Blue Lion Properties Real Estate Blog by Robert & Ashley Spasiano

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3 12, 2019

Making Room for Your Guests this Holiday Season

By |2019-12-03T10:35:06-08:00December 3rd, 2019|Advice, Holiday|0 Comments

Now that the 2019 holiday season is in full swing, you may be preparing for guests at your home. But if you’re short on space, how can you make your guests more comfortable, without stepping on each other’s toes? The good news is that there are ways to make any physical interior space appear bigger, [...]

19 11, 2019

Relocating to Ventura County? You’ll Find A Whole Lot to Love Here!

By |2019-11-19T13:11:28-08:00November 19th, 2019|Southern California, Ventura|0 Comments

If you’re planning a move soon to Ventura County, California – either for business or personal reasons – you’ll find that there’s a lot to love here, starting with the year-round temperate climate that allows for outdoor fun all year long! Voted by Livability.com as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live (for [...]

5 11, 2019

Decorating Your Home for the Holidays with Style

By |2019-11-04T17:18:23-08:00November 5th, 2019|Decorating, Holiday|0 Comments

As another holiday season is now upon us, it’s time to start thinking about decorating your home to make things “merry and bright.” But, while bright lights and inflatable figures in the front yard might cause passersby to take a quick peek, how can you really make your home stand out? According to House Beautiful, [...]

22 10, 2019

Moving During the Holidays Can Have Its Advantages

By |2019-10-22T16:40:50-07:00October 22nd, 2019|Advice, moving|0 Comments

As the holidays quickly approach, you may have put the thought of purchasing a home out of your mind – at least until after the new year. But the reality is that there can actually be a number of nice benefits to moving during the holiday season. One of the biggest perks is that you [...]

8 10, 2019

A Look Ahead at the 2020 Housing Forecast for Southern California

By |2019-10-07T18:02:04-07:00October 8th, 2019|Advice, Buying Advice, Interest Rates|0 Comments

The California Association of Realtors (CAR) recently released its 2020 Housing Market Forecast – and the report indicated some telltale signs regarding whether or not next year could be a good time to buy or sell property in the Golden State. For instance, the median price of a home in the state of California is [...]

17 09, 2019

Don’t Commit to Purchasing a Home Until You Do These 3 Things

By |2019-09-16T11:13:35-07:00September 17th, 2019|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Even if you have just stepped through the door of your ideal dream home, it is important that you not commit to purchasing it unless or until you complete these three important tasks. Have the Home Inspected. It’s easy to fall in love with a home that fits your ideal parameters in terms of square [...]

3 09, 2019

Putting Your Home on the Market in the Autumn? Here are 3 Tips for Attracting Potential Buyers

By |2019-09-03T15:54:53-07:00September 3rd, 2019|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

While many people believe that selling a home is more difficult in the autumn (as compared to the spring and summer months), the truth is that if you present and market your property using the right strategy, you can attract potential purchasers any time of the year. Here are just a few tips to help [...]

20 08, 2019

Is the Bakersfield Market a Good Place for the Real Estate Investor?

By |2019-08-20T07:41:22-07:00August 20th, 2019|Advice, Investments|0 Comments

If you have been looking for ways to generate passive income, being a rental real estate investor can be a great place to start. One of the primary reasons for this is because not only can you count on a regular monthly rent check from your tenants, but you’re also building equity in your property(ies) [...]

6 08, 2019

Condo vs House: Items to Consider Before You Commit to Your Next Residence

By |2019-08-06T09:25:41-07:00August 6th, 2019|Advice|0 Comments

It has often been said that purchasing a home is a part of living the American dream. But unfortunately, if you commit to the wrong type of residence for your needs – especially for the long term - the dream could quickly turn into a nightmare. With that in mind, it is important to compare your [...]

16 07, 2019

Signs that Say It’s Time to Sell Your House and be Moving On

By |2019-07-16T15:19:45-07:00July 16th, 2019|Selling Advice|0 Comments

If you’re starting to feel like it’s time to be moving on (from your current home, that is), it may not be a coincidence. In fact, there are actually several tell-tale signs that can indicate that it’s time to make a change. One of the more obvious scenarios is if your family or household has [...]

2 07, 2019

How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?

By |2019-07-02T12:50:40-07:00July 2nd, 2019|Selling Advice|0 Comments

If you’ve found your dream home, made an offer, and it has been accepted by the seller, then the next step may be selling the house you currently live in. For many people, “carrying” a mortgage on two homes – particularly for any length of time – can be a financial challenge. So, how long does [...]

18 06, 2019

What is a Listing Agent? And Why You Need One If You Want to Sell Your Home Fast

By |2019-06-19T20:37:40-07:00June 18th, 2019|Selling Advice|0 Comments

If you’re preparing to sell your home, there are a number of important items that you’ll have to focus on, including: Making any necessary repairs (unless you plan to sell it as-is) Reducing clutter – which can make the rooms in your home appear more spacious Preparing a marketing campaign, which should ideally include both [...]

4 06, 2019

What to Expect When Closing on a New Home

By |2019-06-04T13:17:07-07:00June 4th, 2019|Advice, Closing Day|0 Comments

Buying a home is the largest single purchase that most people will make in their lifetime. So, when the day of closing arrives, it can be somewhat overwhelming – especially if you have never been through the process before. That’s why knowing what to expect can help to ease your nerves, at least a little [...]

21 05, 2019

To Deduct or Not to Deduct – How the New Tax Laws Can Impact What You Can and Cannot Deduct on Your 2019 Tax Return

By |2019-10-08T07:57:27-07:00May 21st, 2019|Taxes|0 Comments

If you’ve moved to a new home any time over the past several years, it’s possible that you were able to deduct some of your related expenses on your tax return. But that was then, and this is now. Based on the new tax laws that were passed in the waning hours of 2017 (officially [...]

7 05, 2019

What NOT to Say In Your Offer to Buy a Home

By |2019-05-07T13:46:39-07:00May 7th, 2019|Advice, Buying Advice|0 Comments

Making an offer on a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. But, while most home buyers know that a completed purchase contract is typically needed, there are other things that you should – and shouldn’t – say or do that can nudge the seller towards accepting your offer and [...]

16 04, 2019

Pricy Ventura County Homes May Become More Affordable

By |2019-04-16T15:39:45-07:00April 16th, 2019|Ventura|0 Comments

While the California housing market has never really been considered “inexpensive,” some current trends could make homes more affordable now – at least in the near term – in Ventura County and the surrounding area. According to RealtyTrac, in February of this year, home sales were up 0% as compared to the prior month – [...]

2 04, 2019

The Top 3 Reasons to Call Southern California Home

By |2019-04-02T12:11:22-07:00April 2nd, 2019|Southern California|0 Comments

While there are many great places to live in the United States, calling Southern California home may offer you some extra added benefits – starting with the area’s year-round temperate climate and its regular sunny, 70-degree days. In fact, the weather in this area of the country tops the list of (many) reasons why Southern [...]

19 03, 2019

Is There Still Time to Take Advantage of the Buyer’s Market in Simi Valley?

By |2019-03-18T19:37:11-07:00March 19th, 2019|Simi Valley|0 Comments

Nestled in the southeast corner of Ventura County – and just a 40 mile drive to LA – Simi Valley, California (which is also oftentimes referred to as “Reagan Country”), can offer a lot of value for the money, without having to give up the conveniences of big city living. Just some of the other [...]

19 02, 2019

How the Growing California Population Trends Can Impact the Local Real Estate Market

By |2019-02-19T10:40:29-08:00February 19th, 2019|Buying Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

If you’re considering buying and / or selling a home in the near future, it is important to first have a good understanding of the population trends in the area (or areas), as that can have a big impact on the price of the property(ies), as well as how fast you may be able to [...]

5 02, 2019

Things to Consider Before Moving to Ventura County

By |2019-02-04T18:03:25-08:00February 5th, 2019|Ventura|0 Comments

With its miles and miles of breathtaking scenery and year-round ideal temperatures, Ventura County, California, has a long list of reasons for people to consider it home. In fact, in 2015, Ventura County was named by both the Washington Post and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the “most desirable place to live in the [...]

22 01, 2019

Ready to Downsize? Here’s Where to Start

By |2019-01-21T19:12:05-08:00January 22nd, 2019|Advice, Buying Advice|0 Comments

To downsize can seem like a monumental task – particularly if you’ve lived in your current home for many years. Depending on the size of your current residence, as well as the amount of items you’ve collected over the years, it can be difficult to know where to begin. The good news is that there [...]

7 01, 2019

Bakersfield Real Estate Highlights for Home Buyers and Sellers

By |2019-01-07T13:15:40-08:00January 7th, 2019|Advice, negotiation|0 Comments

If you’re planning to make a move this year – regardless of whether you will be buying real estate, selling it, or both – it is always a good idea to have an understanding of the overall housing market in the area. That’s because being familiar with figures such as the median list and selling [...]

18 12, 2018

Seeking Ultra Prime Real Estate? Look No Further Than Your Own Back Yard In Southern California

By |2018-12-18T11:43:39-08:00December 18th, 2018|Advice, Bakersfield|0 Comments

If you’ve ever watched “Lives of the Rich and Famous, you might just feel like you’re living it in certain areas of southern California. According to a new survey released by Knight Frank, Los Angeles and Malibu are two of only seventeen areas world wide that rank in this category. (The other U.S. locations include [...]

4 12, 2018

Will The New Year 2019 Be Good for Real Estate in California?

By |2018-12-04T10:34:55-08:00December 4th, 2018|Bakersfield, Buying Advice|0 Comments

With the dawn of another new year just around the corner, will California real estate continue to grow and prosper? Based on an extremely hot California housing market, the answer is likely to be a resounding yes! According to the California Association of Realtors, the price of housing actually fell in 2018 – particularly in [...]

20 11, 2018

Protecting Your Home Financially from a Wildfire

By |2018-11-20T14:10:34-08:00November 20th, 2018|Advice|0 Comments

As the most recent California wildfire continues to burn, thousands have been left homeless, and even more left with significant damage to their properties. If you or someone you know has been impacted by the fire, one of the first steps you need to take is to check your home owner’s insurance policy to determine [...]

6 11, 2018

Does Staging Really Help a Home Sell Faster?

By |2018-11-08T09:19:13-08:00November 6th, 2018|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

If you’re considering putting your home on the market, you may be wondering what will make it look its very best, in turn, sparking offers more quickly from potential purchasers. One strategy that has been popular – especially over the past several years – is staging. Staging is the process of professionally decorating, and furnishing, [...]

16 10, 2018

A Decade After the 2008 Recession There are Still Good Deals to Be Found in Bakersfield Real Estate

By |2018-10-25T09:36:55-07:00October 16th, 2018|Bakersfield, Buying Advice|0 Comments

It’s hard to believe that a decade has passed since the great economic recession. But even after ten (long) years – and with stability returning, at least for the most part – there are still some good deals to be found in Bakersfield…provided that you know where to look. Amidst the roller coaster market of [...]

2 10, 2018

What the Latest Round of Interest Rate Hikes Could Mean for Home Mortgages

By |2018-10-01T15:46:17-07:00October 2nd, 2018|Advice, Financing|0 Comments

If you’ve been in the process of searching for a new home, you may have been stopped in your tracks after the most recent round of Federal interest rate hikes – the third such increase in 2018 alone. But, while this increase may seem to have put a damper on the low monthly payment that [...]

18 09, 2018

Securing a Mortgage – Even With a Not-So-Great Credit Score

By |2018-09-17T11:02:46-07:00September 18th, 2018|Advice, Financing|0 Comments

In many ways, your credit score is like your financial “report card.” And, if you’ve gotten “good grades” throughout the years, you are typically rewarded with lower interest rates on loans, and the ability to qualify for credit, vehicle loans, and mortgages. But what if your grades haven’t been so good, and you’re more of [...]

4 09, 2018

Knowing the Difference Between APR and Interest Rate Could Save You a Bundle on Your Home Mortgage

By |2018-09-05T10:07:34-07:00September 4th, 2018|Financing|0 Comments

When purchasing a new home, there are a number of expenses that you can face – particularly when it comes to obtaining (and eventually paying off) a mortgage. Some of these costs can include the interest rate, a long list of different application and processing fees, and loan origination points (if applicable). While most borrowers [...]

28 08, 2018

Is Fall Really a Bad Time to Sell Your Home?

By |2018-08-27T17:43:38-07:00August 28th, 2018|Selling Advice|0 Comments

Now that the new school year is in session, fall is (almost) in the air. But, while this time of year can be filled with chilly nights and prep for the upcoming holidays, is autumn really a bad time to sell your house? Not necessarily – provided that you stick with some key fundamentals. First, [...]

28 11, 2017

Offering a Home Warranty on Your Home For Sale? Here are Some Things to Look Out For

By |2017-11-27T13:58:52-08:00November 28th, 2017|Advice, Home Warranty|0 Comments

Providing a home warranty on a property that you have for sale can offer an added incentive for potential buyers. That's because these plans can give a purchaser more financial peace of mind if any of the covered items must be repaired or replaced. But before you move forward with purchasing a home warranty, it [...]

21 11, 2017

Keeping Your Home and Personal Items Safe During an Open House

By |2017-11-21T16:24:35-08:00November 21st, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Holding a open house for the public to see has been a marketing staple in the real estate industry for decades. No one wants to make a large purchase such as a house or condo sight unseen. But when inviting strangers into your home, it can be difficult at best to know who you can [...]

14 11, 2017

Taxes for Home Owners Could be Beneficial

By |2017-11-13T07:13:24-08:00November 14th, 2017|Advice, Taxes|0 Comments

For many people, buying a home will constitute the largest purchase ever made in their lifetime. There are many variables to consider when committing to your own residence - starting with the expense factor. Here, you will typically have the cost of obtaining a mortgage, as well as a myriad of maintenance and repairs over [...]

7 11, 2017

Newly Renovated or Brand New Home: Which Is The Best Way To Get Your New Home Interior?

By |2017-11-06T08:25:30-08:00November 7th, 2017|Buying Advice, Decorating|0 Comments

For many people, walking into a home where everything is brand new can make for a great feeling. With fresh and clean flooring and walls – the home can be like a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touches. And, brand new appliances and systems typically mean that, even if there is an issue, [...]

24 10, 2017

Autumn Decorating Tips to Make Your Home Look Its Best

By |2017-10-26T05:29:58-07:00October 24th, 2017|Advice, Autumn, Decorating|0 Comments

As the time for the Great Pumpkin quickly approaches, there is now a slight chill in the air - yes, even in Southern California. Autumn can promote the changing of colors, not just in the trees, but also at front doors, sidewalks, and lamp posts. For many people, even more so than the holidays, autumn [...]

17 10, 2017

Is There Time to Sell Your Home Before the Holidays?

By |2017-10-17T13:27:35-07:00October 17th, 2017|Autumn, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Although it seems like summer was just here, the leaves are beginning to change, and soon it will be time again to prepare for the holidays. If you're considering making a move, though, you may have more than baking cookies and singing carols on your mind. In fact, the only thing you may be thinking [...]

10 10, 2017

The Benefits of Selling Your Home As-Is

By |2017-10-10T15:01:50-07:00October 10th, 2017|Uncategorized|0 Comments

While there are many arguments for sprucing up a home, staging it, and making it look its very best before putting it on the market for sale, there are also a number of advantages of quickly moving forward with listing it, and selling the property as-is. "As-is" is actually a legal term that is used [...]

26 09, 2017

Giving Your Small Home Big Appeal for Potential Buyers

By |2017-09-26T13:06:07-07:00September 26th, 2017|Selling Advice|0 Comments

Although "tiny houses" seem to be the rage today for many, if your current home is on the smaller side, and you're thinking about listing it for sale, there are some things you can do to take advantage of its low maintenance attributes, while at the same time boosting its appeal for those potential buyers [...]

19 09, 2017

Buying Your First Home with a Spouse or Partner Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

By |2017-09-18T11:12:13-07:00September 19th, 2017|Advice, Buying Advice|0 Comments

Although buying your first home with a spouse or partner can be exciting, there can also be a fair amount of stress that comes along with it. For example, what if you both don't agree on the ideal floor plan, price, or even location? The good news is that there are ways that you can [...]

12 09, 2017

Visiting Open Houses Can Provide You with a Wealth of Information – Even If You’re Not Planning to Buy

By |2017-09-12T13:07:29-07:00September 12th, 2017|Advice|0 Comments

Many of us may enjoy perusing online property listings in search of our "someday" dream home - and, thanks to the ease and convenience of the Internet, today we can do all of our browsing without ever having to get in the car or set foot inside the doorway of a property. But even if [...]

5 09, 2017

How to Get Your Home Into Shape Before You List It For Sale

By |2017-09-04T19:00:08-07:00September 5th, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Thinking about selling your home, but not exactly sure where to start? If you want to aim for the highest price you can garner, there are some items that you'll need to ensure are crossed off the list before putting a For Sale sign in the yard. These start with helping your home to show [...]

22 08, 2017

Considering the Move to a Planned Community? Here’s What You Can Expect

By |2017-08-22T12:32:35-07:00August 22nd, 2017|Buying Advice|0 Comments

If you've been thinking about making a move to a planned community - or even if you've just heard the term, but don't know exactly what it entails - there are some interesting facts about these types of developments...and they've been steadily drawing people in for the past few years. As its name suggests, a [...]

15 08, 2017

Considering a Move to Bakersfield, California? Here are Some Things You Should Know About the Area

By |2017-08-15T09:55:13-07:00August 15th, 2017|Advice, Bakersfield, Fun, Things to do|0 Comments

Moving to a new area of the country (or even the state) can be a bittersweet experience. While you may be excited about the new places to see and people to meet, it can also fill you with a bit of uncertainty if you don't have a lot of detail about the locale. But, by [...]

8 08, 2017

Late Summer Maintenance Projects that Can Improve the Look of Your Home All Year Long

By |2017-08-08T09:05:26-07:00August 8th, 2017|Advice, inspection, Summer|0 Comments

While it may be hard to believe, late summer is already upon us, and kids are getting ready to go back to school. But, that doesn't mean that cooler weather is here just yet. So now can be a perfect time to tackle some home maintenance projects that can improve the look - and the [...]

1 08, 2017

Home Buyer Negotiating Tactics That Can Backfire

By |2017-08-01T18:26:41-07:00August 1st, 2017|Advice, negotiation|0 Comments

Buying a new home can entail much more than just simply submitting an offer to the seller and having them respond affirmatively right away. In most cases, both the seller and the potential buyer will need to do at least some amount of negotiating in hopes that the end result comes out agreeable to all. [...]

25 07, 2017

What to Include If You Offer a Home Warranty

By |2017-07-24T15:08:31-07:00July 25th, 2017|Advice, Home Warranty|0 Comments

As the seller of a home, you want to ensure that you are offering certain items that can entice potential purchasers to make an offer. Certainly one way to go about this is to make sure that your property looks its best. Another is to offer a home warranty. Most home warranties - not to [...]

18 07, 2017

Expenses to Anticipate After Moving Into a New Home

By |2017-07-17T17:47:39-07:00July 18th, 2017|Advice, Buying Advice, Home Inspection|0 Comments

If you're in the process of buying a new home - or you soon will be - then you are likely already familiar with the fact that you will need to come up with a relatively large amount of cash in order to get the deal done. For example, in most cases, a down payment [...]

11 07, 2017

Trying to Sell Your Home on Your Own Before Summer Ends?

By |2017-07-10T19:15:50-07:00July 11th, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

As we run head first into mid-summer, you may hear the clock ticking its way towards fall - but with no solid offers on your home for sale. For many people, getting into and / or out of a home before the school year starts is a common goal. After all, summer is considered by [...]

4 07, 2017

Should You Take the First Offer You Get on Your Home For Sale?

By |2017-07-04T18:57:56-07:00July 4th, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

If you’ve done much reading on how to sell a home, you may have come across the statement that “your first offer is always your best offer.” But, does this really have any validity to it, or is it just another urban myth? Depending on just how motivated you are as a seller, you might [...]

27 06, 2017

Is It Better to Rent or Buy Your Next Home?

By |2017-06-27T11:24:29-07:00June 27th, 2017|Advice, Buying Advice|0 Comments

Even though we've been living in an era of historically low interest rates for quite some time, if you're looking for a new place to call home, it may or may not necessarily be best to move ahead with a purchase. While it is true that owning a home can include you in the "American [...]

20 06, 2017

How to Remodel and Create the Ideal Kitchen

By |2017-06-18T14:14:20-07:00June 20th, 2017|Advice, Decorating, Remodeling|0 Comments

For many people, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. So, if your kitchen needs a bit of a facelift in order to become more functional - and easier on the eyes - then there are some steps that you can take that will help you to create the ideal kitchen, without [...]

13 06, 2017

How to Negotiate with Buyers to Get the Best Price for Your Home

By |2017-06-12T09:21:45-07:00June 13th, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

If you're in the process of selling your home, then you know how exciting it can be to get an offer from an interested potential purchaser. But, what if you discover that the price they have offered you for your home isn't quite in the ballpark that you had hoped for? There are actually several [...]

6 06, 2017

Deciding Whether to Stay or Go

By |2017-06-06T13:27:39-07:00June 6th, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Due in part to the popular television show Love It or List It, many people are now thinking twice before putting up a For Sale sign in their yard, and instead increasing, updating, and / or enhancing their current living space. But is that really going to be the best option for you? The answer [...]

23 05, 2017

Two Home Renovations that May Actually Decrease Its Value

By |2017-05-30T11:39:16-07:00May 23rd, 2017|Advice, Remodeling|0 Comments

Renovating your home can oftentimes provide you with more of what you need, such as additional space for a growing family, a much needed home office, or a brand new living area for the family to enjoy. But, before you sign on the dotted line with a home renovating contractor, there are some factors to [...]

16 05, 2017

Is Purchasing a Fixer Upper the Right Move for You?

By |2017-05-16T11:05:58-07:00May 16th, 2017|Advice, Buying Advice, Remodeling|0 Comments

If you're considering making a move, you may have thought about the possibilities of purchasing a fixer upper - and for some, going this route can provide you with a great deal of opportunity, such as obtaining the home at a reduced price, as well as renovating it to fit with your specific tastes. But, [...]

9 05, 2017

How to Negotiate with a Seller After the Home Inspection

By |2017-05-09T18:26:31-07:00May 9th, 2017|Advice, inspection, negotiation|0 Comments

Consider the following situation. You've found a great house and you've made an offer on it. The seller has accepted the offer, so you've moved forward with the inspection - but unfortunately, there is a list of items that will need to be addressed. While some of these items you may be able to live [...]

2 05, 2017

What to Do with a Property You’ve Inherited

By |2017-05-02T12:21:37-07:00May 2nd, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

While inheriting a property might seem like a very nice benefit, the truth is that in many cases, getting the inherited home sold may or may not be a short and / or a simple process. In fact, there can actually be a number of necessary steps. For example, in most instances, you will need [...]

25 04, 2017

Is Spring Really the Best Time To Sell Your Home?

By |2017-04-25T16:37:02-07:00April 25th, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

In addition to "location, location, location" being a tried and true real estate mantra, one of the other common themes when it comes to property is that the best time to sell your home is in the Spring. But is this really the case? Well, according to a recent Zillow study, it was found that [...]

18 04, 2017

Can Pre-Approval for a Mortgage Really Affect Your Home Buying Success?

By |2017-04-17T18:23:00-07:00April 18th, 2017|Advice, Buying Advice, Financing|0 Comments

Shopping for a new home can require that you already have a plan in place for how you will go about paying for it. This includes having your potential sources of financing all lined up such as getting pre-approved for a mortgage. It is important to note that there is a big difference between pre-approval [...]

11 04, 2017

Relocating and Need to Ship A Vehicle?

By |2017-04-11T18:12:48-07:00April 11th, 2017|Advice|0 Comments

Here are Some Tips to Help Get the Best Quotes and a Successful Transaction Relocating to another city or state can be a trying experience. Packing up your belongings, getting quotes from movers, and working through the process of selling one home and buying another in a distant location is tough. One thing that can [...]

4 04, 2017

Is Now a Good Time To Purchase a Home in California?

By |2017-04-03T18:12:34-07:00April 4th, 2017|Interest Rates|0 Comments

The thought of making a move can be exciting for some, while for others, it could cause thoughts of doing a considerable amount of work, such as packing and unpacking boxes, qualifying for a new mortgage, and signing a seemingly endless slew of paperwork. Is it a good time to purchase a home? But, even [...]

28 03, 2017

The Sale of Your Home Can Hinge on Your Agent’s Experience and Expertise

By |2017-03-28T14:58:06-07:00March 28th, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

If you're thinking about selling your home, then finding a good listing agent should ideally be at the top of your list. But, while most any agent would likely be happy to take on the task, it is important to do some research before you sign on the dotted line of a listing contract. While [...]

21 03, 2017

4 Essential Steps to Take Before Listing Your Home for Sale

By |2017-03-21T18:43:48-07:00March 21st, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice, Things to do|0 Comments

So, you're ready to put your home on the market. Now can be a good time, as the prime home selling season is almost upon us. But, before you put that For Sale sign in the front yard, there are some important steps that you should take in order to be sure that your home [...]

14 03, 2017

Planning Some Spring Cleaning? Here are 3 Key Tasks You Should Consider Doing First

By |2017-03-13T17:35:46-07:00March 14th, 2017|Advice, Home Inspection, Things to do|0 Comments

As we continue to move out of the winter "season," it's possible that you may have some spring cleaning tasks on your To-Do list. But, if your list is somewhat lengthy, it can be difficult to know just exactly where to start. With that in mind, arranging your list of projects in order of importance [...]

7 03, 2017

Just How Much Difference Does a Rise in Interest Make When Shopping for a Mortgage?

By |2017-03-07T08:27:20-08:00March 7th, 2017|Advice, Interest Rates|0 Comments

When shopping for the ideal home, most people are primarily concerned with the property's location, floor plan, and asking price - and all of these components are important. Yet, when determining whether or not a home may be in your preferred price range, the calculations should entail more than just the amount you can buy [...]

28 02, 2017

The Real Value of Having Your Home Inspected

By |2017-02-27T08:44:51-08:00February 28th, 2017|Advice, Buying Advice, Home Inspection|0 Comments

For most people, buying a home will be the biggest purchase in their entire lifetime. So, prior to signing on the dotted line, it is important to have the home inspected to be sure that the property you intend to move forward with doesn't turn out to be a money pit due to various flaws. [...]

21 02, 2017

How Will President Trump’s Administration Affect the Housing Market?

By |2017-02-21T18:21:43-08:00February 21st, 2017|Government Regulations|0 Comments

Although it is still fairly early in the game, the Trump presidential administration has already been moving quickly to make some key changes in the U.S. housing market - some of which could be concerning to home owners, as well as to potential home buyers. For example, one of the new President's aims is to [...]

14 02, 2017

3 Questions You Should Ask Your Realtor Before Selling Your Home

By |2017-02-13T11:19:51-08:00February 14th, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

When it comes to listing your home for sale, there are typically two items that are at the top of most peoples' lists to ask your realtor - these include how much you can likely get for your property, and how much the real estate agent's commission will be. But, there are some additional key [...]

7 02, 2017

Will the New Presidential Administration Make Home Buying More Difficult?

By |2017-02-06T18:13:18-08:00February 7th, 2017|Buying Advice, Interest Rates|0 Comments

As the new presidential administration gets settled into the White House, there are many questions that pertain to any number of financial related issues - including whether or not interest rates will go up in the near future. While higher interest rates can have an effect on investors' portfolios, they can also make the home [...]

24 01, 2017

Where Millennials are Purchasing New Homes in 2017

By |2017-01-24T07:21:39-08:00January 24th, 2017|Bakersfield, Buying Advice|0 Comments

Over the past decade or so, the rate of Millennials purchasing homes had been steadily dropping. This trend could be the result of several factors, including the payment of student loans - which in turn can make it more difficult to save for a down payment - as well as the rising price of housing [...]

17 01, 2017

Can Buying Now Boost Your Home Equity in 2017?

By |2017-01-15T19:15:05-08:00January 17th, 2017|Advice, Buying Advice|0 Comments

If you're considering the purchase of a new home in 2017, you may get more home equity and a new place to call your own. That's because, according to data from Trulia - a mobile and online real estate resource - the average home's price per square foot in Bakersfield rose over the past year. [...]

10 01, 2017

2017 Real Estate Forecast for Bakersfield

By |2017-01-10T09:56:03-08:00January 10th, 2017|Advice, Bakersfield|0 Comments

In looking ahead at what is predicted for the Bakersfield real estate market, it is anticipated that in the new year of 2017, there may be a downward trend in housing prices. While this may not be ideal for sellers in the near future, for those who are considering making a home purchase - including [...]

3 01, 2017

Getting a Running Start in 2017 for Selling Your Home

By |2017-01-03T10:15:14-08:00January 3rd, 2017|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Although we are smack in the middle of holiday season, now can be the perfect time to start planning for selling your home in 2017. This is the case, even if you have not yet fully decided whether or not you're going to move. For example, just as in any other major endeavor, one of [...]

27 12, 2016

Will Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick Throughout the Year?

By |2016-12-27T14:13:01-08:00December 27th, 2016|Advice|0 Comments

With 2017 nearly upon us, you may have once again sat down and drafted your resolutions for the upcoming year. It can be exciting to think of accomplishing the things on your list. Maybe you've vowed to seek a new and better paying job, or possibly you want to get moving on some of the [...]

13 12, 2016

Having Realistic Expectations During Your New Home’s Inspection

By |2016-12-13T10:23:08-08:00December 13th, 2016|Advice, Home Inspection|0 Comments

If you've purchased a home in the past - or even if you are now just considering making a move - it is likely that you've heard that having a professional home inspection before you close on the property is critical. But, while the inspection of your new abode may turn up various issues that [...]

6 12, 2016

Can Paint Color Inspire an Offer or Turn Potential Buyers Away?

By |2016-12-05T09:43:43-08:00December 6th, 2016|Remodeling, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Although it is often recommended that you add a fresh coat of paint when listing your home for sale, the color that you decide on may end up having an effect on potential purchasers' reactions. This goes for both the interior and the exterior of the property. For example, the outside of your home is [...]

22 11, 2016

If You Can’t Sell Your Home, Should You Consider Renting It?

By |2017-08-23T14:42:23-07:00November 22nd, 2016|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Although the real estate market has seen a comeback over the last year or so, there can still be situations where a property that's for sale may be sitting for some time. If you have already purchased and moved into a new home - but your previous home is still empty (and draining you of [...]

15 11, 2016

Deciding Whether to Love It or List It

By |2016-11-15T11:58:36-08:00November 15th, 2016|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

If you've ever watched the popular television show "Love It or List It," then you know the process that the participants go through in determining whether they can fix up their current home to better meet their needs, or alternatively, to move on to something else. Although the entire event on the show takes only [...]

8 11, 2016

Decorating Your “For Sale” Home for the Upcoming Holiday Season

By |2016-11-07T09:03:55-08:00November 8th, 2016|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Selling your home during the holidays can oftentimes present some challenges. At this time of year, both you and your potential buyers may have a calendar that is packed full of activities. But, this doesn’t mean that you still can’t attract an offer and get your property sold during the holiday season. In order to [...]

25 10, 2016

Exploring Lower Tax Alternatives When Seeking the Perfect Home

By |2016-10-26T13:04:42-07:00October 25th, 2016|Advice|0 Comments

Searching for the perfect home can mean many things to a potential buyer. In most cases, you will want a home that meets your living space needs, such as a certain number of bedrooms and baths, as well as other possible options like a home office, a guest room for out of town visitors, or [...]

18 10, 2016

How Many Houses Should You Look at Before You Buy?

By |2016-10-26T12:36:36-07:00October 18th, 2016|Advice|0 Comments

If you've ever watched an episode of "Beachfront Bargain Hunt," then you know that the majority of "purchasers" will typically view three properties, and then make their decision to buy based on these. While it would be nice if it were just that easy, a question that many potential home buyers have is, how many [...]

11 10, 2016

Is Your Rent Getting to Be Too Much? Maybe It’s Time to Buy

By |2017-08-23T13:58:57-07:00October 11th, 2016|Advice|0 Comments

Over the past several years, due in part to the mortgage meltdown of 2008 - 2009, rental rates continue to be on the rise. In fact, in some areas of the country, more people than ever have opted to rent rather than buy - and because of that, there are also many areas where the [...]

4 10, 2016

How to Ensure that Your Closing Day Goes Smoothly

By |2016-10-26T12:20:24-07:00October 4th, 2016|Advice|0 Comments

Moving can be both exciting and stressful. While you may be anxious to get into your new home, there can oftentimes be a long list of to-dos before you arrive at that point. Certainly, one of the primary keys to getting there is closing day. If you’ve never purchased a home in the past, sitting [...]

27 09, 2016

Attracting Buyers in the Fall Real Estate Market

By |2016-10-26T12:20:25-07:00September 27th, 2016|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Now that the kids have been back in school for a while, it will soon be time to start planning for the upcoming holidays. While the fall season can be filled with fun and football games, though, if you are in the process of selling your home, it has often meant that you "missed out" [...]

20 09, 2016

Relocating? Here are Some Tips to Make the Move Less Stressful

By |2016-10-26T12:20:25-07:00September 20th, 2016|Advice|0 Comments

Regardless of how excited you may be about relocating to somewhere new, moving in general can be a stressful situation. But when you add in many miles between your old home and your new one, you can often have some extra items added to your to-do list. With that in mind, here are just a [...]

13 09, 2016

3 House Hunting Mistakes to Avoid When Searching for Your Next Home

By |2016-10-26T12:20:25-07:00September 13th, 2016|Advice, Home Inspection, Saving Money|0 Comments

The purchase of a home is not just a physical process, but an emotional one as well. After all, you are searching for the ideal place to reside in - possibly for many years, or even decades, to come. But the purchasing of a home is also often the biggest financial investment that people will [...]

6 09, 2016

Offering Buyer Incentives May Help Your Home Sell Faster

By |2016-10-26T12:20:25-07:00September 6th, 2016|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Regardless of whether we are in a buyer's or a seller's market, when the time comes to put your home on the market, most people want the deal to be quickly so that they can move on to other things, in addition to getting out from under the additional expenses. Incentives can help hurry the [...]

23 08, 2016

Mortgage Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval

By |2017-05-17T22:19:36-07:00August 23rd, 2016|Advice|0 Comments

PHOTO: CafeCredit.com If you're in the process of purchasing a home - or even in the "just looking" stage - you may have already met with a lender who has suggested that you get yourself either pre-qualified or pre-approved for a loan. Yet, while these two terms may sound very similar, they actually [...]

16 08, 2016

What Type of Contingencies Might You Find in that Offer from a Potential Buyer

By |2016-10-26T12:20:25-07:00August 16th, 2016|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

Your home has been on the market for a while, and you've finally received an offer from a potential buyer. The price that they are proposing seems fine, but there are also some "what ifs" or contingencies included in the contract that need to occur in order to make things work. These are commonly referred [...]

9 08, 2016

Should You Consider a Lease Purchase?

By |2016-10-26T12:20:25-07:00August 9th, 2016|Advice, Saving Money|0 Comments

If you've been searching the Home For Sale ads for any period of time lately, you may have come across a few that are labeled as "Lease Purchase" or "Rent to Own." While these may not have been so prevalent many years ago, over the past decade or so, this option has become more popular [...]

2 08, 2016

Should You Pay a Premium Price for Your Dream Home?

By |2016-10-26T12:20:25-07:00August 2nd, 2016|Advice|0 Comments

You've been searching high and low for your dream home, and lo and behold there it is! It's even in the perfect location. The only problem is that it appears to be someone else's dream home, too. In cases like this where a bidding war might ensue, you could be inclined to overspend. After all, [...]

26 07, 2016

Are Your Neighbors Affecting the Sale of Your Home?

By |2016-10-26T12:20:25-07:00July 26th, 2016|Selling Advice|0 Comments

Selling your home can require a long list of to-do's. For example, you may need to de-clutter in some areas, and make sure that your home looks its very best for potential buyers when they come through the door, but are your neighbors affecting the sale of your home? Moving also means ensuring that your [...]

12 07, 2016

Should You Consider That Fixer Upper?

By |2016-10-26T12:20:25-07:00July 12th, 2016|Advice, Remodeling|0 Comments

You’ve found a great house in the ideal location. But it needs some major renovation. So, you are now asking yourself some questions about whether or not you should take the plunge and purchase this fixer upper or pass on it and wait for something that is in more move-in ready condition. On the plus [...]

5 07, 2016

To Counter or Not to Counter – How to Deal with a Potential Buyer’s Lowball Offer

By |2016-10-26T12:20:25-07:00July 5th, 2016|Advice, Selling Advice|0 Comments

So, you've touched up, fixed up, and prettied up your home and put it on the market. You held an open house - and even got a fair amount of traffic - and you've received a call from your real estate agent saying that you've now received an offer. Unfortunately, though, it's for an amount [...]