Natalie Locke | INFOGRAPHIC: California Home Sales in February 2016

INFOGRAPHIC: California Home Sales in February 2016

Published April 28, 2016

The real estate market in California continues to sizzle, with existing home sales picking up speed in February, according to the California Association of Realtors (CAR). An improvement in housing inventory and an easing off of prices due to a continued shift to more affordable spots have helped drive the Golden State’s real estate market in February.

Solar is the Way to Go in Sunny California

Published April 25, 2016

Solar energy isn’t exactly new. It’s been around for years now, although it’s only starting to pick up steam as more and more homeowners figure out the potential cost savings in utility bills, not to mention their reduced carbon footprint.

INFOGRAPHIC: Real Estate Buzzwords Your Listing Needs to Get Attention

Published April 21, 2016

When you’ve got your home listed for sale, you want to draw as much attention to it as possible. Since these small descriptions are only a few characters long, you’ve got to make the most of the words you use.

7 Things First-Time Sellers Need to Know Before Listing

Published April 18, 2016

People always learn a thing or two after having been through the process of selling a home, and those who’ve been through this rodeo once or twice probably admit that they would have done something a little different the first time around. For those who are selling their homes for the first time, it can seem like a daunting task. From getting the place ready for showings, to finding the right buyer, to negotiating a good deal, the whole process is more involved than you might think. But with the help of an experienced real estate agent – and a few pointers – selling your home shouldn’t have to be a headache.

Home Equity Loans 101: An Introductory Guide

Published April 14, 2016

Whether you need to pay for your child’s college education, a major home renovation, or an emergency medical expense, scraping the necessary funds together can be tough, but necessary. But if you currently own a home that you’ve been regularly putting money into via mortgage payments, you just might be able to tap into your home’s equity as a source to fund these major expenses.

2016 Home Plan and Design Trends in California

Published April 11, 2016

The modern home of today is more functional and stylish than ever before. Home builders and designers always have their fingers on the pulse of what homeowners want, which changes from time to time. While many trends in home plans and designs lose steam quickly after they’ve gone mainstream for a while, others stick around a lot longer and even become timeless.

What to Check For When Reviewing HOA Documents

Published April 7, 2016

Condos and homes in planned communities are pretty popular these days. But buying a piece of property in a homeowners’ association (HOA) is slightly different than purchasing a conventional home. In addition to buying the actual unit that you occupy, you’re essentially buying into the community or building that your particular unit is located in.

How Do You Know When a Building Permit is Necessary?

Published April 4, 2016

You know exactly what you want to do to improve your home: a kitchen renovation, a bathroom remodel, a finished basement . . . the list can go on. But having a vision and making it come to fruition isn’t as easy as hiring a contractor and picking out your finishes. There are plenty of steps – and obstacles – along the way, one of which is obtaining building permits.