Our Blog
Helpful real estate info from the pros.
What You Need to Know Before Actually Hiring an Agent
If you are considering purchasing a home in San Diego County or beyond, you have probably already begun your home search.No doubt you have looked at homes on the Internet. According to the National Association of Realtors®, 92% of home buyers...
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
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.
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?
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
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
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
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
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...
Signs That You Should Not Sell Your Home Right Now
“When you’re selling, you’re buying too” - says a popular English proverb and it best applies when selling your home. COVID-19 raised lots of questions and new ideas for homeowners. Some are relocating because interest rates were low. Some are unhappy where they were...
Tips on Cleaning Gross Things At Home
What do you think is the dirtiest place in your house? Whatever your answer is, just the thought of it likely made you scrunch your face. Thinking about cleaning it likely seems a little daunting. Here are the dirtiest spots in your home, plus we’re sharing tips on...
How VA Loans Work
Did you know that 1 out of 3 active-duty military and veterans have no idea that they have some of the best home buying benefits available? Active-duty military and veterans have some really great opportunities in real estate. With the right information, active-duty...
What Are the Benefits of Refinancing a Mortgage?
With recent interest rates at historic lows, you may be able to decrease your monthly payment and save thousands by refinancing your loan to a lower rate. As of this writing, a 30-year fixed refinance rate is at 3.090% with an annual percentage rate (APR) of 3.250%....
Housekeeping Lessons from the Japanese
Tidiness and home organization is a universal trend lately during the pandemic as we are mostly at home. With the popularity and aspiration to have a home like that of Marie Kondo and Muji, you might say that the Japanese people are doing it right when it comes to...
Things to Consider When You’re Renovating to Sell
The key to a successful renovation to sell is only doing things that add value to your property. It’s always helpful to be prepared, and that’s especially true when you’re scraping off tiles, tearing down cabinets and creating the kitchen of your dreams, all while...
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...