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.