Mobile Logo
 

Blog

November 25, 2025
buying a home Real Estate Selling Your Home

Planning Your 2026 Real Estate Moves: A Guide to the Best Buying and Selling Seasons

Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but it can mean the difference between saving $20,000 or paying a premium, selling in 30 days or waiting three months, and negotiating from a position of strength or uncertainty. As we look toward 2026, understanding seasonal patterns has become more critical than ever. With inventory levels normalizing and market conditions continuing to evolve, knowing when to make your move can dramatically impact your outcome. Whether you're a first-time buyer watching every dollar or a seller trying to maximize your profit, the season you choose...

View More
by Cari Gennarelli
0 Comments
October 31, 2025
Blog Light Real Estate

Can You Really Trust Online Home Estimates?

For millions of homeowners, checking their Zillow Zestimate has become as routine as checking a stock portfolio—a quick hit of seeing your home's estimated value, right at your fingertips. With 178 million monthly users and over 100 million homes covered, the platform's instant, free, and convenient appeal is undeniable. But here's a famous cautionary tale: Spencer Rascoff, Zillow's former CEO, sold his own home for a staggering 40% less than its Zestimate. This story highlights a critical fact that many homeowners don't realize: Zillow itself calls its Zestimate a "starting point...

View More
by Cari Gennarelli
0 Comments
September 29, 2025
Blog Light Management Real Estate Real Estate Investing

How to Spot Real Estate Scams (and Protect Your Investment)

Real estate scams are targeting more victims than ever before, and they're becoming increasingly sophisticated. Nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing over $173 million according to FBI reports.1 Even more concerning, about one in four home buyers or sellers encounter suspicious activity during the closing process, and one in 20 end up victims of wire fraud.2 These aren't isolated incidents targeting the naive or unprepared—they're professional operations that can fool experienced investors and savvy consumers alike. Scammers have adapted to modern technology and remote transactions,...

View More
by Cari Gennarelli
0 Comments
August 27, 2025
Blog Light Real Estate

What Makes a Great Long-Term Rental Property? A Checklist for Smart Investors

Real estate continues to dominate as America's favorite long-term investment strategy. For the 12th consecutive year, 37% of Americans consider real estate the top investment choice—nearly doubling stocks at just 16%.1 This isn't just sentiment; investors are putting their money where their beliefs are, purchasing 13% of all homes sold in 2024.2 The truth is, real estate offers unique advantages that traditional investments can't match. A rental property provides multiple income streams, delivering monthly rent payments while simultaneously building equity and appreciating in value. Plus, leverage amplifies returns: Even if you...

View More
by Cari Gennarelli
0 Comments
July 30, 2025
Real Estate

10 Hidden Home Maintenance Tasks That Could Save You Thousands

As a homeowner, you’re likely diligent about the basics—mowing the lawn, touching up paint, and cleaning regularly. But what about the critical home maintenance tasks you don’t see every day? Research shows that home maintenance frequently takes a backseat, even with the best intentions. In fact, a recent survey found that 60% of homeowners have postponed necessary maintenance or repairs, while 40% admit to paying for a major home repair that could have been avoided with better upkeep.1  Still, it’s not just about avoiding costly emergencies—it’s also about maximizing the return on...

View More
by Cari Gennarelli
0 Comments
June 23, 2025
Real Estate

Real Estate Market Update: What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next Move

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the U.S. housing market stands at a critical juncture. The frenzy of the pandemic-era real estate boom has long since cooled, but in its place we’re seeing a market searching for balance. Higher mortgage rates, cautious buyers, and rising home inventory are combining to reshape what it means to buy or sell a home in today’s climate. “The housing market is at a turning point,” says Nadia Evangelou, senior economist and director of real estate research at the National Association of Realtors.1 This turning...

View More
by Cari Gennarelli
0 Comments
Bay Area Modern Real Estate