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Painting Your Own Home: Tips to Make the Process Painless
Painting Your Own Home: Tips to Make the Process Painless
While it’s might seem easier to hire professionals to paint the house, but with a little research you can find the job is not as intimidating as it seems. With a few free days set aside and some preparation, painting one room (or multiple) is easily doable for anyone. Here are a few things to consider before you start.
Apply a Primer Coat
Preparation entails most of the painting process. It’s easy to become frustrated during the preparation stage, because prepping to paint can take longer than the actual painting component of the project.
Interior walls aren’t always perfect, and painting the walls is a perfect opportunity to fix those imperfections. If you’re using a putty or a filler to patch holes, the paint will react differently to those substances than it will the wall itself. The solution here is to prime your walls, so the new paint color has a uniform surface to adhere to. It’s one simple step that doesn’t seem like much, but could end up saving you a whole lot of work at the end of the process.
Factor in taping time
Taping up the room is tedious work, but will be worth it when you don’t have to waste time being ultra-careful or nervous when getting close to edges. Instead of trying to take the tape off while the paint is still dry, wait at least 24 hours for the paint to dry, and use a knife to slice the tape off at the edge. If the paint is still even a little wet or gummy, don’t continue. Make sure the knife is sharp enough and pull the tape away at a 45-degree angle, making sure not to rip the paint.
Set up with clean-up in mind
To protect floors, a drop cloth is a necessity. In some cases, cotton or canvas drop clothes can work better than plastic. Plastic drop cloths can be slippery and don’t easily stay in place, especially when ladders are involved. Any splatters or drips of paint that fall onto a plastic drop cloth won’t dry or absorb right away and can be easily tracked throughout the rest of your house. A canvas or cotton drop cloth will be more stable and will protect the floors better. Tape the edges of the drop cloth to the tops of the trim to protect both the floor and the trims from any splattering or dripping paint.
Work top down
Not only does it prevent drips from ruining anything you’ve already painted, but it keeps the walls and baseboards free of any dust or debris from sticking to wet trim. Paint the ceiling first, move to the walls and possible crown moldings. Only then should you move to any trims around windows or doors and finish with the baseboards. Not only will this keep a system in place to ensure there’s no questioning what’s been painted and what hasn’t, but it’ll keep things clean.
Check thickness of previous paint layers
Cracks on an exterior paint job don’t reflect the owner’s best intentions and should be fixed before the damage is too much to fix. Too thick of a layer of paint means that the paint might just be too heavy to stay, and will start to crack and to peel off. It loses its grip and can’t attach to the other layers of paint. In older homes, it’s likely that some of those layers of paint have lead in them, in which case you’ll need to look into how to remove it safely. The EPA has guidelines here. This could be the one step that requires you to outsource, if the layer of paint is extremely thick, because removing it completely (and correctly) will ensure the next coat of paint will attach correctly. Hiring a home washing company can help you identify these cracks in exterior paint as well. If anything, have the exterior of your home professionally power washed, so the paint will have a clean surface to adhere to.
Using these tips, ideally the house-painting process will be doable for anyone. Prepare yourself to set aside time for set-up, knowing that it will help when you’re done painting and ready to clean up. Instead of hiring painting professionals, save some money for decorating and tackle the job yourself.
Curious to know how much your Southern California home is worth! Get an instant report now! www.CaliOnTheMove.com
Bio: Matt Lawler is an Internet marketing specialist from Tempe, Arizona where he attended Arizona State University. Whenever he can step away from the computer, Matt enjoys playing sports, traveling and exploring the great outdoors. Follow him on Twitter.
Laura Key, REALTOR® Cal BRE 01908085 310-866-8422 Laura.A.Key@gmail.com www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com
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
Follow me on: Periscope & Twitter: @RealtyGoddess Snapchat: @RealtyGoddess Instagram: @realtygoddess1 Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RealtyGoddess
How To Find A Realtor (Buyer)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf7vgVU_IGs&w=420&h=315] Did you know most people choose a Realtor by spinning the wheel of fortune? When you are buying a home, you really should take the time to interview agents to help your buying experience the most enjoyable as it can be.
Did you know not all agents work the same? Some don't work weekends, some don't want to work with buyers, some only work certain hours of the day, some are part time, etc. But how will this benefit you when you are working hard to find the home of your dreams.
Interviewing agents is a extremely important part of successfully buying a home.
Enjoy the above Periscope broadcast to learn a few things when choosing a Realtor! (recorded March 19, 2016)
Please note I have a correction: If an agent tells you they will not let you out of a buyer's agency, please think long and hard before signing.
Follow me...
Snapchat: @realtygoddess Periscope & Twitter: @realtygoddess Instagram: realtygoddess1 Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RealtyGoddess Website: www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com
The “KEY” to your real estate dreams!
Lots of Los Angeles Real Estate Agents want to be stars as big as the celebrities they cater to. Me? I just want to help people find the homes that make them happy and help them to create a sanctuary for future dreams and lasting memories.
Laura Key 310-866-8422 Laura.A.Key@gmail.com Cal BRE #01908085
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
Auto Insurance Shopping
I bet you are wondering why a real estate agent would post about auto insurance, but the fact is, most people bundle home and auto. So here are some interesting tips about auto insurance for your reading pleasure.... Auto Insurance. Shopping for it is not enjoyable. Trying to figure out which policy is best for you is confusing. Typically we just like to choose the cheapest, however, depending on where you live geographically that may not be the choice as those of us located near or adjacent to our Southern Border must take into account the high percentage of uninsured drivers. Not only does this typically raise our annual premium, but usually it will require us to buy additional coverage. There are ultimately 7 primary factors that have the most significant impact on your insurance premium.
- Aesthetics
- Fuel Efficiency
- Usability
- Comfort
- Drivability
- Engine Horsepower
- Crash Test Ratings
Now it will not take a rocket scientist to figure out that driving a high performance sports car will yield significantly higher rates than say a small sedan. This infographic lists among the 10 most popular vehicles to drive as well as the upper and lower limits for what people pay for insurance. Thus, if you drive one of the vehicles described in the above infographic and are paying significantly more, perhaps you have a strong case to change carriers, or perhaps you are buying too much coverage. Regardless it’s always a good idea to do a bit of research to see what else is out there. Luckily with the digital age there are numerous ways to save time by comparing numerous carriers’ quotes at one time. One such company compare.com does this for Auto Insurance. So even if your car is not one of the 10 vehicles, it’s still worth a shot to give compare.com a visit and Compare Auto Insurance now to see if you could be saving money on your policy!
Written by Matt Lawler www.MattJLawler.com
Tips on How To Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests
By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon *Published: November 14, 2011
Is your home ready for holiday visits from friends and family? Here’s how to prepare for the invasion.
I'm lucky and have a guest suite always ready for holiday guests. But even with a dedicated space, preparing my home for the annual onslaught of friends and family takes time and forethought.
Some preparations for holiday guests take only a few minutes; some take a lot longer. My advice: Start preparing your home for the holidays now.
Prioritize
The day before guests arrive is no time to pull apart junk drawers and clean out linen closets. Declutter guest rooms and public areas — foyer, kitchen, living room, den, and dining room. Remove anything unnecessary from countertops, coffee tables, and ottomans; if it’s out of sight, keep it out of mind, for now.
If you run short of time, bag up the clutter and store it in car trunks, basements, and out-of-the-way closets. Sort and arrange after your guests depart.
Safety
Light the way: Even though you can navigate your home blindfolded, your guests can’t. Make sure outside lights are working so they don’t trip on the way to your door. Put motion-activated night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms to ensure safe passage after the sun sets.
Child proofing: Ask parents to bring hardware that keeps their small ones safe, such as baby gates and cabinet locks. Transfer toxic cleaners and medicines from base to wall cabinets. Hide matches and lighters.
Fire prevention: If you didn’t freshen smoke detector batteries when you switched the clocks to Daylight Savings Time, change them now. After your guests arrive, run a quick fire drill: Make sure they can locate exits and fire extinguishers, and that they know how to open windows and doors.
Entryway upgrades
Your home’s foyer is the first place guests see, so make a good first impression.
- Upgrade exterior entry doors or give old doors a new coat of paint. Polish and tighten door hardware, and oil hinges to prevent squeaks.
- Remove scratches from hardwood floors, stairs, and wood railings. Place a small rug or welcome mat at the entrance to protect floors from mud and snow.
- Clear out shoes, umbrellas, and other clutter.
- Add extra hooks to walls so guests can hang coats and hats.
- Add a storage bench where guests can remove boots and shoes.
Kitchen prep
Your kitchen is command central during the holidays, so make sure it’s ready for guests and extra helpers.
- To increase storage, install a pot rack to clear cooking items off countertops and ranges.
- Move your coffee station into a family room so guests don’t crowd the kitchen when you’re trying to fix meals.
- If you like to visit while you’re cooking, place extra stools and chairs around the perimeter of your kitchen so guests can set a spell.
Sleeping arrangements
If you’ve got a guest room, replace the ceiling fixture with a ceiling fan and light combo, which helps guests customize their room temperature without fiddling with the thermostat for the entire house.
To carve sleeping space out of public areas, buy a folding screen or rolling bookcase, which will provide privacy for sleepers. Fold or roll it away in the morning.
Bathroom storage
Bring toilet paper, towels, and toiletries out of hiding, and place them on open shelves so guests can find them easily.
If you don’t have enough wall space for shelves, place these items in open baskets around the bathroom.
Also, outfit each tub with a bath mat (to avoid falls) and each toilet with a plunger (to avoid embarrassment).
What tips do you have for getting ready for guests this holiday season?
Find your next home with me! I'd love to hand you a set of new keys! www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com
Strange Real Estate in Los Angeles
Not exactly sure what this home owner is trying say with these decorations but if you own your own home, you can pretty much do what you want. Scary or art? What do you say?
Ready to purchase your own Masterpiece? Contact me to start your journey today! Laura.A.Key@gmail.com or text LKHOMES to 87778 to find homes now!
Laura Key - the Ultimate Answer to All Real Estate Needs (Press Release)
Laura Key - the Ultimate Answer to All Real Estate Needs
In the world of cut throat competition and greed where every penny is considered precious, Laura Key uses her heart while doing business. The real estate specialist has decided to donate $100 in her client’s name after the closing of every deal.
Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/13/2013 -- Everybody has heard of real estate agents who brag about finding homes for celebrities, later using that as a tool to promote themselves and increase business. But, Laura Key is a REALTOR® with a difference, she is not only one of the most competent realtors that one can find around the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills area, but one of the very few realtors who has an inclination towards social service.
She has decided to donate $100 to one of the five non profitable organizations in the area, every time she closes an escrow- that too in the client’s name! Inspired by the popular quote- “Charity begins at home, but should not end there.” By Thomas Fuller, she makes sure that she is fulfilling her social responsibilities and returning a percentage of what she takes from it.
Making a business deal with Laura Key is one of the most convenient things to do. Unlike her competition, she is a professional who will provide her personal touch to understand every requirement that her client has. Her mobile application enables the users to find homes without having to compromise much on their busy lifestyles. They can find new homes or homes for sale from wherever at any given point in time. Her objective is to make sure that her clients have found their dream home where they can make memories at an affordable price. Her prices are genuine and the services that she provides are worth much more.
About Laura Key A prominent name in business for over seven years, Laura Key is a prominent name in the real estate business. She is a compassionate, enthusiastic and dedicated woman who will happily go the extra mile to make sure that her clients are satisfied with the outcomes of the deal that they strike with her. She understands that a home has a lot of sentimental value to the inhabitants and look at it as a place for solace, peace and comfort.
Media Contact: Name: Laura A. Key e-mail id: Laura.A.Key@gmail.com Ph. No.: (310) 866-8422 Website: http://www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com
Find your next home with me! Instant and free access to the MLS! Text LKHOMES to 87778 or visit http://87778.mobi/LKHOMES! Available on Smartphones and Tablets!
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Tree Hugging REALTOR®
This weekend I had a wonderful time previewing homes in Hancock Park. You would think that since I see so many homes with clients the last thing I would want to do on a rare off Sunday is go see more homes! Sometimes you find treasures worth more than gold. Such is the finding of this fabulous tree. This great maze of branches and leaves still lives behind a multi-million fixer upper.
The minute you see this fallen beauty you know it has stories to tell. Children climbing it's branches, picnics under it's once upright limbs. You just don't see things like this everyday. And even though this old tree has fallen, it will still have many stories to tell. I do hope that the new owners leave it right where it is, so it can create future stories for all to wonder at.
There is something so rare, so beautiful and so peaceful about standing beside it. I could not fit the whole tree in a single photo. Look at the first photo, you will see the base and some of it's exposed roots.
Memories, precious memories this tree holds! I feel all the more wiser just for seeing this classic beauty!
Ready to start making memories of your own? Find your new home today! Text LKHOMES to 87778 for your FREE. Or call me today and let's get started on your personal journey! 310.866.8422
Hancock Park, Memories, California Homes, Holiday Joy, Childhood Dreams, Trees, Old Trees, Wisdom, Peace, Peaceful, Joy, Majestic, Realty Goddess, Realtor Goddess, Real Estate Agent, #1 Agent, Windsor Square, Mid-Wilshire
Hard at Work In Real Estate
Looking for A New Home? Text LKHOMES to 87778 to get instant free access to the MLS! Or Call me at 310.866.8422
Homes are turning over quickly in Los Angeles! Let me work hard for you!
California Real Estate, Los Angeles Homes, Homes for Sale, Larchmont Homes for Sale, Hancock Park Homes for Sale, Windsor Square Homes for Sale, West Hollywood Homes for Sale, Koreatown Homes for Sale, Realty Goddess, Top Los Angeles Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Agent, Realtor, MLS, Home Search
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
More Renters Say They Want to Own, Survey Finds
Interested in purchasing a new home! I have a team that can help you reach your real estate goals! Call me today! Laura Key 310.866.8422
The majority of renters say home ownership is one of their highest priorities for their future, and more renters are saying they want to buy soon, according to the 2013 National Housing Pulse Survey, conducted by the National Association of REALTORS®. Renters are showing stronger desires for home ownership compared to recent years, according to the survey.
“Home ownership matters to Americans who consistently realize the many benefits it provides to communities, families, and the nation’s economy,” says NAR President Gary Thomas. “Due to high housing affordability and today’s interest rates it makes sense for people to consider home ownership over renting. In fact, in many parts of the country it’s cheaper to own a home than to rent one. Therefore, it’s no surprise that renters recognize that owning a home offers tremendous long-term benefits and is an investment in their future.”
Fifty one percent of renters say that eventually owning a home is one of their highest personal priorities, up from 42 percent in the 2011 survey.
The survey found that 80 percent of the 2,000 Americans surveyed say they believe buying a home is a good financial decision. Sixty-eight percent said now is a good time to buy a home, too.
Their main motivations to home ownership: Building equity, wanting a stable and safe environment, and the freedom to choose where to live, the survey found.
Meanwhile, the main obstacles to home ownership have remained the same over the years: saving for the down payment, closing costs, low wages, and student loan debt.
“Student loan debt is a concern for many consumers in today’s market, especially first-time buyers,” Thomas says. “Buyers with student loan debt may find it difficult to access mortgage credit, as well as save for a down payment. Pending mortgage finance regulations requiring higher down payments could also contribute to the already tight lending environment. REALTORS® are working with regulators to address this issue and are committed to making sure those who are willing and able to own a home have the opportunity to pursue that dream.”
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)
Report: Default Rate on HAMP Mods High
Are you in trouble? Are you facing foreclosure? Call me, let's have a free consultation along with coffee! Laura Key 310.866.8422
The high re-default rate on mortgages modified through the government's Home Affordable Modification Program is mostly because of borrowers who received the smallest reduction in payments through the program, are still underwater on their loans, or have subprime credit scores, according to a new report by the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Of the nearly 1.2 million mortgages modified through HAMP in the last four years, 306,000 borrowers have re-defaulted on their loans, the report said. More than 88,000 more borrowers are at risk of re-defaulting, too.
The report also found that the longer a home owner stays in the HAMP modification program, the more likely they are to default. Borrowers who have been part of the program since 2009 have a re-defaulting rate of 46 percent.
HAMP helps borrowers by reducing the interest rate on at-risk mortgages, extending loan terms, or reducing mortgage principal.
"Treasury needs to research why so many borrowers are dropping out of the program," says Christy Romero, the head of SIGTARP.
Source: “Borrowers in Obama housing program re-defaulting, watchdog says,” CNNMoney (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.
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.com