Expertise

What is RAL in Real Estate?

In the evolving landscape of real estate, specialized segments like Residential Assisted Living, play a crucial role. Residential Assisted Living is now commonly referred to as “senior housing” or simply “assisted living”. Most elders will face a decision of where to live in their later years. Almost all the options have pros and cons. Decisions will be made taking emotional, social, logistical, medical, and financial capacities into account.

December 5, 2023

A disappearing pixelated-man attempts to approach home on desolate landscape with sun bearing down on him.

What is Scarcity in Real Estate?

Like any market, real estate is subject to the laws of supply and demand. But what role does scarcity play in this dynamic? In this article, we’ll explore how scarcity affects real estate prices and what it means for buyers and sellers.

November 14, 2023

Woman pointing to the abbreviation "CTG" on purple background.

What Does CTG Mean in Real Estate?

CTG, or ‘contingent,’ in real estate signifies that a property has an accepted offer, but specific conditions or contingencies must be met, such as securing financing or selling an existing home, before the sale can proceed. During this time, the property is in a waiting state, and backup offers can be considered. Contingent offers provide flexibility and protection for both buyers and sellers until all contingencies are cleared.

November 2, 2023

Woman looking at her laptop with hand on chin, pondering the overlay text: what's COE.

What is COE in Real Estate?

COE, or Close of Escrow, is a critical term in real estate, signifying the official transfer of property ownership from seller to buyer upon meeting all contract terms and completing financial transactions. It’s not the same as the sales agreement signing, and it doesn’t always mean immediate key handover due to local practices. Understanding COE is essential for planning moving dates, loan closure, and other life plans tied to this pivotal date in the real estate transaction process.

October 11, 2023

Think About Housing as You Age

As we age, the desire to live independently in our own homes becomes increasingly important. A recent study found that 88% of 50-80-year-olds believe in the importance of staying in their homes for as long as safely possible, but it’s essential to consider various factors like healthcare access, safety, social interaction, and home modifications when planning for aging in place.

September 12, 2023

Jack London Square Ferry Building from the water.

The Best Suburbs of San Francisco

The Bay Area has so many recreational, cultural, and gastronomical treats that can’t be found in So Cal.

August 14, 2023

Image of dog with text overlay - escrow & title.

Escrow and Title – What Are They?

Escrow and title are essential components of real estate transactions. Escrow involves a specialized bank account that securely holds transaction funds, while title refers to legal ownership of a property, ensuring it’s free from liens or disputes.

August 9, 2023

Dog contemplating the meaning of Point of Sale Ordinances, sitting at an office desk in front of skyscrapers in background.

What is a Point of Sale (POS) ordinance?

Point of Sale (POS) ordinances are city-mandated property repair regulations that ensure safety and environmental health during real estate transactions. While they serve essential purposes in protecting buyers and maintaining community standards, compliance can pose financial burdens and disproportionately impact lower-income property owners.

July 25, 2023

business cat working at his desk, advises us to read the article about the insurance crisis in California.

Our California Insurance Landscape is Changing

The current insurance crisis in California is creating significant challenges for new homeowners, with major insurance companies withdrawing from the market. As the pool of insurers shrinks, the cost of owning a home could rise, potentially impacting the affordability of insurance premiums for buyers.

July 5, 2023

dog looking at a chalkboard that says pest inspections.

Pest Inspections: Why They Matter

A professional pest inspection is crucial for protecting your property and your wallet. By identifying and addressing issues like termites, dry rot, and other pests early on, you can prevent severe structural damage and maintain a safe and healthy environment for years to come.

June 16, 2023

Dog contemplating the meaning of "underwriting" at a computer screen.

What is “Underwriting” in Real Estate?

Underwriters in real estate play a pivotal role in assessing borrowers’ financial information and creditworthiness to determine their eligibility for mortgage loans, ensuring sound financial decisions and borrower’s ability to repay.

May 31, 2023

Brown dog thinking hard about all the aspects of a home inspection.

What is a Home Inspection and Why Does it Matter?

Imagine you’ve finally found the home that checks all the boxes on your wishlist. It has the right number of bedrooms, a great chef’s kitchen, and a backyard with fruit trees. But before you sign on the dotted line, there’s another step to take that ensures you’re making a sound investment -– a home inspection.

May 22, 2023

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