There’s an interesting conversation happening in one of our local Facebook groups: Why are so many short-term vacation rentals for sale? Great question. But I think there may be another question hiding underneath it: Are there actually “so many” or are we simply much...
Ask the Realtor
Ask the Realtor
Ask the Realtor: Does culture raise property values? Why the arts matter on our mountain
My husband and I recently attended an event hosted by the Arrowhead Arts Association highlighting its strings program. The high school-aged musicians were remarkably accomplished, and I was astonished to learn that, through hard work, fundraising and sponsorships,...
Ask the realtor: Can you actually buy a house with down payment assistance?
In the past month, I’ve had three buyers come to me with the same goal: buy a house. Simple enough. Then we get to the next question: “How are we going to buy it?” That’s where things get interesting. CalHFA programs are getting a lot of attention, particularly from...
Ask the realtor: Buyer’s agent vs. listing agent — Who really represents you?
I occasionally hear buyers say, “Why don’t I just call the listing agent? Maybe I’ll get a better deal.” There are situations where working with the listing agent can make sense. But if your primary reason is that you think you’ll automatically save money, it’s time...
Ask the realtor: Why pricing your home right matters more than ever in today’s market
For years, homeowners could list their property at an ambitious price and hope the market would catch up. In many cases, it did. Today's market is different. Higher mortgage interest rates have changed how buyers shop, how much they can afford and how sellers need to...
Ask the realtor: Maybe bigger is better — Rethinking downsizing in retirement
There has long been an unwritten expectation that, as we grow older, we should grow smaller. Sell the family home. Purge the belongings. Make room for the next generation. Books, television shows and well-meaning friends all seem to suggest that downsizing is simply...




