Author: Igor Nastaskin
Why the ‘Good Enough’ Home Might Be the ‘Perfect Home’
While you might have an idea of what your perfect home would entail, you might find that actually purchasing that home that dreams are made of could end up overextending you financially. That’s when a “good enough” house could be a better strategy, especially for those who are eager to become homeowners. Here are four reasons why a “good enough” home often can be the “perfect home.” 1. It has all of the essentials A good enough home may not have artisan tile or stainless-steel appliances, but it has the essentials. You want to seek out a home that’s well-maintained, has “good bones” and is in a good location. Well-maintained home in a good location likely will increase in value and probably won’t wind up costing you lots of money. Buyers tend to hone in on cosmetic upgrades, but instead focus on basics, like the windows, roof, and heating and air conditioning system. Then you will be less likely to face surprise repairs that are required just to make the house functional. If you can’t have it all, list the features you want, and decide where you’re willing to compromise. You might wind up with desirable features like hardwood flooring, but note that the home might not be flawless. One of the baths, for example, could have outdated tile. Keep in mind that even if it’s not beautiful, it’s still clean and functional. 2. It fits your lifestyle Although a certain home might look like a dream from the outset, the commute to work could become a nightmare, so you’ll want to check that out before you buy it and end up selling it a few months later. Good is personal. For instance, a big yard could be a must for a family with a dog, but a pain if you hate yard work. And a good home matches your timeline. It should meet your needs for the years you plan to live there, which probably isn’t forever if it’s the first home. 3. It doesn’t squeeze your budget Lenders will qualify buyers with considerably higher ratios, but that might not leave much for other expenses. That leaves people maxing out their debt-to-income ratio. A good enough home leaves you with enough money for other priorities, such as saving for retirement and emergencies, and for all of the costs of ownership other than the mortgage—like home insurance, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance. 4. It can be transformed Over time, you can add dreamy features. Rather than going for the beautifully upgraded house priced at thousands more than you planned to spend, instead, keep looking and find a home that fits your budget. You always can grow into a home and fix it up to make it your own rather than purchasing something you can’t afford—especially if it has ample space for your children to play, is structurally sound, and is in the neighborhood you wanted. Eventually, you can make home improvements.
Things Your Movers Wish You Knew
If you recently purchased a new home and you’re thinking about hiring a professional to move your belongings, you’ll want to pay close attention to these seven things your movers wish you knew about how to make the day go as smoothly as possible. 1. Don’t be afraid to meet your movers in person Every company will strive to impress you during the estimate process. But when it comes to finding out which companies will move your stuff and also make you feel comfortable in the process, it’s a good idea to stop by their office in person. That way you can find out if they’re the real deal, or they consist of a guy running the show out of an apartment. Price is only part of the equation. Take some time to consider which movers have your best interests in mind and which are just seeking a one-time paycheck. 2. Prep for your movers in advance Before you get out the bubble wrap, determine what exactly needs to happen for the day to go off without a hitch. For example, do you need to reserve your building’s elevator, and will the truck need to find a parking spot on a busy street? If so, save a spot ahead of time. If you’re moving in or out of an apartment complex, make sure you know the rules, as designated moving hours can cause major issues. Don’t forget to let your movers know ahead of time if they’ll be transporting an especially large or heavy item, such as a washer, dryer, or piano. It might require extra help, and time spent looking for a third pair of hands is money wasted. 3. Pack all of your belongings beforehand If you’ve decided to pack everything yourself, make sure the job is finished before the movers arrive. That doesn’t mean untaped boxes scattered throughout the house. Instead, it means boxes filled, taped up, and ready to go by the time your movers get to your house. You also can help speed up the process and keep your possessions safe by placing everything in a central room. Even better: Stack your boxes against the wall, which will allow your movers the freedom to move quickly and easily. It’s also important to finish taping your boxes beforehand. If a mover has to do it, it adds a significant amount of time and money to moving day. 4. Label everything You don’t need to write down the specific contents of every box, but you should be sure to note where each box goes in your new home. It’s easier if the movers don’t have to decide where the boxes should go on moving day when they’re charging an hourly rate. Also, make sure to keep your movers in the loop. If they don’t know what a certain direction on a box means, it’s the same as if you hadn’t labeled it at all. And now’s the time to decide what area is your “great room” and which is the “den.” 5. Tell them what’s valuable Movers aren’t psychics. They don’t know that the blue vase cost you $2,500, that your grandmother gave you that crystal decanter or the retail value of your crushed velvet couch. Advise them beforehand about the items on which they should keep a careful eye. The best way to deal with damage is to avoid it, which means communicating about things that are fragile and meaningful. 6. Get out of the movers’ way! You might think you’re helping when you jump in the truck to sort items or help the movers lift the piano…but you’re not. They’re professionals, and moving is a skill. They have a plan on how things can be done best, so get out of the way and let them work. You’re better served to direct the movers to the right rooms or reassembling furniture in your new home. (Movers prefer that you disassemble and reassemble your own stuff. So, if you’ve been hoping they’ll take on the task of putting back together with your Ikea bed, you might want to think again.) Not only can an eager homeowner slow down efforts, but he or she also can be an insurance liability because it jeopardizes the mover’s work safety and insurance. They can’t let customers on their truck or carry things with customers. 7. Tip them (and maybe buy lunch) The standard tip for movers between $20 and $50, but more is always welcome. They’re in the service business, and what they do is incredibly difficult. Want even better service? Try tipping at the beginning of the day, and if it’s going to be a long day of moving, consider buying lunch as well.
How Much to Tip During the Time of Coronavirus
With all of the time, we’ve spent sheltered in place in our homes lately, it’s likely that you’ve taken advantage of numerous pickup and delivery services more than a few times. You’ve also probably wondered whether you should leave a tip at all or how much gratuity is enough when using these types of services. The answer: Tipping during a pandemic isn’t always obvious. So, which services warrant a tip and how much should you give? While there is no hard-and-fast rule, here are some pointers to help you avoid making an etiquette error the next time you leave a tip. 1. Always tip for delivery and takeout/curbside pickup Whether you’re getting Mexican food delivered for Taco Tuesday or placing an order for delivery from your favorite beverage store, right now you should tip at least 15 percent to 20 percent. The same goes for grocery delivery. If you’re picking up from a restaurant that began offering curbside pickup in the wake of the pandemic, leave a tip. The employees outside probably are working for gratuity, but not a large hourly rate. But just how much should you tip for curbside or in-store pickup? That depends. While some etiquette experts suggest tipping the same 15 percent to 20 percent that you would tip for delivery, others say it’s OK to go lower. There is a difference between curbside pickup and actual delivery, and there’s more involved with delivery. Folks coming to your front door should get a little more money. Still, a tip of at least 10 percent is suggested on pickup orders during a pandemic. As for grocery pickup, the etiquette is a little more complicated. Grocers usually don’t allow their employees to accept tips, but in this scenario, they might have altered their policy. If you want to tip the curbside pickup person at your grocery store, ask first if a gratuity can be accepted. Finally, it’s still alright not to tip drive-up window workers at fast-food restaurants. Those workers earn an hourly rate, and staffing the drive-up window is part of their regular job duties. 2. Tip just as generously regardless of who delivers You should tip the delivery driver the same amount whether you order your lunch directly from a restaurant or through a third-party delivery service like Grubhub or DoorDash. The suggested rate here is at least 15 percent to 20 percent as well—although you might have noticed that some delivery apps have a default tip set to 25 percent. If you’re able to swing it, it’s a nice way to thank the person facing the health risk to deliver essentials to you. Note: When ordering through a third-party service or the restaurant itself, the tip is intended for the person delivering to you, so they should be treated equally. Even if you have to pay extra for delivery through a third-party service, service fees shouldn’t cut into your tip. 3. A service or delivery fee is not a tip Delivery fees or service charges on your order total don’t go to your driver, so don’t use it as an excuse to tip less. A delivery fee covers other costs for the restaurant. It’s really important not to confuse a delivery fee with a gratuity. They are two different things. 4. Some workers can’t accept tips, but you can still offer a kind gesture Although you might be feeling extra grateful for postal workers delivering mail and packages every day, mail carriers aren’t allowed to accept cash tips or gifts worth more than $20 in value. Instead, you might want to leave some candy or a gift card for a cup of coffee in the mailbox. What about your local boutique that’s started delivering home goods, or the pet supply store that’s delivering dog food? Many small retail businesses don’t expect tips, but now is a great time to show gratitude by posting a glowing review online. Not only should you patronize your local businesses, but you also should put forth an effort to highlight your positive experiences. 5. Be cautious with cash For online or phone orders, you’ll likely add the tip when you provide your credit card information. But what about cash tips at a time when we’re all trying to eliminate unnecessary physical contact? If you do have to tip in cash, put the cash in an envelope in advance to put workers more at ease. If cash does change hands, sanitize or wash your hands before and after the interaction and follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for maintaining safe social distance. 6. Tip on the total, not the subtotal Should you tip on the subtotal before tax or the total after-tax? Just tip on the whole thing. As essential workers gear up in masks and gloves and take extra precautions to deliver food and necessities so the rest of us can stay home, now isn’t the time to count pennies. 7. Consider tipping contractors, fitness instructors and others who go above and beyond You probably wouldn’t normally tip a plumber or electrician who visits your home, but if you can afford it, it’s not a bad idea. If they come out in the middle of the night, or arrive all masked and covered up, you might offer to give them some extra gratuity. More than likely, they will take it because business likely isn’t as good as usual. If your favorite trainer or fitness instructor offers free workout plans or streaming classes while gyms are closed, you also might want to send them a tip on Venmo or PayPal. If they’re not charging you but just doing it to keep you going, then why not go ahead and send them a little something? 8. When in doubt, just do what you can This are difficult financial times for many people. If tipping above and beyond your normal amount feels out of reach, just do what’s in your budget. The bottom line is: Give what you can afford at this time. Some people are not impacted at all financially, and some people don’t have jobs. To say across the board that everyone should tip more would be unfair.
Considering a Move Right Now? Heres How Do It Safely
While packing up and moving can be tricky even on a good day, what about moving during the coronavirus pandemic when everyone across the nation is supposed to be staying put to lower their risk of illness? Well, if you have to move right now—maybe the home you own or rent was recently sold, you have to relocate for a new job or you just closed on a new home—then here are 12 tips on how to navigate moving safely in such an instance. 1. Make sure moving is allowed in your area or building According to the American Moving & Storage Association, moving has been deemed an “essential service” by the federal government. While moving is legal in the big picture, however, it might not be allowed for your specific circumstances. So, it’s a good idea to check with your local and state governments (and your HOA or condo board, if applicable) before scheduling any move. 2. Choose car travel over air travel To be safe and to protect others from possible exposure to the coronavirus, drive instead of fly for your long-distance move. It may take longer for you to arrive at your new home, but driving is better for the safety of everyone. 3. Carefully research your movers Hiring movers always should involve careful research before signing a contract, but now that’s even more important. So is using professional movers rather than a less expensive option that could involve unknown rental equipment and multiple trips to get everything moved. These days, many companies have transitioned to contactless moving, which means customers leave their homes while the crew comes in to pack up and load the truck. Many movers also are using video chat technology to see customers’ homes and offer quotes. Make sure to ask all prospective movers the following questions regarding their COVID-19 policies and practices: Do you provide virtual or digital estimates? Are trucks and movers equipped with hand sanitizer, masks, and gloves? Will the truck transporting my furniture and boxes be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before my belongings are packed inside? Will all equipment—such as hand trucks and sound blankets—be cleaned before my move? How often are high-touch surfaces in the trucks sanitized? What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy? How are the movers ensuring employees aren’t sick? (This could include taking their temperature on the day of the move and asking if anyone in their household is ill or experiencing symptoms.) Remember: These best practices don’t just apply to the movers, but to you as well. Be sure to get gloves and masks to wear during the move. 4. Decluttering? Call ahead if you plan to donate Moving is a natural time to sort through your closets and set aside items to donate, and this unusual time doesn’t have to be an exception to this. If you do plan on dropping off old housewares, clothing, and other items at your neighborhood Goodwill or Salvation Army, however, be sure to call ahead. Not all stores are open or accepting donations right now, so you might need to take additional steps to sanitize donated items. 5. Plan ahead if you need to set up new internet or cable service Need a technician to come to your place to set up an Internet or cable service with a new provider? Schedule that installation ASAP, so you can get connected as quickly as possible and avoid delays. Appointments are more difficult to come by these days, so you can’t bank on getting an installation appointment as easily as you have in the past. 6. Use new cardboard boxes you pack yourself In normal times, you might consider using neighborhood sites like Nextdoor or Craigslist to get free moving supplies. But it’s safer to purchase brand0new moving supplies during the coronavirus pandemic. Don’t use plastic bins, either—the coronavirus can survive up to a day on cardboard, but three days on plastic. You also should pack your own china, books, and clothing rather than hiring movers to do it. The fewer items the movers touch during your move, the safer you will be from exposure to the coronavirus. 7. Stock up on cleaning supplies for you and your movers Don’t pack your cleaning supplies quite yet. Although your movers should have their own supplies, you can help by providing plenty of opportunities for the crew to wash their hands before, during, and after the move—and to wash your own hands before and after making contact with any surfaces. Be sure to have adequate supplies of antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes on hand, as you’ll need to disinfect all common areas before and after your movers arrive. 8. Don’t involve more people than necessary Many moving companies have reduced crew sizes to comply with guidelines to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, and homeowners and renters also should try to reduce the number of cooks in the kitchen. Designate one person to manage and oversee the entire move to ensure the best social distancing practices are observed. 9. Time your move carefully If possible, plan your move so that the crew drops off your belongings first, then wait at least 72 hours to move yourself or your family into your new place. By then, the virus is less likely to remain on any surfaces. If you have to move at the same time as your items, pack a designated “open first” box that you drop off before the rest of your items. Fill the box with essentials like disinfectant spray, paper towels, snacks, soap, toiletries, bed linens, phone chargers, and a change of clothes. Then place the rest of your boxes away from your open-first box, and cover it with colorful tape or use colored markers to make sure it doesn’t get lost in a sea of brown boxes. To be safe, disinfect the box and the items inside when you open it. 10. Disinfect all points of contact As you come in and out of your new and old places, you’ll need to frequently disinfect doorknobs and cabinet pulls, and you’ll need to wear a mask and gloves. Keep windows open to promote airflow and circulation. If you’re moving in or out of a multi-unit building, take extra care in common areas like the lobby or mailroom where your neighbors pass through. Don’t forget to sanitize any surfaces you touch, including elevator buttons. You also might consider scheduling your move early in the day to avoid running into neighbors. 11. Wipe down moving boxes and furniture Even if your movers take every precaution to keep you and your belongings safe, the coronavirus can be spread by asymptomatic carriers. So, you’ll need to thoroughly clean and disinfect everything once the movers leave. Even items wrapped in moving blankets, like tables or couches, should be completely disinfected before using them again. To play it safe, also give your boxes a good cleaning once they’re placed in the appropriate rooms, and make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after handling any items the movers touched. 12. Feeling under the weather? Don’t think twice about canceling or postponing your move; it’s not worth putting others at risk. In most cases, your agreement with a moving company is non-binding, which means you can change your plans without penalty. If your moving company collected a deposit before your move, however, it might be nonrefundable. Contact your moving company about your deposit, as many reputable moving companies will be flexible or make an exception considering the pandemic.
Ways to Save for a Down Payment During the Coronavirus Pandemic
While you’re sheltering in place, it might be a good time to consider saving for a down payment on your future dream home. Saving money for a down payment on a home is one of the biggest obstacles facing buyers, as setting aside money for an extended time requires discipline, and the willingness to make sacrifices and forego unnecessary spending. How much should you save for the down payment? That depends. If you want to avoid the cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI), aim to save at least 20 percent of the purchase price of the home. If you plan to use an FHA loan or other program, the percentage can be 10 percent to as low as 2 percent. How long should you plan to save for a down payment? This also depends on how much money you can comfortably set aside and how big the down payment will be. If you want to save enough money in just a year or two, plan on a low-down-payment loan or cutting a lot of expenses. Living with relatives, avoiding dining out deferring retirement contributions are just some of the ways to get that down payment faster. According to Bankrate, here are some more: 1. Pay off your credit cards first When you carry credit card balances, the accumulating interest charges make it hard to erase that debt. By eliminating this debt, you pay less over time and significantly improve your credit score—a boon to getting a mortgage loan. Pay off the cards with the highest interest rates first, then pay off the card with the second-highest rate, and so on. You’ll have a lot more cash to build your savings by getting those credit card bills out of the way. 2. Ladder CDs to boost savings Once you free up some cash, put it to work, and make yourself more money. Certificates of deposit are low-risk and relatively accessible. You can maximize the earning power of CDs by opening different certificates at varying maturity dates. Instead of buying one big CD, spread your money into three-month, six-month and one-year certificates. This is called laddering—a strategy that gives you the flexibility to adjust your investment as rates change. Laddering allows you to lock in when rates are higher. When rates are not so good, laddering keeps you from being stuck for long with low returns. CD rates aren’t very high these days, but over time, they can protect your savings from inflation. Perhaps, more importantly, they keep you from spending the money because you can’t access it until the end of a CD’s term without a penalty. 3. Take advantage of special programs There are numerous programs for homebuyers struggling to save for a down payment, especially first-time buyers. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored agencies that buy mortgages and package them as investments, as well as various non-profit and community groups, can aid buyers who are struggling to save down payments. There also are state agencies that may help. 4, Tap your IRA Tax laws allow you to withdraw up to $10,000 in IRA funds to buy your first home. If you’re married and you’re both first-time buyers, you each can pull from your retirement accounts, meaning a potential $20,000 down payment. Even better is the IRS definition of first-time homebuyer. Technically, you don’t have to be purchasing your very first home. You can qualify under the tax rules as long as neither you nor your spouse has owned a principal residence at any time during the three years before the purchase of the new home. In these instances, Uncle Sam waives the penalty for early withdrawal, but with regular IRAs, you will have to pay tax on the money (plus a penalty if you’re under 59). Withdrawals from Roth IRAs, however, are tax- and penalty-free. 5. Seek out someone generous See if a favorite family member will be willing to give you the money toward the down payment. Tax law allows gifts up to a certain amount a year to be bestowed without tax consequences to either the giver or recipient. Known as the gift-exclusion, this tax-exempt amount is $15,000 for the 2019 and 2020 tax years. The gift exclusion isn’t limited to relatives; the cash gift can be from anyone. 6. Ask for a raise No luck finding a benefactor? It may be time to ask your boss for more money. Just make sure you do your homework and base your request for a raise on your accomplishments and the company’s pay scale—not your housing needs. 7. Get a second job If your boss turns you down for that raise, moonlighting could help you earn the extra money. This option makes the most sense for those who are young and not fully established in their professions. 8. Put your stimulus check to work The $2 trillion economic stimulus plan includes a first round of checks of up to $1,200 direct payments for eligible individuals, $2,400 for qualified married couples, and also $500 per child to many Americans. These funds can go straight toward your down payment. The law also allows people affected by the virus to take money from the IRA penalty-free if they are under age 59. 9. Look for lost money There are about $23.8 billion worth of matured savings bonds that remain unredeemed, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. These bonds have been ignored or forgotten by their owners and aren’t earning a penny of interest. Make sure your bonds and other investments are still adding to your net worth. You also could have money languishing in an old bank account. You can file a claim with the U.S. Treasury Department to recover lost, stolen, or destroyed savings bonds. Or, check the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators to see if you have any unclaimed assets.
A Note From Torrance Memorial
Our Torrance Memorial community is grateful for your help and support of our COVID-19 response. The demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) globally has created a severe shortage of PPE. As regular channels for these supplies ramp back up, we are grateful for your support either through a financial donation or through provision of supply donations for our care providers. Please visit www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/donate to make a donation of any kind, including cash. We are glad to provide you some guidance below if you wish to make a gift-in-kind donation of supplies. Again, thank you for the overwhelming response to assist our Torrance Memorial community. ALL SUPPLIES MUST BE IN UNOPENED, SEALED CONTAINERS WITH UNEXPIRED DATES. Acceptable donation considerations: SANITIZER: New hand sanitizers and sanitizing wipes such as PDI, Clorox, or other brands. New clinical-grade disinfectants including wipes, sprays and sanitization solutions with at least 70% alcohol. MASKS: New mask/respirator masks in boxed or packaged form New isolation/procedures surgical masks in unopened boxes or packages. New N95 masks in boxed or packaged form. Preference will be given to unexpired N95s from 3M. Cannot accept physical damaged (creased, broken, water/liquid damaged) or soiled respirators. GLOVES: NONE needed at this time. At this time we are saturated with gloves, so no donations are needed at this time. GOWNS / SHOE COVERS / BOUFFANTS: New clinical gowns, New shoe covers, New bouffants (hair covers). Isolation gowns must be fluid resistant, not necessarily fluid impermeable. FACE SHIELDS / GOGGLES: New plastic face shields. Must be fluid resistant and goggles must prevent any splashes to eyes. Questions may be directed to COVID.donations@tmmc.com or (310) 784-4843. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF TORRANCE MEMORIAL!
A Guide to Buying a Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Does the coronavirus have you thinking twice about home shopping during the typically active spring real estate season? While home buyers would otherwise be checking out properties, negotiating and closing on new places during this peak time of year, the coronavirus outbreak—with its quarantine measures and economic certainties—might have you wondering whether you can and should shop for a home right now or wait until this crisis comes to an end. Here is some information to help you decide what to do. So, what state is the housing market in right now anyway? While that depends on how bad an outbreak an area is suffering, most markets are feeling some sort of hit. According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, the coronavirus is leading to fewer home buyers searching in the marketplace, as well as some listings being delayed. The most recent NAR Flash Survey: Economic Pulse, conducted March 16 and 17, found that 48 percent of real estate agents have noticed a decrease in buyer interest attributable to the coronavirus outbreak. However, almost an equal number of members (45 percent) said that they believe lower-than-average mortgage rates are tempting buyers to shop around anyway, without any significant overall change in buyer behavior. For those who are determined to buy a home, there is an opportunity out there One of the best buyer’s markets that you’re likely to have ever seen is currently emerging, complete with excess supply and interest rates hovering at historic lows. In fact, you can own a home for less per month than you can rent an equivalent property in most areas. With fewer home buyers out there looking, you have less competition in your way Buyers who are not motivated and committed have dropped off, meaning there is less competition. The window of opportunity for buyers won’t stay open wide forever, though, with NAR data showing that there was a housing shortage before the outbreak. “The temporary softening of the real estate market will likely be followed by a strong rebound, once the quarantine is lifted,” says Yun. This pent-up demand could eventually push home prices higher, and that could mean that the time to look for bargains is now. Bottom line: If social distancing has made you realize you don’t love the place where you’re currently spending most of your time, it’s a good time to consider buying. How the housing industry is adapting to keep protect buyers Although you might be a little wary of being out and about checking out real estate, it still is possible to do so and stay safe. The industry has rapidly adapted, introducing approaches that minimize exposure to the virus. For example, many agents are now working remotely and conducting most of their business virtually. Buyer and seller consultations are beginning to transition to virtual meetings with success, and while open houses or showings may not be easy to arrange because of quarantine or other safety issues, real estate agents have stepped up to the plate by offering virtual tours. Clients can ask for videos of whatever properties they want to see, and even FaceTime from a property. While those who are immunocompromised may want to stay home, if you’re otherwise healthy, it also is still possible to see some homes in person. You’ll want to take some precautions before you go, though. Hand sanitizer at the door has become the norm, as well as shoe covers. During the tour, it’s also now customary for the listing agent to open all doors, so that home buyer can explore closets and other enclosed spaces without touching anything as they look. If you do make an offer that’s accepted and you head to the closing table, real estate agents and attorneys also are adapting to remote closings, to keep you out of a crowded conference room. How to weigh economic concerns Coronavirus aside, anyone thinking about buying a home also is likely to be weighing whether it’s a smart idea when the economy is facing difficult times. In the same way, you can’t easily time a stock purchase to make a profit, however, you can’t easily time a home purchase either. Just keep in mind that while current market conditions offer an opportunity for homebuyers to lock in historically low-interest rates for a mortgage, rates actually are rising quickly because so many people are refinancing. If you wait too long to buy, you may miss out on saving money. Besides mortgage rates, home buyers are probably wondering about the stability of their income as fear of layoffs loom Placing a property under contract now and locking in a low-interest rate gives a buyer some control at a time of relative uncertainty. The takeaway? It’s more important now than ever to get pre-approved for a mortgage, so you can calculate your home-buying budget accurately. If you’re worried about layoffs, you should consider buying a home well under budget so you have enough money left for closing costs, home maintenance and a rainy day fund. Toward that end, research ways to reduce your closing costs. For instance, many loans allow sellers to contribute up to 6 percent of the sale price to the buyer as a closing cost credit. You’ll also want to figure out how much you need to set aside for yearly home maintenance and repairs. A smart budget is to have between 1 percent and 4 percent of the purchase price of your home. Finally, be sure to put aside an emergency fund for unexpected repairs. On average, it’s a good idea to put away 1 percent to 3 percent of a home’s value in cash reserves.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Redondo Beach
With the coronavirus outbreak forcing throngs of people worldwide to stay at home and practice “social distancing” to help control the spread of the disease, it seems a lot of folks are turning to the tube. With that in mind, we thought it would be fun to see what notable movies and TV shows have been filmed in Redondo Beach. Be sure and check them out!