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Featured Blogs
How to Transfer Property to a Family Member
I recently had a client whose grandmother wanted to transfer her property in Hawaii to them. In this blog, we’re taking an inside look at the different options for transferring property to a family member and the legal and tax implications that come along with it.
Should You Rent or Buy a House When Moving to a New City?
Are you moving to a new city soon? In this post, I’m talking about whether you should rent or buy a house when moving to a new city, and why renting might initially be your best bet.
2.5% Interest Rates in 2024? Let’s Talk Assumable Mortgages
What if you could take over someone’s existing mortgage and score a 2.5% interest rate? Sounds great, right? Well, there’s a catch. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of assumable mortgages to help you make an informed decision.
2024 San Diego Real Estate Forecast
The San Diego real estate market is always full of surprises, and 2024 is shaping up to be no different. There's a buzz in the air about the new year, and I'm here to break down what this means for buyers, sellers, and the overall housing landscape in San Diego.
My Experience Upgrading an Electric Panel in San Diego
I thought upgrading my electric panel would be a straightforward process, but it was full of waiting, bureaucratic hurdles, and scheduling issues. Come along with me as I take you through my experience – from initial request to installation.
How Do You Choose a Realtor?
With so many real estate agents out there, how do you choose the right realtor for you? I’ve put together a guide of all the things you need to consider when you’re looking to choose a real estate agent. Read on to get my top five tips.
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
The decision to pay off your mortgage early (or not) is more than just a financial one. Today, I’m talking about how to use a holistic approach to this decision with a real-life example from one of my clients. Read on to find out what I advised him to do.
Navigating Multiple Offers in Real Estate
Dealing with multiple offers in real estate can be both an opportunity and a challenge. In this post, I’m sharing a real-life example of a seller who received several bids on their property (including a cash offer). Read on for an inside look at how I navigated this complex situation.
Why You Should Have Your Home in a Trust
Proactively preparing for a loved one’s passing, or even your own, can be a difficult and uncomfortable thing to do, but having a will or trust in place for properties you or your loved one owns is so important. Read the blog for four key reasons you should ensure your home is in a trust.
What is Dual Agency in Real Estate, and Should I Use a Dual Agent?
Today, we explain a term in real estate that is helpful to be familiar with if you’re a homebuyer or seller: dual agency. There are pros and cons to dual agency, and in the blog, we get right into it so you can evaluate whether having a dual agent is a good fit for you.
The Housing Market in San Diego: How Homebuyers and Sellers are Navigating High Mortgage Rates
Lots of people have been asking: How are people managing to buy homes in the current environment of high-interest rates? In today’s blog, I tackle this question and share five ways I’m seeing both homebuyers and sellers get creative in order to make good deals happen for both parties despite high mortgage rates in the housing market in San Diego.
Tenant Screening Checklist: Protect Your Rental Property from Squatters in California
Whether you’ve been renting properties for years or you’re in the early stages of preparing to rent a property, there’s something you want to safeguard yourself against at all costs: squatters. Do yourself a favor and be sure to do your due diligence as you look for new tenants. Check out our go-to tenant screening checklist to protect yourself from dealing with squatters in your California rental property.
7 Issues: What To Look For When Buying an Old House
Are you considering buying an older home? While there can be amazing perks to buying a charming older home, there can also be some major setbacks you should check on and be knowledgeable of before you buy. Dive into the blog to read about seven key issues to look for when buying an old house.
Why Owning a Home is Not Just an Investment, but a Lifetime of Benefits
Uncover the numerous benefits of owning a home that goes beyond the financial aspect. From the pride of personalization to providing a stable foundation for family life and fostering a sense of community, homeownership offers a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle.
The $2 Billion Lottery Winner's Smart Bet on Real Estate
When a big lottery winner chooses to invest in real estate, you know we’ve got to join in on that conversation. In today’s blog, we weigh in with insights on why real estate is a smart move for anyone looking to grow and sustain their wealth. While most of us won't see a billion dollars, the lessons from this lottery winner's journey are universally applicable, emphasizing diversification, long-term gains, and the importance of seeking expert advice to secure and grow your financial fortune.
5 Crucial Steps to Prevent Mold in Household After a Flood
In times of crisis like a home flood, it's crucial to stay calm and take the right steps to minimize damage and stress. In this blog post, we share a valuable 5-step guide based on our experience, emphasizing the importance of shutting off utilities, contacting your insurance company, calling an emergency restoration company, and working closely with professionals to ensure a swift and effective resolution to the situation. Remember, acting quickly and seeking expert help can make all the difference in protecting your investment and staying safe.
Navigating Home Sales, Investing, 1031 Exchange and More
Planning to sell your home and buy another in the future? Don't overlook the importance of managing tax implications and post-sale proceeds strategically. A well-informed approach, such as exploring options like a 1031 exchange and considering low-risk investments like Certificates of Deposit, can help you maximize your financial gains and minimize risks in this complex real estate journey.
3 Essential Budget Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
Stepping into the realm of buying your first home is a mix of excitement and apprehension, but don't let the allure of your dream house blind you to the importance of a balanced budget. In this blog post, we'll help you find that sweet spot where homeownership meets financial comfort, ensuring your new home is a dream come true without sacrificing life's little pleasures.
5 Home Fixes You Must Complete Before Selling
A good question home sellers often ask me is, "How can I wisely prepare my home for the market to maximize profits and not kill my bank account with upgrades?" It can be overwhelming, scary even, to navigate and figure out what to invest in a home you’re going to sell. If you’re selling a home and making major renovations with the goal of getting top dollar on the house when you sell, you want to be sure that those upgrades will be worth it. Read the blog for my tried and tested list of must-do home fixes.
8-Step Checklist for New Landlords to Reduce Risk & Get a Good Tenant
Renting out a property is a journey with many steps, each crucial to ensuring a smooth experience for both you, the landlord, and your future tenant. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are a lot of ways new landlords can reduce stress and avoid stepping into some real messes, simply by being prepared and informed. If this is you, read this blog to get our checklist of helpful tips for landlords.
I recently had a client whose grandmother wanted to transfer her property in Hawaii to them. In this blog, we’re taking an inside look at the different options for transferring property to a family member and the legal and tax implications that come along with it.