Whittier, CA

We get asked all the time, "What should we do to make sure we get Top Dollar in a market like this?? Well, we got your answers!

First, let's start with decluttering, organizing and cleaning. You want to make sure that you put away any stacks of bills, notices and receipts. Also, pick up any toys, clothes and any other items to ensure the floor appears tidy! Even if your home is outdated, a clean space gives buyers the opportunity to envision the potential of the home.

Second, A few repairs can go a long way... Little things, like making sure that all handrails are secure, exposed wiring is closed off, the doorbell is working proper, all windows have screens with no holes, etc. It's the little things that say a lot about the house and how it was cared for.

Next, is bright lighting!! This is a great way to make your home appear spacious and light. 89% of buyers polled said they rate lighting as one of their Top 3 must haves.

Last and most importantly....Hire a licensed real estate professional who knows the area and puts your needs and wants at the forefront. A great agent will work closely with you to price your home competitively while being able to field questions and offers from potential buyers. 

Whittier, CA

Just recently, Niche came out with it's Top Ten lists for best cities to live in. They break it down to several categories, Best for Young Professionals, Best for Families, etc. You are probably asking yourself, "Who is Niche"? They are a data collection company. They gather data from many sources in including the U.S. Census and the FBI. They use this data to inform individuals as to what's the neighborhood trend. One of the most interesting 10 tens that Niche compiled was the top "Neighborhoods" in America. That is the list I'd like to focus on. I like this because Niche did not specialize it i.e. under 30 or families. It is just "The Top Neighborhoods in America". So without further to do, let's get into the list!!

#10 Sammamish Valley-Redmond, Washington

#9 Mid-City-Santa Monica, California

#8 Park Lake/Highland-Orlando, Florida

#7 University South-Palo Alto, California

#6 Ocean Park, Santa Monica, California

#5 Radnor/Ft. Meyers Heights-Arlington Virginia

#4 Harbour Island-Tampa, Florida

#3 Hyde Park- Spanishtown Creek-Tampa, Florida

#2 Cottonwood Creek South-Richardson, Texas

And #1 is........

City Center-Santa Monica, California 

Whittier, Ca

Mortgage Applications actually rose last month, something they haven't done in a few months following the Fed raising interest rates. This action is causing real estate forecasters to ask themselves...,"Are we looking at a turnaround to this volatile sooner rather than later"??

Mortgage applications rose 1.2% which is it's highest jump since June 24th. In addition the 30 year fixed mortgage rate posted it's biggest decline as it fell to 5.43%. It's believed that the recent spike is due to the drop in mortgage rates. With this, more purchases and refinances were initiated and some concerns over a looming long-term recession were quieted just a little. All this even with the Fed tightening it's belt even further. This good news comes after we saw a massive drop in applications (lowest in 22 years) after the Fed raised rates. 

Overall, Experts say that activity remains lower than last year, but with lower interests rates combined with more inventory of housing, this could lead to a quick rebound in purchase activity. Other's are also optimistic on the future of the housing market. In a statement just released, Bank of America stated that it projects that we could see rates fall from the current 5.3% to 4.5%!! This should provide the market with a bit more balance, something it's needed for sometime now.

Economist Michael Gapen with Bank of America said in a statement, "I don't believe our economic future is as bleak as once predicted. Our recession period should not be as long or painful this time around". Goldman Sachs chief credit strategist, Lotfi Karoui, said that "Even with the overall decline in buyers, I don't see prices going down at all this year".

10 Most Wanted Items Buyers Want In 2022

Since most homeowners and homebuyers have strong opinions on design, it's easy to assume you know what increases the value of your home. However, when it's time to sell, don't make decisions based on your own opinion or what you've seen online. Instead use real data that show exactly what buyers are asking for in 2022. According Realistdata.com, these are the following items that buyers are looking for:

10. Hardwood Floors- The days of carpet are long gone. The natural look and finish of wood is in. If you have hardwood floors, I would make sure they have been refinished to bring out that beautiful glare.

09. Energy-Star Appliances-Who wouldn't want to save money on your energy bills? Energy-Star Appliances are a great way to do just that. Besides, new homeowners are usually strapped for cash after escrow so energy efficient appliances that come with a home are a big plus!

08. Front Porch- Front porches have returned in popularity due to most people reexamining then during pandemic. "Porch Parties" actually became a thing in some communities as way of gathering outdoors and still providing distance. 

07. Walk-In Pantry- It's no surprise that one would want "more storage space" in the kitchen which is why this is at number 7 on the list. Whenever I ask couples for their home "wish list" a pantry always shows up on the list.

06. Side by Side Kitchen Sink- I know what you're saying... ,"The farmhouse style sink is in though". Maybe not...in a recent poll, 81% of buyers preferred the functionality of the double sink over the farmhouse style....I know huh!!

05. A Patio- Again, this is another part of the home which was reexplored during pandemic. This was another place where people could gather and have less worry about unknowingly passing something on. The bigger the patio, the bigger the party is my motto.

04. Energy-Star Windows- Following the theme set before with the appliances of saving money is the windows. Energy-Star Windows help reduce central air use which save money and keeps the heat in in the winter!! Basically, it keeps the house cool when it's supposed to and warm when needed.

03. Ceiling Fans- When buyers were given hundreds of features they could have in their home an amazing 83% said they wanted ceiling fans!! Why not? They are a great way to cool down a room without the cost of running the central air conditioner. They can be stylish and provide for a great conversation piece.

02. Exterior Lighting- Exterior lighting is generally not something people search for on Pintrest, but it adds massive value to the home in terms of security and curb appeal. Potential buyers are not going to be satisfied with one porch light. Pathway lighting, landscape lighting and/or driveway lighting are all ways where your home can...shine!!

01. Laundry Room-87% of buyers said they wanted their own laundry room. 63% of the said they would prefer it on the ground floor. Most buyers said they currently have to use one which is located outside or they travel to the laundromat. I can speak from experience and I know how much of a hassle it can be to do laundry at the laundromat.  

Pandemic-era home buyers faced incredible competition in the one time affordable markets at the height of the crazy market. But all that is changing due to several factors such as surging interest rates, high home prices, inflation and a falling stock market. No longer are we seeing 20 and 30 buyers all offering on the same property. We are now seeing those previous numbers reduced by almost 80%!!! This is causing a lot of buyers to backout and head to the sidelines to wait and see what happens next.

Redfin recently reported that, "Roughly 60,000 home purchase agreements were called off in June. That is equal to 14.9% of home that went under contract that month". That is by far the largest percentage on record, with the exception of the start of the pandemic. Right now, interest rates are at 5.50% and that's up a whopping 44% from a year ago.

Nationwide, agents are seeing the the days of the 20-30 offers as a distant memory. Today's market has worked it's way back to some balance where there was zero before. Sellers were is FULL command. You're probably saying, "Seller are still in control" and you'd be right. It's just not at the levels they were at before.

So what should you do??.....While the market is cooling, it's not coming to a crashing halt. House hunters who can still afford to buy should consider taking advantage of the slowdown given that there's way less competition

After Years of Renovations the Library is Open!!

It's been quite a few years now that the Whittier Central Public Library has been closed. There was much initial discussion regarding rebuilding a new library on another familiar Whittier site (the old Alpha Beta lot off Hadley), but that idea was not able to happen due to financial restraints. So, the city decided to take several years and provide the library with all the modern necessities it needs to be able to serve the community for the coming future. It was a welcomed renovation. 

Whittier's library will continue to feature it's standard book services as well as kids and senior clubs, but has added quite a few more awesome services. They offer Job search services for those looking to make a career change, Passport services, U.S. citizenship resources and a homework center to assist those looking for additional help.

In addition, the library offers what's called a "Interlibrary Loan" which allows you to request an item from another library should Whittier not have it. Whittier makes the request for you ($5.00 fee) and you'll receive it once it's in. Should you need a title right now and can't wait for a "Interlibrary Loan" there's always the eBook Services which allows you to view digital copies of all your favorite titles.

Did I mention there's also a Veterans Resource Center?? Perfect for those who have served and are looking for local opportunities. Need some wireless printing?? They offer that as well.

As you can see, the Whittier Public Library is not just a place to rent books, it's much more than that. I encourage you to see for yourself. Please note, as of this writing the hours are limited as well as some minor services. Please call the library to verify hours and services.

Hope to see you there!!   

Whittier's Real Estate Stats for June 2022

Is it just me or has this year been flying by??? Can you believe that we are over half way through the year??? For some it might come as a relief, but to others it might send a chill of panic down your spine. With that said, we've seen a past 6 months that has brought forth new real estate trends different than what was happening this time last year...or even at the beginning of this year. Last year at this time we were watching buyers scrambling to please sellers with offers that all but guaranteed them profits they couldn't imagine just months before. This has changed a bit.....

Currently, we are still seeing seller's in control but due to rising interest rates and inflation we are now seeing the direction the market will be taking very soon... I'm not at all saying that prices will drop. What I'm saying is that prices will level off, but don't expect a drop what-so-ever. Even with current stats reflecting some leaving the Golden State, there is still a giant population that NEED a place to live. Whether it's renting, leasing or buying the need has not and will not be satisfied anytime soon. 

Hyper-locally, Whittier is reflecting what is happening all around.... Whenever someone says to me, "I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?" I always as for the bad first so I can determine "How bad" it really is and begin formulating a solution. So on that note, I have some good news and some not-so-great news regarding the market situation in Whittier....I'll start with the not-so-great news first!

Right now there are 109 newly listed homes for sale. That number is down 4.4% from this time last year when we had 114 homes listed for sale. In addition, homes which are currently "In escrow" are at a very low 42 from 97 homes last year. That's over half!! YIKES!! Lastly, overall closings are down 17.3%. Last year we saw 117 closings in June as compared to 97 this year....Now the good news!!

On the ultra positive side for sellers, prices are up and they are selling quickly!! At this time last year we were looking at and average of 18 days on the market. This year we are at 15 days on the market. This means deals are happening even faster. 3 days may not seem like much, but imagine how much can happen over a weekend..?? Next, prices are up!! They are up 5%. That may not seem like much but when we put it into actual numbers it's surprising. Last year the median sales price was $726,000 (still high) compared to this year where were at $763,000, that's a $37,000 increase! Naturally that adjusts the average sales price as well. How much you ask?? 9%! Doesn't sound like much?? Let me also put it into actual figures...in 2021 Whittier's average sales price was $780,523...now, it's $851,056. That's an increase of over $70,000!!!!

Does this mean it's a bad time to buy?? NOT AT ALL!! It's times like these when most investors build wealth. With so much going on, sometimes folks find themselves in a position where they need liquid (cash) but it's tied to the equity of their homes. Depending on the situation, time may be of the essence and that can translate with a lower sales price to accommodate.    

List of Americans Favorite Top 10 4th of July Foods!   

The 4th of July is coming up, but who wants to spend the holiday cooking? No need to fear, because this article is all about the top 10 4th of July foods that are quick and easy to make.

Some of the best food you can enjoy on the 4th of July are BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries. You might also enjoy grilled chicken or steak with vegetables. If you want to go all out, there is always a ham or turkey dinner with all the fixings.

This article is about the top 10 4th of July foods. Whether you’re looking for something light or heavy, sweet or salty, there are plenty of options to choose from. From popsicles to potato salad, this list has it all. In another article, we’ll also be throwing in some recipes for your party guests to enjoy before their fireworks show!

What are the top 10 most popular foods eaten on the 4th of July?

1. Anything Red, White, and Blue

Anything Red, White, and Blue

Cooking an American-themed meal to show your patriotism is a great idea for this holiday, but it can be hard to know what dishes are best for this celebration. Fourth of July parties are all about red, white, and blue. But what should you serve?

There are many red, white, and blue foods that can be used for a 4th of July party. Some examples are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, grapefruit. For the white section, there are things like whipped cream, marshmallows, white chocolate chips. Blueberries and whipped cream make a great topping for pancakes or waffles.

Red, white, and blue foods are typically items that are red, white, and blue in color. These colors represent the colors of the American flag. Red, white, and blue foods are used to decorate a table during the 4th of July.

Here are some red, white, and blue foods to make your cooking experience simple. Such as

·         Red, white, and blue Jello

·         Red, white, and blue ice cream

·         Red, White, and Blue Layer Cake

·         Red, White, and Blue Donuts

·         Red, White, and Blueberry Caprese Salad

·         Red, White, and Blue Pies, etc.

You can choose anything red, white, and blue item from the list.

2. BBQ Ribs

BBQ Ribs

BBQ Ribs are one of the most popular food items to eat on the 4th of July. BBQ Ribs are traditionally served on the 4th of July. They are made of beef ribs, which are seasoned with a dry rub and then cooked over an open fire or grill. It is easy to make, and everyone loves them.

3. Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken

If you’re hosting a 4th of July party and want to provide guests with some light fare, fried chicken is just what you need! Fried chicken is easy to cook and has a tangy flavor that goes well with dipping sauces. It’s also fairly inexpensive and doesn’t require much work or preparation.

The traditional 4th of July menu is a perfect opportunity to serve up a classic like fried chicken. Made with skin-on chicken parts, allow the chicken to rest in the refrigerator for a day before cooking. Then, fry the chicken in a skillet or deep fryer in a generous amount of peanut oil.

4. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, or Cheeseburgers, all or any one

Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, or Cheeseburgers

Food is an important part of the 4th of July tradition. Whether it is to celebrate or to simply enjoy, what better way to do it than with a hot dog, hamburger, or cheeseburger? America’s pastime food is now one of many options for your Independence Day party. Americans are loving to switch things up every once in a while, by cooking up foods from other countries to keep their taste buds tingling.

For the 4th of July party, hot dogs, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers are all great choices. You can cook all or any one of them for the day. Hot dogs are perfect for those who love a quick and easy meal that can be cooked quickly on outdoor grills or an indoor grill. Hamburgers are a favorite for many because they taste great with a number of different toppings and sides.

5. Firecracker Popsicles

Firecracker Popsicles

Firecracker popsicles are an amazing way to celebrate the 4th of July. Firecracker Popsicles are a tasty and festive 4th of July treat that your guests will love.

This popsicle is also called a rocket pop and is made with a cone of sugar, a stick of cinnamon, and a sugar base that is then dipped into a variety of flavors.

Firecracker popsicles are a refreshing treat for a hot day. They are made with frozen blueberries but can be made with any other frozen fruit. They’re easy to make, with only 3 ingredients. The best part? You can customize them in any way that you want. There is a huge range of colors and flavors available at the store, so you can find a combination that fits your party theme.

6. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the Cob

What could be better for a 4th of July party than corn on the cob? In America, many families will have grilled corn on the cob as a traditional side dish for their Fourth of July picnic. No matter which way you prefer to cook it, it remains one of the few foods that can actually taste better after being cooked. It’s a natural food that is both versatile and delicious.

For the 4th of July holiday, don’t forget to grab some corn on the cob to enjoy at your gathering. Cook it yourself or grab it from a store, but make sure you get corn. This is the perfect food for the 4th of July party because it’s iconic American, easy to make, and delicious.

One great dish to add to your menu is corn on the cob with a cool, creamy dip. You can also experiment with different flavors by topping with spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper. For the perfect patriotic touch, try adding some red pepper flakes!

7. Baked Beans

Baked Beans

You can’t go wrong with traditional barbecue fare, but this year why not serve up something new and different? Baked beans are a tasty option for your rustic backyard BBQ that will leave guests feeling “full of beans” after they eat them.

Why baked beans are perfect for your next 4th of July celebration?

Baked Beans are an American favorite. They are perfect to serve at your 4th of July party because they go so well with ham or any other picnic food. This recipe is quick and easy to make but will take some time in the oven.

They are cheap too, filling, and always available at the party store. The best part about beans is that they can be prepared in many different ways to fit many different tastes. If you prefer spicy, try adding some jalapeño peppers to your beans. If you want an even more American flavor, add some canned fried onions. If you prefer your beans on the sweet side, try adding brown sugar or molasses.

8. American Potato salad, Coleslaw and Macaroni Salad, or any one

American Potato salad, Coleslaw, and Macaroni Salad

Potato salad, coleslaw, and macaroni salad are three staples of the summer picnic, 4th of July party. They are so popular for this said event because they are easy to make, especially if you have a lot of hungry people to feed. There are endless variations in the recipes, but most people stick with the basics of potatoes, mayonnaise, seasoning, and celery salt. You can also add in onions, peas, corn kernels, or even bacon bits.

For the Independence Day festivities, nothing goes better with barbeque than a nice cold dish of potato, macaroni, or coleslaw salad. It is common to see this dish served at summer cookouts and 4th of July parties. With so many variations, it is easy to find a recipe that will work best for your specific needs.

These salads can be made days in advance to reduce stress on the host on patriotic holidays. American Potato Salad is a classic dish that is often served with grilled hot dogs and hamburgers at summer picnics or family reunions. It’s a little unusual but delicious! You can try all of them or any one of them.

9. Pies, Cobblers, and Crisps

Pies, Cobblers, and Crisps

Who says you need an elegant cake to serve at your 4th of July party? This year, it’s all about pie! There are some of the best pies, crisps, cobblers, and ice creams for any celebration or occasion. From apple pie to key lime pie, there’s something for everyone.

In celebration of America’s independence, many people will be eating pie. There are so many holiday traditions to partake in, including lighting fireworks and eating pie! When it comes to pies, cobblers, crisps, and ice cream- there are so many delicious desserts to choose from. This year you can try the classic apple pie or choose something less traditional like raspberry blueberry.

10. Cake for Dessert

Cake for Dessert

It’s a day we can be proud of our country and all that we have achieved as a nation. For some, it means heading to the beach and for others, it means celebrating in the backyard with fireworks and other festivities. What better way to enjoy this annual holiday than with cake?

This year don’t spoil your Fourth of July party with a mediocre dessert. Why not bust out the red, white, and blue frosting for some festive cake? There are 4th of July desserts you can make that are more unique than just a flag cake.

What kind of cake should you make for your 4th of July party? We dare you not to go traditional.

By eating cake, of course! Though it might be impossible to find a cake in the colors of an American flag, don’t worry. You can still make your cake in one of the colors of the American flag. But we all love food, especially when it comes in the shape of a cake with red and blue frosting!

Credit Info Copse |   

Our list of Top Parks in Whittier

Living in Whittier you are blessed with quite a few parks. Some are run by the City of Whittier and some (unincorporated Whittier) are run by the county of Los Angeles. This list will focus on the ones in the city of Whittier. Here's our list of the best parks in Whittier:

#10 Laural Park

located at 8825 Jacmar Ave. in a small residential neighborhood , this park offers picnic tables, play equipment and restrooms.

#9 J.G. Whittier Park

Located at 7227 Whittier Ave., this park offers BBQ's, Spray pools, Softball Fields, picnic tables, play equipment and restrooms.

#8 Broadway Park

Located at 12816 Broadway Rd. this park offers lighted tennis courts, Horseshoe Pits, picnic tables, play equipment and restrooms.

#7 Central Park

Located at 6532 Friends Ave. this park offers Fish pond, Gazebo, picnic tables, play equipment and restrooms.

#6 Parnell Park

Located at 15390 Lambert Rd. this park offers quite a bit more than most other parks in Whittier. Why not at #1??? This park is still under going some work and clean up. It will be back at the top very soon. It offers banquet rooms, a zoo, Senior and Community building(s), Basketball Courts, picnic tables, play equipment and restrooms, sinks and stoves.

#5 Palm Park

Located at 5703 Palm Ave., this park also features quite a bit. It offers banquet rooms, BBQ's, Basket ball courts picnic tables, play equipment and restrooms, pool, fitness station, Horseshoe Pit, Tennis Center, Softball fields plus sinks and stoves

#4 Anaconda Park

Located at 14575 Anaconda Rd. this quite little, out-of-the-way park is ideal for those times when you don't feel like having the crowd around. It offers BBQ's, Basketball courts, a jogging trail, fitness stations, picnic tables, restrooms and play equipment.

#3 Penn Park

Located at 13900 Penn St. this is the park that families go to in order to take pictures because of the beautiful back drops. This park is nestled in the Whittier Hills right across from Whittier College's Aquatic Center. This park offers Waterfalls, streams, ponds, BBQ's, restrooms, play equipment, sinks and picnic tables.

#2 Michigan Park

This is the park that most families in Whittier get up extra early on weekends to go and reserve tables for family parties. This park is located in the fantastic Michigan Park Neighborhood (obviously named after subject park). This park offers BBQ's, picnic tables, fitness stations, restrooms, play equipment, sinks, softball fields and stoves.

#1 Murphy Ranch Park

Our number one park is located at 1600 Las Cumbres Dr. in the prestigious Friendly Hills Neighborhood. Why is this one number one you ask??? The scenery while you hike! Yes, HIKE! This park offers beautiful trails to get your blood pumping all while enjoy great wildlife. It also has Horse Trough, Picnic Tables and Wilderness Area.