Good Neighbor Next Door HUD Program

Special homes for 50% off for Law Enforcement, Teachers, EMT’s and Firefighters

Law enforcement officers, teachers (pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade) firefighters, and emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the home's list price. In return, an eligible buyer must commit to live in the property for 36 months as his/her principal residence.

3 Myths of Homebuying

Homebuying Myths

There are myths about the home shopping experience that must be addressed. I like to make the home buying experience as stress-free as possible, so please hear me out on these three big myths about home buying!

A Recipe For Great Waffles

It’s National Waffle Day (August 28th) Enjoy This Recipe

INGREDIENTS

This recipe is easy to make and uses everyday ingredients you most likely already have on hand in your pantry:

• flour – regular flour is best for this recipe

• melted butter – trust me. Melted butter gives this waffle recipe the most amazing taste and texture.

• baking powder – to make your waffles nice and fluffy.

• eggs – I like to use large, good quality eggs.

• sugar – Don’t leave this out.

• vanilla – Madagascar vanilla gives you the best flavor

DIRECTIONS 

1. Preheat your waffle iron and spray with cooking spray or rub a little melted butter on.

2. Whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with a mixer until light and fluffy and pale in color.

4. Add the vanilla to the egg mixture.

5. Mix the egg mixture into the dry mixture.

6. Add the butter and milk into the mixture- blending until just smooth.

7. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes before adding to the waffle iron.

8. Pour onto hot iron and cook until golden brown.

9. Serve topped with pure maple syrup and butter or your favorite fruit and whipped cream.

Recipe Credit: All Things Mama

Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash

National Fajita Day - August 18th

Enjoy This Yummy Recipe!

How to Make the Best Fajitas

• PREP 30mins

• COOK 35mins

• TOTAL 1hr 5mins

Fajitas cook quickly, so taking a bit of time to season steak, chicken, or shrimp with our simple fajita seasoning is a good idea. Use our recipe as a guide; you can make all three proteins or choose one. Use 2 ½ pounds of protein for six people. Even though it is only the two of us, we still make the whole batch. The leftovers are fabulous.

Serves 6 when served with sides

FOR THE FAJITAS

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Salt and fajita seasoning, recipe below

1 pound flank or strip steak

1 pound chicken breast (2 medium)

1/2 pound shrimp, deveined with tails left on

1 pound bell peppers or poblano peppers, sliced (3 medium)

1 large onion, sliced into half moons

1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 3 cloves

3 tablespoons tequila, light beer or chicken stock

2 limes

FAJITA SEASONING

1 ½ teaspoons ancho chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

WHAT TO SERVE WITH FAJITAS

Warm tortillas

Beans and rice

Avocado or guacamole

Sour cream

Fresh tomato, pico de gallo or roasted tomato salsa

Shredded lettuce

Shredded cheese or crumbled queso fresco

DIRECTIONS

• PREPARE SEASONING

• Mix the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

  Season the steak, chicken, and shrimp with salt and a generous dusting of fajita seasoning. We use 1/2 teaspoon of salt for the steak, 1/2 teaspoon for the chicken, and 1/4 teaspoon for the shrimp. Set the steak and shrimp aside while you cook the chicken.

  • COOK CHICKEN

  • Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a wide skillet (with a lid, or you can use foil) over medium-high heat. As soon as the oil is hot and looks shimmery, add the chicken. Cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the chicken so that the seared side is facing up.

    Reduce the heat to low, then cover the skillet with a lid or use foil. Cook 10 to 15 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil.

    Note: Use the time while the chicken is cooking to chop the onions, peppers, and garlic.

    • COOK STEAK

    • Pour any liquid left in the pan out and use a paper towel to wipe the bottom of the skillet. It is okay if there are bits of chicken or spices stuck to the bottom. (If you want to, you can save the liquid to add back to the pan later.)

      Put the skillet back onto the heat, increase to medium-high heat, and add another two teaspoons of oil. As soon as the oil is hot and looks shimmery, add the steak. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until brown, and then flip to the other side and let cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Check the internal temperature. If it is not ready, turn the heat to low and continue to cook until it reaches your preferred doneness. For medium, cook to 135 degrees F. Transfer steak to the plate with chicken and cover loosely with aluminum foil.

      • COOK VEGETABLES AND SHRIMP

      • Put the skillet back onto the heat, increase to medium-high heat, and add another two teaspoons of oil. Add the onions, peppers, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring until they start to soften and brown a bit; about 5 minutes. As the veggies cook, use tongs or a wooden spoon to scrape up bits of chicken, steak, or spices stuck to the bottom of the pan.

        When the peppers and onions are ready, pile them up on one side of the pan. Place the shrimp into the pan and cook, stirring, until the shrimp are firm and opaque throughout; 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate.

        • TO FINISH

        • To finish, turn the heat down to low, arrange the vegetables on the bottom of the skillet, stir in tequila, beer or stock, and cook for 1 minute. Take the pan off of the heat. Slice the chicken and steak then arrange the chicken, steak, and shrimp on the peppers and onions. Finish with a generous squeeze of lime.

          Serve the fajitas family style with more lime on the side as well as your favorite side dishes.

RECIPE SOURCE: Inspired Taste

Photo by Zeeshan Nelson

Los Angeles Rent Report 4/22

Renting Is A Waste Of Money

You might think it's more expensive to buy a place than to rent, but that's not true! If you take into account the long-term perks of owning your property, then renting is actually a lot more expensive than you realize. Own your property and start building your wealth.

Source For Rents: Zumper

Two Ways You Can Win In This Market

It’s no secret that many prospective homebuyers are finding the current real estate market challenging. One of the more unexpected consequences of the Covid pandemic was the hyper-focus on one’s home. This has resulted in a robust market where sellers are seeing advancing home sales prices and multiple offers.

While competition is fierce, clearly for sellers to sell, they need buyers. If your goal is to find a new home this year, there are a couple ways you can maximize your ability to have your offer accepted.

Two Ways Homebuyers Can Win in Today’s Market

1. Act Early - There are a couple reasons why home buyers should start early this year. With rising inflation, interest rates are likely to rise this year. While conventional wisdom may suggest lower real estate prices with an increase in mortgage rates, this is a gamble. Lower interest rates can not only save homeowners thousands of dollars over a 30-year term, but also provides better buying power with lenders, providing more choices.

2. Buy Now and Move Later - The rapid pace of the current market affects not only buyers but sellers as well. In a typical market, sellers often have weeks or months to find their replacement property. Buyers can sweeten their offer by asking about the sellers needs and allowing them extra time to move, offering to close quickly but renting to the sellers for 2-3 months to allow them time to find their new home.

The bottom line is that home loan rates and home prices will likely continue to advance throughout 2022. Potential homebuyers who move quickly can maximize their buying power and ability to win the home.

Find Your Next Home With Me! www.homesnap.com/laura-key

Strategies To Win A Home In A Sellers Market

Seller market got you down? Don't let this happen to you! There are many ways to win out over other offers. These are a few creative ways that we have helped clients win out over other offers. Use a few of these strategies and tools to give you the upper hand!

Laura Key works with buyers and sellers to make sure you get what you need. From appraisals to financing, we have it all! Call Laura today for your free consultation!

Download Your FREE Strategies Guide: bit.ly/strategiestowinahome

Laura@LauraKey.net

Cal DRE 01908085
FL SL 3524487

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t9LRV9TKZQ&t=4s

Home Loans For Medical Professional Hero's

Medical Professionals - You Deserve The Best!

There's a loan to fit your needs, whether you're a doctor, nurse, medical technician and MORE FIELDS. Come and learn more today! 100% financing with no mortgage insurance!

Download more info at: bit.ly/loansformedicalheros Recorded 2/2022

Scary Home Inspections

Unhappy with your Home Inspection Report? Let’s Talk!

Download for FREE Homebuyer’s Guide: bit.ly/letsdothishomebuyingthing

Make sure you follow my blogs and social media for other great information

@RealtyGoddess

5 Cool Home Tech Gadgets

There are so many new tech gadgets on the market these days. Technology should make your life easier and more enjoyable. Here are 5 of the hottest tech gadgets to try right now. 5 Cool Home Tech Gadgets You Should Try Now

1. Motion Sensor Night Lights - Hate walking down a dark hallway at night? What about navigating the landmine of kids toys in the living room. These night lights have motion sensors built-in so they turn on as you walk by them.

2. Logitech Harmony Elite - One stop shop for your home smart devices. Harmony Elite is one control that handles all your devices in one place; lowering blinds, dimming lights, Alexa, Apple TV, Sony and much more.

3. Rubold Dog Dematting Tool - Make Rover happy and keep unwanted hair off your furniture and clothes. This device has rounded teeth to avoid scratching and reaches the undercoat without yanking the hair.

4. Ring Beams Home Security Lights - Ring is a household name for home security. Now Ring Beams cameras and doorbells add motion lighting to enhance security when using the system.

5. Smart Thermostats - A smart thermostat can not only put your home on a schedule, saving money and offering comfort, but also allows you to turn on the heat or air conditioning to prepare the home for your arrival.

Home smart devices and technology are improving all the time. With all the exciting products on the market, there’s never been a better time to experiment with smart technology.

2022 Design Trends

Did you know that each year paint and pigment companies work hard to predict the hottest trends in colors. They choose the “Color of the Year” and home designers love to infuse new tones and hues into their new designs.

For 2022, Shades of Green will be all the rage. While there is no consensus about the specific shade of green and the colors range from soft neutral mists to deep evergreen, suddenly style magazines are boasting green in everything from furniture to fixtures.

Home designers have wasted no time incorporating these new colors in their styles. Accent chairs in bright bold Seafoam will instantly add a modern touch to your living spaces. Backsplashes in olives and cypress create a new ambiance for the kitchen. A soothing color, green can also create a relaxing environment in a bedroom or bathroom. Make easy changes like new linens or towels for a quick uplift.

Paint is also a great way to instantly brighten a room. Take advantage of the new green colors like guacamole or olive sprig to transform a neutral-toned room to an interesting, modern space. Doors, kitchen accents, walls, and furniture are great weekend projects to add green to your home.

The shade of the year is Green! Soft, bright, blue-tones, yellow-toned, and everything in between. If you’re ready to make a change, add a pop of color in any room and embrace the Shade of the Year.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Japandi – The Hottest Global Design Trend

Japandi – The Hottest Global Design Trend

Fusion restaurants have been blending various culinary tastes for years with exciting new dishes and flavors. Japandi may sound like the latest dining fad but it’s the home design trend that’s taking the world by storm. A careful merging of Scandinavian elements with Japanese lines, Japandi is making a strong appearance in home magazines and shows.

Hygge and Wabi-Sabi
No, these aren’t condiments for your California roll. Hygge is a Danish word meaning coziness and emphasizes the use of natural materials in furniture and fabrics to add softness in line and feel. Wabi-Sabi is the Japanese design style that centers around the idea that something doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. Imperfect shapes, lines, finishes can add a sense of well-being when used in room décor.

Simple and Neutral
Central to the design of Japandi are spaces that embrace minimalism. Contrary to more traditional styling, a room does not need to be over-furnished to be cozy. Far from being austere, Japandi utilizes comfortable, utilitarian furniture that tends to be lower to the floor. Soft neutral tones blend from floor to ceiling and bright open floor plans allow the eye to move effortlessly from one space to another. Japandi removes the eclectic patterns and boldness of recent years and replaces them with calm and inviting rooms in which to relax and unwind.

Sign up for your FREE Homebuyer Course Today! Learn on YOUR time in the comfort of YOUR home!

bit.ly/housekey

Buyers To Sellers...TAKE MY MONEY!

When you sell your home, you want to make sure you’re getting the best price for your property. The best way to do that is to sell when demand is high and supply is low. And if you look at supply and demand, there’s never been a better time to sell your home.

According to the most recent Home Price Insights Report from CoreLogic, there are four times as many renters looking to purchase a home in the next twelve months than there are homeowners looking to sell. And as rents continue to rise around the country, the number of renters looking to transition to ownership will only increase.

(According to Realtor.com’s most recent Market Outlook Report from Q4 2017, rents rose in a whopping 78% of counties across the US year-over-year.)

The Takeaway

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now is the time to make a move. With so many potential buyers flooding the market, demand has never been higher, and that demand will get you a much higher price for your property.

FREE BOOKS!

Sellers: Download Your Free "Top Seller's Tips"

https://laurakey.book.live/biz-card-book

Buyers: Download Your Free "Homebuyer's Guide"

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61954eb4839edddd7aa02e3b

Buyers Need Homes!

2022 Housing Predictions

2021 was, to say the least, an interesting year in real estate. But as the year comes to a close, the big question on everyone’s mind is what does 2022 have in store?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined some of their economists’ predictions for the 2022 housing market, including:

• Home prices will stay high—but price growth will slow down. Home prices rose high and fast in 2021, with realtor.com economists predicting a 12 percent rise for 2021. And while the realtor.com team predicts that home prices will stay high, they also see that growth slowing down—with price growth projected at a much slower rate of 2.9 percent for 2022.

• Inventory challenges will continue. Low inventory proved a huge challenge for buyers in 2021; fewer homes on the market meant higher competition and higher prices—and it looks like it’s going to stay that way in 2022. The economists at realtor.com only expect the number of homes available to increase by 0.3 percent in the coming year.

• Mortgage rates will rise. Mortgage rates have been hovering near all-time lows throughout the year, creating even more demand for housing. But buyers hoping to score the lowest possible rate on their mortgage should act fast; the economists at realtor.com predict mortgage rates to hit 3.6 percent by the end of 2022—a significant increase from 2021’s low of 2.65 percent.

Download your FREE Insider Home Selling Tips Book! Get top dollar for your home!

“INSIDER HOME SELLING TIPS”

Header Photo by Isabela Kronemberger on Unsplash

Making the Move Easy for Your Pets

Moving with Pets

Moving is stressful. Organizing, packing, cleaning, scheduling… the number of tasks can seem overwhelming. One thing that makes the stress worthwhile is the idea that soon you’ll be settling into your new home.

But what about your pets? For them, moving is an extremely unsettling experience. While you know the big picture, your furry and feathered friends only see their world falling apart. This can result in stress-related behaviors or even illness. So how do you preserve your pets’ sanity during the change?

Here are some tips for moving with pets:

1. Pack gently and slowly. Nothing will stress out your animal more than a sudden uprooting of all they know. If possible, give yourself a long period of time to gradually box up your possessions. Whatever you do, leave your pets’ most cherished possessions and spaces untouched until the last moment.

2. Decide who will watch your pet during moving day. If you have a friend or new neighbor who is willing to pet-sit for you on moving day, take advantage of this opportunity. Preferably it will be someone your pet is familiar with. If all else falls through, consider using a service like rover.com to locate a pet sitter.

3. Introduce your pet to the destination beforehand. Sometimes on a final walk-through before closing, you might be able to bring your pet over to the new house for a “sniff test” of the property. It’s not even a bad idea to let them mark a bush or two outside on the sly so that when they arrive after moving day, the destination won’t feel quite as foreign. Walk the new neighborhood with your dogs and introduce them to neighbors you see along the route.

4. Check your new house for pet hazards. This might include lawn chemicals, pest poisons, escape holes in the fencing, or other formerly ignored danger zones.

5. Update all your pets’ ID tags and/or chips. You’ll need your new contact information (including your new vet) on collars, etc. Some pets will try to find their way to an old house after a move, so make sure if they get lost they’ll be returned correctly.

I want the transition to be as smooth as possible for everyone in your family. If you’re looking to buy or sell soon, let me help you and your animal companions find your next home: Laura@LauraKey.net

Download your free moving guide here:
Pet Moving Guide

Photo by sarandy westfall

Buying a Home? Make Sure Not to Waive These Contingencies

Thanks to low inventory and high demand, competition for property has never been more fierce. And in response to the ultra-competitive market, some buyers are waiving their contingencies to make their offers more attractive to sellers.

But no matter how hot the market is, there are certain contingencies you should never waive. A recent article from realtor.com outlined the contingencies buyers should never waive during the home buying process (even in a seller’s market!), including:

• Home inspection. The home inspection gives you key insights into the condition of the home and any necessary repairs or improvements that need to be made. The home inspection will also alert you to any red flags that the house isn’t what it appears (for example, issues with the foundation)—which is why you should never waive it.

• Mold remediation. Mold can cause a host of health issues—and if your home inspection reveals that there’s a mold problem, you may want to ask the sellers to take care of it before you move in. Otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with the stress and expense of getting mold removed down the line—or, even worse, managing adverse health effects as a result of the mold issue.

• Appraisal. If you have a mortgage, you should never waive the appraisal. Otherwise, if the home appraises for less than the purchase price you agreed to, your bank may only cover the amount the home is appraised at—and you could find yourself on the hook for the difference.

The Takeaway:

Bottom line? Waiving contingencies might make your offer more attractive to buyers, but it could translate to a disastrous home purchase—so make sure to keep your key contingencies in place.

Ready to start your home journey?

www.HomeSnap.com/laura-key

The 10 Commandments When Buying A Home

When purchasing a home there are a few things that can cause you to drop out of contract! ABIDE by these commandments to help ensure your success!

Start Your Home Search Today!

www.HomeSnap.com/laura-key

Keeping Modern White Kitchens Clean

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.

Seller's Market? Consider New Construction Homes

Most of the country is experiencing a very tight real estate market. Inventory levels are historically low, perhaps owing to the concern of strangers traipsing through the home during this time. Additionally, because most people are staying home, they have been able to focus on their property and how it fits into their lifestyle, emphasizing the need to right-size their environment.

With properly-priced homes moving quickly off the market, homebuyers are frustrated. For those who can be flexible with their timing, new construction offers an appealing alternative to the resale market. New construction offers the buyer a fresh, blank canvas on which to create their perfect home. In any market, this can be appealing, but when resale inventory is low, this is even more attractive. Yet, new construction is more than modern floorplans and beautiful finishes. Before buying new construction, it’s important to ask a few questions first:

• How long will the property take to build, and what possible delays could affect that timeframe? How does that timeline fit in with selling your current home or finding interim housing?

• Is your completion date affected by the sale or occupancy of other units or phases?

• What is included in the base unit and what are the additional costs for custom add-on options?

• What are the HOA (homeowner’s association) fees and what do they cover?

In addition, it’s important to understand the exact location of the new home and any planned developments or improvements which could affect the home in the future – road-noise, parking or traffic congestion, view, etc.

For those trying to compete in this resale seller’s market, it could be time to buy new. Developers are offering some great incentives in this climate, and it can be a great alternative for those with a little time to wait.

Ready to start the journey! Let’s get started!
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Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Nothing is more stressful than shopping for a mortgage and realizing your credit score isn’t what you expected. Worse still is finding that your identity has been stolen and there are fraudulent accounts or activity on your report. Recovering from identity theft can be time-consuming – you might lose your dream home if the seller cannot wait for you to resolve the issue.

Before this happens to you, there are steps you can take to protect your Social Security number and your credit.

• Guard Your Social Security Number – First, you should memorize your Social Security number – never keep the card in your wallet. Second, consider whether giving your SSN to someone is really mandatory; many forms request this information but ask questions before providing to see if it’s actually required.

• Freeze Your Credit – This little known trick can prevent anyone from applying for credit in your name; including you. Contact the reporting bureaus to prevent your credit report from being used for any purpose. Unfreeze when you need it.

• Get ID Theft Protection – Consider using an ID theft protection company to monitor your credit.

• Be Careful Online – Avoid public interest hot spots and other unsecured networks when buying or banking online. Install a firewall and consider a private virtual network system. Do not open any unknown emails or links.

Don’t take your identification lightly. Your credit is important to most aspects of your financial life, but especially so when obtaining a home loan. A small change in credit score can cost thousands of dollars in additional fees and interest; it can even cost you the home if your ID has been stolen while you work to restore your credit. Take some simple steps ahead of time to ensure you’re protected. 

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