What Is Really Safe To Flush In Your Toilet? Here Is A List Of The Only 10 Items You Can Safely Flush

If you are a child of the 80's then you may remember "The Lost Boys".   And perhaps you'll remember that famous scene where the bathroom and kitchen blow up with everything ejecting from every pipe or drain in the room.  Well, your home could have a similar reaction to having certain items flushed down the toilet.  

And while it may not look as devastating and dramatic as that famous "The Lost Boys" scene, trust me, it will feel about the same when you see what can come back up in your bathtub, shower, drains and toilets. 

Have I got your attention yet?  I hope so.  Because not only is this a mess no one wants, it's also a cost that will leave your wallet in tears.  Every home I sell, I tell my clients they need a sewer inspection.  If you own your home and haven't had one in about 5 years then you too should have one.  How else will you know what that big pipe going from your house to the main sewer line looks like?  Are they broken? Cracked? Collapsed? Or do they have roots growing in them? Or backed up by things that shouldn't be in there?

A couple weeks ago I had a social hour over Zoom with some girlfriends of mine and, to be honest, I don't remember how the conversation of bathrooms came up but there was wine involved so...who knows.  Point being, there was a lot of confusion over what you can really flush down a toilet.  So that conversation led to this blog.  And I felt it necessary to make a list of all the items that can be safely flushed down a toilet to avoid a horror movie scene from happening in your home. So here you go:       1. Toilet paper 2. Toilet paper 3. Toilet paper  4. Toilet paper  5. Toilet paper  6. Toilet paper  7. Toilet paper  8. Toilet paper  9. Toilet paper  10. Toilet paper

It doesn't matter what the box or packaging says because unless that company will come to clean up your mess when it doesn't belong in your pipes, then I suggest you find other products or another way to dispose of them. 

Photo by Curology on Unsplash

See what I told the LA Times about where the housing market it today and where I think it's going.

See what I told the LA Times about where the housing market is today, and where I see it heading in the near future. Included in this article was an economist who was also quoted and he said " layoffs are believed to be temporary for now and focused in low-wage sectors such as retail where fewer people tend to have the means to buy a home in the first place." I completely disagree. So much of LA's economy is from the entertainment industry and everyone from editors, camera people, casting directors, tour managers, dancers, and so on are all out of work. And we don't know when the film/TV industry will be back in full swing. Or when music tours will be back. I believe the effects from Covid will be bigger and last longer than the gentlemen in this article believes. What do you think?

Southern California’s housing market rebounds, but it may not last

We Are At The Top Of The Market

The last few months have been a roller coaster for everyone.  One day people have work, the next day there is none. One day we can venture to stores and the next they are closed.  The housing market has taken an interesting ride with Covid as well.  I had an open house on March 15th which was just days after my children were sent home from school being told it would just be two weeks at home.  Everyone was asked to stay home and the housing market took a short break.  A really short break.  Within weeks after this we were seeing multiple offers on a lot of homes.  By June the market was on FIRE.  This was a result of fewer people putting their houses up for sale (about 40% less that where is was in the summer 2019) added with interest rates that were unbelievably low and people having more time and thoughts geared toward getting into a new home.  We are still seeing a very strong seller's market.

LA Times called me yesterday to ask about the market and how things are looking.  I spoke to the writer and told him what I was seeing regarding multiple offers and a very small amount of houses to choose from.  I was on the verge of telling him something else but I held back.  This morning I reached back out to him and told him this....We are at the top of the market in my opinion.  This is where the house prices have reached a peak and I believe in the beginning of 2021 we are going to be in a buyer's market where there are more houses for sale and less buyers wanting to buy.  Here are the factors I believe that will create this by next year:

• The effects from job loss will take toll and we will start seeing that before too long in buyer's and seller's decisions. 
• More buyers will want to sell either from loss of income this year and wanting to downsize. Wanting to get the equity from their homes.  Major life changes such as moving in with family or moving to other cities and states. 
• Interest rates have only one way to go from here and that is up which will slow buyer's momentum for a while. 

So here is why I hesitated telling the news I thought this was the "Top".  I really watch my words carefully when speaking to my clients about the market and my opinion on the future. I never want to use anything that I believe will create a sense of fear or motivate them to do anything other than what they believe to be the best decision for themselves and using phrases such as "The top of the market" is a pretty strong prediction. 

But let me be clear about something when I say this.  While I believe this is the top, I do not believe we will see a CRASH.   I do believe house prices will come down a bit. I think we will have more sellers than buyers next year.  And I believe interest rates will rise. 

But here is something YOU MUST consider about all of what I wrote. 
-- If a home today is worth $600,000 and you put down 20% for a loan of $480,000 and interest rates to purchase it are 3.5% then you will be paying about $2,155 per month for your mortgage only.  Over the life of the loan you will pay about $776,000.
---If next year that home is worth $560,000 and you put the same 20% down for a loan of $448,000 and the interest rate is 4.5% then you will be paying about $2,269 for the mortgage only.  Over the life of the loan you will pay about $817,000.

So, yes I think we are seeing top prices for homes.  But take everything else I said and use it to make an informed decision that is best for you.

If you are looking to buy or sell, please give me a call. 

 Photo by Morning Brew on Unsplash

How is Covid 19 Affecting Real Estate? You may be surprised.

Like most of you, my life and business has done a 180-degree turn in just a number of weeks.  I'm grateful my family is healthy and I hope you and yours is as well.  This article is intended to update you on the real estate market regarding prices as well as how to keep you, the client, protected if you are looking to buy or sell.  

Let's get to it....my clients and friends have been asking "How is the real estate market?" and I bet you may be curious as well.  I also bet there is a chance you'll be surprised by the answer.  

Just to be straight forward, I know when people ask "How is the real estate market?" what they are really asking is "Are prices going up,  going down, or staying the same?" So I'll start with that question but there is a 2nd part you may want to read to better understand this in its entirety.  So read to the end if you want to understand the whole bit of this.  

First, houses that are not considered Luxury prices are actually still selling well and in a lot of cases, selling in multiple offers.  This is the part I would assume may be shocking for most.  But it's true.  If houses are priced well and if photography and videography are professionally done and the home is marketed appropriately then we are seeing multiple offers on a number of these homes.  Now let's talk about why this is....

For the most part, house prices are holding steady and strong even in these uncertain times.  While this may be the case, the second part of the question "How is the real estate market?" plays a part in this.  From an economic point of view, real estate sales have dropped 40%.  This means the number of homes sold at the first quarter of this year are now 40% less today.  So of course, there has been an impact on the market but maybe not in the way you were originally curious about.  But here is how these two factors influence each other.  There are about 1/2 the homes for sale today that there were just 2 months ago. And it was already a market where we needed more houses for sale to accommodate the buyers looking.  Now we have this set of circumstances where we have an Extremely low inventory of homes, combined with an extremely low choice of interest rates on buying homes and we still have buyers looking to buy.  This is why we are seeing multiple offers on homes and this is why if you were thinking about selling, you should definitely be still considering doing this if you feel safe doing to with correct precautions in place. 

If you are curious about precautions that are in place and what agents are being asked to do to help you buy or sell, keep reading.  Let me start by saying that you should have an agent that is following current guidelines set by your city or county to protect you, the client as well as all other parties involved.  If you are selling, agents have the option of hiring professional photographers and videographers that can create virtual tours of your home.  Buyers will really appreciate being able to see homes this way so they can pinpoint only the homes they are very serious about.  If a home can be shown in-person,  sellers will need to vacate the home and the buyer's agent along with only 2 prospective buyers who currently live in the same home will be able to be present for this.  Your agent will likely make the home available for the buyer to see while standing outside the home then tour the home themselves ones the client has stepped outside.  Booties, gloves, and hand sanitizer will likely be provided if not required.  Appliance, drawers, and closets may be inaccessible to view during a showing.  There will be a disclosure that both buyer(s) and seller(s) are required to sign to protect everyone.   Buyers will be required to have a lender's approval letter as well as proof of funds for their agent to have on hand as the seller's agent will be requesting this to verify that only serious/qualified buyers are viewing the home.  

So, is this a good time to buy or sell? I'll say this....anyone who answers questions like this is giving you an opinion and you should take it as such.  In the 9 years I've been in the business I've, not only been writing blogs but also being a part of many major local and national interviews regarding real estate.  Over these years I've been spot-on about where I think things are headed.  So here is my answer.  Today is a great time for sellers.  With a little availability to choose from and prices still remaining healthy, you are in a good spot.  Buyers, I've said this 100's of times to many clients over the years...the time to buy is when you look at your current situation and ask yourself "Can I live here another 5-7 years?".  If the answer is no then you should look at buying.  If the answer is yes, then hold off and see what a 6 months to a year from now looks like.  After that, make your decision.  (Keep in mind, rents in LA are not only more than most mortgage payments but most also don't have restrictions on raising them.)  In 6 months I believe we will start seeing things shift a good deal.  Homeowners may need to sell for financial reasons.  There may be short sales due to job loss. And owners may be  asking themselves that same question of "Is this where I want to live in 5-7 years?"  

 If you are thinking about buying or selling, call me today.  Ask me A LOT of questions.  Let's go over everything together and see if it's right for you and if it is, let's do this together in a way that is successful and safe.

What One Million Dollars Buys In LA in 2020

This happens to be one of my most popular posts year after year.  Now it's 2020....let's see what One Million Dollars can buy now across Los Angeles.  

North Redondo Beach

This area is just inland from Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.  Located about a mile from shore. This home sold for $1,035,000, has 1,767 Sq ft on a 2,501 sqft lot with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. 

Culver City

This area is located East of the 405 and South of the 10.  It's popularity has been growing a lot over the years. This townhome sold for $1,020,000. It has 1,414 sqft with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. 

Sherman Oaks

This is part of what people in Los Angeles call "The Valley".  Located just past the Hollywood Hills and about 45 minutes to the beach.  

This home sold for $1,015,000.  It has 1,268 sqft with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The lot is 6,800 sqft. 

Santa Monica

This is one of the more well-known beaches in LA.  With a good mix of homes, restaurants, and businesses, people pay top dollar to live here. 

This condo sold for $1,030,000.  It has 1,044 sqft with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. 

El Segundo

This area of LA is where our international airport is located.  And it is also a beach town.  

This townhome sold for $1,050,000.  It has 1,678 sqft with 3 bedrooms and 3 1/5 bathrooms. 

South Pasadena 

This area of Los Angeles is well known for it's historic Craftsmen homes. Over the past number of years, it has attracted many great chefs with the foodies flocking to their restaurants. 

This home sold for $1,035,500 and is 939 sqft with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.  The lot is 7,480 sqft and the home is mostly in original condition. 

Brentwood 

This is a well-to-do established neighborhood in Los Angeles.  It is nestled between The Pacific Palisades and Bel Air.  

This condo sold for $1,015,000. It has 1,661 sqft with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. 

West Hollywood 

When it comes to living in an area of LA with lots to do, this is that area.  So much shopping, nightlife, and designer homes. West Hollywood is also one of a handful of areas in Los Angeles that is it's own city. 

This condo sold for $950,000. It has 1,287sqft with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Burbank

As I just mentioned, there are a handful of areas in LA that are it's own city and Burbank is another one of them.  

There are too many TV shows and Movies to name that are filmed here both in the studios and around town.  With Warner Bros Studio, Disney Studio, and the sought-after schools for families, this area attracts people both for home life and proximity to their jobs. 

This home sold for $1,046,250.  It has 1,429sqft with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The lot is 7,294 sqft. 

Westlake Village 

Bordering on Ventura County, this is community has become one that wealthy households have sought-after when they don't want to be in the hubbub of the city.  However, it also has a great selections of things to do and places to go.  

This home sold for $1,025,000. It has 2,665 sqft with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. 

Downtown LA

DTLA is transforming every day.  Home of the Staples Center that hosts both Lakers and Clippers and well as many concerts and shows. It also holds so much of our city's history in certain pockets, buildings and stories. 

This condo sold for $1,050,000. It has 1,740 sqft with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. 

Valencia 

Also known as Santa Clarita, this is also it's own city.  Located on the most northern point of Los Angeles, people seek this area for it's beautiful town, good schools and your money goes farther here. 

This home sold for $1,050,000.  It has 3,728 sqft with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.  The lot is 7,472 sqft. 

La Canada Flintridge

 This section of Los Angeles is widely known for its beautiful nature. With thick green lush and hills, it's a bit reminiscent of Northern California.  Schools in this area are known to be good and that is a factor that drives prices up in areas all over LA. 

This home sold for $980,000.  It has 1,219 sqft with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It sits on a 7,440 lot and has mostly original features. 

To check out where prices have changed over the years, see my previous blogs

One Million Dollars in LA 2016

One Million Dollars in LA 2017


When you are ready to buy or sell, call me.  I'm always here to help. 

Amber Dolle
DRE# 10893258
C- 323.828.7777
O - 661.347.8410
amberdolle.com

     

Questions Buyers Should Ask Of a Home That is A Part of An HOA

Here is a list of questions that I tried to get answered when I list a home within an HOA.  And when I represent a buyer I try to get these answered as well before we put an offer on the home. 

1. Name of the complex?
   
2. Name of mgmt. the company, and contact information?
   
3. How much is the HOA, and what does it include? water? gas? earthquake insurance?
   maintenance? 
4. Are there any current or upcoming assessments?
   
5. Are there any pending/recent/upcoming major repairs expected?
   
6. What kind of insurance coverage is there on the building? what are the limits? do
   
7. What are the % delinquencies in for the HOA dues?
   
8. What are the reserves?
   
9. Is there any pending litigation?
   
10. Is the building FHA approved?
    
11. How many units are in the building?
    
12. What is the ratio of owner/occupied vs. non-owner occupied units?
    
13. Is there any one person/investor that owns more than 10% of the units? 
14. Do you allow pets? Type? Size? 
15. How many parking spots? tandem or side-by-side? 
16. Any storage? 
17. Please describe the amenities the building has (rec room, pool, spa, other) 
18. Please describe the amenities of the unit (updates, view, granite, wood floors, security system, other) 
19. Is there washer/dryer hook-ups in the unit? if not, can there be? 19. Are wood floors permitted in the unit?