Maria Powell | INFOGRAPHIC: 8 Things Buyers Need to Know About Home Inspections

INFOGRAPHIC: 8 Things Buyers Need to Know About Home Inspections

Published February 16, 2017

Home inspections are important clauses to include in a purchase agreement. They provide buyers with the opportunity to uncover any potential issues with the property in question before signing on the dotted line.

4 Ways Selling a Condo is Different From Selling a House

Published February 13, 2017

There are obvious differences between condos and single family homes. But in addition to the type of lifestyles each of them provide, the differences become even more apparent when it comes time to sell.

INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Tips to a Successful Open House

Published February 9, 2017

Holding an open house shortly after your home hits the market is a great strategy to attract prospective buyers. Make the most out of your open house by following these tips.

Why FSBO Can End Up Costing You in the Long Run

Published February 6, 2017

Without professional representation from a licensed real estate agent, your home runs the risk of sticking around on the market longer than it needs to. The longer it lingers, the higher the odds of having to end up reducing the price just to attract an offer.

California Documentary Transfer Taxes 101

Published February 2, 2017

There are a number of closing costs that come with a successful real estate transaction, including appraisal fees, mortgage insurance, and home inspection fees. But you may also be responsible for paying another lesser-known fee: documentary transfer taxes.

Understanding a Real Estate Agency Relationship Before Buying or Selling

Published January 30, 2017

Before you partner up with a specific real estate agent, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of just how agency works, and how a business “relationship” is established with these professionals. The California Association of Realtors (CAR) provides a standard two-page disclosure form that agents provide to their buyer or seller clients that explains this relationship.

Common Restrictive Covenants in an HOA

Published January 26, 2017

If you’ve decided to buy a home in a planned community that’s governed by a homeowners’ association (HOA), then you’re probably already familiar with the fact that there are certain rules that need to be followed in order to live there.

What’s the Difference Between Staging Your Home and Decorating it?

Published January 24, 2017

When it comes to interior decorating and home staging, it all comes down to who you’re trying to impress: yourself (the current homeowner) or the buyer (the future homeowner). When you’ve got your home on the market for sale, you need to create a space that speaks to the tastes, needs, and wants of prospective buyers that will be looking at it.

What Makes Real Estate Contracts Legal in California?

Published January 19, 2017

The last thing you want is to go through the whole real estate process only to find out at the end that the contract isn’t legally binding. According to the Statute of Frauds in California, these contracts must be in writing. Fortunately, real estate agents in California have access to a standard California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) form which makes it easy to ensure all the necessary components are included.

Thinking of Flipping? Consider These Necessities in Your Property of Choice

Published January 16, 2017

Plenty of real estate investors have made a handsome profit finding, fixing, and flipping homes. However, being successful at flipping homes means doing your homework. There are a number of factors that need to be considered before you determine whether a specific home is worth investing your time and money on.