Summer is Here, Don't Over-Enjoy Your Yard to The Dismay of your Neighbors!

Great reminder article in Houzz this week. Talking about the different scenarios that would allow you to really enjoy your backyard. But, things to think about to keep the peace between neighbors.

AKA ... Common Courtesy

"Many of us move outside during the summer. We host parties in the yard, grill and eat meals on the patio, relax by the pool and work in the garden. However, most of us share our outdoor spaces with uninvited and sometimes reluctant guests: our neighbors. And our outdoor pleasures can be their pain points. Or maybe we’re the ones who suffer from a neighbor’s unwelcome noise or cooking smells.

Because it’s more pleasant to get along with neighbors than not, here are 10 guidelines for considerate outdoor practices and design — no matter which side of the fence you’re on."

1. Keep Lighting on the Down Low - I sure don't want to have someones backyard lights blazing into my dimly lit home.

2. Thank You for Not Smoking - I have a friend that her neighbor constantly smokes in his yard. Another client passed on purchasing a home that people were constantly smoking in the neighbors backyard.

3. Watch the Volume on Outdoor TVs and Music Speakers - I don't think we could put a TV in our yard. I'm always asking hubby to turn it down...INSIDE the house! 

4. Keep a Lid on Pool Noise - Know before you buy that pools can be noisy when in use. And, speak to your neighbor if they are playing Marco Polo in the late hours.

5. Be Mindful of Which Way the Wind Is Blowing - This is actually about wind chimes! Check in with your neighbors before you place your chimes. 

6. Show You’re a Team Player - Kids, they are talking about kids playing in the backyard. Be mindful of where you put the childrens' play space.

7. Don’t Forget Your ‘Petiquette’ - Barking and Pooping. Please courteous to your neighbors. This is one of the biggies.

8. Be Considerate About Composting - I don't want to smell your compost pile. Nuff said.

9. Place Structures Thoughtfully and Be a Good Host - With all the ADU's being added, PLEASE be one of those neighbors that considers your next door pals when considering placement of one. And, if you're going to have guests coming and going....tell them as well.

10. Extend an Invitation — or an Olive Branch - Of course the best way to create peace and harmony with your neighbors is by getting to know them so you can maintain good communication. Let them know if you’re having a big event. Bring them some flowers or veggies from your garden to soften the blow. If you’re having a neighborhood get-together, be sure to invite them. And if you’re on the receiving end of a neighbor’s complaint, ask what you can do to improve the situation, and make a good-faith effort to follow through on the answer.

I sure hope this helps you, and your neighbors, to enjoy your Summer outdoors!

SCV Sales Info & The ONE Percent Down Home Loan

The quick info is about Santa Clarita, and our local surrounding communities, home sales info.

We currently have 228 homes available for sale. 

Condos, Townhouses, & Detached homes.

In our Coming Soon category we have 19. In escrow we have 313. Total number of properties that closed escrow in the last 30 days? 267. Coming soon is up from last month. Active is down. In escrow is down. And, sold in the last 30 days....is up. Keep an eye on my blog so we can see what happens next month!

Now, the 1% home loan. Yikes.

You Can Now Buy a Home With Just 1% Down,

but Should You Get One of These Bargain Mortgages?

I'm just sharing with you the worries/reasons that maybe putting so little down is not a good idea. This is from an article I just read on Realtor.com:

The risks of the 1% down mortgages

There are risks to taking out one of these loans.

Most first-time buyers don’t realize just how expensive homeownership can be. There are the big-ticket items that eventually need replacing, such as a roof or boiler or an appliance such as a stove or washing machine. Then there is the maintenance, such as having the gutters cleaned, the property landscaped, the HVAC system serviced. And there are also those unexpected expenses when something goes wrong without warning. Homes are called “money pits” for a reason.

Homeowners who don’t have much equity in their properties won’t have anything to tap into to pay these expenses. And if they opted for one of these loans because they didn’t have much in savings, they might not be able to cover these costs plus their mortgage.

“It’s potentially enabling homebuyers who should not be buying a house,” says mortgage lender Shayowitz. “The people who should be given mortgages with 1% down should be extremely highly qualified individuals with the income and the reserves to make their mortgage payments.”

Another concern is that, as the housing markets corrects and prices drop in many parts of the country, homebuyers who use small down payments could find themselves underwater on their loans.

But that’s not necessarily a problem in this era of accelerated housing cycles.

“They still have a place to live, [and] prices generally recover over time,” says Keith Gumbinger, a vice president at HSH.com, a mortgage information website.

But if they have to sell quickly, they could lose money if they owe more than the home is worth. They would have to absorb those losses.

Homeowners who don’t have much of their own money invested in their properties are also more likely to walk away from them if there are problems or their property value goes down. Foreclosure or short sales would severely damage someone’s credit.

“I don’t even think those are real concerns,” says Elezaj. He points out that borrowers still must have strong financial credentials to qualify for the loans. “These are good quality loans and good quality borrowers.”

The lender absorbs more of the risk than the borrower, says Gumbinger. If the borrower can’t pay the mortgage, then the lender doesn’t get paid until the home is ultimately sold.

Could 1% down mortgages trigger another housing crash?

While these loans might conjure up comparisons to the housing crash of the late 2000s, there are a few key differences that should prevent another crisis. These borrowers’ financials are carefully vetted versus the run-up to the recession when people were lying about how much they earned and still getting loans.

Their credit scores need to be high enough and their debt low enough, and they have to prove their income is sufficient to make the mortgage payments each month.

Plus, these loans don’t balloon in size over time or adjust as mortgage rates change. Both are 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages offering steady, monthly payments.

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Feel free to post your thoughts!

In Case You Haven't Heard About State Farm.....

No More New Policies In California!

I was actually just talking with a client this week about insurance problems in Santa Clarita, and then see this news flash that State Farm won't write any new homeowner policies in California due to fire issues. They say they will continue to insure people with existing policies though.

“State Farm General Insurance Company made this decision due to historic increases in construction costs outpacing inflation, rapidly growing catastrophe exposure, and a challenging reinsurance market”. 

In Santa Clarita we've had issues with fires regularly. Always a big thing. I tell my buyers, talk to your insurance agent right away to make sure you can get a policy. Castaic & Stevenson Ranch seem to have the hardest time. 

Since the start of 2023, CAL FIRE and the US Forest Service have recorded 1,205 wildfires in the state, which have burned a total of 1,233 acres. On a year-to-date basis, over the past five years, the two organizations have recorded an average of 2,015 wildfires a year in California. It's no wonder, right?  

At any rate, I know from experience, any home buyer can get insurance on any property. Just matters how much you're willing to pay. Californians can still access FAIR Plan Association, which functions as the state’s insurer of last resort but it only provides fire-related coverage. Any additional coverage for theft, earthquake, flood will require wrap-around insurance.

So, keep this in mine when looking at homes. It is one of your contingencies as a buyer. But, look into your insurance needs ASAP so you're not left with a problem when it's too late.

And, always ask your lender if they have an insurance company recommendation. 

They are seeing way more than me what is working, and what isn't!

 

3300 Per Night !! AirBnb in Joshua Tree CA

As I was reading all Real Estate this week, I came across The Invisible House. It's in Joshua Tree California. It's not really invisible, it's more like mirrors. Maybe even 'smoke & mirrors', particularly if you dig a little deeper.

I found it in an ad type situation, listed for sale, for 18M dollars. Two Realtors with a white Porsche were skipping around the property and showing off the ginormous rock views from inside looking out.

And, the pool? The pool is inside, in the living room!

This is the AirBnb link if you want to see all the pictures or maybe to book a night or two!

Invisible House - Joshua Tree, CA

Why'd I put this on my blog? Well, it was Real Estate related, wild, and thought some might find it interesting. I read some early reviews, indicated that the owner had canceled the wedding booking for a gal, she had to supposedly work out refund payment arrangements with the owner to get her deposit back. Wow, if that's true.

Others say it is incredible. "The Invisible House is an architectural marvel. It's an amazing place to visit and is surrounded by the beautiful Joshua Tree scenery. It's like being on another planet. We had a fantastic stay! Easy access to Joshua Tree National Park and the property is so large it's having a piece of Joshua Tree all to yourself."

The Airbnb site says the home was 're-launched' in November of 2022 with Fieldtrip Hospitality.

To me, it looks like a semi-truck container mirror house, but, if you don't want to click the link, this is what they say about the Invisible House:

About this space

Welcome to Invisible House. Re-launched in November 2022 as a joint venture with Fieldtrip Hospitality.

"Imagine a piece of modern art…one of the most spectacular homes in the world on all of Airbnb” - Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb

The space

Welcome to the Invisible House. Re-launched in November 2022 as a joint venture with Fieldtrip Hospitality.
 
"Imagine a piece of modern art…one of the most spectacular homes in the world on all of Airbnb” - Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb
 
We invite guests to experience the most unique desert home on the planet, and one of the best-known homes in the world: the Invisible House. 

This one-of-a-kind masterpiece was designed by veteran film producer Chris Hanley. 

Featured in countless music videos, television shows and dozens of publications worldwide (including Netflix, Robb Report, Architectural Digest, Washington Post, People, Daily Mail, Dezeen, and Maxim), this sleek 5,500 sq. ft. minimalist retreat is set on 90 breathtaking acres comprising the largest privately-owned parcel of land abutting Joshua Tree National Park.

An exploration in contrasts, the mirrored 22-story horizontal skyscraper features an entirely reflective facade that absorbs its surroundings and vanishes into the desert landscape. The juxtaposition of sleek minimalism and ancient desert terrain makes Invisible House a singularly definitive structure in blending modern architecture with the natural world.
 
You and your guests will have complete access to the 3 bedrooms in the main house and the 1 bedroom in the detached casita. All are outfitted with top-of-the-line linens, bedding, and spa like ensuite bathrooms. Congregate in the open floorplan and feel connected to nature, no matter where you are in the home. Bring the outside in by opening the floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and fully embrace the Joshua Tree experience.

Available for private groups, intimate gatherings, and filming / photography productions. Approval and production fee required. Inquire within.

Experience your trip the Fieldtrip way. As with all Fieldtrip properties, Invisible House is professionally managed and features:
- High-end design details, appliances and amenities
- Access to our dedicated hospitality concierge & experience curation team
- 24/7 guest support
- Professional cleaning to the highest standards

HIGHLIGHTS
- Eco-friendly construction reflects the most advanced materials, engineering and technology available, with a carbon footprint of near-zero
- Custom 100-foot heated indoor swimming pool 
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors throughout the home invite connection with nature
- 90 acres of private desert landscape including its own 4,000-foot mountain peak, multiple hiking trails through gigantic boulders and direct-walk on access to the Desert View Conservation Area of the Joshua Tree National Park 
- 5 minute drive to West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park

BEDROOM CONFIGURATION
- Master Bedroom 1: King bed, ensuite bath w waterfall shower, Boffi swim tub
- Bedroom 2: King bed, all glass ensuite bath w waterfall shower
- Bedroom 3: King bed, ensuite bath w waterfall shower
- Common Area: Full bath 
- Bedroom 4 (Detached Casita): King bed, full bathroom and seating area

AMENITIES
- 100-foot custom indoor swimming pool
- Frette linens, Floss lighting, Boffi bath, Piero Lissoni + Pierre Pailin furniture
- Fully-equipped gourmet kitchen with dual sinks, two Mielle ovens a Sub Zero refrigerator and an oversized island
- 13-foot dining table with wall-to-wall views of boulders
- Arteflame barbecue grill transforms into a fire pit for warm stargazing
- 4 King-sized beds with Ligne Roset and Tempur-Pedic mattresses
- All bathrooms feature Boffi and Gessi Rectangolo fixtures
- Remote-controlled blackout shades in all Invisible House bedrooms
- Multicolored controllable LED lighting throughout home allows customized neon lighting of the pool and house
- 86-inch LG 4K TV with Netflix, Amazon Prime and more
- Fast Wi-Fi internet 

LOCATION
Conveniently located within minutes of the Joshua Tree National Park entrance and downtown Joshua Tree. 45 minutes to Palm Springs, 2 hours to Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. 

I'd stay there, if it was in my budget. Just to check it out in person.

What's your opinion? Would you want to visit the Invisible House?

Mortgage Rates And Necessary Incomes

"Mortgage rates rose this week, going back to the same level as a couple of weeks ago. According to Freddie Mac, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage ticked up to 6.39% from 6.35% the previous week. These fluctuations in rates will continue to persist, affecting the housing market as mortgage rates have a direct impact on the monthly mortgage payment. But with inflation easing further and the Federal Reserve expected to pause its rate hikes soon, mortgage rates will stabilize near 6% in the second half of the year."

That quoted text is from the National Association of Realtors. They do these 'Instant Reaction' quickie blurbs and I wanted to put out some notes about interest rates and houses here in my blog.

Ah, they look so happy thinking about buying a home! Hopefully they have a good amount saved and they actually make a good amount of money.

Right now, let's say they want to live in Santa Clarita and are looking at the 800k range for a lovely home. For my buyers ease, if they haven't spoken with a lender yet, I use Karl's Mortgage Calculator on my phone.

$800,000 - Price of Home.

$160,000 - 20% Down Payment (not including closing costs).

6.4% interest rate - $4003.24/Month ($4961.57 if you add in property Taxes and Insurance).

Based upon predictions of rates going down to 6% the monthly payment would be $3837.12 (4795.46 with T & I included).

So, how much do you need to make to afford this house? Simple math only here. This would be for someone without a ton of debt. Not even going to mention FICO scores now. Standard used to be about 28% of your gross income could go towards your mortgage. Now, it's been pushed up to about 33%. Of your gross, not your net.

Simple math here again.... that would mean at almost 5k per month in a mortgage, you'd need to be grossing about 15k per month or 180k per year.

Back it down to a 600k house at 6.4% rate with 20% down? Monthly payment with Principle, Interest, Taxes, & Insurance? About $3800/month instead. Income needs? Approximately $137,000 per year.

We'll call this a Finance Friday blog post. But, I'm still gonna harp on any would-be buyer(s) about getting pre-approved well before you start your home search, online or in your favorite Realtors' car.

Food for thought people, important food for thought!

What does food for thought mean? The phrase food for thought refers to an idea or piece of information that's worth pondering or thinking over.

A Little Reminder On How To Avoid Water Damage In Your Home

They say April showers bring May flowers, but water can damage your home any month. Of course, weather events are one key factor, particularly if they cause flooding. But anyone who’s experienced a broken pipe knows that failed systems inside your home can cause significant problems too.

Water damage can also occur slowly and silently. For example, undetected leaks can ruin cabinets and flooring or cause structural damage. 

There are so many ways water can create problems for homeowners, ranging from minor aggravations to significant repairs. 

It’s wise to take inventory of every water-related aspect of your home, from head to toe. Then, pinpoint and prioritize any issues you discover. Like so many other aspects of home maintenance, prevention can eliminate extensive and costly repairs.

1. THE ROOF

When storms hit, a home’s roof can bear the brunt of heavy downpours and high-velocity winds. Hail, in particular, can damage shingles, making it easier for water to penetrate. 

However, extreme storms aren’t the only culprit. Every home’s roof will degrade over time and may develop leaks, especially if installation errors are not caught and corrected.

Common problems include small gaps where vents, chimneys, or skylights penetrate a roof. Missing or inadequate flashing can also make it easier for water to enter. 

It can be challenging to catch problems. Most roofs are pitched, making them dangerous to access and inspect. 

It can also be difficult to spot signs of water damage from under the roof in the attic if there’s minimal light and space. 

Flat roofs may be easier to access from above but also pose unique waterproofing considerations.

Hiring a professional roof inspector is often preferable, and many rely on drones to take a close-up look at every square foot of your roof. 

Clogged gutters are one of the most common sources of roof-related water damage. Fortunately, most homeowners can prevent problems by keeping gutters clean.

2. WALLS, WINDOWS, AND DOORS

Inspect your home’s exterior walls thoroughly, both inside and outside. If there are any cracks in the siding, the window and door seams, or the foundation, water may be able to seep into the walls, slowly causing mold or structural damage. 

To prevent problems, fill any cracks you find with an appropriate caulk. 

Pay particular attention to basement window wells where rain is more likely to collect and seep. Many homeowners install plastic coverings over window wells to divert rain from the house.

3. BASEMENTS AND CRAWL SPACES

Homes with below-ground features, like basements and crawl spaces, need special attention to stay dry.

If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working well. On average, sump pumps must be replaced every seven to ten years. 

You may also want to invest in a battery-powered backup pump since power outages are more prevalent during severe storms.

One of the best solutions is ensuring water drains away from your house. Gutter downspouts should extend several feet away from the foundation. You might also want to install a French drain system or create a rain garden.

You may need a waterproofing solution if your basement or crawl space is persistently damp. Numerous types of sealants can be applied to a foundation’s interior or exterior.

4. PLUMBING PROBLEMS

Water flows throughout our homes between sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and appliances. Modern plumbing is wonderfully convenient! But if water doesn’t stay where intended, significant damage can occur.

Plumbing problems can occur at any time and without warning. Old metal pipes can rust or corrode, and newer PVC joints may slowly become unglued. Bitter cold temperatures can cause water to freeze and burst pipes.

Often, water leaks develop slowly, hidden inside cabinets or in dark basement corners. One way to catch plumbing leaks early is to install water sensors. 

Some water detection systems will trigger an alarm if moisture is sensed. Others go further, automatically shutting off the water to limit any damage. Many water detectors are “smart,” too, with integrated apps to alert you to problems even if you’re far from home.

5. AGING APPLIANCES

Water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and numerous other appliances are connected to your plumbing system with hoses that can malfunction over time. Equipment can also develop internal operational problems that result in water leaks.

A detection system can include sensors under any watering-using appliances, so you’ll be alerted to leaks early.

Prevention is always the best medicine. And, suggest that you always keep your home warranty in effect. I just saved the cost of a years worth of home warranty on a repair of my stovetop!

 

Home Sales Activity May 2023 & More News!

Well, it's been a month, so since I strive on keeping you informed, herein is your Santa Clarita Valley home sales info!

Acton to the East, Stevenson Ranch to the West, Castaic to the North, and Newhall to the South. Plus all the sweet neighborhoods in between.

As of just a few moments ago we have:

Coming Soon - 8 / Active for Sale - 241 / In Escrow - 361 / Closed in the last 30 days - 229

More News Too! Leslie and I are bringing on another agent to our 'family'! We are quite excited too! Born & raised in Santa Clarita, stellar background, ethics that match ours, and a nice big BRAIN too! The running Leslie & Lauren joke has been that I'm the louder of the two, but Leslie has a nicer delivery than I do! Well! Humph! Now, Jennifer, I think she's going to win on the nice, but she won't beat me on the loudness levels! 

I have to say, every time I see us together....I can't help but think of ... "A Blonde, Brunette, and a Redhead (change that to Grayhead) walked into a bar....." LOLOLOL

Please Welcome Jennifer!! 😍

And, even more important? Wishing all of you that are mothers, in any kind of role, a most beautiful mothers day next Sunday!

How cute is that flower in Regan's hair??