Some real estate stories begin in the most unexpected ways, and this one is especially memorable. I first met my client, Chris, through a dating app. While we quickly realized that a romantic relationship wasn’t the right fit, we genuinely enjoyed each other’s company and remained good friends. About a year later, when I began my journey as a real estate agent, I reached out to everyone in my network to share the news—including Chris. When I asked if he knew anyone planning to make a real estate move, he replied with a simple but exciting answer: “Yes, me.”
Chris was renting at the time but had previously owned a duplex with his sister. After selling that property for personal reasons, he experienced the powerful benefits of homeownership—particularly the equity and financial return. He was eager to capture that opportunity again, this time with a home that aligned with his lifestyle and long-standing dream of living by the beach.
To get started, I connected Chris with a trusted lender in Long Beach. He quickly became pre-approved and explored various down payment and monthly payment options. Chris was an ideal client—an excellent communicator who knew exactly what he wanted in terms of location, amenities, and price range. This clarity made the home search both efficient and enjoyable.
Before long, we found the perfect match: a beautiful beachfront condominium just steps from the warm, sunny shores of Long Beach. Located near the Marina, the iconic Queen Mary, and the vibrant downtown area, the property offered the ideal blend of coastal living and urban convenience.
As part of my standard approach, I conducted a detailed analysis of comparable sales to determine a fair and competitive offer. I also contacted the listing agent to gain valuable insights into the seller’s motivations, flexibility on price, preferred escrow timeline, and openness to providing credits. Since this transaction occurred in mid-2023 when interest rates were relatively high, we successfully negotiated a seller credit that Chris used to buy down his interest rate, significantly reducing his monthly payment.
During the inspection period, we secured an additional credit for minor repairs, further enhancing the value of the purchase. The transaction proceeded smoothly, and escrow closed on July 17, 2023, without any issues.
Today, Chris is thoroughly enjoying his new beachfront home. Not only is he once again building equity, but he also experiences the security and fulfillment that come with homeownership—now paired with the daily luxury of coastal living.
Property Highlights
Address: 1250 E Ocean Blvd #302, Long Beach, CA 90802
Sold Price: $500,000
MLS® Number: OC23046162
Property Type: Residential Condominium
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Year Built: 1958
Living Area: 710 sq. ft.
Sold Date: July 17, 2023
Find out more from the sold listing:
Represented By
Justin Eden
Specializing in: Claremont, Pomona, La Verne, Upland, Glendora, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga
Helping Chris achieve his dream of beachfront living was incredibly rewarding. This experience highlights the importance of maintaining authentic relationships and demonstrates how thoughtful strategy, strong negotiation, and personalized guidance can turn a long-held dream into reality.