Real Talk About Real Estate: 2012

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Check out this great MSN video - Real Estate Mogul Corcoran: 'Great Time to Buy'

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Open House Near Cal State Long Beach

BANK OWNED!!! OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, August 26, 2012
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

3645 E 17th Street, Long Beach CA 90804-2002

Great opportunity to Save on a home with potential in a highly desirable neighborhood not far from Cal State Long Beach and Long Beach's circle area.

Call me if you have questions at 562-544-9491!

Check out the You Tube Video for this home:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYU-vaQtVqA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Monday, August 20, 2012

Invasion of the Real Estate Investor

Both Home Buyers and Home Sellers are experiencing the Invasion of the Real Estate Investor (a.k.a. "Flippers"). Home buyers that are actively putting in offers, to later learn that there are "multiple offers", share their testimonies of their offers being declined for "all cash offers" or "clean offers". Home buyers have expressed their frustration to me that they feel like the investors are not leaving any homes for the Average Joe...working class Americans trying to fulfill the dream of home ownership.

Real Estate Investors have the "CASH" to close deals quickly, and they are quickly buying up homes in the $300,000 and under price range. Sellers are reaping the benefit of the Invasion of the Real Estate Investor. Their homes are receiving multiple offers, that are usually well above the asking price. If a seller receives an offer below the list price, it's common that the listing agent will respond confidently that the seller has instructed them to not submit offers lower than the list price for review. Some listing agents will indicate that no offers will be reviewed until a defined time frame. For example, if the property is listed on a Wednesday, the listing agent my indicate that no offers will not be reviewed until the following Wednesday (to allow further buyer traffic over the weekend).

As a REALTOR, having worked with Real Estate Investors, I recognize that often it is the "Invasion" it self that has breathed life into distressed homes, and communities. Real Estate Investors for years have purchased the 'diamond in the rough' and have rehabbed these homes so that they are habitable for home buyers, who often do not have the capital, interest or capacity to make the necessary repairs.

Here are some tips for Home Buyers, to help survive the Invasion of the Real Estate Investor when making an offer on a home:

Have your REALTOR run a comps report often referred to as the CMA (comparative market analysis) of the most pending, closed sales in the neighborhood for homes similar to the one you are interested in buying.
Leave out the request for a Home Warranty Plan. These plans vary in price $300+ a year, when sellers are looking at offers and comparing apples to apples, this is one less 'concession' in your offer.
Make sure your good faith deposit is at least 1% of the purchase price. This is a small gesture, but shows the home seller that you are a serious buyer.
This is the most difficult one for most first time home buyers....if you can, pay some if not all of your own closing costs. Instead of requesting a 3% credit towards closing costs, for a seller asking 1% OR a set dollar amount like $2,500 may increase your odds of getting your offer accepted.
Put yourself in the sellers shoes. Understand that regardless of the circumstance in which they have decided to sell their home (i.e. divorce, downsizing or death) they want to walk away with as much cash in hand (after paying their fees and commissions) as possible.

If you are looking to buy or sell your home in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County (including Long Beach, Lakewood, Carson, Cerritos, Gardena, Harbor City, San Pedro, Signal Hill, etc). Please contact Lanise Warrior to help you overcome the Invasion of the Real Estate Investor!

WEBSITE: www.socalrealestatewarrior.com
PHONE: (562)544-9491

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

"It's a small world after all"

It's a small world after all! While at Disneyland with our 2 year old he sang the words "It's a small world after all", and I hate to admit, while at the happiest place on earth my mind began thinking about the amazing world of Real Estate!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure if writing two offers for my clients! One offer was for a beautiful condo in Carson, California for a client of Asian decent; the other was for a home in Inglewood for an African American family.

Although we may have cultural differences, religious or political difference, when it comes to buying a home we all want the same thing. I call them the "common interests" of homebuyers:

1. Securing the best possible interest rate & mortgage payment.

2. A well maintained, safe Neighborhood that has the potential overtime to sustain and increase the property value.

3. A home that accommodates the lifestyle and hobbies of the homebuyer.

As your realtor I want to understand your interests, motivations and timeframe for purchasing your next home. I love working with a diverse client population and appreciate that it truly is A Small World After All!

Www.socalrealestatewarrior.com

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Best Deal in Downey!!! 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 3,000 square feet - Classified Ad

An oldie, but a goodie!

An oldie, but a goodie! This Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 12pm - 3pm, I will be hosting an Open House at 9335 Parrot Avenue, in Downey, California. This home is truly an oldie, but a goodie! This family home features 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, family room, formal dining room, swimming pool, 3,000 square feet of living area and a .18 acres lot.

Click on link below to navigate you to the video of the home available on You Tube:

http://youtu.be/7g3sGITZQMQ

When I left this home, I tried to imagine this oldie, but goodie in the hay day...Downey became an incorporated city in 1956 (the same year that my mother was born) and just six years after 9335 Parrot was built. I envisioned the wonderful Christmas parties that must have been held in this home, with the beautiful bay window facing Parrot Avenue. This neighborhood in North Downey is known for elaborate Christmas decorations.

This home is indeed an oldie, but a goodie and priced at $539,000 it is a great deal with lots of potential!

Please call Lanise at 562-544-9491 if you are interested in seeing this home or other homes in the Downey area.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Beautiful Carson Home For Sale - Classified Ad

I care about Carson, California

19207 Hillford Avenue, Carson, CA 90746

OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY MAY 27, 2012

12 PM TO 3PM

I care about Carson, California and I encourage any home buyer that is seeking a home in the South Bay area to get to know Carson, California! I am hosting a Open House in Carson, California this weekend on Sunday, May 27, at 19207 Hillford Avenue, Carson, CA 90746 from 12 noon - 3pm. Carson remains a affordable family community that is freeway accessible and within minutes of LAX, Downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach, California.

Here are just a few highlights about Carson: Home of California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). CSUDH was established in the wake of the 1965 Watts riots, as a response to community outcry over the lack of higher education opportunities. Today CSUDH is among the most racially diverse campuses in the United States. Prior to expansion in the mid 1960s, the university was located in nearby Palos Verdes. In 1965, Carson was chosen as the home for the relocating university over other nearby communities.

Carson is also home to the Home Depot Center which is the home of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team; in July 2007, the Galaxy signed international soccer superstar David Beckham to the team.. The Home Depot Center is used by the Los Angeles Galaxy, the Los Angeles Sol, and as of 2005, Chivas USA, a tennis stadium and a track and field facility.

http://www.homedepotcenter.com/

The Goodyear Blimp also has a landing pad in Carson, a fitting tribute to the 1st and 2nd U.S. and International Aviation Meets held at the Dominguez Hill Rancho in 1910 and 1911, which featured many blimps and zeppelins. The International Printing Museum, which has one of the largest collections of antique printing presses in the United States, is located in Carson.

http://www.goodyearblimp.com/cfmx/web/blimp/

Check out the video create for my Open House on Sunday, May 27, 2012, from 12pm - 3pm. The address is 19207 Hillford, Carson, CA 90746. Please call me for more information regardin this property or other homes in Carson or surrounding communities at (562) 544-9491.

http://youtu.be/Gp_L-R6r-aE

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

It Never Rains in Sunny California

It never rains sunny California, right? I couldn't beleive the Weather Channel reported that it was going to rain on the day I had planned my Open House! I had fully executed my marketing plan. I created a You Tube video, posted on my Facebook account, circulated flyers in the neighborhood advertising the Open House. I couldn't cancel. Rain or shine, I would be there, in the event one lone buyer chose to come and see this beautiful property. I was extremely pleased to have a few motivated buyers come and view the property. One who is now the proud owner of the lovely Wrigley area home!

In between guests, I had time to think about the "Pro's" of hosting an Open House and going to an Open House in the rain. Here are some that came to mind, that cold rainy day:

You can see first hand if there are drainage of flooding issues;
You may notice potential leaks in the roof;
The heating system can be tested to see if operable;
Visible moisture around window seals and door frames;
If you are a Realtor, you will find yourself pleasantly surprised when you speak with the guests of the Open House and find out what motivates them to be house seeking in the rain!

Below is the video that was produced for the Open House. Please keep me in mind for all your real estate needs. Call me today to find out how I can help you find the home of your dreams....rain or Shine! Lanise (562) 544-9491.

http://youtu.be/qp0S0wNxFFw

Thursday, March 8, 2012

LACMA Roc's journey through Long Beach

Solid as a Rock! The LACMA ROCK journey through Long Beach

The LACMA Rock is the name that has been given the 340 ton, two story granite boulder, that is travelling from Riverside County, to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art has drawn quite the Long Beach fan following. On Wednesday, March 7, 2012, in Bixby Knolls being a community within Long Beach, that is known as a center for the arts, wanted to celebrate the LACMA Rock. The Bixby Knolls party started at noon, and by 4:00pm reportedly had more than 20,000 party goers! Bixby Knolls partiers purchased T-shirts that read “Bixby Knolls Got Rocked,” local artists painted versions of the boulder and a local Long Beach DJ played songs that contained the word “rock” in them (including, the Queen anthem “We Will Rock You.”)

If you are an Artist, aspiring Artist or a person that wants to live in an eclectic community that celebrates the arts, Bixby Knolls may be the perfect “small city”, in a bigger city for you! The majority of the homes in Bixby Knolls were custom-built between 1920 and 1940, providing this community with a diverse home architecture. Bixby Knolls has several trendy small shops and restaurants dot a strip of Atlantic Ave. South of San Antonio and North of the 405 Freeway, as well as on the streets surrounding this main thoroughfare. The neighborhood is also serviced by several grocery stores and shopping centers in the local area. The Richard Goad Theater, home to the Long Beach Shakespeare Company, and the Historical Society of Long Beach, are housed on Atlantic Ave, just north of Carson Street. Regular community events, weekly strolls, dining and literary clubs are favorites of the locals. On the west side of the neighborhood, adjacent to the Los Angeles River, is the large Virginia Country Club, which is also the location of the Rancho Los Cerritos historic site. Bixby Knolls can add one more feature to its list, it will always be known for, and the community will always remember the LACMA Rock journeyed through it’s small town!

Contact Lanise Warrior at (562)544-9491 or email lanisetherealtor@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about the Bixby Knolls community and scheduling private showings of current Bixby Knolls listings. Visit www.socalrealestatewarrior.com

Monday, March 5, 2012

T.G.I.F.

T. G. I. F., Thank God It's Friday!!! I rarely take a day off of work, however this past Friday, I took the day off. I was having a "Piggies and Paws" party at my house, and was expecting several mom's and kiddies!

Side note to the Parents that read my blog: If you don't know what a "Piggies and Paws" party is, I encourage you to visit their website! Totally cute. http://piggiesandpaws.com/

While I was doing the last minute preparations at the house for the party, I was visited by a group of people that were walking in my neighborhood that are affiliated by a religious organization. I am almost ashamed to say, that normally I would rush to turn down the volume of the television, or Ipod, so that I can pretend that "no one's home".

I don't quite know why this Friday was any different. The tent and tables were just delivered, I was wrapping party favors, and had a million more tasks to accomplish before having to pick up our son from daycare. This Friday, I decided that if I was going to be subjected to a 'soft sells pitch'; so would anyone that tried to solicit me with any product, service or information!

Before opening the screen door, I equipped myself with the most recent Comparative Market Analysis report that I completed for my neighborhood in Long Beach, California! After a very spirited conversation about religion, tradition and philosophy, I concluded the discussion with my soft sell on the advantages of Home ownership in the Long Beach area:

First Time Buyer Programs

Low Down Payment

Low Interest Rates

Tax Benefits

Mortgage comparable or possibly lower than rent

At the end of our discussion, two of the religious group were encouraged that home ownership is well within their reach. I'm always surprised that many people have the perception that buying a home is not something that 'ordinary blue collar' people do. Home ownership is on the rise, and there are several first time home buyer programs, that make qualifying easy for first time buyers! With two new first time buyers! I must say that this Friday was one of the best 'non-work days', I've had in awhile! Please call me about information regarding how I can help you realize your dream of becoming a home owner!

T.G.I.F! Thank God It's Friday!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Before becoming a mom.

Before becoming a mom, I would become irritated when my friends would put their toddlers who were learning how to talk on the phone with me. I didn’t understand the compulsiveness in which mothers monitored their children’s sleeping habits, bowel movements and eating routines. I didn’t realize why my friends would cut coupons, and save bonuses so that they could move into a particular “zip code” of Long Beach, California. I lived in Downtown Long Beach, because I wanted to be able to walk to a martini or a latte! Downtown Long Beach has since become much more family friendly, with many entertainment venues, restaurants, and cultural activities for all ages.

Now, I am a mother of a toddler, and yes I am doing all the things I didn’t understand. Motherhood unlocked these would be mysteries for me. And although my son is only 20 months old (I never understood the whole “months old” language) I find myself researching local schools in the Long Beach Unified School District. I have learned why parents coveted certain “zip codes”, because they were within the area of an elementary school that had been recognized as “blue ribbon” school. I subscribed to Great Schools, a great resource when researching schools, test scores, demographics and just about any information about California public and private schools. As a Real Estate Agent servicing prospective buyers and sellers in Los Angeles County I understand that your family unit will often be the premise for looking for a home in specific neighborhood. I can also appreciate and respect that some prospective buyers place an emphasis on the amenities of their home or community, while sending their children to local schools or private schools. With that said, below are some resources that I have come across during my search for the school that will best meet the needs of my son. If you are looking to buy a home in the Long Beach or surrounding areas, please call Lanise Warrior at 562-544-9491. I look forward to working with you and your family to find the perfect home that meets your families needs. For those of you that read this post, one day you may reflect on this post and smile, as you to are doing the things that you said you would not do, before you became a mom!

Long Beach Unified School District Website:

http://www.lbschools.net/

United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Program:

http://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html

Great Schools:
http://www.greatschools.org/elementary-school/

Real Talk About Real Estate