Whether you are planning to sell your home soon or at some time in the future, it is important to understand what renovations will provide the most valuable return on your investment. Some remodeling, of course, is solely for your and your family’s own enjoyment of your home, and to that we say, “Go for […]

Buying a home is an exciting event in one’s life, but there is no doubt that it can be a harrowing experience, especially for first-time home buyers. Between the buyer’s time commitment, their financial considerations, and the emotional upheaval, if you are a licensed real estate agent representing a buyer, you may have your hands

The kids are grown and — if you are lucky — out of the house. There are no more clothes on the floor of their two bedrooms and the bathroom they shared stays clean and dry for weeks at a time now. (Hard to imagine a few years ago, right?) Kids or no kids, perhaps

In 1978, California voters passed Proposition 13 (“Prop 13”) by a margin of nearly two thirds of the voting population. If you are a long-time California resident over 55 years old, you probably remember it well and have some idea of its impact on property taxes and community services. If you are younger, you may

When you visit a client’s home prior to putting it on the market, you will undoubtedly take note of the home’s condition. That’s a big part of your job. Does it need new paint? New carpeting? Is it cluttered with knick-knacks, family photos, children’s toys, the dog’s chewies? Is the kitchen faucet leaking and the

If you are studying for your real estate license, you are probably wondering how agents are faring now in the age of the Covid-19 pandemic and what you might be looking forward to once you pass the state exam.  How will you service your clients when you may not be able to safely meet face-to-face

Perhaps you’re just starting out or maybe you’re ready for your second act.  Do you have what it takes to become a successful real estate agent?  If you do, get ready to roll into a new real estate career! First, You Must Get Your License The courses are not difficult, but they are comprehensive, so

Remember the days of too many brokers’ opens to visit in one day and tens of open home signs crowding street corners? Remember pre-Covid-19? This pandemic is wearing on everyone and everything. It has been with us about seven months now and although there are small glimmers of hope, there appears to be no real

Over the past 100 years, the two main economic eras usually discussed as the most negative or turbulent times were The Great Depression (1929 – 1939) and the Credit Crisis (2007 onward). While some economists and financial analysts believe that the Credit Crisis officially ended in 2012 or 2013, others have suggested that the Credit

FHA continues to be the largest insurer of residential loans in the entire world. The emergence of the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) agency out of the depths of The Great Depression (1929 – 1939) in 1934 continues to play a major role in the funding and acquisition of properties even today. Just like how FHA