I love Los Angeles but it’s a big world.

I love LA but it’s a big world. No, I’m not moving, I really do love Los Angeles. This is an investment story.  I’m excited to have recently purchased an investment property in Portland, Oregon. Portland is a great city! There is solid industry with major companies havin...

Steps to prepare a home for sale.

When you are ready to sell how do you prepare your property to go to market? Timing is everything and I suggest at least 7-10 days or even up to 3 weeks to really create an in depth marketing plan for properties with significant wow factor!   Pictures are essential! Even if...

How to Negotiate in Real Estate Transactions

Everyone negotiates everyday…with their significant others, bosses, clients, their kids…kids are EXCELLENT negotiators! When it comes to negotiating in real estate, however, it takes a professional. After all, this is a major financial decision and there are a lot of...

The Best Ways to Strategize in Real Estate

Strategizing is an important part of real estate. Strategy, to me, is asking a lot of questions and then creating a game plan. Whether working with a seller to prepare for market or talking with a buyer who wants to make an offer, having a well-articulated plan is a recipe for...

Homes Online vs. Buying in Reality

House shopping is the most fun part of the real estate experience and one of my very favorite things to do. Most people spend months looking at dreamy homes online. You may have visited some open houses… you’ve dialed in some areas and styles that work for you and you have...

How To Understand Real Estate Jargon

Today I wanted to have a little fun and chat about real estate jargon; specifically words used in listing advertisements. After years of reading listing copy I have learned that agents may tend to exaggerate a little. Really, it’s their job to bring buyers through the door, so I...

3 Things You Should Never Tell Your Real Estate Agent

Hi everyone! Today I wanted to offer some advice on things you just shouldn’t tell your agent and why not.   1. “We’re not in a hurry” – but you really are! I have heard this many times and most recently from a couple who was seven months pregnant. They really did want to...

How Much Should I Offer?

One of the most important questions I often hear from buyers is: How much should I offer? While an offered purchase price has to be what a particular house is worth to the buyers I can offer guidance in a few ways. First let’s look at recent neighborhood activity and comparables....

How to Prepare for an Appraisal

Appraisals are a key part of the real estate process. If you’re selling or buying or refinancing your lender will likely have an appraisal done. What’s an appraisal? It’s an opinion of value., a weighted opinion by a professional who has experience and education in evaluating the...