How Real Estate Agents Get Paid
You may be wondering how exactly real estate agents get paid. In this blog post, I'll break down how real estate agents currently get paid in Northern California.
Don’t Make These Mistakes After Applying for a Mortgage
So, you just applied for a mortgage. Congratulations! You will want to be careful during the mortgage process so that you don’t put your loan in jeopardy. Don’t make the following mistakes.
Preparing to Take Out a Mortgage? Do This First
Purchasing a home is a significant life milestone, and for most people, it involves securing a mortgage to finance the purchase. Mortgages can be complex, but with careful preparation and planning, the process can be streamlined and less daunting. Here are essential steps to take when preparing to take out a mortgage.
7 Steps to Take if Your House Hasn’t Sold
Selling a house can be a stressful and emotional process. Despite your best efforts, sometimes homes don't sell as quickly as you'd like. However, all is not lost! In this blog post, I’ll explore constructive steps you can take if your house hasn't sold. From reevaluating your pricing strategy to making strategic improvements, there are various approaches to enhance your chances of a successful sale.
When is my first mortgage payment due?
Your inaugural mortgage payment is generally due on the first of the month, 30 days after you close the deal. You're paying for the previous month, not the current one. After spending so much money to buy the home, this is often a welcome reprieve.
7 Benefits of Home Ownership
Owning a home brings forth many advantages, both personal and financial.
5 Things to Know About Moving to Petaluma, California
Are you contemplating a move to Petaluma, California? This charming city, situated in Sonoma County, offers a fantastic lifestyle and a charming community that is close to the beach, wine country, and all that the Bay Area has to offer.
How Do Interest Rates Affect Home Ownership?
Interest rates are much higher now than they were a few years ago. But, they are still much lower than they have been in the past. Mortgage rates really soared during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was not uncommon for mortgage rates to exceed 15% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. You may be wondering how interest rates can affect your ability to buy a home? There are several ways…
Understanding Escrow: A Guide for Bay Area Home Buyers and Sellers
Have you ever wondered exactly what happens when someone is “in escrow” when buying or selling a house? In this article, I will demystify the concept of escrow and explain its importance in the home buying and selling process. Understanding escrow will give you the confidence to navigate a real estate transaction smoothly and securely.
Strategies for a Seller's Market
A seller's market is a real estate market in which there are more buyers than sellers. This means that sellers have more power in negotiations and can often sell their homes for more than they would in a buyer's market. During a seller’s market, properties will often sell quickly, sell for over their asking price, and receive multiple offers.
Are Fiduciary Realtors Your Secret to Real Estate Success?
Buying or selling a property may be one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make in life. It's a journey filled with excitement, dreams, and, sometimes, a bit of anxiety. To ensure a seamless experience, you'll want a skilled professional who not only guides you through the process but also acts as a fiduciary—a trusted advocate with your best interests at heart. In this article, I'll explore what it means for real estate agents to be fiduciaries and how this dedication benefits their clients on their quest to find the perfect home.
Strategies for a Buyer’s Market
Have you heard people say that it’s a good time to buy because we are in a buyer’s market? But what does that mean exactly? A buyer's market is a real estate market in which there are more homes for sale than there are buyers. Houses tend to sit on the market longer, so sellers are more willing to negotiate on things like price or make other concessions.
10 things to do in Petaluma
There are many things to do in Petaluma, California, for visitors or people moving there. Here are a few ideas.
Homeowners Insurance in California
You may have heard on the news that State Farm and Allstate, two homeowner insurance providers, are no longer accepting new applications for homeowner insurance policies in California. This was due to the risk of wildfires faced by California homes as well as the increased costs to rebuild.
6 Ways to Hold Title in California
Holding title to property is legal ownership. It gives you the right to possess, use, enjoy, sell, or transfer it. In California, there are several ways to hold title to property. The most common ways are sole ownership, tenancy in common, joint tenancy, community property, community property with the right of survivorship, and a living trust.
What is a Living Trust?
Have you heard your friends talk about putting their homes and other assets into a living trust? But what is a living trust? A living trust is a form of estate planning that allows you to control your assets while you are alive and have them distributed according to your wishes after you die.There are several reasons why it is important to have a living trust.
Living in Petaluma - Festivals and Events
When I first moved to Petaluma, I felt like there was some sort of event happening downtown almost every weekend. Petaluma loves to throw festivals and other events. Here are a few of my favorites.
Should You Waive Your Contingencies?
Have you heard someone say that you should waive your contingencies to make your offer more appealing? The California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) typically includes several contingencies that protect the interests of both buyers and sellers.
What are closing costs?
Before you buy or sell a home, it is important to prepare. Closing costs are often higher than most people expect and some people don’t expect them at all. So, what are closing costs?
Staging Your Home Before Selling: The Pros and Cons
If you're planning to sell your home, you may be wondering if staging is worth the time and money. On one hand, it can be an effective way to showcase your property's potential and help it stand out in a competitive market. On the other hand, some people argue that it's not always necessary, and that the investment in staging may not be worth it. So, should you stage your home before selling? Here are a few pros and cons to consider.