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Public Transportation Is A Big Selling Point in Long Beach

A post shared by Daniel Pinn (@geargrinder) on Jul 24, 2018 at 9:05am PDT


While there are many perks to living in La La Land, let’s face it. Los Angeles traffic is a nightmare. Unless you have hours to spare, the best way for residents of Long Beach, California to get around Los Angeles County is through the commuter system. Let’s take a look at how to get around Long Beach, California and its neighboring cities.

The Passport

You hear a lot about how much of a horrible experience Los Angeles traffic can be. Long Beach is not as negative. When driving around Long Beach itself, a car will suffice. This port city is one of the few SoCal destinations that has free parking in most neighborhoods (with the exception of downtown).

 

A post shared by Metro (@metrolosangeles) on Dec 22, 2013 at 2:53pm PST


If you are looking to just get around Long Beach without driving then the best bet is to hop on the Passport. This free bus is owned and operated by Long Beach Transit. Using this mode of transportation gets you to some of the top Long Beach attractions without worrying about parking.

 

Long Beach hotspots frequented by the Passport include:

 

  • Aquarium of the Pacific
  • City Place Mall
  • Convention Center
  • Downtown
  • The Pike at Rainbow Harbor
  • Pine Avenue
  • Queen Mary
  • Shoreline Village

 

You can also take the Passport as a shuttle to Long Beach Transit water transportation services, AquaBus and AquaLink.

 

In order to get on the Passport, you need to access the service at stops in designated neighborhoods. The first stop of the day for the Passport is Queen Mary London Town W. Running a total trip time of 29 minutes, the Passport picks up and drops off passengers at 19 different stops, ending at 3rd & Pine NE.

 

Here are all the stops:

 

  • Queen Mary London Town W.
  • Catalina Expr & Parking Lot – N Queens Highway
  • Queensway & Harbor Plaza Dr. NE
  • Maya Hotel (NB Direction)
  • Residence Inn (NB Direction) – 661 Queens Way D.
  • Golden & Ocean – SW Golden Shore St.
  • Shoreline & Queensway – SE Bicycle Route 17
  • Aquarium Of The Pacific NE Aquarium Way, Long Beach
  • Shoreline & Pine – SE Shoreline Dr.
  • Shoreline & Village W
  • Pine & Convention Ctr – SE South Pine Ave.
  • Pine & Seaside – NE 100 E Ocean Blvd.
  • Ocean & Pine – SE E Ocean Blvd.
  • Ocean & Lb Blvd – S301 E Seaside Way
  • Elm & 1st – NE 401 E 1st St.
  • Elm & 3rd (Midblock) – N 400 E 3rd St.
  • Fourth & Elm – 340 E 4th St.
  • Long Beach & 4th – SW 369 Long Beach Blvd.
  • 3rd & Pine – NE 302 Pine Ave.

 

If you are using public transportation outside of Long Beach, you will need other means of transportation. Let’s take a look.

 

A post shared by TheBusPhotographerofCalifornia (@thebusphotographer_cali) on Jan 17, 2018 at 4:16pm PST

Long Beach Transit Bus

Looking to go to areas throughout Long Beach off the Passport route? Perhaps you want to get to other Los Angeles County cities such as Lakewood and Signal Hill. There are 34 bus routes with 2,000 bus stops all provided by Long Beach Transit. Therefore, every neighborhood from Alamitas Heights to West Long Beach to Bixby Knolls are serviced. As a reference, most trips to downtown from all neighborhoods range from 15 minutes to 30 minutes on the LBT. Additionally, you can take this bus to get on a connection with the Metro Light Rail heading toward LA for just $0.50.

 

A single trip on the LBT is $1.25. Those who are 62 and over or disabled may ride for $0.60. Meanwhile, children under 4, legally blind citizens, and those in wheelchairs have free admission. If you plan on making multiple stops, you can opt for a day pass at $4.00. The aforementioned people applicable for a discount can get a day pass for $2.50.

 

You can also take the Greyhound for longer routes in California. All you need to do is pick up a bus in the California Heights neighborhood. Greyhound has a bus stop located at 1948 Long Beach Blvd. Travel routes include:

 

  • I-5/405
    • Anaheim
    • Long Beach
    • Oceanside
    • Santa Ana
    • San Diego
  • I-15/SR-91/I-405
    • Anaheim
    • Long Beach
    • San Bernardino
    • Santa Ana
  • I-10 or 710
    • Downtown LA

 

Taking a bus isn’t the only way to get around Long Beach. Here’s some other ways to get from point A to point B in the LB.

Light Rail

This is a Metro-based service. It is an above-ground line. While it does have the right-of-way and priority when it comes to signalling in comparison to other vehicles on the road, you have to keep in mind you are in traffic. Therefore, ride times aren’t as fast as a subway, but you take precedence over the LBT.

 

No matter the destination, a single ride is $1.75. If you are purchasing a TAP card for your ride, that will also come with a $1 surcharge. Not many bus stops have TAP vending machines. However, you are able to buy them onboard. For day trips and tourists, you can get a day pass for $7. However, the ticket is only good for up to two hours. So, that’s a lot of getting on and off in a short amount of time. Most of the lines are in service between the hours of 5 am and midnight through the week, and until 2 am on weekends.

 

The Light Rail service in Long Beach is the Metro Blue Line. This was actually the first light rail created by Metro. There are many opportunities to pick up a Blue Line in Long Beach. They include:

 

  • Willow Blue Line Station – 2750 W American Ave.
  • Anaheim Street Station – 1290 N Long Beach Blvd.
  • Wardlow Station – 3420 N Pacific Pl. – 3420 N Pacific Pl.
  • Downtown Long Beach Station – 128 W 1st St.
  • Metro Blue Line Yard – 4382 E 208th St.
  • 5th Street Station – 598 N Long Beach Blvd.
  • Del Amo Blue Line Station – 20220 S Santa Fe Ave.
  • Pacific Coast Highway Station – 1798 N Long Beach Blvd.
  • 1st Street Station – 108 N Long Beach Blvd.
  • Metro Willow Park & Ride – 200 E 27th St.

 

A post shared by LaddVisionPhotography 2018 (@laddvisionphotography) on Aug 7, 2018 at 11:48pm PDT


Taking the Blue Line is the most efficient way to get to Los Angeles. Thanks to the Blue Line getting the right-of-way, this is a small way to get a leg up against all others in the same LA traffic.

 

Once in Los Angeles, there are many other light rails you can take, such as:

Green Line

This service runs in the middle of the 105 freeway. It spans from Norwalk all the way to the inland South Bay. This might be the closest rail to take to get to LAX. However, you will still need a transfer to a shuttle bus at $0.50.

Gold Line

This line departs at East Los Angeles, ending at Union Station. You will see many tourist attractions that you can stop at along the way such as:

 

  • Mariachi Plaza
  • Little Tokyo
  • Arts District
  • Chinatown
  • Highland Park
  • South Pasadena
  • Pasadena
  • San Gabriel Valley
  • Arcadia
  • Azusa

Expo Line

This is the newest light rail and operates from Downtown Los Angeles all the way to Santa Monica. You can stop at many hotspots in LA such as:

 

  • Staples Center (Blue Line from Long Beach comes here too)
  • USC
  • Exposition Park
  • Culver City

Orange Line

This smaller system just runs the Valley. It starts at the North Hollywood Red Line Station and goes straight to either Warner Center or Chatsworth.

Silver Line

The Silver Line operates on the 10 freeway. Taking off in El Monte, this rail runs through the tolls as it heads toward Union Station and Downtown Los Angeles. The Silver Line concludes its journey south on 110, stopping at USC and South LA before ending its route at Harbor Gateway.

Subways

Subways are non-existent in Long Beach. Underground traffic is not available. However, if you are taking the Blue Line down to LA, then the subway is the most efficient way to travel in La La Land. They run on the same price points at other Metro line services.

 

There are two rapid transit heavy rail lines in Los Angeles and they both share many of the same stops. From there, they have five light rail lines we talked about before that hit 93 stations. Here are the two main subway lines:

Red Line

This is the original subway line in Los Angeles. Starting at Union Station, the Red Line hits a lot of popular tourist attractions such as:

 

  • Grand Park
  • Music Center
  • Grand Central Market
  • Hollywood
  • Universal Studios
  • NoHo Arts District

 

You can also opt to take the Purple Line.

Purple Line

The Purple Line starts on the same trajectory as the Red Line from Union Station. Once you hit Wilshire/Vermont, it forks off, ending with two stops in Koreatown. Over the next ten years, the Purple Line plans on expanding westward, reaching out to UCLA and LACMA.

 

Posted in: Blog

5 Home Trends That Will Transform Your Home And Your Life!

Remodeling your home can be a stressful situation. Whether you are a creature of habit and don’t like change or are overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin, we are here to help. There are 5 home trends right now that will not only transform your living space, but your way of life as well. So if you’re on the fence about switching up your quarters, check out these 5 home trends that will make you want to remodel.

A post shared by Carol Estes (@cestesdesign) on Jul 31, 2018 at 7:54am PDT


More Windows, More Light, More Sun
This home trend a huge investment in your property..and yourself. The sun brings us many gifts. For one, it’s a free source of light. Installing a skylight is a chic way to cut your electricity costs.

Having a skylight not only helps save you money, but it can add quality to your life as well. The sun is our main source of Vitamin D, an essential nutrient our body needs to function properly. Working indoors all day, many people suffer from Vitamin D deficiencies. Therefore, investing in a skylight is investing in yourself.

If a skylight isn’t your style, you can also benefit from more windows. In fact, a growing home trend sees knocking down the wall to the backyard and replacing it with a big window.

A post shared by TS Real Estate Partners (@tsrepartners) on Jul 31, 2018 at 9:00am PDT


Get Smart
If you like your smartphone, you’ll love a smarthouse. There are so many ways to customize your living experience for optimal convenience. There’s everything from coffee makers that are programmed to ensure your cup is brewed the second you want it to refrigerators that tell you which groceries you are running low on…Yup. That’s a thing.

A post shared by V. Rizzoli Gérante (@archiwork) on Jul 31, 2018 at 9:52am PDT


The Mosaic Era
Mosaics are hot right now, and with good reason. These stunning patterns turn heads as backsplashes in the kitchen and steal the show as dining room wallpaper. The mosaic game has been upped even more as it’s starting to become popular for tile floors, area rugs, and throw pillows. While it’s easy to get caught up the mosaic majesticness, don’t go overboard. You want an entree, not a buffet.

A post shared by Jett Set Farmhouse (@jettsetfarmhouse) on Jul 30, 2018 at 6:46pm PDT


Mudroom Madness
Sometimes remodeling seems far fetched when you have kids involved. After all, they are just going to draw on your mosaic wallpaper or track mud all over your new rug. If only there were a room to contain all that mud…Oh wait. There is.

Mudrooms are a great way to keep all your kids’ outdoor belongings in one area. One of the hottest mudroom home trends is to create cubbies. With a name like mudroom, unfinished wood and a rustic touch could be a fun theme for your reno.

A post shared by Fix & Flips In MD with Kaleigh (@fixandflip_kdesigns) on Jul 27, 2018 at 8:16am PDT


Spread Out
Do you have a room that you’re not using? Knock down a wall and extend a room you actually love. This is an easy and cheap way to give your living room a TV area while the kids can stay close and play in their own little nook. Expand your kitchen counter space and get improved, smarter appliances. Sometimes more…is more.

Posted in: Blog

Little Known Ways to Get Approved for a Lower Interest Mortgage in Long Beach, California

The home buying process in Long Beach, California can feel both exciting and miserable at the same time. One aspect providing misery is the mortgage loan approval process. From gathering paperwork to dissecting numbers and decimal points, the financial aspect of home buying is quite daunting. One of the major things to focus on is getting the lowest interest rate possible. It sounds frightening to march into a bank and ask for a low rate. However, with a little preparation and prior knowledge, you can confidently approach your lender with your request for a lower interest mortgage rate. Here are four little known ways to get approved for a lower interest mortgage in Long Beach, California.

A post shared by Mel Jr (@mel__jr) on Jul 26, 2018 at 8:54am PDT


Fix or Improve Your Credit

Mortgage lending is all about tiered pricing these days. Simply put, the higher your credit score is, the lower your rate will be. The most leverage you will ever have against a lender, outside of not needing their money, is a high credit score. A score of 760 puts you into the category that will offer the lowest interest rates.

If you have a credit score below 760, it would be beneficial to find ways to improve your score as quickly as possible. One such way is to ensure your debt to income ratio is in a good place. If you have significant amounts of credit card debt or other bills, go ahead and work on paying those off before applying for a mortgage. Speaking of, the current debt to income ratio is a major factor for a mortgage lender so it is important to have that resolved either way.

A post shared by GO Realty (@mygorealty) on Mar 14, 2018 at 3:21pm PDT


Prepare a Quality Down Payment

Like your credit score, the higher your down payment, the lower interest mortgage you will be able to get. Mortgage lenders weigh the risk of every application. One way to make the lender feel more comfortable offering a lower interest rate is to offer a 20% down payment. Anything less than that is viewed as carrying more risk for the lender.

A post shared by Owner Of FRLO 🏢😈 (@conversion.pros_official) on Jul 24, 2018 at 4:39pm PDT


Have Spare Cash

Mortgage lenders love to see money in a savings account on a loan application. It cannot be in a retirement fund or other types of investments. It must be cold, hard, and available cash. This makes a lender confident that you can pay for your mortgage for a couple months, simply with the cash you have available.

A post shared by The David Greene Team (@the_david_greene_team) on Jul 26, 2018 at 7:28am PDT


Do Your Research

Finally, researching your lender is vital to getting a lower interest mortgage rate in Long Beach, California. There are several websites available to assist in looking for local lenders with great rates. A little homework goes a long way as there are lots of options available out there. Like many aspects of buying a home, the first option may not always be the best option.

 

Posted in: Blog

How To Throw The Perfect Summer Party At Your Home

What better time to throw the perfect party than in the summertime in your home? Summer is generous, giving us the perfect weather for outdoor parties. But where do you begin to plan with so much to do? Here are some simple tips for hosting the summer home party that will be fun and make a soiree to remember. Whether your home is big or small, these inexpensive tips will transform it into the perfect setting for a summer party.

A post shared by PartyBales™ (@partybales) on May 27, 2017 at 11:36pm PDT

Prepare for any weather

If you’re planning an outdoor party at your home, you may want to prepare for inclement weather. If there is likely to be a shower, get a gazebo, there are lots of cheap yard tents you can buy or rent. Most of the rental companies can even offer heaters you can get if there are chances that it will get cooler. 

Invitations

When it comes to sending invitations, the first step is to decide who you’re going to invite to your party. You should also let your guests know if there will be a dress code or if they can bring others along with them or not. Whatever your method of invitation, the most important thing is to be calm and collected and make sure you can accommodate all your guests in the event they all decided to come. 

Select a Theme

To host a perfect summer home party, you want the location you choose looking its best. Start by selecting a theme if you’re undecided on how to style and decorate for the party. Go for something that is vintage, elegant, or laid back. After choosing your theme, you have a good starting point for décor and color scheme. 

A post shared by Vibeke J Dyremyhr (@interior_delux) on Jun 27, 2018 at 1:38pm PDT

Light it up

Don’t let darkness put the lights out on your party; dazzling lighting is significant for summer home party. From votive candles and twinkle lights to tea lights and warm glow of lanterns, you can create an ambient atmosphere, and your light will shine on long after the sun goes down.

Get Variety of Drinks

When it comes to drinks at a summer party, the more you get, the better. Whether you plan to set up a bar or have bottles of beer and wine available, drinks are essential parts of any party. Make sure you have several varieties of drinks that can accommodate the tastes of all your guests. 

A post shared by Mascha Davis MPH,RD,Dietitian (@nomadista_nutrition) on Jun 27, 2018 at 5:04pm PDT

Pick the Perfect Menu

We all know that without food, a party would not be a party. Food becomes a talking point of any party even once it’s over; it can make or break a party. Light finger food is perfect for a summer party because it is easy to handle, especially when the weather is scorching.

Music Sets the Mood

Music sets the mood for every party; make a playlist of everyone’s favorite’s summer jams to get the party started. While creating a playlist may seem like a small detail, we all know how it can set the tone for the mood you’re trying to spawn at your party. 

A post shared by Rozemazing Designs (@rozemazingdesigns) on Jun 26, 2018 at 10:26pm PDT

Set up Summer Games

No matter whether your guests already know each other or not, there is no better way to make people feel more relaxed than summer party games. There are plenty of old fashion summer games both kids and adults can enjoy together. Games such as potato sack race, croquet, and horseshoes are easy and relatively inexpensive to set up. 

Be yourself and Have Fun

Don’t forget that the primary reason for the party is for you and your guests to have fun. Hosting parties can be stressful, but you don’t want people to feel like they are a burdening to you. Relax, drinks will spill, food may run out, and it could look boring at times, but that is fine. Be confident, stay friendly, and you will have the perfect summer party at your home that is fun and memorable for years to come.

Posted in: Blog

Events to Attend in Long Beach this Summer

Summer isn’t long enough but while it lasts, there are fun things to do and events to attend in Long Beach this season.

A post shared by Agenda Festival (@agenda) on Apr 24, 2018 at 10:00am PDT


June 30-From 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, The Agenda Festival will be taking place at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment center this summer. The festival will include over 500 pop shops like New Balance, Champion, The Hundreds, Dickies, Levi’s and more. This concert will also feature artists like Lil Yachty, Brockhampton, Lecrae, Denzel Curry, and Yung Lean. Food trucks and meet and greets will also be promoted so come with friends and enjoy the music.

A post shared by Calheights Neighborhood Assoc (@historic_calheights) on Jun 14, 2018 at 8:29am PDT


June 30-Sunnyside Cemetery will be hosting their annual “Celebration at Sunnyside Cemetery to celebrate the 16,000 people who were once part of the community. There will be musical guests, historians, authors, and morticians. However, it’s limited to only 1600 guests so get your tickets while they last!
July 7-This day will welcome all animal and food lovers. Live music and vegan food will be the main course for this event. Get out of your comfort zone and try new foods, fun activities, and earth-friendly creative art installations. For under $20 this event is a must!

A post shared by Quinceanera.com (@quinceanera) on Jun 6, 2018 at 10:40am PDT


July 15-The Quincenera.com Expo and Fashion Show Long Beach will be from noon to 5:00 pm at the Long Beach Convention Center. Planning your Quinceanera? Find gorgeous and inspiring dresses, invitations, party favors, caterers, and more! There will be raffles, free stuff, and prizes like makeup and hair certificates. These goodies will make your party planning process an entertaining experience so come take a look and get inspired.

A post shared by Harley Quinn (@harleyquinn_gothamsiren) on Sep 3, 2017 at 12:37pm PDT


September 8-Long Beach’s annual Comic-Con will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center that will exhibit work from amazing artists from all around. From educational programs to meet and greet sessions, there will be loads to do and participate in. Whether you decide to dress up or not, it will be a day to remember.

 

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Posted in: Blog

Getting Your Home Ready For Summer

A post shared by Hoodoo Brown Barbeque (@hoodoobrownbbq) on May 30, 2018 at 1:27pm PDT


We know, we’ve been waiting for summer since January too. Planning those summer vacations, BBQs, and beach days, but have you thought about your home. Just like you did in the fall, it’s time that you got your home ready for the summer months.

A post shared by The Hawthorne (@hawthornemotel) on May 30, 2018 at 4:18pm PDT

Add fresh air to your home this summer by leaving the windows and doors open. This will help keep energy costs down by allowing the fresh air do the cooling rather than your AC. Place fresh plants or flowers near the sink in the bathroom to help filter the air. Some great air cleaning plants are snake plants, spider plants, English Ivy, and small leafed rubber plants.

A post shared by Emily Belsito (@em_be_fit) on May 30, 2018 at 4:10pm PDT

Cover your windows. There’s no point in turning the AC on if your huge windows are letting in sunlight and heating your living room. You can install a reflective film or sunscreen fabric curtains, or even roller shades. If you’re in the market for new windows, look into getting window panes with a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). This will help keep your house cooler and decrease your energy bill.

A post shared by Greenworks Building Supply (@greenworks_yvr) on May 21, 2018 at 1:55pm PDT

Swap your warm flannel sheets for lighter linens with a high thread count. Opt for solid light colors to give the room a more breezy feel.

A post shared by The Great Backyard Place (@greatbackyardplace) on May 3, 2018 at 10:18am PDT

Keep up with your pool’s pH balance. The pool is a fun and great way to stay cool during the summer, but keeping up with maintenance is not. It’s easy to let the pool go, but make sure you’re monitoring the pH balance and chlorine levels. Failure to do so can lead to bacteria growth, fading bathing suits, and irritated eyes.

A post shared by Maria France (@mariamofrance) on May 30, 2018 at 3:41pm PDT

We all know bugs tend to bug us a bit more in the summer and we all have our own remedies for dealing with these pests. While bug spray and citronella candles work just fine, attack the problem at the source, if possible. Start by clearing underbrush around trees and shrubs. Avoid planting thick, moist vegetation as these types of plants attract the most insects.

A post shared by KrishaJ (@krishaj_rfgirl) on May 30, 2018 at 3:37pm PDT

Summer is meant to be spent outside, rinse off your patio furniture and top them with new patio fabric. This will create a luxurious, inviting vibe for your patio or deck.

 

Posted in: Blog

The Pros and Cons of Living within a Homeowners Association

Ask anyone how they feel about living within a homeowners association and you’ll get a different response each time. While it mostly depends on the person’s personality whether living within HOA is a pro or con, homeowners associations and their rules differ. Before you begin looking at homes that are in an HOA, make sure you take the time to really figure out if this is for you. Some people like living in a well-kept neighborhood while others don’t like to be told what to do. Here are some pros and cons to living within an HOA.

A post shared by Jaclyn Appugliesi (@torontocondoqueen) on May 29, 2018 at 12:11pm PDT

Pro: Amenities

Many HOAs have amenities for their residents like tennis courts, swimming pools, and a community center. These are convenient and fun to have in close proximity.

A post shared by Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel (@villapremiere) on May 28, 2018 at 4:09pm PDT

Pro: Low maintenance

Your HOA fees cover services and maintenance like lawn, trash, or snow if you live in colder climates. This leaves less work for your to do. The common areas are also maintained by the association as well.

A post shared by Hebron121 (@hebron121station) on May 28, 2018 at 3:27pm PDT

Pro: They help keep up appearances

Associations usually have rules about the appearance of your home. If you have an unkempt home, you may face fines. This keeps neighborhoods from having overgrown lawns, peeling paint, or ugly paint jobs. Some associations even have rules about a number of cars you have parked out front. They also have review boards that have the power to approve or deny any drastic changes made to a home.

A post shared by Ernie Romero & Son Painting Co (@ernieromeropainting) on May 29, 2018 at 11:43am PDT

Con: HOA can foreclose your home

Although it doesn’t happen often, HOA can foreclose your home if you fall behind on your fees. Usually used as a last resort, foreclosure by the HOA is legal under state law and CC&Rs.

A post shared by Amentiy Company (@amenitycompany) on May 30, 2018 at 5:54am PDT

Con: They may restrict you from renting out your home

It all depends on the association, but some restrict homeowners from renting out their home. While some forbid it completely, others allow only a small percentage of homes in a community to be rented. Almost always, the tenants who will be renting have to be approved by the HOA board.

 

Posted in: Blog

Home Remodeling Trends for 2018

From putting together your brand new house to giving your home a facelift, we have compiled a list of remodeling trends that are beginning to take over homes this year.

Customize

It doesn’t matter if it’s one-of-a-kind as long as the add-ons you are making to your home are creative. Think of anything that adds a pop to a room. A pop of color or interesting decor that can easily attract the eye are things every room should have.

Metals

The use of metal in the bathroom, kitchen, and as accents to any room has become a top trending element around the house. Blending metals together is a good way to add texture and make a space visually interesting.

Smart Hub

It’s 2018 and homes are now becoming more and more like the smart homes we saw in shows and movies growing up. Having a tech control panel that connects your lights, television, thermostat, and alarms are convenient and a valued option for homeowners today. Look to add wireless tech that sets reminders for you and makes your life at home easier.

Colors

Heavily saturated and brightly colored hues might not be the trending wall colors of the year, but they are trending as standout accent pieces. These colors offer an unexpected energy on rooms and show off your personality. Look at adding rugs, pillows, and chairs as colorful accessories in your home.

The Bathtub

The stand-alone bathtub and showering space is what the modern bathroom is starting to look like. These new freestanding options take up less space and become a sculptural statement in any bathroom.

Open Kitchens

One trend that is starting to knock down walls in a home is the open kitchen. The modern kitchen is used as a connection between the eating area and living space. The openness takes away the feeling of isolation from the cook and the family.

Posted in: Blog

7 Bad Habits to Kick To the Curb When House Hunting

Buying a home can take months and months of planning.  To achieve your goal there are some bad habits you need to kick to the curb so you can be prepared for the big day. Take a look at seven bad habits you should have stopped yesterday if you’re looking to hit the housing market.

  1. Credit Cards

It is no secret. Credit cards tend to poor decisions that can significantly affect your ability to buy a home. A rule of thumb to follow is not to use more than 30% of your available credit. Consistently exceeding this amount can make qualifying for a mortgage tough.

  1. Job Hopping

Thinking of switching jobs soon or going into freelance work? You might want to think twice about leaving your 9-to-5 if you’re serious about buying a home. Someone who has a steady employment translates to stability. To a lender, someone who is stable puts their mind at ease.

  1. Having a Low Bank Balance

Having a financial cushion is the best option if you are looking to buy a home. We have all been on the side of ‘stuff that happened, ’ and it’s usually never cheap. Be mindful of the unexpected expenses and have a cushion to avoid running up credit cards in these events.

  1. Not Having A Budget

Half of Americans have reported that they do not have a budget at all. This is not a good habit if you want to buy a home. Start your budget today and keep the 50/20/30 rule in mind. That is, 50% of your income should go to essentials (rent, groceries, utilities), 20% should go to financial necessities ( emergency, debt, retirement), and 30% or less should go to lifestyle (shopping, gym, travel).

  1. Avoid Big Expenses

Buying a new car or other significant expenses might be great and easily affordable but resist the feeling. The new spending can hold up a mortgage application. Wait it out until you have your house keys in your hand.

  1. Keep Paper trail of income

Your lender is going to want to see your recent bank statements. If you fluctuate too much money around it does not look good in the eyes of a lender so be prepared to have a paper trail that can account for new income or transfer of income.

  1. Don’t Closeout Credit Lines

You might be thinking it’s a smart move to close out a credit card and transfer your balance to a zero interest account. This is a significant step in the direction of taking control of your finances, but hold off because a closed account can tank your credit score. A sudden drop in credit can derail your lenders from approving a loan.

This is your year to get into the home of your dreams. Get away from these bad habits and start counting down the days till you’re in your home. For the best home buying experience let Mike Norton help you get into the home you have always wanted.

Posted in: Blog

Long Beach Historic Buildings To Visit

Long Beach has a long list of historic landmarks everyone should take the time to explore. From learning about the history of the city and its 114 landmarks, here are a few standouts you should take the time to visit.

Villa Riviera

The historic building located at 800 East Ocean Blvd. has been standing since 1929. At one point the second tallest building in Long Beach, the Villa Riviera is a 16-story French Gothic building. The castle-like building was added to the national register of historic places in 1996.

Rancho Los Alamitos

Sometimes referred to as Bixby Ranch after its last private owners, Rancho Los Alamitos built in 1806 is one of the oldest adobe houses in Southern California. The 19th-century adobe ranch house still stands today and is open to the public with the house and grounds converted into a museum that presents the history of the rancho era.

Cooper Arms Apartments

This twelve-story Renaissance Revival apartment tower was built in 1923 and had 406 rooms. The steel-reinforced concrete building has exterior walls of brick finished with stucco and has an L-shape.

The Queen Mary

The historic ocean liner that played a major role in the second world war and fastest liner from 1936-1952 is an Art Deco luxury and staple of Long Beach. It is now a hotel that is also home to a museum and convention center.

Breakers Hotel

The 14-story building in downtown Long Beach opened in 1926 as a luxury oceanfront resort hotel. The architectural development is described as “ultra Spanish.”  The building has had its fair share of owners throughout the year going from hotel to retirement community to hotel. It became a designated landmark in 1989. Currently is scheduled to undergo a new set of renovations.

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