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Helpful real estate info from the pros.
First-Time Buyer Vocabulary: Cheat Sheet
Buying a home is an exciting milestone. The process can be overwhelming in itself, but sometimes you can get lost with the real estate terminologies. Don't get caught saying, “What does it mean?” during a home purchase transaction. Here are words home buyers...
5 Things Sellers Must Do Before Calling a Real Estate Agent
Are you thinking of putting your home on the market? If you are determined to sell your home, it’s a good idea to spend some time preparing it before listing it. And, hiring an experienced real estate agent will be the best decision for you in making the process...
Loan Programs to Assist Downpayment
Do you want to buy a home but you don’t have enough money saved for the down payment yet? Good news for you – here are 3 of the most common buyer-assist programs you can look into that make it easier to purchase a home in California. Loan Programs to Assist...
FHA Loans: Everything You Need to Know
Most people obtain a home through financing. You’re probably already familiar with some common types of home loans such as conventional financing through banks and veteran’s loans for active and retired military members. Some potential homebuyers who are not able to...
Who Pays Real Estate Fees?
We often get calls asking our office after rendering real estate advice or consultation, “Thanks for helping. How much do I owe you?” And we always reply with – “Nothing.” So, who pays us? A Realtor® represents either a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction....
How to Combine Warm and Cool Colors Like a Pro
It is fair to say that color is part science and part art. Color is a form of non-verbal communication that can affect our mood and emotions, that’s why it’s crucial to create a color scheme for your space. The more you know about how color works, the easier it will...
Hands Down, Top Christmas Home Decor Items
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! If your home hasn’t caught on yet, take a look at these Christmas decor items we love from Amazon that you can have delivered in time for the holidays. Top Christmas Home Decor Items From Amazon Pre-Lit...
Are Tiny Homes Worth It?
Thinking about ‘going tiny’? You may have been inspired by the idea after seeing it in TV shows like Tiny House, Big Living, Tiny House Nation, and Tiny House Builders. With the emergence of minimalism and eco-consciousness, some people are beginning to realize that...
Market Update: Is It Better to Rent or Buy?
While there may be certain very specific reasons that someone opts to be a tenant versus a homeowner in San Diego County, homeownership during our current real estate market, may provide you with some annual savings. Watch the latest buy vs. rent analysis from San...
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...
Five Love Languages of Realtors
In Dr. Gary Chapman’s book “The Five Love Languages”, it delves into how individuals communicate in their romantic relationships through words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time abd physical touch. To know your love language, you can take a quiz...
How to Add a Touch of Love to Your Living Space
With the love month in full swing, creating a romantic vibe in your home goes beyond adorning it with hearts or the color red. It involves making a space that fosters sentiments of love, warmth, and positivity. Below are some ideas to add a touch of love to your...
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...