Your home needs some work. Maybe a little, maybe a LOT. Maybe you’ve lived in your home forever and can’t imagine leaving it, or feel that you’ve just moved in and haven’t gotten the most out of it yet. The trouble? The amount of work it needs to make this house your home makes moving sound a lot more desirable. This is never an easy decision, but there are some guidelines that can help you make the right choice for you.

 

 

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Money Matters
Of course finances are a huge part of the decision-making process. If your home is lacking in some major ways (big renovations, costly repairs, outdated) then you will not be able to sell for the best price. The home’s next owners will have to put these costs in, so you’ll be selling with this in mind. On the other hand, if you are downsizing it might be in your best interest to sell as is, then find a comparable property and avoid the headache of renovations.

Other thing to consider is the resale value of your home if you do go through with the renovations. Once you update and enjoy the home for a while, how much better value can you expect to get out of your home with it’s new makeover? If it will be substantial, you might consider taking the renovation route.

 

 

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Quality of Life
Renovations can cause quite an upstir – as does moving. When making this big decision, tune into what kind of short-term annoyances you’ll be signing up for. This all depends on the type and amount of renovations you’re considering, as well as how far away a move you would take.

 

 

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Neighborly Advice
When you move, you don’t just move house. You move communities. Although we are quite lucky here in Long Beach with the quality of our neighborhoods, certain areas feel more like home to some. Important things to consider are your daily conveniences and overall feel of your neighborhood. Do you love your neighbors? How will your commute change? Are you ready for a change? Now, all these things could be better or easier elsewhere, and that’s something to consider as well.

 

 

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Make the Best of It
Whatever you choose, choose to make the best of it. If you decide to move, take your time to find a house that offers you what you hoped to change in your previous establishment. Starting renovations? Do all you can to make the process easier. Clean out any clutter, prepare to stay with friends if needed, and get clear on your desired outcome. No matter your choice, you’re on your way to the home you deserve!

It’s spring here in Long Beach and our town is really coming alive. There’s nothing like driving through one of our beautiful neighborhoods and seeing vibrant green yards and flower-lined porches.

So, how does your home stack up against the rest of Long Beach? If it might need some work, this is the perfect time to start thinking about curb appeal – especially if your home is on the market or you’re considering a move. If you’re a little behind on your curb appeal or need to enhance your home’s value, it’s time to get dirty with these quick and easy curb appeal weekend projects.

Paint Your Door
The front door is often the highlight of a home’s exterior. If yours is looking a little shabby, it’s time to pay it a little attention. Clean up any debris or leaves outside the door, replace tired door handles, and give it a good coat of paint. Try one of these new colors to really cause a spark.

Mailbox Makeover
While you’ve got the paintbrushes handy, why not primp that mailbox? Through the weather and sun, your mailbox can take a lot of damage. A quick coat of paint can transform one of our most distinct symbols of home.

Spruce up Your Garden Beds
Let’s get dirty. Cleaning up your front garden beds can make a dramatic change in the overall appearance of your home. Load up the car with new mulch or soil and get to work. Remove any weeds beforehand and even out the edges.

Replace Your Doormat
We all want to feel welcome, and there’s nothing like a clean, well-cared for the welcome mat to instill a sense of “I’m home.”

Highlight Your Address
You want people to love their potential new address – so make it shine! Check out these cool ideas for some inspiration.

Perfect Your Porch
How old is that porch furniture that has dutifully sat outside your front door? While it may still be a great set, if it looks weathered or tired, buyers may be a little put-off. Bright new porch furniture will make them daydream about the fabulous get-togethers they’ll soon enjoy in their new home.

Light it Up
Exterior lighting can completely change the energy of your home. With proper lighting, your home is not only enhanced with safety and security, but it truly shines. Go the electrical route with low-voltage landscape lighting or set up a solar-powered system. Easy!

 

 

 

Curb appeal doesn’t have to be a major endeavor. These quick weekend fixes can make a huge impact, and you’ll still have time for a Sunday stroll along Shoreline Village. Now, get to work!

 

Historical homes are full of charm and packed with a rich backstory. Luckily for fans of historic homes, Long Beach, California is home to a number of houses lush with history, culture, and beautiful views of the coast. From Belmont Heights to Villa Riveria to Willmore City, there are plenty of historical homes to choose from in Southern California. The question is, is a historic home right for you? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of owning a historic home.

Cons of Owning a Historic Home in Long Beach

We’re going to start off with the disadvantages of purchasing a historic home first because the list is much smaller. While you may be enamored by the prospect of owning a historic home, it may come with an extra set of responsibilities. For instance, you might need to get permission from local authorities for any renovations or additions you decide to add to the property.

 

Keep in mind; you are purchasing an older house. That means everything from water damage or electrical updates are a reality.

 

Lastly, insurance may be a bit higher. Many insurance companies don’t have coverage for historical houses. Therefore, you might need to seek a company that specializes in historic property insurance.

Pros of Owning a Historic Home in Long Beach

Sure, you are paying to live there but buying a historic home is a privilege. You agree to maintain the integrity of a property so many people can appreciate it for centuries to come.

 

For your hard work in maintaining the house, many governments offer incentives. You may be able to get lower interest loans for any repair work that needs to be done.

Buying a historic home means you are surrounded by history, architecture, and art. Not only is your house a conversation piece for guests, but it’s a tangible piece of history that you can actively explore.

 

Many that own historical homes get lost in the quest to learn about past owners and those within the neighborhood. Immersing yourself in the deep history will give you more of an appreciation for your surroundings. You’ll have a deeper bond to your home and community. From Mid-Century to Victorian to Spanish style homes, Long Beach is rich in awe-inspiring historical houses throughout a number of quaint neighborhoods.

 

Most of the country has already survived a polar vortex and are looking ahead to the warmer months. As the temperatures rise, so do the interests of potential homebuyers. The months of April through August are the peak for the housing market. With stiff competition around the corner (literally), you might want to start preparing to put your house up for sale. Here some ways to get your home ready…and why now might be the right time to sell.

 

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Perform a Walk Through

We look at our homes with a bias. Each room holds a dear memory. You might still see your now-teenage daughter’s old room as the safe haven that once held your little one’s crib. In the meantime, you missed the water damage on the ceiling, the ripped screen in the window, and the doorknob hole in the wall.

 

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Before you sell your house, it’s time to fix up the things you’ve been putting off. That’s because someone else is trying to see their future taking place in your old house. It’s harder for them to envision this future with chipped paint and broken light fixtures.

 

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Get an Inspection

Once you’ve addressed the glaring issues, it’s time to bring in a professional. Get an inspection.

 

 

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By getting an inspection, you are putting out fires before they begin. All the legalities that will hold up at closing can be snuffed out before a potential homebuyer even lays their eyes on your home.

 

 

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Also, having your house inspected gives you a better idea as to what kind of profit you may be looking at when you do indeed sell your home. Going through the process can help you make a more informed decision about the next house you plan on buying for your own family.

 

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Work on the Landscape

First impressions are a lasting one, especially when it comes to selling your house. Turning someone off at the curb will start the whole viewing off with a negative connotation. This impression may follow them through the rest of the process. Consequently, potential buyers may rule your home out before even giving the house a chance.

 

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From the profile pic online to greeting them at the door in person, the outside of your house matters. No one wants to live in an ugly house. Neighbors don’t want ugly houses in their neighborhoods. Potential buyers don’t want to purchase an ugly house.

 

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The landscape is the glue that ties together your exterior. So, guess what? If your landscape looks ugly…your house looks ugly.

 

 

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Trim the shrubs. Cut the grass. Plant some flowers. Replace old light fixtures. Clean the gutters. Maintain the house as you plan on living there forever. The sooner you give up on the exterior, the sooner your buyers will give up on bidding.

 

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Sell Now

If you’re ready, then sell now. Be the first in line before the field gets crowded. After all, the early bird gets the worm.

 

 

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Just like you’re eager to sell, others may be eager to buy. They don’t want to enter long, drawn-out bidding wars. Instead, they’re looking for the like-minded people–those who are getting their houses ready before home buying season.

 

With the early days of spring upon us, it’s a sure sign that Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Our wives and mothers do so much for us, let’s make sure they are treated like queens this year! Long Beach has no shortage of fun activities and treats for mom, so there’s something for every wonderful woman out there.

Classic Mother’s Day Brunch

Sail away on the amazing Queen Mary for a lovely Mother’s Day brunch that’s truly fit for a queen. Parker’s Lighthouse also offers a beautiful brunch this year. You can’t beat getting a bit dressed up and heading out on the town for a delicious brunch – and mom will surely agree.

Special Treats

Chocolates aren’t just for Valentine’s Day – mom will swoon over a box of artisan chocolates from Romeo’s Chocolates. If she’s more of a cupcake kind of girl, check out Frosted Cupcakery or Sweet Embellishments in Long Beach. Maybe you’d like to really celebrate mom with a bang? Head over to The Wine Crush for a special bottle to pop in mom’s honor. Maybe even sign her up for the Wine Club while you’re at it?

Goddess Treatments

Your wife or mother likely spends her days making sure everyone in the family is okay. Motherhood is a selfless job, and Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse for mom to get some pampering. Treat mom to a foot massage at home, or book her a massage at La Dolce Vita Spa. Perhaps a manicure or pedicure is more her kind of relaxation? Head over to Bliss on Broadway.

Free but Fun

Mother’s Day is not just about gifts and pampering – it’s about celebrating and spending time with the powerful, loving women in your life. Take a walk along the beach or around the beautiful Earl Burns Japanese Gardens. Prep a picnic, cheese plate, or bring those chocolates from Romeo’s to Hilltop Park and soak up the sunset. Give thanks to your adoring mother or wife, and reminisce on all the good times you’ve had.

 

We look at our homes as one of (if not our most) valuable asset. However, when there’s still a mortgage on the house, it means that the property is not exactly ours yet. Sure, you may have equity but at the end of the day, you are still a borrower, and the bank still has the rights to the property. This fact (and in the interest of saving…on interest) is precisely why many strive to pay their houses off ASAP. Do you dream of a debt-free life? Here are 4 secrets to paying off your mortgage sooner rather than later.

Look at Your Finances

A mortgage is considered good debt. Therefore, you don’t want to pay off your house and leave yourself struggling elsewhere. It’s sort of like the saying, “Cutting off your nose to spite your face.”

 

Don’t go into paying off your house blind. Give an honest look at your finances. If you don’t see yourself dipping into your retirement or emergency fund, then have at it. Otherwise, it’s not worth paying off your mortgage so quickly.

Pay More Toward the Principal

A little bit can go a long way in shaving off time until your house is entirely yours. Whenever you find yourself coming into extra money, throw it in your mortgage payment.

Every time you chip away at the principal, you are sandblasting the interest. That’s because you must pay a percentage of what you owe, not a percentage of your actual mortgage. So, even an extra dollar can save you some serious cents down the road.

 

Just make sure you allocate any extra payment. Most mortgage companies will take your payment and apply the minimum to the principal. The rest tends to end up in escrow. Sitting in escrow will not help you lower your principal or interest rate.

Pay the Mortgage Twice in One Year

If a little bit every month doesn’t seem to lend itself to your routine, try doubling your mortgage payment once a year. Treat it as a one-time payment like a car tax. Budget this one-time payment and make it the same time every year.

 

In fact, wait until your tax return. Tax returns are monies you don’t realize you’re missing out on. Therefore, invest that money into your future by putting this extra cash flow into your home.

Refinance for a Shorter Loan

The last few years have been hot for the refi market. Interest rates have been flirting with all-time lows. These desirable rates are the key to paying off your mortgage sooner.

 

While a refinance will help you cut down on interest, it will cause you to pay more on your principle. Typically, those who refinance will go from a 30-year loan to a 15-year loan. With a shorter loan, the interest rate will drop. So, you’re paying the house off faster and saving money in the long run, but you must pay more money upfront to get the savings.

 

We put so much time and effort into strengthening our personal relationships, we sometimes forget about one of the most important relationships in our lives. We’re talking about the one we have with our homes. It’s so easy to take your house for granted. Your home plays a backdrop for so many of your most memorable moments. So, why not show your house the love it shows you? Fall in love with your home this Valentine’s Day with these ideas!

Scent it Up

There are some quick ways to fall out of love with your house. Smelling like last week’s curry might be one of them. When you walk into a house, the first thing that hits you is how it smells. So, change up the greeting.

 

Pick out a new candle, perhaps something with roses to get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day. You can also neutralize any bad odors with a simple white candle. Not only will white candle smoke draw unpleasant scents out of the air, but there’s something nostalgic and chic about them too.

 

Not a candle nut? Get an essential oil diffuser and a variety of oils. From there, you can mix and match your scents all year round. For Valentine’s Day, we recommend a blend of rosehip oil, cinnamon bark oil, and lavender oil.

Host a Party

Houses do more than hold our junk. They are also the backbone of our memories. If you have fallen out of your love with your house, perhaps you’re not spending enough quality time with it?

 

With Valentine’s Day coming up, there’s no time better than now to make new memories. After all, everyone is itching for an excuse to have a party. Be their host. Create a night to remember that could only happen in one place…your house.

Give it a Fresh Coat of Paint

You know what’s worse than watching paint dry? Watching the same old paint already dried…for years. Changing paint color is like switching up a hairstyle. If you hate it, you can always change it. When it works, you gain a whole new appreciation for it.

Re-Do the Bathroom

Looking for a change but you’re on a budget? Go with the smallest room in the house. The bathroom is so easy to redo because all the replacements are rather inexpensive.

Pick a new theme. From there, switch up the mats, curtains, and soap dish holder to match your aesthetic. If you’re really feeling it, re-paint the room or put in a new backsplash. Who knows? The bathroom might be the good spark needed to ignite the fire behind renovating your whole house!

 

Buying a house is not only one of the most exciting challenges to take on, but it can be a stressful one as well. What’s the best approach to take when putting in your offer to avoid stress and worry? Preparation.

Being prepared, knowing the market, and feeling confident in your offer will make the whole process smoother and more successful. Take these seven things into consideration before putting your offer on the table.

Set Your Limit

It’s good practice to go through the process of pre-approval before you decide on a house. This not only makes the process more seamless once you’re ready to settle in, but helps you find clarity on your absolute budget. You’ll avoid falling in love with a house out of your reach with clear limits.

 

 

 

Get the Scoop

Once you’ve found your potential new home, your agent should communicate with the listing agent to get the scoop on what other offers have been made. This gives you more information about your competition and helps you make an educated offer.

 

 

Name Your Price

While making a strategic offer is an art and science. You’ll want a great deal on your house, but going too low can set you up for rejection. While price is negotiable when buying a home, there are other ways to get the most out of your money outside of the offer price.

 

Contingencies

Contingencies are extra steps that need to be made for the offer to go through the final stages. Having fewer contingencies usually makes for an easier sale. Bank pre-approvals is one way to minimize the contingencies on your end. For the seller, they will have to pass inspections and this is to your advantage. Make sure to go over any and all contingencies with your agent to secure your bet bargaining position.

Closing Date

Depending on your circumstances, it can be advantageous to set your specific closing date. This is important if you have other personal circumstances that will be affected by moving such as a new job, selling a previous home, etc… Otherwise, allow the seller to choose their best date.

Closing Costs

You’ll want to consider any closing costs you’ll incur in your budgeting for the down payment. This tends to be about 1-2% of the selling price and is split between seller and buyer. You can choose to pay these upfront or consider negotiating with the seller. They may be able to pay your portion by adding your costs to the total sale of the home so you can pay it back with your mortgage.

Special Pieces

If something in the home has caught your eye, consider adding into your offer. This is considered “personal property” and includes items like furniture and other removable pieces.

 

 

There is a lot to consider when making an offer and buying a home. Follow these considerations to stay on top of your options and make your best, educated offer!

 

As we ring in 2019, entrepreneurs will be pondering the new challenges of operating a successful small business in the new year. This major landmark is a great time to reflect on the wins and losses of the year, while working up some momentum to take the next by storm.

 

Businesses (and consumers) transform all the time –marketing trends, service expectations, and customer behavior are all ever-changing aspects of running a small business. Let’s see what’s in store for us in 2019.

Compassionate Service

With the increasing presence of technology in our daily lives, customers are seeking more human experiences. Small businesses can use this to their advantage: maintaining personal, detailed, client-oriented services is where small businesses shine. Go the extra mile, get to know your clients, and they will be forever loyal.

Niche Marketing and Advertising

Just as customers want personalized service, they’ll also respond best to personalized marketing strategies. This is an advantageous opportunity for small businesses to hone in and focus on their niche. Get specific on your audience and target clients and drive your marketing campaign specifically to them. Ditch the stock photos, generalizations, and one-size-fits-all mentality and recognize your unique clientele.  

Reviews, Reviews, Reviews
This isn’t particularly news, but reviews are king for the small business. Prospective clients have shown increasing reliance upon others’ reviews of services and goods when make their purchasing choices. In 2019, this trend will continue to develop even more. Make sure you have plenty of client review on your site and Google, Yelp, and other platforms.

The 2019 Employee

Employee desires are also evolving as we enter 2019. Pay is no longer the single driving force for many employees; they are seeking quality of life. This can come in many different forms, such as vacation time, work hour flexibility, wellness opportunities, and learning/advancement opportunities. Additionally, as technology advances, more and more employees are seeking remote work. Be open to allowing your employees to manage their in-office schedules with a day at home, or even a full-time remote position if possible.

 

The modern employee also comes from a diverse background. Consider hiring your team based on strong personality traits and potential, rather than the usual resume builders. Employees are moving around more often and seeking “personal development” in the form of internships, exchanges, and gap years. Be open to the unique applicants.

Small Business Success

Each year brings its own set of challenges for the small business owner. There are new trends, changes in business structure, hires, fires, and growth. Take on 2019 with your best foot forward by embracing some of the trends we see on the horizon. Wishing you a successful and prosperous year ahead!

 

A new year typically brings resolutions and promises to get better at some aspect of life. For homeowners, this is the perfect time to get the house in order. Use the start of a new calendar to organize, address, and review in preparation for the year ahead.

 

 

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Review Maintenance Needs and Plan Ahead

Homes require regular, routine maintenance in addition to some less frequent updates. Take stock in both these needs and plan for them throughout the year. Changing filters, testing and replacing smoke alarm batteries, and dryer vent cleaning should all make the list.

 

Plan for larger needs as well like roof inspections or HVAC maintenance. Put everything on a calendar to hold yourself accountable and avoid it “slipping your mind”.

 

 

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Update Emergency Plans and Contact Information

Emergency plans can change based on a variety of factors like the age of those residing in the home and any renovations. It is important to review the plan annually, ensure everyone is aware of the plan, and make any appropriate updates.

 

Emergency contact information should also be reviewed each year. A list is useless if the names, numbers, and addresses are inaccurate. Be sure to update any new family phone numbers along with changes to physicians, dentists, and veterinarians.

 

 

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Pre-Spring Cleanup

The new year represents a fresh start and is a perfect time for a little pre-spring cleaning. While many months of winter may remain, is a great opportunity to evaluate the things around your home that may be excessive.

 

Evaluate closets and decide what clothing can be trashed or donated. Inspect storage spaces for useless or junk items that can be trashed, donated, or labeled for a spring yard sale. Take some time at the new year to do a little work and make the spring cleaning less cumbersome.

 

Conclusion

As part of your planning for the upcoming year, take a moment to evaluate your home and its needs. Approach the year with an organized perspective to make home maintenance far less daunting.