Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever undertake, and it's important to have all the right information at your fingertips. The recent settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has introduced several changes aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness in real estate transactions. These changes, effective August 17, 2024, will have a direct impact on how buyers interact with their agents and negotiate the purchase of a home. At Mathews & Co. Realty Group, we're committed to helping you navigate these changes effectively, ensur ..read more

The real estate industry is experiencing a significant transformation due to recent changes in how broker compensation is handled. These changes, stemming from a landmark settlement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), are designed to create a more transparent and competitive market. As a seller, it's essential to understand how these updates could impact your transaction and what it means for your overall costs and strategies. Starting on August 17, 2024, the way broker compensation is negotiated, documented, and disclosed will undergo significant changes that directly affect sel ..read more

Short on time? Listen on the go! Access it here! Welcome to another insightful segment of "Selling Sacramento" where we continue our series on "How to Make Real Estate Decisions that Fit Your Life." Today, we delve into the second tool in our toolkit: Making Real Estate Decisions Based on Local Market Conditions Last week, we kicked things off with a look at your personal financial situation – a crucial foundation for any real estate move. But today, we're shifting our focus outward to the second tool in your real estate toolkit: Local Market Conditions. This is where the rubber really ..read more

When it comes to finances, I say “everyone's financials are put together differently and unravel differently”. When it comes to buying or selling real estate, understanding your personal financial situation is crucial. Want to be a savvy buyer or seller? Knowing exactly how much you have going out, how much you have coming in, and what you are spending it on will catapult you to the top of the real estate class! Every dollar has a name and a purpose. – Dave Ramsey Having this type of knowledge positions you to be able to make smart moves and take advantage of market opportunities that serve ..read more

Rather than being swayed by news soundbites, focusing on these key points, you can make informed real estate decisions that align with your personal needs. In today’s fast-paced world, we're constantly bombarded with information from various sources—news channels, social media platforms and even well-meaning advice from friends and family. While these sources can offer valuable insights, they often lead to confusion and misguided decisions, especially when it comes to the significant financial commitment of buying or selling a home. When making decisions about real estate, it’s crucial to mak ..read more

BRRRR is an acronym that stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat. It's a popular real estate investment strategy that allows investors to potentially build a significant portfolio over time. 1. Buy: The target: The strategy begins with purchasing a distressed property, often below market value. These properties might need repairs, renovations, or updates. The goal: Acquiring the property at a discounted price creates immediate equity. This equity is crucial for the later steps of the BRRRR process. 2. Rehab: The transformation: The property undergoes a rehabilitation phase, where neces ..read more

  Short on time? Listen on the go! Access it here! As we all know, purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make. It's not just about finding a place to live today, but also about ensuring it meets your needs for many years to come. In this article we explore the critical factors to consider when choosing a home that will remain functional and valuable as your life changes. Whether you're planning to start a family, anticipate career changes, or want to age comfortably in place, it’s crucial to think long-term. Future Planning. One of the most common m ..read more

In today's challenging housing market, where limited inventory, high prices, and rising interest rates make homeownership seem out of reach for many, lease options and rent-to-own agreements might appear to be an attractive solution. However, it's important to understand what these agreements entail and their potential drawbacks before diving in. What Are Lease Options and Rent-to-Own Agreements? Lease Options (also known as lease-to-buy or lease-to-own) involve a tenant entering into a contract with a property owner that allows the tenant to rent the property for a specified period with the ..read more

  Today, we're focusing on a critical aspect of the home buying process: conducting thorough inspections to uncover potential issues. Inspections are a crucial step in ensuring that buyers make informed decisions and understand the true condition of the property they are purchasing. The inspection process is designed to reveal the findings of the inspector’s assessment of the property. From the tiniest issues like a hair line crack in the driveway to any health and safety issues with the property that could affect its value or safety. In this article we will explore the importance of ins ..read more

"I've decided to postpone my purchase until the market improves." That’s a phrase many homebuyers use when they're overwhelmed by the competition, frustrated by constant bidding wars, or unable to find a home that fits their budget. Or maybe, it’s time to renew their lease and they need to make a quick decision. But what exactly does an 'improved' market look like? And how do you know when you've reached one? The tricky part is the assumption that the market will get better, often hoping for lower home prices or interest rates, or even a market crash. How realistic is it to wait for such chan ..read more