Are you considering moving out of Oakland, CA? It’s never easy to leave a city that has captured your heart. The thought of leaving behind the familiar streets, the friendly faces, and the memories you’ve made can be overwhelming. A city becomes much more than just a geographical location; it becomes a part of the individual’s identity.  When my wife and I were contemplating leaving Washington, DC to move to the West coast, we struggled. We considered ourselves Washingtonians. We owned a pair of properties, were plugged into the community where my wife taught fourth grade at a public sc ..read more

For those who are looking to sell their home for the first time, it can be overwhelming to find useful information and advice online. Unlike buying a home, selling a property involves a significant investment, and it’s essential to understand the process thoroughly to ensure a smooth transaction. This is where we step in – we believe that knowledge is power, and we make it our goal to educate our clients about the selling process from start to finish.   The first step in the process is to list your home. But what happens after you sign the listing agreement? At this point, it’s crucial t ..read more

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your lifetime, and it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. If Oakland, California is the place you have chosen as your next home, congratulations! This city has so much to offer – from diverse neighborhoods with unique architectural styles, diverse cuisine options and authentic diversity activities throughout; Oakland truly offers something for everyone! And if this is your first time buying a house in the area, navigating all of these choices can be daunting.    That’s why we created this ultimate guide for home bu ..read more

In today’s fast-paced world, families are seeking new ways to come together and create a living environment that truly benefits EVERYONE in the extended family, from grandparents to busy teens, to tiny tots. One solution that has been gaining popularity in the US in recent years is living in multigenerational households. A multigenerational home is where several generations share space and resources in the same home. With the rise of this trend, homeowners and their entire families are discovering the many benefits of this style of living, including the sharing of expenses, chores, and precio ..read more

The home inspection and appraisal phases in the home selling process can be worrisome for many homeowners as they greatly affect the market value and final sales price of the home. It’s crucial to be prepared for the home inspection, so the appraiser recognizes the true market value of your property. Why Does the Home Inspection Matter? The world of home buying and selling can often seem confusing. If you’re in the process of purchasing a new home, you might have heard about the importance of a professional home inspection. But what exactly is a home inspection checklist, and how does it diff ..read more

How to analyze a multifamily property in Oakland Are you thinking about diving into the world of commercial real estate? A great place to start is with a multifamily property. In simple terms, a multifamily property is any property with more than one unit, ranging from a duplex to a high-rise apartment building. One of the best options for first-time investors is to buy a two- to four-unit multifamily property. These properties are often financed in the same way as single-family homes are, and many investors will start through a method called House Hacking by owner-occupying one of the units a ..read more

Is the rising cost of real estate endangering your dream of owning a home? There can be many obstacles to home ownership, and perhaps the most common one is the large down payment required upfront. Are you trying to avoid paying for mortgage insurance? If so, you will need to save 20% of the purchase price for a down payment. Are you trying to get an FHA loan because it allows for a lower down payment than a traditional (non-government) loan? If so, FHA loans require the home you’re purchasing to be your main residence and you must provide proof of employment plus have a decent credit score ..read more

If you read various news articles on millennials, the generation born in the 1980-90s, you might get the impression that this generation is less interested in homeownership than previous generations or that millennials can’t actually afford to become home buyers. This stereotype arose for a few reasons. First, rising home prices have made buying a house difficult without going into significant debt or without help from family and friends. Also, many millennials put off marriage and children, a major reason people buy a home in the first place. This situation inspired some baby boomers to cons ..read more

Have you been thinking about selling your home, or have the record sale prices been tempting you toward making a move? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then before you list your home on the real estate market, take note of these curb appeal ideas that will immediately boost potential buyers’ first impression of your home. While most people jump to readying the interior and pursue home staging, you’ve got to get people in the door first! First impressions in any situation are important. Think about your first date, an interview for a job, giving a presentation, or any similar ..read more

When it comes to planning to purchase a home, it’s correct to assume that one of the primary initial costs is the down payment. However, that’s not the only upfront cost you need to be financially prepared to handle. The real estate industry does a great job of letting first-time home buyers know they need a down payment, but rarely are closing costs, earnest money, or other purchase-related expenses discussed openly. If you’ve been saving for a while now, the last thing I want to do is burst your bubble. However, for the best real estate buying experience possible, you must have all of the i ..read more