buying a first home Tag

Cari Gennarelli & Hilary Davis

How a Lifetime of Local Knowledge and Creative Problem-Solving Transformed a Real Estate Career

Cari Gennarelli brings more than real estate expertise to every client relationship — she brings lifelong Marin County roots, calm problem-solving, and a genuine belief that real estate is about people, not transactions. With a background spanning property management, construction, and design, Cari guides buyers and sellers with clarity, creativity, and a commitment to building relationships that last well beyond closing....

View More

Planning Your 2026 Real Estate Moves: A Guide to the Best Buying and Selling Seasons

Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but it can mean the difference between saving $20,000 or paying a premium, selling in 30 days or waiting three months, and negotiating from a position of strength or uncertainty. As we look toward 2026, understanding seasonal patterns has become more critical than ever. With inventory levels normalizing and market conditions continuing to evolve, knowing when to make your move can dramatically impact your outcome. Whether you're a first-time buyer watching every dollar or a seller trying to maximize your profit, the season you choose...

View More

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...

View More

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

At the midpoint of 2025, the housing market is shifting — with rising inventory, elevated mortgage rates, and softened price growth reshaping opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Understanding the latest trends and local dynamics can help you time your next move with confidence, whether you’re entering the market, planning to sell, or evaluating your options....

View More

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

Choosing the right real estate agent can make a meaningful difference in your buying or selling experience. From local market knowledge and communication style to negotiation skills and trust, these five key factors will help you feel confident partnering with an agent who truly supports your goals and guides you smoothly through every step of the process....

View More

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

Affordable homeownership can feel out of reach, but many common obstacles are more manageable than they appear. From rising interest rates and limited inventory to credit concerns and upfront costs, this article outlines five key roadblocks — along with practical strategies to help buyers move forward with clarity and confidence....

View More

Home-Related Tax Deductions

Homeownership comes with potential tax benefits that many buyers and sellers overlook. From mortgage interest and property taxes to energy-efficient improvements and home office deductions, understanding which expenses may be deductible can help you plan smarter and make informed financial decisions related to your home....

View More

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....

View More