Home Tips

Finding the Right School and the Right Home

If you’re looking to move, finding the right home and school are a few simple steps away. You can read my latest article on finding the right school for Anaheim Moms Blog here.

Finding the right home can also be tied to the schools in the area as well. Why? Because people tend to think that if the real estate market softens, school districts with great ratings are often viewed as an added layer of protection for the home’s value.

Good schools are often based on zip code and a simple search will aid in the process, however I encourage you to read my article on this subject for more details if you are indeed looking for a home to fit your needs.

Finding the right home depends on the REALTOR® helping guide your journey. Some things to consider when hiring an agent:

  1. Ask Questions: How well do they know the area? How long have you been in business? How many families have you helped in the selling/buying process?
  2. How well are they hearing your needs?  I encourage my clients to make a list of their needs and wants in a property. What’s non-negotiable? Ask the agent for feedback and what they heard. They should be able to cut through the list and confirm your needs.
  3. Look up their reviews. Even new agents can have character reviews online. Google them!
  4. Confirm their license is in good standing.
  5. Ask for the agent’s schedule: make sure they can accommodate your needs as a buyer or seller, and your timeline for purchasing or listing.
Heather Moulden Yorba Linda Realtor

Are You Thinking of Updating Your Yard?

Did you know that according to California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) 94% of homeowners want to create a unique space for their yard? Most of which are turning to low-maintenance plants and shrubs that require little water and up-keep.

If you’re thinking about updating your yard, here are some things to take into consideration:

  1. What type of shade or sun happens in your yard? Monitor your yard for a couple of days to make sure that you fully understand your yard’s sun and shade patterns throughout the day.
  2. Location, location, location. Did you know that rats can jump from trees and climb on your roof and enter your attic? If tree branches are close enough to the home or roof line, they can jump – yes jump – to your home. Take extra precaution as to not plant trees too close to the roof line.
  3. Do you have a pool? Make sure to pick trees, shrubs and plants that are best for the space. Trees with lots of foliage or plants that bloom regularly are probably not the best. In Orange County right now Bougainvillea is very popular, but the dead flowers can get stuck in pool filters and cause a lot of damage for your pool. Plants to consider for around the pool include:
    • Trees: podocarpus, palm, citrus and fruitless olive trees
    • Succulents: aloe, echeveria and even plumeria
    • Grasses: fescue or bamboo
    • Plants: hibiscus, bird of paradise, papyrus
  4. Real or fake grass? There are pros and cons for both. Real grass can become patchy, die off from animal urine, and requires regular maintenance. Fake grass can be hot to touch in direct sun/high heat environments, so consider little feet playing on the grass and dogs that have to use it for the bathroom. Fake grass can also have an odor if pets use it to go to the bathroom and can be hard to clean.
  5. Toxic plants? Yes, certain vegetation can be harmful for pets and children. When we moved into our home, our dogs had the freedom to roam their new backyard, but one of our dogs ended up very sick and in the hospital overnight from eating a poisonous plant we had in our yard, yet had no idea of its effects. Plants to avoid or use with caution:
    • Rhubarb
    • Wisteria
    • Lillies
    • Daffodil
    • Hydrangea
    • There are others, so please research further for a full list if you’re worried about pets and kids!
  6. Trying to create curb appeal in the front yard?
    • If you have a homeowner’s association, make sure to stick within their parameters for planting to avoid fines.
    • Trim back trees or shrubs near windows or doors in order to prevent someone from breaking and entering.
    • Beds and boarders help to create the most distinct looks and outline a great yard.
    • Plants native to the environment will thrive the most.