A recent Federal Reserve interest rate cut has taken place, which could greatly affect the real estate market. In fact, this cut is likely beneficial for buyers and sellers and just in time for the busiest season in real estate: spring.

Let’s explore how this new interest rate cut may be your green light to make the move on selling or buying your new home.

The Fed Cut Basics

The real estate market has already been favorable with low interest rates for several months. Low interest rates allow mortgage loans to be more affordable and helps buyers get more bang for their buck. With this new cut, rates are even lower, spurring more buyers to get on the market and make their move.

What to Do if You’re a Buyer

If you’ve been on the fence about buying a home, now is the time to act. Rates are low, making mortgage loans the best deal they have been in years. Low interest rates mean you’ll be able to get better loan terms and secure the house of your dreams.

Many people fear that interest rate cuts mean an economic slowdown, but these cuts are actually favorable for home buyers. Borrowing is better than ever, make your move!

What to Do if You’re a Seller

Low interest rates will likely encourage our buyers to get serious about buying. It will also encourage new buyers who have been waiting to get into the market to start shopping before interest rates rise again. For sellers this is good news. It means more buyers will be shopping, and just in time for the profitable spring season.

If you are considering listing your home, now is the time to do it. Spring is a popular time to sell, but with more buyers on the market, your home will have a good chance of being seen and noticed. Buyers are motivated to buy with the fluctuations of rates, so be sure to put your best foot forward and get your home on the market.

As Californians know all too well, earthquakes are a destructive natural disaster. They can destroy your house and potentially injure your family members…or worse. That’s why it’s essential to protect those you love most by earthquake prepping. Here are some tips to help earthquake-proof your house and protect your family. 

Talk Evacuation

Discuss the reality of the situation with your family. Sketch out your house and figure out ways to get out safely in the case of an emergency. Also, make sure you all have a meeting point so you can count that everyone is there and then leave the premises together. 

In some cases, try to figure out two ways to escape a room. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Walkthrough a mock scenario so everyone knows where to go. Muscle memory is a crucial tool when dealing with a natural disaster. 

Make a Disaster Kit 

Earthquakes can knock out electricity and cause to become trapped in an area of the house. Keep plenty of water jugs, masks, gloves, battery-operated radios, flashlights, and non-perishable foods on-hand. 

Get Steel Frames for Your Home

Some Californians feel a disastrous earthquake is just a matter of time. Why wait for the doom and gloom? Be preventative. One of the biggest causes of fatalities in an earthquake is the house collapsing. Analyze the bones of your house.

Look at the cripple wall. This is especially important if your house has already withstood an earthquake. Place 2X4s in between studs on the top and bottom to add support when the houses shifts back and forth. Minimalize the shifting with steel. Add steel frames to the foundation so the house is more secured to the land. 

Secure Wall Hangings 

Anything from bookshelves to the actual books on the shelves might go flying and hurt someone you love. Make sure that all fixtures are tightly secured to the wall. Bolt down heavy appliances such as the hot water tank and washing machine to the floor. Anything that can move will when the entire earth is shaking.

Install Automatic Shut-Off Valves

During an earthquake, pipes can burst, and connections can be disrupted. These moments may cause unfavorable situations such as a flooded room or a gas leak. Both can be potentially dangerous or fatal. Be sure to install automatic shut-off valves for both the water and gas. 

Set Up Your Bedside Table

Make everyone’s room ready for an earthquake at any time of the day. Leave a flashlight, mask, and gloves by the bedside of each room. Also, make sure there’s an ABC fire extinguisher in multiple spots of the house. Go over how to use the fire extinguisher with every member of the family. 

 

Are you thinking about selling your home? You’re not the first person, and you won’t be the last. Therefore, all the questions and concerns that are running through your mind have been experienced by millions before you. Here are some answers to the burning questions that every seller asks before listing their house?

Q: When is the Right Time to Sell My House?

A: There are several answers to this question that are unique to the potential seller. First, you need to be ready emotionally. When you sell a house, you are parting with a property that held so many precious memories. Once you’re emotionally ready, it’s never the wrong time to sell your house. However, you should talk to a real estate agent who is familiar with your neighborhood and the market. That way, you can make an informed decision as to right now is the perfect time to sell for financial gain. 

Q: What Does The Market Look Like?

A: As the “right time to sell,” the market is also unique to the person. The answer to this question depends on your neighborhood. However, you can look at the overall market in your state for a gauge. In California, we are looking at an increase in price median of 1.2% over the past year. However, the market, in general, is slow right now. So, you’re looking at people making more money over the long-term. These statistics can easily change by the end of the year. That’s why it’s so vital you speak to a real estate agent familiar with trends in your neighborhood. 

Q: How Do I Know How Much My Home Is Worth?

A: Again, it’s good to rely on a trusted real estate agent. To get a clear picture of your home’s value, you need a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). A CMA takes many algorithms into consideration such as square footage to the age of the roof to what neighboring houses sold at. 

Q: Should I Fix Problems Before Listing?

A: If you see it, potential buyers will see it. So, if your house needs a new coat of paint, windows, or updated electricity, just do it. Otherwise, your house will be on the market longer than you anticipated. In the end, you’ll probably end up doing the fixes anyway. For those who don’t want to make unnecessary changes, it doesn’t hurt to have an inspector point out potential problems.   

Q: Should I Inflate My Price to Leave Wiggle Room?

A: You can. However, don’t outprice your house. Then, you’ll have nobody to negotiate with you. If you price your house a little more than what it’s worth, you can probably sell rather quickly. It just leaves the question, what’s “a little more?” Your best bet is to make these decisions with a trusted real estate agent. They can advise you on what tactics work best in your community to sell your Long Beach house for the highest price. 

 

Are you on the fence about selling your California home? Well, get off those pickets. Hope on the side that tells you it’s time tell sell. That’s because it is! With the winter coming to a close sooner rather than later, the market is going to be booming. Be ahead of the curve and list your house now. Here’s why.

You Can Sell for More 

As they say, “beggars can’t be choosers.” If someone is looking to buy a house during a time where the southern California housing market is less busy, then they’re going to have to settle for the prices that are out there. If you were to sell your house now, you can set the pace for the rest of the market. 

With that being said, some people might be tire-kickers during the winter season. You need to allow wiggle room for negotiation. So, go ahead and over-inflate your house price. See if people bite and what they’re offering. That can help you strategize for the best value if your must wait until the busy season to sell.

Winter Isn’t a Bad Time 

Let’s face it. Southern California weather is near flawless all year round. People can move into a new home in February without the hassle of snow. Don’t hesitate until the spring when the rest of the world lists. People are looking now!

In fact, some people prefer to buy in the winter. That way, they can take an inventory of what needs to be done during a season where they spend a majority of time indoors. Then, when spring cleaning comes along, the new homeowners will be ready to turn your house into their dream home. 

Interest Rates are Still Low

The government has done a decent job of making it more manageable for new homeowners to purchase houses. As of December 2019, the interest rate for a mortgage hovered between 1.5% and 1.75%. By the end of the year, the interest rates will rise to a still-healthy 3.8%.

While 3.8% is still much lower than the 5% and above of year’s past, it’s still a steep climb from 1.75%. Therefore, people who are looking to buy houses in 2020 are going to want to act sooner than later. So, you’re more likely to get competitive offers now than you will by the more competitive months. 

 

There’s nothing worse than a raging case of buyer’s remorse. It’s one thing to detest the jacket you just bought. It’s another to regret purchasing your house. While buying a home is an excellent investment that pays a lot of dividends in the long-run, daily life can make it harder to see the big picture. Some of the bumps along the road may cause you to feel moments of regret, but they shouldn’t. 

 

There are moments where you’ll feel blindsided as a homeowner. You feel that if you knew about these problems earlier in life, it could have made these blows easier to deal with. In fact, you can even plan for them, which would severely decrease any feelings of buyer’s regret. Here are five things homeowners wish they knew before they bought or renovated their home. 

Fix the Little Things As They Happen 

A slow leak can cause structural damage, while a clogged gutter can make a hole in the roof. There are little inconveniences that will inevitably pop up in your home. You might feel tempted to deal with these issues “tomorrow.” 

 

After all, you don’t plan on moving any time soon, so you’re bound to fix this issue. Well, that issue isn’t going anywhere either. Suddenly, it becomes a game of chicken as to what will crack first–the ceiling tiles or your procrastination. 

You Might Not Be Able to Renovate Upon Moving in 

Part of the allure of buying a house is making the place feel like yours. Sure, you can move in and rip up the carpet and paint the walls. However, you might not be allowed to get an addition or upgrade the electrical on day one.

 

For instance, adding another room onto the side of your house might be a zoning or conservation issue. Plus,installing a new bathroom will require a plumbing permit, just as blowing out the kitchen wall requires its own. 

 

Furthermore, these permits can only be obtained by the homeowners. It doesn’t matter if you’re closing tomorrow. They will make you wait until tomorrow to start the process. Depending on your situation, approval may take months.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

It’s good to have people you trust that live around you. Even the biggest introverts can benefit from a last minute cat-sitter or someone close who can lend you a lawnmower when yours goes kaput. 

 

Also, bad neighbors can really impede your quality of life. Try getting a gauge of the people in your neighborhood before moving in. Say “hi” and chat if you see them outside. Drive around at different hours of a day to get a feel for the neighborhood’s vibe. Make an educated decision about your location before settling in. 

Look Out for Problem Trees

Trees are essential and are an excellent spot for your children to read a book. However, these big beauties can become even bigger pains. If your potential house is close to a big tree, Google it. See how aggressive their root systems are. 

 

Aggressive roots are strong and will expand many feet. In turn, they can pull up piping or damage the structure of the house. Think of a tree that destroys a sidewalk. That can be the slab of your future home’s foundation. 

Plan Renovations 

Your house needs to change as your family continues to evolve. These changes are going to be costly. However, their necessity will be inevitable. So, don’t live in denial. Come up with a plan.

 

Talk to pros about potential renovations. Get a gauge for how much they will be. Choose one big project every year or two. Save up and see it through. Then, start thinking of your next long-term goal. You’ll be surprised at how productive you can be! 

 

The New Year is not just a great time to make personal resolutions, but also to prep your home and plan for the year ahead. After the rush of the holidays, January is the perfect time to focus more energy on settling into your new home. Maintenance and preventative care are important aspects of homeownership and will ensure many happy days ahead. 

Are you ready to make the most of your home in 2020? Follow our simple guide to smart January homeownership. 

 

A January Checklist for Southern California Homeowners

 

 

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Clean gutters and drains. If your home attracts any fallen leaves or general plant debris during the year, start off with a clean slate in January. Clear out gutters and check the roof for any potential issues.

 

 

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Replace water filters.
Most water and ice maker filtration systems need to be replaced about twice per year. The New Year and 4th of July make good seasonal reminders. Check with your manufacturer for recommendations on your specific unit.

 

 

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Declutter.
It’s easy to accumulate more than we intend to. Start the spring cleaning early by decluttering inside the home. Check closets for clothes you don’t wear, old books that can be donated, replace old linens or towels, old moving boxes that never got emptied.

 

 

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Garage Clear-Out.
Along with the inside of your home, check the garage for excess clutter and debris and make space for the year ahead.

 

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Take inventory and update insurance.
After the holidays, it’s a good idea to update your home insurance – especially if the holidays brought any expensive gifts.

 

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Clear drains.
Drain maintenance is an important preventative measure to keep your plumbing working properly. The start of the new year is a great time to revisit your drains, clear them out, and use a preventative drain clearer to avoid trouble later in the year.

 

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Do a deep clean.
What better way to start the year than a sparkling, fresh, clean home? Even if you are new to your home, it’s likely that the holidays have brought some extra guests through your home and that regular cleaning was traded in for festive parties or family outings. In January, put on some gloves and do the dirty work. Clean sinks, floors, baseboards, windows, and under furniture. Keep surfaces clean and clutter-free to encourage a sense of clarity and space. 

 

 

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January Done Right

To start your year off right, get down to business in January. Develop regular cleaning and home maintenance plans to keep your home in tip top shape all year long.

 

One of the most important features when buying a new home is the master bathroom. Especially in today’s market, many look toward the bathroom as a sanctuary. It’s the one place where you can get away from work, kids, and your spouse. So if you are looking to sell your house fast, you might want to pay extra attention to the bathroom. Here are 5 master bathroom features that will sell your house. 

 

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An Extra Sink

If you want to wow potential buyers out of the gate, install a his and her (or his) sink. Most married couples run on the same schedule. That means they’re probably both fixing to get ready for work or bed around the same time. Sharing one bathroom is hard enough, but one sink makes it almost impossible. One has to wait while the other brushes their teeth, applies their night cream, or shaves their facial hair. Instead of working around one another, couples should work together. Getting dual sinks is a cheap way to make your master bathroom stand out as unique to potential buyers. 

 

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Two Ways to Clean  

More is…more! If you have the room in your master bathroom, install a shower and a bathtub. Having both options brings a lot of value to not only your bathroom, but your house. Some days you need to jump in the shower quickly before running out. Others, you want to sprawl out and decompress in a nice, hot bath. Having two ways to clean gives potential buyers the impression of personalization to their everyday routine. This can easily help generate interest in buying your house. 

 

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Hot Tub It Up!

While a shower and a bathtub are  nice, you may want to forgo the bathtub and go with a hot tub instead. Hot tubs have a long-standing perception as a luxury item. Therefore, adding such a coveted possession into the master bathroom can really help bring up the perceived value of your house. If there’s room for all three, then by all means! The bigger the master bathroom, the happier the potential buyer. 

 

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Lights! Lights! Lights!

Homebuyers love lighting. This rule reigns true for houses, so why not give them more of what they want in the bathroom? Put your master lights on a dimmer so future homebuyers can dictate the mood of their sanctuary. From there, add lighting in areas that can use an extra burst. Maybe put a vanity around the mirror? Perhaps a halo recessed light above the shower? Go completely modern and put a backlight on the inside of the medicine cabinet! Whatever your choose, the more lights in the master bathroom, the more likely you are going to sell your house fast. 

 

 

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Turn Up the Heat

Let’s face it, nobody likes to step onto a cold floor after a hot shower on a winter’s day. That’s why heated floors are all the rage in master bathroom renos. Up the heat (and interest in your house) even more by adding heated toilet seats. One last heat trick? Add a steamer to your shower. This can help transform the shower into a sauna. These added treats make homebuyers look at the master bathroom as more of a spa experience. They not only turn up the heat in the bathroom, but will have your house setting the market on fire too.

 

Are you dreaming of buying a home in 2020? Congratulations! Buying your first home is an amazing goal to work towards. The idea, however, can feel overwhelming and daunting if you have never bought or owned a home. 

2020 is your year to become a homeowner. Let’s start the year off right with some helpful resolutions that put you on the path to homeownership before the end of the year. 

 

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Buying Your First Home

 

 

 

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I will save $X each month to reach my goal of a $Y down payment.
The first resolution you need for 2020 is to determine what your desired down payment is. Without a clear idea, it’s an impossible goal to towards. Once you have your number, decide how much more you need to save to reach that, and divide by the number of months you have before you hope to buy a home. That’s your monthly goal. Now stick to it!

 

 

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I will unsubscribe to unnecessary, costly subscription services by February 1st, 2020.
This is a simple, but important resolution that’s great for anyone saving up to make any kind of large purchase. In the first few weeks of the new year, track down any less-than-necessary subscription services you have and cancel them. Do you really watch that much cable? What about that monthly subscription box? This goes for other purchases as well. Trim down as much as possible by reducing your coffee shop habit, grocery splurges, or impulse buying.

 

 

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I will avoid making any large purchases until I have reached my down payment goal.
This goal pairs well with the previous resolution. Limit any unnecessary purchases – especially big ones – until you’ve reached your biggest goal. New cars, technology, and fancy vacations can wait. This year the focus is buying a home!

 

 

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I will reach out to a real estate agent and mortgage broker by April 1, 2020 to discuss my plans to buy a home this year.
You may have browsed available homes in your desired neighborhood and gotten an idea of what’s out there. That’s great! But the first step to making real progress with finding a home is reaching out to a real estate agent and a mortgage broker. If possible, get pre-approved for a home loan and solidify an agent you’d love to work with when you’re ready to serious start the search.

 

 

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I will pay off other outstanding debts to improve my credit by (date).
This resolution will vary greatly from person to person. Consider the amount of outstanding debt you have from credit cards, car loans, student loans. Pay these off to the best of your ability while also saving money for your down payment. Reducing these debts will help you funnel money into your house fund, while also improving your credit score to improve your chances at better mortgages rates.

 

 

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Ring in 2021 in Your New Home

This year is the year you’ll finally become a homeowner! Starting 2021 off in your new home requires sticking to your resolutions this year. With a little determination, you can save, search, and sign those papers.  

 

Trying to sell your home during the holiday season can present challenges but is not impossible. While most realtors will try to convince you otherwise, the winter months offer the opportunity to be on the market with fewer other homes.

It is important that your holiday décor does not overwhelm potential buyers touring your home. The desire to decorate as you normally would is understandable but for those selling their homes, keeping buyers in mind is best.

 

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Skip the Lights

This may sound like blasphemy to some but while fun and festive, lights are a great way to hide the charm and character of your home’s exterior. While most buyers will be touring your home during the day, lights are still intrusive and unattractive with wires and cords running through your yard and around your windows.

 

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Compliment Your Décor 

Is your home tastefully themed with a darker color palette or a lighter blue hue? If so, consider purchasing holiday decorations that compliment these colors. Rather than put out your random, multicolor collection from years gone by, select some metallic or a complimentary palette to decorate your home.

 

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Keep Others in Mind

The point in decorating a home for the holidays while staying on the market is to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Not everyone celebrates the same holidays as you do. Keep your decorations as neutral as possible (read: maybe skip the giant inflatable Santa this year.)

 

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Fresh is Best

Fresh flowers can be a great asset to your interior holiday design. Select appropriate colors like reds, greens, and whites to create a festive bouquet. Berries and baby’s breath are also great additions to a holiday arrangement.

Selling your home during the holidays does not mean a complete departure from decorations. Keeping things simple and sophisticated will help ensure you keep prospective buyers interested.

 

With Halloween right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about how you’ll decorate for the spooky season. There are many different ways to enhance your home for Halloween no matter your Halloween style. Read on for our best Halloween decorating tips and tricks!

 

 

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Keep it Natural
One of the great things about Halloween is that it falls right in the middle of beautiful autumn. If you like to keep things natural, take advantage of the abundant fall foliage, gourds, pumpkins, and branches that you can find this time of year. Use twine, linen, acorns, pinecones, feathers, or any other natural-type material you can find.

 

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Mix up the Textures
For table arrangements, mantle pieces, or even porches, experiment with different textures. Find faux fur a la Werewolf, burlap sacks, lace, or even yarn to make a space spooky or chic. 

 

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Paint it Black
Goth or Glamour? An all-black Halloween can make quite a statement. Find matte black paint and cover a variety of pumpkins to create a monochrome look. Mix in ivory touches (skulls and bones) or pale greens (eucalyptus and other plants) to really make them pop.

 

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Creepy Quotes
Mysterious literature can be a great way to decorate your home for Halloween with a touch of class. Print out famous creepy quotes (try The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe or an extract from The Legend of Sleepy Hallow) and frame them. Place them around the home or on a Halloween-themed porch to welcome visitors…if they dare!

 

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Luminate with Candles
If you’re looking for a cozier Halloween vibe, stock up on candles. Candles create the perfect spooky ambiance while also making your home feel relaxed and tranquil. You can even create little pumpkin candles or ghost candles with just a few simple steps.

 

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Go Treasure Hunting
Antique stores can be the perfect place to find Halloween decorations. As things age, they can sometimes feel a little creepy with the right presentation. Dig up old black and white photographs, aged lace, old medial texts or other books, and even some unique glassware to hold tealights or creepy crawlies. Go with an open mind and see what speaks to you! 

 

Make this year the DIY Halloween year! Decorating for the seasons in always fun, but even more fun when you get to use your creativity. With these ideas, you’ll surely have one of the spookiest, yet tasteful houses in Long Beach!