Change is always a good thing. As we grow older, there are many reasons to seek out a switch in pace. One of the ways to explore these uncharted waters is by changing the space around you. For some, they find selling their Long Beach home as the best option. While others believe renovating their Southern California property is the way to go. Which is the change of scenery that’s best for you? Let’s help you decide.

Cost Factor

The first thing you should take into consideration is how much this change is going to cost. Do you have a mortgage? Consider the equity you have and get a quote for renovations. Then, talk to an appraiser and see if the upgrades will add value to your home. If they will, get the renovations. That way, if you love and don’t want to leave, then you have a newly renovated house. However, if you still get the itch to look for a new So Cal home, then you have increased the value of your house.

 

In some cases, your property may need too much work. The labor, time, and money put into it might not pay you back the way you desire. If so, then it might be best to sell as-is and find a new home in Long Beach.

Do You Really Want to Leave Your House?

There are many reasons you might want to sell your house. Perhaps you have bad memories in the one you’re in? Maybe your children have moved out and you’re looking to downsize? If the reason is just change, then make sure you aren’t making a decision you’d regret.

 

A lot of us create memories that last a lifetime in our home. If a loved one passes away or a young one flies the nest, we might feel impulsive and look for a new place to move. That hasty move might not be what your heart wants in retrospect. Therefore, think hard if you really want to move out your quarters or just switch up how it looks.

What Are Your Needs?

At the end of the day, you need to assess why you are looking for this change. Do you need more room? Perhaps the solution is to get an addition.

 

If you are looking to downsize, maybe you can have a tag sale. From there, transform your extra space into a passion project. Turn one of the kids’ old rooms into a greenhouse. Knock down a wall and extend your kitchen. Take what you already have and make it work for you.

 

When you figure out why you want a change, you can better assess your current situation. If you can’t find a way for your current set up to meet your new needs, it’s time to look for a new Long Beach house.

 

Almost everyone knows that spring and summer are the best times to buy a home. If you’re thinking about moving, you should spend the next few months looking for a house. It’s the biggest season for both home selling and buying. If you’re in Long Beach, California, there’s no better time to buy a house.

 

 

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As you begin your search, there are a few things you should do in preparation. This will help to ensure that you’re ready to get a new home. Then, everything will go smoothly. Take a look at these suggestions for preparing to buy a house this season!

 

 

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• Start searching early: Right now, as the season is just beginning, you should start looking at the homes that are for sale. Get an idea of what you want and start testing the waters. Get out there before the other buyers do!

 

 

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• Look at pricing trends in your area: Get familiar with the pricing of the homes in your area. You should be able to find historical sales and current sales to compare them. This will help you to separate the good deals from the not-so-good ones. Becoming familiar with pricing can really help when you’re in the thick of the search so you don’t waste any time.

 

 

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• Decide if you’re really ready to move: Too often, people are on the fence about whether they really want to move or not. They may go back and forth. They may look at a few homes, discuss it, almost make an offer, and then back out last minute. It’s definitely a big change that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Before you start looking, figure out if you are actually going to commit.

 

 

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• Get ready to buy: First, you should look for statistics on how long it takes the average home to sell in your area at this time of the year. This will allow you to see how urgent it may be for you to put in an offer. You typically won’t have a lot of time before somebody else swoops in to buy the house. There’s a high demand in the summer months.

 

 

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• Figure out what you’re looking for: As you begin looking at homes for sale, decide what you’re looking for in a home. What’s important to you? Do you want a separate office space? Would you prefer a large kitchen or a spacious living room? Don’t get too invested in things that you can change, such as paint colors or flooring. When you know what you want, you will have a better chance of finding the perfect home.  

 

By following the guidelines mentioned, you can make sure that the process of buying a house goes well. This will help you to avoid running into any major issues. Plus, you’ll be able to get the home of your dreams in no time! Get started on your search so you don’t miss out.

 

Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching, which means good spouses should get planning…now! There are many gifts to give your wife that will show her how much she means to your family. While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, experiences are memories that last a lifetime. Luckily for your wife, Long Beach is home to hot spots that will create cherished memories and Instagrammable pictures. Here are the BEST hot spots in Long Beach to take your wife this Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day Yacht Party

Mothers are humans too. They also like to let loose. When you’re on a boat, there’s nothing to stop you from letting those inhibitions free. Does anything get a party started more than a yacht?

 

Cruise around Newport Harbor with a tall glass of wine. Let loose and cut a rug with the onboard DJ and laugh along with emcee, K-Von. Lastly, take part in the one day Trunk Show featuring award-winning designer, Shy Creation. Shopping, booze, and music. What more can your wife ask for this Mother’s Day?

Mommy & Me Mother’s Day Paint Party Brunch

Not all mothers are created the same…even if they’re all awesome. While some may enjoy partying on a yacht, others want to celebrate Mother’s Day with those who make it possible…their children. Schedule a Mommy & Me Mother’s Day Paint Party Brunch.

 

Everything needed for mommy to enjoy a day with their loved ones will be provided. We’re talking the paint supplies, canvas…and a mimosa! Help her paint memories that will live forever by having her create it with those she loves most.

2019 Mother’s Day 5K

Part of the monotony of marriage is getting into a rut. The key to growing together is doing new experiences together. This Mother’s Day, plan a marathon for the two of you to conquer together.

 

Running a 5K is great because you can train together. In the end, you’re both accomplishing a goal that you can be proud about. Lastly, it’s in the name of Mother’s Day.

 

Not only will you feel good physically, but internally as well. 15% of registration money goes to Vitamin Angels. This is an organization that provides vitamins to mothers and children in need. Do good and show your wife your softer side. Sign up for the 2019 Mother’s Day 5K in Pasadena!

 

The time between April and August is well known as the top home-buying season of the whole year. Buyers are eager to find their dream home and make their move long before fall and the holidays set in. If you have been considering selling your home, now is the time to make sure it’s in tip top shape. Here are our tips on getting your home ready to sell!

Take the First Step

If you haven’t already gotten started with the beginning steps of selling your home, make this your top priority. Reach out to an agent and learn about the process and develop a timeline and plan of action. Get the ball rolling!

Declutter and DIY

Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home before it hits the market. One of the best things you can do is declutter. Be ruthless – your home will be much more attractive to buyers with less stuff, and you’ll benefit from having less to move when the time comes.

 

DIY projects are also great to knock out in early spring. Any minor fixes you can do will improve your chances of leaving a good impression at open houses and viewings (but leave the big stuff up to the professionals.)

Photo Prep

Start imaging how you want your home to look like for the ever-important photos. Brainstorm staging, lighting, and anything else you’d like to present with your home’s snapshot. Run your ideas over with your agent and do any prep work necessary.

Don’t Forget the Gardens

With the onset of spring, your gardens and yard may start to explode with springtime growth. Don’t let them get out of hand! Keep your gardens, patio, and yard trim to give your home the best possible curb appeal. The beauty of spring often attracts buyers to homes, use it to your advantage!

Bring on Buying Season

April through August is the ultimate time to list your house. The first step to reaching your goal is to be clear on what you can do to make the most of it. Now is the perfect time to get things in order before the best selling season of the year!

 

The onset of spring can be one of the most exciting times of the year. We start to warm up and the promise of fun-filled, sunny days is right on the horizon. Spring also brings with it the perfect excuse to get on top of your spring cleaning. But now that you’re a homeowner, you may not be familiar with what jobs are best to do yourself, and which ones you should leave up to the professionals. Why don’t you lay back and let the experts take care of these four jobs?

 

1. Pest Removal
Do you suspect you have an issue with pests like cockroaches, mice, or other insects or rodents? It’s best to seek out professional help with these matters. There are definitely things you can do to help improve your situation: take out all food scraps, immediately remove any feces or dead pests you find, and keep your food refrigerated and empty the trash often. But to really deal with this problem head-on, call in the professionals.

 

2. Tree and Gutter Work
Any trees on your property that need clipping and maintenance deserve the care of a professional. With potential dangers such as power lines and heights, it’s best to rely on their help. Similarly, you might think yourself capable of climbing on the roof and clearing out your own gutters, but the risk and time is likely not worth your effort. The experts know their way around a roof and you can stay safely on solid ground.

 

3. Painting
Painting can easily be done yourself, but you’ll spend lots of money on supplies and several hours or days of your life getting the job done. The professionals swoop in with all the necessities to do a fantastic job, and the project is done quickly and without any straining and headaches on your end.

4. Electrical Repairs
Even if you fancy yourself a do-it-yourselfer, electrical work is not the place to experiment or get crafty with. These repairs need to be done with extreme care or you could risk further damage to your home, yourself, or your family.

 

5. Hire Your Home Improvement Hero

Now that you know which tasks to pass on, you can focus on the jobs you can tackle at home. Cleaning, replacing fixtures, and de-cluttering are all ways that you can make a huge difference at home without risking your health or safety.

 

For those other projects, look to respected, professional experts for hiring your electricians, pest removers, tree trimmers, and painters.

 

That special time of year is creeping up quickly – tax time. If you’re like most Americans, you’re likely not looking forward to filing your taxes. It can be an arduous process for some, even if you’re expecting a welcome return.

 

There are ways, however, to make filing your taxes easier and less stress-inducing. Let’s take a look at what you can do to prepare to file your taxes.

Gather Early

Why push filing to the April deadline when you can get the ball rolling early in the year? Gather any necessary documents you’ll need for your specific situation in January – or better yet, keep a separate folder for receipts, documents, letters or on your computer for digital files throughout the year.

 

If you are also a business owner, make sure to keep up with your income and expenses regularly (and file quarterly). Use software programs like Expensify and Quickbooks to make this process even easier.

Find Your Preparer

Hop onto the IRS website to find out how to choose the best authorized preparer for you and your circumstances. Solidify your preparer early for the best chances in making the most out of your return and benefits for the rest of the year.

Read up on Changes

While your preparer should be aware of the different tax law changes that apply each year, it is good practice to keep current yourself. This will help you maximize your return and potentially prepare for future benefits in the coming years.

Make the Most of Deductions

Are you taking advantage of potential deductions to increase you tax return? Consider any charitable donations, car/travel expenses, work-related items (including clothes, special products, or services required in your field), educational expenses, and any costs incurred from working from home.

Extend Early

If you think you’ll need an extension, apply early and pay an estimated amount of what you may owe. The extension deadline gives you until October 15th to finalize your submission.

Dedicate Your Return

To make the most of your return, put a plan in place before you receive the check. Savings is always a great option, but you can also request to have the return applied to future tax payments.

Banish Tax Woes

Staying organized year-round and diligent about receipts and necessary documents will make filing your taxes smooth and easy every year. Start thinking about filing early in the year to avoid the April rush. Early and organized is the name of the game!

 

Love is in the air. That can only mean one thing…Valentine’s Day is here. Has cupid struck your household? If so, share that love with your home. Not sure where to begin? Let us help you get in the spirit. Show your home some love this Valentine’s Day with these practical ideas.

Declutter Your Space

Are you really showing your home some love if you are suffocating it? In order to open yourself to all the positive vibes that come with the holiday, you need to clear out the white noise. That white noise is your stack of mail that’s toppling over, the clothes littering your bedroom floor, and the dishes forming a Leaning Tower of Pisa in your sink. Not only will you feel better after you declutter, but the honey you share a house with will too!

Show Your Hearts with Cork

Who doesn’t love love…and love wine? Marry these two swoon-worthy concepts together. Save your corks from wine bottles and create an awesome DIY project for Valentine’s Day. Glue the corks side-by-side to form a heart-shaped decoration. From there, place these decorative pieces around the house. You should have plenty of room following all the decluttering you just did!

Kiss Art

Seal your holiday with a kiss. Create kiss art. Everybody in the house can participate. All they need to do is apply some lipstick, and kiss a canvas. Voila! Instant art made with heart. Mix and match the colors and kiss sizes for a truly unique piece.

Fix Up Around the House

Showing your house love isn’t just throwing decorations up all over the place. If you want to truly exhibit love around your house, you’ll fix up the little things that have been bothering you. Has a weatherstrip gotten worn out and it’s letting cold air into your house? Did a light sconce get cracked? Perhaps you need new windows? Whatever the project is, now is the time to do it! After all, your decorations will stand out much better when your house is no longer in disarray!

Make Centerpieces

There are so many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This holiday boasts so many iconic images such as Conversation Hearts, flowers, and gemstones. Use these Valentine’s Day staples to create a gorgeous (and festive) centerpiece. Grab a see-through vase and have it. Let your creative flare takeover as you create one-of-a-kind pieces that are unique to your home. Infuse romance into your home this Valentine’s Day season with these five love-bolstering tips!

 

Southern California doesn’t have a prayer for a White Christmas, but it makes up for any possible lack of holiday cheer with amazing light displays all around the area. It’s a great tradition to pack up your family and friends, and head out for an evening of twinkly magic that you can see from your car or on foot.

 

Here are some of the best places to visit – perfect for that holiday-themed Instagram story, or an awesome selfie for your cards this year.

 

 

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Newport Beach and the Parade of Lights

As seen on TV – really! – the Newport Harbor area lights up with decorated boats and some of the best viewing via The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and a cruise along the harbor. There’s nothing like the sight of lights reflected on the water! There are multiple cruise departures, and they last anywhere from 60-90 minutes.

 

 

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Rodeo Drive

Take a stroll along the street and you’ll see some of the most amazing window displays – and the people-watching isn’t bad either!  The Regent Beverly Wilshire offers decorated grounds and some special tea events for adults and kids throughout the holiday.

 

 

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Griffith Park

Head over to Griffith Park and discover the hidden gem of the Holiday Train. It follows over a mile of track, and spins riders past a whole series of holiday scenes and tens of thousands of lights. The kiddos will love it – and you’ll enjoy a chance to sit down. The Holiday Train runs after Thanksgiving, from 5 pm nightly.

 

 

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Descanso Gardens

Located in La Canada, The Decanso Gardens “Enchanted: Forest of Light” spectacular is an immersive experience that sends visitors along a mile-long path of lights and gardens. It runs all the way through January 6, and has a ticket package that includes dinner at their Maple Restaurant.

 

 

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Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane

Finally, don’t miss the experience of driving through along Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena. The streets have been lit up every year since 1920, making it one of the oldest traditions in the US, as far as holiday displays. Turn off your lights, and enjoy the ride!

 

There are many more holiday light displays throughout the area – one of them is perfect for your budget, schedule, and type of group attending. Enjoy!

 

As much as we all love the great year-round weather in southern California, it can sometimes not feel like winter during the holiday season. We kind of go about our everyday lives like usual and forget to get swept away in all the winter cheer. Luckily, SoCal isn’t too far removed from all the wintery action. You want to have a winter wonderland this holiday season? Check out these long weekends outside of LA.

 

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Lake Tahoe

Everything you need for snow sports is available at Lake Tahoe. This Sierra Nevada location hosts sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Of course, it also has some of the best backcountry ski trails in all of the west coast. During the winter season, kids will have a great time being pulled by a pony in a sleigh. Lake Tahoe is an excellent vacay for all ages during the winter months!

 

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Big Bear

Snuggle up with your family in a cozy cabin at Big Bear! Relax with their year-long fishing season or take it to the slopes for an out-of-this-world ski experience. Events are happening almost every day during the winter season at Big Bear.

 

Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, go through cave mazes, and embark on snowshoe eco-tours. Big Bear has all the variety in the world you need for a memorable long weekend outside of LA.

 

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Brian Head

Have little ones in tow and want to get some ski-time in? Head three-hours from Vegas and end up Brian Head, Utah. This is a very small, family-friendly ski town that boasts some of the best snow in the state.

 

We highly recommend this for the kiddos because they have many learning programs at Brian Head. Newbies are taken to the mountain and guided by instructors until they are comfortable on their own. One perk of Brian Head is they even have night ski sessions for advanced riders!

 

While in Brian Head, head over to the National Park. This time of the year, Bryce Canyon and Zion are bright red canyons with a white dusting. It’s a once in a lifetime photo-op!

 

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Yosemite National Park

Speaking of National Parks, we’d be remiss not to be mention Yosemite. You can partake in all the snow sports adventures you want here. However, the sights are worth the trip alone.

You will be in awe of the breath-taking snow-capped mountains and precious wildlife still burgeoning during this colder season. It’s a great experience to behold, especially in the winter months.