Selling the "Good Points"

“We sell Long Beach as a place with a protected, secure beach,” says Bob Maguglin, director of public relations for the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “You know, you sell the good points of what you’ve got—and in Long Beach people don’t have to worry about riptides or rough surf. But if the breakwater were ever to come down and the waves were to return, we’d sell it as a surfers’ beach.”

-the District Weekly


Prices are at their lowest in years for property in Long Beach with ocean views (Long Beach Real Estate). According to Laurie Manny, a Long Beach realtor, the Alamitos Bay High Rise Condos along Ocean Blvd are desirable condos at a low price. She feels that this is a good opportunity for people to buy these prestigous properties with incredible ocean views and upscale desirable buildings. This Long Beach community is protected by the Long Beach Breakwater where residents can enjoy calm waters and enjoy beautiful sunsets. Manny tells us that this is a 'to die for' ocean view for this upscale beach lifestyle. If these elegant buildings overlooking the Long Beach Harbor are so upscale and desirable, why is it that there are 62 luxury condos for sale as of September 29, 2007?

Granted, any beach home is desirable, but I believe that Maguglin's statement applies here. Long Beach needs to use their good points to sell their property. One way of selling this property is to use the Long Beach breakwater as a positive influence on the community, something which is protecting them and providing a calm ocean view, which is fair enough. People have known for ages that Long Beach does not have waves, and many people may have bought this property specifically for that reason. With beautiful property such as this, it is a great time to buy as Laurie Manny tells us. The next step is to begin questioning the affects the Long Beach Breakwater has on the beach community. If a small portion is reconfigured, the outflow of water will help to possibly restore waves, or at least better water quality. Long Beach is a beautiful place to live; however, calm waters and beautiful sunsets may not be enough. It is nice to have a beach with a bike path, but it is hard to want to walk across pollution and debris to get to it. Some people might enjoy watching gentle waves hit the sand. I feel that watching bigger waves is an attraction for all whether you surf or not. I would argue that most people who want ocean views not only want an ocean breeze and the ability to view beautiful sunsets, but also a clean beach, good water quality, and waves.


(photos are courtesy of Long Beach Real Estate)
The District Weekly http://thedistrictweekly.com/dwweb/?p=351
Long Beach Real Estate