Kelly Bennett

Do It for the Right Reasons. Ask yourself: "Is it really time for me to buy a home?" Don’t buy a home just because everybody’s doing it or because your Uncle Joe told you that it’s stupid to throw money away on rent.... Don’t buy a home because it’s a buyer’s market or just because of low mortgage rates. Buy a home because you want to be a homeowner. Buy a home because you’re settling down and need a place to live for at least five years. And buy a home only if you’re financially ready. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Pick the Right Type of House and Neighborhood. Weigh the pros and cons of different types of homes, given your lifestyle and budget. A condominium or townhome may be more affordable than a single-family home, but shared walls with neighbors will mean less privacy. Don't forget to budget for homeowners association fees when shopping for condos and townhomes, or houses in planned or gated communities. ... Another option to consider is buying a fixer-upper a single-family home in need of updates or repairs. Fixer-uppers usually sell for less per square foot than move-in ready homes. However, you may need to budget extra for repairs and remodeling. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Some Buyers Bring an Interior Designer Along in House Shopping. Some home buyers bring an interior designer on home tours, seeking their feedback on how properties may be renovated to fit their design tastes. As home prices surge, buyers may consider homes whose conditions bring a lower listing price but carry the potential to be renovated into the property they desire.... In many cases, interior designers go beyond recommendations on furnishings and wall colors to give the buyer a bigger picture for renovating spaces. They can evaluate whether the home has good bones for reasonably priced renovations that will fit within their client’s budgets Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Happy Easter everyone!! Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties |DRE01928951

Work With a Lender Early On. In addition to prequalifying or preapproving for a loan before you begin your home search, lenders can help in a number of important ways. They can often provide advice about improving your credit score and explain how different scenarios such as taxes, the size of a down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI) can affect how much home you can afford. If you’ve grown accustomed to paying rent in an expensive area, you might be able ...to afford more than you think. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Gorgeous Sunday, yesterday. The mourning doves are back at my girlfriends house. They are so adorable. Love seeing them in my front yard too. Yesterday, was the Super Full Worm Moon ...so amazingly gorgeous! I could have stayed outside all night looking at it. #pasadena #mourningdoves #lovenature #lovethemoon #fullmoon #superfullmoon #superfullwormmoon #moonvibes #dreamscometrue #manifesting #manifestyourdreams #manifestingabundance #mountwilsonobservatory Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties |DRE01928951

Nick received an award tonight for 4.0 and higher. The mayor of Pasadena spoke to the kids. He actually graduated from PHS in 1987. Then my good friend Jennifer Hall Lee, who is on the school board spoke. #pasadena #pasadenabulldogs #pasadenahighschool #honors #honorswithdistinction #futuredoctor #futureneurosurgeon #proudmama #lovemyson Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Another air plant creation,lol.... Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Full moon has got me crafty today And I believe the rain might actually come tonight,lol...looking very stormy Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California|DRE01928951

Bought some extra Valentine's decorations... Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Buying your first home can seem overwhelming. Here’s three things to consider sooner rather than later in your journey especially with today’s historically low interest rates: Understand What it Takes to Purchase a Home: Learn as much as you can about the mortgage process, down payment options, and the overall steps to take along the way. Realize Your Opportunity to Build Wealth: Homeownership allows you to make a small down payment on a home, then watch your appr...eciation grow on the full value of the home. Find Someone You Trust to Help You Through the Process: Having someone guide you through this process is invaluable. An expert in your corner is a must to make sure you have the confidence and support you need at every turn. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Happy New Years from the hood!! Love you all Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

What is coming is better than what is gone. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

May the New Year start with fresh joys and a life filled with peace. May you experience warmth and togetherness and prosperity too. Happy New Year! Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Moving Too Fast Buying a home can be complex, particularly when you get into the weeds of the mortgage process. Rushing the process can cost you later on. How this affects you: Rushing the process means you might be unable to save enough for a down payment and closing costs. ... What to do instead: Map out your homebuying timeline at least a year in advance. Keep in mind it can take months even years to repair poor credit and save enough for a sizable down payment. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw

Had a nice dinner and wine with Siri and Hubie outside,lol....so cold outside. So, I had to bundle up,lol. So, it may not be as cold as New Hampshire, where he is from. But, I'm a California girl...low 60s is freezing to me #pasadena #lovemyhood #almostwinter #happygirl #happylife #californiagirl #california #justinwine #winelover Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

#HomeBuyingTip: Research the area: Before you decide on a property, research the area or areas you are currently considering. Questions to ask yourself are: What are the amenities like? Can you travel everywhere you need to be? Are there good surrounding schools? You may even want to look into the crime levels in the area. All this information can be found online, and it is worth looking into. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Gorgeous day out today...beautiful view of the mountains....the rain really cleaned up the air. Beautiful Cold Full Moon tonight! Last Full Moon of the year! May all my dreams come true in 2021! #pasadena #mountwilsonobservatory #coldfullmoon #fullmoonritual #fullmoon #fullmoonmagick #dreamscometrue #realestate #realtormom #realtorlife #pasadenarealestate #love #health #kickcovidsass #2021 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Volunteered this morning at the Salvation Army. Handing out bikes to families for Christmas with Pasadena Rotary...representing Altadena Rotary. Had a great time and met some very nice people. #pasadena #pasadenarotary #altadena #altadenarotary #salvationarmy #pusd #pasadenaunifiedschooldistrict #timetogiveback #lovemycommunity #christmas #christmasinpasadena Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Chain Of Title Like a Blue Book for homes, the chain of title is the documentation of all past ownership of a property. It runs from the present owner to the very first owner of the property. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951... #realestate #realestateagent #home #property

Fall is here, and you know what that means Piles and piles of leaves to rake! Be sure to stay on top of it, your front yard is your home’s first impression. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951 #autumn #fallingleaves #thattimeofyear

You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it. George A. Moore Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951... #realestate #realestateagent #home #property

Wonderful sushi dinner with Nick.. Love Old Town during Christmas Plus a beautiful moon tonight #realtormom #lovemyson #pasadena #oldtownpasadena #christmas #christmasinpasadena #fullmoon #covid19 #wearyourmask #stayhealthy #staysafe Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|Dre01928951

A common myth is that renting is cheaper than paying a mortgage. In most cases, you pay just as much in rent as you would your own mortgage. There’s no need to pay regularly to build someone else’s wealth, build your own! Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951 #realestatemyth #renting #homebuying

To Hire Or Not To Hire An Agent When Selling A Property. A good agent generally has your best interests at heart. They will help you set a fair and competitive selling price for your home, increasing your odds of a quick sale. An agent can also help tone down the emotion of the process by interacting with potential buyers and eliminating tire kickers who only want to look at your property but have no intention of making an offer. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Californi...a Properties|DRE01928951 #realestate #realestateagent #home #property See more

According to energystar.gov, the ideal home temperature should be between 70 - 78 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on the season). Where do you set your thermostat, and is it to save on energy or entirely for comfort? #thermostattemp #idealhometemp Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951... See more

A Quick Pro Tip: If you’re looking to make a small room in your home feel bigger, try adding a mirror or some brighter colors. These are tried and true ways to make a smaller space appear larger! Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951... #protip #homehacks See more

My beautiful pictures...from David McChesney...he has beautiful photos. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services|DRE01928951

Selfie with David McChesney...plus the cutest chicken and rooster Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Took a little road trip with my mom to Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley to buy some art. And meet my favorite photographer...very cute place. A must see if you are in the area. #photography #desert #desertphotography #cactus #cactusmart #morongovalley #succulents #art #davidmcchesney #roadtrip #roadtrip2020 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Nick had his confirmation yesterday at St. Elizabeth Church. Ed Lara was his sponsor. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951

Done!! Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties|DRE01928951