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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!

 

Historical homes are full of charm and packed with a rich backstory. Luckily for fans of historic homes, Long Beach, California is home to a number of houses lush with history, culture, and beautiful views of the coast. From Belmont Heights to Villa Riveria to Willmore City, there are plenty of historical homes to choose from in Southern California. The question is, is a historic home right for you? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of owning a historic home.

Cons of Owning a Historic Home in Long Beach

We’re going to start off with the disadvantages of purchasing a historic home first because the list is much smaller. While you may be enamored by the prospect of owning a historic home, it may come with an extra set of responsibilities. For instance, you might need to get permission from local authorities for any renovations or additions you decide to add to the property.

 

Keep in mind; you are purchasing an older house. That means everything from water damage or electrical updates are a reality.

 

Lastly, insurance may be a bit higher. Many insurance companies don’t have coverage for historical houses. Therefore, you might need to seek a company that specializes in historic property insurance.

Pros of Owning a Historic Home in Long Beach

Sure, you are paying to live there but buying a historic home is a privilege. You agree to maintain the integrity of a property so many people can appreciate it for centuries to come.

 

For your hard work in maintaining the house, many governments offer incentives. You may be able to get lower interest loans for any repair work that needs to be done.

Buying a historic home means you are surrounded by history, architecture, and art. Not only is your house a conversation piece for guests, but it’s a tangible piece of history that you can actively explore.

 

Many that own historical homes get lost in the quest to learn about past owners and those within the neighborhood. Immersing yourself in the deep history will give you more of an appreciation for your surroundings. You’ll have a deeper bond to your home and community. From Mid-Century to Victorian to Spanish style homes, Long Beach is rich in awe-inspiring historical houses throughout a number of quaint neighborhoods.

 

Most of the country has already survived a polar vortex and are looking ahead to the warmer months. As the temperatures rise, so do the interests of potential homebuyers. The months of April through August are the peak for the housing market. With stiff competition around the corner (literally), you might want to start preparing to put your house up for sale. Here some ways to get your home ready…and why now might be the right time to sell.

 

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Perform a Walk Through

We look at our homes with a bias. Each room holds a dear memory. You might still see your now-teenage daughter’s old room as the safe haven that once held your little one’s crib. In the meantime, you missed the water damage on the ceiling, the ripped screen in the window, and the doorknob hole in the wall.

 

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Before you sell your house, it’s time to fix up the things you’ve been putting off. That’s because someone else is trying to see their future taking place in your old house. It’s harder for them to envision this future with chipped paint and broken light fixtures.

 

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Get an Inspection

Once you’ve addressed the glaring issues, it’s time to bring in a professional. Get an inspection.

 

 

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By getting an inspection, you are putting out fires before they begin. All the legalities that will hold up at closing can be snuffed out before a potential homebuyer even lays their eyes on your home.

 

 

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Also, having your house inspected gives you a better idea as to what kind of profit you may be looking at when you do indeed sell your home. Going through the process can help you make a more informed decision about the next house you plan on buying for your own family.

 

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Work on the Landscape

First impressions are a lasting one, especially when it comes to selling your house. Turning someone off at the curb will start the whole viewing off with a negative connotation. This impression may follow them through the rest of the process. Consequently, potential buyers may rule your home out before even giving the house a chance.

 

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From the profile pic online to greeting them at the door in person, the outside of your house matters. No one wants to live in an ugly house. Neighbors don’t want ugly houses in their neighborhoods. Potential buyers don’t want to purchase an ugly house.

 

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The landscape is the glue that ties together your exterior. So, guess what? If your landscape looks ugly…your house looks ugly.

 

 

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Trim the shrubs. Cut the grass. Plant some flowers. Replace old light fixtures. Clean the gutters. Maintain the house as you plan on living there forever. The sooner you give up on the exterior, the sooner your buyers will give up on bidding.

 

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Sell Now

If you’re ready, then sell now. Be the first in line before the field gets crowded. After all, the early bird gets the worm.

 

 

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Just like you’re eager to sell, others may be eager to buy. They don’t want to enter long, drawn-out bidding wars. Instead, they’re looking for the like-minded people–those who are getting their houses ready before home buying season.

 

With the early days of spring upon us, it’s a sure sign that Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Our wives and mothers do so much for us, let’s make sure they are treated like queens this year! Long Beach has no shortage of fun activities and treats for mom, so there’s something for every wonderful woman out there.

Classic Mother’s Day Brunch

Sail away on the amazing Queen Mary for a lovely Mother’s Day brunch that’s truly fit for a queen. Parker’s Lighthouse also offers a beautiful brunch this year. You can’t beat getting a bit dressed up and heading out on the town for a delicious brunch – and mom will surely agree.

Special Treats

Chocolates aren’t just for Valentine’s Day – mom will swoon over a box of artisan chocolates from Romeo’s Chocolates. If she’s more of a cupcake kind of girl, check out Frosted Cupcakery or Sweet Embellishments in Long Beach. Maybe you’d like to really celebrate mom with a bang? Head over to The Wine Crush for a special bottle to pop in mom’s honor. Maybe even sign her up for the Wine Club while you’re at it?

Goddess Treatments

Your wife or mother likely spends her days making sure everyone in the family is okay. Motherhood is a selfless job, and Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse for mom to get some pampering. Treat mom to a foot massage at home, or book her a massage at La Dolce Vita Spa. Perhaps a manicure or pedicure is more her kind of relaxation? Head over to Bliss on Broadway.

Free but Fun

Mother’s Day is not just about gifts and pampering – it’s about celebrating and spending time with the powerful, loving women in your life. Take a walk along the beach or around the beautiful Earl Burns Japanese Gardens. Prep a picnic, cheese plate, or bring those chocolates from Romeo’s to Hilltop Park and soak up the sunset. Give thanks to your adoring mother or wife, and reminisce on all the good times you’ve had.

 

We look at our homes as one of (if not our most) valuable asset. However, when there’s still a mortgage on the house, it means that the property is not exactly ours yet. Sure, you may have equity but at the end of the day, you are still a borrower, and the bank still has the rights to the property. This fact (and in the interest of saving…on interest) is precisely why many strive to pay their houses off ASAP. Do you dream of a debt-free life? Here are 4 secrets to paying off your mortgage sooner rather than later.

Look at Your Finances

A mortgage is considered good debt. Therefore, you don’t want to pay off your house and leave yourself struggling elsewhere. It’s sort of like the saying, “Cutting off your nose to spite your face.”

 

Don’t go into paying off your house blind. Give an honest look at your finances. If you don’t see yourself dipping into your retirement or emergency fund, then have at it. Otherwise, it’s not worth paying off your mortgage so quickly.

Pay More Toward the Principal

A little bit can go a long way in shaving off time until your house is entirely yours. Whenever you find yourself coming into extra money, throw it in your mortgage payment.

Every time you chip away at the principal, you are sandblasting the interest. That’s because you must pay a percentage of what you owe, not a percentage of your actual mortgage. So, even an extra dollar can save you some serious cents down the road.

 

Just make sure you allocate any extra payment. Most mortgage companies will take your payment and apply the minimum to the principal. The rest tends to end up in escrow. Sitting in escrow will not help you lower your principal or interest rate.

Pay the Mortgage Twice in One Year

If a little bit every month doesn’t seem to lend itself to your routine, try doubling your mortgage payment once a year. Treat it as a one-time payment like a car tax. Budget this one-time payment and make it the same time every year.

 

In fact, wait until your tax return. Tax returns are monies you don’t realize you’re missing out on. Therefore, invest that money into your future by putting this extra cash flow into your home.

Refinance for a Shorter Loan

The last few years have been hot for the refi market. Interest rates have been flirting with all-time lows. These desirable rates are the key to paying off your mortgage sooner.

 

While a refinance will help you cut down on interest, it will cause you to pay more on your principle. Typically, those who refinance will go from a 30-year loan to a 15-year loan. With a shorter loan, the interest rate will drop. So, you’re paying the house off faster and saving money in the long run, but you must pay more money upfront to get the savings.