by Kathy Gibson | Nov 29, 2021 | Uncategorized
We all get a little bit older every day. And as we inch closer to our golden years, it’s wise to consider ways we can keep ourselves safe at home. No matter how healthy and active we are now, there’s a good chance we’ll slow down, at least a little, as we flirt with 70 and beyond. Realtor Kathy Gibson shares a few simple ways to make sure that this change of pace doesn’t grind you to a halt. Watch the stairs Stairs are risky no matter your age, but when you begin to have issues with your vision or ability to quickly react to getting off-balance, they can be a huge hazard to your health. HealthDay explains that one in four seniors fall annually. Many of these accidents occur while maneuvering up or down the stairs. Reduce your chances of this happening by taking steps to prevent stair- related injuries. Add a few lights along the wall, increase the color contrast between each riser and step, and ensure you have a sturdy rail to hold onto both sides of the stairwell. Reconsider Your Bathroom and Kitchen Remember what we said about falls? Well, the bathroom and the kitchen are prime areas where falls occur. Take stock of each, and determine what you can do to make them safer and more accessible. When it comes to implementing design and accessibility updates, it’s in your best interest to work with a contractor to make your home more conducive to aging in place. For example, in your bathroom, consider adding a curbless shower, a raised toilet, and several grab bars....
by Kathy Gibson | Nov 3, 2021 | Uncategorized
Relocating to a new city is an exciting new chapter in your life, but it can become quite stressful if you don’t prepare and strategize your next steps. The key is to start getting ready for your move early so that you have time to complete all your tasks with room to spare. Then, you will be in a better position to settle comfortably into your new home! Here are some tips to help you do just that. Ready to list or purchase a home? Seasoned real estate professional Kathy Gibson can help with all your buying and selling needs. Call 626-826-9003 to schedule an appointment! Before You Leave It’s never too early to begin preparing for your move. Here are some quick items to check off of your list: About six to eight weeks before your move, start decluttering your belongings and thinking about what you will take with you. At least a month before moving day, research professional movers, and make sure they are legitimate. Moving company scams are rampant; get referrals from people you know, meet candidates in person, ensure they are licensed, and get your estimate and agreement in writing. Begin packing up your belongings at least two or three weeks before moving day. Categorize items by room, and clearly label the boxes. Around the same time, contact utility companies in your new location to make sure you have electricity, water, gas, and internet when you arrive at your new home. When You Arrive Now, let’s talk about some things you can do to settle in quickly after you get to your new home: Deep...
by Kathy Gibson | Jan 25, 2021 | Buying, Market, Neighborhood, Selling, Uncategorized
Los Angeles Quarterly Market Insights Report (Micro): Q4 2020It is our pleasure to bring you the Compass 2020 Q4 Real Estate Market Report. As 2020 ended Los Angeles experienced strong home sales with prices trending upwards. Despite another regional stay-at-home order in early December, buyers remained active making above-asking price offers for move-in ready properties. Inventory constraints continued as sellers reluctant to list their homes due to COVID remained on the sidelines.Home sales in the desirable Coastal Communities increased 33 percent in the fourth quarter compared to last year. Overall year-over-year home prices rose 17 percent to $2,447,879. Well-heeled buyers chose single-family homes in Malibu to both stay at home and work from home. As a result, Malibu home prices increased 53 percent year-over-year to $4.6 million.The Hills, with an average fourth-quarter home price of $4 million, experienced a 17 percent home price decline compared to last year. Bel Air and Holmby Hills saw single-family home prices fall 44 percent offering rarely seen buying opportunities.West San Fernando Valley benefitted from the urban to suburban flight of millennials with families. Home sales increased 32 percent over last year’s fourth quarter. A 13 percent price increase in West San Fernando Valley brought the average home price to $1.3 million. In Woodland Hills, buyers moved fast reducing days on market by 56 percent. East San Fernando Valley followed suit with a 27 percent increase in fourth quarter home sales. Studio City’s eager buyers pushed home sales up 47 percent year-over-year. Northeast Los Angeles, noted for relative affordability, saw home prices rise 29 percent to $824,429. Moving into 2021, look to more sellers...
by Kathy Gibson | May 8, 2020 | Market, Uncategorized
Here’s a picture of market activity in Pasadena and Altadena over the past 24...
by Kathy Gibson | May 6, 2020 | Buying, Market, Selling, Uncategorized
Does it make sense to move up during a soft market? Maybe. Given the characteristics of our low inventory, high demand market climate over the past several years smart investors will find opportunity when others are cautious. This 2-minute presentation will provide food for thought. Let’s have a strategy...
by Kathy Gibson | Mar 24, 2020 | Uncategorized
Check this out .. the Federal Housing Finance Agency now has a mortgage assistance program to help homeowners whose income has been impacted by COVID-19. Here’s what I learned on their website: If your ability to pay your mortgage is impacted, and your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to delay making your monthly mortgage payments for a temporary period, during which: – You won’t incur late fees – You won’t have delinquencies reported to the credit bureaus – Foreclosure and other legal proceedings will be suspended If you have trouble catching up at the end of this temporary relief period, additional assistance may be available. You can work with your servicer to resume making a mortgage payment. Or if you need additional assistance, you can work with your servicer on other foreclosure prevention options to keep your home. Contact your mortgage servicer (the company where you send your monthly payments) as soon as possible to let them know about your current circumstances. The telephone number and mailing address of your mortgage servicer should be listed on your monthly mortgage...