How The Real Estate Market Is Expected to Change in 2016
According to http://www.inc.com/, change is the only thing you can rely on in the real estate industry. It should therefore come as no surprise that we’re in for some changes this year!
Here are the changes expected to happen in the real estate industry this year:
1. Already high rents will go even higher
Already busting your tail to pay rent? Unfortunately, this will not get any easier in 2016. In fact, it’s expected to get worse. If people come to the conclusion that buying is favorable to renting, they’ll quickly start looking for homes to buy. This is not very promising for the residential real estate investors out there.
2. Mortgage rates are expected to go higher
By the end of 2016, mortgage rates are expected to go higher than the current 30-year fixed mortgage rate which currently stands at 4.05 percent. Just as in 2015, the rate is also expected to swing this year.
By December, the rates are expected to hit 4.5 – 4.6 percent. The rates will drive the mortgage payments higher, which will slow down the sales of luxury homes. People will be looking for less expensive options as a result of higher rates.
3. Millennials will continue to drive sales, but not as much as in 2015
According to http://www.inc.com/, millennials bought close to two million homes in 2015 making them 32 percent of the homebuyers.
Although recent college graduates are not living in the lap of luxury, they have a high average income which makes them able to afford mortgage payments in addition to their student loan payments.
Still, the Millennial market is projected to slow down in 2016.
4. Gen-X will make a comeback
Although the Great Recession took it’s toll on the Gen-X’ers, they are what is called “financially recovering.” Many Gen-X’ers are expected to sell their homes in order to move to a nicer neighborhood or sell so they don’t have to pay rent anymore.
5. 2016 will be a sellers market
The real estate market is expected to see a jump prices this year. As the demand overshadows the supply, buyer’s will feel forced to pay more for what they want.
To summarize, the outlook for the 2016 real estate market is strong!
Read the original article HERE.
The Latest In Luxury
Keep Up To Date On The Latest High-End Real Estate Trends
As the New Year approaches, it’s time to look back on 2014 and appraise the transformations in the real estate market. Whether you are designing a home, working on renovations with plans of selling, or just curious about the latest in luxury homes, agent Betsy Dittman is here to keep you ahead of the curve.
On The Rise: With more listings opening up in metro areas and an increasing emphasis on natural, open light, a few notable trends are on the rise. Listings featuring marble baths increased by a notable 78 percent and roof decks by 63 percent. Who doesn’t love an evening cocktail on the roof followed by a lavish bath before bed? Here are the top five features on the rise according to Trulia:
- Marble Baths
- Roof Decks
- Oversized Windows
- Storage Space
- Terraces
Dipping Down: Though no feature has been significantly on the out (the lowest any luxury has dropped is by 16 percent), it is still worth looking at the features about which people are caring less. Save yourself the trouble of putting hard work into an improvement that’s going out of style. Trulia reports that the following luxuries trended down in 2014:
- BBQs
- Hardwoods
- Plantation Shutters
- Covered Patios
- Lush Landscaping
If you’ve put in a down trending feature or missed a luxury that’s increasing in popularity, fear not. With years of industry experience, Betsy Dittman can find the right buyer for your home.
To learn more about the latest Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica and Los Angeles luxury real estate trends, contact Betsy Dittman. I am here to be your liaison in the ever-shifting real estate market, keeping you current to ensure you are always getting the best out of your home. I dedicate myself to offering you the highest level of service so you will know you’re getting what you deserve—the best.
Holiday Hosting Made Easy
Use This Quick Checklist To Get Your Home Party-Ready
Between holiday shopping, baking, and events, hosting a party can be the straw that breaks the busy camel’s back. With a quick and easy cleaning checklist, getting your home ready for guests doesn’t have to require intensive labor. If you get off work at 5:00 p.m. and have guests coming at 7:00 p.m., these guidelines will keep you on track for preparing your house and yourself.
- Do A Walk Through: Clean from your front porch in. Your front door and entryway will be the first part of your home your guests see, so they should be a priority when it comes to house cleaning. Don’t forget to make space in your coat closet as well.
- Touch Up the Bathrooms: You will have a lot of traffic through your bathrooms by the night’s end, so it’s best to start with a clean slate. Sanitize your surfaces and make sure there is extra toilet paper easily accessible.
- Freshen Up: Don’t put getting yourself ready off until the last minute, or you may run out of time. When you’re tidying up the bathroom, take the time to touch up your makeup and hair so you can be party-ready without stress as the hour approaches.
- Make Space: Empty out your garbage, recycling container, dishwasher, and fridge. You’ll want space in the refrigerator for drinks, in the dishwasher for dirty dishes, and in all available waste containers.
- Set The Mood: Put on your party playlist, dim the lighting, and do a final walk through to get everything prepared. If you have time, do a final dusting and de-cluttering run through the home so everything will be picture perfect.
No party would be complete without a great venue to host it in. Contact real estate agent Betsy Dittman, an expert in California Luxury Real Estate Properties, for all of your Beverly Hills, Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles luxury real estate needs.
The Best Christmas Lights In Southern California
Where To Visit For a Merry & Bright Holiday
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for strolling through light-strung streets. Grab the family and hit these ten notable light displays in Southern California for holiday memories you’ll treasure for years:
Looking for an interactive event to keep your little ones entertained? From 6:00-10:oo p.m., the Los Angeles Zoo offers dazzling light displays, time with Santa Claus, and the chance to meet a real life reindeer.
Wakefield Court in Saugus lights up from 5:00-10:30 p.m. each night and offers a Night Before Christmas self-guided tour through this sparkling winter wonderland. Bring hot cocoa and the kids—this walk is one you’ll be talking about until 2015.
The Grove is not just famous for great holiday shopping—they also boast Los Angeles’ largest Christmas tree and a water show timed with your favorite holiday songs.
For a mix of white Christmas with California cheer, check out Naples Island in Long Beach. On December 13th, there will be a Christmas Boat Parade well worth bearing the water’s chill.
If you want to visit a cozy neighborhood that decorates all over, head to Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills. It gets crowded, but you and yours can join the families and locals in the seasonal merriment.
Want to glam it up this Christmas? Head to (where else?) Beverly Hills. Scroll down Rodeo Drive to look at Christmas lights in luxury. This year, the area is strung with crystal chandeliers.
If history tickles your fancy, head to Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, said to be the oldest Christmas Light Display in the nation. Don’t miss the beautiful piece of real estate that is the Balian House, which gets strung with 10,000 lights each year.
Take a beautiful stroll down the tunnel of lights at Yolanda Avenue in Reseda. Since there are no cars to contend with, kids can roam freely to enjoy the display.
The Mission Inn in Riverside has decided to go big, decorated with over four million holiday lights. One of the largest holiday displays in the country, it is a cannot-miss stop.
Betsy Dittman, specializing in California Luxury Real Estate Properties, can be your guide to more than holiday lights. Contact me today, for all of your Conejo Valley and Los Angeles real estate needs!
Article Source: http://redtri.com/los-angeles/where-to-see-the-coolest-christmas-light-displays-in-los-angeles/#
What’s Your Favorite Brunch Spot?
There are few better ways to spend a Sunday than enjoying a delicious brunch with all of your friends and family. If you are looking for a new favorite brunch spot this weekend, make sure to check out these local brunch spots!
Barbrix in Silverlake not only offers $5 bottomless mimosas, but also has a full menu that appeals to everyone. From blueberry cornmeal pancakes that are topped with a berry compote and served with Vermont maple syrup to blue crab hash, you will surely leave satisfied every Sunday afternoon.
I love the idea of BLD on Beverly Blvd – breakfast, lunch, dinner, get it? With a rotating menu and options for vegetarians, this place is a definite brunch hot spot. Top Chef Masters contestant Chef Neal Fraser runs the show and his exquisite taste puts a spin on every plate, creating a mouthwatering menu for all to enjoy.
The Griddle Café, a classic on Sunset, has been a hot spot for “melt in your mouth” pancakes. Although there are long waits on the weekends, I wouldn’t pass this place up!
MB Post in Manhattan Beach is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with the best sticky buns for miles around. Make sure to make a reservation for your Sunday brunch and try one of their famous bloody Mary’s with their bacon buttermilk biscuits that are served with a side of maple butter. If you are looking for something more savory, you will not want to miss out on the poached egg on polenta with asparagus and ricotta-stuffed French toast.
AOC in Los Angeles offers brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Chef Suzanne Goin showcases market fresh fruits and veggies in all of her dishes, including spring vegetable and soft egg and grilled asparagus with polenta. Make sure to try the signature breakfast sandwich that includes arugula, prosciutto, and a sunny side up egg. There are also specialty cocktails available to complete your brunch experience.
Alcove in Los Angeles is the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday brunch with your pup. Their breakfast sandwiches and benedict options pair perfectly with specialty drinks handcrafted at Big Bar. They also offer a build your own mimosa option.
What is your favorite brunch spot? Contact me, and let me know where I should brunch this Sunday!
Plan the Perfect Holiday Party with These Tips
The holiday season is here, which means it is time to get ready for all of your holiday parties. While you may not get blankets of white snow at your Southern California home, it does not mean that you cannot create a winter wonderland party for your loved ones. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your holiday party is one to remember!
- Be realistic – accept your strengths and weaknesses as a host, and play up your strengths while outsourcing your weaknesses. Keep in mind that the goal of your party is to create a stress free event that everyone will enjoy.
- Ask for help – people go to holiday parties to enjoy the company of their friends and family. If people are showing up and you are not completely done setting up, ask for help! Most partygoers are more than happy to help pour wine and light candles.
- Set the scene – make sure your bar is stocked with all the essentials, including cocktail tools, glasses, ice, and tongs. Set your table with enough flatware and silverware for each guest, and make sure to have some spares ready just in case. Candles, floral arrangements, and light music will all also help to set the mood!
- Stock your pantry – especially if children will be attending your event, make sure that your pantry is filled with snacks.
- Provide entertainment – there are many ways to entertain your guests while you are getting ready. Set up a game area with board games for people of all ages to enjoy. A roll of butcher paper and crayons will keep children entertained until it is time to eat.
Having the right home to entertain this season will ensure good times and great memories! Contact Betsy Dittman for all of your luxury home sales in the Los Angeles and Conejo Valley!