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MIKE NORTONMIKE NORTON

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5625775021
mike@mikenorton.com
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5 Affordable Upgrades for Your Starter Home

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So you have just bought your new starter home. Like most people that buy starter homes, you don’t plan to live there forever, but on the other hand, you don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. Now, you have to determine which improvements will give you the most return on your investment when it comes time to sell. Guttering out your entire kitchen may be what you want to do, but it may not be ideal. Here are five affordable upgrades perfect for your starter home.

 

1. Swap out your kitchen countertops

2934904118_e4f20af035_z Your first inclination may be to replace your countertops with granite, but don’t jump on this so fast. Granite countertops don’t carry the same weight that they once did, partially because every home has them now. If you’re only replacing the countertops, opt for a cheaper, but equally beautiful material like recycled glass. When choosing a color, stick with neutrals like gray. This will give your kitchen a brighter, clean look and if your budget allows, invest in backsplashes with bright, fun colors.

2. Investing in a freestanding bioethanol fireplace
These freestanding units add tons of character to a home without breaking the bank. The piping from the fireplace vents the smoke out of the home, making it an easier and more cost-effective installation.

 

3. Increase your livin6461979459_88425b5d3c_bg space with decking
We’re lucky to have such temperate weather here in Southern California, and deck usage is very possible year round. It’s an affordable way to extend the living space of your home to entertain family and friends. If a new or bigger deck is not your thing, look into extended patios and outdoor living rooms or kitchens.

 

 

garden-3585_960_720-14. Add low-voltage outdoor lighting
Think about adding lights to your driveway, walkway, and in trees. This will create ambiance, especially in the evenings as you enjoy entertaining your guests.

 

 

 

5. Give the exterior a makeover
One option to give your home a facelift while staying on budget is replacing all the outside light fixtures and having your home’s exterior professionally power washed. Also, replace hardware on your front door, mailbox, and shutters. Don’t forget a freshly landscaped yard will also do wonders for your outdoor space.

Posted in: Blog

Common Myths of the Home Buying Process

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Many of the myths that plague the home buying process have come from old standards of the industry. Real estate is much different from what it was 15 years ago. Requirements such as having stellar credit or putting down 20 percent are a thing of the past. Find out which real estate myths you still believe.

  1. THE SELLER PAYS THE CLOSING COSTS.

This is a common myth that many people believe all the way up until the closing occurs. This can be true in some circumstances, but it’s not common or realistic for the seller to agree to pay all the closing costs. It’s best to understand all the additional costs that will incur such as credit reports, survey fees, titles services, an attorney fee, and property insurance. Experts say to expect closing costs to be anywhere from two to five percent of the entire price of the home.

  1. THE SELLER WILL MAKE REPAIRS BASED ON THE INSPECTION REPORT.

Your agent will assist you in negotiating any repairs that need to be made upon inspection, but that does not guarantee they will pay for all of it. If they don’t hire someone themselves to do the repairs before you close, and won’t offer you cash-back credits for you to hire your own professional to come in, you’re probably on your own. This “take it or leave it” approach means that the seller is in no hurry to move or may have more offers coming in.

  1. THE ASKING PRICE IS THE SELLING PRICE.

Many sellers price their home over the value of their home so there will be room for negotiations. Many different factors go into what you offer and what you walk away with. If a home has been sitting on the market for some time, it may be because it was priced too high. In this case, many sellers are willing to reduce the asking price.

  1. THE DOWN PAYMENT IS THE ONLY UPFRONT COST.

The down payment is the only upfront cost. Like stated above, the seller does not always pay the closing costs. After closing and moving into your new place, you may find you need additional repairs or improvements. You’ll probably need to furnish the place, also, don’t forget to keep an emergency fund in case of raining days.

  1. IT’S CHEAPER TO RENT THAN BUY.

Today, in almost every city, rent prices are increasing faster than home prices. When it comes to paying for your living, isn’t it better to be paying your mortgage toward a home you own vs. paying your landlord? Renting is more ideal for people who want to be more flexible, but buying is ideal for people who want to invest.

Posted in: Blog

4 Surprising Factors That Can Affect your Home’s Value

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There many surprising factors in real estate that many people don’t know about. Most people know that a 4,000 so. ft., 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bath home in the middle of Oklahoma may be the same price or less than a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home located here in Southern California. But that is obvious because of the two homes’ location. You may not know that other factors determine the value of you home.

1. Crown molding  

If you have taken the time to select neutral and calm colors for your home, but have neglected crown molding, you have done a disservice. People love crown moldings; it gives a feeling of elegance and decadence you don’t often get in newer homes. Of course, everyone loves high ceiling, but you can still put crown molding on lower sitting ceilings. Just make sure they are to scale with the room. 

2. Sports team paraphernalia 

Now we know people are very passionate about their sports teams and like to decorate their home with paraphernalia, but try to refrain. Other passionate fans of the opposing team may view your home and unfortunately write off your home (I know people can be crazy.) Besides not wanting to alienate any of your potential buyers, decorating a home in sports paraphernalia can be a bit tacky.

3. Starbucks

If you have a Starbucks, Trader Joes, or Whole Foods within a mile of your home, it typically goes up in value. On average, homes in close proximity go up 40 percent in value since their purchase. Homes near Starbucks and Whole foods have seen double-digit gains.

4. A death on the property

In California, if a death has occurred on the property, it must be disclosed. While this may not affect some buyers, it is a deal breaker for others. There is even a name for it, stigmatized, it refers to a site in which a murder, suicide, or paranormal activity has occurred.

Posted in: Blog

4 Ways the Real Estate Market Changes After Labor Day

Sweet House, 607 Cherry St., Santa Rosa, CA

The time between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, known as Fall, is best spent outside since this is usually when Southern California experiences its best weather. If you’re in the market for a new home, this poses the best time to stroll neighborhoods looking for your next home. Some prospective home buyers throw in the towel after Labor Day and wait until next spring. Because of this, you will find that beginning your pursuit in September will be to your advantage. Find out how the housing market changes after Labor Day.

  1. Fall is more of a buyer’s market

The market typically favors the buyer in the fall because the competition declines. As the season begins, families settle back into their routines with school, and home buying is put on hold. If you don’t have school-aged kids or don’t mind moving while they are in school, this is your best season. The market slows down, so negotiating a better deal becomes easier.

  1. Vacation home-sellers see action

Summer is the vacation season, even Congress breaks for August. After you’ve experienced a particularly fun summer in your favorite vacation spot you may be tempted to buy a home so you can have that experience every year. Perfect for you, you can purchase and have your new home furnished just in time for spring. Purchasing in the fall is also an excellent way to experience your favorite vacation spot in the off-season.

  1. Like the leaves, home prices fall

People usually list their homes during what they think is the best time of the year to sell, summer. This is because summer is the peak selling season. But when sellers aren’t successful and Labor Day comes and goes, they then have to reassess their asking price and be more open to negotiations.

  1. There’s no deadline for most fall home buyers

If getting into your new home before the first day of school is no longer an issue, there is no longer a deadline. You might want to be in your home before the holidays, but the stakes aren’t as high. Your deadline is more flexible, especially depending on the financial implications. You may want to be in your new home before Thanksgiving, but waiting may save you money.  

Posted in: Blog

Retro Row

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One of the many great neighborhoods of Long Beach can be found directly in the center of the city. Fourth street, also known as Retro Row, is a unique and diverse neighborhood that has shopping, restaurants, bars, and art for everyone. The neighborhood brings the community together to celebrate independence and individuality. With mid-century treasures that can be found in vintage shops to the abundance of different types of food, Fourth street is one of Long Beach’s best-underrated neighborhoods.

When looking for something to eat, Fourth street does not disappoint. With endless options, choosing a restaurant with delicious food is easy. One of the neighborhood favorites is the Social List. Opening in 2014, the restaurant quickly became a favorite among residents and visitors with their gourmet sausages and craft beer, making it an instant classic. Just a few blocks down Fourth, you can find Restauration, another favorite on Retro Row. With beautiful outdoor seating, guests can enjoy their meal amongst vertical gardens, handmade tables, and repurposed lighting.

Much of today’s clothing trends are influenced by the fashion of the past. Thanks to the many vintage stores located on fourth, you can buy the clothing items that directly influenced today’s fashion. Introspect, one of the largest stores on the block, offer more than just clothing, they have everything retro, from records to houseware to books and jewelry. Another recent addition to the vintage store of Fourth Street is Far Outfit. Opening in August of last year, the store offers 60s and 70s clothing that will fill anyone’s desire to dress like a character from “Mad Men.”

Fourth Street also takes their drinks seriously, from drive bars to wine bars, the options are limitless. Art du Vin, which is adjoined by the art theatre, to create an intimate art deco wine bar. The heated patio is what helps keep this bar a favorite amongst locals. 4th Street Vine is a classic Retro Row bar with live music five times a week and a menu of small plates. This boutique bar also specializes in small production wine that is great for people looking for something different.

 

Posted in: Blog

Best Day Trips from Los Angeles County

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It’s not like there isn’t a lot to do in Los Angeles, but sometimes you need to get out, even if it is just for a day. Luckily, there are many different destinations with beautiful views, landscapes, and beaches, all within a couple of hours. If you’re looking for a getaway, but don’t have the time or money for a full weekend trip away, here are a few of our favorite day trips.

  1. Temecula – 1hr 30mins by car

Instead of traveling all the way north to Napa or Sonoma, take an easy hour and a half drive on down to TEMECULA. This is should be your first choice if you love wine tasting. You can also stomp grapes and visit Old Town TEMECULA where you can take a historical walking tour at the Temecula Valley Museum. The heart of TEMECULA has over 30 different wineries, which you can hop around between or take a guided tour. You can finish off the day by experiencing a magnificent view of the wineries and sunset from inside a hot air balloon.

2. Solvang – 2 hrs by car

A small town that was founded after the Danish left the midwest and headed for the west, SOLVANG doesn’t have many Danes anymore. Today, you can find wooden windmills, rural houses, and a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower. In these charming homes, you can find Christmas shops, Hans Christian Andersen, the Little Mermaid trinkets, and Danish bakeries. SOLVANG also has many breweries and pancake cottages. If you want history, make sure you stop by the Elverhol Museum. For a more off the beaten path experience, check out the outskirts of SOLVANG where you can visit OstrichLand, the Jurassic Park for ostriches.

3. Santa Barbara – 1hr 50min

SANTA BARBARA is a worldwide destination and we’re lucky enough it close enough for a day trip. Head to Stearns Wharf where you’ll have fabulous views of the pacific with State Street nearby filled shops. You can also enjoy the ocean at a nearly private beach at Butterfly Beach, next to the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel. Grab lunch at Julia Child’s favorite eatery, La Super Rica Taqueria. Want to go wine tasting? Try one of the many tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail in downtown Santa Barbara.

  1. Coronado – 2 hrs

CORONADO has topped the list of best beaches in the country for years. With its wide shores, it feels like it’s never crowded and with its soft, fine-grained sand it makes for a perfect walk in any weather. It’s just a ferry ride or a short drive over the bridge from San Diego. Even if you can’t afford the $300+ a night at the Hotel del Coronado, it’s worth checking out. With many different options for eating, you’ll find great food, coffee, and frozen treats at every turn. CORONADO also houses a nice sized naval base in which you can watch fighter jets take off and land.  

Posted in: Blog

Celebrate 4th of July Long Beach Style

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Celebrating Fourth of July in Long Beach is an experience all in itself! If you find yourself having the pleasure of celebrating America’s big day in the city and since fireworks are illegal in Long Beach, here are a few places you can spend it!

Big Bang on the Bay

Looking to break out the flag and enjoy the fireworks early? Head down to Alamitos Bay for the annual Big Bang on the Bay celebration on July 3rd. The festivities include a block party and dinner packages at Boathouse on the Bay.

Harbor Breeze Fireworks Cruise

Harbor Breeze Cruises will take you to the seas for a viewing of the fireworks displays in Alamitos Bay on July 3rd or on the Queen Mary on July 4th.

July 4th Late Night and BBQ

Dive deep into the Pacific Ocean and see the red, white, and blue fish at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Enjoy a freshly grilled BBQ on the front lawn, a view of the Queen Mary fireworks display, and a swim through the Aquarium.

All-American Fourth of July Abroad the Queen Mary 

Hop aboard the Queen Mary and travel through the heartland of America as you tour the different regions of our country and catch entertainment found from coast to coast!

Posted in: Blog

Why You Should LOVE Long Beach

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Long Beach has one of the most diverse group of residents and is located in one of the most desired places in the world. Besides its year-round temperate climates and a history rich in culture, Long Beach is one of the most underrated cities. From its refined city center to its beach communities of Belmont Shore and Naples to its many historic districts, this city has a neighborhood for everyone. The city is unique in that it’s known for being dog-friendly, bike-friendly, and has one of the biggest LGBT-friendly communities in California. It’s obvious to us why we love Long Beach, but in case you’re not convinced, here are a few of the reasons you should love this city too.  

It has the only off-leash dog beach

1._2006,_May_29_097At Rosie’s Dog Beach, dogs are free. They are free to run and roam around, free to splash in the water, and free to chase and play with one another. There is nothing more heart-warming than observing dogs exude so much joy and happiness by running around under the warm Southern Californian sun. Although there are currently petitions for the city to create more, this is the only off-leash dog beach in all of Los Angeles county.

 

It is the most bike-friendly city in California

It’s like a hybrid of a Southern California beach city and Amsterdam. Long Beach was just recently awarded the most bike friendly city in Southern California and second in all of California, behind San Francisco. Within the last couple of years, the city has pushed to create more infrastructures bike-friendly and recently just opened its own bike share system.

 

There are plenty of historical buildings and landmarksVillaRiviera_LongBeach

Much of the city was built in the early 1900s and can still be seen today. From historic districts to buildings to
landmarks, all have a rich history. The most famous and most recognizable building in the LBC is the Villa Riveria, a 16 story French gothic building that was at one time the second tallest building in California. Other historic districts boast of homes that are over 100 years old that people still live in today.

 

Long Beach knows how to brunch

8608264353_35d3c40e41_bIf you’re looking for some southern comfort food for brunch, you should check out Sweet Dixie Kitchen. They have pies, scones, and freshly made butter biscuits. You can also order biscuit sandwiches filled with eggs, chorizo, and gravy. If bottomless mimosas are on your list for great brunches, you should check out Tavern on 2. This restaurant has been featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” with Guy Fieri. They serve bottomless mimosas until 3 pm and when they say bottomless, they mean it, you’ll never see the bottom of your glass. Be careful, though, they really sneak up on you. Another restaurant to check out is the Starling Diner, they serve brunch with a twist. From French toast stuffed with berries to mimosas flavored with a variety of fruits, flowers, and lavender, this diner will surprise you.

Posted in: Blog

What You Should Know Before Buying A Historical Home

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Long Beach has some of the most historical districts in any Southern Californian city. Homes in these districts are easy to fall in love with because of their unique charm and fascinating history. Before anyone does buy a historical home, there are a few restrictions and expenses they should know. There may be a few unexpected complications while being a proud owner of a, literally, one of a kind home. For example, there may be problems lying behind the surface and in some areas, owners must follow strict rehabilitation guidelines. In order to help you protect your future investment, here is some vital information about buying a historical home.

So what actually constitutes a historical home? A historical home is one that is deemed so by being “architecturally significant” by the National Register of Historical Places or a local historical board such as the Historical Society of Long Beach. Homes that capture the essence of a given time period, associated with famous people of the past, or is located in a historic district are also considered historical homes.

Now there are many benefits to buying a historical home, one being that they are aesthetically appealing and have shown to stand the test of time. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, historical homes provide additional benefits. Many state and local governments actually offer tax incentives in the form of tax credits or lower interest rates. While they tax benefits won’t make you rich, they are benefits you might otherwise not receive.

Now that you have found your vintage home, there a few things you should do before you sign on the dotted line. You should have a formal home inspection done by a professional inspector who specializes in older homes or a structural engineer. Also, look into getting estimates for necessary repairs. Make sure the home meets all the safety and health standards, including paint with lead. If the home turns out to have too many structural problems, walk away, the emotional attachment is not worth the headache and money. Make sure you carefully study the standards for rehabilitation of historic buildings before you begin planning too many renovations.

In order to protect the true nature of the home, certain restrictions have been placed on renovations and owners must obtain special permits if they wish to renovate. Here are a few of the typical restrictions on historic homes:

  • Additions – It is very rare that owners are allowed to add square footage to the home.
  • Windows, shutters, and roofs – Since these features embody the original architecture, they typically are preserved or can only be replaced with similar designs.
  • Utility bill – Before you seal the deal, check out the home’s energy usage. It may cost more to heat and cool a vintage home than a traditional one.

Owning a historical home is a unique and fun experience. If you do your research and weigh the pros and cons, you should be able to know if buying a historical home is right for you.

 

Posted in: Blog

6 Way You Can Save On Storage

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Photo by Kerry Ann Dame on Flickr

Owning a smaller home definitely has its perks. You are probably saving on rent/mortgage, cleaning becomes easier, and you save on heating and cooling. The list goes on, but one drawback is the lack of storage. It’s good to rid ourselves of unneeded clutter that happens to pile up over time, but what about the things we really do need? Ask any New Yorker, storage is probably one of their biggest struggles, but they seem to find a way. This blog will teach you 6 simple ways in which you can save on space.

  1. Add shelves to existing fixtures

Cabinets, for the most part, provide more room than are actually used. This is because of the way they are designed. By adding shelves to an already existing cabinet will allow for more storage. Adding vertical dividers to kitchen cabinets are great for storing cooking trays and pot lids. You can also glue/screw/nail vertical paper tray holders to the inside of kitchen cabinet doors to hold packaged items like garbage bags, foil, and plastic bags.

  1. Double duty

Living in a smaller home, you can’t afford to have furniture that doesn’t have a dual purpose. For example, a bench in the entryway that acts as an umbrella or boot holder. In the living room, an ottoman that can store blankets and other linens or a trunk for a coffee table that you can flip up and use for additional storage.

  1. Use baskets and boxes

Using baskets or boxes are not only great for storage, but can spruce up your decor. They’re great for storing jewelry on top of dressers or on top of counters for kitchen items. Find boxes or baskets that fit your decor and you can add them to bookcases, coffee tables, and even armoires.

  1. Think outside the box

Just because an item is used in that room doesn’t mean it has to stay there. For example, your holiday dishes don’t have to stay in your kitchen year round, taking up space. Carefully wrap your dishes and store them in a hall closet or under the bed. If you’re not much of a cook, you can take inspiration from Carrie Bradshaw and store your shoes (or other items) in your oven, but remember they are in there before you turn on the oven.

  1. Clear plastic bins

Clear plastic bins are life savers. You can stuff them full of items and then stack them. When it comes time to retrieve those items, the bins are clear so you can see where they are. You can even try this in the kitchen, store and stack all your dry food that is not often used.

  1. Raise the bed

Your bed takes up much of your bedroom, so why not use it for storage. If you have a low sitting bed, you can purchase bed risers from any Target or Walmart. You can also purchase bed frames with built drawers. It’s time to utilize this extra space.

Posted in: Blog

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Mike Norton

mike@mikenorton.com
5625775021

KOHR GROUP REALTY

5222 E Los Altos Plaza
Long Beach, Ca 90815

Broker Lic#00975141

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