Our Blog
Helpful real estate info from the pros.
Looking at Homes Online Vs In Person
The internet has made so many things a lot easier to find — even homes! It’s understandable that everyone wants to present their best selves online, and that’s where in-person meet ups come in to see if things are what they say they are. Below are the expectations vs...
Things to Avoid Before Applying for a Mortgage
Planning to buy a home? The key is to prepare and maintain excellent financial health. And we’re not just talking about the down payment! Improve your chances of getting approved for a home loan and be eligible for better interest rates and terms — here are some...
First Investment? Here Are Some Property Tips
Considering your first investment property? When done right, it can offer steady cash flow and financial security. It says a lot as to why successful entrepreneurs and investors like to acquire property as part of their investment portfolio. Keep these in mind as you...
Stylish Ways of Hiding the Ugly Stuff Outside Your Home
If you loved our blog about stylish ways of hiding the ugly stuff inside your home, now let’s deal with the outdoor space. The internet is filled with cool ideas on how to hide unsightly wirings, bulky equipment, etc. and here are some of our favorites that are worth...
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...
Should You Talk to a Lender or Real Estate Agent First?
Buying a home entails more than just choosing a property from listings and settling in. It can be an enormous task, that’s why it’s wise to hire pros to help you along the way. But who do you turn to first: the lender or a real estate agent? The ideal sequence is...
Tax Season: Wrap Up the Year Neatly
It’s tax season! It’s time to start pulling together all of the documents that you will need in order to prepare your tax return on your personal property or your rental property in North San Diego County. Tax day isn’t until the 15th of April, but the time to start...
Down Payment Using My Tax Return?
Have you been seriously looking into buying a home this year but struggling to come up with a down payment? One thing you can consider is using your tax refund. It's actually common for many first-time homebuyers to use their tax refunds as a viable down payment...
Get the Most Out of Selling Real Estate
New year, new endeavors! If one on your list includes selling a home, you’re in the right place. Selling a property is no walk in the park but you can get the most out of the sale with strategic planning. Before you put the For Sale sign out, here are some tips to...
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...
Stay Safe this Winter: Why Home Insurance Is Key
Winter in San Diego may not bring snowstorms, but it still has its challenges for homeowners. Even without freezing temperatures and heavy snow, the season can create unique risks. Think about it—what happens if a pipe bursts and floods your basement? Or if a heavy...
Quiz: What’s Your Interior Design Style?
Are you all about exposed brick and metal, or do you prefer cozy textures and rustic charm? Maybe you love a minimalist vibe or enjoy mixing bold colors and patterns! Finding your perfect interior design style can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Take...
More Real Estate Terms First Time Buyers Should Know
Buying your first home is such an exciting milestone, but let’s be real—the process can get a little overwhelming, especially with all the real estate jargon and acronyms thrown around. You don’t want to be caught asking, “Wait, what does that mean?” during your big...