MOVE IN READY - PRICED TO SELL

Want More Infomation? From Your Mobile Phone
Text HOME03 to 562-485-6075

Walk into this stunning and bright living room with large corner brick fireplace and bay window. 

Glossy hardwood floors with an open airy feeling. 

Formal dining room, breakfast bar and open kitchen with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. 

Inside laundry. The Master bedroom has private bath, 

large closet and french doors to backyard deck. 

Bedroom can accommodate king size furniture. 

Private office area and two more good size bedrooms. 

Nice size backyard with covered patio, 

two car garage and long driveway. 

Easy maintenance yard.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE A VIRTUAL & VIDEO TOUR

Make Your Kitchen Look Like A Million Dollars

Staging a home is one of the services I always offer my clients ... Here is some information on what it is, how it affects the sale and various tips on how to make your home look as inviting and cozy as possible.



This Kitchen Invites The Buyer

So what is staging?
It is the process of specifically decorating a room, or home, in order to make it more attractive to buyers. One of the most popular places to engage in staging is the kitchen, which is often a deciding factor in whether someone ends up purchasing a home.


Why does Staging affect the sale of a home?
The reason that staging works is because it plays on subtle, subconscious, psychological factors that control human behavior. When a person looks at a home and evaluates it they do so through an emotional filter, that is based on their cognitive perception of reality. By making changes that automatically trigger feelings of comfort, joy, beauty, and hope it is possible to make a space seem more intriguing, and attractive, making a person more likely to fall in love with it.

What Should You Do First?
The first thing that you want to do when staging a kitchen is to make sure that it is completely neat, tidy, and orderly. The surfaces should all be free of stains, grime, and muck, and all of the utensils showing should be brightly washed and shimmering.

Here is an example of an un-staged kitchen vs. one that is staged.

It is also important to minimize the number of features and items that are on display in the kitchen. Barb Schwarz, also said, “Staging does not require lots of expensive furniture; in fact good stagers will limit the amount of furniture to keep the space open.” That means getting rid of superfluous appliances and storing any items that don’t directly add to the decorative beauty of the space. It may even be necessary to purchase a storage unit to hold your kitchen tools until the home is sold.

Be Yourself But Keep Buyers In Mind Too

As far as style, you need to walk a fine line between being generic and unique. You want the space to stand out in people’s minds, but at the same time you also want it to be accessible to the widest audience possible. Making it feel family oriented may chase off a couple without kids, or single people. On the other hand strange, modern, and eclectic items can be a problem for more conservative potential buyers. Finding the right balance will give your kitchen a great look that will have a broad reaching appeal.

Eliminate Clutter And Emphasize Cleanliness

In general you want to avoid storage accessories such as boxes, bins, and trays. If you want to display a few attractive pieces these should be immaculate, with the rest stored away out of sight until you are ready to use them in your new home.

If you have a kitchen table that centerpiece to should get extra attention. Make sure that there are not too many chairs crowding around it making it look cluttered. Table runners and tablecloths should generally be avoided, as they can quickly grow dingy if not constantly cleaned.

In some extreme situations it may be necessary to effect minor repairs in order to get a kitchen looking perfect for staging and sale. Staging is generally different from actually renovating and is more on the decorative side of the visual arts. However minor repairs can do a lot to make the space seem more desirable.

Remember, staging a kitchen is a great and inexpensive way to make a home much more desirable to prospective buyers. It allows you to put your best face forward, creating an illusion of possibility, which people can then fill in using their own hopes, aspirations, and imaginations. If you would like more information on how I would suggest how staging a home, just give me a call ... 562-882-1581.

 
 

 

525 SEASIDE WAY - HARBOR PLACE TOWER

525 Seaside Way Unit # 304 Harbor Place Tower is for sale!

Stunning ocean front condominium in prestigious Harbor Place Tower.

One of the best floor plans available, only two of these in the building. Two master suites each with their own sitting areas.

Over 1300 square feet of living space. Gorgeous hardwood floors, custom built storage cabinets, open kitchen with breakfast bar and dining area.

Nice large patio that can accommodate a table and chairs.

Walk to downtown restaurants and shops. Building has 24 hour security, pool that you can swim laps in, spa, fitness center, sauna, and beautiful interior sitting areas. Unit includes two parking spaces.

Harbor Place Tower is one of the most sought-after residences in Long Beach. This ivory hi-tech, 22 story building s at the corner of Linden and Ocean Blvd. Constructed in September of 1992, it offers 220 residential units, one commercial unit plus several office spaces.

 

Allison Van Wig has listed unit #304 and this unique floor plan is one of only two in the entire building ... take a look at this breath-taking property ... take a virtual tour of this home and then call Allison Van Wig for a private viewing ... 562-882-1581

2014 LAKEWOOD CAR SHOW

Last Sunday, 8/17/2014 ... I had the honor of participating in the 2014 Lakewood Car Show which also welcomed the traveling Vietnam Veteran's Wall!

The early morning sunrise was quite a sight ... making this a very moving event.







I was there participating as a member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and to promote my affiliation with the wonderful organization ...

This organization serves heroes from all walks of life

by offering them savings and rebates when they buy or sell real estate.

I took a lot of pictures and wanted to share them with you so ... please visit www.LakewoodCarShow.com 
to see a compilation of all types of cars that were there ... I hope you also enjoy the music!

 If you have any questions about the Homes For Heroes program, or just want to let me know what you think of the video ... just drop me an email or give me a call ... 
Allison@SuperBroker.com /// 562-882-1581

3 BEDROOM HOME IS THE BEST CALIFORNIA LIVING HAS TO OFFER

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live in a beautifully appointed home with all the amenities that a California lifestyle has to offer? 

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with over 1600 square feet of living space is just what anyone would love to own.

Large living room with French doors leading to a side patio for summer time; family room with fireplace for fall and winter time coziness.

Open and spacious kitchen with breakfast bar that overlooks the family room … for all those gatherings for friends and family alike.

Plenty of parking with a car port plus a two car garage


 THIS IS THE HOME YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!

For more information visit my YouTube Channel and look for the video 5203 Coralite ... for a private showing call me 562-882-1581

Why Did My Home Appraise for Less Than What I Agreed to Sell It For?

Knowing How Home Pricing Works Can Avoid Appraisal Issues

When it comes to selling a home and avoiding problems with appraisals, it takes a skilled real estate agent who understands the appraisal process to avoid issues that could potentially kill your deal! If that happens you may be asking yourself, “why did my home appraise for less than what I agreed to sell it for?”

For several years now, property values in the Long Beach and Lakewood areas have been increasing. This plus the fact that we have limited inventory on properties that are priced well and many times some homes may end up selling for more than they are listed for.

As a Listing agent, my job is to make sure and provide the assigned appraiser with three GOOD comparable sale for them to use in their valuation process.
This marks the difference between a good agent and a “not-so-good agent”!

A good agent will meet the appraiser at the property and come prepared with information on comparable properties. I always go through the improvements of the property with the appraiser to ensure they are aware of all the features of our subject property.

PLEASE NOTE THE VIDEO BELOW WAS RECORDED IN 2013 but the information about why a GOOD AGENT should meet the appraiser is still true today.

WHAT IS A COMPARABLE SALE?
Must be within the same city, within customary neighborhood boundaries, preferably within ¼ mile of the subject property but no more than ½ mile and within the past four month. They size also need to be a like-type property and within 150 Square feet of our listing; for example if our home is 1200 sq. ft. then we would use homes between 1050 and 1350 sq. feet.

WHAT ABOUT ACTIVES AND PENDINGS?
Appraisers will look at these but they do give them much weight to the value. The sold properties are the only thing that can be realistically considered a true comparable. My job is to inform the appraiser why your home is worth the price we accepted an offer for and how the home differs from the properties that may have sold for a lesser amount.

SO WHAT HAPPENS IF WE STILL DON’T APPRAISE FOR THE SOLD PRICE?
In a rising value market such as the one we are currently experiencing (Spring/Summer of 2013) my strategy is and always will be to do everything I can to prevent an under-value issue but we don’t have to accept that under-value appraised value.

WE HAVE THREE CHOICES TO MAKE
1. Reduce the price to match the lower appraised value.
2. Ask the buyer if they are willing to pay more and/or perhaps meet them half way.
3. Rebut the appraisal and determine why the appraiser did not consider the comps that we felt were a good representation of our subject property’s value.
In conclusion … when hiring an agent to sell your home, make sure they understand this appraisal process and are experienced in the successful resolution to problems should they occur.
If you would like more information about this subject … just give me a call 562-882-1581 or visit www.SuperBroker.com

Want Someone Else to Do Your Spring Cleaning?

This Spring, I thought I would have a drawing for a FREE Spring Cleaning for a lucky winner who wants someone to do spring cleaning …
Everyone knows that there are so many tips and ideas on how to do the best job of spring cleaning but I did a little research on the Internet and found a great website with tons of interesting tips …
Spring Cleaning Tips this website is full of great tips and tricks!
Now if you would like SOMEONE ELSE to do your Spring Cleaning … register to win a FREE Spring Cleaning on www.WinaClean.com  I will be having the drawing to pick the lucky winner on Friday, April 19th … You must live in Southern California to be eligible to win.
If you have any questions about what is happening in our local market this spring … just give me a call 562-882-1581 or drop me an email Allison@SuperBroker.com

MADISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN LAKEWOOD AND SNOWDAY 2013

Thanks to local Realtor Allison Van Wig … the students at Madison Elementary school and visiting neighbors enjoyed 34 tons of snow on a sunny California afternoon where we all enjoyed a touch of summer in 81 degree weather. 

Last Saturday on March 2nd, 2013, Allison Van Wig hosted a Snow Day for the students of James Madison Elementary School located at 2801 Bomberry St in Lakewood California.

Madison Elementary is in the heart of the Lakewood Mutuals area where Allison Van Wig has been successfully listing and selling homes for over 26 years.  

With 34 tons of snow that was produced for this event, everyone had such a good time. Take a look at this video and if you attended, let Allison know what you thought.
What made it most enjoyable was the fact that there were so many children that had never played in the snow so with 4 sled runs and 2 play areas complete with snowmen … a fun time was had by all that attended.

If you would like to see a longer video with even more pictures go to www.WinterWonderland2013.com   For more information about real estate in Long Beach or Lakewood … give Allison a call at 562-882-1581 or visit www.SuperBroker.com

Buyers’ Agent, Selling Agent, Sellers' Agent – What’s the Difference?

 

Buyers’ agent, sellers’ agent, selling agent. In every Long Beach & Lakewood real estate transaction, the differences are easy to understand, right?

Not quite. A potential linguistic trapdoor can lie right around the corner.

For openers, that sellers' agent may also be called the ‘listing agent’ – both mean the same thing. The ‘trapdoor’ is a further complication that comes into play once a contract is in place -- after which the buyer’s agent may also properly be called the ‘selling’ agent!

The potential confusion between seller’s agent and selling agent doesn’t usually have much practical significance: after all, by then, everyone should know the cast of characters and who represents whom. But it can come into play if buyer or seller are not actually present here in Long Beach or Lakewood to keep the names and duties sorted out -- but that’s rarely the case.

What is significant is how the duties of each designated Long Beach & Lakewood agent differ in their obligation to you the seller (or you the buyer). Briefly, the buyers' agent helps prospective buyers find properties for sale, and the listing agent helps their home owning clients sell their Long Beach or Lakewood homes at the most favorable price as quickly as possible.

Both agents have a fiduciary duty to represent their clients’ best interests, which can differ markedly. Nonetheless, in transaction broker states, it is also possible for an individual agent to represent both sides, which carries a special designation known as ‘dual agency.’

Personally, I have found that being a listing agent in Long Beach and Lakewood brings me many calls from future buyers who later become clients -- at which point I turn into a buyer’s agent, and after a contract is opened, the “selling agent”! Should you ever become confused (and now you can see how!), just ask me or …  your own agent to go over the differences for you. When you pick an agent whose knowledge and integrity are beyond question, he or she will be able to quickly clarify the representation.

Allison Van Wig Presents 5011 Gundry Ave in Long Beach California List Price $499,900 MLS# P839289

5011 Gundry in Long Beach is

3 bedrooms and 2 baths with

2,465 of living space on HUGE lot.

Great Ridgewood Heights area in Long Beach … Newly built in 1995, this beautiful home has vaulted ceilings and is sunny, bright and very open.Central Air and Heat.

BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF THIS HOME

Kitchen is a cooks dream with lots of cabinet and counter space. Kitchen nook and a formal dining room.

Large living room and separate family room that has French doors leading to backyard deck with spa.

Two upstairs bedrooms and one down. Large backyard, lot size of over 7,000 square feet. Wide and long driveway with two car garage in back.

For more information of a private showing call …

Allison Van Wig … 562-882-1581

www.SuperBroker.com

Allison@SuperBroker.com

Smart Long Beach Sellers Give Appliances a Starring Role

Success in selling Long Beach homes can depend on being able to distinguish what is important to buyers from what is not. Proactive homeowners know that one room usually gets more attention than does any other: the kitchen.

There are many good reasons why this is so (we have discussed them before) -- but one kitchen detail in particular can have a disproportionate impact. It’s a detail that is all too easy to overlook: the condition of the appliances.

Realty Times declares, “Sellers should update their appliances." I don’t think I would go quite that far, but the gist is right. When the appliances look like they deserve their starring role in the main act -- the kitchen -- it indicates a homeowner who has taken pride in their property. To a prospective buyer choosing whether or not to write an offer, it can be decisive.

If you are selling a Long Beach home this fall, it will definitely pay to take a critical look at your kitchen’s appliances, and then taking action!

Of course, begin by deep-cleaning them thoroughly. Potential buyers often look inside appliances…and the last thing you want them to find is a crusty oven or rusty dishwasher. It’s true that after a few years of wear and tear, most kitchens don’t look like they belong on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. But before you commit to wholesale appliance replacement, first see if some light cosmetic action might make that unnecessary.

Check your appliances for scratches, and if they are prominent enough, do something about them. For surface scratches, get a bottle of matching-color appliance paint (available at local Long Beach hardware stores), then dot or stipple the smallest amount possible onto the scratch. For deeper scratches, fill first with a filler material you’ll find in one of the do-it-yourself scratch repair kits offered by auto parts stores. After it has had time to dry, step back and inspect. If you have to know where to look to notice anything: Good job! That was certainly a lot more economical than buying a new appliance.

When all else fails, replacements may be necessary. If you go this route, make sure you go color- and tone-neutral. Remember that many homes will undergo remodeling by their new owners, and their taste may be different from yours. Don’t be tempted to blow the budget by buying appliances that outclass the rest of the property, but also be careful to select appliances that don't look cheap, outdated or out of place where they will be sited in the kitchen.

If you are one of those preparing to sell your Long Beach or Lakewood home this fall, I offer complimentary consultations prior to listing. We can go over big and small changes that will help maximize your return! Give me a call and we can sit down together and brain-storm what would be your best options … Until Next Time!

What's Happening in Long Beach this Labor Day Weekend?

HAPPY LABOR DAY ...



If you are looking for some fun activities to do this Labor Day Weekend here is a link to a lot of local activities here in Long Beach and our surrounding communities. Keep safe and have FUN!

HERE ARE THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES FOR LONG BEACH

2012 Housing Industry Confidence on the Rise Five-Year High for Pending Home Sales Long Beach Home Sales Outlook Brightened by National Report

With more than one million members, the National Association of Realtors^® is the nation’s largest trade association. It’s no wonder that what it says carries a lot of weight. When a gargantuan outfit like this makes a prediction, its words may not always make headlines, but they do influence everyone whose job it is to forecast the future of the nation’s economic activity.

That’s why their most recent report dealing with 2012 Housing Industry and Five-Year  Pending Home Sales prediction put smiles on many of those one million members’ faces.

“The spring home buying season looks bright,” according to Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “If activity is sustained near present levels, existing-home sales will see their best performance in five years.”

Like all statistics, those he was describing can be looked at in more than one way. We know that some numbers are more reliable than others. This particular index is based on an unusually large sample: about 20% of all transactions for existing home sales. It’s a forward-looking indicator: in the past, it has signaled coming trends before they materialize. This index seldom produces a straight line of activity because of seasonal and monthly ups and downs, but this time a trend is evident that is “notably above the pattern from a year ago.”

 Our Long Beach home sales patterns are not invariably tied to national trends -- but they aren’t impervious to them, either.  So we are pleased when our own impression that the spring market is looking up is borne out by the experts who deal in the broader picture. “Based on all of the factors in the current market,” Yun went on, he expects to see “sales rising 7 to 10 percent in 2012.” 

Real estate is a famously local phenomenon, and although we keep an eye on the national and state markets, our real attention is always centered right here in Long Beach. If you havequestions about your own real estate outlook, call me anytime for a consultation focused on your neighborhood.  562-882-1581

It’s 9 O’Clock: Do You Know Where Your Listing Syndication Has Gone?

In an age where technology is king, the concept of free and widespread listing syndication at first sounded promising to agents and consumers alike. “Listing Syndication” is the term used when third parties – including big Internet outfits like Zillow and Trulia -- take Long Beach real estate agents’ listings and put them up on their humongous national websites. Some agents like myself, are premium agents and pay a subscription fee for top placement of their listings.

Most real estate agents thought to themselves ‘Great! – now everyone in the country can see my clients’ home listing; we will get the word out nationally.’ And they were right about that, up to a point. But now some serious scrapping has broken out, and the details are something I think readers will find useful to think about. They affect what happens whenever you look for a Long Beach or Lakewood real estate property, or put your own property up for sale.

For Long Beach house-hunters, the biggest issue with syndicators is information that is either out of date or inaccurate. To any would-be homebuyer, sites like Zillow or Trulia hit them first: they’re always smack dab at the top of the Google or Bing pages when you look on the web. What isn’t apparent is that such websites don’t always offer all of the homes or data that might be available through a local real estate agent.

Rather than using feeds that offer each viewer the freshest information possible, syndicators lead those searching for a new home through a dizzy trail of listings. Moreover, if you have ever used them, you probably know that some of those have usually expired. Additionally, syndicators are real search engine hogs; Long Beach real estate agents have to battle against the Google-engineered pages to get a top spot. As a result, unless the listing agent dominates the Internet like I do, house-hunters may be unable to find what the Long Beach and Lakewood housing market has to offer.

Finally, it is not uncommon for consumers to experience confusion when it comes to listing prices. Syndication has in the past led to inaccurate information about prices to be published online, even duplicates with different prices. Yikes. 

Personally, I love the wealth of information this provides consumers.  Technology and free access to information are boons to us all.  To provide even more information to consumers, I offer a private VIP Home Search Service which is continuously updated from the Long Beach and Lakewood Multiple Listing Service … however, when it comes to buying a house in Long Beach and Lakewood, sometimes there’s no replacement for the human touch.  Call me anytime for the personal service only a local real estate agent can give you!

Allison Van Wig 562-882-1581 www.SearchOnLine4RealEstate.com 

To Buy a Home or Rent: That is the Question

It’s a fact that many folks in Long Beach & Lakewood ask themselves, ‘do we buy or rent?’ and then decide not to buy a home. Aiming to save some cash, they rent instead. They may feel that it makes more sense to work on rebuilding their portfolios, put some extra cash into a rainy day fund, save for retirement, or for college -- for any number of worthy goals.

These would all be prudent financial maneuvers, but only if the original assumption is correct. But today’s environment is creating a new reality. It’s one where renting may not be as much of a cost saver as most people think. 

Since it is my profession to deal in real estate, you might think my answer to the question of whether to rent or to buy a home would be an automatic ‘buy!’ Not so. While I certainly do want to help arrange a sale whenever a Long Beach or Lakewood buyer and seller can agree on terms, I also want all my clients to make the financial decision that is right for them and their family.  And as we enter the  Spring and Summer selling season in the Long Beach & Lakewood areas, I’m pleased to be able to report on a piece of information that may be surprising. It’s one that comes from the latest Trulia Spring 2012 Rent versus Buy index.

This index is a widely watched calculation derived from data in the 100 major metro markets. A Price-to-Rent ratio of 15 or less means that any buyer who plans on living in his home for at least five years would be better off to buy a home than to rent it.

Bottom line: 98% of those 100 areas currently offer a cheaper environment in which to buy a home than to rent it! To make sense of the numbers, Trulia.com looked at the asking price of national rentals and homes for sale. It also included insurance, taxes and maintenance costs in the calculation. With low interest rates making the monthly mortgage cost lower, and high rental rates bringing the rental rate higher, many would-be renters might now find themselves looking at a surprising new reality -- affordable homeownership.

If you are currently considering renting or buying a home in Long Beach or Lakewood, why not sit down with me in Van Wig & Associates Long Beach office to run a few numbers first?  I am happy to schedule time to discuss your needs before you sign a lease.  Today it is entirely possible that for you, owning a home will just be cheaper than you think! Want to check out home prices in Long Beach and Lakewood? Here is access to the full MLS ... take a look and then call me with any of your questions ... 562-882-1581

What - Me Worry About Long Beach Housing? Maybe Not!

If you happened to be among the thousand or so consumers who got a telephone call in March from Fannie Mae, and if you took the time to answer the 100+ questions they were asking, on behalf of the rest of us I'd like to say 'thanks!'
You and your fellow survey subjects have sent a ray of light our way. You told us that you think things are finally looking up!

According to you and your 1,000 fellow respondents, homeowners who have been considering putting up their Long Beach home for sale might have reason to be more inclined to do so. On average, Americans expect home prices to increase over the next 12 months; the number of respondents who say it's a good time to sell rose to the highest level in over a year; and a solid 65% say they would buy rather than rent their next home if they were going to move.

Just 29% said they would prefer to rent -- even though 45% think home rental prices will go up. That is nearly ten times the number who think rents will fall.

Delving into personal financial expectations, only 12% think that their financial situation will worsen in the coming 12 months, representing the lowest value in over a year. Fewer believe their expenses have increased significantly in the last year;, and only one in seven report that their income is lower than it was a year ago.

Fannie Mae's National Housing Survey is a window into opinions about owning and renting homes, household finances, housing and the economy, etc. It is by far the most comprehensive measure of consumer attitudes toward the housing market; and since they keep at it every month, is a fair signal whether attitudes are beginning to turn up or down.

Local attitudes tend to echo their findings, if for no other reason than Fannie Mae's headline: “Consumer Attitudes about Personal Finances and Housing Stabilize Alongside Positive Economic News.” That may be a mouthful, but whenever you see 'Housing' and 'Positive' in the same headline, it has to make everybody a little cheerier.

If you're planning on your own Long Beach property purchase or sale, why not give my office a call? Allison Van Wig // 562-882-1581

Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake

On Sunday night, March 18th we are celebrating three birthdays, so I have had this cake in mind for several weeks. I got the idea from Pinterest but instead of using fresh Rose Petals I used fresh Raspberries.
First I made six small nine inch round layers about half inch thick of chocolate cake. I made these from scratch, but you can use a mix if you like.
I then cut the rounded top off each layer so that they would lay flat against each other. First layer has chunky raspberry jam, second layer has a mix of chocolate frosting and raspberry jam. Rotate frosting and jam as you layer up then cover entire cake with chocolate frosting.
You will need several boxes of fresh raspberries. Wash them well and dry with paper towels. I then stuffed each one with a Ghirardelli dark chocolate chip. Stick raspberries into side of cake frosting. I went all the way up to the top.
This cake tasted great, and looked very pretty. With three layers this would make a great wedding cake that would look pretty without fondant.

I am making a cake in a couple of weeks for some clients that just got married and are closing on a home in a couple weeks. I think it would be great to hand them the keys for their new home and they go inside and find a wedding cake! I am thinking about bottom layer of cake will be chocolate with strawberries, and the top will be vanilla with strawberries. Each layer will have strawberry jam in the center. I will post pictures so you can all see it. Have a great week.

Mortgage Rates: Getting Right to the Points of the Matter

The sub-prime mortgage crisis and the resulting chaos that it dealt the entire housing market has caused noticeable changes in how Long Beach and Lakewood homeowners look at mortgage rates and the loans they negotiate.The intense media focus on the residential financing industry has caused everyone to pay closer attention to the form of home loans they arrange. The truth is that borrowers are more wary about the loans they choose. They are insisting on clarity in how their choices will pencil out in dollars and cents in both near and long terms.
One decision that determines what mortgage rates wind up on the bottom line is whether to 'buy down' mortgage rates with points. Points represent interest that buyers pay up front to lower the rates on the remaining balance - the mortgage rates that show up at the bottom of our monthly statements.
Increasingly, local buyers are shunning the points option.
There are many reasons for the shift. Some are clearly related to the sub-prime mess, but others less so. Many of today's buyers are entering the market for the first time, and they are cash-strapped. They may find it a struggle to come up with money for the down payment and closing costs. Often, these new homeowners simply can't afford to pay points, even if they can be rolled into the loan.
Historically low interest rates are another reason Long Beach and Lakewood buyers at all levels are thinking harder about points vs. mortgage rates. Last week's national average on 30-year fixed mortgage rates (3.88%) was a full percentage point lower than a year ago - when it was already visiting the basement! Some buyers just don't see the value in making an advance interest payment - financed or otherwise - when it may only knock a fraction of a percent off an interest rate that's already at such low levels.
First-time home buyers can also see points as an unnecessary expense if they do not plan to stay in their homes long enough for the lower mortgage rates to return the investment. For them, it just doesn't pencil out.
With interest rates at historic lows and lenders competing for the same pieces of a smaller pie, it has never been more important for buyers to take a hard look at the pros and cons of the mortgage rates vs. points decision. If you are looking to buy in Long Beach or Lakewood and would like to discuss your options, visit my website and then give me a call. The time has never been better.

Perfect Wrigley Home in Long Beach for a First Time Home Buyer!

This fantastic Wrigley Home in Long Beach is perfect for a first time home buyer and is filled with charm.

Walk up the pathway to the tiled porch and enter this wonderful home!

 

Step into the large living room with beautiful hardwood flooring and a wood burning fireplace and settle into the cute window nook seat.

Dining area has French doors leading to the back deck.

Cute country style kitchen with tile countertops, breakfast nook and inside laundry.

This home has two large bedrooms and the closets are quite large for a home that was built in 1939.

Take a look at the my home tour and YouTube video …

 

Enjoy the tour of 2459 Eucalyptus Ave in Long Beach CA

The home has a great yard, the lot is over 6700 square feet with two patios and a wood deck … perfect for entertaining.

It comes with a two car garage, long driveway, newer windows, and … central air and heat.

Take a look at the the old milkman dial. The homeowner would dial the amount of butter or milk that they wanted delivered that day, and they would leave it in the cubby.

For more information about this home or a private showing, call at 562-882-1581.  You can also search the MLS and Internet for homes like this for even more details and homes just right for the first time home buyer.

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