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How to Navigate the California Luxury Homebuying Journey

If you want to purchase a luxury home in San Francisco, Los Angeles or any other California city or town, it helps to be prepared. That way, you can simplify the Golden State luxury homebuying cycle and accomplish your homebuying goals in no time at all.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you quickly and effortlessly navigate the California luxury homebuying journey.

1. Narrow Your Luxury Home Search

Dozens of luxury houses are available in Sacramento, San Diego and other California cities and towns. As such, there is no shortage of high-end Golden State residences at your disposal. But if you narrow your home search, you can accelerate the California luxury homebuying process.

Think about where you want to reside and map out your California luxury home search accordingly. For instance, if you want to live close to Disneyland, you may want to focus on luxury residences in or around Anaheim. Or, if you plan to reside close to family members and friends in Malibu, you can search for deluxe properties in this city.

2. Get Home Financing

A jumbo mortgage is a must-have for most California luxury homebuyers. Luckily, jumbo mortgage lenders are available that can help you secure home financing.

Oftentimes, it is a good idea to meet with a variety of jumbo mortgage lenders. These financial institutions can teach you about jumbo mortgages and how they work and help you analyze all available jumbo mortgage options.

Don’t forget to ask lots of questions when you meet with jumbo mortgage lenders too. By doing so, you can gain the insights you need to make an informed jumbo mortgage choice.

3. Work with a Real Estate Agent

For those who want to streamline the process of finding and buying a California luxury home, hiring a real estate agent is essential. If you have an expert real estate agent at your side, you should have no trouble discovering a terrific luxury residence in the Golden State city or town of your choice.

At the beginning of the California luxury homebuying process, a real estate agent will meet with you and learn about your homebuying goals. Next, a real estate agent will craft a homebuying strategy that will ensure you can find your ideal Golden State luxury residence.

Furthermore, a real estate agent will offer plenty of guidance at each stage of the homebuying journey. He or she will provide tips to help you find a California luxury home that matches your expectations. Once you find your ideal California luxury home, a real estate agent then will help you put together a competitive offer to purchase. And if a seller accepts your homebuying proposal, a real estate agent will provide recommendations and suggestions to make it simple to navigate the remaining steps of the homebuying cycle.

Ready to acquire your ideal California luxury house? Use the aforementioned tips, and you can boost the likelihood of a successful Golden State luxury homebuying journey.

What Defines a Successful House Selling Journey?

A successful home selling journey allows a property seller to quickly and effortlessly generate interest in his or her residence and finalize a house sale. For those who want to enjoy a successful home selling journey, it is vital to prepare as much as possible.

Completing a successful home selling journey may prove to be difficult. If you fail to plan ahead, you may encounter problems that slow down or stop the home selling cycle. Fortunately, there are lots of things that you can do to put yourself in the best position to succeed when you sell your home.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you achieve your desired results when you sell your house.

1. Upgrade Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Your home may only get a single chance to make a positive first impression on a buyer. However, if you devote time and energy to upgrade your house’s curb appeal, you can boost the likelihood that your residence will hit the mark with prospective buyers.

Mow the lawn, trim the hedges and perform other lawn improvement tasks to differentiate your house from the competition. Also, you should repair or replace any damaged home siding.

2. Establish an Aggressive Initial Asking Price for Your Home

How you price your home may dictate your house selling journey. If you establish an aggressive initial asking price for your residence, you may find that buyers are drawn to your house as soon as it becomes available.

Oftentimes, it helps to conduct an appraisal prior to listing a house. A home appraisal enables you to receive a property valuation that may help you determine how to price your house.

You may want to perform a home inspection as well. With an inspection report in hand, you can prioritize home repairs and upgrades and ensure your house stands out to buyers.

3. Work with a Real Estate Agent

If you want expert support as you navigate the home selling journey, you should hire a real estate agent. In fact, a real estate agent goes above and beyond the call of duty to guarantee house sellers can achieve their desired results.

A real estate agent will help you add your home to the local real estate market, share information about your house with buyers and much more. Furthermore, if you receive an offer to purchase your home, a real estate agent will help you analyze this proposal from all angles. And if you decide to accept an offer to purchase your residence, a real estate agent will make it simple for you to finalize your home sale.

In addition, a real estate agent is ready to respond to your house selling concerns and questions. He or she will provide you with comprehensive guidance throughout the home selling journey, and by doing so, help you enjoy a successful house selling experience.

Ready to list your home? Use the aforementioned tips, and you can streamline the house selling journey.

What Are Closing Costs for Buyers?

In a home sale, both the buyer and the seller have to pay what are called closing costs. These final expenses include an entire list of taxes, fees and other miscellaneous costs. While sellers usually pay some of the closing costs, buyers still need to prepare for their share of the bill. Here we’ll go over what the closing costs for buyers are in a home sale for a better understanding of what to expect.

Lender Fees

When you get a mortgage, lenders charge additional fees for various aspects of the process. These fees are usually due at closing along with the rest of the buyer closing costs. These fees vary from one lender to the next and it’s a good idea to inquire about them early in your mortgage conversations. Shopping around for different loan estimates can save you money on closing and help you get better terms on the mortgage itself. Lender fees often consist of things like application fees, document creation fees and prepaid interest.

3rd Party Fees

The 3rd party fees can be the most complicated part of buyer closing costs as they come from a long list of sources. 3rd party fees include things like appraisal fees, credit report fees, tax service fees and mortgage insurance. Like lender fees, these costs vary dramatically from one provider to the next. Individually these fees are inexpensive but they add up quickly, so it’s important to budget for them ahead of time and shop around for the best quote. As a buyer you have a choice in most of these services, but some fees are fixed based on mortgage terms and other agreements.

Homeowner Fees

The third category of closing costs for buyers are homeowner fees. Unlike the other fees described above, most homeowner fees are recurring. Some common examples of homeowner fees include property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, escrow account fees and any applicable homeowner association dues. The property taxes will vary by location and your income while homeowner’s insurance fees will be determined by your home’s value and the amount of your down payment. Escrow account fees pay for setting up a temporary holding account for taxes and insurance as part of the home buying transaction and homeowner’s association fees only apply in certain areas.

How Much Should You Plan to Pay?

Homebuyer closing costs usually amount to approximately 3% to 5% of the home’s total purchase price. When added up, this is no small amount of money, so it’s key to factor these costs into your budget and financial planning early in your home buying process. Luckily, for many of these costs there are less expensive options for buyers willing to do more work—any research and time spent looking for a better deal can save thousands on top of what you’re already paying for the home.

No matter what your financial situation, always clarify the costs with your lender and other parties so you avoid unpleasant surprises. The more prepared you are, the easier the entire process will be for everyone involved.

Advice for Homebuyers: Stick to a Budget

Purchasing a house on a budget can be difficult for even the most diligent property buyer. Lucky for you, we’re here to help you create an effective homebuying budget and reduce the temptation to spend beyond your means to acquire your ideal residence.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you craft a property buying budget.

1. Examine Your Finances Closely

Your income, everyday expenses and other financial factors may impact your ability to buy a house. Therefore, you should analyze your finances closely to determine how much you can spend on a residence.

Once you evaluate your finances, you can establish a price range for your home search. Next, you can kick off a house search and move one step closer to acquiring your dream house.

2. Get Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a three-digit number based on your outstanding debt, length of credit history and other factors. It may have a major impact on your ability to secure home financing and establish a successful homebuying budget. As such, you should review your credit score and work to improve it before you enter the housing market.

To obtain your credit score, you can request a copy of your credit report from each of the three reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). You are eligible to receive a free copy of your credit report annually from each credit reporting bureau. Thus, you should take advantage of this complimentary perk and obtain your credit report as soon as you can.

If you identify outstanding debt on your credit report, you should work to pay this off. Or, if you find errors on your credit report, you should contact the bureau that provided the report to fix these mistakes.

3. Meet with Lenders

Banks and credit unions are happy to meet with you to discuss various home financing options. If you consult with these lenders, you may be better equipped than ever before to create a successful homebuying budget before you launch a house search.

Ultimately, lenders can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage. If you get a mortgage prior to searching for a house, you’ll know exactly how much you can spend on a residence. Then, you can speed up your home search and discover your dream house faster than ever before.

As you get ready to begin your quest for your ideal residence, you may want to hire a real estate agent too. This housing market professional can put you in touch with top lenders in your area and help you secure home financing. Furthermore, a real estate agent can tailor a home search to your property buying budget. Perhaps best of all, a real estate agent will help you negotiate with a seller’s agent to ensure you can get the best price on any home, at any time.

Create an effective homebuying budget – use the aforementioned tips, and you can establish a property buying budget and use it to streamline your home search.

What to Consider When Buying a Home in California

Many parts of California are considered highly desirable places to live because of the mild weather, proximity to the Pacific ocean, career opportunities (especially in the technology sector), and a progressive culture.

If you’re considering relocating to California or looking for a new community that might be a better match to your personality and your family’s desired lifestyle, then there are dozens of vibrant cities from which to choose — and that’s not even counting the many charming small towns and villages scattered throughout the state! One way to gauge the desirability of different California communities is to see how reputable research organizations rank them, such as Gallup and U.S News & World Report.

In a series of reports, entitled Gallup-Healthways State of American Well-Being, seven California communities earned a spot among the top-25 (out of 189) in the country. In most cases, the communities in the report are comprised of clusters of cities, including the following: Santa Cruz–Watsonville (#3), San Luis Obispo–Paso Robles–Arroyo Grande (#7), Santa Maria–Santa Barbara (#12), Santa Rosa (#17), Salinas (#19), San Diego–Carlsbad (#22), and Visalia–Porterville (#25). Several other populated areas in California which earned a top-50 ranking in the report include San Francisco–Oakland–Hayward (#31), Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–Ventura (#33), and San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara (#39). The Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim area trailed closely behind the others with a ranking of #53.

These 2016 “Community Well-Being Rankings” were based on the results of more than 350,000 telephone interviews with adults throughout the country, conducted between January 2, 2015 and December 30, 2016. The Gallup-Healthways report “analyzes how [a state of] well-being varies by community, as well as who leads and lags across the five elements of well-being: purpose, social, financial, community and physical.” The results of the survey provide insights into not only the personal and financial wellbeing of people in different U.S. cities, but also whether respondents actually like where they live, feel safe there, and have pride in their community.

Deciding where to buy your next house is a big decision, so you’ll want to base that choice on objective research, visits to areas in California that you’re considering moving to, and guidance from a knowledgeable local real estate agent. Your final choice should factor in an array of different criteria, including whether you have access to quality health care, proximity to reputable schools, and amenities like shopping, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions.

Other quality-of-life features to keep in mind are the overall appearance of neighborhoods, noise level, privacy, and the amount of street traffic. Commuting distance to your job or business would also be an important item on your house hunting checklist. Ultimately, each family has to decide what’s important to them, in terms of lifestyle goals, comfort requirements, happiness, and other expectations. Since every city and neighborhood in California often has its own unique characteristics, ambiance, and demographic makeup, it’s vital to visit and observe communities, first-hand, before narrowing down your search to one or two specific areas.

Steps to Take When Your House Isn’t Selling

If you’re selling your home it can be frustrating when you aren’t receiving any offers. Perhaps you’ve heard that it’s a seller’s market and that the offers on your house would be flying in. However, it’s more complicated than that.

Whether or not your house receives offers is determined by a number of reasons–some that in your control, others that aren’t. But, that doesn’t mean you have to give up and sell your house at a low price.

In this article, we’ll discuss what to do if your house just isn’t selling. We’ll talk about some reasons why people may be hesitant to bid, to inquire about a showing, and to seal the deal and purchase your home.

Revisit the comparable properties

If your home has been on the market for a while, it’s a good idea to check out the other recent homes in your neighborhood to see how their prices compare to the listing price of your home. Since the market fluctuates, other sellers could be adjusting the cost to reflect the current rates, leaving yours higher than it should be.

When pricing your home, make sure you are comparing your house to those that have actually sold. Using houses that have been on the market for a while as a baseline might mean you’ve priced your home too high to sell just like theirs.

Also, make sure you are using houses that share many of the common features that yours does. This can include:

Square footage
The year the house was built
Number of bedrooms and baths
The lot size
The condition of the home

Remember, it isn’t all just about location.

Getting more leads

If people aren’t making inquiries about your home, there are a few things you should check up on. First, make sure your listings are updated and accurate. The contact info should be easy to find, and you or your real estate agent should provide multiple means of contact (email, cell phone, text, etc.).

Next, ensure that you’ve given enough details about the house. If people are searching for a specific number of rooms but your listing doesn’t mention the number of rooms you have, you might be missing out on several inquiries.

Finally, make sure your photos are high resolution and well-lit. You want to make sure visitors to your listing can get a clear idea of what your home looks like. If your photos are small, dark, blurry, or if they make the house look cramped and cluttered, you should retake your photos or consider hiring a photographer.

Getting more offers

If you’ve had plenty of inquiries and showings but you aren’t getting any offers there may be a deeper, underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Usually, this means your home needs important repairs and upgrades that buyers simply don’t want to make.

If your house is priced to be move-in ready but it’s not, you’ll have to make some upgrades or lower the price.

Not working with an agent

Sellers can also have a difficult time getting offers if they attempt to sell the home themselves without using a real estate agent. If your home is FSBO (For Sale by Owner), you’re missing out on a number of listing services and connections that an agent can provide.

Finding the Perfect Home for an Active Lifestyle

When finding a home, everyone has their unique set of priorities. If physical fitness is on your list of lifestyle must-haves, you might be in the market for a home to support that. This could be through home gyms, outdoor features and proximity to parks and fitness centers. However, besides searching for features like Olympic-sized swimming pools, it’s not always clear how to find a home that offers fitness benefits. Here are some tips to help you in your home search to get the best fitness benefits:

Pedestrian & Bike-Friendly Neighborhoods

When searching for a home with fitness benefits, consider the characteristics of the neighborhood. Streets with well-maintained sidewalks and ample bike lanes will make it safer and easier to enjoy the outdoors. Check for well-lit pathways and whether other residents are actively spending time outside. These are all signs of a neighborhood that will encourage physical fitness.

Availability of services and non-residential features is another facet to consider in your search. If your new home is close to conveniences like grocery stores and restaurants, it can help encourage an active lifestyle while avoiding traffic. Choosing a home near favorite destinations makes it easier to reach them without driving or getting a ride, which is just another bonus to an active lifestyle.

Bonus Rooms, Basements & Attics

A big backyard isn’t the only home feature that offers fitness benefits. A home with extra indoor space can serve many purposes including a home gym. Search for homes with basements, attics and extra bedrooms. Instead of using that space only for storage, use it for fitness equipment or a quiet space to focus on exercise. Having a dedicated place in the home devoted to fitness will help you focus and get the absolute best out of every square foot.

These are just a few ways to identify homes with fitness benefits. Keeping these things in mind during your home search will help you find the perfect home to match your lifestyle.

How Big Businesses Affect the Real Estate in Rural Towns

Photo by Vit Ducken via Pixabay

There has been a lot of concern about the state of rural America and how it’s being affected by large businesses. Big box stores like are said to destroy local businesses, causing an economic drought in small towns. But despite the statistics, there’s a bigger picture to consider. We’ll look at how big businesses cause big and small changes alike for the rural homelands of America.

The Dominos

Many people living in a small town will tell you that big business destroys it from the outside in. In Winchester, IL, one local lawyer met serious challenges in trying to get a local market off the ground, largely because his main produce supplier backed out of their original deal.

His concern is that if neighbors can’t even buy a banana in their town, what exactly is their incentive to stay? There are about 5 million people living in rural areas that need to travel at least 10 miles or more to purchase fresh (not prepackaged or frozen) groceries.

Real Estate in Rural America

The story of grocery stores is an important one when trying to understand the larger effects of what big businesses do to small towns. These anecdotal tales support the larger real estate trends in America, in that there are few people moving to small towns. This lack of interest has caused very few property owners to improve or modernize properties in rural areas.

The scarcity of well-maintained homes has caused their value to increase. So while the average cost of a home in rural America may seem very affordable, it’s likely because the home is in a state of disrepair. In addition, financing may be difficult to obtain, due to the lack of available lenders in the area.

The Good News

The people who still live in rural America are not prepared to let their communities fall by the wayside. Across the country, residents are creating (and supporting) local markets that offer everything from fresh food to homemade crafts. Other communities are offering everything from utility credits to free swim passes for families.

There are also government programs available that incentivize people to move to rural areas and invest their efforts into the forgotten properties. USDA loans offer extremely reasonable interest rates and lending terms to buyers who want the chance to own their own home and participate in their community.

Process and Requirements for Buying a VA-Approved Condo

Eligible borrowers can use their VA loan benefits to purchase a condominium rather than a single-family home. For first time homebuyers, a condo or townhome can have multiple benefits compared to a standalone house. However, to use your VA loan on a condo property, the property must be within a VA-approved development. Here’s a guide to the basics of buying a VA-approved condo as a first-time homebuyer:

How to Find Out If a Condo Is VA-Approved

It’s common for condo communities to advertise or clearly state their VA-approval status. However, if you’re unsure, there are resources you can use to find out. The official website for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has a search function you can use to view a list of approved condos in a given area. Searching the list is a great way to find out about other properties you might not have discovered yet in your home search.

What to Do if Your Dream Home Isn’t VA-Approved

If your dream condo is not listed as a VA-approved property, there is still a possibility of using your VA loan to purchase it. To do so, the development would need to gain approval from the VA. The approval process requires official documentation from the development like homeowner association information, occupancy and vacancy reports, financial statements and lot surveys.

A major downside of trying to get your choice of condo approved by the VA is the amount of time required for the process. If you’re wanting to close on a home quickly, it would be better to go with a property that is already approved.

Approval Types

There are some different types of approval a property can have from the VA. One of the most important terms to know is “accepted with conditions.” If a condo property is “accepted with conditions,” it means there is at least one thing in the property’s application the VA has lasting concerns about. You may need to fill out an additional form stating you understand the conditions before you’re able to move forward.

For first-time homebuyers, buying a condo with a VA loan is a smart choice. However, it’s important to understand the process. Keep these things in mind when considering your plans for home ownership.

Bedroom Curtain Ideas to Try

The window dressings in your bedroom can be as important aesthetically as they are functionally. Choosing the right curtains for the size of the windows and the design of the room can make an enormous impact on the look and feel of the bedroom. If your bedroom needs new curtains, here are some excellent ideas to start with:

Cozy Monotones

No matter what color scheme you have in your bedroom, using the same tones in your curtains is a smart choice. Mixing monotones creates depth and coziness, especially in smaller spaces. Try hanging curtains in the primary color used in your bedroom but with a contrasting texture.

Picking the Right Patterns

Patterns work well for curtains as long as you make the right choices. Larger patterns are better suited for large windows, while smaller, more detailed patterns are fantastic for small windows. Depending on the window situation in your bedroom, there are many pattern options that could work well. Try classics like gingham, wide stripes, chevron or even simple florals.

Sheer & Pleated Layers

Layered sheer curtains add instant coziness to any room. In a bedroom, they also help maximize natural light while creating an open and airy feel. Try layering soft chiffon panels for a classic, romantic aesthetic that pairs perfectly with overstuffed bedding and plush accessories.

Statement Colors

Curtains are an excellent way to use a bold new color in your bedroom design. Choose something that will add a pop of contrast without looking busy or out of place. The easiest way to do this is to carry the same color through in other parts of the room. For example, you could match the curtain color to certain accessories or small furnishings like end tables.

Graphic Prints

Bedroom curtains provide a fun opportunity to use bold graphic prints. While these same prints might not work on other furnishings, they can make a statement in a bedroom—and are easy to swap out if you change your mind. Large-scale botanical prints are a popular trend in bedrooms, as are geometric designs for a more modern vibe. Try coordinating the colors with the rest of your bedroom palette to keep the energy cohesive and vibrant rather than busy.