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All About Ventura County and Los Angeles County Real Estate and Homes for sale. Lefton & Associates blogs about Real Estate market update and properties for sale throughout Simi Valley,Wood Ranch,Big sky,Moorpark,Thousand Oaks and surrounding areas.

Nov. 1, 2021

Outdoor Fireplaces Get Their Glow Up As A Key Outdoor Lounge Feature

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home soon in Ventura or Los Angeles county, you might be wondering what some of the hot features are that homeowners are looking for now. In part because of spending more time at home because of the pandemic, we are seeing backyards getting upgraded in big ways and one of the most popular additions is an outdoor fireplace. An outdoor fireplace is not to be confused with a firepit. A firepit can be permanent or moveable, but when we talk about an outdoor fireplace, we are taking the luxury level up a notch. A fireplace is a permanent fixture of a backyard and can become a focal point to make your home stand out from the pack, especially when it comes time to sell. 

 

Data from a recent survey of top real estate agents from the experts at HomeLight, shows that the popularity of this luxury amenity has surged during the last 18 months. Here are the numbers to provide it:  Nationwide 65 percent of agents said buyer interest in outdoor fireplaces has increased since March 2020. In our market, meanwhile, that number is even higher, at 67 percent, according to the HomeLight data. Let’s take a closer look at this on-trend backyard upgrade. 

 

Wood-burning or gas?

Like any major home upgrade, there are many outdoor fireplaces to choose from, at a variety of price points. If you are picturing an outdoor fireplace addition in your home, here are some factors to keep in mind. Agents shared that gas-burning models are currently adding the most value in their markets according to 48 percent of survey respondents. Wood-burning came in at a close second at 44 percent. The least popular was electric, at just 3 percent of agents in the survey. If you are undecided, keep in mind that gas is generally easier to maintain than wood-burning and wood-burning may also require special permission or be prohibited, especially if you have an HOA, so you’ll definitely want to do your research in advance.

 

Does an outdoor fireplace really add value?

Adding an outdoor fireplace is a commitment. But is it worth it? In California, the answer seems to be yes. Although outdoor fireplaces are desirable in many markets across the nation, the Pacific region by far saw the most dramatic increase in the value of outdoor fireplaces during the last 18 months, from $4,254 to $9,497, a 123 percent boost according to the survey. 

 

Will I get a return on my investment?

For those homeowners who are making backyard upgrades with an eye to selling a home soon, you’ll want to consider if adding more luxury will bring an ROI at sale time. Keep in mind that the price tag for an outdoor fireplace and its installation varies, but estimates show that custom work for a permanent outdoor fireplace structure could be $20,000 or more. With this feature adding around $10,000 to the value of your home, you’ll want to weigh if it’s worth it for you, given your timeline to sell.

 

One way to turn your backyard from an open outdoor space, into a relaxing lounge is to add an outdoor fireplace. There are many factors to consider, but there is no doubt that this upgrade is literally hot for 2021.  

 




Feb. 17, 2020

Ventura County Real Estate Sales Market Update for 2019.

💥🚨Ventura County Real Estate Sales Market Update for 2019.🏠 Contact Mike Lefton Realty Group for all your real estate needs ☎️805-407-6453 or visit www.MikeLefton.com🚨💥

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Jan. 27, 2020

ventura county real estate market update december 2019

Ventura County Real Estate Market update for December 2019. Contact Mike Lefton for all your real estate needs 805-407-6453 or visit website search all homes www.MikeLefton.com

Ventura County real estate market update

Jan. 25, 2020

1203 Casa Grande drive Simi Valley, Ca. 93063

Spectacular modern, rustic retreat home nestled in the Santa Susana Knolls with beautiful mountain views. Spacious 3 or possible 4 bedrooms, 3 bath home w/reclaimed wood exterior, open floor plan, large windows to bring the outdoors in, & gorgeous raw wood and stone highlighting distinctive architectural elements. Set on a sizable, fully-gated, approximately half-acre lot, your privacy is surrounded by the large Oaktree's and landscape. Follow the natural stone walk past decorative pond & mill wheel into bright open entryway. Stunning great room features stone floors, wood accents, Amazing stone fireplace & cathedral ceilings accented by wood shingles & exposed beams. Spiral staircase leads to the 2nd floor mezzanine overlooking the great room which could be another bedroom if desired. Eat-in kitchen w/extensive granite countertops, wood cabinets, a stunning copper-topped island, & high-end stainless appliances. The covered patio offers outdoor living with views of woods and hills. Spacious, master-suite w/loft luxury w/walk-in closet, balcony, & wonderful suite. 2 bedrooms upstairs connect through full bath. Bonus room features large windows and a built-in wet bar for entertaining. 2 car oversized garage w/half bath provides bonus space for storage.

Jan. 5, 2020

2277 e brower st simi valley ca 93065

✨🚨Another Simi Valley home listed by Mike Lefton Realty Group 👀 $725,000🚨🏠 2277 E. Brower St, Simi Valley, Ca. 93065 ✔️5 Bedrooms ✔️3.75 Bathrooms ✔️Almost 2700 Sq Ft ✔️2 Master Bedrooms - Upgraded Home Call For a private showing 805-407-6453. Spectacular 5 Bedroom, 3.75 bathrooms,Large comfortable family room with 3 car garage with Smart garage door opener. 2 Oversized Master Bedrooms, each are over 330 sq ft. Step down living room with beautiful custom wood mantel over gas fireplace,Separate formal dining room. Whole house has dual pane windows. Window blinds throughout home are cordless. Doors to the backyard have custom blinds in the dual pane windows and are adjustable. Recess dimming lighting, All bathrooms have quiet fans. Closets are lighted with Smart Thermostat. Kitchen has granite counter tops, cherry cabinets, Quiet self closing drawers. travertine floors, stainless steel appliances. Drop down ladder for access to large attic which is lighted for storage. Upstairs has large lighted walk in linen closet. Crown molding through out the home, Indoor doors are all raised panel with new hinges. Relax on the 230 sq ft front porch and Backyard is drought landscaped, with drip system, large wooden jungle gym,large cement backyard patio and block walls. ✔️I Have over 20 Years of Real Estate Experience ✔️Helped over 1200 buyers and sellers close escrow. ✔️Call for a FREE Market Evalution by Lefton Realty Group at Remax One License#01239632 ☎️Mike 805-407-6453 or visit www.MikeLefton.com💥

Jan. 3, 2020

Best Simi Valley real estate market update

✨🚨Simi Valley Real Estate Market Update by Mike Lefton Realty Group.🚨🏠 ✔️ Only 100 Active Simi Valley Homes ✔️Median List Price $600,000 ✔️Median Sales Price $586,000 ✔️Over 20 Years of Real Estate Experience ✔️Helped over 1200 buyers and sellers close escrow. ✔️Call for a FREE Market Evalution by Lefton Realty Group at Remax One License#01239632 ☎️Mike 805-407-6453 or visit www.MikeLefton.com💥

Dec. 19, 2019

Best real estate mobile app in Ventura County

✨🚨Best real estate Mobile app by Mike Lefton Realty Group.🚨🏠 ✔️ Search All Acive, Pending and sold Homes in california. ✔️Search all Ventura County Homes on the market. ✔️Search all Los Angeles County Homes on the marekt. ✔️Over 20 Years of Real Estate Experience ✔️Helped over 1200 buyers and sellers close escrow. ✔️Call for a FREE Market Evalution by Lefton Realty Group at Remax One License#01239632 ☎️Mike 805-407-6453 or visit www.MikeLefton.com💥

Dec. 5, 2019

Simi Valley Realtor Market Update by Mike Lefton Realtor

✨🚨Simi Valley Real Estate Market Updateby Mike Lefton Realty Group.🚨🏠 ✔️ 140 Active Simi Valley Homes ✔️Median List Price $600,000 ✔️Median Sales Price $586,000 ✔️Over 20 Years of Real Estate Experience ✔️Helped over 1200 buyers and sellers close escrow. ✔️Call for a FREE Market Evalution by Lefton Realty Group at Remax One License#01239632 ☎️Mike 805-407-6453 or visit www.MikeLefton.com💥

 

Dec. 5, 2019

Top Simi Valley Realtor

🚨⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Client Testimony for Mike Lefton Realty Group.🚨🏠
✔️ Sold Million Dollar Luxury Simi Valley Home.
✔️Over 20 Years of Real Estate Experience
✔️Helped over 1200 buyers and sellers close escrow.
✔️Call for a FREE Market Evalution by Lefton Realty Group at Remax One
License#01239632

☎️Mike 805-407-6453 or visit www.MikeLefton.com💥

Top Simi Valley Realtor

 

Oct. 22, 2019

How to Apply for a Mortgage Loan After Foreclosure

Main: mortgage loan, mortgage after foreclosure, Long-tail: Ventura County mortgage loan

Foreclosure can be considered a nightmare for every American. Though foreclosure rates in the US have been steadily decreasing since the Great Recession, there are still more than 600,000 Americans who lost homes to foreclosure or short sale in 2018. However, foreclosure doesn’t mean the end of your dreams. With time and a lot of hard work, it is possible to get another chance at owning a home.

Decreasing the Waiting Period

The waiting period for a mortgage after foreclosure may vary depending on your lender. You would need to wait seven years to get a conventional loan, three years to get a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Department of Agriculture (DA) and two years to get a loan from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, it is also possible to lessen the waiting period with “documented extenuating circumstances.”

These “extenuating circumstances” refers to situations “beyond your control,” such as medical emergencies or death in the family. A drop in equity or divorce would not be considered. But if your property has been transferred to your spouse who wasn’t able to pay the loan after divorce, you would be approved for a lesser waiting period.

Simply put, it should be evaluated by the lender that your previous foreclosure had nothing to do with your lifestyle choices, and you weren’t able to prevent it despite exerting your best efforts. This would reduce the waiting time for conventional mortgage loans to three years, and FHA, DA, and VA loans to a minimum of one year.

Getting Your Loan Approved

Lenders wouldn’t want to lend to someone who would likely default again so you would need to take out something to prove that you are creditworthy. There may be differences depending on how your lender interprets the rules. However, below are some guidelines on how to get your mortgage loan approved within the required waiting period:

  • Rebuild your credit score. One of the most important considerations is your credit score. Rebuilding your credit score after foreclosure may take time depending on a number of factors such as the number of missed payments you had on your previous mortgage, your credit and payment history, your credit card balances, your credit utilization, and more. Your credit score must be at least 620 for conventional loans and 580 for government-backed loans. However, getting barely above the line might not do. The credit score presented by services that provide credit reports to consumers might be different from your credit score with your lenders by at least 40 to 60 points.
  • Prove your job stability. To make sure that you would be able to pay your loans, you will need to demonstrate that you have a stable job. Regular employees with Wage and Tax Statement or W-2 form will get an easier time getting a mortgage after foreclosure as their lenders can verify their income with their employers. However, those with several part-time jobs or self-employed would face harsher requirements.
  • Provide documentation. Loan requirements had been stricter since the financial crisis. You need to provide a lot of documents to get approval. Tax returns, payment receipts, bank and brokerage statements, and basically all the things you put on your mortgage application have to be backed by a relevant document.
  • Clear previous records. For government-backed loans, you will not get approved if you have previous records on defaulting on any federal financial obligations such as loans from the Federal Housing Administration, Department of Agriculture, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Education, Department of Justice and Small Business Administration. Your lender can access the Credit Alert Verification Reporting System (CAIVRS), which lists those who have defaulted on a government-backed mortgage or student loans. Student loans need to be paid fully before getting removed; on the other hand, mortgage loans have a 3-year waiting period.

Looking for solutions on Ventura County mortgage loans? Contact Lefton Realty Group at 805-407-6453. We have a team of local experts to guide you with all your needs.