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How to Take Advantage of Low Interest Rates to Buy Your Dream Home
How to Take Advantage of Low Interest Rates to Buy Your Dream Home

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted financial markets worldwide. Although that might seem like a negative, there is a silver lining: Interest rates are extremely low right now. What’s more, Forbes reports that the Federal Reserve has pledged to keep interest rates near zero until the year 2023.
This makes the present moment perfect for buying a house. Fox Business suggests seizing this opportunity to pay down debts at reduced rates. If you take out a mortgage now, you can enjoy minimal interest as you pay back your home loan.
If you’re looking for an abode somewhere sunny and close to the coast, LA Exclusive offers premium listings in Santa Monica, Malibu, and the Pacific Palisades. These are popular areas where you can enjoy being near the beach — and thanks to low-interest loans, these properties are more accessible than ever before. Read on to discover how you can take advantage of the current market’s low interest rates to find your dream home.
Figure out how much money you need
Before you start searching for real estate, create a budget. To avoid having to pay private mortgage insurance and to secure favorable terms for your mortgage, you should make a down payment of at least 20 percent. If you already own a home and are looking to sell it and move, you can use the income from your sale for your down payment. You can figure out how much you can expect to get from the sale using a property value calculator. Although this isn’t 100% accurate, it should give you an estimate of what to expect.
Define what you need in a home
In addition to figuring out your finances before you start searching real estate listings, you should also write down exactly what you’re looking for in a property. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want a garden for your pet? Are school districts a consideration? If you’re thinking of starting a home-based business, you probably want room for a home office. Before you start, set up your business as a limited liability company. An LLC offers tax advantages and protects you personally in case of liability issues. It will also be easier to write off expenses related to your home office. Use an affordable business formation service instead of a pricey lawyer to save money when setting up your LLC.
Apply for financing
Once you know what type of property you’re looking for and where, you can further determine just how much you can expect to pay for a new property. You can then use this information to apply for financing. When approaching realtors or buyers, it’s best if you already have a pre-qualification letter from your lender. This demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer and gives you the power to make a legitimate offer quickly when you find a place you love. How do you get this valuable paper? Once you’ve identified a lender, contact them and request pre-qualification. They will give you an application to complete.
This step-by-step guide explains how you can take advantage of current low interest rates to get a house you love. That said, buying a new home is a major investment and should never be rushed. Don’t stress. As mentioned, interest rates are expected to remain low in the years to come. Start the home-buying process now by following the above steps and you will be able to reap the rewards of this unique financial situation.
For help buying or selling a property in the Santa Monica area, trust LA Exclusive. Find out more about working with us on our website.

Curb Appeal is Even More Important for Sellers Right Now
With the coronavirus pandemic limiting contact outside our homes, home buyers are making sure to limit their in-person home showings to their very top choices. One of the ways to become a top choice and get buyers to want a better look at your home, is with curb appeal. When a house looks great on the outside it intrigues buyers and makes them want to go inside.
Here are some great ways to boost your curb appeal to the next level and have buyers telling their agents, “I want to see that home!”
Keep the Yard Green and Tidy
The lawn makes up most of your outside space, so it is going to be one of the first things someone notices. A lush and green lawn creates a great first impression as compared to a dry browning one with dandelions and overgrowth.
Spruce Up the Driveway and Walkways
Many times the driveway and walkways get overlooked in our yards. These areas are important in the curb appeal game. Think of your driveway and walkway as being like a red carpet to buyers coming to take a look at the home. Welcome them in with fanfare with pristine walkways and the cleanest of clean driveways.
Kill any weeds growing in cracks. Sweep up leaves, pine needles, and excess dirt. Give driveways and walkways a deep cleaning with a pressure washer. To go the extra mile and bring in the most appealing of spruce ups consider patching the cracks and finish with a clear glossy sealer or asphalt sealer.
Don’t Forget About Nighttime Appeal
A majority of buyers will be out at daytime driving around looking at homes, but don’t forget the for sale sign is up around the clock and it is possible for buyers to come across your home after the sun goes down. Make your home stand out at night with a warm glow. If your home is not already well lit install some new and stylish outdoor lighting to the front exterior of the home. All of the lighting across the front of the home should have the same style theming to give a cohesive, simple, and eye-pleasing look. Make sure to give special attention to the area around the door, it should be very well lit.
Highlight the Garage 
One item that is increasing in popularity on buyer must-have lists is the garage. This will be something that is specifically looked at by many buyers. Some ways to bring interest and curb appeal to the garage are to paint it the same color as the trim of your home to give it a pop. Replace the door for a newer, more up-to-date stylish one, or if you have a door that isn’t that old see if there is a window kit you can add to up the style factor.
Accessorize
Ever heard the line “an outfit is only as good as the accessories?” Or, “an outfit just isn’t complete without the right accessories?” Take a home’s curb from good to great by making sure the accessories are spruced up and fresh.
What do the house numbers look like? Are they up to date, clear to read, and go with the overall style theme?
Are there any pops of color in the landscaping? Think about planting some flowers near the walkway or put some in pretty planters near the door.
Think about staging the front porch to make it warm and inviting.
Bring More Attention to the Front Door
The front door is the crowning glory of all curb appeal. Some believe it is what can make or break all of your home’s curb appeal. Statistically homes with colorful contrasting doors or doors with large stylish windows sell faster and for more money because they look inviting and bring tons of curb appeal to the home. So freshen up that front door or replace it with a new one if it is in the budget, you won’t regret it.
Want more selling advice and tips? I work with both buyers and sellers through LA County so I know what buyers are looking at out there and can help you stage and set up your listing to appeal to the most buyers. Call me today!
CALL 310-420-1149
Related Information for Sellers:
Did you know that the road you live on could impact the sale of your home?
How Homeowners are Making Significant Changes to Their Front Yards
Redoing your lawn? Here’s how to care for a newly seeded lawn

Electrostatic Sprayer Kills Covid-19 For Open Houses
And from the EvaClean Website:
#EVACLEAN #EARTHSAFE #MEDICLEAN #LAexclusiveLLC @evaclean
Covid-19 Checklist for Open Houses
Electrostatic Sprayer Kills Covid-19 For Open Houses

Covid-19 Real Estate Checklist For Open House
Covid-19 Real Estate Checklist For Open House.
Governor Newsom Releases Updated Industry Guidance – Real Estate Transactions.
Please review PDF below that demonstrates what we as REALTORS are expected to do before, during and after we hold an OPEN HOUSE (by Appointment Only BTW) and what attendees can expect.
Here is the PDF:
Covid-19 Real Estate Checklist For Open House
Please contact me if you need any further clarification on how to view homes for sale during Covid-19
Contact me Now.