Category
Real Estate 411
Category : Real Estate 411
Culture Committee
Very excited & honored to be head of the Culture Committee for my office this year. My colleague, Natalie, and I planned our entire 2018 activities for the year.
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Buying a Home in your 20’s
What is stopping you from living your best life ever?
When planning to purchase a home, be sure to create a list of home "needs and wants." This will allow you to visualize what you want in a home, and then determine what's most important to you.
Financially Preparing to Buy a Home.
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.
Simple tips for selling a home NOW.
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.
Why Inglewood is HOT?
Guys, as predicted, Inglewood is coming up! The new casino opened yesterday and will have its grand opening this November. In addition, The Forum has been rated #4 in the WORLD for venues, Inglewood was voted Los Angeles's, "Neighborhood of the year" in 2014 and crime has been the lowest for five consecutive years.
Property values have increased 85.6% since 2012 and in January of 2016, the Los Angeles Rams announced their return to Los Angeles and residency in Inglewood! They are working on a $20 million dollar senior citizen building that will open next November and did I mention that it's home to Randy's Donuts?
It's not a bad time to buy in Inglewood right now.
Why you can’t “sleep” on a house…
After showing homes to clients that I know they love, I often hear, “Can I sleep on it?”
With homes selling faster than ever, here are 5 reasons why “sleeping” on it is a bad idea.
A lot of times people want to see what else is out there.
I’ve seen many people come very close to what they like, but insist on looking a little more. In the time that they decide to look elsewhere, the home has received multiple offers and they’ve lost on a chance of purchasing their dream home.
No home is going to be exactly what you want.
I personally believe that location is one of the most important factors in choosing a home. If a home is located in an area you absolutely love, don’t hesitate because of cabinets or carpet flooring. These things are minor fixes that shouldn’t stop you from writing an offer on a dream home.
An offer is not permanent.
When submitting an offer, a lot of people feel they are locked in- this is not true. Typically, a home will receive multiple offers if priced correctly which will then need to be reconsidered and sometimes countered. The goal of submitting an offer is to get in the game so you’ve got a chance to win. With the right contingencies in place, you’ve got nothing to lose and possibly, a great home to gain!
Your rent is never going to get cheaper.
A lot of people are paying rent that is equal to what their mortgage could be. Even scarier is that they’re paying towards something that they do not own- meaning that they’re investing in something that does not invest in them. By purchasing a home, you are getting more than a place to build a life…you are getting an investment and leaving your family an asset.
You don’t have the luxury of waiting another day.
Time is money and you deserve to put your hard worked money somewhere that will pay you back. By purchasing a home today, you are steps closer to building equity for your future. The time is now.
If you’ve had thoughts of purchasing but not sure how, contact me today and I’ll show you the way.