February 2023

- Daniel Wolford

How to choose a Real Estate Agent?

February 28, 2023When choosing a realtor, consider the following (Part 1): When you’re choosing a realtor, consider the following: You’ll want to look at their experience. Do they have a track record of helping clients sell or buy in the local real estate market you’re in? How many homes have they closed in the past 6-12 months? And are they knowledgeable about the local market to provide insights? What is their reputation? Social proof is paramount these days and researching the realtor's reputation by asking for references...

- Daniel Wolford

When is the best time to list your home?

February 28, 2023Let's talk about seasonality with the Real Estate market. When is the best time to list your house? Typically late February and Early March is when the relationship between the number of homes for sale and the buyer demand is at its greatest. A simple way to remember this is “March Madness.” Historically during this time is when you’ll typically see the greatest amount of appreciation growth for the year. Keep in mind that there are a lot of factors when selling your home, so...

- Tom Brezsny

Material World

February 27, 2023We’re talking about “stuff” and wondering whether it’s just a coincidence that at the same time so many folks turning 65 are struggling to define their futures, there’s also a national obsession with Reality TV shows about people struggling with all the stuff that’s sitting in their garages, basements, attics and storage units? I think not.  Sound familiar? We’re up to our necks in shows about hoarders and can’t seem to get enough stories about their struggles to organize, declutter, find ways to store, give...

- Dax Nollenberger

Dax’s Data: Homeowners Strike Gold With Appreciation on the California Coast

February 27, 2023Experts will tell you “Never count on appreciation”. While generally a good rule of thumb, as you’ll read below, certain markets buck this rule. Appreciation is the single biggest wealth-building mechanism in real estate. Far greater than the tax benefits, equity pay down, or even rental income that you receive from owning a property. It has the potential to set you and future generations up for a life of abundance… if you pick the right market.  From a real estate investor’s perspective, cash flow opportunity...

- Daniel Wolford

How to choose a realtor (Part 2)?

February 27, 2023When choosing a realtor, consider the following: Are they compatible with you: It's important to work with a realtor you get along with and who understands your goals and preferences. This can be accomplished by a simple interview. And lastly, do they have negotiation skills? The market has shifted and many realtors have never been in a shifting market and that can be affect your outcome if you're up against multiple offers. ASK them about the market shift and how that affects their approach when...

- Daniel Wolford

Signs that your house won’t sell!

February 23, 2023It’s quite simple. 1. It’s been on the market for more than 3 weeks with no indication of offers coming in. 2. No one is coming to the open houses OR buyers have come but your agent isn’t getting calls. 3. Lastly, Your agent isn’t getting buyers agents requesting the disclosure package or asking about an offer deadline. And I’m, Daniel. Your friend in Real Estate. Continue reading Signs that your house won’t sell!

- Tom Brezsny

Hoarders Part 2

February 21, 2023Continuing the conversation… talking about people and stuff and what to do with it all. And wondering out loud, whether it’s any coincidence that at this moment in history, when such a huge swathe of aging baby boomers is turning 65, we’re up to our ears in Reality TV shows intent on exploring  every nook and cranny of those  jam-packed garages, basements, attics, junk drawers and closets we all have. First there’s the mega-hoarder niche of “stuff shows” ranging from The Hoarder Next Door to...

- Daniel Wolford

What should I look for when selling my home?

February 20, 2023What are the best feedback mechanisms after you’ve listed your home for sale? Well it's quite simple. The market is an honest feedback mechanism and starts sending messages immediately. How many private showings have been scheduled? How much traffic came through the open houses? How many online views has your property received? Have buyers agents requested the disclosure package? Are there talks of pre-emptive offers or are agents asking about offer dates? If the market isn’t sending you these messages then your home is overpriced...

- Daniel Wolford

Is right now a good time to sell?

February 15, 2023It depends and rarely is selling your home a one way ticket to your next destination. But rather it’s a round trip ticket so looking at both legs of the trip are crucial in determining if it’s a good time to sell or not. Instead ask yourself these questions first: 1. Where are you moving to next? If I’m moving within Santa Cruz then it’s a wash. If the market is hot then you’ll sell your house for a lot but you’ll also pay for...