Custom Home in Beautiful Leona Valley
You won't want to miss this new listing! The 3,976-square-foot Leona Valley property is situated on 11+ pine-studded acres well above the street for ultimate privacy and amazing views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The large lower lot is cleared and has endless potential; it could accommodate an orchard/vineyard/livestock easily! The six water lines are in and ready to supply your needs. Plus, the 420 panel fully-paid NRG solar system keeps the electric bill at about $125 a month or less. Your new address has a large master suite and two junior-size master bedrooms. The master bath has an over-sized Jacuzzi tub you can float in and a Finlandia sauna. There are large lower and upper decks for entertaining, as well as a Hot Spring spa on the upper deck under the gazebo. The kitchen boasts granite counter tops, double Thermadore ovens and a cook top. The huge side-by-side GE Monogram fridge/freezer and GE wine cooler are a cook's dream. And, the awesome bonus room with room for a pool table is waiting for your customization! You'll also enjoy two wood-burning fireplaces, two outdoor sheds with power to set up work shops and too much more to mention! Don't miss out on this beautiful home.
Tyler Varner of RE/MAX of Santa Clarita 244-7677

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Getting Pre-approved for a Loan
isn't Always a Piece of Cake
Summer is when the market really heats up; this is when discussion often includes the topic of being pre-approved by a good local lender. There is a difference between "pre-approved" and "pre-qualified." A pre-qualification is essentially analogous to telling someone the basic ingredients of a cake and declaring, "Sounds good, right?" A pre-approval is much more in-depth. It breaks down the ingredients and analyzes those ingredients for items which you might have a severe reaction.
Things you might like is your brand-new well-paying hourly job. Or your new position that is now paying a bonus for the first time. Or support payments which will be ending in just over a year... and therefore aren't that important to mention in the ingredient list. Or a cash gift from a long-lost cousin which came in the nick of time to fund your down payment! I mention these details because these are the types of things that can ruin your loan recipe.

You see, a good pre-approval will have asked the questions that often don't come up in a casual conversation on a loan qualification. A new hourly position or bonus lacks the history for an underwriter to determine consistency of income. Support payments are considered a debt and are considered in the qualifying ratios. Any funds to close a transaction must be sourced. Cash gifts are next to impossible to paper trail to their source. Make certain you take all the necessary steps and provide the documentation requested by your loan officer. An excellent up-front pre-approval will make your loan transaction unexciting... just the way they should be!
Andy Boron of Augusta Financial 291-2242

Finding the Right Contractor
Finding a great contractor can seem a daunting task. There are a lot of important factors in hiring the correct contractor for the job. First, make sure they have a license. This information is available online at www.cslb.ca.gov/. Next, do your research on Yelp or Google for reviews of the contractor. You can also search your local authorities for any complaints posted on the contractor in question. Be sure you get bids from multiple contractors. This will help raise the bar for the project, expose line items that may have been missed and keep each contractor accountable. Beware of low bids. Lower bids may sound great, but there is usually a reason, such as the materials being low quality or the company being under insured. Give some thought to the bids and don't be afraid to ask what materials the contractor will be using. Last, request proof of their insurance coverage. Make sure the insurance is large enough to cover your project, check for worker's compensation, contractor's liability and general liability.

Getting the best contractor for your job is important! National Property Management Group can help with vetting the right contractor for the job.
National Property Management Group 295-5966

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How to Help Kids Adjust to the Move
Moving is particularly hard on children because, no matter the age, they are developing an independent self, a process which is disrupted during a relocation. Here are a few suggestions that will help children of all ages decrease the severity of this disruption: Inform your children throughout the entire process. Let them know when you first decide to move and why. Include them while making plans. Help them to become familiar with their future home. Doing so will allow plenty of time to process the changes, which will take longer for children than for adults.
Discuss openly positive and negative feelings before and after the move. Maintain routines as much as possible. Give your children control where possible, such as decorating their new room. Give each child their own personal address book to keep in touch with old friends as well as a personalized "Moving Day" bag, complete with security items and activities. As soon as possible, once you have arrived in your new home, take a break to sit and relax with your family. Most importantly, be patient as you and your family ride this emotional rollercoaster over the next few months, possibly up to 16 months for a full adjustment.
Camelot Moving & Storage 255-3112

Sand Canyon Stunner
You won't want to miss this captivating, grand single-story pool home with an excellent end-of-street location. Boasting a huge lot with RV parking, your new four-bed, four-bath, plus-office home is approximately 4,264 square feet. Gander at the gorgeous classic formal living and dining rooms and then saunter to the game room - complete with a bar! The efficient kitchen features stainless-steel appliances, granite counter tops, pull outs in the cabinets, a double oven, a sub-zero refrigerator, walk-in pantry with sub-zero freezer and so much more. The newer tile is so pretty! Every bedroom has a walk-in closet and secondary bedrooms have their own baths. The fantastic private yard includes a sparkling pool and spa as well as two fabulous fire pits. There are two air conditioning units for your comfort, plus two water heaters, a central vacuum and soft-water unit, too. Bonus: This home has tons of storage throughout the house and garage. You won't be disappointed! Listed at $1,099,999
Kathy Watterson of RE/MAX Santa Clarita knows that relationships matter. Put her 28 years of experience to work for you. 510-0321