I am looking for the estimated value of a 1500 sq.ft.,2bedroom,1 bath,
with family room,no significant upgrades, clean condition single
family home in the Los Altos area of Long Beach, California in
December of 1982. This home would have sold for approximately $64,000
in 1978. I also need to know how to document this information if
neccesary.

---

Request for Question Clarification by alienintelligence-ga on 04 Aug 2002 17:12 PDT

Hi floraandfauna

I'm currently working on this question
and have enlisted the aid of a real estate
friend of mine. I will try to have an
answer for you shortly...

Why weren't nice computers around back then
to keep records ;o)

-AI

---

Clarification of Question by floraandfauna-ga on 10 Aug 2002 22:05 PDT

Hi alienintelligence
Sorry it took me so long to respond. I had to figure out how first. I
hope you are still working on my question. I really need this
information soon.I was trying to get this info from a web site
www.homepricecheck.com but if I understood their reply their records
only go back to 1987. Maybe you would have better luck with them. Your
first comment suggested old newspapers and said you could provide
suggestions for how to do this. I would welcome this help if you are
unable to find the actual answer.Thanks for your interest. Please let
me know how it is going and what other clarification would help.
Floraandfauna

Hehe, took me a while to come up with a 
good idea for this one...

What about perusing the newspapers of the
year/month you are specifying? A quick
glance at the Real Estate section should
produce your answer. 

If you like I can suggest some papers
to start with, and resources for the
archives.

-AI

Ask a real estate appraiser, they do DOD appraisals for estate
planning all the time.  Try to find one that has been working since
1980, they will have the information on file.  New appraiser will have
to access the local MLS office or the title companies.  Also start
with the title company first, they might do a search of sales for
free.