Should I buy a home before getting married or not?

Are you tired of hearing the same old "get married and then buy a house" narrative? Well, guess what? You don't have to follow the traditional path. In fact, buying a home before tying the knot might be the smartest move you'll ever make. But, as with everything in life, there are pros and cons to consider. So, let's take a closer look. Pros of Buying a Home Before Marriage Financial Benefits One of the biggest advantages of buying a home before getting married is the financial benefits. You'll have the opportunity to build equity and start building wealth together. And, let's face it, who doesn't want to be a homeowner? Owning a home can also be a great tax write-off, which can save you thousands of dollars each year. Sense of Independence Buying a home before getting married gives you a sense of independence that you won't get if you're renting or living with family. You'll have the freedom to decorate and renovate your home as you see fit, without having to consult with anyone else. Plus, you'll have your own space to call your own. Investment Opportunity Buying a home is one of the best investments you can make. And, if you do it before getting married, you'll have the opportunity to invest in a property that has the potential to increase in value over time. You can also rent out a portion of your home to bring in extra income. Cons of Buying a Home Before Marriage Financial Risk While there are financial benefits to buying a home before getting married, there are also financial risks. If the relationship doesn't work out, you'll be stuck with the house and the mortgage payments. And, if you can't afford to make those payments on your own, you could be facing foreclosure. Legal Complications When you buy a home with someone you're not married to, there can be legal complications if the relationship ends. You'll need to work out who gets the house and how much each person is entitled to. This can be a long and complicated process, especially if you don't have a prenuptial agreement in place. Lack of Commitment Buying a home before getting married can also be seen as a lack of commitment. Some people might see it as a way to test the waters before tying the knot. And, if one person is not fully committed to the relationship, it could lead to problems down the road. In conclusion, buying a home before getting married has its pros and cons. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision. If you're financially stable and committed to the relationship, it could be a smart move. But, if you're not ready for the commitment, it might be best to wait until you're ready to tie the knot. Whatever you decide, make sure it's the right decision for you and your partner.   About the author- Kelly Corsino is an entrepreneur who has launched severalsuccessful companies and is a full time Realtor living her best life byhelping others live theirs! She and her dog GG The Wonderdog reside in Long Beach CA.  

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Moving To Long Beach? Here Are 14 Things You Should Know BEFORE Making A Move

Long Beach. The name conjures images of an easy coastal life, with fine sunny weather almost all year round. Originally named Willmore City, this coastal town and port in Southern California was renamed to give a worthy nod to its wide- LONG beaches. The introduction of the Pacific Trolley in 1902 caused the city to grow both as a resort town and a business hub.   Subscribe to Coastal Living by Kelly YouTube channel.     Are you ready to find out about the 14 facts you should know before moving to Long Beach? Well, then… let’s do this!   14 fun facts you should know about Long Beach 1. Demographics Long Beach is a city located in Los Angeles County California. With a 2020 population of 467,638, it is the 7th largest city in California and the 41st largest city in the United States. The population breakdown is as follows: 35.8% Hispanic, 33.1% White, 14.5% Black, 11.9% Asian, and 4.7% all other ethnicities. Long Beach is currently growing at a rate of 0.10% annually and its population has increased by 0.19% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 466,742 in 2020. Spanning over 80 miles, Long Beach has a population density of 9,224 people per square mile. Inclusive fact: In December 2021, for the 10th straight year, Long Beach was named one of the best cities in the nation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer inclusion in municipal law and policy, earning a perfect score and 11 bonus points.  2. Weather In Long Beach, the summers are short, warm, arid, and clear and the winters are long, cool, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 48°F to 82°F and is rarely below 42°F or above 91°F.  The warm season lasts for 2.9 months, from June 30 to September 27, with an average daily high temperature above 79°F. The hottest month of the year in Long Beach is August, with an average high of 82°F and a low of 64°F. The coldest month of the year in Long Beach is December, with an average low of 49°F and a high of 66°F. Cool fact: In Long Beach, the cool season lasts for 4.1 months, from November 25 to March 30, with an average daily high temperature below 69°F.   3. Housing Housing prices in Long Beach are 127% higher than the national average, and utility prices are 7% higher than the national average. That said, Long Beach has the least expensive rents in the Los Angeles metro, with a two-bedroom median of $1,959; rents decreased 0.2% over the past month but were up 9.6% over the past year. Long Beach rents have declined 0.2% over the past month, but are up sharply by 9.6% in comparison to the same time last year. Currently, median rents in Long Beach stand at $1,542 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,959 for a two-bedroom. Long Beach's year-over-year rent growth leads to the state average of 7.0%, as well as the national average of 7.5%.  Skinny fact: Long Beach is home to the nation's skinniest house. The aptly nicknamed Skinny House at 708 Gladys Avenue (corner of 7th Street) in the Rose Park neighborhood of Long Beach, California, United States, is a narrow three-story house that has been cited by both the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley's Believe It or Not as the nation's skinniest house.  4. Healthcare When planning your budget in Long Beach, account for proper medical care, as healthcare in Long Beach is 11% higher than the national average. A single adult without children will pay around $2,288 for medical care annually while working adults with two children will pay $7,559. In addition, childcare for this family will cost $30,666.72 per year.  Useful fact: There are 127 hospitals in or near Long Beach. They cater to different kinds of sicknesses. This means you may not have to travel outside the city to receive medical care. 5. Cost of living The cost of living in Long Beach, in particular, is known to be 43% higher than the national average. Before rent, a single person's estimated monthly costs are $987, while a family of four’s estimated monthly costs are $3,551. The living rate in Long Beach is $21.61 per hour, which is the basic wage needed to pay for essentials like housing, food, and necessities. Don’t forget to account for extra costs like dining and entertainment, as they are not a part of the living wage when calculating your budget. Useful fact: Long Beach has grocery prices that are 13% higher than the national average. 6. The job market In Long Beach, in August 2022, the civilian labor force employed 494,500 persons, and the unemployment rate was 4.9%. In the same month, total nonfarm employment was 450,000. Of this, persons employed in the mining and logging sector were 1,600; those in construction were 15,800; persons in manufacturing were 32,180; persons in trade, transportation, and utilities were 85,240; persons employed in the information sector were 23,000; persons in financial activities were 21,390; persons in professional and business services were 66,490; persons in education and health services were 87,240; persons in leisure and hospitality industry were 50,170; other services accounted for 15,430 persons; and government accounted for 52,950 persons.  Employment fact: With a team of more than 12,000 full-time and part-time employees, the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) is the largest employer in Long Beach. 7. Business Long Beach is the sixth-largest city in California, and it is located between Los Angeles County and Orange County. The geographic factor made it easier for business owners in Long Beach to prospect clients from the surrounding areas. Of course, the growing economy in Long Beach helps businesses thrive and Long Beach is a city that is business-friendly. TED fact: In 2009, the prestigious TED Conference moved to Long Beach for a five-year annual engagement, bringing notable luminaries in Technology, Entertainment, and Design to speak on “Ideas Worth Spreading.”  8. Safety Long Beach's crime index is 12. This simply means that it is safer than 12% of U.S. cities.  Long Beach is a relatively safe place to visit. However, the city is not devoid of crime. Long Beach grapples with crimes like assault and robbery. Downtown Long Beach may have a significantly higher crime rate than other neighborhoods. This is despite the area ranking top in the list of areas that receives the highest number of tourists. In Downtown neighborhoods, standard crime reports include car break-ins, petty theft, and bike and auto theft. Avoid leaving your valuables unattended or in plain sight. Doing so puts you or your belongings at risk Useful fact: Long Beach holds many events and local attractions that bring in loads of local and international tourists. If you observe wise security measures and keep your head up, you can have a good time in this city.  9. Education Long Beach has seven schools servicing a school population of approximately 3500 students, and 10 colleges. The district consists of one pre-kindergarten school, four elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and an adult learning center. Long Beach has its fair share of big schools, but Polytechnic High School is the biggest with 4,464 students. The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has earned a reputation as one of America's finest school systems, winning many awards as a national and international model of excellence. Established in 1885 with fewer than a dozen students meeting in a borrowed tent, LBUSD now educates nearly 68,000 students, from preschool to high school, in 85 public schools located in the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Avalon on Catalina Island.  Educational fact: LBUSD is the fourth largest school district in California, and dozens of languages are spoken by local students.  10. Recreation Long Beach, the great outdoors is right at your doorstep. Cruise 5.5 miles of breathtaking waterfront by bicycle, blade, or foot and enjoy everything that makes the Southern California surf and sand famous. Jet skis, kayaks, boats, wind surfboards, and more are all just a rental away to help you conquer the waterways and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the coast. When you want to watch the pros in action, come and experience the heart-thumping roar of turbo-charged engines at the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine serve the community with recreation programs and services that are offered at 169 parks with 26 community centers, two historic sites, 69 tennis courts and two major tennis centers (including the Billy Jean King Tennis Center), one of the busiest municipal golf systems in the country with five courses, the Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau, the largest municipally operated marina system in the nation and six miles of beaches.  Are you a standup comedy? Enjoy the Laugh Factory located at Pike Outlets. The outlets also host a range of events throughout the year, including the Urban Hive farmers market every fourth Friday of the month. Fun fact: Long Beach attracts approximately six million visitors each year.  11. Retail  Long Beach's "Retro Row" is the go-to place for vintage freaks. Situated along 4th Street between Walnut and Junipero, it is a three-block collection of shops where you will find retro threads and other vintage hard-to-find apparel. On the other hand, Second Street offers shoppers a mile and a half of retail therapy from specialized boutique shops and well-known retailers such as The Body Shop and the Banana Republic.  Pike Outlets has a treat for shoppers with retailers like Nike, Converse, Gap, Restoration Hardware Outlet, H&M, and Columbia Sportswear. It has restaurants and shops in a pedestrian-friendly setting. Pike Outlets underwent a $65 million update in 2015.  Shopaholics' fact: Long Beach was named one of the Most Walkable Neighborhoods in America by WalkScore.com as it is an ideal location to stroll and shop.  12. Social amenities Long Beach is well-suited for seniors who enjoy outdoor living. With year-round temperatures ranging between 46 and 79 degrees, this city is rated 9.3 out of 10 on Sperling’s Comfort Index, which is considerably higher than state and national scores. This city is also a relatively affordable place to receive health care services, which may benefit seniors who are managing chronic conditions. It also has assisted living amenities for those in need of such facilities.  For book lovers, the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) has provided free and equal access to information, education, innovation, and community since 1896. With hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from and an impressive selection of digital content, their collections of books, movies, music, audiobooks, and magazines are free to browse, borrow, stream, and download for all library card holders. Fun fact: LBPL operates Family Learning Centers to support lifelong learning, and academic, and career success. Their studios are tech hubs inspiring new ideas and creative problem-solving. They provide access to computers, high-speed internet, and digital tools.  13. Transport Long Beach has public transportation in the form of buses with routes within Long Beach and routes to surrounding areas. Long Beach is also home to the Metro Blue Line train with service to downtown Los Angeles. There are also ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, besides car rentals.  Additionally, the City of Long Beach is taking steps toward becoming the most bike-friendly city. To this end, Long Beach has its own Bikestation for those who wish to travel by bike, rent a bike, get information to plan a trip or have a convenient place to park their bike. Bikestation Long Beach was the first facility of its kind. Parking fact: Long Beach is every lawn lover's paradise, as it is unlawful to park on a front lawn. Open parking is permitted only on paved areas in front of the garage or in the rear 2/3 of a lot.  14. Partner city of LA28 Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics in 2028, from July 21 to August 6. The games have been christened, LA28. Multiple sports will be held in Long Beach during the 2028 Summer Olympics, including BMX racing, water polo, triathlon, open water swimming, sailing, and handball.  Sporting fact: The Olympics leads to an increase in jobs supporting the event. A rise in tourism and hospitality services (during non-pandemic years). An increase in trade can yield an increase in foreign investment. What to do next if you’re considering moving to Long Beach… If you are considering buying Long Beach Real Estate or selling Long Beach Real Estate, make it easy on yourself and contact Kelly Corsino and schedule an appointment.  You can also follow her on her website, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram for more information.

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Millenials! 5 Things To Consider Before Buying Real Estate In 2023

Yo millennials! So you're thinking about jumping into the wild world of homeownership? Before you make any moves, there are a few things you need to consider to avoid ending up in a financial pit. First up, let's talk about your moolah. Yeah, we know it's not the most exciting topic, but it's crucial. Homeownership is a major investment, so you gotta make sure you have the funds to back it up. Check your income, savings, and any outstanding debts or expenses you've got. And don't forget to peep your credit score, cuz it can make or break your ability to snag a mortgage or get a competitive interest rate. Now let's talk about your vibe. Do you have a big crew or love to host parties? Then a crib with extra bedrooms and living spaces might be what you need. Or maybe you're more of a minimalist? In that case, a smaller pad could be your jam. But it's not just about the size, homies. Think about your daily routine, your job, your commute, and how your crib can fit into your lifestyle. What about your future plans? You plan on staying in the same spot for a minute, like say, at least two years or more (capital gains taxes can be wicked!) If you're not sure, it might be wise to buy something you can rent out if you decide to roam. Think about your long-term goals. Starting a family? Look for a spot with a bigger yard or in a top-notch school district. And don't forget to do your research on the real estate game in your area. Check out the prices, trends, and interest rates. It can have a huge impact on your monthly mortgage payment, so don't ignore it... pssst... can you say "Realtor?" Last but not least, let's talk about the costs of homeownership. It's not just about the initial cost, my peeps. You gotta think about the ongoing expenses, like mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance, and repairs cuz aint no landlord comin' to fix that sh#t when it breaks. Hey, I'm not trying to scare you away from homeownership. It could be a sick investment for your future fo sho. But you gotta be smart about it. Consider all the factors before making a decision. And remember that there are different types of properties out there. Maybe a condo or townhouse could be a more affordable option. Or you could even team up with a friend or family member to lock it down. Just make sure you have a clear agreement in place to avoid any drama. These are all jumping off points to consider. Talk to family and friends who have done well with their real estate purchases and definitely sync up with a kick arse realtor... wink wink nudge nudge say no more ;-) About the author- Kelly Corsino is an entrepreneur who has launched several successful companies and is a full time Realtor living her best life by helping others live theirs! She and her dog GG The Wonderdog reside in Long Beach CA.      

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