Bright and cheerful 4 bedroom 2 bath single story home in Newbury Park

$630,000

Newbury Park, CA

Pocket listing not yet in the MLS. Located on a cul-de-sac with views of boney mountain from both the front lawn and backyard, just steps from great hiking/biking trails. Near Hickory Park. Please contact me if you or someone you know would like to see this home. My cell is 805.490.4944 and email is yglesias75@gmail.com. Feel free to call, text and/or email me with any additional questions and/or to schedule a showing. 

Cool Ideas for Dressing Up Your Kid's Room

Icons and superheroes go in and out of style, so decorating your kids’ rooms to reflect their current favorite may not be the best idea. Decorators suggest using timeless themes and practical ideas to make their spaces cheerful and organized:

• Start with color – Choose a favorite, preferably a soothing one, to help your child ease into sleep. Consider painting one wall in chalkboard paint, ready for years of artistic expression.
• Use cool family art – Choose a favorite family, vacation, or kid photo and blow it up to large standard frame size at an office supply store. Then cut it evenly into thirds or fourths vertically, frame each one, and hang them side by side as separate pieces separated by just an inch or two.
• Make it a gallery – String wire from one wall to another, just high enough for you to reach, to hold a changing display of your child’s drawings. Or frame the drawings in standard acrylic frames that can be changed as new masterpieces emerge.
• Try dresser magic – Perk up a drab white dresser inexpensively by tying a length of colorful ribbon into a bow around each of the knobs.
• Create a reading nook – Make it an inviting place for shared reading with a bookcase full of books, soft lighting, and seating comfy enough for cuddling.
• Add maxi–storage – A rack of colorful, stacked bins from the local home store is better than a toy box for storing trucks, games, building blocks, and other large toys.
• And mini-storage – A multi-pocketed shoe organizer hung from one wall is a great place to stash mini action figures, Hot Wheels cars, hair goodies, and other small treasures.
• Stock cubbies or a shelf with art supplies – Keep it full of construction paper, markers, poster board, and other supplies your kid may need for school projects.
• Create a play space – Kids love to play dress-up. Find an old trunk and fill it with vintage clothing and hats they can use to ‘put on a show.’

How to Haggle on the Phone for Better Prices

Haggling may not be one of the funnest things you’ll do on any given day, but if you’re anywhere near good at it, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars a year.

For people who don’t want to haggle in person or don’t want to send emails back and forth, the simplest option is calling on the phone. This can be done to reduce your costs for phone, cable TV, Internet service or other monthly bills, and for big-ticket purchases such as a car or household appliance.

Here are some tips for haggling over the phone:

Research

If you’re looking for a better price on your cable TV package, for example, look online for deals your cable provider and other companies are offering new customers, and ask for the same deal. The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be to haggle by suggesting you’ll go to a competitor that has a better price.

Know who to call

Most businesses have customer service phone numbers. If you get lost in a phone tree, press the number “0,” which should usually connect you directly to an operator. Ask for a customer service representative. If that person isn’t much help within a few minutes, ask to be transferred to their supervisor or a customer retention specialist who can usually offer the bigger discounts that you want.

Don’t argue

Don’t debate the person on the other end of the line. Being mad will likely cause the other person to lose interest in helping you, so stay calm and on point. Ask for what you want and explain how long you’ve been a loyal customer and how much longer they’ll have you as a customer if they offer the discount.

Use silence

Being silent can give the other person the incentive to fill the space by talking and hopefully offering options. These may include a free add-on service, such as free delivery of a new mattress if you’re negotiating the price of a new bed, or they may all of a sudden find a deal on their computer that they didn’t offer during the first few minutes of your conversation.

Say goodbye

If the rep or retention specialist didn’t offer you the best deal you expected, then thank them for their time and say goodbye and that you’ll be checking with their competitors. This message that you may soon be dropping their service gives them one last chance to put you on hold and come up with a solution. If they don’t, then either go find a better price at another company, or call back a few days later and talk to another customer service representative. The people you talk with later may be much kinder willing to help you.

I hope you found this real estate information helpful. Please contact me for all your real estate needs today!

Retro Colors Make a Comeback: What's Hot in Decor Right Now

Everything old is new again, and that goes for decorating with color. While the last decade in home décor has largely been defined by white and varying shades of beige and gray, today’s designers are harking back to yesteryear with paint colors, furniture and even kitchen appliances.

Part art deco, part ‘50s suburban and part ‘60s mod, these awesome retro colors are fresh and refreshed to fit today’s tastes, say the color mavens at Sherwin Williams, whose wall color faves this year include shades of pink, aqua and pale or mustard yellows with accents of slate or peppery coral—great ways to set off the stark white of baseboards, crown moldings and door frames.

Big Chill, a retro appliance company launched just three years ago, is finding huge success with its growing line of refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers in pink, aqua, yellow and more that bring a spirit of nostalgia to today’s kitchens, along with their high-tech efficiency.

Small kitchen appliances from crockpots to mixers and toasters are now available in a wide range of bold and retro colors, and look for pink velvet, pale blue and teal sofas from a variety of furniture design companies as vintage furnishings make a huge comeback.

You might also find bright orange and sage green shantung side chairs, shabby-chic and pastel-colored buffets and bookshelves and other accessories, and don’t miss the lighting display in most home stores, where Tiffany lamps and vintage shades are gaining ground in sales.

A roomful of these vintage colors can make you feel a little nostalgic, a little happier and a little more optimistic. What more could anyone ask for?

4 Ways to Turn Your Bedroom into a Good-Night's-Sleep Enabler

Just because bedrooms are not usually the first thing people see when walking into a home, it doesn’t mean they’re not worthy of some love. There is no better investment than one which gives you peace of mind, and a well-equipped bedroom can give you even more than that. A good night’s sleep can take away your headaches, lower your stress levels, alleviate your muscle cramps, and put you in a good mood.

Here are four tried and true ways to achieve bedroom nirvana:

1. Sleep on a cloud: It doesn’t have to be down. Even a quality egg crate can add that cloud-like feeling to your bed. Top that with some fluffy pillows and comforters and you will be on the stairway to heaven. Soft bed sheets, whether you go for quality cotton or all-out with silk, will put an additional layer of comfort between you and your mattress.
2. Color-code for success: In recent years, color-coding has been all the rage in interior design. The psychology of color has allowed us to determine what hues are the most soothing. The rule for serene bedrooms is shades of white and toned-down browns, blues, and pinks. Going for warmer colors can add coziness, and bright colors can help you wake up energized. Decide what your sleeping pattern needs the most, and paint those walls.
3. Dim the lights: Nothing kills a comfort vibe faster than a white fluorescent light. Leave those for ICUs, and switch to yellow light. This swap will work even better if it comes with a dimmer switch you can rely on. The key is to keep your room in tune with your mood so that your tired brain is not jumping through hoops to get you some Zs.
4. Aim for space: Space is a two-way street. On the one hand, you need space for mobility and to keep your room from feeling stuffy or looking cluttered. Yet, certain furniture is a must. Make sure that your bed is big enough to fit everybody who sleeps in it, buy a reliable night stand, add sitting spaces with chairs or ottomans, and provide your room with other surfaces to house your belongings. If everything you are carrying falls seamlessly into place as soon as you enter your bedroom, then consider yourself a winner.

With these minor fixes you can turn your bedroom into an actual haven. Given that you spend at least a third of your day within those four walls, why not get comfortable?

Four Strategies for a Faster Sale

Most sellers hope for a quick sale so they can begin moving into a new home. Unfortunately, things don’t always move that fast in the real estate world.

You may not have the luxury of waiting for an offer that meets your price. A seller may need to sell quickly because of a new job, a change in relationship or even a death in the family.

If you fall into the category of someone who needs to sell quickly, these strategies will get you the speedy resolution you desire.

Tell your agent. Make sure you explain to your agent how valuable time is to you. They will have experience in knowing what to do to get a home sold faster, and can better guide the direction of the sale.

Price it right. There’s nothing that leads to a quick sale faster than pricing your home at market value. While this might not be something you want to do, overpricing a home is a sure way to sit on the market. Remember, a property can’t be underpriced. If the home is below market value, you will likely get multiple offers that bump the price back up.

Negotiate fairly. Keep an open mind in negotiations. If a bid comes in close to your asking price, you may need to give in or risk losing that buyer altogether. You can also be flexible in your contract terms, such as including your curtains or the pool table in your sale, to make the buyer happy. You may lose some negotiating power, but you’ll be happier in the long run when it leads to a sale.

Incentivize. Remember, money talks. One popular incentive for a fast closing is offering to help with closing costs. You can also offer a higher buyer agent commission to increase the number of showings.

Expert Insights: Can I Split My Mortgage in Two and Pay Biweekly?

The biweekly mortgage has become increasingly popular as more people favor paying off their home loan early and reducing interest charges.

Monthly payments on these loans are split in half, payable every two weeks.

Because there are 52 weeks in a year, you actually have 26 half-payments, or the equivalent of 13 monthly payments per year instead of 12.

Under the biweekly payment plan, a homeowner can save tens of thousands of dollars in interest and pay off their loan balance in less than 30 years.

National Housing Trends February 2018

Angela Yglesias

Levesque Realty 

Cell: 805-490-4944   
Phone: 805-490-4944 

Housing Trends February 2018 View archives

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National market update

Existing-Home Sales Fade in December; 2017 Sales Up 1.1 Percent

WASHINGTON (January 24, 2018) — Existing-home sales subsided in most of the country in December, but 2017 as a whole edged up 1.1 percent and ended up being the best year for sales in 11 years, according to the National Association of Realtors®.





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Tired of Big-City Squeeze? Score a Bargain in America's 10 Cheapest Housing Markets

We live in a nation of sharply etched haves and have nots—and nowhere does that dividing line cut deeper than in the world of housing. Here at realtor.com®, we spend a lot of time chronicling the "haves," those soaring, seductive, sought-after metros where inexorable rises in home prices are rivaled only by unstoppable increases in wages, jobs, bleeding-edge trendiness, and four-star fusion chefs.





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National housing indicators

Existing home sales (Dec)

5.57 millions units*

Existing home median price (Dec)

$246,800

Housing Starts (Dec)

1.192 millions units*

New home sales (Nov)

0.733 millions units*

*Seasonally adjusted annual rate. Source: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

National economic indicators

Home ownership

4th Quarter 2017

64.2%

3rd Quarter 2017

63.9%

The homeownership rate of 64.2 percent was not statistically different from the rates in the fourth quarter 2016 (63.7 percent) or the third quarter 2017 (63.9 percent).

New home sales

October 2017

-9.3%

November 2017

+17.5%

Sales of new single-family houses in December 2017 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 625,000, according to estimates released jointly today by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is 9.3 percent (±11.0 percent)* below the revised November rate of 689,000, but is 14.1 percent (±13.0 percent) above the December 2016 estimate of 548,000. An estimated 608,000 new homes were sold in 2017. This is 8.3 percent (±4.1 percent) above the 2016 figure of 561,000.

Source: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

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View market statistics for your region.

Click on the links below to view data from two different industry sources. Choose information on local prices & state sales from any of 178 metropolitan housing markets prepared by the National Association of REALTORS® or information on sales & price activity from local area markets in 25 states prepared by Clarus MarketMetrics.

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Local Sales & Price Activity

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Consumer tips & hot properties

Tired of Big-City Squeeze? Score a Bargain in America's 10 Cheapest Housing Markets

These metro markets have the least expensive home prices—and that's not all that brings people to town.



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The 3 Best Reasons to Buy a Home in 2018 (but You'd Better Hurry)

Yes, home prices have been sky-high and choices limited. But market conditions are changing, and this could be your year to buy—as long as you do it soon.



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5 Reasons It'll Pay to Sell Your Home Early in 2018

If you want to unload your home fast and for maximum bucks, your window of opportunity may be narrowing. Here's why.



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4 Rock-Solid Reasons to Remodel Your Home in 2018

The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to renovate or remodel your home. So if you’ve been on the fence, this may be the year to get decisive. Here’s why.



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These Will Be the Year's Most Coveted Design Trends

Our stable of tastemakers has given us the ultimate scoop on the hottest interior design and decor trends for 2018. And trust us: It’ll be a gorgeous year.



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Existing Home Statistics

View statistics based on national data, regional data and data gathered from 159 cities & metropolitan areas.

National Statistics

• Housing Affordability Index
• National Existing Home Sales
• National Sales Price of Existing Homes

Statistics by City or Metropolitan Area

• Single-family Home Prices
• Condo/Co-op Prices

Regional Statistics

• Existing Home Sales
• Sales Price of Existing Homes
• Existing Single Family Home Sales
• Sales Price of Existing Single-Family Homes
• Existing Condo/Co-op Sales
• Sales Price of Existing Condo/Co-op Homes

Source: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

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How to Detect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poison is a silent danger that claims over 400 lives in the U.S. annually, as well as over 20,000 visits to the emergency room, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To keep your family safe, know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

“Safety is our top priority at DTE Energy, and we urge residents to be particularly alert to carbon monoxide danger during the fall and winter heating season. It’s when CO exposure most frequently occurs,” says Brad Burcz, senior safety and health engineer, DTE Energy.  “One of the best defenses against CO poisoning is to install a carbon monoxide alarm near all sleeping areas in your home. If dangerous levels of CO are detected, an audible alarm will alert you.”

DTE offers the following tips to prevent CO poisoning in homes and businesses:

• For businesses, install carbon monoxide alarms in main areas away from vents and appliances or equipment that produce smoke or steam.
• Replace batteries in CO alarms annually.
• If a CO alarm is activated, or the presence of carbon monoxide is suspected, immediately get out of the house or building into fresh air, and if necessary, seek medical attention.
• Ensure all fuel-burning appliances are operating and venting properly.
• Get an annual furnace inspection by a licensed professional.
• Check yearly to verify flues, vents and chimneys are connected, in good condition and clear of debris.

Like this update? As your local real estate professional, I can provide more great tips like this and answer any real estate information questions you may have. Contact me today!

Source: dteenergy.com

5 Steps to a Healthier Home

Believe it or not, being healthy at home isn’t just about what’s happening in your fridge. Sure, it’s a good starting point, but there are actually many ways to create a pro-health environment throughout your home. Here are five simple ways to start.

1. Declutter the kitchen. In this case, we’re not talking about knickknacks—we’re talking about food. Go through your cabinets, pantry, fridge and freezer and say goodbye to anything that’s been lingering for way too long. Donate canned goods you’ve been saving ‘just in case,’ get rid of freezer-burned processed meals and old packages of crackers and snacks. Once your shelves are cleared out, start buying and eating mostly fresh items, picking up just what you need every couple of days as opposed to doing a mega shopping every couple of weeks.
2. Honor your eating area. If you’re wolfing down meals standing up at the kitchen counter or on the sofa in front of the TV, it’s likely that you’ve adopted some poor eating habits. Make sure your dining space is set to sit down and enjoy a mindful eating experience that includes quality time with your loved ones, as well. Not only will this lead to eating better prepared, healthier meals, it will force you to eat more slowly, which will help you avoid overeating.
3. Check the air quality in your most-frequented space. Whether it’s the living room or family room, make sure the air is healthy in the room in which you spend the most time. Dust and vacuum more often than usual (especially if you have pets or use a fireplace frequently), open the windows to circulate air, or use an air purifier or salt rocks to remove impurities. Add some house plants to help absorb carbon dioxide and release additional oxygen.
4. Carve a restorative niche. Whether it’s a small workout area, or a reading and meditation nook, everyone needs to build their own private space within the busy walls of their home. Whether it’s for exercise or simple quiet time, having a mini escape right at home is essential to both your physical and mental well-being.
5. Create a rest-inducing bedroom. Many of us aren’t getting enough sleep, which is at the root of a wide variety of health problems. Do a quick analysis of your sleeping quarters to make sure they’re conducive to a good night’s rest: Is your mattress well-suited for your sleeping needs? Is there a television that needs to go? Is the temperature cool enough? Is an after-hours quiet zone enforced? If not, get your bedroom in sleeping shape pronto. 

These five steps will help ensure your home is designed to serve both your physical and emotional health.
 
If you need more real estate information, feel free to contact me. 

Foundation to Roof: Energy-Efficiency from the Ground Up

“I start construction with precast concrete wall panels and then add an insulated basement slab to give my homes a head start on their high performance energy efficiency package. I'm building homes that are more than twice as efficient as a standard home built to ‘code.’”

So says Shawn Jessup, owner of S.D. Jessup Construction, Inc. in North Carolina. Jessup and builders like him are making strides in the energy efficiency arena, constructing new homes with energy-saving features from the foundation to the roof.

The foundation, Jessup notes, sets the “energy tone” for the entire home, calling for add-ons like extra insulation, foam-backed siding or structural insulated panels.

Entry points outfitted with ENERGY STAR®-qualified products also contribute to a home’s overall energy efficiency, adds Jeffery Nofziger, president of Haas Door.

“Advances in steel and aluminum bring both strong insulation factors and beauty to the garage door offerings for the home,” says Nofziger. “Mother Nature can throw some pretty nasty weather at a home, and a garage door takes the brunt of that weather.”

The roof, too, can be an energy-saver. According to the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), roofs are exposed to direct sunlight more than any other feature, which can damage certain roofing materials over time. Jessup recommends using a synthetic tile roof to not only help deflect sunlight (and heat) from the home, but also to stave off roof repair or replacement.

For more on building an energy-efficient home from the ground up, visit Energy.gov or EnergyStar.gov.
 
Source: Superior Walls