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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...
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...
Things to Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage
We previously talked about things to avoid before applying for a mortgage, now let’s talk about what not to do after. So you've just applied for a mortgage, and now you're in that waiting game and there are a few things you wanna steer clear of during this time to...
Strange and Surprising Home Superstitions
From hanging up lucky symbols to scattering coins for good fortune, homes around the globe have their way of bringing in luck, warding off evil spirits, and keeping the vibes just right. Here are some more fascinating home-related traditions from around the world:...
The Difference Between A Traditional Sale And A Short Sale
Ever encountered the terms "traditional sale" and "short sale" but are confused as to what they mean and how these things differ from each other? Whether you’re on the buying or selling side of real estate, these concepts are helpful for you to understand. A...