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Living in California. Is it Still Worth It in 2022?

By
Mortgage and Lending with HomeSmart

There are many benefits to living in California. However many people like Elon Musk and some famous celebrities started leaving the state because of taxes and because of political reasons.

Are you looking to buy a house in California? Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or you're looking to move up to a bigger home, there are a few things you should know about the process of buying a house in California.

The first thing to understand is that the process of buying a house in California is different from other states. In California, there are two main types of home sales: resale and new construction. Resale homes are homes that have already been built and are being sold by the owner. New construction homes are homes that are being built by a builder and are being sold to the buyer.

The second thing to understand is that the prices of homes in California can vary greatly depending on the location. For example, homes in San Francisco will be much more expensive than homes in Sacramento. This is because San Francisco is a major city with a lot of people wanting to live there, while Sacramento is more of a smaller city.

If you are thinking of getting a loan in California you can choose between FHA, Conventional, Non-QM, and 203k Renovation loans. For the conventional loan, you will need 10% down or 5% down for the non-QM loan. For government-insured loans, you will need a 3,5% downpayment with a minimum 580 credit score. California has high-cost areas where you can still get an FHA loan based on California FHA loan limits in particular counties. For high-cost areas, the mortgage rates might be slightly higher from1/4 to 1/2 point.

The third thing to understand is that the process of buying a house in California can be very competitive. This is because there are a lot of people looking to buy homes in California. This means that you will need to be prepared to make an offer on a home that is above the asking price.

If you're looking to buy a house in California, there are a few things you should know about the process. By understanding the difference between resale and new construction homes, knowing how prices can vary depending on location, and being prepared to make a competitive offer, you will be one step closer to buying your dream home in California.

How Expensive is it to Live in California?

The cost of living in California is high, and the state has some of the highest taxes in the country. Housing costs are also very high, and many people who live in California have to spend a lot of money on transportation.

Benefits of Living in California

The mild weather is a huge draw for people, as is the opportunity to live near some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. In addition, California offers a great quality of life, with plenty of cultural and recreational activities to enjoy. Here are just a few of the benefits of living in California:

Mild Weather: One of the biggest attractions of California is its mild climate. The state enjoys warm weather year-round, with very little variation between seasons. This makes it a great place to live for people who prefer a more consistent temperature.

Beautiful Coastline: California is home to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. From the rocky shores of Big Sur to the sandy beaches of Santa Cruz, there’s something for everyone. And living in California puts you within easy reach of all this natural beauty.

Quality of Life: California offers a high quality of life, with plenty of things to do and see. There are world-class museums, excellent restaurants, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. In addition, the state has a very diverse population, which makes for an interesting and enriching experience.

These are just a few of the benefits of living in California. If you’re considering a move to the state, be sure to weigh all the pros and cons before making your decision. But overall, California is a great place to live, work, and play.

 

 

Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Living on either coast is pretty expensive these days! I don’t blame any of you for reconsidering the area but it’s also very cool..

Apr 08, 2022 10:43 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Pete. News reports focus one those fleeing your state. Endre Barath, Jr. sells vacant land in California and is busier than a one armed paper hangar. John Pusa and Jeff Dowler, CRS report on resales regularly and demand is still high while inventory remains low! Enjoy your day. 

Apr 09, 2022 06:04 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Affordability is an issue all over for sure. Wonderful information, thank you for sharing.  We made it to the weekend, rest up and be ready to start it all over Monday. 

Apr 09, 2022 06:06 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Wayne Martin  thank you for pulling me into this post, there are a lot of pros and cons living in California and for me the climate wins and Trumps all the negatives, Endre

Apr 09, 2022 11:37 PM