Los Angeles County - The median sales price for single family homes rose 6.5% since January last year. Even with a 12.9% drop in sales, prices have remained strong and continued to climb. Homes may sit a little longer on the market, but, there is no longer a rush on housing.The market is correcting itself (as any free-market should) after a steady climb for the past couple of years. Although, many realtors and professional real estate players are calling this market a "buyer's market", many buyers disagree. According to the Los Angeles Times today, Mr. Brandon Brennan has been trying to purchase a home by making [buyer's market] offers only to be rebuffed by seller's who can't even be bothered to counter-offer.Home-sellers know that offers will come in and someone will come along with a... 03/12/2007

Next weekend, I'll invite everyone to the St. Maria Goretti carnival featuring rides for the kids, events, silent auction, white elephant, live entertainment, great food and drinks (with full bar). This is an excellent community event and the proceeds go to a good cause. The event will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (16th, 17th, 18th) at St. Maria Goretti's on Palo Verde Ave and Carson St. in Long Beach. Please contact my office in advance if you would like to purchase presale ride tickets. (562-531-7000) at a discount. For more information or directs, e-mail teamresults@century21.com   Thanks everybody. 03/11/2007

Ok, here we go in Part II of our analysis of the Long Beach market. This again is taken from the article in the Long Beach Press Telegram. You can find the full article at http://www.presstelegram.com/outlook/ci_5290043.Please see the Part I post for more information on where things left off. This time we will focus on the remaining experts that the press telegram has interview for this piece.The next expert that they cover is Tammy Newland who is the owner of Los Alamitos Keller Williams. Full disclosure, James and I are both agents for Keller Williams Realty. We are not part of Tammy's office. Now this won't stop me from my opinion on Tammy's outlook but I want everyone to know.I believe that Tammy actually gives a far better picture of what is going on in the market. We are in fact b... 03/10/2007

The $1 million question in real estate today is where is the residential market in 2007 going to finish. You could say that it is the $525,000 question which is the median price in Los Angeles county. The article we are discussing today is good and I think deserves a two part blog so this is going to be part 1 of 2.A great article entitled "Market experts tell the real story" in the Press Telegram by Don Jergler which can be found at http://www.presstelegram.com/outlook/ci_5290043 tells a side of what will come in Long Beach.First, the good news is that more jobs were added in the southern california area. In fact there were 63,400 new jobs added last year. I would like to believe that because jobs are being added that we will continue to have demand for housing. It just means what kind... 03/10/2007

Long Beach has some great place to see, museums, nature centers, the Pike, Belmont Shore, the Queen Mary, just to name a few.  We have the Long Beach Marathon and the Grand Prix.  But my favorite place is the Aquarium of the Pacific.  Check out this link to view the Aquarium of the Pacific.  http://www.realestateshows.com/137364 03/04/2007

    The Belmont Pier - Belmont Heights Long Beach California     Do you like to fish?  Bring your bait and set out your chair on the Belmont Pier.  You can fish here for free -- no license required (as long as you stay on the pier)!  Built in 1966, the current concrete pier is 1,620 feet long and replaced a 50 year old wooden pier.  When you've caught your limit, lay out a towel and enjoy the sandy beaches surrounding the pier.  Whether you want to fish, sail, snorkel, or just sit...Belmont Shore and Pier is the place!   Come Home to the Beach Communities of Long Beach Laurie MannyLong Beach Realtor(562) 212-5420 Main Street RealtorsBelmont Heights244 Redondo AvenueLong Beach California 90803   Long Beach Real Estate Blog Long Beach Real Estate Website 03/03/2007

Senior Citizens in Los Angeles County have an important tax saving benefit available to them should the need to move arize. With Propositions 60 & 90 in Los Angeles and other participating Counties, Seniors can transfer their principal residence's tax base to a newly acquired home of equal or lesser value. In some cases, that "equal or lesser" value might be up to 110% of their principal residence; which means a senior could actually buy-up and keep their existing low tax base.There are rules to be followed in order to receive the most benefit from this program and interested home-seller's should visit the Los Angeles County Assessor's website for more information. http://www.lacountyassessor.com/. Just in case you were wondering, the newly acquired property doesn't necessarily need to ... 03/03/2007

Lofting Living Converting older buildings, typically commercial in the downtown area, into great living spaces has caught on in Long Beach. We have lofts in the price range of $350,000 to $1,150,000. Many adapted to the New York style and many top floor spaces with great views of the ocean and downtown skyline. These spaces are great for home owners that want a unique living space.Call me for a list of Lofts in Long Beach, 562-773-5919 or visit my web site at http://www.barbarastaffordrealtor.com/ 03/02/2007

Condo Conversion Why Rent? Condo Conversions are usually priced lower than established condos. They are those building complexes that were rented apartment buildings that have been renovated and remodeled into the legal description of condominium. These units are usually remodeled with all new appliances in new kitchens, new bathrooms, new flooring, new paint and ready to move in. This is a great opportunity to get started owning your own home.Contact me for more information: BarbaraStafford@REMAX.net.Visit my web site at http://www.barbarastaffordrealtor.com/ 03/01/2007

Condos For Sale in Long Beach  It's a great time to buy!! Increased inventories, more room to negotiate, low interest rates make it the time to buy. Especially for the condo buyer. There are many condos for sale in all areas of Long Beach and prices are being reduced. As of today, listed in the SoCal MLS, there are 14 available condos in Belmont Shore, 68 available condos in Belmont Heights, 64 available condos in the Eastside, and 223 available condos in the downtown area in all price ranges. And that is just 4 areas of Long Beach. Condo living is wonderful, I love it. Visit my web site to search for your condo, http://www.barbarastaffordrealtor.com/ or email me at BarbaraStafford@REMAX.net or call me at 562-773-5919. 03/01/2007

While living near Belmont Shore in Long Beach, CA is great (the people, atmosphere, weather, activities, shops and restaurants, and a great community feel), sometimes the events here are overkill.  Special events like the Christmas Parade, Chocolate Festival, Easter Parade, etc. are great, there is a thing as too much.  A few weeks ago, there was a Bulldog Contest to parade these beautiful dogs dressed like humans and choose a winner.  On it's face that sounds nice, but it is upon further look at this event, and others like it, it was a self-promotion show for one individual.  One who does these things so often, they lose their charm and credibility.  Can you say "Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility?" 02/15/2007

Hey there,Hope this finds you well.  I am still relatively new when it comes to blogging.  From what I gather, it is a matter of basically having a thought about something and putting it down in form of writing.  A journal if you will.  Of course, in this instance, I believe that you are suppose to write something about real estate.  Hopefully something that you, meaning me, have an idea or knowledge about.  Many people don't and will form an opinion without doing some research or at least hearing what the other side has to say.While I'm not perfect, I will try my best to understand before forming an opinion.  I hope that I can do that well.  I hope that I can do this in a manner that is acceptable to you, the reader (I really hope that there is more than one, but one is better than non... 01/29/2007

  College Park EstatesLocated close to Cal State Long Beach, this family oriented, residential, park-like community continues to grow in popularity.  Not only is it located conveniently to the university, it also provides easy access to shopping in nearby Los Altos.  The homes, built in the 40s, 50s and 60s, are larger than most Long Beach homes and are shaded by mature trees. A College Town Here in aptly named College Park Estates, you'll find California State University Long Beach, also known as Cal State Long Beach, CSULB, LBSU or The Beach.   Whatever you choose to call it, you'll be impressed with its credentials: The largest campus in the California State University system The second largest university in California Ranked as one of the top three public masters universities in the... 01/09/2007