The holidays are a time for joy, family, and celebration, but they also bring added responsibilities. Between decorating, hosting, and just keeping up with your daily routines, your home can quickly start to feel more like a never-ending to-do list rather than your haven.  That’s where smart home technology comes in. It can help you streamline holiday tasks to focus on what matters most—spending time with loved ones and enjoying the season's magic.  ...

What changes can you expect when buying a home? For one you will need a signed written buyer representation agreement with your agent before touring a home, in person or virtually....

Not long ago, home sellers were in their heyday, as historically-low mortgage rates triggered a real estate buying frenzy. However, the Federal Reserve shut down the party when it began raising interest rates last year....

Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming homeowners. In fact, according to a survey by LendingTree, 80% of recent buyers who successfully overcame a challenging housing market say they're glad they found their current homes....

Does your current home no longer serve your needs? If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, long-term financial implications, and quality of life.  A major remodel can be a major commitment. From hiring contractors to selecting materials to managing a budget, it can take a tremendous amount of time and energy—not to mention the ordeal of living throu...

There’s an old adage in real estate: location, location, location. But ever since the Federal Reserve began its series of inflation-fighting interest rate hikes last year, a new mantra has emerged: mortgage rates, mortgage rates, mortgage rates....

It's not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.1 Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes. Even lower-priced condos are harder to snag these days, as investors and downsizers muscle out first-timers by offering stronger, often cash-heavy bids.2...

Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks....

When it comes to listing their home, most home sellers want three things: 1) to make a lot of money, 2) to put in minimal time and effort, and 3) to sell quickly. But the reality is, selling a home is rarely that simple. And homeowners who try to do it themselves—or receive bad advice—can end up stuck (months later) with a property that hasn’t sold....

Over the past few years, many of us have spent extra time at home—and that means we appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable more than ever. Some of us have adapted our dwellings in new ways, from creating functional home offices to upgrading the appliances we use most. ...

Today’s Housing Market Is Nothing Like 15 Years Ago. If you’re a buyer right now, this may be the chance you’ve been waiting for....

Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates.  In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation.1 And while some market sectors have been slow to respond, the housing market has reacted accordingly....

You don't have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of opportunities to eke out extra savings.  For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can save a couple of hundred dollars a year just by sealing your home and boosting its insulation.1 Other small fixes—such as swapping old light bulbs for LEDs and plu...

Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy bid up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled.1 Consequently, home sellers who enter the market today may need to reset their expectations....

Deciding whether to jump into the housing market or rent instead is rarely an easy decision – especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. But in today’s whirlwind market, you may find it particularly challenging to pinpoint the best time to start exploring homeownership....

Mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. And even the experts are divided when it comes to predicting where rates are headed next....

The process of buying a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But the journey doesn’t stop when you close on your property. On the contrary, you still have quite a bit to do before you can begin the process of settling into your new place....

No matter what’s going on in the housing market, the process of selling a home can be challenging. Some sellers have a hard time saying goodbye to a treasured family residence. Others want to skip ahead to the fun of decorating and settling into a new place. Almost all sellers want to make the most money possible. ...

The last two years caught many of us off guard—and not just because of the pandemic. They also ushered in the hottest housing market on record, with home prices rising nationally by nearly 19% in 2021, driven primarily by low mortgage rates and a major supply shortage....

Our nation is in the midst of a serious housing crunch. Last year, a lack of inventory and soaring prices left many would-be homebuyers feeling pinched. But now, with interest rates climbing, many of them are also feeling desperate to lock in a mortgage—which has only added fuel to the fire....

We’re still in a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean your home is guaranteed to easily sell.1 If you want to maximize your sale price, it’s still important to prepare your home before putting it on the market....

The annual inflation rate in the United States is currently around 7.5%—the highest it has been since 1982.1 It doesn’t matter if you’re a cashier, lawyer, plumber, or retiree; if you spend U.S. dollars, inflation impacts you. ...

When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a strong demand and a limited supply for that item. In the real estate market, that time is right now....

There’s a lot to consider when selling your home, from the market and appraisals to where you’ll go next. Don’t forget, however, that design is also a key factor. It’s often one of the first things buyers notice when they walk into a home, and it’s also a detail that you, as a seller, can easily control....

Last year was one for the real estate history books. The pandemic helped usher in a buying frenzy that caused home prices to soar nationwide by a record 19.9% between August 2020 and August 2021....

Every year, it seems the holidays sneak up on us—and every year, that brings with it the dreaded last-minute gift panic. Finding a present that hits all the right notes can be surprisingly stressful, even when it comes to people you’ve known for years. ...

If you’re searching for drama, don’t limit yourself to Netflix. Instead, tune in to the real estate market, where the competition among buyers has never been fiercer. And with homes selling for record highs,1 the appraisal process—historically a standard part of a home purchase—is receiving more attention than ever....

“2020 will be known for a lot of things, and a record-breaking year for real estate will certainly be one of its more unexpected legacies,” prominent economist Daryl Fairweather said.1 And he’s right: most of us would have expected the housing market to suffer from circumstances like a once-in-a-hundred-years pandemic and historic inventory shortages. But, rather than a slowdown, we are continuing to experience a surprisingly robust real estate market across the country. And experts estimate...

Tomorrow, Americans will decide our President for the next four years. That decision will have a major impact on many aspects of life in this country, but the residential real estate market will not be one of them. Demand is strong and interest rates are historically low. ...

Gorgeous Trilogy Monarch Dunes home for sale on a large, fully fenced premium lot at the end of a culdesac with golf course views. Must see 3 bedroom + office/den with over 3200 sq ft. Light hickory hardwood flooring and many extras! Built in 2015 and priced at $1,200,000....

The pandemic has changed the way many of us live, work, and attend school—and those changes have impacted our priorities when it comes to choosing a home....

The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging times of our lives. A worldwide pandemic, a recession causing historic unemployment, and a level of social unrest perhaps never seen before have all changed the way we live. Only the real estate market seems to be unaffected, as a new forecast projects there may be more homes purchased this year than last year....

In July, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell below 3% for the first time in history.1 And while many Americans have rushed to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity, others question the hype. Are today’s rates truly a bargain?...

Whether you’re prepping your house to go on the market or looking for ways to maximize its long-term appreciation, these nine home improvement projects are great ways to add function, beauty, and real value to your home....

One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds these days is: What’s going to happen to the housing market in the second half of the year? Based on recent data on the economy, unemployment, real estate, and more, many economists are revising their forecasts for the remainder of 2020 – and the outlook is extremely encouraging....

Traditionally, spring is one of the busiest times of the year for real estate. However, the coronavirus outbreak—and subsequent stay-at-home orders—led many buyers and sellers to put their moving plans on hold. In April, new listings fell nearly 45%, and sales volume fell 15% compared to last year.1 Fortunately, as restrictions have eased, we’ve seen an uptick in market activity. And economists at Realtor.com expect a rebound in July, August, and September, as fears about the pandemic subside...

Enjoy paradise when you live in this spectacular golf home in Tourney Hill Ln. Call me, Margaret Morris, at 805-709-8535 and set a showing today......

Enjoy breathtaking views, wonderful amenities, peace, and privacy when you live in this Tourney Hill Ln home. Call me, Margaret Morris, at 805-709-8535 and set a showing today......

Tomorrow, the unemployment rate for April 2020 will be released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It will hit a peak this country has never seen before, with data representing real families and lives affected by this economic slowdown. The numbers will alarm us. There will be headlines and doomsday scenarios in the media. There is hope, though, that as businesses reopen, most people will become employed again soon....

These days, it seems like everyone’s looking for ways to cut costs and stretch their income further. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your household expenses without making radical changes to your standard of living. When combined, these small adjustments can add up to significant savings each month. Here are 20 things you can start doing today to lower your bills, secure better deals, and begin working toward your financial goals....

A big challenge facing the housing industry is determining what impact the current pandemic may have on home values. Some buyers are hoping for major price reductions because the health crisis is straining the economy. The price of any item, however, is determined by supply and demand, which is how many items are available in relation to how many consumers want to buy that item....

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We’re all being called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably challenging, there are ways you can modify your home and your lifestyle to make the best of this difficult situation....

Many American businesses have been put on hold as the country deals with the worst pandemic in over one hundred years. As the states are deciding on the best strategy to slowly and safely reopen, the big question is: how long will it take the economy to fully recover?...

Homes are still being bought and sold in the midst of this pandemic. If you need to sell your house and would like to know the current status in our local market, let’s work together to create a safe and effective plan that works for you and your family....

Gorgeous views, generous-sized living space, the best of privacy, and a serene neighborhood are just some of the advantages offered by this Blacklake home! Call me, Margaret Morris, at 805-709-8535 to set a showing today....

For years, we’ve all heard about the most desirable home features buyers are looking for, from upgraded kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, master suites, and more. The latest on the hotlist, however, might surprise you: home offices....

Lives and businesses are being impacted by the coronavirus, but experts do see a light at the end of the tunnel. As the economy slows down due to the health crisis, we can take guidance and advice from experts that this too will pass....

More and more economists are predicting a recession is imminent as the result of the pullback in the economy caused by COVID-19....

The myths of the homebuying process are unfortunately keeping plenty of motivated buyers on the sidelines. In reality, it really doesn't have to be that way....

The residential real estate market has come roaring out of the gates in 2020. Compared to this time last year, the number of buyers looking for a home is up 20%, and the number of home sales is up almost 10%....

This home is elevated above the golf course giving you panoramic views, so get your camera ready! Call me, Margaret Morris, at 805-709-8535 to set a showing today......

A beautiful home in a golf course community — a perfect combination. It doesn’t get any better than this. Grab this Blacklake golf course home now! Call me, Margaret Morris, at 805-709-8535 to set a showing today......

We’re in the midst of the longest economic expansion in U.S. history, and economists think there’s still room to grow. A recent survey by the National Association for Business Economics found that experts believe the U.S. economy will remain positive throughout 2020....

Fall in love with the updates, amenities and high-quality finishes of this Nipomo CA home! Call me, Margaret Morris, at 805-709-8535 to set a showing of this amazing home. ...

iBuyers are the new real estate industry disruptors. But are their “instant cash offers” a smart way to sell your home? ...

If you’ve been looking for a place where you can live near a golf course, enjoy the beautiful outdoors, have plenty of space to entertain, and experience the peace and privacy you desire, this Villagio home in Blacklake is the one for you! Call me, Margaret Morris, at 805-709-8535 to set a showing today......

Highly sought-after location, privacy, relaxation, and the ultimate golf lifestyle await you in this meticulously maintained home in The Legends. Call me, Margaret Morris, at 805-709-8535 to set a private showing today......

Featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 2,450 square feet of living space on over four acres, it delivers the easy country living you've been dreaming of. You'll love the park-like front yard, various fruit & avocado trees, the oak forest below the house, the large decks, the bright living spaces, and much more. ...

Nestled in the Oaks, a highly desirable Blacklake golf course community, this home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 2,767 square feet of living space. ...

Central Coast Market Report for June 2019 with sales data by town....

Central Coast Market Report for May 2019 with sales by town in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Maria....

Minimize your possessions and keep those that spark joy. How to organize and better utilize space....

Enjoy all amenities and conveniences of living in the Blacklake golf course in this lovely home for sale....

From indoor to outdoor retreat, this Blacklake golf home delivers!...

Enjoy stunning golf views and relaxation in this golf home for sale in Blacklake Nipomo. ...

Enjoy the convenience, privacy, and space offered by this pristine single-level home in the Blacklake golf community. ...

Central Coast Market Report for April 2019 - Sales by Town in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Maria....

Avoid the 8 home inspection mistakes that home buyers make. ...

Discover peace and serenity in this conveniently-located home in the Blacklake golf community!...

Discover peace and serenity in this conveniently-located home in the Blacklake golf community! Click here for more info....

Enjoy the ultimate golf lifestyle in this spacious golf course home in the Blacklake golf community! Call me, Margaret Morris, at 805-709-8535 to set a showing today......

Enjoy the ultimate golf lifestyle in this spacious home in the Blacklake golf community! Read here for details! ...

Central Coast Market Report - March 2019 Sales Data by Town at the Central Coast of California....

What is your home actually worth? Discover what buyers will pay in today's market....

Central Coast Market Report - February 2019 Active, pending and sold single family homes at the Central Coast by town. ...

Top 8 Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2019...

Central Coast Market Report - January 2019 - Sales by Town in SLO County and Santa Maria...

What's ahead for real estate in 2019? Home values, sales levels, mortgage rates, affordability...

Central Coast market report with sales by town in SLO County and Santa Maria...

9 Ways to Share the Spirit of the Season within the community this Christmas season....

5 reasons why the holidays are still a good time to buy or sell your Central Coast house....

Central Coast real estate market report - Sales by town in San Luis Obispo County & Santa Maria....

Market Report for Sales by Town at the Central Coast...