Robert Magda

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Pick Your Favorite Party-Ready Pool

With temperatures rising as summer begins, a refreshing dip in a cool pool is at the top of most folks’ lists. Do you daydream about your ideal backyard oasis with a crystal blue pool and stylish lounge chairs? Zillow compared six gorgeous outdoor pools from professionals on Zillow Digs™ to find the leading pool design for the season.

Which pool is best primed for a party? The hard part is choosing just one. Get your vote in now and check back to see the winner on July 1, 2015.

Modern or Mediterranean luxury

If luxury designs with maximum privacy and all the high-end additions are right up your alley, check out these pools. The modern pool designs include geometric-shaped patios, fountains, outdoor kitchens and hot tubs. For something warmer, Mediterranean swimming pools offer elegant designs using a mix of earth-toned stone structures and extravagant features like fireplaces and built-in fire pits.

Traditional garden grandeur

Not into that celebrity look? Select a favorite from these peaceful, garden-forward designs. The lush green plantings accent the crisp blue water perfectly. Each includes a water feature and poolside patio with lounge chairs. Surrounding most traditional pool designs you’ll find pergola or trellis structures to support climbing vines with colorful blooms.

Tropical pool paradise

Alternatively, feel right at home in the summer heat alongside one of these tropical pools. Both boast palm trees and other tropical vegetation. Notice the curved pools common with this design. Enjoy tropical layouts on warm summer evenings with lighting features such as tiki torches, pathway lamps and built-in fixtures. Is one of these your dream pool?

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House of the Week: A Family-Fun Compound in California

Looking for adventure close to home? Here’s a place where you can race go-karts, play paintball among the hay bales and relax in the sand beside a Caribbean-blue, pond-like pool — all without leaving your property.

“It’s set up as a family-fun compound,” said Bill McDavid of Hall and Hall, who’s co-listing the acreage in southern California with Eric Iantorno of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty.

The 720-acre estate, called Los Robles Ranch, also boasts a skeet shooting range, two fishing ponds and a greenhouse.

Listed for $17.5 million, the playful property encompasses a main house (4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths), two guest homes and two caretaker homes for a total of some 10,000 square feet of living space.

That’s just for the people. The horses live in a 6,800-square-foot barn with 19 stalls, an office, bathroom, wash bay, tack room and outdoor riding arena. There’s also a 2,100-square-foot “mare motel,” which has an additional six stalls, and a 1,800-square-foot equipment barn.

The atmosphere for this recreational extravaganza is pure California: a warm climate and a landscape of rolling hills studded with oak trees.

“When the Santa Ana winds start blowing, it clears out the marine layer, and you can see the ocean from the higher points on the property,” McDavid said.

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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

$400,000 Homes in Coastal Cities

Summertime is here, and the beach beckons us, urging us to unwind. Warm sand and delicate ocean breezes offer an ideal setting for reaching a state of serenity.

Perhaps you’re on the hunt for a balance of fast-paced city life and beachy downtime. On the other hand, maybe you’re scoping out a more laidback coastal locale. The following 10 metropolitan area listings, all located in coastal cities and priced at approximately $400,000, cater to a multitude of preferences.

Miami, FL

965 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL
For sale: $395,000

Nestled in the historic heart of Miami amidst lush trees, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom minimalist home offers modern living in a serene oasis.

See more homes for sale in Miami.

Seattle, WA

734 SW Austin St, Seattle, WA
For sale: $399,950

With a sprawling deck overseeing countless treetops, this 3-bedroom, 1.75-bathroom home is a peaceful seaside retreat.

See more Seattle homes for sale.

San Diego, CA

5605 Friars Rd UNIT 274, San Diego, CA
For sale: $380,000

Ocean breezes reach this west-facing 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo, complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a private fenced patio.

See more homes listed in San Diego.

Portland, ME

205 Woodford St, Portland, ME
For sale: $385,000

Built in 1900 and restored throughout, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is a New England coastal gem.

See more Portland homes for sale.

Boston, MA

29 Pinecliff Rd, Boston, MA
For sale: $375,000

This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo provides comfy city-by-the-sea living, with gleaming oak floors and a sunny breakfast nook.

See more homes for sale in Boston.

Charleston, SC

490 Sanders Farm Lane, Charleston, SC
For sale: $379,900

Oozing Southern charm, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home boasts serious curb appeal with its double-decker porch and patriotic paint.

See more homes listed in Charleston.

Providence, RI

44 Firglade Ave, Providence, RI
For sale: $379,000

Built in 1920, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom bungalow provides modern updates while preserving its historical charm with original hardwood floors.

See more Providence homes for sale.

Galveston, TX

17402 Bristow Dr, Galveston, TX
For sale: $395,000

Just steps from the beach, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is the epitome of coastal living, offering breathtaking ocean views.

See more homes for sale in Galveston.

Virginia Beach, VA

2100 Margaret Dr, Virginia Beach, VA
For sale: $394,500

When it’s a lazy summer day and a beach trip isn’t on the agenda, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home’s pool is the perfect solution.

See more homes listed in Virginia Beach.

New Haven, CT

165 Westwood Rd, New Haven, CT
For sale: $379,000

This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom colonial combines sophisticated historic and modern qualities, apparent in the crown molding, elegant fireplace, and recently remodeled kitchen.

See more homes for sale in New Haven.

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Mortgage Rate Update

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages rose this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgages at 3.95 percent, up 2 basis points from the same time last week.

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 3.82 percent on Friday, then hovered around 3.86 percent before rising to the current rate on Tuesday.

“Rates fell last week due to continued uncertainty about Greece’s fiscal situation and the Fed signaling it might wait longer than expected to raise interest rates, but recovered as negotiations with Greece continue,” said Erin Lantz, vice president of mortgages at Zillow. “Rates will likely be volatile until a deal between Greece and its creditors is finalized.”

Additionally, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.04 percent, and for 5/1 ARMs, the rate was 2.82 percent.

Check Zillow Mortgages for mortgage rate trends and up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state, or use the mortgage calculator to calculate monthly payments at the current rates.

*The weekly mortgage rate chart illustrates the average 30-year fixed interest rate in six-hour intervals.

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Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s $4.5 Million 1-Bedroom

Only two superstars like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend — and only a city like New York — could command $4.5 million for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Recently, the most expensive condo in San Francisco sold for $2.3 million in less than a month. But the couple’s Nolita apartment in the Brewster Carriage House just hit the market, and they’re likely hoping it sells just as quickly.

Though only 2,000 square feet, with 1 bedroom and 2 bathrooms, the modern luxe apartment has the added cache of being the abode of the glamorous supermodel and musician. The home itself is also a star; Architectural Digest recently featured the unit on its cover.

Exposed brick and wood keep the historic details of the carriage house front and center, though every decorating detail says “celebrity.” The open floor plan is enhanced by plenty of windows, a cozy gas fireplace and smart home technology.

Reclaimed wood, cast iron columns and brass lighting feature prominently in the chef’s kitchen and bar that open into the living and dining area. Despite the small space, the home includes a butler’s pantry, laundry room, walk-in closet and a large alcove that can flex between being an office and guest quarters.

The master suite is anything but cramped or devoid of luxury. A deep cast iron soaking tub, walk-in shower and radiant floor heating keep the bathroom extravagant.

Despite the home’s apparent charms, Teigen and Legend are ready for a change of scenery. Not long ago they sold their Hollywood Hills home, too. Kids are soon to come, Teigen commented recently, and for that, they’ll need more space.

Jason Walker of Compass holds the listing.

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Take Steps Toward Financial Independence This 4th of July

As you celebrate freedom this 4th of July, why not spend some time thinking about one day becoming more financially free?

Here are a few things you should consider doing now.

Save money automatically

Research shows that the less effort it takes to save, the more likely you are to contribute to savings. Make it easy on yourself and automate your finances.

Having money taken straight from your paycheck and deposited directly into your savings or retirement account is a critical — yet easy — money habit that boosts wealth. Plus, when you pay yourself first, you don’t see the money, so you’re not going miss it. You’ll avoid the mistake so many of us make when we pay ourselves last (after we’ve paid for everything from housing to utilities to groceries): there’s often nothing left over.

Round up your mortgage payments

If you’ve already refinanced or don’t qualify for a refinance, you may be wondering what else you can do to save on your mortgage payment, which is likely your biggest household expense. Have you considered rounding up your payments? Every little bit helps.

For example, say you have a monthly mortgage payment of $954.83. If you round up your payments to $1,000 by putting in an extra $45.17, you’ll pay off your debt two years and five months early. For further inspiration, run your own numbers using a mortgage calculator.

Budget, budget, budget

If you consistently spend more than you earn, the reality is that you’re going to accumulate more and more debt. Don’t live on the edge like this. You’ll be in deep — in no time.

Establish a budgeting system that works for you, whether that’s pen and paper, a computer program, a website, or an app like Mint.

Personalize your accounts

Some banks let you set up sub-accounts and designate them by name, such as “new laptop,” “wedding dress,” or “summer home.”

Consider doing this. Research shows that those who label their savings accounts put away 31 percent more money than those who don’t, in part because the name reminds you what you’re saving for. It makes it real.

Focus on the future

Many Americans think only about the here and now. For example, if they’re paying their bills and there’s food on the table and gas in the car, they feel they’re doing okay.

But you’ve got to think ahead, and connect your future aspirations with your present self. Why? Because research shows that when you do this, you’re more inclined to save money. Seeing an image of yourself in old age can make you better at saving (try an app like AgingBooth). So can leaving out photos of your goal – whether it’s a picture of your dream home or a hammock on the beach for your ultimate retirement spot. Visuals serve as reminders that the future is coming, and you’d better start planning for it — now.

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Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

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Monday, June 22, 2015

Real Estate is Local Again

Double-digit home-value growth is setting records in Denver, San Jose, Dallas and San Francisco this home-buying season. The housing market is much cooler in Florida, with home values in Tampa, Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Orlando growing at half the pace they were one year ago.

The May Zillow Real Estate Market Reports highlight the country’s diverging real estate markets. After years of riding the same big roller coaster through the housing bubble, bust and recovery, local housing markets took home buyers and sellers on different rides this spring.

Nationally, home value growth has cooled, slowing to a rate of three percent year-over-year. Rents are growing faster: the median national rent is up 4.5 percent over the past year.

The slowing, diverging market is a sign of recovery, said Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries. And it means real estate is local again.

“What we’re seeing is the passing of the baton — as mortgage rates begin to rise, and incomes and household formation rates increase — from a stimulus-driven housing market to one driven by fundamentals,” Humphries said.

First-time home buyers are returning to the market, and by the end of 2015, Humphries expects the millennial generation to displace Generation X as the largest group of home buyers.

Home values are expected to slow even further in the next year, to an annual rate of 2.2 percent.

For more information about Zillow’s monthly report, check out Zillow Research.

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