Kristina Bandyk Realtor

⁣
⁣
You want a new car AND a new house. But you can’t do both right now. Which one should you tackle first, and which is the better investment? Of course, buying a car is cheaper, requires less effort, and delivers that intoxicating new car smell, but it’s not always the best financial strategy.⁣
⁣
So if your heart says “car,” but your head says, “home,” here are a few talking points that may give your heart the nudge it needs to catch up with your head:⁣
⁣
New cars depreciate around 20% after the first year then continue depreciating by 10% every year after that. A home? Expect it to go up in value by about 4% year after year. Currently, the appreciation rate is a whopping 14.5%! Translation? Buying a home is always the better investment.The average U.S. car payment is $577. No doubt this type of monthly payment will tie up a good chunk of your budget. This could slow down (or stop altogether) your ability to save for a down payment.If you purchase a car first, there’s a good chance the real estate market could shift by the time you're ready to buy a home. Interest rates may be higher, and it may no longer be a buyer’s market.If you have a car payment and miss just one, it could damage your credit score and hurt your chances of qualifying for a loan. After all, none of us knows the future (2020 taught us that much!).⁣
⁣
One more thing. Ask yourself this: What will benefit you most 5 years from now? Driving around a 5-year-old car or resting your head each night in a home you planned for, saved for, and now call your very own?⁣
⁣
If you’d like to chat about your next steps towards homeownership, send me a DM. I’d love to get to know you, hear your story, and share how I can help whether now or someday in the future.⁣
⁣

Kristina Bandyk Realtor updated their website address.

Lots of times when I'm taking buyers through a home, they'll ask what it costs to upgrade, repair, or replace different parts of a home. Here’s my list of project estimates I often share with buyers:⁣
⁣
Replace kitchen appliances: $2,200 - $20,000 depending on the models selected.⁣
Install new kitchen cabinets: $2,000 - $9000.⁣
Install new kitchen countertops: $2,600 - $6,000 for the average-sized kitchen.⁣
Put down new carpet: $8,000 - $13,200 for 1200 square feet of new carpet.⁣
Paint the interior: $1.50 - $3.50 per square foot. Throw in ceiling and trim, and the price increases to $3 to $4 per square foot.⁣
Remove popcorn ceiling: $900 - $3,000.⁣
Run a gas line to the house: $250 - $850 ($15 to $25 per linear foot).⁣
Install a backyard fence: $1,500 - $4,000.⁣
Complete a minor bathroom remodel: Around $10,500 to replace the tub, tile, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures.⁣
⁣
Keep in mind these are just estimates, and costs will vary zip code to zip code. Also, if you’re even the slightest bit handy, you can shrink these costs by tackling projects (or parts of projects) yourself.⁣
⁣
Got a plan and know what you can afford? It’s time to find a contractor to complete your project.

You’ve decided to sell. And sure, your home needs a little sprucing up, but it’s in pretty great shape thanks to your hard work and sweat equity over the years. (Way to go, you all-star homeowner, you!)⁣
⁣
You can still get your home lookin’ its best for buyers with a few tasks from my tried-and-true pre-market checklist:⁣
⁣
Clean, declutter, repeat.⁣
Clear out the closets.⁣
De-personalize the main living areas.⁣
Get rid of unnecessary furniture.⁣
Organize garages and attics.⁣
Spread fresh mulch and plant seasonal color.⁣
Replace interior and exterior light bulbs.⁣
Pressure wash walkways.⁣
⁣
Need another set of eyes on your home to make sure it's ready to score you top dollar? I'm happy to help! DM me today.

You've decided to sell! HOORAY! ⁣
⁣
The next decision? HOW will you sell?⁣
⁣
OPTION 1: Attempt to FSBO.⁣
⁣
OPTION 2: Check out instant offer sites.⁣
⁣
OPTION 3: Hire an agent — like ME!⁣
⁣
Here’s why OPTION 3 is your best bet 100% of the time:⁣
⁣
90% of sellers who try to sell by owner fail to do so. I get calls weekly from homeowners exhausted of going it alone and at their wit’s end. FBSO only makes sense if you already have a buyer lined up — and even then, it can get tricky without an agent’s help.⁣
⁣
Instant offer sites like Offerpad, Redfin, and Zillow Offers hunt for homes with significant profit margins. Translation? Offers from these sites are typically 10% under fair market value. Tack on fees and you’re looking at selling for 12-15% less than your home’s value when all is said and done.⁣
⁣
Agents often sell homes for around 25% MORE than FSBO and instant offer sites -- completely covering agent commissions. PLUS, you get an advocate, expert, and cheerleader whose single goal is looking out for you as you complete one of the largest transactions of your life!⁣
⁣
Considering by owner or instant offer sites? I'd love the chance to answer any questions you have so you can know exactly what your options are. Shoot me a message -- I'm here when you're ready!⁣
⁣

3 things to know about down payments:⁣
⁣
The more cash you can scrape together towards a down payment, the better your interest rate may be. BUT don’t wipe out your entire savings. You’ll need some cash reserves as a new homeowner.⁣
You can buy a home with less than 20% down, but a smaller down payment means paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)—typically 0.5-1.5% of the original loan amount.⁣
If you’ve been piling up cash for a down payment but can’t seem to make any headway, a down payment assistance program (like an FHA loan or VA loans) might help.⁣
⁣
Down payment questions rolling around in your head? Let me help! DM me your questions, and I’ll be in touch!

Thinking of buying or selling Real Estate?
Team Lena Samigoullina would be thrilled to assist you with all your real estate needs 🏡

DM for a free consultation 🤩

Gorgeous Real Estate in Brentwood, CA. DM me if you interested 😉

🏡Meet Your best honest Realtor - Kristina🏡
Leave all the hassle in finding Your dream house to me 🙌🏼

$100.000 a month rent?? Yes 😎 Welcome to California
⠀
Let’s see what do we have for rent if you wish to spend $100.000 a month.
⠀
1. Gorgeous brand new Oceanfront Estate. 5 beds, 9 baths, 9100 sqft close to San Diego. $100.000 a month.
In this home you’ll find a pizza owen, bbq, EVO, theatre, massage room, gym, game room, multiple sun decks and elevator.
⠀
2. Luxurious oceanfront home with 24hr gated community. 5 beds, 9 baths, 7200 sqft. $95.000 a month. Laguna Beach.
In this home you’ll find teak furniture, dreamy pool & spa zone.
⠀
Lmk in the comments which one you prefer more 🤩
⠀
DM me if you interested in Real Estate in Los Angeles area. I’ll find the best fit for Your need 😎