Case Study: 1400 E 37th — California Heights Historic Home Gets a Sprucing
Nestled in the heart of Long Beach’s California Heights historic district, this 91-year-old single-family residence was lovingly maintained and thoughtfully upgraded by its owners over their eight-year tenure. As a result, the property required only a light sprucing up—a fresh coat of neutral paint, minor cosmetic touch-ups, and decluttering—to let both its historic character and contemporary comforts shine for eager buyers. Even when the unexpected arose during an inspection, we swiftly handled it.
Quick Stats
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Single Family Home | Good square footage and room size for the area, remodeled. Smaller lot size for the area. |
| Specs | 3 beds, 2 baths, just under 1,700 sq. ft. |
| Location | Historic District of Cal Heights, Long Beach |
| Vintage Character | Immediate income stability from day Original hardwood floors, crown moldings, and period-appropriate millwork remain intact and were showcased through sensitive refresh. |
Challenges
Aging Finishes & Wear
- Lath-and-plaster walls riddled with minor cracks and scuffs
- Darker rooms in need of fresh, bright neutrals
- Outdated interior fixtures (floating shelves, heavy personal décor)
- Exterior “uglies” such as exposed conduit and utility boxes
Mid-Escrow Surprises
- Asbestos found during inspection (previously undisclosed)
- Substandard electrical work revealed
Seller Logistics
- Sellers relocated out of state while home was on the market
- No local presence for showings, inspections, or routine property checks
Solution: Relentless Execution & Investor-Focused Strategy
Prep & Cosmetic Refresh
- Engaged trusted vendors to expertly patch and repaint lath-and-plaster walls
- Selected lighter, neutral paint to brighten and unify interiors
- Removed select wall hangings and personal items to minimize distractions
- Neutralized exterior elements—camouflaging conduit and utility boxes
Swift Professional Remediation
- Upon asbestos discovery, promptly dispatched Pardee-vetted specialists to verify
- Coordinated electrical experts to bring wiring up to code
- Pardee fronted all remediation costs, ensuring no delay in escrow
White-Glove Coordination
- Managed every appointment: phone calls, vendor work orders, and inspection scheduling
- Represented absent sellers on-site for showings, open houses, and all escrow activities
- Continued property upkeep: plant watering, mail retrieval, and final walkthroughs
Results
- Competitive Market Response
Multiple offers received - Final sale price very close to asking, most importantly, delivering the net proceeds the sellers needed
- Smooth Escrow
Quick resolution of inspection contingencies thanks to proactive remediation - Minimal buyer repair requests after transparent upfront disclosures
- Buyer Satisfaction
Buyers excited to join a beloved historic neighborhood - Confidence in purchase reinforced by clearly communicated completion of asbestos and electrical work
By combining diligent prep work, swift problem-solving, and hands-on coordination, Pardee Properties delivered a polished historic home sale that exceeded expectations for both sellers and buyers.
Chloe Misisco
Lead Listing Agent For The Sale
If you’re buying or selling in LA County, run, don’t walk, to Chloe. She was absolutely incredible from start to finish, truly the kind of agent who goes above and beyond in every way. We had some prep work to do before listing our home, and Chloe not only coordinated every single detail, she and her team at Pardee Properties fronted the cost and managed the entire process seamlessly. At one of the most stressful points, she messaged me and said, “I will take care of it all.” And she meant it. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and it confirmed to me that we were in the best hands. Chloe is warm, personable, and an incredible communicator. She’s not afraid to hop on the phone to push things forward and get answers. She worked tirelessly (late nights!), showed up to appointments with her newborn in tow, and never missed a beat. She’s truly doing it all, and doing it with grace, grit, and so much heart. I work in a field adjacent to real estate, so I’ve seen a lot and I can confidently say Chloe stands out as a rare gem in this industry. We were so impressed that we’ve already referred her to sell my parents’ home.
- Seller via Zillow
