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Real Estate

October 31, 2025
Blog Light Real Estate

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

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

Real estate continues to dominate as America's favorite long-term investment strategy. For the 12th consecutive year, 37% of Americans consider real estate the top investment choice—nearly doubling stocks at just 16%.1 This isn't just sentiment; investors are putting their money where their beliefs are, purchasing 13% of all homes sold in 2024.2 The truth is, real estate offers unique advantages that traditional investments can't match. A rental property provides multiple income streams, delivering monthly rent payments while simultaneously building equity and appreciating in value. Plus, leverage amplifies returns: Even if you...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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July 30, 2025
Real Estate

10 Hidden Home Maintenance Tasks That Could Save You Thousands

As a homeowner, you’re likely diligent about the basics—mowing the lawn, touching up paint, and cleaning regularly. But what about the critical home maintenance tasks you don’t see every day? Research shows that home maintenance frequently takes a backseat, even with the best intentions. In fact, a recent survey found that 60% of homeowners have postponed necessary maintenance or repairs, while 40% admit to paying for a major home repair that could have been avoided with better upkeep.1  Still, it’s not just about avoiding costly emergencies—it’s also about maximizing the return on...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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June 23, 2025
Real Estate

Real Estate Market Update: What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next Move

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the U.S. housing market stands at a critical juncture. The frenzy of the pandemic-era real estate boom has long since cooled, but in its place we’re seeing a market searching for balance. Higher mortgage rates, cautious buyers, and rising home inventory are combining to reshape what it means to buy or sell a home in today’s climate. “The housing market is at a turning point,” says Nadia Evangelou, senior economist and director of real estate research at the National Association of Realtors.1 This turning...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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June 1, 2025
Real Estate

Ready to Buy or Sell a Home? Here Are 5 Key Factors in Choosing the Right Agent

Navigating the real estate market without guidance is like starting an expedition without a map. Whether you're selling your cherished family home or searching for your dream property, having the right real estate agent by your side can make all the difference. According to a 2024 report from the National Association of Realtors, agent-represented homes sold for a median price of $435,000, compared to just $380,000 for those sold by owners alone.1  But home sellers aren’t the only ones who can benefit. A study by the Consumer Federation of America found that...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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May 1, 2025
Real Estate

Selling Your Home In 2025? Here’s What Buyers Want (And How To Deliver)

Thinking about listing your home in 2025? If so, you're smart to start planning ahead. With housing inventory rising in many market segments, today’s sellers need more than just a “for sale” sign to stand out.1 The good news? You can still make a strong impression and command top dollar—if you know what today’s buyers are really looking for. We’ve outlined six of the top homebuyer priorities in 2025, along with a clear action plan to help you position your property for success. Whether you're weeks or months away from listing, these...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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March 28, 2025
Real Estate

5 Roadblocks To Affordable Homeownership (And Ways To Move Past Them)

Dreaming of a new home but feeling priced out? You’re not alone! According to a recent survey by Bankrate, 78% of aspiring homebuyers cite affordability issues as their primary deterrent.1  According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, home prices have risen around 32% since the pandemic, and elevated mortgage rates have caused monthly payments to balloon.2 Despite the challenges, homeownership remains a top goal for many Americans. Fortunately, there are ways to turn your dreams of homeownership into reality! In this guide, we’ll explore five common roadblocks to affordable homeownership and...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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March 1, 2025
Real Estate

Home-Related Tax Deductions

Tax season. Just the words can send shivers down your spine. But if you're a homeowner, there's a silver lining: potential savings!  You’ve probably heard that you can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage — but did you know there are many other ways homeowners can reduce their tax burden? Before you start your return, read this post for common home-related tax deductions, eligibility requirements, and tips on how to maximize your savings. Home-Related Tax Savings: The Basics Before we get into the details, it’s important to define some important terms...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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February 1, 2025
Blog Light Real Estate

4 Home Remodeling Projects with the Highest ROI

Ask any homeowner about what they would like to change about their home, and most will say, “How much time do you have? Home improvements (cue Tim Allen) or home remodeling projects can stem from a variety of motivations, like preparing your home to put on the market, adding space for a growing family, addressing outdated features or aesthetics, or fixing structural/functional issues with the home.  However, when it comes to home remodeling projects, too many people assume their project will proportionally increase the value of their home. Few actually consider the...

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by Cari Gennarelli
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Bay Area Modern Real Estate