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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
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    <guid>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-long-term-potential-in-a-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-long-term-potential-in-a-home.html</link>
        <author>christiegrayrealestate@gmail.com (Christie Gray)</author>
        <title>How to Evaluate Long Term Potential in a Home </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 






Is the area’s average income increasing? The more affluent a neighborhood, the higher the property values.


 





Are employment opportunities growing nearby?  More jobs=more people that want to live in the area. 


 





Are there any nearby housing or community developments that will enhance the quality of life in the area? If a park with a quiet walking trail, a new golf course, a new grocery store, etc. is being built nearby, the value of the neighborhood will increase.


 





Is the crime rate on the rise or decline? This can have a significant impact on future property values. 








Are there public transit lines located nearby? This is key in higher-density, more urban parts of town.  It's also important near colleges, so students can get to campus without moving their cars.


 





Is the property located in a neighborhood surrounded by higher priced homes?  It's always best to buy the cheapest home on the street, not the most expensive  You can then add value to the home to put it on par with the others.


 





Does the property have features that will always be valued by home buyers, such as a large kitchen or spacious backyard?


 





Are there short-term negatives about the area that will eventually disappear, such as loud construction projects? Once those negatives are gone, house prices will likely rise.


  


 


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2022 10:39:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/what-happens-after-your-offer-is-accepted.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/what-happens-after-your-offer-is-accepted.html</link>
        <author>christiegrayrealestate@gmail.com (Christie Gray)</author>
        <title>What Happens After Your Offer is Accepted? </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 




 If you have had your offer accepted, congratulations  That is a big step.  You may think now is the time to relax.  After all, you've worked hard to get a mortgage pre-approval, connect with a Realtor, see homes, submit an offer, negotiate, and agree to the terms.  However, there is much left to do, so it's important to stay focused to get through the Escrow process.  We have broken the next steps down into small, manageable tasks that will help you stay on track.  Your Realtor will be there for you every step of the way, guiding you through each task.  If you follow these 10 steps after your offer is accepted, you'll be on track towards closing your Escrow successfully.  






 






 


Earnest Money 


You need to submit your Earnest Money deposit to Escrow very shortly after opening Escrow.  If you don't remember how much Earnest Money is due, ask your Realtor to double check your Residential Purchase Agreement for the amount due.  Usually, the easiest way to submit the funds is to set up a wire transfer from your bank account to the Escrow account.  The Escrow officer will send you instructions for submitting the Earnest Money Deposit.  The Earnest Money is essentially a safeguard for the sellers, who are taking their home off the market because you have expressed interest in purchasing it, in good faith.  


 


Connect With Lender 


After your offer is accepted, you'll need to re-connect with your mortgage lender.  You already got your pre-approval from them, but now that you are under contract, it's go time.  Your agent will send a copy of the fully executed purchase agreement to your lender.  However, you'll need to touch base with the lender to see what additional documents they need from you to get the loan on its way to being funded.  






Home Inspection 


You'll want to order a home inspection as quickly as possible.  You'll have to find a time slot that works for you, your agent, and your home inspector.  You want to have the inspection done, as well as the request for repairs negotiated prior to your contingency removal date.  The vast majority of buyers will want a home inspection to make sure the home is in acceptable condition.  There are many additional inspections you can do if you choose, though not all of them are relevant to every situation.  Your Realtor can likely recommend a good home inspector that works in your area.  You can opt to use this person, or hire a different home inspector.  Once their inspection is complete, they will email you a full report with the findings within a few business days.  






 Title Report 


The company that is going to handle your Title Insurance will send your agent and you a Preliminary Title Report.  This report will show any liens against the property, for example, unpaid HOA dues.  Your Realtor can let you know if there is anything on the Preliminary Title Report that is concerning.  There is usually nothing you need to do with the report, just review it and ask your Realtor or lawyer if you have any questions or concerns.  






Home Owner's Insurance and Home Warranty 


In order to get your loan to fund, you will need to have a Home Owner's Insurance Policy in hand.  You can shop around at the various insurance companies to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.  Often, the company that insures your car also offers Home Owner's Insurance.  Once your policy is ready to go, let your lender and Realtor know.  


If you requested a Home Warranty in your Residential Purchase Agreement, and it was granted by the sellers, it's time to order it.  Usually, on the purchase agreement, the Home Warranty company is already noted.  In California, the Escrow company or transaction coordinator typically orders the Home Warranty policy.  Home Warranties can provide good value and peace of mind for home buyers.  



 Appraisal 


Your lender will order an appraisal on the property.  The reason for this is because they need to know whether the property is want is actually worth the amount of money you are asking for.  If you offered $550K on a home worth $450K, this is not a safe investment for the bank.  Usually, the appriser is accompanied by the listing agent.  They often try to draw attention to the high points/upgrades of the home, and answer any questions the appraiser may have.  






 Utilities and Mail 


When you are close to closing Escrow, you'll want to get your utilities turned on and transferred to your name.  You'll want to get your gas and electricity going, and prepare to transfer Internet and cable over.  


If you are going to be occupying your new property, you'll want to file a mail transfer with the post office.  They will usually forward your mail to your new address for 1 year, which gives you ample time to update your address everywhere.



  Schedule Closing 


Talk to your Realtor and Escrow to schedule a time to sign loan documents.  This is normally done with a Notary Public.  Either way, your Realtor/Escrow will need to find a time that works for you and the person supervising the signing, so you'll want to get that scheduled. 


Final Walkthrough 


Near the end of your Escrow, you'll do a final walkthrough of the property with your Realtor.  This is NOT a time to re-open negotiations for repairs.  Rather, you are looking for the property to be in a similar condition to when the contract was signed.  You also want to make sure that everything the sellers agreed to leave has been left, and that their personal belongings are out of the property.  Normally, the final walkthrough is quick and painless, as well as EXCITING, because you will get your key soon 


Closing 


On closing day, your title will record with the County Recorder's office, and your Realtor will alert you when the house is yours  Go get your keys, and celebrate 



Final Thoughts 


Buying a home is such an exciting time  It's tempting to get caught up in the joy of having an offer accepted, but you need to stay focused.  There are numerous steps you need to take during the Escrow process.  A good Realtor will guide you through each of these steps and never leave you in the dark.  If your Realtor works with a Transaction Coordinator (as we do)--even better  Then, there are two people who are managing the timeline and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.  As always, please reach out to your Realtor when any questions arise during any of the steps listed above.  Once these 10 steps are taken and you receive your keys, you can celebrate, relax, and enjoy your new home  


 


 





  
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2022 12:53:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/not-your-grandmothers-wallpaper.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/not-your-grandmothers-wallpaper.html</link>
        <author>christiegrayrealestate@gmail.com (Christie Gray)</author>
        <title>Not Your Grandmother's Wallpaper </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



I KNOW your grandma had or has wallpaper in her house, right?  I bet you didn't think it would ever come back into style, did you?  Well, surprise  We are seeing wallpaper all over Pinterest, in home design magazines, and in pretty houses that I tour around San Diego  We think there's definitely a &quot;right way&quot; to use wallpaper. Here are a few of the best tips we've found for how to use wallpaper to spruce up your space: 


Choose the Right Color:  


Color sets the mood of a room  To make your space feel bigger, choose cool colors, like blue, green, and violet.  If the room has a ton of sunlight already, a bold, warm color such as yellow, red, or orange can look great.  The more intense the color, the more vibrant and exciting the room will feel; the more soft the color, the more relaxing and tranquil the room will feel. 


 


Let There Be Light:


In a north-facing room, dark hallway, or windowless space, look for wallpaper that will reflect light around the room, such as patterns with light colors and those with metallic or iridescent tones. Also consider patterns with smooth surfaces, which reflect maximum light. 


 


Hide Flaws with Texture:


Patterns with texture can hide or camouflage wall imperfections or architectural eyesores. Patterns with actual tactile surfaces include grass and string cloth, burlap, foil, expanded vinyl, and even fabric. Other papers simulate the look of marble, wood, leather, fabric, even animal skins.  Pick one you like, and get ready to transform your &quot;problem area&quot; into a statement wall 


 


Accent the Positive:


Vertical patterns, including florals where the motif's shape suggests a V or a U, will make a ceiling appear higher. Horizontal patterns make narrow rooms appear wider.  Small-scale patterns create a feel of spaciousness, while large-scale designs make huge rooms more intimate. Consider how the room is used, and how often, when choosing wallpaper patterns. For a formal look, choose large-scale patterns with dramatic colors. For a fun, bright style, pick small motifs that are open and regularly spaced, such as polka dots (see below) 


 


Mix and Match Wisely:


A room without any pattern can feel bland, while a room with too many patterns can be overwhelming. When mixing stripes, florals, or plaids in a room or in nearby areas, pick patterns that repeat the same color or tones of that color. 


 


 


Here are a few of my favorite wallpaper looks: 











 





  
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2022 12:04:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/escrow-a-beginners-guide.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/escrow-a-beginners-guide.html</link>
        <author>christiegrayrealestate@gmail.com (Christie Gray)</author>
        <title>Escrow:  A Beginner's Guide </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



 





An escrow is a deposit of funds or deed from one party, with the intention to deliver it to the other party upon completion of a series of events, as laid out in a contract.  Escrow &quot;opens&quot; upon delivery of escrow instructions and a fully executed real estate contract to a certified escrow company.  The escrow officer processes the escrow, essentially by making sure all of the terms of the agreement set forth by both parties have been met.  Once they have all been met, and the trust deed is recorded at the city recorder's office, funds/deed change hands and escrow is then &quot;closed.&quot;  In short, Escrow makes sure everything that the buyer and seller agree upon in the contract are carried out correctly.  





Escrow officers and companies are completely neutral third parties.  They work with both buyers and sellers, but they don't work FOR buyers or sellers.  They safeguard the items at stake in the transaction, and do not convey them until all the ducks are in a row.  Escrow helps to protect lenders, buyers, sellers, real estate agents, brokers, etc.  In general, the buyer and seller will communicate with Escrow only minimally, for example, when transferring their Earnest Money Deposit.  Otherwise, the buyer and sellers' agents will be in close communication with Escrow and will relay all relevant information to their clients.  





It depends.  Escrow should take the number of days that the buyers and sellers agreed upon in their purchase contract.  In California, buyers who are getting a mortgage typically take between 12 and 35 days to close Escrow. Cash investors, on the other hand, may dictate that they want only a few day Escrow closing so they can take possession more quickly.  





In California, buyers and sellers usually share the cost of the Escrow fees.  There are two ways to go about this; fees can either be split 50/50 or the buyer and seller can each pay their own share of the fees.  Escrow fees can be estimated at $2 per $1,000 of the purchase price, plus $250.  





As with everything else in a real estate transaction, who chooses the Escrow company is up for negotiation.  Often, buyers and sellers do not know of an Escrow company they want to work with.  It is then up to the Realtors involved in the transaction to select an Escrow company.  Buyers' agents can write in a suggested Escrow company into the RPA, and the sellers' agent can counter the suggested Escrow company and ask for another one.  There are many reputable and successful Escrow companies in San Diego for buyers and sellers to work with.  


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:55:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/common-home-buyer-mistakes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/common-home-buyer-mistakes.html</link>
        <author>christiegrayrealestate@gmail.com (Christie Gray)</author>
        <title>Common Home Buyer Mistakes </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
I want to share with you a few common mistakes that home buyers make, so that you can avoid them at all costs when you buy a home yourself.





Eek This is a biggie. You probably know your approximate monthly budget for your groceries, car payment, student loans, gas, and weekend outings. So why, then, would you go into a home search without a budget? The best advice I can give it to speak with a mortgage broker early on in your home search to get a sense of your budget. This way, your agent has a number to be respectful of, and you won’t fall in love with a house you can’t afford. 


 






 





Try not to get too excited or downtrodden throughout the process.  I know you are passionate about your new home. However, there will likely be many ups and downs throughout the home buying process. To name a few…. your credit score is shown to be excellent, you find your dream house, the seller does not respond to your offer quickly, your offer gets accepted, the house has a mold problem…. the list goes on. Stay level-headed and reasonable throughout the process






 





The savvy home buyer knows that houses can be renovated, tweaked, painted, and decorated. Neighborhoods cannot be spruced up nearly as easily. Choose your ideal neighborhood and then consider the houses within it. You can always make changes to your home as time goes on.






 





There are only two times when I recommend lowballing an offer.  The first is if you don't love the house that much and are OK with not getting it.  The second is if you are an investor and are only interested in buying the house if you get a massive discount on it.  Lowballing an offer risks losing the home.  Rather than a lowball offer, I recommend a strong offer that is just slightly lower than what you are willing to pay. The sellers will be much more likely to respond to this offer, and it sets the stage for a successful negotiation period.  





 



 





Check out my page: Why Use A Realtor.





I’m sure you won’t make any of these common mistakes now, right? Good. 


 



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2022 13:45:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/fixtures-vs-personal-property-but-i-want-that.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/fixtures-vs-personal-property-but-i-want-that.html</link>
        <author>christiegrayrealestate@gmail.com (Christie Gray)</author>
        <title>Fixtures VS. Personal Property-- &quot;But I Want That&quot;  </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



&quot;Can I keep it?&quot;  This is a very common question amongst homebuyers, and comes up in almost every real estate transaction.  The Realtor usually starts talking about fixtures vs. personal property to help the buyers determine what will be theirs and what won't be.  There are, though, a lot of grey areas regarding what is considered a fixture and what is personal property.


Fixtures are items which are affixed to the property (usually bolted in).  Typical examples of fixtures are light switches, plants in the ground, windows, mail boxes, garage doors, etc.  Personal property includes items which can be easily moved and removed from the property.  Examples are art work, potted plants, TVs, standing lamps, tables, etc.  However, consider the following items:  garage door clickers, sheds in the backyard, wall-mounted TV mounting brackets, hammocks, $10,000 chandeliers, pool equipment, window treatments, and gas log inserts.  Not everything is cut and dry


 There is a section in the RPA (residential purchase agreement) that lists which items are included and excluded in the sale.  Buyers need to write in specific items that are in the grey areas in the &quot;inclusion&quot; section if they want to keep them.  Similarly, sellers will need to counter out items that they want to keep.  A great tip for sellers is to remove the items you want to keep before the first showing/open house.  This way, there is less chance of contention when the right buyer comes along.


With regard to fixtures and personal property...when in doubt, write it into your contract
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2022 14:32:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/2-tips-to-ensure-you-get-the-most-money-when-selling-your-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/2-tips-to-ensure-you-get-the-most-money-when-selling-your-home.html</link>
        <author>christiegrayrealestate@gmail.com (Christie Gray)</author>
        <title>2 Tips to Ensure You Get the Most Money When Selling Your Home </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 1. Price it a LITTLE LOW


This may seem counterintuitive. However, let’s look at this concept for a moment. Many homeowners think that pricing their home a little OVER market value will leave them room for negotiation. In actuality, this just dramatically lessens the demand for your house. (see chart below)





Instead of the seller trying to ‘win’ the negotiation with one buyer, they should price it so that demand for the home is maximized. By doing this, the seller will not be fighting with a buyer over the price, but will instead have multiple buyers fight with each other over the house.


Realtor.com, gives this advice: “Aim to price your property at or just slightly below the going rate. Today’s buyers are highly informed, so if they sense they’re getting a deal, they’re likely to bid up a property that’s slightly underpriced, especially in areas with low inventory.” 


 


 2. Use a Real Estate Professional


This too may seem counterintuitive. The seller may think they would net more money if they didn’t have to pay a real estate commission. With that being said, studies have shown that homes typically sell for more money when handled by a real estate professional.  The idea is:  Why try to save $20,000 in commissions when you lose $65,000 in purchase price?  A great Realtor, who sells real estate day in and day out, will have a professional marketing plan and fantastic negotiation skills, and will be worth their weight in gold when it comes to the sale of your home.


 


Bottom Line


Price your house at or slightly below the current market value and hire a professional. That will guarantee you maximize the price you get for your house.


 

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    <pubDate>Wed, 05 Jan 2022 08:56:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/ten-most-common-buyer-faqs.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/ten-most-common-buyer-faqs.html</link>
        <author>christiegrayrealestate@gmail.com (Christie Gray)</author>
        <title>Ten Most Frequently Asked Home Buyer Questions </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 




How do I set my budget? 


Answer:  If you are paying cash, you are the only one that can decide what your budget is.  If you are getting a mortgage, your pre-approval will help you set your budget.  You are approved to buy a home in the amount of the pre-approval or below.  However, just because you are pre-approved for a certain amount does not mean that you have to spend that much.  Look at the monthly payments on the pre-approval letter to see if they are appropriate for you.  If not, consider spending less on a home than the amount you were pre-approved for.  Feel free to play around with the mortgage calculator on my site.  I can't stress this enough--set your budget BEFORE you start to search for homes  


  


What are my loan options?  


Answer:  There are three main financing options:  Conventional, FHA, and VA loans.  Conventional loans have the strictest borrower requirements, but have less (and sometimes no) mortgage insurance.  FHA loans allow for more flexibility with down payment, income, and credit score.  VA loans are for active or former military personnel, and are also flexible with down payment, income, and credit score.     Your lender will be able to guide you though deciding which loan program is right for you. 



How much cash do I need for a down payment?  


Answer:  For a conventional loan, some lenders will allow as little as 3-5 down.  You no longer need 20 down to qualify for a conventional loan.  For an FHA loan, the minimum down payment is 3.5.  For a VA loan, there is no down payment required.  In general, the more money you put down, the less mortgage insurance you will have to pay.  In the lender's eyes, since you have a greater amount of your own equity in the home, you will be more likely to continue to make the monthly payments.  



What is the minimum credit score required to get a loan?  


Answer:  620 for a conventional or VA loan, and 580 for FHA.



How much will I pay my Realtor?  


Answer:  None.  In California, the commission of the buyer's agent is paid by the seller.  When a seller signs a listing agreement, he works with the listing agent to determine the commission of the listing agent as well as that of the buyer's agent (the person who brings you, the buyer, to come make an offer).  I strongly advise using a Realtor as a buyer because there is no cost to you to make sure your interests are protected.  Take a look at my article &quot;Why Use a Realtor.&quot; 



Besides the down payment, what other fees will I be paying? 


Answer:  Besides the down payment, your closing costs are the second largest expense.  Closing costs cover items such as lender and Escrow fees.  A good estimate for closing costs is 1-2 of the purchase price of the home.  You will also incur expenses such as a home inspection ($350-$500 is typical in San Diego) and the costs associated with moving.  It is important to note that you will be submitting an Earnest Money Deposit upon opening Escrow.  This deposit is typically around 1 of the purchase price of the home, and it goes towards your down payment amount.  This money lets the seller know that you are serious about the purchase, and your Earnest Money Deposit is refundable to you if you cancel the contract before your contingency period expires.  It is the job of your Realtor to protect your Earnest Money Deposit.  



 How long does it take to buy a home?  


Answer:  About 1 month.  It usually takes a day or two for a lender to provide a pre-approval once they have all of your documents.  Then, you'll use the pre-approval to finalize your budget, and send the pre-approval letter to your Realtor.  Your Realtor will set up a handful of showings, and you will go see the homes together.  You'll then put an offer on your favorite home.  Negotiating can take a few days or so.  Once the contract is fully executed, Escrow will open.  The average length of an Escrow is 12-35 days, normally dependent on how fast your lender is, as well as the moving out situation of the sellers.  Once Escrow closes, you'll get your keys  



 Should I continue renting?  


Answer:  This is a personal question that only you know the answer to.  Owning a home has consistently been viewed as a good investment.  Home ownership also provides stability because there is no landlord involved, as well as freedom to do what you like to the home.  Renting, on the other hand, is a great choice for those who don't know if they'll live in the same area long term.  Many people are surprised to find that their monthly mortgage for a home is similar to what they are already paying in rent  For more information, read my article &quot;Are You Ready to Buy a House?&quot;  



Should I sell my current house before buying a new one?  


 Answer:  There are two main ways to go about selling a house to buy a new one.  The first is to sell your house BEFORE you buy the new one.  The benefit to this is mostly financial; you (and your lender) will know exactly how much money your home sold for.  This will allow you to set an appropriate budget for the new home.  The negatives are that you'll have to find somewhere to live in between the sale of your house and the purchase of the new one, and you will have people coming to view your home while you are still living in it.  The second option is to sell your house AFTER you buy the new one.  The benefit to this is that the move is pretty seamless; you will simply move your things from one house to the other, because you will own them both.  The other benefit is that by the time you sell your first home, it will be vacant so you will not have to do showings while living there.  The cons are that you will not know how much the house will sell for before buying the new house, which leaves some uncertainty in the budget.  This can be a problem when getting a loan on the new house.  The other issue is that if your house takes some time to sell, you will be paying for two houses for a period.  So, the jury's out on this one.  You can speak with your Realtor about your particular situation and figure out which option will be a better fit.



What happens at closing?  


Answer:  During closing, you will need to sign your closing documents.  This must be done in the presence of a Notary Public.  The loan docs you sign will be sent back to your lender, and at that point, your loan will fund.  Escrow can then transfer title into your name, and you can get your keys.  The process of signing closing documents usually takes about an hour.  However, the funding of the loan sometimes does not happen until the next business day.  So, it is advisable to make sure you have a few days of buffer time between the signing of your loan documents and the day you want to move in.  



Your Realtor will walk you through every step of the home buying process, so you'll always know what's coming next.  Be sure to ask every question you have, and you'll be a home buying champ in no time.  




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    <pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2021 12:36:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/how-to-buy-a-home-at-a-young-age.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/how-to-buy-a-home-at-a-young-age.html</link>
        <author>christiegrayrealestate@gmail.com (Christie Gray)</author>
        <title>How To Buy a Home at a Young Age </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Finances:  Keeping your financial position stable will increase the odds that you will quality for a loan and that the loan will get funded (no new credit cards, don't quit your job, no huge purchases, etc).  Remember during tax season that buying a home qualifies you for numerous tax benefits.  


Down Payment:  Figuring out your down payment is critical.  In general, down payments can be comprised of money you have saved OR money that has been gifted to you.  Different loans have different down payment requirements, but all loans except for VA loans require some down payment.  


Leave Lease:  Will you be breaking a lease to move out into your new home?  If so, what's the penalty for this?  If your lease is up soon, consider waiting until it expires before moving out to avoid the penalty.  It is nice to have a few weeks of &quot;overlap&quot; between the old home and new home, to move out leisurely and have time to do small upgrades in the new home while still having a place to live.  


Get Loan:  Consult with a mortgage agent to get pre-approved and set a budget. The lender will evaluate your debt to income ratio, credit score, job history, and more.  


Realtor:  Consult with a Realtor and get your search started.  Remember, your first home is just that, your FIRST home. You can always upgrade later on and sell or rent out the first home you bought. Plus, when you buy your first home and live in it, you qualify for favorable, owner-occupied financing.


Bottom Line?  There are many reasons why buying is an awesome financial decision at certain points in life, and there are also reasons why renting is sometimes a great decision. More on this later, but a Realtor can always sit down with you to discuss the pros and cons of each. My friend could not believe that he could feasibly afford to buy his first home in his mid-twenties to start to build equity and stop paying his landlord's mortgage. I think there are a ton of people out there like him that have not considered buying a home, but if they get informed, realize that it is doable for them Have a fabulous day.





  
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:20:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/home-upgrades-that-do-add-value.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.honestagentsd.com/blog/home-upgrades-that-do-add-value.html</link>
        <author>christiegrayrealestate@gmail.com (Christie Gray)</author>
        <title>Home Upgrades that DO Add Value </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



I want to write a post about home fixes that add value to your home.  I was hosting an open house recently and a potential home seller came in and asked a bunch of questions about selling, and was very curious to know about what he can do to add value.  The truth of the matter is.... it's not an exact science.  That being said, here are some ideas of fixes that CAN bump up your home's value, whether you are looking to stay there or sell. 





Bathroom and Kitchen Upgrades 


Bathroom and kitchen renovation is a rather costly job, but these areas of the home do add value to the home when they are nicely upgraded.  These are the go-to rooms of the house that people think of when they think about adding value.


 


 Front Door 


A new front door (I adore colorful doors, personally) with new fixtures creates a great first impression and can add value.  Your door is the gateway to your home, so make it stand out.  


 


 





Flooring  


If your flooring is old or is in less than stellar condition, adding new flooring is a great upgrade.  In San Diego, many buyers are moving away from wanting carpet. They are preferring hard floors that match the style of the home.  There are a variety of options to fit different budgets.  





 





Landscaping 


If your front yard has seen better days, hiring a landscape company (or doing it yourself) to spruce up your yard can be a great value add.  However, do not spend a lot of money on fancy, upscale plants and outdoor decor.  Landscaping should look clean and tidy, but doesn't need to be over the top. 


  





Paint  


Painting the inside and outside of your home can be one of the least expensive and best ways to boost your home's value.  Neutral color palates usually appeal to everyone, but using accent colors for bright pops can be great too.  


 


 





Windows 


Installing new windows adds value to a home.  Windows can be expensive, so I recommend getting a quote from numerous companies so you get the most bang for your buck.  Double-paned windows can also help save on the costs of A/C and heating, which appeals to buyers.  


 





Garage Door  


Garage door upgrades can have a great ROI when it comes time to sell your home.  Make sure the type of garage door you choose matches the style of your home. 


  





Roof


Replacing a worn roof is a large job, but adds a lot of value to your home.  If you're selling, it also gives you peace of mind that the buyers will not be calling you in 6 months complaining of a leaky roof


 


There you have it  If you have the time and money, doing these fixes will add value to your home.  Just be careful that you're not biting off more than you can chew, and remember that there is no guaranteed return on your investment.  The fixes I recommended are based on those that historically have added value, but of course, each case is different.  I will do a post in the future about home upgrade that do NOT add value to your home *and may actually lower the value of your home--eek


Have a wonderful day


  
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    <pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:54:00 -0800</pubDate>
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