Long Beach California has been my area of expertise for several years now. I also grew up just down the street in the neighboring city of Cypress.
The diversity of Long Beach California is vast, and even from block to block the demographics can change dramatically.
Since one out of five buyers move out of the neighborhood they currently reside, it is essential to become an expert for the area as a whole. But how does one accomplish this when the task is so daunting due to the size of the territory?
Here are a couple of tricks I use to help tackle such a large area:
I have found that talking to the listing agent about their property can be very helpful. the information they give me will help me decide if this is a property worth pursuing based on my client's needs. For example, if I have a client who is a guy that is planning to live with a bunch of his buddies, a different type of criterion might be acceptable for him then for my client who is a single mom. Let's face it, chances are he will be willing to live in a bit rowdier neighborhood than she; although a good client intake meeting will help establish the must haves in either case.
I refer to my wall map and pick a neighborhood based on the number associated with it (like Belmont Shores is area 1). I go into the MLS and then I find out which open houses are happening on streets in area 1 that I am not yet familiar with, and I go pay them a visit.
When I am done touring; which usually takes about 2 hours, I just kind of wander around the neighborhood and get a feel for the surrounding areas: where are the supermarkets? Where are the parks? What are the people like? Do they take good care of their property?
Lastly, when I have a solid/pre-approved client who is interested in a neighborhood I am not particularly familiar with, I scout the hood before I take them on "go sees." Even though sometimes it means that I have to tell them that a particular property that looked promising is in a scary neighborhood; they are always grateful that I did the leg work on their behalf.
I always remember, the key to finding a home in Long Beach or investment property in Long Beach, or in any territory, that will serve my client is to do the research!
The Exterior is just as beautiful as the interior, with new siding, landscaping and clubhouse, they have completely renovated the property from the ground up.