home Seller, Long Beach Architecture, Long Beach Bungalow, Long Beach Heritage, Long Beach Seller, Naples, roof, Virginia Country Club

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