Signs That Now Is a Good Time to Sell a California Luxury Home

If you own a luxury home in Beverly Hills, Malibu or elsewhere in California, now may prove to be the perfect time to list your residence. In fact, there are many signs that now may be the right time to add your Golden State luxury house to the real estate market. These include:

1. You want to move into a smaller residence.

Sometimes, a California luxury home may become too big for a property owner. In this scenario, it may be beneficial to list this residence and move into a smaller house.

The California luxury housing market offers many opportunities for sellers across the state. Thus, if you need to sell a luxury house in San Francisco, Sacramento or anywhere else in California, you should have no trouble stirring up interest in your home. And as a result, you can sell your current luxury residence and relocate to a smaller home.

2. You are looking to move to a different part of the state.

If you’re looking to relocate from Los Angeles to San Diego, Santa Monica to San Jose or simply point A to point B, there may be no time like the present to complete your move. And if you list your California luxury house, you can kick off the moving cycle.

As you get ready to move to a different part of California, it helps to learn about the Golden State luxury housing market. For example, if you intend to sell a luxury home in LA, you may want to review the prices of similar properties in the city. This housing market data can help you set a competitive initial asking price for your residence, increasing the likelihood of a seamless property selling experience.

3. You want to move closer to loved ones.

If you currently are forced to commute a long distance to visit family members and friends in California, you may want to pursue a residence closer to these loved ones. Thankfully, you can list your Golden State luxury residence and find a new home that provides convenient access to family members and friends.

Of course, if you want to achieve the best-possible results during the California luxury home selling journey, you may want to hire a real estate agent. This housing market professional will go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure you can accomplish your desired California luxury home selling goals.

A real estate agent will learn about you and your California luxury home selling goals and help you plan accordingly. Therefore, if you want to sell your Bay Area luxury home as quickly as possible, a real estate agent will help you do just that. On the other hand, if your goal is to maximize your profits from the sale of your Anaheim luxury home, a real estate agent will do whatever it takes to help you get the best price for your house.

Collaborate with a real estate agent, and you can receive plenty of support as you navigate the California luxury house selling journey.

5 Heat-Tolerant Annuals That Flourish in Hot Summer Weather

 Photo by mschiffm via Pixabay

In most parts of the country, deep summer is when residential gardens are at their best. Well-watered lawns are lush and green, vegetable plots are thriving and annuals in flower beds, hanging baskets and containers. In the American South, however, the warmest part of the summer is also the most lackluster simply because many blooming annuals can’t stand the heat. Impatiens, fuchsia and snapdragons, for instance, will simply burn up and die if exposed to high temperatures for more than a day or so. Fortunately, there are annuals that thrive in summer heat that can help keep Southern gardens looking vibrant. Following are five of them:

Cosmos

Native to Mexico, cosmos are well-acclimated to hot weather. They come in white, all shades of pink and deep scarlet. They grow to about four feet tall, making them a great option for the back of the border in most situations. They grow very easily from seed and self-seed themselves once established in the garden.

Sunflowers

As their name implies, sunflowers are sun loving plants that perform well in hot climate conditions. They come in cream, all shades of yellow and deep mahogany. They’re one of the few plants that are tall enough to put behind cosmos in the back of the border. Like cosmos, they readily self-seed, but most bird species as well as their human counterparts love to snack on the seeds. Be sure to save some seeds in a cool, dry area to plant next year. 

Zinnias

Zinnias feature daisy-like blooms on long, sturdy stems, making them ideal for including in household bouquets. They come in all colors except for blue and are ideal for including in a mixed border. Although zinnias are very easy to grow from seed, and they’re F1 hybrids, the offspring from the seed they produce won’t be true to form, so you’ll have to buy new seed every year. 

Portulaca

Otherwise, known as moss rose, portulaca is a low-growing little plant with a delicate appearance that belies its toughness. It comes in all colors except for blue and is ideal for rock gardens, the front of the border and planters. Another F1 hybrid, portulaca won’t come true from its own seed.

Petunias

Petunias are suitable for almost any garden situation, but where they really shine is when they’re brimming over in a hanging basket. These aren’t easy to grow from seed, so most people purchase them in four-inch pots at their local nursery. They come in all colors but blue.

Plants that are acclimated to hot weather also tend to be drought-tolerant, which means you’ll probably save a little on utility costs. As another added bonus, the above annuals are all fairly resistant to pests and diseases. 

 

Home Ownership is a Superior Choice for Many

Most adults go through a series of predictable life stages, which include the eventual desire to be a home owner. Some people take the plunge sooner than others, but that decision is typically set in motion by changing circumstances, such as financial readiness, additions to the family, or career advancement.

Owning your own home certainly has a different “feel” to it than being a renter. Not only do you tend to feel more established and successful, but home ownership gives you more control over your environment. When you no longer have to answer to a landlord, you don’t have to concern yourself with unannounced visits, inspections, restrictions, rent increases, or even lease terminations.

Renting an apartment, condo, or duplex may make the most sense when you’re getting your first taste of independence as a recent college graduate or a young newlywed couple. However, as maturity settles in, buying a house becomes the next logical step. In addition to the investment value of real estate, most people also gravitate toward the idea of more privacy, more control over their lives, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from owning your own home.

Parenthood brings changes. Once children come into your life, your whole perspective undergoes a seismic shift! New priorities come to the forefront, such as relocating to a better school district, living closer to relatives or a recommended child care facility, and having a spacious yard where your kids can play. Owning property with a private, grassy space for a sandbox, a swing set, or backyard birthday parties are also among the reasons home ownership appeals to young parents.

Gardening becomes an option. With few exceptions, the joy of backyard gardening is a pastime that’s only available to home owners. Whether your interest lies in growing your own vegetables, herbs, or wildflowers, cultivating a garden can be a very satisfying aspect of home ownership. While there is definitely more work involved in landscaping, maintaining property, and keeping your lawn looking manicured, the pride of ownership that comes from beautifying your own yard makes it all worthwhile!

Building equity: While deluxe townhouse rentals and luxury apartments may offer some temporary appeal, there comes a time in life when you want your monthly payments to begin feathering your own nest, rather than helping your landlord retire comfortably! Although your rented living space may provide you with immediate comfort, ample storage, and a place to entertain friends, it’s your landlord, not you, who’s receiving the tax advantages and investment value of the property you’re living in.

Even though apartment living or townhouse renting may have suited your purposes up until now, you can’t help but wonder whether it’s time for a change — specifically, a change that can strengthen your financial security and provide you with a resource you can leverage and enjoy for years to come.

3 Tips for Protecting Your Vegetable Garden From Frost

Cold weather can be bad news for vegetable gardens, especially if unexpected. While many plants are hardy and frost-resistant, most tender vegetables cannot survive sudden freezing temperatures. Luckily, there are some measures you can take to protect your garden from an unexpected frost. Here are some tips to remember:

Water During the Day

Adjust your watering schedule to ensure you’re watering during the day. The key is to saturate the soil rather than leave extra moisture on the leaves. Damp soil can trap heat and insulate the roots of the plant, protecting them from cold. As the water evaporates, it will keep the air slightly warmer near ground level.

Cover Crops With Blankets & Sheets

Old sheets and lightweight blankets can make great DIY frost protection. Use garden stakes, hoops or other supports to create a low tent over the veggies with the sheet or blanket. This will keep them insulated and protect the tender leaves from freezing. Another great tip is to use pillowcases on your tomato cages–just make sure to remove all of the fabric in the morning so the plants can get the light they need.

Shield With Plastic Containers

Plastic is an incredibly efficient insulator. Many gardeners build vegetable greenhouses out of plastic sheets to keep the plants safe and warm in cold climates. Plastic sheeting is a convenient option because you can cut it to size; however, using plastic bins, storage boxes, garbage cans or any other plastic container works just as well. Place them upside-down over your plants to shield them from the frost. This is especially effective for seedlings and tender greens.

These are just a few ways to protect your garden from freezing temperatures. For a thriving garden any time of year, make sure to research the specific needs of each plant so you know where to focus your efforts.

Architecture studios at home & beyond

If you’re interested in interior design or architecture, it can be helpful to know the basics about architecture studios. Whether you’re a professional or pursuing a new hobby, familiarizing yourself with the terminology and tools of the trade will give you an edge.

Here are some of the key facts to explore about architecture workspaces:

What is an architecture studio?

Architectural studios are places where architects can make building designs and landscapes. The architectural studio is an office space reserved for architects who want to develop designs for every kind of structure and its surroundings.

What is a studio architect?

Architecture firms usually offer studio space to their architects. Therefore, a “studio architect” could be any professional architect currently working out of a studio for an architectural or interior design firm.

A firm may have more than one architect working out of a single studio or multiple smaller studio teams. Studio directors typically oversee the studio projects and staff.

How to set up your own architecture studio

If you’re interested in architecture and want to set up your own studio at home, there are plenty of ways to do so. In terms of necessary furniture and features, architecture workspaces share many similarities with art studios and home offices.

One of the most important parts of an architecture studio is a drawing space or drafting table. Having a large surface area to spread out your sketches and blueprints for construction projects is essential.

If you work with design software, you’ll want a dedicated space for your computer technology, just like in a home office. Make sure you have a comfortable, supportive chair and a desk that supports healthy posture.

Are you ready to create your own architecture studio at home? Keep these tips in mind while you draft and design your ideas to create the perfect creative workspace.

Understanding your homeowners insurance: Catastrophe coverage

Photo of a flower field under a storm

Risk, peril and hazard are all terms used in homeowners insurance. Catastrophe insurance is a type of homeowners coverage that can help you with emergency medical costs resulting from a named peril. For more information on catastrophe insurance, here are the basics:

How catastrophe insurance works

In most homeowners insurance policies, only specific hazards will be covered and may vary by policy or insurer. Catastrophe insurance is an optional addition, or rider, you can include in a homeowners policy to help cover health costs related to a disaster.

Know your insurance policy

Homeowners insurance protects your personal property against damage. It can also financially protect you and your household from unforeseen injuries caused by your own residence. However, only catastrophic insurance riders will provide broad coverage for emergency medical expenses.

It’s crucial to know which hazards are included in your particular policy, and also the limits of your health insurance coverage. Injuries sustained in a natural disaster can make a difficult situation even worse. The more you can do to protect yourself and your finances, the better.

Steps to Take Before You List a Home

Selling a house should be a fast, simple process. Unfortunately, potential pitfalls may arise that make it tough to achieve the best-possible home selling results.

Lucky for you, we’re here to help you prepare for the home selling journey.

Now, let’s look at three steps that every home seller should take before listing a house.

1. Evaluate the Real Estate Market

The housing market fluctuates week to week. Thus, a real estate market that favors sellers one week may favor buyers the following week, or vice-versa.

A home seller should examine real estate market data closely. By doing so, this seller can analyze housing market patterns and trends and plan accordingly.

Take a look at the prices of recently sold houses in your city or town. This housing market information will allow you to see how long homes were listed before they sold and help you set realistic expectations for the home selling journey.

Also, examine the prices of local residences that are comparable to your own. With this housing market data, you may be better equipped than ever before to establish a competitive price for your house.

2. Conduct a Home Inspection and Appraisal

Don’t wait to conduct a home inspection and appraisal. If you perform these assessments before you list your house, you can gain valuable home insights that you might struggle to obtain elsewhere.

During a home inspection, a property expert will assess your house both inside and out. Then, this property expert will provide an inspection report that you can use to prioritize assorted home repairs and upgrades.

Meanwhile, a home appraisal can help you determine the present value of your house. The appraisal will be conducted by a property expert who will examine your house, as well as review myriad data about homes in your neighborhood and the local real estate market. Next, this property expert will provide a property valuation that can help you determine how to price your residence.

3. Hire a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent understands the challenges commonly associated with selling a house. Fortunately, this housing market professional also knows how to identify and address these challenges early in the home selling process, increasing the likelihood of a quick, profitable home sale.

Typically, a real estate agent will meet with you and learn about your home selling goals. He or she then will help you put together a strategy to sell your home quickly and maximize your earnings.

When it comes to promoting a residence to potential buyers, a real estate agent knows exactly what to do too. He or she will help you craft an engaging and informative home listing that hits the mark with the right buyers. Plus, a real estate agent will host open house events and home showings to provide buyers with plenty of opportunities to view your house.

Want to list your house? Follow the aforementioned steps, and you can boost your chances of a terrific home selling experience.

Your Guide to Garden Mirrors

Garden mirrors might seem like a new trend, but they’ve been popular among outdoor designers and gardeners for decades. With the wide variety of mirrors and mirrored surfaces available to add to your garden decor, you can incorporate this fun idea into your outdoor space. Here are the basics about garden mirrors and some ideas to inspire you.

Choosing Your Mirrors

Luckily, almost any mirror can function perfectly well in an outdoor space. Mirrors can stand up to hot summers and cold winters without breaking and won’t take any damage unless the backing gets wet. Moisture on the back side of the mirror might cause warping in especially rainy climates. Framed mirrors with exterior wood will benefit from a coat of protective seal. You can use clear polyurethane or a similar substance to protect these parts of the mirror from moisture damage.

Be Mindful of Wildlife

A major concern for using garden mirrors is how it affects local wildlife. Avoid placing mirrors in the direct flight paths of birds. Instead, use them along the sides of common pathways and cover them partially with plants to create the illusion of more space without adding potential collision hazards.

Design Ideas

  • Use a shower door mirror along a back fence to reflect the view back into the yard. This can make the illusion of double the space without all the garden maintenance. Plus, shower door mirrors are already water-protected and easy to find at hardware stores.

  • Try hanging multiple smaller mirrors along a fence or wall just like you would hang art. Mix up the sizes, shapes and frame styles to create a fun, eclectic look that bounces the light around and makes the space feel larger.

  • Use a convex mirror to reflect around corners or simply create some visual interest with a slightly warped image. Just like in retail stores and parking lots, a convex mirror can show you a much larger amount of space than a flat mirror can. While this makes for an excellent decorative piece, it’s also useful for safety when working in cramped gardening spaces.

  • Add a faux door mirror at the end of a pathway to create a sense of mystery as well as visually extending the yard space. You can either repurpose an actual door or attach a mirror to a larger frame. Surrounding the “door” with lush plant life will enhance the whimsical feel this adds to the garden.

  • To double your hanging vines or flower volume, place a mirror right behind a trellis. While partially obscured, the mirror will reflect the plants on the trellis while scattering the light around the space.

If you’re thinking about trying out a mirror in your garden, these tips are a great place to begin. With garden mirrors, you can add a bit of shine and make any outdoor space seem larger than it is.

3 Questions to Consider Before You Invest in Home Improvements

Before you sell your home, you may want to invest in property upgrades. That way, you can enhance your residence both inside and out and boost your chances of enjoying a fast, profitable house selling experience.

Ultimately, there are many questions to consider prior to investing in home improvements. These questions include:

1. Which home improvements should I prioritize?

It may be beneficial to have a professional home inspector evaluate your residence. Because if you receive a home inspection report, you can learn about your residence’s strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps most important, you can use this report to establish home improvement priorities.

There is no shortage of qualified home inspectors available in cities and towns nationwide. If you reach out to a home inspector today, you can take the first step to identify and address various problems throughout your house.

2. How much should I spend on home improvements?

Although you would like to improve your residence as much as possible, there is only a finite amount of money at your disposal to allocate to property improvements. If you create a home improvement budget, however, you may be better equipped than ever before to get the most out of your available funds.

Also, it is important to remember that some home improvements are quick and simple to complete. If you can perform home upgrades on your own, you may be able to save money in comparison to hiring a professional contractor to complete these tasks for you.

3. How much time should I commit to home improvements?

Think about when you want to list your home. Next, you can craft a home improvement timeline that allows you to determine which property upgrades you want to complete and when you want to finish these projects.

Generally, it is helpful to give yourself as much time as you can to perform home improvements. And if you have sufficient time to complete home upgrades, you’ll ensure that these tasks are always finished correctly.

As you get ready to list your residence, you may want to hire a real estate agent too. This housing market professional can examine your house and offer home improvement recommendations and suggestions. Furthermore, a real estate agent may be able to put you in touch with the best home improvement professionals in your area.

A real estate agent provides comprehensive assistance throughout the property selling journey as well. He or she will help you list your residence and promote it to the right groups of buyers. And if you receive an offer to purchase your home, a real estate agent will help you analyze this homebuying proposal and determine the best course of action.

Ready to transform your ordinary home into an attractive option for buyers? Allocate time and resources to perform home improvements – you’ll be glad you did. If you upgrade your residence, you can show off the true beauty of your house and increase the likelihood of a successful property selling experience.

How To Turn a Quick Sale on Your California Home

There’s no way around it–California has one of the most competitive real estate markets in the nation right now. But, there’s no reason you can’t use some of the charms of California living to help sell your home for top dollar and edge above the competition.

There are a number of tools and techniques you can employ to improve the marketability of your home. In California, you can use the local benefits to your advantage and highlight them in your home sale.

In today’s post, I’m going to show you how to do just that so that you can get a faster turn around on your home sale and start moving onto your next big adventure.

Read on for the list of 5 ways to quickly sell your California property.

1. Priced to sell

Market rates in California an be quick to change. You’ll want to make sure your on top of these fluctuations so that your home is always priced to sell. Value is at an all-time high in California, so you should be able to make a large profit off of your home while still beating out the competitors.

2. Be on-call

Jen, a potential buyer, just landed her first big tech job in California. Now she has to find a home–and fast. You can bet that Jen and her agent are going to go with a seller who is available and ready to play ball at a moment’s notice.

Making yourself available for showings, pictures, and having paperwork and answers ready are all important to giving potential buyers a heads-up that they’re working with someone who is taking their inquiry seriously and respecting their time

3. California living

You’re not just selling your home. You’re also selling the dream of living in the Golden State. Showcase the benefits that your neighborhood and region have in daily life. Since commuting is a frequent concern of California residents, showcase how your home is a commuter’s dream. If you have some nearby landmarks or scenic places to hike and bike, put these in your ads as well.

There’s a reason so many people want to move to California, why not show that your home stands with the top properties in the state when it comes to the dream of California living.

4. Throw in bonuses

If a potential buyer hints that they love the way a certain room is decorated or that there are just one or two minor issues they have with the home, don’t be afraid to offer some incentives and throw in bonuses with your home sale. This can be things like furniture, decor, and more.

5. Show that you can work around their schedule

California buyers tend to be a busy lot. They often don’t have months to wait before moving into their new home. Making arrangements to be out of the home by the time the buyer would like to move in is a good way to help ease the buyer’s anxiety about moving on time.