How much home can you afford?

Shima 0 comments 02.02.2022

To rent or own? That is the question.

Shima 0 comments 02.02.2022

According to ApartmentList.com, the national rent has increased by 17.8 percent. Furthermore, the 2022 National Housing Forecast foresees prices for vacant units will continue to increase this year.

There’s no better time than now to learn the steps towards becoming a homeowner. My advice is even if you’re not ready to buy today or tomorrow, speaking with a lender will get you on a roadmap towards homeownership. Don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to sit down over coffee and discuss the process. 

Hygge

Shima 0 comments 02.02.2022

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-guh”) is not a decor style or self-care practice. It’s actually a way of living that is said to provide an overall feeling of comfort, wellness, and contentment.

This lifestyle was designed by the Danish who believe Hygge begins in the home. This feeling comes from taking pleasure in simple things.

More importantly, they value creating this space because it is so valuable to our spirit and health. The hyggekrog, or a comfy corner is a place in your home where you can read, have a cup of hot cocoa, or do a crossword puzzle. Essentially, relax. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be your couch, patio chair, or lawn. It’s simply a place where you can go for peace.

Coziness is key when it comes to hygge living. It gives that “there’s no place like home” feeling we all strive to have. Here’s to creating that space in your home for a happier, healthier you. 

Etagere Shelf

Shima 0 comments 02.02.2022

I love a good etagere shelf. How is it different than a standard bookshelf? Well, it is an open design, that allows for storing what you want to be displayed.

Minamalist

Shima 0 comments 02.02.2022

A common misconception is that a minimalist home is boring. That’s isn’t true.

The minimalistic approach is not about having nothing in the home at all. Instead, it’s about using simple elements with little embellishment.

This design style has widely become popular as studies have found that clutter is a universal stress trigger. Go figure. ?

That includes having an abundance of things on our floors, walls, and counters. This is why home designers are encouraging a “less is more” approach.

Many home trends have gone in and out of style- similar to fast fashion. (Remember, farmhouse) However, the minimalist approach has achieved lasting results and works for any space or lifestyle.

Don’t have money for a down payment?

Shima 0 comments 02.02.2022

Those who have bought paid an average of 7% down. According to the FEDS, large student loan debt caused long-term financial damage to many millennials. 55% of millennials who have enough a home say that they had to make a financial sacrifice such as limiting vacations.

24% of millennials say they cannot purchase a home because they don’t have the down payment.

Fortunately, there are numerous C.A.R. down payment assistance resources, including FHA, FANNIE MAE, and FREDDIE MAC plans.

 Above are a few ways to buy a home with $0 down.

VA Loans: Helpful Tips for Military Homebuyers

Shima 0 comments 30.09.2021

VA loans are completely backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are provided to service members, retired soldiers and entitled living spouses. As a government program, the majority of people seem to believe that this program may not live up to its promises. Surprisingly after tons of research we found out, nonetheless, that VA loan programs come with loads of perks. In fact, for those who qualify, it’s really the most convenient way to buy a house.

To be eligible for a VA loan, you must be an active or former member of the military. Generally, you must have been honorably discharged, though there are rare exceptions to that rule. Surviving spouses of veterans can also apply for a VA loan unless they have remarried. Depending on when you served and why you were discharged, there are service benchmarks you must meet in terms of time served.

What are the benefits of VA loans?

This VA loan program favors those qualifying service members to make use of these distinctive and unique benefits. They include $0 down payment, low interest rates and closing costs, the ability to forgo private mortgage insurance (pmi), and more flexible credit requirements. Incredible, right? To give you a bit more insight, in 2020 over 1.2 million homes were bought through VA loans — a record high amount since the program first launched in the year 1944. For a long time VA loans had obtained a bad reputation due to the fact that they take a little bit longer to close than conventional loans, but it really is the way to go.

The researchers at Money.com recently created a list of 7 tips for veterans to be aware of if they are contemplating buying their well deserved dream home in 2021!

1. Start without the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
2. Your credit score still matters!
3. Don’t forget your savings.
4. Get pre-approved by a VA lender.
5. Hire a real estate agent! (they’ll get you the best offer)
6. Choose properties that are VA-approved.
7. When you’re ready to move in CLOSE!

A home for BIRDIE

Shima 0 comments 03.03.2021

I’d like to wish a huge ?ℴ?ℊ????????ℴ?? to first-time home buyer, Ileana.

My friend, Daran, kindly referred Ileana to me after learning that she was in the market of purchasing a home and wasn’t having much luck with her current agent.

After meeting over lunch and getting to know one another, we viewed a home together, wrote an offer, but were outbid. Fortunately, Ileana continued to stay focused and kept her eyes on the prize: purchasing her first home. 

Soon after we began our home search, we found, THE ONE. A home perfect for Ileana and her cutie patootie dog, Birdie. The home allows her to live closer to her family, give Birdie a backyard to run free in, and let’s her enjoy all the beauty San Pedro has to offer.

Also, thanks to Ileana’s expertise in construction, she was able to analyze the inspection report in depth, which in turn helped me negotiate a credit of $9,000 towards hers closing cost! 

Ileana, I’m so proud of you!!! You are a homeowner at such a young age and I know this is only the beginning. You did it! 

Home for the Holidays

Shima 0 comments 03.03.2021

In the middle of quarantine, I received a call from a lady named Ashley. She said she was searching for a Military Relocation Specialist and found my website, sellwithshima.com.

She said she would love to refer Joshua to me, who would be relocating from Hawaii. A few weeks later, I met with Josh and I was very honest with him. Unfortunately, most agents are not educated and informed about V.A. loans- which is why their offers are often not selected. I asked him to promise me he would stay patient and not get discouraged.

I am so honored to have been able to help Josh, who was truly grateful every. step. of. the. way.  It wasn’t an easy search, but it was all worth it because today, he became the proud homeowner of a spacious townhome... with 0% DOWN!!!! Congratulations, Josh, and welcome home!! Right in time for the holidays.

Thank you for your service!

Congratulations, Josh!

Shima 0 comments 03.03.2021

About five years ago, my old friend, Josh, from North High told me he wanted to buy a house. I periodically would check in with him to keep him accountable for his goal. Then last year, he realized that the prices of homes were not going down and that he should probably take advantage of the low-interest rates.

Fast forward to the end of 2020  we began to aggressively look at homes. Since he was very clear about what he did and didn’t want, it helped me weed out any homes I felt he may not like ahead of time. This prevented him from getting burnt out and also, not wasting his time looking at homes that would not be for him. However, as soon as we walked into this home, he said, “This is it. I need this one, Shima.”

The pressure was on as I now had to do WHATEVER it took to get him this house. I called the agent and gathered as much information as I could and am happy to say, we beat 24 offers and several cash offers, all thanks to Josh trusting my judgment and coming in strong with very clean terms.

I can’t tell you how much this means to me to have earned your trust and loyalty. I look forward to helping you buy many more homes in the future as I know this is just the beginning.

Congratulations on becoming a homeowner!!  See you at the housewarming!