From our friends at the kcm blog
When your house sits on the market longer than expected, it can get frustrating fast.
You start asking: what now? And for a growing number of homeowners, that turns into: should I just rent it instead?
While it sounds like a simple backup plan, becoming “accidental landlord” is actually a much bigger decision than most people realize. That’s when someone planned to sell, didn’t get the price or traction they hoped for, and decided to rent the house out instead.
And lately, that’s happening more often.
Why the Number of Accidental Landlords Is Rising
If you’re faced with the same choice to rent or to sell, here’s what you need to...
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From our friends at the kcm blog
While the Spring season consistently offers up some of the best conditions for home sellers, Realtor.com says there’s one window where the stars really seem to align year after year. And it’s coming up fast.
Based on their analysis of historical trends, the ideal week to put your house on the market this year is: April 12–18.
And here’s why this window stands out as being particularly seller-friendly:
Buyers Are More Active. According to the research coming out of Realtor.com, homes listed during this week typically get about 16.7% more views than in a normal week. And in a market where buyers have options, getting that extra attention can set the tone for your entire sale.
Sales...
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Jenn Pfeiffer, Realtor® | Greenbrae, Marin County & San Francisco Real Estate Expert
Realtor of the Year 2024 | Marin IJ Best Realtors Honorary Mention 2025
Source: IPX1031
As the real estate market evolves, investors are rethinking how they approach 1031 Exchange Replacement Property. At IPX1031, we’re seeing a growing trend: investors are shifting away from management-intensive assets and toward passive real estate investments.
This shift reflects a broader goal—preserving wealth while reducing day-to-day responsibilities.
What Is Passive Replacement Property?
Passive Replacement Property refers to real estate investments that generate income without active management. These structures allow investors to complete a 1031 Exchange while minimizing operational involvement.
Popular passive options include:
Delaware Statutory Trusts...
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From our friends at the kcm blog
Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be a little nerve-wrecking because it’s something you’ve never done before. And trying to think of everything you need to do can feel like a lot. But here’s the key.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. And you don’t have to do it all at once. Just tackle it one thing at a time.
Here’s a simple list of 3 main things you should focus on to help you get started.
1. Assemble Your Team: Don’t Do This Alone
Buying a home is a team sport. And having the right professionals by your...
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From our friends at the kcm blog
Mortgage rates have already dropped into the upper 5s twice this year. But after just a few days, they ticked back up into the low 6% range. If you saw that and thought, “Great. I missed it,” you’re not the only one.
A lot of buyers are treating the 5s like some kind of magic number. As if moving from 6.1% to 5.99% suddenly changes everything. And from a mindset perspective, it does feel different.
But here’s the part most people don’t actually run the math on.
The Payment Difference Isn’t What You Think
Let’s say you’re looking at a $500,000 home loan. At 6.1%, generally speaking, your principal...
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By Jenn Pfeiffer, Realtor® | Greenbrae, Marin County & San Francisco Real Estate Expert
Realtor of the Year 2024 | Marin IJ Best Realtors Honorary Mention 2025
Mortgage rates have been moving in waves lately, and many homebuyers across Marin County, Greenbrae, and San Francisco are asking the same question:
Why are mortgage rates rising again after briefly dipping below 6%?
While the recent shift can feel confusing, the reality is that mortgage rates respond to a handful of major economic forces. Understanding these factors can help buyers and sellers make more confident decisions in today’s real estate market.
As a Greenbrae-based Realtor serving Marin County and San Francisco, I’m breaking down the key drivers...
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From our friends at the kcm blog
Homeowners looking to sell usually want three things: plenty of interested buyers, strong offers, and a short timeline. Spring is the season that most often delivers all three.
So, if a move has been on your mind this year, this is the window where momentum tends to work in your favor. Here’s what makes this season so powerful for sellers.
1. More Buyers Will Be Looking
Typically speaking, in the housing market, there’s no more popular time to move than the Spring. Historically, data coming out of ShowingTime proves that’s when buyer activity peaks each year. Take a look for yourself (see graph below):
And this year, there’s more than just...
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By The Jenn Pfeiffer Team | Jenn Pfeiffer, Realtor & Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist
When a homeowner passes away, their assets—including real estate—must be legally transferred to heirs or beneficiaries. This process is known as probate.
Before any assets can be distributed, the court ensures that all outstanding debts and taxes (including mortgages) are paid. In many cases, this means the property must be sold through a probate sale, with proceeds used to settle the estate and distribute any remaining funds to heirs.
If you’re considering buying a probate property—or navigating one as part of an estate—here’s what you need to know.
Who’s Involved in a Probate Sale?
A probate sale involves several...
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From our friends at the kcm blog
Let’s be clear: selling your house is absolutely possible right now. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 11k homes sell every day in this country.
And the sellers who are making their moves happen all have one thing in common: they’ve adjusted their strategy to match today’s market. They’re realizing inventory has grown. Homebuyers are more selective. And buyer expectations are higher.
The sellers who struggle are usually approaching today’s market with yesterday’s expectations. Here are the three biggest mistakes they’re making – and how to avoid them.
1. Pricing Based on What Their Neighbor Got a Few Years Back
Setting your price is the most important decision you make...
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From our friends at the kcm blog
There’s one decision you’re going to make when you sell that determines whether your house sells quickly, or it sits. Whether buyers make an offer, or scroll past it. Whether you walk away with the maximum return, or you end up cutting the price later.
And that’s your asking price.
The #1 Mistake Sellers Make Today: Trusting the Wrong Number
If you’re thinking of moving and trying to figure out what your house may sell for, it’s tempting to start with an online home value tool. They’re fast, free, and easy. And you don’t have to talk to anyone. But here’s the problem: they don’t know...
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