Long Beach/Southern California Real Estate: Long Beach Local

The Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate its115th season in 2024 with free outdoor summer concerts in Long Beach parks. This summer’s theme “Music to My Ears” will feature the sounds of patriotic music, the movies, pop, jazz and more. Free concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays: June 25 and July 2 at Whaley Park
Tuesdays: July 9 - 30 at Bixby Annex Park
Wednesdays: June 26 and July 3-31 Los Cerritos Park
Thursdays: June 27, July 11-25, and August 1 at Recreation Park
Fridays: June 28, July 5-26, and August 2 at El Dorado Park West

June 25-June 28 – Night at the Movies - Vocalist - Nicole Kubis
July 2-5 (No Concert July 4) - Spirit of America Vocalist: Mark Kopitzke
July 9-12 - For the Sport of It - Vocalist: L. Young
July 16-19 - Maestro – Music of Leonard Bernstein - Vocalist: Meloney Collins
July 23-26 - Constellation of Stars - Vocalists: The Swing Kittens - Nicole Perreira, Kaley Griffith and Nicole Kubis
July 30-August 2 - Curtain Call - Vocalist: Crystal Lewis

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

12/06/2023

Long Beach November 2023 Residential Market for Condos and Houses

The November average sales price for a single family home continued up from November 2022 (on a monthly basis), as did the median price, by over 12%! However, the overall average decreased slightly compared to the same time last year.

Condo prices went up on both a monthly comparison and for the over all year compared to one year ago.

New listings for SFRs were down compared to November of last year, showing the inventory crunch (a pattern found in just about all markets); but for condos new listings were up, but pending sales and closed sales were down from one year ago. And for both types of sales, the number of days on market are longer.

The good news is that the 30-year interest rate has recently decreased, which makes a difference on the buyer's prospective monthly payment! So we hope to see more of this in 2024.

For an estimated value of your property whether it's one, two, three or four units, please contact me. I can help you plan before you take any actual steps.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

Holiday Events for December 2023

Looking for fun things to do in December? Here's a partial list of local activities!

Dec. 7-9 - Rancho Voices: A Holiday Celebration - https://www.rancholosalamitos.com/events.html

Dec. 8 - Homeschool Holiday - https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/homeschool_holiday

Dec. 8 - Versa Style Dance Company - https://www.carpenterarts.org/event/versa-style-dance-company-0

Dec 8 - 17 - The Nutcracker - https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/american-ballet-theatre-s-the-nutcracker

Dec 9-23 - A Christmas Carol Long Beach Playhouse - https://lbplayhouse.org/event/a-christmas-carol-2023/

Dec. 9 - Long Beach Symphony Holiday Swing - https://www.lbentertainmentcenter.com/events/long-beach-symphony-5/

Dec. 9 - 10 - Huntington Harbour Boat Parade - hhboatparade.org

Dec 10 - Maker's Market Long Beach Museum of Art - https://www.lbma.org/mc-events/makers-market-2/?mc_id-420091

Dec 10 - Chanukah Celebration - https://2ndandpch.com/portfolio/chanukah-celebration/

Dec. 15-16 - Celtic Woman Christmas - https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/celtic-woman-christmas

Dec. 16 - Breakfast with Santa - https://2ndandpch.com/portfolio/breakfast-with-santa/

Dec. 16 - The Long Beach Nutcracker - https://www.lbentertainmentcenter.com/events/the-long-beach-nutcracker-2/

Dec 19-24 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas - https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/dr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas!-the-musical

Dec. 30 - New Year's Eve Party Queen Mary - https://queenmary.com/tours/new-years-eve/

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

3/24/2020

How Is Local Long Beach Market Being Impacted?

Here is just a quick synopsis to show the Long Beach market curve for single family houses, which is not different from surrounding cities. Fewer new listings are coming on the market as the industry deals with the orders put in place by the California governor. One bright spot is that California Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors are appealing to state and federal governments to recognize the real estate profession as an "essential business". Many occupations are related to the closing of a residential transaction, not the least of which is the need for properties to be available for buyers who need a place to live! If the industry is placed in this category, it will help significantly with buyers and sellers who are otherwise capable of dealing with the health situations. Having people see a property, one or two people at a time, certainly has far less exposure than going to the grocery store!

In February, the single family active listings was 271.
The current number of single family active listings is 186.

February single family pending sales: 144
Current number pending sales: 116

February total closed sales: 250
Current total sales closed 3/1/-3/24: 116

So the current corona virus situation will impact us for a while, and there may be quite a pent up demand when business gets back to normal, or almost normal. Based on the curve of activity in China, and now New York, the next 60 days or so may be the biggest down swing in the California market before it gets better, but of course the future is not known at this point.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

3/12/2020

What Are the Upcoming Market Impacts for Real Estate?; and Long Beach Sales Stats

The California housing forecast for 2020 from the California Association of Realtors may be revised downward, but this greatly depends on the length and quality of the viral outbreak. On the one hand we have GDP growth impact, but then we have very low mortgage interest rates which can offset a slower economy. California could still achieve a healthy housing market for 2020.

The number of reported new corona virus cases in China has begun to fall. This stabilization there will take time to trickle across the globe. A March 6-9 email survey of California Realtors shows varying attitudes: 36% believed there would be no impact on home sales or time on market; 25% of Realtors said clients put home purchase or sale on hold; 33% of Realtors had clients asking market questions related to corona virus. Other areas some Realtors felt would be impacted were prices, closing, and supply.

Turbulent financial markets actually make real estate relatively more attractive.

If consumers maintain their confidence, economic growth will continue. There have been so many re-finances from consumers taking advantage of low rates, that the mortgage industry is swamped! Some have even started to raise their rates online in reaction to all the re-fi's. However, don't think it's not a great time to make a home puchase and profit by the low rates, because it is!

The other fact is that since 2012, the housing inventory has not risen to the level prior to 2012, this is one of the things that has kept housing prices higher in California. So low interest rates at this time actually offset that fact, and make monthly mortgages more attractive due to rates.

Long Beach February Market for Single Family Homes: Inventory at 1.6 months supply (extremely low number of homes on the market); average sales price $759,000; number of houses on the market is 276; average days on market is 32.

Sellers, this is your time to sell!!!

If you have more specific question in regard to viewing property, or listing yours, please contact me via phone or email at any time!

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

12/28/2019

Snapshot Market Review of Long Beach Nov. 2019

Long Beach in November

According to data from CAR, there were fewer active listings in November compared to one year before, but an increase in sales compared to one year before., and an increase in median price. But there's also one-third of the active listings with reduced prices, suggesting that more sales occur from reduced prices! Although this chart doesn't reflect a breakdown, the higher priced luxury listings are lagging and are more likely to have price reductions, compared to the non-luxury listings.

The Report for Los Angeles County shows similar trends: increase in home sales, increase in median price, decrease in active listings and similar percentage of inventory with reduced price.

Los Angeles County in November

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

9/25/2019

California: 2019 Just Cause Eviction and Rent Cap Bill AB 1482

Studying new rental laws?

As of this date, this California state bill has not yet been signed by the Governor, but is expected to be since he has indicated his approval.
Bill signed in October, 2019.
Update: Long Beach rent ordinance rescinded by Council on Dec. 3rd, 2019.

Exemptions for Previously Existing Ordinances

This AB 1482 recognizes local ordinances, such as Long Beach Tenant Relocation Assistance (see link at bottom), passed prior to September 1, 2019 as follows:
Even if a local ordinance is less protective than the AB 1482, it will preempt the newer state law unless "more protective provisions" are passed to that local ordinance after September 1, 2019. If Long Beach or other cities were to do that, specific terms must be met. "More protective" means:

"1. The local law must be 'consistent' with AB 1482. 2. The local law must provide higher relocation assistance or provide additional protections. 3. The local government has made a binding finding that their local ordinance is 'more protective.' "

So if you're a Long Beach landlord or renter, check the link to the local ordinance below for complete coverage of its terms which went into effect August 1, 2019. Please note that OYOs and stock coops may be subject to rent caps and just cause under the new AB 1482, as noted below. Note: Just cause under AB 1482 applies to tenants who have been continuously and lawfully occupying the property for 12 months or more.

Otherwise, if you're in another city without its own ordinance, or unincorporated areas, you will probably need to look at the link to AB 1482.

AB 1482:
Goes into effect January 1, 2020.

Rent cap: All rental increases since March 15, 2019 will count toward the cap of 5% plus inflation, or up to 10% total, whichever is lower. See indexes for determining inflation https://www.bls.gov/regions/subjects/consumer-price-indexes.htm#CA or this index if regional information not available for you https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/CPI/EntireCCPI.PDF.

Exemptions from the rent cap:
Single family residences and condominiums, provided renter receives notice of the exemption (this may not include stock coops or OYOs, however and they may be subject to rent caps and just cause);
The owner is not a real estate investment trust, a corporation, or an LLC in which one member is a corporation;
Housing built issued a certificate of occupancy in last 15 years, generally meaning newer housing;
A duplex in which one unit is owner's primary residence;
Housing restricted by deed as low, low income housing;
Dormitories for higher education institutions;
Housing already subject to local rental control ordinance;
Section 8 rentals are likely exempt;
Exemption for just cause for ADUs, and an SFR that rents out up to 2 bedrooms in the house, or in which a tenant shares bathroom or kitchen facilities with the owner;

Reasons for just cause eviction include: non payment of rent; breach of lease after given notice to correct violation; nuisance; unlawful use of property; damage to property; refusal to allow entry; when a tenant fails to vacate after giving notice of leaving; subletting property in violation of lease.

One month's rent must be paid to a tenant in the following circumstances including: withdrawal from rental market; demolition or substantial remodeling of property; government order to vacate; conversation of property to owner occupied. Relocation assistance is not contingent on the renter's income amount.

Finally:
This post is NOT an exhaustive summary of these laws, so it is advisable for additional assistance to be consulted whether you are a landlord or a tenant. However, I would be happy to provide the entire legal summary, as currently provided by the California Association of Realtors legal team, in pdf format, if you provide me with your contact information. It covers many questions and answers in great detail concerning AB 1482.

For reference: CA Bill 1482 , Long Beach Tenant Relocation Assistance Bill.

Finally, complete property search of both sold and active listings are available on my website at www.juliahuntsman.com, simply by looking in the dropdown list under "status"-- the following is a link to income property throughout Los Angeles County actively listed in the MLS: Income properties.
Rental/for lease properties may also be searched on the site in the same way.
Please feel free to contact me for help on finding a property!!
.
Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

9/24/2019

Average Selling Prices for August, 2019 in Long Beach,Lakewood, Cerritos, Huntington Beach and Three Counties

Alamitos Bay, Long Beach

All these prices are for the month of August, 2019, based on data from CRMLS Infosparks:

Average prices for single family homes in Orange County were showing a slow downward trend since early 2018 but shot upward in May of this year, while Los Angeles County is still trending up from $919,000 in December 2018, and San Bernardino County's average remains solid.
The average days on market for the four cities is about the same as in June. However, in the very high end markets in Long Beach, properties over $1 million are now generally on the market longer than those under $1 million. In comparison, prices for the 236 actively listed Long Beach houses under $1 million are currently at 49 average days on market at an average list price of $657,000. More buyer opportunity in this range!

Luxury Market:

There are currently 87 active single family homes (as of 9/24) listed over $1,000,000 in Long Beach, the average days on market is currently 87; the average days on market for all single family sales over $1,000,000 in the last 6 months was 60 days for 149 properties. There are currently 34 properties in escrow, average of 99 days on market. If you have a listing over $1,000,000, it might be taking a little longer to sell.
In comparison, in 2018, 241 single family homes sold over $1,000,000 in an average of 63 days.

Average single family home prices vary according to area, and here's what they look like locally:

August, 2019

Long Beach
$743,017 (down 1.2% from July) Avg Days on Market : 36

Lakewood
$628,684 (up 3.1% from July) Avg Days on Market : 22

Cerritos
$728,655 Avg Days on Market : 42

Huntington Beach
$1,014,446 (18 month high) Avg Days on Market : 40

Los Angeles County
$966,765 (still down from a high in May, 2018)

San Bernardino County
$377,714

Orange County
$1,087,04

The above prices are for single family homes, please contact me for condo market prices!

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

8/28/2019

A Little Random Data About the Long Beach Market in August 2019

As of August 26th, there were 299 active listings for single family homes in the MLS:

Smallest house for sale = 480 sq. ft.
Largest house for sale = 7692 sq. ft.
Lowest list price = $375,000
Highest List price = $11,995,000
Longest days on market = 525
Listings that mention a bomb shelter = 0
Listings that mention walk score = 4
Listings that mention a pool = 30
Listings that mention granite = 77
Listings that mention an ADU = 7

On occasion, there is a listing that describes a bomb shelter (a 1950s era feature); walk score has gotten a lot of talk in the past, but where is it now?; pools are very much in the market, but not desired by everyone; granite couinters hit the big time for over a decade, but may not be desired by all buyers who may decide other material, such as quartz, is more to their liking. And ADUs (accessory dwelling units) were passed into law in California as an attempt to help ease the affordable housing crunch--if you are thinking of adding one, be sure to check in with the City's requirements first--the upside is they are good way to have a second legal unit without having to be in an R2 zone.

If you are interested in looking into a property with these characteristics (or without) and want to know more, just contact me!

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

8/21/2019

July 2019 Market Prices for Houses in Long Beach

No matter what is said about housing affordability up to this point, the house prices continue upward overall.

In January 2014, the average price of a single family home in Long Beach was just under $500,000. Following the peaks and valleys all along since then, the average price in July 2019 was $775,352, while the median (midway point of all SFR's sold) is $660,000, vs $455,000 in January 2014.

Days on Market: July, 33 average days on market. This is time before an accepted offer, so what does this mean? You can't waiting around forever before making an offer.

List to Sold: In the last 5 years, houses have sold in the range between 97% of list price to 100% of list price, with the July average at 98.6% of original list price. So what does this mean? That you have to make your offers strong.

Months Supply: This is the amount of inventory on the market before it would run out at the current rate of sale, and this has been ranging, since 2014, between 1.5 months and 3.5 months. It's been a long time since the 6 month supply level, considered the market norm, has been around. So what this this mean? Limited supply helps drive prices up, less inventory, continued demand.

Closed Sales: Since 2014, this varied between monthly lows of 102 and 106 SFR closings a month, to 259 a month. In July, 212 single family homes sold. What does this mean? It's not unusual for low sales in January and more sales in the summer. Since 2008, the highest number of sales were in August 2012 (260) and June 2017 (259). Per data on the MLS, just to compare, going further back to January 2000, 183 SFRs were sold; in July of 2001, 350 SFRs were sold. So our market volume has slowed consideredly since that time, and prices have gone up.

But buyers are still looking to buy, so if you are thinking about selling, even if you're not sure when, whether you have a house, condo, or unit properties, please contact me. I can work with trust and probate properties also!

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

7/26/2019

For Sale in Long Beach in El Dorado Park Estates

El Dorado Park Estates home

Just reduced, great opportunity in desirable area of Long Beach, CA.

Would be great for a buyer who needs a downstairs bedroom, a pool, and a remodeled kitchen with newer cabinets and granite countertops. Sliding door from living room to pool area, formal dining room plus large eating area next to kitchen. Central air and heat, great for the warm weather days.

Direct access from the two car garage. Home has a total of 5 bedrooms, 3 baths. There are only two other houses on the market besides this one that have 5 bedrooms, not common! Near El Dorado Park, the Long Beach Animal Shelter, close to Rossmoor shopping center. Near Newcomb Academy in Long Beach.
Price is now $919,900.00. To see this property, contact me, easy to show.

Listing Broker El Dorado Realty SoCal.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

7/23/2019

Average Selling Prices for June, 2019 in Long Beach,Lakewood, Cerritos, Huntington Beach and Three Counties

View of downtown Long Beach

All these prices are for the month of June, 2019, based on data from CRMLS Infosparks:

Average prices for single family homes in Orange County were showing a slow downward trend since early 2018 but shot upward in May of this year, while Los Angeles County is trending up from $919,000 in December 2018, and San Bernardino County's average is now up the highest in the last 18 months as homeowners and investors find buying opportunity there.
The average days on market for the four cities is about the same as before. However, in the very high end markets in Long Beach, properties over $1 million are generally on the market longer than those under $1 million.

Average single family home prices vary according to area, and here's what they look like locally:

June, 2019

Long Beach
$749,502 Avg Days on Market : 33

Lakewood
$612,286 Avg Days on Market : 28

Cerritos
$784,959 Avg Days on Market : 43

Huntington Beach
$1,239,491 (18 month high) Avg Days on Market : 40

Los Angeles County
$968,802 (still down from a high in May, 2018)

San Bernardino County
$377,243 (highest average price in last 18 months)

Orange County
$1,085,899 (down slightly from May 2019 18-month high)

For condo prices, please contact me!

For an online and automated home valuation, try my site at http://www.juliahuntsman.com/home-evaluation. It probably works more accurately for single family homes than condos in some areas, depending on what properties lie within about a one-mile radius. Try it! And I am always happy to do a more customized report to send out via e-mail. If you're thinking about making a move, do it! It pays to keep an eye on things.

6/04/2019

Long Beach April 2019 Monthly Report, Graphics Style

April 2019 Market Report for Long Beach, California

Median price for Long Beach in April was $633,000 based on 125 home sales (which is really not a lot for a monthly total), but the median days on market is only 20, yet about one-third of the active listings has been reduced. What this doesn't tell you is that the most price reductions are in the high end of the market which are taking longer to sell, because note that the sell-to-list ratio is 100%! As they always used to say in school, there's plenty of room at the top (because the bottom end of the market is and has been selling faster).

For help in this current market, don't be afraid to send me a message. There are all different reasons for buying and selling, and I can help you with that!

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

5/11/2019

Average Selling Prices for June, 2019 in Long Beach,Lakewood, Cerritos, Huntington Beach and Three Counties

View of downtown Long Beach

Average single family home prices vary according to area, and here's what they look like locally:

June, 2019

Long Beach
$661,746 Avg Days on Market :34

Lakewood
$603,745 Avg Days on Market : 28

Cerritos
$728,655 Avg Days on Market :42

Huntington Beach
$1,014,446 (18 month high) Avg Days on Market :40

Los Angeles County
$966,765 (still down from a high in May, 2018)

San Bernardino County
$377,714(highest average price in last 18 months)

Orange County
$1,087,04 (down slightly from May 2019 18-month high)

For condo prices, please contact me!

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

12/04/2018

Average Sales Prices Mostly UP in Selected Long Beach Areas, Signal Hill and Lakewood for 2018

Lately, the internet is full of stories about softening prices, but it turns out to not be all true. It depends on the city and overall region. But take a look at these stats, taken directly from the CRMLS, which happens to be the largest MLS in the country with 96,000 subscribers and another 143,000 agents in participating MLS's.

Below are the average sales prices for single family homes, with the sales count for that period in parentheses ( ). It was a little different than I expected--I chose these areas in Long Beach as representative of single family homes for different points in the city, and then chose Lakewood and Signal Hill as entire cities.

As you will see below, in most cases, for 2018, both average sales price and sales volume increased in the second 5 months of the year, compared to the first 6 months--not what I expected to see, especially in the highest price area of the city where properties are spending more time on the market.

Long Beach

Area 1 - Naples, Belmont Shore/Park, Marina Pacifica, Bay Harbor - UP
1/1 - 6/1 --   $1,220,951 (71)
6/2 - 12/1 -- $1,588,024    (90)

Area 2 - Belmont Heights, Alamitos Heights, Bluff Park - UP
1/1 - 6/1 --   $996,377       (44)
6/2 - 12/1 -- $1,106,803    (63)

Area 5 - Wrigley Area - UP
1/1/ - 6/1 -- $538,908    (50)
6/2 - 12/1 -- $574,446    (63)

Area 6 - Bixby, Bixby Knolls, Los Cerritos, California Hts - MIXED
1/1 - 6/2 -- $760,435    (101)
6/2 - 12/1 -- $749,131    (107)

Area 7 - North Long Beach - UP
1/1/ - 6/1 -- $447,282         (100)
6/2 - 12/1 -- $464,851         (165)

Areas 31,32,33,34 - Los Altos, Conant, Ranchos, Plaza, Stratford Square - UP
1/1/ - 6/1 -- $696,026         (187)
6/2 - 12/1 -- $716,253         (252)

City of Signal Hill - UP
1/1/ - 6/1 -- $747,303         (27)
6/2 - 12/1 -- $872,874         (23)

City of Lakewood - UP
1/1/ - 6/1 -- $589,653         (314)
6/2 - 12/1 -- $612,165         (401)

If you are interested in selling for 2019, or would just like some idea at this point of your market value, please contact me directly via text, phone or email.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

9/04/2018

Average Selling Prices in Long Beach, Cerritos, Lakewood, and Local Counties, August 2018

Currently on Long Beach market for $474,999

All these prices are for the month of August, 2018, based on data from CRMLS Infosparks:

Average prices for single family homes in Orange County are $1,098,542, while Los Angeles County as a whole is now at $997,845, and San Bernardino County's average is at $371,677.

Average single family home prices vary according to area, and here's what they look like locally:

August, 2018

Long Beach
$759,955 | +10.7%

Lakewood
$609,570 | +5.2%

Cerritos
$825,082 | +6.6%

Los Angeles County
$977,845 | +7.7%

San Bernardino County
$381,677 | +6.7%

Orange County
$1,098,542 | +7.6%

These statistics show a mix of pricing, with Long Beach at an average days on market at 18 days, Lakewood at 18 days on market, and Cerritos at 22 days on the market on average. Inventory time on market has increased in the three cities compared to April, up to 3 months (standard is 6 months), and closing prices still continue within 1.5% over or under the original price. In other words, since the last analysis in April 2018, houses are still selling within 2% of original list price, with a lower time on the market, and a slightly higher housing inventory from which to choose.

Condos

Briefly, Long Beach condo average price is $437,911, about the same as in March, 2018. The condo average for Los Angeles County is $602,193, a slight decrease from last month. Other local city condo prices: Cerritos: $414,000 (increase from April); Monterey Park, $559,875; Pasadena, $632,182 (decrease from April); Whittier, $352,089 (small decrease from April).

It’s a somewhat looser market right now!

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

9/02/2018

Just Listed, Single Family in Long Beach for $474,999

This house has room to grow, nice size rear yard. It may look modest on the outside, but it has just recently been upgraded with a new kitchen and bath remodel, plus new dual paned windows, new vinyl flooring, and new paint inside and out. Dishwasher and gas stove are included. Half block to Dooley School and walking distance to middle school. Also close to public transportation. List price $474,999, MLS PW 18214312. Really nice opportunity to just move right in. There's plenty of driveway parking, and a brick patio area in the rear yard for entertaining. Garage has been converted to workshop area (buyer to investigate permits), with a 2nd bathroom (also permits unknown) with a large shower, electricity in garage and finished walls with tiled floor (try investigating if it will work for a conversion to a legal Accessory Dwelling Unit). Three bedrooms and dining area with a lovely chandelier separate from the kitchen make this a really nice cozy opportunity.
Call me for more information! or go to this link on MLSTouch for more information:
https://bit.ly/2MI5JLX

Update: Sold, for $470,000, November 21, 2018.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

8/02/2018

Long Beach Housing Inventory

We're hearing more talk about market slowing, a little early for this time of year.

There's still far less than the traditional months of inventory on the market, i.e., 6 months meaning how long it would take to sell what's currently for sale. In Long Beach, it's almost the same for both single family homes and for condos: 2.4-2.7 months of inventory.

And yet, the number of sales compared to June of last year is down about 28%, while the average sales price for houses and condos are UP! This is also true on the state level, according to California Association of Realtors: "June marked the fifth consecutive month that prices increased by more than 8 percent annually, indicating that price appreciation remains robust and is not showing any signs of leveling off." But Orange County experienced one of the biggest declines in number of sales, all counties experienced a decline however, possibly due to buyer fatigue at rising prices.

Many younger buyers are able to get some financial help from families who may aid with down payments, which is a great help for them. One surprising fact is that single women over 55 are a growing segment of buyers, citing rising rent costs as a reason, not for the purpose of purchasing multigenerational housing.

Interest rates are remaining the same for right now, but a possible increase is hinted at in September. The mortgage lenders and banks, however, usually anticipate an increase in advance and build it into their scenarios in advance, but other global market effects come into play also, and there can even be a decrease in rates!

Currently, the average days on market for all 228 Long Beach single family homes currently in escrow is 45 days. It's a very good time to sell and find a new home.

For more information about selling, please contact me!

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996, representing buyers and sellers since 1994.

5/21/2018

Average Selling Prices in Long Beach, Cerritos, Lakewood, and Local Counties, April 2018

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVR0acogENReo66uCkPnpgHBderKoXmlKVewPviWDorCXaB5p4AlRpAfiqel37P2PG72ksE9ai7tvwgJE8fgdEJsgnge-T_p-N_MebUl-j3J2SeCM1U-rp5oS0fMK-1sV3yRaKA/s1600/Ireland+2010+059.jpg

For a single family detached home, the average prices for the cities and counties below range from $381,718 to $1,141,966, the low price being in San Bernardino County.

Overall the Los Angeles County average price for single family home is $992,808, a small increase from the previous month of $969,831, and now exceeding the high of July 2017.

All these prices are for the month of April, 2018, based on data from CRMLS Infosparks.

Long Beach average price is slightly decreased from the prior month, but Orange County has surpassed the high of May, 2017, while Los Angeles County as a whole is now above the high of $955,973 in July 2017. San Bernardino County's averages also exceed the earlier highs of $360,000, and is now at the the highest point in the last 5 years. Average single family home Pprices are varying according to area, and here's what they look like locally.

April 2018

Long Beach
$685,445 | -4.1%

Lakewood
$600,580 | +8.2%

Cerritos
859,816 | +5.2%

Los Angeles County
$992,808 | +9.0%

San Bernardino County
$381,718 | +11.2%

Orange County
$1,141,966 | +14.2%

These statistics show a mix of pricing, with Long Beach at an average days on market at 28 days, Lakewood at 24 days on market, and Cerritos at 34 days on the market on average. Inventory is still at 2 months or less in all 3 cities, and closing prices continue within 1.5% over or under the original price. In other words, since the last analysis in November 2017, houses are still selling within 2% of original list price, with less time on the market, and a low housing inventory from which to choose.

Condos

Briefly, Long Beach condo average price is $395,639, a decrease from $437,000 last month. The condo average for Los Angeles County is $602,193, a slight decrease from last month. Other local city condo prices: Cerritos: $370,000; Monterey Park, $439,500; Pasadena, $715,634; Whittier, $353,692.

It’s a tight market right now!

P.S. The photo is a door in Dublin, Ireland, where the housing market is pretty similar to our West Coast!

Julia Huntsman, Broker Realtor

Lic 01188996
www.juliahuntsman.com