What Millennials Want
Millennials are influencing the marketplace, prioritizing integrated technology and storage solutions in modern home design. The next generation of homeowners wants smart, stylish homes that enable them to connect with friends and family. Millennials will lead the way in adopting new technology — making features like the ability to preheat an oven or […]
California’s Solar Initiative
California Makes Solar Power Easy! What better place to take advantage of the sun’s rays then sunny California? The state has been at the forefront of new and sustainable energy initiatives, with solar power being one of the most popular and widely accessible alternative energy solutions. Homebuyers and even renters are enticed by “green” amenities, […]
Understanding Tax Proration
Property taxes are paid current when a property is sold. Find out how to calculate tax proration at the close of escrow. Closing costs for the sale of real property will include property tax proration. The purpose of a proration in a sale escrow is to fairly divide property expenses – such as taxes […]
Understanding the California Residential Purchase Agreement & Joint Escrow Instructions
Learn how to read and negotiate the terms of the standard California Residential Purchase Agreement when buying or selling real estate. The transfer of real estate is a legal process with loads of paperwork, often written in legalese. While the interpretation can seem daunting for those new to the marketplace, the standard California […]
13 Hottest California Real Estate Markets
Everyone loves California! Here are the statistics to prove it. Spring is upon us! As the temperatures are steadily rising, so too are the nation’s hottest real estate markets. It should be no surprise for our fellow Californians that California is dominating the housing market yet again. Preliminary data for the month of March […]
5 Simple Home Improvements to Increase Your Home’s Value
Some home improvements cost more than they are worth. Here are 5 simple home improvements worth more than they cost! Some projects will protect your dollars more than others if you’re planning to sell in a few years. Invest your time and money wisely, and your home improvements can increase your home’s value. The […]
Is an Encumbrance Affecting the Value of Your Property?
Find out how non-possessory interests, or encumbrances, can affect the value of your property. An encumbrance is an interest in real property that is held by someone other than the owner of the property. Anything that affects the use or the title of a property is an encumbrance. Encumbrances are very common and while it […]
Should I Work With a Real Estate Agent to Sell My Home in California?
You are never required to work with a real estate agent when buying or selling property in California. Not surprisingly, however, most home sellers will choose to contract a licensed California real estate agent to manage the marketing and sale of their property. There are many benefits to working with a real estate agent; find […]
What are Closing Costs in California?
Closing costs are fees paid through escrow for the transfer of real property. Closing costs can include lender fees, escrow fees, title fees, title insurance, property taxes, agent commissions, recording fees, and more. Many buyers and sellers are surprised at how expensive closing costs can be in some cases, and unfortunately, California has some of […]
What is a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)?
A comparative market analysis, or “comp,” is used by California real estate professionals to determine the value of a particular property. The value of a home will vary between different cities and even within more localized markets within the city. For instance, a 2-bedroom 1-bathroom home in San Francisco will be priced much higher than […]
