Luxury Home Advice - California Luxury Homes
 |
$4,995,000 |  |
| Country Home, Estate, Wine Country | ||
| Magnificent estate on 1.16 plus or minus acres with timeless beauty and class with-in, gleaming hardwood floors, granite countertops and high ceilings enhance the intricate details that flow throughout. Abundance of hand made and imported features combine beauty and functionality with impressive amenities such as Viking Pro Series appliances in kitchen, built-in audio/video speaker system, custom cabinetry and high efficiency upgrades throughout. Spacious indoor and outdoor living and entertaining spaces provide for the ultimate sanctuary. Porches with spectacular views and covered decks surround home allowing the ambiance of the setting to flow in through the bright windows and spacious floor plan. Amazing vineyard and hillside views grace the four bedroom, three and one-half bath main home as well as the separate sunny and open guest house located above the three car garage with expansive deck overlooking your own Petite Syrah boutique vineyard. | ||
Be Aware Of What Your California Homeowner's Insurance Covers
If you are considering a California luxury home, make sure you have good homeowner’s insurance. In California, where you may find yourself living in areas prone to natural disasters, such as frequent earthquake activity, wildfires, and heavy rains that cause those infamous mudslides, you need to make sure your home and valuables are protected.
Talk at length with your insurance agent about what is covered and what is not, how soon they are willing to pay on claims and which natural disasters are covered and at what percentage.
Get everything in writing and make copies to keep in your home and in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box at your bank.
Your GMAC insurance agent can help you find a real estate professional who can help you through the maze of insurance questions you may have.
Talk at length with your insurance agent about what is covered and what is not, how soon they are willing to pay on claims and which natural disasters are covered and at what percentage.
Get everything in writing and make copies to keep in your home and in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box at your bank.
Your GMAC insurance agent can help you find a real estate professional who can help you through the maze of insurance questions you may have.
California’s Unique Real Estate Market
Perhaps one of the most important things to remember about being a buyer or seller in the California luxury real estate market is that you are in a region where pay scales are high, amenities are numerous, and luxury is the norm.
In many instances, you will have to adjust price scales and expectations accordingly, because the California market is unlike any other in the nation. Luxury homes that can be found in the $500,000-600,000 range in places like Florida or Texas are usually in the $1-2 million range in California. The extra price can often be justified, however, because the style of architecture is usually more elaborate and the amenities more numerous.
Work with your GMAC realtor on a firm price for buying or selling and be sure to stick with it – don't risk getting into a mortgage you cannot afford. Find a luxury home that fits your price range and do not worry about trying to find numerous amenities up front – they can always be added later.
In many instances, you will have to adjust price scales and expectations accordingly, because the California market is unlike any other in the nation. Luxury homes that can be found in the $500,000-600,000 range in places like Florida or Texas are usually in the $1-2 million range in California. The extra price can often be justified, however, because the style of architecture is usually more elaborate and the amenities more numerous.
Work with your GMAC realtor on a firm price for buying or selling and be sure to stick with it – don't risk getting into a mortgage you cannot afford. Find a luxury home that fits your price range and do not worry about trying to find numerous amenities up front – they can always be added later.
California Luxury Homes Should Have Good Security Systems
Security systems go hand-in-hand with California luxury homes. The state is a Mecca for celebrities and power players, many of whom take great pains to protect their property. The same can be said for luxury homeowners.
Before choosing one security company, interview several. Have them do a walk-through of your luxury home and discuss various ways to secure the premise. Point out areas of the home that require the most security, usually bedroom areas and rooms where there are valuables items like jewelry or artwork.
When you interview the security companies, get everything in writing and ask lots of questions. You should fully understand all of your home's security features.
Before you purchase a home, talk with your GMAC realtor about any existing system in that house, and have them assist you in finding a new company. This is not a place to bargain shop; your safety is important, so you might have to pay more for a better company.
Living in a luxury home makes you more vulnerable because your home and the items in it are very valuable.
Before choosing one security company, interview several. Have them do a walk-through of your luxury home and discuss various ways to secure the premise. Point out areas of the home that require the most security, usually bedroom areas and rooms where there are valuables items like jewelry or artwork.
When you interview the security companies, get everything in writing and ask lots of questions. You should fully understand all of your home's security features.
Before you purchase a home, talk with your GMAC realtor about any existing system in that house, and have them assist you in finding a new company. This is not a place to bargain shop; your safety is important, so you might have to pay more for a better company.
Living in a luxury home makes you more vulnerable because your home and the items in it are very valuable.
Invest In Luxury California Real Estate
Since luxury homes are readily available in the California market, consider investing in one, even if you are not looking to relocate. Investment is a great way to bring in extra cash flow and California is a good market. Luxury homes in California are not likely to be affected by rising interest rates or other fluctuations in the market that may affect other parts of the nation.
Amenities are hugely important in a luxury home, so make sure anything you purchase has a large outdoor living area, spacious bedrooms, quality flooring or carpet, good tile work in the kitchen and bathroom areas, and fabulous design. These pluses have been a key reason the California luxury home market has held steady. Many real estate agents agree that it continues to be a sound investment.
Amenities are hugely important in a luxury home, so make sure anything you purchase has a large outdoor living area, spacious bedrooms, quality flooring or carpet, good tile work in the kitchen and bathroom areas, and fabulous design. These pluses have been a key reason the California luxury home market has held steady. Many real estate agents agree that it continues to be a sound investment.
For California Luxury Homes, Location Is Key
In California the layout of cities and towns are much different from other parts of the country, and this can affect your decision-making when you decide to purchase a luxury home.
California towns are spread out. If convenience is important to you, purchase a home close-in to a metro area.
If you do not mind driving, choose a luxury home set farther back in the suburban areas or on one of the infamous rolling hills. Many celebrities choose their luxury homes in neighborhoods that are far away from everything else for the privacy factor.
Work with a realtor to be sure that conveniences that are important to you – such as having a grocery store nearby or having a restaurant just down the street – are within close driving distance. Consider whether or not you have to trade luxury home amenities and privacy for convenience.
Many California communities are made up exclusively of luxury homes, so try looking for your luxury homes in these neighborhoods.
California towns are spread out. If convenience is important to you, purchase a home close-in to a metro area.
If you do not mind driving, choose a luxury home set farther back in the suburban areas or on one of the infamous rolling hills. Many celebrities choose their luxury homes in neighborhoods that are far away from everything else for the privacy factor.
Work with a realtor to be sure that conveniences that are important to you – such as having a grocery store nearby or having a restaurant just down the street – are within close driving distance. Consider whether or not you have to trade luxury home amenities and privacy for convenience.
Many California communities are made up exclusively of luxury homes, so try looking for your luxury homes in these neighborhoods.
Make Sure Your Real Estate Agent is Properly Licensed Under California Law
The rules of real estate vary from state of state. In California, any person who is paid to buy, sell, or lease real estate must have a license.
California grants two types of licenses: a broker’s license and a salesperson license. Either can be referred to as an agent; however, only real estate brokers can receive payment to sell property.
Moreover, sales people can only operate under the guidance of a licensed broker. When choosing a real estate agency for your next luxury home purchase, make sure they are properly licensed under California law. GMAC real estate, which operates all over the U.S., is a good place to begin when searching for an experienced, licensed real estate broker in California.
California grants two types of licenses: a broker’s license and a salesperson license. Either can be referred to as an agent; however, only real estate brokers can receive payment to sell property.
Moreover, sales people can only operate under the guidance of a licensed broker. When choosing a real estate agency for your next luxury home purchase, make sure they are properly licensed under California law. GMAC real estate, which operates all over the U.S., is a good place to begin when searching for an experienced, licensed real estate broker in California.
Advice for Creating a Great Outdoor Living Area for Your California Luxury Home
California’s climate allows residents to spend a great deal of time outdoors, and this means beautiful, elaborate outdoor living spaces in California luxury homes. Here are some tips for setting up a great outdoor space in your California luxury home:
• Make a portion of your outdoor space an extension of your kitchen. From souped-up grills and outdoor cooking utensils to trendy table sets, you can create an amazing outdoor kitchen area.
• Lighting is everything, so be sure there is plenty of it. Tiki torches, twinkle lights spread along your fence, and outdoor lamps all help to create a rich, cozy environment.
• Install insect-repellent materials, such as mosquito torches, to keep you and your guests more comfortable.
• Construct an outdoor storage area. Keep extra towels, pool accessories, extra kitchen materials, and more in this area for added convenience.
The right outdoor space is perfect for entertaining family and friends or simply unwinding after a long day, so invest time and resources to make it the best space for your luxury home.
• Make a portion of your outdoor space an extension of your kitchen. From souped-up grills and outdoor cooking utensils to trendy table sets, you can create an amazing outdoor kitchen area.
• Lighting is everything, so be sure there is plenty of it. Tiki torches, twinkle lights spread along your fence, and outdoor lamps all help to create a rich, cozy environment.
• Install insect-repellent materials, such as mosquito torches, to keep you and your guests more comfortable.
• Construct an outdoor storage area. Keep extra towels, pool accessories, extra kitchen materials, and more in this area for added convenience.
The right outdoor space is perfect for entertaining family and friends or simply unwinding after a long day, so invest time and resources to make it the best space for your luxury home.
Property SearchFind an AgentLuxury ResourcesSell Your Luxury HomeLuxury Real Estate Links
About UsContact UsPrivacyTerms of UseSite Map
©2008 GMAC Home Services, LLC. Most Firms Independently Owned and Operated.
GMAC is a registered service mark.
Equal Housing Opportunity Provider