Purchasing Power Calculator for Use by California Buyers or Sellers for Houses and Condos.

 

Interest rates are climbing again, today they are up to 8%, the highest rate in decades. While buyers should realize there are other things to keep in mind about buying besides the interest rate, such as the chance to build equity, sellers also need to keep in mind how interest rates are affecting asking prices in some areas, and what to expect in an offer from the buyer.

To see the impact on both sides of the transaction, the Purchasing Power Calculator gives an immediate picture of monthly payment, number of properties available, reduction or increase in asking price, and information gathered from California counties' markets. 

Buyers should keep in mind that interest rate is also impacted by credit scores, type of loan, and other factors. The purpose of this calculator is to give an immediate picture of choices, both housing inventory-wise and financially.

Just click on the link to see the calculator.

For more assistance, please contact me via text, email or phone call.  For a  property search, go to my website.

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

Annual Cost vs Value for Los Angeles Area Home Remodel - 2023 Report

 

Remodeled kitchen white counters

The annual summary on cost vs. value for home projects is out for 2023. This is an interesting guideline for what homeowners might expect for return on projects, it is not, however, equally applicable to all properties or to all cities in the Los Angeles area.  Homeowners and prospective buyers will vary according to perceived value and personal preferences, architectural style, neighborhoods, or construction era of home. Notice that some installations, i.e., vinyl windows, do not deliver the return they once did as they become more common and an expected feature in the market.  Also, availability of supplies in the market may affect some features if they are considered more "prized" to obtain.  Also interesting is that midrange cost remodels offered a better return than much more expensive upscale remodels of kitchens and baths.

The following information is provided by Zonda Media through "remodeling by JLC" magazine.

Garage Door Replacement - one of best returns on lowest cost: $4781 with 99.9% return

Steel Entry Door Replacement - $3859, 68%

Vinyl Siding Replacement - $16,321, 105%

HVAC Conversion, Electrification - $18,311, 103%

Minor Kitchen Remodel - $28,509, 88%

Midrange Major Kitchen Remodel - $82,391, 43%

Upscale Major Kitchen Remodel - $164,841, 30%

Bathroom Addition Midrange - $60,708, 30%

Bath Remodel Midrange - $26,342, 67%

Vinyl Window Replacement - $22,455, 67%

Go to remodeling by JLC for the complete report.

When a home is appraised for value by a licensed appraiser, comparisons to other nearby properties are made based on similar condition, upgrades and features.

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

Halloween Events for Long Beach

 Halloween Kitty and Orange Moon

Local Halloween events around town:

Halloween Family Night Aquarium of the Pacific - October 20th

Long Beach Festival of Flight, Long Beach Airport - October 21

Howl-O-Ween Festival, El Dorado Nature Center - October 21

Halloween Carnival- Signal Hill Park - October 28th

Fairfield Family YMCA Trunk or Treat - October 27th

Historical Cemetery Tour - October 28

Halloween Scarium of the Pacific - October 28 and 29

Phantom of the Opera - October 22

Haute Dog Halloween Parade - October 29th

Trick or Treat on 2nd St - October 31st 

Lakewood Parks Halloween Carnivals - October 31st

Trick or Treat on Main Street Seal Beach - October 31st

 These are just some of the fun events around Long Beach, Signal Hill and Seal Beach. Take your family, partner or friends!

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