It is no secret that the word “cancellation”, when used in reference to the sale of a home or property, can strike fear in everyone involved in the deal. This fear is likely reasonable given the ramifications of a potential stalemate when the cancellation allowed by the Residential Purchase Agreement is invoked.

Disagreement over the rightfulness of a cancellation by the buyer or seller can be costly to both parties. The purchasing party may be awaiting the return of a deposit to look for and purchase a different home, while the seller could have the home tied up in escrow essentially holding the property off the market.

Simply put, avoid signing a document without a clear understanding of your cancellation rights. All parties involved should have a firm grasp on what a cancellation involves and what parameters validate a cancellation by the buyer or seller.

Fortunately, the Residential Purchase Agreement accounts for almost every contingency that could result in a cancellation by the buyer or the seller. Gaining appropriate financing, the satisfactory passing of certain inspections, and the disclosure of any issues with the property are all items that the document takes into consideration.

This allows both parties a reasonable and convenient “out” of the Agreement in the case of reasonable expectations being unmet. Thus, the right of Purchase Agreement cancellation is not something to be feared or loathed but a document to appreciate.

The Residential Purchase Agreement essentially provides protections for both sides involved in the purchase and sale of the property. If all contingencies set forth by the agreement are met, then the law dictates that the sale must commence regardless of any remorse from the buyer or seller.

In the event a cancellation is warranted and agreed upon, an Escrow Cancellation Instructions and Cancellation of Purchase Contract must be signed by both parties. These documents allow all funds to be returned, as indicated, to the appropriate parties and for the property to remain in the seller’s custody.

Obviously, the ideal scenario results in the successful transition of the property from seller to buyer but the Residential Purchase Agreement allows both parties to feel secure that if something should go awry, everyone can walk away confident their rights have been respected.

A first impression is a lasting one. If you don’t want potential homebuyers to swipe right to your house, you need to get them with the first image they see. That is the front door…and everything surrounding it. Curb appeal is essential in every step of the house selling process. From the picture they see in the listing to the actual property their car pulls up to, your curb needs to sell. So, how do you amp up the curb appeal to sell your house for more money? Here are five cheap tips.

Plant Flowers

You want to create an inviting atmosphere for someone pulling up to your house. What establishes that ambiance better than a beautiful floral arrangement? Thanks to the beautiful year-round weather in Southern California, you can plant annuals and perennials whenever you want.

Adding a dash of color to your landscape will go a long way in transforming the perception of your house. This sort of vibrancy gives the potential homebuyer the impression that you pay attention to detail and take care of the property. Therefore, they will enter the viewing with an open mind. Plus, the scent of flowers never hurt either!

Power Wash

Nobody wants to look at the house covered in moss or last year’s sap. Use a power washer to get all the grime off the siding, walkways, and steps. Just be sure to stay clear of any sealings near windows or doors. That will strip caulking and weatherstripping.

New Light Fixtures

When it comes to house buying, lighting is the new black. Everyone loves lights and wants more of it. So, draw attention to the fact by updating your light fixtures.

Outdoor lighting fixtures take a beating over the long-term thanks to weather and Californian salt water mists. Therefore, replacing these battered light fixtures will make your lights pop. If you can’t afford to replace the fixtures, then at least spray paint the old ones.

You will get extra points if you put in a light with a dimmer. If it looks like you go the extra mile to maintaining the outdoors, potential homebuyers will be more optimistic about what you have done with the indoors.

Paint the Front Door

While potential homebuyers take in the whole scene, there is always one thing that their eye is most drawn to–the front door. Make it stand out with a new coat of paint.

This would be a great opportunity to give your house some real personality. Find a complimentary color that matches your siding. However, you should choose one that pops rather than one that hides in the background.

Extra color in the entryway says, “Hello. Come in.  Buy me.” Bonus points if you coordinate the floral arrangement with the door!

Seating on the Porch Area

You are selling your house in Southern California. Embrace it’s greatest asset–the weather. People aren’t just buying your home. They are buying into the location. Put that on display as well.

By placing furniture on the porch, you are saying a couple of things. One, the weather is beautiful, and you want to be outside all the time. Secondly, the neighborhood is lovely. If you didn’t enjoy the company of those around you, why would you bother putting furniture out that faces them? These little nuances do a lot in upping the perceived value of your home.

With tax season upon us, you might already be thinking of creative ways to spend that refund. Before you go out and blow it on treats, consider how you might make the most of it this year. After all, you are a responsible home owner now! If you’re lucky enough to be getting a tax return this year, make the most of it by investing that hard-earned money into your new home. So, what are some responsible ways to spend your check?

Pay Down Your Mortgage

One of the most responsible, money-saving ways to spend your tax return is to put the money straight into your mortgage as an extra payment. It might seem like a drop in the bucket, but over time these extra payments can shave both years and thousands of dollars in interest off your repayment.

Bulk Up Your Emergency Fund
With home ownership comes responsibility. No longer can you call the landlord when your furnace goes out or the plumbing goes awry – these headaches now fall on your shoulders. There’s nothing worse than having a home emergency and no wiggle room in the bank to pay for the repairs. Credit card debts for “emergencies” can pile up fast and interest rates are high. Instead, save for the inevitable by having a dedicated savings for emergencies. A few extra thousand (or even hundred) dollars from a tax return will save the day at some point.

Fix the Necessary Repairs

Did your home come with a few issues that still need to be sorted? Getting these nuisances under control is the perfect way to spend your tax refund. Replace anything faulty in the home or anything that you expect might need replacing in the next year or two.

One Special Thing

After you have invested the bulk of your tax refund into one of the above areas, make sure to save a few extra dollars for something special. This could be a favorite artisan candle, a much-needed new chef knife, the perfect rug, or anything that makes your home feel special.  

Spend Wisely

Being a home owner is one of the greatest joys in life. Invest your extra dollars into your home and it will more than repay you in comfort, reliability, and financial freedom down the road. Making wise choices early on will make for smooth sailing for the life of your home. Happy spending!

The real estate market was covered by a cloud of uncertainty as 2018 came to a close. With the proposed tax bill expected to increase mortgage and interest rates, many are hesitant to buy or sell their house. Breathe easy. This bump is expected to be a gradual rollout. In fact, prices may not be heavily affected until the end of 2020 or beginning of 2021. That is why right now is the perfect time to sell your home. Let us explain!

Moods of Buyers and Sellers Are Changing

If you have been on the fence about selling your house, right now is that “pull the trigger” moment. That is because those who are also on the fence about buying a house are coming to the same realization that you are. The time to do it is now!

As a potential seller, you have the concerns that many other homebuyers are having. They’re nervous to list their house. This is an advantage for you.

The market is not as competitive as it was a year before. Naturally, this makes your house in better standing against others.

Consequently, you may not see as many people scoping out your property. This is not a cause for concern. In actuality, this is sort of a blessing.

Less bites is like a filter mechanism. Having fewer people looking makes it easier to differentiate between potential buyers and “tire-kickers.” With fewer houses on the market and a smaller pool of people looking, you only have serious candidates out there.

It’s actually a win-win situation for both parties. Sellers aren’t overpricing their homes. Meanwhile, buyers aren’t lowballing and wasting sellers’ time.

You Might Make a Pretty Good Profit

If you have a considerable amount of equity in your home, then right now is undoubtedly the best time to sell your house. For one, you are already up in the game.

Chances are, you probably bought your house when the interest rates were at a record low. This allowed you the cushion to gain more equity. So, you were paying low prices to earn considerable equity. Selling now sets you up for a very nice profit.

Right now, interest rates are still affordable. That means people looking to buy are pretty eager to lock in at today’s rate. Therefore, you can list your house without worry of taking a hit.  

As we mentioned, you still have some time. The same goes for your buyer. Therefore, potential buyers might feel comfortable negotiating. Keep this in mind. You’re still in a position where you can price your property with an amount that leaves room for negotiation. Just make sure you have that “bottom out” number in mind. Right now is not the time to dip below that number.

Has the dream of owning a home been on your mind lately? Have you been putting off making the leap or waiting until the right moment? Perhaps 2019 is the year for you to transition into home ownership. Don’t let another year go by without making progress – resolve to buy a home in 2019!

Reduce Spending, Increase Saving

The first step to buying a home is saving up a substantial down payment. The bigger your down payment, the more affordable paying off your home will be in the long run. Calculating a smaller monthly mortgage payment will make your dream feel more achievable.

The most effective way to save more money towards your down payment (aside from working towards a major income increase) is to reduce your spending. Are there large purchases you can go without? Can you plan smaller vacations or stay-cations? Cancel any unnecessary subscription services like extra TV channels, magazines, novelty apps, unused gym memberships, and others. You can always re-enroll after you have reached your savings goals.

Aim for Career Stability

When you are working towards buying a home, job hopping is not the best move. Lenders will look for stability in your employment history and at least two years with the same company is ideal. Recent job changes (even if better for your career) may flag your application. If a great opportunity comes around, still consider the benefits – but keep your lenders up to date and provide plenty of documentation to show you are a stable employee.

It is also helps to remain in salaried positions while going through the home-buying process. Less dependable income sources such as jobs based on commission or seasonal jobs may be undesirable for lenders.

Improve Your Credit

Your credit can make a huge impact in the home loan you receive, so taking a little extra time to boost your score will really pay off. A good history of paying off debts (loans, credit cards) shows that you are a responsible borrower.

Consider speaking with a financial advisor on ways to build credit. It could save you thousands in the long-run.

Take on a Side Job

Many people have taken up side-gigs these days to support their savings goals. When you are trying to buy a home, this is a great way to build up your down payment and reach your goal of owning a home. These days, there are tons of ways to boost your income, even if you already work a full-time job.

Outside of  getting a part-time or night job, consider using resources you already have to make money such as with sites like Uber, Turo, and Airbnb. If you have technical skills, find your niche on Upwork or Fiverr; if you’re crafty sell on Etsy. Have a passion for essential oils or a particular skin care brand? Consider selling on the side. Babysit, fundraise, dog-walk, or get creative in any way that speaks to you.

Can you boost your income at your current job? Is it time for that raise or promotion? Can you take on extra projects or hours to grow your paycheck?

Become a Home Owner in 2019

You already have the dream of buying a home, now is the time to get to work and reach for it! Aside from looking for your perfect neighborhood and amenities, getting your finances in order is the first step to make that dream a reality. Make this the year you become a home owner!

We can almost hear the noise makers already. New Year’s is upon us. Time to live up to the resolution you set for yourself. If you haven’t set one yet (or if you need an extra), we have a great New Year’s resolution for you. Make 2019 the year you finally do it…you know, buy a house! That’s right, 2019 is the year you are going to find the house you’ve been dreaming about. Here’s how you can make that happen in the coming calendar year!

 

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Start Early

If we’re going to do this, let’s go all-in. Start the year of running. After all, sellers are looking at 2019 as the same clean slate that you are. Just as you are using January 1st as your launch pad into the next step of your journey, so are many others. The pickings will be nice and ripe when the ball drops. So act fast. You might get a great deal from someone who is looking to get an ultimate clean slate!

 

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Go to a Showing

If you’re ever driving around with time to kill, stop at an Open House. The more you immerse yourself in the homebuying process, the easier it will be. Going to more Open Houses will help you decide what you want. Also, it allows you to see first-hand what the going rate is…and what you’re getting for it. This can help you balance your finances more wisely.

 

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Talk to Your Partner/Roommate

Figure out what you want. This will help a lot. Discuss these desires with whoever you are going to be living with. Having an open dialogue from the get-go will help when you are discussing more pressing manners down the line. Go into this experience with a gameplan. Decide a number you can afford and brainstorm what is essential for your happiness in these living quarters. Having both sides of the spectrum figured out as you start the search will help you as search. That way, when you see what you want…you’ll know it!

 

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Browse Listings

Sometimes it’s fun to fantasize. Look at extravagant houses and lust over all the amenities. Let your mind wander. Once you get excited at the endless possibilities, start to look at more reasonable ranges. Getting your gears going will help you become more serious about taking this big step in the coming year.

 

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Talk to Friends

Want to stay local? Looking to move somewhere where other friends and family members are? Either way, tell loved ones to keep a lookout in the area. After all, if the neighborhood is good enough for them, then it’s probably good enough for you as well. Plus, can you imagine the awesome housewarming party? Be sure to invite us, too!

Winter is here. That means the holidays are coming, temperatures will drop, and it’s the best time of the year to sell your Southern California house. While the rest of the world is hibernating for the entire season, you can take advantage of what the winter time has to offer. After all, this is the most wonderful time of the year…to sell your house. Don’t believe us? Let us explain how.

 

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Nostalgia FTW

Perhaps no other holidays pull at your heartstrings quite like the winter months. When potential homebuyers are searching for a house, they are looking to purchase a backdrop for their future memories. As any family will attest to, some of the most formative memories in any clan’s life are the holidays.

By decorating your house with holiday spirit, you might trigger feelings inside of potential clients they didn’t even know they had. Throw up some lights, plop a couple inflatables on the front lawn, and put that Elf on the Shelf. Anything that can get potential buyers to imagine their future in your house will go along way in selling them a home.

 

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Makes a Great Gift

Is there anything more heartwarming for a holiday gift than planning your future with the ones you love? Nothing says “I love you” during the holiday season like milestones. Besides an engagement ring, there isn’t a gift in this world that tells the person you love how serious you are about the future more than a house.

Many young families take the plunge and buy a house to surprise their significant other for the holidays. Take advantage of this life-altering moment and put your house on the market just in time for the holiday season.

 

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Location

The greatest aspect of living in Southern California is the location. Nothing causes Easterners and Northerners to relocate more than the cold months. Whether they’re snowbirding on vacation or looking to get out of dodge online, people want to get out of the cold and thaw out. Why not choose your house to be that heater? By putting your house on the market in the winter months, you are going to draw in people who are looking for a change of scenery.

Make sure to really market the climate in your ad. If there are images unique to SoCal like palm trees or oceanfront, be sure to include them in your posting. Remind the rest of the world that it’s not freezing where your house is located and that buying your home can give the potential buyer a unique landscape all year round.