New Year, Now What?

There are many sayings about a new year, many resolutions, blank pages to be written.  When you're a Realtor, the page is never really blank, though, as the work doesn't stop.  The efforts made the prior year are all building to work for the next year, whether it's through referrals, lead generation, or by getting your clients ready to make or accept an offer.  It's even following up with those who closed in the past to see how you might be of service now, with resources, event information, staying in touch.

I did wipe the white board in my office clean in honor of the new year, but not until I set my 2015 goals based on my 2014 work.  And then I started to fill it up.  Which of my clients are looking to buy and which are going to sell?  What is the time frame and the price range, what leads do I have, where will I get more, who do I call, text, email or write to today, tomorrow...whom have I referred and where are they in the process, are they getting the service they should, who needs to hear from me, who is waiting for a resource or information, how may I be of service?

But, this is a blog about Long Beach and the area, as well as real estate.  Before I do too much more writing on that previously blank page, let me share some of the holiday highlights that happened while living in Long Beach this last month. 

If your new year includes buying a house or selling a house, let me know and let's add you to my office white board as a valued and active client.

 Views from a high-rise condo for sale on Ocean Blvd.  Interested in seeing it?



I listed this house, open escrow and closed it, all within 14 days in December.  Need someone who can work like that?

Christmas Eve candlelight service included singing on the steps of the church

A walk around Naples Island on Christmas Eve, or anytime during the holidays, is a must

CHILL at Queen Mary with a 6 year old is too much fun

Duffy Boats

Cruising the quiet waters of Alamitos Bay and the canals of Naples are the Duffy Boats.  Perhaps you've seen them, but didn't know what they were called.  Maybe you own one with a really clever name.  Maybe you've only heard the name and have no idea what a Duffy Boat is.

What is a Duffy boat?  They are all electric bay and lake cruisers.  They have no exhaust, only one moving part in the DC engine and they are built right here in California.  They are used in Disney's California Adventure, Marriott Resort properties and other corporate venues worldwide.

Locally you will find Duffys in Huntington Harbor, Newport Harbor and some of the inland manmade lakes, like the ones in Westlake Village and Lake Forest.  There are over 3,000 of them in Newport Beach.  In Long Beach they live in Alamitos Bay and the canals of Naples.

Many of the residents of Naples own their own Duffy and they have clever names like "Nuts & Volts", "Lotta Watta", "Amply Blessed".  You can join clubs, like the McKenna's Electric Boat Club, where you pay an annual membership fee and have use of a Duffy.  You can rent boats by the hour at Pelican Joe's Bay Boat Rentals.  An 8 passenger boat is about $65 an hour and a 12 passenger boat is around $85 an hour.  There are specials and discounts seasonally. 

 We like to rent a Duffy to show friends and family from outside the area how beautiful Long Beach is.  We'll rent or borrow one just to have a little celebration, with wine and appetizers to cruise the area.  And I rent one to show my clients appreciation by taking them on a little cruise.

Our favorite time to rent is during the Christmas season when the Naples canals are decorated with light shows and all types of holiday decorations.  It's really beautiful.  Our group has been known to sing Christmas carols while cruising and sipping on a nice hot cup of wassail.

 It's another one of my favorite things about living in Long Beach.  A Duffy Boat cruise around Christmas or a gentle cruise on a summer evening, with good friends, family or clients, enjoying the good life on Alamitos Bay.  Long Beach, it will surprise you.  If you'd like to learn more about Duffy Boats or my client appreciation program, please send me an email (katielarson@kw.com) or give me a call (562.673.5335).

Naples, Long Beach

Back in 1903, about the time Abbot Kinney was creating the canals up the coast in Venice, CA, the firm of Mayberry and Parker developed Naples in Long Beach.  It is one of my favorite areas in Long Beach, embracing the waterfront location and the easy lifestyle.

Made up of three islands in Alamitos Bay, Naples has many waterfront homes on the canals and the bay.  It's a popular spot this time of year as people walk the Rivo Alto, kayak, hydro-bike or cruise on Duffy boats through the canals to look at the holiday lights.  My husband and I walk the canals as one of our annual Christmas traditions.  From time to time we see friends who live there and stop for a chat and a glass of something.  You might find us out on the evening of the 17th this month, enjoying the light show.

The Gondola Getaway has been offering tours through Naples since 1982.  They have small gondolas for romantic twosomes and larger boats that can accommodate a brunch or pizza party.  Kayak rentals and Stand Up Paddleboards are also great ways to see the islands and beautiful homes.  Duffy boats can be rented from Pelican Joe's and McKenna's.  Watch for the tide levels as the Duffy Boats are only allowed through the canals when the tides are lower.  Any time of day or year is a wonderful time to explore this area.

There are also various swims around the island from the recently introduced Naples Island Swims to local high school water polo and swim teams doing it for training.  Occasionally you will also see seals in the canals.  If you look closely you will find Captain Morgan and Bob's Big Boy, too.

Speaking of food, if you're hungry, there are excellent restaurants on Naples:  Michaels on Naples, Naples Rib Company, Nico's Restaurant, Fora Restaurant, Russo's Neighborhood Ristorante, Naples Sushi, Michael's Pizza, Kelly's and more.  Naples Locker specializes in clothing for that nautical lifestyle, as well as related gifts.  Most of the Naples establishments are locally owned and participate in the community through donations to local charities.

Currently, 7 of the 10 most expensive homes for sale in Long Beach are in Naples.  They include beautiful views, boat docks and true luxury living.  Features of these homes include elevators, floor to ceiling windows, incredible gourmet kitchens and huge walk-in closets.  You can also find a home in Naples for under $1 million if you don't mind not having a water view.  You're never more than a block or two from the water.

This year the 67th Annual Naples Island Boat Parade, themed "Vintage Christmas" will be held Saturday, December 21th at 6:00 p.m. Streets close at 5:00 p.m., so get there early and dress warmly.

And, if you'd like to buy or sell a home in Naples or the surrounding areas, I'd be happy to help.  I'm never too busy for your referrals.

Cruising Naples canals in a Duffy boat with neighbors, December 2012