Low Income Housing in Hollywood

May 16th, 2008

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If you’re a struggling actor in Hollywood and you got no place to stay because of the high cost of housing there, don’t fret you’ll have someplace to call home soon.

The Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency approved a revitalization plan last Thursday to help finance a series of commercial and residential projects adding more low-income housing in the area.

Low-income projects planned over the next five years include the $7-million Villas at Gower, which will offer 70 “very low-income housing units” along with supportive services for homeless families and what the CRA calls “transitional youths.”

Source

Slumlording?

May 8th, 2008

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If you think that investing on low-income housing will make you feel like a slum lord, then you may need to change your attitude about it. Consider it as doing a service for those who can’t afford a big house instead.

A good example would be comparing a house and a mobile home. If you bought a house for $130,000 and rent it out for $800 then you’d be in the red compared to a mobile home bought at $45,000 and renting at $500. Ergo, more profits from an otherwise lowly mobile home.

The only problem with low income housing is managing the repairs because it’s not of a high quality compared to middle-income houses.

Source

Living in the Big City for the First Time

April 26th, 2008

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Butterflies in the stomach are bound to be present when you make the first move in getting out of your ancestral home. It is a big step for most but the thing is, you really have to take it. You cannot go on discovering life being content with where you grew up. Getting out of these shadows and starting to find new ways of living is something that many of us have to undertake.

There will be problems along the way. But the thing is, you are out there to find your niche. This includes the type of lifestyle you are bound to live.

Shifting to New Urban Living

April 22nd, 2008

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Not all people embrace urban living in the manner that most of us do. There are a number of us who get used to relying on people and not paying for where we reside in. But part of our lives is becoming independent and adding that added cost of living to which we should be wise on where we relocate.

Much of the cost depends on the land value where we choose to live in. We have choices and normally, it would depend if we can afford and fit into these neighborhoods. A big challenge for some but it is part of our lives to make sure we have the best possible shelter that fit our being and budget.

Earnings Eaten up by Urban Living

April 16th, 2008

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Sometimes we find ourselves with a choice, comfort or savings. We all find ourselves working in the urban side of the world and to do so, we have to go to work everyday. In the process, we have a choice, rent a nearby apartment or condominium unit or wake up early to catch the bus and make sure we are at the office on time.

Of the two, rest and sleep is important. We have to adjust properly if we are to live in the urban setting. The choice is eventually up to us to make. Whichever it may be, it surely will not be rosy as we have to make do with what we have and survive.

The Burdens of Condominium Dues

April 12th, 2008

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As if cramped living styles are not enough, most people have to pay condominium dues to make sure that their unit is serviced according to the condominium policies set forth. Not all people are fine with them as they often tell themselves, “I already bought a unit, why do I have to pay additional while living in them?”

Apparently, this is something that most people have to live with today. There will always be untoward expenses that they have to deal with. While most people want to get their own homes, alternatives to comfortable living just have these hidden defects.

Making the Kitchen Your Kingdom

March 23rd, 2008

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For people who love to cook, it would be best to consider how your kitchen setup will look like. At the heart of every great kitchen is good food. While every meal need not be a culinary masterpiece, integrated restaurant-quality technology and design guarantees that the possibility for a four star meal is always a recipe away.

Whether preparing a gourmet meal along the kitchen’s island, sitting at the bar with a book and a bowl of cereal, or ransacking the pantry for a late night snack, the latest kitchens are designed to make organizing and cooking easier and more efficient, with less mess.

Don’t Overdo the Apartment Interiors

March 12th, 2008

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As far as living in the urban side of the world is concerned, if you are renting your place, try not to overdo it. In addition to providing a wealth of decorative storage and opening up square footage, built-ins offer a way to better coordinate open, adjacent spaces.

Great rooms, open kitchens and connecting dens emphasize the need to keep space balanced and proportional. Stacked cabinetry, the use of moldings and storage alcoves are a few of the ways in which built-ins can work towards the flow and flexibility of your open floor plan. For today’s busy families, built-ins become increasingly useful in multi-purpose spaces.

Pointers in Buying A Condo Unit

March 12th, 2008

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1. Ponder on the thoughts when preparing to buy a condo. Is it the right move? Will it fit my budget? Will it fit my Lifestyle?

2. Check the advantages and disadvantages of an urban lifestyle. Check out various Condos and note their strengths and weaknesses and also take note of the price range.

3. Get pre-qualified for a mortgage.

4. Inspect the building complex of your desired condo location. See my article on how to inspect for a condo unit.

5. Make an offer and close on the deal.

From AllAboutCondoLiving : How to Buy A Condo

The Advantage of Condo Living

March 10th, 2008

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Nowadays, condominiums are rising everywhere. This is so because condo living is a great choice for people who are attracted to the idea of owning a property at a fairly inexpensive price and yet, well-situated in the city. Apart from being in a good location, condominiums have many facilities which unit owners can maximize.

One the leading reasons why owning a condo attracts many people is because of the fact that it does not include individual land ownership. It is basically full ownership of the unit without the sole responsibility of owning the land as well. Also, the combined ownership makes facilities existent and free for all. With these, there is a set of rules and regulations to follow by every tenant and this also accounts for hassle-free maintenance as everyone does his share in keeping the condominium.