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Homes Southern California
by Amara Rose |
A Bungalow May Be A Five-Bedroom Home in Southern California!
Southern California is known for its climate, its beaches, its
surfing, its blond and bronzed bods—and its fabulous homes.
Southern California locals may casually refer to their "bungalow"
or cottage, when to anyone else, it's a five-bedroom, five million
dollar home in an exclusive neighborhood. Viva la difference!
That's just part of learning the lifestyle and lingo unique to
Southern California.
Seaside or Inland? Location's Your First Priority
So, if you're sold on moving to Southern California, the first
home-buying decision is always location, location, location.
Do you want to be by the ocean, or inland? While oceanfront properties
tend to be sought-after and expensive, it's important to consider
that landslides, earthquakes and similar challenges can affect
coastal homes. Southern California isn't immune from them simply
because the homeowners are wealthy or have a good insurance policy!
Homeowners Insurance Is Always A Good Bet
Speaking of which, homeowners insurance is certainly a worthwhile
investment. Although if you're well off enough to afford a coastal
home to begin with, perhaps natural disasters don't faze you that
much. After all, you probably also have other homes. Southern
California is one port of call, along with the French Riviera
and Barbados…
Choose A Community That Meets Your Geographic and Personal Preferences
Back to the search. Once you've decided whether to live inland
or seaside, you need to select a county, or community. Do you
want to be very far south, almost to the Mexican border? Then
San Diego, La Jolla, Encinitas and Carlsbad are some coastal communities
where you may want to look for homes. Seaside towns further north
include Ventura and Santa Barbara, the latter being a very well-to-do
area. Southern California inland communities, such as Temecula
and Murrieta, are a draw for many people. The desert and mountains
appeal to those who prefer dryer, warmer weather.
You'd Never Know Oprah Lives In Montecito!
The highest end luxury homes, Southern California-based and elsewhere,
are so secluded you'd never even know they exist. I once drove
down the street in Montecito where Oprah Winfrey lives, and not
only couldn't I see evidence of her house; I couldn't even tell
where the actual property was!
The Right Real Estate Agent Hold the Key to Your Dream Home
Finally, once you've sifted your choices from among seaside and
desert, San Diego and San Bernadino, it's time to find a real
estate agent. The best ones have a sixth sense when it comes to
homes. Southern California natives probably have multiple dwellings
in their blood, along with multiple listings. Then again, an agent
who has learned his or her territory inside out, and takes the
time and trouble to learn what you want, will probably be the
better choice—even if she comes from Milwaukee.
Buy the First Home, And Come Back For Seconds
After all, there's no place like homes. Southern California, by
definition, means more than one. First, find the home of your
dreams. Make an offer. Close escrow. Move in. Then start the enjoyable
search process all over again.
Happy house hunting!
Amara Rose offers life purpose coaching, talks, tapes/CDs, e-courses,
playshops, and a FREE inspirational monthly newsletter, What Shines.
She's also a "business alchemist" who has wordsmithed
everything from white papers to web content. Visit http://www.liveyourlight.comor
e-mail amara@liveyourlight.com.
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