Tracking home and rent prices in Southern California

After falling through the second half of 2022, Southern California home prices are rising again.

In September, the average home price across the six-county region was $833,004, according to data from Zillow. That’s up 0.39% from the prior month, and the seventh straight month of increases.

Prices fell last year after mortgage rates more than doubled and suddenly sapped the purchasing power of buyers.

But prices resumed their climb in the spring thanks to a newer byproduct of high rates: an extreme shortage of homes for sale.

Many would-be sellers are now choosing to stay put, not willing to swap their 3% and below mortgages for a loan with an interest rate more than double that.

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BY ANDREW KHOURI,

DANA CHIUEH, PHI DO, DEVON MILLEY

What To Plant In Your Fall Garden

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean it’s too late to plant. Extend the gardening season and get a jumpstart on spring by putting plants in the ground now.

To many, the arrival of Labor Day means summer is over, but for gardeners looking to stretch out the growing season, it signifies a new opportunity for planting. From early fall through most of November is one of the best times of year to plant spring-blooming bulbs, cool-season annuals and vegetables, as well as many trees, shrubs, and perennials.

WHY PLANT IN FALL?

  • Still-warm soil promotes good root growth.
  • Cool weather eliminates the threat of heat stress on new plants.
  • Increased rains help plants establish stronger root systems before winter.
  • Many pests and diseases that plague gardens in spring and summer aren’t as big of a threat in fall.

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Written by By Anne Balogh

7 Fall Home Trends You’re Going to See Everywhere This Season, According to Designers

Fall is right around the corner, and that means that it’s time to think about packing away those summer home accents and sprucing up your space for the new season. See ya later, pastel pillows and striped throws! If you’re wondering what home decor trends will be having a major moment this fall, we’re here to give you the inside scoop. We called on seven pro interior designers to weigh in with their predictions for this year’s biggest fall home trends. Get ready for lots of warm tones, textural pieces, and some unique, bold touches.

  1. Textural Accents

You’re definitely going to want to up your texture game this fall, said Dara Beitler, an interior designer based in Maryland. Beitler is a proponent of mixing various textural materials throughout the home to create a “warm and luxurious vibe.” A few of her favorite materials for fall include bouclé, wool, suede, leather, burl, and textured woods. Velvet is another material you certainly won’t want to pass up on this fall, said Madison Massaro, the founder of Madison Lea Interiors in Tampa, Florida.

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Written by Sarah Lyon  08/11/2023

10 Benefits of Smart Home Technology

Smart technologies are being utilized more and more within homes, for a number of reasons. Whether just one device or an entire network, consumers are taking advantage of its many features and capabilities to protect homes, properties, and loved ones. Whether you’re adding this automated technology for the first time or upgrading a current solution, it’s best to enlist a reputable provider with relevant partnerships.

Designed with added conveniences, smart home technologies can remotely perform daily tasks such as setting thermostat levels and lighting; checking-in on children, elderly loved ones, and pets; monitoring water and other utilities usage; and more.

When synced with activity levels, smart technologies can also track health and wellness goals concerning exercise, nutrition, and medication adherence among others.

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Published 07/13/2023 by General Security

Should you rent or buy? Before you decide, ask yourself some questions

Buying has almost always been favored over renting when it comes to housing. For some, renting is considered “throwing money away” while buying is an “investment.” The truth is, the answer to the rent-versus-buy question is much more nuanced than this “one size fits all” approach. It’s more like “which size fits me?”

That is because cost is not the only consideration. Lifestyle, age, work situation, desired location, and readiness to settle down for the long haul are all factors that must also be evaluated when choosing a place to live.

There’s also the economy to consider. Inflation impacts the cost of rent as well as interest rates when taking out a mortgage, sometimes one more than the other. A closer look at the renting vs buying question reveals just how complicated this decision can be.

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Top 10 Mistakes Landlords Make

People enter the landlord business for many different reasons. Maybe you’re an “accidental landlord” who decided to rent out your former residence, or you gained a property through an inheritance. Or, maybe you diligently researched properties for sale and chose to purchase one (or more) as an extra source of income. Regardless of how or why you entered the business, being a landlord can be a profitable endeavor — or a costly one if you stumble into some common pitfalls.

Here are 10 common mistakes landlords make and ways to avoid them.

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How 3 Recent Bank Failures Could Impact Housing Market

The demise of three banks last week has been sending shockwaves through an already fragile economy. Could it have an impact on real estate, too?

“The Silicon Valley Bank failure, along with a few other banks, means that the Federal Reserve cannot be so aggressive in raising its short-term interest rates,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®. “Therefore, mortgage rates will decline.”

Mortgage rates had been steadily rising in recent weeks, with the 30-year fixed-rate loan averaging 6.73% last week, according to Freddie Mac. The Fed has been making a series of aggressive rate increases, which may indirectly influence mortgage rates, over the last few months. Home buyers have been up against affordability woes, as mortgage rates are nearly double what they were just a year ago.

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What Steps Can Be Taken To Control Indoor Allergens? 

 

Spring is arriving and that means allergies are too! Dust mites, mold, and outdoor allergens are no stranger from entering your home this season. The EPA has created a few ways to improve indoor air quality to make sure you and your family aren’t battling the Spring time snuffles!

Allergy and asthma control begins at home. Many people with allergies stay indoors when pollen and mold is high. But dust mites, pet dander and even cockroaches can cause problems indoors.1

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends three ways you can improve indoor air quality:

  • Control your contact with indoor airborne allergens
  • Ventilate your indoor areas well
  • Use air cleaners to clean indoor air

What Size Are Allergens?

Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma symptoms in some people. The air spreads allergens around. They settle onto furniture and floors. They vary in size and are measured in microns (also called micrometers).

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Fun Valentine’s Day Activities For the Family

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching! Even if your family is spending most of your days at home, there are still plenty of fun activities you can do to show your love for each other.

Check out these five cute Valentine’s Day activities that are fun for the entire family!

  1. Homemade Valentine’s Day Cards – A classic tradition for many, crafting homemade Valentine’s Day cards is a fun way to raid your craft box (or closet) and get creative. Have your kids make a list of people they’d like to send these to – aunts, cousins, best friends, grandparents, etc. Spend a day dreaming up different designs and get to crafting! Be sure to mail or drop off the cards to the recipients shortly after.
  2. Host a Family-Friendly Brunch – Ever heard of “Galentine’s Day”? Coined by TV’s favorite city councilwoman Leslie Knope on the show Parks and Rec, this holiday is when a group of gal pals get together the day before Valetine’s Day to eat breakfast food and celebrate friendships. Bring this TV holiday tradition to your family celebration by hosting a family brunch and sharing what you love about each other. Don’t forget the waffles!
  3. Valentine’s Day Bake-Off – Search for Valentine’s themed recipes on sites like Pinterest. Anything pink or heart-shaped is usually a good place to start! Host a bake-off where you split your family into teams to craft your sweet treats. Taste everything at the end to see whose dessert spread takes the heart-shaped cake.
  4. Go On a Treasure Hunt – Hold a Valentine’s Day-themed treasure hunt for your kids using items around the house. This example of an at-home treasure hunt features clues with cute holiday references to get things started. If you’re feeling creative, you may even write your own! The “treasure” can be whatever you want, whether that’s a bag of candy or a healthier alternative.
  5. Decorate Your Home – Why not go all out with the home decor? Hang up homemade Valentine’s Day decorations, and break out all the heart-shaped pillows, blankets, and anything else that fits the vibe. Encourage your family to dress up in red or pink as well!

You can still make this Valentine’s Day special for your family, even without leaving the home!

10 Tips for Buying Secondhand Furniture

Secondhand furniture is a great alternative if you want to add vintage pieces to your home, especially if you’re on a budget.

“Buying vintage or gently used furniture is smart, chic and kinder to the Earth,” says Noel Fahden Briceno, vice president of merchandising at Chairish, an online marketplace for high-end vintage furnishings. “People tend to lean towards buying new because it’s been culturally ingrained, but in many cases vintage furniture costs 70% to 80% less and it’s actually better made. Vintage also brings character, uniqueness and style to a room.”

Finding the right item can be challenging, and even more so if you’re buying online. Here are some important tips to keep in mind while shopping for secondhand furniture:

  • Buy from a trusted source.
  • Pay attention to the description.
  • Look carefully at photos.
  • Avoid the old mattress.
  • Check for damage.
  • You can refinish or reupholster old furniture.
  • Try negotiating the price.
  • Do some research to find the best deal.
  • Quality over quantity.
  • Try before you buy.

“It’s important to only shop at reputable retailers,” Briceno says. Having a team dedicated to vetting each piece as well as a fair return policy are vital assurances to help build trust and confidence with shoppers.

In addition to secondhand furniture stores, Briceno recommends flea markets. “You’ll find a wonderful high-low mix of art, textiles, tableware, decor and furniture, and at great prices. I have made the pilgrimage many times to Brimfield (Flea Market in Brimfield, Massachusetts) and Round Top (Antique Fair in Carmine, Texas), my favorite antique fairs,” Briceno says.

Jennifer Ma, principal designer of Dwell & Oak Interiors based in San Mateo, California, recommends Facebook Marketplace, which is her No. 1 go-to place to find local vintage or secondhand furniture. “You can snag some pretty sweet deals or high-quality vintage furniture on there.”

If you do decide to purchase online, be on the lookout for scammers, especially on websites where individual sellers can list goods and arrange a sale with potential buyers. In the absence of a physical store, sellers can stay anonymous and upload images that look nothing like what they’re actually selling – if they’re selling anything at all.

When shopping for secondhand furniture, always read the description. Some pieces may look authentic, but they could be a replica.

“When a description says ‘in the style of’ that can mean a number of things,” Briceno says. “It can be a modern-day reproduction, or it can be an authentically vintage piece that was made in the style of an iconic design or maker. A vintage ‘in the style of’ piece can still offer great quality at a more approachable price point; it’s really a matter of what provenance and price you are looking for.”

If the description says it’s authentic, auction houses and vintage dealers typically have the paperwork that proves they were authenticated. Request to see their authentication papers and make sure to ask for additional information, such as if it was refurbished and if there is any damage.

When you’re shopping for used furniture online, look at each photo closely, especially for vintage pieces. “Minor scratches are part of the aging process and will most likely add character to the piece,” Briceno says. “When looking at silver or brass decor pieces, aging adds a wonderful patina.”

That used mattress may be cheaper, but it’s considered one of the worst items to buy secondhand. Not only can mattresses absorb smells and stains, but they can also carry bacteria, mold, dust mites and bed bugs.

If the mattress has already been slept on for several years, this also reduces the length of time it will last. Over time, a mattress can lose its shape and begin to sag, interfering with your good night’s sleep.

While it’s possible to fix damage or imperfections, some may be there to stay. Deep gouges on wood typically can’t be removed, Briceno explains, and upholstered pieces can absorb smells. “Be cognizant about whether or not the person smoked, because cigarette smoke smell does not go away,” Briceno warns. “You’re in the reupholstery zone.”

You should also check the connection, like where the table meets the leg, to see if it’s sturdy. “Avoid anything with a broken frame – I’m talking chairs or tables – that is not repairable,” Briceno says.

It may take some work, but the old coffee table with water stains on its surface and the upholstered chair with a few stains can still be restored.

Briceno says that most pieces of furniture can be refinished or reupholstered. Furniture refinishing can help retain and preserve its original beauty; however, if you think it may be a valuable antique, you may want to consult with a professional first.

But small imperfections can give a piece some character. “Sometimes you want that old farm table that has the gouges and the black rings because it looks cool – it was a working farm table,” Briceno says.

Your ability to negotiate the price of furniture depends on the item as well as the seller. “Often, we see sellers accepting offers of 10% to 20% off the listed price,” says Briceno. “My advice is if you don’t like the price, make an offer.”

If you’re looking to bargain, point out any problems or flaws that you see with the piece. Start off with a low price, but be reasonable. Be willing to compromise if the seller isn’t willing to lower the price more. However, if you aren’t 100% set on the item, you can always check back later or walk away.

There’s no set price for vintage items, so finding the best bargain may require doing some homework. “I would research the piece online and see if there are any comparables and look at the construction, materials and brand. Take a look at the retail price and manufacturer to see what others have to say,” Ma says.

You don’t have to buy the first piece of furniture you see or even everything you need at the same store.

“Quality over quantity,” Briceno says. “Look for original pieces by iconic makers. While these pieces might be an investment – unless you’re a grade-A bargain hunter – it’s a great place to start because these pieces were built to last.”

Ma also suggests looking for quality materials that are sure to last a while. “You’ll want to look for solid wood pieces versus pieces made of MDF or pressed woods. Look for areas where the wood has buckled, as well as any deep scratches in the finish. These flaws can be difficult to repair,” Ma adds. MDF furniture, or medium-density fiberboard, and pressed wood are both engineered wood furniture construction materials and can be easily damaged.

Along with avoiding MDF and pressed woods, Ma says to stay away from wood laminate or veneer. “This is a layer of plastic or paper that has been printed with a reproduction of wood grain and glued on top of cheaper materials, such as particle board. Over time, this will eventually peel away from the base and bubble up,” Ma clarifies. “Also, if you see pieces that have an uneven frame, a lot of glue or staples, it’s perhaps an indication that it is not good quality.”

When you’re shopping in a brick-and-mortar store, you can see exactly how big the furniture is and get the chance to inspect it for any imperfections. But online, it can be more of a challenge.

“There’s nothing worse than getting a piece and finding out it’s too big or too small for your space. Always measure your space in advance,” Briceno suggests. “Take the extra time to tape out the measurements on your floor to really understand sizing.”

There are also apps you can download that use augmented reality technology, Briceno says, so you can virtually test out items in your space before you buy.

 

Source: Dec. 5, 2022, https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/tips-for-buying-secondhand-furniture

Contact

Wayne Ishimine
Broker Associate

DRE#01192074
Phone: 562.619.6356
Email: wayneish@kw.com

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