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Types of Real Estate Sales - Coffee Time with the Realty Goddess
https://youtu.be/swxL643JKYw
When you are purchasing a home you will come across many different "types" of sales. Short-Sales, Stand, HUD, Trust, REO...it can be confusing. This broadcast will look into the terms and untangle the mystery.
If you are in the Los Angeles area, I would love the opportunity to earn your business.
Laura Key, REALTOR Cal BRE 01908085 Laura.A.Key@gmail.com www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com
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Los Angeles FHA Loan Limits
Homeownership is not out of reach. FHA limits in California are one of the highest in the country. I have great lenders that can help you reach your real estate goals! Call me to get started on your home ownership goals!!! Laura Key 310.866.8422
Here are the current limits for Los Angeles (as of Nov 13, 2014) FHA allows 3.5% downpayment over a 15 to 30 year term!
Single Family $625,500
Duplex $800,775
Tri-Plex $967,950
Four-Plex $1,202,925
Start your home search today!
**Source: https://entp.hud.gov
FHA Limits for Los Angeles Area
Homeownership is not out of reach. FHA limits in California are one of the highest in the country. I have great lenders that can help you reach your real estate goals! Call me to get started on your homeownership goals!!! Laura Key 310.866.8422
Here are the current limits for Los Angeles (as of August 23, 2013) FHA allows 3.5% downpayment over a 15 to 30 year term!
Single Family $729,750
Duplex $934,200
Tri-Plex $1,129,250
Four-Plex $1,403,400
Source: FHA.com
IRS Simplifies Home Office Deduction
Working from home can be beneficial! Hope these tips help! Need a home checkup? Call me Laura Key 310.866.8422
The number of home owners who work from home at least one day a week increased nearly 10 percent — from 9.5 million to 13.4 million — between 1999 and 2010, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. However, only 3.4 million home owners claimed deductions for business use of a home in 2010, according to the IRS.
The IRS recently announced a new safe harbor provision for home office deductions for the 2013 tax year.
“This allows at-home workers the option to simply take a deduction capped at $1,500 per year based on $5 a square foot for up to 300 square feet,” FOX Business reported. “The requirement that home office space be exclusively used for business and limitations on income earned from that business still applies, and direct business expenses unrelated to the home (advertising, supplies and wages paid to employees, etc.) are fully deductible.”
"The home office deduction is one of the most misunderstood and abused deductions out there," says Margaret Munro, a tax consultant, about the changes. "If you have a valid home office, you take the deduction because you shouldn't be paying tax on money that you're using for your business."
For more information on the deduction, visit the IRS Web site.
Source: “IRS' Simpler Home Tax Deduction Cuts Through the Clutter,” FOX Business (July 24, 2013)
Sellers Jack Up Price After Offer is Accepted
Until a contract is SIGNED it is not accepted! Be very careful when "words" or a simple "handshake" is used! It might come back to haunt you! Laura Key 310.866.8422
Some home sellers are accepting a buyer’s offer, even having a contract drawn up, only to ask for a higher price a few days later.
The move called “goalpost-shifting” is becoming more common in competitive markets with limited inventories of homes for sale, The New York Times reports. Some sellers keep the bidding on their homes going even after they’ve said they'll accept an offer from a buyer.
The New York Times describes a recent incident where a buyer offered $912,000 for a condo that was originally listed for $800,000, which had attracted more than a dozen offers. The seller accepted the buyer’s offer and a contract was written. However, a few days later the seller notified the buyer that the price had increased to $995,000. The buyer refused to increase his offer, and lost out on the unit. The seller ended up selling to another buyer who offered $1.1 million.
The practice is controversial, but The New York Times quotes brokers who note that buyers are learning a tough lesson: Until signatures are on a contract, a deal isn’t done. Also, they note the buyer is generally given the opportunity to increase their offer. However, other agents say it’s a greedy move on sellers’ part and that once sellers give their word, they should honor it.
“It’s surprising how ugly it’s getting,” says Robert Frankel, a real estate lawyer who frequently handles closings. “If you don’t hear back about a contract in two days, there are usually some shenanigans going on.”
Source: DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | MONDAY, JULY 22, 2013
The Real Estate World is moving and shaking, make sure you have an expert to help you during these times. Call Laura today! 310.866.8422
5 Home Inspection Red Flags
Inspection is always a good way to see the bones of your new home! Do not ever skimp on inspection! Laura Key 310.866.8422
A home inspection is a buyer’s opportunity to see if any problems lurk that may prove expensive to fix later. Home inspections nearly always uncover something in a home to watch for or minor repairs needed. But what repairs should buyers especially be alarmed about that could possibly send them back to the negotiation table? Tom Kraeutler of The Money Pit, a nationally syndicated radio show on home improvement, points out some of the following home inspection red flags:
- Termites and pests: The sooner termites are detected, and steps can be taken to get rid of them, the better.
- Drainage issues: A home that has poor drainage can have wood rot and wet basements and crawlspaces, which can then lead to major mold growth.
- Mold: Pervasive mold growth may indicate an issue with improper ventilation issues and can also cause health issues to those living in the home.
- Faulty foundations: A cracked or crumbling foundation could be a very expensive repair.
- Wiring issues: Outdated wiring or overloaded circuits can pose a fire hazard.
Source: DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | MONDAY, JULY 22, 2013
Call me today! Let's get you started on making your home dreams come true! Laura Key 310.866.8422
Higher Home Prices Cool Buying Frenzy
Is all this frenzy creating a mini-housing bubble? What are your thoughts on this housing market? Laura Key 310.866.8422
The recent rise in home prices has more investors concerned that it will be increasingly difficult to turn a profit from their rental investments. Nearly half of U.S. real estate investors say they expect to purchase fewer rental homes in the next year, according to a recent survey conducted by polling firm ORC International.
Just 10 months ago, the percentage of investors who said they intend to buy fewer homes stood at 30 percent—compared to 48 percent today. Only about 20 percent of the investors surveyed say they plan to buy more homes in the next year—a drop from the 39 percent who reported they intend to buy more homes last August.
More than half of the investors surveyed who own rental properties say they plan to hold them for at least five years or more, and 33 percent plan to hold them for 10 years or more.
“Higher prices are reducing returns on investment and investors are responding by cutting back on their purchasing plans until conditions sort out,” says Chris Clothier, a partner in MemphisInvest.com and Premier Property Management Group. “Fewer foreclosures, rising property values, and competition from hedge funds are making it tough to find good ideals on distressed sales. On the other hand, investors are planning to hold onto their rental properties for at least eight to 10 years and realize the benefits of rising rents and low vacancy rates. Cash flow is much more important than appreciation.”
Source: ORC International
Laura Key, CBS News, Buyer's Agent, Selling Agent,
Thinking of Selling? I have buyers who are pre-approved and ready! They are looking in several areas of Los Angeles county!
New House - New Yard - Got Plans?
What would you do with your new yard? Call me and let's get you started! Laura Key 310.866.8422
Condominiums – Should You Consider Purchasing One
Condominiums tend fall into the love them or hate them position for buyers
Condominiums are all about communal living, which can be good or bad depending upon your personal views. This type of communal living doesn’t refer to the failed experiments of the sixties wherein hippies packed into a structure and shared everything. Instead, the modern condominium community is all about sharing common spaces as well as rules, rules and more rules.
Condominiums come in all shapes and forms. Condos can be found in a single high rise building in a downtown area or in an apartment complex type of layout in a planned community. The structure isn’t the determining point. Instead, the issue is how the properties are owned.
Unlike a stand alone home, the property lines on a condominium are the walls of the structure. Essentially, you own everything inside the condominium as your individual property. Everything outside the condominium is owned jointly with the people who own the other units. These areas are known as common areas and are subject to group rule.
Every condominium has a homeowners association in one form or another. The association has rules set out by the original developer regarding landscaping and so on. Members of the community are then elected to the board of the association, whereupon the immediately become a focal point of aggravation from individual owners and often wonder why they took the thankless job.
The problem with the association and condos in general is the issue of uniformity. If you desire to change the exterior of your condominium in some way, you must comply with the rules of the association. This means you cannot paint your property a different color, do landscaping and so on. For some people, this isn’t a problem, but others are frustrated they can’t express themselves.
When deciding whether a condominium is a good option for your next purchase, you need to carefully weigh the restrictions of a particular association. If you consider yourself an individual and want to show it, a condominium is probably a very poor choice for you.
Clean Home, Easy Sale
One of the biggest problems people run into when selling their home is the process of preparing it for sale. The best way to begin this process is to take a quick walk through your home then call me for an appointment! Laura Key 310.866.8422
One of the biggest problems people run into when selling their home is the process of preparing it for sale. Many homes are simply places where we keep the accumulated treasures of the years. Are you a clutter-bug, a pack-rat? It's OK, we all are to some degree. When preparing a home for sale, we need to be mindful of our "stuff." The best way to begin this process is to take a quick walk through your home. Make a list of everything that you have not used in the past 3 months, 6 months? Now, and here is the hard part. Get rid of it. Seem a bit extreme? It might, but things that you have not used in half a year are not likely to get used in the future. Remember we are trying to get rid of some stuff so that people can see the house, not what's in it.
There is a common line of thought that home buyers want to see the "personality" of the homes current owners. This is not true. Buyers want to be able to see their belongings in the home. They want to put their personality into it to see if they could see themselves living there. A backlog of your stuff will get in the way of them doing this. Go through every room in turn and remove the clutter! This includes the closets, shelves and cupboards. Also remove excess furniture if the room seems too crowded. Here is another important thing to remember, don't put all this stuff in the garage! Buyers will go through the garage like any other room in your home. Hire a storage locker if it is really necessary. Aside from that, use this as an opportunity to rid yourself of those things that you never use.
The minimalist approach is a good thing to utilize when showing your home. The lack of personal effects will make it easier for buyers to place themselves in your home. This will also make the moving process easier on you. With less things to pack when moving day comes, you can dedicate more time to creating your perfect space in your new home.
Laura Key, BRE 01908085 310.866.8422 Laura.A.Key@gmail.com www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com
Budget for Closing Costs – Home Inspection and Title Fees
Buying a home means you also have to budget for additional expenses! Make sure you put some money aside for the extras.
Purchasing a home is a euphoric event. Once escrow begins, the euphoria can change to frustration, particularly if you are not ready for the closing costs that quickly accumulate.
Closing costs simply refer to the fees associated with various things associated with the escrow process in a real estate transaction. In the excitement of having an offer accepted for your dream home, you can easily lose track of the fact you are going to need to have some serious cash on hand to pay them. Many people make the mistake of only assuming they need the down payment money, and have to rush around town trying to come up with money for the closing fees.
If you are buying a home, you need to get a professional home inspection. Doing so can reveal potential problems with the home that you wouldn’t otherwise notice. Problems can include things such as rot, termites, water leaks and a bevy of other issues. The time to do this is during escrow. Of course, that means you are also going to have to pay for the inspection. Depending on the size of the property, home inspections can run a few hundred dollars up to a few thousand. Make sure you have money set aside for the fees.
Title insurance is something you absolutely must purchase when you buy any real property, a home, building, land or whatever. Title insurance protects both you and your lender. Title insurance is just what it sounds like. A title company will research the title of the home and essentially guarantee that the title is good. This means the seller actually owns the title and has the right to sell it to you. The title company will also make sure there aren’t any liens on the homes or other things that will cause you problems. Depending on the price of the home, title insurance can run you a couple of hundred dollars or up into the thousands. Again, it is important to find out the cost and budget for it.
Title insurance and a home inspection are two things you should absolutely have when purchasing a home. Just make sure you budget for them.
Laura Key, BRE 01908085 310.866.8422 Laura.A.Key@gmail.com www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.comA Bit About Mold
There are a number of little things to look out for when purchasing a new home. Normally the things to consider includes such things as location, wiring, the condition of the house itself, and several other factors. One of these factors that the home buying public is becoming more concerned with is mold.
There are a number of little things to look out for when purchasing a new home. Normally the things to consider includes such things as location, wiring, the condition of the house itself, and several other factors. One of these factors that the home buying public is becoming more concerned with is mold. There are many different types of mold that can occur in a home and lead not only to structural damage, but some health concerns as well. Mold is difficult to find in many homes as it grows exclusively in dark and moist areas that are usually hidden somewhere in the structural areas of the home such as attics and basements. By the time mold shows up in the actual living areas, chances are that it is all through the home.
One of the most likely places for mold to form is anywhere that moisture is improperly vented. Another area of concern is if a home has ever flooded and was not completely or properly cleaned and dried after. Leaky plumbing and basement crawlspaces are other likely candidates. Mold can be a difficult thing to completely get rid of as the only thing it needs to continue growth is an organic material such as wood, and moisture. Both of these items are usually abundant in any home. The most likely was that moisture finds its way into the home is through faulty or leaky roofs and foundations. Both of these areas should be checked over by an experienced mold inspector on a fairly regular basis if there is any worry of mold beginning to grow, or if these has been mold in the past. Mold can be an expensive problem to deal with so be pro-active about looking for it, it can save you money in the long run.
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Where Asking Prices Are Rising the Most
California is rising fast, yet it's not at the highest it's ever been. Interested in buying or selling! Let me assist you in reaching your real estate goals! Laura Key 310.866.8422
Median list prices in May edged up 2.10 percent month-over-month, as housing inventories also were on the rise, creating a greater balance between supply and demand, according to realtor.com’s latest Real Estate Health Report.
The nationwide median list price was $199,000 for May, and up 4.79 percent year-over-year.
"We are seeing large regional markets across the country leading the way to national recovery. These regions are acting as a microcosm for what's slowly happening in the larger real estate market," says Steve Berkowitz, chief executive officer of Move. "Overall, we're seeing seller confidence beginning to respond to consumer demand. Nationally, there are more homes going on the market for a shorter amount of time. And this is happening in our hot markets on a much larger scale."
California housing markets are seeing some of the highest median price gains. The following 10 markets have seen the highest year-over-year list price gains:
1. Sacramento, Calif.: up 42.45%
- Median list price: $284,900
2. Oakland, Calif.: up 38.27%
- Median list price: $495,000
3. Detroit, Mich.: up 31.73%
- Median list price: $125,000
4. San Jose, Calif.: up 30.58%
- Median list price: $679,000
5. Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif.: up 27.80%
- Median list price: $428,000
6. Fresno, Calif.: up 27.48%
- Median list price: $219,900
7. Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz.: up 27.03%
- Median list price: $235,000
8. Stockton-Lodi, Calif.: up 25.63%
- Median list price: $199,750
9. Reno, Nev.: up 24.23%
- Median list price: $235,900
10. Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc, Calif.: up 24%
- Median list price: $775,000
Source: realtor.com®
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Laura Key
Realty Goddess
Laura Key on CBS News
Make Your Pad Reflect You
Hey men should know how to trick out their pads just as much as women do! I have a high amount of male clients who purchase homes, and they don't need Martha Stewart to make it their own! Ready to have your OWN space men? Call me! Laura Key 310.866.8422
Whether you're a sports buff or the trendy guy in your posse, we've got ways to make your pad part of your image.
By Karin Eldor, Fashion Correspondent
Page 1: Bachelor pad furniture
If you are where you live, what does that say about the maintenance and effort you have to put into your home? Well, that all depends on what you want others to think about you. So if you're decked out in expensive threads, your effort won't mean much if your place is a disaster, or worse, not a reflection of you.
Whether you live in a small apartment, a 1,500-square-foot condo or a three-level house, the home you call your own is your representative. And when a fine lady comes over to pay you a visit, you want to make sure she's impressed by your space.
You don't need to be an interior designer or spend tons of cash to be proud of your pad. As long as you feel comfortable in it, you will hold your head up high... even while lounging in your favorite chair.
who are you?
Start by asking yourself the following questions, for a self-inventory checklist:
How would you describe yourself? (athletic; cultured; ambitious; stylish; indifferent; etc.)
What are your hobbies? (mountain climbing; traveling; scuba diving; world history; wine tasting; golf; playing music; screenwriting; etc.)
These might seem obvious to you, but remember; making your home a reflection of you is worthless without knowing what your image is -- or at least what you want it to be.
No passions or traits have to be exclusive; you are likely an amalgamation of characteristics and that can be reflected in your home.
get started
The following are different broad categories that can be used as templates for decorating your pad, to bring out the "you" you're going for (based on your profile). Remember; you can be a combination of each of these categories.
The Athletic DudeWhether you're usually glued to the TV watching the big game (and this can mean several simultaneous games) or love reciting sports scores with your buddies after scoring big in your own football game, sports are your thing. Show your appreciation by adorning your home with things like vintage sports jerseys and mementos. And of course, you can't forget a widescreen plasma TV (50 inches or more) -- made larger than life with surround sound -- so that you can watch the game in style while sitting in a super cool recliner.
The HipsterWhen it comes to style, you've got it in spades -- at least that's what your friends tell you. You're a leader who always knows the trends before they hit the streets and your posse relies on you to dictate the latest fashion. This character trait could get pricey when it comes to your home, which is why I recommend starting with a classic, neutral base for the expensive items (i.e. couch, dining table, etc.) and decking your pad out with ultra-hip accessories like cool lamps, trendy vases, a stylin' coffee table, and cutting-edge gadgets.
Whether you're cultured or ambitious, here are some ideas for your home...
Page 2: Home decor
The Cultured BlokeThe ladies are always impressed by your appreciation for the finer things in life, be it your knowledge of fine wine, your travels to Botswana and Brussels, or your penchant for investing in valuable art. Make your pad your canvas by covering the walls with your favorite paintings, and rather than a table from Pottery Barn or Ikea, search for an antique table last used by Louis IVX. Store your wine collection in a slick wine cabinet and display your African masks in the living room.
The GourmetThere's nothing wrong with knowing your way around the kitchen; after all, you've been known to woo women with your creations. Show your female guests that you can satisfy their hunger (and more) by investing in a luxurious kitchen. If you enjoy spending time experimenting with food, make yourself more comfortable by installing a kitchen island, and treat yourself to an industrial-style stainless steel oven range. Pimp up your kitchen with a slick fridge or exhaust hoods, a rack to hang copper pots and pans over your oven or island, or, for those on a tighter budget, accessorize with appliances like a sleek toaster, blender and coffee maker.
The Zen Master Show off your inner peace by placing fresh bamboo or stones in clear glass vases, or for a bigger investment, treat yourself to a Jacuzzi with jets in your favorite bathroom. Maintain a minimalist look with white walls and furniture, and an overall sleek decor.
The WorkaholicWhile this might not be a character trait you want to flaunt, you can spin your workaholic tendencies as "ambitious." Set up a home office with a flat-screen computer, a state-of-the-art desk chair, and a slick table with a lot of organizational features to make you look like a guy who's always in control.
maximize your space
You don't need to overhaul your home to give it that unique touch that's "you." If you've been living in your home for a while and are already settled in, sometimes a slight reorganization can do the trick, as can a paint job and some new accessories.
Source: www.AskMen.com
Do you work from home? Buy your next home with your office in mind!
If you work from home, and it is time to move to your next home, there are some factors you should consider carefully before making your decision.
The flexibility afforded by a “zero-commute” combined with the skyrocketing price of gasoline has strengthened the case for full time teleworking and telecommuting. According to an Environmental Protection Agency (2004) study:
“Americans spend an average of 46 hours per year stuck in traffic. Gridlock produces more than $63 billion in congestion costs per year”
The artist community has been well acquainted with the use of work/living spaces for years, but improvements in technology have made the benefits of teleworking and occasional telecommuting more attractive to general consumers. According to the key findings form the International Telework Association & Council (ITAC) Telework America (2000) study:
“Home-based teleworkers also have larger homes, on average, than non-teleworkers; the difference amounting to about 500 square feet. The most popular place for an office in these larger homes is a spare bedroom, with the living room a distant second. The primary home telework activity is computer work (55% of total activities), followed by telephoning, reading, and—averaging 7% of the time—face to face meetings.”
As you purchase your next home, there are certain factors to consider if you need to set up a new home office:
Make sure that your high-tech needs can be met. Have a qualified electrician inspect the wiring of the house to see if the system can handle the extra power load that your home office requires. Older homes may need significant upgrades to handle the extra power, while newer homes are built with more energy-efficient systems to handle the additional power along with heating/air conditioning requirements. If you use cable, DSL or satellite internet access, check with your local service provider to see if access is available in your new neighborhood. Shop around for your telephone provider—in some cases, business service bundles may be more cost effective than regular residential service.
Designate where your office space will be. Determine the amount of space you will need to accommodate your work style and space. In many cases a spare bedroom or living room space can be used, if a formal den option is not available. If your work requires heavy telephone usage or just heads-down concentration, you may want to consider utilizing a room with a door. Doors can be closed to reduce interruptions from other family and household noises.
Plan your office blueprint to include all required furniture, bookcases, computers, fax, and printers. Make sure to allow for filing and storage space for files and extra office supplies. Lighting is critical for computer or assembly work, so make sure to allow for direct sunlight along with any specific task lighting that may be necessary. Select flooring options that will allow you to work comfortably—you may wish to go with hardwood or laminate flooring to allow for your chair to move smoothly across the floor. Install enough phone lines to cover your home, business and fax machines needs.
Is the office easily accessible? If you will expect regular package deliveries, make sure that your designated office is easily accessible to the front door of the home. This is also necessary if you will need to meet clients or visitors in your office and would like to ensure a professional appearance for your business.
Find out about local business requirements. Some cities have zoning restrictions and guidelines for work/living spaces along with tax implications. Make sure to check with your local government to determine if special restrictions exist.
Are you ready to find a home that could allow you to work from home? Or...do you need more room in the current home you own? Give me a call - lets get you started!
Bankruptcy And Buying A House - Is It Smart To Buy A House After Bankruptcy?
Each year, millions of people file bankruptcy as a means of erasing their consumer debts. While this approach may relieve stress, a bankruptcy is damaging, and will hang over your head for the next ten years. Still, it is possible to overcome bankruptcy. The key is making smarter financial and credit decisions. With this said, some people choose to purchase a home after a bankruptcy. Here are a few pointers to consider when buying a home.
Each year, millions of people file bankruptcy as a means of erasing their consumer debts. While this approach may relieve stress, a bankruptcy is damaging, and will hang over your head for the next ten years. Still, it is possible to overcome bankruptcy. The key is making smarter financial and credit decisions. With this said, some people choose to purchase a home after a bankruptcy. Here are a few pointers to consider when buying a home.
Reasons to Delay the Buying Process after Bankruptcy
If you consult with mortgage or financial experts, they will likely discourage you from buying a home following a bankruptcy. After your bankruptcy is discharged, there is a black cloud that looms over your credit report.
When any prospective lender reviews your report, they will be notified of your recent or past bankruptcy. In some instances, this justifies an immediate denial. On the other hand, there are lenders eager to help you establish or rebuild your credit. Thus, they will approve a loan request. Nonetheless, the penalties are steep.
Higher mortgage rates can be anticipated when purchasing a home after bankruptcy, especially if you have not established other credit accounts. Mortgage lenders consider two factors: credit scores and credit reports.
Although a bankruptcy appears on your credit report, having a high credit score will increase your odds of getting a comparable rate. Unfortunately, if you buy immediately following a bankruptcy, you will not have the opportunity to boost your score.
Reasons to Buy a Home after Bankruptcy
Lenders will approve mortgage loan applications one day following a discharge. Therefore, it is possible to get a home after a bankruptcy. Buying a home is perfect for rebuilding credit. Moreover, it is the quickest way to increase your credit score.
After a bankruptcy, the average person has a credit score below 600. Good credit consist of credit scores 650 and above. Maintaining current mortgage payments will gradually increase your score. After two years of regular payments, you will have established a good payment history. Hence, you may qualify for a low rate refinancing, which may lower your mortgage payments.
Ready to search for your new home? Start here!
The Great BBQ Debate! Charcoal vs. Gas
It's an age old debate among BBQ lovers all over the country! Charcoal vs. Gas! Before your buy your grill - you should do a little research!
The debate over charcoal versus gas is one you don't want to get in the middle of. The one simple thing you need to know is that it is a matter of taste and convenience. To gain a broader view of the whole range of grills, add to this list electric grills, pellet grills and hardwood cooking as well.
Convenience: The best way to think about this problem is to remember that the more convenient a grill becomes the less smoke flavor it produces. An electric grill is the easiest to use, but doesn't have that real fire flavor, while hardwood fires give you the best flavor, they are the hardest to deal with.
Authenticity: The authentic smoky, off the fire taste of grilled foods is strongest with the original heat source, wood. As you move to electric units, there is very little of this flavor left. In fact, many electric grills add virtually nothing to the taste of foods. However, the simplicity of flipping a switch and grilling, can't be beat.
Taste: On the subject of taste, a study conducted a while back, participants were presented withhamburgers and steak cooked on gas and charcoal units. No one could tell the difference between the charcoal or gas when it came to the hamburgers, but they could tell the difference with the steak. The charcoal grilled steak had a distinct smoke flavor.
Space: To decide what kind of grill is right for you, consider where the grill is going to sit. A small patio or covered area is not the place for a large charcoal grill. Electric grills produce no flare-ups and are safer in smaller areas. Gas grills do produce flare-ups and need to be away from any structure to avoid those pesky house fires. Charcoal can be lit with an electric starter and therefore, used with virtually no open flame.
Grilling: Another thing to consider is how you plan to grill. If you want to come home from work and throw a couple of steaks or chicken breasts on the grill with virtually no hassle, then an electric or gas unit might be what you are looking for.
Cost: Finally, there is the issue of cost. Gas grills are generally more expensive than electric or charcoal; charcoal being the cheapest. If you don't want to spend a lot of money then charcoal might be the answer. However, charcoal is the more expensive fuel. You can easily spend $5.00USD a cookout on charcoal, while gas might cost around $.20USD per cookout. Charcoal won't save you money in the long run.
Ready to have your own BBQ Parties in your OWN backyard! Start your home search here!
Source: By Derrick Riches, About.com Guide
Rare Opportunity to Buy by the Beach!
What a wonderful opportunity to live your dream of living by the beach! Redondo Beach to be exact! Call me for a scheduled showing! Laura Key 310.866.8422
630 The Village Unit 110 Redondo Beach, CA
$385,000
1 Bed 1 Bath 621 SqFt - HUD
Click Photo for Virtual Tour!!!
Call me today! Laura Key 310.866.8422!
Experienced HUD Selling Agent!
Laura Key on CBS News
Appraised Value: The Ups & Downs Of How Much A House Is Worth
How is the fair market value of a real estate property actually determined?
Determining Fair Market Value is an eternal struggle and major balancing act. That’s because buyers want a house to appraise on the low side—to keep the purchase price down. While sellers want the same house to appraise on the high side—to make the sale price higher. And then you’ve got the owners of the house—who also want the appraisal to be on the low side, in order to keep the property taxes down.
So with all these different agendas and points of view, how is the fair market value of a real estate property actually determined?
Once a year, your county sends all area homeowners official notices that put a dollar value on their property. And property taxes are based on those dollar values. But before those notices get sent out, a long, detailed process usually takes place. First, the land is valued as if it’s vacant—an empty lot, in other words. Then any improvements are described and measured. Improvements consist of the house and any other structures, pools, sheds, garages, and so forth. Next, most counties check the Marshall Valuation Service Cost Guide. It’s a standardized nationwide guide for determining the value of the cost per square foot to build a building that fits the description of the improved property. Next, if the house isn’t brand new, the replacement cost is considered, as well as depreciation; the year the house was constructed and the condition of the property are factors here. Appraisers then must take the critical step of comparing the value of the house with recent selling prices of similar homes in the neighborhood. At this point, the appraisal might stand “as is”—or it might be adjusted upward or downward.
Market Value is a theory, in other words—not an unchanging fact.
In a perfect world, you have to have willing buyer and a willing seller. Neither is under duress. Both are in a position to maximize gain and are trying to do this. But in the real world, things are rarely that simple and equally balanced. Which is why people feel differently about the appraisal value of a house. It really depends how strong their position is as a buyer or seller.
Does the local economy come into it at all? You bet it does.
Ask a successful Realtor about that! He or she will tell you they’ve noticed that the Rio Grande Valley’s fast-growing economy is attracting people from other areas who consider real estate here a bargain. That helps fuel increases in property values.
So—now you know where that Grand Total comes from.
You’re armed with the information you need to make a better house-buying decision. For instance, you can understand how two virtually identical houses that are in two different neighborhoods could be very far apart in price and appraised value. And why your choice of the right house in the right neighborhood could be worth a not-so-small fortune to you right now—and years down the road.
Sellers! You can get a great idea of how much your home is worth! Call me for a FREE Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) Laura Key 310.866.8422
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