tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60780577829200344172024-03-16T11:51:34.132-07:00Witz Real EstateThis blog is set up for clients, associates, friends, relatives, and myself, to discuss real estate thoughts, questions and get some answers. Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.comBlogger1078125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-49917164799326102432024-03-15T06:51:00.000-07:002024-03-15T06:51:51.101-07:00Santa Clarita Valley Home Sales Activity March 15, 2024Good Morning and happy Friday to you! Market is a changing! Well, a wee bit at least. Our numbers, in all categories, are up. đ<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6XMN44xwyet4I18EVtAsdISoJNxv227Blc2aAogAGofsFQvSdntCkewigkHukVJ6lG3rCozPZ-s_8ZDOiqxXpKDwxBXIPIKT2hpa9dwwHOuOIol4Ta7DCiO2vKG8rMYwd9Nh1xYmv5L5F5vCYgQR4pCAVCbKl30ekv93kMm4QrfIUZqCOY035drWP8M/s673/FB_IMG_1709474787574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="558" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6XMN44xwyet4I18EVtAsdISoJNxv227Blc2aAogAGofsFQvSdntCkewigkHukVJ6lG3rCozPZ-s_8ZDOiqxXpKDwxBXIPIKT2hpa9dwwHOuOIol4Ta7DCiO2vKG8rMYwd9Nh1xYmv5L5F5vCYgQR4pCAVCbKl30ekv93kMm4QrfIUZqCOY035drWP8M/w166-h200/FB_IMG_1709474787574.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You should all know by now that I include Acton to the East, Newhall to the South, Stevenson Ranch to the West, and Castaic to the North. Even though 3 out of 4 of them are not in the incorporated area of SCV, as a local Realtor, we find that when working the official hood, those neighborhoods do get bought and sold by us....a lot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here ya go, as of this moment:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Coming Soon </b>- we have <i>17</i> (last month was 11)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Active </b>- <i>362</i> (last month was 328)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Under contract/in Escro</b>w - <i>342</i> (last month was 285)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Sold in the Last 30 Days</b> - <i>185</i> (last month was 128)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I posted the info about last month so you wouldn't have to look for it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jennifer closed one of ours last week for a very special friend of mine. She has another closing this coming week, for a really good (and taco loving) pal. Leslie just put a new one on the market, and it's a beauty! It's for a family I've known 20+ years that are working towards their real estate goal of generational living! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GurImkTKQxerFhmyTB1G6nLxFKve5l3NYegukfMTo3LqJLGQHZ3l1oBxIaaua19p0ESugXvnEuPVfSkpWekzG126jJq_J5EkKEjsmGjdbsXR9pCQnT3JnCuL97tSgsZwim8YZjFbv3YnXUqm-QIIisCPwd_WFTSK68wwlZAgedtIMTLVI7fzRn7EtcQ/s843/433086902_18425520070042786_3060755186332013607_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="843" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GurImkTKQxerFhmyTB1G6nLxFKve5l3NYegukfMTo3LqJLGQHZ3l1oBxIaaua19p0ESugXvnEuPVfSkpWekzG126jJq_J5EkKEjsmGjdbsXR9pCQnT3JnCuL97tSgsZwim8YZjFbv3YnXUqm-QIIisCPwd_WFTSK68wwlZAgedtIMTLVI7fzRn7EtcQ/w200-h200/433086902_18425520070042786_3060755186332013607_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's soooooo pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As always, whatever your needs, be it selling, buying, or just consulting, our 'family' of 3 are here to help! Have a wonderful weekend.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-49102499396316085462024-03-08T05:40:00.000-08:002024-03-08T05:40:20.744-08:00Why An Agent is Your Best Friend When Buying or Selling a Home<p>No matter how you slice it, buying or selling a home is a big decision. And when youâre going through any change in your life and you need some guidance, what do you do? You get advice from people who know what theyâre talking about.</p><p>Moving is no exception. You need insights from the pros to help you feel confident in your decision. Freddie Mac explains it like this:</p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">âAs you set out to find the right home for your family, be sure to select experienced, trusted professionals who will help you make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.â</span></p><p>And while perfect advice isnât possible â not even from the experts, what you can get is the very best advice out there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrXaYJ1dXglBvpqqyfnlP3XkGK0CfleP8T-VNMXxwOtBjNdpAho5IBdSXxQtmvMBwuJmaEHv-M9kKsIvIiohwsaTExMBUP4RsAaqsBo59HADHLmiFEmRXHOGUPaPgy4c3Exk2Vrcyu2JM4-FkO_JLihMMpXaFPu0ltdeWK0FDBKvRARV0a7Rfs57PGFw/s1024/Firearms-Training-for-Realtors-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1024" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrXaYJ1dXglBvpqqyfnlP3XkGK0CfleP8T-VNMXxwOtBjNdpAho5IBdSXxQtmvMBwuJmaEHv-M9kKsIvIiohwsaTExMBUP4RsAaqsBo59HADHLmiFEmRXHOGUPaPgy4c3Exk2Vrcyu2JM4-FkO_JLihMMpXaFPu0ltdeWK0FDBKvRARV0a7Rfs57PGFw/s320/Firearms-Training-for-Realtors-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><i>The Power of Expert Advice</i></p><p>For example, letâs say you need an attorney. You start off by finding an expert in the type of law required for your case. Once you do, they wonât immediately tell you how the case is going to end, or how the judge or jury will rule. But what a good attorney can do is walk you through the most effective strategies based on their experience and help you put a plan together. Theyâll even use their knowledge to adjust that plan as new information becomes available.</p><p>The job of a real estate agent is similar. Just like you canât find a lawyer to give you perfect advice, you wonât find a real estate professional who can either. Thatâs because itâs impossible to know everything thatâs going to happen throughout your transaction. Their role is to give you the best advice they can.</p><p>To do that, an agent will draw on their experience, industry knowledge, and market data. They know the latest trends, the ins and outs of the homebuying and selling processes, and whatâs worked for other people in the same situation as you.</p><p>With that expertise, a real estate advisor can anticipate what could happen next and work with you to put together a solid plan. Then, theyâll guide you through the process, helping you make decisions along the way. Thatâs the very definition of getting the best â not perfect â advice. And thatâs the power of working with a real estate advisor.</p><p><i>Bottom Line</i></p><p>If youâre looking to buy or sell a home, you want an expert on your side to help you each step of the way. Connect with a real estate professional so you have advice you can count on. Connect with us!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgwfYP8gkALPKi-HRUfGW3OT31qu3GS29xLj7tfuNhFYECYwuGD-7M1xUBU7a1g3ml5-Nw3y7GW7SEWw3DJE9Mx5pqhUA-e86RJ_yS0VPvKDupailK8DtoUebKl0DbO4BwSrp5g31i8s4eyydDJ0Tfe4WnW5FoU_I2-owHzLBUriLo5OJfnCme7utPsA/s315/401672908_10227347873076787_6138086295517182798_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgwfYP8gkALPKi-HRUfGW3OT31qu3GS29xLj7tfuNhFYECYwuGD-7M1xUBU7a1g3ml5-Nw3y7GW7SEWw3DJE9Mx5pqhUA-e86RJ_yS0VPvKDupailK8DtoUebKl0DbO4BwSrp5g31i8s4eyydDJ0Tfe4WnW5FoU_I2-owHzLBUriLo5OJfnCme7utPsA/w200-h200/401672908_10227347873076787_6138086295517182798_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jennifer, Lauren, & Leslie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(661) 313-5470 đ</div>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-64176044023290908782024-03-01T07:13:00.000-08:002024-03-01T07:13:08.900-08:00Vogue's Ideas for Home Decor in 2024Well, let's be serious, Vogue is a whole different animal in design and decor. It always has been. Deep, mysterious. So, when I mention Vogue's home decor ideas....it probably won't fit us all. Some will dislike immediately, some will be intrigued.<div><br /></div><div>But, they also talk about what is OUT for 2024. And, I'm happy about some of those for sure!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a few in .... per Vogue .....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlE1VZX2LQBK8KqNEiD-DDhoa5lFqVx9MRvK8g9DkyFY05M8E1bJdsJIxSPp2oBDpHVWfuIGQ9fpEKnsGTSY73CW0aFUMaazv1jo4AVK7C5eVlEWRaLAzr8oDIAyhZnIcDxpIhJpq2zRu3Vd2t3RUeTkXWiRynFJhaPccgfvaNu7yrqR1fK7Mz1rTKB4/s2250/Brittany%20Ambridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlE1VZX2LQBK8KqNEiD-DDhoa5lFqVx9MRvK8g9DkyFY05M8E1bJdsJIxSPp2oBDpHVWfuIGQ9fpEKnsGTSY73CW0aFUMaazv1jo4AVK7C5eVlEWRaLAzr8oDIAyhZnIcDxpIhJpq2zRu3Vd2t3RUeTkXWiRynFJhaPccgfvaNu7yrqR1fK7Mz1rTKB4/s320/Brittany%20Ambridge.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dark & very, Moody.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_EuKTF1T8yFdPwHcF_VSdIaromxzEXHrx-OtS60zS7RD24YlpxdQXCm8eFGBkaFvW3c-z8aFcByzVsBNlR899LUDFsBlT3CAv4m4VI1aR8d_wQEc9oaTQTDA_P2WCkM5qR73LEImWlDpH-4elkgDojjb_QeOavVyRBODyVVgQ1L5_ZAWOx-VcWx-AtI/s2181/Heidi%20Caillier%20-%20Stripes%20-%20courtesy%20of%20Haris%20Kenjar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2181" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_EuKTF1T8yFdPwHcF_VSdIaromxzEXHrx-OtS60zS7RD24YlpxdQXCm8eFGBkaFvW3c-z8aFcByzVsBNlR899LUDFsBlT3CAv4m4VI1aR8d_wQEc9oaTQTDA_P2WCkM5qR73LEImWlDpH-4elkgDojjb_QeOavVyRBODyVVgQ1L5_ZAWOx-VcWx-AtI/s320/Heidi%20Caillier%20-%20Stripes%20-%20courtesy%20of%20Haris%20Kenjar.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dark, and busy. Old fashioned to me.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtruh-BVrG5w4ZcgO4vOZGWFCFK6Gpx_XEqIzoYubUTAUo-MIqcXT2VdKKAWXdj3XbdvnTr7Gkh_CwDB9M37WGqrT6khJp3PL3HSgiS8sEXooKPeD-9xO5uw1LwGxWJ5_hSJLllxNiuz8bK5iBwWT7CLwwxFS3fsI2WSqRnMfZUzlAP95G7tjeOLNWKI/s1800/local%20material.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtruh-BVrG5w4ZcgO4vOZGWFCFK6Gpx_XEqIzoYubUTAUo-MIqcXT2VdKKAWXdj3XbdvnTr7Gkh_CwDB9M37WGqrT6khJp3PL3HSgiS8sEXooKPeD-9xO5uw1LwGxWJ5_hSJLllxNiuz8bK5iBwWT7CLwwxFS3fsI2WSqRnMfZUzlAP95G7tjeOLNWKI/s320/local%20material.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is more interesting, but still, 'moody' for sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, on the way out you ask? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) Instagram Design! YES!! or Pinterest. Basically copying anything from either is out, out, out!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) Ivory Boucle. I had to google that one. It's the white nubby textured fabric found on furniture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) Fast Furniture. Meaning the kind of stuff that doesn't last forever. I had an interior decorator tell me years ago it was okay to buy inexpensive furniture so when you got bored with it, you didn't feel guilty about getting rid of it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) Fake Fur Throws. Um, I don't have any of those ... do you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5) Wicker Lamps. Well, crap. I do have a couple lamps in my living room that have woven basket looking shades. Damn it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6) Ruffles. Like the potato chips you ask? Nope, like anything that has ruffled edges. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7) Minimalism. Well, I say, if you like it, you like it. But, I am more into warmth in my home for sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8) Mid-Century Modern Angular Furniture. So, over that by me too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9) All White Kitchens. Well, I wish mine was as it'd be so much brighter. But, I've heard for quite some time, that wood cabinets do hold the test of design time. However, needless to say, good ole Vogue is talking all about 'moody' colors instead! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the full article if you're interested: đ</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/interior-design-trends-2024">The Interior Design Trends to Know in 2024âAnd Whatâs on Its Way Out</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let us know what cha think!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-73758535805149626722024-02-23T09:38:00.000-08:002024-02-23T09:38:30.634-08:00Impound, or Escrow, Account Clarity<p>When you read an article that says only 1/2 of the people understand exactly what an Impound account is or does... First I'm surprised, second, figure I better blog about it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRzzpPdMKJcjYBEsk4VVq-LTyYnVOCKJLdz5HoBgoQWE7QwwXx6aWvmUWiLeyI1FR6vhdLGc6vw3s06AuH7od1yxB-X1I4U7M632icoTOZeegYu29Nm7eV-cxJjygemiLXDh9WfDF3YL7AGsk7FxKOixsqV_eNEB6wPch85KFHAoEb0wJqxSe9xkrpD8/s1920/0-MAIN-mortgage-Jirsak-shutterstock_644208028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRzzpPdMKJcjYBEsk4VVq-LTyYnVOCKJLdz5HoBgoQWE7QwwXx6aWvmUWiLeyI1FR6vhdLGc6vw3s06AuH7od1yxB-X1I4U7M632icoTOZeegYu29Nm7eV-cxJjygemiLXDh9WfDF3YL7AGsk7FxKOixsqV_eNEB6wPch85KFHAoEb0wJqxSe9xkrpD8/s320/0-MAIN-mortgage-Jirsak-shutterstock_644208028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Frequently when you are buying a house, or when refinancing, your lender asks you if you want to impound your property taxes and insurance. They describe it as a savings account that pays your property taxes and home insurance when they become due. It becomes part of your monthly mortgage payment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd actually never done it. Didn't know why we chose to do it for our Lake House, but we did. Works perfectly fine. My monthly mortgage billing shows how much is in our escrow account. Bet that confuses people since when they were buying a house it was called 'going through escrow'. And, I'm honestly not quite sure why they refer to it as an escrow account when the mortgage broker calls it an impound.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Regardless, there are a few things you need to know:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) When your loan gets sold, or transferred, to a new servicer.... make SURE you let your insurance company know who the new servicer is so the billing gets to the right people and the insurance gets paid.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) On the flip side, if you change insurance companies, you <i>must</i> let your mortgage company know so they pay the right insurance company.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) When insurance and/or property taxes increase, so will your monthly mortgage payment. If you're in California, be prepared for insurance likely going up a lot. And, as noted in # 2 above, if you find someplace cheaper, don't forget to tell your mortgage company!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, Congrats go out to two of our sellers this week! One had full contingency removal and is closing very soon. Another got multiple offers, is popping into escrow well over list price, and is scheduled for a 21 day close! Now, if we could just find a couple great properties for some special buyers, that'd be awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRIL5IEGHNSeYRWFvLypIaGPPNJHDomQExI-UfACmBeCwi57VCCkrqW79HPY0lsQUXk5GSBmbLukP2Opk-_ZNpb_VwqFGyzFkZjU4uG6eVfydpK-XNwpLTDehIpsMmKkq7BogTwy1YEiwFi48fucVfz60Qd_w-2eW-E-uqxG1KxoxCzttLMnHAfYT7vk/s1800/YAYteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRIL5IEGHNSeYRWFvLypIaGPPNJHDomQExI-UfACmBeCwi57VCCkrqW79HPY0lsQUXk5GSBmbLukP2Opk-_ZNpb_VwqFGyzFkZjU4uG6eVfydpK-XNwpLTDehIpsMmKkq7BogTwy1YEiwFi48fucVfz60Qd_w-2eW-E-uqxG1KxoxCzttLMnHAfYT7vk/s320/YAYteam.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It takes a team to make things happen!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've got a great team here!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-91152122704146556262024-02-16T06:49:00.000-08:002024-02-16T06:49:24.230-08:00February 2024 ~ Santa Clarita Home Sales Info<p>Lord have mercy, that February word is so hard to spell... still! Why that first R was ever put there I'll never know.</p><p>At any rate, sorry I missed writing a blog last week. But, just like life goes on, work goes on too, so here ya go!</p><p>All about our beautiful Santa Clarita Valley home sales. Including Acton to the East, Newhall to the South, Stevenson Ranch to the West, and Castaic to the North. Plus, our lovely little neighborhoods in between of course.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQUWB7u2XvV0O-G3RI5NtDGyBY3HCQbYKUhqOtC6Fk61mw-fdXr1SC5zjKDgCWt0i9PJ4zt0oMAucmeX090iW3rCp-68S_Sg9uBG81YYiEEFNyv2r0h1hozrKC3WG4yJFoC4YCy5wLJUY3Rnu1BqLPP1lY7sxgp25GSsw8V1BT8Zy8TcR_CzFl1OgPg8/s1500/23749%20Aspen%20Meadow%20Ct%20Santa-large-037-036-HOA%20Amenities-1500x1000-72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQUWB7u2XvV0O-G3RI5NtDGyBY3HCQbYKUhqOtC6Fk61mw-fdXr1SC5zjKDgCWt0i9PJ4zt0oMAucmeX090iW3rCp-68S_Sg9uBG81YYiEEFNyv2r0h1hozrKC3WG4yJFoC4YCy5wLJUY3Rnu1BqLPP1lY7sxgp25GSsw8V1BT8Zy8TcR_CzFl1OgPg8/s320/23749%20Aspen%20Meadow%20Ct%20Santa-large-037-036-HOA%20Amenities-1500x1000-72dpi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Quite honestly, not very exciting. Sales are still happening at least! I'd noticed a slight uptick in listings, but not by a huge amount. Disappointing news on the interest rates from Jerome Powell, Fed Chair. Seems no rate cuts will happen for a few more months. They actually went up this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 7.11 percent, up from 6.89 percent last week, while the average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage climbed to 6.49 percent, up from 6.3 percent a week ago." I quickly googled this morning and spotted a rate at 7.6!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Talked with a past client yesterday about his daughter buying her first home. It was so hard for me to have to give him a reality check, as he called it, about the cost of buying a home right now. During the phone call, as promised, I texted him some lender info so that he could pick their brain about different options that may help ease the 'pain' of the current interest rates.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a lighter note, we had a property fall out of escrow and a back-up buyer popped right back in! Wahoo! AND, we have a new listing that just hit the market that Jennifer is servicing down in Culver City.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46lr8_qgVPBKdCNpLvtim_nhL7T4D3hNPo3390oPbBFbdluMbmd_6RY2_0YtfKqjscZ1qq5J-760pzUT6Z2C3gQuwTwE7u9bBdfS1BzWoR2vAJzxvh16GE6YVCrDhuaCWqhbH_eihyphenhyphenKzhvS6vEumq2_D3NxxkNv5C1Z2ET0eBbf9gHCtIXnKw2cAHn4s/s768/naito%20pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="768" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46lr8_qgVPBKdCNpLvtim_nhL7T4D3hNPo3390oPbBFbdluMbmd_6RY2_0YtfKqjscZ1qq5J-760pzUT6Z2C3gQuwTwE7u9bBdfS1BzWoR2vAJzxvh16GE6YVCrDhuaCWqhbH_eihyphenhyphenKzhvS6vEumq2_D3NxxkNv5C1Z2ET0eBbf9gHCtIXnKw2cAHn4s/s320/naito%20pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Open House this Weekend!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We're here for you. Always. Sometimes it's just to chat, counsel, learn. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever you need, all three of us are willing to help in any way we can.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-52771098704941056122024-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:002024-02-02T07:00:35.096-08:00NEW Television Entertainment Center Ideas !!<p>Looking at a new home with Buyers and frequently the thought goes to 'Where am I going to put my TV?' When my first husband and I were looking for homes in Valencia, back in 1993, we distinctly passed on one since our ginormous television wouldn't fit in the living room. It was one of those rear projection TV's. So modern back then!</p><p>Then it progressed to the flat screen televisions. Entertainment centers, over fireplaces. But, we often still wonder how we can make the TV not really the focus of that wall, right? Well, for some members of the family I'm right. Hah!</p><p>These were some beautiful ideas from HOUZZ designers. The full article is in the link below the photos.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgYRtYf99FLXJJNHXyKzaWMmaWB3ctyAUMgHwr8Z6fLXp2o83Cjyuuw8taDMz4jKNxD9a5Eqlw8pYnsGQ5sRqceabNqRB8RsLkNOexHDrQMnq1RhmCxi34KV7JfVu_t_OHo8gWIG4FTVo_CO58GdIp2-zHwYm1q0GgbZWO2yche-WR48sV7zQyZs86GI/s640/home-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgYRtYf99FLXJJNHXyKzaWMmaWB3ctyAUMgHwr8Z6fLXp2o83Cjyuuw8taDMz4jKNxD9a5Eqlw8pYnsGQ5sRqceabNqRB8RsLkNOexHDrQMnq1RhmCxi34KV7JfVu_t_OHo8gWIG4FTVo_CO58GdIp2-zHwYm1q0GgbZWO2yche-WR48sV7zQyZs86GI/s320/home-design.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A librarian friend of mine probably has this already!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLr3znTwrQGtqa1GV12SqwMWfAO8CZQgWkt7UNxLAzkHwJ4Mk8PpvxE2WhemVl4dDffW49mkPZCmSwUrO25JVmM5Upi2iue3Zqwmd379lAuj4uhHiBj7_qDH_GzOj55_8DXZa_5W3UbC3rhT4Sztn4OCBz5aW_e4NArCeasaxysv81Pw1k0bqOZ2DQZA/s640/kids-playroom-tv-wall-unit-mw-creative-carpentry-img~d6418a6b0a9fceaf_4-4186-1-7ed5322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLr3znTwrQGtqa1GV12SqwMWfAO8CZQgWkt7UNxLAzkHwJ4Mk8PpvxE2WhemVl4dDffW49mkPZCmSwUrO25JVmM5Upi2iue3Zqwmd379lAuj4uhHiBj7_qDH_GzOj55_8DXZa_5W3UbC3rhT4Sztn4OCBz5aW_e4NArCeasaxysv81Pw1k0bqOZ2DQZA/s320/kids-playroom-tv-wall-unit-mw-creative-carpentry-img~d6418a6b0a9fceaf_4-4186-1-7ed5322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very sleek, any color would do. I'd probably pick an earth tone.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpz9TDWba8Sn8j8duzeWDZ7xiFzc7aqOdB7ylFNg5LlzZVd4wALyfIXWL8UekRQcllAgqmOl3x6IzAzdrvOz0FN1JWIiXspvXRAX0XZrv-nK-MXDsd2jv_BPTVfgcxWZHNtKjRnT_h9TXhCJk4EdGdH4XIbO5gFISErzhSVlNkcgCNtKVoDwkgkA0jME/s640/penthouse-trafalgar-one-honky-img~a2a14e98019386a1_4-7698-1-52b39f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpz9TDWba8Sn8j8duzeWDZ7xiFzc7aqOdB7ylFNg5LlzZVd4wALyfIXWL8UekRQcllAgqmOl3x6IzAzdrvOz0FN1JWIiXspvXRAX0XZrv-nK-MXDsd2jv_BPTVfgcxWZHNtKjRnT_h9TXhCJk4EdGdH4XIbO5gFISErzhSVlNkcgCNtKVoDwkgkA0jME/s320/penthouse-trafalgar-one-honky-img~a2a14e98019386a1_4-7698-1-52b39f3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This reminded me of a movie theater in a fancy airplane!</p><p style="text-align: center;">đ <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/8-ideas-for-a-stylish-entertainment-center-stsetivw-vs~172864313?bsft_aaid=655436aa-235e-4be4-a903-a0e4ab0fc230&bsft_eid=9b8186e9-886a-4afb-9ade-bf57bacc3a2b&bsft_pid=99c3091a-eea3-4fe0-a2a9-312f6a59101d&utm_campaign=01282024-us-homeowner-newsletter&utm_source=blueshift&utm_medium=email&utm_content=01282024-us-homeowner-newsletter-9-kitchen-remodeling&bsft_clkid=789c35e3-a271-4c43-aaed-5e07efa2d262&bsft_uid=f0a6f958-75ba-4451-a8ab-a54a64dafa45&bsft_mid=2caab3d0-797d-45d3-a500-5fd92ec9ecd3&bsft_txnid=e3ebbeea-9efb-43e2-98a7-47fca68115eb&bsft_pp=4&bsft_mime_type=html&bsft_ek=2024-01-28T05%3A00%3A22Z&bsft_lx=48&bsft_tv=10&bsft_bk=block1&utm_term=block1prod3" target="_blank">Full Article From HOUZZ</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">One of our favorite parts of being a Realtor is seeing other peoples homes. Looking for design ideas for ourselves and for our clients as well. If you're a Realtor though, you know, the most favorite part is making someone's home dreams come true. đ</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-40907726672243799672024-01-26T08:45:00.000-08:002024-01-26T08:45:02.569-08:00When Should You Make A Low-Ball Offer?<p>We generally see investors make a lot of low-ball offers. They don't care if they get the house or not, on to the next if their offer is rejected.</p><p>Buyers that are planning on living in the home, they want to write an offer on, usually are more readily open to NOT writing a low-ball offer. They want to get the house so they certainly want to get their offer accepted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnmJ3Q-6DyB6v6uSvsfSDEsfKmJQpb-d2TFWeIGk9-yMJ_RDU_MubvAZpLe6J1nCDvVg1DfQLNzrFPDLyjXieynK46axeoki52t29FmMgs6-GJ2NXuADTOCswkhc-8vFtUYgb5u0P9vIEBoQ7LyVyBQwUBxaPWbIJoFvDgps-O05zBbNBOnng7-Ak3BA/s1600/Should-You-Ever-Accept-a-Lowball-Offer-on-Your-House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnmJ3Q-6DyB6v6uSvsfSDEsfKmJQpb-d2TFWeIGk9-yMJ_RDU_MubvAZpLe6J1nCDvVg1DfQLNzrFPDLyjXieynK46axeoki52t29FmMgs6-GJ2NXuADTOCswkhc-8vFtUYgb5u0P9vIEBoQ7LyVyBQwUBxaPWbIJoFvDgps-O05zBbNBOnng7-Ak3BA/s320/Should-You-Ever-Accept-a-Lowball-Offer-on-Your-House.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Let's be serious, when the market is a hot, hot, <i>hot </i>Sellers market, there aren't many opportunities for a low-ball offer getting accepted. <div><br /></div><div>But, when should you consider making an offer well below the Sellers list price? We, your agents, will always provide you with a market analysis of what the home you have fallen in love with is 'worth'. What it's market value truly is. </div><div><br /></div><div>1) If the property just hit the market & is listed at the correct market value ~ don't do it.</div><div>2) If the property has been on the market for a while ~ maybe do it.</div><div>3) If the property is overpriced ~ do it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The biggest issue is, of course, the Seller. They priced their home where they wanted to sell it. Are they motivated to truly sell their home? Will you offend them if you write a low offer? Have they done any price reductions since listed?</div><div><br /></div><div>For a buyer, are you willing to lose the home you want by writing a low offer. Most contracts have an appraisal contingency and that will help you if it's overpriced. It, of course, depends on how your agent wrote the offer on the buyers behalf.</div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, the most important thing is to listen to us, your Realtors. We know precisely what is happening in the market. We can find out things you can't. We will guide you on how to get the home of your choice for the best price possible. That's just part of what we do, but we do it very well.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have more questions about this topic, or any other real estate topic, just reach out. </div><p><br /></p></div>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-42028191432759276342024-01-19T07:52:00.000-08:002024-01-19T07:52:17.186-08:00Pay off Debt Before or During Escrow?<p>Not uncommon for a buyer to talk with a lender and the lender suggests paying off some debt to reduce their "debt-to-income" ratio for a better mortgage rate. If you've got the money in the bank it's great.</p><p>If you don't, but it still needs to be paid off to close escrow? Thanks to our wonderful escrow team for this reminder:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HpvwmyhBI9SsPg3mPjxIUycRg16J-526CxLusxbdJPSv20wM5g8aTLRMCb3kJsn9KT84kDILsAEgHCGdIPRIDz9cYAQViZE6GgZoPLVc8Jr0CtsbA-MOARPbAZYCOFvcDLAro8z7Yq4MAjJoeDgqGZ2KMOv0Vwocxx8mgF7izpimM7lY_PgIErPrpmQ/s1200/blog%20pay%20off%20debt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HpvwmyhBI9SsPg3mPjxIUycRg16J-526CxLusxbdJPSv20wM5g8aTLRMCb3kJsn9KT84kDILsAEgHCGdIPRIDz9cYAQViZE6GgZoPLVc8Jr0CtsbA-MOARPbAZYCOFvcDLAro8z7Yq4MAjJoeDgqGZ2KMOv0Vwocxx8mgF7izpimM7lY_PgIErPrpmQ/s320/blog%20pay%20off%20debt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Paying Down Debt During the Escrow Process</p><p>It is actually quite common that you may be asked to pay down some of your debt during the escrow process. It may be a car, or credit cards, or other personal loans. Donât consider this a bad thing! In a way, itâs a lot like consolidating your debt. If youâre wondering how the process works in that some (or all) of your debt is eliminated during the escrow process, read on!</p><p>By this point, you are probably acutely aware of the term âdebt to income ratio.â Your mortgage lender uses this equation to determine how much money you are able to borrow. The more debt that you have, the less money you will likely be able to borrow. This is why mortgage lenders often request that borrowers pay down certain debts as a condition of loan approval.</p><p>And often, these debts are paid by escrow. This all has to do with timing. If you were to simply mail in your credit card or car payment, or even pay them online, it could take weeks before your lender could verify that these debts were paid in full. On the flip side, when escrow makes these payments, they are recorded on the buyerâs final escrow settlement statement, which is official enough for a mortgage lender to consider the debt paid as requested.</p><p><i>In order to help things move along smoothly, here are some other things to keep in mind when you are asked to pay debts in escrow:</i></p><p>Correct Account Numbers</p><p>Often times, your mortgage lender is pulling this information from your credit report, and that may mean they only have access to a partial or redacted account number or abbreviated company name. Make sure you provide your most recent statement with the correct payment mailing address and your full account number to escrow. This will ensure your account is credited properly and in a timely manner.</p><p>On-Time Payments</p><p>The last thing you need when youâre buying a home is a late payment, and that can happen when escrow is handling a debt payment. Make sure you keep close tabs on your escrow closing date and your normal monthly payment due date because debt paid via escrow will not be paid until the day escrow closes. Itâs customary that physical checks are mailed, so allow time for this to avoid late fees. This may mean that you need to make a normal payment, and any overpayment will be returned to you.</p><p>Make Sure To Provide the Correct Statements</p><p>At the close of escrow, the original checks payable to the credit card or other loan company will be mailed to the addresses on the latest statements that you have provided to the Escrow Holder. You want to make sure to provide the correct statements so that you can be confident that the checks are mailed to the appropriate company.</p><p>Need to Change Amounts?</p><p>Because the dollar amounts are taken from your credit report, a living and ever-evolving document, you may find that you need to change the amount paid to your debtors (this can be higher or lower). Keep in mind that your Escrow Officer is required to abide by the written instructions of your mortgage loan company, so if you need to change the amount, contact your loan officer to find out what is required to make this happen.</p><p>This is just another instance where communication is key during the home buying process. Be sure to stay in close contact with both your Escrow Officer and your Loan Officer to ensure that the payments of your debt during escrow goes smoothly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9SPOeDi4kUn62ksGltfX3cQvSAd4xWdPbDmT4kchpAtOhHqcwJ86v6iNG4gJ2f9Qo2mBbEMQe1y9Oi_qXLbd4wwwA6xNbrag4J33m5R6ZpRbCtwRVZEqz-iQGxLFkDqNBK3_mlL4CgA5eRwBGY0_XZHjqMwTIVTkgfwOhH7_pCj5i_SLeyzVOc-B-gE/s315/401672908_10227347873076787_6138086295517182798_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9SPOeDi4kUn62ksGltfX3cQvSAd4xWdPbDmT4kchpAtOhHqcwJ86v6iNG4gJ2f9Qo2mBbEMQe1y9Oi_qXLbd4wwwA6xNbrag4J33m5R6ZpRbCtwRVZEqz-iQGxLFkDqNBK3_mlL4CgA5eRwBGY0_XZHjqMwTIVTkgfwOhH7_pCj5i_SLeyzVOc-B-gE/w200-h200/401672908_10227347873076787_6138086295517182798_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We're here to answer any questions you may have.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Start with us and we'll get you to the finish line!</div><br /><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-79814615844893776382024-01-12T07:38:00.000-08:002024-01-12T07:38:32.775-08:00Good Info From Calif Association of Realtors!<p style="text-align: left;">They call it the 'Market Minute Write-Up" & it's done every Monday. This one was good enough to share in it's entirety!</p><p>"January 08, 2024 - Americans are feeling more confident about the housing market at the beginning of 2024 as buyers and sellers start seeing a glimpse of hope at the far end of the tunnel. While rates had a slight uptick in the first week of the year, easing inflationary pressure and a soft economic outlook prompted many to believe that mortgage rates will decline, albeit slowly, in the next 12 months. The housing market should see a bounce back in activity in the coming months if the sentiment can maintain its upward momentum. The improvement, however, will likely be gradual as tight housing supply remains the norm in 2024.</p><p>Mortgage rates go up slightly to start off 2024: After reaching a 7-month low in the last week of December, mortgage rates kicked off the year with a mild uptake in the first week of 2024. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage (FRM) reported by Mortgage News Daily inched up from 6.67% on the last trading day of 2023 to 6.74% at the closing on January 8, 2024. The boost in rates was due partly to more upbeat economic data and partly to the recent increase in tradersâ doubts about the Fedâs rate cuts in the next 12 months. With the latest jobs report suggesting a stronger-than-expected labor market, rates could continue to see some volatility in the coming weeks. Mortgage demand, meanwhile, remained soft as mortgage applications dropped again at the end of last year. Despite the recent downward trend in rates, the latest purchase application index reported by Mortgage Bankers Association decreased 5% compared to two weeks ago, as supply constraints continued to hold back market activities.</p><p>Home purchase sentiment bounces back at year-end: With interest rates dropping to the lowest level in seven months, optimism about the housing market began to come back at the end of 2023. The home purchase sentiment index released by Fannie Mae jumped 2.9 points to 67.2 in December and reached the highest level since April 2022. The share of consumers who said that it is a good time to buy rose to 17%, an increase from the survey low of 14% recorded in the prior month. The surge in confidence last month was driven primarily by the increase in optimism that mortgage rates will soften, as a record-high 31% of the respondents believed that rates will decline over the next 12 months. While rates have been moving mostly sideway in the past couple of weeks, receding inflationary pressures coupled with the expectation of the Fedâs policy rate cuts will likely lead to more downward drifting in mortgage rates later this year.</p><p>Solid residential market pushes up construction spending in November: Despite a slowdown in new home sales pace in November, construction spending advanced again in November as single-family construction continued to provide support to new building activity. Total outlays for residential and non-residential posted a solid gain with an increase of 0.4% month-over-month in November and improved for the eleventh consecutive month. Residential spending was up 1.0% from October, with single-family outlays surging 2.9% as inventory remained low in the existing housing market. Multifamily outlays inched up 0.1% month-over-month in November but continued to moderate, as apartment demand remained on a normalizing trend. Builders are expected to pull back further in 2024 as the apartment supply pipeline remains saturated in the next 12 months.</p><p>December job gains top expectation: The December jobs report came in stronger than expected yet again, with employers adding a seasonally adjusted 216k jobs last month. Employers added a total of 2.7 million for the year 2023, a sharp decline from 4.8 million in 2022, but still a stronger number compared to the few years preceding the pandemic era. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7% in December, but the labor force participation dipped an unusually large 0.3 points to 62.5%. A slip in the rate is a discouraging sign for the Fed officials, as fewer people being drawn into the labor force could put upward pressure on wages. Average hourly earnings, in fact, rose 4.1% year-over-year in December, a tick-up from 4.0% in November. The latest jobs report, while more robust than the consensus expectation, continues to suggest that the labor market has cooled over the past year. As such, it is unlikely to have a change on the Fedâs rate movement perspective in the next FOMC meeting.</p><p>Holiday spending up modestly in 2023: Consumers continued to spend during the holiday season, with U.S. retail sales â excluding automotive - increasing 3.1% year-over-year for the time period between November 1 and December 24, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. Online retail sales were up sharply by 6.3% from a year ago, while in-store sales posted a more modest gain of 2.2% year-over-year. The restaurant sector recorded a big jump, with sales climbing a strong 7.8% from the comparable period a year ago, as family and friends celebrated their holidays outside of homes. According to Adobeâs Digital Price Index, many shoppers have used the âbuy now, pay laterâ financing option during the holidays, with the payment plans racking up $16.6 billion in online spending during the holiday season, an increase of 14.4% from the year-ago holiday period. This may imply that there could be a pullback in consumer spending in the months ahead as bills come due for those shoppers who borrowed forward at the end of last year."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVO0v5pIYMQwcoNMKX8S0GnACDkRLkXT134rrRNTHdVPAyV1LolmjptlS5tbc5WkzeIbuJFyRnJ4DSEgwMZ1EZ-0NghxUybY3qnfLCuhu9Fy-UAw4rCHTqz9PYjL-ZdUmoVfm5VP2rLFg7QYmDsme2YIi0rc_A96e0MHO4xctQ3s2PYeoi_wg_rAgl8k/s3201/Weekly-Data-for-WE-2024-01-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3201" data-original-width="2474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVO0v5pIYMQwcoNMKX8S0GnACDkRLkXT134rrRNTHdVPAyV1LolmjptlS5tbc5WkzeIbuJFyRnJ4DSEgwMZ1EZ-0NghxUybY3qnfLCuhu9Fy-UAw4rCHTqz9PYjL-ZdUmoVfm5VP2rLFg7QYmDsme2YIi0rc_A96e0MHO4xctQ3s2PYeoi_wg_rAgl8k/s320/Weekly-Data-for-WE-2024-01-06.png" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So there you are!!! And, I always find it interesting to see what other agents think (bottom section of picture above).</div><br /><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-25001371570516232892024-01-05T07:47:00.000-08:002024-01-05T07:47:29.159-08:00Santa Clarita Home Sales 2023 Round-Up<p>I do this every year. Because I presume you are interested in the totals! Reminder that I go all the way out to Acton in the East, Stevenson Ranch to the West, Newhall to the South and Castaic to the North. </p><p>With the high interest rates and low inventory, the housing sales in Santa Clarita certainly reflected those challenges!</p><p>Our total sales for <b>2023 hit 2611</b>. Spring season was the best with 810 closed sales. <b>2022 we hit 3301</b>. The robust year of <b>2021 totaled 4861</b>. Our average closed escrows over the years has hovered around 3900/year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglI_rcRVN-yKQNKu_j9EnhhUFv8FdXjRaFAyCWJbLPsyZoml793m1KRuuRj7MlQ1Fjt6f_xO_fAcPxePcXsL1IymN6hUMUf8ZxsmFjhLFksLGgfv0Hlyqk4TXBIazvBc54e8DGM2uytpuMOcg8LX7vNhdFIAWT4-j73HSHExs6LeY8FQdLnpeg5kKrFy8/s5464/ag5(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3640" data-original-width="5464" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglI_rcRVN-yKQNKu_j9EnhhUFv8FdXjRaFAyCWJbLPsyZoml793m1KRuuRj7MlQ1Fjt6f_xO_fAcPxePcXsL1IymN6hUMUf8ZxsmFjhLFksLGgfv0Hlyqk4TXBIazvBc54e8DGM2uytpuMOcg8LX7vNhdFIAWT4-j73HSHExs6LeY8FQdLnpeg5kKrFy8/s320/ag5(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>So, yes, it was definitely a challenging year. But, we have always had challenging years, robust years, and normal (if there is such a thing anymore) years.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's see what 2024 brings! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIypO5A96JxFoRK0IQW9xPYWY4esbsh4kQEW62j-p3qQFopQe5EG1Ue5ukXpb7dsL_mv7QGq2KAKAsHMXiszZM5c_OtgRlYGc3VlCZl9yM46zS12kJIhQCCPephAJgUgPlvZeIb7Jr-gmP_F7j25hffTEan-1k76xCtpB6MmJVJ1IiPDnM5JD4cTz8Pk/s960/bring%20it%202024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="960" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIypO5A96JxFoRK0IQW9xPYWY4esbsh4kQEW62j-p3qQFopQe5EG1Ue5ukXpb7dsL_mv7QGq2KAKAsHMXiszZM5c_OtgRlYGc3VlCZl9yM46zS12kJIhQCCPephAJgUgPlvZeIb7Jr-gmP_F7j25hffTEan-1k76xCtpB6MmJVJ1IiPDnM5JD4cTz8Pk/s320/bring%20it%202024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Leslie, Jennifer, and I are ready!!! </span></i></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p></div>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-64976594356855161202023-12-29T09:54:00.000-08:002023-12-29T09:54:18.014-08:00Ready to Re-Do Your Kids Room for 2024?<p>Well, if you haven't planned for things to do in the new year, this article sure made me think some of you would like to re-do your kids rooms! </p><p>As our lives change, we change things up in our home. New furniture, new towels, sheets. We re-paint, change counters, cabinets, and more.</p><p>Kids rooms can get a wee bit lost in the shuffle. My kids were thrilled with new Ninja Turtle sheet/comforter sets as a <i>new</i> bedroom!</p><p>But, and the article below all the pictures, shows TEN kids 'spaces' of 2023 that caught a lot of peoples eyes while perusing Houzz!</p><p style="text-align: center;">These ones caught mine..... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UQPhS1ReQCow_rUOLvn1XgrZhSHPd3JjZjQgBySIc0BFdjNOU-scK4oXhMPQYT1LFvosgqkZxjZ8meLUDh47GXdC9HSj5K47ygOzmQuhNVp6GK7be6qbbgKSiNckX58JQJgWJzeHFB06UGQiaU1PAWL4QvWuZzxkhH92psWclScQjG7b3jroMPfryOE/s1261/Screenshot_20231229_110908_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UQPhS1ReQCow_rUOLvn1XgrZhSHPd3JjZjQgBySIc0BFdjNOU-scK4oXhMPQYT1LFvosgqkZxjZ8meLUDh47GXdC9HSj5K47ygOzmQuhNVp6GK7be6qbbgKSiNckX58JQJgWJzeHFB06UGQiaU1PAWL4QvWuZzxkhH92psWclScQjG7b3jroMPfryOE/s320/Screenshot_20231229_110908_Instagram.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SF Design Build - this is that whole 'mid-century modern' I keep seeing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, cool for the kid to peek through those slats and not fall out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdKXsQlf0d7YEaUJvACONN_w2Z-e4tgNLOdAi-9VrtY-A-fwT8x6xAdBLD3HfjpGxoajdfZFokpbhlZHDPHTteU2YaLMvvfke12b6vnOff9k7LBLWMRt4ZhYNzC-v9FnhRP_hhV9N8qTr_wXy8l19HstVqFsUV_38Irw7yLT_u91ABXF_9596IylCDm4/s1600/Wild-Turkey_Bunk-Bedroom_Beth+Howley_118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdKXsQlf0d7YEaUJvACONN_w2Z-e4tgNLOdAi-9VrtY-A-fwT8x6xAdBLD3HfjpGxoajdfZFokpbhlZHDPHTteU2YaLMvvfke12b6vnOff9k7LBLWMRt4ZhYNzC-v9FnhRP_hhV9N8qTr_wXy8l19HstVqFsUV_38Irw7yLT_u91ABXF_9596IylCDm4/s320/Wild-Turkey_Bunk-Bedroom_Beth+Howley_118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beth Howley Creative LLC - Either there are a ton of kids living in this home</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> or they like to have a lot of slumber parties! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXGefsOQhgO2wLU0yLUAJ9cAg3aYBmtUGxX5jqv2lTpvtE60Rq3Gu4iyLx-EkPLYI1N4KshnnvJR9CQcpQh1BGQBnTSEKYqIz1_e7CHaSDjZdgXUJW5SUkbOVnTOboi00uO4TqkA_dYRl8yGzKCpZSMGinP2UdQT5ODz9VV6Gq6rs1x1nGcbR4fp9N9k/s938/jamie-bush-interior-architecture-Butterfly-House_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXGefsOQhgO2wLU0yLUAJ9cAg3aYBmtUGxX5jqv2lTpvtE60Rq3Gu4iyLx-EkPLYI1N4KshnnvJR9CQcpQh1BGQBnTSEKYqIz1_e7CHaSDjZdgXUJW5SUkbOVnTOboi00uO4TqkA_dYRl8yGzKCpZSMGinP2UdQT5ODz9VV6Gq6rs1x1nGcbR4fp9N9k/s320/jamie-bush-interior-architecture-Butterfly-House_11.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jamie Bush & Co - I couldn't help myself. This was just too cute for words.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some little girl would absolutely LOVE this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LBBog7908cOmVFVMEexg4GT4ZUrUIAxG0QH-zgRSRWfDPw9sGBd3NKFmiiHeOY5x5O5Q3ZapqNZd1sR84Mx59nKBcfhbKsBE2ZjvHG8wKCb6amaMlLFegPpuLn4yafcMKUV4Cb44oGzU0EC9PCnxhl4Adp3xDUQnGDlQHVRRzzxXS2QdI23mmElAADg/s1336/Screenshot_20231229_111511_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LBBog7908cOmVFVMEexg4GT4ZUrUIAxG0QH-zgRSRWfDPw9sGBd3NKFmiiHeOY5x5O5Q3ZapqNZd1sR84Mx59nKBcfhbKsBE2ZjvHG8wKCb6amaMlLFegPpuLn4yafcMKUV4Cb44oGzU0EC9PCnxhl4Adp3xDUQnGDlQHVRRzzxXS2QdI23mmElAADg/s320/Screenshot_20231229_111511_Instagram.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Susie McKechnie Interiors - Obviously for the young lady that is starting to grow up a bit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you got one of those yet? </div><p style="text-align: center;">And, here's alllll the ones via Houzz! đ</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/the-top-10-kids-spaces-of-2023-stsetivw-vs~172259543?utm_campaign=houzz-digest-email-recurring&utm_source=blueshift&utm_medium=email&utm_content=houzz-digest-us-updated-fetch&bsft_clkid=b343271e-28c8-4d69-8a30-d15014e1baad&bsft_uid=f0a6f958-75ba-4451-a8ab-a54a64dafa45&bsft_mid=a8288e29-640e-474f-898b-5845d776b02e&bsft_eid=7f65a72d-be55-9621-1734-2dac06234f5e&bsft_txnid=58bc96d1-3b69-445e-86d0-da37fc975547&bsft_mime_type=html&bsft_ek=2023-12-29T16%3A00%3A45Z&bsft_aaid=655436aa-235e-4be4-a903-a0e4ab0fc230&bsft_lx=7&bsft_tv=5" target="_blank">The Top 10 Kidsâ Spaces of 2023</a> đ</p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-84042548196930657162023-12-21T11:03:00.000-08:002023-12-21T11:03:42.009-08:00Navy Son Comes Tomorrow & SCV Home Sales Activity December 2023!<p>Yes, I normally write in my blog these days on Fridays. But, our Navy son is coming for a week and we pick him up at the airport tomorrow. So, here you go... oh my goodness, on a Thursday!</p><p>Santa Clarita from Acton to Stevenson Ranch, Newhall to Castaic. All the communities in between.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>As of this moment we have:</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtugXkWSFBJep5-13VotbZpJLi9C1MpQsCjIcvUtSIttCzOXvRrm1zEiLOp0Pa9XPUX48HzWGsmAwNuwbYCYnihCThWr7-PF_wVKb_gSZHeOREzlwvMLA-UjT4giW8HsbBG9OCVoszO9SlBrTwBqnzTzFCHe5RNLJtR4kMcF29lV_OIwArNCm7USo14uI/s1500/21931%20Wakefield%20Ct%20Santa-large-011-012-Wakefield%20Ct12-1500x1000-72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtugXkWSFBJep5-13VotbZpJLi9C1MpQsCjIcvUtSIttCzOXvRrm1zEiLOp0Pa9XPUX48HzWGsmAwNuwbYCYnihCThWr7-PF_wVKb_gSZHeOREzlwvMLA-UjT4giW8HsbBG9OCVoszO9SlBrTwBqnzTzFCHe5RNLJtR4kMcF29lV_OIwArNCm7USo14uI/s320/21931%20Wakefield%20Ct%20Santa-large-011-012-Wakefield%20Ct12-1500x1000-72dpi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the beginning of this year it was similar, <b>but,</b> we had 100 more homes available for sale!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully interest rates have gone down. I know, broken record. I am crossing fingers, toes, legs, and eyeballs, hoping that the fed does hold the course with 3 further downward rate changes in 2024.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year was a good year for Leslie, Jennifer, and myself. We helped quite a few people with their real estate needs. Wasn't like 2020-2021, but it was still a healthy market for a lot of families.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We already have a couple of sellers in the throes of getting their home ready for market. In and out of Santa Clarita. Yes, we do go outside the SCV bubble ... at times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And reminder, we can assist you in locating a great agent out of state if you don't have any friends where you're going to refer you to one they know. We know what to ask, what to look for, how to find you the closest to us we possibly can.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wishing you the best of the rest of 2023 and we'll talk again in .... Oh My ...2024!!!</div><br /><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-84180379999649358632023-12-15T07:41:00.000-08:002023-12-15T07:41:36.775-08:00 The Fed Holds Rates Steady, Expects 3 Rate Cuts In 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i> The Fed holds rates steady, expects 3 rate cuts in 2024</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">The Fed's decision marks the fourth pause in 2023 after hiking rates 11 times since March 2022</p><p style="text-align: center;">HousingWire: By Sarah Marx and James Kleimann</p><p>The Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) held its short-term policy interest rate steady at a range of 5.25% to 5.5% at its last meeting of the year on Wednesday. It was the fourth pause recorded in 2023.</p><p>Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said that while inflation remains âelevated,â the Fed anticipates making three 25 basis point rate cuts in 2024, a signal to Investors that hikes are over and a new phase in monetary policy is approaching.</p><p>In other words, hurrah!</p><p>The bond market responded in kind, with the 10-year Treasury yield falling to 4.0% late afternoon on Wednesday, its lowest level since late July.</p><p>âAdditional rate hikes no longer appear to be part of the conversation. It is all about the pace of cuts from here,â said Mike Fratantoni, the chief economist of the Mortgage Bankers Association. âThis is good news for the housing and mortgage markets. We expect that this path for monetary policy should support further declines in mortgage rates, just in time for the spring housing market. We are forecasting modest growth in new and existing home sales in 2024, supporting growth in purchase originations, following an extraordinarily slow 2023.â</p><p>In 2023, the Fed hiked the benchmark federal funds rate by a quarter-point at four meetings, most recently in July.</p><p>Financial conditions have eased since the last FOMC meeting on Nov. 1. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell to 4.2% during the inter-meeting period from 4.8%. Simultaneously, futures markets priced in a higher chance of more rate hikes by the end of 2024. </p><p>Despite a stronger-than-expected November jobs report, the slowing growth pace of new jobs, the slowing of wage growth and the modest rise in the unemployment rate suggest a cooling of the economy in the coming year, Selma Hepp, chief economist at CoreLogic, said in a statement last week. Meanwhile, overall inflation slowed in November but core inflation remained stubbornly high. Many economists say the current Fed policy is restrictive enough, if not too restrictive.</p><p>Rate relief in 2024</p><p>At the beginning of November, Freddie Macâs Primary Mortgage Market Survey index hovered just below 8%. It now sits just above 7%, bringing some relief to rate-sensitive homebuyers. </p><p>While conditions have improved, mortgage rates remain high. Prospective homebuyers bear the brunt of the lack of affordability while home sellers continue to cling to their historically low rate, pandemic-era mortgages.</p><p>No industry has been harder hit by the Fedâs monetary policy in 2023 than mortgage.</p><p>According to TransUnion, mortgage originations are down nearly 37% year-over-year, from 1.9 million in Q2 2022 to 1.2 million in Q2 2023. Dozens of lenders have gone out of business or been forced to merge in 2023.</p><p>Economists in the housing space see better days ahead.</p><p>âThe Fedâs projections for 2024 will continue to anticipate a normalization in monetary policy in the year ahead,â said Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale.</p><p>Hale has forecast mortgage rates to ease further in 2024 as inflation improves and Fed rate cuts draw closer.</p><p>âMortgage rates could near 6.5% by the end of the year, a key factor in starting to provide affordability relief to homebuyers,â Hale said. </p><p>Among the first customers to benefit from reduced interest rates would be those who are currently making payments on mortgages with high rates. </p><p>According to TransUnion data, since January 2021, there have been 3 million new mortgages originated with interest rates of 6% of higher, the total balance of which being over $1 Trillion. The monthly payments of each of these high interest mortgages averages $2,201.</p><p>If interest rates dropped to even 5.5%, it could result in significant savings for homeowners, as refinancing at that rate could result in an average monthly payment of $1,917 for them, a reduction of $284 every month, said Michele Raneri, VP of U.S. research and consulting at TransUnion. âThis would represent nearly $300 a month that these homeowners would be able to use elsewhere in this continued high cost-of-living environment in which every dollar counts.â</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxyOQaKFtvtORw5H-L2UHJbZ5_i_N9ElH5uaZcqupQxt2Qlu0NE78YT9WDQ-Hdnrw4bvqdWUnWDYOAieyxEdw_oOeYQR9_VMcMc2EZbcwb1A4DkxPZbTjICK3z_qjKdPc7PcpHdNbNJOipFBGRfe9opK8ha6vV7t7arcZPmDk8JWL1N5T70u0XJGQBYI/s362/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="139" data-original-width="362" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxyOQaKFtvtORw5H-L2UHJbZ5_i_N9ElH5uaZcqupQxt2Qlu0NE78YT9WDQ-Hdnrw4bvqdWUnWDYOAieyxEdw_oOeYQR9_VMcMc2EZbcwb1A4DkxPZbTjICK3z_qjKdPc7PcpHdNbNJOipFBGRfe9opK8ha6vV7t7arcZPmDk8JWL1N5T70u0XJGQBYI/s320/download.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are extremely hopeful!</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-43250817969853716042023-12-08T11:33:00.000-08:002023-12-08T11:33:23.508-08:00Holiday Decorating When Selling Your Home<p>Generally I prefer that you do <i>not </i>do a complete holiday decoration if you are selling your home. It also depends on the type of market we are in, of course. If it's a put up a sign and your house is sold kind of market, have at it. However, if it's a more normal market, best not to do too much decorating as that's a sure sign that the house has been languishing on the market if the pictures are all about Christmas and it's now Valentine's day.</p><p>But, just to show I'm not the only one.....</p><p>Courtesy of Kara Wahlgren @ HGTV:</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Staging Tips for Selling During the Holidays. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Before you deck the halls, see which holiday decor can help you sell.</p><p>Itâs the time of year that calendars are packed with holiday parties, budgets are strained by gift-giving and the roads are covered in freshly fallen snow. Alas, 'tis not the season for real estate. But the good news is that the few brave house-hunters who do venture out are serious about buying a house and stylish trimmings will make them want to ring in the new year in your home.</p><p>âHolidays can be personal on a lot of levels, but you want to make sure your decor is neutral,â advises Amy Powers, owner of Accent Home Staging & Interiors of Atlanta. âYou want to romance your buyer, not invite them to your Christmas party.â</p><p>Try these tips to get buyers in the right spirit:</p><p>Clean and stage. âBefore you decorate, your house needs to be staged,â Powers says. If your living room is already piled high with clutter and tchotchkes, your ceramic reindeer collection is only going to add to the sense of overcrowding.</p><p>Create a cozy vibe. The less-is-more mantra of home staging may tempt you to forgo holiday cheer this year. But a few subtle touches like a bowl of pinecones, an evergreen wreath, or a pot of cider simmering on the stove can create a warm and festive feeling in your home.</p><p>Complement your palette. Before you start untangling your tinsel, make sure your holiday collection matches your current decor. If your living room is painted a soothing ocean-blue hue, skip the clashing red garland and opt for white snowflakes or a silver glass-ball wreath. If youâve got an earthy color scheme, accent with rich tones like cranberries, forest greens and gold.</p><p>Accentuate the positive. Too many trimmings may distract buyers, but the right accessories can draw attention to your homeâs best features. Dangle mistletoe in an arched doorway, or display your menorah on the ledge of a bay window; just donât block a beautiful view with stick-on snowflake decals or clutter an elegant fireplace with personalized stockings.</p><p>Go light on lights. Step away from the inflatable snowman, Clark Griswold. One manâs âmerryâ is another manâs âtacky,â so tone down any garish light displays while your home is on the market. (No, your neighbors didnât pay us to say that.) Instead, use simple string lighting to play up your homeâs architecture or draw attention to the gorgeous fir tree in your front yard.</p><p>Be an equal-opportunity decorator. Leave the life-sized Nativity scene in storage this year, because overtly religious flourishes may be off-putting to some buyers. âYou want to keep neutrality throughout, so you can attract any type of buyer,â Powers says. Not sure what qualifies? Powers adds, âNo matter what your religion is, youâre not going to feel offended by a nutcracker.â</p><p>Mind the tree. A tall Christmas tree can help you show off your two-story great room, but make sure the wide base wonât overwhelm the floor space. If your living area is on the small side, save space with a skinny tree. Swap the gaudy heirloom ornaments and trim your tree in a cohesive theme such as icicle lights and silver tinsel, for example, or blue and gold glass balls.</p><p>Clear the clutter. A few decorations can stir the holiday spirit, but donât feel obliged to hang every last ornament. âA lot of people, when they decorate, tend to use all the extra space in their house,â Powers says. âYou still want each space to look as spacious as possible.â Limit yourself to a few hints of holiday flair, but stash the rest in the basement for now. If you start to miss your Santa figurines, just remember that with a little luck, youâll be celebrating next yearâs holidays in a new home. And you can decorate that place any way you please."</p><p style="text-align: center;">I agree with what she said in it's entirety!</p><p style="text-align: center;">If you wonder what's too much in the way of decorations? You likely already realize it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">But, we're happy to pop over and tell you our humble opinion.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvaGe177OWkC_s22gMSIdQavSOEwsU1YrhttrcR2dMqjRoE_G0boxanhzqnanKKMMohUGdUm-Pw4P-65WEyxWjNpWyEtj7wWur3bCAfaHXHz495EwozFkL5d0X2GP7VyD5g8j5orY5JX8uMQAgSB39w0u_lD8h9gj5KL8VELA19Y7diR6gh9qWf0w3R8/s1080/Happy-Holidays-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvaGe177OWkC_s22gMSIdQavSOEwsU1YrhttrcR2dMqjRoE_G0boxanhzqnanKKMMohUGdUm-Pw4P-65WEyxWjNpWyEtj7wWur3bCAfaHXHz495EwozFkL5d0X2GP7VyD5g8j5orY5JX8uMQAgSB39w0u_lD8h9gj5KL8VELA19Y7diR6gh9qWf0w3R8/s320/Happy-Holidays-2.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happiest of Holidays to you all!</div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-45222032067317403202023-12-01T08:53:00.000-08:002023-12-01T08:53:47.220-08:00Crystal Ball Housing Time <p>So many people wondering where the housing market is going. People look to me any my 'family' of agents for our opinions. So we share them. And, while between the three of us, we have 40+ years experience, we are still just using that experience to project what we expect will happen. Not what we absolutely know will happen. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYvWq7qJh9HmhQpEjjVeO5kNrYII2IY5OTu4wMJAJghred6FOrI2_ZKRXweNZRgwudxzXpilBZAaCvvW4yLN3DiSd2uyyuS_h3BPcjBchvN0isJgL4ouFgLnihvhReqIj6Zc0wtimcHsR4MiIMNnyxrt6wRwmgrKCV-bZ49cRxhMKkCyhBFbW10Gkztc/s900/the-page-house-thru-a-crystal-ball-faith-burns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="900" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYvWq7qJh9HmhQpEjjVeO5kNrYII2IY5OTu4wMJAJghred6FOrI2_ZKRXweNZRgwudxzXpilBZAaCvvW4yLN3DiSd2uyyuS_h3BPcjBchvN0isJgL4ouFgLnihvhReqIj6Zc0wtimcHsR4MiIMNnyxrt6wRwmgrKCV-bZ49cRxhMKkCyhBFbW10Gkztc/s320/the-page-house-thru-a-crystal-ball-faith-burns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2024 is likely going to swing the market a bit. It's been an intense Sellers market for several years now. Interest rates are below 8, but not by much. I've seen a few price reductions already too. California home insurance costs and availability will continue to plague. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Good side to be thankful for? Inflation is easing just a tad. <i>If </i>that continues, albeit slowly, we should see a further reduction in home loan interest rates. As rates creep down a bit, we'll see a few more homes on the market as it becomes an easier pill to swallow for a Seller to repurchase a home that currently has a below 5% rate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, it's really a huge partnership with inflation. Housing / Inflation. They go hand in hand. We need to get that under control so we can get interest rates down. Get more inventory. Get homes more affordable. Buyers want to buy, Sellers want to sell. Right now we are still in the 'need' to sell or buy, not just want.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a client just this week that found out what their preapproval looked like with the higher rates. Now, they are a strong 'want', but we still need to find out how we're going to make it happen financially.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another buyer of ours was just a 'meh, I want', but they moved forward with a step loan to get into the home with expectations of rates going down to refi later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An upcoming Seller with a tenant occupied property is having their tenants talk to a lender. They don't want to move. Would like to buy the house. But, can they? We shall see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Interest rates, lack of inventory, inflation. If that all gets better, housing will to. So, see? While we expect it to get better, our experience says it should, we make no promises. It's just our little crystal ball we're reading for you.</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-81691663864894359622023-11-17T08:44:00.000-08:002023-11-17T08:44:59.282-08:00Santa Clarita Home Sales Info - November 17, 2023<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Well, first off, THANK YOU!!! đ</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuDCTsvDQiFl9mYNmQn7TcV0gPju4EABd5-pPpivv8ACDsqWOS-zS4s8nAXA7wa8WrT_WyppOxj1xaz3quZryPyy3TfoZcXe8HybYdmMn-jquLP5EgVK_D9K-b7UsyMFt-PKOyMj4ewbs3KYaPQhPx-WSXEBuBe2mKCsTDBDquoaZgxcHZln9XOkX4uc/s1080/Grateful%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuDCTsvDQiFl9mYNmQn7TcV0gPju4EABd5-pPpivv8ACDsqWOS-zS4s8nAXA7wa8WrT_WyppOxj1xaz3quZryPyy3TfoZcXe8HybYdmMn-jquLP5EgVK_D9K-b7UsyMFt-PKOyMj4ewbs3KYaPQhPx-WSXEBuBe2mKCsTDBDquoaZgxcHZln9XOkX4uc/s320/Grateful%20(1).png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even in this wild market, you've entrusted us with your home purchases and sales over and over again. You've referred many people to us, and we appreciate the trust you have placed in our open hands. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. đ</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On to the home sales info:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0em3NRjTj8gI0K6vbnMqNmGDpBDrJUWxyfvi_CXB1KqEXbLbzJjRP09KeCa8bzulh8oIOvLqYtye3BhtW8SSeLj3ghFxpMxVJf4haOoWNNT1qzxAYqUtc8T-yPIXvxzlLkihsSfEdgcu37KnXDuCo1-65gHVmSwdWwj2k0ygd-43AHhBHwdRhAT1jc4Q/s1500/22626%20La%20Rochelle%20Dr%20Santa-large-029-027-Front%20Exterior%20wOversized-1500x1000-72dpi(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0em3NRjTj8gI0K6vbnMqNmGDpBDrJUWxyfvi_CXB1KqEXbLbzJjRP09KeCa8bzulh8oIOvLqYtye3BhtW8SSeLj3ghFxpMxVJf4haOoWNNT1qzxAYqUtc8T-yPIXvxzlLkihsSfEdgcu37KnXDuCo1-65gHVmSwdWwj2k0ygd-43AHhBHwdRhAT1jc4Q/s320/22626%20La%20Rochelle%20Dr%20Santa-large-029-027-Front%20Exterior%20wOversized-1500x1000-72dpi(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Home sales in SCV, including Acton, Agua Dulce, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Val Verde, and Castaic were pretty much the same as last month as you can see in the picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Interest rates have been high, dropped down for a moment, back up again. Inventory is at best a 1.5 month supply which is what is keeping home sales moving even amongst the high interest rates. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Please give congratulations to our Jennifer!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq-PxshWHCvzfmvp9Mks0bKHh4DPF-FYawJP7aA867vzSEs5fNHwgKV4sriQbP9OrgOWRGnm-iqHoGFaQI39rl_THFpL1-PLnMs_rcz_MsBnnAHZTJbvuiugKGrValqnzCZWXk0Yuw7ImeS0LZAaAe1UHBlHcQNoklp6CezSeasj2C0vEfPD5d0b3BsQ/s1286/400947453_6829759553766389_5622551392919432649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1286" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq-PxshWHCvzfmvp9Mks0bKHh4DPF-FYawJP7aA867vzSEs5fNHwgKV4sriQbP9OrgOWRGnm-iqHoGFaQI39rl_THFpL1-PLnMs_rcz_MsBnnAHZTJbvuiugKGrValqnzCZWXk0Yuw7ImeS0LZAaAe1UHBlHcQNoklp6CezSeasj2C0vEfPD5d0b3BsQ/s320/400947453_6829759553766389_5622551392919432649_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This girl is working so hard for our clients and it shows!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's weird for me to not see <i>my</i> name on our sales boards, Zillow, top producers, etc. But, my ladies are doing all the footwork and I'm in the background when you or they need me. I'm completely aware of the transaction/contract as it's happening, but I give all the recognition to them. And, I'm happy to see their success' through all of you that trust me to trust them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you need anything, give me a jingle. If you want to talk about Real Estate, I'm always around. If you want to buy or sell a home, we've all got you covered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wishing you all the joys that the upcoming holiday season should bring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lauren, Leslie, & Jennifer.</div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-50518472074567905002023-11-10T08:19:00.000-08:002023-11-10T08:19:10.732-08:00Commission Lawsuit - Thoughts/Opinions/Facts<p>So, yeah, it's been rather annoying how many articles I've been getting dripped into my email about the recent huge lawsuit over Real Estate commissions. But, yeah, I've been sucked into reading everything that lands in it and searching out other opinions and facts as well.</p><p>And, now, here we are wondering what the heck is going to shake out, right? Well, nothing for quite some time as NAR (National Association of Realtors) and the two big brokers all named in the suit, are already in the fight to change the outcome. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9r13MX6MM2pW2-L7kZH_TEhn8-DTaT24JMD3MbSjbsbMc14wOGie9NHzdUhq7zHtfUmPZDd-iJBUNNtKZGzO_3Jct7Z0-a-3u9gv5nrzI1N5IjAtl4MGYaRdhIvGCamLlr2mUpFjoAZyRoISspW-wVwSHPVf770u0jYiVwpjxlu7US3LME-dLyFGpnQ/s640/021dcb01836e297284dc618639d4d81b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9r13MX6MM2pW2-L7kZH_TEhn8-DTaT24JMD3MbSjbsbMc14wOGie9NHzdUhq7zHtfUmPZDd-iJBUNNtKZGzO_3Jct7Z0-a-3u9gv5nrzI1N5IjAtl4MGYaRdhIvGCamLlr2mUpFjoAZyRoISspW-wVwSHPVf770u0jYiVwpjxlu7US3LME-dLyFGpnQ/s320/021dcb01836e297284dc618639d4d81b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For now, it will be much of the same. Seller will pay a certain commission, always been negotiable, to listing agent who will share generally half of it with the buyers agent. Let's talk about the word negotiable for a moment. We, my 3 lovely ladies and I, charge between 5-6% on all listings, generally 5%, but if it's going to be more challenging for whatever reason, we would charge 6. The 6 number is what is boasting around the lawsuit, saying we've been over charging with that amount. Well, 21 years ago, that was standard, nowadays it's 5%. And, there are plenty of discount brokers who charge less. They come and go, and, well, you get what you pay for. No BS there. You want a top notch attorney? Pay through the nose for one. Best doctor, pay extra out of pocket since they aren't in network, right? Best Realtor? The one that keeps up with allllll the laws, the regulations, etc? Pay them what they are worth too. Now, I just recently had someone ask me for a discount. I graciously said my team works too hard to do discount pricing. She shopped around and came back to our little group of 3 lovely ladies. Should have charged her 6 though, she was a huge challenge the entire time! But, that was negotiable to us. Nope, we generally won't do it for less. She had a choice and realized we were the best choice. Everyone has that opportunity. Every time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes I feel like we make an astronomical amount of money on the sale of, say, a 2M home. And, the last time I sold one of those I gave my buyer a 10K credit out of my earnings. TEN THOUSAND dollars out of my pocket to help him with the pricing on the home. He didn't like me doing it, but I insisted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, then, when I look at the bottom dollar of what I make? After all my expenses? (I'm not going to bother to list them) All my time spent? I deserve every penny I make. And, it's our choice if you're going to get a discount on our fees, our choice. Your choice if you have us work with you or not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving forward, if the lawsuit sticks. Buyers would get screwed royally. I mean royally. Imagine a first time buyer, squeaking every penny they have for a down payment, loan costs, etc. And, now, they have to pay their agent too? You know what will happen? They will ask for a Seller credit to help with those extra costs. Or, they just won't buy a home. And, then? Sellers will either end up paying for the buyers agent fee or there will be more sellers on the market and then they'll have to drop their price a few times to get a buyer in that is willing to pay the extra costs that the Seller has for years, and years, years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess I wouldn't be so opinionated on the subject of Realtor commissions if I hadn't been through the battles over 21+ years helping people in and out of homes. Battles with the other agent, the market, the appraiser, the repairs, the lender, the everyone. We agents do battles for our clients that you aren't even aware of. If all of a sudden, agents were expected to say, work for 1/2? What kind of motivation do you truly think we'd have in answering the phone at 10pm when you're freaking out over a low appraisal. Or calling the escrow officer at 6am to see where the heck the buyers loan docs are so you can get your escrow closed?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A good Realtor deserves a good pay. Just like an artist, an attorney, a doctor, insurance sales person (mine is awesome and worth every penny), and just like you. Just Like You. Would you like to wake up one day and have your boss say, "Oh, hey, we've decided you make too much money so we're cutting your salary by 50%." Nope, You wouldn't like that possibility either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, there you are. My thoughts, opinions, and the facts on this dilemma. We'll see how it shakes out and how it affects the future of home sellers, buyers, and Realtors.</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-43619555311487337312023-10-27T07:39:00.000-07:002023-10-27T07:39:58.065-07:00Farmhouse Is Out, Brutalism Is In ... Home Decor for 2024<p>But first, the definition of Brutalism in relation to home decor:</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Raw materials, textured surfaces, simple silhouettes and geometric shapes are the hallmarks of Brutalist interior design. The trend comes from the post-Mid-Century era which celebrated grandeur, glam, geometric forms and repetitive patterns." "The brutalist movement first emerged in the 1950s. Led by French-Swiss architect Le Corbusier, its central tenants were the use of concrete, unfinished industrial materials, strong structural elements, rigid shapes, and a monochromatic color scheme."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ3k7qc-Uuq9QrUXN-CyPkzRD0SN5jXVYh-xEEFrhrCkW6Nhud1aCnwHROJV8DOpcoTsyhrOqLkgkjo4QhX7WXeOwSuTQi3XVP1KcubpGO2VgsXHyXNzBo6jjZnO58EzekNHSCi_XkVTv7KWQB_4rqBaVLK_l8DcyZJButP-QGpl1VpiX0Z1vSB1seig/s480/Terracotta-Dining-Collection-and-Ceramic-Vases-by-FAINA-Yellowtrace_large.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="480" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ3k7qc-Uuq9QrUXN-CyPkzRD0SN5jXVYh-xEEFrhrCkW6Nhud1aCnwHROJV8DOpcoTsyhrOqLkgkjo4QhX7WXeOwSuTQi3XVP1KcubpGO2VgsXHyXNzBo6jjZnO58EzekNHSCi_XkVTv7KWQB_4rqBaVLK_l8DcyZJButP-QGpl1VpiX0Z1vSB1seig/s320/Terracotta-Dining-Collection-and-Ceramic-Vases-by-FAINA-Yellowtrace_large.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzYbTvEkEYh1YAnE5sot7K64p6dYu5Fy9Zocc0prGeSfvfMDXhM0UDq_7lN-5mC3EN_yH3aTOt9d5nP8ZYBOy4zCDJGtpsSW7ZJsyiAlsVKkTuVz5sGrCX0nEqzyxJuOpLmlbi1pi6d9SWN47fsTXw4J1jTRzup1moN7xOt2Ms1J58K6e_4W1oSyW5yQ/s838/Brutalism_blog_banner_1024x.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="838" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzYbTvEkEYh1YAnE5sot7K64p6dYu5Fy9Zocc0prGeSfvfMDXhM0UDq_7lN-5mC3EN_yH3aTOt9d5nP8ZYBOy4zCDJGtpsSW7ZJsyiAlsVKkTuVz5sGrCX0nEqzyxJuOpLmlbi1pi6d9SWN47fsTXw4J1jTRzup1moN7xOt2Ms1J58K6e_4W1oSyW5yQ/s320/Brutalism_blog_banner_1024x.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKD-V-bRqe5fkz4tZzhUzNuOLYnIb3I2Xz2Rgmg9rBPc0U40-P7p1P9cPvtr1BtmE2iWKwjQw5jZMd3sNTzQGzuWEQLK7jEPzkCnZu5KFlBymnAM8Se8qUgfugt09wxmYcuGRLCwl9liXmPvYT61gjbjwbxww5TKP44d14j_MLGiWaenP49BfhdgCeHQ/s1600/230205_EP_KhaiteFlagship_023-HiRes.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKD-V-bRqe5fkz4tZzhUzNuOLYnIb3I2Xz2Rgmg9rBPc0U40-P7p1P9cPvtr1BtmE2iWKwjQw5jZMd3sNTzQGzuWEQLK7jEPzkCnZu5KFlBymnAM8Se8qUgfugt09wxmYcuGRLCwl9liXmPvYT61gjbjwbxww5TKP44d14j_MLGiWaenP49BfhdgCeHQ/s320/230205_EP_KhaiteFlagship_023-HiRes.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>There was a study done recently, watching notes that agents were putting in listing descriptions. And, of course, those words mean WE agents suspect that is what buyers are looking for. Or, does it mean, WE are nudging these buyers to find those things pleasing to the palette that a home flipper or builder has created? <div><br /></div><div>I believe there is a place for all home design. This Brutalist style is for an age bracket or location, while the Farmhouse (that is supposedly out) may still be the style of choice for another age and/or homes' location.</div><div><br /></div><div>While sometimes we are stuck with the furniture and decor sold to create our home environment, we still have to create something that is comfortable for us. For you, your partner, and your family.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like the one Jennifer just put into escrow for our team, with 14 offers in one weekend. It was vacant, what a delight those home buyers will have creating their new home environment. Whether it be Brutalist, Farm House, or Bohemianism, it'll be alllll theirs!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-72769720649925689842023-10-20T10:16:00.001-07:002023-10-20T10:16:18.774-07:00This Guy's Been Around Fooooorever! <p>He's actually not a lender I work with a lot, but he has been in our community for a very long time. Somehow I got on his email drip campaign. I scan everything he sends. Sometimes, like today, they become a blog topic!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, since I'm using some of his info, here's my way of saying thanks!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRF0IZKAhJ1NQuxgWYeqtSDSMb75xUj1G2VDMRXY0D00mH5eEBR5oN0x1CdHmrvFMRoQbazhN4wKO3QEMSxpqB1msxPIN9zDJZVXucsIaVKTa9q2VhxbKvZc_Tc_UUDycdWsKsUzZixyyQW-bgt7rvsUi1eCYwHd0q8VjgtO1sws2jvj6LHT1ZbIRGFWU/s1200/mail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="1200" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRF0IZKAhJ1NQuxgWYeqtSDSMb75xUj1G2VDMRXY0D00mH5eEBR5oN0x1CdHmrvFMRoQbazhN4wKO3QEMSxpqB1msxPIN9zDJZVXucsIaVKTa9q2VhxbKvZc_Tc_UUDycdWsKsUzZixyyQW-bgt7rvsUi1eCYwHd0q8VjgtO1sws2jvj6LHT1ZbIRGFWU/s320/mail.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>From Mike Meena:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Let's dive into the mysterious world of interest rates â the stuff of both financial witchcraft and nightmares. Some folks keep whispering about "buying rates down," last week, we gave Temporary Buydowns a spin. This week, we're unraveling permanent Rate Buydowns. </div><div> </div><div>Imagine you're eyeing a house with a 25% down payment on a $800,000.00 home. Your credit is so good that it practically does your taxes for you, and you're not spending points like a contestant on a game show. The regular interest rate stands at approximately 7.99%. Anything lower than that is your golden ticket to the Permanent Buydown party.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here comes the punchline: Points in the mortgage world are like that side dish you didn't order but somehow ended up on your plate. One Point equals 1% of the loan amount but is not 1% off of your interest rate. It's like expecting a piece of broccoli to taste like a chocolate truffle.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, let's break it down with some wit:</div><div><br /></div><div>Purchase Price: $800,000.00</div><div>Loan Amount: $600,000.00</div><div>Interest Rates (with the accompanying Points and Monthly Payments):</div><div><br /></div><div>7.990% - 0 Points - $4,398.41</div><div>7.625% - 1 Point - $4,246.76</div><div>7.250% - 2 Points - $4,093.06</div><div>6.990% - 3 Points - $3,987.79</div><div>6.750% - 4 Points - $3,891.59</div><div>6.625% - 5 Points - $3,841.87</div><div>6.375% - 6 Points - $3,743.22</div><div>6.250% - 7 Points - $3,694.30</div><div><br /></div><div>In the current housing market, some homes are flying off the shelves faster than discount candy on November 1st. But if your property is sitting on the market like that leftover Halloween candy, it's time for a strategy. You have two options: offer to buy down the interest rate or lower the property price.</div><div> </div><div>If I were the buyer, I'd be tempted by the 2/1 Buydown like a kid in a candy store. I get a sweet 5.99% rate for the first year, a 6.99% delight in year two, and a 7.99% dessert from year three onwards. With the Permanent buydown of the same 3 points, I get the lifetime membership to the 6.99% club. Not a bad deal, right? OK, maybe not, but get used to it! LOL</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're selling an $800,000.00 property, parting with $18,000.00 to spice things up sounds good. It's like adding extra cheese to your nachos â always a good call! If your property is sitting, you need to do something, and if you have low offers, a buydown could fill the gap!"</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a great sense of humor, right?</div><div style="text-align: center;">We've got a 700k property that just hit the market. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Think our Seller should consider a buydown?</div><div style="text-align: center;">We shall seeeeee..... Open Houses Alllll Weekend!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9poRTj0SQlLpnIrpDaSAboxUSkPlb9JVHshdwXfT6NpoY9g6Jdndn5WKdRUrNEXtEdPakCHnLuXbYPrv_rTIXNNqOw4XWw1nyDGAmL9tw-um7VkIn_rnFH3T7nt6ZeYkH6Mlnx90EhbB7BW0xd6vITKRFpKqQGp5VH3p2xCQe2PUU2kyih7U40d8kbLs/s964/394271281_18281864233147697_4347749876964954512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="964" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9poRTj0SQlLpnIrpDaSAboxUSkPlb9JVHshdwXfT6NpoY9g6Jdndn5WKdRUrNEXtEdPakCHnLuXbYPrv_rTIXNNqOw4XWw1nyDGAmL9tw-um7VkIn_rnFH3T7nt6ZeYkH6Mlnx90EhbB7BW0xd6vITKRFpKqQGp5VH3p2xCQe2PUU2kyih7U40d8kbLs/w400-h300/394271281_18281864233147697_4347749876964954512_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">25133 De Wolfe Rd in Newhall</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-42453386746305297382023-10-12T13:38:00.000-07:002023-10-12T13:38:21.525-07:00Santa Clarita Home Sales Activity October 2023<p>Just starting the 3rd quarter of 2023 and it's still a wild ride with some definite changes! I keep track of all things Santa Clarita and her surrounding communities. Homes, townhouses, condos! </p><p>Biggest news? Well, other than those dratted interest rates? Inventory has climbed 10% since last month. Still low, but based upon the number of escrows closing in a 30 day period, we now have 1.5 months of inventory.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh852LKFHVUkvW7Mxg_tIt14y_s6kqN2qcu0qTnSFOhwyeinQnD0Qsg9nUimherF8fULHP4q1iw7z8oti_JbLILWvl7J9cPOHBARhotfKycaOnz7ZJqBnFDpGM32-yzB8QG6WOWCYxQNrXRekKB1mVm4Rym_YfabiZY6QU10xxCt2fukmt5j64MguMWqq0/s1500/27527%20Falling%20Star%20Ln%20Santa-large-001-001-Falling%20Star%201-1500x1000-72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh852LKFHVUkvW7Mxg_tIt14y_s6kqN2qcu0qTnSFOhwyeinQnD0Qsg9nUimherF8fULHP4q1iw7z8oti_JbLILWvl7J9cPOHBARhotfKycaOnz7ZJqBnFDpGM32-yzB8QG6WOWCYxQNrXRekKB1mVm4Rym_YfabiZY6QU10xxCt2fukmt5j64MguMWqq0/s320/27527%20Falling%20Star%20Ln%20Santa-large-001-001-Falling%20Star%201-1500x1000-72dpi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy to say a few of these numbers are from my team!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, in case you can't read the type on the photo....We have:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">12 in the Coming Soon Category. You know the ones getting ready to get on market.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">342 Active available for sale. That's houses, condos, townhouses in all of SCV.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">258 in Escrow. Buyer & Seller are working through their contract, inspections, loans, etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, 209 Sold in the last 30 days. Closed escrow, also known as sold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Interesting, so you don't have to look for it.... last month numbers were, in the same order:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">11 - 1 less</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">304 - 38 less</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">293 - 35 more</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">203 - 6 less....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, the key items to notice is that we have more inventory, and less in escrow. Why you ask? Because obviously the market is changing a teeny bit. Interest rates, home insurance hikes, and seasonal changes are not going to help this situation. So, what should you do?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sell when you need to sell, buy when you need to buy.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Whatever is right for you and/or your family.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would say, off the top of my head, the majority of sellers we have had this year are leaving California. The majority of Buyers are buying due to work or family changes. Need to sell to leave. Need to buy for changes. It was/is right for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you need help deciding if the time is right for you, just holler. Leslie, Jennifer, and myself will always be there to help you in any way we can.</div><br /><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-57227686390161114842023-10-06T08:03:00.002-07:002023-10-06T08:03:43.182-07:00FORBES: California Housing Market: Whatâs Happening In 2023?<p><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Friday Blog day and I just read, skipping all the dang ads, a good article from Forbes. An honest one. We hear so may thoughts about where the market is and where it's going, this was too good not to share. You're welcome ..... I copied and pasted so you didn't have to deal with the ads popping up on your screen too!</i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRnxdF1hZPV0Qcr4eo6UcKdwR2O0MXqfv5t5mpuSzuiffyAWRavSdJGFIc6Wvf-1wbcNKeOs9shV-79INHsqnEzDJeZa3Y6Tnkn2w0vAkJrMWvc3snG-OOY74N6Fz4qSZyEnbdhDGKIBwaFIvn1hsySVJgNQxtggr-bjjKjmmObOWNaPyq0X_rIL5cK8/s958/960x0.jpeg-24.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="958" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRnxdF1hZPV0Qcr4eo6UcKdwR2O0MXqfv5t5mpuSzuiffyAWRavSdJGFIc6Wvf-1wbcNKeOs9shV-79INHsqnEzDJeZa3Y6Tnkn2w0vAkJrMWvc3snG-OOY74N6Fz4qSZyEnbdhDGKIBwaFIvn1hsySVJgNQxtggr-bjjKjmmObOWNaPyq0X_rIL5cK8/s320/960x0.jpeg-24.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>By Josh Patoka; Contributor</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; text-align: start;">"The California real estate market is one of the most expensive in the U.S. thatâs adjusting to higher mortgage rates</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; text-align: start;"> and rising inflation. However, the Golden State housing market remains healthy in its various regions, including the tech-savvy Bay Area and multi-faceted Southern California.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; text-align: start;"><i>California Housing Market Trends</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; text-align: start;">Home prices vary across California, but markets may follow the same trends. Several metro areas are in the early stages of transitioning from a sellerâs market to a neutral settingâthough homes remain expensive for most buyers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; text-align: start;"><i>Median Sales Price Trends</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; text-align: start;">The majority of median sales prices across California decreased between 2022 and 2023. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><i>First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Index</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">Many first-time homebuyers are struggling to purchase a single-family home in many California counties. </span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">For example, CAR reports that the Housing Affordability Index statewide was 36 in Q1 2023 compared to 58 nationwide. A lower number means housing is less affordable. </span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">Some of the least affordable regions were the SF Bay Area and LA metro area, for indexes of 35 and 36, respectively. </span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">In comparison, the Central Valley is one of the most affordable areas in the state, with scores of 50 in Sacramento and 51 in Fresnoâtwo of the best places to live in California.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><i>California Housing Market Forecast</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">CAR forecasts an overall reduction in existing home sales and median prices for 2023.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><i>Fewer Homes for Sale</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">Single-family home resales dropped by 19.2% from 2021 to 2022. The association predicts 7.2% fewer homes will sell in 2023.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><i>Lower Median Home Price</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">Patient buyers are more likely to be rewarded with lower closing prices. After the median price increased 5.7% year-over-year to $831,500 in 2022, CAR estimates the statewide median price will dip to $758,600 in 2023 for an 8.8% decline.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><i>Real Estate Demand Likely to Remain Steady</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">While sellers in many counties are more likely to slash asking prices and see their homes remain longer on the market, buyer demand and prices should remain steady and will remain a sellerâs market or a neutral market.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><i>California Housing Supply</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">A key indicator is the current housing supply level. Redfin reports an average supply of two months in May 2023. According to Redfin, âmonths of supply indicates how long it would theoretically take for every home thatâs currently on the market to sell based on the current rate of home-selling activity.â </span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">While inventory is increasing, the highest reading within the last five years was in January 2019 with four months of supply. </span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">For now, the relative lack of homes for sale is a favorable factor for sellers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><i>Remote Workers Will Influence Markets</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">Another pivotal factor for home prices in cheaper counties and rural areas is the increased popularity of remote work. Without the burden of daily commutes to work, people are able to live in more favorable locations. </span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">To put this into perspective, the 2022 Consumer Survey from CAR finds that 42% of the 1,114 respondents anticipate working remotely full-time for the foreseeable future. Another 22% are able to work from home on a part-time basis, which allows them to live in locations that are not commuter-friendly.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><i>Is It a Good Time to Buy a House in California?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">If the California housing market predictions are accurate, 2023 will be a better year to buy a home in many counties. Prices are forecasted to be at some of the lowest levels since the pandemic real estate boom began, and inventory is increasing. </span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">A significant pricing factor occurs when looking for the best mortgage rates. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to a 20-year high in November 2022 and edged down slightly by the yearâs end. More buyers must wait for home prices to drop to offset the extra interest costs and maintain an affordable monthly payment.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><i>Is It a Good Time to Sell a House in California?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">In most situations, itâs better for homeowners to sell now instead of waiting because median sales prices are trending lower in many counties and major cities. </span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">While homes are remaining on the market longer and price reductions are becoming more common, inventory is still tight and a fair number of homes continue selling above asking price. As a result, youâre able to sell a home quickly. </span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;">It can also become more difficult to sell if home loan rates continue ticking higher as fewer borrowers can afford homes that are still priced at levels when mortgage rates were at historic lows in 2020 and 2021.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><b><i>The California real estate market remains seller-friendly, but buyers are regaining bargaining power as the local markets rebalance as 2023 continues."</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZmjlexVs7at2oFkrQ6o4LPUlOdStrnppAgM6z67IY5zDkvCYc7i9_3ddnybs3YNbWeA9yHCXPYMs2zjtd-1tRAm84S_7fWJQr1pF4f-X5xhhNDIr2QXFHqSjaITeega7M2aHbRJ14wxuH6PRV9sNvbTN77qp20UzDJKk4mKjvsNwoIXPt7hFrUabHJU/s2880/20230429_074853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZmjlexVs7at2oFkrQ6o4LPUlOdStrnppAgM6z67IY5zDkvCYc7i9_3ddnybs3YNbWeA9yHCXPYMs2zjtd-1tRAm84S_7fWJQr1pF4f-X5xhhNDIr2QXFHqSjaITeega7M2aHbRJ14wxuH6PRV9sNvbTN77qp20UzDJKk4mKjvsNwoIXPt7hFrUabHJU/w200-h200/20230429_074853.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>We're here for all you Real Estate needs. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Just Holler! </b></span></div><br /><i style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></span></div></div></span></span></div><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-30572329758979224362023-09-28T15:25:00.002-07:002023-09-28T15:25:57.660-07:00California Association of Realtors Market Minute September 25, 2023<p>I've read it all and instead of taking small tidbits for you....I'm sharing the entire article from our Association.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWG4GtbjMhAIAzQysFXQ_bT0bZdRVndP-BK1Lo4vMBDyWMHbCxj1rhsJkTkk5Czgps6rzz2duylox3Byn-_eVZ-hBvsKcBS8f_v8eeh8r7fYvsTfDocVtFZPxWvpkacCk2hvBVciE8n8KLdobeEHePPDPlVcVDVL3XJcrwCkqrf7vETRon5Swz63Bcv4Q/s414/Weekly-Data-for-WE-2023-09-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWG4GtbjMhAIAzQysFXQ_bT0bZdRVndP-BK1Lo4vMBDyWMHbCxj1rhsJkTkk5Czgps6rzz2duylox3Byn-_eVZ-hBvsKcBS8f_v8eeh8r7fYvsTfDocVtFZPxWvpkacCk2hvBVciE8n8KLdobeEHePPDPlVcVDVL3XJcrwCkqrf7vETRon5Swz63Bcv4Q/s320/Weekly-Data-for-WE-2023-09-23.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><p>September 25, 2023 - California Association of REALTORSÂŽ forecast improvement in the outlook for sales and prices at the Reimagine! Conference in Anaheim as interest rates will begin to ebb in 2024 and housing inventory and sales pick up. However, recently updated guidance shows that consumers should prepare for interest rates to remain elevated for longer than initially anticipated as the economy, and labor markets in particular, continue to outperform expectations and keep inflation above the target range. Homebuying demand, though still grappling with reduced affordability as rates remain above 7%, saw a modest increase last week, but market trends over the past 2 months suggest that buyers and sellers are beginning to negotiate more with most measures of competitiveness having eased slightly, but consistently, over the past 8 weeks.</p><p>Unemployment claims show labor market still tight: In addition to a strong jobs report for August, which showed a net increase of 23,100 new nonfarm jobs, the latest weekly data showed that Californians were filing new claims for unemployment insurance at the lowest rate since October of 2022. Last week, 35,040 new claims were filed with the stateâs Employment Development Departmentâroughly 1,500 fewer claims than were filed the week prior, which is more than 28,000 few UI claims than were filed during the second week in January. Although tightness in the labor market has been a source of upward pressure on inflation, remaining at or near full employment has helped broader macroeconomic growth perform above expectations over the short run.</p><p>New C.A.R. forecast shows stronger sales and prices in 2024: Last week, C.A.R. released its housing market and economic forecast for 2024, which predicts a modest increase in both home sales and in home prices next year. Although the state is not expected to return to the elevated levels reached during 2021, existing single-family transactions are expected to rise to nearly 330,000 units. This would represent a 22.9% increase from a projected 266,100 units this year. Home prices, which continue to be driven higher by a dearth of available inventory, will continue to rise in 2024, with the median price expected to reach $866,300 on an annual basisâa 6.2% increase from 2023 and slightly higher than the original projection for last year. The recovery is likely to remain subdued, but both inventory and sales should pick up in the second half of the year as rates begin to dip slightly.</p><p>Mortgage applications rise slightly after 8 consecutive declines: Demand for homes continues to come in well below the 15-year highs reached over the past two years, but new mortgage purchase applications perked up slightly last week despite rates trending higher. The overall index rose 12% last week, bucking the 8-week slide that began in July. Despite this modest bump, September as a whole is coming in 12% below August and more than 25% lower than September 2022. There remains growing interest from investors, second/vacation home sales, and from international buyers, but first-time buyers remained challenged by decreasing affordability while repeat sales are locked into their current homes by low rates on their existing mortgages and an increasing number of long-time homeowners facing potential capital gains if they were to sell their existing residence.</p><p>Fed signals higher for longer strategy at latest FOMC meeting: The Federal Reserveâs Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met last week and voted to keep their target interest rate the same at 5.5%. Although this was the expected outcome by oddsmakers, policymakers did signal that they may have to keep rates higher for longer in order to ensure that inflation is tamed. The âdot plot,â which is an estimation of where policymakers think rates need to be in order to achieve their dual mandate of full employment and price stability, showed that rates will need to remain elevated longer than was anticipated when they made their last set of projections at the end of June. Three months ago, consensus expectations amongst voting members called for a 4.5% Fed Funds Rate in 2024, which equated to a 100 basis-point reduction. The new average for 2024 of 5% means the Fed Funds Rate is currently scheduled to come down roughly half as much next year as originally signaled.</p><p>California market softens slightly ahead of winter amidst rising rates: The latest on Californiaâs housing market shows that sales have not dipped back to the lows reached during the winter of 2022, which rates initially rose above 7%. However, transactions did dip below 260,000 units for the first time since January. Additionally, pending sales suggest a sluggish next few months as new escrows dipped by more than 23% from 2022âs relatively lackluster pace in August. In addition, competition has eased slightly as we approach the winter months as the number of homes being reduced has been rising in recent weeks while the percentage of homes selling above their listing price on the MLS has been falling. The rebalancing has been slight, with homes sold above asking price down from 52% in June to 46% last week, but it has been consistent for the past 3 months. The market remained characterized by too little inventory, but as the typical homebuying season has ebbed, homes are taking slightly longer to go pending and buyers and sellers are beginning to negotiate more.</p><p>Sooooo, what chat think? Might this 'forecast' be correct? đ</p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-47075661311497649392023-09-18T09:08:00.000-07:002023-09-18T09:08:14.814-07:00Balconies & Fire Pits? Yes!!<p>So many people are living in condos, apartments, townhouses with no actual backyard. But, hey, that doesn't mean they can't have a lovely fire by the light of the moon, right?</p><p>Now, best to check with your HOA before you spend too much money on a gas-piped in fire pit, but if it's an AOK, then there are so many different ideas.</p><p>Regardless of your view, city, woods, water, a cool evening is begging for sitting outside with a warm drink, a fuzzy blanket, and taking the further chill off with a fire-pit!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a7d9fstCVvvncmuGv55Y8In6fH02trPByv0j0mwRuTvHf0Fexn4xWngacnjVNPCnmvkFMTcqJlpaHKsDYf2A-fLNWeoeChs1vJJz1KIBFOJp3QHcpIwrQ4AuHEL7mjCgBNzBtnC4L6wJyjdqHcsnXkqeITQ77111atBLum33VHI0Iu4xQz7l0lV8boc/s2560/coal-harbour-condo-designed-by-http-olive-eo-com-john-bentley-img~c6617cdf0096aaf5_14-4584-1-c318929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1814" data-original-width="2560" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a7d9fstCVvvncmuGv55Y8In6fH02trPByv0j0mwRuTvHf0Fexn4xWngacnjVNPCnmvkFMTcqJlpaHKsDYf2A-fLNWeoeChs1vJJz1KIBFOJp3QHcpIwrQ4AuHEL7mjCgBNzBtnC4L6wJyjdqHcsnXkqeITQ77111atBLum33VHI0Iu4xQz7l0lV8boc/s320/coal-harbour-condo-designed-by-http-olive-eo-com-john-bentley-img~c6617cdf0096aaf5_14-4584-1-c318929.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one probably is just lit by sterno type inserts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've actually seen a gal make something like this from dollar store items!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChKevkpp6KiP5c2R_rx1cYshcMIkDvTvMf6TxCv_dWX-wM1hKAZW02j36w1rH3iy118y5r4yKx6a0mYnoOrvJ1_uaKl6qF2TTYFf7IGfAa7i6jIXxGfKZTw5ZhpdXU76E1-ClEmYMVkfVGgifii1caM_FwihDhygbIZotEebFSmnflwgAOIY8DdMd9L0/s2000/LX_Chicago64_HOM_Parker_07-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2000" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChKevkpp6KiP5c2R_rx1cYshcMIkDvTvMf6TxCv_dWX-wM1hKAZW02j36w1rH3iy118y5r4yKx6a0mYnoOrvJ1_uaKl6qF2TTYFf7IGfAa7i6jIXxGfKZTw5ZhpdXU76E1-ClEmYMVkfVGgifii1caM_FwihDhygbIZotEebFSmnflwgAOIY8DdMd9L0/s320/LX_Chicago64_HOM_Parker_07-scaled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Based on that view, I'm betting this was a pricey option. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, it goes perfect with the lines of the buildings in the distance, right?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3W6HKtxS9KXAA-VnJX5Sg74-xYtGr5IraC4cZwOHMNbJdPYVBbU9GnfMwf_fDWbt32F0WoPtB03C1UBZ9pkyij2fR1eCDI9pbu_KbndVQpSYv2JFWfAW2_3tIwzCCuEeCoOv5nXNHZpd0wLW4ZY1ae25ne8dnBGzII81Ly8LGZ6vU4pCjGueg2g0UOk/s1500/Envi_YCBLueBirdPCAudreyHall-a283c73e8c394e4b9cd6a8abb1127633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3W6HKtxS9KXAA-VnJX5Sg74-xYtGr5IraC4cZwOHMNbJdPYVBbU9GnfMwf_fDWbt32F0WoPtB03C1UBZ9pkyij2fR1eCDI9pbu_KbndVQpSYv2JFWfAW2_3tIwzCCuEeCoOv5nXNHZpd0wLW4ZY1ae25ne8dnBGzII81Ly8LGZ6vU4pCjGueg2g0UOk/s320/Envi_YCBLueBirdPCAudreyHall-a283c73e8c394e4b9cd6a8abb1127633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah, that's my kinda view all right. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, the firepit may not be gas piped in, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but it does seem to match the shape of the mountain in the distance fairly well too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which one would you pick? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I suppose it would depend on which view you had from your deck or balcony, right?</div>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-78530288956265716672023-09-08T06:39:00.000-07:002023-09-08T06:39:08.136-07:00Santa Clarita Home Sales Activity September 2023<p>Just keeping you informed. All things Real Estate. Particularly revolving around my home town of Santa Clarita Valley!!</p><p>Today it's about home sales. All of SCV, including the outskirts. Those areas are important too.</p><p>We currently have:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Coming Soon - <b>11</b> / Active - <b>304</b> / In Escrow - <b>293</b> / Sold in Last 30 Days - <b>203</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRS1Kesuh49XefNKb0RzwaSJ0tGMHo6I6t35S9y8FwGykGuDaJ8YTCxrEvUrHoK9PnjKn05fFZGu4-Ty1FI7ccvXq4j7XEVF4LUW2qGGn7FY5dWJP8CWIBzRttYySA7tKZHn1-ONjIGybqg2Rn2MpdzWhkoaZ-D54jIPO0T13dBycK7g2XLaW6e0baDo/s1082/30_View%20From%20Master%20Deck%202%20(small)(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1082" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRS1Kesuh49XefNKb0RzwaSJ0tGMHo6I6t35S9y8FwGykGuDaJ8YTCxrEvUrHoK9PnjKn05fFZGu4-Ty1FI7ccvXq4j7XEVF4LUW2qGGn7FY5dWJP8CWIBzRttYySA7tKZHn1-ONjIGybqg2Rn2MpdzWhkoaZ-D54jIPO0T13dBycK7g2XLaW6e0baDo/s320/30_View%20From%20Master%20Deck%202%20(small)(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Interest rates are high, inventory is low. Home insurance is high too. But, guess what? Homes are still selling amazingly. Ya need to buy now, you do. Ya need to sell now, you do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My team currently has 3 homes in the MLS. All 3 are under contract. And, all 3 moved into contract in less than a couple weeks. Buyers? We've got one that we are working with right now. But, we do whatever people need. Buy, Sell, you need it, we help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Where do we think the market is going? It's probably going to do a seasonal slow down over the next few months. But, if mortgage rates trickle down, we will likely see a bit of a surge of buyers. So, as usual, it's us wishing we had a crystal ball to help your decision making easier. Doubtful that we'll see an influx of sellers coming on market unless the same thing happens. Or, we wait til February and see if the onset of Spring brings them out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See, a crystal ball would come in so darn handy right now!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP27gDoshbsxajCFqtyISQlSQfpn3OQ5ZnlXgSSu7mncAokO-lOubW0LQcxKALD99iPOATevGW0GER5QZ2E9UQnfoUufeUus8mf2lfP25vAGT_dZVHaEL36qPbQ0STxEwXriLrva-1aJmfqu1ZNdPo-pNfPbICxTr7KA7AVJAVXBykWqQ1VZdDGk0n7o/s1600/s-l1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP27gDoshbsxajCFqtyISQlSQfpn3OQ5ZnlXgSSu7mncAokO-lOubW0LQcxKALD99iPOATevGW0GER5QZ2E9UQnfoUufeUus8mf2lfP25vAGT_dZVHaEL36qPbQ0STxEwXriLrva-1aJmfqu1ZNdPo-pNfPbICxTr7KA7AVJAVXBykWqQ1VZdDGk0n7o/s320/s-l1600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>If we can help in any way, just give me a jingle.</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I'll get you to the best team member we've got to handle whatever your needs are.</b></span></i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078057782920034417.post-63246066394981823562023-09-01T05:47:00.001-07:002023-09-01T05:47:21.842-07:00Why You Should Definitely Have A Trust<p>If you own property, have monetary assets, and have a family, you should have a Trust. YES, you should. Do we? Ugh, hate to admit it, but we <i>still </i>haven't put ours in order. Next on the To-Do list!</p><p>My mums passed away last year, she was so organized. Everything was in her Trust. Bank accounts, house, everything. She had given my siblings and I copies of the Trust well before she passed. It was from 20+ years prior. But, she kept it current.</p><p>When she passed, it was very simple how things were to be divided. My Big Bro was the executer. Due to the Trust, there was not a single dispute as to how things were to be handled. AND, the taxes for us were completely different from what they would have been if not in a Trust.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrPgk8NchaBYtWDRJyeiDI5DoDiEdOnoGXRjCfhsgXRzyn2aG2z9QqZgDNEoxMgSjj6uhDVyNEMPwzS_OnE6reZbmTinoJj0lpl0Ft68_sK42sMasP66f9_zpTksNinPXAtUqKet8WcpUwdjRbmRieWFxuwZRENaMLWJP6p8AljvfwAd4AH8QFvsWnf4/s1920/Revocable+vs.+irrevocable+trusts-1920w.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrPgk8NchaBYtWDRJyeiDI5DoDiEdOnoGXRjCfhsgXRzyn2aG2z9QqZgDNEoxMgSjj6uhDVyNEMPwzS_OnE6reZbmTinoJj0lpl0Ft68_sK42sMasP66f9_zpTksNinPXAtUqKet8WcpUwdjRbmRieWFxuwZRENaMLWJP6p8AljvfwAd4AH8QFvsWnf4/s320/Revocable+vs.+irrevocable+trusts-1920w.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>The Brief Benefits of Having a Trust:</b></span></div><p>* Protecting and preserving your assets.</p><p>* Customizing and controlling how your wealth is distributed.</p><p>* Minimizing federal or state taxes.</p><p>* Addressing family dynamics; for example, divorce or blended families.</p><p>* Helping a parent or other relative manage their financial affairs.</p><div>As a 20+ year Realtor, I've had my fair share of selling properties with and without a Trust in place after the owner passes. Take my word for it, a WILL does not suffice. And, without a Trust, there will be Probate involved, and more taxes to the beneficiaries. </div><div><br /></div><div>Family, Money, Death..... there are high emotions and, unfortunately, there can be lots of different opinions. Families can fall apart after a death. But, if you have a Trust in place, it will go a lot smoother. And, yes, I'm saying it again, a lot less costly. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZGGE3fBOW8tXS6I8qhTuVj-PxSKAP0qM4KVemfIHLkMuoaBlMjM7mCs-JKYQsjAi8NbI0aEV7cu_dEYwaxnAQ6zsAE92U-_fa94L3zn-xf60OXj1GFtnV4kDIYE9u-Ju3HTN555CctQhtG97bni15ToJLxAkMBc-zzlJn529turPrutbBPXKTosZB4o/s566/family-member-death.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="566" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZGGE3fBOW8tXS6I8qhTuVj-PxSKAP0qM4KVemfIHLkMuoaBlMjM7mCs-JKYQsjAi8NbI0aEV7cu_dEYwaxnAQ6zsAE92U-_fa94L3zn-xf60OXj1GFtnV4kDIYE9u-Ju3HTN555CctQhtG97bni15ToJLxAkMBc-zzlJn529turPrutbBPXKTosZB4o/s320/family-member-death.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you care about your family after death, put your home and assets in a Trust....Now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Lauren WITZ Greberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06046028218076181634noreply@blogger.com0