Bring Peace to Your Bedroom

 

While world peace is a great idea, if you want to add a touch of calm to your life, begin with your bedroom. Your room isn’t merely the place to rest your head, it’s where you wake, and the vibe of your room can set the tone for the rest of your day. Below are five tips for bringing a peaceful vibe to your bedroom.

Choose calming colors. While red or orange may be your favorite fiery hue, when picking shades for your room, choose soothing, calm colors like light blue or a gentle gray.

Pick minimal patterns. Keep the fun, funky patterns for the living room throw pillows. Busy patterns can make us feel crowded and overwhelmed, so minimize zany patterns in your sleep space.

Clear the room of clutter. Create a sanctuary in your bedroom by keeping it clear of clutter, from laundry to oversized furniture. Spend a few minutes before bed each day storing any items you pulled out, close the closet doors, put the books back on the shelves and dive into bed with a clear head and space.

Bring in nature. Houseplants can boost mood and pump more oxygen into the room. Choose a few easy-to-care for plants, like a fern or a ficus, and place them where you can see them when you wake.

Select the right lighting. While blackout shades can be great for blocking disruptive light, it can also negatively impact your sleep patterns by keeping your body from waking at its natural time. Find a set of blackout curtains that filter light but allow you to wake in the morning naturally.

The Current Residential Real Estate Market for Home Buyers and Home Sellers 2020

Although we are amid the Covid 19 pandemic and quickly approaching the holiday season, the residential real estate market has dramatically picked up over the last 30 days.  We are currently still in a sellers market, as inventory isn't quite where it needs to be to accommodate the number of motivated buyers right now.  However, that appears to be changing in the near future with more and more sellers looking to list their properties.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to take advantage of the current sellers market and list before you have a lot more competition!  On the other hand and on the buyers side, interest rates are at an all time low, making home purchases much more affordable.  With inventory on the rise, buyers will continue to have more and more options.  It is both a good time to buy and sell residential real estate.  See below market updates for both Ventura and Los Angeles counties released by the California Association of Realtors for September 2020.  In addition, data pulled from the MLS shows 320 new listings were entered into the MLS just within the Conejo Valley and 106 in Simi Valley in the last 30 days.

What is currently being predicted through 2023 is residential real estate is likely to fare far better than the commercial real estate sector.  According to a survey of 325 directors and investors, 39% expect commercial real estate assets will fall between 5% to 10% in value in 2020, whilst nearly 31% expect a fall of 10% or more as a result of the pandemic.  However, 90% of the respondents expected asset prices to go back to pre-pandemic levels by 2021, according to the survey carried out by Duff & Phelps.  The financial consultancy firm said the respondents expected the worst long-term damage in commercial real estate to be among retail and hotels, accounting for 37% and 36% responses respectively.  Most investors expect retail property values to decrease between 10-40% over the next 12 months.  Data from the survey showed that 36% of respondents believed the industrial and logistics sector will emerge the strongest from the current crisis. Investors also saw prospects for residential (29%) and proptech (19%), which they also believed would gain strength after the crisis. Source: https://realassets.ipe.com/news/commercial-real-estate-investors-predict-price-recovery-in-2021/10048407.article

  

I take all necessary measures to keep your business and/or family safe during the Covid 19 pandemic. Including virtual showings, safety precautions during in person showings, remote digital closings, etc.   Please feel free to contact me for additional information.  We have a referral based business, so please think of me when buying or selling and feel free to share my contact information with anyone you know who is thinking about buying or selling.  Levesque Realty has provided residential and commercial real estate services within Los Angeles and Ventura counties for over 20 years. 

5 Financial Benefits for Military Members

 

U.S. military members have access to some great benefits that can go a long way toward making their financial lives (and those of their family) a lot better.

Here are some of the best financial benefits that service members have available to them:

Inexpensive Retirement Plan
The Thrift Savings Plan has a low annual expense ratio of 0.038 percent of assets, making it a far better retirement plan for military members than 401(k) retirement plans, which have annual fees and expenses of 1-2 percent.

In 2019, military members can contribute up to $19,000 to the plan—and up to $56,000 if receiving tax-free income while deployed.

Free College
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges for up to four academic years, or up to $23,671 per year for private or foreign schools. A housing stipend and money for books and tutoring are also included.

Longtime service members can transfer their benefits to a spouse or children.

Mortgage Help
The Veterans Administration (VA) offers home loans to military members with no down payment required. Veterans and surviving spouses are also eligible for these VA home loans, along with other housing programs from the VA.

The VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which is provided by private lenders. A potential downside of not making a down payment on a home, or even a small down payment, is that you could owe more on the home loan if housing prices drop and you have to move and sell your home.

Housing Allowance
For as long as you’re in the military, you’re given a tax-free housing allowance. The monthly subsidy covers all or part of your monthly rent or mortgage. The amount is determined by your rank, location and if you have dependents.

A military pay stub lists a “Basic Allowance for Housing,” along with other benefits.

Guaranteed Return on Savings
It’s unlikely that you’ll ever find a savings program as good as the Savings Deposit Program run by the Department of Defense (DOD).

Deployed members in designated combat zones can deposit up to $10,000 each time they’re deployed and earn 10 percent annual interest, compounded quarterly. The program lasts up to three months after returning from combat.

Since military pay during deployment is tax-free income, members receive more take-home pay, and can put that extra money into the DOD’s savings program.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.

Moving Thanksgiving Outdoors

 

All things considered, unless you live in a freezing climate, this might be the year to think about moving Thanksgiving dinner outdoors. Even if your guests need to bundle up a bit, outdoor enthusiasts suggest that a little pre-planning can make it easier than you think, and it may turn out to be the most fun Thanksgiving your family has enjoyed for years.

• Timing counts – Plan your event between the hours of 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, when you can take advantage of maximum daylight and warmth.
• Choose the site – A patio, front porch or covered deck is ideal, but any backyard space not far from the kitchen will work. Depending upon the weather and the number of guests, consider renting a tent. If you are concerned about harvest table seating, use two or three tables for six.
• Set smart tables – Use your best linens and china as usual, anchoring each with a vase of fall flowers or Thanksgiving centerpieces. If wind is an issue,or even if it isn’t, anchor each napkin to the plate with an apple or a miniature pumpkin.
• Plan the meal – There are two good choices this year: Do all the work yourself or assign guests to bring dishes, as you typically would, or pre-order dinner from a favorite restaurant, ensuring a lovely meal for all with far less work while doing your part to help support struggling local business. 
• Plan the fun – Backyard family football, badminton or horseshoes is always fun. Add new activities for kids into the mix, such as a scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting or another Thanksgiving craft.
• Have a back-up plan – The best plans can be upset by rain, so be prepared to move the party indoors if necessary. Dinner tables can still be distanced if you wish, becoming game tables for kids and adults after the meal is over.

What to Do If You Find an Error on Your Credit Report

 

Lenders look at your credit report to determine whether you qualify for a loan or credit card. Inaccurate information could lead to an unfavorable interest rate or outright denial of your application. You should periodically request copies of your credit reports and check them for errors. If you find a mistake, act immediately to have it corrected so it doesn’t hurt your chances of obtaining credit.

How an Error Might Have Occurred
If you have a common name, your records could have gotten mixed up with someone else’s. If you are divorced, a joint account that you had with your former spouse might not have been removed from your credit report, even if it was supposed to be according to your divorce settlement. Someone might also have made an error when entering your personal information. An account might be listed on your credit report more than once, or an account that was closed might not have been removed. In a more extreme scenario, someone might have stolen your identity and opened a fraudulent account in your name.

How to Dispute an Error
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, credit bureaus are required to investigate any alleged errors reported by consumers, unless those claims are deemed frivolous. If you find what you believe to be an error, write to the credit bureau or fill out an online form. Explain what you believe is incorrect and provide copies of any documents that support your position. If you send letters via the postal service, mail them certified and request receipt confirmation. Keep copies of all letters you send to the credit bureau and any responses you receive.

You should also contact the company that provided the information to the credit bureau and explain why you believe it is incorrect. Include copies of supporting documents and state that you have filed a dispute with the credit bureau.

Possible Outcomes
The credit bureau should complete its investigation within 30 days. In many states, a consumer who disputes an error is entitled to receive a free copy of a new credit report showing that the mistake has been corrected.

If the credit bureau does not agree that there is an error in your report, you can ask it to include your statement disputing the information in your file. Your statement can be provided to anyone who received your credit report recently or who will in the future. You may have to pay a fee for this service, but it can be worthwhile if it helps you avoid getting turned down for a loan or credit card. If you suffer harm as a result of an error on your credit report, you may need to hire a lawyer to help you resolve the issue.

Check Your Credit Reports
An error on a credit report can prevent you from achieving your financial goals. Request free copies of your credit reports and check them for errors. If you find any, take steps to address the situation as soon as possible.

How to Make Your Home Look Luxe on a Budget

 

If you’re craving a higher-end look in your home, but your budget says otherwise, don’t abandon your vision of a more luxurious design. With some creative additions and adjustments you can create an upscale feel in no time. Try one or two of the following:

Update your lighting. If you can’t swing a full interior design update, focus just on your lighting. You can instantly add a high-end feel by investing in new light fixtures, such as contemporary hanging pendants, a dramatic floor lamp, or an abstract chandelier. Recessed lights are another option for adding a luxury look. No matter what you choose, remember that lighting draws a lot of attention and affects the entire atmosphere of a room.

Create an optical illusion. This trick won’t cost you anything at all: raise your curtain rods above your windows so that your curtains hang from ceiling to floor. This instantly makes your ceilings seem higher, not to mention the luxurious feel of full-length drapes. If your current window treatments aren’t up to par for this look, invest in a new set made from a luxe fabric, such as velvet or satin.

Molding. Make any room more sophisticated by installing molding on blank walls. Use chair rail in the dining room, crown molding in the living room, or create a box pattern to add depth and interest to an entry area or hallway. Paint it a contrasting or complementary color for a creative design flair. 

Go neutral. While you may have experimented with a variety of colors in your home, consider using a neutral palette instead. While bold hues and pastels can be fun, neutrals will give your home a more elegant look. Crisp, white linens in the bedroom and white, fluffy towels in the bathrooms will continue this sophisticated look throughout your home. 

Think big. Want to instantly up the luxe factor in any room? Hang a large piece of artwork. The painting itself doesn’t need to be expensive (just tasteful!) because the sheer scale of the art will create a dramatic, upscale look. 

You can get more inspiration by flipping through luxury lifestyle magazines or perusing Pinterest boards. Notice that it’s often the details that make a design feel high-end—details that can often be recreated without breaking the bank. 

States That Won't Tax Your Retirement Income

 

Affording to retire can be difficult enough, and having your retirement income taxed can leave you with less money.

To start, the federal government taxes income from a 401(k) retirement plan, traditional IRA or pension, along with taxing Social Security benefits. In addition, most states tax at least some part of retirement income.

However, there are a dozen states that don’t tax the most common types of retirement income: 401(k)s, IRAs and pensions. Below are some quick highlights of how those 12 states handle such funds:

Alaska. This is the only state that doesn’t collect state sales tax or levy an individual income tax, so even people who aren’t retired can benefit. Alaska also doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and it doesn’t have an inheritance or an estate tax.

Florida. The Sunshine State doesn’t tax basic retirement income, nor does it have an income tax or tax Social Security benefits. There are no inheritance or estate taxes either.

Illinois. This is the only state in the Midwest that doesn’t tax 401(k), IRA and pension income. Illinois has an estate tax for estates worth more than $4 million.

Mississippi. The state won’t tax retirement income for retirees who are at least 59.5 years old, but people who retire early will have such income taxed. Mississippi doesn’t have inheritance or estate taxes.

Nevada. Known for gambling, Nevada doesn’t tax retirement income or have an income tax. In addition, Nevada doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, nor does it have inheritance and estate taxes.

New Hampshire. This is the only state in New England that doesn’t have a general income tax. It does, however, tax interest and dividends. Retirement income isn’t taxed.

Pennsylvania. Pension income isn’t taxed in Pennsylvania if received from an eligible employer-sponsored retirement plan. While payments from a 401(k) or IRA aren’t taxed unless you retire early, the state does have an inheritance tax that ranges anywhere from 4.5 to 15 percent.

South Dakota. Situated in the Midwestern region of the United States, South Dakota doesn’t tax retirement income, and it doesn’t have an income tax.

Tennessee. The heart of the country music scene, the state’s income tax is limited, taxing only interest and dividends. Additionally, retirement income isn’t taxed.

Texas. The Lone Star State doesn’t have a personal income tax, and it doesn’t tax retirement income.

Washington. This Pacific Coast state doesn’t have an income tax and doesn’t tax retirement income. It does have an estate and inheritance tax, though.

Wyoming. This Western state doesn’t tax retirement income or have an income tax. It also doesn’t have an inheritance or estate tax.

Whether you’re already retired or planning ahead, calling one of these 12 states home could help you keep more money in your pocket.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.

Signs That Your House Might Have an Electrical Problem

 

A problem with the electrical wiring, an outlet, or the circuit breaker or fuse box in your home needs to be taken seriously. An unaddressed electrical issue could spark a fire that could engulf your entire house and put your family’s lives in danger.

Circuit Breaker or Fuse Box Trips Repeatedly
A circuit breaker or fuse box is designed to stop the flow of electricity to the house to prevent the circuit from overloading and causing a fire. If the unit trips frequently, especially when you use a particular outlet, the circuit may be overloaded. Call an electrician.

Lights Dim or Flicker
Light fixtures use less electricity than other appliances. If lights dim or flicker, it’s probably because a major appliance is using so much energy that the circuit cannot handle both it and the lights. Ask an electrician to wire the lights to another circuit or to install a dedicated circuit for the appliance.

Buzzing Sound
Under normal circumstances, the electricity flowing through your house should be silent. If you hear a buzzing sound, a problem with an outlet or wiring could be the cause. Call an electrician right away.

Odor
A new appliance might produce an odor the first few times it’s used, but a smell from an older appliance or an odor with no clear origin is a reason to call an electrician. There could be a problem with an outlet, the wiring in the walls, or the fuse box or circuit breaker.

Sparks
If the fuse box or circuit breaker is sparking, call an electrician immediately. If sparks are coming from an outlet, turn off and unplug anything that is plugged into it and call an electrician. If sparks are coming from an appliance, call the manufacturer to have a repairperson inspect the appliance and make any necessary repairs.

Hot Outlet
Electricity may cause an outlet to become warm to the touch, but it should never be hot, even if an appliance that produces heat is plugged into it. If an outlet is hot, unplug the appliance and plug it into another outlet. If the second outlet also becomes hot, there is a problem with the appliance and you should contact the manufacturer. If the first outlet was hot but the second is not, that indicates a problem with the first outlet that requires help from an electrician.

Old Wiring
Even if you don’t notice any of these signs, you could still be at risk for an electrical fire. If you live in an old house and the wiring has not been updated in decades, there could be a serious issue that could put your family in danger.

Take Risks Seriously
Electrical fires are more common than many people realize. Don’t ignore warning signs. If you have any concerns, or if you are not sure about the age and condition of the wiring in your home, contact an electrician.

4 Antimicrobial Materials to Use in Your Home

 

Everyone wants to keep a clean home. Regularly washing, vacuuming and wiping surfaces around the house is certainly essential, but you can give yourself extra peace of mind by using materials that have proven antimicrobial powers. From countertops to doorknobs, these surfaces are perfect for designing a stylish home that naturally combats germs.

Copper Alloy
Copper, brass and bronze are well-known for their ability to quickly kill a wide variety of pathogens, like viruses, bacteria and fungi. If that’s not enough to get excited about, they’re ideal materials for high-traffic areas around the house, such as cabinet pulls and doorknobs, so you can create a timeless aesthetic without having to worry about any lingering germs. 

Quartz
It’s crucial to keep your kitchen and bathroom countertops free of harmful microorganisms. After all, these are the surfaces where you prepare food or keep your toothbrush, so it’s important to ensure that they aren’t contaminated. Fortunately, quartz is a stylish option to use for countertops as it can prevent the spread of pathogens due to the fact that it’s nonporous. Taking that a step further, many of today’s engineered quartz options are made with an antimicrobial compound that proactively kills germs.

Bamboo
In recent years, bamboo has become a popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners because it’s highly sustainable. Additionally, this fast-growing species of grass is nonporous and has naturally antibacterial capabilities. Whether you want to use it for your floors or countertops, bamboo is particularly well-suited for areas that are prone to collecting germs around the house.

Cork
Cork flooring never ceases to amaze. It’s sustainable, fire-resistant and, of course, boasts antimicrobial properties to protect the whole family from harmful organisms that find their way into your home. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, this long-lasting wood is an excellent option to use throughout the home and is sure to lend warm, visual appeal. 

Halloween 2020: Making it Fun and Safe

 

This Halloween, health experts suggest that finding safe ways to celebrate can make the day playful and exciting. While some activities like dressing up and decorating pumpkins hardly need to change at all, others may need a bit of a twist: 

• Halloween Treats – Spend more time than usual creating dinner and treats as a family. Decorate a pizza with toppings in the shape of a jack-o’-lantern. Make tangerine pumpkins by peeling the tangerine and sticking a thin slice of celery on top to look like a stem. Frost cupcakes with orange-colored icing and decorate using chocolate chips, candy corn or other inventive ingredients. 
• Virtual Costume Parties and Parades – Have fun using Zoom or other video chats with friends and family to show off costumes and play games. Stage an outdoor costume parade on your block, making sure everyone is socially distanced and masked, and let each kid pick up a bag full of treats as he or she takes center stage or passes the costume judges. 
• A Halloween Piñata – Fill your piñata with treats and take turns batting it with a broomstick. This is fun for the family, but if you wish to invite a few other kids to participate, take precautions to see that everyone stays socially distanced and masked.
• Start a Spooky Movie Night – Have the whole family dress up as their favorite characters, settle in with popcorn or other snacks and choose from a wide range of age-appropriate Halloween-themed movies, ranging from Casper the Ghost and Monster House to Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus or your classic favorites.
• Attend a Safe Community Event – Instead of door-to-door trick or treating, check with your library or parks and recreation department to learn about organized outdoor venues like a corn maze, a socially distanced haunted house, a drive-through treat event or another activity your kids can safely enjoy. 

Finding a New Home When Your Adult Children Return

 

Across the country, many empty nesters are experiencing the same situation: their adult kids are moving back in. Accommodating your grown children, however, can be a challenge for various reasons. When the kids move out, it’s quite common for empty nesters to convert unused bedrooms for other purposes or even sell the family home and downsize. As a result, many are now in need of a residence that’s better suited for multi-generational living. If this sounds familiar, here are several features to look for in a home where everyone can comfortably live together.

Fully-Equipped Guest Quarters
When they were younger, a simple bedroom would do the trick. Now that they’re adults, though, that might not be enough. A home with an in-law suite or guest house will provide enough space so that you won’t have to worry about stepping on each other’s toes, especially if there’s a separate kitchen where they can do their own cooking.

Suitable Workspace
With the rise in remote work, it’s important that there’s enough space for everyone to work from home. Unfortunately, the kitchen table is not a great long-term solution when the whole family is under one roof. You might even want to have a couple of separate work areas so that there aren’t any disruptions when someone has to get on a conference call.

Places for Personal Time
Family time is always enjoyable, but too much of it might become overwhelming. Make sure you’re still able to get some alone time in different parts of the house, like a home gym or a quiet library that’s perfect for disappearing in a book. 

Amazing Master Suite
Nothing beats a comprehensive master suite where you can escape for privacy. It may take some time to get used to having the “kids” back home, but a sumptuous, spa-like bathroom will certainly help keep you relaxed.