Friday, January 28, 2011

Allison Van Wig Is Showcasing Her New Listing at 1630 Park Avenue, Unit #8

My new listing at 1630 Park Avenue is a stunning top floor condominium unit with vaulted ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors.

Large private patio just off living is perfect for entertaining.

This home offers 2 bedroom and 2 baths, a open living room with vaulted ceilings with lots of windows to let in the light. Updated kitchen has a garden window and an adjoining dining area.

Large master suite plus a nice sized second bedroom. Fresh paint and new carpet – this is move in ready!

To see a virtual tour or see a property brochure visit www.1630Park.com plus sit back and enjoy the YouTube Tour!

Beautiful Top Floor Condo

To see virtual tours of my other listings visit www.SuperBroker.com

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Long Beach & Lakewood Realtor® Allison Van Wig Gives Interview On Local Radio Station

My Keller Williams Media Coordinator submitted the following press release about my upcoming interview and I wanted my blog readers to know about this.

PRESS RELEASE

Local Realtor® Allison Van Wig of Keller Williams Realty will be a featured guest and interviewed by Ron Siegel, Radio Host of the Real Estate Radio Network. This interview can be heard by tuning into KLAA AM 830 or you can catch it streaming from the Internet from www.AM830.NET the time is from 10:00 – 11:00 am.

Van Wig is a top producing and consistent award winning Realtor®, who has been successfully serving the Long Beach and Lakewood communities for the past 23 years. She will be discussing her views on the current local real estate market and what she feels the future holds for the communities in which she specializes.

Van Wig is one of those Realtors® who has been through several real estate trending cycles and each and every time her level of commitment to excellence has galvanized her client-first approach in guiding her sellers and buyers to a successful escrow closing.

Throughout the years, her experience has evolved and grown as she has initiated fresh marketing techniques while harnessing new and cutting edge technologies to market her listings and bring information to her selling and buying clientele.

Her expertise includes working in all stages of homeownership; whether it is a first-time-home-buyer, a seller who has outgrown their home and needs to sell and move-up, or a homeowner who now owes more on their mortgage than their home is worth and they just don’t know who to trust or get answers from. Since 1988, Van Wig has been filling that need by providing those answers and solutions for 100’s real estate sellers and buyers.

· What advice does Van Wig give to her clients when they ask what they could do to their home in order to get the best price?

· What solutions does she offer to first time home buyers who are faced with the challenges of today’s rapidly changing real estate and mortgage marketplace?

· How does she envision the average Long Beach and Lakewood homeowner five years from now and, what can buyers do today to prepare for homeownership?

For answers to these questions and to hear a great discussion from a local real estate expert, tune in on Sunday, January 23rd at 10:00 am.

They say that all that really matters in real estate is local and because Van Wig specializes in Long Beach and Lakewood, her thoughts on our local real estate market couldn’t come at a better time.

When not giving radio interviews, Allison Van Wig can be reached at her Long Beach real estate office by calling 562-882-1581 or visiting www.SuperBroker.com.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Hire a Local Realtor® and Win

Your brother-in-law is a Realtor® and wants your business when you are considering listing your home for sale. Only problem is, he lives in another city. “No problem,” he says. “I can handle the entire transaction. Besides, I’m only an hour away.”

Is it a good idea to list with him? Sure, he’ll probably discount his commission but what will that minor reduction really cost you in the long run? It doesn’t matter if he’s a stellar Realtor®, if he isn’t from your area, mistakes are inevitable.

Hiring an agent that works in your city is one of the best investments that you can make when selling your home. For example, they know local ordinances; this ensures that you won’t be out of compliance with local ordinances. Your out-of-area agent may put up a for sale sign that could get you into trouble with the city’s code enforcers while a local agent knows exactly what’s allowed.

Many cities such as Long Beach, California require that ALL Realtors® and real estate agents conducting business within the city limits of Long Beach hold a valid business license … does your out-of-area Realtor® have a valid business license for Long Beach? Are they willing to get one? How long would that take?

Local Realtors® know the market and will assist you in pricing your home appropriately. While your brother-in-law has access to area comps, does he know the nuances between all the various neighborhoods? A local agent most certainly does and can price your home appropriately.

What happens when you need something? Can your brother-in-law come over right away? What if someone calls to see the home when they are driving by the sign? Can he be there within fifteen minutes? Will the potential buyer have to wait an hour or more? What if you run out of flyers? How long will you have to wait before new ones are put into the box out in front? A local agent is just minutes away and ready to serve.

The Multiple Listing System (MLS) is one of the most powerful tools any Realtor® can use. Your out-of-area agent should use it to list your home so that other agents can find it. Problems sometime arise when out-of-area agents accidentally places the home in the wrong area. What if he lists your home in his locality out of habit?  If that is the case, when local Realtors® have buyers in your city, your home won’t pop up when they search the MLS! Likewise, Realtors® in other cities will see your home and dismiss it because it’s not in the correct area where their buyers are searching for homes.

Does your out-of-area Realtor® have a regular advertising contract with local advertisers? Your brother-in-law might be a genius in HIS city but does he know yours?

What does an incorrect MLS listing or lack of suitable advertising mean to you? Qualified buyers won’t even know your home exists. Your home will languish on the market and you will be forced to lower your price. As your listing grows older, the few buyers who DO find your home will wonder why it has been on the market for so long.

When the time comes to list your home for sale, instead of hiring an out-of-town Realtor®, hire a local one and give your home the best advantage possible. If your brother-in-law offers his services, suggest that he refer a local agent to you instead; he’ll get a referral fee and you’ll get a local professional realtor to sell your home. This is a win-win for everybody!

For more information about what a difference a local Realtor® can make, just give me a call at 562-882-1581 or visit my website at www.SuperBroker.com 

Allison Van Wig©

Friday, December 31, 2010

Allison Van Wig, Local Realtor® Reflects On The Best Things To Appreciate About Living In Long Beach and Lakewood – Part 2 of 2

clip_image002Two weeks ago, I wrote Part 1 of 2 of this blog and now as the new year is upon us I want to continue with the remainder of the special things that are on my list … As I said before, many of us will begin the customary tradition of re-evaluating our goals and re-affirming our desires for a fresh new approach to our ambitions and dreams.

clip_image002[6]One of the things I personally have decided to focus on this year was to be even more appreciative of all the great things being a resident of the Long Beach and Lakewood communities have to offer

clip_image001 Long Beach offers 152 parks with 25 community centers, two major tennis centers, and one of the busiest municipal golf systems in the country with five golf courses. Lakewood brings us even more parks with organized special events like the Pan American Fiesta, Patriot Day, Concerts in the Park, the Block Party and Halloween Carnivals plus two community senior centers where resi­dents can have fun, take classes and receive supportive advice on social services.

clip_image001[1] Our different neighborhoods: Belmont Shore to Bixby Knolls to the Lakewood Mutuals plus our very own Naples Island with all the charm and character you could imagine in every neighborhood.

clip_image001[2] The Pyramid at CSULB where you can buy tickets to professional events at inexpensive prices.

clip_image001[3] Seventeen Historical districts throughout our cities with homes that have a variety of distinctive charm … from older homes to contemporary suburbia type houses; The Cliff May Ranchos; 1920 Victorian homes and of course the Spanish stuccos replicating the haciendas of yesterday.

clip_image001[4] The Gondola Getaway rides on Alamitos Bay for romantic sunset cruises and holiday light sightseeing.

clip_image001[5] And … last but not the least, the only off-leash dog beach in all of LA County which was recently renamed and dedicated as Rosie’s Dog Beach after the beloved bull dog that inspired it.

clip_image002

Visit www.budurl.com/LBDogZone or scan the bar code with your smart phone to see how our four legged friends can frolic and play.

 

As a full-time Realtor® for the last 23 years, I have had the pleasure of working with many clients to become members of our communities – When it comes to local real estate there is nothing I love more than helping buyers and sellers with the purchase or sale of their home. The areas that I specialize in are these two communities … Long Beach and Lakewood, so please take a little time this coming New Year to explore all the things our cities have to offer. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! ©

www.superbroker.com  … Direct Phone: 562-882-1581

Friday, December 17, 2010

Allison Van Wig, Local Realtor® Reflects On The Best Things To Appreciate About Living In Long Beach and Lakewood – Part 1 of 2

clip_image002As many of us begin our holiday vacations and look forward to the the New Year, some will begin the customary tradition of re-evaluating our goals and re-affirming our desires for a fresh new approach to our ambitions and dreams. One of the things I personally have decided to focus on this coming new year was to be even more appreciative of all the great things being a resident of the Long Beach and Lakewood communities have to offer.

clip_image004Most all of us probably already know about these wonderful things but I feel it is important to focus on a few that bring special enlightenment to all of our lives. In no particular order of preference, here is a list of the things I really appreciate about being a resident and working as a full-time Realtor® in these communities.

clip_image001 60 Miles of Bike Paths; and you know how I love my bike rides!

clip_image001[1] Alamitos Bay’s kayak rentals and wind sailing spots.

clip_image001[2] Two colleges CSULB - California State University, Long Beach and LBCC- Long Beach City College where we can not only pursue a formal education, but also learn photography, pottery making and jewelry design.

clip_image001[3] The diversity in restaurants that offer every type of food to include: Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern … you name it, we have it all here.

clip_image001[4] The Long Beach Unified School District that provides education to students in both cities is one of the world’s top 20 school systems and one of the top three in the United States.

clip_image001[5] Long Beach has one of the largest ports in the United States that supports our local economy.

As a full-time Realtor® for the last 23 years, I have had the pleasure of working with many clients to become members of our communities – When it comes to local real estate there is nothing I love more than helping buyers and sellers with the purchase or sale of their home. The areas that I specialize in are these two communities … Long Beach and Lakewood, so please take a little time this coming to explore all the things our two cities have to offer. HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! ©

WWW.SUPERBROKER.COM … DIRECT PH: 562.882.1581

Friday, December 3, 2010

Local Realtor® Allison Van Wig Gives a Thumbs Up to Tonight’s Special Holiday Version of First Fridays In Bixby Knolls

Set the DateMap Area of First FridaysAtlantic Avenue will be lit and decorated on December 3 for the "Holiday Edition of First Fridays." There will be something for everyone with plenty of art, music, philanthropy, good cheer, and a tree and menorah lighting.
The 3rd Annual Bixby Knolls Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony will take place by the fountains at Nino's Italian Restaurant, 3853 Atlantic Avenue, beginning at 6:00pm.

For more information visit http://firstfridayslongbeach.com

The entire community is invited to come celebrate this tradition with the lighting of the tree and Hanukah Menorah, listen to carols, and enjoy some hot chocolate. As this will be a community tree, the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association is encouraging the tree decorations be donated from area businesses, schools, and residents. Ornaments can either be dropped off at the BKBIA office at 4313 Atlantic Avenue prior to December 3, or brought to the tree lighting ceremony on December 3.

First Fridays will feature: Strolling carolers, rockabilly, violins, gypsy jazz, Santa, holiday gift items, live art, s’mores, cider stops, DJ dance party, Robert Vargas portraits, stilt man, Timstrument, the Knolls Ranger…and a “preview” of Long Beach Clothing Co., who just relocated to Bixby Knolls.

Councilmember James Johnson’s “First Books at First Fridays” at the Dana Branch Library will feature Harry Potter himself reading Harry Potter to children beginning at 5:15pm. Face painting will be provided by Arty Brush Strokes and Harry Potter movie posters will be given to the first 50 kids in attendance…plus a Harry Potter-themed game with prizes. Enjoy light refreshments, too.  

Holiday music and celebration begins at 6:00pm at Nino’s, the lights are turned on at 6:30pm and then the Big Red Bus will transport people up and down Atlantic to the participating businesses.

Alexia on Her Walk

This should be a wonderful evening. Look for me with my Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Alexia who loves a good holiday walk  … as many of you know who read my blog on a regular basis, in addition to my passion about real estate … I am an avid enthusiast in biking and hiking. I’ll be the one walking and Alexia will be …  well, let’s just say … she’ll be enjoying herself!

For information about living in Long Beach & Lakewood visit www.SuperBroker.com or call 562-882-1581

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Local Realtor® Allison Van Wig Has a Special Thanksgiving Message

FOCUS & OPPORTUNITY
Being a Realtor® in Long Beach and Lakewood isn’t always about listing and selling real estate … It’s REALLY about the people I work for and the opportunities I am given to make a difference in their lives during what most would call a “major life event”.
This Thanksgiving I am most especially thankful for all those I have in my life … My Family and friends. I am also thankful for all the wonderful people I have met during my career and want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Last weekend, I took a quick trip up to Big Bear and on my way down the mountain, I came upon the most breathtaking sunset and just had to pull over to take a quick video of the beauty before me. This video does not do it justice but please know that is comes with a bounty of heartfelt wishes for a happy holiday weekend!
Coming Down From Big Bear and The Beautiful Sunset Before Me!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
Allison Van Wig http://www.superbroker.com/