Real Estate Tips & Guides
Southern California real estate guidance from a licensed broker (DRE #01519976), brokering in California since 2005. Honest advice on buying, selling, and navigating the market.
First-Time Buyer in CA? 7 Costs Nobody Warns You About (2026)
What CA first-time buyers actually need in 2026: real down payment minimums, CalHFA MyHome shortcuts, and the closing-cost numbers your lender won't volunteer.
9 Questions to Ask Any SoCal Real Estate Agent in 2026
Pick the right SoCal agent in 2026: 9 interview questions, 5 red flags, the DRE license check most buyers skip, and the fiduciary rule agents hope you miss.
NAR Settlement Explained: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know in 2026
The August 2024 NAR settlement changed how real estate agents get paid. Here's what buyers, sellers, and agents in California are actually doing in 2026 — buyer-broker agreements, off-MLS compensation, and how to negotiate both sides.
Understanding Real Estate Contingencies in California
A complete breakdown of the contingencies in a California real estate contract — inspection, appraisal, loan, sale of buyer's home, title, HOA review, and the standard 17-day timeline. How to waive strategically and what sellers need to watch for.
The CA Seller's Cheat Sheet for 2026 (Net More, Stress Less)
How to sell your CA home in 2026 without losing money: pricing tricks, TDS and NHD pitfalls, post-NAR commissions, and when a cash sale beats listing.
Have a Real Estate Question?
Get personalized answers from broker Selvin Herrera. Book a free consultation to talk through your real estate goals — no pressure, no fees.
Get a Free Consultation