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.

Single Story, View Home in Thousand Oaks For Sale!

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

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

By kimclemensrealestate • June 27, 2025

Thinking of selling your home in Thousand Oaks?

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.

Homes with Views in Thousand Oaks!

Fresh price and even fresher potential!

Welcome to 145 Columbia Road, where panoramic views, a fantastic floor plan, and a million-dollar neighborhood meet an exciting opportunity under $1M.

This single-story ranch has been home to one family for 25 years, and now it’s ready for yours! With 4 bedrooms + a bonus room (perfect for a home office or 5th bedroom), 2.5 baths, and nearly 1,804 sq ft of bright, inviting living space, you’ve got the bones of something beautiful—and the chance to make it totally your own.

What’s already done: New roof ✅ New exterior paint ✅ Remodeled bathrooms ✅ Upgraded garage ✅ Curb appeal galore.
What’s waiting for your touch: The kitchen and backyard offer a blank canvas ready for your style and ideas!

There’s a cozy fireplace in the step-down living room, plantation shutters, and dual-pane windows up front. The kitchen opens to a light-filled dining space with backyard access and mountain views. All four bedrooms are generously sized, and the primary suite is oversized with an en-suite bathroom and mirrored closets.

But let’s talk backyard: BIG, elevated, and loaded with possibilities—from garden parties to ADU dreams, this space is ready to shine.

Near The Oaks Mall, parks, top-rated schools, trails, and easy freeway access—this is the kind of street and neighborhood that makes Thousand Oaks one of the safest and most family-friendly cities in California.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? This is your chance to live in a view home in Conejo Valley for less than $1M!

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