The start of a new year always compels people to take a fresh look at their goals, from health and career to relationships and finance. But with historically low mortgage rates, increased home sales and price growth, and a tight housing inventory, the time is right to also make some homeownership resolutions for 2021.
Continue reading 9 New Year’s Resolutions for Buyers, Sellers and Homeowners
In July, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell below 3% for the first time in history. And while many Americans have rushed to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity, others question the hype. Are today’s low mortgage rates truly a bargain?
Continue reading Lowest Mortgage Rates in History: What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers
Summer’s in full swing and we are entering our three hottest and often driest months in San Diego County. Make sure your garden has plenty of water, and don’t forget to add mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.
Here are some July gardening tips to help your yard stay beautiful throughout the summer.
Continue reading July Gardening Tips 2020
Although we’ve seen some reopening of businesses and facilities, most North County and San Diego events in July are still canceled or virtual. San Diego County had a record number of new COVID-19 cases in early July and will be added to the state’s monitoring list. Because of this, we may have new restrictions. The County of San Diego issued a new health order as of July 1, 2020 delimiting social distancing and sanitation guidelines, but this may be updated.
Read on for up-to-date information from North County cities, San Diego County and California State showing what’s open, what’s closed and what precautions you should take. I’ve also included an updated listing of July 4th firework displays Continue reading North County and San Diego Events July 2020
Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications. Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.
But one of the biggest perks of homeownership is the opportunity to build wealth over time. Researchers at the Urban Institute found that homeownership is financially beneficial for most families, and a recent study showed that the median net worth of homeowners can be up to 80 times greater than that of renters in some areas.
So how does purchasing a home help you build wealth? And what steps should you take to maximize the potential of your investment? Find out how to harness the power of home equity for a secure financial future.
Continue reading The Power of Home Equity
No one likes to think about disasters. Severe weather, fire, theft, or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe, can wreak havoc on your home and result in thousands of dollars in damages. Fortunately, a good homeowners insurance policy can offer you peace of mind that you and your family will be financially protected if disaster strikes.
Continue reading Homeowners Insurance: Are You Covered?
If you use your garage as storage space, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, because the space isn’t climate controlled, it’s best to keep these items elsewhere and avoid these storage mistakes according to Realtor.com:
Pollutants, moisture and heat can quickly destroy your photos. You should digitize all of yours. If that’s not an option for you, keep printed copies in a dry area inside your home.
Continue reading 7 Garage Storage Mistakes
A couple is planning to tour the United States in a travel trailer during their first few years of retirement. They are going to sell their current home now and purchase another home when they finish their travels.
An interesting exercise is to determine the optimum time for selling the home: now or when they’re ready to buy their replacement home.
Continue reading Optimum Time for Selling
Don’t wait until you’re ready to move to start preparing financially to buy a home.
If you’re like the vast majority of home buyers, you will choose to finance your purchase with a mortgage loan. By preparing in advance, you can avoid the common delays and roadblocks many buyers face when applying for a mortgage.
The requirements to secure a mortgage may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. But I’ve outlined three simple steps for getting mortgage ready.
Even if you’re a current homeowner, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance so you don’t encounter any surprises along the way. Lending requirements have become more rigorous in recent years. Changes to your credit history, debt levels, job type and other factors could impact your chances of approval.
It’s never too early to start preparing to buy a home. Follow these three steps to begin laying the foundation for your future home purchase today!
Continue reading Three Simple Steps for Getting Mortgage Ready
The new tax law signed at the end of 2017 will affect all taxpayers. Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the areas that could impact them specifically. These items may require some planning to maximize the benefits.
Here are some of the tax changes that will affect most homeowners: