KathyMcCarthy: 2015

Thursday, December 3, 2015

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Friday, November 20, 2015

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Monday, November 16, 2015

5 Ways You Can Get To Know Your New Neighborhood

After you have unpacked all of the boxes and you are settled into your new home, it may be time to learn more about your new neighborhood or the city you now live in. Sometimes, this can seem to be a daunting challenge, but it really is very easy. We have put together 5 ways you can get to know your new neighborhood.

1. Talk With Your Realtor About Your New Neighborhood

Often, your realtor is the best source for the important information about your new neighborhood. Chances are they have been working in the area a long time, and they have acquired a thorough knowledge about the events and life in the neighborhood and the city that would be very useful. They may have information in pamphlet form or know of websites that would be informative. You will not find better sources anywhere than a well informed and experienced realtor.

2. Join A Community Organization

The organizations that are based in the community are places where like minded people can work on any number of civic projects. These include charitable projects that can add a measure of value to your life as well as being a way to meet people. You can quickly feel a part of the community by becoming a member of a community service organization.

3. Use The Library

The library is a great place to volunteer, and it is also a great place to learn about book clubs, lectures, and other events that bring people together. Current events discussion groups, often sponsored by the library, can be a way to meet people and to learn about your new city and your neighborhood.

4. Visit The Chamber Of Commerce

The chamber of Commerce is an organization of not only local businesses, but it is also a place where you can learn about your community and events that are taking place in it. You can also learn about volunteer activities that may be interest you. There are not many, if any, organizations that know more about your neighborhood and city. This organization is often a wealth of information about festivals, fairs, concerts and other events that bring people together.

5. Read Everything You Can Find About Your City and Your Neighborhood

The internet is a wealth of information. Your new city most likely has a website that contains information about the city and even about neighborhoods. You may even find a city data site that is provided by a non-government source. You will also find websites on the shopping and restaurants in the area as well as medical facilities.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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Monday, November 9, 2015

5 Ways To Save On Home Heating This Winter

Heating your home in the winter months is often more expensive than it needs to be. Homes that are not prepared for the cold weather will waste energy and money, but you can take steps now to make your home more energy efficient. You can save money while keeping the temperature indoors at a very comfortable level. Here are 5 ways to save on home heating this winter:

1. Make Sure You Weatherproof Your Home

Cracks and gaps around your doors, windows and chimney will allow warm air to escape and cold air to get in. Purchase a sealant at your local hardware store that is made for sealing these openings. Make sure the sealant is formulated to withstand exposure to the outside air. Sealants will go along way toward saving energy and keeping your home more comfortable. Also check the thresholds of the doors to make sure there is no air gap. Usually, there are adjusting screws to raise the threshold. Check the weatherstripping around the doors to make sure it is not worn. Another energy saving step is buying an inflatable balloon device to prevent warm air from escaping through your chimney.

2. Set The Thermostat At A Lower Temperature

By just setting your thermostat one or two degrees lower, you will save a significant amount of money. Consider lowering the temperature more than a few degrees for the period of time when you are not home or even when you are sleeping. You can always add an extra blanket. Installing a programmable thermostat which can be set to lower the temperature when you leave for the day and to raise the temperature just before you come back home. It can also be programmed to make similar adjustments after you go to bed and just before you wake up.

3. Add More Insulation

Check the insulation in the attic. You may find that it is necessary to add more insulation. Insulation can be purchased in pre-cut sheets that only needs to be put between the rafters. You can take a sample of the attic insulation to an insulation supplier and ask for advice about what kind of additional insulation you need.

4. Maintain Your Furnace

The routine maintenance of your furnace will find the problems that can be fixed to make sure you are not wasting energy. Often, adjusting the burners or making sure the high limit switch is working will prevent the waste of energy. Fan belts should be tightened. These are just some of the furnace parts that determine how much energy the furnace uses.

5. Use The Heat Provided By The Sun

Open the drapes and blinds on the windows that get direct sunlight, so that you can take advantage of this free heat to warm your home.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

5 Common Homeowner Mistakes

Homeowners will often make improvements believing they are adding value to their home, but in the real world of real estate sales, they are not adding value, and they may even be decreasing the value of their home. Of course, if an investment is made for the sole purpose of providing the homeowners with enjoyment, then recovering these investments may not be important. The following 5 common homeowner mistakes are examples that will help you decide if you want to invest in an improvement:

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Installing wall to wall carpeting may add to the pleasure of living in the home, but it will not be a selling feature. In fact, buyers often view carpeting as a negative issue, because carpet is thought to be full of allergens and general household dirt. There is a growing concern over the chemicals used in manufacturing carpet, and the impact these have on the health of the home’s occupants. Color and style is another issue for many buyers because not every one will appreciate your preferences. As carpet ages, it becomes less attractive, and although you may find the carpet to be just fine, buyers may not.

High Priced Upgrades

Buying stainless steel appliances for the kitchen is a significant investment that buyers are not willing to pay for, and particularly if the rest of the kitchen remains unchanged. Even if the kitchen is completely remodeled but the bathrooms are outdated, the home will have a half-finished appearance. Putting high end tile in the foyer without changing the surrounding floor will be a detraction for buyers. Media rooms with surround sound is not something that buyers will be eager to pay for.

Swimming Pools

A swimming pool may make a home worth less than a similar home without a pool. The upkeep and the liability is a deterrent for many buyers. Families with small children will most likely not be interested in a home with a pool. Besides the danger factor, the cost of insurance and maintenance is money people will want to spend elsewhere.

Elaborate Landscaping

A home that has expensive and elaborate landscaping can cause buyers to believe that it will cost a lot of money to maintain the landscaping. if they choose not to spend the money or commit to the labor, then buyers will know that the landscaping will soon become an eyesore. A neat, well trimmed yard with self sustaining trees and shrubs will work fine.

Home Remodels that are Overbuilt for the Neighborhood

Adding a $100,000 remodel or addition to a home in a neighborhood of homes that sell for far less money than the total investment in the remodeled home, will be money lost. Overbuilding for the neighborhood is not going to attract buyers.

The Bottom Line

Every buyer will expect that the HVAC system works. If it is a new system, then the money is not recoverable in the sale price. Any investment in maintenance is something buyers expect.

Before making any investment in your home, discuss it with a real estate agent who knows the local market. You can get solid advice to help you make an important financial decision

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Things To Consider When Moving To A New Home

There are multiple things to in mind when moving to a new home, and these begin with considering the family’s needs and the location where the family will be comfortable living. Every other consideration is based on these two. The importance of planning cannot be overemphasized. The family should consider the following 5 things when moving to a new home.

Determine Your Needs

Moving to a new home requires understanding the size of the home that the family needs. The family has certain needs which are determined by the number and age of the children and whether the future will bring more children into the family. Questions about the need for office and craft spaces are important to consider as well as a formal dining room or just a breakfast area. Should the kitchen be well equipped and open to the rest of the living area? Is a family room required in addition to the living room? What size should the yard be? Moving to a new home requires determining whether all of the rooms should be on one floor?

Plan For Living Your Daily Life In Comfort

Focus on the size of the dining room and the living area. Is there enough room to entertain? Can you walk around without bumping into furniture? Is the counter space adequate? Are the bathrooms adequate for the size of the family. Moving to a new home means moving all of the family’s electronics, and the new home should be equipped to handle these. The garage should be of adequate size with an electronic lift mechanism. A patio or deck may be essential for your life style.

The Location

The location is a primary concern when moving to a new home. Check with the police department for safety statistics and for incident reports in the neighborhood. You may want to check for registered sex offenders living in the area. Will the location result in high insurance rates for the car and the home? Are any city or municipal assessments planned that may cost you more money than you planned for? Check the test scores of the students in the neighborhood school. Check for access to family recreational areas. Is the type of shopping you need nearby?

General Safety Concerns

Moving to a new home means the family must be moving to a safe place; not only a safe neighborhood but also a safe home. Check the home for adequate and safe wiring as well as areas where small children could be injured. Hire a HVAC company to check the safety of the furnace and the flue. The home should be wired for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The home should have enough electrical outlets to avoid overloading a circuit. The electrical panel should have circuit breakers and not fuses.

Examine Your Finances Carefully

You want to be certain that moving to a new home does not stretch the family finances beyond the point at which obligations cannot be met. Consider the increased expenses involved in moving to a new home.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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Friday, September 18, 2015

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Monday, September 14, 2015

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5 Tips For Keeping Your Home Safe While On Vacation

When you and your family are getting ready to take a vacation, it is important to remember how to properly lock up your home and keep it safe. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to protect all of your belongings and prevent a bad situation from happening while you are away. While you go on vacation, take the necessary precautions. Here are a few tips on how to keep your home safe while you are away.

Properly Lock Your House

The first thing any homeowner must do when leaving their home, is lock all of the doors and windows. You can use deadbolts, locking pins or dowels in sliding-glass windows and doors. It’s important to set up a reliable alarm system before you leave home. Test it and make sure it works before you set it and leave on your vacation.

Hire A House Sitter

You need someone to watch over your house. Even if it’s just for a couple of hours a day, its helpful if someone is constantly checking on your house. It can be your close friend or a relative.

3. Make It Appear That Someone Is Home

Even while you are away, it’s important that you keep a couple lights on. The objective is to make it appear that someone is home or that someone is coming home later. This easy tip differs thieves from breaking into your home.

4. Hold Your Mail

If you know you’ll be away from home for a couple of days, it is recommended that you contact your local post office and request that they hold your mail until you are back. It’s important that you inform them of the dates that you will be gone. If you don’t, piled up mail on your doorstep and newspapers on the driveway will alert bystanders that no one is home.

5. Tell The People You Trust To Watch Over Your Home

Generally, it is a good idea to give the people you trust a heads up that you are going out of town. Whether its family, friends, or close neighbors, its important to have people watch over your house. However, it’s important to not be overly broadcasting that you are going out of town; especially to the people you don’t trust. You don’t want to expose yourself and let strangers know your traveling plans.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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Sunday, September 13, 2015

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Monday, September 7, 2015

5 Tips for Renting After Getting Evicted

Have you recently been evicted from your apartment? Are you concerned with how the eviction can damage your rental and credit history? Getting evicted from your apartment isn’t the end of the world. If you follow the proper steps, you will get back on the right track to renting a new place.

Here are a few tips to help you get back to renting after getting evicted:

1. Make Things Right

Always make the necessary amends with your landlord and offer to rectify the situation. It never hurts to try and make things right. You never know, your landlord may be willing to remove the eviction from your credit history if you make the proper payments. Ensure to document the agreement for your future use so as to be on the safe side.

2. Restore Your Credit

The first thing landlords look at when considering a tenant is their credit history. Work on improving your credit in a way that shows you are a potential tenant who is reliable and can meet your payments on time. This means paying any pending credit debt you might have and once it has been cleared, make sure it is removed from your credit report.

3. Make a List of Good References

References are a big part of renting. Some landlords choose to contact all of your references, whereas other landlords don’t contact any and look at other aspects. Even though you have been evicted from one apartment, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have good relationships with other landlords. Make a list of people you make a good impression on and list them as your references. The more reliable the reference is, the better it is for you.

4. Choose Your Landlord Wisely

Make sure you look out for hospitable landlords since there are landlords who will not be willing to rent an apartment to a person who got evicted. Look for rental housing that doesn’t require a background check or credit report. Some landlords only require proof of employment, references, or make your security deposit higher.

5. Always Keep Searching

It is important to remember that getting evicted from an apartment isn’t the end of the world. It may require some damage control, but it doesn’t mean that you can rebuild your credit and get renting again. By remaining positive and persistent to rebuild yourself, you will prevail in finding a new place to rent.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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Monday, August 17, 2015

5 Tips for Selling Your Home

Selling a home is a process that requires a lot of planning on the part of the owner. Simply putting a “For Sale” sign in the front yard will not automatically sell your home, and certainly not for the desired price you are looking to receive. Most of the time, the problem with preparing to sell your home is not grasping the fact that just because you were once satisfied with your home, means that every potential buyer will be equally as satisfied. After all, you have enjoyed your home for a period of time, but your home may appear to lack years of maintenance attention.

Here are a few valuable tips for selling your home for top dollar:

1. Great Curb Appeal Is Essential

Potential buyers will notice the curb appeal first as they drive by looking for property. Without good curb appeal, the buyers will just pass on by. Curb appeal means a well-trimmed and mowed lawn, plenty of colorful flowers planted, and shrubs and trees that are well trimmed. This is one of the most important tips for selling a home.

2. De-clutter Your Home

Homeowners may think that all of their artifacts and mementos from their leisurely vacations look great adorning the bookshelves and other visible places, but the potential buyer may only view this as clutter. De-cluttering your home is an easy way to make it look appealing to potential buyers. The kitchen is another area of the home that can become cluttered. Cook books, cooking utensils, cooking devices and mixers should be stored out of sight. De-cluttering your home will make each room look clean, organized, and more spacious.

3. Move-out Unwanted Furniture

Similarly to items cluttering a room, furniture can do the same. The overuse of furniture makes a room look small and the space poorly planned. Rent a storage locker for a few months and move all of the items that you are willing to remove from the home into the storage unit. For example, furniture items that have been passed down through each generation within your family may appeal to you, but these may not appeal to the potential buyers.

Remove Signs Regarding Political Affiliation

Signs that represent a view on a national debate or can be considered controversial, are best if they are put away before trying to sell your home. Potential viewers should only be focusing on the appearance and functionality of your home, not an opinionated issue. It’s even encouraged to remove any sports memorabilia from your home. Not only can it cause a controversial issue between sporting fans, but it can take away from your home’s overall appearance.

5. Clean Out Your Home

This includes cleaning the carpets and washing or painting the walls. Clean all of the windows and doors in your home. These are simple ways you can impress buyers with the cleanliness of your home, making it look as good as new. Very few buyers will show interest in a home that is dirty, unorganized, or appear to be falling apart. Let alone will they be willing to pay the asking price for a home that appears to have been neglected.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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Monday, August 10, 2015

5 Cost Efficient Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

Many homeowners believe that reducing your home’s negative impact on the planet will cost a lot of money and a lot of time. But, there are many different cost efficient and easy ways to make your home more eco-friendly. Going green doesn’t always require homeowners to spend a significant amount of money on expensive gadgets. Simply by being consciences of the energy that you are using will save you money and prevent waste. Here are 5 easy, cost efficient ways to make your home more eco-friendly.

Replace Your Light bulbs

Homeowners save 66% more energy by replacing incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL) or LED lights. CFL and LED lights only use a fraction of the wattage that incandescent lights use.

Unplug Unnecessary Cords

An easy way to save energy and electricity is to unplug devices and appliances when they are not being used. For example, TVs, radios, phone chargers, coffee pots, toasters, lamps etc. are typically only being used for a small portion of the day and left plugged in. By unplugging unused devices and appliances, you can conserve electricity and save money.

Open The Blinds

Believe it or not, homeowners save 10% of energy on heating when they open the blinds during the day to let the sunlight in. However, when it is necessary to use your heater, every degree that you turn down will save approximately 1% on your energy bill. Sometimes we forget how easy and effective it can be to open the blinds, turn on a fan or a space heater, or simply open the windows in order to control your home’s climate.

Microwave vs. Oven

Microwaves use 50% less energy than a conventional oven. Heating your meals in a microwave rather than an oven is an easy way to conserve energy. Or if a meal requires you to use an oven, try to use both oven racks at the same time to bake, roast, or warm up the food. That way you are using your energy wisely and efficiently. Also, when using an oven, avoid opening and closing the oven door while your meal is cooking! The oven temperature can significantly drop each time you open the door and it uses more energy to reheat.

Conserve Water

Sometimes we forget how easy it is to turn off the faucet while brushing our teeth or when shaving. There are many different ways to conserve energy, whether it’s turning off the faucet, installing a low-flow showerhead, or fixing leaky toilets or showers. Conserving water is an easy way to save money and prevent waste.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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Wednesday, August 5, 2015

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Monday, July 20, 2015

A Guide to Villa Park Real Estate Prices

Investing in Villa Park real estate is one of the best decisions that a prospective home owner can make. This small city, which is known as the hidden jewel, is certainly one of the best locations to buy home in Orange County. Due to its excellent location, property prices in Villa Park are quite high and rank among the highest in the United States of America.

Although the real estate prices are high, it is prudential to invest in Villa Park’s valuable real estate. With the direction and guidance of real estate professionals, you will be able achieve the investment you are looking for. The real estate agents at Prudential Real Estate are knowledgeable on all matters regarding real estate and investments. Their professionals have years of experience that will help lead you to the real estate investment you are looking for, while balancing your financial needs.

It’s of paramount importance that you seek the assistance of a realtor in choosing the exact location of where you should buy your real estate property. Prudential Real Estate professionals are fully knowledgeable about the real estate market and its available properties that suit your tastes, preferences and budget.

A real estate agent can carry out a proper analysis and predict the direction that the real estate market is moving. This way, he or she is able to provide their customers with valuable advice that will help inform the actions which they will take. Realtors have full access to home listings in Villa Park that are only available to fellow real estate agents are aren’t always advertised to the public. Prudential Real Estate professionals will check what’s on offer and produce a list of properties that match the requirements that cater to their customers’ needs.

Villa Park, especially, is an area that offers high-quality real estate that is worth investing in. Aside from its extravagant properties, there are many other desirable aspects of its location suited for every lifestyle.

By working with Prudential Real Estate professionals, you will benefit from their knowledge and expertise of the market, properties, locations and more! They know when it is a buyer’s market, sellers’ market and will tailor the negotiations to suit these needs. For more information regarding buying a home, click on Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page below!

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Monday, July 13, 2015

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Monday, July 6, 2015

Five Practical Tips for a Home Buyer

Make sure you’re home loan is pre-approved

There is a huge difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved for a home loan. Anyone can get pre-qualified for a home loan so getting pre-approved means a lot more and looks a lot better to the home seller. Being pre-approved means that a lender has already looked at all of your finances and has verified how much they can lend you. This saves you a lot of time and money by saving you from looking at houses you can’t afford, it allows you to know your exact price range. Being pre-approved also gives you the opportunity to shop around and find good interest rates and the overall best deal. If you take the time to do your research to find the best loan and get pre-approved you will be in a great position to find a great deal on your new home. If you’re buying a home getting pre-approved will put you ahead of your competition.

Don’t try to time the market

The market is constantly changing and even with market reports it is impossible to accurately anticipate the changes so you don’t want to base your housing decisions on market estimates. The real estate market is cyclical meaning it is constantly going up and down, always changing. If you try to wait for the perfect time you might miss out on your perfect home. If you’re buying a home the right time shouldn’t depend on the timing of the market, it should depend on whether or not you found your dream home.

Avoid sleeper costs

When you’re not simply looking into renting a house but rather buying a home, you need to watch out for sleeper costs. Instead of just having a mortgage cost you need to be aware of the additional costs that come with home ownership. These include property taxes, utilities and homeowner-association fees. Other extra costs you may not be aware of or factoring into your budget include home repairs, maintenance and potential property-tax increases. If you’re searching the market in hopes of buying a home you need to make sure to factor in all of these sleeper costs to avoid potentially losing the house of your dreams.

Give your house a physical

Do you make any large purchases without first inspecting the product? Of course not! So when you’re buying a home make sure to give it a “physical”. Hire a home inspector to check the ins and outs of your potential home. A home inspector will provide you with all of the information you need to know about the home to be able to make a decision on whether or not it is actually in good enough condition to buy and live in. Plus they only cost about 200 dollars. This cost far outweighs the potential cost of issues that could arise if you buy a home without first inspecting it. Plus if they do uncover potential issues you can use them as bargaining power to lower the cost of the house. In the end you will be better off inspecting the home and preparing for any potential issues with the house.

Stalk the neighborhood

One thing often over looked by homebuyers is the neighborhood they are moving into. Before buying a house it is important to basically stalk the neighborhood. You want to visit the area in the morning, afternoon, and evening to see if there are any odd things that won’t fit with your lifestyle. Practice your morning commute and check out the distance to local grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. You also want to be aware of schools in the area. Schools can cause unwanted traffic in the mornings and afternoons and also greatly affect the home’s value, sometimes by as much as 20 percent.

Buying a home is of course a huge decision and you want to make sure you make the most educated, best decision for you and your family. Don’t overlook any possible issues and have all of your questions answered before the decision is made. If you keep these tips in mind chances are you will have a much easier, stress-free home buying process. If you are buying a home you must take the time to do your research and be completely prepared before purchasing your dream home!

For more information regarding buying a home, click on Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page below!

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Monday, June 22, 2015

Orange County Home Trends

New housing trends are about in Orange County and we’ve got the inside scoop on the looks that will you modern, chic, and ahead of the game!

The American Dream is all about homeownership, so we don’t want you to find yourself bored with your home designs and outdated by years. Incorporating the latest design trends into your new home will bring back the happiness and satisfaction you got the first time you bought a house! Keep the American Dream alive and well and check out these new Orange County home trends.

Gold fixtures are one of the hottest trends on the market. Bright gold fixtures are a great accent on white marble counters whether they’re in your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. Utilizing gold fixtures in your home-décor will provide the perfect touch of both class and elegance.

When it comes to textures, cowhide is making a statement. Unique and stylish, you can use cowhide textures for a throw pillow, blanket, or even a rug and it will definitely leave your guests impressed!

And what ever happened to wallpaper? Well it’s making a comeback. With today’s latest technology you are now able to design your own wallpaper using your favorite digital prints which will give you the perfectly customized, exact design to fit your home’s style.

As for accent colors, blue is making a statement. Whether it’s deep shades of navy blue or a simple indigo, the blue accents will make for a warm and inviting living space.

A new housing trend is using mid-century modern elements for statement décor pieces. This trend will keep you ahead of the curve showing off a classic taste. But make sure not to overdo it with these pieces, use them as inspiration, but don’t let them take over your home.

In addition to these current home trends you also want to steer clear of old trends including bright colors, chevron print, solid painted accent walls, and matching furniture. Although these were once the top trends they have now lost their power and have become a part of the past. You want to stay ahead of the curve and show off your new home décor with these up and coming Orange County home trends!

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Tuesday, June 9, 2015

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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

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Sunday, April 26, 2015

33 O.C. Schools Ranked Highly in U.S. List

National rank	School	City
34	Oxford Academy	Cypress
47	Troy High School	Fullerton
102	University High School	Irvine
113	Orange County School of the Arts	Santa ana
156	Northwood High School	Irvine
200	Corona del Mar High School	Newport Beach
231	Woodbridge High School	Irvine
293	Los Alamitos High School	Los Alamitos
336	Sunny Hills High School	Fullerton
337	Tesoro High School	Rancho Santa Margarita
348	Arnold O. Beckman High School	Irvine
365	Laguna Beach High School	Laguna Beach
421	Valencia High School	Placentia
437	Canyon High School	Anaheim
500	San Juan Hills High School	San Juan Capistrano
502	Newport Harbor High School	Newport Beach
520	Mission Viejo High School	Mission Viejo
585	Irvine High School	Irvine
636	Esperanza High School	Anaheim
642	Aliso Niguel High School	Aliso Viejo
645	San Clemente High School	San Clemente
703	El Dorado High School	Placentia
759	Brea Olinda High School	Brea
809	Trabuco Hills	Mission Viejo
827	Foothill High School*	Santa Ana
877	Fountain Valley High School	Fountain Valley
960	Edison High School	Huntington Beach
1026	Villa Park High School	Villa Park
1186	Yorba Linda High School*	Yorba Linda
1213	Sonora High School	La Habra
1227	La Habra High	La Habra
1304	La Quinta High School	Westminster
1314	Huntington Beach High School	Huntington Beach

Newsweek and the Daily Beast are the latest to release a list of the nation’s best high schools.

In Orange County, 33 schools made the cut out of 2,000 total public high schools ranked for college readiness by Newsweek and the Daily Beast. More than 250 schools ranked are in California, according to the Daily Beast.

In Orange County, the top school was Oxford Academy in Cypress, which has ranked No. 1 for multiple years in the Register’s more comprehensive rankings. Oxford Academy was ranked No. 8 in the West by Newsweek and the Daily Beast.

Troy High School ranked No. 9 in the West and No. 2 in Orange County by Newsweek and the Daily Beast. Troy High also took second place in the Register’s rankings this year.

University High School in Irvine ranked No. 23 in the West and No. 3 in Orange County.

Irvine led the county for total selections, with five schools named, including Irvine Unified’s Northwood, Woodbridge Irvine high schools, and Tustin’s Arnold O. Beckman High School.

Newsweek and the Daily Beast looked at graduation rate, college acceptance, standardized test scores, scores and enrollment for advanced college credit exams such as Advanced Placement.

written by: Elysse James

courtesy of: ocregister.com

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Wednesday, April 8, 2015

FIVE REALITIES ABOUT PARENTAL INPUT WHEN BUYING YOUR DREAM HOME

While juggling the complexities of buying your dream home, how can you keep both your emotions and your parents’ in check, so you don’t gain a home and lose the close connection with your parents? PJ Wade shares Five Realities about Parental Input – Wanted and Otherwise – with buyers.

Your parents may be more excited than you are about your plans to buy your first home. How do you curb their enthusiastic interference without offending them?

Parents’ Perspective: Experience makes parents certain they can save you money and disappointment, now and down the road.

When things don’t work out you’ve always turned to them for advice and help—even a bailout—so you can’t blame parents for wanting to head off potential problems that they, as experienced property owners, know can be part of buying real estate.

Parents also know your “bad” habits and how those quirks have gotten you into trouble in the past.

Most important, they genuinely want to save you time and money that could be lost if you insist in “learning the hard way” through buying the wrong property or ending up over your head financially.

Your Perspective: Even with less real estate experience, you are certain you’re ready to take the plunge into home ownership that so many of your friends have successfully taken.

These two sets of certainties can collide to materialize as frustrating stubbornness from the parents’ viewpoint and annoying parental interference from your perspective. This can leave all of you both right and wrong, and unnecessarily upset.

While juggling the complexities of buying your dream home, how can you keep both your emotions and your parents’ in check, so you don’t end up gaining a home and losing the close connection with your parents?

Here are Five Realities about Parental Input – Wanted & Otherwise – When Buying:

#1. Friends who told you they went solo lied

If your friends have parents, the parents chipped in suggestions, warnings, and maybe cash or connections. Whether this was helpful or not, your friends want to be seen as confident grown-up buyers, so you’ll probably never know what really happened during the buy. Understand that savvy buyers want to gather all the “if only we’d known” insights they can from friends and family before signing on the dotted line.

#2. If you listen, you’ll learn

You may have lived in the family home most if not all of your life, but you probably know little about the problems and solutions your parents have lived through. Ask them to give you a tour of the house and property pointing out the problems, so you get a feel for what to look for when you tour listings. Take notes as practice for keeping track of the differences between the 3 or 53 properties you’ll view and as a signal to your parents that you’re listening, so you’ll not need to be continually reminded. Having shared their experiences, your parents will feel they have contributed. They can now relax and back off. You’ll be better prepared than most of your friends were when they started their search.

#3. If money’s involved, learn the terms before you need the dough.

Parents are often generous enough to contribute funds for the downpayment and other expenses, but find out before you start viewing homes what their terms will be. Will they merely want to see the property or will they expect to have veto rights on your choice? Who else will they want to show the home to? Uncle Bill the electrician? Cousin Joan the banker? Understand expectations – yours and theirs – from the start to avoid delay when you’ve found the dream home.

#4. It’s who you know that can make the difference.

Your parents may have close, real-estate-savvy friends who will go out of their way to help you. Acquaintances or less-than-the-best connections may hold you back. It’s up to you to discover who’s who. Take time to learn how professional knowledge and experience can benefit you as you build your buying support team. You’ll then make good decisions, not guilt-driven choices, regarding whom to place your – not your parents’ – trust in.

#5. Even the most knowledgeable parents can’t know all that a real estate professional knows.

If you’re close to your parents, you might decide to involve them in your search for professional support; however, the final choice should be a professional who suits your needs and compliments your style, not your parents. One much-appreciated service is the real estate professional’s expertise in simultaneously involving and detaching parental input. With the professional present at family meetings, your real estate interests and intentions will be heard by your parents. The professional buffer makes even the most emotional transactions survivable. Just let the real estate professional know exactly what your parents’ and your own expectations are. If you’re not sure, the professional can’t be.

Written by: PJ Wade

Courtesy of: realtytimes.com