California Real Estate Blog
Kitchen Ideas: Design Styles and Layout Options
See pictures of kitchen design styles and find layout ideas and inspiration from HGTV.com
Harvard: Why Owning A Home Makes Sense Financially
The American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. The personal reasons to own differ for each buyer, with many basic similarities. Eric Belsky, the Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University expanded on the top 5 financial benefits of homeownership in his paper -The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in [...]
New Rules for Reverse Mortgages
According to a Time Inc. article by Donna Rosato, reverse mortgages can be a useful source of cash in retirement. The loans—which let you borrow against the value of your home but don’t require repayment while you’re still living in it—have had a reputation as costly and complex products. This reputation has lessened lately. Thanks in part to new [...]
First-Time Buyers: How Much Down Payment Do You Need?
For someone who is thinking of buying a first home, the idea of saving enough money for a down payment can be daunting. The good news is a first-time buyer can purchase a home for a little as 3 percent down -- and even no money down in some cases. Even with no down payment, home buyers [...]
Why Buy? First-Time vs Repeat Buyers
There are many different reasons why individuals choose to buy a new home versus staying in their current situation. Some people are just tired of renting, while others have had additions to their families and need more space. See below what Californians list as the most important reasons for buying a home - from the first-time and move-up [...]
Have Homeowners Insurance? It won’t Cover Flooding
With more El Nino rains on the way this season, it's important for Homeowners to understand that Homeowners Insurance does not cover these flooding situations. You need a separate flood insurance policy for this. As a recent article from the San Diego Union Tribune reminds us, water falling from the sky would be covered by home insurance. [...]
Happy New Year Everyone!
May this year of 2016 be A year of Health & Happiness.. A year of Wealth & Wisdom.. A year of Peace & Prosperity.. A year of Glee & Glow… And also a year of Love & Laughter… Happy New Year! All the Best, Gregg Watkins Watkins Realty Group “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin [...]
First-Time Homebuyers – San Diego Down Payment Assistance
Would you have enough income and good credit to qualify for a home loan if you just had a down-payment? There ARE programs out there that can help! We’re happy to provide you to the POWER of using DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE Programs to buy your first home in San Diego! Now if you're tempted to stop reading because [...]
Home Improvements That Pay Off
If you are looking to buy a new home, it's important to know your credit score. Are you planning on some home improvements? Whether you’re selling your home or just looking for a project, you’ll want to put your resources into the home improvements that will bring the best return on your investment. The graphic below shows some [...]
The California Real Estate Market is HOT!
California real estate is in high demand. Of the 20 hottest real estate markets in the U.S., more than half were in California, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. San Diego came in at #7. The following California cities made the list: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Vallejo, Santa Rosa, San Diego, Sacramento, [...]
How to Hire a Contractor
Remodeling your San Diego home? Hiring a contractor is a significant decision, with quality and pricing varying dramatically, especially on any larger scale project. Who do you hire and where do you look? For many homeowners, the thought of a remodel brings of dreadful feelings. A lot of homeowners have at least one horror story about a contractor. [...]
52% Likely to Buy in the Next 5 Years. Are You?
According to the recently released BMO Harris Bank Home Buying Report, 52% of Americans say they are likely to buy a home in the next five years. The report also had other interesting revelations. Those Looking to Buy 74% of those looking to buy a new home will consult a real estate agent 59% said they will [...]