Kathleen Finnegan

Homeowner Misc Category

tips for paying off your mortgage early

The stories of people who pay off 30-year mortgages after 30 years in the same home are indeed rarer than they once were. But the recent foreclosure crisis did serve as an incentive for homeowners to pay off their loans sooner rather than later – and some have actually given it a try. While living mortgage-free may sound like an enviable goal, paying off your mortgage early isn’t always the best use of your money. If you have high-interest credit card... Continue Reading >

attention shoppers, don’t leave money on the table

About one-third of recent home buyers failed to shop around for a mortgage, saying they were satisfied with the first quote that a lender gave them, according to Fannie Mae's National Housing Survey. But that could be a big mistake. Researchers found that higher-income, younger-aged, and minority borrowers were the most likely to gather multiple quotes when shopping for a mortgage. On the other hand, first-time home buyers and lower-income borrowers are more likely to say that referrals from friends, family, or... Continue Reading >

tips for protecting your identity

In this modern age, many of us have fallen victim to identify theft, and unfortunately studies show that cases involving these types of crime are on the rise. While it can feel overwhelming, there are a number of things you can do to prevent this from happening to you. Identity theft typically occurs when identity thieves access personal information, like your name or Social Security number (SSN), to commit fraud or other crimes. Some common ways identity thieves access your information include: • A stolen... Continue Reading >

be picky! what questions to ask before you hire a realtor

What should you consider when shopping for a broker? There are a few essential questions that you should ask a broker before hiring them: "How much experience do you have with properties such as mine?" Any broker should be able to show you what they have done in the past. You should find out how many deals they have closed in your price range and in your neighborhood over the past few years and whether they typically represented the buyer, seller or... Continue Reading >

making the leap : commiting to home ownership

You’ve saved for a down payment. You’ve pored over the local listings for months. Touring open houses has become part of your weekend ritual. But months, perhaps years, have passed and you are still in your rental. For many first-time homebuyers, pulling the trigger on a purchase can be a frightening experience. Will you be happy there? Will you like your neighbors? Will you be tied down—house rich and cash poor? What if you lose your job? Will you hate your... Continue Reading >

meet me by the water!

http://youtu.be/_3yACAsShmg Escape to Malibou Lake in this private lakeshore home with multiple expansive view decks revealing amazing lake, mountain and sunset+ views. This 2 story home has a large living room with cozy stone gas/wood burning fireplace, bath and kitchen on the first floor with a wraparound deck that offers spectacular lake views. The upper level has 3 bedrooms and an additional bath with windows drawing in lots of natural light. A second large deck provides incredible panoramic lake and mountain... Continue Reading >

rose bowl flea market

It had been a while since we  made our way over to the Rose Bowl flea market, so I headed out a few weeks back. We had such a great time strolling up and down then isles packed with interesting trinkets - definitely worth the trip! If your in the Pasadena area, check it out! Here is some info, Rose Bowl Flea Market and Market Place is held on the second Sunday of every month, regular admission starts at 9am for the general public at $8.00... Continue Reading >

Orange-Cranberry Gin and Tonic

  This tasty little number is really great all year, but something just says holiday to me! Ingredients 1 (2-inch) orange rind strip 1 tablespoon fresh cranberries* 1 teaspoon sugar 1 cup ice cubes 3 tablespoons gin 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice 1/4 cup tonic water Preparation Muddle orange rind strip, fresh cranberries, and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add ice cubes, gin, and fresh orange juice. Cover with lid, and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled (about 30 seconds). Pour into an 8-oz. glass; top with tonic water. Serve immediately. *Frozen cranberries,... Continue Reading >

shaken or stirred?

  Its almost time to start thinking about Holiday parties and when I am entertaining one of my favorite things to do is think up interesting cocktails - with a twist! With Halloween around the corner, here are a few of my favorites! Cactus Pear Margarita What's the Twist? Cactus Pear. The concoction is blended with 2 ounces silver tequila, 1 ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec, 1 ounce cactus pear syrup (available at cherisdesertharvest.com) and a 1/2-ounce fresh lime juice. Pour all the liquids into a... Continue Reading >

a spectacular sanctuary in Woodland Hills

Rare offering for this absolutely wonderful, one-story 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom view home in a quiet community know as "Woodland Crest." The fabulous curb appeal is accented with mature landscaping and a custom double wood door entry. The foyer has marble floors and opens to the spacious living room with a marble fireplace! The formal dining room is oversized with walls of glass that let the outside in. The oak and tile kitchen opens to the family room which has a ceiling... Continue Reading >