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.

Read Full Article Here!

 

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).

Read Full Article Here!

 

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

7 Best Things About Buying A House In The Fall

The summertime real estate season is as hot as the weather, but you might want to postpone your purchase until fall. For the first time in recent history, October surpassed June as the most popular month to get married. And these autumn-loving brides may be on to something: Although the spring months are notoriously the best time to buy real estate (as well as have a wedding), fall may be the new ideal season to buy a home.
Hear us out: One obvious reason is that it’s easier to get from open house to open house without questioning if you’ll need an AC repair ASAP upon moving into that home. Also, families on a mission to move into a new home before school starts are out of the picture. Besides these two more obvious reasons, here are seven expert insights on why you should consider a fall real estate purchase.
1. There’s less competition
Competition for houses drops off in the fall, a time many people consider to be off-season in real estate. But there are still homes for sale — and in some cases, there’s just as much inventory as there was during the spring and summer. “[Fall] means new inventory and repositioned old inventory that did not sell in the prime season,” says Wesley Stanton.
This puts you in a great position to negotiate. “Fall homebuyers should consider [making] lowball offers, followed by more aggressive negotiation,” says Brian Davis, a real estate investor and director of education at Spark Rental. Davis points out that many sellers are very motivated to sell before the holidays. If possible, buyers should let these sellers know that they can close before Thanksgiving or before the school winter break.
2. Sellers are worn-out
Some sellers who put their homes on the market during the prime selling times of spring and summer might have been a tad overconfident by listing their homes for more than buyers were willing to spend. After months of no action, these sellers are often ready to make a deal. “Sellers who were unrealistic earlier in the year about price will now be more willing to reduce the price come fall,” says Thomas Miller. “Because there [are fewer buyers] and because the sellers are now eager to sell, they are more inclined to take the low offer than wait another six months for spring to come around.”
3. Sellers are serious
Not all homes on the market in fall are summer leftovers. Some people need to sell in the fall because the timing is right. Maybe they were having a home built, and it’s now ready. Maybe they need to move because of a job. “The sellers with houses on the market in the fall tend to be serious,” says Sam Heskel. “That means sellers could be more open to negotiating and accepting a lower offer.”
4. You can take advantage of tax breaks
First-time homebuyers, take note: Although you can’t escape paying income tax, you can make a dent in what you owe when you become a homeowner. “Property tax and mortgage interest are both deductions you can take for your whole year’s worth of income, even if you closed on your home in December,” says David Hryck. “Any payments that are made prior to the closing of the loan are tax-deductible. This can make a serious difference in the amount you owe the government at the end of the year.”
5. Fall is a safer time of year
Did you know that burglars have peak seasons? They do, says Sarah Brown, a home safety expert for SafeWise.com. “July and August are prime months for burglaries to take place,” she says. “Waiting until the fall [to buy] gives you an advantage when learning about a home and the neighborhood.” You’ll be settled in your home and can take precautions — like setting up that new alarm system — before the next burglary season rolls around.
6. You’re the center of attention
Because spring and summer are ideal times to buy a home, real estate agents are usually busier then. And that could mean you might not always get the attention you want. This is also true for other professionals you’re working with to buy a house. “Service providers, such as mortgage lenders and title companies, are moving out of the summertime sales swamp and can often respond more quickly,” says John Lazenby.
The same goes for movers. “Because summer is peak moving season, people often experience more delays and service issues, such as moving companies reaching capacity and running out of trucks to pick up shipments,” says Jack Griffin. “The probability of experiencing a delay goes way down in the fall season.”
7. You can take advantage of end-of-year sales to outfit your home
There are bound to be improvements you’ll want to make after buying a house. You’ll also probably need to buy items to maintain your home, and if appliances weren’t part of the deal, you’ll need those too. Wouldn’t it be great to coordinate your home purchase with sales on items you’ll need? According to Consumer Reports, the calendar determines when it’s a good time to buy all sorts of consumer goods. In particular, September is a great time for buying carpet and paint. October means lawn mowers go on sale, and appliances and cookware are cheaper in November.
Source: https://www.trulia.com/blog/best-things-about-fall-real-estate/

5 WAYS TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW ONLINE TO GET YOUR 2021 YEAR STARTED OFF RIGHT

 

Has 2020 left you feeling a little unsatisfied? One of the best cures for the Covid-19 blues is diving in to learn something new. Hobbies and interests give us a break from the stresses of our modern society while helping us grow – either professionally or personally.

We’ve gathered some of the best places to learn something new online. What will you discover?

 

Level up on Skillshare.
Skillshare is a knowledge-sharing platform that allows anyone to offer video courses in their area of unique expertise. From photography to personal finance, cooking to calligraphy, you can find it all on Skillshare.

Deepen your knowledge with Coursera.
Coursera is the place to go if you want to take a college-level course right at home. There is a vast range of courses and you’re likely to find something on any topic that interests you. Their courses are developed and taught by real university professors and include a certificate option.

 

Get artsy on Domestika.
Domestika is a hub for creative and art courses. Here you can learn the basics of illustration or macramé, or try your hand at highly specialized techniques like concrete furniture making. Art can be greatly therapeutic, so why not find something creative and healing to pass the time?

Get in the Kitchen with Milk Street Online Cooking School.
If you’ve always wanted to improve your cooking skills, Milk Street’s Online Cooking School is the perfect way to gain confidence in the kitchen. They offer hour-long live cooking events hosted by cooking teachers, recipe developers, and chefs. Cook along and send in any questions or comments along the way!

Pick up the Guitar with Fender Play.
Learning a new instrument is a great way to flex your brain and relax at the same time. Plus, you can entertain your friends and family with your beautiful music for years to come! Try out Fender Play’s online guitar courses and start strumming along to old classics and new favorites. Their easy-to-follow lessons are paired with comprehensive learning plans and progress tracking.

HOW TO BUY A HOME DURING THE PANDEMIC

 

Buying a home during the pandemic sounds scary, but if you are one of the brave ones, here is a list of things you should do before getting started:

  1. Get Pre-approved

One of the initial actions we advise that homebuyers take is getting a mortgage pre-approval. You should know that pre-approval is different from pre-qualification. While pre-qualification is simply taking a look at your financial statistics, such as income, credit score, and debt, pre-approval indicates that a lender is interested in working with you. To buy a home, your lender may want to verify certain financial elements such as your employment, credit scores, etc.

  1. Look for an experienced real estate agent.

The home buying market is getting more competitive as the pandemic progresses. Hence, the need to ensure that your real estate agent is familiar with your area and city in general. This way, you can be confident in the service that such real estate agent offers. Call our offices today to schedule and appointment.

  1. Employ the use of technology

Social distancing is advised during the pandemic, and house hunting isn’t an exception. At the moment, there aren’t many houses and house touring activities going on – digital scouting is the new normal.

  1. Make sure you are prepared. 

Despite the decline in the selling of homes worldwide, all thanks to the stay-at-home and other stringent pandemic orders, reports show that the average selling price has experienced a 9% increase. Yet, especially in major cities, the curve of demand for houses against its supply has been an unbalanced one, deflecting more to the pool of house seekers.  Therefore, decision making is paramount to buying a house during the pandemic. Being prepared will give you the best chances of landing your dream home.

Other tips on how to buy a home during the pandemic include:

  • Better your bidding game
  • Have a clean offer
  • Have a down payment
  • Ensure your employment is verified

When searching for a house to buy during the pandemic, ensure you have a list of priorities and follow them. Buying a house is a tough but with the right professional on your side, you are sure to come out on top!

Summer 2020: Housing Market Predictions in Los Angeles

Summer is heating up, is the real estate market doing the same?

This year has been a wild ride for those looking to buy or sell their homes. From historically low interest rates early in the year to unpredictable trends due to the global pandemic, 2020 has reminded us all that life can change dramatically.

With what we know now, how are summer sales expected to shape up? Let’s look at the possible summer 2020 real estate predictions in Los Angeles.

 

Los Angeles Real Estate Predictions for 2020

Shutdowns due to COVID-19 have impacted economies around the world, including the local California economy and real estate market. Home sales dropped wildly through spring (a 26.6-30.9% drop) as many waited out the pandemic’s social distancing orders, but prices remained relatively high.

Moving into the summer, however, many residents are revisiting their plans to buy and sell. For those looking to get into the market, the predictions look good. The requirements and restrictions of mortgage applications are continuing to loosen, making it easier to buy a home.

As life shifts slowly back to normal, more homes are also expected to go on the market, giving buyers a bigger pool to choose from (and potentially dropping prices substantially). It may be best to act fast, though. As time goes on, more buyers will enter the market hoping to take advantage of this lull and home prices are expected to rise with the return in demand.

For sellers, the market may have been a scary place over the past few months with home sales drastically down due to COVID-19. Job loss, furlough, and business closures have put many buyers out of the market for the time being. With summer’s new promise of change and forward movement, however, buyers are encouraged to buy this summer, which may improve the chances of selling – and at a good price.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell?

If you are ready to buy, now is a great time to get into the market while demand is low. If you are ready to sell, buyers are slowly coming back, giving you better chances of making that sale. The summer is shaping up to be a safe time to buy or sell, but personal considerations should always be at the core of your decision.

4 Design Trends That are Taking Over Summer

 

Summer is a great time to shake up your house’s interior design. And if you’re like a lot of people, you want something fresh; something to revitalize and breathe new life into your residence. But it can be hard to get started and the options may seem overwhelming. From simply buying some new furniture or decorations to completely redesigning a living room, there are thousands of ways to change an interior space. So to help you narrow down your options and get started, let’s take a look at four inspiring design trends taking over this summer

 

Curves and Organic Shapes

Cast aside and largely neglected since the 60s, whimsical, curvy shapes are finally mounting a comeback this year. And they are rocking 2020 interior design in a big way. As curved and organic shapes continue to grow in popularity this summer, rounded furniture and rugs, as well as curved, wavy, and even snaking texture patterns have all come in vogue. Add some flair and touch of character to any space by ditching straight lines for organic, bending and flowing shapes.

 

Warm Tones (and Green!)

It should come as no surprise that warm tones are in for the summer. Soft pastel yellows, tans, pinks, and oranges perfectly compliment the season. Yet less predictably, green has become a popular color this season and is quickly cementing itself as a perfect choice for an adventurous homeowner looking to reinvigorate a space with a unique but tasteful color. Green works particularly well in living and bedrooms.

 

Quartz Countertops

An elegant blend of modern technology and artistic brilliance, the very concept of a quartz countertop is intriguing. In contrast with traditional countertops such as those made from marble or granite, quartz countertops are synthetic, and because of this, often quite affordable. But don’t be fooled by the lower price tag, not only are quartz countertops just as beautiful as their natural stone counterparts, they’re far more durable, stain-resistant, and difficult to scratch or chip. Attractive, high quality, and cost-conscious, it’s no wonder that quartz countertops continue to grow in popularity this summer.

 

Canopy Beds

Traditionally used to trap in heat and maintain privacy, today the canopy bed is beloved for its lavish design. Instantly evoking a sense of sophistication and importance, the canopy bed is a powerful design piece that needs to be matched in tone by its surroundings. However, for an ambitious bedroom interior designer, introducing a canopy bed is a great way to solidify a premium and luxurious atmosphere this summer.

 

Design trends are ever-changing, constantly updating with new ideas in aesthetics and technological advances. This summer the trend is clear. A marriage between modern technology and the nostalgic interior design choices of yesteryear. Minimalist and futuristic design choices languish while older, busier design choices such as curvy patterns reign supreme.

 

SIMPLE WAYS TO STAY IN SHAPE – RIGHT AT HOME

You might not think of your living room as the ideal to tone and tighten, but a little creativity can go a long way for turning your home into a fitness studio. Whether you are already active or looking to get in shape for the first time, your home can actually be a great place to keep up with a healthy exercise routine. Let’s explore the many ways you can stay in shape right in the comfort of your own home or neighborhood.

 

Technology is Your Friend

These days, there are endless options on the internet for staying in shape at home. YouTube offers a variety of free workout videos, yoga sessions, training tips, and more. If you have limitations such as injuries or are just starting to get fit, simply search the internet for workout videos that match your needs. For instance, “Home workouts safe for knee injuries” or “Chair exercises for over 60’s.”

 

Tour the Town

Getting in shape can be as simple as walking, running, or biking through your neighborhood. Try new routes, wander other neighborhoods nearby, or explore a new part of town on foot. The fresh air, sunshine, and wind on your face will also boost your mood and lift your spirits.

 

Be Productive

Cleaning, organizing, and rearranging your home can actually be quite the workout. Vacuuming and sweeping activates the arms and core muscles, reorganizing bookshelves can tone the arms, and simple tasks like washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, and making the bed all keep your body in motion.

 

Stretching and Yoga

Due to its simplicity and the small amount of space you’ll need to practice, yoga can be a great way to stay in shape at home or even in your yard. There are yoga exercises for every level of fitness. Try a Sun Salutation or this Chair Yoga Series.

 

Working out at home may not feel natural, but it only takes a little adjustment to get the hang of it. With exercise available at your doorstep, there’s no reason not to start or stick to your exercise regimen!

 

Contact

Wayne Ishimine
Broker Associate

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

From Our Blog

Property Search

Advanced Search Map Search