Ah, the white picket fence. Commonly used to encapsulate the American Dream of home ownership. Kids playing in the front yard, parents embracing, you know…the whole big thing.
Lately though I’ve been noticing the fence more as a place to sit on when it comes to real estate decision making. I get it. It has been an incredible run of low interest rates and rising home values and we’ve deserved it after some trying times almost a decade ago. With some things changing in recent months it has made it a little more difficult for people to know what is best for them and up on the fence they go.
Let’s be honest, a fence isn’t a very comfortable place to sit…especially a white picket one. Let’s talk about what’s going on in the market right now and help you get your feet back on the ground and moving in the direction you want to go.
What a start to 2018 eh? The Thomas Fire has effected us deeply in so many ways locally and there have been some global shifts that also have begun to dictate that 2018 will be a year of change.
So, what do we know so far?
Inventory is low
Interest rates are rising
Getting harder to qualify for a loan
Very competitive, multiple offer situations
What should this tell you? The time to strike is here.
Sellers, time to capitalize.
Chances are if you bought your property pre-2008 or post-2008 you are sitting on a decent chunk of equity to cash in on. If you’re happy where you are at and don’t need to upsize or downsize in the next 7-10 years then feel free to stay put. However, if you see your living situation changing in that time period this would be the ideal time to cash in on your investment and leverage that equity on your next property.
Buyers, time to get in while the gettin’ is good.
With interest rates climbing the amount of house you can afford dwindles. Every tick of percent up jacks up your monthly payment and potentially prices you out of the type of home you really want. This is never fun news for me to have to deliver. With prices potentially settling a bit and interest rates still at historic lows, this is a great time to get in and get the house you really want rather than settling for something that doesn’t hit all your wants and needs later on.
Fences are for bordering property, not sitting. I’m always here to help.
Parents Now Can Choose Their Child’s Curricular Path
The Ventura Unified School District has introduced a magnet school program at the elementary school level. This gives parents the opportunity to choose their child’s curricular path based on their child’s passions and interests. Pretty landmark opportunity if you ask me, for 2 reasons. First, it turns my attention to my children and giving each of them the opportunity to go to a school that fits their individual wants and needs instead of both them attending the school that our home is within the boundaries of. Second, speaking of homes, imagine being able to purchase a home and not have to have that decision be made solely on what boundary school your child would be assigned to. One could call this a game-changer in the worlds of education and real estate.
One thing I love about my career in real estate is that it allows me to be a part of community projects that I’m passionate about. Nothing gets me going more than the education of our young people. As the child of a lifetime educator and now principal, I had the value of education instilled in me on a daily basis, a trait that I’m hoping to pass along to my own children. So when the director of the magnet school program approached me to assist with the marketing outreach of this program I said yes without hesitation.
We first branded the schools and the program itself, created a website, and shot a video covering the ins and outs of the program. The response has been very positive as a majority of the schools saw substantial increases in school of choice elections. Trailblazing parents saw the value of their child being involved in these great programs, all the while receiving the high level education they’ve come to expect within the Ventura Unified School District.
– The best way to learn about this exciting new program is to watch this video
Here is a small breakdown of each of the 6 magnet school academies and their unique features:
Have a future leader on your hands? Your child been immersing him or herself in technology tools? ATLAS is a great fit for you. From day one your child will get an opportunity to see themselves as a community dignitary, chief executive officer, and more all the while learning those lessons through data driven instruction using today’s hottest technology.
The scientists and engineers of tomorrow start here. STEM curriculum challenges your child to look at the world differently, studying its very makeup, in a collaborative success bound environment and yes, they do have the most adorable lab coats for the children to wear.
Using art as a tool to learn is not a new concept, but the way it is being applied to students at Montalvo could not be more cutting edge. Creativity is encouraged, critical thinking is fostered, and an appreciation of the different perspectives of the world around them allow students to express themselves through visual art, drama, music, dance and technology for the 21st century.
Imagine a student body fueled by scientific exploration and a sensitivity to the challenges in the world around them. What amazing things could they accomplish? Mound has seized this opportunity through hands-on science projects, volunteering, Spanish language classes and more allowing students to learn from diverse perspectives.
Yes, our world might be getting smaller but the importance of being able to effectively communicate in today’s global marketplace could not be greater. Students at Sheridan Way learn the traditional elementary school curriculum in three languages, English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Graduates move on middle school empowered with the skills to interact and gain the respect of the many cultures that make up the world around them.
We all know that the future of the world depends greatly on the next generation that will be challenged with its conservation. Will Rogers students are taking this challenge head on using their state of the art science lab and schoolyard habitat, all the while receiving instruction in both English and Spanish. This rigorous instruction breeds inquisitive, well rounded protectors of the Earth.
The school of choice window goes from January 8-22, 2016. You must select the school you’d like your child to attend during this window. You can apply for the school online via the VUSD (Ventura Unified School District) website at:
Will This Change Your Thoughts on Where You Want to Live?
I’m curious to see if knowing that you could choose your child’s elementary school would open you up to consider other communities during your home search. Please let me know in the comments.
