Wednesday, April 16, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
If you’ve been dreaming of owning a home in Los Angeles, you’re not alone — and if you're expecting a tax refund this year, you may be closer to getting those keys than you think.
As Freddie Mac explains:
“Your tax refund from the IRS can be a useful supplement to your homebuying budget.”
Whether you're saving up for your first home or trying to cover those last few upfront costs, your tax refund could give your plans a real boost.
Tax Refunds Are Up This Year — Here's Why That Matters
This year, the average tax refund is up by 3.9% compared to last year, according to the latest data from the IRS.
While refund amounts vary depending on your personal tax situation, even a small boost in your refund could help you take meaningful steps toward homeownership in LA's competitive market.
Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund to Buy a Home in LA
Here’s how you can make your refund work harder for your homebuying goals:
1. Boost Your Down Pa ...
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Monday, April 14, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
GRANADA HILLS, CA – Vic Markarian Realty Group has announced an exceptional residential offering in the highly sought-after Adam Hills neighborhood of Glendale. This meticulously updated property, priced at $1,350,000, combines timeless charm with modern conveniences in one of Southern California’s most desirable locations.
Built in 1928, this 1,690-square-foot home features three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a private two-car attached garage. The residence showcases elegant laminate floors, high ceilings, and a romantic fireplace in the inviting living area, complemented by a formal dining room and a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and recessed lighting.
“This property exemplifies what discerning buyers are seeking in today’s market,” says Vic Markarian, top real estate agent in Granada Hills, CA. “From the thoughtful layout to the premium location near vibrant urban centers, this home offers both character and conven ...
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Wednesday, April 9, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Headlines are talking about the inventory of new homes and how we’re back at the levels not seen since 2009. And maybe you’re reading that and thinking: oh no, here we go again. That’s because you remember the housing crash of the late 2000s and you’re worried we’re repeating the same mistakes.
But before you let fear take hold, remember: headlines are designed to be clickbait. And a lot of the time, they do more to terrify than clarify. That’s because they don’t always give you all the context you need. So, let’s take a step back and look at what the data really says.
Why This Isn’t Like 2008
While it’s true the number of new homes on the market has reached its highest level since 2009, that’s not a cause for alarm.
Here’s the context that matters most. When the data is turned into a graph, it’s clear the amount seen in 2009 wasn’t the peak of oversupply – not even close. That high point ...
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Thursday, March 27, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what that means for you.
You may be regaining some negotiating power. That can translate into savings, perks, or even better terms on your purchase – if you know what levers to pull during negotiation.
Why an Agent Is an Essential Part of the Negotiation Process
The complicated part is knowing what is and isn’t on the table. That’s where your agent comes in. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), besides finding the right home, the top thing buyers want from their agent is help negotiating the terms of the sale, followed by negotiating the price.
Here’s why. Agents are skilled negotiators and are trained for moments like this. Since your agent is an expert on the localt ...
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Thursday, March 27, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Spring is here, and so is the busiest season in real estate. More buyers are out looking for homes, which means more competition for you. If you want to put yourself in the best position to buy, there’s one step you can’t afford to skip, and that’s getting pre-approved for a mortgage.
Some buyers think they can wait until they’ve found a home they love before talking to a lender. But in a season where homes can sell fast, that’s a risky move. Getting pre-approved before you start your search is a much better bet.
Here’s what you need to know about this early step in the buying process.
What Is Pre-Approval?
Pre-approval gives you a sense of how much a lender is willing to let you borrow for your home loan. To determine that number, a lender starts by looking at your financial history. Here are some of the things that can have an impact, according to Yahoo Finance:
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: This is how much money you owe divided by how ...
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