This is specifically for those of you relocating to California (and perhaps other close-by states that may have similar issues).

You will find, as I did, that some things are different here, as they are in other states of course. I'm talking specifically about the homes themselves. You might as well be prepared so it will come as less of a surprise, depending on where you are coming from. And you will surely notice these things if you are reviewing MLS listings in your search for a new home here.

If you are coming from the East Coast (or the Mid-West) you are probably accustomed to having a basement, plus some sort of attic, maybe even one with stairs. You are in for a surprise.

NO BASEMENTS - at least here in Southern California, homes are built on SLABS and do not have basements. You may wonder...what will I do about storage? More on that later.

SLABS - yes, your house will be on a slab of concrete, so the surface under your tile, carpet or hardwood will be concrete (it's harder) than the sub-flooring so many homes typically have (plywood, etc.)

LAUNDRY - because of the weather, and other reasons, you will often find that the laundry is in the garage, not in the house, although in most new homes there is a separate laundry room.

GARAGES - 2 and 3 car garages tend to be more common, especially in new homes. THAT'S where you get your extra storage. Again, with the weather being what it is, lots of folks use their garages for storage and keep the cars in the driveway (no worries about snow and ice here!).

ATTICS - nope, don't have many of those either. There will be space in many homes for the heating or cooling units above the ceiling, but you won't have a big walk-up attic for storage as you do elsewhere in the country.

SPAS, WATER FEATURES, POOLS - you're moving here because of the weather, right? So these are much more common, just like in Florida and some other "hot" states. Nice to have but they take some work.

HOA FEES and MELLO ROOS - definitely more common than back East, for example. HOA (Home Owner Association) fees are similar to condo fees.

TILE ROOF - much more common here. May be clay, concrete or other man-made substance