US Government’s Grand Lighthouse Giveaway: Your Chance to Own a Historic Maritime Monument for as Low as $10,000!

Lighthouse Lofts — Living in a Shining Light

REAL ESTATE NEWS — Looking for a property with astoundingly rare character and an unmatched ocean view? The General Services Administration (GSA) of the United States plans to sell four lighthouses through public auctions and give away six others to nonprofits and government entities. This comes as lighthouses, once crucial for navigation, have become redundant due to advances in technology like GPS.

The four lighthouses for sale are the Stratford Shoal Middle Ground Light Station (starting bid $10,000), Penfield Reef Lighthouse (starting bid $50,000), Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Light ($25,000 starting bid), and Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light ($10,000 starting bid).

The six lighthouses that are to be given away to nonprofits and government entities include the Lynde Point Lighthouse, Nobska Lighthouse, Plymouth/Gurnet Lighthouse, Warwick Neck Lighthouse, Little Mark Island Monument, and Erie Harbor North Pier Lighthouse. These entities are required to maintain the historic structures and eventually make them accessible for public use in education, recreation, or cultural preservation.

If no organization applies or is approved for ownership, these lighthouses will also be put up for auction. Past auction sales have ranged from $10,000 to $933,888. Since the passage of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act in 2000, over 150 lighthouses have been saved, with around 70 sold at auction, generating more than $10 million for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Prospective owners should be prepared for renovation costs. Total refurbishments could run into the thousands of dollars, including painting, cleaning, restoring broken items, or installing utilities to make the lighthouses livable.

On Top of the World

A lighthouse home is nothing short of a marvel, imbued with an undeniable mystique that is only accentuated by its grand architectural design. Majestically perched on the edge of the world, a lighthouse is a beacon of light in the face of the formidable ocean, its very existence epitomizing resilience and steadfastness.

The structure is typically tall and cylindrical, which adds a compelling aspect to its architecture. This vertical form not only provides sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding seascape and landscape, but also presents unique spatial opportunities inside, where rooms often ascend like a spiraling sequence of seashells.

The most awe-inspiring feature of a light house home is undoubtedly the light room or the lantern room, often capped by a distinctive dome. This is a space of glass and gleam, where the world outside seems close enough to touch, yet is held at a spectacular vantage point.

Windows are a crucial part of lighthouse design, often taking the form of long vertical slits that accentuate the building’s height. These narrow, lofty windows do more than just let in natural light; they create a series of dramatic, moving sunlight patterns within the interior throughout the day.

Interior spaces within lighthouses are typically characterized by their circular form and high ceilings, which creates a unique ambiance. In some cases, a central spiral staircase leads from one level to the next, lending an element of drama and anticipation as one ascends to the higher levels.

The outer walls of a lighthouse home are frequently constructed from robust, weather-resistant materials like stone or brick, which contribute to the structure’s iconic sturdy appearance. Often painted in bold, contrasting stripes or distinctive colors, these towers stand out against the surrounding landscape, creating a striking visual impact.

Overall, the character of a lighthouse home, along with its dramatic architectural traits, imbues it with a sense of awe, history, and romanticism. It is a unique living space that merges functionality with a timeless aesthetic appeal, evoking a sense of wonder and reverence for the forces of nature it was designed to weather.

What’s it like to live in a lighthouse? 

In the shared experience of this sailing family, residing in a lighthouse home presented an experience both distinctive and thrilling, although it wasn’t without a sense of solitude given the typically isolated location of such a structure. | VIDEO

The family found that the lighthouse was prone to unusual sounds, particularly when the temperatures fluctuated, which created an almost spooky atmosphere. The rumors of apparitions added an extra layer of mystery to their surroundings.

Their adventurous spirit was piqued as they navigated through the lighthouse, unveiling secret rooms and a captivating history linked to its past inhabitants. This exploration contributed a fascinating dimension to their stay.

The family appreciated the ample space and varied rooms in the lighthouse. The lighthouse seemed to provide a stage for shared experiences, be it group sleepovers or individual escapades.

One of the highlights of their lighthouse living experience was the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding environment, filled with crystal clear waters, verdant greenery, and intriguing rock formations. It was apparent to them that the expansive view from the lighthouse was a magnificent perk, especially for those who cherish the natural world.

However, the family noted that the sheer size and secluded location of the lighthouse might induce a sense of loneliness. Despite this, their overall experience of residing in a lighthouse home was captivating and memorable, offering a unique blend of adventure, enigma, and natural grandeur.

California Favorites

Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque maritime landmarks on the California coast. Located in Pescadero, between Santa Cruz and San Francisco, the lighthouse was built in 1871 to guide ships on the Pacific coast.

Named after the ship “Carrier Pigeon” that wrecked here in 1853, Pigeon Point is the tallest lighthouse (tied with Point Arena Light) on the West Coast of the United States, standing 115 feet tall. The white masonry tower resembles the typical New England structure.

Originally, the tower was equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens made up of 1,008 separate prisms. It was first lit at sunset, November 15, 1872. The lens was automated in 1972 and is no longer in use.

The lighthouse is currently part of Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, which is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The grounds are open to the public, and the coastal area surrounding the lighthouse is rich with sea life, offering a great spot for tide pooling. You can also spot whales and seals in the area.

One of the unique features of Pigeon Point is the hostel that’s housed in the old lighthouse keepers’ quarters. This gives visitors a rare opportunity to stay overnight at a lighthouse. The hostel, operated by Hostelling International, offers both shared and private rooms and features a hot tub, from which you can potentially enjoy some incredible views.

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel is currently open and accepting reservations.

More notable light houses:

  1. Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California, USA: This lighthouse hosts a hostel, making it a unique place to stay. The area surrounding the lighthouse is renowned for its natural beauty, with opportunities to see whales, seals, and other wildlife.
  2. Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon, USA: Heceta Head Lighthouse is noted for its bed and breakfast, which is considered one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world. The lighthouse itself is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
  3. East Brother Light Station, California, USA: This lighthouse has been turned into a bed and breakfast, providing a unique opportunity for an overnight stay. The Victorian-style inn provides a historical charm and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
  4. Lighthouse of Svörtuloft, Iceland: For those who love isolation and raw, dramatic nature, this lighthouse converted into a residence is located in the remote Snæfellsnes peninsula. The views of the Northern Lights are extraordinary.
  5. St. Mary’s Lighthouse, UK: This lighthouse located on a tidal island isn’t a residence but offers a unique experience to visitors with a surrounding nature reserve and a Visitor’s Centre.
  6. Start Point Lighthouse, UK: An operational lighthouse, Start Point offers accommodation in the Light Keeper’s Cottage, which is located within the lighthouse complex.

While Los Angeles does not currently have a grand inventory of light house homes, it does offer a selection of converted historic office buildings, industrial warehouse structures and homes with Request a free list of homes with amazing character. Fill out the online form:

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Let Your Light Shine: Live inside a lighthouse!

Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and photos created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.

How to Spot a Fake Property Rental Listing

ASK COREY

Inquiry about listing

Q: Hi, Corey: I found this privately owned house on Craigslist, but it appears too good to be true and I worry that it’s a scam. The Craigslist ad (https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/apa/d/los-angeles-bedroom-bath-full-house-in/7626404699.html) leads to a Google form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEoa8rrNWLDirWigK2FoyXVXeCoubcWFxR5VVNq_X1LlXdAg/viewform) that appears innocuous but I have read a lot about people getting scammed on rental websites. The house is also listed on Zillow (https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3219-Darwin-Ave-Los-Angeles-CA-90031/20638602_zpid/). Do you think that this is a real listing? If so, I think I will apply. I appreciate your professional opinion on this. Thanks,Emily

A: I don’t recommend applying for a rental property online without first seeing the property and the owner/manager/agent.  Legitimate property owners usually offer a viewing first, while scammers prefer to force a payment or an application first.

There’s a small chance it could be legitimate. You might want to try requesting a viewing, and try contacting the owner’s email and asking for their contact info.  Then, I can verify the contact info for you if you’d like.

It is generally not recommended to complete an application, pay or provide personal information online without first visiting the property and meeting with the landlord or property manager. Often, scammers will insist on rushing through the process, avoiding in-person meetings, or avoiding showing the property.

Online applications can be legitimate, but they should only be filled out after you’ve had a chance to tour the property and confirm the legitimacy of the listing. Direct interaction with the landlord or property manager, seeing the property first-hand, and not rushing through the rental process are crucial steps in avoiding scams.

Additionally, if a rental seems too good to be true, or the rental process seems too easy or fast, those could be red flags. As always, caution and due diligence are important when navigating the rental market.

They are also failing to provide contact information in all of the listings and web pages, another major red flag. Legit owners/managers/agents usually try to provide contact info whenever possible.

A legitimate landlord or rental agency will typically provide a way to contact them directly, whether that’s through a phone number, an email address, or even a physical office location. The total absence of contact information is indeed a red flag and could be indicative of a scam or an indication of poor service.

Without a way to directly reach out to the individual or organization, it becomes much more challenging to verify the legitimacy of the listing or to ask questions about the property or the rental process. It also makes it more difficult to arrange a viewing of the property.

This, combined with the online application before a viewing, should definitely raise suspicions. It’s essential to approach this kind of situation with caution and to consider looking at other properties where the landlord or rental agency is more transparent and communicative. For Craigslist listings with multiple red flags, click to flag the listing in the middle top of the Craigslist property page.

For the property in question, our research indicated that the home was available for lease by legit owners, but they were attempting to minimize the number of non-serious inquiries. They had the price a bit low because they like to receive plenty of applications so that they may be choosy for just the right tenant. That may or may not be a wise business decision, costly for the many applicants, who must waste $35 to $40 each for lots of applications and credit reports. It may also be costly for the landlord as far as missing many good renters who did not apply due to a lack of contact information, lack of communication and missing offer to view the property for Craigslist users.

The search for a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming, particularly in the digital age. While the internet provides an abundance of resources and opportunities to find your perfect place, it also opens the door for scammers and less scrupulous landlords looking to take advantage of eager renters. In this guide, we’ll share some essential tips on how to spot a fake property rental listing.

1. It’s Too Good to be True

One of the most common red flags is when a listing seems too good to be true. Scammers often entice potential victims with rental rates that are significantly lower than other comparable listings in the area. They may also list amenities or features that are uncharacteristically luxurious for the rental price. If the deal appears too good to pass up, it’s a signal to be cautious. Research similar properties in the area to get a feel for average rental rates and what they offer.

2. Lack of Contact Information

Legitimate landlords, property managers, or rental agencies will typically provide ample contact information, like a phone number, email address, or physical office location. However, scammers tend to avoid sharing this information to make it more difficult for potential renters to reach out or verify their legitimacy. If a listing does not include contact information, or if the contact information provided doesn’t match what you find through independent research, consider it a significant red flag.

3. Application Before Viewing

While online applications have become increasingly common in the rental process, legitimate landlords or rental agencies will typically arrange an in-person viewing of the property before asking you to fill out an application. If a listing insists that you complete an online application – which often includes sensitive personal information – before you’ve even seen the property, be wary. This can be a tactic used by scammers to collect your personal information.

4. Pressure to Act Quickly

Scammers frequently create a sense of urgency to push potential renters into making hasty decisions. If the landlord or property manager is pressuring you to sign a lease, pay a deposit, or hand over personal information immediately, without allowing you time to thoroughly consider your decision, it could be a scam. A legitimate landlord understands the importance of this decision and will give you time to think it through.

5. Upfront Payments

Beware of listings that require an upfront payment before you’ve signed a lease or even seen the property. Scammers often ask potential renters to wire money, pay with a gift card, or use other untraceable methods to secure the property. No legitimate landlord or rental agency would require payment before a contract is signed and they have demonstrated their legitimacy.

6. No In-Person Meeting

In today’s digital world, it might not be uncommon for some conversations with landlords or property managers to take place over email or phone. However, they should always be willing and able to meet in person, especially before signing a lease agreement. If the person you’re communicating with makes consistent excuses to avoid meeting or showing the property, it’s a strong indication of a scam.

7. Poor Grammar and Spelling

While a few typos shouldn’t necessarily discredit a listing, noticeable patterns of poor grammar, spelling errors, or unprofessional language can be an indicator of a scam. Professional property managers or landlords will typically ensure their listings are well-written and error-free to attract serious inquiries.

8. Trust Your Gut

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of intuition. If something doesn’t feel right about a listing, the communication with the landlord, or the rental process – trust your gut. There are plenty of legitimate rentals out there, so don’t feel compelled to settle for a situation that makes you uncomfortable.

Remember, finding a new home should be an exciting new chapter, not a cause for

stress or financial loss. By being informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself against rental scams. When in doubt, take a step back and evaluate the situation. Ask questions, do your research, and don’t rush into any agreements without fully understanding the terms.

9. Conduct a Reverse Image Search

In an attempt to make the listing seem legitimate, scammers might use images taken from other legitimate listings. If the images seem unusually professional, or the property seems too perfect, conduct a reverse image search on Google to see if the images appear elsewhere online. This could help you determine if the listing is a potential scam.

10. Verify Ownership

If you have the opportunity, it can be beneficial to verify the ownership of the property. This could be done through local property tax records or registries, many of which are available online. If the name of the person or company you’ve been communicating with doesn’t match the owner on record, proceed with caution.

11. Use Trusted Platforms

Where you find the listing can also provide clues about its legitimacy. While scammers can target any platform, some websites have strict processes for verifying listings and landlords. If possible, use trusted platforms and always read reviews if they are available.

12. Professional Help

Finally, consider getting professional help if you’re uncertain. Real estate agents, legal consultants, or experienced friends can provide valuable advice and potentially spot red flags that you may have overlooked.

We did some advanced research using special premium person identification, property records search and verification report services (included with the Top Level Tour). It turned out that this L.A. property was legit, but had already received several acceptable applications. So, it ultimately did not offer very good odds for Emily anyway.

Stay vigilant and informed as you embark on your property rental journey. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared to spot and avoid potential rental scams. Happy house hunting!

Get a free list of affordable rentals in Downtown, Los Angeles or any California neighborhood. Fill out my online form:

LOFT & CONDO LISTINGS DOWNTOWN LA [MAP]

  Lofts For Sale     Map Homes For Sale Los Angeles

SEARCH LOFTS FOR SALE Affordable | PopularLuxury
Browse by   Building   |   Neighborhood   |   Size   |   Bedrooms   |   Pets   |   Parking

Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and photos created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.