As of August 17, 2024, California enacted major changes to real estate commission practices post a settlement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Preparing for a home appraisal? As a seller, a little effort goes a long way in helping your property be evaluated fairly and favorably. Appraisers look at facts, but presentation and preparation can still have a meaningful impact.

A personal budget worksheet can be a helpful tool in managing your finances. It allows you to track your expenses and income, making it easier to identify areas where you can cut back on spending and save more money.

This agreement gives a real estate broker the exclusive right to represent a seller in the sale of residential property.

If you're meeting with a 4-unit property owner—or representing a buyer considering one—having the right questions at your fingertips makes all the difference. This Due Diligence Cheat Sheet is your go-to resource for staying sharp and thorough, whether you're having a casual coffee chat or sitting down for a formal review.

Considering selling your house as a for Sale by Owner (FSBO)?
Let's explore why agent support can make a significant difference in these aspects.

Let’s face it! Moving isn’t easy and moving across state lines or across the country can pose unique challenges. Thankfully we have five expert tips to share with you to make your move EASY… okay, okay, at least EASIER!

Tired of unwanted calls from telemarketers? Here are effective steps to reduce or eliminate those interruptions:

In California real estate, multiple offers are common. The Seller Multiple Counter Offer (SMCO) helps sellers stay flexible while keeping buyers competitive.

In California, “balcony inspections” usually refer to the state laws created after the 2015 balcony collapse in Berkeley.

Updating your home can be a daunting task, especially if you're on a tight budget. But the good news is that there are plenty of ways to refresh your living space without spending a fortune. Here are 10 ideas to get you started

Getting ready to sell your home and move on to your next adventure can be exciting, but it can also be daunting. Thinking about ALL the things needed to get your home in “show ready” condition can be enough to make your head spin!

If you’re selling a single-family home, the buyer’s home inspection is a crucial part of the process. Here's how to prepare, what to expect, and whether you should be present.

What to do after the buyer’s home inspection
Once the buyer completes their home inspection, the next phase of your home sale begins. This checklist will help you navigate post-inspection steps with clarity and confidence — and keep your deal moving forward.

Spending just a little bit of money on a few important things can make a huge impact.

Pulsenomics conducted a survey with over 100 experts in economics, investment strategy, and housing market analysis, projecting that home prices will increase each year until 2027.

If your home listing recently expired or was removed from the MLS, you’ve probably noticed a sudden flood of calls and messages from real estate agents. It can feel overwhelming—but there’s a reason for it.

A fillable form for tracking your utility providers

Congrats on opening escrow! As the seller, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens next and how to prepare:

It can be frustrating when a couple of outlets in your home suddenly stop working while nearby outlets still work fine. The good news? In most cases, the cause is simple and easy to fix.

What You’ll Typically Pay When Selling a Home

Selling a home in California? Here’s a quick overview of the most common costs you’ll likely encounter—whether it’s a single-family home or a condo/townhome with an HOA.

When your home is about to close escrow as a seller, it’s important to be organized and proactive. Here’s a breakdown of what you should get ready for in the final stretch before closing:

A guide to prepare your home for professional photography, ensuring it looks its absolute best.

Now includes how foreign investors and non-U.S. citizens can participate — and when they can’t.

Selling a condo involves a few unique steps compared to selling a single-family home. If you’ve just opened escrow, here’s what you should expect — from required disclosures to typical seller costs.

Holding off on selling your house because you think there aren’t any buyers out there? The data proves just how active buyers still are today, even with higher mortgage rates.

Get your home ready to shine! This checklist is designed to help sellers prepare their property for a successful open house—making a great first impression that could lead to a fast sale.

An overview of the true costs involved in selling your property, including commissions, repairs, and closing costs.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, it is important to understand the terminology used in the industry. Here are some important real estate terms you should know.

Once a buyer completes their home inspection, here’s what typically happens next:

Great news — once the buyers have released all contingencies, your sale is very likely to close.
You're entering the home stretch. Here’s exactly what you should do as a seller at this stage:

Buying or selling a home can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the real estate market. However, with the right guidance, the process can be made much easier and less stressful. That's where a guide for home buyers and sellers comes in handy.

An exclusive guide for luxury homeowners to assess and prepare their property before listing it on the market.

Your equity grows as you pay down your home loan and as home prices increase. With home prices rising again, your equity is getting an extra boost.

Make the most of your rent-back period with this quick checklist. From maintaining the home’s condition to planning your move-out, ensure a smooth transition after closing while respecting your agreement with the buyer.

Let's connect so you have advice on what else you may want to do to get your house ready to sell this season.

Recent trends show that homeowners are staying in their houses for longer periods, making it more likely that their housing needs have changed over time.

Feeling housing market worries due to negative media and social media talk? Complex news and fast-spreading social negativity can create fear and uncertainty.

If you're selling your home, one of the biggest questions is: "When will I get my money?" In California (and many other states), your proceeds are typically disbursed on the day escrow closes or the next business day, depending on how your escrow or title company handles payments.

On March 15, 2024, The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reached an agreement with plaintiffs that would, if approved by the court, end litigation of claims brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions.

A quick and essential guide for home sellers to wrap up the sale smoothly after escrow closes—covering final steps like canceling utilities, securing documents, and protecting your finances.

Wildfires are a reality in California, and if you’re selling a home here, one of the most important steps you can take is to find out whether your property is located in a designated High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ).

Congratulations, it sounds like you are considering building a home! You are about to embark on an exciting adventure but there are so many choices when it comes to home builders. How do you know which one is right for your needs? Your home builder will be your partner along this journey, and it is extremely important that you select a company you trust.

By completing the checklist, you will be able to create an inviting and welcoming environment for potential buyers to explore. It's important to make sure your home is in top condition for an open house as it can greatly impact the success of your sale.

This guide explains the key sections of the California Association of REALTORS® Residential Listing Agreement (RLA) in simple terms so you understand what you are signing and how the process works.

Approved in November 2020, Proposition 19 allows eligible homeowners to transfer their property tax base to a new home anywhere in California, effective April 1, 2021.

Wondering why the supply of homes for sale is limited today? There are a few factors at play.

A quick reference for setting up, transferring, or understanding utility services for your new home.

Congratulations! You have decided to work with The Chou Team, the next steps are about getting the home prepared, priced correctly, marketed properly, and ready for escrow.

Selling your home for the first time? Don’t let these common mistakes steal your profit!

After closing on your home, take these important final steps to ensure everything is wrapped up properly and protect yourself moving forward:

The spring buying season is traditionally the busiest time in the housing market, with an expected surge in newly listed homes in the first half of the year. Sellers anticipate this and prepare for heightened buyer activity during these months.

Understanding the relationship between the Federal Funds Rate (Fed Rate), the bond market, and mortgage rates is essential for making sense of real estate financing and broader economic trends. Let’s break it down.