Long Beach is our home. We live here, alongside so many of the friends, family, and clients we’ve known for years. That’s why the past several weeks have been so hard to watch.
High surf from two tropical storms, one in September and another this past weekend, damaged the seawall and boardwalk on the Peninsula and affected homes along the shore. For us, this loss feels deeply personal. One of our own VB families is suffering a heavy loss, as their home was among the many severely damaged in the storm, and our hearts are with them during this incredibly difficult time, as well as everyone else who has been impacted.
These storms have raised a lot of questions about insurance, and with a strong El Niño expected this winter, it’s a good time to understand your coverage. In general, homeowners insurance covers fire, theft, and wind damage, like a roof blown off or a fallen tree. Damage from ocean water, such as waves and storm surge, is typically handled through a separate flood policy, which usually has a 30-day waiting period. Water that comes into your home through the ground is also typically not covered. If you’re on the California FAIR Plan, it’s especially important to review your coverage, since it doesn’t include water damage and only covers wind if it was added to your policy.
Some policies have also lost replacement coverage for roofs in recent years. Check for roof exclusions or the words “actual cash value,” which means your roof would be covered for its current worth rather than the full cost to replace it.
Your insurance agent is the best person to explain what applies to you. If you don’t have one or simply want to talk things through, please reach out. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and we’re always here for you.

5923 Reva St, Lakewood, CA 90713

Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom home in the heart of Lakewood! Featuring inviting curb appeal and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this home offers 1,104 square feet of comfortable living space on a 5,000-square-foot lot. Enjoy the outdoor space with a spacious side yard and backyard, perfect for relaxing or dining al fresco. For added convenience, the home includes a washer and dryer, along with a detached two-car garage featuring side-door access for easy laundry access. Located in a wonderful Lakewood community, this home is conveniently close to local schools, shopping, major freeways, and the city's many parks. With great neighbors and a desirable location, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy all that Lakewood has to offer.

Long Beach has always been a place where neighbors show up for one another.

The recent high tides and storms have been hard on parts of our coastline. To anyone dealing with the aftermath, we’re sending our support.

With more high tides on the way, here are a few ways we can prepare and look out for one another.

What are king tides?

King tides are the highest tides of the year. They happen when the moon and sun line up and pull a little harder on the ocean, bringing water a foot or two higher than a typical high tide. When they arrive alongside a strong swell or storm, low-lying areas can see flooding.

More king tides are expected this winter, typically from late fall through January. You can check exact times for your area with NOAA Tides & Currents or learn more through the California King Tides Project.

A few helpful steps

• Know your flood zone. Search your address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.

• Review your coverage. Most standard homeowners policies don’t include flood damage, even outside high-risk zones. Check in with your insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov to explore options.

• Clear drains and gutters before winter rains.

• Keep sandbags handy. Long Beach residents can pick up free sand and sandbags with ID. See locations and details.

• Take photos of your home and belongings now, just to have them.

Check on your neighbors

Some neighbors may need an extra hand, especially older residents or anyone with limited mobility. A quick knock on the door, a text, or help carrying sandbags can mean a lot. Long Beach also offers help filling sandbags at the Lifeguard Station at 72nd Place.

Stay in the loop

Sign up for Alert Long Beach, the city’s free emergency notification system, and share it with friends and family nearby.

“Let’s just list it high and see what happens.”

We hear this all the time. And on the surface, it feels like there’s no risk. You can always adjust later, right?

But the market doesn’t work that way. Buyers are watching closely. The second something feels overpriced, they hesitate. They wait. Or they move on completely.

And while that’s happening, your home is building time on market. That’s the one thing that starts to work against you. Even great homes can lose momentum if they sit too long in the beginning.

Pricing correctly from the start isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about creating demand. When you position it right, you give buyers a reason to act… and that’s when you start to see stronger offers come in.

If you want to price strategically instead of guessing, we’ll walk you through exactly how we approach it.

1118 Sandi Ln, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Gorgeous Townhome in desirable Dana Woods, Costa Mesa community. Nestled away from the street in a peaceful cul-de-sac community, this end-unit townhome offers a rare sense of privacy that's hard to find so close to the coast. With 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,044 square feet of light-filled living space, it's tucked away from through traffic and everyday noise, making it feel like a quiet retreat while still being minutes from everything. Inside, high ceilings and two skylights fill the open living and dining area with natural light, while a gas fireplace and custom built-ins add warmth and character. Rich dark wood floors run throughout the home, leading up a custom wood staircase to the upper level. The kitchen features granite countertops, a gas range, dishwasher, and stainless steel appliances, along with a downstairs half bath. Upstairs, two true primary suites offer high ceilings, recessed lighting, and private baths, providing flexibility for guests, roommates, or a home office setup. One of the suites is a private retreat of its own, complete with a walk-in closet and a private balcony perfect for catching the evening ocean breeze. Comfort is covered year-round with dual heating and air conditioning units upstairs and down, while double-paned sliding glass doors lead out to a wrap-around patio, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The home also includes a 2-car attached garage with EV charging. Life outside the front door is just as appealing. A bike path runs nearby for easy neighborhood rides, nearby parks regularly host community events, and the beach is about a mile away for sunset walks or weekend mornings by the water. Back at home, the community pool and spa offer a place to unwind without ever leaving the neighborhood. Quiet, tucked away, and close to it all, this Costa Mesa townhome offers the kind of privacy and lifestyle that's tough to come by this close to the coast.

Click here to check it out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GTfcVNFt_1E