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Helpful real estate info from the pros.
Tax Facts for Sellers
Much like any business, there are expenses when selling a home. It’s important to know the various costs of selling your property namely the real estate agent commission, pre-inspections, home staging, etc. Today, we’re talking about the taxes that impact your home...
Can Neighbors Affect My Property Value?
In real estate, we use the term “external obsolescence”, meaning a depreciation in the value of a home due to factors that exist outside the property itself. And the neighborhood is one. Ideally, you’d want to have a community that has the following: Key businesses,...
How to Change the Size of a Room with Paint
We shared in a previous blog about the power of color and how it creates mood in a space. Now, we’ll talk about the power of paint on how it can create a visual impact on a room. The amazing people at Liven Design illustrate how you can seemingly change the physical...
Quick Morning Cleaning Routine
Busy moms, we hear you! Hate having to constantly catch up on cleaning every after work or on the weekends? A few minutes in the morning is all you need — seriously! You can achieve a clean and tidy home in a fraction of the time and here’s a cleaning plan you can...
The Difference Between Using the Bank and a Mortgage Broker
We get this question a lot from our first time buyers — are banks and mortgage brokers the same? The quick answer is no and here’s the definition and difference between the two. A bank offers you a home loan. They usually have a set rate and strict rules for approving...
Does Size Matter? Should I Buy a Big House or a Small House?
Not sure what size of home is the right one for you? We share the pros and cons of having a big house or a small house. Now, the size of a home depends on how you define it or relative to your current living situation. When we talk about small houses, we’re not...
Reasons To Speak With A Lender Even If You’re Not Ready To Buy Yet
Buyers usually start their house-hunting process just after having saved up for a downpayment. It makes perfect sense right? But did you know that you need not wait until you saved up for a downpayment before talking to a mortgage lender? The following are the...
Prepare Your Home for a Real Estate Photographer
A photogenic home makes a good first impression and attracts more potential buyers. So sellers, take note — the following are ways to prepare your home for the listing photos. Make it sparkle We clean up when guests come over, right? So much more when...
How to Know if You Can Really Afford to Buy a Home
If you’ve decided to buy a home and want to learn more about the financials, then you’re in the right place. You’re probably wondering how much you can afford. The following items are the most important money matters to consider. Know Your Debt-To-Income (DTI) Ratio...
Tips for Decorating Above Your Sofa
Got a blank space above your sofa? Decorating above your sofa serves several purposes and can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of your living space. Aside from adding visual interest in the space, it can be a conversation starter and a chance to showcase your...
Your First Year as a Homeowner: A Maintenance Survival Guide
New home, new adventures! Homeownership is an exciting journey, part of it is giving proper TLC to keep it in great condition, ensuring safety, comfort, and financial well-being. Below is a list of home maintenance tasks new homeowners must do in the next 365 days:...
Deciding Between One-Story and Two-Story Living
Uncertain about whether a one-story or two-story home aligns with your needs? The choice is influenced by individual preferences and requirements. To help you decide, here’s a comparison between a one-story home and a two-story home: One-story homes are...
Buying Rental Properties: Cash Vs. Mortgage
When it comes to buying rental properties, you can choose between making a cash purchase or securing a mortgage loan. Each method has its unique benefits and drawbacks. Here's a comparison of purchasing rental properties outright with cash versus opting for a...
Home Improvement DIY: No Power Tools Edition
A drill, orbital sander and the likes are great power tools to have at home for repairs and home improvement projects. But not everyone has access to these power tools. Good news, not all DIY home projects require power tools. These projects can be rewarding...
Sell Smarter: Negotiation Strategies for Homeowners
Negotiation is a highly valuable life skill. It’s not just about haggling over prices or making deals; it's a fundamental skill that empowers you to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and achieve your goals while maintaining positive relationships with...
The Difference Between A Traditional Sale And A Short Sale
Ever encountered the terms "traditional sale" and "short sale" but are confused as to what they mean and how these things differ from each other? Whether you’re on the buying or selling side of real estate, these concepts are helpful for you to understand. A...
Prepping Your San Diego Home for Summer
As summer approaches in San Diego, it's time to get your homes ready for the sunny days ahead. Let’s get your home in tip-top shape for the season — below are some items to tick off your home upkeep checklist! Do an A/C Check-Up: Keep your cool all season long...
Reality Check… Can You Really Afford This Home?
So you're ready to dive into the world of homeownership and get a handle on the financial side of things? One of the first things you'll want to figure out is how much house you can actually afford. Let's break it down. According to Smart Asset’s estime, to...