BEST ANSWER
Like all properties that are on the market now, it is all about price and condition. I have been looking with a Buyer for a home in Lakewood and he wants to pay under $400K which is not hard to find . He has not found one yet he is willing to make an offer on, but that is what it has been like with the Buyers in this market. They are nervous to buy unless they feel they are getting a deal. The houses that are moving the quickest are the ones that shows the best and make the Buyer feel they are getting a deal. So pricing smartly to sell is essential if you want it to move. That is not only true in Lakewood but in most of the Long Beach areas. I have a client now that just called me about a house in Bellflower that we saw offered at$440K with 1871 square feet on a 6500 sq.ft. lot and it does need quite a bit of TLC. It is a bank repo and it looks like we will be making an offer on it. For him it was all about price and getting the most square footage for his family in a nice area. The house itself has been on the market 80 days and was originally listed at $479,900 in December .
If I can offer any other insight into the market, feel free to give me a call at 714-296-7270 or email me at bstrealtor@aol.com. I have also offer my clients the opportunity to rent their homes if it is not a must to sell. That of course is another option. I have clients that are moving to Seattle and their agent had not gotten the house sold yet and they just can't afford to lower their price much lower, and their agent did not handle rentals. I met with them and we decided to put it up for rent while it is on the market until I find a renter for them. If they find a buyer first, then of course, that is the way they should go. But if they can't get their price now, they are willing to rent it (that is where I come in) until the market improves. So that is another choice you can consider too.
If you have any other questions or concerns feel free to contact me.
Barbara Robbins-Olexa
Broker, E-ProR)
L B Brokerage
Servicing Long Beach, Lakewood & Neighboring Communities for 28+ years
http://www.barbararobbinsolexa.com
Wed Mar 5 2008, 18:14