The California Room is a Seasonal Space You'll Love

Some summer hours are too beautiful to be ignored. Whether those dewy dawns before the sun is at full strength, or the long evening hours when the heat bleeds off the day, there are times when being outdoors is a tremendous pleasure. 

But this doesn't mean you always want to spread out a blanket or a lawn chair. In fact, creating a "transitional space" which blends outdoor living with indoor amenities is a great way to maximize the season. The California room is just one of those spaces.

California rooms are typically situated in the rear of a home, sometimes connected to the home by sliding glass doors. The California room is usually a covered space with flowing outdoor fabrics and durable, luxurious "indoor" style furniture such as chaise lounges, couches, ottomans, and even coffee and accent tables. Walls give way to curtains. It often includes a dining space or even a protected (or moveable) entertainment center. Bluetooth music systems with outdoor speakers are also a nice touch.

If you see yourself spending a lot of time outdoors, you might consider supplementing your California room with an outdoor kitchen. A good grill, an outdoor sink in a stone or other durable counter surface, and some built-in refrigeration for drinks is a great way to upgrade your California room.

The California room is one of the hottest trends in home design right now. If you search Google images for "California room," you'll find hundreds of design examples from down-home country living to lavish, Mediterranean-inspired decor. Pinterest and Houzz are also great places to research California room styles.

The beauty of the California room is that it can be scaled to meet your budget. Even a modest transitional space with some cover and cozy furniture can make a small home feel larger and improve your quality of life.   

What does your dream California room look like? What are your must-haves and your nice-to-haves? How would you like to use your California room?

If you're looking for a new home with the ideal space for a California room, I'm happy to help you with your search. bit.ly/realtygoddesshomesearch

Yoga Classes to Try After Moving to LA

Yoga classes offer a first-class ticket to peace and blissfulness. Regular practice can help you lose yourself and forget about the world. In a city like Los Angeles, the ability to step away from the hustle and bustle is invaluable. On the other hand, LA is home to hundreds of different yoga instructors, so it can be hard to find a place that settle down. Get rid of the gamble with our guide to the five best yoga studios in LA.

Hot 8 Yoga

Hot 8 Yoga is among the most popular yoga studios on the list. On Google reviews, Hot 8 Yoga has 4.9 stars from 73 people. First and foremost, their free two-hour parking can be very convenient in Los Angeles. Once you get inside, you’ll find a retail store full of everything you could possibly need for a yoga class. Next, join in for the excellent yoga classes they offer. If you are a beginner, do not worry! Hot 8 Yoga has created a foundation of beginner classes for new and inspiring yogis. They also accommodate for the more experienced and they even have classes to teach you how to become a yoga instructor! Once you wrap up with your class, hit the showers. The best part is that shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion is all provided! All of their products are eco-friendly, so you can feel good and confident about what you put on yourself. The customer service and convenience is enough to give this place five stars in my book.

Liberation

Liberation yoga studio is a family owned place and aims to relieve your stress, improve your health, and tap into your natural reservoir of unlimited vitality and wellbeing. The interior is one thing that makes this place stand out from most others. They go for a homey feeling with vintage accessories and wood theme located all around. The indoor sauna will transport you straight to bliss with its rich dark wood floors and twinkling lights. You also have the garden studio that has tall trees, bubbling fountains, and ancient Chinese wood carvings that release your senses and shroud you in peace. If you are looking for a feeling of peace and comfort, this might be the perfect spot for you.

exhale

exhale takes a newer spin on yoga. Full of youth, anybody will find themselves soaking in vitality while experiencing their diverse selection of yoga classes. For example, have you ever heard of power yoga? Push your body to the limit by conquering these athletically and mentally challenging classes to shape your body, burn those calories, and clear your mind. You can find Exhale Spa in Santa Monica for yoga classes, spa therapies, and great experiences with friends!

Set & Flow Yoga

This is a yoga studio as modern as its name. Awarded for being the best yoga studio in Los Angeles 2017, Set & Flow Yoga takes the traditional practice and updates it with modern expression. People admire this because maybe they are not looking for wood and nature. Maybe modern makes you comfortable and sends you into your mind. They believe in growing and setting the body with multiple disciplines that will enhance your breath, alignment, dedication, edge, balance, strength and flexibility. All of their teachers are highly experienced and are great at accommodating beginners and experts. With over 150 classes a week, Set & Flow Yoga is ready to take you under their wing if you are ready for a modern feel.

Namaste Studios

The divine in me bows to the divine in you. This is what is meant when you greet someone with namaste. At Namaste Studios, you can really feel the humbleness when you enter. They are all about teaching you self-care and respect for your mind and body. You might also find a few other things than just yoga. There is meditation, massage, chiropractic care, energy healing, and steam sessions. In other words, if you are looking for a one stop shop, Namaste Studios is your place. If you like the one-on-one approach to yoga, you can book an appointment with an instructor for private yoga, yoga therapy, and most other commodities they offer. Some people find themselves in a bad back situation. Namaste recognizes this and has a class specifically for getting your back into shape. If you fall into that category, this could be your first step towards natural healing! No matter, Namaste Studios is compassionate and very empathetic in making sure you have the best possible yoga experience there is.

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There you have it! Some of the best places to find to practice your yoga around Los Angeles, California. The best part is this only scratches the surface of how many yoga classes there are. You can find a lot of new yoga places popping up all the time! This is good for those who want to experiment and hopefully find a yoga class that caters directly to your personal preferences. Once you become a part of a community, there will be no going back! Good luck on your search and Namaste!

Clever Design Upgrades

What is it about a home that catches a buyer's eye? Why is it when two homes are comparable to one another, buyers go with the one that just "feels right"? Sometimes the difference is so small, they don't consciously notice. Little touches can give a home a major edge in the market.

In fact, here are five clever design upgrades which can provide your home with that indefinable feeling that it's of higher quality than the competition:

1. Light switch plate upgrades. Homeowners always overlook their own dirty, chipped, or cheap-looking switch plates. If you spend a few bucks to swap out switch plates, any room in the house will seem a tiny bit fresher. Better yet: In the bathroom and kitchen, match the color of your new switch plates to the tile. Look at the accent color in the bathroom or the backsplash in the kitchen for inspiration. 

2. Dimmers on major rooms. Bright lights are great for showing off a home, but there's a little sense of luxury when the overhead lights in living, dining, family, and master bedrooms are on dimmer switches. For fixtures controlled by one switch, get single pole dimmers. For those controlled by two, you'll need 3-way dimmers.

3. Tasteful crown molding. For rooms without crown molding, adding this touch can really make a plain room feel high-quality. Entryways and master bedrooms are good choices if you have a limited budget, but if you want to go all out, include the other bedrooms as well. The key is adding molding which doesn't seem ostentatious or inappropriate given the size and existing decor in the room.

4. Custom home address plaque. For between $50 and $100, you can have an address plaque created with the home's number and the street name spelled out. Look online for inspiration and a design which fits your home. This is a killer upgrade and many homeowners overlook it when they're trying to add curb appeal to their house.

5. New cabinet and drawer hardware. It's astonishing how much modern handles and drawer pulls go towards rejuvenating tired or outdated storage. At a minimum, concentrate on the kitchen, but if you want to go all out, look for options to upgrade the bathroom as well.

You might not be able to quantify the exact return these clever upgrades will net you, but you can bet they will help your home stand out from sellers who won't take the time to make some simple changes.

Are you ready to sell?

Interested in an FHA loan and a condo? Don't miss this!

If you're looking to take advantage of an FHA Loan and are considering a condo, you should be aware that not all condos are eligible for FHA Loans. 

A condo can be a great choice for a first-time buyer. Also great for first-time buyers? FHA Loans. Many FHA Loans require down payments as small as 3.5% of the purchase price of the property. They also create loan opportunities for people with less-than-perfect credit or other financial challenges. 

The low down payment comes with some strings attached, of course, mostly in the form of an upfront mortgage insurance premium as well as an annual mortgage insurance premium charged monthly. (Full details about FHA Loans can be found on the HUD website, here: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/fharesourcectr.)

In addition to this catch, FHA Loans are only available for FHA-approved condos. The FHA wants to help buyers invest in assets which are worthy of investment in the first place. FHA requirements for condos are fairly stringent, and by some estimates upwards of 50% of condo associations fail to meet FHA guidelines.

Knowing this up front can save you a lot of time and hassle condo shopping. While you should consult with condo associations to determine whether or not they're approved for FHA loans, you can also use an online resource to help you with your search. Here is a link to an online database of FHA-approved condos:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) FHA Condo Search:
https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm

Hopefully, this will help you in your pursuit to find an FHA-approved condo!

I'd love to help you locate the perfect FHA-approved condo. Get in touch with me today to start your search: bit.ly/laurakeyinfo

Before You Buy a Flipped Property

Have you recently fallen in love with a "flipped" home? Does the idea of moving into a cleanly renovated space excite you? To see an old home tuned up with brand new appliances, gleaming marble countertops, and fresh wood floors can make other homes seem shabby by comparison, but be careful before you make the leap. There are some precautions you want to take before you close.

"Flipped" or "rehabbed" homes are homes which real estate investors buy in order to renovate them and sell them for a profit. Sometimes these homes have been secured after short sales, foreclosures, surviving relatives, or even at auction. For real estate investors, part of the profit depends on how fast and affordably they can renovate the property. In seller's markets, there's even more pressure to make sure a home is ready to sell, fast.

While there's nothing necessarily wrong with a flipped house, you will want to make sure you know a bit about the home's history. Naturally, you'll want to do all the due diligence you'd normally do when buying a home, but it can be useful to dig a little deeper. Here are some questions to ask:

1. What shape was the home in before it was renovated? Was it just outdated? Vacant? Trashed by squatters? Find out the state of the home when the flipper purchased it.

2. What deficiencies, damage, or other defects did the home have when the flipper bought it? Ask for a list of issues, if possible.

3. Who did the work on the house during the renovation? Contractors? Handymen? Did the flipper do the work personally? Are there invoices which detail the work completed and the money spent on the repairs? Were the appropriate permits secured?

4. Was anything left "as is"? What sort of issues were deemed too small or not vital to the renovation?

5. What was the legal history of the transfer of ownership? Short sales and foreclosures might have legal obligations on the flipper or other liens. 

You shouldn't shy away from a flipped home you love, but don't go into the situation blind. I have experience working with buyers who have purchased flipped homes, and I'd be happy to help you navigate the questions. Let's talk!

Contact Me: 
Laura Key
310-866-8422

2013 Home Buying Season Kicks Off Early

*This is a repost from a April 2013 blog.

Don't trust home searching sites that give you false info and show you homes that are actually NOT on the market! If you are looking for a home in the SoCal area, search for free from a trusted source!  bit.ly/realtygoddesshomesearch

Home prices are rising, the number of homes for-sale is showing a slight increase, and homes are selling faster—all signs that spring is in the air in real estate, according to the latest MLS data released by realtor.com®.

Nationwide, median list prices continue to tick up, reaching $189,900 in February. Inventories last month increased 1.15 percent month-over-month, after recently hitting record lows. Also, homes are selling faster with the median age of inventory at 98 days, a 9.26 percent drop from the previous month.

“As we enter the busiest time of the year for home buyers and sellers, our latest housing trend data shows just how competitive the market is with a significant housing recovery well underway,” says Steve Berkowitz, chief executive officer of Move Inc. “Looking ahead, we can expect the amount of inventory to increase this spring along with higher list prices as sellers become more comfortable with the market conditions.”

Median list prices were up 5 percent or more in 51 markets on a year-over-year basis, according to realtor.com®. California markets are seeing some of the highest increases in list prices as well as some of the largest declines in for-sale inventory. Other top performing markets include Phoenix, Seattle, and Denver, according to realtor.com®.

“However, many smaller industrialized markets in the Midwest and the Northeast registered year-over-year price declines, as did Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York City,” Lexie Puckett reports in a recent realtor.com® blog post. “While the number of markets experiencing year-over-year list price declines had been increasing, this pattern appears to be turning around as home list prices increased in 78 markets last month on a year-over-year basis and declined in 39.”

Source: “Spring Home Buying Season Starts Early According to Realtor.com’s February Trend Data,” RISMedia (March 18, 2013)

IDEAS FOR ACCENT WALLS

An accent wall can totally transform a room, taking it from boring and drab to bold and exciting. Accent walls create a new focal point for your space, add liveliness and contrast, and are typically a very inexpensive DIY project.

The starter accent wall

You can easily add an accent wall to your room in one afternoon by applying a new paint color. Deep blues and bright oranges are common choices for accent walls, but choose a color that will complement your existing decor and overall design aesthetic.

Interesting textures

Bright, contrasting paint is a good starting point, but there are other options for accent walls that are even more eye-catching and distinct. Floor-to-ceiling wood planks can make your home seem both rustic and modern all at once and provide a natural, outdoors-inspired feel. It’s more work than simply painting a wall, but it’s still relatively inexpensive. You can source the wood from pallets on Craigslist and stain it yourself before attaching it to your wall. It takes a little extra elbow grease, but it’s worth the effort.

Patterns, murals, and more

Paint and wood are bold enough on their own to transform a room, but they’re still pretty subtle compared to other accent wall options. A chalk paint accent wall is a creative idea for any room and makes for some fun moments when you’re entertaining. There are also endless options for wallpaper and stenciling if you want some patterns or you can get really bold with a mural or oversized art print.

Visit my Instagram Page for more tips! https://www.instagram.com/realtygoddess/

What Goes in an Earthquake Kit, Anyway?

According to a recent U.S. Geological Survey, 143 million Americans live in earthquake-prone zones. While California still tops the list for earthquake possibilities, there's growing evidence to suggest areas throughout the east and midwest are susceptible to a seismic shockwave disaster. 

The key to surviving in the wake of a quake is disaster preparedness. Topping that list? Your family's earthquake kit. Below is a checklist of the essentials you'll need to survive until normal services are restored. Experts advise you need at least three days of supplies, though a better plan is to pack enough for one week. It's also a good idea to refresh your kit each year. Here's what you'll need to have in waterproof containers, close at hand:

1.    Water: One gallon of water per person, per day.

2.    Food: Non-perishable food which can be prepared to eat safely without power. This includes baby food if you have one!

3.    Tools: Manual can opener, knives, spoons, forks. It's good to have a multitool like a Leatherman (https://www.leatherman.com/ ) handy, too.

4.    Pet Food: Don't let your animals suffer-- pack them food just as you would for yourself.

5.    Flashlights: Candles are not a good idea, especially because of fire risk and the possibility of gas leaks.

6.    Radio: A battery or hand-crank weather radio is a good idea.

7.    Mobile device(s): At least one smart phone with a charger (preferably battery-powered charger)

8.    Batteries: Get the right sizes for each device and have plenty on hand.

9.    First-aid Kit: Should contain antibiotic ointments, band aids, bandages, wipes, and cold packs.

10.    Prescription Meds & Glasses: You won't be able to get refills during a disaster, so have your medical essentials ready-to-go.

11.    Toiletries: Soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and sunscreen.

12.    Blankets & clothing: Remember you may be "camping" during the disaster, so have seasonal clothing.

13.    Vital documents: Get copies of your IDs, any medical records, family photos, passports, and insurance info.

14.    Money: Cash and credit cards. A minimum of $100 in cash and one current credit card with plenty of available credit.

Think maybe it's time to move out before the next big quake? I'm happy to help you sell your home. Let's talk about a plan to get you top dollar for your property and heading toward more stable ground.

bit.ly/laurakeyinfo

Picking the Right Home Versus the "Perfect Home"

Buying a home is exciting. A new neighborhood. More space. A yard. A shorter commute. There are all kinds of reasons people get amped up to go house hunting online and start dreaming of a new home. But when the market is competitive and sellers have an advantage, finding a home that is truly "perfect" is increasingly hard to do. Sometimes this keeps people from buying, and often excellent opportunities are missed simply because buyers sit on the sidelines hoping for perfection.

On one hand, this makes sense. A home is a huge investment. Why rush into it? You want to get it right. But on the other hand, buyers forget that a home is an investment. People sometimes allow themselves to become blinded by the thought that they're locked into a home, when in reality a home is often only held for seven to ten years on average. What you want to keep in mind as you shop is how well you'll do from an investment perspective over time.

Adopting an investment mindset means looking at the prospects of a neighborhood, buying at a fair price, and considering factors which may not even matter to you personally as you shop for a home. Yes, you want to be comfortable. Yes, you want it to have the right layout and enough space for your needs. But you also want to imagine who might buy the home in the future.

Even if a home is not ideal, there are factors you should rank before you make an offer. Savvy investors know these four factors can have a giant impact on price when the time comes to reap a return:

1. Affordability. Look for value. Homes which are below median prices are worth a second look, simply because they allow you to prevent yourself from becoming "house poor" in your mortgage while setting yourself up for a larger return when you sell.

2. Schools. You may not have kids or want kids at the moment, but it's a fact that good schools will help you sell and bad schools will hurt. Check into the local schools on a website like GreatSchools.com.

3. Transit and walkability. Ditching the car in favor for walkability and public transportation is a plus for a home's value. How's shopping and entertainment nearby? Check WalkScore.com. 

4. Crime rates. BestPlaces.net will give you some insight into local crime rates. Even if crime rates aren't ideal, see if there are any trend indications. If they're going to improve, that could mean money in your pocket in the future.
 

Top Day Trips Near Los Angeles

The city of angels is loved by many. However, just as any town, the people who live their might need a little escape. What better way to enjoy a free day than to hop in your favorite vehicle and ride off to all of the glorious places near Los Angeles - and return the very same day? These day trips will preserve your sanity and expand your creativity. In fact, most people that live in the Los Angeles area recommend that you escape every once in a while. Here are the top places for your day trip out of LA.

Santa Monica Pier

Of course, the beach is one of the first options that pop up for a day trip. Call your buddies, get the ride (I recommend a comfortable hatchback so you can have enough space to lug around the cooler), and make way on this easy going 25-35 minute trip to Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica pier is one of the more interesting beaches. You can enjoy the sand and water comfortably with some friends. You can also walk closer to the pier and enjoy some of the awesome memorials that they have on the sand. If you are looking for even more entertainment, try walking the pier itself! On the left side of the pier, guests can enjoy themselves with some awesome roller coaster rides that feel like you are flying high above the pier and the water. As people walk further down, they can be amused by the peculiar yet interesting choices of entertainment. Just be sure to tip if you see something you like.

Temecula Valley

With the weather being gorgeous, and Temecula being about 90 minutes away from LA, you are going to want to put the top down and blast the music with your best friends. This means the trip should be taken with your favorite muscle car. Upon arrival, be prepared to have a little fun in wine country because Temecula houses 40 plus wineries. While you’re at it, bring a camera. You will want to capture the rolling greens and beautiful hills, which make Temecula one of the most gorgeous spots in California. If you’re feeling especially lucky, try your hand at California’s top casino.

Catalina Island

Not all day trips need to be taken by car. How about by boat? Or, if you can swing it, by helicopter? That is what you will require to reach Catalina Island, which is located 25 miles off the coast of California. There are three Catalina Express boats each located in San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. The guests will be taken to Avalon. There are many food shops that prove to be great places to gain some energy before you go on an adventure. One of the most popular places around Avalon is the Avalon Theatre. This place houses the largest circular ballroom in the world. There are also many other incredible places to go. Places like the Wrigley Botanical Gardens, where you can experience nature in its best form. Or Lovers Cove, where you can enjoy some snorkeling and the beautiful ocean.

Big Bear

If one is looking for an outdoor/adventurous kind of day, then Big Bear is one of the best spots! Located about 90 miles away from Los Angeles, and around 7,000 feet high in the San Bernardino Mountains, you will find all different sorts of activities to do all year long. Not to worry, if it snows, there is still an abundance of activities to do as well, such as snowboarding or skiing. Just keep in mind to take your best 4 wheel vehicle so you can get up the mountain, haul your equipment, and bring your pals. During other months, visitors can take on the hiking trails, hipline tours, and tree rope climbing. If you are a fan of the water, you can hit Big Bear Lake and canoe or kayak with your best friends to soak in the views of the wilderness that surround the lake. Can you hear that? The wilderness is calling you.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs

One of these trips should be a real relaxing getaway. How about the Glen Ivy Hot Springs? Just imagine, after a long week that demanded all of your hard work and attention, you have the warm, natural mineral spring to look forward to. For most, just floating in the water would be exceptional. However, the place has some of the best therapy treatments around. Have them pencil you in for a massage or a facial. Perhaps a water aerobics class. No matter, you will find yourself relaxed and free of stress when you are finished here. You can then enjoy the one hour ride back in your favorite sedan while listening to your favorite tunes. It will be a relief forgetting about your problems for a day.

For when the going gets tough in Los Angeles, there are many places to relieve yourself of your duties. Just take a nice day trip with your friends, family, or yourself, and leave the troubles of the city behind!

Timeless Looks for Your Home

Some things never change, and for good reason. Though you may be tempted to ride the wave of upcoming kitchen trends, there’s a few timeless designs you might want to include in your kitchen redo. These looks have stood the test of time—which means they’re sure to impress even a few years down the line. From Shaker-style cabinetry to natural-hewn wood accents, you’ll find a lot to love in these classic kitchen design elements. Mix and match with a few modern touches, and you may find yourself with one of the most stylish kitchens in your neighborhood.

Dark Woods

Dark wood floors are here to stay. There’s nothing that will make your home feel more rustic and cozy than wood floors, a fireplace and wood accents. Dark cabinets and granite countertops made a major splash in the early 2000s, but dark wood highlights and flooring has persisted as a trend even farther back. You can use a classic dark wood stain on cabinetry and floors, but you might find a little extra visual interest and flair with a shiplap kitchen island, or a dark wood paneled accent wall.

White Subway Tile

Easy to clean and stylish to boot, white subway tile has dominated kitchen backsplashes for ages. Even modern twists on the tile pale in comparison to the real thing. The tile has staked its claim firmly as a timeless design element, starting back almost a hundred years—talk about timeless!

Farmhouse Flair

You can get the cozy class of a ‘20s farmhouse with a number of  design elements, from statement floor tiles to white wood cabinetry. Apron front sinks have never failed to impress, and beadboard cupboards or a beadboard island can add a little extra rustic charm to your country (or city) kitchen. For a truly pastoral kitchen, add decorative wood braces to your kitchen island or breakfast bar.

Quartz & Marble Countertops

Marble countertops have continued to reign as one of the most popular luxury counter materials. But marble’s tendency to stain might have you thinking twice on it as your new counter. Enter quartz, the perfect non-porous in-between. Marble-colored quartz does just as well in a pinch, and bonus—it’s one of the most durable countertops you can buy, at a fraction of the cost.

Vintage Appliances

There’s something special about ‘50s and ‘60s era appliances, from their bright colors to their rounded edges. Though it’s sure to be a top trend of 2018, vintage appliances have long kept their appeal for homeowners. A sage green or even bright red refrigerator can add a pop of color to your home, or a copper-accented black stove can add a timeless chic to an all-white  kitchen. Plenty of manufacturers have picked up on the vintage love, too—you can buy vintage-style stoves and refrigerators to serve as the perfect focal point in your kitchen.

Shaker Cabinets

Whether you’re going for a simple look or something fresh and modern, Shaker-style cabinets have stood the test of time purely for their versatility. White Shaker cabinets pair well with most design elements, even in more modern spaces.

How Selling Your House Is Like Making Lasagna

How many layers are there in a lasagna?

There’s no right or wrong answer to that. Other than, “more than one” probably. Even two is pretty skimpy.

So, let’s say three is minimal for argument sake. (But, four or more is better.)

The number of layers probably just boils down to using up all the lasagna noodles and sauce you have, or getting to the top of the pan you have to use. No exact amount. Use what you’ve got.

But, if all you’ve got won’t stretch to make three layers in the size pan you have, perhaps you should use a smaller pan. At least have the three layers.

This isn’t a lasagna lesson.

You could say that it doesn’t really matter how many layers there are, as long as it tastes good.

And, there really isn’t any rule that you can’t have a one or two layer lasagna. So, you’d be “right”.

It just wouldn’t look exactly right. Not a big deal. It’s lasagna.

But, this article isn’t really about lasagna, it’s about real estate. Specifically, the critical “layers” you need to have when you list your house for sale.

Like we were talking about above with lasagna, for the sake of argument, you definitely need three layers. More would be better.

So, let’s look at the three most important layers when listing your home for sale.

The 3 layers

The three “layers” you need to have when you list your home for sale are:

1- Price
2- Exposure
3- Ease of access

Price

The price of your home is the first, and most critical layer when you are listing your home. If you don’t nail the pricing, the next two layers won’t matter a whole lot.

It won’t matter how much exposure your home has if the price isn’t in line with the market. Buyers have a good handle on values, and they won’t waste their time looking at a house if the price is way out of whack.

There’s certainly a little room to be on the “high” side. You don’t need to “give your house away”. But, you really need to be priced well against the current competition, and justifiable against similar homes to yours which have recently sold.

Exposure

Exposure has gotten easier over the years because of the Internet. But the easiest way to ensure you reach every single buyer in the market is to make sure you’re on the local multiple listing service (MLS).

Beyond that, you want to make sure your listing “populates” or “syndicates” to all of the real estate sites out there. Again, the easiest way to do this is typically to list your home on the local MLS. Most agents have a system that then allows your listing to be picked up by more real estate websites than you can imagine.

Beyond that, it doesn’t hurt to have some other exposure in terms of marketing. This will vary from agent to agent, and company to company.

But the bottom line is this — your home needs to be easily found. And since most buyers are actively looking online, make sure it’s on there as “everywhere” as possible.

Ease of access

Your home needs to be easy for buyers to come and see.

Sounds simple enough…

You want your home sold, so of course you figure you’ll make it easy to come and see.

But not everyone does. More people than you can imagine make real estate agents and buyers jump through hoops to schedule a showing.

Saying no to a showing, or trying to corral every showing into a tight window of time during the week is going to hurt you.

So, just make sure you keep your house ready to show at any given moment, and say yes to any request to come see the house. (Within reason, of course…)

If you just do all three of those things, you’re in pretty good shape to get your home sold for as much as the market will bear, in as short a time as possible.

But, it won’t necessarily be as good as it could be if you were to add just a few more layers to your “listing lasagna”.

The “extra” layers.

While the first three layers are more or less non-negotiable, and will most likely get you as close to the highest offer as possible, as quickly as possible, you may want to consider these extra layers.

Adding these into your mix will increase your chances of getting the highest and best offer possible, as quickly as possible.

1- Hiring an agent who knows and understands the market.
2- Hiring an agent who is a strong advisor.
3- Hiring an agent who can negotiate.
4- Hiring an agent who keeps things together.

Knows and understands the market

It’s easy enough to hire a real estate agent. There’s plenty of them. But, you should really make sure to hire one who truly knows and understands your local real estate market.

You want one who can analyze the activity on your house, and the overall market, so that the agent can…

Advise you

There’s a lot of talk about selling homes “as quickly as possible”. The key words there are “as possible”.

Sure, you and your agent want your home to sell, and sell quickly. But “quickly” depends on the market. And you want an agent on your side who, after analyzing the market and activity, can advise you on what to do…

Should you stay firm on your price and just be patient?

Should you lower your price? If so, how much?

Is there something you can change about your house that buyers are getting hung up on? If so, is it worth doing, or will the cost be too much for it to make sense?

There’s way more than that to list, but those are just a few examples of advice your agent should be relied upon for, and be able to provide to you.

Negotiate

This is another thing that gets a lot of lip service. But an agent who negotiates well is a huge asset.

Sure, you want one that will negotiate a “win-win” enough to make a deal come together. But, you really want one that gets you the fatter end of the win. And that isn’t always just about price.

A good negotiator will get you the best price and terms.

And, more importantly, it’s important to have an agent who will…

Keep the deal together

There’s a lot of time, and a lot of things that can lead to a deal falling apart between signing the deal and a closing.

Things go wrong. People get cold feet. Buyers get greedy and ask for credits and repairs, or threaten to bale on the whole deal. Appraisers throw their opinion into the mix.

Again, just to name a few examples… but there are so many things that can make a deal fall apart.

Having a strong agent on your side, who can almost predict and nip problems in the bud beforethings get out of control, is a huge layer to add to your listing lasagna. And, if things do get dicey, you want an agent who can wrangle it all in and get things back on track.

Looks can be deceiving.

People often look at selling a house as pretty simple. And the truth is, it is pretty simple…in terms of the first three layers.

But that doesn’t necessarily make the best “lasagna” possible. It might look OK enough to be called lasagna, but it’s not gonna be quite as tasty as it could be, if you take enough care to add the next four layers.

Are Millennials Buying Homes In Los Angeles?

It’s become common knowledge lately that millennials are too busy chowing down on avocado toast to enjoy the benefits of homeownership, but members of the youthful generation are stuck renting more often in some areas more than others.

As it turns out, there may be no worse place to be a millennial looking to buy than Los Angeles. According to a new study from rental website Abodo, the metro area has the very lowest rate of homeownership among adults under the age of 35 in the nation.

While just over half of millennials own homes in the Ogden-Clearfield, Utah area—first place of the 135 cities surveyed in the study—just 17.8 percent of young adults in LA can say the same. The remaining 82.2 percent of LA millennials (who don’t live with their parents) are stuck paying rent.

Further discouraging to young home shoppers: with median home prices around $560,000, saving for a house in LA can be a truly monumental task. Abodo estimates that, assuming that prospective buyers are able to put aside 15 percent of their earnings a month, it will take the typical LA millennial more than 32 years to save for a hefty 20 percent down payment of $112,033.

Other urban areas, such as San Jose and San Francisco, require higher down payments, but young people also tend to earn more in those cities.

Since so many cities across the country require so much money for home financing, millennial homebuyers are either renting, as the report states, or looking for alternative financing methods. In some cases, specifically in the Midwest (states like Minnesota and Illinois) prospective homebuyers are using a contract for deed and other creative financing methods.

Obviously, predicting the time it will take to save for a down payment can be tricky because housing costs are bound to fluctuate over time, and many millennials will earn more as they grow older. Still, the estimate does help to illustrate why many younger renters won’t be opting out of their lease any time soon.

The data Abodo used to determine rates of homeownership among millennials comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2015 American Community Survey. According to those statistics, about 32 percent of millennials nationwide own th

Decorating With Warm Colors

When it comes to interior décor, nailing down the perfect color palette can seem like a daunting task, considering the fact that there are so many different color combinations and that there are a lot of unique design elements in your home to think about. Those who have a basic understanding of color palettes understand that the side of the color wheel that houses reds, oranges, yellows, and various combinations between these colors are known as warm colors.

The Psychological Effects of Warmer Hues In Your Home

Like every other color on the visible spectrum, decorating with a particular color can have a psychological effect on the occupants of a room; therefore, producing a desired mood requires carefully assembling the right hues. For example, red is traditionally known for representing fire, strength and passion. When a person interacts with this color, it stimulates them and gives them energy. However, adding too much red can become overwhelming and over-stimulating.

Yellow, on the other hand, evokes feelings of warmth and cheerfulness. The hue symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, and sympathy and can add a sunny touch to any room. However, like red, using too much yellow can be overwhelming.

Orange is often regarded as the happy medium between yellow and red. Using orange in your home can add just the right amount of warmth and energy without coming across as totally overbearing.

Though each color has its own strengths and weaknesses, the key to having a beautifully decorated home is knowing exactly what colors to use, how much of it to use, and keeping your palette balanced.

What To Keep In Mind When Decorating With Warm Colors

Firstly, remember that warm colors provide a feeling of warmth and can energize a room; therefore, one of the best ways to balance out the energy of a room is to use neutral colors. If your room is primarily neutral, spruce it up by using warm accents. If your room uses primarily warm colors, use neutral accents like curtains, furniture, rugs, etc. to prevent the room from becoming overwhelming.

Another way of balancing your palette is by using cool colors. Cool colors are the hues that can be found on the side of the color wheel that is opposite of the warm colors. Adding a soft sky blue to a bright yellow can mean a world of difference.

Some people don’t consider this, but think about yourself as a person when picking out your color palette. Are you extroverted or introverted? The color of a room affects your mood; therefore, if you aren’t someone with a normally bright personality, using primarily warm colors for a room in your home can overwhelm you. Consider using either neutral or cool tones as your base and then using warm accents to compliment your palette.

The paint that you choose in the store can look drastically different once it goes into your home. Remember that while a particular color might look perfect when you’re purchasing it, there’s always the factor of things like lighting and wall texture that you must consider. Try out color samples before you finalize anything. The easiest way to get the look you are going for will be to hire a painter who can get the job done in a single day.  

5 Tips to Making Moving a Little Less Annoying

Moving can really take a toll on your stress level and patience. Not to mention, how annoying it can be if everything was not planned together correctly. That’s why there are awesome tips that are going to make your moving experience so much easier and stress free. You will notice the recurring theme of organization and planning in these tips. Every moving experience goes so much better when you keep those two things in mind. Let’s get started.

Have a dedicated packing room

It takes a long time to pack all the stuff you have. Also, it can get very tedious when you have boxes all around your house getting in the way of your daily routine. This is when having a dedicated packing room can really help. Every time you pack a new box, just carry it into the packing room and sort them. Make sure you pick out a big room to do it in, too. You don’t want to run out of room too quickly.

Label your boxes with colored duct tape

When labeling a packed box, most will usually take a sharpie and label the box in big letters. This works until you realize that the sharpie is dying out and that writing in big bold letters on every side of the box is time consuming. This is where colorful duct tape comes into play. Here you will label each box with a piece of colored duct tape that is coordinated with a specific room or an object. This is a much faster way to apply labeling and to find what you need as opposed to the traditional sharpie method.

Heavy stuff goes into smaller boxes

One of the most common problems that happen when packing is when someone puts all the heavy stuff into bigger boxes. I cannot count how many times I have seen this preventable mistake happen. Not only is it irritating to carry an extremely heavy box, but it is also dangerous. Be sure to find large and small boxes to prevent this. By packing all the heavy things into smaller boxes, you reduce the risk of injury and help yourself have an easy move.

Use clothes or towels to protect fragile items

Newspapers seem to be the go-to protection method when packing valuables. However, buying newspapers can get costly, be time consuming, and may not protect your things to the fullest. Here is a better alternative to protecting your valuables. Use your towels or clothes to protect your fragile objects. This is good because it saves space and offers a better form of protection. Plus, you do not have to deal with throwing it all away afterward.

Order the moving truck ahead of time

Be sure to order your moving vehicle ahead of time. The closer you get to your final date, the more expensive it will be. You also risk not finding a moving truck at all. Give it a solid month grace period. Also, if you have friends helping you move, be sure to check in with them a month ahead to see if they are still available.

Like most big tasks, moving can be handled well with careful planning and organization. Hopefully, moving will now be a little easier for us all. Good luck on the move!

Lime Bike Is Hitting Los Angeles

A few months ago we started seeing bright bikes on prominent corners in our neighborhood. They were all over the place. People were riding and smiling yet there seemed to be a lot of confusion about what the heck they were doing in the community and why?

It turns out Los Angeles is a test market from San Pedro to Watts, and it is getting good results and many smiles.

I decided to find out and take a ride and these are the results of that fun adventure.

Please be sure to contact Lime Bikes on Facebook or call their customer service department to get more info, unless you want to just continue driving your luxury SUV! They are really nice people doing good things in the world!

Lime Bike
www.LimeBike.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/limebike

4 Tips For Mobile Safety

The convenience of mobile devices also comes with risk. As you check-in, text, share photos, and increasingly run your life on the go, you may inadvertently expose private information or make yourself more likely to be a victim of a crime. Here are four things you should be aware of as you use new mobile and social technology that might spare you expensive or embarrassing lessons:

1. Beware of how often you "check in" through social media.

Apps like Foursquare and websites like Facebook allow you to "check in" when you're out and about in the world, effectively broadcasting where you are... and where you're not. Be especially sensitive to checking in from airports and locations far from home. Enterprising thieves can use this information to target your home or business.

2. Beware of the photos you're sharing.

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, what are your pictures on Facebook saying to friends, family, and co-workers? Just like checking in when you're out of town, vacation photos posted in real time can inadvertently let people know you're not home. 

3. Remember to log out of public computers

If you've ever checked your email in an internet cafe or hotel computer, did you remember to log out? Closing a browser window isn't usually enough. People who open the browser can often waltz right into your email account because your "session" is still active. Remember to click "log out" or "exit my account" any time you log into private accounts through public machines.

4. Protect your devices

Smartphones now carry the sort of data you used to keep under lock and key in your home office or closet safe. If your devices are lost or stolen, how much of your private information could be exposed through your device?

First and foremost, add password protection to your device in case it is lost. Most have a setting you can activate which forces someone enter a code before access the apps and data on the device.

Second, consider adding an app or service which will track your device via GPS if it is lost or stolen. Depending on your device, there are an array of options to help locate your smartphone if it disappears. To find an app specific to your device, try Googling (without quotation marks): "app tracks stolen [device name]" where [device name] is replaced with your brand of smartphone (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc.).

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Take Advantage Of Your Space And Get Fit At Home

By Kevin Jones

Do you ever find yourself wanting to work out and start a healthier lifestyle? Do you often feel like it would be so much easier if you could work out home but don’t know how to get started? Fear not, this guide will get you through some basic (and other more advanced) equipment that you can easily set up at home and get started! It all really depends on how much space you have available. Maybe you have an empty corner in your living room, maybe you have a whole room that you want to dedicate to having a gym. There are options for everyone. It is really important to be aware of the space to be able to decide what you can and cannot do as “Step Zero.”

1 Yoga Mat

Green Yoga Mat One of the most easily acquired and versatile equipment. While traveling, I had a yoga mat that was really thick (about 1/2 inch) and I could easily use it to do HIIT workouts as well as yoga. For those that have limited space, this is a great option that can be rolled up and put away.

Yoga Mat

2 Dumbbells/Barbells

ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells Marcy Barbell Great for working out your upper body and with sets that are adjustable (with nested dumbbells) they don’t have to take up a lot of space. For those of you that have space to spare (as in, you have a whole room, basement or garage) then a barbell and plates set can be a good option, especially for those leaning to incorporate crossfit, deadlifts, etc…

ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells

Marcy Barbell

3 Jump Rope/Treadmill/Rowing Machine

Everlast Jump Rope ProForm Treadmill Sunny Health Fitness Rowing Machine All of these offer a great way to get some cardio going. It mostly depends on what you are comfortable with. If space is limited, a jumping rope is fantastic. A step up from the rope, a rowing machine offers a great full-body workout that does not compromise your knees. In addition, depending on what model you choose, you can fold away the rowing machine and clear up the space. If, however, you are okay with a more permanent fixture and love being able to run indoors, a treadmill is definitely a good way to build up speed and endurance as well as being super convenient when the weather does not cooperate.

Everlast Jump Rope

ProForm Treadmill

Sunny Health Fitness Rowing Machine

4 Resistance Bands

Amazon Basics Resistance Bands Really awesome for stretching as well as offering a good workout for arms and legs. These come in varying resistances, perfect to work your way up!

Amazon Basic Resistance Bands

5 Foam Roller

Amazon Basics Foam Roller One of the best ways to loosen up after a workout is to use a foam roller. It is definitely a personal must-have and I heavily recommend it to fellow runners. Many fitness enthusiasts agree that there are many benefits to having your home gym. Not only will your perfect setup be only steps away but now you will have no excuse to miss a workout and will be able to better stick to a plan. Now that I have provided the basics, it is time to get to it!

Amazon Basic Foam Roller

About: Kevin Jones is a dedicated runner who enjoys traveling and trying new food. Kevin works for Fitness Trainer.

Best Condo Views in LA

Los Angeles, California is the land of celebrities, bumper to bumper traffic, year-round summery weather, and gorgeous beaches. In fact some of the United States most recognizable landmarks can be found in the entertainment capital of the world. Everybody knows where LA is and what this city is all about. LA is a vibrant, lively place to be and there’s always something interesting to see. Whether you’re admiring the world famous Hollywood sign, taking a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or revisiting your childhood in Disneyland, there is a 99.9% chance that LA will have something that visitors will find of interest. As a city of nearly four million people, the pure diversity that can be found in Los Angeles is a direct contributor to its magnificence. After all, LA has been reported to have the largest population of Korean, Japanese, Hispanic/Latino, Thai, and Native American populations. These large communities have an effect on the layout of LA’s different neighborhoods, the local cuisine that often attracts hoards of foodies from around the world, and the locally-owned mom and pop shops that are easily found in each small community throughout LA.

There are plenty of things that make LA an amazing city. For starters, it is known for being number 1 in a large variety of different categories. Topics span from having the best farmer markets in the nation, having the best transit system, having the largest population in the US, and having the highest rate of income growth in the country, to such topics like having the most extensive freeway network, having the most vegetarian shops, and housing the largest population of freelance workers in the country. What can we say? LA just so happens to be the best.

When cities come to mind, often times, people are plagued with images of poorly-maintained streets, filthy subway stations, and air that is so badly polluted that you can literally feel a decrease in air quality upon arriving in the city. Los Angeles, however, is making an effort to change that image. Through recent years, LA has been emphasizing the importance of sustainability. For the past five years, LA has been ranked number one in the nation for having the largest number of Energy Star buildings. Energy Star certified buildings are structures that are built to be energy-efficient and sustainable. With large cities like Los Angeles, it is imperative that buildings adapt to more sustainable alternatives. As of January 2017, LA has managed to reduce water consumption by almost 20%, reduced its carbon emissions, and has even revealed plans to develop a bike-sharing program. And while LA still has a long way to go until it is 100% green, the strides the city has made thus far has been most impressive.

A green city goes hand-in-hand with the active, healthy lifestyle that its residents are known to lead. Though LA takes the form of a wild concrete jungle, the gorgeous, relaxing beaches do help to create an overall laidback atmosphere that tons of Americans associate with Los Angelinos. There seem to be a plethora of benefits that come with living here in LA. There’s lots to do, lots to see, lots to eat, and lots of people to meet. The cost of living in Los Angeles isn’t nearly as expensive as other cities like New York, and there are communities within LA that have made Business Insider’s 2017 list of safest cities in the US.

As it has been suggested before, living in Los Angeles ultimately means committing yourself to a life of excitement and adventure. But before your adventure here begins, where will you live? Luckily for you, LA has tons of fantastic options that are surely fit whatever lifestyle you have.

Hollywood

We’ll start with the home of the rich and the famous and go from there. We all know what Hollywood is: if you come here, it is very likely that you’ll see a celebrity traipsing about town or the camera crew of some late night talk show host waiting to interrogate random pedestrians for entertainment purposes. Hollywood is almost every tourist’s dream; here, you get to walk among the stars and truly experience LA’s vibrant night life. Here, it’s a full-on party, with an amazing selection of unique restaurants that anybody would be lucky to even look at in in real life.

East Hollywood

Well-known for its diverse community, East Hollywood is a neighborhood that sits between the artists who’ve made it in the industry and the art aficionados and philosophers. Here, you can enjoy the neighborhood dive bars and the street food.

North Hollywood

Overflowing with creative energy, it isn’t uncommon to find writers, actors, and other artists occupying your local coffee shop. North Hollywood is well-known for its vintage atmosphere which has been carefully crafted by the people who occupy this neighborhood.

West Hollywood

Loud, colorful, vibrant, and unapologetically itself, West Hollywood is truly the face of Hollywood. Here, you’ll find celebrities, residents, and tourists alike bathing in the glamorous atmosphere West Hollywood exudes.

Highland Park

It is here where people congregate to unleash their inner hipster. This trendy neighborhood that is close to downtown LA has grown to be rather popular in recent years. The sudden influx of young professionals who yearn to explore their artistic spirit has really influence the Highland Park’s overall aura. These days, you can find tiny bookstores tucked away in corners, hole in the wall restaurants, and historic buildings that have been hipster-flipped.

Mid-City

Everybody needs a little break every now and then, especially from the hustle and bustle of the big city. That’s where Mid-City comes in; this area is your oasis, your own piece of paradise from LA’s incessant noise. Mid-City offers you the same kind of peace and quiet your typical suburban neighborhood has while still being fairly close to the exciting nightlife downtown.

Topanga

Creativity in this quiet neighborhood is manifested in the nature that surrounds us all. Take a walk on the wild side and explore any of Topanga’s nature trails. In Topanga, visitors and locals are offered peace and serenity and stunning views of the Californian scenery.

Reasons to Move to Anaheim, CA

Anaheim is located in southern California. It’s famous for Disneyland, of course, but if you’re in the mood for an experience that’s a little more unique or allows you to have some PG-13 fun, you’ll be pleased to know that Anaheim has a lot more to offer than the roller coasters it’s known for.

For the Artsy

At the Anaheim Garden Walk, not only will you have access to a variety of popular restaurants and shops, but you’ll also be able to see exhibits featured at the Artists Republic gallery.  Since their location switch from Laguna Beach, Artists Republic has been able to open up one of their most popular exhibits, the Mural Garden. Here you’ll find seventeen large-scale, evolving murals right above the gallery.

If you like Broadway, you can definitely see a play here. South Coast Repertory is a Tony-award winning theatre featuring plays and performances by some of America’s most creative talents. With a mission to bring human experience to light, SCR is rated one of the best theatres in America and a must-see when visiting Anaheim.

For the Craft Beer Fan

There’s plenty of high-quality craft beer to choose from in Anaheim, so why not start with drinks? The first brewery in the area opened in 1870 and, today, the craft beer community continues to thrive.

The three highest rated breweries on RateBeer.com include Bottle Logic Brewing, Noble Ale Works and Bruery Terreux. According to several online reviews, all three of these breweries have the following in common: a unique and wide selection of beer to choose from, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and a bustling atmosphere. Pick whichever one is closest to you and get in there!

For A Little Excitement

One of the best things about Anaheim is that it's home to the Disneyland Resort, a massive complex of family-friendly, Disney-themed rides, restaurants, hotels and shops. That makes it the best place to take a day trip in the area, especially if you like cartoons, roller coasters, and Disney princesses.

Disneyland opened its doors on July 17, 1955 and has fueled Orange County to open up several of aforementioned businesses for a more high-quality and diverse tourist experience.  You’ll become a part of the nostalgia, magic and wonder that Disney movies are famous for when you enjoy the cinematic experience Disneyland has to offer kids and adults of all ages and interests.

For the Night Owl

If live music and good food are on your radar, you’ll want to check out Anaheim’s new House of Blues located on the Garden Walk. This venue seats to 2,200 guests in its main concert. There’s still plenty of space around the venue for private seating, art displays and a restaurant serving southern-inspired dishes. Every week they have rotating theme nights such as “Geeks Who Drink” trivia nights on Tuesdays and “Nashville Night” where happy hour is served till last call.

And if you like bar games, The Blind Donkey is on the same page which is why they’ve set up pool tables, dart boards, shuffleboard, arcade games and a photobooth so you and your friends will have plenty to choose from.

For the Foodie

If you’re up all night, take your time getting out of bed. Brunch will still be there. At Habana, you can enjoy a Cuban-style, all-you-can-eat, alfresco brunch buffet with a little bit of background music to set the mood.

Just like with any other buffet experience, you’ll need some time to recover.  If you build up enough of an appetite for dinner, you can splurge at THE RANCH.

And finally, when you’re ready for dessert, you can’t back away from Anaheim without enjoying one of Sweet Cup’s famous dessert tacos (only served on taco Tuesdays).  These delicious treats are made with a waffle cone taco and rolled ice-cream base with a wide variety of toppings.

For the Photographer

The first stop on your Instagram journey is the Anaheim Packing House located in a shopping center referred to as the Packing District.  Built in 1919, the Packing House was a spot for local farmers to bring their fresh citrus and packed it into wooden crates.  Today, this building acts as a food hall where the community comes together for food and entertainment.  Scattered greenery and natural lighting will catch many eyes in an Instagram newsfeed.

For your second stop you can hop right next door and visit The MAKE Building.  This adult beverage paradise opened in the early 1900s as as a marmalade factory and is filled with bygone-era decorations, a perfect backdrop to put on your Instagram feed.

For the Whole Family

At Adventure City, there are plenty of age-appropriate activities for the littlest members of your family. If you need short lines, this is the place for you.

For some educational fun, be sure your family stops by Aquarium of the Pacific where you can get up close and personal with over 12,500 different marine species.  Family members of all ages will be in awe as the family will learns some valuable information on better ways to respect our planet and enhances their appreciation for marine life.

Regardless of the reason for your visit, you’ll find that Anaheim has something for everyone to appreciate.  Colleagues, family members, clients and friends will love taking part in the world-famous attractions and events found here.  Start planning your visit today!