Our Blog
Helpful real estate info from the pros.
Spring Cleaning Checklist for Sellers
If you are thinking about selling your home, it’s a good idea to spend some time preparing it for sale. This season is the busiest time in real estate and here are reasons why it is a good time to sell and hopefully help you ‘spring ahead’ to a decision. Make...
Home Decor Items Under $25
Making your home pretty and nice doesn’t have to cost you an arm and leg. Check out these little decorative additions to your humble abode — all under 25 bucks! Aromatherapy Candle Price: $13.99 (On Sale for $9.99 as of this writing) What others are saying: “I...
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...
Features of an Old Home Worth Saving and Restoring
Old homes have charm and craftsmanship that can be rare these days. A well-maintained property in desirable neighborhoods can also appreciate in value over time. However, one must have the willingness to invest in maintenance and updates, and appreciation for...
Can I Use My 401K To Buy A House?
Achieving homeownership is an aspiration for many Americans, yet it can pose considerable challenges. If you find yourself lacking funds for a down payment, one alternative is to utilize your 401(k) for the purchase of a house. Yes, in certain situations, you can use...
Ways to Kick Your Kitchen Island Up a Notch
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the island countertop is the pulse. It provides extra counterspace and storage but also serves as a gathering place for families and guests. Because of its role and placement in the kitchen, you have the lots of opportunity to...
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...
Real Estate Head-Scratchers: Why Some Homes Won’t Sell
Is your property starting to gather cobwebs, sitting endlessly on the market? There could be many factors at play—some beyond your control, but others might just need a bit of tweaking. Sometimes, it’s the small, overlooked details that hold back a sale, leaving...
Unlock Rental Potential: Understanding ADU Law
Building an accessory dwelling unit or ADU in California is one of the best investments right now and homeowners should look into maximizing these laws to their fullest potential. But first, let’s take a look at what ADUs are and how homeowners can generate rental...
The Irresistible Charm of Fall – And Here’s the Proof
Colder air, warm surroundings — fall has finally come and we’re totally here for it. Some people are busy dressing up their homes to match this lovely season. Take a look at some of our favorite home fall inspirations that prove autumn is the most beautiful season....