Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
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If you’re a first-time buyer who’s never financed a home before, the process can seem pretty daunting. You might discover a lot of options, which could make you feel overwhelmed as you get started. Fortunately, we can work together (along with your loan officer) to make it less complicated. We’ll be there with you every step of the way. And if you’re not quite ready to purchase a home, you can start preparing with the following tips to help you start the mortgage process on th... Full story
Getting good, consistent sleep is important to your health, mood and overall productivity. But achieving quality sleep is often easier said than done. Do you have trouble sleeping? It’s possible that making some changes to your bedroom could help you achieve a more restful slumber. Here are five updates you can make to your room that may create a better environment for a good night’s sleep. Swap out your color palette. Blues, greens and light neutrals are the most rel...
Buying a house can be a complex and lengthy process. Sometimes, a hiccup in one part of the chain can delay the entire purchase. And while you can only control so much, there are some steps you can take to help prevent this from happening on your home buying journey. If you’re preparing to buy a house soon, here are three things you can do to try to keep your home purchase on track. 1. Talk to a lender first. Working with a loan officer before beginning your home search can h...
When it comes to home repairs and renovations, doing it yourself can be tempting. After all, it could save you money and you won’t have to vet contractors or deal with strangers in your house. Plus, showing off a project you completed can give you bragging rights. It’s not always the right move, though. It can be dangerous, and it also could lead to needing further repairs if done incorrectly, potentially costing more in the long run. If you’ve got home repairs or updat...
Inheriting a property from a loved one can bring with it a lot of complicated emotions and decisions. Do you keep it in the family or sell it? If you choose the latter, there are a number of factors to consider before moving forward. If the property is in probate, there will be a legal proceeding to determine how assets of the estate are handled – and that could take a while. If not, you may be able to move forward with listing the home. Beyond that, you should also take i...
Every homeowner needs to make repairs (or to renovate) at some point. Maybe a storm blew down part of your fence, or maybe you want to upgrade your kitchen countertops. No matter what home improvements you’re going to make, you’ll need the money to cover it. And, while credit cards or personal loans could be an option, they typically come with high interest rates that could lead to higher costs. Before going that route, consider one of these lower-cost options instead. · Savi...
When you moved into your home, you probably took lots of photos. It’s fun sharing pictures of a new space with people in your life and on social media. Once you’ve lived there for a while, though, you likely take photos less frequently (or stop taking them altogether). But it turns out that taking photos of your home on a more regular basis can have benefits. Here’s why you may want to start again. They can help when you’re ready to sell. When you want to list your house,...
As the saying goes: “Everything old is new again.” This is particularly true when it comes to style trends, including home design. The looks of the past can provide endless inspiration for homes today, and you don’t have to choose just one era or approach. You can mix and match trends from multiple decades and interior design styles. Are you looking to give your home decor a refresh? Here are some design elements from the past that might interest you. • 1950s: The ‘50s we...
Paying off your mortgage early could save you money on interest paid over the life of the loan. It can also free up money to put toward other goals, like saving for retirement. Despite these perks, though, prepaying a mortgage isn't right for everyone, and there may be some downsides to this strategy. Are you thinking of paying off your mortgage early? Check out some pros and cons to consider before you do. Pros: You'll pay significantly less interest. You could potentially...
Moving to a new home is never really easy, but it can be particularly challenging when you’re doing a long-distance move. Over 8 million people moved out of state in 2022 alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau – and that means you can do it, too. Are you considering moving to a new state (or even region) this year? Here are some ways to make the process easier. Declutter and donate unused belongings There’s no point in moving items you no longer use or need, so take this...
Making a solid offer is the first step toward buying your dream home, but remember: Sellers have goals in this process, too. Your first offer may not be accepted as is. In many cases, a seller will respond with a counteroffer – a new version of your offer with changes to the price, contingencies, timeline or other details. As a buyer, you’re free to accept their offer, reject it or come back with a counteroffer of your own to continue the negotiation process. We can work toget... Full story
As you likely know, the housing market has been struggling with inventory for years. Years of low production from home builders certainly play a part in this shortage, but an increase in construction isn’t the fastest way to solve the issue. Existing homeowners – many of whom are currently hesitant to sell – factor in, too. Here’s what is keeping homeowners in place (and how it impacts housing supply). • Low inventory: As mentioned above, low inventory has a roundabou...
Unless you’re buying a brand-new home, you may find that there are changes you’d like to make after you move in. Maybe there aren’t enough outlets in the home office space, or there’s a pedestal sink in the bathroom where you’d prefer cabinets for storage. Whatever the update, diving in right away might not be the right move. If you’re considering making renovations to your newly purchased house, here’s why you may want to hold off. 1. You can take time to save up. Home reno... Full story
Spring is an excellent season for spending more time outdoors. And if your home has a sizable outdoor space, that’s even better. A patio or yard presents so much opportunity: You can play with your kids or pets, invite the neighbors over for a cookout, or simply relax and enjoy the weather as it warms. Before you do all of that, though, you should think about updating your outdoor space. Need help getting ready for spring? Here are some ideas: Install string lights. Give your... Full story
Being a homeowner is often a big financial investment, from the down payment to home maintenance and improvements. But there are ways to save when you own a home, too – particularly on your annual tax returns. Homeownership typically comes with a number of tax deductions and credits that aren’t available for renters. Are you ready to save on your tax bill? Here are some perks you should have on your radar as you file your taxes. 1. Mortgage interest: You probably pay a not...
Selling your home can come with quite a bit of stress, including keeping the place presentable for buyers and potentially making repairs and updates. It can be a lot to take on, especially when you’re juggling other responsibilities. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to alleviate your stress and make selling your home a more enjoyable experience. Are you considering listing your home for sale? Here’s what you can do to make it less stressful. • Lean on your team....
Whether you’re buying an existing home, building a new one or just considering renovating your current place, understanding different floor types – and the unique pros and cons of each – is important. A home’s flooring will obviously impact its overall aesthetic, but its durability can influence your costs as well as how you’ll clean and maintain the home. Are you considering new flooring or a new home? Keep these floor material pros and cons in mind as you do. Carpet Ca...
As a homeowner, there may come a time when your current home just isn’t what you need it to be. You might be able to update or add on to your property, but that may not be enough to change the circumstances. In some scenarios, buying a new place is the only viable option. But how do you know when you’ve hit that point? Here are four situations in which you should consider whether a new place is the right choice. 1. A changing household: Whether you’re having more child... Full story
As a homeowner, you have the opportunity to build equity, which is the financial interest you have in your home. When your equity grows, it can mean bigger profits once you sell your house. Your equity can also be borrowed against using home equity loans or lines of credit and cash-out refinances, which you can then use to cover the costs of home repairs, pay off debt or achieve other financial goals. But how exactly do you build up equity? Here are four strategies: 1. Make a... Full story
Buying a home is always a big decision, but with higher mortgage rates and rising home prices, today’s homebuyers seem to face even higher stakes. Want to ensure you buy a house that makes you happy, get a mortgage you can afford, and make the best moves for your future? Read on to learn some of the most common homebuyer regrets – and how you could steer clear of them. Regret: Paying a too-high interest rate. A higher mortgage interest rate means a higher monthly payment, whi... Full story
Moving can be a hassle. There’s so much to do between the packing, the hauling and the loading – especially while tending to the other facets of moving to a new home, like setting up utilities and modifying the space. Fortunately, hiring professional movers can help by taking a huge burden off your shoulders and ensuring your prized possessions are moved safely and with the utmost care to your new destination. But you do want to choose a reliable company. If you’re consi...
Equity is the difference between your home’s value and your mortgage balance — and most homeowners have gained a lot of it over the past few years. Thanks to rising home prices, most homeowners are sitting on more equity than they might think. The typical homeowner had about $270,000 in home equity at the beginning of 2023. You can tap into home equity when you need it for home repairs, medical bills, college tuition or any other expense you might face. Here are four met...
If your space feels a little cramped, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need more square footage. There are minor design and decor choices that can make rooms look and feel larger – and you don’t have to spend much to achieve this illusion. Are you planning to revamp your place or get your house ready to sell? Here are five ways you can make any room in your home feel more spacious. Use lighting wisely. Adding light is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel bigger. If th... Full story
Remodeling your home can be a big (and stressful) undertaking. Fortunately, hiring a contractor who's well-versed in the process can help alleviate some of that stress. If you bring in a contractor, be diligent in your hiring. Get referrals, compare quotes and interview several candidates to make sure you get the best fit for the job. Are you unsure how a contractor can help with your project? Here are four ways: ● They can handle all the permits. Many remodeling projects ... Full story
When the market is competitive, many homeowners opt to renovate their properties rather than sell or buy. This can be a smart move for many reasons, but as you know, home projects can often end up being expensive and time-consuming. Don't want to make a costly mistake or even regret a renovation altogether? Take a look at these four common missteps – and find out how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Choosing the wrong project Ultimately, you want your upgrades to increase your h...
