Saving for a home can feel daunting—especially in today’s market. And for many first-time buyers, the belief that a 20% down payment is required often seems like a major hurdle. The good news? That’s one of the most common myths about homebuying. Here's what you really need to know. Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home? Unless your specific loan program or lender requires it,...
With prices climbing across the board, it’s understandable to have questions about how that impacts the housing market. Some are even concerned that rising costs could lead to more homeowners falling behind on their mortgage payments and possibly spark a surge in foreclosures. Recent reports showing an uptick in foreclosure filings may seem alarming at first glance — but it’s important to take a step...
According to Realtor.com, the week of April 13–19 was projected to be the best time to list a home this year. And if that week has already passed, you might be asking yourself: did I miss the window? The good news — not at all. Here’s why. While that prediction is based on Realtor.com’s own analysis, other real estate sources use different data and approaches — which means their findings often...
Finding the home you want to buy is an exciting moment. You’ve walked through it, imagined your furniture in each room, maybe even pictured sipping your morning coffee on the porch. It’s tempting to keep the momentum going and skip a few steps—especially when you’re eager to make an offer or worried about competing buyers. But here’s the reality: buying a home is one of the biggest financial...
Tucked between the rolling hills of the Santa Monica Mountains and just minutes from Westlake Village, Lake Sherwood is one of Ventura County’s most exclusive and picturesque communities. Centered around a private lake and the prestigious Sherwood Country Club, this serene enclave blends natural beauty with luxury living. With its gated estates, lush golf course views, and peaceful surroundings, Lake...
Lately, headlines have been buzzing about the rise in new home inventory, noting that we’re now seeing levels not experienced since 2009. If that immediately brings to mind the housing crash of the late 2000s, you’re not alone — and it’s completely understandable to feel a little uneasy. But before jumping to conclusions or letting fear take the wheel, it’s worth remembering that headlines are...
Spring is here, and with it, the housing market is starting to heat up. If you’ve been considering whether now is the right time to buy or sell, here's a closer look at why this spring could be the perfect time to make your move. 1. There Are More Homes for Sale After a prolonged period of limited inventory, the number of homes available for sale is finally on the rise. Recent data from Realtor.com...
If you’ve been hesitant to buy a home due to high mortgage rates, now may be a good time to revisit the market. Mortgage rates have been steadily declining in recent weeks, creating an opportunity for potential buyers to re-engage. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have fallen for seven consecutive weeks, now reaching their lowest point so far this year (see graph below). While this shift may...
Thousand Oaks, California, might be known for its scenic beauty and suburban charm, but it's also home to some fantastic craft breweries. Whether you're a casual beer drinker or a seasoned craft beer enthusiast, these breweries offer something for everyone. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, here’s a look at the best breweries in Thousand Oaks where you can enjoy a cold one. 1. Tarantula Hill...
Exploring the landscapes between Calabasas & Westlake Village reveals a collection of top notch golf courses, each offering unique experiences for enthusiasts.
