“What’s the difference between selling cars and selling real estate?” It’s a question that reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of what real estate agents actually do. While both professions involve facilitating a purchase transaction, the similarities end there…

The recent fires in Los Angeles were a stark reminder that we can – and should – take steps to make our homes more resilient. While no home is fully fireproof, a few key improvements and a fire-conscious mindset can mean the difference between sustaining damage and losing everything.

While many lovebirds may have welcomed Valentine’s Day cards and love letters last week, real estate “love letters” are facing a more complicated relationship. Recently, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has started to raise concerns about this practice, warning that these letters could lead to unintended Fair Housing violations. With new rules in place and shifting industry sentiment, should buyers still be sending love letters to sellers? Or is it time for a breakup?

Today, I had the privilege of meeting with a group of dedicated Silicon Valley real estate agents from Los Altos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and surrounding markets, organized by mortgage advisor Nikki James. Our discussion centered on an exciting initiative: the formation of a new trade group, the American Real Estate Association (AREA)—an organization that aims to elevate the industry and address the serious flaws in the current system.

The recent Los Angeles fires have left us heartbroken as stories of loss pour in from friends, family and colleagues. But one story in particular caught my attention – not just for the tragedy, but for the warning it holds for homeowners everywhere…