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

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 living 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.

 

 

4. 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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.  

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.

4. 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.  

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!

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.