Realtor.com | Jul 16, 2021

With the rocky year we’ve all had, it’s important to have a sanctuary in your own home where you can relax, unwind, and have a “Calgon, take me away” kind of experience. Establishing that personal space can do a lot of good for your mental health and well-being. But did you know it can also help increase your home’s value?

Bathroom renovations remain one of the most valuable home improvements. In fact, a midrange bathroom remodel can return up to 60% of your investment at the time of resale, according to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report.

“We believe that a well-designed bathroom can make you a better person, which may seem like a bold statement,” says Joseph A. Tsedaka, principal at Nomi, which specializes in luxury bathroom remodels. “For some, that means including spalike features so you can unwind after a stressful day.”

Creating a luxurious bathroom space that you never want to leave can be done with a few simple tricks. Here’s what the design experts have to say.

Spa additions

If you’re trying to emulate luxury spas and saunas, providing the right shower experience is everything.

“Double showers are a must. We often recommend double showers with rain heads, hand-held features, and multiple faucets to create a truly relaxing experience,” says Tsedaka. He recommends adding a body sprayer, which can be customized to a homeowner’s height. 

Other deluxe features to consider include built-in speakers and heated floors, to avoid that nasty shock of stepping onto cold tile with your bare feet.

Tsedaka says another popular addition is a smart home feature that allows everything (including lights, audio, and even the shower) to be controlled from the homeowner’s phone or an iPad on the wall.

Choose high-quality materials

“Even a neutral-tone bathroom can be elevated with finishes and hardware,” says Marlaina Teich of Marlaina Teich Designs in New York. “Choose unique tile for the shower, or consider marble chair rail molding around the bathroom for a classy, timeless look.”

Tsedaka says spa bathrooms tend to have more earthy materials like wood floors or natural stone in the shower.

“We love to use ipe wood, a naturally treated wood from Brazil that reacts excellently to water and moisture,” he says. “Teakwood also has a similar effect.”

Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors in Tulsa, OK, says thoughtfully curated mirrors can add to the look of your posh bathroom. Consider a classic rectangular mirror with a brass frame (CB2, $229) or something more geometric that’ll bring unique visual interest.

Layout

From toiletries to towels, the layout of your spa bathroom can add to the pleasing appearance.

“If you have the space, I would recommend installing a double vanity so each person has their own space, storage, and some privacy,” says Tsedaka.

He says it’s important to consider how you live, too. Do you actually take baths, or are you just including a bath for aesthetic reasons?

“We recommend coming from a place of functionality when considering the layout,” says Tsedaka.

For example, he says he prefers to have a drop-down tub if used frequently instead of a free-standing tub, which limits space.

“If you do have a free-standing tub, however, I always like to put it next to a window or a place where you can add a shelf to hold shampoo, soap, etc.,” says Tsedaka.

Lighting

Lighting, whether it’s natural or added, gives your bathroom a calming ambiance and a sense of sophistication.

When working with natural light, you’ll want to pick the right type of shades.

“To let in light when you want it, while also allowing for a darker, relaxing atmosphere, consider transitional or roller shades in the bathroom,” says James Brewer, a design consultant from Stoneside Blinds and Shades.

As for electrical light, Tsedaka recommends three different types of lighting: normal can lights, mood lighting using a dimmer, and chromotherapy lighting for inside the shower. “This is LED lighting that can change to any color you want,” he says.

For mood lighting he suggests using 4 inches for can lights on dimmers instead of the traditional 6-inch can light. He also says under-cabinet lighting or step light can be great for middle-of-the-night use when you don’t want to have direct light.


🏠 Are you a first time homebuyer? We can help customize a realistic plan that’ll help prepare you to buy your first home. The first step is to call us today!

💡 Find out if we’re the right Realtor Team for you! We’re active in our community…check out @carealestategroup

👩 Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE # 01412944
714-476-4637 | christine@carealestategroup.com

👩 Michelle Kim @michellejeankim_homes
Realtor DRE # 01885912
714-253-7531 | michelle@carealestategroup.com

CA Real Estate Group is powered by Keller Williams Realty

Keeping Current Matters | Feb 3, 2022

If your needs are changing, you may be thinking about sharing a home with additional loved ones, such as grandparents, adult children, or other extended family members. Whether it’s for financial or health-related circumstances, or simply because you’ve reached a new phase of life, you might be wondering if living with multiple generations under the same roof is a good move for you. Many people have found themselves in a similar situation and they’ve already made the choice to live in a multigenerational home.

What Is a Multigenerational Home?

The Pew Research Center defines a multigenerational household as a home with two or more adult generations. They include households with grandparents and grandchildren under the age of 25. As you weigh your options and decide if multigenerational living is right for you, here’s some helpful information highlighted by other homeowners living with additional loved ones.

The Benefits of Multigenerational Living

A recent report from Generations United surveyed individuals living in a multigenerational setting and asked them about the key benefits of this housing arrangement. It says:

Nearly all Americans who live in a multigenerational household (98%) feel their household functions successfully, citing various aspects of home design, family relationships and interactions, and supports and services influencing their success.”

The study identifies some of the top benefits of this lifestyle as an improved financial situation, better mental and physical health, strengthened bonds with loved ones, and more (see chart below):

Millions of Americans Have Discovered the Benefits of Multigenerational Households | MyKCM

Those are just some of the reasons why most people who decide to live in this situation find it worthwhile. As Donna Butts, Executive Director at Generations United, says:

Families may come together from need, but they are staying together by choice. Indeed, more than 7 in 10 (72 percent) of those currently living in a multigenerational household plan to continue doing so long-term.”

With More Adults Living Under One Roof, You May Need More Space

If you decide to look for a multigenerational home, it’s important to understand what everyone will need to make the arrangement work to its fullest. Something that often makes the top of the list for homeowners living with multiple generations is additional space for privacy. This could mean more bedrooms and bathrooms or features like an in-law suite or a basement.

If you’re realizing your current house doesn’t provide the room you need for multigenerational living, an expert real estate advisor can help you navigate the process to find the right home that works for you and your loved ones.

Bottom Line

Living in a multigenerational household has real and impactful benefits. If you’re interested in learning more about these options in our local area, let’s connect so you can find a home that fits your changing needs.

Keeping Current Matters | Feb 18, 2022

What’s Driving Today’s High Buyer Demand? [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

🏃 There’s an influx of buyers looking for homes today, and that means your house is in high demand. Here are a few reasons why so many people are looking to buy a home.

🏃 Buyers are motivated to beat rising mortgage rates, and many want to escape rising rents. There’s also additional demand from millennials who are reaching peak homebuying age.

🏃 If you’re thinking about selling your house, today’s demand is great news. Let’s connect to begin the process of listing your house while buyers are ready to purchase.

👩 Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE # 01412944
714-476-4637 | christine@carealestategroup.com

👩 Michelle Kim @michellejeankim_homes
Realtor DRE # 01885912
714-253-7531 | michelle@carealestategroup.com

CA Real Estate Group @carealestategroup is powered by Keller Williams Realty

How Remote Work Impacts Your Home Search [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

Keeping Current Matters | Jan 21, 2022

Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM💰🇺🇸 Americans choose real estate as the best investment once again!

🏠 According to a Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for eight years in a row.
🏠 Real estate tops the list because you’re not just buying a place to call home – you’re investing in your future. Real estate is typically considered a stable and secure asset that can grow in value over time.
🏠 Let’s connect today if you’re ready to make real estate your best investment this year.

💡 Find out if we’re the right Realtor Team for you! We’re active in our community…check out @carealestategroup

👩 Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE # 01412944
714-476-4637 | christine@carealestategroup.com

👩 Michelle Kim @michellejeankim_homes
Realtor DRE # 01885912
714-253-7531 | michelle@carealestategroup.com

CA Real Estate Group is powered by Keller Williams Realty

Keeping Current Matters | March 9, 2022

Key Factors That Impact Affordability Today | MyKCM

You can’t read an article about residential real estate without the author mentioning the affordability challenges that today’s buyers face. There’s no doubt homes are less affordable today than they were over the last two years, but that doesn’t mean homes are now unaffordable.

There are three measures used to establish home affordability: home prices, mortgage rates, and wages. Let’s look closely at each of these components.

1. Home Prices

The most recent Home Price Insights report by CoreLogic shows home values have increased by 19.1% from last January to this January. That was one reason affordability declined over the past year.

2. Mortgage Rates

While the current global uncertainty makes it difficult to project mortgage rates, we do know current rates are almost one full percentage point higher than they were last year. According to Freddie Mac, the average monthly rate for last February was 2.81%. This February it was 3.76%. That increase in the mortgage rate also contributes to homes being less affordable than they were last year.

3. Wages

The one big, positive component in the affordability equation is an increase in American wages. In a recent article by RealtyTrac, Peter Miller addresses that point:

“Prices are up, but what about wages? ADP reports that job holder incomes increased 5.9% last year but rose 8.0% for those who switched employers. In effect, some of the higher cost to buy a home has been offset by more cash income.”

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) also recently released information that looks at income and affordability. The NAR data provides a comparison of the current median family income versus the qualifying income for a median-priced home in each region of the country. Here’s a graph of their findings:

Key Factors That Impact Affordability Today | MyKCM

As the graph shows, the median family income (shown in blue on the graph) is greater than the qualifying income needed to buy a median-priced home (shown in green on the graph) in all four regions of the country. While those figures may vary in certain locations within each region, it’s important to note that, in most of the country, homes are still affordable.

So, when you think about affordability, remember that the picture includes more than just home prices and mortgage rates. When prices rise and rates rise, it does impact affordability, and experts project both of those things will climb in the months ahead. That’s why it’s less affordable to buy a home than it was over the past two years when prices and rates were lower than they are today. But wages need to be factored into affordability as well. Because wages have been rising, they’re a big reason that, while less affordable, homes are not unaffordable today.

Bottom Line

To find out more about affordability in our local area, let’s discuss where home prices are locally, what’s happening with mortgage rates, and get you in contact with a lender so you can make an informed financial decision. Remember, while less affordable, homes are not unaffordable, which still gives you an opportunity to buy today.

Keeping Current Matters | March 4, 2022

Some Highlights

👩 Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE # 01412944
714-476-4637 | christine@carealestategroup.com

👩 Michelle Kim @michellejeankim_homes
Realtor DRE # 01885912
714-253-7531 | michelle@carealestategroup.com

CA REAL ESTATE GROUP @carealestategroup
powered by Keller Williams Realty
https://linktr.ee/carealestategroup

🤔 Deciding on the right 🏡 neighborhood 🏡 is an important decision when you look for a home. Here are some important factors to consider before making that final decision.

Keeping Current Matters | Feb 10, 2022

When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a strong demand and a limited supply for that item. In the real estate market, that time is right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, here are two reasons why now’s the time to list.

1. Demand Is Very Strong This Winter

recent article in Inman News explains:

“Spring, the hottest time of year for homebuyers and sellers, has started early, according to economists. . . . ‘Home shopping season appears to already be in full swing!’”

And they aren’t the only ones saying buyers are already out in full force. That claim is backed up with data released last week by ShowingTime. The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks the average number of monthly buyer showings on active residential properties, which is a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future trends for buyer demand. The latest index reveals this December was the most active December in five years (see graph below):

Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It. | MyKCM

As the data indicates, buyers are very active this winter. Last December saw even more showings than December of 2020, which was already a stronger-than-usual winter. And remember – you want to sell something when there’s a strong demand for that item. That time is now.

2. Housing Supply Is Extremely Low

Each month, realtor.com releases data on the number of active residential real estate listings (listings currently for sale). Their most recent report reveals the latest monthly number is the lowest we’ve seen in any January since 2017 (see graph below):

Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It. | MyKCM

And don’t forget, the best time to sell an item is when there’s a limited supply of it available. This graph clearly shows how extremely low housing supply is today.

Even Though Supply Is at a Historic Low, Home Sales Are at a 15-Year High

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing-home sales totaled 6.12 million in 2021 – the highest annual level since 2006. This means the market is hot and homeowners are in a great place to sell now while sales are so strong.

NAR also reports available listings by calculating the current months’ supply of inventory. They explain:

“Months’ supply refers to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell given the current sales pace.”

The current 1.8-months’ supply is the lowest ever reported. Here are the December numbers over the last five years (see graph below):

Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It. | MyKCM

The ratio of buyers to sellers favors homeowners right now to a greater degree than at any other time in history. Buyer demand is high, and supply is low. That gives sellers like you an incredible opportunity.

Bottom Line

If you agree the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and supply is low, let’s connect to begin discussing the process of listing your house today.

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