Derrick Muska
Listing Agent in Long Beach
Listing Agent in Long Beach — Derrick Muska
I’m Derrick Muska, a licensed Broker-Associate and listing agent in Long Beach with Coldwell Banker Realty. Over 24 years I’ve completed more than 100 successful transactions across Southern California, many right here in Long Beach. The median home price in Long Beach currently sits around $875K, and well-prepared listings are selling in 20 to 30 days on average.
Why Work with a Listing Agent in Long Beach?
Long Beach is one of the most complex residential markets in all of Los Angeles County. The housing stock ranges from waterfront condos in Alamitos Beach to historic Craftsman bungalows in Bixby Knolls to mid-century ranch homes in California Heights. No two neighborhoods price the same way, and no two buyer pools respond to the same marketing strategy. That diversity is exactly why you need a listing agent in Long Beach who understands the micro-markets — not someone who covers the entire county and treats your home like every other listing in their pipeline.
Here’s what I’ve seen firsthand over two decades: pricing a home in Belmont Shore versus pricing one in Wrigley are fundamentally different exercises. Belmont Shore attracts walkability-focused buyers willing to pay a premium for proximity to Second Street and the beach. Wrigley attracts young families and first-time buyers who care about square footage and school proximity. If you price a Wrigley home using Belmont Shore comps, you’ll sit on the market. If you underprice a Belmont Shore listing because you pulled data from the wrong ZIP code, you leave money on the table. A local listing agent eliminates those mistakes before they happen. I also know which improvements deliver actual return here — Long Beach buyers expect updated kitchens and outdoor space, but they don’t necessarily pay more for a pool in a neighborhood where lots are small and maintenance costs eat into value. That kind of specific knowledge only comes from selling in these neighborhoods repeatedly.
Home Selling in Long Beach — The Process
Selling a home in Long Beach involves distinct steps that differ from other Southern California markets. Here’s exactly how I guide my clients through each phase.
- Initial home evaluation and pricing consultation. I walk through your property in person, evaluate its condition against recent comparable sales in your specific Long Beach neighborhood, and present a pricing strategy backed by real data. Pricing right from day one is the single most important factor in how quickly your home sells and for how much.
- Pre-listing preparation and repairs. Based on what I see during the walkthrough, I’ll recommend targeted improvements that deliver measurable return. In Long Beach, buyers consistently respond to refreshed landscaping, clean exterior paint, and updated hardware and fixtures. I’ll tell you what’s worth fixing and — just as importantly — what’s not worth spending money on.
- Professional staging and photography. Every listing I represent gets professional photography, and for most Long Beach homes, I recommend staging the main living areas. The majority of buyers in this market start their search online, and first impressions happen in the listing photos. Homes that photograph well generate more showings in the first week, which is when buyer interest peaks.
- MLS listing and multi-channel marketing launch. Your home goes live on the MLS and is syndicated to Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and other major platforms simultaneously. I also market through targeted social media campaigns focused on buyers actively searching in Long Beach ZIP codes. For properties in high-demand neighborhoods like Naples or Belmont Heights, I’ll often execute a pre-marketing strategy to build anticipation before the official listing date.
- Open houses and private showings. I coordinate and host open houses during peak traffic windows — typically Saturday and Sunday afternoons in Long Beach, when foot traffic from the beach and Second Street brings organic visitor flow, especially for properties south of 7th Street. Private showings are scheduled strategically to create urgency without overwhelming your schedule.
- Offer review and negotiation. When offers come in, I review every term — not just the price. Financing type, contingency timelines, appraisal gaps, and the buyer’s lender reputation all matter. In Long Beach’s competitive market, multiple-offer situations are common for well-priced homes. I walk you through each offer with full transparency and negotiate to maximize your net proceeds, not just the headline number.
- Escrow management through closing. Once we’re in contract, I manage the inspection process, coordinate with the title company, handle appraisal-related issues, and keep the transaction moving toward closing. Long Beach properties occasionally present unique title or permit issues, especially in older neighborhoods like Bixby Knolls and California Heights where additions and conversions may not have been properly permitted. I know where to look for these problems and how to resolve them before they derail a deal.
- Post-close support and transition. After closing, I remain available for questions about utility transfers, vendor recommendations, and anything else you need as you transition out of the property. My relationship with clients doesn’t end at the closing table.
Long Beach Market Snapshot
| Metric | Current Data |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$875,000 |
| Average Days on Market | 20–30 days |
| Housing Types | Beachfront condos, Craftsman bungalows, single-family homes, mid-century ranches |
| Market Condition | Competitive |
| Key Neighborhoods | Belmont Shore, Naples, Bixby Knolls, Alamitos Beach, Belmont Heights, California Heights, Wrigley |
Long Beach remains a competitive market heading into mid-2026. Homes that are properly priced and professionally marketed are moving within that 20-to-30-day window, and many desirable properties in neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and Naples are attracting multiple offers well within the first two weeks. If you’re considering listing, the current conditions favor sellers who come to market prepared — meaning the right price, strong presentation, and an experienced listing agent who understands how to position your specific property against current competition.
Areas of Expertise Within Long Beach
Belmont Shore
Belmont Shore is Long Beach's quintessential beach neighborhood. Walkability to Second Street restaurants and shops drives consistent buyer demand. Properties here range from charming duplexes and small bungalows to renovated single-family homes, and they tend to move fast when priced correctly.
Naples
Naples is one of the most unique neighborhoods in all of Southern California — a series of islands connected by walkways and canals. Homes here command premium prices, and the buyer pool is highly specific. Listing a Naples property requires marketing that speaks to lifestyle, not just square footage.
Bixby Knolls
Bixby Knolls attracts families and buyers who want character. Tree-lined streets, Spanish Colonial Revival homes, and an increasingly vibrant commercial corridor along Atlantic Avenue make this a neighborhood I've seen grow in desirability year over year.
Alamitos Beach
Alamitos Beach is popular with younger buyers, investors, and professionals who want proximity to downtown Long Beach and the waterfront. The condo market here is active, and pricing correctly means understanding HOA financials and building-specific demand.
Belmont Heights
Belmont Heights sits just north of Belmont Shore and offers slightly more space at somewhat more accessible price points. Craftsman-style homes dominate, and the neighborhood's proximity to Recreation Park adds appeal for families.
California Heights
California Heights features some of the best-preserved historic architecture in Long Beach. Buyers here value original detail — hardwood floors, built-in cabinetry, arched doorways. Listing these homes means highlighting character, not just condition.
Wrigley
Wrigley is one of the most accessible entry points into Long Beach homeownership. Starter homes and fixers attract first-time buyers and investors. I've helped numerous clients sell in Wrigley by positioning their properties to appeal to that specific buyer demographic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my home worth in Long Beach?
The value of your Long Beach home depends on your specific neighborhood, the property’s condition, lot size, and recent comparable sales within a tight radius. The median home price in Long Beach is approximately $875,000, but that number varies dramatically by area — a condo in Alamitos Beach and a single-family home in Naples are worlds apart in valuation. I provide every potential seller with a detailed comparative market analysis that uses active, pending, and recently sold listings within your immediate neighborhood. The most accurate way to find out what your home is worth is to schedule a walkthrough so I can evaluate the property’s specific features and condition against current market data.
How long do homes take to sell in Long Beach?
Homes in Long Beach are currently selling in an average of 20 to 30 days, though well-priced properties in high-demand neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and Naples frequently go under contract faster than that. The timeline depends heavily on pricing strategy, presentation quality, and the time of year you list. Overpriced homes sit longer regardless of market conditions, which is why I invest significant time in getting the initial list price right. A home that’s priced correctly from day one attracts the most attention during that critical first week on market, when buyer activity is highest.
What’s the best time to list in Long Beach?
Spring and early summer have historically been the strongest listing seasons in Long Beach, largely because families with school-age children prefer to move between school years. However, Long Beach’s mild coastal climate means the market stays relatively active year-round compared to other parts of the country. Listing in fall or winter can actually work to your advantage because there’s typically less competition from other sellers, which means your property gets more attention from serious buyers. I’ve successfully sold homes in every season over my 24 years in the business, and the “best” time to list is honestly when your property is fully prepared and priced correctly.
What percentage does a listing agent charge in Long Beach?
Listing agent commissions in Long Beach are negotiable and are always agreed upon before your home goes on the market. The total commission structure typically covers both the listing side and the buyer’s agent side, and the specifics depend on the services provided and the marketing investment required. I’m transparent about fees from the very first conversation — there are never hidden costs or surprise charges. When evaluating commission, I encourage sellers to think about net proceeds, not just the percentage. An experienced listing agent who prices your home correctly and negotiates effectively will almost always net you more money, even after commission, than trying to sell on your own or going with a discount service.
Do I need to stage my home before listing in Long Beach?
Staging is not technically required, but I strongly recommend it for almost every listing in Long Beach. Professionally staged homes consistently sell faster and for higher prices because staging helps buyers visualize themselves living in the space. In Long Beach specifically, where the housing stock varies so widely — from compact beach condos to spacious Craftsman homes — staging helps define the function of each room and highlights the property’s best features. I work with local staging professionals who understand what Long Beach buyers respond to, and I’ll advise you on whether full staging, partial staging, or virtual staging is the right investment for your specific property.
What happens if my Long Beach home doesn’t sell?
If your home isn’t generating showings or offers within the first two to three weeks, that’s a clear signal that something needs to change — usually the price, the presentation, or both. I monitor showing activity, online engagement metrics, and buyer feedback continuously so we can make data-driven adjustments quickly. In my experience, the most common reason a Long Beach home sits is overpricing, and I’ll have an honest conversation with you about repositioning if that’s what the data shows. My goal is never to just list your home — it’s to sell your home, and I proactively manage the process to make sure that happens.
Should I make repairs before listing my home in Long Beach?
Strategic repairs can significantly impact your sale price and timeline, but not every repair is worth the investment. I recommend focusing on issues that will show up during a buyer’s inspection and cause negotiation headaches — things like outdated electrical panels, plumbing issues, and roof repairs. In Long Beach’s older neighborhoods like California Heights and Bixby Knolls, homes built in the 1920s through 1940s sometimes have deferred maintenance that buyers and inspectors will flag. I’ll walk through your property and identify which repairs will deliver a return and which ones you can skip. Cosmetic updates like fresh paint in neutral tones and updated light fixtures tend to offer the best return relative to cost.
Can I sell my Long Beach home while still living in it?
Absolutely — the majority of my listing clients in Long Beach are living in their homes during the sale process. I coordinate showing schedules to minimize disruption, typically consolidating showings into specific time blocks so you’re not constantly leaving the property. I also provide specific guidance on how to maintain showing-ready condition without turning your daily life upside down. The key is having a plan: I’ll give you a pre-showing checklist, recommend secure storage for personal valuables during open houses, and manage all communication with buyer’s agents so you’re not fielding random calls or texts.
Ready to Sell in Long Beach?
If you’re thinking about selling your Long Beach home, I’d like to earn your business with a no-obligation pricing consultation. I’ll walk your property, review the comps, and give you a straightforward assessment of what your home is worth and how I’d market it. No pressure, no fluff — just honest guidance from a listing agent in Long Beach who’s been doing this for 24 years. Call me directly at (562) 714-7676 or reach me through my Google Business Profile. Let’s get your home sold.