With Halloween right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about how you’ll decorate for the spooky season. There are many different ways to enhance your home for Halloween no matter your Halloween style. Read on for our best Halloween decorating tips and tricks!

 

 

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Keep it Natural
One of the great things about Halloween is that it falls right in the middle of beautiful autumn. If you like to keep things natural, take advantage of the abundant fall foliage, gourds, pumpkins, and branches that you can find this time of year. Use twine, linen, acorns, pinecones, feathers, or any other natural-type material you can find.

 

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Mix up the Textures
For table arrangements, mantle pieces, or even porches, experiment with different textures. Find faux fur a la Werewolf, burlap sacks, lace, or even yarn to make a space spooky or chic. 

 

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Paint it Black
Goth or Glamour? An all-black Halloween can make quite a statement. Find matte black paint and cover a variety of pumpkins to create a monochrome look. Mix in ivory touches (skulls and bones) or pale greens (eucalyptus and other plants) to really make them pop.

 

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Creepy Quotes
Mysterious literature can be a great way to decorate your home for Halloween with a touch of class. Print out famous creepy quotes (try The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe or an extract from The Legend of Sleepy Hallow) and frame them. Place them around the home or on a Halloween-themed porch to welcome visitors…if they dare!

 

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Luminate with Candles
If you’re looking for a cozier Halloween vibe, stock up on candles. Candles create the perfect spooky ambiance while also making your home feel relaxed and tranquil. You can even create little pumpkin candles or ghost candles with just a few simple steps.

 

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Go Treasure Hunting
Antique stores can be the perfect place to find Halloween decorations. As things age, they can sometimes feel a little creepy with the right presentation. Dig up old black and white photographs, aged lace, old medial texts or other books, and even some unique glassware to hold tealights or creepy crawlies. Go with an open mind and see what speaks to you! 

 

Make this year the DIY Halloween year! Decorating for the seasons in always fun, but even more fun when you get to use your creativity. With these ideas, you’ll surely have one of the spookiest, yet tasteful houses in Long Beach!

 

Renting a house is an ideal way for people to transition into the next chapter of their lives. Traditionally, people rent to save up to buy a Long Beach house. However, renting a house in Long Beach leaves you with no assets and very little savings. Why wait to start investing in your future, especially when Long Beach has new programs that make purchasing a home worth your while? Here are some reasons why you should buy a Long Beach house instead of renting one.

Buying a Long Beach House Gives You Assets

At this point, paying rent for a Long Beach house is the same price as a monthly mortgage. If you know you want to spend the rest of your life in Long Beach (and we don’t blame you), then why wait for your forever home? 

 

When you rent, you are paying off someone else’s mortgage. Pay off your own. If you decide to move, at least you might be able to make some money on the deal. For those who are Long Beach lifers like us, then you’ll eventually own your property and have no payments. Either way, buying a house leaves you with far more options than renting one does.

Long Beach Home Improvement Rebate Program

One of the reasons people like to rent is that the upkeep of a home is too expensive. Thankfully, Long Beach has made renovating your home easy and affordable. Through the Long Beach Home Improvement Rebate Program, the city will allow qualifying homes up to $2,000 toward exterior home renovations. 

 

Some of the services they offer cover:

 

• Paint
• Stucco
• Doors
• Driveways
• Porch
• Windows

 

With this program, you can save money by buying a Long Beach house that needs a little TLC. In fact, these fixer-uppers may end up being cheaper than renting each month! Then, you invest the money awarded through the program toward improvements that will bring up the value of your home. That makes buying a Long Beach house a smarter financial investment in the short-term and long-term. 

Buying a Long Beach House is More Secure Than Renting

Initiatives like the Long Beach Home Improvement Rebate Program drill home the sense of individuality that comes with owning a home. When you rent a house, you might not be able to dictate things like paint colors, flooring, or a garden in the backyard. However, homeowners have the right to do whatever they please with their property.

 

Plus, renters never have a permanent roof over their heads. Even the longest-running tenant-landlord relationships can come to an end. Perhaps the landlord wants to sell? Maybe they passed away, and an heir wants to move in? 

 

All of these are real-life situations can disrupt the life of a tenant. On the flip side, homeowners don’t have these concerns. That’s why it’s better to buy a Long Beach house instead of renting one. Let us help you look for your forever home today.

 

 

Buying or selling a home can feel like a never-ending process. While it is natural to want to skip to the finale, it is important to know that simply closing escrow does not mean all the work is done.

 

You can take comfort in knowing that what comes next is far simpler than the process up to this point. Here is a quick list of things to take care of once you know that home is yours!

 

 

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Change Your Address

This seems like a no brainer but is often put on the back burner for new homeowners or those finding a new home. The USPS (the people that put the mail in your box) is kind enough to offer mail-forwarding service for a certain period.

 

Log in to any accounts you may have with magazine subscriptions, delivery services, and Amazon to make sure your address if officially changed on your profile. If you are old school and keep an address book, consider sending a notification to your most important contacts to inform them of your new address.

 

 

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Get an Updated Driver’s License

This is a law and unfortunately, many people neglect to obey it. The DMV in almost every state is a hassle but your ID becomes invalid after 30 days (in most cases) of an address change. 

 

This step is especially important when it comes time to vote or travel by air. 

 

 

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Notify the Utility Companies

You will likely want water, power, and sewer services at your new home. Cable and telephone may be important to you, as well. Once you have officially closed, contact these entities to alert them of your ownership.

 

 

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Contact Your Financial Institutions

Your bank, credit card companies, and any retirement or investment funds should be made aware of your new address immediately after closing. This will ensure any important notifications are sent to your home, as many are time-sensitive.

 

There! That wasn’t so hard. Take care of these things as soon as you close escrow, rather than putting them off and forgetting about them.

 

Whether you are looking to sell your house or need a change in scenery, there are many ways to go about decorating your house. If you’re on a budget or money is no object, there is a website out there that is destined to inspire your creative touch. Luckily for you, we can help you pick out which websites will help ignite that creative spark. Here are some home decor tips, and which websites can help you reimagine your Southern California home’s aesthetic.

 

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Go Simple with Domino

Golden State homes tend to have a reputation surrounding them as, “California Cool.” According to Domino, the approach to keeping that cool is to keep it simple. If you are redecorating, that doesn’t necessarily mean adding to the equation. It can also mean to take things away. 

 

Go minimal. White walls are not just clean looking, but they add light to the room. Light is one of the most sought after characteristics that potential home buyers are looking for, and using white walls is a great way to achieve that desire. 

 

Also, decorate with natural materials. Spruce up your area with bold, but neutral colors like different shades of nude or wood. Try to go with contrasting hues that pop.

 

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Bohemian Meets Wild West with My Domaine

In the words of My Domaine, California, has a “boho-luxe aesthetic.” One way many Californians are capturing this unique vibe is by tipping their hats to the Wild West with worn leather. 

 

Worn brown leather furniture gives the nod to the desert that’s not so far away. However, the beaten look also has that vintage vibe that laid-back Californians love. 

 

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Bring Zen to the Bathroom by San Diego Home/Garden

If you’re thinking of redecorating your house, the bathroom is a fun place to start. We spend a lot of time in there getting ready, maybe even indulging in a bath or two. It’s a small space that it’s great for the budget-conscious looking for a change.

 

An article in San Diego Home/Garden suggests that Asian-inspired bathrooms are all the rage in 2019. They transform a plain Jane bathroom into a nirvana, complete with mahogany closets, a floor made to look charred wood, and a soaking tub. 

 

 

 

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Earthquakes are more dangerous than other natural events like hurricanes and tornadoes because there is rarely warning that one will occur. The key to earthquake safety is primarily preparation.

 

It is important to prepare your home for the possibility of an earthquake and ensure your family knows what to do during one. Follow this quick guide to be ready always.

 

 

 

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Evaluate the Safety of Your Home

Some older homes do not feature the safety mechanisms of newer builds. If you are a homeowner, have an inspector come to do an evaluation. Renters should inquire with their landlords to determine what vulnerabilities may exist.

 

 

 

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Do a Home Walkthrough to Identify Dangers

Tall bookshelves, heavy objects on shelves, and priceless items are all risks associated with earthquakes. While it is unreasonable to remove furniture from your home, it is important to know what to avoid during an earthquake.

 

If you live in an earthquake-prone region, consider taking expensive or priceless items off high shelves and securing them in a safe place where falling is not a threat.

 

 

 

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Perform Family Drills

Determine the best places to get low and under sturdy supports or cover during an earthquake. Practice proceeding to these places and utilizing them quickly. Practice is essential to responding appropriately during a disaster.

 

 

 

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Form an Earthquake Kit

First aid supplies should be kept in a kit that can be easily recovered after an earthquake. Non-perishable food and water for three days should be on hand in the event an earthquake makes transportation impossible. Keep the kit and food in a place that is accessible for every member of the family.

 

 

 

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Have a Contact Plan

Make sure the family is aware of the contact plan in the event you are separated during the earthquake. Decide where everyone will meet if phones are rendered out of service.

 

Preparation is the key to survival during earthquakes. Take these steps now to ensure your home and family are prepared for the next one.

 

Southern California is a foodie haven. There are so many delicious restaurants in the city center of Long Beach, California. Yet, more and more continue to pop up all along the Cali coast. So, what are some of the best new restaurants within driving distance of Long Beach? Let’s take a look at these must-try hotspots.

 

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Journeyman’s Food and Drink

One of the best new restaurants in Orange County is this high-class restaurant in Fullerton. Following the motto, “It’s not the destination…it’s the journey,” Executive Chef Zachary Geerson takes your taste buds on a trek. You can choose from either a 4-course pre-fixe menu or one that you can customize. The other option is a 6-course pre-fixe that is set for the whole table to enjoy. The Chef’s vegetarian menu is coming soon, so keep an eye out plant-powered friends!

 

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The Ordinaire

Want food out of the ordinary? Then check out the Ordinaire. From tapas to happy hour, brunch to dinner, The Ordinaire is extraordinary for everybody. Located at the Long Beach Promenade, The Ordinaire offers American pub food with a modern day twist. Try their ricotta dumplings and veggies with chicken in a savory stock. Vegetarians can feast on a fresh beet salad with homemade citrus dressing.

 

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California Cocina

Only open for three months, California Cocina has already carved out quite the following along Seal Beach. This burgeoning SoCal favorite has all the traditional Mexican fare those in Long Beach love. You have to try the Cajun Salmon Tacos or Sauteed Shrimp Burritos. Plant-based diet followers, get the Vegetarian Burrito with their homemade pico de gallo!

 

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Jounetsu Ramen

Newly opened E 4th Street noodle house, Jounetsu Ramen is setting the Long Beach culinary scene on fire. This Asian fusion kitchen offers a wide variety of rolls, including vegetarian options. However, you must stop in for the ramen. The most popular is the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen for its balance between hot chilies, crunchy bean sprouts, and juicy steak. However, the Vegetable Ramen is also a flavorful, clean option as well.

 

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Kailua Island Grill

Last is certainly not least here. The Kailua Island Grill has caused quite a stir among locals over the past few months. Their approach to food is to craft delicious meals using fresh ingredients. Comfort foods we know and love are no longer doused in sauce. Instead, they are infused in flavor, forever changing our perception of Korean BBQ Beef or Garlic Butter Shrimp. Vegans, you have to get the Veggie Bowl. Tofu, carrots, and spinach are stir-fried and served over a bed of quinoa and topped with homemade teriyaki sauce. There’s something for everyone at Kailua Island Grill!

 

When selling your home, it can be confusing to figure out which efforts will pack the most punch. Most homes will need some kind of renovating or improvements to make the best sale, but you don’t want to sink too much money into improving your home without a guaranteed payback.

Thankfully, there are so many home improvement projects that won’t break the bank, but just might make a sale. Here are our top 5 projects worth tackling for home sellers.

 

 

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Boost Your Energy Efficiency
Appearance improvements are commonplace, but did you know that tweaks that help improve the energy efficiency of your home might matter more to buyers? The amount of new, energy-saving homes is on the rise so your home will have to keep up with buyers’ demands for efficiency. Consider insulating the attic, upgrade HVAC, water heaters, and repair windows.

 

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Creative Curb Appeal
Of course the outside of your home must attract buyers and make them want to move right in. But you don’t have to do an entire landscaping makeover to improve the curb appeal of your home. Sprucing up the entryway, re-mulching garden beds, adding seasonal plants, or putting a fresh coat of paint on your front door are easy, cheap, and likely to make a better first impression.

 

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Mini Kitchen Makeover
The kitchen is likely your buyer’s most important room in the house. If your kitchen is due for a remodel but you are ready to sell, consider making just a few easy changes. A total renovation is great – but likely costly and you won’t see quite as high a return on your investment. Instead, paint the walls, put in new cabinet doors, update smaller appliances for stainless steel.

 

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Bathroom Re-Do
The bathroom is the second most considered room in the house and outdated fixtures can send buyers running. Like the kitchen, a total renovation can be costly, but smaller changes can make a big difference. Update fixtures, toilet, or wall paint. Re-do grout and give the space a sparkling clean feel. One major investment that may pay off well is updating a plastic tub or shower. If you are currently working with plastic, swap out for glass or tile for a major improvement.

 

 

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New Walls & Floors
For relatively quick, yet game-changing fixes, paint your walls and fix your floors. Replace outdated carpets, shine up or enhance wood flooring, and choose a homey neutral palette to entice your buyers. This alone can make the whole house feel new again!

If you’re relocating to Long Beach, California, you have a lot to do. There are so many things that go into making a big move. It’s helpful to have resources available to you to simplify the moving process. Here are some of the top resources to use when relocating to Long Beach, California.

 

Check out Livability. Livability is a website that gives you vital information on real estate, business, schools, health, and more in any given city. This allows you to get a feel for Long Beach before you move in.

 

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Visit Caravana Furniture. When you first move to your new home, you will probably want to upgrade some of your furniture. Caravana Furniture is one of the top furniture stores in Long Beach.

Find free moving boxes. Many places in your current town will be happy to give you boxes. Call grocery stores, big box stores, and liquor stores to see if they will give you the boxes for free. Try to find free boxes before paying for them.

 

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Search for help via TaskRabbit. With TaskRabbit, you can hire local people to help you with odd jobs, including packing. This can come in handy for fixing up your new or old home as well.

 

Use Moving.com to find movers. You can find all kinds of moving companies and truck rentals on Moving.com. The website gives you up to four free quotes too, which can help you make your decision more easily.

 

Search Zillow to find and tour homes. Zillow is a great resource for finding homes that are for sale. If you’re moving long-distance, it can be helpful to view these pictures and descriptions. Some listings even have 3-D virtual tours, which can make the home-shopping process even easier.

 

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Download Magic Plan. This app allows you to create floor plans, edit, and decorate your future home. It’s a great way to figure out where you want your furniture to go before you actually move in.

 

Join NextDoor. NextDoor is an app that connects you to people in your neighborhood. This is an excellent way to get to know your neighbors. You can create posts, which comes in handy if you have a question or concern. You might also find a Facebook group for your area.

 

Contact Negrini Painting. There are lots of great painting companies in Long Beach, California, but this is one of the best options. As you get settled into your new home, you may want to have a few rooms repainted.

 

 

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Sign up for a grocery delivery service. Different services deliver to different areas so it’s best to enter your zip code on PeaPod, Shipt, or InstaCart to see what works for you. This will help you so you don’t have to go to the grocery store right away.

 

All of these resources are meant to help make your move easier on you. Moving is a lot of work and takes a lot of time and energy. With a little bit of extra help, you will have a much smoother move to Long Beach, California.

 

Your home needs some work. Maybe a little, maybe a LOT. Maybe you’ve lived in your home forever and can’t imagine leaving it, or feel that you’ve just moved in and haven’t gotten the most out of it yet. The trouble? The amount of work it needs to make this house your home makes moving sound a lot more desirable. This is never an easy decision, but there are some guidelines that can help you make the right choice for you.

 

 

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Money Matters
Of course finances are a huge part of the decision-making process. If your home is lacking in some major ways (big renovations, costly repairs, outdated) then you will not be able to sell for the best price. The home’s next owners will have to put these costs in, so you’ll be selling with this in mind. On the other hand, if you are downsizing it might be in your best interest to sell as is, then find a comparable property and avoid the headache of renovations.

Other thing to consider is the resale value of your home if you do go through with the renovations. Once you update and enjoy the home for a while, how much better value can you expect to get out of your home with it’s new makeover? If it will be substantial, you might consider taking the renovation route.

 

 

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Quality of Life
Renovations can cause quite an upstir – as does moving. When making this big decision, tune into what kind of short-term annoyances you’ll be signing up for. This all depends on the type and amount of renovations you’re considering, as well as how far away a move you would take.

 

 

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Neighborly Advice
When you move, you don’t just move house. You move communities. Although we are quite lucky here in Long Beach with the quality of our neighborhoods, certain areas feel more like home to some. Important things to consider are your daily conveniences and overall feel of your neighborhood. Do you love your neighbors? How will your commute change? Are you ready for a change? Now, all these things could be better or easier elsewhere, and that’s something to consider as well.

 

 

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Make the Best of It
Whatever you choose, choose to make the best of it. If you decide to move, take your time to find a house that offers you what you hoped to change in your previous establishment. Starting renovations? Do all you can to make the process easier. Clean out any clutter, prepare to stay with friends if needed, and get clear on your desired outcome. No matter your choice, you’re on your way to the home you deserve!

It’s spring here in Long Beach and our town is really coming alive. There’s nothing like driving through one of our beautiful neighborhoods and seeing vibrant green yards and flower-lined porches.

So, how does your home stack up against the rest of Long Beach? If it might need some work, this is the perfect time to start thinking about curb appeal – especially if your home is on the market or you’re considering a move. If you’re a little behind on your curb appeal or need to enhance your home’s value, it’s time to get dirty with these quick and easy curb appeal weekend projects.

Paint Your Door
The front door is often the highlight of a home’s exterior. If yours is looking a little shabby, it’s time to pay it a little attention. Clean up any debris or leaves outside the door, replace tired door handles, and give it a good coat of paint. Try one of these new colors to really cause a spark.

Mailbox Makeover
While you’ve got the paintbrushes handy, why not primp that mailbox? Through the weather and sun, your mailbox can take a lot of damage. A quick coat of paint can transform one of our most distinct symbols of home.

Spruce up Your Garden Beds
Let’s get dirty. Cleaning up your front garden beds can make a dramatic change in the overall appearance of your home. Load up the car with new mulch or soil and get to work. Remove any weeds beforehand and even out the edges.

Replace Your Doormat
We all want to feel welcome, and there’s nothing like a clean, well-cared for the welcome mat to instill a sense of “I’m home.”

Highlight Your Address
You want people to love their potential new address – so make it shine! Check out these cool ideas for some inspiration.

Perfect Your Porch
How old is that porch furniture that has dutifully sat outside your front door? While it may still be a great set, if it looks weathered or tired, buyers may be a little put-off. Bright new porch furniture will make them daydream about the fabulous get-togethers they’ll soon enjoy in their new home.

Light it Up
Exterior lighting can completely change the energy of your home. With proper lighting, your home is not only enhanced with safety and security, but it truly shines. Go the electrical route with low-voltage landscape lighting or set up a solar-powered system. Easy!

 

 

 

Curb appeal doesn’t have to be a major endeavor. These quick weekend fixes can make a huge impact, and you’ll still have time for a Sunday stroll along Shoreline Village. Now, get to work!