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...
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...
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...
How Not to Stage: Mistakes That Can Sabotage Your Sale
Home staging is one of the best ways to make your property stand out to potential buyers, but there’s a fine line between staging for success and making missteps that turn buyers away. While it’s easy to focus on making everything look picture-perfect, certain common...
Should You Close a Credit Card Before Applying for a Mortgage?
When preparing to apply for a mortgage, every financial decision matters. One question many people ask is whether closing a credit card account will help or hurt their chances. Spoiler alert: it’s usually not a good idea. Your credit score plays a huge role in...
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...