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...
Ask the Realtor
Ask the Realtor
Ask the realtor: Multiple offers — Why the highest offer doesn’t always win
You've found the perfect house, submitted your offer and then comes the call every buyer dreads: There are multiple offers. Now what? Multiple-offer situations are more common than many buyers realize. In fact, there's an old real estate saying that, just when a home...
Ask the realtor: When insurance changes the value of a community
As we head into another fire season, one question keeps coming up from clients: "How expensive is fire insurance up here?" It's a practical question, especially as insurance premiums have become a growing part of the monthly cost of homeownership. But surprisingly,...
Ask the realtor: Why open houses are more important than ever for California homebuyers
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home but aren’t quite ready to commit to a real estate agent, there’s good news: Open houses have become one of the easiest and least stressful ways to begin your search. For years, open houses attracted plenty of "lookie-loos" –...
Ask the realtor: Why competency matters more than a ZIP Code
I recently attended an informational meeting for shareholders of a local property that is being considered for a change in ownership structure. The meeting wasn't about zoning or approvals; it was simply an opportunity for shareholders to ask questions and learn about...
Ask the realtor: Stop waiting for the perfect interest rate – It may never come
If you've been waiting for mortgage rates to fall before buying a home, you may want to ask yourself a different question: Are you happy with your current living situation for at least the next year? Over the past several weeks, major housing forecasters including...





