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.
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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Main Street Realtors
(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
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Labels: flood lights, Homes, Long Beach, Safety, Security Systems, System, Well Maintained
# posted by
Dave Harbison @ 6:57 AM
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.
Labels: Belmont Heights, California, Homes, Houses, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Real Estate, roof
# posted by
Dave Harbison @ 4:32 PM
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 HarbisonLong Beach REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance
(562) 494-4600 ext 2281
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Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate AgentLong Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment PropertiesLong Beach Relocation Expert---
Labels: Buy, Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance, Homes, Real Estate, Realtor, Sell
# posted by
Dave Harbison @ 10:05 PM
