Get Your House Ready For The Holidays Now!

The kids are back to school. Everything pumpkin is hitting the shelves. That means the holidays are here. Blink and before you know it, it’s Thanksgiving. Then it’ll be time for Christmas. Before you know it, you’re exhausted…and broke! So, why not get ahead of the hysteria? It’s never too soon to start decorating for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here are some great decoration ideas for the holidays!

 

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Pine cones

Whether they’re falling from the trees in the autumn or taking center stage on a wreath during the winter, pine cones are festive for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. All you need to do is go outside and pick some up from the ground. Put them in a basket with pumpkins and other gourds in the fall. Then when Christmas rolls along, take out the squash (eat it) and throw in some bells and ornaments. Fan of Jack Frost? Add some canned snow frost to the pine cone for a winter wonderland effect!

Vases of Nuts

Nothing says the holidays like a big bag of shelled nuts. Pour these holiday faves into a vase. Fill out the vase with orange, marigold, and red flowers for Thanksgiving time. Swap the fall hues for Madonna lilies and roses for the Christmas season. Maybe even go the extra mile and change up the mixed nuts for chestnuts. Just be sure to put individual water tubes on each stem so that you can keep the flowers alive longer but still eat the nuts when the holidays are over.

 

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Use Gold Ornaments and Decorations

There’s only one color that you can use to get your family into the spirit for Thanksgiving and keep that excitement going all the way through the New Year. That color is gold. Gold compliments the rustic and outdoor hues that comes with autumn. However, it also captures the purity and majestic vibe that the spirit of Christmas delivers. Little accents like gold tea lights, copper village houses, and gold star decorative pieces can bring the joy of the holidays to your home for months on end.

 

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Cinnamon

If one scent can capture both Thanksgiving and Christmas, cinnamon might take the cake. From apple pie to gingerbread houses, this spice will liven up any home. Actual cinnamon sticks also make for great decorative pieces. Put them in a container with some potpourri or inside of a mason jar wrapped in holiday-themed bows like an all-natural reed diffuser. Cinnamon sticks are also great to stir hot chocolate, tea, or cider as well!

 

3 WAYS CRYPTOCURRENCY IS CHANGING ESCROW

The escrow process has over the years seen some change from regular bank checks to the use of cryptocurrency. If you don’t know what escrow is, it is a form of mediation between a buyer and seller, where a third party holds onto the buyer’s funds (or documents) until all negotiations are finalized before handing them over to the seller. In the real estate world, the third party is responsible for the distribution of funds to the seller and other bodies and seeing to it that all the buyer’s and overall proper sales conditions are met. Typically, these funds are in a physical form but since the introduction of cryptocurrency, this has since changed. For those who are unsure about what cryptocurrency is, think “digital money”. So how does this “digital money” change the escrow process?


EFFICIENCY AND TRANSACTION SPEED

During the escrow process, third parties are added who can, instead of speeding the process along, slow it down. These third parties include lawyers, bankers, and brokerages, and mismanagement of paperwork or mistakes can severely slow down transaction speeds. Smart contracts ensure that contracts are final and sales conditions are enforced at all times. So, there will be less paperwork, of course, fewer meetings and definitely less signature signing

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CUTS COST

Because many third parties are removed, costs are significantly reduced. One of these costs is to the escrow companies who charge anywhere between 1 and 5 percent of the property value for their services. Another is the amount of taxes the buyer has to pay for loans and to the IRS.


ELIMINATES FRAUD

One function of the escrow process is to reduce fraud. Escrows make a number of verifications which greatly eliminates the chances of either party falling victim to real estate fraud. Though useful, escrow is not 100% foolproof and many fraudulent transactions slip through the process every year. Usually, documents are forged, as are notary stamps and grant deeds. Use of smart contracts and digital ownership certificates completely eliminate the risk of fraud as these unique certificates are almost impossible to replicate and as a result cannot be sold or advertised except for by the property owners themselves.

These are only three ways in which cryptocurrency is changing escrow as the technology is still new, and, when regulated it may further impact the escrow process. But there’s one thing that is certain, it will alter the real estate industry.

Are You Thinking Of Installing a Swimming Pool? Weigh These Pros and Cons!

The great thing about pools is that everyone can enjoy them. The young, the old and the in-between can have tons of fun at BARBECUES, parties or even little get-togethers. But there is a lot more that goes into having a pool than meets the eye. There are costs associated with it and special responsibilities.

 

If you’re unsure about installing a pool in your backyard pay close attention to these pros and cons before making your decision:

PROS

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    • Having a pool in your backyard is a lot of fun. Not only can you swim and splash about, but you can play pool and ball games with your entire family! And, if you’re not one for excitement you can lounge by the pool and sunbathe or float on your pool bed. Your house will definitely be the ‘cool house’ and hangout spot for you and your kid’s friends.

    • It’s convenient. After a long day at work or a hot summer day, nothing beats a dip in a pool to destress you or cool you down. You will no longer have to leave home and wait in lines, pay for memberships or deal with unsavory characters at a community pool.  The added benefit of having your own private pool that you control yourself is a benefit all to itself as well.

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  • It can help you stay in shape. Swimming is actually a great way to keep in shape especially if you’re not into impact exercise. It also promotes lung and heart health and weight loss. This is a great form of exercise for people of all ages and will save you the time, energy and money it would take you to join a gym!  Even if you’re not a big swimmer, learning few water aerobics moves is also a great low impact exercise for any age level.

CONS

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    • Owning a pool adds an additional duty of care for homeowners. You will be held liable for any harm or injury that occurs as a result of having a pool on your property. The pool will have to be childproofed if you will have toddlers or small children around your house. This includes installing meshes, locks, fencing, and so on to prevent them from falling in. Even then, you will have to properly supervise because you will be held accountable.

    • Pools require a lot of maintenance. You will have to clean it regularly using the right chemicals and techniques or else a myriad of problems can arise. This involves a variety of diseases and infections which afflict the skin, ears, eyes, respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological systems, and open wounds. Algae and other bacteria forming in the pool will also make it look very unsightly.

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  • You might not get back what you spend on the pool when you sell your house. This is because the market demands greatly affect how much your house can potentially be sold for. So, don’t just go building a $100,000 pool and think you will be earning $100,000 more just because the house has a (very expensive) pool. Be sure to do proper research before making such large investments because you might not see great returns.

 

There are more pros and cons that were not listed but this should be enough to bring you one step closer to making your decision. So, will you be installing a pool in your backyard anytime soon?

 

New Intriguing Kitchen Design Trends in California

Many years ago, a kitchen was just a hidden place in the house where meals were prepared, and dirty dishes got cleaned. Now in the 21st century, it is undeniably the heart of every home, and everyone wants it to look its best.

Right now, there are many new trends in kitchen design, and they vary from home to home. Before you start spending on redesigning your kitchen, check out these latest kitchen design trends in California so that you can make the best decision.

Smart Kitchen Design

Technology has changed everything about how we live, and kitchens are no exception. Today’s kitchens are not only using smart appliances and sleek gadgets; they are now integrating home technology into almost every function of the kitchen. Technology incorporated kitchens are becoming more popular as you can experiment with new techniques some of which include lighting, faucets to the fridge, automatic heating and cooling systems and more.

Marble Surfaces

Marble is ancient, but it’s genuinely trending right now. It’s not as if homeowners were not using marble up until now, there are buildings still standing from ancient Rome and ancient Greece with marble interior surfaces, art, and sculptures designs. Today marble countertops are trendy because it can add an astonishing backdrop to your kitchen.

Quartz Still Trending

Countertops are a significant element of any kitchen. The material, design, and finish that you choose will significantly impact your kitchen décor. Quartz countertops offer versatile design options while being easy to maintain and it is increasingly becoming homeowners’ first choice over other materials. Quartz comes in several varieties of colors and patterns, and the latest fabrications are stunning.

Mix Up Metals

Mixing various metals and finishes is a significant way to add visual interest in a kitchen. Mixing metals like brass and bronze allow you to use different finishes in your lighting, hardware, and plumbing, and this create depth to your kitchen. Go for a coordinated design rather than one finish and the result will be far more sophisticated while creating a great balance.

Effective Storage

One of the main issues with kitchen cabinetry is it takes up more space, especially for homeowners that are short on space. From pots and pans to kitchen appliances and gadgets, the kitchen is always in need of practical storage solutions. To solve this issue, homeowners have begun to look for a better way, and some of them include but not limited to deep drawer dividers, corner drawers, roll out trays, pullout waste, and appliance garages.

Black Fixtures

While white is still homeowners favorite due to its new look and timeless beauty, black is fast becoming the new go-to for kitchen cabinets. More homeowners are breaking from the all-white trend and opting for a color that is bolder and richer. When you add just a few black touches, it portrays a vibrant, luxurious atmosphere and enhances the kitchen.

The Essential Guide To Your Next Backyard Party!

A party isn’t a party without some good food. Here are some suggestions for food preparation and presentation.

Layout, Drink, & Food
• Appetizers are a must for guests to nibble on while the main meal is being prepared. This can be easy things like jalapeño poppers, watermelon, greek salad skewers, fresh baguettes with dip, etc.

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• Have a separate drinks table. A big pitcher of water infused with lemon, cucumber or mint is great to keep everyone hydrated. If you are supplying mixers for alcoholic beverages, have them lined up on the table as well.


QUICK TIP: Be sure to let guests know beforehand whether this is a BYO party or if drinks will be supplied.

• Have another table specifically for food. Placing the food out in a buffet style can be a good way for guests to pick and choose what they want on their plate.

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ATMOSPHERE

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Creating a space with a nice atmosphere is essential for a great backyard party.
• Give guests areas for mingling and conversation. People tend to hover near the areas with food so it can be a good idea to create a mingle space near the appetizers. Toss down some cozy cushions, comfy chairs, circular tables or benches.

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• Create a music playlist that you can put on just before guests begin to arrive and that will continue to play throughout the evening. You can even set up an iPad for guests to pick their favorite songs.
• Set up some games to encourage conversation and laughter amongst your guests. Ladder golf, jumbo Jenga, and ring toss are all great ideas.


• Nothing makes a party better than a genuine and attentive host. Be sure that you are greeting every guest that comes to your party and keeping an eye out to ensure everyone looks like they’re having a good time.

Now that you have these ten tips you are on your way to throwing a backyard party that your friends and family will be talking about long after it’s done.

Don’t Suffer High Energy Bills Any Longer

Don’t suffer high energy bills any longer

3 areas to insulate that will save you money on energy bills

(BPT) – Do you cringe each month when your utility bills arrive?

The annual energy cost for a typical single family home in the U.S. is more than $2,000, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If you can think of a thousand things you’d rather spend your hard-earned money on than electricity and natural gas, the solution to saving on energy costs is easier than you think.

While you might assume the numerous electronic gadgets you own drive your high utility bills, the real cost culprits are your furnace and air conditioner. Space heating and cooling account for 42 percent of home energy costs – double what the typical home spends running its electronics and small appliances.

What’s truly unfortunate is much of the money spent on heating and cooling homes is wasted, as heat leaks out of your home in winter and comes in during the summer. The reason? About 90 percent of U.S. homes are under-insulated, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.

Ending your suffering from high energy bills can be as easy as tackling a few, simple, do-it-yourself insulation projects. Key areas to insulate are your home’s attic, basement, crawl space and garage. Read on for tips on insulating these spaces to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, while putting money back in your pocket.

1. Attic

As heat rises and many attics are un-insulated or poorly insulated, the attic is a good place to start for making your home more cozy and cost-effective. Insulating your attic is “a DIY project you can tackle in a weekend, and the savings you’ll get add up every year,” said Tom Silva, general contractor for the popular “This Old House” TV show.

Many contractors and homeowners use loose-fill insulation or fiberglass batts in attics. Although these materials are easy to work with, it is difficult to ensure they do not leave gaps through which heat can escape. And, since they are designed to fit between the joists in the attic floor, they leave the joists un-insulated, which provides many places for heat to transfer from the home into the attic.

An alternative that is also easy to work with, and that provides continuous insulation, is rigid foam panels. Among the rigid foams, expanded polystyrene (EPS) provides the highest insulating power per dollar. EPS panels are simple to cut to size, without creating mess, are recyclable and can be installed throughout your home. One of the EPS brands available at home improvement stores is Insulfoam R-Tech insulation.

2. Basement and crawl space

In addition to insulating your attic, it’s important to make sure the bottom part of your home is energy-efficient. For most of the U.S. other than the hot Gulf Coast region, “it’s cost-effective and wise to install basement wall insulation,” wrote Martin Holladay on his “Musings of an Energy Nerd” blog. As in the attic, rigid foam insulation boards can readily be cut to size and installed on basement walls. While insulation can be applied to the inside or outside of a basement wall, for existing homes it is typically much easier to install it on the inside wall. This avoids having to move dirt away from the foundation and back-fill once the insulation is in place.

While you’re insulating your basement, be sure to also insulate any crawlspaces, including both the walls and ceiling of these areas.

3. Garage door

“Garage doors notoriously are un-insulated,” said David Stassi, field technical support manager at Insulfoam. “Fortunately, readily available DIY insulation kits allow homeowners to insulate their garage door in less than an hour, for less than $100.” Even a beginning DIYer can do the job, as you simply cut the insulation panels to size with a knife and straightedge, and flex the panels into place between the garage door’s horizontal rails. The panels remain firmly in place without messy glues or awkward tape.

For step-by-step instructions on installing garage door insulation or EPS insulation in basements, crawl spaces and attics, visit the Insulfoam YouTube channel.

With a few simple DIY insulation projects, you can save hundreds of dollars every year. Instead of spending too much on heating and cooling, you’ll have extra money for fun things like eating dinner out or taking a well-deserved vacation.

BPT.

 

5 Reasons Why Selling Your Home in the Summer is A Good Idea

Take advantage of the upcoming season and make some summer sales!

 

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1. Curb appeal.

Curb appeal is at its peak during the summertime. There is nothing more attractive than beautiful, colorful flowers bouncing off the houses’ colors. Add some summer decorations on the porch to make it pop! The healthy trees, grown lawn, and bright sun will shine light on your home to looking investors.


2. You’ll have more time to focus on the sale.

This benefits you because you have more time to properly list your homes and prepare for the summer rush. These long weekends are the best time to focus on the details in your home, fix things up, and think about how to best approach and appeal to customers.

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3. More people are out and about.

With summer vacation and those long summer weekends, people are more likely to go out and explore buying options because they have more time on their hands.

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4. Families move in the summer.

It is more than likely not for families to move during the summertime because of the convenience. With the kids out of school and the time off, it makes it easier for families to pack up and start their life in a new place. It is an easier way to adjust, and explore new neighborhoods.

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5. Put yourself out there.

It is easier to attract buyers when you are able to go outside and making yourself look presentable to families. In the summer, you can provide a number of inviting refreshments and snacks that fit the season.
There are numerous ways you can take advantage of the summer season and boost up your sales. Try adopting these helpful reasons why it is so successful and find yourself thriving!

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7 Backyard Decorating Ideas for this Summer

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Ladder Garden
A creative way to use that ladder lying around your house can be to use the steps as a surface for your summer garden. Just layer your pots of flowers, veggies, and plants to keep your backyard organized.

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Wood Rake Rack
Another way to recycle backyard tools that aren’t being occupied is by turning your wood rake into a rack for anything you use outside! Hang your gardening tools, your dog’s leash, a hat, or even decorative items to make use of everything in your home.

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Birdseed Wreath
Make a treat for your neighborhood chickadees and create a wreath shaped bird feeder. It makes for a nice DIY and natural decoration and keeps the birds from eating leftovers from yesterday’s barbeque.


Mason Jar Lanterns
Hanging mason jars with candles or even battery powered lights can make for a very dainty vintage looking decoration. You can scatter them across your yard as a path for light or just hang them on an alter.


Patio Area
Have a spacious backyard? Choose a flattering tile pattern that matches with your backyard’s theme, renovate and create a small decorative patio area. This can serve for summer parties, get-togethers, family bonding days, and seasons to come!


Backyard Hammock
The days get hot and a resting area in the open air is luxurious in the summer. Add a hammock to your backyard for a serene reading, hanging, or even napping place. Pair it up with some pillows or a blanket to wrap up the look.

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Birdhouses
Have an empty garden fence around your yard or a few empty tree branches? Decorate them with store bought or even DIY birdhouses to add some color and have a designated spot for the birds to get their daily snack!

How To Use The Color Of The Year In Your Home

It was voted 2018’s color of the year. It is the color of wealth. And the color that signifies power. The color purple with its fresh shade and versatility is one that must be implemented in everyone’s home.

But, using too much purple or in unflattering areas in your home could backfire the colors effect. Take a look at a few ways you can introduce the color of the year into your home decor.

Walls

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Purple on its own can feel dark and intimidating. Pairing it with a lighter color to compliment it can make that feeling dwindle. Having an accent wall with just a pop of purple will make a room seem brighter, more welcoming and luxurious.

Rug

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If you are looking for a more subtle way to add purple to your home, a purple colored rug might be for you. A purple rug can add vibrancy but since it is not at eye-level the room will not feel too bright.

Pair purple unexpectedly

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The color purple doesn’t always have to be paired with its opposite to attract attention. Pairing shades of purple with mixes of blues and grays can make for eye-catching decor.

Accessorize With Purple

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Purple makes a great color for accent pieces. Think about chairs, pillows, bedding, or artwork. Adding flowers is another easy way to bring a pop of color into the home. These simple accents take away the stress of having to commit to a color.

Frequently Asked Home Buying Questions

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Is this your first time buying a home? Well, congratulations! The venture towards home ownership is no small feat and comes with a lot of information thrown at you at once. There’s a lot of questions you might have, so we took the time to answer some of the most common ones for you. Here are a few things you need to know.

Where do I start?

Saving up money and looking into mortgages is step one and two in a home buying process. You want to find out what your lending options are and get pre-approved for a loan. Once you know what your budget is going to be then you can start looking for homes.

What if I don’t have stellar credit?

Your credit score impacts the interest rate you will have to pay for your loan. If your credit score is below 700, you’ll be at a slight disadvantage when it comes to the interest rate. If you have poor credit that is still above 580 you’ll still be able to qualify for an FHA loan but will need to pay for mortgage insurance (protects the lender) which will, unfortunately, be an extra charge.

Who pays the realtor?

Generally, the seller is responsible for paying the Realtor’s fee and commissions. The reason is that they represent and help them make the sale. On the other hand, your realtor usually will split the commission with the buyer’s realtor.

How Much Does the Inspection Cost?

The average cost of a home inspection according to a 2016 study is $318 but can range anywhere from $200-$470.

When Do I get the Keys?

You will receive your keys either at closing or after your county official records the title. If it is the latter then you might have to wait a few more days. Another instance that can hold up the process of you receiving your keys is if there’s a delay in your loans.

Do I need Homeowners Insurance?

Although not always required, homeowners insurance should be on your list of things to get. Insurance can help your home in case of fires or natural disasters like earthquakes. Another important thing homeowners insurance covers are the liability from someone who might get injured on your property.

About Boardwalk Properties

Thank you for visiting our website! Our business ties us strongly to our valued clients and our goal is to continue to extend our clients a level of service and attention that is synonymous with excellence. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and have designed our website to share the phenomenal lifestyle that the Greater Long Beach and surrounding markets have to offer. Read More…

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Boardwalk Properties
BRE# 00936002
3948 Atlantic Ave
Long Beach, CA 90807

info@boardwalkpropertiesinc.com
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