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Helpful real estate info from the pros.

Why It Pays to Sell Your Home During the Holiday Season

Why It Pays to Sell Your Home During the Holiday Season

Even though the holiday season is generally a time when people are focused on family, spirituality, gift-giving, and charitable pursuits, the holiday season is actually a really great time for people to sell homes. Seems strange, right? Why...

You Don’t Need 20 Percent Down to Buy a Home

You Don’t Need 20 Percent Down to Buy a Home

A survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about the types of requirements to obtain a mortgage loan in today’s housing market. The study pointed out two major misconceptions that we want to address today.DOWN...

Escrow. Explained.

Escrow. Explained.

Home buying is currently en vogue again. And, homebuyers in North San Diego County and beyond have been busy searching the Internet for homes for sale and attending open houses. Once you have found the home that you are looking for, you write...

Flipping Houses – Can you actually make money?

Flipping Houses – Can you actually make money?

What is flipping houses? You’ve probably seen it advertised on television. Some weekend long course where you go and some “guru” teaches you how to make money by buying a home, fixing it, and then immediately selling it for a profit. BUYING A...

Spotlight: The Skinny on Real Estate Commission

Spotlight: The Skinny on Real Estate Commission

After receiving calls for real estate advice or consultations, I’ve heard these words many times. “Thanks, so much. How much do I owe you?” People are always surprised by the response—nothing but how do real estate agents get paid? What is the...

The Best Way to Sell Your Home for Top Dollar

The Best Way to Sell Your Home for Top Dollar

If you are considering putting your home on the market because you would like to sell your home, there are many things that you can do to prepare. In order to sell your home in San Diego County for top dollar, there are certain steps that you...

Good or Bad? The Skinny on Lease Option Agreements

Good or Bad? The Skinny on Lease Option Agreements

The other day, one of the agents in our office met up with a home seller that was in a tough spot and had a great question. She and her siblings had tried to sell their family home a few years back but were unable to sell at their selected sales...

What Buyers and Sellers Must Know About Disclosures

What Buyers and Sellers Must Know About Disclosures

If you are buying a home in San Diego County and beyond, there is definitely a lot to know about the California homebuying process and disclosures. THE TRUTH ABOUT PROPERTY DISCLOSURES One thing that is extremely important (and sometimes...

Here’s a Quick Home Makeover for the Budget Conscious

Here’s a Quick Home Makeover for the Budget Conscious

Not every home makeover has to be a major project that lasts days, weeks, or even months. There are a ton of quick touch-ups and fixes that can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home, even though you can finish the project in...

9 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

9 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

New year, new goals! In addition to the many personal resolutions set for yourself, why not set goals for your home too? In the spirit of fresh beginnings, we’re sharing some New Year’s home improvement ideas that you may want to consider for your home this year to...

Pros And Cons Of Homeowner Associations

Pros And Cons Of Homeowner Associations

When brought into light, talking about Homeowners Associations or HOAs gets mixed feelings from people. According to the Community Associations Institute, nearly nine in 10 residents (89%) believe that their governing board “absolutely” or “for the most part” serves...

Ways to Hold Title to Your Property in California

Ways to Hold Title to Your Property in California

One of the important considerations, and unfortunately, least thought of things when buying a home is the way you hold title to your property. It will determine how your ownership will be structured, how it will be sold, taxed, etc. Ideally, it’s best to talk to a...

Smart Holiday Decor To Spice Up Your Home

Smart Holiday Decor To Spice Up Your Home

It’s that time of the year again! You’ve probably already put up your wreaths and trees up by this time. But in case you’re on a hunt for something unique to add this year, why not check out these high-tech, holiday decor? Level up your holiday cheer with these smart...

Unravel Your Fears about Buying a Home

Unravel Your Fears about Buying a Home

Making a home purchase is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. It’s very understandable to have feelings of doubt and worry whether to go for it, hold on it, or scrap the idea altogether. We’re here to help you clear the brain fog by providing you...

The 10 Commandments of Getting a Home Loan

The 10 Commandments of Getting a Home Loan

With recent low rates on mortgage (at 2.72% for a 30-year loan as of this writing), it’s totally understandable that you and others are compelled to make a home purchase now. But before you do that, we want to help you set it straight and avoid the following financial...

Does Size Matter? Should I Buy a Big House or a Small House?

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

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

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...