Alma, you didn't know me- but trusted the referral of my business to help you buy your first home in California and help you sell your home in Georgia. I couldn't be more thrilled for you in this investment. I've gained a greater respect for mothers of children with special needs. Wolfgang is blessed to have a mother as heroic as you! Here's to your new chapter as a homeowner in Los Angeles and know that I'm here whenever you need me.
Home is truly where the heart is.
I met Michael in late November when leaving my open house in Torrance. Michael was on a time crunch as he was moving his family from Georgia to the South Bay. Although he did not know me, Michael instilled his trust in me that day when I told him I would help him. Exactly 28 days later, I found him what he wanted- a renovated home with a large lot. Despite being a complete stranger, Michael trusted me and for that, I'm forever grateful.
Congratulations to the Coleman family...welcome home!
Last year, Shawn got in a snowboarding accident that left him with extensive injuries and out of work for 75% of the year- making it difficult to qualify for a loan. Before almost giving up, he got qualified! On his behalf, I wrote a letter to the sellers of a home he liked, which touched their hearts and not only did they accept us, they completed all of our repair requests and even gave credit towards future remodels! In just 30 days, my brother received the keys to his 3 bed, 3 bath home! So proud of you for doing this on your own. Thank you for trusting your little sister on the purchase of your home. Guess I'm not so bad after all.
About a month ago, my cousin said he wanted an investment. We saw a few properties, but nothing stood out. One afternoon, a colleague and I were the only ones working in the office on a Saturday when she told me she had a new listing. Maysam and I went the next day, wrote an offer and after a week of negotiating -our offer was accepted. Congrats to my cousin, Maysam, on getting an amazing deal on one of many future investments. As faith has it, we were in the right place at the right time. So happy for you!
When preparing to purchase a home, there are many factors that must be taken into consideration. One of the most important factors is financial preparation.
Below are several suggestions to keep in mind when taking steps to purchase a home. Remember, it is never too soon to financially plan.
Strengthen your credit score
A single 30-day late payment could damage a credit score by as many as 100 points, making home ownership expensive despite today’s low mortgage rates. Taking small steps such as paying your bills on time can have a greater impact in the long run.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Different mortgage programs require different credit scores. A financial counselor who knows the range of mortgage products available in the market can explain the various programs and how a consumer’s credit score opens the door to one or more different programs. Learn your mortgage options in advance to expedite the home buying process.
Factor in maintenance
There is more to owning a home than the monthly mortgage payment- maintenance needs to be factored into the budget along the utility and commuting costs, which could be very different when renting. Writing a pros and cons list between different locations can help eliminate any doubts.
Taking a closer look at these key numbers will help you determine if you are truly ready for your first home purchase or your next home purchase.
Call me today to learn the steps to buying a home.
Last weekend, my friend Josh and I gathered several locals from the South Bay with one goal in mind- PAY IT FORWARD. With the support of so many, we were able to feed 530 people and also aid them with clothing, blankets and pillows. We took four cars filled with residents of the South Bay, sandwiches- each containing a positive note.
As this cold weather is approaching, it is so comforting to know so many benefited from our donations. Thank you for everyone who contributed.
May this good deed transition for each and everyone of you.
Spring is often cited as the time to sell a home, but many prospective home buyers are willing to work through the heat and make a move in the summer and even fall. The following tips will help homeowners make a quick sale and get the best price.
1. Make a strong first impression
To ensure potential buyers get a good first impression, consider small touches such as a new mailbox or front mat, or maybe go for a more expensive upgrade with a new front door. Front entrances should be kept and, if needed, pressure-washed to remove grime. You would be surprised how much it makes a difference. Depending on the neighborhood, a moved lawn, trimmed bushes, or a well-kept rock garden can go a long way. Topping off potted plants or a garden with fresh mulch or soil is another good and inexpensive idea.
2. Fix It
Homebuyers do not want to have to deal with a misaligned closet door, leaky sink, or cracked window when they are trying to move and get settled in their new home. Fix everything before listing a home, as often the extra work may push the home down buyers' lists. It could also leave them worried that they will need to make more serious repairs once they move in.
3. Create an inviting outdoor space
A beautiful yard might make all the difference. Buying a table with an umbrella and adding or sprucing up potted flowers can help buyers see themselves entertaining and enjoying the outdoor space. Think of going on a vacation and the emotions you feel when relaxing and sipping a cool refreshing drink. That is the emotion you want your out living area to evoke.
4. Deep clean EVERYTHING.
Several real estate professionals emphasized the importance of cleaning every nook and cranny of the home, down to shampooing the carpets, before showing it to prospective buyers. Sellers can hire professionals or prepare for a weekend spent cleaning, but it needs to get done.
5. Consider Staging
Homeowners may have a style that fits their needs and tastes, but buyers may see things quite differently. Many buyers cannot see past furnishings, particularly when they are outdated, and staging can help illuminate a home's potential.
6. Stay Organized
A walk-in closet could be a selling point, but it is hard for buyers to get a good feel for a cluttered space. Crammed closets and cabinets make spaces look smaller than they really are, which can be a huge deterrent to potential buyers. In addition to clearing out clutter, it is recommended that you add organizational systems, should space and budget permit. Purging unneeded items also helps make the move to a new home easier. Alternatively, store belongings in a storage unit until the sale is completed.
7. Let the light in
Natural light can lift moods and make rooms dazzle. Consider maximizing that light by hanging mirrors as well- the space will feel larger and brighter, and buyers will be less likely to resent being inside rather than at the beach.
The Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department's annual Family Halloween Carnival is held every October at Manhattan Heights Community Center located at 1600 Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The event is designed for children ages 2 to 13. Children under the age of 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Past carnivals have included face painting, haunted house, food and game booths, and much, much more! All game booths are constructed by children in the After School REC Program and the haunted house is constructed and staffed by Teen Center staff and their teens. Download a copy of the Halloween Carnival flyer (PDF). Events, attractions, and costs are subject to change without notice.
Costume Contest and Parade 12:00 PM
Costume Categories
Individual
5 and under
6 to 7
8 to 9
10 to 12
Siblings
Parent and Child
Prize Categories
Most Original
Scariest
Judges Choice
Carnival Booths $0.50 to $2.00
The carnival booth are games are made by the participants of the After School REC and Teen Center. Booths will be closed during the costume parade. Tickets are required.
Haunted House $1.00
Haunted house is $1 sponsored by the Teen Center. Haunted house will be closed during the costume parade. Tickets are required.
3,000 Push Up Challenge Free
One of the mission statements of the Parks and Recreation Department is to "Promote Health and Wellness." To help instill that in our participants and promote that philosophy, we would like you to take the challenge and help us reach a NEW push up goal on the day of the carnival!
Inflatable Jumpers $0.50
Tickets are required.
Food Stand $1.00 to $2.00
Pizza (pepperoni/cheese), water, juice, chips, granola bars, cotton candy, and popcorn. Tickets are required.
Face Painting Price TBA
Information
Tickets will be sold at the Information Booth. Each ticket costs $0.50. Bills over $20.00 will not be accepted.
For more information or to volunteer for this event, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.
Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.
Today’s MCM belongs to Peter Aziz who is committed to bringing awareness to others around him of foreign exchanges in hopes of bringing light, truth and knowledge of politics.
Aziz, 26, grew up in Redondo Beach and was raised in the South Bay. He went to all the local schools including Birney Elementary school, Adams Middle School, and Redondo Union High School. After high school, he went to El Camino College before transferring to UC Riverside.
He says he transferred to the university after having many options for school, initially majoring in sociology, hoping to change the world by understanding society. Instead, he says studying sociology made him look at the world more negatively which led him to take an unexpected academic leave.
After taking some time off, he came back to finish his bachelor’s degree and decided to pursue public policy. “I went back to work full time, working with underprivileged kids to inspire them to be role models with good values and set goals for themselves,” he says.
His official title is Program Coordinator for the extracurricular school activities for underprivileged kids. “I manage a team of 7 at each site, and run games activities crafts and tutoring,” he says.
He finds the most challenging part of his job is not having enough energy to keep up with the kids and says the best part of his job is everything. “It’s rewarding to know that after deciding to leave after 7 years, I am leaving a legacy behind with not just the impact on the kids that I have met, and that they remember me as they go into high school. The most rewarding thing about my job is knowing that I have set an example of hard work ethic dedication and passion in these kids to see them become inspirational beings,” he says.
Aziz feels that he is paying it forward each day when he goes into work. He says, “I choose passion and inspiration as my catalyst or vehicle for giving back to young minds, interacting with each every single kid in the programs across the school district they remember the love and kindness I have shown them.”
Aziz feels it is important for children to attend after school programs because, "It instills values they may not be able to see being set in a home environment, they learn how to interact with kids of all ages and backgrounds. They learn how to give back to their communities through programs like this by being better people."
In five years, he hopes to be in a place where he can advocate for policies in congress that continue to help create a better society whether that is for education or healthcare. His passion for politics come from a desire for justice and advocacy for voices that are unrepresented. He feels politics are important because it is a matter of being consciously aware of the repercussions of decision made at local levels from how our tax dollars are used, and the decisions that our elected officials choose to make based on their political agendas.
He says, “It is important that we be aware of things that affect us and future generations along the way that continue to negatively impact the world, and learn new ways of how we can change that.” He voices his opinion mainly by posting on social media sites what he thinks are relevant issues either to his immediate community or the vast majority of readers. He is currently in the process of starting his own blog. He hopes to create a blog that is informative of politics issues and he wants to tie that with his other passion, COFFEE!!!!
Aziz lives with one motto and that is gratitude. He says without it, life doesn't exist. The word gratitude has dimensions of joy, appreciation, and humility and nonetheless, is a process to get to this State of mind.
Stay tuned as Aziz debuts his blog, Coffee & Politics, and look out for him on the political campaign trail hopefully in the near future. As he says, “It’s a team effort. You cannot become someone with a team behind you to support inspire encourage and uplift you.”
Thank you, Aziz, for inspiring the young children of our future and by informing the kids of our future of informational news.
