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Are You Facing Foreclosure?
Facing foreclosure can be frightening and very stressful, BUT if you understand the process you will see you have some options.
Let’s discuss the California Foreclosure Timeline
Selling Your Home In The Summer
Summer has traditionally been the best time to sell a home. Not only do many families take advantage of moving when the kids are out of school, but in climates where winter weather is unpredictable or severe, the warmer months make it easier to be away for showings.
With more homes on the market, how can you maximize your potential for a great offer among the options?
Fortunately, you can take a few steps to ensure your home stands out from the crowd. Tips for Selling in Summer
Control the Climate – The first thing a buyer will notice when they walk into a home is the temperature. If the weather is warm and humid, it’s critical you keep the home cool. A larger air conditioning bill is a small price to pay for a top dollar offer.
Let in the Sun – It might be tempting to close the blinds to save money on air conditioning, but bright, sunny rooms are always more appealing; leave enough open to showcase natural light.
Extend Outdoors – Today’s lifestyle includes the outdoor areas and more and more homes feature outdoor living and dining areas. Regardless of your home’s features, maximize the impact of your yard with furniture, BBQs and manicured landscaping.
Spring Clean – A fresh, decluttered home with a lighter, seasonal color scheme will be visually appealing to your buyers. Replace dark pillows, linen and accents with softer colors which make the rooms seem larger.
The summer selling season is here. Make sure your home is dressed for success. Welcoming outdoor spaces and bright sunny rooms combined with inviting an air conditioned rooms will ensure you get the best possible offer.
🏠Choosing the Right Offer🏠
Congratulations, you have multiple offers on your home listing. It’s exciting to hear that you have a choice in buyers. Yet how can you make sure that you choose the right offer?
With varying sales prices and terms, comparing offers might be harder than you expected. Still – it’s a great problem to have. If you find yourself in a multiple offer situation, the first step is to meet with your agent to discuss each offer in detail. What are the actual differences? It’s easy to see what price they offer, but what about the other items – the terms, the financing, the contingencies.
Sales Price – This is the easiest to compare. Start with the sales price and then check to see if they are asking for extra concessions; these could include seller credits or paying for closing costs.
Terms – Determine when the buyer intends to close and when they want occupancy.
Financing – Financing can vary dramatically and affect your decision in choosing a buyer. For instance, a buyer who offers a slightly lower price but is going to put 50% down might be a better offer than someone using a FHA, 3.5% down loan which could be harder to close.
Contingencies – Most offers come with contingencies for items such as inspections, appraisal, loan approval and more. An offer with less contingencies, or shorter time frames to remove them, could be a better offer than others.
Working with your agent, consider all the elements which go into an offer; then you’ll be in the best position to determine the best option for your financial goals, timeframes and needs.
What You Should Do Right After Moving Into a New Home
It can be very exciting to buy a new home. But a new home also brings many new responsibilities. Becoming a new homeowner will put a lot on your plate from additional financial responsibilities to ongoing maintenance. While you may hope to live in your home for years to come, when you move into your new home, there are a few things you should do right. Consider completing these simple tasks during homeownership's first few days.
Test Safety Alarms
Your fire alarms and detectors of carbon monoxide are essential safety devices that need to be operational. Make sure every alarm works properly before you move into your home. Simply press the "test" button to test these alarms. The alarm works if it beeps. Try replacing the batteries and testing again if you don't hear a beep. Fire departments recommend testing this devices once a month.
Deep Clean
Starting with a clean slate is the best way to ensure your home stays clean while you're living in it. Before you move your furniture and other belongings inside, take the time to give the whole house a deep cleaning. It's also a great idea to call an exterminator to spray the home for pests before you move in.
As you clean your home deeply, make sure you also clean the appliances. Besides cleaning your oven and refrigerator, do not forget to pull the refrigerator off the wall to clean the coils on the back of the appliance as well. Then clean the dryer vent, lint screen, and dryer duct to the laundry room. Finally, replace the filter from the furnace and clean the outdoor HVAC unit outside.
Change All The Locks
It's a good idea to change all the locks on the house to make sure your family is safe in your new home. While previous homeowners may have given up their keys, you have no idea how many duplicates are in the hands of strangers from the keys of your home. It's a simple DIY project you can tackle in a few hours to install new locks on each door.
Look at the Attic & Crawlspace
It's important to get to know every inch of your home as a homeowner. This means entering the crawl space and attic to ensure that there are no leaks, bugs or molds in those spaces.
Find the Main Shutoff Valve
Start by finding your main water and gas shut-off valves, enabling you to shut down water or gas to the entire home in an emergency situation. This valve is located right after your meter near your home on most homes. Then check for isolated shut-off valves for those areas under each sink.
Find & Inspect the Electrical Panel
The electrical panel in your home will allow you to cut power to the entire house as well as various sections easily. This will be handy when you do home repairs or an emergency that requires you to shut down the power of your home. The main circuit breaker panel of the home is typically a gray metal box in the garage, basement, or closet of a utility room. Open the door to enter the panel. You will find the main breaker at the top of the panel. Rows of other breakers that control individual circuits are below the main breaker. The breakers often have labels telling you which section of the home they are controlling. If there are no labels, add each breaker to your own by shutting off to determine which part of the house they turn off and then make sure to label it for your own and future homeowners’ sanity!
Inspect the Condition of Your Water Heater
It is essential to inspect the water heater to ensure that it is in proper functioning order. Make sure that the heating element heats the unit and that the pipes entering and leaving the appliance are secure. Finally, take the time to drain the unit to avoid buildup of sediments, which may cause problems later.
Check & Test Your Sump Pump
If you have a basement in your home, it is important to check your sump pump. To ensure that your sump pump works well, pour a bucket of water into the hole and wait until the pump turns on. Older sump pumps can rust and seize, so make sure that your sump pump works before a major rainstorm can prevent future flooding.
Keep an Emergency Fund
Homeownership means that you must be prepared for anything. If your hot water heater leaks or your refrigerator stops working, you need to repair or replace those appliances. And that's not going to be cheap. For instances like this, having an emergency fund will enable you to have money set aside to take care of the issue immediately. Buying a home is a big investment, so it's a good idea to take small steps to increase your emergency fund. Simply open a separate savings account to create an emergency fund that will only be used in case of emergency, then add as much money as you can to that account with a goal of keeping $2,000 to $3,000 in the fund.
Sellers! Home Inspections Are Not Just For Buyers
Selling a home can be a stressful time, there is so much to think about; keeping the home clean, heading out on a moment’s notice to accommodate last minute showings, not to mention planning a move. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Then you get that great offer and enter escrow. You’re relieved until you realize there’s a home inspection coming. Even a home meticulously maintained can have hidden issues. The good news is that you can prepare for the home inspection and make sure you pass with flying colors.
Items to Check before a Home Inspection
Doors, windows, cabinets and drawers – check that they slide smoothly
Run water in sinks, tubs and showers – snake any that drain slowly
Evidence of water leaks – Garage ceiling, under sinks, around water heaters, etc.
GFIs – check your local code and put GFI plugs where required
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors must be in working order
Gutters and Roof – replace any missing roof tiles and clean gutters
HVAC – Consider a HVAC servicing to replace filters and check for problems
Water Heater – is it properly strapped and vented
Deferred maintenance – anything that has been neglected should be addressed before the home inspection
The best defense is a good offence. This is true in home inspections too! The best way to ensure you have a great home inspection is to have a prelisting home inspection. It could be the best couple hundred dollars you can spend – uncover the issues before the buyer does.
Ready to find out how much your home is worth? Free Evaluation:
bit.ly/valuecma
Choosing The Right Contractor for Your Remodeling Project
On a new home, the day you close is an exciting one. One of the greatest experiences of adulthood is the thrill of owning a home and making it your own. However, there are also many responsibilities with all the great advantages of homeownership. Keeping your home in good repair is important as it grows older to avoid more expensive repairs in the future and to ensure that the value of your home is maintained or even increased.
Finding the right contractor is important for all home improvement projects. While finding, vetting, and then hiring a contractor may seem overwhelming, it doesn't have to be. Taking time to do your research and finding the best contractor for the job will produce better results and fewer headaches.
Prepping for the Project
First, set up a budget that is comfortable for your family with each home improvement project. If it is possible to split the project into stages, set a budget and plan for each stage. Consider also the project's timing as it relates to weather, family schedules and demands. A total kitchen remodel, for example, may not be the best project to plan for the same month as the graduation of your child.
Get Referrals
Ask contractors who do the work you need for referrals. Poll friends, neighbors and members of the family who have completed similar projects and ask who they have hired. Consider asking for recommendations from friends or community groups on social media or links on neighborhood apps such as NextDoor. Ask the people who made the referral key questions about the contractor they used after narrowing down the top vote getters, including:
· How did they work with them?
· Do they do a good job?
· Did they stay within budget and schedule?
· Have they been communicating well?
· Have they kept the area of work clean?
· Was your family and neighbors respected?
· Any worries?
· Are you going to hire them again?
Selecting the Top Options
The next step is to make direct contact with each of them after determining the top three contractors’ options. Call them and schedule an appointment on the work you need to do for a complimentary quote. Pay attention to how your questions were answered by each contractor and how eager they seemed to schedule an appointment. Evaluate how prompt they were during the meeting, their evaluation of what needs to be done, the materials / supplier suggested for the job and the quoted price.
Recall that you get what you pay for is a good rule of thumb; price often reflects quality. Ask what permits the job requires and if they have the right insurance. Knowing the credentials of the contractor is also important. Finally, ask for all details in writing before starting the work. Always carefully review contracts and make sure that everything stated, including the fine print, is comfortable.
Evaluate the Products and Materials Recommended
Discuss the specific products required for the job after selecting a contractor for your home improvement project. Whether the project is large or small— whether you're in need of new flooring, painting and minor repairs, or adding to a new room or whole floor, take time to discuss details. For example, if you replace appliances as part of a kitchen renovation, ask the contractor what appliances they would recommend and why, as well as the ratings for energy efficiency. Find out if buying appliances directly from a retailer is more economical for you or if it is better for the contractor to buy them at cost from a supplier. Learn about factory warranties and if the remaining warranties are valid if the contractor purchases appliances.
Also, if you replace your water heater and other plumbing, the details matter. Determine first whether you want a conventional water heater, either gas or electric, or a tankless system. Learn about the pros and cons of the transfer as well as the pros and cons of the proposed new system if you are transferring from one type of system to another. Get information about manufacturers, their reputation, how often they have to serve their systems and the lifespan they expect. Find out about warranties, replacement parts and recommended ways of cleaning / protecting to keep "like new" condition with plumbing fixtures. Make sure all types work in the desired space with toilets and sinks and if the space has the necessary ventilation. Make sure that all pipes are made of high-quality materials that last for many years and are installed in a way that ensures proper drainage.
Home enhancement projects well done can make a big difference in the quality of your home as well as the living conditions. Taking steps to find the right contractor for the job will ensure that projects are done well and that you can be proud of the results.
Photo by Milivoj Kuhar on Unsplash
Top Reasons you Need Your Own Agent When Buying New Construction
Have you ever walked into the model home showroom of a brand new housing development?
There is nothing more exciting than the prospect of building a home from scratch and starting absolutely fresh in a new space. You get to pick the colors of the carpet, choose the countertops and flooring and watch as the home goes up. The nice sales people in the showroom are happy to help you through the process, but did you know that you can bring your own real estate agent to represent you?
Yes you can and here are the top reasons why you should have your own agent.
Choose the Right Development – It’s not enough to find a lovely development; understanding the neighborhood and schools play a big part of home values.
Choose the Right Lot – You might love the corner lot, but your agent can help you consider resale before you buy.
Consider the Cost of Upgrades – Not all upgrades should be handled through the sales office; your agent can help you understand customary costs for upgrades.
Contact Negotiation – Did you know that the price and terms of new construction homes can be negotiated? Your agent can get you the best deal.
Contact Review – Your agent will ensure everything is written correctly in the contract.
Home Inspection – Your agent will arrange a professional home inspection.
Your Agent is Free – All this representation and help, yet the home development pays their commission.
New home construction is fun! Take advantage of all the benefits having your own agent representation brings and let the housing development pay for it.
Start your free home search today
Creating a Home Office with Limited Space and Money: The Best Tips
Creating an office is important for individuals who do a lot of work at home, but it’s not always an easy feat to pull off. If you have limited space or are on a tight budget, you may find that carving out a workspace is a huge challenge, and that can quickly cause stress or anxiety. There are several factors to consider when creating a home office, from the location to its ability to hold all the tools and resources you need, so you’ll need to make a solid plan. Think about what the costs will be for the changes you need to make and start searching for the best deals before you make any decisions.
Think about all the ways you can make the office as efficient as possible. When you don’t have a lot of room to work with, you want to find dual uses for as many items and pieces of furniture as possible. You’ll also want to make sure your office has a door so you can work without distraction.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to create a home office on a budget.
Get Everything You Need
Whether you own a business or work remotely for a company, it’s important to think about what kinds of tech and equipment you’ll need at home. A dependable laptop, wireless printer, and comfortable chair are three main components, and you can look for savings at big box stores like Best Buy or on sites like Amazon to help you save money on all three. Look for slim, compact items for your office that will be easy to put away when not in use; this will help you save space.
Look for DIY Projects
If you already have an area in your home that will work as an office, you don’t have to go overboard with changes. Adding a coat of paint and some storage solutions will go a long way; you won’t need much in the way of furniture since the space isn’t that big. Doing what you can yourself will help you save money, so rather than hiring help, have a painting party and ask a few close friends over for pizza and a night of rolling color onto the walls.
Get Organized
When you don’t have much space, it’s crucial to stay organized to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Having lots of clutter around can lead to anxiety, so it’s best to make sure you have plenty of storage solutions. Look for ways to utilize the space to your advantage, such as hanging box shelves that will keep your supplies neat or organizing your files in an accordion folder. Use labels for everything so you can stay on top of your paperwork and keep everything separate. Retailers like Office Depot or Staples have lots of affordable options to help you out.
ake It Outside
If you just can’t give up space for an office in your home, it might be time to consider a detached office space. If you have a structure on your property that can easily convert into a home office, this is a perfect option for carving out workspace. If you don’t have a shed or garage space, look to prefab steel garage spaces that can be built quickly. Most of these buildings are highly durable and energy-efficient, plus, having detached office space is a great way to ensure productivity.
Keep It Modern
One of the best ways to save money when creating your home office is to keep things modern and uncluttered. This might mean refraining from adding a landline since it will be a monthly bill plus a large deposit, and you can simply use your cell phone when needed. You can also look to free online resources, such as Gmail or a website creator, to stay in touch with your business contacts.
Creating a home office when you don’t have much room or money to work with can be a real challenge, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or anxiety-inducing. With some preparation and a little help from your friends, you can make a space in your home that will help you stay on top of your business.
Written By:
Alice Robertson
http://tidyhome.info/
alice@tidyhome.info
Priority Tasks Before Moving In
You did it. You moved into a new home you love and now you’re dreaming of how you’re going to decorate it. But before getting into all of that, there are still some other tasks that need to be at the top of your priority list.
Changing the Locks
Double check them even if you’ve been told that there are new locks installed. It’s better to take safety measures and know that no one else has keys to your home. Call in a locksmith if you want to spend a little money or it can be done yourself.
Call an Exterminator
A great exterminator can take care of any pests that have been lurking in your home.
Get the House Cleaned Up
If it isn’t already, clean out the refrigerator, wipe down counters, cabinets, oven if needed, and plumbing fixtures. Prior occupants might have had pets or young children so it’s best to steam clean. This will free your floors of any junk or allergens.
Mechanical Equipment Cleaned
Getting your heating and cooling systems cleaned is crucial and make sure to get a service contract just in case it stops working suddenly.
Get some Closet Organizers
Keep in mind of where everything is going to get placed so it can accommodated in your closet space. A shelf or a coat hook can go a long way for making room for organization.
Meet the Neighbors
You want to reach out to your neighbors as soon as possible. It’s good to establish yourself within the community and you can get advice on some home repairs like which plumber to use. Also download the app called “NextDoor”. It’s a great way to connect to your neighbors and events!
Having these as priorities will help you move into a clean, working home. And then, you’re ready to move in with all your belongings and start making it yours!
Ready to make your move? Let’s Go….
www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com
The Internet Can’t Replace Your Agent
Don’t fall for the trap of buying and selling SYSTEMS, a local professional is always the better way!
We live in the information age; the Internet offers advice on every topic and real estate is no exception. With more and more home buyers starting their home search online, they are bombarded with advice and information – it can be easy to think that you can learn everything you need to know just by reading articles online.
The truth is your real estate agent does much more than answer your questions and open doors with a special key. A professional real estate agent will be there every step of the way. They have the experience necessary to navigate the complicated home buying process and solve common hiccups that present themselves in every real estate transactions.
Your real estate agent is a local professional. They will start by presenting themselves to the buyer’s agent as someone who will work with them to see the transaction through to a successful conclusion. They have a network of professionals who will work as a team to help you through the process. These include such professionals as: lenders, title reps, escrow officers, transaction coordinators, home inspectors, contractors and handymen, among others.
Most importantly, your agent is your ally in the home buying process. They negotiate on your behalf – armed with experience and understanding of customary charges, costs and terms. They will ensure that the price you pay for the home is fair for the condition and neighborhood. They will negotiate repairs, if needed and make sure you are protected with the proper contingencies. The Internet offers lots of great information, but the most important step you can take when buying a new home, is hiring a local professional real estate agent. Their knowledge and expertise can’t be found by reading an article or two online.
I have been in the business since 2006 and I enjoy what I do! I love to educate you during this process so you UNDERSTAND the process and can be wise with your money.
Start your Los Angeles Area home search now! www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com
4 Ways to Make an LA Commute More Comfortable
In a survey of 2700 workers from 27 different cities, Los Angeles was found to have the most stressful commute in the US. Having a raging commute is not necessarily a proud title to hold but it’s definitely something that’s become synonymous with Los Angeles. It’s noted that the average LA resident spends around 140 hours sitting in traffic each year. We wanted to take a look at different ways to make the most stressful commute in America a bit more palatable (besides just getting a nicer car):
Changing The Time You Commute
What tends to be the most congested part of the traffic consists of bumping into the load of cars that comes with rush hour. Although it could be more convenient to your sleep schedule to leave the house at 8, many other people agree with you and that becomes the issue. Try waking up a bit earlier and see if you can manage shifting your schedule in a way that allows you to commute during less congested times. Sometimes specific companies require services that must remain open during specific hours (think financial) but employers can sometimes be open to negotiating hours that will result in an overall happier and more productive employee. Maybe you can be relocated to a different office or if your commute is really wearing on you, consider looking for a new job closer to where you live. Changing where you live can be an option as well.
The Drive Itself
The reason that a long commute starts to wear on us is because we view the time as lost. As we’re sitting in traffic we begin to feel the opportunity cost of the things we could be doing instead of staring at someone’s bumper. Fortunately, technology is allowing us to start taking advantage of lost time with podcasts and other audio forms of entertainment and learning. There are countless podcasts out there that fit any niche that you can think of. Audiobooks are exploding as well. Maybe you’re a music fan. Take some time (before you’re in your car) and create or download some playlists of music that you’re looking to explore. Many family friendly cars come equipped with features such as CarPlay which allow you to connect your smartphone for ease of interaction.
Make Use of the Time
Apart from taking advantage of different entertainment options, use the time to focus on yourself. Maybe you could set up an arrangement to call a loved one or catch up with an old friend during the time spent commuting. Hands free phones in cars make things easier than ever. In addition to this you can use the time to center yourself and focus on the day ahead. You might not be able to eliminate the traffic itself but you can try and distract yourself from an inevitable annoyance that could potentially ruin your day.
Carpooling
Carpooling has the potential to affect your commute on a couple levels. Having someone on the drive with you can make things a bit more manageable. You could also switch the driving responsibilities every couple days or week if the act of driving itself is the part that’s driving you crazy. It also opens up the opportunity to take advantage of the HOV lane which can be a big time saver in certain scenarios. Sometimes change can be a good thing and if you like having someone else along for the ride to share the frustration, it can help lighten the load a bit.
Hopefully you don’t let your morning commute bring you down. In trying to optimize your time and keep your stress levels above water you can manage to make things a little better for yourself. Traffic might be something inevitable but it’s important to do what you can to limit its negative effects on your life.
Don’t want to fight traffic? Find a home close to your job or that has great transit lines. Start your search now: www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com
Homebuying Myth
Buying a home can seem like a huge undertaking. You don’t need to be a first time home buyer to find the process overwhelming. There is so much information available, how can you tell what’s true and what’s a myth? Understanding the difference can help you make the best decision for you and your family goals. Top Home Buying Myths – And the Truth The First Step is finding the Right House – Before you head out shopping, speak with a lender to understand your financial options and how much house you can afford. You Can’t Buy a Home Without Perfect Credit – The truth is there are many loans available which still offer good interest rates for those without that perfect score.
You Need 20% Down Payment – First time home buyers can use FHA financing for as low as 3.5% down. There are other programs too, such as VA and some conventional loans with less than 20% down also.
You Don’t Need an Agent – An agent not only knows the market and can help you with value, but also customary charges, negotiations and solutions to common hiccups.
Schools Don’t Matter if you don’t have Kids – The neighborhood is always important to home values, regardless of whether you yourself have children.
New Homes Don’t Need a Home Inspection – Every home should have a home inspection by a licensed inspector to check for existing or potential problems. Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’re likely to make in your lifetime. Take the time you need to understand the process and learn from the professionals; don’t assume that everything you read is true.
Get started on your home search today!
www.LauraKey.net
Quick Road Trips From LA Worth Taking
There’s nothing quite like loading up the back of your car, and taking a break from life for a few days. Road trips are always a great solution to a stressful everyday life. And driving from LA, there quite a few short trips that you can take that will not only give you the scenery change that you need but also reinvigorate you. Here are a few quick road trips from LA that you can take that are within a day’s drive.
San Francisco
This lovely city is about 382 miles away from downtown LA and only takes a few hours to reach (between five to six depending on traffic). However, if you want to draw the trip out over the course of a few days, there are plenty of stops you can make on the way.
Sometimes, taking a road trip is not about the destination, but the journey. Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway, was recognized by National Geographic as one of the Best American Road Trips. Judging by the picturesque scenery offered on this route, it’s definitely one road you need to cruise down in a sporty car.
Stop by Santa Monica for a short beach trip, where you can also visit the famous Santa Monica Pier. The pier is a popular destination both during the day and night.
If you’re looking for something a little more interesting on the way to San Francisco, check out Solvang. Approximately two hours from LA through 101 North is this Historic Danish village in Santa Barbara county. The village is a quaint little town, where you can enjoy the local culture. Solvang is the perfect place to stop for a bite, as there are plenty of local eateries to enjoy.
The trip to San Francisco is perfect for ocean lovers, as there are gorgeous waterside spots dotted along the coast where you can stop en route to your destination.
Joshua Tree
If you aren’t interested in the beach, try going away from the coast. 2-3 hours east from LA lies the ecological marvel Joshua Tree. Affectionately dubbed J-Tree by many locals, this town sits where the high Mojave Desert meets the low Colorado desert. Joshua Tree is rich with gorgeous desert flora, majestic mountains, gold mine ruins, and plenty of boulders. The picturesque desert backdrop offers visitors and residents alike stunning views, where colorful sunsets melt into night skies that are brilliantly dotted with stars.
If you’re looking for choice destinations to stop by on the way, try Palm Springs and Coachella Valley first. Palm Springs is a premiere desert resort destination that’s teeming with personality. Here you can stop for a bite to eat, check out the local attractions, or if you’re really into stopping and smelling the roses, going for a hike. Make sure you fill up your gas tank and restock on snacks before driving off again.
Las Vegas
At first glance, you wouldn’t really consider skipping state lines but let this sink in: Las Vegas is an average of 4 hours away from LA. That’s a perfect weekend trip for a variety of occasions like birthdays or if you really need to get out of the city for a few days. There are also plenty of cool and eclectic attractions for you to check out as well. Some stops include Palm Springs and Joshua Tree!
However, if you have time for it, take exit 153a near D Street and take the historic Route 66 from Victorville to Barstow. On this leg of the trip, you’ll encounter a variety of cool stops like vintage diners, an ostrich farm, and even the Bottletree Ranch. The Bottletree Ranch is a fabulous collection of metal trees embellished with glass bottles; it makes for an interesting addition to your trip. Some other stops include the Route 66 Museum, Train Car McDonald’s, and Calico Ghost Town.
Regardless of where your destination is, these journeys are guaranteed to offer you a great time with unforgettable memories.
6 Unique Fitness Facilities & Gyms Near San Pedro, CA
San Pedro, California is a gorgeous, sun kissed town that demands energy and athleticism to experience it in all its glory. While going to the gym and lifting your standard weights is healthy, it can be boring for some. Finding a unique way to break a sweat will always help keep your commitment strong and will also keep the workouts more interesting.
The big question is — where can you find these unique fitness facilities? Good news, you came to the right place! Here are some of the top unique places you can get your workout on in San Pedro, California:
1. All Fit
If you want to see results fast, All Fit is your place. They have created many success stories for a lot of people that need to find the self discipline to get to the gym. They even offer a secret 6-week challenge that cultivates positive and healthy changes in participants lives. If that doesn’t spark interest, than I don’t know what does! Their deals are kept up-to-date here, so take a peek at their site if you are interested in joining.
2. Casa Ayurveda & Yoga
Finding zen and getting fit go hand in hand. Having your time to meditate and relax daily is crucial and yoga provides that and more; yoga simultaneously enhances your flexibility, athleticism, and clarity of thinking.
At Casa Ayurveda & Yoga, you can expect to find those fitness yoga classes that keep and maintain your attention. These workouts will be centered around your body so the only requirement you will need will be your own yoga mat and you.
If you are on the fence about trying yoga, try doing a day session. Take note how you feel at the end of class until the end of the day. Most likely, you will enjoy the feeling of clarity and come back for more!
3. Elite Training Fitness
If you’re looking to get a personal trainer or participate in group training workouts, look no further than Elite Training Fitness. From dance to crossfit to athletic training and flexibility, their friendly and professional personal trainers have the expertise to offer unique training programs for every customer.
With no contracts, no sign up fees, and no cancelation fees, it’s a unique San Pedro fitness facility that you should definitely try. Try a bootcamp class or a fitness class and see if this Elite Training Fitness is a good fit for you.
4. San Pedro Fight Club
Adrenaline can be addicting. That slow motion, heart pounding feeling is something you don’t get to experience very often. This is the feeling you get when you learn how to defend yourself against both armed and unarmed opponents at the San Pedro Fight Club. Learning how to defend yourself correctly requires great amounts of self discipline and hard work, but will have you feeling confident and healthy as ever.
The workouts will mostly consist of using your body to learn takedowns, ground grappling, and conditioning. From Jiu-Jitsu to Judo to Marine Corps Martial Arts, this mix will keep you coming back for more and keep you in prime shape for any sort of self defense.
5. Heyday Elite Fitness & CrossFit
Crossfit is the workout to rule them all. Once you get going, it is hard to pull the reins and stop! This especially applies to HeyDay Elite Fitness & CrossFit. What makes this gym unique is the outdoor training on beautiful days, and the family like environment to keep people coming back and feeling apart of a group. The training is more on the crossfit side. No need to fear though, their beginner class in non intimidating and perfect for people ready to develop a fit lifestyle! It is always a fantastic feeling when you get to work out and have a feeling of belonging.
6. Haley Clark Dance Company
Nothing can get your blood flowing quite like some good music can. You put that rhythm in with a few steps, jumps, pops, twirls, and waves and then you have a recipe for a fantastic workout! Dancing is such a good way to get just about every muscle in your body exercising. At Haley Clark Dance Company, you can expect to learn a few moves of your own that will keep you in rhythm and exercising. You can choose from hip hop, fitness classes, all around classes, and even pole dancing! Get the exercise you were looking for while having the time of your life!
San Pedro has Plenty of Fitness Options
Finding a good gym experience requires taking a good look at yourself. What exercises do you like? Do you want to workout alone or with others? What kind of exercise helps you keep going without giving up? Asking yourself these simple questions can help you to narrow down options to your exact choice. Most importantly, it is about execution.
It’s time to throw on your favorite fleece sweatpants, get yourself into one of these facilities and get to work! Taking care of your health through fitness and eating clean, nutritious foods will go a long way to ensuring you get the most out of living life in beautiful San Pedro.
If you’re looking to move anywhere in the San Pedro area, contact Laura Key at 310-866-8422 today!
What’s Causing Those Spooky Sounds and Smells?
Creaking and Popping in the Night
The many materials that make up your house — wood framing, plywood, glass, metal ducts, nails, plumbing pipes — all expand and contract at different rates. . When a house cools at night, these materials may move slightly, rubbing against each other and making noises. Occasionally, they’ll contract with an audible pop. . These sounds tend to be more noticeable in fall, when warm days give way to rapidly cooling nights. The bad news? Not much you can do about it. The good news? Those sounds are harmless and normal.
Zombie Odor
It’s either time to throw out the garbage, or you’d better call your gas utility to check on your gas lines and connections. . Natural gas is odorless, but natural gas suppliers add a foul-smelling odorant — butyl mercaptan — to alert occupants to any leaks. The smell is like rotten eggs.
Leaks can occur at your gas-fired water heater, fireplace, clothes dryer, and any gas line. Leaking natural gas is potentially dangerous — leave the house and call your natural gas provider to assess the situation. Most utility companies perform safety checks for free. .
Footsteps in the Attic
Amplified by an unfinished attic space, a raccoon or even a good-size squirrel on your roof might sound like an ax murderer is doing the polka overhead.
These rooftop transits are normal for critters — roofs offer a nice long unobstructed highway. . Make sure your soffit, rafter, and gable roof vents are covered with screens and in good shape, or your rooftop buddies might find their way into your attic for real. Trim back branches that provide critters easy access to your roof.
Something’s Burning
You can smell the odor of burnt wood, but the smoke detectors aren’t going off and there’s no smoke in the house. The culprit could be your fireplace — even if you haven’t had a fire for days. . The probable cause is a drafty chimney and negative air pressure in your home, meaning that outside air is infiltrating down your chimney, bringing stale burnt smells with it.
Stop drafts by making sure your damper has a good seal. Regulate air pressure by adding more cold air return ducts to your HVAC system. You’ll get rid of the odor and save on your energy bill, too. Related: Increase HVAC Circulation
Moaning and Clattering
These classic spooky sounds often show up when the wind blows and there’s a storm brewing. Vents for clothes dryers, bathrooms, and water heaters exit out the roof or the side of the house. To prevent backdrafts, these vents have dampers — flaps designed to let vented air out and prevent outside air from coming in. These flaps sometimes move and rattle in high winds. Because dampers often are located in attics or in between floor joists, the sound can be difficult to pinpoint. You may need a new damper ($85).
Top 8 Fall Activities for Kids Near San Pedro, CA
San Pedro is a great place to take the kids for a fall adventure. What was once its own city, San Pedro is now a community within Los Angeles with strong ties to the fishing industry. It has plenty of places to explore, such as its lighthouses and various museums, and it was recently named “Neighborhood of the Year.”
There are plenty of family fall activities near Los Angeles for everyone to enjoy. From spooky amusement park fun to pumpkin patch games, here are the best things to do as a family in around San Pedro in the fall.
1. Go whale watching
Fall is the best time to catch humpback whales, blue whales and dolphins as they travel through the area. San Pedro has many cruises to choose from, with some costing as low as $20 to view the animals. People who have yet to get their sea legs can stay ashore and watch whales from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. The center is located next to the Point Vicente Lighthouse, and they have volunteers on site to help point out the whales in the water.
2. See the Korean Friendship Bell
San Pedro’s Korean Friendship Bell is a gift from South Korea to the U.S. in celebration of its 200th birthday in 1976. The massive bell is 12 feet tall and weighs 17 tons, and it was modeled after the Bronze Bell of King Sondok from 771 AD. The bell hangs in a pretty pagoda designed by Korean craftsmen. It is rung four times a year, with one happening every September during Constitution Week.
3. Shop at the Old Town Farmers Market
Head to the farmers market to find a pumpkin or other fall goods and tasty treats. The farmers market takes place every Friday from 9am to 2pm, and it attracts many local musicians who perform while you shop. Many of the items are Certified California Grown, and there are also vendors who sell fresh flowers to brighten the day.
4. Explore Historic Downtown San Pedro
This part of the city is just steps from the waterfront and perfect for taking the family for a nice stroll. The area is especially nice in the evenings when the Tivoli Lights strung across the streets come alight. Historic downtown has several restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, with foods from Japan, Greece and the Caribbean. It also has multiple family-owned businesses where visitors can buy clothing or unique jewelry.
Take the family to visit Old City during First Thursdays when the art galleries open their doors to the public. Many restaurants offer specials during this time, and the event attracts musicians, dancers and other entertainment to the area.
5. Enjoy spooky thrills at Knott’s Berry Farm
Located just outside of San Pedro is Knott’s Berry Farm, an amusement park that traces its origins to the original berry seller Walter Knott. Every fall, the theme park turns into Knott’s Scary Farm with scares and thrills around every corner. The park has special scare zones and haunted mazes, and it has thousands of costumed people hiding throughout the park to give visitors a jump. The theme park offers a family-friendly version called Knott’s Spooky Farm where children can wear their costumes and go trick-or-treating. The Spooky Farm offers a special Halloween show at Camp Snoopy Theatre, and it has a pumpkin patch for children to decorate their own pumpkin.
6. Dia de Los Muertos Activities
Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an annual Mexican tradition honoring friends and family members who have died. The event is a celebratory affair, and San Pedro will host its own Dia de Los Muertos Festival downtown. The event takes place Oct. 28, and it is free to attend. Artists performing this year include Latin Folk group Cuñao, “prom rock” band Cutty Flam and soul group Cuicani. A variety of tasty food options will be on site, as well as different vendors selling Dia de Los Muertos wares.
7. Take a trip to Catalina Island
Located only an hour away by ferry, Catalina Island offers a fall festival that is fun for the whole family. Fall Fest takes place Oct. 18 in Avalon from 5-9 p.m. The event includes hayrides, live music, games and a pumpkin patch. Money raised during the festival helps support local charities. Other fun activities in Catalina Island include going snorkeling or hiking along the Trans-Catalina trail. End the day with a visit to Knabe Park, which has a pirate-themed playground to entertain little ones.
8. Explore a lighthouse
San Pedro has two historic lighthouses, Angel’s Gate and Point Fermin. While Angel’s Gate is only viewable from a boat or on the shore, visitors can tour the inside of Point Fermin Tuesday-Sunday. This lighthouse was built in 1874, and its rich history includes its use as a military lookout post during World War II. General admission is free, however donations are encouraged.
How to Avoid These Popular Moving-Day Mishaps
Between the packing, unpacking, finding new schools and services, and the financial strain, there’s a reason why moving is among one of life’s most stressful events. While it’s unlikely that you’ll get through the whole experience frazzle-free, you can alleviate some pressure by being organized and avoiding popular moving day mishaps — here’s how.
Book Your Mover ASAP
One of the most common mishaps when counting down to moving day is waiting to long to book your mover. Dates fill up fast, so don’t waste any time scheduling a pro. If you have flexibility, consider the best times to move. Note that 62 percent of Americans move between May and September, so try to avoid these months if you don’t want to worry about an unavailable date or the possibility of the mover not staying on schedule. Mid-month is less popular than the beginning or end, and early morning or evening (you can usually score a discount at this time) are more favorable than mid-day.
When searching for a quality mover, consider that a true pro will do a walk-through of your home in order to determine the costs involved. Request a binding estimate so that you’re not bamboozled and never pay a large deposit (especially if it’s asked for in cash). Finally, while moving companies assume the liability for the transported goods, make sure you understand whether you’re getting full replacement value protection or a limited amount of liability.
Create a Packing Central Area
The packing process should strategic so that you know exactly where everything needs to go on move-in day. Create a designated spot in your home to box everything up so that you can stay on top of everything. Packing Central is your organization station. Everything you need to pack should be here. This is where you coordinate and compile all of your packing supplies: packing tape, packing paper, foam peanuts, labels, permanent wide markers, boxes, scissors, razor cutter, plastic gloves, etc. Having Packing Central ready for fulfillment at all times makes everything run more smoothly.
Of course, the next piece of the pie is making sure you know how to pack properly so that your items don’t become damaged in transit. Remember to choose the right boxes and never leave any spaces inside them. Avoid mixing items from different rooms, and clearly mark each box with the applicable destination in your new home.
Change Your Utilities
If you don’t want to be left in the dark on moving day, it’s important that you switch over your utilities to your new property at least two to three weeks in advance. Start by creating a list of your current obligations and see if you need to reevaluate your priorities in order to save some cash. Don’t forget to take a reading of your new property’s gas and electric bills on move-in day so you can make sure you’re not overcharged.
Update Your Mailing Address
Even though you may do most things digitally these days, it’s still important to update your mailing address via the USPS website, but also individually notifying all of your credit card companies, banks, insurance, health care, company benefits, children’s schools, clubs or organizations you regularly donate to, online shopping accounts, voter registration, and any 1099 contacts if you’re a freelancer.
Make Arrangements for Your Pets
Moving can be just as stressful for your pet, so take a little time out of your chaotic schedule to make arrangements for your pets. If you don’t have a friend or family member to look after them — and a boarding facility is not an option — clear out a room in your existing home to contain your pet, complete with food, water, toys, litter box (if applicable) and bedding.
While it may not be top of mind, don’t forget to pack an essentials box that contains items you’ll need the day/night of, as well as the next morning. For example, a change of clothing, toiletries, electronics, snacks, cleaning supplies, and paper/plastic dishes and cups.
Moving day is stressful, but you can do several things to lessen your anxiety. With careful planning and some forethought, you can make the transition as seamless as possible.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
4 Steps to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
If you’re hoping to sell your home in the near future, you’ve probably been running around the interior, applying fresh coats of paint and steaming the carpets. But what about the exterior — the first thing a potential buyer would see when they show up for a tour?
Fueled by high demand, the housing market is hot this year. Rents are on the rise all across the country. For example, prices for popular Denver apartments are at record highs, while the one-bedroom units in Los Angeles are creeping up to top-5 national levels.
Home sales have risen quite a bit lately, despite a purported short supply. Even in a buyer’s market, it’s crucial to make your home stand out among the rest to ensure you get top dollar for your years of investment.
There are a few simple changes you can make to your home’s exterior to give it years of new life and enhanced curb appeal without dropping thousands. Here are 4 steps to improve your home’s curb appeal:
Step 1: Refresh Your Front Door
First things first: Pretend you’re a potential buyer showing up to tour the property. Is your front door welcoming? Or does it look like it holds a decade of future repairs and refurbishments? Clean and repaint your front door to make a good impression, and fix any tears that might be in the screen. If the hardware is looking a little worn, consider buying a new lock and knob set to make the door feel brand-new again.
Step 2: Wash or Repaint Siding and Windows
This simple measure is largely overlooked. Many homes these days have vinyl siding, which is easy to wash and never requires painting. Pressure washers are affordable to rent and can make an enormous impact on the appearance of your siding in just an afternoon. As an added bonus, you can use it to clean your sidewalks and driveway and remove years of salt and dirt. But be warned: Pressure washers can be very dangerous to use if you’re not properly trained or following the appropriate safety measures. If you have wood siding, it might be wise to repaint the exterior to enhance the value of your home.
Step 3: Replace Exterior Accessories & Lighting
If you splurge for a new handle and lock for your front door, make sure it still matches the other accessories surrounding the entrance — the doorbell, lighting fixtures, house numbers, and mailbox. All of those home features are affordable to replace, and the switch from tarnished, patchy gold-tone to brushed steel or bronze will instantly give your home a new look and feel.
Step 4: Add Greenery
Home-seekers are going to have their own visions for landscaping, so don’t spend a lot of time and money making significant changes or planting trees that the new owner might very well yank out. Instead, try potted plants and add life and greenery to a porch, entryway, or window.
Selling your home can be a long, arduous process. And finding buyers with adequate financing — especially first-time buyers eager to make a deal — can be difficult in certain markets. But by being proactive and working to make your home as beautiful as it can be, you can significantly shorten your home’s time on the market and increase the purchase price. In a market like Los Angeles, a little work can go a long way.
Greenify Your Home
Want to save some green while going green for the environment? Thankfully, going green has become much more economically viable in recent years. With developments in technology and science even things such as solar panels have become not only more efficient, but the cost has gone down as well. Not to mention that acceptance of climate change is at all-time high, it’s no longer strange to be concerned about your carbon footprint and what you can do to change it. In this post I will outline some easy, medium and harder difficulty changes based on either time involved or upfront costs. These changes will help lower your impact on the environment and save you cash long term.
Easy:
- Buying Organic Fibers: When you need to replace your sheets, curtains, jackets or blankets look to buy organic cotton or fleece models. Organic cotton and fleece production has much lower impact on the environment than their non-organic counterparts.
- Changing Light Bulbs: Changing your light bulbs from incandescent bulbs to CFL’s (compact fluorescent lamp) or LED’s can lead to quite the energy savings. CFL’s and LED’s use approximately one quarter of the energy that an incandescent bulb does, and they last much longer. The upfront cost of these bulbs is higher, but check with your local energy company, often times they will send you a package of 10 or so to get you started.
- Axe Paper Towels: Paper towels while incredibly convenient are horrible for the environment. In the United States two percent of total landfill waste are paper towels. Consider making the switch to reusable wipes that you must wash periodically. You can always take t-shirts or other clothing items you don’t use any more to cut up into rags that can be used for much of the same tasks as paper towels.
Medium:
- Changing Shower Head: Water can be an incredibly scare resource for many people throughout the world. By changing your shower head to a low flow model, you can save up to $145 each year on electricity costs! That’s an insane amount to save for a minor change.
- Programmable thermostat: Programmable thermostats optimize your heating and cooling to only when you are home, you prevent the HVAC system from using unnecessary energy which in turn saves you money!
- Fix Leaky Faucets: A leaky faucet can waste about 140 gallons of water a week! That’s 7,280 gallons a year, a huge amount of water waste. Most leaky faucets are easy to diagnose and fix, with some common tools and a little YouTube research you can most likely fix them!
Harder:
- Add Insulation: Adding insulation to your home boosts your homes ability to retain heat and cold air. It’s a little bit more expensive than the other fixes listed here but it is one of the highest return home improvement projects out there!
- Replace Older Appliances: By replacing old appliances one by one you can ensure that your energy costs are being reduced by the new technology in new appliances. Modern water heaters are much more efficient and considering it’s the second largest energy expense in your home it might want to be on the top of your list to replace!
- Replace Windows: Old and leaky windows can cause drafts throughout your home and let cool or heated air out of your home. Modern more efficient models can make a big difference and could be a big boon to the value when it comes time to sell!
Top Reasons to Consider a Laundry Room Remodel
Laundry rooms can be rooms that some of us just dread going into. Most of the time, when we enter a laundry room, we’re probably doing some sort of chore. What if instead of dread, the laundry room made you feel comfortable every time you stepped into it?
A laundry room remodel is a great way to add value and comfort to your home. Once you rejuvenate the life in your laundry room, you will be looking forward to ironing shirts and doing laundry all of the time! Let’s look at how you can turn the dreadful corner of the house into a place of organized zen and relaxation.
Layout improvements
In its current state, your laundry room might be nothing more than an ordinary room with a washer and dryer. Why not add a corner desk, some corner shelves, or even a reading nook with a chair? If you have the space for it, you can consolidate space and turn your laundry room into a room that you’ll actually enjoy spending time in.
Stackable washers and dryers means you can save space; corner shelves, utility sinks or pull-out bins can make smart use of otherwise wasted space. Understanding how to properly layout your appliances and storage space can give you a little bit more room to play around with.
Accessibility = usability
Accessibility is the key word when it comes to remodeling your laundry room. At its current state, your laundry room may not be as organized as you’d like it to be. Instead of wasting time fumbling around a messy laundry room, add organized drawers or contemporary full overlay cabinets to neatly stow away your detergents, stain removers, and dryer sheets.
Not only can cabinets be incredibly gorgeous storage options, but they can serve you in your accessibility needs throughout the entire laundry room. Add a rack to hang clothes and some counter space to fold and treat your clothes on, and you’ll have a highly organized laundry room.
Improved look and feel
How does your laundry room look and feel? Most laundry rooms are not incredibly appealing. In fact, it’s the main reason why many don’t spend time in them. Why must we torture ourselves with a constant eyesore when we can make it a comfortable environment to do chores?
Giving your laundry room a fresh paint of color can make the world of a difference. Start by picking out a main color that you can then pair with all of your appliances, flooring, and laundry room decor.
A room for pets
While you’re remodeling your laundry room, why not make it pet-friendly? Laundry rooms are perfect places to store dog and cat bowls, litter boxes and beds or crates.
If you do plan on having your furry friends access this room frequently, you’ll likely want to replace the floor with damage resistant tile or vinyl. This will make it much easier to sweep away cat litter or clean up any “surprises” your pets leave for you to find.
If you want to get really creative, you can even turn portion of your laundry room into a cat house or a doggy den.
Upgrade to smart appliances
Homes are slowly becoming “smart homes” as technology is integrated into everyday devices. In the laundry room, a smart washer and dryer can really help you get the job done right and efficiently.
You’ll never need to worry about forgetting to put your clothes in the dryer again. Wifi-enabled washers and dryers can automatically update you with a notification on your phone to let you know when the cycle is complete.
This doesn’t have to be the only smart device you have in your laundry room. Try adding a smart assistant like Google Home, Apple Homepod, or Amazon Echo. You can set up these smart speakers to control laundry room lighting with your voice, reorder laundry detergent, or play your favorite playlist.