BLOG

Homebuyer Laura Key Homebuyer Laura Key

School Loans & Homeownership

School Loans can be a source of confusion when applying for a home loan. Let’s discuss the impact they have on your credit and home purchase ability.

Did you know that student loans can negatively impact your ability to own a home? In this video, we'll explore the link between student loans and homeownership and the consequences that can happen as a result. By the end of this video, you'll know all you need to know about the relationship between student loans and homeownership, and you'll be able to make an informed decision about whether or not student loans are right for you.

👉 Free Budget Worksheet: bit.ly/realtygoddessbudgetplanner

👉 Free Homebuyer Steps Guide: bit.ly/homebuyerfc

Read More
Real Estate Laura Key Real Estate Laura Key

Keeping Modern White Kitchens Clean

White cabinets and surfaces are less forgiving than their dark counterparts and need to be carefully maintained and cleaned to retain their sparkling appearance

Sleek, white kitchens are one of the most popular trends in interior design. Bright and cheery white tiles, sinks, cabinets and even appliances are replacing the dark and heavy wood and granite of the past couple decades. White or off-white makes kitchen spaces seem large and airy, creating a sense of tranquility and freshness.

However, white cabinets and surfaces are less forgiving than their dark counterparts and need to be carefully maintained and cleaned to retain their sparkling appearance. These high-traffic areas can retain their beauty with some simple maintenance tips.

Tips to Clean and Maintain White Cabinets and Surfaces

• Avoid Direct Sunlight – Design your kitchen to avoid direct sunlight on white cabinets. Watch for ways to incorporate natural light without direct sunlight, which can turn white cabinets and appliances yellow over time – making them seem dingy.

• Clean Regularly – The first step is to clean often. Use gentle, natural cleaning products to avoid staining, or mix baking soda with vinegar and lemon for a simple, effective solution. Clean spills immediately to avoid stains. Pay attention to high-touch areas like cabinet doors or appliance handles, which will accumulate more fingerprints and grime.

• Invest in an Exhaust System – Grease and food particles in the air can quickly build up on surfaces. Install an effective exhaust fan or range hood to pull cooking debris into the vent and away from cabinets and other porous materials.

The white kitchen trend is here to stay. Modern, fresh, and bright, white kitchens provide a welcoming space in any home. By caring for your surfaces, you can avoid yellowing and staining and enjoy the tranquility of a pristine white kitchen.

Read More
California Real Estate Laura Key California Real Estate Laura Key

Buying a Home with an Easement

If the home you’ve fallen in love with has an easement, you may be wondering how this affects you.

If the home you’ve fallen in love with has an easement, you may be wondering how this affects you. An easement gives a person or entity the right to use part of your land, but only for a very specific reason. For example, a utility company may have an easement on your property to maintain an electric pole. Another example is an easement which allows your neighbor to drive through a portion of your land to access their garage. Easements will be disclosed as part of the sales process and if you’ve discovered that your new purchase is subject to an easement, it’s important to learn the different types and their effect on your use of your land.

Types of Easements

• Appurtenant vs. Gross – An appurtenant easement benefits the property, by allowing access through another’s land, such as the neighbor’s garage example above. A gross easement benefits an individual or entity, such as the utility company example above.

• Private vs. Public – A private easement allows a specific person to access your property while a public easement allows any member of the public to use your land.

• Affirmative vs. Negative – Most easements are affirmative (which is to say they allow something to happen) but some are negative easements, such as preventing a neighbor from building a second story that blocks a view.

Easements are not permanent and can be challenged if the need no longer exists. If your property is subject to an easement. It’s important to understand how it will impact your property before completing the purchase.

———————-

Knowing the value of your home is important. You don’t have to wait until you are thinking of selling. Find your value now. Find your value now: My Home Value

Read More