The Most Horrifying Home Design Trends: 2025 Edition

It’s that time of year again when we dive into the most “frightening” home design trends of 2025—the ones that could spook potential buyers, clash with current tastes and even potentially hurt a home’s resale value—that is, if you’re not careful.

 

Throughout the year, designers, real estate professionals and consumer surveys have all weighed in, sharing their disdain for certain looks, layouts and décor choices that can feel outdated, overdone or completely impractical. From furniture faux pas to paint color missteps, we’ve gathered the worst of the worst in countdown fashion. Find the trends that make designers cringe, buyers roll their eyes and homeowners question what they were ever thinking.

 

10. Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees

Once the “it” plant of Pinterest boards everywhere, the fiddle leaf fig is officially passé. Interior designers now call it the houseplant that locks your home into the late 2010s. Sure, it’s bold and sculptural—but it’s also earned a reputation for being fussy, difficult to keep alive and viewed as a cookie-cutter accessory. The New York Times first called out the “death of the fiddle leaf fig tree” in 2022, and others have since followed suit. Homeowners are seeking more variety in their houseplant choices. Looking for alternatives? Try snake plants, rubber trees or oxalis for less maintenance and more personality. 

 

9. Red Brick Exteriors

 Red brick has slid down on curb appeal charts, with just 2% of designers calling it the most desirable in 2025, falling in at last place on the preference list. Off-white, natural wood and deep gray dominate buyer preferences nowadays, according to Fixr.com’s “2025 design and trends color report.”pdf Red brick still holds its charm in historic homes—but lately it has read more as dated, particularly as more homeowners favor lighter, versatile finishes that better match modern tastes.

 

8. Gray Flooring

 The gray flooring craze continues to cool. Surging in popularity from 2018 to the early 2020s, the look can now make spaces feel cold and washed out. Warm, natural wood tones are taking over, seeking to connect interiors more to nature. Still love your gray floors? Contrast them with bright, colorful accents to help balance things out—just don’t expect them to be the star of your space any longer.

 

7. Mindless Maximalism

Maximalism has gone wild and cluttered “granny chic” versions are out. The anything-goes, pile-on-everything approach has left too many homes feeling chaotic. Lately, it’s about embracing “maximalism with meaning”—bold colors with layered textures and eclectic finds that tell a story. After all, if buyers can’t see past the zebra rugs and neon wallpaper, you likely are doing a home a disservice.

 

6. Smart Toilets

Just when you thought home tech couldn’t get any stranger, along comes a growing sector of smart toilets. Ambient lighting, app and voice control, music, health monitoring—do we really need our toilets doing all that? Smart home expert Brandon Doyle, a real estate pro with RE/MAX Results and co-host of The Technical Difficulties Podcast, calls the smart bidet “one of the most over-the-top devices. “Your standard bidet is interesting enough for Americans,” he said on a recent episode of Real Estate Today, “but when you layer on sensors and automations, it gets kind of weird—it’s a good conversation piece but it’s definitely goofy.” Like other flashy smart gadgets, these toilets may be more spectacle than practical upgrade—attention-grabbing, yes, but horrifyingly overengineered.

 

5. Lawn Paint

Yes, people really are spray-painting their lawns green! Lawn paint can disguise brown patches for a quick sale or backyard party, but it’s a cosmetic fix that doesn’t solve soil or watering issues. And used deceptively, it can cross an ethical line in real estate when you’re using it to cover up serious lawn issues. Today’s buyers value honesty and sustainability—not painted turf. A healthy lawn—or even drought-friendly landscaping—can beat a painted quick-fix.

 

4. Red Wall Paint

Red … again?! This time for the walls, not the exterior. More than half of real estate agents surveyed by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate called red walls an instant buyer deterrent. Red also popped up high on Fixr.com’s 2025 survey of the most off-putting interior colors for home selling, which also included lime green, bold pink, purple, orange and mustard yellow. What colors should you use instead? Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate’s poll found that “new neutrals” reign—colors like soft greens, warm grays and nature-inspired tones. They note that buyers crave calm, move-in ready spaces, not bold personal statements they’ll have to cover later. So, save those fiery hues for accents—not your entire dining room wall. 

 

3. The Cookie-Cutter Kitchen

All-white kitchens have had a solid run, but they’ve become predictable and a kitchen cliché. Today’s homeowners want warmth and personality. Two-tone kitchens—mixing painted uppers with wood or darker lowers—or colorful kitchen islands add dimension and character without a full remodel. White is still classic, but combining it with natural or wood tones and nature-inspired hues can keep a kitchen feeling fresh, modern and far from cookie-cutter.

2. Floating Stairs

They may look sleek and modern on Instagram, but floating stairs are high in cost and low in practicality. Without risers or sturdy supports, they can feel more like a safety hazard than a design win. Plus, they’re not cheap, and that’s money that could be better spent creating a dream kitchen. Buyers and homeowners likely will appreciate safer, more functional stair options. (Note: In my experience, a buyer's physical inspector may call out stairs with no railing in the physical inspection report.)

 

1. Bubblegum Pink Home Horror

What once felt playful on TikTok has officially turned terrifying in 2025. Homes drenched in hot pink—from walls to furniture—now part of the fading Barbiecore craze read as overwhelming and juvenile. A few pink accents are fine, but full-on candy-colored décor is chaotic and dated. Designers are retreating to earthier, grounded color palettes—soft greens, warm neutrals and natural textures—leaving Malibu Dreamhouse-style interiors and the bubblegum craze stuck firmly in the past … and back in the toy aisle where it all began. 

 

 To see the entire article with completely descriptive photos, just click on the link -- 

 

The Most Horrifying Home Design Trends: 2025 Edition: Styled, Staged & Sold’s annual list of the worst home trends of the year—the design choices that can haunt real estate.

 

Sometimes sellers don't enjoy frank feedback from their listing agent, and sometimes it's not practical for construction design changes in order to sell, but an article like this one can help for preparation!

If You're a Buyer, There May Be a Grant or Assistance Program for You

Down Payment Sources

There are more homes on the market now, but at the current price point in Southern California, the ability of many buyers to buy is hindered by not enough funds to close escrow. First of all, a 20% down payment is not a requirement to buy. (see below**.) There are loan programs such as FHA and VA which allow for 3.5% down payment or less, plus FHA 30-year interest mortgage rates are usually an improvement compared to conventional loan rates.

Then, various banks such as BMO, Citibank and Chase offer down payment assistance programs, or grants to 1st time buyers, and these aren't the only sources. Some do have income level requirements (BMO allows a total of $213,000 annual income).  There are also programs for DACA recipients. It pays to look into these programs, because it may make the difference on whether you buy or not.

An important tool is the Down Payment search tool which allows for the input of a certain address, then asks for the type of property of interest, then general questions about income and if you're a veteran, before moving on to more details. This does not take the place of a loan qualification, but is designed to inform a buyer about potential opportunities. To find out specific programs based on your information, it does require input of name and phone or email and whether or not you're working with an agent. While some people are reluctant to give that out, you're not required to keep receiving information, please read their privacy policy. Because I'm an agent, the system emailed me the following linked programs based on an $899,000 single family listing in Long Beach, and $100,000 income, and will also send you as the enquirer the same information: 

CBC Mortgage Chenoa Fund - FHA Forgivable DPA
Combined Assistance, up to $44,950 (5% of Purchase Price) in assistance

CBC Mortgage Chenoa Fund - FHA Repayable DPA
Combined Assistance, up to $44,950 (5% of Purchase Price) in assistance

National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) - Data Mortgage, Inc. dba Essex Mortgage 10 Year Amortized 2 Plus
Combined Assistance, up to $44,950 (5% of Purchase Price) in assistance

National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) - Data Mortgage, Inc. dba Essex Mortgage Forgivable/Deferred Program
Combined Assistance, up to $31,465 (3.5% of Purchase Price) in assistance

Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Golden Opportunities Program
Combined Assistance, up to $42,702 (5% of Total Loan Amount) in assistance

Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Platinum Assist To Own - Conventional
Combined Assistance, up to $42,702 (5% of Total Loan Amount) in assistance

Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Platinum Down Payment Assistance - Government
Combined Assistance, up to $42,702 (5% of Total Loan Amount) in assistance

Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Platinum Down Payment Assistance Program - Conventional
Combined Assistance, up to $42,702 (5% of Total Loan Amount) in assistance

Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Platinum SELECT Down Payment Assistance - Government
Combined Assistance, up to $42,702 (5% of Total Loan Amount) in assistance

Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Platinum SELECT Down Payment Assistance Program - Conventional
Combined Assistance, up to $42,702 (5% of Total Loan Amount) in assistance

This information is then forwarded on to the prospective buyer. If you wish to find out more sources, just use the form and I would be happy to send you a list such as this for you to use at your discretion. The results will depend on area or city, income, credit score, how many buyers, or if you currently rent or own.  Not all lenders work with all programs, and you always have the option of contacting a loan officer to inquire about their programs. But using this tool gives you an overview of multiple sources before you shop.

The important thing to know is, there may be an option for you, so don't be afraid to start searching.

**Nearly 1 in 2 buyers made a down payment of 10% or less. In the meantime, less than 30% of buyers made a down payment above 20%, often repeat buyers using equity from previous home.  Smaller down payments are the norm, showing how buyers are adapting to today's affordability challenges while still becoming homeowners. The idea that you need a 20% down payment is one of the biggest myths in real estate." Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist, National Association of REALTORS.

 

 

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

What the Government ShutDown May Mean for Some Clients Right Now

Capitol Building

With Congress failing to pass funding legislation by September 30, the federal government shut down on October 1. 

Will most home sales and closings continue?
Yes. Most transactions will still move forward. However, REALTORS® should prepare clients for potential slowdowns in loan processing, appraisals, and flood insurance.

Do all federal government housing-related programs stop during a shutdown?
No. While many departments face reduced staffing in a limited capacity with “essential” services, the most critical housing and mortgage programs retain their core functions. However, delays are common in programs that require staff involvement.

What happens to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) single-family loans?
Most FHA single-family home loans will continue to move forward without interruption. New FHA single-family loans can still be endorsed during a shutdown.

What about FHA condominium projects and other approvals?
Some FHA programs — such as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and Title I loans — are paused. Activities requiring U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) staff discretion, like manual underwriting for new condominium project approvals, are likely delayed until the government
reopens. C.A.R. members should consider checking HUD’s list of already-approved condominium
projects.

How are conforming mortgages from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) impacted?
The GSEs generally retain their core functions during a shutdown. However, some services that depend on other federal agencies may be affected. For example, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax transcripts may be unavailable, requiring lenders to obtain transcripts and close later.

Can active-duty service members and Veterans still apply for VA home loans?
Yes. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan guarantees remain available, and lenders can continue processing applications. However, reduced staffing during a shutdown may cause delays in appraisals, certificates of eligibility, and underwriting support. 

Can my client still apply for flood insurance?
Applications for new or renewed federal flood insurance policies cannot be issued by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) during the shutdown. Existing NFIP policies remain valid until they expire, and claims will continue to be paid while funds last. Policies may also be transferred from seller to buyer during a transaction. If your clients are seeking an immediate flood insurance policy, private insurance remains an option that is unaffected by the shutdown. 

 Courtesy of California Association of REALTORS.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

Money Laundering Rule in Effect as of March 1, 2026

As of March 1, 2026 (note date change) a new rule issued by FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) takes effect.  This rule applies to real property of one to four residential units, vacant land intended for construction of residential of one to four residential units, where the buyer is a legal entity or trust,and the buyer is making an all-cash purchase or financing the purchase through a bank,  etc., that does not have an independent money laundering reporting obligation.  

Information required to be collected by a "reporting person" which typically is the escrow or title company in the transaction, will include legal names, dates of birth, dates of execution of trusts, addresses, dba's, citizenship (for trustees and beneficial owners), taxpayer identification numbers, and if needed account number and financial institution name from which payment is made.

Additionally, there will probably be an extra charge in escrow for collecting this information which according to one escrow officer could be as much as an additional $700.  California Association of Realtors is including this transactional information now, so that any properties already begun prior to December 1 will be covered. This information is in a separate required form now, but is currently planned to be incorporated into the standard residential purchase contract in June, 2026.

And, should all necessary information not be delivered as requested on a timely basis, the Reporting Person will not close escrow, and any party not providing this information may be in breach of contract and the other party may be entitled to cancel.

While more regulations and forms to sign in escrow are met with a tired groan, bear in mind that "in 2025, financial crime is more sophisticated than ever, costing the global economy up to $2 trillion annually, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime ." https://www.moodys.com/web/en/us/kyc/resources/insights/aml-in-2025.html, involving cryptocurrency, real estate transactions, and other ways of laundering money. 

See more at :  https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/fincen-money-laundering-rule-crackdown-all-case-home-purchases/ and at FinCEN: https://www.fincen.gov/boi-faqs

 NOTE:  The implementation date has changed from December 1, as posted in the original article, to March 2, 2026. Article links may still have December 1 date.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

California Housing Market Projection for 2026

California Assoc of REALTORS 2026 Prediction

The 2026 Housing Market Forecast is out, and the overall prediction is that the median price will continue to inch up from the 2025 median of $873,900 to a 2026 median of $905,000.

Resale volume is still under the 2021 level, and in 2026 will be projected to 274,400 units, well under the 444,500 level of 2021, but ahead of the 2025 level of 269,000 units.

Per the California Association of REALTORS:

"Inflation will likely pick up in the next 12 months, but the annual average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2025 will dip slightly to 2.8 percent, before bouncing back up to an average of 3.0 percent next year. The average 30-year, fixed mortgage interest rate will moderate slightly to 6.6 percent in 2025 but will decline more solidly to 6.0 percent in 2026. While next year’s projected average for the 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate will still be higher than the levels observed in the few years prior to the pandemic, it will be lower than the long-run average of nearly 8% in the past 50 years." (Per Bankrate: September 18, 2025, the current average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate is 6.23%.)

Housing affordability is expected to inch up to 18 percent next year after edging up to a projected 17 percent in 2025 from 16 percent in 2024. 

“As economic uncertainty begins to clear up in the next 12 months and mortgage rates start declining more consistently in the upcoming quarters, housing sentiment will see some improvement in 2026,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “However, mounting headwinds such as the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and its trading partners, the home insurance crisis, and a potential stock market bubble will remain challenges for the housing market in upcoming year,” Levine continued.               

The complete Market Forecast will be posted soon on the CAR website.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

Buyers, Especially First Time Buyers, Want Agents Who Know The Buying Process

Another agent I'm acquainted with in my market told me a story the other day about a buyer she had been working with who enjoyed using the benefits of AI to find out information about his transaction, i.e., analyzing the contract he had signed with the seller

Marina Vista Park

. The buyer was satisfied with getting all his information, at that point, by entering prompts and getting answers back about the contract, in spite of his agent's request to personally meet with him and review, which he refused. But according to the most recent annual buyer profile mentioned below, this is not what most buyers are looking for in an agent. Most people want the guidance and experience of their agent, to say nothing of the fact that a buyer broker agreement has been signed and this knowledge and duty is what the buyer is paying the agent for. There are myriad issues in a transaction that may not be accounted for if the right prompt isn't entered into the AI chat. AI is becoming more and more a very useful tool, but does it handle absolutely all situations? 

The "2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers Highlights" by the National Association of REALTORS®, provides an annual overview of recent home buyers and sellers who completed transactions between July 2023 and June 2024. This edition highlights the challenges faced by buyers due to a housing affordability crisis, limited inventory, and high mortgage interest rates (averaging 7.02% and peaking at 7.79%). 

The following is summarized (about buyers) from the report:

Characteristics of Home Buyers:

• Demographics:
  • Median buyer age increased to a peak of 56 (up from 49 last year).
  • First-time buyer median age: 38 (up from 35).
  • Repeat buyer median age: 61 (up from 58).
  • Married couples: 62% (increased). Single females: 20% (slightly increased). Single males: 8% (decreased). Unmarried couples: 6% (decreased).
  • Ethnicity: 83% White/Caucasian, 7% Black/African-American, 6% Hispanic/Latino, 4% Asian/Pacific Islander.
  • Sexual Orientation: 88% heterosexual, 3% gay/lesbian, 2% bisexual.
  • 73% of buyers had no children under 18 in their home (highest recorded).
• Multi-generational Living: 17% purchased multi-generational homes (all-time high), primarily for cost savings (36%), elder care (25%), or adult children moving back/never leaving (21% each).
• Reasons for Purchase:
  • 22% desired to own a home of their own (64% for first-time buyers).
  • 43% said the timing was right; 23% had to purchase.
• Distance Moved: Median distance between previous and new home was 20 miles (down from 50 in 2022, but still elevated from 15 miles in 2018-2021).
• Location: 45% purchased in a suburb/subdivision, 23% in a small town, 16% in an urban/central city (highest since 2014).
• Neighborhood Factors: Quality of neighborhood (59%), convenience to friends and family (45%), and overall home affordability (36%) were most important. Convenience to job declined to 34% (from 52% in 2014).
• Expected Length of Ownership: Median of 15 years; 25% expected to never move.

Based on the "2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers Highlights" report, the average home buyer primarily wants an agent who can:

• Help them find the right home: This was the top reason, with 49% of buyers seeking assistance with this task.
• Negotiate terms of sale: 14% of buyers wanted help with negotiations, and 11% specifically for price negotiations.
• Assist with paperwork: 7% of buyers sought help with managing the necessary documentation.
• Understand the home-buying process: Over half of all buyers (53%) found their agent invaluable in helping them understand the complex buying process, a figure that jumps to 80% for first-time buyers.

In summary, buyers seek agents who are knowledgeable, responsive, honest, possess good people skills, and can effectively guide them through finding a suitable home, negotiating the deal, and handling the intricacies of the transaction.

I have been helping buyers since 1994, the market and market conditions have gone through many growth phases since then, and I have the advantage of knowledge and experience. Just let me know how I can assist you!

 

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

The Long Beach Average Home Price in August, 2025

Ma and Pa Grocery - Belmont Heights Favorite

The Long Beach average sales price for a single family home has been jumping around since the beginning of the year:  

January - $1,132,231

February - $1,058,802 

March - $1,188, 403

April - $1,070,180

May - $1,069,937

June, $1,266,298

July - $1,089,619

August - $1,160,302 

Looking for a lower price? the neighborhoods in 90810, Westside and Upper Westside, averaged $760,200 in August; 90804, Rose Park and Zaferia areas, was $750,400; 90806 in the Wrigley area was $700,555;  

The overall August inventory level is up to 3 months now, and selling price to original list price ranges from 98%-100.3%.  Active listings have increased since January (269) to 327 in August. An easier time for buyers because there's more inventory, however, considering the higher number of listings in August, there were 128 closed sales, the January market was even slower with 91 closed sales.

While there are still misconceptions among some buyers about how much down payment is needed to buyer, just remember that FHA loans and VA loans are out there and can  be very helpful when you don't have 20% down.  Try the down payment resource search to assist you -- feel free to contact me with questions about this guide. And for prices in other local markets, take a look at the Market Reports while you're on my website, link below.

 

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

Long Beach Festival Events August through November, 2025

Long Beach Events August, September, November 2025.   Location Aug 30  12pm             Long Beach Greek Festival          5761 E. Colorado Street Long Beach, CA 90814
				Location
	Aug 31	12pm	Long Beach Greek Festival	5761 E. Colorado Street Long Beach, CA 90814
				Location
	Sep 1	12pm	Long Beach Greek Festival	5761 E. Colorado Street Long Beach, CA 90814
				Location
	Sep 13	12pm	Westside Promise Festival	Admiral Kidd Park
	Sep 13	12pm	Westside Fest Sign Up	Admiral Kidd Park
	Sep 19	7pm	Queen Mary's Dark Harbor
	Sep 20	7pm	Queen Mary's Dark Harbor
	Sep 26	7pm	Queen Mary's Dark Harbor
	Sep 27	7pm	Queen Mary's Dark Harbor
				Location
	Oct 4	2pm	FAM (Food Art Music) Festival	1336 Gladys Avenue
				Location
	Oct 7	3pm	Filipino Festival	City Hall Plaza
				Location
	Oct 10	6pm	Be Proud! Fest	Rosie's Dog Beach & Bike Path
				Location
	Oct 11	9am	20th Annual Japanese Classic Car Show	Marina Green Long Beach
	Oct 11	12pm	Be Proud! Fest	Rosie's Dog Beach & Bike Path
	Oct 11	4pm	Party on Pine	Pine Avenue between 3rd Street & 5th Street
				Location
	Oct 12	9am	Ready Long Beach - Disaster Preparedness Fair	Veterans Memorial Stadium - 5000 E Lew Davis Street
	Oct 12	10am	Pagan Pride Day	Rainbow Lagoon
	Oct 12	12pm	Be Proud! Fest	Rosie's Dog Beach & Bike Path
				Location
	Oct 17	10am	Formula Drift Pro Championship Round 8	MG/RL/LBCC Parking Lots & Shoreline Drive
				Location
	Oct 18	10am	Formula Drift Pro Championship Round 8	MG/RL/LBCC Parking Lots & Shoreline Drive
				Location
	Oct 25	8am	TCC Family Health Beach Walk	Shoreline Park
				Location
	Nov 8	10am	Veteran's Day Celebration	Houghton Park, Long Beach
				Location
	Nov 9	2pm	Salvi Fest 2025	Shoreline Park

For a complete listing of all types of city events, got to https://www.longbeach.gov/events/.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996 

California Homeowners Associations: Do You Belong to One?

There are over 49,000 HOAs in California, and over 14 million people live in California homeowner associations. That's 35% of the of the California population and almost 25% of the total of California homeowners. 

Associations are made up most commonly of multiunit condominium buildings, PUD (planned unit developments) with single family housing, or other community apartment (own-your-own) associations, or stock co-operatives, making up a total 5.45 million homes. (Long Beach has all three types.)

If you were represented in the purchase or sale of a property inside of an association by a Realtor, your transactional documents make it clear that the buyer is wholly responsible for reading the CCRs and other HOA documents. Were the CCRs recorded? is the property defined as a "unit" or a "lot"? What are the use restrictions?  Has the required balcony/walkway/elevated elements inspection been completed and a report been made to the HOA? 

Has the HOA insurance been renewed? PUDs have an HO-3 policy, which is coverage for the entire lot and everything on it. Condominiums, co-ops, OYOs, and other community apartment projects have HO-6 policies, or "walls in" which is the airspace inside the unit (master policies cover the commons areas). 

There was a common practice in the past where property managers would charge sometimes excessive amounts for the transfer of HOA documents to a new owner, until a California law was passed stating an additional fee cannot be charged for electronic delivery, but the fact is that there is still a fee charged by management companies for their work time and effort even if delivered electronically. 

HOA members are required to follow rules in associations, along with all the laws which govern them and there are many, so if you're considering buying into an association you should do a self-assessment on your fit into this type of living situation. There are other restrictions such as parking, fines for not  following the rules, if you can rent out your unit or not, smoking and nuisance issues, can you use the unit for childcare, and is your view protected? 

Are you considering a unit located near the community pool? Maybe there will be noise issues at certain times. Know the difference between a Pet and a Emotional Assistance animal, different rules may apply.

Is the HOA self-managed (not unusual in small associations) or does it have a property manager, how well is the association funded (look at the reserve study)?  

Many buyers are attracted to HOAs as affordable options in more expensive SFR neighborhoods, they also require some study due to age of the infrastructure, insurance, HOA dues, purchase financing (is it VA or FHA  approved?) and other requirements imposed on owners.  

Condos are a road to ownership, and if you're a buyer find an agent with HOA experience.

 

 

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

Benefits of a Revocable Trust vs. Probate in California

House with Tile Roof, 3 car garage

I wanted to take a moment to share some insights on the significant advantages of placing residential property in a California trust, and why this is an important step for both property owners and their heirs. If you own property but do not have a trust, this may be important information for you  at this time. This is a rather lengthy post, but one that could be helpful.

Benefits of a California Trust for Residential Property

One of the primary reasons people place their residential property into a trust is to ensure that their assets pass seamlessly to their heirs without the need for a lengthy and costly court process. A California revocable living trust can hold title to your property, allowing it to be distributed according to your wishes upon your passing. If something happens do you want to be the one that makes the decisions of where your assets go or do you want the state to make the decision for you?

How This Helps Heirs

A key benefit for your heirs is that, upon your passing, your property can be transferred directly to them without the delays of probate. Probate, which is the legal process of administering an estate, can take months or even years to resolve. It often involves public proceedings, legal fees, and court delays. By using a trust, your heirs will avoid these complications, receiving their inheritance much more swiftly and privately.

Importance of Keeping Your Trust Updated

It is essential to periodically review and update your trust, particularly if there are significant life changes—such as the acquisition of new property, the birth of a child, or changes in your family dynamics. An up-to-date trust ensures that your current wishes are reflected and that all assets are properly accounted for. Failure to update your trust can lead to unintended consequences, such as certain assets being excluded from the trust, leaving them subject to probate.

Why Probate Court Should Be Avoided

Probate is often a lengthy and expensive process. In California, the cost of probate can be substantial, including court fees, executor fees, and attorney fees, which are generally based on the value of the estate. These costs can quickly eat into the value of your estate, diminishing the inheritance left to your heirs. Furthermore, the probate process can be a public affair, meaning that the details of your estate, including asset distribution, may be accessible to anyone. This can lead to unwanted scrutiny or potential family disputes.

A trust, by contrast, allows for a much smoother, private, and efficient transfer of property. Assets held in the trust are not subject to probate, and your wishes are carried out according to your instructions, without the need for court intervention.

In summary, placing your residential property in a California trust offers significant benefits, including avoiding the hassle of probate, ensuring that your heirs receive their inheritance promptly, and maintaining privacy throughout the process. I strongly recommend that you consult with an estate planning professional to create or review your trust to make sure it reflects your current desires and protects your heirs from unnecessary legal complications.  The Los Angeles County Tax Assessor has additional information to help you: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/real-estate-toolkit/wills-and-trusts -- find out more about trusts and tax savings.

PROBATE 

Many people do not realize how much probate fees may impact an estate.  Let's dive into the probate costs in California for an estate valued at $900,000.

In California, probate fees are determined by a statutory fee schedule, which is based on the gross value of the estate (before debts and expenses). These fees are set by California's Probate Code (Section 10810) and can be quite significant, especially for larger estates.

Example:  Probate Fees for a $900,000 Estate

1. Probate Court Fees*:

   • First $100,000 of the estate: 4% of the value.

   • Next $100,000: 3% of the value.

   • Next $800,000: 2% of the value.

Here's how the breakdown works for a $900,000 estate:

• First $100,000:
  4% of $100,000 = $4,000

• Next $100,000:
  3% of $100,000 = $3,000

• Next $700,000 (for the remaining value over $200,000):
  2% of $700,000 = $14,000

Total Probate Fees for the Estate

Adding these amounts together: The total probate fees for a $900,000 estate would be $21,000.

Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to the statutory probate fees, there are other potential costs that can add up:

Executor’s Fees: The executor (or personal representative) of the estate is entitled to a fee, which is the same as the attorney's fees (based on the same statutory schedule). For a $900,000 estate, that’s an additional $21,000 in fees.

Attorney’s Fees: Probate attorneys are usually compensated based on the same statutory fees as the executor. This means that the total legal costs (for both the executor and the attorney) could be around $42,000.

Other Court Fees: There may be additional costs for filing fees, bond fees (if a bond is required for the executor), and other miscellaneous administrative costs.

Time: The probate process in California can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the estate, and during this time, your heirs may not have access to the property or other assets.

For an estate valued at $900,000, the total probate costs (including court fees, executor fees, and attorney fees) could easily reach $42,000 or more. These costs can significantly reduce the value of the estate and cause delays for the heirs. That's why many people choose to place their property into a trust to avoid the lengthy probate process and the associated expenses. *See California Probate Code Sec. 10810 for a complete description of fees.

If you'd like more detailed information on how to sell a trust property or a property that is going into probate, or have any follow-up questions, feel free to ask.  Note:  I am not an attorney, but as a Realtor I can provide information required to complete the listing and sale of a property in a trust or probate. For legal handling of setting up a trust, or what to do if you are an heir to a property, please consult a trust/probate attorney. 

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996