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Livin BEACHSIDE Good News for Home Sellers this Summer LONG BEACH HOUSING MARKET UPDATE by Jeff Anderson T Jeff Anderson Torey Carrick 800 784 2616 www andersonreg com info andersonreg com Anderson Real Estate Group 120 E 3rd St Ste 114 Floor 1 Mailbox 14 Long Beach CA 90802 DRE 01729514 PRESORTED STD U S POSTAGE PAID GREENFIELD IN PERMIT NO 67 DRE 01878277 he housing market of 2020 was many things but it was never static There were initial expectations that sale prices would continue rising while interest rates remained low then the pandemic threw a wrench into the rosy forecasts of so many professionals This wrench made the year a messy and uncertain one but it wasn t all bad news especially in the housing market At first blush the economic turbulence of the pandemic looked to be a real threat to the real estate market The odds were not in our favor The real estate industry a business that normally operates on face toface interactions and in person home tours was forced to fundamentally change and fast And yet the housing market did not collapse There were ups and downs and a whole lot of uncertainty in April and May but by the end of the summer the market overall was prospering with high prices and fast sales So why did it work out that way and how do these revelations equip us as homeowners as we go forward into 2021 s Summer market Let s get into it THE SHIFT TO EXPERIENCED AGENTS 2020 was the year that many sellers admitted they couldn t risk their home s value with a hobby agent or a buddy who happens to have a license Homes listed for sale by owner or by an inexperienced agent experienced longer sales cycles and substantially lower prices than professionally sold homes because they were far less visible to buyers who were making decisions almost entirely online It s the agents who quickly adopted new tech and procedures who created competition among buyers hastening the pace of transactions Many less experienced agents left the market as sellers became much more discerning of their representation concerned specifically with who could help them navigate all the limitations and uncertainty With the right adaptations market activity soon resurged THE LONG BEACH MARKET REMAINS STRONG While the initial rebound has leveled off prices remain high especially here in Long Beach Right now the median sales price in the Long Beach area is about 685 000 a 5 4 percent increase over last year according to Redfin com And we re comparing today s numbers to a period prior to the stay at home orders making it all the more remarkable In addition to high prices sellers who properly prepare price and market their home are enjoying very fast sales Realtor com shows the national average Days on Market for 2020 had sellers waiting 65 days which is faster than usual and here in Long Beach our average Days on Market is currently just 35 days That s 30 days faster than the 2020 national average It s important to note that these numbers represent our local averages Not all sellers will get offers at the top of the market or sell quickly and some sellers will beat these averages handsomely A seller s success in today s market directly corresponds to how well their home is prepared in advance of listing whether or not it is strategically priced and how well and how comprehensively it is showcased and marketed THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN A SALE We saw greater integration of technology to make contactfree real estate transactions practical and accessible for buyers and sellers The MVP of that technology was photography and videography Pre pandemic according to the National Association of Realtors homes with 20 or more photos sold over 50 faster than homes with one photo now with constraints on in person tours homes without dazzling online presentations languish far longer than those that are properly showcased In 2020 it became critical that a home s online presentation virtually transported the buyer into the home In addition to mastering visual technology today agents who are selling homes quickly and at the highest market prices have mastered virtual transactions and have comprehensive safety plans to allow buyers to tour homes in person These tech adaptations aren t going anywhere and will continue to benefit sellers long after the pandemic wanes WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SUMMER 2021 As we approach the busy Summer market it s not going to be about besting last year March 2020 and the months that followed saw temporary market lows for obvious reasons Rather this Summer market is going to be about how efficiently the market will meet the increased demand Sellers who hit the market early in the season and work with the right agent should expect a fast sale at a great price The biggest question we re getting from sellers is about whether or not they ll find a replacement home in time Our team has strategies and plans in place for this very concern so our best advice is to not let this be a roadblock Instead discuss this concern with your agent and let it guide your planning If you are considering a move and want a professional analysis of your home s value or would like to learn more about the strategies our team uses to successfully sell and buy homes in today s market give us a call at 800 784 2616 We have learned a lot from 2020 and are more equipped than ever to generate the best offers for your home n SEARCHING FOR HOMES IN THE AREA IT COULD BE YOURS Do you own a home in the area If you answered yes and you are thinking about selling your home we have ready qualified buyers that would be interested in seeing your home TODAY If you think you might have what our buyers are looking for call us today at 800 784 2616 MAY 2021 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Your Money Page 2 Ask A Realtor Page 4 In The Home Page 6 Travel Page 9 Coloring Contest Page 11 DP 23402 Discover Publications 6425 Busch Blvd Columbus OH 43229 SCAN THE LIST ON PAGE 4

YOUR MONEY looking ahead WHY YOU SHOULD BE TALKING TO YOUR 13 YEAR OLD ABOUT CARS AND INSURANCE by Carla Fried Livin BEACHSIDE A driver s license doesn t come until age 16 but families would Publishers be wise to begin talking about Jeff Anderson driving cars and insuring cars Torey Carrick a full three years ahead of that day 800 784 2616 Handled well this topic can www andersonreg com also help a family tackle other info andersonreg com big financial progressionAnderson Real Estate Group of life topics like choosing a 120 E 3rd St Ste 114 Floor 1 college Here s your roadmap Mailbox 14 Long Beach CA 90802 DRE 01729514 DRE 01878277 6425 Busch Blvd Columbus OH 43229 877 872 3080 www DiscoverPubs com Sudoku Scrabble Crossword and articles distributed by Tribune News Services and Brandpoint where noted Copyright 2021 by Discover Publications Inc All rights reserved 2 INSURANCE Chances are your 7th or 8th grader has no idea how insurance works The policy they ll need in order to drive legally in your state offers a real world lesson Pull out your current auto policy and explain the coverages and your annual premium Then tell them that adding a 16 year old to the policy will likely more than double the premium According to Carinsurance com family auto premiums on average rise more than 125 when a 16 year old is added to a policy the bill could be 3 500 or more Show your teen the website s teenage insurance calculator Here s where the car insurance talk can help your teen s personal finance IQ Many insurers offer a premium discount of 5 to 10 or more if the insured teen has a high GPA You ve just given them a year or two million miles is nearly twothirds lower than at age 16 And for the record the rate for drivers between the ages of 40 and 79 is below 4 0 Lack of experience is a THE RIGHT CAR If the plan is for your teen to have their own car this is where you can impart financial lessons that will pay off for the rest of their life A survey by the Centers for Disease Control found that more than 40 of high school students don t always wear a seat belt nearly 40 texted while driving and 17 got into a car where the driver had been drinking to double down on studying Closer to driver s permit age you ll want to check with your current insurer and do some online comparison shopping to get the best rate and coverage SAFETY Teens are so expensive to insure because they have more accidents A lot more According to the Insurance Information Institute 16 year olds account for on average nearly 25 crashes for every million miles driven For 17 year olds it drops to 21 1 crashes From ages 20 to 24 the crash rate of 9 1 per problem but so too are poor choices A survey by the Centers for Disease Control found that more than 40 of high school students don t always wear a seat belt nearly 40 texted while driving and 17 got into a car where the driver had been drinking Parents of course are influential so if you re guilty of any of the above behavior texting now s a good time to stop that And you know your kid best Think about the right amount and kind of information to get their serious attention without causing nightmares Buying a used car is always the financially wise move Explain depreciation A new car will lose up to 40 to 50 of its value in the first three years Buying a car that is at least three years old means you ve let the prior owner s make that financial mistake But if you can afford it don t choose a car that s too old The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety IIHS reports that based on 2017 data more than half of the miles driven by teens were in cars at least 11 years old By comparison less than 30 of adult miles driven were in cars that old Given the big advances in car safety tech over the past decade older models will likely lack some safety features Also steer clear of small fun cars that teens may be naturally attracted to They don t tend to offer the same protection in a crash as a bigger car especially when the other car in a crash is a big SUV The IIHS and the cartesting pros at Consumer Reports came up with a list of cars that hit the teenager sweet spot used but not so old they lack reliability and key safety features and of a make and size that scores well in crash tests In last year s IIHS Consumer Reports list used cars under 10 000 included the 2013 Honda Accord and Mazda 3 and the 2014 Subaru Impreza For less than 15 000 the recommended list includes the Toyota RAV4 Subaru Forester and Honda CR V You can get the entire list of 60 recommended cars by searching for safe used vehicles for teens IIHS n 2021 Rate com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC

AROUND TOWN in our community Local Events Right Around the Corner H ere in the Long Beach area we re lucky to have a community that continues to organize fun safe and family friendly events Here are the activities I am most looking forward to TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS Every Thursday at 11 45 AM 12 45 PM Want a breath of fresh air as you look out at the Alamitos Bay and celebrate your health You can do that this Thursday for an in person Tai Chi class for beginners Learn this beautiful ancient Chinese practice with graceful meditative movements DRE 01729514 that help maintain physical health well being and spiritual essence Though the benefits of this event are many the major ones will be seen quicker than you d think relieving physical effects of stress and tension reducing anxiety and depression improving balance and stability enhancing mental capacity and concentration and lastly promoting serenity deep breathing and inner peace Did I mention these classes are free Your instructor Angie Sierra will guide you step by step through these exercises at Marine Stadium Park No mat is needed just dress comfortably for the weather For more information check out Angiesierra com That website even has live streams of the workouts if you d rather participate from home LONG BEACH SCAVENGER HUNT Any time that works for you Need an excuse to get the family out of the house Go on a hunt throughout the Long Beach area Puzzling Adventures is a cross between a scavenger hunt an adventure race and an informative self guided tour Each adventure consists of a series of locations that you are guided to where you are required to answer questions or solve puzzles to receive your next instruction All you need is your own mobile device and an Internet connection Young and old individuals families or friends participate in a group as a couple or individually Creating multiple teams who race each other Almost all of the adventures are designed to be wheelchair and stroller friendly and all are carefully crafted to be entertaining and informative with something to appeal to all ages And because the adventures are self guided you can play any time on any day no reservations required The goal is to have fun enjoying the sights sounds smells and tastes of the various locations you will visit For more information check out Puzzlingadventures com FILMS DANCE Every Monday at 9 00 AM Find yourself needing a boost of inspiration on Mondays Now you have a free event to look forward to and you can enjoy it from your home Each Monday from now through early May you can catch the free streaming premiere of a dance performance thanks to this new series Films Dance brings together 15 short films that ve been shot in the past year from 150 artists around the globe under the creative direction of L A s Jacob Jonas s The Company They re presented by the local Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts as well as Chicago s Joan W and Irving B Harris Theater You ll find each short Monday at 9am on the Films Dance website as well as on its Instagram and Facebook accounts n ANDERSON REAL ESTATE GROUP YEAR TO DATE SALES FOR 2021 REPRESENTED ADDRESS Buyer 3262 Tigertail Dr Buyer 140 Linden Avenue Buyer 375 Atlantic Ave Buyer UNIT CITY STATE ZIP Rossmoor CA 90720 1 6 21 1 085 000 3 2 1970 SFR 655 Long Beach CA 90802 1 8 21 486 000 1 2 1928 Condo 705 Long Beach CA 90802 1 14 21 339 000 1 1 742 Condo 16577 Shoal Creek Lane Fontana CA 92336 1 16 21 560 000 4 3 2492 SSFR Buyer 2819 Ladoga Ave Long Beach CA 90815 1 21 21 1 031 355 3 2 1812 SFR Buyer 455 E Ocean Blvd Long Beach CA 90802 1 27 21 260 000 0 1 456 Condo Buyer 613 Delaware St Huntington Beach CA 92648 1 28 21 1 400 000 3 4 2721 SFR Buyer 4609 W 141st Street Hawthorne CA 90250 2 3 21 850 000 3 2 1215 SFR Seller 5576 E Oleta St Long Beach CA 90815 2 9 21 1 480 000 3 2 1966 SFR Buyer 3220 Merrill Drive Torrance CA 90503 2 10 21 475 000 1 1 861 Condo Buyer 10120 Holder St Buena Park CA 90620 2 10 21 685 000 3 2 1237 SFR Buyer 29641 S Western Avenue 216 Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275 2 18 21 550 000 3 2 1455 Condo Buyer 19295 Wingedfoot Circle Huntington Beach CA 92648 2 18 21 960 000 3 3 2065 SFR Seller 40241 Colony Dr Murrieta CA 92562 2 24 21 458 000 3 2 1853 SFR Buyer 6878 Billings Place Rancho Cucamonga CA 91701 2 24 21 715 000 3 3 2118 SFR Buyer 5356 E Wardlow Road Long Beach CA 90808 2 25 21 715 000 3 1 1061 SFR Buyer 212 Prospect Ave Long Beach CA 90803 2 26 21 1 750 000 3 3 2605 SFR Seller 15530 Ryon Ave Bellflower CA 90706 3 4 21 1 550 000 9 5 4775 Fourplex Buyer 700 E Ocean Blvd Long Beach CA 90802 3 5 21 700 000 3 2 1260 Condo Buyer 849 Pine Ave A Long Beach CA 90813 3 15 21 635 000 1 1 1209 Condo Seller 806 Elm Avenue Long Beach CA 90813 3 15 21 700 000 3 2 1992 SFR 607 33 908 CLOSED DATE AMOUNT DRE 01878277 BEDS BATH SQ FT TYPE 3

ASK JEFF ANDERSON Q A with the real estate expert CALL THE CAVALRY WHEN THE TO DO LIST IS LONG AND TIME IS SHORT Q Dear Jeff I just accepted a job offer that requires me to move cross country I probably should have thought out the logistics long before I began considering such a significant move But it is what it is I need to buy a new house fast and sell my old one faster The last time I relocated I only changed cities within the same state The quality of the homes was comparable as were the prices and the process was relatively uncomplicated Although I m confident my property will fetch a worthy offer I m less sure about finding another home at a fair price on short notice I am comfortable and familiar with the real estate agent I ve been using I do not however know if she is licensed to practice in other states Will I need to hire someone else Is it possible to pull off this move in the time allotted Adrian M A Dear Adrian Getting what you want for your current home may not be difficult but finding what you need could be a challenge Prices rise as choices dwindle and multiple offers are the norm these days While overall sales numbers fluctuate from month to month one apparent constant is the precious few days any house stays on the market If you re in a hurry you may have to make concessions Are you willing to fritter your money away on rent while holding out for a house that may be overpriced or nonexistent In a market that s moving as fast as you are your best bet is to connect with a Realtor who heads a platoon of agents and brokers Each is qualified to perform specific tasks and ready to deploy with a squad focused on selling your house and getting you into another Having them all under the same roof so to speak helps to keep members on the same page and apprised of new developments as they arise A listing agent will list price and market your property schedule showings and eliminate window shoppers or high risk prospects find a buyer and negotiate conditions and contingencies Meanwhile a buyer s agent will determine what you re looking for and how soon you need it find the best fit for your price range and then present your choices If you see something you love the agent can help you secure financing and finish up the paperwork at closing You may need agents who specialize in other aspects of the transaction Your Realtor will know who they are and when to use them Your designated team members should have portability or reciprocity agreements with the state where you re moving Laws often vary between states These tiered agreements clarify the visiting agent s right to work in a particular state and dictate the nature and level of business they may conduct The state may let them transfer their license to practice there or get clearance for specific deals Agents may be restricted to remote only work or allowed to do their thing in person Turf laws let out of state brokers make referrals to state licensed agents but that s all The particulars might seem somewhat complicated Not to worry though Having a team of highly trained finely tuned professionals on your case will free you to prep your house pack your belongings and get going Chances are they can help you with that stuff too n Jeff Anderson 800 784 2616 www andersonreg com info andersonreg com DRE 01729514 BUYER NEEDS LIST DRE 01729514 Our team is currently working with a lot of qualified A buyers These buyers are ready to go and have been pre approved with our lender partner Call if this is YOUR house you are ready to sell DRE 01878277 1 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Single Family Residence Craftsman Style Architecture in the Neighborhoods of Alamitos Beach 4th Street Corridor or Rose Park South 2 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Single Family Residence in Bixby Heights or the City of Lakewood 3 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Townhouse with an attached garage in the City of Signal Hill 4 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Single Family Residence in Cypress or Cerritos 5 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Single Family Residence in the neighborhoods of Belmont Shore of Belmont Heights 6 3 Bedroom Single Family Residence in Long Beach or Seal Beach 7 2 bedroom 2 Bath condo in Long Beach Good neighborhood 8 Studio in the Cooper Arms building 9 3 bedroom 2 Bath condo in the neighborhoods of Alamitos Beach or Downtown with 2 parking spaces and in unit washer and dryer 10 1 Bedroom condo in Downtown or Alamitos Beach neighborhoods 11 2 Bedroom 2 Bath condo in Belmont Heights Blu Heights or Blu Park 4

TECH REVIEW TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT smart locks EUFY SMART LOCK OPENS WITH THE TOUCH OF YOUR FINGER by Jim Rossman A nice perk of being a reviewer is that I can try different gadgets and then choose one one that s right for me I ve used smart deadbolt locks for almost 10 years now and I love the convenience of being able to punch in a code to unlock my front door The lock that s been on my door now is the fourth one I ve tried and I like it but there are some features I wish it had and some features I never use The new lock I m testing is the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch which retails for 169 99 at eufylife com NO WI FI The biggest knock on the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch is that it does not have Wi Fi This may or may not be a big deal to you Smart locks with Wi Fi can be locked and unlocked from your phone even if you are across the country You can also configure the lock when you are away from home perhaps to add a code for a temporary user such as a handyman or dog sitter Wi Fi smart locks can also tell a user when the door is locked or unlocked during the day Finally no Wi Fi means no integration with Amazon s Alexa or Google Home so there s no voice control or ability to combine opening the door with other automations like turning on lights While those are cool features I really don t use them I m looking for a door lock that opens easily without a key My previous locks used a keypad to unlock which was nice but the Smart Lock Touch adds a fingerprint reader that I love Instead of Wi Fi the Eufy Smart Lock Touch interacts with your phone via a Bluetooth connection which means within 50 feet or so FOUR WAYS TO UNLOCK When I first installed my first smart lock all those years ago I was a little hesitant to leave the house without a house key If I went for a walk I d grab my keys and phone and lock the door As I got used to unlocking with a passcode I became more confident and started leaving the house without a key for my walks I m not saying you should do that but it works for me The Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch gives you four ways to unlock the door My favorite unlock method is via the fingerprint reader It is very fast and very convenient You can also use the keypad a physical key Eufy includes five keys or the Eufy Security app on your phone within Bluetooth range The Smart Lock Touch is powered by four AA batteries and the unlocking methods all require battery power except for the physical key Because there is no Wi Fi radio to power those AA batteries should last up to a year What happens if you don t have the key and the batteries are dead There is a microUSB port on the bottom of the lock under the key slot Plug in any external USB phone battery and it will power up the lock so you can open it INSTALLATION Installing a deadbolt isn t as intimidating as you might think To remove your old deadbolt unscrew the two screws on the inside of the door remove the inside and outside portions of the lock they pull away from each other and then unscrew the two screws on the edge of the door where the bolt moves in and out and pull out the bolt Once the deadbolt is removed you can follow Eufy s instructions to get the new lock installed the company has a good video in the app The installation can get tricky if your strike plate the piece on the door frame is not lined up with the bolt If your lock is hard to lock or unlock you ll need to work on the alignment of your deadbolt to the strike plate If your lock doesn t turn smoothly you might need a handyman to reposition the strike plate Since this was not my first lock replacement I was able to get the Smart Lock Touch installed in about five minutes Once the batteries are in place a speaker on the lock will ask you to download the Eufy Security app to your phone and pair the lock to the phone via Bluetooth Once the lock is named you ll be asked to set a passcode for your user account in the app Once you set the passcode four to eight digits you can set up a fingerprint You can register multiple fingerprints and the prints are stored in the lock up to 50 prints total Setting up additional users is simple Each user has to have a unique passcode Because my wife and I use the same passcode for the door old habits I just registered her fingerprints under my username in the app passcode is 1357 If you turn on Scramble Passcode you can enter 4321357978 As long as your passcode is in the middle somewhere the door will open There s wrong try protection which will disable the fingerprint or keypad after too many wrong tries You can specify the number of tries and the length of the lockout up to five minutes The fingerprint and passcode information is stored in the lock with AES 256 encryption and the hardware can withstand more than 2 400 of tension and more than 250 000 lock and unlock cycles SOME NICE FEATURES You can set up users to have full access 24 7 or limit their access to certain hours of the day or certain days of the week There is an auto lock setting that will lock the door if you forget You can set the auto lock to happen immediately when the door closes or up to three minutes later You can also set up a schedule for auto lock which is helpful if you want the auto lock to work only after 6 p m or only on weekdays The lock is IP65 waterand dust resistant and works in temperatures from 22 degrees up to 158 degrees The passcode to open the lock can be up to 8 digits and there is a neat feature called Scramble Passcode that lets you enter random numbers before and after your passcode Let s say your CONCLUSIONS Smart locks are great and I think everyone would like one if only for more ways to open the lock Eufy has a warning on its website about fingerprints not being reliable for children or the elderly It has the features I want like the fingerprint sensor and keypad but it doesn t have a battery draining Wi Fi radio for more remote features I ve always appreciated those features but I didn t use them enough to make them a dealbreaker I anticipate using the fingerprint reader way more than I used remote unlocking If you need those remote features Eufy does make a Smart Lock with Wi Fi but it does not have a fingerprint reader n 2021 The Dallas Morning News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC 5

IN THE HOME updates and tips 6 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SHOWER DOORS SPARKLE by Berit Thorkelson L ike dishwashers and washing machines shower doors help get other things clean while accumulating an impossible to getrid of ring of soap scum themselves Luckily a little preventive care and a few quick cleaning tricks can help your shower door stay sparkling clean BANISH BUILDUP WITH PANTRY INGREDIENTS People swear by the incredible soap scum slaying ability of distilled vinegar heated first mixed with grease cutting dish detergent such as Dawn in equal proportions If your shower is made of stone however the vinegar could damage it Instead mix some liquid soap with baking soda until it s the consistency of frosting says Kris Koenig CEO of Natura Clean Scrub it onto the glass shower door with a nonabrasive sponge MULTITASK BY CLEANING RIGHT AFTER A SHOWER Clean the shower door as you re finishing up your shower The warm water has already loosened up the grime plus you don t have to worry about getting messy or wet Use a sponge or foam cleaning pad and you won t need to mess around with additional cleaning products or chemicals USE A LEMON TO CLEAN Leslie Reichert aka the Green the metal meets the shower or door and after squeegeeing Skip the vinegar if a razor carefully and gently applied can you have a stone tile shower scrape mineral spots off flat glass USE A SQUEEGEE MAKE YOUR OWN DAILY Prevention is key The best thing SHOWER SPRAY you can do is squeegee the door after Using a shower spray daily gives each use Koenig says Keep one you more time between deep cleans hanging in your shower to make it easy Make your own on the cheap and It ll help keep hard water deposits without harsh chemicals by mixing from building up so you won t have to FIND THE RIGHT 1 cup water 1 2 cup vinegar a little scrub so much later she says n TOOL FOR THE JOB Use a toothbrush for scrubbing the dish soap and 10 20 drops of your metal frame around your shower door A favorite essential oil Keep it in the 2021 Distributed by paint scraper can help get the gunk where shower and spray the glass door down Tribune Content Agency LLC Cleaning Coach offers this trick for cleaning your glass shower door Cut a lemon in half Dip one half in baking soda then rub on the glass door Once you get the glass clean I like rubbing it with a little lemon oil too she says The oil will repel the water so the soap doesn t dry on the glass they also signal that you ll be around to care for them regularly Bringing plants into your home and planting them outside is a way of literally putting down roots by Lauren Phillips W hether you ve lived in your house for years or just moved in it can be a challenge to create a home that feels authentically you Sure you and maybe your partner kids pets live there but designing a home that reflects your personal style and celebrates your favorite memories and experiences requires a little extra effort To make your house feel more like a home start with the simple changes below Small details like displaying favorite mementos and adding a house plant or two may be all it takes to bring extra personality to your space 1 INCORPORATE PHOTOS Placing photographs where they can be admired will remind your entire household of parties vacations and gatherings past To create a display that matches your home decor style try a gallery wall of black and white photos in sleek black frames or use polished brass frames for a glam effect Resist the urge to display every photo in your collection curate a few favorites for a more impactful arrangement 6 5 CHOOSE ART YOU LOVE Picking artwork that has personal meaning to you will make your house feel like a home Even a piece of kids art matted and framed can add a pop of color to a room 7 LITTLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE FEEL MORE LIKE A HOME favorite vacation shells collected from the beach and photos from a family wedding all deserve to be shown off Use a glass shadow box that can stash everything from 2 DISPLAY CHERISHED stones to ticket stubs Place MEMENTOS the box where it will spark Small souvenirs from a memories for family members and serve as a conversation personal choose an aroma piece for guests you love It might be your favorite peony scented 3 ADD A candle soothing lavender SIGNATURE SCENT essential oils dispersed in a Most houses have their diffuser or fresh eucalyptus own particular smell To left out on display Keep ensure the scent of your the scent subtle so it won t home is pleasant and overwhelm 4 INVEST IN LIVE PLANTS The difference between a house and a home is a subtle distinction that can be measured by commitment When you get house plants they not only breathe life and fresh air into the space 6 MAKE SPACE FOR YOUR INTERESTS Whether your hobby is playing guitar or doing puzzles make room for it Dedicating part of your home to your yoga practice or creating a designated painting nook will make it easier to do what you love and will give your guests a glimpse into your life and interests 7 CREATE AN INVITING ENTRANCE Styling the front door and entryway can transform the vibe of your home To make your front stoop more inviting add a welcome mat and a few potted plants Make a great first impression by keeping the entryway neat and adding a bench where everyone can pause to take off their shoes n 2021 Meredith Corporation Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC

by Jill Sieracki G orgeous wallpapers are all over Instagram but when most of us click like on those perfect pics we believe they re so beautiful that they re far out of reach You wouldn t be alone if you thought a wallpaper project was too messy or expensive to DIY And aligning those patterns or creating a straight line Sounds like a chevron print pipe dream Luckily for you companies are making pretty papers that are much more walletfriendly and accessible to DIYers If you can assemble Ikea furniture you can ace a peel and stick wallpaper project says artist author and Jungalow blogger Justina Blakeney It doesn t have to be four full walls in a crazy print says Chasing Paper founder Elizabeth Rees Start with a small project that will give you confidence to try it again Some companies including Chasing Paper offer 2 by 4foot panels so you can work in smaller sections and buy smaller amounts if you re using them in a narrow nook or utility space They re designed so each panel s pattern will seamlessly blend into the next helping you avoid the struggle to line up florals or stripes Even high end brands are making their products more user friendly York Wallcoverings now offers a water activated adhesive that lets you slide the panels into alignment then if you add more water when you re ready to redecorate each piece will easily peel off CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOOK FOR THE ROOM Choosing wallpaper is all about personal preference With the huge array of patterns colors and textures out there pinning up sample squares can help you decide what works best before you DESIGN DECOR home style HOW TO PLAN A WALLPAPER PROJECT AND PRO TIPS FOR APPLYING IT commit to buying several rolls or sheets If you have to learn to love it says interior designer Janie Molster it s probably not a good choice If you re new to wallpaper consider using it on an accent wall or in a powder room or laundry room someplace you re not spending the bulk of your time A graphic print can have a big impact on a small space so you ll get a huge bang for your literal and proverbial buck Alternatively if you re struggling with an open floor plan says Molster wallpapering one section of the large space can help define distinct living areas Add a few panels by your front door to establish an entryway or on the wall behind your dining table to create a visual boundary between your entertaining space and an open kitchen If you would prefer to do a full room but are apprehensive about going too bold with pattern opt for a subtly textured wall covering such as grass cloth It s ultraforgiving when it comes to nail holes too When you remove a nail says interior designer Jason Oliver Nixon just move the grass cloth fiber over a little bit and it should hide the hole If you love the current style of your room but want to kick up the character look into wallpaper that s the same shade as the room s most dominant color Paint companies like Farrow Ball produce their wallpaper using the colors of their paints so a transition from solid to patterned is simple recommended as the texture can compromise the integrity of the pattern But if you just have small cracks and holes from when you attempted a gallery wall there s no need to patch those Wallpaper is a great way of covering blemishes marks holes and dings says Rees Large cracks that could potentially let moisture seep in however should be repaired with spackle before papering Give the wall a coat of primer so your wallpaper has a clean surface to hang from Professional wallpaper hanger Mark Turner notes that primer is essential if you use wallpaper stripper gel otherwise your new paper will fall right off Use a 4 foot level to mark PREP THE WALL a straight horizontal edge at Before you paper assess the top of the area you re the quality of your wall papering that line will serve bumpy surfaces are not as your hanging guide Don t rely on the border between wall and ceiling because it may not actually be level Prep your paper by applying a glue or moistening it to activate the adhesive Let it sit for a few minutes then carry the strip to the wall Line the top left corner of the strip along the horizontal line at the top left corner of your wall smoothing as you go with your hand or a smoother tool an old gift card will work in a pinch If your wallpaper is more like a mural than an unending pattern start in the middle of the room so your picture is centered on the wall and work your way outward Use a sharp blade to trim any overages n 2021 Meredith Corporation Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC testimonial My wife and I recently worked with Heather Hays from the Anderson Real Estate Group as our buying agent and we couldn t be happier with how everything turned out As we were new to the area and didn t know who to go with we scoured Yelp and Zillow and set up initial meetings with two of the top rated real estate groups It wasn t much of a competition not only did we immediately click with Heather s warm and bubbly personality we also felt like we were in very good hands with the Anderson Group overall Whereas the other agency was giving us a hard time about wanting to speak with the owner Jeff was more than willing to hop on a call with us right away to allay any remaining questions and concerns we had After that it was off to the races and although our search area was fairly broad across Long Beach Los Alamitos and Seal Beach Heather did an amazing job helping us narrow down our search and hone in on what we liked and didn t like She set up as many appointments as we were able to stomach and we really enjoyed meeting her every Saturday morning for the better part of 2 months to go on tours Not once did she ever put any pressure on us to make an offer or speed things up and it wasn t long until we found our dream house It was the only house we put an offer on and with her help navigating the competitive bid process we ended up winning She then deftly steered us through the loan escrow and closing processes always being super responsive to any question we had seriously I don t think any text we ve ever sent her has gone unanswered for more than 20 minutes The best part though of working with Heather is how incredibly helpful she has been with all the other aspects of making a home move in ready From finding us a roofer a chimney repairman a plumber a general contractor and then another contractor when the first one flaked out she really goes above and beyond to make it as easy as possible to move into your new home Even 2 5 months after closing she is still helping us fix a few issues that have popped up If you re looking for an agent in the area you really can t do better than Heather and the Anderson Group We love our house and plan on staying here a long time but if we do ever need an agent again absolutely we ll be going back to Heather Thanks again Heather Jeff Torey and everyone else on the team Yelp Zach N 3 8 2021 Jeff Anderson Torey Carrick 800 784 2616 www andersonreg com info andersonreg com Anderson Real Estate Group 120 E 3rd St Suite 114 Floor 1 Mailbox 14 Long Beach CA 90802 DRE 01729514 DRE 01878277 7

LIFESTYLE cheese please L ooking for a stressfree and undeniably delicious snack for your family game night Want to surprise a special person you haven t seen in a while with a gift delivery Or do you simply want to kick grandma s recipes up a notch this year The solution is simple cheese Not just any cheese awesome cheese Cheese makes everything better That s why Josh Gentine a third generation member of the Sargento Foods legacy founded The Big Cheese Co Well that and he got his hands on some extra sharp 12 to 15 year aged Wisconsin cheddar According to Gentine cheese ages like fine wine getting sharper and more complex with each passing year He maintains his cheddar is the sharpest you ve ever tasted adding jokingly it s so sharp it has a British accent and it was so good that it was worth starting this new company With that in mind here are three tips for making this year your cheesiest ever TIP 1 SHARPEST SURPRISE Cheese is the perfect gift Cheese is our common denominator says Gentine There are only two types of people in this world people who already love cheese and people who need to try The Big Cheese With The Big Cheese blocks are sent directly to your doorstep so you can send a little love without leaving the sofa A 2 5 pound block to your foodie aunt a 5 pounder to the family of four A 40 pound behemoth sent directly to the door of 3 TIPS TO MAKE THIS THE CHEESIEST YEAR EVER your friend who s always entertaining or will be once that s safe again It s an unexpected gift that you can be confident will be enjoyed and not regifted or left to gather dust in a hallway closet and spreads Temper the salty meats with sweeter fruits like pears or apples Or keep it simple when you re looking for something quick and tasty for family movie night Simply pile up the plate the way they like it so everyone has options Pro Pointer Serve your extra sharp aged cheddar and other cheeses at room temperature When cheese is too cold its taste is muted By allowing cheese to come to room temperature you re allowing its flavors to come out and join the party TIP 2 CHARCUTERIE CHAMPION Charcuterie boards have become their own popular sub genre some would say a full fledged movement with people creating over the top picture perfect trays packed with premium deli and dairy The art of the board is all about balance in color and flavor TIP 3 SHARPEN A Put your folded reddish cuts FAMILY FAVORITE of cured meat opposite pale Family recipes that stay cheeses next to green olives or grape garnish Mix and match the same year after year can an assortment of hard and become tired or stale so add soft cheeses with tapenades a little zing with a cheesy kick The secret is the sharp cheddar Adding shreds of the zesty treat brings more complexity to dishes It s the perfect way to amp up mac and cheese bring extra creaminess to grits or polenta elevate a grilled cheese sandwich or breathe second life into leftovers like turkey melts THE BIG CHEESE MAC CHEESE 1 and 1 2 cups half and half 16 ounces cream cheese cubed 2 cups extra sharp aged cheddar from The Big Cheese coarsely grated 1 pound radiatori pasta or any fun pasta shape DIRECTIONS Bring large pot of water to a boil Once water is boiling add plenty of salt and 1 pound radiatori pasta Cook until pasta is al dente 5 10 minutes depending on type of pasta While pasta is boiling add 1 2 cup half and half to a separate large pot or saucepan and reduce about 15 minutes over low heat Once cream is reduced whisk in 16 ounces cream cheese cubes until smooth then add 2 cups of The Big Cheese Continue whisking until smooth When pasta is cooked strain and transfer to pot containing creamy cheese mixture Mix until pasta is evenly coated and serve From Jessica Slomberg NYCFoodComa n 2021 Brandpoint DIRECTIONS SERVES 4 1 Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 375 degrees Sprinkle halibut with salt and pepper set aside Add oil shallot garlic anchovies oregano and pepper flakes to a 12 inch oven safe nonstick skillet and cook over medium low heat until fragrant and shallot softens about 4 minutes 2 Stir in tomatoes and their juice olives and capers Nestle halibut into sauce and bring to a simmer over medium high heat Transfer skillet to oven and bake until fish registers 135 degrees 13 to 16 minutes 3 Using a spatula transfer halibut to a platter Stir sauce to recombine then spoon over halibut Sprinkle with parsley and drizzle with extra oil Serve Recipe notes We do not drain the canned tomatoes before adding them to the sauce One 2 ounce can of anchovies equals roughly 1 1 2 tablespoons once chopped You can substitute other types of white fish such as cod haddock and hake for the halibut if desired Serve with crusty bread 4 6 to 8 ounce skinless centercut halibut fillets 1 inch thick 1 2 teaspoon table salt 1 2 teaspoon pepper HALIBUT PUTTANESCA INGREDIENTS 1 4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling 1 shallot minced 5 garlic cloves sliced thin 1 2 ounce can anchovies drained and chopped 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2021 America s Test Kitchen Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC 8 1 14 5 ounce can diced tomatoes 1 2 cup pitted Kalamata olives 1 4 cup capers rinsed 1 4 cup fresh parsley leaves

Beautiful views abound in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado in the United States this 415 square mile stretch protects some of Colorado s most pristine wilderness Scenic drives as well as hiking trails make it easy to appreciate the park s exceptional beauty For birdwatchers butterfly seekers photographers and wildflower enthusiasts the authors suggest it s worth keeping an eye out for exclosures These are areas in the park often aspen and willow groves where tall fences impede the grazing of elk and moose The areas are accessible to visitors report the authors as long as gates are closed and care is taken to protect the rich and often recovering vegetation by Lynn O Rourke Hayes I n Secrets of the National Parks The Experts Guide to the Best Experiences Beyond the Tourist Trail National Geographic 2020 readers will learn of little known corners and experiences that await within our treasured national parks Through inspiring photos and insider tips the book tempts families to put more park visits on their future bucket lists Here are five examples THE EVERGLADES FLORIDA The river of grass is perhaps best known for its abundant wildlife most notably a plethora of alligators and colorful wading birds Fewer visitors are aware that the 2400 square miles of protected Capital Reef UT landscape is also home to relics that date back to the Cold War In the far reaches of the park you ll find a former U S Army missile site built soon after the Cuban Missile Crisis that protected South Florida from aerial attack for more than 15 years Beginning in 2009 the nowabandoned Nike Missile Site HM 69 opened for tours Visitors will learn the story of its above ground construction and visit missile sites guard dog kennels barracks and control centers during Ranger led historic district for a window onto tours Check the park website for the world of the region s early schedules and registration Mormon settlers Pioneer remnants include a one room schoolhouse a CAPITOL REEF UTAH blacksmith shop and a refurbished This lesser known gem in south homestead The property also central Utah stretches for 381 miles includes 19 orchards featuring treating visitors to geologic wonders more than 3 000 fruit laden trees similar to those found in Zion or For a fresh taste treat stop in to Arches but in a more isolated and the 1908 Gifford homestead where varied setting according to the fresh pies scones and ice cream are book s authors Visit the Fruita sold in the old kitchen GOING BEYOND THE TOURIST TRAIL Anderson Real Estate Group 120 E 3rd St Ste 114 Floor 1 Mailbox 14 Long Beach CA 90802 TRAVEL family travel five ACADIA NATIONAL PARK MAINE While the first National Park east of the Mississippi is among the system s more popular destinations the authors advise that there are still enjoyable ways to explore the coastal park sans the crowds Bike or hike along more than 45 miles of unpaved carriage roads Skip the more popular sunrise hike and take in a quiet sunset near the Blue Hill WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK SOUTH DAKOTA Visitors to this intriguing landscape have the option to discover two worlds one above ground the other below the earth s surface Under expansive skies families can explore 44 square miles of prairie and pine forest a landscape that according to park rangers is brimming with wildlife Below Wind Cave the world s seventh largest caving system is known for its rare formations particularly the grate like structure called boxwork The candlelit tour of the caves is highly recommended by the authors Reservations are required Overlook Travel to Bar Harbor by canoe at low tide Take the 1 3 mile Ship Harbor loop trail in search of tidal pools Then settle in among the pink granite ledges and observe as crabs periwinkles sea To learn more about these stars and urchins make themselves and other national parks visit known in the clear water www NPS gov n ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK COLORADO The highest elevation park 2021 Meredith Corporation Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC Jeff Anderson Torey Carrick 800 784 2616 www andersonreg com info andersonreg com 9

JUST SOLD Park Estates Modern Pool Home Sold in 7 Days 130 000 Above Asking 5576 E Oleta St Long Beach 90815 3 Bedroom 1 75 Bath 1966 SqFt living space This property is a distinct Palm Springs Contemporary Pool Home strikingly sited along serene and tree lined street with the unrivaled neighborhood of Park Estates A decade long passion project of meticulous caretakers the extensive and thorough renovations are complete and your elevating entertaining awaits With its exceptionally integrated flow and walls of glass the connection between indoors and outdoors is exquisite and the result is a So Cal fantasy Imagine a home where life is centered around your grand pool and spa your primary bedroom connects to your spa through sliding walls of glass your kitchen and dining room connect to your pool deck through an entire wall of glazing your guest bath is perfectly positioned poolside for entertaining This home exemplifies the outdoor living lifestyle Sold for 1 480 000 health insurance L ast year was a difficult year as the COVID 19 pandemic swept through our country impacting families and communities nationwide The health challenges of the pandemic also provided a crucial reminder about the importance of health care For many Americans new health plan benefits began in January If this is your situation now is the perfect time to learn how to maximize this year s health benefits which may help improve your health and possibly save money too Ann Marie O Brien R N national director of health strategies at UnitedHealthcare provides the following tips to help you take charge of your health and get the most out of your plan this year UNDERSTAND HEALTH INSURANCE CONCEPTS Review common health insurance terms like premium deductible and copay This may help you better understand your plan and how your costs are calculated Insurance plans differ depending on the providers you see and how much you pay for services Remember in network providers are contracted with your health insurer to provide services at a lower cost so consider checking whether your current health care providers are in your network before making an appointment Out of network providers may cost more and lead to higher out of pocket costs for you other incentives for working out walking signing up for an online health coaching program lowering your cholesterol or avoiding nicotine Incentive based wellness programs are designed to reward people for making healthier choices Check with your insurer or employer to see what programs are available to you TIPS TO HELP MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HEALTH PLAN health screening or flu shot Scheduling these TAKE ADVANTAGE OF appointments with your primary care doctor TELEHEALTH VISITS may help prevent health problems before they A popular health care choice especially arise during the COVID 19 pandemic has been telehealth or virtual visits which enable people to connect 24 7 with a health care CHECK YOUR BEHAVIORAL provider via a smartphone tablet or personal HEALTH COVERAGE Some insurers such as UnitedHealthcare computer They may be an easier more offer behavioral health care programs that can affordable way to talk to a doctor about range from treatment for substance use eating common health issues Log in to your health disorders anxiety and stress with a goal of plan s member portal to check availability helping to improve your overall well being For SCHEDULE PREVENTIVE SERVICES EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS FOR Be proactive by taking advantage of example an on demand emotional support WELLNESS PROGRAMS preventive services that are often covered by mobile app called Sanvello is available to help Many health plans now offer discounts and your insurance like an annual physical mental you cope with stress anxiety and depression 10 REVIEW YOUR PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE Check to see what s covered under your prescription drug plan by logging into your health plan s member portal or by calling the phone number on your ID card Your plan will show medication costs and coverage and help you locate a network pharmacy It also helps to ask about generic medication options In many cases generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts and they may save you money APPLY FOR A CHILD MEDICAL GRANT Some charitable organizations such as the UnitedHealthcare Children s Foundation UHCCF provide child medical grants to middle and low income families who don t qualify for Medicaid Families can receive up to 5 000 annually per child 10 000 lifetime maximum per child and do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible Since 2007 UHCCF has awarded more than 25 000 grants valued at over 54 million to children and their families across the United States Families can read eligibility criteria and complete an online application at www uhccf org n 2021 Brandpoint

Coloring Contest l Brought to you By Jeff Anderson Simply Snap a picture of Your Child s Finished Page and email to jeff andersonreg com Deadline for entries is May 21 2021 ARTIST S INFORMATION One winner from each age group will win a gift card Ages 7 and Under Ages 8 and Up This month s Coloring Winners will be contacted by the team NAME ______________________ AGE ______ PHONE _________________ ADDRESS ________________________________ PURCHASE AND REFINANCE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS Tony and Wendee Close 562 594 6884 closeteam clsfinancial com www clsfinancial com CLS is dedicated to simplifying the mortgage process and educating you along the way helping you gain a full understanding of all your loan options We can provide the right solutions so that you will have the confidence and comfort needed to make one of life s biggest financial decisions Jumbo Financing u Self Employed Solutions u Investment Loans Down Payment Assistance u Mortgage Insurance Removal Cash Out u Home Improvements u Debt Consolidation 11

Jeff Anderson Torey Carrick 800 784 2616 www andersonreg com info andersonreg com Anderson Real Estate Group 120 E 3rd St Ste 114 Floor 1 Mailbox 14 Long Beach CA 90802 DRE 01729514 DRE 01878277 Featured Listings from The Anderson Real Estate Group LOOKING FOR A BARGAIN If you have been looking for the perfect home at a decent price consider this beauty Priced below market it is bound to sell quickly HURRY For pricing address and other details text 1015 to 562 262 5006 HANDYMAN S DREAM All this home needs is a little TLC Underneath it s in great shape Just a little work and this house really has potential You won t believe the price In a great neighborhood too For pricing address and other details text 1014 to 562 262 5006 BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN LOFT Calling all loft enthusiasts don t miss your opportunity to own one of the largest lofts within the Temple loft building in Downtown Long Beach For pricing address and other details text 1006 to 562 262 5006 STUNNING MODERNIZED CHARMER Located in the Old Lakewood City neighborhood of Long Beach this completely renovated home feels like new All new plumbing and electrical Open floor plan A block away from Heartwell Park For pricing address and other details text 1007 to 562 262 5006 HUGE CONDO IN QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD Sprawling 3 bedroom 2 Bath condo in the Soveriegn Ark Estates community Corner unit on the top floor Close to CSULB shopping and Rec park For pricing address and other details text 1002 to 562 262 5006 TUSCAN INSPIRED HOME This lavish Tuscan Villa is located in the neighborhood of Belmont Shore Close to Bayshore the sandy beaches boat docks and the 2nd street activities For pricing address and other details text 1010 to 562 262 5006 DON T RENT BUY Large 2 Bedroom condo in La Contessa building in the neighborhood of Belmont Heights Located close to the beach and the shops dining caf and nightlife on 2nd street For pricing address and other details text 1004 to 562 262 5006 CHARMING DOWNTOWN CONDO Located in a stylish complex with underground parking and covered gardens Open floor plan with tile floors and large balcony For pricing address and other details text 1009 to 562 262 5006 GREAT STARTER HOME Your first home is waiting Try this stunning home at bargain basement price You can enjoy the wonderful features of this home without breaking the bank Let your money work for you For pricing address and other details text 1001 to 562 262 5006 Visit SocalHomePricesNow com