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December 23, 2025
Blog Light buying a home Real Estate Selling Your Home

2026 US Housing Market Forecast: Will the Market Find Its Footing?

Will 2026 be the year buyers stop waiting? Forecasters are split, predicting anywhere from 1.7%1 to 14%2 growth in home sales. That 12-point gap reveals the central question facing the housing market: how much will slightly lower mortgage rates and slowly eroding lock-in effects actually unlock pent-up demand? Nearly every major forecaster agrees the market will be more active than 2025. But beyond that consensus, predictions diverge sharply on pace and scale. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) expects robust 14% sales growth. Realtor.com sees a modest 1.7% bump. Both could...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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October 31, 2025
Blog Light Real Estate Selling Your Home

Can You Really Trust Online Home Estimates?

For millions of homeowners, checking their Zillow Zestimate has become as routine as checking a stock portfolio—a quick hit of seeing your home's estimated value, right at your fingertips. With 178 million monthly users and over 100 million homes covered, the platform's instant, free, and convenient appeal is undeniable. But here's a famous cautionary tale: Spencer Rascoff, Zillow's former CEO, sold his own home for a staggering 40% less than its Zestimate. This story highlights a critical fact that many homeowners don't realize: Zillow itself calls its Zestimate a "starting point...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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September 29, 2025
Blog Light Management Real Estate Real Estate Investing

How to Spot Real Estate Scams (and Protect Your Investment)

Real estate scams are targeting more victims than ever before, and they're becoming increasingly sophisticated. Nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing over $173 million according to FBI reports.1 Even more concerning, about one in four home buyers or sellers encounter suspicious activity during the closing process, and one in 20 end up victims of wire fraud.2 These aren't isolated incidents targeting the naive or unprepared—they're professional operations that can fool experienced investors and savvy consumers alike. Scammers have adapted to modern technology and remote transactions,...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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August 27, 2025
Blog Light Real Estate Real Estate Investing

What Makes a Great Long-Term Rental Property? A Checklist for Smart Investors

Investing in a long-term rental can be a powerful way to build steady income and long-term wealth—but not every property is a smart buy. From location and tenant demand to cash flow and maintenance considerations, this checklist breaks down the key factors investors should evaluate to identify a rental property that stands the test of time....

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by Cari Gennarelli
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February 1, 2025
Blog Light buying a home Inspiration Marin County Real Estate Remodeling

4 Home Remodeling Projects with the Highest ROI

Not all home improvements deliver the same return. If you’re thinking about remodeling, it’s smart to focus on projects that add real value. This article highlights four home upgrades with the highest return on investment, helping homeowners prioritize improvements that can enhance both enjoyment and resale potential....

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by Cari Gennarelli
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October 1, 2024
Blog Light Real Estate Selling Your Home

Stage to Sell: 7 Proven Steps to Attract Buyers and Boost Offers

Selling your home quickly and at the right price takes more than just listing it online. To draw in potential buyers and secure top offers, your home needs to stand out. That’s where home staging comes in. By strategically preparing your home—through redecorating, repairing, and making it look its best—you can make a lasting impression and significantly increase its appeal....

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by Cari Gennarelli
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September 1, 2024
Blog Light Lifestyle Real Estate

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Contractor

A recent survey found that more than half (52%) of American homeowners have a renovation project planned this year. If you’re among them, you know that embarking on home improvements can be both exciting and daunting. According to the survey, the median renovation budget is around $15,000, so you're probably investing a significant amount—and you'll want to ensure your project’s success....

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by Cari Gennarelli
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June 1, 2024
Blog Light First Time Home Buyer Real Estate

Mid-Year Market Update for 2024: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

While elevated mortgage rates have continued to dampen the pace of home sales and affordability, there have been some positive developments for frustrated homebuyers. Nationwide, the inventory shortage is starting to ease, and an uptick in starter homes coming on the market has helped to slow the median home price growth rate, presenting some relief to cash-strapped buyers....

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by Cari Gennarelli
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Bay Area Modern Real Estate