Is Your Home Working for You?
With home values on the rise, many homeowners now have an exciting opportunity to tap into their home's equity through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). This flexible financial tool lets you borrow against the equity in your home, providing a line of credit that can be used for more than just home improvements.
Whether it’s funding a new car, investing in rental property, or even taking that dream vacation, a HELOC offers a low-interest alternative to other loans. Why dip into your savings when your home’s value can help fund your dreams? A HELOC lets you access cash while keeping your savings intact, giving you peace of mind and more financial flexibility. Plus, if you use the funds for home improvements, you might even enjoy some tax benefits! With home values climbing, now is the ideal time to explore how a HELOC can help you reach your financial goals.  And there’s no better guide than Marisol Cortez, our top HELOC expert, Branch Manager with Financial Partners Credit Union, and the best lender in town. Reach out to her for personalized support and all the details you need! 

Marisol Cortez BRANCH MANAGER NMLS # 1422773 424.403.6991 Phone mcortez@FPCU.org fpcu.org/marisol

Halloween may have just passed, but don’t let your guard down—property tax deadlines can creep up when you least expect them! With the first installment due November 1st, now’s the time to handle those payments before you’re haunted by penalties. If you miss the December 10th deadline, you’ll be in for a frightful 10% late fee—no tricks, just a costly reminder to get your finances in order before those fees start lurking.
If your tax bill has not arrived by early November, it's crucial not to let it slip from your attention. Don't hesitate to reach out to your county tax collector—it's a great way to make sure all your details are accurate and current. Taking this proactive step can save you from any surprise headaches later on. So, grab a calendar, mark those important deadlines, and set some reminders to keep yourself organized. You definitely want to avoid late fees, especially with the holiday season approaching and all the expenses that come with it!

Making decisions about your home can feel like a big deal—whether you're dreaming of a new bathroom, adding an ADU, or thinking about buying a second home. But guess what? You don't have to navigate these choices alone! If you're on the hunt for a contractor or need some advice on your next project, give me a call. We’ll connect you with trusted contractors and pros who can bring your vision to life and offer our advice —without the hefty fees of an attorney— to help you avoid any decisions that might impact your property’s value.
Make sure to keep me as a key contact on your phone and speed dial for those important decisions. Don’t go at it alone—use our knowledge and experience at your advantage.  Let us be your trusted resource, helping you make the best choices for your home and future. We’re here to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible. Reach out to us anytime—we can't wait to chat with you!

If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because of rising mortgage rates, now’s a great time to take a second look!
Rates are starting to drop, making homeownership more within reach.
You may have heard the phrase “marry the house, date the rate,” this concept means you can secure your dream home now while having the flexibility to adjust your mortgage rate later, so you won’t feel stuck with today’s rates forever. With inflation easing, mortgage rates are following suit; we’ve seen them go from over 7% down to now closer to 5%, and they could keep dropping.
Plus, with no-cost refinancing options, you can lock in a better rate now and refinance later without the hefty fees. It’s a smart move that can save you a lot of money down the road. With improving rates and the flexibility to refinance, now is the perfect time to buy, and I’m here to help guide you every step of the way. Let’s make your home-buying experience fun, stress-free, and affordable!

Big news in the real estate world—soon, commission details won’t be listed directly on the MLS anymore. Instead, we’ll be using new forms to handle this information. This change is all about making things clearer and more streamlined, so everyone knows exactly what to expect without any added confusion. But don’t worry, the core of how we buy and sell homes remains unchanged, so you’ll still get the top-notch service you’re used to!
The new forms are designed to simplify the process and enhance transparency. Whether you’re hunting for your dream home or gearing up to sell, you’ll find that while the paperwork might look a bit different, the exceptional care and expertise of your real estate team will stay the same. This update is all about making your experience smoother and more straightforward, so you can focus on finding the perfect place or getting the best deal. Here’s to making real estate transactions easier and even more enjoyable!

Imagine a world where every cat has a cozy home to call their own! Just like us humans cherish the comfort and security of owning a home, cats need a place where they feel safe and loved. This is the heart of the mission behind "housing for cats," a journey that mirrors the wonderful adventure of finding the perfect house for a family. Much like a top-notch realtor ensures their clients find their dream home, Viva Los Gatos is dedicated to giving homeless cats in Baja, Mx a second chance at life.

Viva Los Gatos goes above and beyond, offering essential services like sterilization, medical attention, and shelter while helping these cats find their forever homes. Viva Los Gatos has created a cozy lounge with the focus on creating a safe and loving environment where visitors can mingle with the adorable kittens, offering a fun and interactive experience for potential adopters.

It's a heartwarming process, transforming the lives of these animals and giving them the homes they deserve. Viva Los Gatos is turning "housing for cats" into a reality, one purr at a time. It’s like the real estate world for our furry friends, ensuring they, too, have a place to call home and a family to love. Just as finding a home can change a person's life, providing a safe haven for these cats transforms their world entirely!

Click here to check out Viva Los Gatos: https://linktr.ee/vivalosgatos.baja

Homeowners often fall into the trap of making upgrades they think will add value, but sometimes these changes turn out to be unnecessary and even problematic when it’s time to sell. Take solar panels, for example. They’re fantastic for the environment and can slash your utility bills, but they don’t always increase your home’s resale value. We’ve seen situations where potential buyers are hesitant to take on the financial responsibility of solar panels, especially if they’re leased or financed. This can lead to complications and delays in selling your home, making it a less attractive option for buyers.
So, what’s the best way to avoid these pitfalls? Talk to the pros! Consulting with real estate agents and experts can give you a clear picture of whether purchasing or leasing solar panels is the right move. They can help you understand the financial ins and outs and what buyers are looking for. Remember, it's all about finding the right balance between making your home more appealing and ensuring it remains marketable.

Reach out to us anytime— we're here to help you make the best decisions for your home and your future!

Prepare Your Home for a Wildfire

Home Maintenance: Regularly clean gutters, trim tree limbs near your home, ensure smoke alarms work, and keep fire extinguishers operational. Make sure escape ladders are accessible.

Landscaping: Use fire-resistant shrubs and trees, and create firebreaks with rocks and flower beds. Maintain defensible space zones free of brush and trees, especially on hills.

Be Prepared: Prepare a survival kit, an evacuation plan, and a home inventory. Consider fire-resistant materials when remodeling.

Prepare Your Business

Maximize Fire Resistance:

• Use noncombustible materials for exterior walls, roofs, and gutters.

• Install dual-paned windows or fire shutters, metal mesh screening over vents, and spark arrestors on chimneys.

• Consider exterior fire sprinklers.

Prepare:

• Keep fuel-powered fire pumps ready and test them regularly.

• Inventory equipment and store important documents offsite or in a fire-rated safe.

• Create an emergency contact list and communication plan.

• Maintain accessibility for fire department equipment and develop emergency shutdown procedures.

• Develop a business continuity plan and monitor local conditions for early evacuation.

As a Wildfire Approaches

Monitor Conditions: Stay updated on local news and follow evacuation instructions. Review emergency plans and designate a meeting place. Store emergency numbers on mobile phones.

Prepare, if Possible: Close windows, doors, blinds, and shut off utilities. Ready your vehicle with a full fuel tank and keys handy.

During a Wildfire

Heed Evacuation Instructions: Evacuate immediately if advised. Wear protective clothing and take a wet towel for your face. Follow your evacuation plan with your survival kit.

Business Evacuation Plan

• Have a documented and communicated evacuation plan with multiple escape routes.

• Practice the plan and account for all employees.

• Follow emergency shutdown procedures and close all vents, windows, and doors. Shut off gas and fuel supplies.

After a Wildfire

Await the “All Clear”: Check with officials before re-entering. Look for hot spots and check for sparks and embers. Dispose of any food or medication exposed to smoke or fire.

Business Wildfire Recovery

• Follow OSHA's Wildfire: Response/Recovery guidelines.

Other Considerations:

• Contact local fire departments and agencies for fire laws, building codes, and prevention measures. Look for grants and resources to reduce wildfire risk.

Rightsizing your home is like giving your living space a fresh start. It's about creating a more manageable, organized, and enjoyable environment. Think of it as the ultimate decluttering adventure, where you sort through your belongings and decide what truly matters.This process helps transform your home into a stress-free zone that perfectly suits your lifestyle, making it easier to find what you need and enjoy your space more fully.
But. we all have those sentimental items we can't imagine parting with. The emotional side of downsizing is just as important as the practical side. Take a moment to reflect on the purpose and value of each item. Maybe create memory books or digital archives for those sentimental treasures. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and approach them with a positive mindset.  Focus on the incredible benefits of a simplified space – less clutter means more room for the things you love and a clearer mind. Embrace the journey, and you’ll find that rightsizing isn’t just about organizing your home; it’s about enriching your life and making room for what truly matters.

Summer is a season of pool parties, barbeques, and enjoying time with loved ones.  It is also a red hot season for buying and selling homes.  Below we’ll discuss the pros and cons of listing your home during this prominent real estate season. 

Pros

1. You Will Have an Abundance of Showings: With more hours of daylight, there’s more time for real estate showings.  Showings are also more likely to have viewers during the summer season than in the winter.  Interested home buyers are more likely to be spending quality time outside, which makes them more likely to attend an open house. 

2. Buyers Have Extra Motivation: Many busy households want to move into new homes before the fall school season begins.  Buyers might’ve missed out on housing opportunities during the spring, so summer is the perfect time for a new search. 

3. Convenience: With the free time for students and the consistent weather, summer provides availability and certainty when it comes to moving.

4. The House Will Looks Its Best: Natural light abounds in the summer, and this extra brightness is sure to showcase your home at its best.  With radiant windows and flourishing flowers, your home will be ready to list. 

Cons

1. Competition: Because this is such a busy time in the real estate market, this means the market is filled with competition.  Be prepared to see a “For Sale” sign at every corner, but do not let that dissuade you.  Make your home stand out. 

2. Obligations: Selling a house comes with obligations that may interfere with your summer plans.  Cleaning and prepping the house for showings is a substantial job in itself.  However, if you hire a real estate agent, this load of work will be majorly alleviated. 

3. Summer Heat: Loading and unloading a moving truck during hot, humid weather is a struggle.  Prepare yourself with chilled bottles of water, sunscreen, and portable fans.

4. Showing Houses with Children: Even though school is out for the summer, when it comes to selling a house, it isn’t all about relaxation.  You will need to have a place for your kids to go while prospective buyers are looking at your home.  Not to mention you will need to clean the house on a regular basis.  The best piece of advice for selling a home while you have children is to plan ahead of time: playdates or summer camps will give you free time and give your children fun experiences. 

Summer is the perfect time to sell your house, but it’s not without its challenges.  However, with the help of an adaptable, experienced real estate agent at VB Realty, anything is possible. Contact VB Realty Group for al of your real estate needs. 

To read Marian White’s full article, click the link below. 

https://www.moving.com/tips/pros-and-cons-of-selling-a-house-during-the-summer/

Picture this: you’re enjoying a lazy Sunday morning with your favorite cup of coffee, when suddenly, an email pops up saying there's a foreclosure recorded on your property. Your heart races – what’s going on? This is exactly the kind of moment the Homeowner Alert Service (e-Notification) was made for. By signing up, you get real-time alerts whenever a foreclosure, transfer of title, or mortgage is recorded on your property with your County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
Think of this service as your personal watchdog, always sniffing out any suspicious activity that might suggest real estate fraud, keeping you one step ahead, allowing you to catch and address potential issues before they become real problems.
But here’s a fun fact with a serious twist: scammers and hackers might try to crash this party. They could intercept these email alerts and use the info to change phone numbers on your bank accounts or pull off credit card fraud without you even knowing. So while the Homeowner Alert Service is awesome for protecting against real estate fraud, it’s also a reminder to keep your cybersecurity game strong. Stay alert, stay safe, and keep enjoying those peaceful mornings!

Great news for homebuyers and homeowners! Mortgage rates have taken a dip, sliding down from the high 7% range to the mid-6% range!
If you're on the hunt for a new home or eyeing a refinance, this change is like discovering an unexpected bonus in your paycheck. Sure, a 6% mortgage rate might still seem a tad high compared to the sweet, record lows we enjoyed not too long ago, but compared to 7%, it's definitely a treat.
And here's the real cherry on top: that 1% drop can save you a boatload of cash. Picture this — on a $700,000 home loan, shaving off just one percentage point from your rate, going from 7% to 6%, can save you tens of thousands of dollars over a 30-year mortgage. That's a serious stack of savings, translating to lower monthly payments and less interest chipping away at your wallet.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a homeowner looking to refinance, this dip in rates is like finding a hidden treasure chest, making your dream home more affordable and adding a sprinkle of financial freedom to your life. Cheers to that!