Is it better to rent or buy?

Is it better to be a renter than a homeowner? A lot of people who wouldn’t have considered renting are asking themselves that question today. There are several reasons for this: Home…

Top 3 tips for buying a home in 2011

Will 2011 be a good year to buy a home? Yes—as long as current trends hold. The economic recovery is expected to continue, if slowly, which should make buyers more confident. Plus,…

Homebuying 101: What is a Home Warranty

For first-time homebuyers—or anyone else who doesn’t want to deal with maintenance issues—a home warranty might be worth considering. You know how Best Buy and other electronics retailers often ask if you…

Homebuying 101: Don’t buy the best house on the block

We’re in a tough real estate market. It’s tough for buyers, because many are worried about making the financial commitment in this economy. And it’s difficult for sellers, because there’s a lot…

House flipping tips for today’s market

Back when the real estate market was hot—which seems like decades ago, doesn’t it?—there was money to be made flipping houses. House flipping practically became a sport, let alone a business. It’s…
how to research a home on the internet

How the Internet affects the real estate market today

The Internet is having a strong impact on the real estate market, though it’s not always apparent.  And I'm not just talking about 360-degree online home tours and web sites like Zillow.com.…

Should you get a pre-inspection before putting your house on the market?

Sometimes, sellers will have a pre-inspection performed on their home before hanging out the ‘For Sale’ sign. But is this a good idea? It depends. In general, a pre-sale inspection of your…

Celebrity real estate blogs are fun to read – and you might even learn something

Did it start with Robin Leach and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous? Or does it go back further, when tourists would drive around L.A. armed with maps to movie stars’ homes? Whatever…
Posted in: Fun Real Estate

Lenders’ mortgage rates today are super low – but not necessarily for everyone

“Mortgage Rates Decline” was the top story on the front page of today’s Wall Street Journal. It’s refreshing to read such positive financial news these days, of course. But homeowners in San Francisco…
how to price your home for sale

Do I have to tell the HOA that I’m selling my condo

Here’s a question I’ve been asked from time to time: “I want to sell the condo I live in. Do I need to let the homeowners' association know I’m selling?” The answer:…
Posted in: Uncategorized