WHICH DOWN PAYMENT STRATEGY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

WHICH DOWN PAYMENT STRATEGY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders.

But there can actually be financial benefits to putting down a small down payment—as low as three percent—rather than parting with so much cash up front, even if you have the money available.

THE DOWNSIDE

The downsides of a small down payment are pretty well known. You’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance for years, and the lower your down payment, the more you’ll pay. You’ll also be offered a lesser loan amount…

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HIDDEN FEES TO BE AWARE OF WHEN PURCHASING A HOME

Purchasing a home is arguably one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. As you start your hunt, don't forget there will be other costs associated with your purchase then the price of the home. Here are 5 fees to keep in mind as you begin to budget.

1. Home inspection. This is a crucial step in the home buying process. The findings that come from the inspection can help you negotiate price and repairs. Generally, you can expect to pay between $300 to $500 depending on the home and the location.
2. Title services. Title services encompass the transfer of the title from the seller and a thorough search of the property’s records to ensure to no one will pop up with a claim to the property.…

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOME WARRANTY & HOME INSURANCE

When purchasing a new home, it’s important to do in-depth research on all facets of the homebuying process. One thing you’ll need to understand is how to best protect yourself and your investment if anything were to go wrong. Check out the information on home insurance versus home warranty below to educate yourself on your options.

Home Insurance

Homeowners insurance pays for any accidental damages and loss that are caused by fire, lightning strikes, windstorms, and hail, however, damage from earthquakes and floods is typically not covered. It also covers the replacement of personal property in case of theft or damage and liability if a person were to get injured in your home or on your property. According to American…

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Dana Point named first Whale Heritage Site in the US

Dana Point is first Whale Heritage Site in the US

Dana Point has been named the first Whale Heritage Site in the United States for its deep heritage, culture, sea life education access, and sustainability toward whales.  The only other sites are in Australia, South Africa, and Spain.  Being in the pathway for the annual round trip migration of the gray whales and home to huge pods of dolphins, Dana Point is an ideal place for whale watching.  There are boats that leave the Dana Point Harbor daily for amazing whale watching adventures! Dana Point is also home to the annual Dana Point Festival of Whales.  This year is the 50th anniversary of the event.  There will be virtual and live events taking place on March 6th and 7th.  This is a great…

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Dana Point Holiday Events 2020

Dana Point Holiday Events 2020

With so many events cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's hard to keep track of what you can still do for the holidays.

 Dana Point holiday events that are still happening so far:

DANA POINT:                                                                                                                                                          

DEC. 4: Santa's Jolly Trolley. Guess who's coming to town!

• Various Park Locations, Dana Point, CA

DEC. 4-5: 'Santa Paws' Photos. Benefits homeless pets & reservation system in place.

• 34571 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA

DEC. 5: Holiday Food Drive & Santa. "Each child will receive a special treat from Santa and his elves."

• …

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Ocean Institute to host virtual Maritime Festival

DANA POINT—The Ocean Institute in Dana Point has partnered with maritime museums and vessels from around the world to host the first ever Virtual Maritime Festival. The interactive and educational event features challenges and a three-day global stream marathon Sept. 11-13. 

The event replaces the annual Tall Ships Festival, as Covid-19 related restrictions continue to prohibit large public gatherings.

 “We’re thrilled to be partnering with maritime museums and vessels from around the world to present this exciting streaming event during such extraordinary times,” Ocean Institute’s president and CEO Wendy Marshall said in a released statement. “As they say, ‘a rising tide…

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7 Home Renovations That Add Major Value

7 Home Renovations That Add Major Value, According to Real Estate Experts

Increase your home's value with these remodeling ideas guaranteed to be worth the time and money.

By Sheryl Geerts Updated May 23, 2020

Whether you're preparing for a move or looking to update your home, remodeling can be a huge undertaking, so it's important to know if the reward is worth it. Knowing what renovations will yield the highest return for the money is key so that when it comes time to sell, you can demand a higher price. Ultimately, you'll want to make the best home improvements to add value to your home. Before you decide on a remodel project, evaluate its cost versus its value, and decide if the renovation you want to do is a worthy investment of your…

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What Orange County Beaches are Open this weekend?

Are you dreaming of some beach time this Memorial Day weekend?  Many Orange County beaches are open now with restrictions. 

Don't get excited about plopping down on the sand with your beach towel, cooler, and umbrella but do go down and enjoy some exercise, cool breezes, and wave action.  Some parking is available at most beaches too but it's limited so plan ahead.  To see which beaches are open and what their rules are, check out OCGov.com/visitors/beaches for details.  

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Dana Point is one of California's Top 50 Safest Cities

The 2020 Safewise Team has released their 6th annual Top 50 Safest Cities in California based on their compilation of crime reports for each city from the FBI Crime Statistics and US Census Bureau population data.  They looked at the rate of crimes per 1,000 people in each city in order to make even comparisons between cities of differing populations. 

Dana Point clocks in at #46 while San Clemente ranks #34.  Also making the list are San Juan Capistrano at #24, Lake Forest at #17, Irvine at #12, Laguna Niguel at #9, Mission Viejo at #8, Aliso Viejo at #5, and congratulations to Rancho Santa Margarita for making the #2 spot!

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Create the Home Office of Your Dreams

Whether you work full-time at home or occasionally need to conduct business in the evenings or on the weekends, a home office a great way to utilize an extra room. A dedicated workspace in your home can be designed to increase productivity and comfort. Here are 5 ideas to get you started.

1. Invest in a good office chair. Investing in an ergonomic office chair is essential. You may be spending anywhere from 30 to 50 hours a week sitting in it, so your back will thank you. Purchasing one with multiple adjustments is ideal so it fits you just right.
2. Switch up your lighting. Fluorescent lighting has been proven to be hard on the eyes. Make the switch to LED or halogen light bulbs in your home office and try to let in as…

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