Category Archives: Home Buying Tips

Peak Selling Season and Prime Buying Times: How to Plan Your Next Move

Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but knowing the peak selling season can mean selling your home in 30 days instead of waiting three months. And for home buyers, it can be the difference between saving $20,000 or having to pay a premium.

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Can You Really Trust Online Home Valuations?

For millions of homeowners, checking their Zillow Zestimate has become as routine as checking a stock portfolio—a quick hit of seeing their home’s estimated value, right at their fingertips. With 178 million monthly users and over 100 million homes covered, the platform’s instant, free, and convenient appeal is undeniable.

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North County and San Diego Housing Markets October 2025

North County and San Diego Housing Markets October 2025 by Pam Fraser. Chart of home sales statistics in North San Diego County as of September 2025.

Year-over prices in the North County and the San Diego housing markets showed little change in September. The median sales price is very close to where it stood in March 2024, although inventory levels have doubled since then. But unlike other regions where active listings have plateaued, our local inventory has decreased for two consecutive months. This decline in available homes, coupled with lower mortgage rates continues to give sellers a slight advantage in the market.

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How to Spot Real Estate Scams

How to Spot Real Estate Scams (and Protect Your Investment) by Pam Fraser. Picture of a home with warning signs

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. 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.

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

Real Estate Market Update: What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next Move Pam Fraser. Aerial picture of two rows of single family homes.

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.

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

Ready to Buy or Sell a Home?<br>Here Are 5 Key Factors in Choosing the Right Agent Pam Fraser. Picture of a real estate agent holding a clipboard while on the phone.

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.

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Here Are 5 Key Factors in Choosing the Right Agent

5 Roadblocks to Affordable Homeownership:
How to Move Past Them

5 Roadblocks to Affordable Homeownership: How to Move Past Them Pam Fraser. Picture of a street of homes in the background with 5 Roadblocks to Affordable Homeownership (and Ways to Move Past Them) text

Dreaming of buying a home but feeling priced out? You’re not alone! A large percentage of U.S. adults feel affordable homeownership is not an option for them. In fact, according to a recent survey by Bankrate, 78% of aspiring homebuyers cite affordability issues as their primary deterrent.

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How to Move Past Them

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

Multigenerational Home Buying: How to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family, Pam Fraser. Picture of a multigenerational family goofing around on a sofa.

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 are purchasing multigenerational homes and moving in together by choice.

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The Ultimate Relocation Guide

The Ultimate Relocation Guide Pam Fraser

The peak relocation season is upon us. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September. And while the percentage of Americans who move each year has declined, the desire to relocate remains strong.

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North County and San Diego Housing Markets:
Buy Now or Wait for Lower Interest Rates?

North County and San Diego Housing Markets March 2024, Pam Fraser. Chart of resale housing statistics for North San Diego County

Both the North County and San Diego housing markets saw strong year-over and month-over price increases in February. This is because demand continues to exceed supply even with today’s higher interest rates.

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Buy Now or Wait for Lower Interest Rates?