Often overlooked in the increasing number of people looking to just "rent a place of awhile" is the use of a Realtor. Many turn to signs in the front yard, Craigslist, some of the Rental web sites, classified ads, Apartment Finders, etc.
It is true that since Realtors work off commission they would represent a client in those properties that are listed or in some manner would pay a fee for bringing a new tenant to sign a lease. But
REALTORS Assist Tenants With Rental Homes Too
They can perform showings, work through contract paperwork, narrow searches down by property type like townhome/condo, home, duplex, triplex, fourplex. Zeroing in on special needs like school district, or size or maximum rent payment makes them invaluable.
And lest you think some Realtors turn their nose up about smaller commissions compared to listing and selling expensive homes, many repeat customers later on down the road come from the rental market.
Feel free as a consumer to find a hard working Realtor to make your search and your move in date a lot faster than without using them. Like a buyer, most typically the commission is paid by the owner of the property so what a deal!!
Hand holding is not just for babies. We hold our parents' hands when we are first learning to walk and then later to cross the street. Hand holding continues with best friends in elementary school and when we have our first date. Later in life we hold the hands of the one we cherish to express our love. I can't remember how old I was when I thought I was too old to hold my mother's hand, but I know many years later, when she lay dying, I held it all the time. And I am touched by tenderness when I see an elderly couple holding hands and strolling our sidewalks.
It struck me the other day that there are times when we "symbolically" hold someone's hand. For example, when we have first time home buyers who are nervous about the process and the enormity of what they are about to do. We hold their hands through the transaction. Or when experienced escrow officers and lenders help us to maneuver the paperwork and close our deals, they are holding our hand. And when we deliver the keys to our clients we are holding in our hand their new beginning.
Recently I have come to realize that ActiveRain is holding my hand, in fact all of our hands, to help us navigate the incredible social media maze that surrounds us. I am grateful for the hands of all the ActiveRain contributors because they have led me to places I would never have found without them. I feel secure and confident that they will lead me to my destination and upon arriving, will release my hand. For it is then, that I can offer my hand to help others find their way...
Susan Laxson - Laxson Associates
A special thanks for the use of the photo of newborn Maya holding the hand of her Father, a Florida Realtor I found on Facebook. May they always share that special bond.
To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com. Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!
If you live in a climate where freezing temperatures occur, you will need to perform certain maintenance tasks in order to keep your home in top operating condition.
Here are some tips on how to prepare your home for winter conditions - and avoid some of the common mistakes made:
Sump Pumps
If you have a sump pump, we recommend installing a battery back-up sump pump, especially if your basement is finished. The battery back-up pumps beep when they are in use, alerting you that there is a problem with your pump.
To prevent freeze ups or damage to your sump pump, remove exterior discharge hoses.
Hoses and Hose Bibs
Before the first frost you will want to follow these simple steps to ensure that your hose bibs do not freeze and consequently leak. Please keep in mind that hose bib leaks due to improper winterization are not covered by your warranty.
Remove hoses from the garage and exterior hose bibs to prevent water pipes from freezing within the wall.
Wrap the pipes and the pressure reducing valve at your main water shut off to provide additional protection against freezing.
Shut off the main water supply to the hose bibs.
On the exterior open the hose bib and drain the water from the line.
Push upward on the anti-siphon ring to ensure that all of the water is drained from the line.
On the interior open the bleeder valve at the shut off. (Make sure you have something to catch the water in.) Be sure this valve is tightened again after the water is drained.
Make sure that the black washer is in the cap.
Push upward on the anti-siphon ring to ensure that all of the water is drained from the line.
Gutters and Downspouts
Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems, pest infestations, wet basements, foundation damage and many other expensive complications.
Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place.
Check to ensure water drains properly and doesn't pool, which can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.
Windows and Doors
Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames.
Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and lower heating bills.
Clean and lubricate garage door hinges, rollers, and tracks and be sure screws are tight.
HVAC Systems
It is generally recommended that you hire an HVAC company to regularly maintain your HVAC system.
Change your furnace filters on a regular basis.
Consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs.
Adjust the dampers if necessary. A little heat to the unused rooms of your home should be left on during the cold winter.
Clean your ducts to better your heating system's efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems. Also check for air leakage especially around joints.
Clean your thermostat's heat sensor, contact points, and contacts. Check accuracy and replace if necessary.
Lubricate hot water heater's pump and motor. Bleed air from radiators or convectors.
If leaving on vacation, do not turn the thermostat below 65. This practice will help protect your pipes in the wintertime.
Keep your outside condenser unit clear to prevent freezing.
Ventilation
Be sure attic insulation doesn't cover ventilation vents in the eaves to prevent winter ice dams on the roof.
Be sure ridge vents and vents at eaves are free of plants and debris.
Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents to prevent any unwanted guests.
If your home has foundation vents, they should remain open at all times except in the event of extreme cold.
Landscape and Yard Work
Although grass appears to stop growing in the fall, the roots are actually growing deeper to prepare for winter. Now is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn.
Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth in the spring.
Trim any tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your house. Heavy snow and ice can cause damage in the winter.
Deicing Tips
Do not use rock salt on concrete surfaces. The use of salt can lead to concrete deterioration, which is not covered by your warranty.
Do not use kitty litter on concrete driveways. The use of this product will have an adverse reaction to the concrete. Please consult your local hardware store for a deicing agent that they recommend.
If you wash your car to remove salt or deicing compounds placed on local streets, please remember that it is equally important to hose down your driveway afterwards to remove any harmful compounds.
General Tips
During extremely cold weather, you may consider leaving indoor faucets located on exterior walls dripping.
Place the emergency numbers for the electrician, plumber, and heating contractor in a convenient location. When the holidays arrive, some of these contractors will be open for emergencies only.
Remember to open the damper on the fireplace when using it. As you leave the room, be sure to close the glass doors on the fireplace to keep any sparks created by the fire in the firebox.
Remember always to keep drain covers open at your areaways (also called welled exits or walk ups).
If you are going to be away longer than a week, turn your water heater to the "Vacation" setting.
Be sure to check out Lennar on these social media sites:
Many people feel that November and December are less than stellar months to buy or sell a home. I don't believe there is ever a bad time of year to make a real estate transaction. Here are 10 reasons why these months present great opportunities.
1. Unmotivated sellers take their homes off the market. Therefore there is LESS COMPETITION for serious sellers. Unmotivated sellers will put their homes back on the market in January when a rush of other will also. Chances are they still won't sell unless they are priced correctly and show well.
2. Homes SHOW WELL over the holidays. Seasonal decorations, warm fires, wonderful smells from the kitchen entice buyers. TIP: Leave some cookies on a plate for the potential buyers.
3.There may be LESS SHOWINGS but most showings will be from SERIOUS BUYERS. People are busy at this time of year and if they are out looking at homes they are usually MOTIVATED TO BUY.
4. Buyers who have just sold their homes in the FALL MARKET are looking to buy another home. These are FIRM BUYERS. Many want to be in their new home for Christmas. TIP: Treat offers from firm buyers like gold.
5.Selling your home in November or December gives you the opportunity to wait until the New Year to buy. There will be more inventory and you will be in the driver's seat.
6. Many buyers getting transferred need to relocate for the New Year. Chances are they are scouting for a new home during the holiday season when they have time to bring their family to look.
7. Many people buy homes or condos for their children who are beginning College or University in January. If you live in a College or University area this is prime time to sell. TIP: If you live in a college or university town, you should consider buying an investment property to rent out to students.
8. For BUYERS, there may be more room to NEGOTIATE PRICE as most sellers on the market are MOTIVATED to sell.
9. REALTORS are not usually as busy at this time of year. You will receive their undivided and devoted attention. The same goes for lawyers, mortgage brokers, moving companies, etc. Moving costs may be reduced.
10. Don't forget that life circumstances force people to buy and sell at any time of the year. The market for marriage, divorce, retirement, inheritance, empty nest syndrome, first time buyer, single buyer DOESN'T STOP in November and December.
TIP: Consider the months of November and December as Opportunity Time.
Here is a handy list provided by my tax advisor of often overlooked tax deductions & credits to pass on to your clients before tax season:
1) Military Reservists' Travel Expenses: Military reserve forces and National Guard troops are allowed a deduction for travel expenses attending drills or meetings provided you travel more than 100 miles and stay overnight for the training exercise. This deduction includes mileage reimbursement at 55 cents per each mile traveled. Parking toll fees also qualify. You receive this deduction whether or not you itemize your deductions.
2) Charitable Volunteering: If you volunteer for a charitable organization you may have deductible expenses. Did you purchase supplies or required equipment? Perhaps you volunteer in a hospital and need to purchase a uniform. The costs for the apparel AND the costs to clean the uniform can qualify as charitable deductions. And don't forget mileage, it too can often be deducted.
3) Child and Dependent Care Credit: Did you know the popular Child and Dependent Care tax credit also applies to summer day camp costs? As long as the camp is a day-camp and camp officials supervise the child while the parents work you can claim the credit for the camp costs.
4) Moving Expenses: While job related moving expenses are a well known deduction, many clients don't realize moving expenses for a first job may also be deducted if the job passes a 50 mile distance test from the place the newly employed person has been living.
5) Mortgage Refinancing Points: If you refinance your house or buy a second residence, any "points" you pay for the loan can be deducted proportionately each year over the life of the loan. If you sell your home or refinance before you have deducted the full cost of your "points", you can then deduct the remaining amount in the year of the refinancing or sale. Warning: The lender in the subsequent refinancing must be different to deduct points this way.
6) Job Hunting Costs: Workers can often deduct job hunting costs provided the expenses are associated with looking for a new job in your present occupation. Qualifying costs include resume preparation, printing, postage, phone calls and outplacement/employment agency fees. Remember these costs, along with other miscellaneous itemized expenses, must exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income before they produce any tax savings.
To view all many of the desert developments, including the private golf clubs visit our website at www.LQ-Homes.com. Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams!
To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com. Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!
AARP currently has a terrific resource on their website. They have announced Operation Energy Save, a new initiative, to encourage friends; family and neighbors to conserve energy by making small changes around the house that are proven to reduce energy costs.
Some of their suggestions include:
Lowering thermostats in the winter by 10 percent (like from 74° to 67°) for eight hours, which can shave 10 percent off the household heating bill.
Closing the heat vents and the doors in rooms that aren't being used.
Turning off kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans when not in use. If left on for an hour, they can suck all the heat out of the house.
Making sure furniture is not blocking a heat register and moving furniture away from cold exterior walls and windows.
Information on where to volunteer or to get local community groups involved can be found at www.AARP.org/CreateTheGood.
Looking to rent in La Jolla? Yes, we help clients find rentals in La Jolla and hopefully in the near future, when you are in the market to buy or know someone who is, you will refer our La Jolla real estate services. Rentals are part of our full-service and we enjoy helping families find homes whether renting or buying.
There are more than sixteen neighborhoods in La Jolla with each neighborhood featuring its own distinct and special topography and scenery. Looking to be near a walking beach? Look in the La Jolla Shores community. Want the La Jolla small town experience? Look in the Village of La Jolla. Pick your neighborhood to meet your needs... including Beach Barber Tract, Bird Rock, Country Club, Hidden Valley, La Jolla Alta, La Jolla Farms, La Jolla Heights, La Jolla Mesa, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Village North, Lower Hermosa, Muirlands, Muirlands West, Soledad South, Upper Hermosa and the Village of La Jolla.
Currently, and it changes daily, there are a total of 295 furnished and unfurnished rentals in La Jolla (92037).Of those, 185 are furnished rentals and 110 are unfurnished rentals. Some are long term rentals and others are short term, seasonal or vacation rentals.
If you are looking to rent in La Jolla, please give us a call at (760) 567-9100 or send us an email teamlaxson@gmail.com and we will send you the current list that meets your needs, arrange for you to see the properties, negotiate a favorable lease, and help make the process of your move to La Jolla an easy one.
Susan Laxson | Laxson Associates Realty | 760-567-9100
Avenida Peregrina, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Rancho Santa Fe Estate for Lease
5BR/4+BA Single Family House
$6,000/month
Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
4+ full, 1 partial
Sq Footage
5,500
Parking
3+ dedicated
Pet Policy
Dogs (any)
Deposit
$6,000
DESCRIPTION
Resort style living in Hacienda Santa Fe estate home on 1.2+ acres. Sprawling homes features large master suite w/sitting area, 4 additional bedrooms plus office, 5 baths, open kitchen to family room/bar, wine cellar, pool/spa, putting green, sport court, hobby/exercise room & play yard. Enjoy "al fresco" dining on brick patio overlooking the pool & lushly landscaped gardens. A great place to live & enjoy the Rancho Santa Fe lifestyle!
see additional photos below
RENTAL FEATURES
- Air conditioning
- Central heat
- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet
- Family room
- Living room
- Bonus/Rec room
- Office/Den
- Dining room
- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven
- Microwave
- Washer
- Dryer
- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard
- Swimming pool
- Jacuzzi/Whirlpool
- Cable-ready
- High-speed internet
COMMUNITY FEATURES
- Garage parking
LEASE TERMS
Unfurnished one year or longer lease preferred.
Pets subject to owner approval.
Rancho Santa Fe Rentals at www.RSFHome.com.
Susan Laxson | Laxson Associates Realty | 760-567-9100
Darlington Row, La Jolla, CA
La Jolla Ridgegate... 3 Bedrooms Plus Office... View & Pool
3BR/2.5BA Single Family House
offered at $1,375,000
Year Built
1998
Sq Footage
3,000
Bedrooms
3
Bathrooms
2 full, 1 partial
Floors
3
Parking
2 Car garage
Lot Size
10,000 sqft
HOA/Maint
$225 per month
DESCRIPTION
Resort style living in the guard gated La Jolla community of Ridgegate. Three spacious bedrooms plus a den/office, entertainer's kitchen, Brazilian hardwood throughout, custom built-ins in bedrooms, closets and garage, kitchenette w/microwave, warming drawers, dishwasher, sink & ice maker on pool level. Custom private pool & spa with spacious patio and BBQ area, view decks, security system, a/c and much more. Must see to appreciate all the upgrades and custom features!
Low HOA dues include community pool, spa, basketball court, playground, clubhouse & guard gated community.
Buyer to verify all measurements and information prior to opening escrow. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
One of the oldest condominium buildings in La Jolla is at 8040 Girard Avenue. This 8 unit condominium building was originally built in 1956, however many of the units have been remodeled over the years. This is considered to be a one of the best locations in the village of La Jolla due to its close proximity to the ocean, restaurants on Prospect Street and shops on Girard Avenue. The units have two bedrooms and from one to two baths. The square footage ranges from 723 to 1,058 of living space. The HOA dues are currently $270 per month which includes the common area and exterior building maintenance, trash pick up and water. This is a pet friendly building.
CURRENT AVAILABLE LISTINGS AT 8040 GIRARD AVENUE - None
MOST RECENT SALE AT 8040 GIRARD AVENUE - September 2005 for $749,000 (2 bdrm/1 bath)
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in the articles is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions expressed in these articles are mine.
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Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
then later to cross the street. Hand holding continues with best friends in elementary school and when we have our first date. Later in life we hold the hands of the one we cherish to express our love. I can't remember how old I was when I thought I was too old to hold my mother's hand, but I know many years later, when she lay dying, I held it all the time. And I am touched by tenderness when I see an elderly couple holding hands and strolling our sidewalks.
kitchen entice buyers. TIP: Leave some cookies on a plate for the potential buyers.
9. REALTORS are not usually as busy at this time of year. You will receive their undivided and devoted attention. The same goes for lawyers, mortgage brokers, moving companies, etc. Moving costs may be reduced.
season:
future, when you are in the market to buy or know someone who is, you will refer our La Jolla real estate services. Rentals are part of our full-service and we enjoy helping families find homes whether renting or buying. 
building was originally built in 1956, however many of the units have been remodeled over the years. This is considered to be a one of the best locations in the village of La Jolla due to its close proximity to the ocean, restaurants on Prospect Street and shops on Girard Avenue. The units have two bedrooms and from one to two baths. The square footage ranges from 723 to 1,058 of living space. The HOA dues are currently $270 per month which includes the common area and exterior building maintenance, trash pick up and water. This is a pet friendly building.
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