Are You Ready to Buy a House?

by admin on March 19, 2012

Are You Ready to Buy a HouseIt is a buyer’s market these days, and there are lots of great deals out there. This is primarily due to a broken economy that is slowly rising up again. You have been saving your money over the years, dreaming about that perfect home, but are you ready to take the plunge?  Here are some questions to ask of you before calling that realtor:

  • Are you ready to settle down for at least 5-10 years?

Equity builds over time, so families who sell in the first few years rarely get a good return on their investment. Buying a house also involves several “transaction costs,” like loan setup fees, appraisal fees, property inspections, and closing costs.  These can total in the thousands, so you do not want to have to repeat them often.

And what if the market is in a slump just at the time when you have to move? In that case, you are likely to lose money.  I do not advise buying a house unless you are in it for the long-term.

  • Do you enjoy home-improvement projects?

Being a homeowner can be time-consuming and expensive. Unless you are purchasing a brand new home where everything is still under warranty, prepare yourself for some maintenance work and expense. Regular maintenance, such as mowing the lawn or even cleaning a large home takes up a huge chunk of time that many folks would rather spend doing something else. Also, it’s a rare family who buys a house and doesn’t want to change anything about it. You’ll probably be doing some painting or remodeling sooner rather than later.

  • Are your finances organized?

In order to get a loan, you need good credit. Even qualified buyers have to jump through hoops these days, so it’s time to get organized. Make sure your checkbook is balanced and your bills are up to date. Check your credit report and clear up any errors or negative reports that you can before applying for a loan.

  • Do you know your housing market?

This requires more than just perusing the real estate advertisements in your local newspaper. You’ll want to find out what actual houses in the neighborhood you’re interested in are selling for. I can help you find that information. This will help you narrow your search to homes in neighborhoods that you can afford, so you don’t waste your time looking at houses that are out of your reach.

  • Have you saved enough money?

Besides the down payment (generally 20% of the total cost of the house), you’ll need cash for your closing costs, which include the costs of the loan, the appraisal, homeowner’s insurance, mortgage insurance, and more. The total is generally around 2-3% of the price of the house, depending on your state. Don’t be taken by surprise, figure out what you’ll need ahead of time.

  • What is your budget for ongoing costs?

Your financial obligations are not over once you close on the house and pay your monthly mortgage. Maintenance, property taxes, utilities, and homeowner’s association dues are just some of the ongoing costs of home ownership. Not to mention the cost of furniture, paint, and other decorating materials.

  • Can you compromise?

I have rarely seen a buyer find an existing house that has all of the features their family desires. The truth is, you’ll need to discuss what your family needs, and what each family member wants in a house, and go from there. It is unlikely that everybody is going to get everything they want in a house, so you’ll need to know what you can compromise on and what is a deal-breaker.

If you have a handle on all of these questions, chances are that you are ready for homeownership.  Now is an excellent time to score a great deal on the house of your dreams.

This guest blog was provided by Jim Klein a Fort Collins Realtor with FortCollinsHomeTeam.com. Please visit his website by clicking here to search all homes in Northern Colorado.

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Buying a New Home Can Be A Great Experience!

by admin on February 3, 2012

Buying a New Home Can Be A Great ExperiencePurchasing a brand new home can certainly be an uplifting experience for the new owner. There is something pretty special about stepping into a new home; it commands respect and care in a way that is different from a “used” home. And, if you get involved early enough while the home is still being built, you may be able to make some of the decisions.

Buying a New Home Can Be A Great Experience!

While some individuals might prefer not to “have to” make such decisions, many people consider it a bonus and a privilege to choose their own countertops and such. Being able to choose your own appliances can be especially nice, as appliances are things that we use every day. Often, people (perhaps women, especially) have very specific ideas about what features are a “must” for their appliances.

And, some new homebuyers are very particular about their window coverings, drapes, color choices for paint, and who knows what else. If all of these decisions are important to you, buying a new home and getting involved in the process early on may be exactly what you want to do.

Another benefit of buying a new home is that everything is new. While that may sound redundant, think about it. No repairs should need to be made, everything is under warranty—including the house itself, and now fix-it projects upon moving in.

If you are in a place where you might be overwhelmed by moving into a new home and having to fix and change quite a bit, a new home could be your best decision. And, some people just are not good at do-it-yourself home improvements. If they get into a situation where many repairs are needed, they are just going to have to pay someone else to do the handiwork anyway; and that can be very expensive. Sometimes, as you can see, new is best.

Of course, there are two sides to every coin. When purchasing a new home, it is important to know the reputation of the builder. You certainly do no want to invest that kind of money (perhaps your most valuable investment of your lifetime) into a home without trusting that the construction is of high quality. Further, new home construction can get a little dicey in terms of timing.

ou have probably overheard many stories of builders who said the home would be finished by a certain month, and then the actual finish date had to pushed back one or more times. Delays do happen, so you might want to consider if you are able to patient enough to accept delays, or do you absolutely need to be in your new home by a certain date. That question alone could be a “make-or-break” question to ask.

Interestingly, real estate experts suggest that if you are looking to purchase a new home, the developer is the most important factor in the evaluation process. Real estate experts recommend that you make concessions perhaps in the exact model of the home, but make no concession in purchasing a home from a responsible and respected builder. Based on that advice, consider shifting your thought process to buying a builder and not so much buying a home.

We all would like to believe that people, in general, are honest and people of integrity; however, there are builders out there will take your money and then leave you with a shoddily built home. Even worse, some will do so and then not respond to your phone calls when you have troubles; others will “say” that they will come back to finish something and then never do. Savvy homebuyers, even when working with reputable builders, will not pay-in-full until all of the work is completed.

So, if you are in the market for a brand new home, enjoy the process; and, you can best enjoy it by assuring that you are working with a reputable builder.

This article was provided by Kimberley Joy Kelly. You can visit her website here where you can view all Golf Homes Palm Springs as well as all Neighborhoods In Palm Springs.

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Colonial Architectural Styles – 1680 to 1776

by admin on January 31, 2012

From 1680 to 1776, simplicity was the defining characteristic of Colonial residential architecture. With such variations as the Cape Cod, Saltbox, and Georgian, these homes are typically two stories, wood-framed, and sided with narrow clapboards.

Colonial Architectural Styles

Southern Colonials are sometimes built of brick. Entrances are placed in the center of the front wall, and windows are small-paned. On the roof, the chimney is usually right in the middle. There are few extra details, which is in keeping with the times, as during the Colonial period all building materials were hand-sourced.

Purchasing ready-made building components was expensive – out of reach for the average home-builder. The visible influences on Colonial architecture are different from the East Coast to the West. On the Atlantic side, the impact of English, German, and Dutch architecture is clear, while towards the Pacific, homes were inspired by the Mexican and Spanish style.

Cape Cod

Full Cape Cod homes are one and a half stories, with the roof starting at the top of the first story, creating a second floor in the eaves. Shipwrights occasionally designed a bow into the roof to give more ceiling space for freedom of movement. Original Cape Cods had no dormers, though more current adaptations have added these in. Alternative styles include half and three-quarter choices which are discernable by the placement of front windows. Instead of the centered door with two windows on either side, a three-quarter Colonial has a single window and double-windows on either side of the door. A half Colonial eliminates the windows on one side of the door, leaving just a double set to the other side.

Saltbox

Named after the Colonial saltbox it resembled, Saltbox homes have a short, steep roof in the front that starts at the top of the second story. In the rear, there is a long, shallow roof that extends to the top of the first story. In some cases, a lean-to roof is added for additional interior living space. The door is centered, and there are pairs of windows on either side. Sometimes, to save on heating costs, Saltbox houses were built with the back roof deliberately facing north. This allowed for snow to accumulate, insulating the inside from the cold.

Georgian

Spanning a long period from the early 1700s to 1820, Georgian homes were named for the three King Georges of England. King George III was a vivid presence in the Revolutionary War, and his death in 1820 also brought about reduced interest in this style of architecture. Though Georgians were popular past the time typically considered Colonial, most still classify them as part of this larger group. These structures are symmetrical, with two matching chimneys placed equidistant from the center. Other characteristics include pillars and pilasters, as well as pediments over the windows. Roof variations include gambrel (double-pitched), gabled, and hipped.

Colonial Styles

The Colonial styles are still popular today, with many new constructions incorporating most or all of the traditional features – particularly the Georgian. Homeowners continue to appreciate the clean lines, simple upkeep, and attractive exterior of Colonial architecture.

This guest blog was provided by Jolenta Averill a Madison WI real estate agent. You can learn more about Jolenta by visiting her Madison WI homes blog or you can also search some fantastic Madison homes on her website

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Cheap Home Upgrades

by admin on January 26, 2012

Cheap Home UpgradesThe real estate market is filled with homes that are priced just right. Inventory is high. Mortgage rates are low. Upgrading your home can make it stand out in the sea of other possibilities out there. But renovations can be costly.

Cheap Home Upgrades

Still, most buyers out there will be looking for what they consider to be move-in ready homes. There are some upgrades that are relatively inexpensive and will make your house sell much more quickly. Many of them are things that you can do yourself, and may be easier than you think.  Real Estate Agents tell us that the following upgrades can help you to sell your house more quickly.

Paint! 

Adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls and the trim will give the whole house a much newer feel without digging too far into your wallet. Consider lighter, more neutral colors to give the house an open, spacious feel as well, and make good use of the natural lighting to accentuate the floor plan.

The kitchen is one of the biggest selling points of the home. Buyers will often fore go a little overall space throughout the home if the kitchen is spacious or modern. Re-finishing or painting the cabinets can give the entire kitchen an updated look. Replace old cabinet hardware with new nickel finished hardware, or polish up the knobs you already have.

Plumbing and Electricity 

One thing that buyers will look at will be the plumbing. Replacing the old galvanized pipes with new copper plumbing will go a long way towards making the buyer feel more confident. This is relatively cheap, and easy to do yourself. Also consider replacing old, outdated light fixtures with new, more energy efficient ones, or with ceiling fans.

Inspections That Help the Sale 

Having inspections performed, particularly termite and roof inspections can really help make your buyer feel more confident about their purchase. One of the big concerns about buying an older home is the condition of the roof, as roof replacing can get expensive quickly. Having the roof inspected by a professional and providing your buyer with a copy of the report can help put their mind at ease. Termite inspections are also a good idea, as well as chimney inspections if the home has a fireplace. Not only does this help alleviate some of the buyers concern, it shows that you are concerned with the selling condition of the home.

Flooring 

Stained or dirty carpets can be a turn off to buyers, as it is one of the most visible flaws within the home. Consider having the carpets professionally cleaned prior to showing the house, or clean them yourself with a rented machine. For broken tiles or ripped linoleum, stick down tiles can be purchased and installed with relative ease. Laminate flooring is another great option, though the materials can be a little expensive, they are incredibly easy to install and can give the home an entirely new look.

Other Cheap Fixes 

  • Repairing holes in the walls is very cheap, and doesn’t require a great deal of skill.
  • Polish metal fixtures such as sinks to a high sheen. People like shiny stuff in a new home.
  • Replace old, cracked or faded electrical outlets and light switches covers.
  • Replace all the light bulbs in the home with energy efficient bulbs.

This article was provided by Linda Wise a Merritt Island real estate agent. You can learn more about Linda by visiting her Titusville real estate website. You can also check out the Cape Canaveral real estate page on her site to search more luxurious homes for sale.

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7 Reasons for the D.C. Strong Multifamily Market

by admin on January 26, 2012

7 Reasons for the D.C. Strong Multifamily MarketIn 2011, multifamily property investment became a hot commodity again, especially in large metropolitan areas such as Washington, D.C. Wonder why?

There are many factors involved in the stimulation for multifamily properties. At the end of 2010, homeownership was just under 67 percent. By September of 2011, it had dropped even further down to about 66 percent.

This made renting a more affordable alternative to homeownership. Currently, D.C. Is a driving force behind building a strong multifamily housing market. This is due to the region’s economic and demographic trends. Here are seven specific reasons behind the boost in this market:

1.      Unstable Incomes

The current conditions in our economy have caused incomes to decrease and become unstable. This makes it harder to obtain homeownership, driving more citizens in the direction of rentals. Although mortgage rates are at record low rates, decrease in affordability makes it impossible for many to own a home. As the demand for rental properties increases, investors are taking advantage of this current housing market trend by investing in multifamily properties for rental income purposes.

2.      Diverse Rental Pool

The Washington, D.C. Metro area is known to attract a young, educated workforce. But, at this time, most apartment rentals in the area are occupied by those under and over the age of 35. This diverse age groups increase the need for rental housing communities that attract everything from young college students to golden age professionals… a housing investor’s dream market.

3.      Renting Less Stressful

Although the median household income in D.C. Is about $84,500, 70 percent more than the U.S. Median, many still choose to rent instead of buying. Many know that when you factor in the tax advantages that come with being a homeowner, make it cheaper in the long run. But, still, the majority chooses to be renters right now.

4.      The Average Citizen Has to Rent

75 percent of D.C. rentals belong to households below the median income level. About one-third of them have household incomes below $35,000. This increases the demand for rental properties across the region, especially those that can be afforded by lower income households.

5.      Household Sizes Have Changed

Remember when the “normal” household in urban regions consisted of a married couple with 2.2 kids, a dog and a house? Now, it’s also “norm” to be a single person household, which is the largest percentage of renters in D.C. This shift in family dynamics makes it necessary to increase the amount of multifamily units to accommodate both types of households.

6.      People Increase Demand

During the recent recession, droves of people migrated to the D.C. area. It’s estimated that about 67,000 more people will move to the region within the next five years.

7.      The Younger and The Older Are Renting in D.C.

the age dynamics of the Washington, D.C. population has changed in recent years. The 20-somethings of the past are now in their 30′s. They are still seeking to rent, while the amount of renters over the age of 45 also continues to grow. This group, in general, can afford to own property in just about any D.C. area they choose, but they simply choose to rent. Which means they are choosing to rent in high income, professionally dominated areas. This has increased a need for more upscale multifamily housing.

Diversified Housing Needs

Due to the current housing choices of the citizens of Washington, D.C., the need for multifamily housing units continues to increase. The regions rental market consists of all age groups, making it necessary to diversify the types of rental properties available. As this trend continues to grow, it’s imperative that housing investors tailor their marketing methods, as well as housing amenities, to attract multiple, diverse groups of people.

This guest blog was provided by Allison Klein who helps home buyers purchase homes for sale Fort Collins and many other areas in the Northern, Colorado real estate market including Loveland CO real estate and Windsor CO real estate.

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New Year Predictions for The 2012 Housing Market

by admin on January 17, 2012

New Year Predictions for The 2012 Housing MarketBuy now? Sell now? Keep renting? Wait to sell? Wait to buy? It’s all so confusing.  The real estate market is so unpredictable lately that it really is hard to know what to do.  I read an interesting article from MSN Money that was written by Marilyn Lewis titled “2012 Looks Better for Real Estate”.

New Year Predictions for The 2012 Housing Market

This article looked at different opinions about the real estate market from various sources and listed predictions from these experts regarding how housing will fare in the coming year.  Although there were several predictions from respected authorities on real estate ranging from Karl Case to Bloomberg to Kiplinger, the standout predictions came from Diana Olick.

Olick is not an economist but has a history of being able to talk shop with the best analysts in the country.  Her blog, “Realty Check” looks at current real estate trends.  Olick’s predictions make a lot of sense.

Olick sees even more homeowners going into default on their mortgages, which will keep a number of foreclosed properties, according to her, “looming over the market”.  This rings true.  The economy has recovered some, but there are still parts of the country that are in recession.

Homeowners Are Struggling But Buyers Are Salivating

These are homeowners who are struggling at this very moment to come up with their mortgage payments, and some of them just simply won’t be able to save their homes from foreclosure.  That means also, that inventory, including the inventory of foreclosed homes, is going to continue to remain high through the coming year.  Short sales and REOs will be on the rise to as banks make an effort to foreclose on homes that are in default and to dispose of the shadow inventory that they have on hand.

Olick also predicts that home prices will finally hit rock bottom by the last part of 2012.  She expects for current home prices to drop around five percent more.  If this holds true, the rest of 2012 will be a true buyer’s market, since mortgage rates are continuing to remain low.  This makes it an affordable time for motivated buyers to swoop in and grab that dream home for less than they could have ever imagined.  Basically, if you’re planning to buy, this is the year to do it!

That’s true of those who are looking to snap up some investment properties that can be rented out, since Olick also predicts that the demand for rentals will cause a rise in rents.  This makes sense, too, since there will be a continued increase in the number of people renting with the continued number of people being forced into foreclosure.  If you’ve been considering buying some rental properties, 2012 is a great year to get a great deal.

Like many other analysts have predicted, Olick also predicts that the government will not intervene a great deal, if at all, in housing in 2012.  The reason is obvious.  This is an election year, and nothing gets done in an election year, does it?

Article provided by Allison Klein: You can search all homes for sale Fort Collins on Alilson’s website as well as many other areas in the Fort Collins metro area such as Loveland Colorado homes for sale and Windsor Colorado homes for sale.

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Housing Prices for 2012: Very Little Expected To Change

by admin on January 13, 2012

Housing Prices for 2012 Very little is expected to changeHousing prices aren’t expected to change much in 2012. This is due to “supply and demand” within the nation’s housing market. Currently, the demand is very weak, making the supply abundant, but without a solid foundation.

Housing Prices for 2012: Very Little Expected To Change

Home prices in the US have fallen substantially this year. Mortgage interest rates were at an all time record-low, helping to keep mortgage loan costs down within the housing industry. Even though a long-term shortage of buyers is helping to keep the housing prices low, other factors are steering potential buyers away from investing in property:

  • Unsteady economic recovery is making potential buyers uneasy. They are worried about investing in something long-term at this time.
  • Rising unemployment creates a nervousness in the market. Many are worried that they may not have a job tomorrow, which will put them in default of their loans, leading to foreclosure.
  • Current household finances are not as steady as they have been in the past. Most households are living “check-to-check”, and therefore do not feel financially stable enough to enter into such a long-term contract.

Turning the Housing Market Around

In order for the housing market to make a positive turn around, jobs need to be created that will give homeowners a way to afford homeownership. This includes keeping credit in proper condition, saving for down payments and closing costs, and paying the monthly mortgage and annual property taxes and insurance premiums. Until a more lucrative job market is established, there are no guarantees that the market will recover anytime soon.

Since most Americans don’t expect their personal finances to recover within the next year, many don’t have much hope. This leaves the masses very nervous about taking on the financial responsibilities and obligations that come with being a homeowner. As noted by Doug Duncan, vice president and chief economist of Fannie Mae, “until their view of their income, expenses, and job security heads in a more positive direction.”

Predictions for After 2013

It is believed that when the “housing bubble” recovers, housing prices will begin to go up. Some believe this will happen in about five years. This is because the housing crisis caused an immediate halt in the building and construction of new properties. As potential buyers begin to recover financially, so will the market. This will turn the tables on the current “supply and demand.” More buyers will be seeking homes, but there will be a substantial shortage due to the lack of new constructions.

Falling housing prices have made times very rough on current homeowners. They have had to watch helplessly while the value of their homes dropped continuously. This caused their equity to go into the negative, leaving no wiggling room. While, financial issues within the country, including mass unemployment, has caused a domino effect in the foreclosure world.

In the same sense, this has been a blessing to others. Potential buyers with access to funds can buy the property of their dreams at prices lower than they ever imagined. Many first time buyers and property investors are taking advantage of housing prices, as well as extremely low mortgage interest rates. For a buyer, the 2012 housing market conditions can be the greatest blessing ever in the United States.

About the Author: Paula Henry is a Fishers Real Estate agent who represents buyers and sellers of condos and homes in Fishers Indiana.

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Winterizing Your Home For A Great Winter Season

by admin on January 8, 2012

Winterizing Your Home For A Great Winter SeasonWhen the days turn shorter and nights start becoming chilly, you should know that winter is on its way. This should be a signal to you that it’s time to start preparing your home for the winter.

Winterizing your home, will help you save a lot of money, while giving you some peace of mind for the whole winter season. You can carry out the whole winterizing process in only one weekend by having a clear guideline of what needs to be done and having all the necessary materials ready.

Winterizing Your Home For A Great Winter Season

Inspect the roof, gutters and downspouts. Check the roof for leaks and check flashing to ensure that water cannot enter your home. You should clean the gutters to get rid of any debris that may have accumulated over time and then clear the downspouts by spraying using a hose. Confirm that vents or attic fans are in good condition and have any nests or other blockages cleared.

Inspect your home exterior for cracks. This is where you should inspect your house for cracks and have them completely sealed if present. You should also ensure that there are no openings in windows and doors and this will help to keep out the chilly weather as well as retaining the warmth within the house. Check glass windows and doors for cracks and consider repainting any exposed wood.

Inspect your furnace and get the fireplace ready. Inspect your furnace to ensure that it is in good working condition. You should also keep stock of furnace filters as you will need to be changing these on monthly basis during the winter season. Ensure that the fireplace damper is opening and closing properly and you can also have the chimney cleaned if this has not been done for a while. Buy chop wood and store in a dry place.

Test the thermostat. Turn your heater on and set the thermostat to 80 degrees to test the heating system. Listen to make sure your furnace comes on in a timely manner. Within a few minutes, you should feel warmer air coming out of the vents. If everything seems to be in order, reset your thermostat back to normal. If not, there may be a problem. This is an issue you need to have corrected quickly, before the cold weather becomes unbearable.

Insulate Exposed Piping. Before the winter kicks in good, you need to check any exposed water or drain piping located in crawlspaces, attics, basements, even on exterior walls, such as waterhose faucets. Make sure each one is foam insulated, at the least. If possible, wrap each one with electrical heating tape first, then apply the insulation on top of it. This will help keep pipes from freezing, adding to the cost of heating water in your home.

Other preparations for the winter season include reversing fan direction, wrapping water pipes to prevent bursting, covering outdoor furniture, inspecting deck or patio foundations and preparing an emergency kit among others. Sparing time to carry out all this will help you to avoid surprises, which can be quite expensive during the winter season.

Article provided by Mitch Ribak a Suntree FL real estate agent specializing in helping home buyers and sellers purchase Viera FL real estate and Melbourne Beach FL real estate.

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Getting Past a Home-Buying Hurdle: Coming up with a Down Payment

by admin on January 6, 2012

Getting Past a Home-Buying HurdleThe American dream of home ownership seems out of the reach for those among us who cannot afford a down payment.  Even loans that are specifically designed for those with lower incomes require some sort of down payment, like the FHA loan, which requires a down payment of 3.5%.

Getting Past The Down Payment Home-Buying Hurdle

While there are some no-money down loans, like a Veteran’s Administration loan, for instance, those opportunities are limited in who can apply (in this case, veterans of the armed forces). Some banks ask borrowers to pay a whopping twenty percent down.

So how does a would-be homebuyer come up with the down payment that is needed to get past this all too common home buying hurdle? There are a number of ways that you can come up with your down payment.

The most obvious one may be the smartest, or at least the most logical.  Save for it.  Although saving money in this economy can be hard to do, it is the best way to approach getting the down payment that you need to realize your dream of home ownership.

Plan Ahead If You Really Want That Home, It’s Worth It!

Happy FamilyEven if it takes you several years to come up with a down payment, you will have the satisfaction of reaching a financial goal.  Some people also take on a second job and dedicate the proceeds from that extra stream of income solely towards the down payment on their home.

Another option is to borrow from your IRA, if you have one.  First time buyers can pull out as much as ten thousand dollars towards the down payment, penalty free.  Keep in mind you still are required to pay income tax on the money that you withdraw, but it is still a good option for a number of folks who want to get in the home market while mortgage interest rates are low and inventory is high.

Some people tap into relatives for the money, and parents are the main go-to people to borrow that initial down payment from.  Some won’t even expect it back.  Mine didn’t.  In fact, most parents are happy to see that their children become homeowners, as it is symbolic of the child settling down and perhaps a precursor to grandchildren in the near future.

When struggling to come up with a down payment, you might consider selling off something of value that you own, like a second car, a boat, and so on.  If you have expensive jewelry, or a collection of some type that is worth money, it might be the right time to liquidate those assets so that you can come up with the down payment that you need.

When all else fails, you can invariably look for a lease option on homes in your price range.  This will allow you to lease the home with the option to buy once you have financing in place.  There are a number of those types of homes on the market, and this can be a good way to get in the home you want now, without having a big chunk of money down.

Article provided by Vickie Nagy who helps home buyers purchase Pleasanton CA real estate. If you’re interested in more information about Vickie you can check out her Blackhawk CA real estate website where you can search Livermore CA real estate including foreclosures.

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The 4 Famous Homes of Michael Jackson

by admin on January 5, 2012

Frog DancerWith the criminal sentencing of Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, things are stirring up again with MJ fans. This is also due to the recent announcement that Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, is soon to publish a tell-all documentary entitled, “Confessions of a Father.”

It seems that since MJ’s passing in 2009, the King of Pop is even more popular than ever. For some reason, his popularity inspires fans to want to know the history behind, as well as visit, the famous homes of Michal Jackson.

I, too, have been inspired by the recent MJ tributes and news stories. I decided to do some research on his most famous homes. Let’s take a closer look at the four most famous homes the King of Pop Star, Michael Jackson:

  1. Neverland Ranch – Address: 5225 Figueroa Mountain Rd, Los Olivos, CA
  • This property, formerly named the Sycamore Ranch, was renamed Neverland Ranch by MJ himself. He named it after the fictional fantasy island in the Peter Pan story. As we all know, this is the famous story of “the boy who never grew up.”
  • Jackson and his family resided in this property from 1988 to 2005. It is located in Santa Barbara County, California. According to the Santa Barbara County Assessor’s office, the total property size is about 3,000 acres.
  • When Michael Jackson resided at Neverland Ranch, it was also home to a private amusement park and private petting zoo. At the time, MJ was said to be an eager art collector. There was also a 10,000 volume library that contained books on art, psychology and poetry.
  1. 2300 Jackson Street – Address: 2300 Jackson Street, Gary, IN
  • This property was made famous by the song entitled, “2300 Jackson Street.” The song was released in May, 1989. It was the final recording made by the group, the Jacksons, which included Jermaine, Jackie, Randy, and Tito Jackson. Michael Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Janet Jackson and oldest sibling, Rebbie, also made appearances on this title track.
  • The Jacksons released this song to pay tribute to the home where they grew up as kids. MJ also grew up in this small one-story home with his father, Joseph Jackson, mother, Katherine Jackson and his eight brothers and sisters. The house was located in a blue-collar working town. The family was supported by the wages their father earned as a steel mill worker.
  • This home is still owned by the Jackson Family. As a monumental tribute to the Jackson Family, it is now located on the corner of 2300 Jackson Street and Jackson Family Blvd.
  1. Encino Ranch – Address: 4641 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino, CA
  • This was the home of the Jackson Family in the 1980′s. It’s a five bedroom, seven bathroom, 10,476 square foot house. This is where Michael Jackson and his siblings lived when they relocated to California from Indiana. It is often referred to as “The Jackson Compound.”
  • Now home to Katherine Jackson, it is reported that MJ paid the house off for her years ago to ensure her security. It is said that this is where Jackson’s three children now reside with their grandmother. In September of this year, Mrs. Jackson petitioned the courts to allow her to sell this home. She later changed her mind and decided to retain ownership of the Encino residence.
  1. Holmby Hills – Address: 100 N. Carolwood Drive, Bel Air, CA
  • This was the last home of Michael Jackson before he passed away. This address is now famous for being the home where MJ took his final breath of life.
  • He and his three children called this Bel Air rental property home until his death on June 25, 2009. The children now live with Katherine Jackson in the family’s Encino home.

Guest blog provided by Kimberley Joy Kelly a real estate agent in Palm Springs. For more information you can visit Kim’s La Quinta CA real estate website where you can search Palm Desert CA real estate.

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