Summer is officially here and that means it’s the perfect time to start planning where you want to vacation and unwind this season. If you’re excited about getting away and having some fun in the sun, it might make sense to consider if owning your own vacation home is right for you.
An Ameriprise Financial survey sheds light on why people buy a second, or vacation, home (see below): 
- Vacation destination or a place to get away from the stresses of everyday life (81%) – Having a second home to use as a vacation spot can be a special place where you go to relax and take a break from your daily routines and stressors. It also means you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to stay when you go there.
- Better weather (49%) – Buying in a place where there may be nicer weather can be a great escape, especially if it’s cold or rainy where you usually live. It lets you enjoy sunny days and warm temperatures, even when it’s not so nice back home.
- Rental income (41%) – You can rent it out to other people when you’re not using it, which can help you make some extra money.
- Primary residence in the future (33%) – You can eventually move into the home full-time during retirement. That means you can enjoy vacations there now and have a getaway ready for your future.
- Having a venue for gatherings with family and friends (25%) – It would be a special spot where you can have parties, regular family trips, and create fun memories.
Ways To Buy Your Vacation Home
And you don’t have to be wealthy to buy a vacation home. Bankrate shares two tips for how to make this dream more achievable for anyone who’s interested:
- Buy with loved ones or friends: If you’re okay with sharing the vacation home, you can go in on the purchase price together and pool your resources to make it more affordable.
- Put a savings plan in place: This will require patience and persistence but consider adding a vacation home savings plan to your budget and contributing to it monthly.
Finding Your Dream Spot with a Little Help from an Agent
If the idea of basking in the sun at your very own vacation home sounds appealing, you might want to start looking now. Summer’s when everyone’s trying to buy their slice of paradise, so it’s best to start early.
Your first move is to team up with a real estate agent. They know all the ins and outs of the area you want to be in, and which homes you should look at. Plus, they can give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about having a second home and how it can benefit you. The same article from Bankrate says:
“Buying real estate in a new area — or even one you’ve vacationed in for many years — requires expert guidance. That makes it a good idea to work with an experienced local lender who specializes in loans for vacation homes and a local real estate professional. Local lenders and Realtors will understand the required rules and specifics for the area you are buying, and a local Realtor will know what properties are available.”
Bottom Line
If the idea of owning your own vacation home appeals to you, connect with CA Real Estate Group.
CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group
👩🏻 Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE# 01412944 | 714-476-4637
👩🏻 Anaid Bautista @wealthwithanaid
Realtor DRE# 02179675 | 949-391-8266
Hablo español
Keeping Current Matters | Jun 21, 2024
Some Highlights
- Considering selling your house without an agent? You should know there are some serious downsides to handling it on your own.
- You’ll be missing out on marketing tools that draw in more buyers, pricing and market expertise, essential negotiation skills, in-depth knowledge of the fine print in contracts, and so much more.
- Don’t take all of this responsibility on. Instead, connect with a CA Real Estate Group agent so you have someone with the knowledge and experience you’ll need on your side.
Let’s connect and plan your next steps. Find out if we’re the right real estate team for you!
CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group
👩🏻 Christine Almarines @carealestategroup
Realtor DRE# 01412944 | 714-476-4637
👩🏻 Anaid Bautista @wealthwithanaid
Realtor DRE# 02179675 | 949-391-8266
Hablo español
It should go without saying that your fridge and freezer are most vulnerable in the summer heat. To keep them running smoothly, clean condenser coils—which help the unit stay cool by releasing heat from the compressor—and be sure to remove dirt, pet hair, and any nasty food that’s lodged there.
Shortcuts: Make the job simple by using a vacuum and coil brush, says Chris Granger, vice president of Sears Home Services.
While you’re at it, tackle the door.
“A leaky door gasket can result in your refrigerator trying to cool the entire kitchen,” Granger says.
Clean the gasket with a mild cleaner, and then check the seal integrity with a solution of soapy water—just like you would do with an inflatable mattress, he says. You can also use the dollar bill approach: Close a dollar bill in the door so it’s half in your fridge. If your gasket isn’t tight enough, it won’t hold the bill firmly in place—the dollar bill will fall out or slide down.
Call in the pros: Most appliance repairmen charge by the hour. Depending on the issue, a refrigerator repair could cost anywhere from $100 and $250 an hour.
CA Real Estate Group works with professional service people. Whether it’s refrigerator repair or HVAC tune-ups, we can connect you with the people we work with.
Call Christine or Anaid for a referral!
👩🏻 Christine Almarines @carealestategroup
Realtor DRE# 01412944 | 714-476-4637
👩🏻 Anaid Bautista @wealthwithanaid
Realtor DRE# 02179675 | 949-391-8266
Hablo español
Time To Sell? Signs To Know You’re Ready
Are you considering selling your house but unsure whether the time is right? Assessing a few key factors can help you decide if you’re ready for a move.
You have the wrong amount of space. Whether you’re running out of room for your growing family or you’re an empty nester and the house feels too big, one sure way to know it’s time to move is when your home no longer fits your lifestyle.
You’ve built up equity. When selling your house and purchasing a new one, it’s wise to have enough equity to cover at least a 20% down payment on your new home to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). Make sure you also have enough to cover closing costs and moving expenses.
The market is in your favor. The timing of your house sale can significantly impact the offers you receive. Take advantage of high home values and strong demand to maximize your sale price.
Your house is ready to list. Properties in good condition and not needing any extensive repairs are more attractive to buyers. If minor touchups and fixes are required, be sure to address those before putting your house on the market.
You’ve found the right real estate agent to help you. Once you decide it’s time to sell, a real estate professional will guide you through the process, helping you move on to the next exciting chapter of your life.
Keep Curb Appeal Up When Temperatures Soar
Maintaining curb appeal throughout the long summer months can be a feverish undertaking. Consider these tips to keep your home looking refreshed, even on the hottest days.
Add potted succulents to your landscape. These heat-tolerant beauties not only reduce your watering and weeding workload but also come in a variety of muted tones and textures that give your outdoor space a trendy touch.
Look for indications of wear and tear on your home’s exterior. Heat from the sun can cause paint to fade, blister, peel, and crack. If you see any of these signs, it may be time to have your house repainted.
Mow your lawn on a regular basis and use an edger or trimmer for a clean, crisp perimeter. Pressure wash your concrete driveway and walkways to complete the manicured look.
Wash away dirt and pollen left behind by seasonal winds and storms. Clean your windows inside and out so the bright summer sun can help your home shine.
What’s Going on With the Housing Market?
Last year, economists predicted falling mortgage rates in 2024 would increase the number of potential buyers, with sellers eager to list their homes. When rates fall and more properties are on the market, home prices tend to level off. More sellers will naturally allow for more sales.
Even though mortgage rates have been rising for the past two years, data shows that inventory has been increasing, and home prices have remained steady. Unless there is a significant drop or increase in mortgage rates, home prices will likely remain consistent with last year.
You can rely on a knowledgeable real estate agent to help sell your home quickly for the best price.
How To Stand Out as a Buyer
A competitive housing market moves quickly, so buyers often need ways to capture the seller’s attention. With the right strategies in place, your dream home is just one good offer away.
Get Preapproved
Loan preapproval gives a seller confidence in your funding ability, and knowing your purchase limit can help you make a competitive offer when other bids are on the table.
Present Your Best Offer
In a seller’s market, you may only get one shot at making an offer, so make it your best.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Asking for a lot of extras during negotiations may deter a seller. Stay focused on the most critical items, such as the roof, foundation and plumbing.
Act Fast
Competitive markets move swiftly. To reduce deliberation time, make a list of nonnegotiable features you want in a home.
Work With a Real Estate Professional
Buying a house is a complex process, so having someone you trust to help you navigate the details is important.
Advantages of Putting a House in a Trust
Placing a house in a trust can help ensure a smooth transfer of the property to your beneficiary upon your passing. It establishes a fiduciary relationship, which prioritizes the protection of another individual’s interests. Here are some of the benefits of creating a trust.
Avoid probate. Probate can be an expensive, lengthy process for those who inherit property and other assets. A trust allows for direct transfer without going through the court.
Reduce taxes. Depending on the type of trust you establish, you may be able to minimize estate taxes or other taxes that could be imposed on your property.
Maintain privacy. Placing your house in a trust ensures sensitive financial information isn’t included in public records.
 ©2024 The Personal Marketing Company. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any form, in part or in whole, are prohibited without written permission. If your property is currently listed for sale or lease, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing. The material in this publication is for your information only and not intended to be used in lieu of seeking additional consumer or professional advice. All trademarked names or quotations are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
The Personal Marketing Company
11511 W. 83rd Terrace
Lenexa, KS 66214 |
Some Highlights
- If your needs have changed, now’s a great time to sell and get the features you want most.
- Many buyers are eager to move between the school years, so you may see a faster sale, multiple offers, a higher final sales price, and more.
- If you want to get your house ready for a summer listing, connect with CA Real Estate Group. Give Christine Almarines a call at 714-476-4637!
EcoGardeners.com
Pets are a beloved part of many families, and creating a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for them is important.
Whether you have a dog, cat, or other outdoor pet, there are several steps you can take to make your yard or garden safe for them.
- Check for poisonous plants: Many common plants are toxic to pets and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Before planting anything in your yard or garden, research the plants to ensure they are safe for pets. Some common poisonous plants include lilies, tulips, azaleas, and oleander.
- Install fencing: Fencing your yard can help to keep your pets safe and prevent them from wandering off. Make sure the fencing is secure and tall enough to prevent your pets from jumping over it.
- Avoid toxic chemicals: Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides can be toxic to pets if ingested. Try to avoid using these chemicals in your yard or garden, and if you must use them, keep your pets away from the area until the chemicals have dried.
- Create shade: Providing shade in your yard or garden can help to keep your pets cool and prevent heatstroke. Consider planting trees or installing a shade structure to provide shade in your outdoor space.
- Provide water: Make sure your pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Consider installing a pet fountain or automatic waterer to ensure they always have access to water.
- Keep your yard clean: Regularly cleaning up your yard can help to prevent your pets from getting into harmful materials, such as chemicals or sharp objects. Additionally, keeping your yard clean can help to prevent the spread of disease and parasites.
- Provide toys and play areas: Providing toys and play areas in your yard can help to keep your pets entertained and prevent them from getting into trouble. Consider installing a sandbox or playhouse for your pets to enjoy.
Creating a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for your pets requires some extra effort, but it is well worth it. By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your pets stay safe and happy in your yard or garden. Remember to check for poisonous plants, install fencing, avoid toxic chemicals, create shade, provide water, keep your yard clean, and provide toys and play areas.
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• Give a daycation: Know someone who could use some pampering and relaxation in their life? A day of luxury is the perfect gift.
EcoGardeners.com
Maintaining a beautiful lawn in Southern California can be a challenging task due to the hot and dry climate, but with proper lawn care tips, it is possible to have a lush and healthy lawn all year round.
Here are some lawn care tips that can help you achieve a beautiful lawn in Southern California:
- Choose the right grass type: Choosing the right type of grass is essential for maintaining a beautiful lawn in Southern California. Warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia are well-suited to the region’s hot and dry climate.
- Water deeply and infrequently: In Southern California, it is important to water your lawn deeply and infrequently rather than frequently and shallowly. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper, which helps the grass to withstand drought conditions. It is recommended to water the lawn two to three times a week during the hot summer months, depending on the grass type.
- Mow regularly: Mowing your lawn regularly helps to keep it healthy and looking its best. The height of the grass should be adjusted according to the grass type. For example, Bermuda grass should be cut at a height of 1 to 1.5 inches, while St. Augustine grass should be cut at a height of 2 to 3 inches.
- Fertilize regularly: Fertilizing your lawn regularly can help to promote healthy growth and improve its overall appearance. It is recommended to fertilize warm-season grasses during the spring and summer months, and cool-season grasses during the fall and winter months.
- Control weeds: Weeds can be a nuisance in any lawn, but they can be particularly problematic in Southern California. It is important to control weeds as soon as they appear to prevent them from spreading. Hand weeding or using herbicides can be effective in controlling weeds.
- Aerate the soil: Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the roots of the grass. Aeration is especially important in areas with heavy foot traffic or compacted soil. It is recommended to aerate your lawn at least once a year.
- Use mulch: Mulching can help to conserve water and improve the overall health of your lawn. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, which reduces the need for watering. It also helps to regulate soil temperature and provides nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.
We loved these ideas so much that we’re reposting these for Mother’s Day 2024! I’m sure you’ll find something here that she’ll love and appreciate. 🙂
BY WOMANSDAY.COM UPDATED: MAY 4, 2021
These meaningful gifts for mom may not cost money, but will show you care all the same.
While it’s important to remind your mom how much you love and appreciate her on Mother’s Day, that reminder doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable Mother’s Day gifts under $25 that look anything but cheap and, if you’re crafty, you can always make a DIY Mother’s Day present for that special lady in your life. However, if the ongoing Covid-19 crisis has put you on a very tight budget, then these free and frugal Mother’s Day gifts can be used to tell your mom, grandma, stepmom, mother-in-law, or any other maternal figure you know and love just how much you care. The best part? They won’t require you to spend more than a few bucks (or no money at all!).
Saying “I love you” on Mother’s Day doesn’t have to entail an actual gift. You can show your appreciation by making a special Mother’s Day brunch, helping her around the house, or planning a Mother’s Day activity for the two of you to enjoy. A thoughtful Mother’s Day card is also a great way to express your gratitude. But if you’re looking for a small memento to give your mom on May 9, and after a particularly difficult year, then these free (or basically free) gifts are the way to go.
Your love doesn’t have to cost a thing, and these free Mother’s Day gifts prove it. The best part: These gift ideas all make perfect last-minute Mother’s Day presents if you accidentally procrastinated this year.
Courtesy of Skip to My Lou
Mother’s Day Coupon Book
Give your mom the freedom to choose how she spends her special day with a free download of an adorable book of coupons.
Get the printable from Skip to My Lou.
Danielle Daly
Baked Goods
If you consider yourself handy in the kitchen, then you should whip up a yummy Mother’s Day dessert, such as this Giant Sugar Cookie Bouquet.
Courtesy of Alice & Lois
A Printable Card
Forget expensive store-bought cards. There are plenty of free printable Mother’s Day cards available, which you can fill with your own heartfelt message.
Get the printable from Alice & Lois.
Courtesy of Lolly Jane
A Custom Mason Jar Succulent
Make a mini succulent even sweeter with a printable flag label, which reads, “Mom, thank you for helping me grow.” You can also decorate a mason jar plant holder if you’re feeling creative.
Get the printable from Lolly Jane.
Courtesy of Online Labels
A Custom Bottle of Wine
To give your mom her own custom wine bottle, all you need is an inexpensive bottle of wine and a free printable Mother’s Day label.
Get the printable from Online Labels.
Courtesy of Down Redbud Drive
A Custom Candle
If your mother would prefer a candle to wine, then pick up a cheap candle and make it special with your own printable label.
Get the printable from Down Redbud Drive.
Courtesy of Somewhat Simple
Breakfast in Bed
Nothing says Mother’s Day like breakfast in bed — and you can really make your mom’s day by having her fill out her own free printable “room service” door hanger.
Get the printable from Somewhat Simple.
Courtesy of Shanty 2 Chic
A Photo Display
With the help of a pinewood board, wood stain, and a printable label, you can create a photo display that your mom is sure to treasure forever.
Get the printable from Shanty 2 Chic.
Courtesy of Uncommon Designs
A Custom Candy Mason Jar
A mom with a sweet tooth is sure to enjoy her own personalized mason jar, which you can fill with her favorite small candies.
Get the printable from Uncommon Designs.
Courtesy of The 36th Avenue
A Custom Bookmark
If your mom loves to read, then she’s sure to appreciate a custom bookmark, which you can gift to her alone or alongside a new book.
Get the printable from The 36th Avenue.
Courtesy of The Creative Place
A “10 Things I Love about You” Flip Book
This pocket-sized flip book can serve as a sweet reminder of how much you love your mom, and you can customize it however you’d like.
Get the printable from The Creative Place.
Courtesy of Glue Sticks & Gumdrops
A Framed Quote
If you have frame lying around, then you can create a beautiful piece of art with a printable quote, which can be printed in any size you like.
Get the printable from Gluesticks & Gumdrops.
Courtesy of Craftaholics Anonymous
A Canvas Print
Though this custom canvas requires a bit more work than simply printing and framing, you can easily create a professional-looking canvas with a few tools and a printable template.
Get the printable from Craftaholics Anonymous.
Courtesy of Hey, Let’s Make Stuff!
A Word Search
Puzzle-loving moms will definitely get a kick out of this Mother’s Day-themed word search, which you can give to her along with some cute pens.
Get the printable from Hey, Let’s Make Stuff!
Courtesy of Positively Splendid
A Compliments Jar
Want to remind your mom of all her best qualities? Then fill a mason jar with slips of paper containing sweet compliments, either by themselves or affixed to small pieces of candy.
Get the printable from Positively Splendid.
Courtesy of The Thrifty Couple
A Custom Tea Bag Cover
If you’ve got a tea aficionado in your life, then you can gift her a tea bag (or a few) inside these custom tea bag covers.
Get the printable from The Thrifty Couple.
Courtesy of Mom Brite
A Custom Seed Packet
Rather than giving your mom flowers, let her grow her own with seeds tucked inside these cute packet cards.
Get the printable from Mom Brite.
Courtesy of Simple as That
A Mini Album
Make a mini scrapbook of your mom’s life with this digital template, which you can fill with facts about your mama and customize however you’d like.
Get the printable from Simple As That.
Courtesy of Lil Luna
A Custom Candy Bar
A simple candy bar can be transformed into a personalized Mother’s Day gift with one of these brightly-colored labels.
Get the printable from Lil’ Luna.
Courtesy of Living Locurto
A Custom “Super Mom” Notepad
Give your mom her own custom “super mom” notepad for jotting down reminders (and you can stick them inside a cheap pencil box to make this gift extra thoughtful).
Get the printable from Living Locurto.
Courtesy of Eighteen 25
A Candy Stash Box
Every mom could use an emergency stash of candy, and with the help of an inexpensive plastic organizer and some treats, you can make a customized candy box.
Get the printable from Eighteen 25.
Realtor.com
We’ve been fantasizing about it for months, and finally warmer weather has arrived. We know: You just want to fire up the grill and start working on your tan—we do, too! But before you can kick back in your hammock (or in your pool on your giant patriotic bald eagle float, if that’s your thing), there are a few tasks you’ll need to tackle.
And you can bet they’re all outside.
“The old adage ‘April showers bring May flowers’ rings true and makes May prime time for landscaping and lawn care in most of the country,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
But it goes beyond gardening and yard work. Now’s the last chance to take care of all that winter wear and tear and transform your home’s outdoor space into something worthy of the host with the most.
The good news? We’re here to make it as quick and easy on you as possible—with our handy checklist of home maintenance chores, you can knock them out and get back to that pool float ASAP. We’ve provided tips for doing each task faster and easier—or with the help of a pro.
Inspect patios and walkways
Task: Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on hardscape surfaces made of loose (unmortared) brick, stone, and concrete paving materials. Check to see if frost heave and erosion have caused pavers to shift, rise, or sink. You’ll want to fix any unevenness for safety as well as aesthetic reasons.
Shortcuts: Repair hardscape surfaces using a wheelbarrow filled with playground sand and a sturdy trowel. Pry up displaced pavers, smooth and even out the bed with fresh sand, and replace the paver.
Call in the pros: This is a good job for a handyman. Expect to pay $30 to $60 an hour, depending on your location.
Feed your lawn
Task: After a wet spring, your lawn might be looking quite rich and lush. Since Mother Nature did the hard work, you can sit back and relax, right? Not so fast. Grass loves nutrients, so now’s the time to add high-nitrogen fertilizer to help suppress weeds and keep your lawn looking great all summer.
Shortcuts: A push-powered broadcast spreader makes quick work of fertilizing your lawn. You’ll find spreaders suitable for an average suburban lawn for $35 to $100. If you have a cooking compost pile, you can substitute home-grown compost for commercial fertilizers.
Call in the pros: A lawn care company will spray on a chemical fertilizer for about $40 an application.
Repair fences and gates
Task: Cycles of cold and wet weather cause wood to move, twist, and warp. That can make garden gates fall out of alignment, and can cause fence pickets to loosen or fall off. Check for signs of loose fencing, and fix sagging gates.
Shortcuts: A cordless battery-powered nail gun ($250) makes quick work of refastening pickets and fence supports. Use only galvanized nails for outdoor work. Use a power drill fitted with a screw tip or a hex driver to remove or tighten loose screws and bolts in gates.
Call in the pros: This is a good job for a handyman. You’ll pay $30 to $60 an hour, depending on your location.
Mulch flower and vegetable beds
Task: Prevent evaporation and help keep weeds in check by insulating planting beds with 2 to 4 inches of mulch.
Shortcuts: Set aside a mulching day, and have a landscaping service deliver bulk mulch and dump it where you can get to it easily (like your driveway). Plan on 1 cubic yard of mulch to cover 100 square feet, with mulch 3 inches deep.
Call in the pros: A landscaping service will put in the mulch, but it’ll cost you—to the tune of $300 to $600 for 500 square feet, depending on your location.
Wash windows
Task: As your yard takes shape and your gardens come into full bloom, you’ll want to see everything clearly. It’s time to wash away winter’s dirt and grime from your windows.
Shortcuts: Have a partner clean the outside while you do the inside of the same window. That way, you can identify which side of the glass contains lingering streaks and smudges, and get rid of them on the spot. Plus, who wants to clean alone?
Call in the pros: In addition to cleaning the glass, a professional window washer will remove and clean screens and remove accumulated dirt from sliding tracks for $2 to $7 per window.
Service your grill
Task: Nobody wants a rack of ribs with last year’s grill gunk on them. Before you fire up the ol’ barbecue, make sure your grill is clean and that any gas hoses and connections are secure.
Shortcuts: No matter what kind of grill you have, invest in a grill brush or other coarse cleaning brush, remove the grates and metal plates beneath them, and soak them in hot soapy water for five to 10 minutes. Then scrub hard. To rinse, spray them with the hose.
Cover the area where the grates usually go with foil, and use a stiff grill brush to clean grime from the hood and inside walls. Use a cleaner specifically designed for your grill’s surface (e.g., stainless steel, porcelain, or cast iron), and reassemble all parts.
Call in the pros: There are professional grill cleaners who will take your barbecue from slimy to spotless, but it will cost you the equivalent of a few porterhouse steaks. This Denver cleaning service offers quotes from $185 to $279.
Check your AC
Task: Now’s your last chance to double-check your air-conditioning unit and make sure it’s in good working order before the mercury starts to rise.
Shortcuts: Hook up a garden hose and spray the outside of the condenser to remove any dust that’s settled on the unit and connections. (Yes, dust can affect your AC’s effectiveness.) Don’t use a brush, and be careful if pressure washing—you could damage or bend the fins. Make sure to change the filter, too.
Call in the pros: Having a pro service your AC system costs a few hundred dollars and includes cleaning the condenser and lubricating the fan motor.
