Marin County realtor Tag

The True Cost of Homeownership: What You Pay Beyond the Mortgage

Most buyers focus on one number: the monthly mortgage payment. But in 2025, the average homeowner spends nearly $1,800 per month on expenses beyond the mortgage. From rising property taxes and insurance premiums to maintenance and major repairs, the true cost of homeownership is often far higher than expected. Before you fall in love with a home, make sure you understand what it really costs to own it....

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

Will 2026 finally bring buyers and sellers back off the sidelines? With forecasts ranging from modest to robust growth, the housing market appears to be thawing after years of uncertainty. Mortgage rates are expected to ease slightly, inventory may improve, and price growth is slowing to more normal levels—signs that the market is transitioning out of the pandemic era and into a more balanced rhythm....

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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....

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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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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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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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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....

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Multigenerational Home Buying: How to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family

For many homebuyers, multigenerational living used to be considered an option of last resort: it was a route families took only when they needed to ride out a financial storm or care for ailing family members. But that mindset is on the decline: A growing number of families now say that they are embracing multigenerational living and moving in together by choice.  In fact, research by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the share of multigenerational home buyers rose to 14% in 2022––close to an all-time high.1  Buyers cite a...

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