How Much Can I Afford?

Determining how much you can afford involves evaluating your income, debts, credit score, and the down payment you can make. A general rule of thumb is that your monthly home payment should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and your total debt-to-income ratio should be under 36%. Online mortgage calculators can provide a preliminary estimate, but consulting with a mortgage lender for pre-approval will give you a more accurate picture based on your financial situation.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay to finalize a mortgage, typically ranging from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. These costs can include appraisal fees, title insurance, attorney fees, and loan origination fees. Buyers and sellers may negotiate who pays these costs, but it's crucial for buyers to budget for them when planning their home purchase. Understanding these costs upfront can help avoid surprises at closing.

How Does Buying a Home Work?

Buying a home involves several steps: starting with pre-approval for a mortgage to understand your budget, then searching for homes within that budget, making an offer, and going through home inspections and appraisals. Once your offer is accepted, you'll enter the closing process, which includes finalizing your mortgage, completing necessary paperwork, and closing the sale. It's a complex process that benefits from the guidance of a professional real estate agent to navigate negotiations, legal requirements, and financial details.

Should I Buy or Rent?

Deciding between buying or renting depends on your financial stability, lifestyle, and how long you plan to stay in one place. Buying a home is a long-term investment that can build equity and potentially offer tax benefits, but it comes with additional responsibilities and upfront costs. Renting offers flexibility and less maintenance but might not provide the same return on investment. Consider your current life stage, financial health, and future plans when making this decision.

How Much Should I Put Down?

Putting down a larger sum on a home can significantly reduce your mortgage payments and interest rates, making the property more affordable in the long run. Traditionally, a 20% down payment is ideal as it also avoids the need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). However, depending on your financial situation and the programs available to you, down payments can be as low as 3.5% for FHA loans or even 0% for VA and USDA loans. It's essential to consider your budget and long-term financial goals when deciding.

🏡 5 Things to Know Before Selling a Home in Thousand Oaks

Name: Kim Clemens Real Estate
Address: 2535 Townsgate Rd., Ste 109, Westlake Village, CA, 91361, US
Telephone: (805) 551-2137

Just Listed in Newbury Park - Dual RV Parking

By kimclemensrealestate • June 18, 2025

Looking for a remodeled, move-in ready home in Newbury Park with no HOA and serious RV parking? Welcome to 610 Nicole Drive—a stylish and spacious 2-story traditional with top-to-bottom updates and room for all your toys. This turnkey property features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 updated bathrooms, over 2,100 sq ft of living space, and backs to open space for extra privacy. Both sides of the home offer gated RV parking (12'x67' and 10'x60'), complete with 50 amp service. The fully fenced backyard is built for entertaining with a custom firepit, covered patio, and low-maintenance landscaping. Enjoy a granite and stainless chef’s kitchen, vaulted ceilings, wood-look floors, a luxury primary suite, dual-pane windows, indoor laundry, and a 3-car epoxy-finished garage with built-ins and WiFi openers. Located in the highly desirable Conejo School District, this remodeled Newbury Park home is close to hiking and biking trails, just minutes from local beaches, and offers easy 101 freeway access.

Remodeled Single-Story Home for Sale in Thousand Oaks – Conejo Valley Living at Its Best

By kimclemensrealestate • June 10, 2025

Welcome to 1449 Calle Durazno—your chance to own a fully remodeled home in the heart of Thousand Oaks. This 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath gem features stylish upgrades throughout and sits on a spacious 9,583 sq ft flat lot with RV parking, ADU potential, and room for a large pool—all with no HOA! Inside you’ll find a bright, turnkey layout with wood-style flooring, new HVAC, recessed lighting, and a beautifully updated kitchen and bathrooms. Live close to parks, hiking trails, schools, and shopping, all within the Conejo Valley School District. Whether you're a first-time buyer, multi-generational family, or looking to expand, this home offers incredible value and lifestyle.

Front picture of home at 145 Columbia Road, Thousand Oaks

Single Story, View Home in Thousand Oaks For Sale!

By kimclemensrealestate • April 10, 2025

Homes with Views in Thousand Oaks don’t come around often—especially under $1 million! 145 Columbia Road is a rare single-story ranch with 4 bedrooms + an office, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,804 sq ft of living space, all on a large 10,000+ sq ft lot with elevated panoramic views. This family home in Conejo Valley offers unbeatable value in a neighborhood of $1M+ properties. With a brand-new roof, new exterior paint, upgraded garage, dual-pane windows, and remodeled bathrooms, it’s move-in ready while leaving room for your personal touch. Whether you're a young family, remote worker needing a dedicated office, or a buyer looking to create a future ADU, this Thousand Oaks gem delivers space, flexibility, and upside. Enjoy proximity to The Oaks Mall, top-rated schools, parks, and hiking trails—all while living in one of California’s safest cities. This is the perfect canvas to create your dream lifestyle in Thousand Oaks.

Thinking of selling your home in Thousand Oaks?

Whether you're downsizing, relocating, or cashing in on your equity, getting the best value for your home requires more than just listing it online. As a seasoned local real estate expert, I help sellers navigate every step of the process with clarity and confidence.

Here are 5 essential things to know before putting your Thousand Oaks property on the market:

1. Timing Matters—Know the Local Market Cycles

Thousand Oaks typically sees increased buyer activity in the spring and early summer. Listing during high-demand months can lead to faster offers and better sale prices. That said, personal timing and market readiness should also guide your decision.

📈 Pro Tip: Ventura County homes often sell faster and closer to asking in May through July. Let’s review your timing options together.

2. Local Staging Trends Can Boost Value

Buyers in Thousand Oaks are drawn to homes that feel light, clean, and move-in ready. Simple staging techniques—like fresh paint, neutral décor, and enhancing natural light—can help buyers envision themselves in the space.

🛋️ Bonus Tip: I provide personalized staging advice and recommendations from trusted local pros to help your home stand out.

3. A Pre-Listing Inspection Prevents Surprises

Unexpected repair issues during escrow can derail deals or reduce offers. A pre-listing inspection allows you to fix—or disclose—issues up front, giving buyers peace of mind and improving negotiating power.

🔍 Consider This: Roof, plumbing, and HVAC are common concerns for Thousand Oaks buyers—addressing these in advance adds confidence.

4. Pricing Strategy Is Crucial

Pricing your home too high can lead to stale listings; too low can leave money on the table. I use current comps, neighborhood trends, and local demand data to position your home for maximum exposure and competitive offers.

💡 Local Insight: Homes priced right in neighborhoods like Lang Ranch or Newbury Park often get multiple offers in under two weeks.

5. Work With a Local Expert

Every market has its quirks—and Thousand Oaks is no exception. From city permit rules to buyer preferences in different school zones, I offer hyperlocal knowledge that national platforms just can’t match.

👩‍💼 Need Help? I’ve helped dozens of local homeowners close smoothly and profitably. Let’s create a custom plan that works for you.

📞 Ready to Sell with Confidence?

If you're thinking about selling in Thousand Oaks or the surrounding Ventura County area, let's talk. I’ll guide you through every step—from pricing and staging to negotiating and closing—with personalized service and proven strategies.

👉 Call me at (805) 551-2137 or Click Here to Book a Free Consultation
📍 Serving Thousand Oaks, Conejo Valley, and greater Ventura County

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