Category: Blog
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Best Practices for Managing a Homeowners Association
If you live in a condo or TIC, like the majority of homeowners in San Francisco, you probably have a homeowners association (“HOA”). HOA management can be complex, but with some planning and organization on the front end, can lead to a more peaceful living arrangement for years to come. Here are some best practices…
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On Market vs. Off-Market: What’s All The Fuss?
There’s been a lot of talk lately about “off-market” listings (also referred to as “pocket listings”). You might be wondering how homes are being sold before they even show up online, without a “For Sale” sign or an open house, or you want to know how to get your hands on these opportunities. And if you’re a…
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Homebuyers: Freeze! Before You Do These 5 Things, Talk to Your Realtor…
As they say, “There are no mistakes in life, only lessons.” I hope you’ll take something from these “lessons” some homebuyers have learned the hard way, and avoid having to learn them firsthand!
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Pros and Cons of Waiving Contingencies
If you’re at all involved in the real estate market lately, you have probably heard a lot about “contingencies” (also referred to as “conditions” in other parts of the country). You might have also heard about all-cash offers, “non-contingent” offers or “waiving contingencies,” especially if you’re in the Bay Area. Many of my first-time homebuyers,…
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Getting to Know Me: 6 Things I Love The Most (and Least) About Being a Realtor
I’m often asked the question of how I like being a realtor compared to being an attorney. (For those of you new to this site, I practiced law full-time for about 5 years before starting my real estate business.) The truth is, I LOVE IT! Like every profession, there are pros and cons to working…
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The Less Obvious Costs of Buying A Home
If you’re a first time homebuyer, or it’s been a while since you bought your home, you’re probably wondering what added costs are involved in purchasing a home, aside from your down payment. Once you are under contract to purchase a home, your lender will provide you with a loan estimate, which will include an…
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The Cost of Waiting To Buy
Many homebuyers I encounter are on the fence of buying now vs. waiting until later this year or next year to buy a home. “Will inventory get better?” “What if the market softens?” “Is another crash coming?” “I’m waiting for prices to come down.” If we haven’t spoken over the phone or in person about…
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Do I Need To Remodel Before I Sell?
A homeowner recently asked me whether she should make certain upgrades to her home before she put it on the market. While I believe some upgrades help the home show better, and increase the home’s appeal to a greater number of buyers — such as removing popcorn ceilings, applying a fresh coat of paint —…
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5 Tips to Take Your Credit From Good to Great
Even if your credit is already solid, it pays to keep improving. A higher score (especially above 760) can give you more options — and better rates — when applying for a mortgage. Here are some tips to help you improve:
Crystal Schip 