Andi Grant's Blog - Everyday Real Estate with a Twist

 No Man Left Behind...Unless Your With the Queen Mary - Part 3 of 3

The Highs and Woes of War

The Queen Mary currently berthed in Long Beach CA is beautiful, intimidating and quite frankly overwhelming to see in person.  She is known mostly for being the iconic symbol for the city of Long Beach, however she is so much more.  There is a soul to her, souls should others tell it.

As tourists take photos pointing at her in awe, most are not aware of the WWII battle scars that lie beneath her shiny coats of black, red and white. 

While men and women revelled along her shiny decks in the late 30's, Hitler was amassing an army, growing stronger and closing in on a section of the world. 

It was in 1940 that America was to learn that even queens couldn't avoid the military draft.  The Queen Mary, along with her sister ship Queen Elizabeth, were asked to take off their crowns, put on their fatigues and join the Allied Forces in WWII.

Scarlett O'Hara of the Seas

Now painted gray and nicknamed "The Grey Ghost" The Queen Mary was cloaked beauty in rags, no reminders of her former glory; portholes painted over gray, bunks added for troops and her primary mission to serve and survive the war. 

Big Boat Takes Little Boat

The Queen Mary as the "Grey Ghost" had many victorious WWII runs and her name became well known among the military ranks and enemies.  A phantom ship, able to pickup and drop-off troops and disappear; her speed no match for the enemy boats she easily outsailed at 28+ knots.  It was said that Hitler offered a $250,000 reward* to anyone that could take her down.  She wasn't without tragedy however.  During one particular run while performing the recommended zig-zag maneuvers to avoid U-boat attacks, insufficient clearance caused one of the smaller cruisers the HMS Curacoa,** to be placed directly in the path of the Queen Mary.  The Queen Mary, plowed directly into the Curacoa, cutting her in half and sinking her.  Under the strictest of wartime sailing orders, she steamed ahead.  During later rescue operations, only 99 of the 300+ men had survived.

The Spirits Have a Name

In present time, the Curacoa tragedy has since become part of the entertaining paranormal tour now currently being held aboard the Queen Mary today.  It is said that the men who were left behind to drown are heard knocking and crying in Bosun's Locker, the area of the hull that sliced the Curacoa.  This group of men had names, had a story to tell and now according to some, are still trying to tell that story. 

Part 1 of 3:  Queen Mary in Long Beach - Tourist Attraction, Museum, Hotel and Haunted Ship 

Part 2 of 3:  Mary Still Cries in the Night:  The Haunting of the Queen Mary

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*Lostliners.com "Queen Mary, The Gray Ghost"; ** uboat.net

Queen Mary operating as the Gray Ghost arrives in NY 6/20/45 Copyright public domain; Convoy photo 9/04/41 courtesy of Wikipedia Commons Copyright public domain

Mary Still Cries in the Night:  The Haunting of the Queen Mary - Part 2 of 3

Legend has it that there is a haunting aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach!  The Queen Mary, also known by her war name as the "Grey Ghost," is considered by paranormal enthusiasts to be one of the top six haunted places to go and depending on what you've read, said to have over 600 spirits* still wandering her halls today (apparently  someone is counting).  It's no wonder that thousands of amateur and seasoned ghost hunters flock to board her for an eerie visit or overnight stay in the hopes of experiencing some of the unexplained phenomena. 

Unlike other "ghost ships" such as the "Titanic," the "Flying Dutchman", the "Mary Celeste," and Blackbeard's Pirate Ship, the Queen Mary is one of the last pre-war oceanliners and "haunted" ships that is still easily accessible to the public today.

WHY DOST THOU WEEP?

From the Queen Mary's maiden voyage in 1936 until her last voyage in the late 60's, there reportedly have been hundreds of deaths related to her; explained and unexplained, accidental drownings to suspected murders, with the largest number of deaths occuring during her wartime, most notably in a single voyage.  Two drownings in particular have gotten a lot of attention as the victims have been said to appear from time to time.  According to visitors, psychics and ship personnel, the most vocal and attention seeking of the two is that of a little girl named Jackie,** said to have been seen and heard at all times of the night near and around the pool area of her demise; preceded or followed by splashing sounds and wet footprints randomly appearing leading from the pool area.   

During the 13 "Bride and Baby" Voyages,* the Queen Mary passengered over 22,000 war brides and their children.  Playing, crying and laughing kids are said to be heard in the wee hours of the night in the empty rooms where the children are said to have played.   

KEEP ON A KNOCKIN' BUT YOU CAN'T COME IN

One of eeriest and saddest of tragedies to occur as a direct result of the Queen Mary to date, was the mass drowning of several hundred American troops during WWII maneuvers.  During evasive zig-zagging courses to avoid enemy fire, a small escort ship, the HMS Curacoa, was accidentally struck by the much larger "Grey Ghost," splitting the much smaller vessel completely in two.  Due to strict military orders not to stop under any circumstances for fear of U-boat attacks, the Queen Mary had no choice but to leave hundreds of drowning men behind before rescue operations could later save less than a hundred of them.  Many passengers, ship personnel and visitors are said to have heard and recorded unexplained pounding, tapping and knocking on metal in the area known as the "Bosun's Locker," the same area of the hull that split the Curacoa in half.

"THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS GHOSTS!" 

Is the Queen Mary's alter-ego the "Grey Ghost" taking over her?  Could she be the "Blair Witch of the Sea?"  Whether you believe in ghosts or not, something is happening aboard the Queen Mary. Whether it is fabricated, imagined or not remains to be seen as thousands of amateur ghost adventurers, professional paranormal investigators and seasoned ghost hunters take to the Queen Mary "haunted" corridors again and again.   

QUEEN MARY DAY TOURS

QUEEN MARY NIGHT/EVENING TOURS

• Dining with the Spirits - Dinner and late-night guided tour of what is said to be the ship's most active paranormal areas. Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. (1 hour dining, and 2 hour shipwalk)
• Paranormal Investigation - become part scientist and ghost hunter by joining a paranormal investigator on an hunt using ghost hunting tools and tricks in the hopes of communicating with the Queen Mary's reported spirits.  Fridays at Midnight (2 hours)
• Paranormal Ship Walk - After hours tour of the reported haunted locations.  Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays at 8:00 pm (2 hours)
• Twilight Historical Tour - A Twilight "Behind-the-Scenes" tour as you learn of the ships history from past to present. Thursdays through Sundays at 6:45 pm (1 hour)

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FULL SERIES:  

Part 1 of 3:  Queen Mary in Long Beach - Tourist Attraction, Museum, Hotel and Haunted Ship 

Part 3 of 3:   No Man Left Behind...Unless You're With the Queen Mary:  The Highs and Woes of War

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Ship photos are property of AndiGrant.com and are not to be used without express written permission by Andi Grant.  All rights reserved. 

Footprints and hand in the fog photos courtesy of Creative Commons:

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.

sources: *Legends of America ; ** Fabulous Travel.com

Queen Mary in Long Beach - Tourist Attraction, Museum, Hotel and Haunted Ship - Part 1 of 3

"The Many Faces of our Queen"

For decades now, the Queen Mary, a retired oceanliner, has graced her subjects in the harbor of Long Beach, CA becoming one of the city's most recognized and iconic symbols.  During her reign, she has worn many crowns and faces.  From her first maiden voyage in 1936 as a grand oceanliner to the affluent, to WWII troop carrier during her patriotic stint in the early 40's, and most recently her current status as tourist attraction, museum, hotel and rumored haunted ship. 

Museum and Tourist Attraction

The Queen Mary once passengered Hollywood types such as Bob Hope* Fred Astaire, Winston Churchill,** Clark Gable,† to European royalty such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.‡  Today the Queen Mary draws thousands of tourists each year‡‡ to experience one of her 12 daily tours offered, ranging from historic architecture and art deco appreciation, to wartime service and the very popular paranormal tours based on the mystery and intrigue that still surrounds the ship to this day. 

QUEEN MARY DAY TOURS

Haunted Encounters Tour - 1 hour - Take a guided ghost tour of the areas described as having the most reported disturbances and sightings (1 hour)

QUEEN MARY NIGHT/EVENING TOURS

• Dining with the Spirits - Dinner and late-night guided tour of what is said to be the ship's most active paranormal areas. Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. (1 hour dining, and 2 hour shipwalk)
• Paranormal Investigation - become part scientist and ghost hunter by joining a paranormal investigator on an hunt using ghost hunting tools and tricks in the hopes of communicating with the Queen Mary's reported spirits.  Fridays at Midnight (2 hours)
• Paranormal Ship Walk - After hours tour of the reported haunted locations.  Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays at 8:00 pm (2 hours)
• Twilight Historical Tour - A Twilight "Behind-the-Scenes" tour as you learn of the ships history from past to present. Thursdays through Sundays at 6:45 pm (1 hour)

QUEEN MARY HOTEL:

Built in the 1930s and still retaining a vast majority of her original features, one can't help but feel themselves transported to another time and place when staying at the Hotel Queen Mary.  The ship features 315 original guest quarters, 309 staterooms and 9 full suites. Although historic in nature, there have been modern touches and conveniences added that haven't compromised the integrity of this grand ship, such as flat panel televisions, ipod docking stations, telephones, high speed wireless internet, satellite television and so much more.  Modern services and amenities such as a spa, business center, top rated restaurants and bars will help to round out your stay.

The Queen Mary wears many crowns: tourist attraction, museum, hotel and rumored haunted ship.  The City of Long Beach is honored to have all of her split personalities berthed along our shores.  For more information:

• Queen Mary Hotel  Rates and Reservations and Specials: 
• Queen Mary Map and Directions
• Queen Mary's Website's Visitor Tips 

***

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FULL SERIES:  

Part 2 of 3:  Mary Still Cries in the Night:  The Haunting of the Queen

Part 3 of 3:   No Man Left Behind...Unless You're With the Queen Mary:  The Highs and Woes of War

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Photos are express property of AndiGrant.com and are not to be used without prior written permission.  All Rights Reserved.

* msnbc, **The Launch of the Queen Mary †Jestsetters Magazine ‡gocalifornia.com, ‡‡inetours.com

Dog Parks and Dog Beaches in Long Beach, CA - A Dog's Vacation! 

Are you the proud owner of a Long Beach dog that is bored and tired of the same routine?  Is it the same trip around the block, day after day, week after week, mostly consisting of him/her sitting there while you yack to neighbors about the latest thing little Timmy or Rebecca did? Why not try one of the many Long Beach Dog Parks or Beaches?

Like humans, dogs need socialization, interaction, mental and physical stimulation.  It's because of this, Long Beach has gone to the dogs!  There are now 5 designated dog zones consisting of four dog parks and a dog beach in the city of Long Beach!  Your dog can frolic, play, meet new friends while at the same time, releasing the day's stress of not being able to catch the mailman, paper route boy or the squirrel that taunts him/her relentlessly. 

DOG BEACH IN LONG BEACH, CA:  

Rosie's Dog Beach (formerly known as Long Beach Dog Beach or Dog Zone) located on beach between Roycroft and Argonne.

DOG PARKS IN LONG BEACH, CA: 

Downtown Dog Park in Long Beach located at Broadway and Pacific
K9 Corner Dog Park in Long Beach located at 9th & Pacific
Uptown Dog Park in Long Beach at 4600 Long Beach Blvd. (Scherer Park)
Recreation Dog Park in Long Beach at 5201 E. 7th street 

According to the City of Long Beach website, the Long Beach Dog Park and Dog Beach Zone users must comply with the following posted rules for the safety of everyone and every dog.

• NO AGGRESSIVE DOGS
• Only 1 dog per adult is permitted
• Each dog must be under the control of an adult.
• The dog must be under visual and voice control at all times.
• Pick up after your dog and dispose of waste in provided containers.

  

• Dogs must be older than 4 months, vaccinated and licensed.
• Puppies younger than 4 months are not permitted for their and other dogs' protection.
• Owners must have a leash. Dogs shall be on leashes whenever outside Dog Park/Zones.
• Dog owners are legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog.
• Professional dog trainers/handlers are not permitted to use the facility for instruction.
• No female dogs in heat.
• All dogs must wear a collar with current tags.
• No spiked collars; they can hurt other dogs.
• No food - human or dog - of any kind.
• Owners shall provide drinking water for their dogs as needed.
• Children must be supervised by adults.
• Children are not permitted to excite or antagonize dogs.

LONG BEACH HOMES FOR SALE

If you are interested in purchasing a home in this pet-friendly city, do not hesitate to call Andi Grant, Realtor® at 310-508-4354

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Windy dog and frisbee park photos are licensed works under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.  Sunset and Silhouette man and dogs photo by AndiGrant.com - All rights reserved.

Villa Riviera Condos for Sale at 800 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA

The 1928 Villa Riviera is the very elegant French and Italian Renaissance style oceanfront condo building that can hardly be missed when driving down Ocean Blvd. Your eyes are automatically drawn to the Villa Riviera's Tudor Gothic architecture and upon closer scrutiny, you'll notice gargoyles perched on the highest floor "guarding" the building from a bird's eye view.  With the Villa Riviera Condos offering luxury oceanfront hotel style appointed amenities, there isn't a rival to it in all of Long Beach. As of 8/30/10 here are the current active Villa Riviera condos for sale!   Call me for your next showing appointment at 310-508-4354.

 800 E Ocean Blvd 1208,  Long Beach,  CALIFORNIA 90802Price: $179,000 The Historic Villa Riviera studio with city views, hardwood floors, bay window, coved ceilings and d ... View Details Save Property MLS#: P748217 MLS: CARETS Bathrooms: 1 Square Ft.: 580     

 800 E Ocean Blvd 902,  Long Beach,  CALIFORNIA 90802Price: $382,500 Sophistication plus in the Historic Villa Riviera a special unit that offers Oean, Marina and City ... View Details View Photo Gallery (29) Save Property MLS#: P745256 MLS: CARETS Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Square Ft.: 868

 800 E Ocean Blvd 804,  Long Beach,  CALIFORNIA 90802Price: $499,000 Stunning, Historic, Hybrid Condo with MILLS ACT (HUGE TAX REDUCTIONS). This Gorgeous unit spans almo ... View Details View Photo Gallery (23) Save Property MLS#: P743603 MLS: CARETS Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Ft.: 1281

 FOR ALL LONG BEACH HOMES FOR SALE

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photos courtesy of SoCal MLS and  
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Virginia Country Club, Los Cerritos Home for Sale - Realtor® Pick of the Week

Although I've seen plenty of great Virginia Country Club Homes for sale in Long Beach, there are times when I just have to stop and take a pause.  It can be something as simple as great curb appeal, a color choice or finish, maybe even the achitecture, or use of floorplan inside that moves me.  I'd have to say this Virginia Country Club home got it right on many levels.  It doesn't hurt that the style of home is Spanish Colonial, one of my favorites.   

1932 Villa in the heart of Los Cerritos, Virginia Country Club in Long Beach

PICK OF THE WEEK - DETAILS HERE!
 

Price: $899,900 Stunning, classic and incomparable are words not too strong when defining this masterfully renovated ... View Details  View Photo Gallery (30) Save Property Virtual Tour MLS#: P745342 MLS: CARETS Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 Partial Baths: 1 Square Ft.: 2410  Listing courtesy of Neal Thompson from Coldwell Banker Coast Alliance.

If you would like to schedule an appontment to see this beautiful home, or one of the many beautiful homes for sale in Virginia Country Club, Los Cerritos Long Beach do not hesiate to Andi Grant, Realtor® at 310-508-4354.

AUBRY AT ALAMITOS RIDGE BY LENNAR HOMES - Saving Green by Going Green!

Looking for brand new homes for sale in historically-rich Long Beach has always been a challenge to home buyers until now!  Aubry at Alamitos Ridge by Lennar Homes is the new gated community in Long Beach locatd at 3363 View Ridge Dr. that is offering one of the first green-friendly, solar efficient home communities in Long Beach CA; combining energy efficiency with style!

THE POWERSMART™ BUY

I recently spoke with Joel Spinosi, one of the friendly sales consultants for Aubry, and we discussed the many standard features that come with the various residential purchases.  But it was our discussion on the PowerSmart™ Features of the homes of Aubry at Alamitos Ridge that were of special interest to me.  According to Joel and the Lennar website, although PowerSmart features may vary per community, floorplan and home, the following are just some of the preliminary features one can expect when purchasing one of Lennar's Powersmart™ Solar Homes:

• Solar electric system
• Tankless water heaters
• Quality insulation installation
• HVAC tight duct testing
• Seven-day programmable electronic thermostat
• Full exterior door weather stripping
• Water conserving toilets, faucets and shower heads
• Energy efficient fluorescent lighting (select locations)
• Energy Star® qualified dishwasher
• Recycled floor covering options available through the design center
• Low VOC interior paint
• Prewired for ceiling fans (select locations)
• Insulated air ducts

Good home buying decisions should include choices that save money before the purchase (see below articles) and afterwards.  Saving green by going green is simple.   Aubry of Alamitos Ridge is smack dab in the heart of sunny Southern California!  When choosing the option to live in the solar powered home, the more sun, the more sun power, the more likely the savings as the sunlight is converted into electricity for household use!  Lennar Homes, Aubry at Alamitos Ridge will change the face of inexpensive green friendly living in Long Beach, CA for years to come!

See related articles:

I Don't Need an Agent Because I'm Buying a New Home from a Builder (a tough lesson to new home homebuyers)

What to Ask Your Builder

New Homes Sales Rip-off fees

SunPower For New Homes

To register your first visit with Lennar Homes Aubry at Alamitos Ridge, do not hesitate to call me at 310-508-4354.

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Money photo courtesy of Creative Commons 

"I don't need an agent because I'm buying a new home from a builder"

It never ceases to amaze me, how many NEW HOME HOMEBUYERS WILL GIVE UP ALL OF THEIR LEVERAGE TO HOMEBUILDERS when it comes to purchasing a brand new home. The home buyer will use the SELLER'S sales consultant/agent and the SELLER'S title co and SELLER'S lender to contract the deal. Where in that threesome is the unbiased BUYER representation?

The buyer has always had a choice to use his/her own Realtor® (at no cost to buyer, seller pays fees) and shop for a lender that will offer the best rates, points and fees, etc. But yet and still, many homebuyers choose to go it alone, because in most cases, the home builder is dangling closing costs (a whopping $6000 - 8000?) and other blingy "right now" incentives in front of them for going with the seller's preferred agents and lenders, possibly costing them well over that over the life of their loan and in some cases after the home buyer has sold and moved on.

God Bless Nevin Williams for the article!  I couldn't have said it better myself! 

LENNAR HOMES, Aubry at Alamitos Ridge Long Beach - Grand Opening! 

LENNAR HOMES, Aubry at Alamitos Ridge are finally here!  You've probably been keeping a watchful eye on the new homes for sale going up just off of Redondo Ave.  This weekend August 28, 2010 Lennar Homes Long Beach is having an Aubry at Alamitos Ridge grand models opening August 28, 2010 BBQ party from 11:30am - 3:00pm featuring food and LIVE entertaiment!  

This gated community of beautiful Bungalow, Spanish Colonial and Prairie style detached condominium homes, feature floor plans of 3 - 4 bedrooms with approximately 2055 - 2452 sq. ft. 

Standard Features include: 

• Slab Granite Countertops
• Profile Appliances
• Kitchen Islands
• Interior Laundry Rooms
• Romantic Master Suites
• Front Yard Landscaping Included in Purchase
• Lofts, Great Rooms and Family Rooms (varies by residence)
• Greenbelt or Park view (varies by home location within community - pre-sale stake your claim now!)
• Very Low HOA's

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

The best feature that Lennar Homes, Aubry at Alamitos Ridge has to offer is it's fantastic location!  

• Just minutes away and down the hill from several great beaches
• Centrally located near Pacific Coast Highway, 405, 710 and 605 freeways
• Close proximity to the Long Beach Airport, Belmont Shore, Cal State Long Beach, Naples, Aquarium of the Pacific, The Pike, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Village,  Long Beach Convention Center; Carnival, Catalina and harbor cruise launches
• Within a short drive or bike ride from award winning dining, shopping and entertainment
• Weekly, monthly and annual events in Long Beach

WAIT!

BEFORE YOU REGISTER IN THE FRONT OFFICE be sure to have a trusted Realtor® register you on your FIRST visit, to work with you during the entire home buying process.  Why? Check the following list of Questions Every Home Buyer Should Ask a New Home Builder before purchasing a new home for sale or new home constuction.  Those listed are just a few of the questions that need to be asked prior to signing a contract. Did you know some home builders are including in their contacts a 1% fee to be paid to them every time the house is sold for up to 99 years?  It is my job as an experienced Realtor® to make sure that you not only have unbiased representation (model home sales office consultants, as friendly as they are, work primarily for the seller and builder), but that you also go into this with eyes wide open!  Lennar Homes, Aubry at Alamitos Ridge is fully cooperating with brokers and buyer's agents, but only if buyers have registered with their agents. Call me at 310-508-4354 and I'll be happy to work with you during this exciting process!

CALL A REALTOR® TODAY TO SEE THE ATTRACTIVE NEW LENNAR HOMES, AUBRY AT ALAMITOS RIDGE CALL ME AT 310-508-4354! 

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DID YOU KNOW:  A Realtor® works for the buyer for FREE!   Agent compensation is paid by seller alone. Why not have an advocate on your side; A Realtor® that will work hard for you, assisting and answering the many questions you will have during the home buying process?

The below article by colleague and one of my preferred lenders Nevin Williams, couldn't have been timed any better! 

As some buyers set their eyes on the new and beautiful Lennar Homes, Aubry at Alamitos Ridge homes for sale in Long Beach, buyers need to be made aware of some of the possible pitfalls of obtaining a certain type of loan when it comes to buying newly constructed homes.  First and foremost, buyers need to make sure they obtain unbias representation for themselves by using a good Realtor® before registering or signing any contracts with the builder!  It is a free service to buyers and a cost to seller alone.  REMEMBER BUYERS, THE SALES CONSULTANT IN THE AIR-CONDITIONED OFFICE NEXT TO THE MODEL HOMES WORKS FOR THE SELLER AND BUILDER!  When using their lender to get a few thousands towards closing costs, make sure you have someone on your side who has access to those who can read the fine print, ensuring that you are getting the best possible rate and that you aren't going to pay for the house over and over again.