A new year is the perfect time to hit reset and think about what’s next — including where you live. Whether you’re ready to buy your first home, move up to something bigger, or downsize to simplify your lifestyle, January is a great time to begin planning a strategic move.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Lifestyle and Long-Term Goals

Before scrolling through listings or crunching numbers with a mortgage calculator, take some time to consider how your current home fits your current and future life.

• Are you craving more space for family or hobbies?
  
• Would a shorter commute or a walkable neighborhood improve your quality of life?
  
• Are you nearing retirement and looking to simplify or move to a smaller space?
  

Whether in Long Beach or other areas, many homeowners find that their needs evolve over time. At one stage in their life, you may find yourself moving from a condo to a single-family home, and years later, you may want to trade a large suburban home in Lakewood Village or Park Estates for a low-maintenance Belmont Heights bungalow or a condo along Ocean Avenue. Or you may find that you want to move to a different area altogether. Clarifying your priorities and space needs will help guide every decision that follows.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Finances

Your home goals should align with your financial picture. Review your current monthly housing expenses. If you need to sell your current home, get a market evaluation from a trusted local expert. Long Beach property values can vary widely between areas like Bixby Knolls, Los Altos, and Naples. And rather than simply relying on what the average price per square foot is in your neighborhood, before you get too far in the planning process, it’s important to get a realistic assessment of your home’s current value and how much equity you have. 

If you’re buying, start by speaking with an experienced local mortgage lender. A pre-approval not only clarifies your budget but also strengthens your position when you find the right property.

Step 3: Set a Realistic Timeline

Timing can make or break a move. Some people are able to buy their next home without selling their current home. Some homeowners prefer to sell first and rent temporarily, and others want to try to close two transactions close to the same time. That latter option requires the careful guidance of an experienced Long Beach real estate agent who understands local market trends and expected timelines. 

In Long Beach, early spring through late summer tends to be the most active time for listings, but serious buyers and sellers are successful year-round. If you begin planning now, you’ll have time to make smart updates, effectively prepare your home, and get your home on the market before inventory and competition builds later in the year.

Step 4: Make Strategic Improvements

If you’re selling, small updates can make a big difference. Focus on curb appeal, fresh paint, and light, inviting spaces. Long Beach buyers especially respond to homes that feel bright and coastal — think airy interiors and inviting outdoor spaces.

Step 5: Clarify Your Priorities in Your Next Home

If you’re buying, consider which features are worth paying a premium for and which can be added later. A home with good bones in a desirable neighborhood may offer better long-term value than one that’s been fully renovated but sits on a busy street.

Step 6: Partner with a Local Expert

The Long Beach market has its own rhythm and micro-trends. A local real estate professional can help you price strategically, identify opportunities, and navigate transitions smoothly — whether that means moving within the city or relocating out of state.

The Bottom Line:

A successful move doesn’t happen overnight — it starts with thoughtful planning. By setting clear goals, assessing your finances, and understanding the local market, you can make your next chapter in Long Beach (or beyond) one of your best yet.

While we’re no longer personally opening doors and listing homes in Long Beach, our decades of real estate experience helping buyers and sellers allowed us to develop strong relationships and connections that can help you create and execute a plan that will help you reach your real estate goals. Contact us and we’ll put you in touch with a great agent.