Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications. Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.1 But one of the biggest perks of homeownership is …
2020 Outlook: Real Estate Market Forecast
We’re in the midst of the longest economic expansion in U.S. history, and economists think there’s still room to grow. A recent survey by the National Association for Business Economics found that experts believe the U.S. economy will remain positive throughout 2020.1 Still, given that recessions are a natural (and necessary) part of a business cycle, we know this period …
5 Steps to Finding Your Next Home
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, shopping for a new home can feel daunting. In fact, 56% of buyers said that “finding the right property” was the most difficult step in the home buying process.1 Buying a home is a significant commitment of both time and money. And a home purchase has the power to improve both …
Everything You Need to Know About iBuyers and the “Instant Cash Offer”
Technology is changing the way we do almost everything, and real estate transactions are no exception. In fact, a new crop of tech companies wants to revolutionize the way we buy and sell homes. iBuyer startups like Opendoor, Offerpad, and Properly are rapidly expanding into new territories, and now established players, like Zillow, are starting to get in on the …
5 Step Strategy for Downsizing Your Home
In our “bigger is better” culture, there’s an expectation that each home should be larger and grander than the last. But life changes like divorce, kids leaving for college, or even the simple act of growing older can prompt us to find a smaller home that better suits our shifting needs and lifestyle. Gerard Lifestyle Real Estate can help. In …
Will Your Remodel Pay Off? The Best (and Worst) Ways to Spend Your Budget
Most new homeowners have something about their property that they want to change. And as family needs and design trends shift over time, many will eventually choose to remodel. Some homeowners make updates to their property before listing it to maximize their potential sales revenue. Whatever your reasons are for taking on a home improvement project, it’s wise to consider …
Serious About Selling? 5 Steps to Make Your Home the Best on the Block
We all want to be good neighbors. But when it comes to selling your home, it’s not just about “keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s about outshining them at every opportunity! If you’re looking to sell your home fast and for the most money possible, you’ll need a strategy to set it apart from all the other listings competing for …
TIPS FOR WORKING WITH SOLAR PANELS
The solar industry is thriving across California. So much so, that in May 2018, California regulators approved a plan to mandate solar panels on all new home construction beginning in 2020. One way builders and homeowners install solar systems is through a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) (i.e., a “solar agreement”) with a third-party solar provider. When the homeowner …
Organization for the Disorganized
If you’ve heard of Western Minimalism or Japanese KonMari, you know that these are principles that promote happiness through living with fewer possessions and eliminating clutter. These intentional lifestyles allow only items that make you happy and are useful to live in your home. By eliminating clutter, or things that don’t bring you joy, you’ll experience less stress and have …
Laguna Niguel Lifestyle Launches its Premiere Edition!
April 16, 2019 – Laguna Niguel, CA – Gerard Lifestyle Real Estate is pleased to announce that Laguna Niguel Lifestyle, a premium-quality, luxury lifestyle publication and events platform will officially launch on May 1st. This monthly publication was created exclusively for and about the residents of Laguna Niguel. Enhanced through the development and support of local events, we hope to play …