Carl & Arda Clark, Beach City Brokers

Carl & Arda Clark, Beach City Brokers DRE Licenses 01181754 & 01097490

What Is A Breach Of Covenant?A covenant is a binding contractual agreement between two parties to do or not to do a spec...
03/27/2025

What Is A Breach Of Covenant?

A covenant is a binding contractual agreement between two parties to do or not to do a specified act. Covenants are usually enforceable by the courts if they are reasonable, clear, definite and lawful.

A breach of covenant is the failure to obey a previously agreed-upon legal arrangement that was created honestly and in good faith. When one party to a contract refuses to uphold their obligation as spelled out in that covenant, that party is in breach.

In real estate, a breach of covenant most often occurs when a buyer or seller backs out of a contract to buy or sell a home. A breach can also occur when either individual fails to perform any of the terms of a purchase contract. Breaching a contract should be taken seriously. The party who has suffered from the breach usually has recourse in a court of law, where the legal remedy could result in monetary damages being awarded.

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Seven New Fire Hardening Methods In Wake Of Recent FiresBack in 2022, California suffered a series of wildfires. The res...
02/02/2025

Seven New Fire Hardening Methods In Wake Of Recent Fires

Back in 2022, California suffered a series of wildfires. The response from the government was to require proof from homeowners that the structure met current fire safety guidelines, including a five-foot 'defensible space' surrounding the structure where no combustible materials should be present. Unfortunately, the recent fires in California have proven that simply requiring proof of meeting existing guidelines wasn't enough. Our fire safety needs to improve, and with that come seven new methods of fire hardening. While these aren't legally mandated, they are certainly recommended and your homeowner insurance may start to require them.

Three of the new recommendations focus on the defensible space. In addition to avoiding placing or building using combustible materials within a five-foot defensible space, such materials or vegetation also should not be placed underneath decks. The defensible space should also be extended vertically as well as horizontally, to six inches underneath the exterior surface of the building. Additional buildings should not be constructed using combustible materials within 30 feet of the main structure, if the lot is large enough to build them farther away. The remaining four recommendations are specific materials or upgrades: a Class-A Fire Rated Roof, enclosed eaves, fire-resistant vents, and multi-pane windows.

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How To Conserve Heat In The WinterThough much of California doesn’t experience temperatures below freezing, winter is no...
12/13/2024

How To Conserve Heat In The Winter

Though much of California doesn’t experience temperatures below freezing, winter is noticeably cooler than the rest of the year even in the most temperate areas of the state. So regardless of where you live, you may want to conserve heat in the cooler months. The easiest and fastest way to do this is by turning on the heater, but it’s most certainly not the most energy efficient way. It’s also easy to combine multiple methods.

There are a couple of cheap and relatively easy options. One is to reseal your doors and windows. Over time, the caulk and weatherstripping around doors and windows may begin to degrade. This may seem like a minor issue, but even small cracks or holes can result in heat loss. Make sure to replace damaged weatherstripping or recaulk. The other is to purchase thermal curtains. Thermal curtains are not particularly expensive, and are effective at trapping heat inside. This is especially the case if you don’t have dual-pane windows.

Some options cost nothing at all. An option that many people never think of is to change the direction of ceiling fans. Many people with ceiling fans are aware that they can go both directions, but most don’t realize that a low-speed clockwise rotation will push warm air down from the ceiling to which it has naturally risen. Closing the doors in rooms that aren’t in use also helps, by reducing the space in which warm air is distributed. However, this is more effective if you are already using a heating system. The last option is passive solar heating. This refers to opening curtains during the day, when the sun is shining into the home and raising the ambient temperature, and closing them at night to trap the heat inside. Thermal curtains can certainly help with this, but any curtains will do.

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Six Important Things To Look For When Viewing A HomeWhen viewing a potential new home, it’s important to look past the s...
11/30/2024

Six Important Things To Look For When Viewing A Home

When viewing a potential new home, it’s important to look past the surface and spot any hidden issues to make an informed decision. Here are six key things to keep an eye on.

Prioritize the things you can’t change easily. It’s easy to be distracted by the current residents’ taste in decor, but focus on the layout, light and space instead. Remember, you can change paint colors and furniture, but structural elements are much harder to fix.

Check for water damage. Look closely at ceilings and walls and under sinks for any signs of water damage, such as stains, peeling paint or black mold. These can indicate leaks, plumbing issues or damp problems that could lead to costly repairs later.

Inspect for cracks. Small hairline cracks can be harmless, but larger or zigzagging cracks could signal serious structural problems. Check around windows, doors and the foundation for any significant damage.

Test the windows. Make sure windows open and close smoothly and check for drafts, condensation or fog between double panes. Poor window conditions can lead to energy inefficiency and higher heating bills.

Sniff out strange smells. Unusual smells, such as mustiness or sewage, can indicate hidden problems such as mold or drainage issues. Be sure to ask about any odors that seem off.

Assess storage space. Don’t forget to evaluate the storage available. Open closets, check for attic or basement access, and ensure there’s enough space for your belongings.

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View on our website: https://beachcitybrokers.net/articles/six-important-things-to-look-for-when-viewing-a-home

How To Decide On The Right Home Security Option For YouThere’s a wide range of surveillance systems that can improve you...
11/25/2024

How To Decide On The Right Home Security Option For You

There’s a wide range of surveillance systems that can improve your home security. Not all of them will be the right fit for every situation or homeowner. There are lower cost and higher cost options, and some require more or less technical know-how. You also always have the option to hire a professional installer if you need help.

Besides simply not having any security at all, the lowest cost option is a fake security camera. These won’t record anything, but may act as a deterrent. They’re also easy to install. If you want some actual recorded evidence, but don’t want to spend too much, wired cameras are the way to go. It’s difficult to move them once they’re installed, and the wire is a liability, but they don’t cost as much as wireless security systems and you probably won’t need a professional to install them. Wireless security systems are more flexible, but will need a bit of technical savvy to make the most of their features.

There are also some options adapted to specific uses, as well as packages geared towards different levels of technical knowledge. Night-vision cameras use infrared to monitor conditions in low light, though the images will be in black and white. Some advanced cameras may have both daytime and night-vision modes. Covert cameras are mainly for indoor use, as they can be hidden inside the home to keep an eye on the situation while you are away. These can be useful if you have a babysitter or housekeeper. If you don’t have much knowledge of security cameras, there are plug-and-play home surveillance camera kits you can purchase that have everything you need to get started along with an instruction manual, and are available for both wired and wireless systems. For those with some more expertise, there are advanced products available, such as quad processors that allow you to network camera systems, remote monitoring tools, DVR recorders, and other accessories.

Photo by Josh Shaw on Unsplash

View on our website: https://beachcitybrokers.net/articles/how-to-decide-on-the-right-home-security-option-for-you

Take Full Advantage of Open HousesIf you’re looking to buy a new home, open houses can provide you with many opportuniti...
11/22/2024

Take Full Advantage of Open Houses

If you’re looking to buy a new home, open houses can provide you with many opportunities to make your new-home hunt more fruitful. You can learn about the sellers, the neighborhood and the details of the home. If you’re able to, try to time your visit for when there are very few lookers roaming through the house. In a hot market, an open house may be the only time to see a property.

Any time you’re going to an open house, you’re looking at the home. You should also be learning, though, not just looking. Walking through a home will help determine what amenities you can afford at a certain price. You can make market comparisons by visiting several open houses.

Don’t just pay attention to the home itself. Be tuned in to the conversations of other visitors, and you will benefit from the insight of others about the home and the neighborhood. If you can get one-on-one time with the listing agent, find out all you can about the seller and the motivation behind selling the house.

The home’s surroundings are also important. Get to know a prospective neighborhood by taking a walk through it. You will be able to see the pride of ownership, learn the traffic patterns and find out more from meeting some of the neighbors.

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View on our website: https://beachcitybrokers.net/articles/take-full-advantage-of-open-houses

Risks And Regulations Concerning Lead PoisoningOne may think that with advances in infrastructure and healthcare, lead p...
10/24/2024

Risks And Regulations Concerning Lead Poisoning

One may think that with advances in infrastructure and healthcare, lead poisoning is a thing of the past. That’s not quite true, especially given the potential age of some homes. Lead-based paint was quite popular prior to 1978, and may still be present in homes built before then. That was less than fifty years ago, and homes can last quite some time, so there are still a lot of homes built before 1978.

That’s why there are regulations in place. Federal law mandates three specific actions when selling a home built before 1978. One is disclosure obligations. The seller must provide any information they are aware of regarding the use of lead-based paint in their home, including any test result and abatement efforts. The second is a required form in the contract that outlines information about lead-based paint. Finally, buyers will have up to ten days to conduct a lead inspection or risk assessment. In anything is found, this will be necessary for their repair or mitigation negotiations.

You may also be wondering what exactly lead poisoning looks like. The symptoms can differ between children and adults, and are much more severe for children. In either case, they occur due to exposure over a period of months or years. In children, lead poisoning can affect brain development, leading to slowed growth, learning disabilities, or behavioral issues. It can also cause hearing problems. In adults, lead poisoning can result in high blood pressure, muscle and joint pain, digestive issues, and problems with memory or concentration.

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View on our website: https://beachcitybrokers.net/articles/risks-and-regulations-concerning-lead-poisoning

What To Bring On Closing DayThe most important part of purchasing a home is closing day, when the official transfer of o...
10/22/2024

What To Bring On Closing Day

The most important part of purchasing a home is closing day, when the official transfer of ownership takes place. If you are prepared, it should go smoothly. However, one missing document means a failed or postponed closing, so review your closing documents ahead of time. Closing day will involve executing the paperwork, paying any required fees, and ultimately getting the keys to your new home. Plan on having your ID, evidence of homeowner’s insurance and your closing cost funds. If you are not sure about anything, ask your agent or make a call to the closing office.

There are also a few things you should make sure to do ahead of time that don’t involve bringing a physical object. Confirm the closing fees before you arrive, and have any questions for your lender answered. Prior to the closing meeting, review the seller’s responsibilities and make sure they have been satisfied. Your agent can provide you with the final completion documentation for any seller obligations. If you pay attention to these details and all is in order, you should be able to walk away with keys in hand.

Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

View on our website: https://beachcitybrokers.net/articles/what-to-bring-on-closing-day

How To Make Your Home Presentable On A Time ConstraintWhether it’s for guests, a house viewing or anything else, when yo...
10/17/2024

How To Make Your Home Presentable On A Time Constraint

Whether it’s for guests, a house viewing or anything else, when you’re short on time and need to get your home looking presentable quickly, it’s all about prioritizing and simplifying. This is even easier if there are other people to assist you, and you are able to delegate tasks.

Prioritize high-traffic areas. This includes the living room, kitchen, and entryway, but most importantly, the bathroom. It’s often the most frequently used room by guests and the most off-putting when dirty, so it’s a top priority. Wipe down the sink, faucet and countertops and scrub the toilet. Replace the hand towel with a fresh one and empty the trash if needed. If you’re really short on time, use disinfectant wipes for speed. Unless you’re showing your home, there are probably rooms your guests won’t enter, such as bedrooms or home offices. If you don’t have time to clean them, just close the doors.

The next thing to do is remove clutter. A cluttered floor and tables makes any room feel messy. Even if you have an organization scheme in place, your guests don’t need to see all your personal items. Grab a basket and collect any things out in the open so they can be temporarily stored out of the way. This can be any number of unrelated things, such as toys, shoes, or paperwork, as long as they’re safely out of the way. You can deal with sorting it later.

There’s another way to quickly make your home feel more inviting that doesn’t involve cleaning at all. Light a candle or spray a fresh scent. It only takes a minute and creates a more welcoming atmosphere.

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View on our website: https://beachcitybrokers.net/articles/how-to-make-your-home-presentable-on-a-time-constraint

Negotiation Tips For Any SituationAs with any sort of business deal, buying or selling a home involves a lot of negotiat...
09/16/2024

Negotiation Tips For Any Situation

As with any sort of business deal, buying or selling a home involves a lot of negotiation. Fortunately, there are techniques to aid in negotiation that apply not just to real estate or business, but nearly any situation, even simple discussions among friends. It even comes with a handy mnemonic: Negotiation expert Jacqueline Twillie has coined the acronym L. A. T. T. E. to help with all your negotiating needs.

L: Look at the details. Making sure you’re fully informed about every detail and potential outcome will help you to decide what decisions you can make.

A: Anticipate the challenges. It’s probably a given that you’ll receive some pushback or have some hurdles to overcome during the conversation. Make sure you’re ready for the kind of questions or resistance you might face while negotiating and have your responses prepared.

T: Think about what you want to walk away with. Be clear in your mind about what you actually want from the negotiation, what you are prepared to be flexible on and which parts of your desired outcome are not up for negotiation. Also, be sure to consider what the other party wants from the conversation for a stronger approach.

T: Talk it through! Practicing talking through your points out loud will help you be confident and collected when it comes to the real thing. You may even find that hearing your points out loud helps you identify where your tone or approach might need to change.

E: Evaluate your options. Before making a final decision, give yourself time to review the outcomes you’ve been offered from the negotiations to make sure it’s what’s best for you.

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View on our website: https://beachcitybrokers.net/articles/negotiation-tips-for-any-situation

Why Is California So Much More Expensive Than Most Of The US?California has always been an expensive place to live, and ...
09/11/2024

Why Is California So Much More Expensive Than Most Of The US?

California has always been an expensive place to live, and it’s only getting more and more expensive. The median home price is about 2.5 times higher than the national average, and 11 times the median income. Of course, prices are trending upwards across the nation. Appreciation over time is normal, and has accelerated in the wake of the 2020 pandemic. But these things affect everyone — so why is California specifically so much more expensive?

It’s not just as simple as having higher desirability, although that is certainly the case. The primary issue is a lack of affordable housing. There are multiple reasons for this. California may be the third largest state by area, but it also has the highest population of any state. It’s not among the densest, but it is rather sprawling. There’s just not a lot of open land to build on, particularly land that fits all the various zoning restrictions that are in dire need of updating. However, updating zoning laws is getting pushback from residents. Construction costs are also up. While construction companies typically would rather build multifamily residences, they have to build what’s in demand — which is mainly single-family residences.

In addition, because purchasing a home is so expensive, landlords are better served continuing to rent out their homes and units rather than attempting to sell, even though selling would decrease home prices. This is exacerbated by property tax laws in California. Prop 13 limits the rate at which property taxes can increase until a property exchanges ownership. Therefore, people who have owned a home for a long time can pay very little in property taxes, reducing the likelihood of any sort of market activity.

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More: https://calmatters.org/explainers/housing-costs-high-california/

View on our website: https://beachcitybrokers.net/articles/why-is-california-so-much-more-expensive-than-most-of-the-us

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200 S. Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, CA
90277

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