I have been a REALTOR® since 1998. I began my career in the Los Angeles market and now service the Great Palm Springs market. I am a Global Luxury Property Specialist and services clients from all price ranges. My partner Jon Smith and I work together as a team. The Bernal Smith Group is efficient,… Read more »
BUYING or SELLING? Call Today! Let’s get started marketing your property today and/or finding you the property of your dreams. As a Native of the Coachella Valley, I can provide you with an extensive knowledge of the Valley to help you make the best decision for your needs.When you think of Real Estate, ONE OF… Read more »
Our products range from Conventional, FHA, VA and Super Jumbo Portfolio loans up to $ 2M plus. As a not for profit and community based Credit Union, we are committed to the purchase market and have never closed a purchase transaction late we lend in over 40 States. I’m a Los Angeles gay mortgage professional…. Read more »
Scott and Erica Rothenberg thought the years of scrimping and saving had finally paid off. The three-bedroom house outside of Elk Grove—an upper-middle-class suburb of Sacramento—checked all of the boxes: quiet neighborhood, quality school district, ample space to start a family. But the couple knew competition for the house—like most houses in desirable California neighborhoods—would… Read more »
As a Stockton gay Realtor I work with both SELLERS and BUYERS. My GOAL is for you to be so happy with my service that I’m your Trusted Realtor for Life and you refer me to your Family and Friends. I specialize in Traditional Sales, Probate Sales, & Bank Foreclosures. – I have over 15… Read more »
Jeff Anderson is an award-winning Long Beach gay Realtor in the Greater Los Angeles real estate market, with a focus on top notch customer service, trust, and strong ethics. Jeff specializes in the Long Beach real estate market, and knows the area inside and out. If you”re planning to buy or sell a home in… Read more »
Hi I’m Kyle Raymond Mathews, West Hollywood Gay Realtor. As a native of Los Angeles, this gives me great knowledge of many different neighborhoods in areas such as Burbank, North Hollywood, West Hollywood, Studio City, Van Nuys, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake, Hollywood Hills, DTLA, and greater Los Angeles. I work extensively to help buyers… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: Derek truly understands your financial needs, and has the knowledge and resources that will allow you to obtain a mortgage that is right for you. To accomplish this he… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: Valerie Crowell is a second generation Realtor® having started in the Real Estate industry in 1972 as a 14 year old answering her father’s business phones. She spent the… Read more »
Marc LangePeriodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: Marc listens closely to his clients to learn what their real estate needs are, and then works hard to finding the home that best meets those needs. It’s… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: Choose a San Jose real estate partner with a different view. CJ Brasiel is a lesbian real estate agent who specializes in residential home sales in San Jose and… Read more »
Every year, The Advocate ranks the cities in the US for queer friendliness based on a number of criteria. This year, the criteria includes lesbian bars, trans events, gay rugby teams, theaters screening “Moonlight”, Misterb&b hosts, LGBT centers, and more. Here’s today’s pick: An Orange County, Calif., city in the top 10? As mentioned previously,… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: Brodie is a gay real estate agent in Folsom-El Dorado Hills, who works with buyers and sellers in the Eastern Sacramento metro region! See AGENT’s Expanded Listing on Gay… Read more »
Every year, The Advocate ranks the cities in the US for queer friendliness based on a number of criteria. This year, the criteria includes lesbian bars, trans events, gay rugby teams, theaters screening “Moonlight”, Misterb&b hosts, LGBT centers, and more. Here’s today’s pick: Sandwiched between San Diego and Mexico, Chula Vista (Spanish for “beautiful view”)… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: Brodie is a gay real estate agent in Folsom-El Dorado Hills, who works with buyers and sellers in the Easter Sacramento metro region! See Brodie’s Expanded Listing on Gay… Read more »
Every year, The Advocate ranks the cities in the US for queer friendliness based on a number of criteria. This year, the criteria includes lesbian bars, trans events, gay rugby teams, theaters screening “Moonlight”, Misterb&b hosts, LGBT centers, and more. Here’s today’s pick: Only an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, Anaheim is not such a… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: I’ve always been passionate about Real Estate, and have remodeled several houses in L.A., West Hollywood and Palm Springs. I was born and raised in Cleveland, and graduated from… Read more »
Everyone knows this is America’s historical and cultural hub for the LGBT community and no list would be complete without it. It has the largest per capita gay population in the country and there simply isn’t another city on Earth that is more tolerant and accepting of gays and lesbians than San Francisco. In addition… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: I have worked in every aspect of the Palm Springs real estate market for forty years, and bring all that experience to each of my clients. I’m a Palm… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: Having lived and worked in the Inland Empire for over 5 years, I’m very familiar with the market, housing trends and the diverse local cities that make this a… Read more »
Over the past decade, the gayborhood has morphed into what’s often termed a “post-gay†neighborhood. At many LGBT-owned businesses, you’re apt to bump into plenty of straight folks as well  and vice versa. And it’s a good bet that the formerly explicitly gay neighborhoods will continue to become steadily more diverse  including the… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: There is no better place to work, play and own a house than here in Pasadena. It reminds me of an Eastern town, with tree-lined streets, an artistic flavor,… Read more »
The economy is looking up for many and according to the Case-Shiller index tracking resales of single family homes, this trend is being reflected in home prices. Nationally, prices are up 5 percent in the last 12 months, but in popular San Diego, that number is even higher. At a rise of 6.3 percent our… Read more »
Within the realm of gay Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Silver Lake are like the Sharks and the Jets. One is a community of party boys and twunks (the portmanteau of twink and hunk, for all you basic heterosexuals), characterized by their chiseled physiques and designer tank tops. Contrastingly, the other is an edgier, more… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: Arlene (AJ) and her life partner, Kathy are entering their 20th year together and have made Joshua their home for the past 18 years. They have 3 fur kids… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals: As an Orange County real estate broker, my goals are simple: 1. Be the most competent professional in the markets we serve 2. Be honest with our clients –… Read more »
The Advocate has their annual ranking out of the queerest cities in the US. Clocking in at 15: Berkeley, California: By day, shop at one of three gay-heavy Whole Foods markets or join activists at UC Berkeley, and at night unwind at the gay-men-only Steamworks Baths (SteamworksBaths.com), all while relaxing in a state that offers… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Torey Carrick is the Vice President and Chief of the Retail Sales Division at the Anderson Real Estate Group of Keller Williams Pacific Estates. The Anderson Group has helped… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Jeff is an award winning Real Estate Agent in the Greater Los Angeles real estate market, with a focus on top notch customer service, trust, and strong ethics. Jeff… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Will is a native of Baton Rouge, LA, but has lived in NYC and Boston for most of his adult life. He attended graduate school in Boston and worked… Read more »
In all of San Francisco, according to McLaughlin’s study, more than 63 percent of homes (including condos and town houses) are valued at $1 million or more. That’s up from 39 percent in 2010. The city’s housing crunch is a familiar story. We’ve known that lower- and middle-income families have struggled to stay in San… Read more »
Families who earn an average income can only afford a home in seven of 32 California counties, according to the California Association of Realtors. The report said someone earning the state’s median income of $60,244 can afford less than a third of California’s available homes, condos and town homes. For Judy Cornick, a Sacramento retiree… Read more »
Sales of California homes remained robust in July, with the number of houses and condos sold hitting a nine-year high for the second month in a row, a research firm reported Wednesday. CoreLogic Inc. reported an estimated 46,065 new and existing single-family homes sold in California in July. That’s up 14.4 percent from last July,… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. A resident of the San Gabriel Valley for most of his life, Matt Berkley is a REALTOR(R) who has made representing historic and architecturally significant properties his primary focus… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Jeff is an Architectural Specialist at HOM Sotheby’s International Realty and will lead you through the array of incredible choices in desert properties in the Palm Springs real estate… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. I know you get a lot of mixed messages from Real Estate Agents – especially when search online. My purpose is to provide more insight into myself and our… Read more »
In San Francisco, a boom is always associated with its essential counterpart, the bust. They’re as typical to the city as sun and fog. And currently, the city is in one heck of a housing boom, but the national indices don’t quite do justice to how over-the-top mind-blowing crazy the situation has gotten. For example,… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Looking for that special someone to guide you thru the selling or purchase of your home or investment? Need that special person that listens to what you want? Look… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. For more than a decade, Patrick Martin has been an industry leader in West Hollywood and the Los Angeles real estate market. Handling a diverse portfolio of properties and… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. I am a Top Producing Real Estate Agent in the Sacramento region. I represent buyers and sellers along the Highway 50 corridor, all the way from Folsom to Pollock… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Kirk works hard for his clients, and uses his intuitive nature to provide fantastic customer service. Kirk’s previous clients have described him as ‘going above and beyond or ‘knowing… Read more »
The San Francisco metropolitan area has the highest percentage of the adult population who identify as LGBT of any of the top 50 U.S. metropolitan areas, followed by Portland, Oregon, and Austin, Texas. Variation in the percentage who identify as LGBT across the largest metro areas is relatively narrow, with San Francisco’s percentage just 2.6… Read more »
A gradual decline in inventory has contributed to the increase in overbidding among buyers, according to a new report from Paragon Real Estate. The real-estate firm tallied the number of homes, co-ops, TICs, condos and even 2-4-unit buildings listed on the MLS, starting just before the market recovery began in 2012. It found that while… Read more »
Hey, did you know housing cost in San Francisco is really high? Of course you did — you live here. But, did you know that the mortgage is so damn high that it is possible to find a castle in Europe that is less expensive than some condos in San Francisco? Did you know that… Read more »
Last month, the number of Bay Area home sales slowed to a crawl and hit its lowest level since the recession in 2008, according to the latest report from DataQuick. A slowdown is normal for January, but even compared with January 2014, sales are down, dropping 5.5 percent to a seven-year low of 4,439 houses… Read more »
The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to look at where rates are headed when deciding to buy now or wait until next year. Below is a chart created… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Gay Long Beach Real Estate Agent – Experienced Long Beach/Orange County Realtor providing outstanding service and area knowledge See Eric’s Expanded Listing on Gay Realty Network Here Gay Friendly… Read more »
California home sales were down last month, plunging to the lowest level seen in January in seven years in the San Francisco Bay area, a research firm said Wednesday. But prices are still up over the same period last year. An estimated 25,325 new and resale houses and condos sold in California – marking a… Read more »
The city of San Francisco is in early talks about the creation of a small park located near the site of city’s old Eagle Tavern that would be inspired by and dedicated to the queer leather community. “Eagle Plaza,” as its being called now, would be located in the heart of the city’s South of… Read more »
Which rival city is really better for gay men? San Francisco or New York? This is an age-old question that we’ve laid out the answer for below. Both cities are fabulous meccas of glitter and rainbows, but it ultimately comes down which aspects of a city carry the most weight for you. Find out which… Read more »
The headlines agree mortgage interest rates have dropped substantially below initial projections. Many who are considering purchasing a home, or moving up to their dream home, might think that they should wait to buy, because rates may continue to fall. A recent article on the Economists’ Outlook blog by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)… Read more »
This week’s red carpet premier for the second season of “Looking” used the kind of backdrop that might have seemed fitting for a show about gay men digging through lust, love and angst in San Francisco. The stars stood underneath the Castro Theatre’s neon sign with a drag queen on the sidewalk nearby and several… Read more »
If you are thinking about purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family have your best interests at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in real estate. Let’s look at whether or not now is actually… Read more »
San Franciscans, already lamenting the high cost of living, are finding that rents have jumped from sky high to outrageous. Betty Granoff, who works with people moving to the Bay Area as president of San Francisco-based Relocation Breakthroughs, provided some insight into how the rental housing market compares to other boom times. “I’ve been doing… Read more »
A gay man has been appointed to lead the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. LGBT Weekly reports: Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed openly gay civil rights attorney Kevin Kish to lead the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, filling a vacancy atop an agency under scrutiny for its own employment record, the… Read more »
Most people know the basics about getting their home ready to sell: remove any clutter and excess furniture, fix what’s broken and set your rooms to look like a model home would. But buyers have more and more inventory to choose from in this market and the details matter. Here are 10 enhanced Staging Tips 1…. Read more »
At the end of the year in Orange County, hundreds of homeowners have a tough decision to make. The ‘listing for sale agreement’ on their house is about to expire and they now must decide to either take their house off the market (OTM), For Sale by Owner (FSBO) or list it again with the… Read more »
San Diego nonprofit Community HousingWorks (CHW), presents its Arizona Street Development to the San Diego Planning Commission Thursday, Dec. 18. The proposed development features a 76-home senior apartment building on the northwest corner of Texas Street and Howard Avenue and a 118-home multifamily building on the northeast corner. The proposal has already generated significant support… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Choose a real estate partner with a different view. Silicon Valley’s the hub of technology and diversity in Northern California. Lifestyle, acceptance, culture is valued and all are welcome!… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Brodie Stephens is a gay real estate agent in Folsom, California, who works with all kinds of real estate clients. See Brodie’s Expanded Listing on Gay Realty Network Here… Read more »
Hillcrest’s most iconic gay restaurant and bar – Urban MO’s Bar & Grill – is now undergoing significant expansions this month to debut for the 2014-15 winter season. The outdoor patio has been demolished in preparation for an extensive expansion and renovation. The property will remain open for business during the expansions, which started this… Read more »
Today the official closure of Harvey Milk’s American Diner was announced. The online announcement, by owner Frank Lechner, stated that the diner was officially closed for good and that all the employees had been paid. LGBT Weekly reached out to Lechner for comment but he was unavailable at press time. LGBT Weekly did speak with… Read more »
San Francisco is arguably one of the hottest real estate markets in the nation. Fueled by the technology economy, it has a limited supply of homes for sale, which has resulted in fierce competition and sky-high home prices. Rents also have grown in tandem. “Have things cooled down a little bit? Yes. However, the properties… Read more »
Just six miles from San Francisco’s increasingly expensive downtown is Hunters Point, a historically blue-collar neighborhood southeast of the city, which has been neglected since the shipyards closed in 1974 amid radiation contamination so bad it was declared a Superfund site. Today, 30 percent of the area’s residents earn less than $10,000 a year. “This… Read more »
A common question sellers ask is “What can I do to get the maximum selling price on my home?†Since each home and every market is different, we, as your real estate professionals, can give you specific advice on your home. In general, however, if you’re willing to spend a little bit on some minor… Read more »
A common question for prospective home sellers is “How can I increase my home’s value or get a higher selling price?†In our earlier articles on this subject, we discuss low budget and economical fixes and upgrades that can increase the perceived value of your home. In this article, we discuss those higher cost items… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Todd is honest, and has a ridiculously strong work ethic, and will represent your interests when buying or selling real estate on the Corona area. See Todd’s Expanded Listing… Read more »
With interest rates still in the low 4%’s, many buyers may be on the fence as to whether to act now and purchase a new home, or wait until next year. If you look at what the experts are predicting for 2015, it may make the decision for you. Predictions for 2015 3Q: 4.6% - Fannie Mae… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Tom is a Long Beach Realtor who is honest and has a ridiculously strong work ethic. He will represent your interests whether you are looking to buy or sell… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Bill Thon helps buyers and sellers with high end realty in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. See Agent Expanded Listing on Gay Realty Network Here Gay Friendly… Read more »
Homes prices all across the country have rebounded sharply from the housing downturn. CoreLogic, a real estate information firm, reported that over the past year, prices rose in 371 of the 401 metro areas it tracks. But 10 metro areas, as defined by the U.S. Census, have experienced the sharpest increase, ranging from 11.4 percent… Read more »
If you’re new to home ownership, you may not be familiar with all of the responsibilities that are now yours. All of those things you used to call the super or management office for now fall in your lap. Here are some items to keep in mind, especially if you got a “great deal†on… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. I enjoy empowering my clients with my knowledge and expertise to assist them making the best property investment decisions. The East Bay offers the best housing prices in the… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Allow me to help you find your dream home! We have a wide range of community groups and a strong presence in Santa Barbara. See Tim’s Expanded Listing on… Read more »
Condominium prices rose again in June in downtown Los Angeles, San Francisco and downtown Seattle, according to The Mark Company’s Condominium Pricing Index. According to The Mark Company Trend Sheets, the value of new construction condominiums in downtown Los Angeles was up eight percent in June over the previous year. In San Francisco, the value… Read more »
Last week, we took a look at the most gay-friendly places to live in the U.S. Today we are zooming in to have a look at California, assuredly a great place for gay people to call home. We reviewed The Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) “Equality Index” which evaluated 137 U.S. cities from all 50 states… Read more »
A Mecca among the gay mega-metropolis makes up the greater Los Angeles area, for years Long Beach has become home to many gays and lesbians who wish to nest near the water. It’s been recognized by USA Today as the most diverse city in the United States – one of the City’s strongest assets. With… Read more »
Many sellers are still hesitant about putting their house up for sale. Where are prices headed? Where are interest rates headed? Can buyers qualify for a mortgage? These are all valid questions. However, there are several reasons to sell your home sooner rather than later. Here are 5 reasons to sell now. 1. DEMAND IS STRONG… Read more »
Crews will be back at it in the Castro next week replacing the sidewalk section adjacent to buildings as work on the second phase of the streetscape project ramps up. As the Bay Area Reporter noted last month, fencing around the newly poured sidewalk extensions along the 400 and 500 blocks of Castro Street came… Read more »
NAR Reports Reveal Two Reasons to Sell Now We all realize that the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and the supply of that item is limited. The last two major reports issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed information that suggests that now may be the best time… Read more »
A new residential complex designed to cater to the needs and issues of LGBT seniors is expected to open this summer in Palm Springs. Named Stonewall Gardens, the 24-unit assisted-living property will offer resort-style accommodations, a full-time licensed nurse, and a 24-hour professional care staff. With an emphasis on marketing to LGBT residents, but not… Read more »
The project to expand sidewalks in the city’s Castro gayborhood reached the halfway mark this week, and San Francisco planners remain hopeful the work will be completed by early October. Officials had built in a self-imposed deadline of June 17 for construction to wrap on the first phase of the streetscape improvements so as not… Read more »
West Hollywood’s Economic Development Department is recommending the city abandon its efforts to organize a business improvement district on the south end of Santa Monica Boulevard. In a report to the City Council, the department noted that the effort to establish a BID is now in its seventh year, and that typically such projects are… Read more »
Los Angeles’ LGBT community has long gravitated toward the ‘gayborhoods’ of West Hollywood and Silver Lake, often due to concerns of safety and those cozy hamlets’ wide range of cultural and nightlife options. But times, they are a-changin’, and our city’s younger set of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Angelenos prefer to pop the proverbial… Read more »
 Real Estate: We are NOT the Only Ones Saying You Should Buy We have never hid our belief in homeownership. That does not mean we think EVERYONE should run out and buy a house. However, if a person or family is ready, willing and able to purchase a home, we believe that owning is much better than renting. And… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Experience & integrity you can rely on! Serving first-time buyers and sellers, to experienced investors with million dollar properties. Aside from it’s obvious beauty and appeal, San Diego has… Read more »
Keeping it Local: Haven Gastropub In this week’s series of Keeping It Local, we feature the Haven Gastropub. This is a great place to enjoy high quality, freshly prepared food at reasonable prices, maintaining purveyors of local or organic produce, sustainable seafood, and humanely raised meat and poultry as often as possible. About Haven Gastropub Haven… Read more »
Working with Lenders Referrals Referral from friends and family can offer extensive knowledge about a specific lender. Loan processes can change from lender to lender, therefore, understanding the processes of your lender beforehand is extremely beneficial. Research your lender From above, it should be noted that having the necessary information before you meet with a… Read more »
Tax Breaks for Homeowners Homeowners can acquire several tax breaks but most are clueless about such benefits. Two important tax breaks ‘homeowners can use are on mortgage interest and selling your home. Claiming Mortgage Interest Claiming mortgage interest is one of the most common deductions among taxpayers and has been evolving for the last 10… Read more »
Tax Tips for Freelance Workers Are you getting paid as an independent contractor? If so, it’s likely that taxes are not being taken of your pay. Depending on how much you make you could be hit with a painful tax bill during tax season. Therefore, it is vital that you plan ahead. First, take all… Read more »
Encompassing a vast, architecturally and demographically diverse tract of central San Francisco that extends from the Mission District to the bay, SoMa — defined as the area south of Market Street — is an urban swath containing everything from shiny new loft condos to vintage refurbished warehouses, you’ll find a vibrant stretch of waterfront on… Read more »
Prevent Basement Floods Making your basement into a comfortable living area can significantly raise the value of your home but it is extremely important for you to take the necessary action before you start your remodel. The basement could turn into a massive loss if not protected. The largest concern a basement has is its… Read more »
Your home may be brimming with tax advantages. How will you get all of the homeowner tax breaks you’re entitled to? Consult a professional tax advisor for details. Here’s a list of the top 10 deductions to consider: 1. Mortgage Interest Deduction The mortgage interest deduction has always been the most-beloved tax benefit of home… Read more »
Mortgage Monday: Do you want to speed up the mortgage process? Do you want to speed up your mortgage process? The length of your mortgage process depends on the loan type, the property and several other considerations. Furthermore, consumers looking to make their mortgage move faster must have patience and preparation because you are at… Read more »
Our friends at GayRealEstate.com have an answer: A primary “gayborhood” in the northeast part of city is called the Tower District because it is centered around the historic Art Deco Tower Theater, which is included on the National List of Historic Places. The area is known for its wonderful architecture and including homes built in… Read more »
More than 1,400 housing units are currently in development in downtown Berkeley, with demolition on one of the first in the pipeline scheduled to begin this week. There are eight projects, including a hotel, planned in the downtown core, with two more planned just south, on Dwight Way, and another proposal on University Avenue just… Read more »
This beautiful but sleepy adjunct to Los Angeles, a kind of bedroom community for gays who like to garden, gets its high ranking primarily from having two gay elected city officials for its relatively small population, and a fractional boost from California’s many statewide elected LGBTs. Nevertheless, Pasadena’s got lots to offer: two gay bars,… Read more »
No city in the United States can beat Oakland for its percentage of lesbian couple households. And though nearby San Fran is the granddaddy of urban gay meccas, the much more affordable nearby Oakland is at least as diverse: UC Berkeley students, middle-class families, and integrated neighborhoods characterize the city. Many bars and clubs attract… Read more »
Calm down, San Francisco. Everyone knows you’re still the gayest thing going. The beautiful, panoramic City by the Bay is home to both well-heeled queers and a vibrant counterculture (witness the uproar over the recently announced ban on public nudity). LGBT life here is not limited to the Castro neighborhood, though that’s a tourist draw… Read more »
Good California cuisine, a bunch of gay bars and restaurants, marine life at the Aquarium, beaches, one of the country’s biggest Pride events, and a relaxed atmosphere all conspire to make Long Beach a surprisingly gay city. Check out the lumberjack-chic atmosphere of the Mineshaft (1720 E. Broadway, 562-436-2433) and the civic-minded Paradise Piano Bar… Read more »
West Hollywood has once again been declared the most walkable city in California. Walk Score, a company that maintains a public access walkability index of any place in the United States, Canada and Australia, made the designation. Walk Score’s bases its walkability ranking on proximity to amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, schools, parks and… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Put your Real Estate needs in Cruz control. Nestled up against the San Gabriel Mountains, live here for an active, healthy lifestyle. See Drake’s Expanded Listing on Gay Realty… Read more »
It’s a long-awaited sight around here, as welcome as a big snowfall on the ski slopes ringing the lake. Hard hats are swarming over Lake Tahoe’s “hole in the ground,” a vast construction site on Highway 50 that sat dormant for nearly five years. A $15 million shopping and dining complex has been rising from… Read more »
Filling a long-overdue need to provide the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community more retirement options, Fountaingrove Lodge, the nation’s first full-service LGBT retirement community to offer luxury living and continuing care services, will officially open in less than two weeks. Wednesday, Nov. 20 regional elected officials and LGBT leaders will join award-winning developer… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. I am a problem solver that offers a great experience with a successful outcome. Palm Springs is known internationally as a GLBT playground where homebuyers will feel accepted. See… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Andrew has been a licensed Realtor since 1990 – specializing in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. See Andrew’s Expanded Listing on Gay Realty Network Here Gay Friendly… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. As seen on TLC, Denise is your Long Beach and surrounding cities Real Estate specialist. Long Beach is a diverse city as featured by Denise on TLC’s “My First… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. I’m a Southern California Native. I am an Associate Broker with over 7 years of experience. This is Palm Springs! Gay mecca. The hot spot for primary and secondary… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Todd is a unique, open and caring Anaheim Hills real estate agent, specializing in helping people find good values and good homes in Orange County. See Todd’s Expanded Listing… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. I have been licensed since 1991. I am a retired H.S. Principal with extensive education in Real Estate. Pismo Beach is a quiet community with a large active community…. Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. I’m a former licensed general contractor who’s well versed in every aspect of representation for both buyers and sellers. LA’s Westside offers a multitude of different neighborhoods for every… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Randy Merrill is knowlegable, reliable and detail oriented. He has a lot of experience with bank owned and short sales. In the foothills, a short trip to San Francisco… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. John help buyers and sellers make informed decisions for their real estate needs in the Pasadena area. There are many gay people in the Pasadena area, because of the… Read more »
The spring home buying season is well underway and bidding wars are breaking out on San Diego’s streets. People trying to land a home while interest rates remain relatively low are up against limited choices and considerable competition. This is most evident in the western regions of the nation and San Diego is no exception…. Read more »
Looking for a great gay-friendly mecca in the Los Angeles? West Hollywood is sooooo 2010, Ken Williams at LA Weekly says… Silverlake is the new place to be: The new gay paradigm, in fact, makes the culture of West Hollywood look obsolete. It wasn’t long ago that gay men had to embrace certain cultural hallmarks… Read more »
Today, in our ongoing series about local real estate markets, we’ll take a look at home sales and trends in California. Lets start with the south. San Diego’s market is gearing up too, Southwest Riverside News Network reports: Rising housing prices are reinvigorating the move-up market for San Diego County homeowners, the head of the… Read more »
U.S. home prices in November were up 7.4 percent from November 2011, the largest year-over-year increase in 6 1/2 years, the Associated Press reported. In terms of monthly gains, housing prices were up 0.3 percent from October to November, according to CoreLogic which told the AP that the gains have been “widespread” in the U.S…. Read more »
The real estate market has historically always gone in cycles. This means that housing prices go up and they go down. When prices are up, it is considered a seller’s market and when prices are down, it is a buyer’s market. There are of course other variables that play a part, like mortgage interest rates;… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. I have lived in the Palm Springs area since 1998. I provide a wide range of real estate services. I am a member of the Palm Springs Regional Association… Read more »
Are you shocked that Los Angeles and New York didn’t make the list in our fourth annual accounting of city life in America? Then listen up, honey. As much as we love fabulous soirees and mimosa brunches, there’s much more to LGBT life than that. We live in little burgs and big cities and tons… Read more »
A research firm says California home prices posted a ninth straight annual increase in November. DataQuick said Thursday that the median price for new and existing houses and condominiums was $291,000 last month, up 19% from $244,000 the same period last year. The median price jumped $6,000 during the month. More than 37,000 homes sold… Read more »
The number of homes sold in Riverside County jumped by 10.2 percent in November, compared to the same month a year ago, while prices rose by 17.4 percent, a real estate information service announced today. A total of 3,274 homes changed hands in Riverside County last month, compared to 2,971 in November 2011, according to… Read more »
More move-up and first-time buyers joined investors and second-home purchasers across the Coachella Valley to stoke sales in October, even as prices rose for the eighth consecutive month, two new reports show. A total of 853 homes and condos sold valleywide last month, a nearly 16 percent year-over-year increase, San Diego-based real estate information services… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Arlene (AJ) and her life partner, Kathy are entering their 20th year together and have made Joshua their home for the past 18 years. They have 3 fur kids… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Joe is an openly gay Realtor serving the local community for more than thirty years, including San Francisco, Marin County and of course, Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. He… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. As an Orange County real estate broker, my goals are simple: 1. Be the most competent professional in the markets we serve 2. Be honest with our clients –… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Marge has worked in the California real estate market for over twenty seven years, and would love to be your Carmel area realtor. Marge has worked in a number… Read more »
The median price of a California home reached its highest level in more than four years in September, the California Association of Realtors reports. But while prices rose, a continued shortage of homes on the market lowered sales. “Low inventory – especially in distressed areas – is dampening sales activity,” association President LeFrancis Arnold said…. Read more »
The new CoreLogic home price index shows a 5.2 percent home price gain in the Inland region in September from one year ago, a pace not seen across the country over many years. Prices have also risen nine-tenths of 1 percent from August. With the sale of homes not listed as a short sale or… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Dan combines business savvy with great people skills in the Oakland Real Estate Market. Dan has a Bachelor’s in psychology and business administration and a Master’s in social work…. Read more »
It wasn’t just heating up outside this summer and fall. The real estate market was definitely heating up as well! Prices in California are up again. Our home prices are now at a four-year high. “The median price for new and existing houses and condominiums in Southern California reached $315,000, up 12.5 percent from $280,000… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Tamara is both an owner and investor in and outside San Diego, so she understands the importance of having someone who is competent and experienced to advise you. Successful… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Kyle is a Los Angeles Realtor with White House Properties. Kyle works extensively to help buyers and sellers meet their Los Angeles real estate goals. As a listing agent… Read more »
Orange County’s median price for existing, single-family homes took a dramatic leap in August, up by nearly 12% from August a year ago, the California Association of Realtors says. Local home prices also increased 3 percent over July. Sales rose 23 percent over last August in Orange County but were just short of a 2… Read more »
Scant inventories are driving up home prices in Monterey County’s recovering housing market, as investors snatch up what’s available and leave the leftovers to traditional home buyers. Still, with interest rates at record lows and prices less than a half what they were five years ago, it’s a good time to buy — if you… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Buying or selling a home often means a major life change. Michael feels privileged to serve his clients in this process. As your agent, Michael will dedicate myself to… Read more »
There is no exact timeframe or science to real estate cycles, but this alternation has been going on internationally ever since there were landowners. Today in San Diego and in most of the world, it is a buyer’s market. It has been a buyer’s market for four to five years, as prices have continued to… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. After moving to Sacramento in 2002, Joan made a name for herself in the Sacramento Real Estate Market as one of the area’s most successful real estate agents. Her… Read more »
California has a big problem. It is no longer exempt from the economic hardships of the rest of the US. Silicon Valley is not the high tech monopoly it once was. Hollywood has been replaced by many other great locations to make movies, and many real estate investors have more faith in the rebound capabilities… Read more »
When a home came on the market in Pebble Beach this year in the $1.2 million range, it didn’t take long to sell. “It was gone in three days,” said Bert Aronson of the Aronson Team and Keller Williams Realty, who sells homes in the area but was not the listing agent on that particular… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Eric Greene is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker coastal alliance, the top real estate office in Long Beach, California. Eric has extensive knowledge of the Long Beach… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Shannon has been selling Long Beach real estate since 1998, and she specializes in listing and marketing Long Beach area homes. She has consistently been one of the top… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Bryan Lewis brings his corporate world experience to bear in the Marin County real estate market. Before he joined Coldwell Banker, Bryan was the President and CEO of a… Read more »
A solid national jobs report this morning — 227,000 new jobs added, unemployment rate steady at 8.3 percent — was followed by a psychologically significant California report, from the state’s Employment Development Department. At long last, we’re below 11 percent — 10.9 to be exact, for January 2012. Bear in mind that 10.9 percent is… Read more »
For second homes in America’s most affluent locations, the past year was ugly. No way else to describe it. Median home prices were down 50% in North Lake Tahoe, and 44% on Martha’s Vineyard, to cite two examples. Last year was brutal for second homes in the nation’s most affluent areas. But the market is… Read more »
For second homes in America’s most affluent locations, the past year was ugly. No way else to describe it. Median home prices were down 50% in North Lake Tahoe, and 44% on Martha’s Vineyard, to cite two examples. Last year was brutal for second homes in the nation’s most affluent areas. But the market is… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Gay Friendly Realtors and Real Estate Professionals on the California Central Coast J.R. Rouse, Broker/Owner of J.R. Rouse Real Estate, is the ONLY Diamond Certified Real Estate Agency in… Read more »
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Gay Friendly Realtors and Real Estate Professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area Michael Tessaro will get the job done for you… he’s professional, successful, educated, knowledgeable, with style…. Read more »