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Carmela Etgar

  • Open house in Bluff Heights this weekend, 1-4 pm, at 395 Wisconsin Ave

    I will be holding open this Sunday the Stunning, elegant museum quality, Queen Anne Victorian home located in historic Bluff Heights, about 3 blocks to the beach. This is one of the oldest homes in Long Beach, and benefits from the “Mills Act”, significantly reducing Property Taxes.

    Imagine taking a step back, to yesteryear, and indulge in the beauty and serenity of this great Long Beach home of the Victorian Are. Originally built in 1903, and infused with Old World charm. From the original hardwood floors- to the large, original windows – to the original built-ins- to the high ceilings- to the amazing gold washed Victorian tin ceiling in the formal dining room…you will feel that you have been transported 100 years back.

    Although this Long Beach home was lovingly preserved and maintained, the bones underneath the surface have been upgraded significantly, with replaced foundations, remodeled, large kitchen with Granite counter tops, replaced plumbing and electrical wiring, A/C, newer roof, and a spa and sauna in the very private meditation garden.

    The home is decorated with dramatic flair, and is a breath-taking experience. Attention to details is the hallmark of this stunning home. From the charming entry, with the old. 100+ years old wood staircase leading to the 2nd floor, the huge living room with high, crown molding ceilings and gleaming woof floors with a Baby grand piano and a beautiful golden moc fireplace. The dining room is amazing, with multiple windows, original built-ins, fantastic ceiling  and a majestic light fixture. The elegant fixtures, finishes, furnishing and textiles drive the luxurious character found only in designer showcase homes.

    Outdoors space extends this home healing energy beyond its walls with the secluded, lush meditation garden, infra-red sauna and spa.

    The total SqFt of the home is about 2600, and it includes 4 bedrooms, one of them downstairs, and 2.5 bathrooms. The master bedroom features a double French door to a charming balcony.

    In addition to the main house. There is a 2nd home on the property, with more than 1200 SqFt, featuring 2 bedrooms,  2 full baths, wood floors, soaring vaulted ceilings a fireplace, a backyard of its own, and is light and brite with sunset and tree-tops views.

    The total size of the property is more than 3500 SqFt, not including the 4 garages

  • How is the real estate market in Long Beach?

     

    U.S. housing sales are near a bottom, the chief economist of Freddie Mac, Frank Nothaft, said on Saturday.
    He noted that Federal Housing Administration lending is up sharply, with FHA loans at the largest share of the U.S. housing market since 1942, and mortgage rates are at a 50-year low. However, in Long Beach, and near-by cities, it looks like the bottom for real estate was 2 months ago. I have been showing homes and writing offers for several clients over the last several weeks, and usually, we are in a multiple offer situation, you know, like in the 2004-2005 market, with over bids, and counters like "Your highest and best". This is true in the price ranges of up to the $700,000 mark for Single family homes. So, if someone is looking for a luxury home, there is still time for negotiations, price reductions and sellers concessions.

    It is believed that more foreclosures will soon be released by Bank Of America and by  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mack, There is no way of knowing how many of these homes are in Long Beach, and we do need more homes for sale, since our inventory is shrinking.

     

  • How Many Bank Owned Homes are in Long Beach Today?

    I meet so many people at Open Houses, talk to them over the phone, and get emails, and so many of these home buyers believe that Long Beach is flooded with bank owned homes. Up until several weeks ago, there was a significant number of bank owned homes for sale in Long Beach. However, within the last couple of weeks there was a tremendous activity in the lower priced and distressed properties, $250,000 and above, and they are selling now with multiple offers, and some bidding wars. The total number of bank owned homes in Long Beach is only 33 Ranging in price from $250,000 to more than $1,000,000.  Some of these homes may be in escrow already, but the listing agents have not changed the status in the MLS.

    There are additional 48 bank owned homes priced bellow $250,000, and they are mostly located in North Long Beach, and West of the 710 FWY. 

    As to condos, there are 46 Bank owned condos for sale today.

    To see a list of all the bank owned properties, just click on the big red BANK OWNED link on the home page, and go on tour

    .

     

  • New program provides a safety net for home buyers

             C.A.R. LAUNCHES MORTGAGE PROTECTION PROGRAM


    It is now easier to buy a Long Beach home, beacuse there is a new safety net provided by the California Association of Realtors. In a time when people are worried about purchasing their first Long Beach home, there is safety in knowing there will be a helping hand, if needed.


    To help provide first-time home buyers  with peace of mind when purchasing a home, the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund (C.A.R.H.A.F.) is offering a new mortgage protection program to first-time home buyers.

    Through the Housing Affordability Fund’s Mortgage Protection Program, first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 per month for up to six months to help make their mortgage payments. A qualified co-buyer also can participate in the program, for a monthly benefit of $750 per month for up to six months. Program benefits also include coverage for accidental disability and a $10,000 death benefit. C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund is dedicating $1 million toward its Mortgage Protection Program this year, and estimates that up to 3,000 families will benefit from the program throughout 2009.

    To qualify for the Mortgage Protection Program, applicants must:
    . Be a first-time home buyer – someone who has not owned a home in the last three years
    . Open escrow April 2, 2009, or later, and close on or before Dec. 31, 2009
    . Use a California REALTOR® in the transaction
    . Purchase the property in California
    . Be a W-2 employee (cannot be self-employed or military personnel)

    This program is a great safety net for people that are sitting on the fence, and not buying now, when the interest rate is the best it has been for the past 50 or so years, and  long Beach home prices are so affordable.
    In many cases it is now cheaper to buy than to rent, and it has been a long time since we saw this happen in Southern California.
    If you have saved a home search before 2009, please contact me to modify and update your home search, to reflect the lower prices we have now.
    Wishing you a happy holiday,
    Carmela Etgar
    562-505-7117

  • Long Beach Home Mortgage Rates

    Mortgage Rates took a big dip today. 

    You can get a 30 years fixed rate mortgage today to buy your Long Beach Dream home at 5%. Only one week ago this rate was 6% and above.  For a  $300,000 home loan, This rate drop represents a saving of $188 a month. Instead of paying $1798 each month, the payment is reduced to $1610.



     

  • Long Beach real estate statistics

    Here are the latest numbers from Dataquick for October sales for the City of Long Beach.

    Very interesting is the fact that in zip code 90803, which includes the desirable neighborhoods of Naples, Belmont Heights, Bluff Heights, Los Alamitos, belmont Park, and University Park Estates, the prices went  UP  3% since last October. I did not need to see this table to know that. I can feel it every day, working with buyers looking to buy in these neighborhood, and finding that the homes that are priced right, are selling within days.

     

     

     

     

     

    Single Family Homes

    Condos

     

    SFR Only

     

    ZIP Code

    Price Median SFR ($1,000)

    Price % Chg from Oct 2007

    Sales Count Condos

    Price Median Condos ($1,000)

    Price % Chg from Oct 2007

    Median Home Price/ Sq. Ft

    Bottom of Form

    Long Beach

    90803

    $933

    3.00%

    11

    $369

    -13.10%

    $563

    Long Beach

    90804

    $322

    -56.60%

    15

    $280

    -19.00%

    $418

    Long Beach

    90805

    $270

    -31.60%

    1

    $128

    n/a

    $240

    Long Beach

    90806

    $310

    -25.70%

    1

    $230

    -27.00%

    $241

    Long Beach

    90807

    $477

    -15.60%

    7

    $225

    -24.20%

    $329

    Long Beach

    90808

    $478

    -9.00%

    n/a

    n/a

    n/a

    $323

    Long Beach

    90810

    $270

    -36.60%

    n/a

    n/a

    n/a

    $226

    Long Beach

    90813

    $223

    -39.00%

    3

    $135

    -56.80%

    $187

    Long Beach

    90814

    $621

    -3.70%

    8

    $254

    -16.60%

    $448

    Long Beach

    90815

    $442

    -23.70%

    2

    $248

    -40.80%

    $348

    Bottom of Form

     

     

     

     

     

  • 2 Story For Sale in Bluff Heights

    Front
    Victorian Gem in Long Beach

    • 3,530 sq. ft., 5 bath, 6 bdrm 2 story - $1,125,000

     -  Imagine taking a step back, to yesteryear, and indulge in the beauty and serenity of this great Long Beach home of the Victorian era. Originally built in 1903, this is a great find for antique lovers. From the original hardwood floors- to the large windows- to the original built-ins- to the high ceilings- to the amazing gold washed Victorian tin ceiling in the dining room-… you will feel that you went back 100 years!

    Although this Long Beach home was lovingly preserved and maintained, the bones underneath the surface have been significantly upgraded, with replaced foundations, remodeled, huge kitchen with granite counter tops, replaced plumbing and electrical wiring, A/C, newer roof, and a spa and a sauna n the very private side yard .

    The home is decorated with dramatic flair, and is really a breath-taking experience. The charming entry, with the old, 100+ years old wood staircase to the 2nd floor, the huge living room, with high, decorated ceilings, and gleaming hardwood floors, with a big piano and a beautiful golden mock fireplace. The dining room is so amazing, with the multiple windows, original built-ins, the fantastic ceilings, and the majestic light fixture.

    The total SqF of the house is about 2300, and it includes 4 bedrooms, one of them downstairs, and 2.5 bathrooms. The master bedroom features a double door to a charming ,large balcony, for those great evenings, or leisurely mornings.

    This amazing Long Beach Victorian home is located in the historic neighborhood of Bluff Heights. It has qualified as an historic property, and benefits from the Milles Act, cutting down the property taxes significantly.


    This total pride of ownership home is built on a large 6700 SqF lot, and offers a unit above a four car garage. The back unit is modern, and built in 1989. It has newer floors, vaulted ceiling, a fireplace, and is light and bright, with large wi

    Property information

  • Single Story For Sale in Bluff Heights

    444-1.front

    • 1,018 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - $269,900 - Bank Owned, Bargain Price

     -  This Long Beach bank owned condo just got a price reduction! What a deal!!! Bank owned 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, in a prime, desirable location of Long Beach. Situated only 5 blocks from the beach, and a short distance to restaurants, cool coffee shops, and Antique Row stores.
    This 2 bedrooms, 2 baths Long Beach condo features 1018 SqF, with 2 parking spaces in a secured garage. The complex is well maintained, and was totally refurbished several years ago.

    Some highlights are tiled kitchen and bathroom, newer windows, a blue sparkling pool and a picnic area. Great location for CSULB students looking to live near the college.

    This property will sell fast.

    Call carmela 562-505-7117 to show before it's gone.

    Property information

  • Single Story For Sale in North Long Beach

    Lovely Long Beach home
    Cute dollhouse

    • 900 sq. ft., 1 bath, 2 bdrm single story - $275,000

     -  Very cute North Long Beach home, very affordable to first time home buyer, and cheaper than a 2 bedroom condo. Why pay condo fees when you can have your piece of California?

    Located in a great part of North Long Beach, with good Fay access, and close to Lakewood mall, this 2 bedroom, 900 SqF home is in very nice condition, featuring a warm country kitchen with white cabinet, and original Art Deco style tile counters, formal dining room, and lots of new paint in and out. The double car garage is in the back, and has a long driveway, with RV potential parking. Private, fenced back yard, and a great condition in and out. Large 5175 SqF lot.


    Property information

  • Single Story For Sale in Belmont Heights

    Long Beach beautiful ocean view
    Value Range priced $599,000 - $624,500

    • 1,481 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - $599,000

     -  Located in the desirable Belmont Heights neighborhood of Long Beach, on prestigiesus 1st street, this top floor, corner unit penthouse offers great ocean views, and a lot od SqF. Boasting an impressive 1481 SqF, this is a great pace to call home, and enjoy life a stone throw from the big blue ocean. Imagine a reaxing evening on your balcony with this great view! Walk into your large, entertainment size, living room, painted with pleasing colors, and a beautiful light color carpet. There is also an office area, and a dining room.

    Please click on virtual tour link on the left to see more pictures.

    Call carmela 562-505-7117 to schedtule a private showing.




    Property information

  • 204-372 Carroll Park East, in Carroll Park is Sold!

    Sold

    Carroll Park, Long Beach  -  The single story at 204-372 Carroll Park East, has been sold.

    Property information

  • Single Story For Sale in University Park Estates

    Front of Home

    • 1,534 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story - $649,000 - Hot Buy

     -  Great Price! Fantastic Location! Beautiful Home! Estate Sale!

    The estate wants to sell! 1534 SqF, on a large 6160 SqF lot, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, spacious, beautiful home, in one of Long Beach most desirable neighborhoods.
    Your kids will walk to the wonderful Kettering school in 3 minutes tops.

    House is located on a charming cul-de-sac, and features hardwood floors, remodeled kitchen with nice-looking tile, formal dining room, light and bright, open to the backyard, huge living room that opens to the back yard with large sliding doors, recessed lighting, designer colors, gigantic Master suite with large windows to the backyard, and 2 additional bedrooms.

    University Park Estate is a small, secluded neighborhood located between North of Loynes, and south of 7th street. It has its own elementary school, and is just minutes from the beach and Belmont shore. Take an evening stroll along the channel, in the charming Channel View Park, which borders the neighborhood on the East side.

    Don't hesitate, please visit the open house today, 12-4:30 pm.

    Call Carmela 562-505-7117 to schedule a private showing.

    Property information

  • Single Story For Sale in Bluff Heights

    444-1.front

    • 1,018 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - $279,900 - Bank Owned, Bargain Price

     -  What a deal!!! Bank owned 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, in a prime, desirable location of Long Beach. Situated only 5 blocks from the beach, and a short distance to restaurants, cool coffee shops, and Antique Row stores.
    This 2 bedrooms, 2 baths Long Beach condo features 1018 SqF, with 2 parking spaces in a secured garage. The complex is well maintained, and was totally refurbished several years ago.

    Some highlights are tiled kitchen and bathroom, newer windows, a blue sparkling pool and a picnic area. Great location for CSULB students looking to live near the college.

    This property will sell fast.

    Call carmela 562-505-7117 to show before it's gone.

    Property information

  • Single Story For Sale in Plaza

    Beautiful Ranch Style home
    Great home in the Long Beach plaza

    • 1,775 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - $529,000

     -  Are you tired of looking at home after home only to find nothing? Have you wasted months trying to get a great deal on a pre-foreclosure home, only to not get the home? Stop Looking and come see this beauty! This home offers character and space, and a lot of SqF for the money, and is a regular sale!

    Located in the prime Plaza area of Long Beach, this spacious Ranch style Long Beach homes offers size, upgrades, light, and great entertainment space. Featuring a beautiful, spacious country kitchen with white cabinetry and tile counters and floors, and a charming breakfast area, Formal dining room with hardwood floors and a charming fireplace. French doors lead from the living room to the large family room, which features gorgeous tile floors, and opens to the lush backyard. The extremely large Master Bedroom will hold all your large bedroom furniture with tons of room to spare. This room has a private bath with stall shower. There is also a laundry room off the family room that is meant for a full size stackable washer/dryer.

    Don't wait, call carmela 562-505-7117 for a private showing.

    Property information

  • 2 Story For Sale in Bluff Heights

     2539 E. 3rd, Long Beach Craftsman
    Great opportunity

    • 1,860 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - $689,900 - Unbelievable value

     -  UNBELIEVABLE CRAFTSMAN VALUE. LOCATED IN THE DESIRABLE , HISTORIC BLUUF HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD, AND ADJACENT TO CARROLL PARK, ONLY 3 BLOCKS FROM THE OCEAN, AND WALKING DISTANCE TO MANY RESTAURANTS AND LOCAL ATTRACTIONS.

    THREE BEDROOMS PLUS A FAMILY ROOM AND TWO BATHROOMS, WITH CHARACTER, VINTAGE CHARM AND MANY ORIGINAL DETAILS. APPROX. 1860 SQUARE FEET WITH 3 BEDROOMS UPSTAIRS, AND A FAMILY ROOM, DINING ROOM AND LIVING ROOM DOWNSTAIRS. VERY SPACIOUS WITH LARGE ROOMS THROUGHOUT.
    NEEDS SOME LOVING CARE BUT IS A GOOD VALUE AND WORTH THE RESTORATION. THIS IS A WONDERFUL CRAFTSMAN FOR CRAFTSMAN LOVERS.

    Property information

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