Equity Center Real Estate

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United States
Westlake Village, CA
Equity Center Real Estate

Catering to the desire of the client is our specialty. We have over 45 years of unmatched experience which has defined our longevity in real estate.

10/27/2022

Scent has a powerful impact on our emotions—and it can make or break how potential buyers react to your home.

That’s why it’s essential to make sure your home smells its best before an open house or showing. Here’s how:

🧽 Give it a good scrub. Wipe down all surfaces, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Use neutral-scented products whenever possible.

🗑️ Take out the trash. Empty all trash cans, even well-sealed ones, to keep any smells from escaping. Plus, no one wants to see your garbage!

🧹Clean the carpets. Eliminate built-up dirt and pet dander by having your carpets professionally cleaned. They’ll look better, too.

BONUS:
🍪 Whip up a treat! Baking cookies is a classic real estate agent’s trick to make a home smell warm, cozy, and inviting.

Want more pro tips like these? Get in touch for a copy of our complete “Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale.”

📲 1 (805) 390-7917
📧 [email protected]

10/25/2022

Do you know your community’s price-to-rent ratio?

It compares the cost of renting versus buying a home.

To calculate the price-to-rent ratio, divide your area’s median home price by its median yearly rent price. The higher the ratio is, the more expensive it is to buy compared to rent.

Even if renting seems like the better bargain today, it’s still important to consider the big picture. As the years go by, homeowners can gain equity and pay a fixed mortgage payment. Renters, on the other hand, face price uncertainty and miss out on equity gains.

Trying to decide whether buying or renting is right for you? Check out our latest blog post for more key tips.

🔗 http://barbarasimmons.myagent.site/5-ways-to-write-a-winning-offer-in-todays-real-estate-market/

10/20/2022

Cooler weather is coming! 🍂🥶

Check these seasonal tasks off your list so you’ll be ready to cozy up when it gets cold!

🌨️ Examine your weatherstripping: Replace worn seals around your doors and windows to prevent drafts.

🌡️ Inspect your furnace: Ensure it’s in working order before you really need it. Generally, furnaces need to be replaced every 10-15 years.

🔥 Prepare your fireplace: Clean the hearth, check the chimney, and stock up on firewood.

Need a hand with your home maintenance projects? We’re happy to connect you with recommended service providers. Reach out for a referral at any time!

📲 1 (805) 390-7917
📧 [email protected]

10/18/2022

You need to know about the 5-year rule. 🏡

Some financial experts caution against buying a home unless you plan to own it for at least 5 years. This is because there are costs associated with purchasing and selling a home, and it may take time for the property’s value to rise enough to offset those expenditures.

If you aren’t sure about your new area or think you will need to move soon for work or family, you may be better off renting for now.

But if you plan to stay in your community long term, purchasing a home can be a fantastic opportunity. 💰 That time will allow you to build equity as your home value appreciates. Plus, you’ll gain a priceless sense of security and stability.

What other factors should you consider before taking the plunge into homeownership? Read our latest blog post to find out.

🔗 http://barbarasimmons.myagent.site/5-ways-to-write-a-winning-offer-in-todays-real-estate-market/

10/13/2022

Interested in investing in real estate? 🏠💰

You’ll need to understand cap rates.

A property’s cap rate (or capitalization rate) is an estimate of its rate of return. To find a property’s cap rate, divide the net annual income you expect it to generate by its current market value.

Cap rates are a great tool for comparing properties, but they don’t tell the whole story! You also need to account for financing costs, management expenses, and more.

Are you searching for an investment property that will pay off? We can help! Contact us today for a free consultation.

📲 1 (805) 390-7917
📧 [email protected]

10/11/2022

Can you afford to both buy and own a home?

Buying a 🏡 can be a great financial decision—if you’re ready. But, before you put in any offers, it’s important to crunch the numbers.

You’ll need to consider the up-front expense of a home purchase, as well as the ongoing costs of ownership, like those listed on this video.

Wondering if you can afford to buy a home? We’re happy to talk you through your goals and budget. Send us a DM to set up a free consultation.

10/06/2022

Is it better to buy or rent a home? 🤔

Despite what you may hear, there's no single right answer. But, don’t panic—we’re here to help! Start by asking yourself these 5️⃣ questions:

❓ How long do you plan to stay in the home?
You’ll get the most financial benefit if you remain in place for at least 5 years.

❓ Is it a better value to rent or buy in your area?
Look up the price-to-rent ratio, and consider the long-term financial impacts.

❓ Can you afford to own a home right now?
Be sure to consider the costs of maintenance and repairs.

❓ Can you qualify for a mortgage?
Talk to a lender to determine whether your finances are in order.

❓ How would owning a home change your lifestyle?
Do you relish the thought of painting the walls or starting a garden, or do you prefer to have someone else handle upkeep?

If you’re still on the fence, check out our latest blog post for more details about how to make the right decision for you.

🔗 http://barbarasimmons.myagent.site/5-ways-to-write-a-winning-offer-in-todays-real-estate-market/

10/04/2022

🐶🐱 Would you move for your pet? 🐱🐶

According to the US-based National Association of REALTORS, 43% of households would be willing to move to accommodate a furry family member.

The top criteria for their new home?

🌳 Fenced yard
🏘️ Larger home
🧱 Pet-friendly flooring

What pet-related features are at the top of your list? Would you move for your animal? Comment below!

09/29/2022

According to the U.S.-based National Association of Realtors, closet renovations average an 83% return on investment.

So if cluttered closets are driving you crazy (or driving away potential home buyers), try these tips to give them a facelift:

☑️ Inventory your wardrobe and accessories before you start.
☑️ Make frequently worn pieces easier to reach.
☑️ Create a focal point by anchoring the space with center shelves or a built-in dresser.

Curious about other improvements that could add value to your home? Reach out for a free consultation!

09/27/2022

Eager to slash household expenses? Look no further than your unused subscriptions.

It's easy to get lured by subscription services that seem inexpensive. But all that money adds up!

According to C+R Research, most consumers spend more than $200 on subscriptions every month (yikes!). And 42% admit that they're still paying for subscriptions they never use.

Cutting back on subscription services could help you save to meet bigger goals. 💰 Sift through your automatic payments to see which ones deserve a goodbye — and you can say hello to improved money management.

Do you have some sneaky ways to save on household expenses? We'd love to hear them! Share if you dare! 👇

09/22/2022

If you’re trying to buy a home, it is NOT the time to quit your job.

When you apply for a mortgage, your lender will review two years of employment and income history. 🏦 A steady paycheck will improve your chances of getting a mortgage and can land you a lower interest rate. 💸

If you’ve changed jobs, you still have options. But it can make things more complicated, so think carefully before making big moves.

For more tips on qualifying for the best mortgage rates, check out our latest blog post.

🔗 http://barbarasimmons.myagent.site/5-ways-to-write-a-winning-offer-in-todays-real-estate-market/

09/20/2022

Struggling to pay for home repairs or improvements? Tapping into your home's equity could be the solution!

Before you pull out your credit card, consider some of these lower-interest options:

✔️ Home equity line of credit (or HELOC): Borrow as needed up to a predetermined limit. However, the interest rate is often variable, so it could increase over time.

✔️ Second mortgage (aka home equity loan): Take out a lump sum, typically at a fixed interest rate with set monthly payments.

✔️ Reverse mortgage (for seniors): Supplement your retirement income by drawing down the equity in your home.

Want to know how much equity you have? Reach out today for a free home value assessment!

📲 1 (805) 390-7917
📧 [email protected]

09/15/2022

On-trend: coastal grandmother decor.

Forget country chic. Wave goodbye to minimalism. Coastal grandmother has earned its place as one of the hottest interior design styles of 2022!

What defines the coastal grandmother aesthetic? Think seaside cottage vibes mixed with cozy fabrics, fresh and summery hues, and a touch of nostalgia.

To bring a little coastal grandmother into your home, consider painting the walls a light neutral shade. Then, opt for breezy window dressings. Decorate with just a few high-quality wall hangings and accessories. Finish up by investing in heirloom-worthy furnishings.

If you're selling soon, coastal grandmother might be the home improvement update you've been craving! But if you need some advice, we're here to help you pinpoint the perfect spruce-me-up decor for your home to boost value and enhance ROI. Contact us for a free consultation today!

📲 1 (805) 390-7917
📧 [email protected]

09/13/2022

Thinking about buying a 🏠? It’s time to check on your credit score.

A good credit score shows lenders that you are a safe investment. The higher your score, the lower the rates you’re likely to qualify for.

But don’t panic if your rate isn’t there yet! You can improve it through a few key steps:

👉 Fix any errors on your credit report
👉 Pay down your credit card balances
👉 Make all future payments on time
👉 Avoid closing old accounts
👉 Limit your credit applications

Over time, that score will start to climb! 📈

For more details on how to raise your credit score and land a great mortgage interest rate, check out our latest blog post.

🔗 http://barbarasimmons.myagent.site/5-ways-to-write-a-winning-offer-in-todays-real-estate-market/

09/08/2022

Mortgage rates have risen from their pandemic-era lows.

That means getting the best rate possible is more important than ever. Even a slight difference can save you tens of thousands over the life of your loan. 💰

We’ve pulled together our top 8️⃣ strategies to help you secure a rock-solid rate. Here are a few:

📈 Raise your credit score. Paying down debt and limiting credit applications can help.

❌ Don’t job-hop. Mortgage lenders prefer to see two years of steady paychecks.

💰 Increase your down payment. Some lenders offer lower rates with more upfront.

🛒 Shop around for the best rates. It’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple lenders – and we’re happy to share our recommendations.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, check out our latest blog post for all our tips and more details on how to land the best mortgage.

🔗 http://barbarasimmons.myagent.site/5-ways-to-write-a-winning-offer-in-todays-real-estate-market/

09/06/2022

Get schooled: Here's your education in organization.

Back to school is in the air! So is the need for some serious home organization. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your family on track.

It's your turn! Tell us how you manage the back-to-school transition in your home 👇

09/01/2022

Cover your castle 🏰 day and "knight" with the right homeowners insurance!

Before you purchase or renew your homeowners insurance policy, make sure you
get answers to these five important questions.

Being protected is good, but knowing you've chosen the best policy for YOU is better! 🙌 Reach out for a referral to an insurance agent who can help!

08/30/2022

Curious about what your home could sell for in today's market?

We can run a comparative market analysis (or CMA) to help determine your ideal listing price.

A CMA will compare your home's features to properties that have recently sold in your area. We'll look at factors like:

🏷️ Location
🏷️ Size
🏷️ Rooms
🏷️ Upgrades
🏷️ Age
🏷️ Condition

The key to a successful sale is one call away. Contact us for a free home value assessment today!

📲 1 (805) 390-7917
📧 [email protected]

Address

Westlake Village, CA

Website

https://barbarasimmons.book.live/buyer-book-2

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Cover your castle 🏰 day and "knight" with the right homeowners insurance! Before you purchase or renew your homeowners insurance policy, make sure you get answers to these five important questions. Being protected is good, but knowing you've chosen the best policy for YOU is better! 🙌 Reach out for a referral to an insurance agent who can help!

Curious about what your home could sell for in today's market? We can run a comparative market analysis (or CMA) to help determine your ideal listing price. A CMA will compare your home's features to properties that have recently sold in your area. We'll look at factors like: 🏷️ Location 🏷️ Size 🏷️ Rooms 🏷️ Upgrades 🏷️ Age 🏷️ Condition The key to a successful sale is one call away. Contact us for a free home value assessment today! 📲 1 (805) 390-7917 📧 [email protected]

The heat is on — but cooling off during the summer months doesn’t have to mean a sky-high electric bill. 💸 Keep comfortable without breaking the bank with these old-school stay-cool tricks. Then comment below any other tips you use to give heat the heave-ho while being kind to your wallet. 👇

It’s time to pack up for the big move. But before you unplug that TV set, do you know how to plug it back in (and all those auxiliary cords, too)? What about where all the parts go on the bed you’ll need to reassemble? Taking photos 📸 making videos 📹 or writing notes or diagrams 📝 as you go through the disassembly process can make all the difference when you get to your new home. For more moving hacks, check out our latest blog post on “10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move” ➡️ http://barbarasimmons.myagent.site/5-ways-to-write-a-winning-offer-in-todays-real-estate-market/

The short-term rental market is hotter than a habanero! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Should you buy a second property to offer up for short-term stays? Maybe, if you like the sound of these trends: 📈 Demand for vacation rentals is up! They’ve become a mainstream way to travel. ☑️ Remote workers are checking out short-term landing pads. Now that employees aren’t tethered, they’re investigating the wide world. 👀 Family short-term rental spaces are getting big-time notice. They offer affordable alternatives to multiple hotel rooms and restaurant meals. Eager to make real estate part of your investment portfolio? We can help find the right rental property for you! 📲 1 (805) 390-7917 📧 [email protected]

Relocation can be stressful. So why not plan your move like you’re planning a vacation? 🌴 Make a list of all the places you want to go and restaurants you want to try around your newly purchased home. A to-explore list will help keep spirits high. And when you need an unpacking break or a quick bite to eat, you’ll be prepared. If you’re moving to our area, reach out for recommendations. We’d love to introduce you to our local faves! 📲 1 (805) 390-7917 📧 [email protected]

Were you outbid on your dream home? 💔 You’re not necessarily out of luck. A backup offer can keep you in the game. What should you know about backup offers before entering into one? 📝 You will automatically go under contract if the first buyer falls through. 📝 You could lose valuable time searching for another home while you wait. 📝 Just like a primary offer, you’ll be locked into your initial bid. Having a backup offer in place can help you get the house you want, even if you’re second in line. 🙌 Ready to start your home search? Contact us today! 📲 1 (805) 390-7917 📧 [email protected]

Protect your property while you travel this summer. Beyond locking your doors and leaving a light on, you can utilize these tips to secure your castle while you vacation. Don't let your dream vacation turn into your worst nightmare. With a little preparation, you can thwart thieves and safeguard your home while you’re away. Do you have any tips or tricks to keep your home safe while traveling? Comment below!

Score a solid mortgage rate. If you’re looking to apply for a home loan, you’ve probably been thinking a lot about mortgage rates. Keep these tips in mind so you don’t settle for anything less than the best. The best advice we can offer is to let a mortgage professional help you see the full financial picture. We can connect you with one of our trusted lending partners. Contact us for a referral! 📲 1 (805) 390-7917 📧 [email protected]

Time isn’t always on your side, especially if you’re trying to time the real estate market. Some homeowners postponed selling while they waited for prices to hit their peak. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait any longer: 💲The market is unpredictable — even experts can’t guarantee what it will do next! ☑️ You could pay more to buy your next home the longer you delay. 🤝 It’s still a great time to sell, but rising mortgage rates are beginning to slow down demand. You can’t control the real estate market — but you can control when you put your home up for sale 🏡 Contact us to start a conversation about the right time to make your move. 📲 1 (805) 390-7917 📧 [email protected]

The #1 Mistake Sellers Can Make

Nine out of 10 people partner with a real estate agent to sell their home 🤝 Those who try to do-it-themselves find out that selling a home can be hard, time-consuming, and often less lucrative than if they would have listed with an agent. In fact, according to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors, homes listed by agents sold for 22% more than the average for-sale-by-owner home. Why do-it-yourself when you can save time and make more money with a professional? Want to know exactly how we add value to your home sale? Check out our latest blog post on “7 Costly Mistakes Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)” ➡️ http://barbarasimmons.myagent.site/5-ways-to-write-a-winning-offer-in-todays-real-estate-market/

Boost your backyard for summer. ‘Tis the season for parties, barbecues, and sunbathing! Luckily, you don’t need a sparkling pool to make your backyard shine for guests — or buyers (if you’re planning to sell). Here are 5 affordable upgrades that can add summer style to your backyard: 🔥Create a DIY fire pit 💡Hang enchanting string lights 🪑Spruce up outdoor seating with all-weather cushions, rugs, and throw pillows ⛲️Install a stone pathway 🪴Add plants, plants, and more plants What else does the backyard oasis of your dreams include? Let us know in the comments 😎

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About Us

Catering to the desire of the client is our specialty. We have over 45 years of unmatched experience which has defined our longevity in real estate. We prioritize your wishes when searching for or selling your home. For info contact us directly.