Our Blog
Helpful real estate info from the pros.
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...
Your Annual Home Maintenance Checklist
Experts recommend an annual check-up to make sure your home is in tip-top shape and will be less prone to surprise repairs. Wrap up the year neatly and get your home ready for the coming year with the following to-dos: Ensure Main Water Shutoff Functions as Expected...
Cutting Energy Costs: Winter Edition
San Diego generally experiences milder winters than the rest of the country. With cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, the demand for heating is generally lower compared to the cooling needs in the warmer months. But if you really want to save a few more...
How To Get Wealthy Investing In Real Estate
Exploring your initial investment property? Getting into real estate in San Diego, California, can be a lucrative venture, but success requires careful planning and informed decision-making. Here's a guide on how to build wealth through real estate in this dynamic...
Loan Denied? Here Are Your Next Steps
Feeling lost when the door to a home loan seems to close? If you don't qualify for a home loan in San Diego, there are several steps you can take to improve your financial situation and increase your chances of qualifying for a mortgage in the future. We’re sharing...
A Guide to Selecting the Best Countertop
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and its countertops are its soul. Choosing the perfect countertop material is a decision that can define not only your kitchen's style but also its functionality and durability. The most common kitchen countertop materials...
Amazon Finds For Thanksgiving
Are you ready to elevate your Thanksgiving celebration this year? Whether you're hosting a grand feast, a cozy gathering, or simply looking to add a touch of autumn warmth to your home, we've scoured the vast aisles of Amazon to uncover delightful finds to make your...
Top Red Flags in Home Purchase
In this blog post, we’re sharing with you how to know if you’re looking at your new home sweet home or a nightmare waiting to happen. While many of these issues have quick and efficient solutions, they are important considerations when making a home purchase. Always...
Creepy Surprises Your Home Inspector Could Uncover
Home inspections can be as spooky as Halloween. There’s nothing more frightening than a home inspector coming into your home and telling you everything that’s wrong with it. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a general understanding of what to look out for:...
Transform Your Space on a Budget—Here’s How!
You don't need to break the bank for a home transformation on a budget! Not every makeover has to be a massive project that drags on for days or weeks. In fact, there are plenty of quick, low-cost touch-ups that can make a huge impact on how your home looks...
You Asked: What Is the Importance of Home Appraisal?
A home appraisal is an unbiased professional opinion of a home’s value and it is almost always used when purchasing a home. In a purchase, an appraisal is used to ascertain whether the home’s contract price is appropriate given the home’s current condition,...