Deciding To Buy A Fixer-Upper

If you are a fan of HGTV, you have probably seen your fair share of fixer-uppers. TV shows tend to make everything look easy, especially home flipping or updating. So how do you decide if a fixer upper is worth your time? Here are a few scenarios where diving in usually pays off.

1. The upgrades are simple.

First, you need to find out what types of issues are going to need updated and recognize your personal skills. If a home has foundation, electrical, or plumbing issues, chances are those aren’t easy fixes unless you are a contractor yourself. When it comes to cosmetic fixes, there is usually less of a safety risk so if you’re willing to do the work, those are the houses for you.

2. When the numbers pencil out.

You need to ask yourself if all the work you will put in is going to make the property worth as much or more after you’re finished. Sit down and run the numbers, and decide if you are willing and able to stick to a budget. If you’re handy and willing to put in the hours, your budget may be much smaller than what you would spend on a move-in ready home. 

3. You have the time and resources.

Sometimes when investing in a fixer-upper, there will be work that needs done where you may not be able to be in the house. Do you have a friend of family member close by where you can crash while the house is getting rewired, or the insulation is getting installed? If not, is there wiggle room in your budget for a night or two in a hotel when there’s a small emergency with the water pipes? It is important to recognize where you are in life and if you are mentally, physically, and fiscally able to invest in a fixer-upper.

Maria Zendejas & Team 805-465-2001

Finding The Right Home For You

If you’re a first time home buyer, the stress of choosing the perfect house for your family can feel overwhelming at first. While that stress may seem very real, it is often unnecessary. Instead of entering the market trying to find a house that is perfect in every way, keep an open mind. Approach the situation with a willingness to hear ideas and you are much more likely to find a home that you and your family will love. The process can be long and require work, but it will be worth it in the end - and it doesn’t have to drive you crazy. Here are some tips to guide you when you are trying to find potential new homes and how to know if it is the right one for you.

DECIDE ON DEAL BREAKERS

The easiest way to narrow down the right house for you is to start by deciding what you either can’t live without or cannot tolerate. If two bedrooms will never work for you, or you must have a large backyard for your pets, create a list of those things so that you can rule out properties that just aren’t worth your time. 

TRUST YOUR GUT

There may be times when you walk into a home and it seems like it may fit what you need, but there is just something off that you can’t shake. On that same note, if you tour a home and you instantly fall in love, don’t doubt your feelings. Sleeping on a house you love for too long can end up in you losing that home to someone else. Trust your instincts and you will end up in the home that is perfect for you.

TRY TO VISUALIZE

Can you see yourself in this home? Can you imagine your children playing in the backyard and doing homework in the kitchen? If you are touring a home and can already picture what it would be like for your family to live there, you are heading in the right direction.

KEEP LOCATION IN MIND

While a house may check most of your boxes, don’t forget to consider the neighborhood. Are things that are important to your family close by? Are you close enough to good schools or your place of employment? Make sure that you consider location factors so that you don’t end up in a home that becomes an inconvenience.

TRUST YOUR AGENT

While it is important to know what you want and trust your gut in the process, don’t forget that your agent has your best interest in mind. We want to find you the perfect home, and have worked hard to do that for many others before you. We know the ins and outs of the real estate world, and are here to help you. Let's meet, let's talk and let's find you a house to call home.

Maria Zendejas & Team 805 465-2001

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE FIRST NIGHT IN YOUR NEW HOME...

You just finished unloading the final box from the moving truck, and now you’re officially moved in to your new home! You go to take a shower to wash off the day, only to realize you don’t have a shower curtain. After spending a full day moving into a new home, the last thing you are going to want to do is dig through all of your unopened boxes to find an outfit or a charger (or even a shower curtain). The next time you’re moving, create a ‘first night box’ so that your essentials aren’t hidden at the bottom of another box. Here is a list of what you should pack:

1. Toiletries

You may have thought about keeping your tooth brush in an easy-to-find place when packing, but you’ll need more toiletry essentials to get through the first night or two. Be sure to pack toilet paper, towels, a shower curtain + rod, shower items, and a first aid kit. 

2. Clothes

Unless you are an extremely organized packer, finding an outfit for the next few days isn’t going to be easy if you have to dig through multiple boxes.  Pack 2-3 days worth of clothes and pajamas.

3. Electronics

Don't forget your chargers. Make sure you've got your phone, laptop, and any other charger you may need for your devices during the first few days at home. Pack any necessary cords and cables needed if you plan to unbox your television the first night  Be sure to pack a flashlight as well just in case!

4. Air Mattress/Bedding

If your bed hasn't made it to your new room yet, you will want to make sure you have an air mattress in your first night box. Check to ensure the air pump is packed as well! If your furniture is unloaded, you will sleep better if the bedding you love is easily accessible on that first night in your new home.  

5. Eating Utensils & Kitchen Items 

Avoid the mess of dirty dishes your first night home and pack disposable eating utensils.  You may also want to pack wipes to quickly clean up any messes made at mealtime and a garbage bag to be able to dispose of any waste quickly. Cleaning supplies typically aren't the first thing on our minds when moving into a new home, so be sure to pack these items so that you aren't scrambling to the store after a long day when you're ready to clean up after a meal. 

Home Updates To Make After A Decade

Have you lived in your current home for at least 10 years and are starting to wonder what needs replaced or updated? Even if you make maintenance a priority, some things in your home are going to need updated or replaced after they’ve been used for 10 years. Here are 8 updates to consider making in your home with each decade.

1. Hot Water Tank

Even if your tank isn’t leaking (or not working) quite yet, it is usually ready for replacement every 10 years. It is important to make note of how old your water heater is to prevent any major issues, so be sure to check the manufacturing date and consider replacement once it has worked for 10 years. 

2. Ceiling Fans

If you are someone who has the fans in your home running often, they will likely need replaced after cooling your home for a decade. If you notice lightbulbs are burning out frequently, it is time to consider replacing your fans. 

3. Carpet

The average carpet on the market today is expected to last 10 years. If you’ve got pets or a heavily trafficked home, you may want to consider replacing your carpets before you hit that 10-year mark. If you’ve got stains, tears, or hard-to-remove odors, it is probably time for an update.

4. Dishwasher

If your dishwasher has been around for 10 years, it is likely in need of replacement. The plus side of replacing your dishwasher now is that many on the market are extremely energy-efficient and will end up saving you money over time, making the initial investment to upgrade worth it. If your dishwasher has buttons that don’t work, cracks inside, or has trouble cleaning dishes as well as it used to, it is probably time to replace.

5. Washer & Dryer

If you have a working set after 10 years, you’re lucky. Many sets have a lifespan of around 8 years, so after a decade, it may be time to upgrade. 

6. Bathroom Caulking

This is the best DIY when it comes to updating your bathroom and protecting against leaks. Re-caulking the shower, tub, and sink is an easy task and gives your bathroom a new breath of life. 

7. Garbage Disposal

All blades dull over time, and with the average lifespan of a disposal at between 10-12 years, it may be a good idea to replace your disposal blade after a decade. 

8. Paint

While repainting after 10 years isn’t necessary, it can help give your home a fresh look. Most people don’t wait that long to repaint heavily trafficked rooms, so if it has been 10 years, it is probably time to add a new coat of paint.

What Is Escrow?

When it comes  mortgages are concerned, "escrow" and "escrow accounts" refer to two slightly different concepts. Escrow is the process by which a neutral third party mediates a real estate deal, holding money and property "in escrow" until the two sides agree that all the conditions are met for a sale to close. By contrast, an escrow account is usually an account that helps to manage a mortgage borrower's annual tax and insurance costs.

What Does Escrow Mean?

Escrow refers to a third-party service that's usually mandatory in a home purchase. When a buyer and seller initially arrive at a purchase agreement, they select a neutral third party to act as the escrow agent. The escrow agent collects what is known as "earnest money" from the buyer: a deposit that is equal to a small percentage of the sale price. In exchange, the seller takes the property off the market. Until the final exchange is completed, both the buyer's deposit and the seller's property are said to be in escrow.

Escrow "accounts" have more to do with your monthly mortgage payment than the initial home purchase. When you borrow money from a bank or a direct mortgage lender, you'll usually be given an escrow account. This account is where the lender will deposit the part of your monthly mortgage payment that covers taxes and insurance premiums. By collecting a fraction of those annual costs each month, the escrow account reduces the risk that you'll fall behind on your obligations to the government or your insurance provider.

How Do Escrow Accounts Work?

When you obtain a mortgage loan from a bank or direct lender, you also receive an escrow account that helps you pay your property taxes and homeowner's insurance premiums on time. Even though these costs are paid on an annual basis, your lender will require you to pay a monthly fraction towards each cost and accumulate the balance in your escrow account. This ensures that these expenses get paid on time every year.  Mortgage lenders require borrower escrow accounts in order to minimize the risk that you fall short of your financial obligations as a homeowner. In a foreclosure, unpaid taxes or insurance can result in liens that make it harder for the mortgage lender to recover the original loan. This creates a strong incentive for lenders to keep their borrowers on track with escrow accounts that smooth out the non-mortgage costs of owning a home.  Although escrow accounts conveniently allow lenders to pay the relevant taxes and insurance premiums on your behalf, they do have some drawbacks for the borrower. Lenders often require you to a keep a minimum balance in your escrow account to protect against any unexpected cost increases. The usual rule requires a minimum of two months' expenses on your mortgage escrow account, though the limit can be higher on riskier mortgages. Lenders usually review your escrow account once a year to make sure that the calculated payments are keeping up with costs.

How Much Do Escrow Fees Cost?

Just like any other service provider involved in a real estate deal, the escrow agent will need to be paid a fee. Escrow services for a home purchase typically cost 1% to 2% of the final price. Based on national median home values, this translates to a fee of $2,000 to $4,000, which is added into your other closing costs. However, escrow fees are one of the many expenses that are negotiable between the buyer and seller. This means that you can try asking the other party to foot part or even all of the escrow fee, depending on local rules or the current market conditions.  If you're buying, you'll also need to deposit between 1% to 3% of the final sale price in a joint escrow account with the intended seller. This earnest money serves as proof that you're serious about following through with the sale, and it obligates the seller to take the property off the market while the transaction gets finalized. When you complete the transaction, the earnest money you put into escrow will be applied towards your down payment on the house. Earnest money in escrow isn't a fee, but you should be wary of the fact that it's possible to forfeit that money if you can't come to a final agreement with the seller.

When is Escrow Needed in a Mortgage?

Escrow plays a role in both your initial home purchase and the ongoing monthly mortgage payments that follow. In a purchase, the escrow process provides certain guarantees to both the buyer and the seller. Once the two parties agree on a sale, a neutral third party—a bank, title company or attorney—will receive the signed purchase agreement so that it act as the escrow agent. Escrow agents exist to monitor and help fulfill the conditions of the sale, such as the buyer's "earnest money" deposit for a percentage of the sale price.

TYPICAL COMPONENTS OF ESCROW IN REAL ESTATE

Buyer Must Provide…

Earnest money towards down payment

Proof of mortgage loan approval

Seller Must Provide…

Access to property for inspections

Required repairs or renovations

Inspection of title

Once a property is "in escrow", neither the buyer nor the seller will receive anything from the escrow company until all the conditions of the purchase agreement are met. For example, you might agree to purchase an older home on the condition that the building pass a safety inspection. Other common escrow conditions include repairs and property tax audits. Meanwhile, the buyer's earnest money proves to the seller that the buyer has both the intent and the ability to complete the purchase. Earnest money can be forfeited to the seller if the buyer backs out or fails to hold up the terms of the contract.  Escrow agents are also responsible for distributing money to parties other than the buyer and seller. These can include commissions to the real estate agent, prepaid mortgage interest to the lender, recording fees to the county office of records and the escrow agent's own fee. In this sense, escrow greatly simplifies the home buying experience: without it, you'd be held responsible for sending timely and accurate payments to each and every party involved in the transaction.

Thinking of buying? We are happy to guide you every step of the way towards homeownership! 

Why did my credit score change?

If you’ve seen a change in your credit score recently, you may be wondering why. There are a number of factors that contribute to a dropping credit score and it is important to know what may be causing that! When buying a home, it is important to maintain your credit and not make any major purchases that could impact your score. Here are the top 5 reasons for a drop in credit:

YOU MADE A LATE PAYMENT

Accounting for about 30% of your total rating, your payment history has a big impact on your credit score. If you make a loan or credit card payment more than a month after the due date, it could cause your credit score to drop. A payment 60-90+ days late will have an even greater impact on your score.

YOU MADE A LARGE PURCHASE

Your credit utilization ratio can largely impact your credit score. Your ratio is how much of your credit you use in relation to your total available credit. The goal is to have a lower ratio so if you’ve been using more of your available credit lately, you may see a drop in your score. If for any reason your credit limit is lowered, it can impact your credit utilization ratio and impact your score.

AN ACCOUNT GOES TO COLLECTION

Timely payments on all accounts is an important part of your credit journey. Late payments on credit cards, loans, to medical facilities, student loans and utilities can be sent to a collection agency, which could in turn show up in your credit report.

YOU OPENED A NEW LINE OF CREDIT

When you apply for new credit, you are giving lenders the permission to access a copy of your credit report, which is known as a hard inquiry on your credit. If your credit report indicates that you’ve applied for multiple new credit lines in a short period of time, your credit score may be impacted.

YOU CLOSED A CREDIT LINE

Closing a card means losing available credit, which could increase your credit utilization ratio. As a result, your credit score may drop. If closing a card helps you stop spending, it may be a good idea. Otherwise, it is usually wise to keep lines of credit open. The length of time you’ve had accounts open shows that you have a solid payment history, so that could be another reason to keep that card you’ve had awhile open if you are using it wisely!

Should You Try Peel-And-Stick Wall Paper?

When you think of wallpaper, you likely picture rolls of material that are plastered or glued in place. Once the wallpaper is up on the walls, that’s pretty much it; while wallpaper can be removed, the process usually isn’t very quick or easy. If you want the look of wallpaper without the hassle, however, there is another option: peel and stick wallpaper. If you weren’t aware that this was available, it might be worth looking into.

What Is Peel and Stick Wallpaper?

Similar to some other wall decorations, peel and stick wallpaper is a vinyl applicant that has its own adhesive on one side. A protective paper backing covers the adhesive and is peeled off before application, allowing it to be placed without the need for glue or other messy adhesives. The adhesive on the back of peel and stick wallpaper is strong enough to hold the wallpaper in place, but not so strong that it can’t be removed with ease; when you’re ready to take it down you can simply peel it off without having to worry about the wallpaper tearing or causing any sort of damage to the wall surface beneath it.

Peel, Stick and Adjust

As with more traditional wallpaper options, peel and stick wallpapers typically feature repeating designs that are essentially seamless once everything has been installed. The self-adhesive nature of the wallpaper makes it easy to start a wallpaper installation since you can position the first piece more easily than you might with wallpapers that have separate adhesives.

There is another advantage to using this self-stick adhesive as well. Because it’s designed to release easily, you can adjust the positioning of the wallpaper with ease during the installation process. This helps to ensure that none of the wallpaper is crooked or out of alignment, since you can correct any problems as they occur without having to reapply adhesive or worry about damaging the paper.

Residue-Free Removal

One big advantage that peel and stick wallpaper has over more traditional wall coverings is that you can remove it and replace it whenever you need to. The vinyl material that peel and stick wallpaper is made from is harder than paper, so not only is it less likely to be damaged in day-to-day life but it’s also much less likely to tear during removal. The adhesive on the wallpaper leaves no residue behind and isn’t going to peel off paint or other surface details. While peel and stick wallpaper typically isn’t designed for reuse after removal, you can remove one peel and stick design and replace it with a different design, or even more traditional wallpaper, without any issue.

Multiple Surface Options

Peel and stick wallpaper goes well on walls, but it can also be applied to other surfaces as well. The main requirement for application is a clean, dry surface without texture. Your walls should be painted with at least a base coat, but the paint shouldn’t have any texturing agents added. Surfaces with non-stick elements added (such as non-stick paint) or residues need to be cleaned or painted before application as well. Peel and stick wallpaper can be added to drywall, wood or any other surface that either meets its requirements or can be painted to provide the clean, smooth surface that the wallpaper needs for adhesion.

Upgrade You Zoom Chat Skills

Zoom, or other video, meetings seem to be the way of the future. Though many businesses may return to normal office hours, the requirement to work from home has showed us that there are some jobs that can be done from home with the use of certain technology. Now more than ever, video conferences for work are looking like the best way forward. So what does that mean for you? If anything, it should indicate that it is time to step up your video chat game if you haven’t yet! Even if you are working from home, putting off a professional aura will help you look better and feel better! Here are some tips to make sure you look great for your Zoom meeting!

Dress The Part

You may not be heading into the office but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress like you are. There is a reason for the phrase “look good, feel good” - and it can help you feel a little more normal during stay-home orders.

Check The Lighting

The main thing to focus on with lighting is avoiding unnecessary shadows on your face. Make sure that you have a steady light source that lights your face evenly, preferably in front of you rather than from the side or behind. If you don’t have a lamp, sit in front of a window with the light on your face.

Pick a Plain Background

The more boring, the better. Having an exciting background can take away from focus and that is not what you will want during a work meeting.

Back It Up

Sitting too close to your camera can distort your face and therefore, tends to be unflattering. Sit a little further back from your camera to avoid any wide-angle shots of your face.

Change Your Angles

Make sure your camera is sitting right at or right above eye level, that way you are not looking down on the camera but also not looking up. If your webcam is built in, you can place books under your screen to bring the camera up to eye-level.

Speak Loud and Clear

Always do a sound check before logging into a meeting. You want to make sure you are close enough that your words are heard but not so close that you are filling any silence with your breathing.

Thinking of selling your home?

Let's chat... (805) 377-0941

The Right Window Treatments For You

Window treatments can often be an afterthought. The stress of finding the right blinds or curtains to cover your naked windows can make you just forget to cover them altogether. There are so many options that the choices can be overwhelming, and the idea of installing them can be daunting if you’ve never done it before. Instead of stressing out and leaving your windows open to passing neighbors, follow these guidelines to find the perfect window treatments for you.

CHOOSING BLINDS OR CURTAINS

Deciding what you need can be difficult. Instead of making that decision on a whim, ask yourself a few of these questions and you can get a clear idea of what you need. What is your design vision? If you want to be able to easily control the light coming in with a clean look, go for blinds. Does the room you’re worried about allow for easy peeping from the outside? Consider using both blinds and curtains. Do you want to be able to choose from more colors, textures, and designs? Curtains are probably best for you.

DECIDING ON A STYLE

Both curtains and blinds have different styles, even if curtains have a wider range. Depending on which treatment you choose, you’ll have choices to make. For blinds, your options are fairly limited. Most blinds are neutral and can typically either be plastic or wood. If you want modern contemporary, consider wide wooden slat blinds. If you want something more traditional, you can opt for plantation shutters. For curtains, try to decide what aesthetic your room already has. What color or pattern would tie it together? Also keep in mind how much light you want to let in. If you want a light and airy room, consider sheer curtains. Select colors that won’t stick out but rather, compliment the room, and you will love your new window treatments.

Preparing Your Home For Listing Photos

Listing photos are the first chance many potential buyers get to be exposed to your home. This is why being prepared for listing photos and ensuring your home looks ready to sell is a key part in the home listing process. Here are some tips to prepare your home for listing photos!

Clear Off Kitchen Counters & Sink

When the kitchen counters are completely cleared off, buyers can imagine how they might use the space for themselves. Kitchen items and decor only distract buyers can often make the kitchen feel cluttered. You will want to remove everything except a handful of decorative items from the countertops and thoroughly clean all surfaces.

Clear & Clean Bathroom Sinks, Tubs, and Showers

Take all of your bath/shower items and place them into a bin that can go underneath the sink. This can help your bathroom look bigger.  Clear off the counters so that bathrooms look unused, but it is okay to leave clean hand towels and hand soap.

Replace Burned Out Light Bulbs

Make sure you check all of the ceiling lights, lamps, and exterior lights to make sure that they all work and can correctly illuminate your space. If there are dark areas in your home, feel free to add a few extra lamps to brighten them up. Additional light can make an area look more spacious so the more light, the better!

Turn On All Lights Throughout The Entire House

You want your home to be captured in the best light, and so it is essential to have as much light as possible. Before your photographer comes, turn on all of the lights in the house!

Open All Windows

Natural light from windows brings life to photos. Opening all of the window treatments in your home to let in as much light as possible. If it's too bright, your photographer can adjust as needed. Make sure you clean the windows if they will be photographed!

Remove Unnecessary Furniture & Decorations

This is probably the hardest part, but it's one of the most important. Removing and storing furniture that doesn’t bring value to your photos can be hard, but it opens up the floor space and helps to not distract potential buyers. Buyers want to be able to visualize their items in your home and that can be hard to do if the room is cluttered with furniture.

Turn All Ceiling Fans, TVs, and Computer Screens Off

Any moving items like ceiling fans or active TV/Computer screens can look very strange in photos.  You should turn off anything that moves or can cause a motion blur.

Clear Off Appliance Surfaces 

Be sure to remove photos, magnets, notes, reminders, and other personal information from the refrigerator or any other appliance you have decorated. It will not only make your home appear cleaner, but it also keeps your personal info safe.

Make All of the Beds

Be sure to make and decorate all the beds in your home with matching sheets, blankets, and pillows. Use bedding fits correctly and covers the mattress.

Are you thinking of selling or know someone who is? Please share our information and give us a call to discuss your selling options. Maria Zendejas & Team (805) 465-2000

We look forward to being your Realtors!