Step-by-Step Home Buying Guide

Flipping houses offers a creative way to generate income while working toward academic goals. For adults returning to school, the process of buying, renovating, and selling properties can provide the financial support needed to cover tuition and other expenses. Success in this endeavor requires careful planning; however, with the right approach, real estate can become a powerful tool for balancing financial needs with educational ambitions. It’s a strategy that blends opportunity with determination, paving the way for both personal and professional growth.

California is a beautiful state with a rich history and diverse culture, and an excellent place to call home. If you're considering a move to California, you'll find plenty of options for both urban and rural living. With a growing economy, excellent schools, and plenty of recreational opportunities, California is a great place to lay down roots and start a new chapter. Here are some quick tips from Realtor Heather Stoltz that can get you moving in the right direction.

A historical, secret San Francisco neighborhood-driven community, Fairmont Heights has remained one of the best-kept secrets in the city. Nestled within the southeastern slope of Glen Park, this charming neighborhood has a rich history and a unique character that longtime residents are passionate about preserving.

The start of the New Year is a great time to take inventory of the past year, reflect and set goals for the year ahead. As your vision of 2025 appears before you, what does it include? For many people like you, it includes a picture of a new home filled with love, comfort and safety. But how do we make it happen? And where do we begin? Here’s some advice that can help you get the ball rolling.

I’d love to own property in San Francisco, but it’s so unaffordable. We can help you! The Heather Stoltz team is solution oriented, experienced and can help you build a plan to make your dreams come true. WELCOME TO 2025, a New Year full of possibilities and purchase programs from our city that give you both a Below Market Rate Option, as well as our leading edge down payment program, for use in fair market purchases. How many of you have heard of the Below Market Rate (BMR) program that San Francisco offers? This program provides education and assistance for those seeking a home subject to BMR rules for those housing types. There is also the great program DALP, a down payment assistance program for fair market housing that is not required to be paid back until you sell. There are great programs also with additional funds for teachers, nurses, doctors and first responders, adding helpful funding to bridge the affordability gap. Click here to explore the BMR Program . Call us at 415-505-9581. We can help you navigate the process!

There are more homes on the market right now than there have been in years – and that could be a game changer for you if you’re ready to buy. Let’s look at two reasons why. You Have More Options To Choose From An article from Realtor.com helps explain just how much the number of homes for sale has gone up this year: “There were 29.2% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in October compared with the same time in 2023 , marking the twelfth consecutive month of annual inventory growth and the highest count since December 2019 .” And while the number of homes on the market still isn’t quite back to where it was in the years leading up to the pandemic, this is definitely an improvement (see graph below):

Some Highlights: The #1 task sellers struggle with is setting the right asking price for their house. Without an agent’s help, you may set a price that turns away buyers and takes a long time to sell. To make sure your house is priced right, let’s connect. Because, if the price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.

California is a beautiful state with a rich history and diverse culture, and an excellent place to call home. If you're considering a move to California, you'll find plenty of options for both urban and rural living. With a growing economy, excellent schools, and plenty of recreational opportunities, California is a great place to lay down roots and start a new chapter. Here are some quick tips from Realtor Heather Stoltz that can get you moving in the right direction. Schedule a “Vacation” in Your Potential New City When you move to a new state, you don’t just need to choose a city; you’ll have to select a neighborhood that’ll become your new home. Since evaluating amenities, commute times, and similar details online is tricky, schedule a four-to-seven-day vacation in that area. Choose a vacation rental over a hotel so you can get closer to the local experience. Then, spend that time doing exactly what you’d do if you moved there, giving you a realistic picture of what living in that area is like. Take a look at area homes for sale online beforehand. You want to make the most of your time shopping the area, so it’s wise to have a list of the homes you want to see prepared. Make Use of Virtual Tours An increasing number of properties have virtual tours, allowing you to check out a home or apartment using only your computer. It’s a great way to spot places with potential, making it easier to create a shortlist of locations you’ll want to tour in person during your visit. Declutter as You Pack Relocating items you don’t actually need wastes time, money, and energy. As you pack, take a moment to consider whether each possession is actually providing you with any value. If not, assess its condition, sorting it into one of three boxes: sell, donate, or trash. This process keeps you organized while making it easier to prepare for a garage sale, donation drop-off, or dump run. Use Your Move as an Opportunity Relocating presents a unique opportunity to reshape your career and follow your passions. For instance, if you decide to get a master's degree in nursing , you can open doors to diverse and fulfilling career paths such as nurse education, informatics, nurse administration, or advanced practice nursing. Many universities now offer online master’s programs, providing the flexibility to continue working while you study. This approach not only facilitates career advancement but also enables you to apply new knowledge directly to your current job, enriching both your learning and professional experience. Set Up a Grocery Delivery Since unpacking is a cumbersome chore, eliminate the need to grocery shop by scheduling a delivery for the day you arrive. Make sure a few of the meals don’t require much kitchen gear, just in case you need a day to get your kitchen in order. Sandwiches, frozen lasagnas, take-and-bake pizzas, and similar options all work well. Find Contractors You Can Trust Moving to a new state is hard, especially when you aren’t familiar with any of the local businesses. That’s where an app that can put you in touch with trustworthy appliance repair technicians can come in handy. Just fill out some basic information about your house and needs, and it will recommend reputable contractors and maintenance companies in your new area while also enabling you to discover more options. Then, you won’t feel like you’re guessing and hoping to find help you can trust. Use Your Alumni Association to Find Jobs Tapping your alumni association to find job opportunities is wise. Since there’s an existing connection, it’s easier to forge a relationship. Plus, many people want to help alumni from their alma mater thrive, so they’re inclined to assist. Consider Launching Your Dream Business Have you always wanted to start a business? Then don’t let the move stop you. By writing up a business plan, you create a roadmap for profitability. Include a company description, how you’ll sell services, your funding needs, and any financial projections, and you’ll have a reliable framework. Also, be sure to review the pros and cons of each business entity when making your decision about your business structure. Establishing an LLC, for example, can be an attractive option. It’s easy to set up with a formation company’s help, and it offers tax advantages while limiting your personal liability. What Living in California Costs Understanding what it costs to live in California is essential. With the right data, you can update your budget, evaluate job offers, and plan effectively for your financial needs after your relocation. Here’s a quick look at some key numbers: Average home value is around $709,000 Rent typically runs around $2,719 per month Utilities average $239 per month Groceries cost about $3,468 per person a year. Education and childcare also cost less here. For college students, $8,401 per year is typical. For childcare, it usually runs in the range of $13,400 annually. Settle into Life in California Moving to California offers a plethora of opportunities for those looking for a fresh start or a new experience. The state boasts a warm and welcoming community that is sure to make anyone feel right at home. With excellent schools, a thriving economy, and beautiful coastal areas, it's no wonder why so many people are choosing to call California their new home. And with cities like San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, there's something for everyone in this diverse and vibrant state. So, whether you're moving for work, family, or just to take a chance on something new, California is sure to exceed your expectations. For real estate experience and knowledge you can trust in San Francisco, contact Realtor Heather Stoltz today!  Image via Pexels

For digital nomads seeking unique accommodation options, home swapping offers an exciting opportunity to live like a local in destinations around the world. By exchanging homes with fellow travelers, nomads can experience new cultures, save on accommodation costs, and enjoy the comforts of a home away from home. Navigating this unique way of living requires understanding, preparation, and an adventurous spirit. In this article from Heather Stoltz , we'll explore essential tips for navigating the world of home swapping as a digital nomad. Understanding Your Location Researching the area where you plan to stay is crucial to ensure it meets your needs and preferences . Investigate local amenities, transportation options, and attractions to make your stay both productive and enjoyable. Connecting with your potential swap partner for local insights can offer valuable information to enrich your experience. This step ensures you blend in smoothly with the local community and lifestyle. Clear Communication with the Homeowner Establishing clear and thorough communication with the homeowner is crucial for a successful home exchange . It involves discussing all pertinent details, from expectations and preferences to specific house rules and logistical arrangements like key exchanges and cleaning protocols. This open dialogue throughout the planning process and your stay helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures any issues are resolved swiftly, fostering a positive relationship. Ultimately, effective communication is the cornerstone of a smooth and enjoyable home swapping experience, making it essential for both parties to be proactive and transparent in their interactions. Using Trusted Home Swap Websites Selecting the right platform is essential for a secure and reliable home exchange experience. Opt for websites with a strong reputation, user protection policies, and thorough verification processes to connect with trustworthy homeowners . These platforms also provide useful tools for communication and agreement on swap details. Relying on trusted websites minimizes risks and ensures a smooth process from start to finish. Investing in a Home Warranty Investing in a home warranty is a critical measure for safeguarding your property during your travels. Before making a decision, it's wise to compare available home warranty options , focusing on those with comprehensive coverage for systems and appliances. Selecting a warranty that offers convenient, mobile-friendly access and a robust network of professionals ensures reliable repairs when needed. This proactive step not only secures your home against unforeseen issues but also provides peace of mind while you're away. Contingency Plan for Unexpected Situations Creating a backup plan for unexpected developments ensures you're prepared for any scenario. Whether it's arranging alternative accommodations or securing travel insurance , being proactive safeguards your trip. Flexibility and a positive outlook are crucial when dealing with unforeseen challenges. This approach ensures peace of mind and a more enjoyable travel experience, regardless of what comes your way. Sharing Emergency Contacts and Essential Services Providing your swap partner with essential information guarantees safety and preparedness. From emergency numbers to instructions for using home appliances, sharing this information fosters a trustworthy exchange. This thoughtful exchange of information demonstrates care for your partner's well-being and ensures a smooth stay for both parties. Preparedness is a mutual courtesy that enhances the home swapping experience. Respecting Privacy and Security Upholding the privacy and security of the homes involved in an exchange is a fundamental aspect of any successful home swap. This means securely managing personal belongings and respecting the sanctity of your swap partner's living space, adhering to their house rules regarding pets, smoking, and guests. Ensuring the home is left in the same condition as when you arrived demonstrates respect and appreciation for your host's generosity. Such practices not only maintain trust and strengthen bonds within the home swapping community but also lay the groundwork for positive, repeatable experiences that enrich this unique way of traveling. Home swapping offers digital nomads a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures and destinations while enjoying the comforts of home. By adhering to these essential guidelines, you can navigate the complexities of home exchanges with confidence. Let these tips empower you to embrace the adventure of home swapping, enriching your travels with authentic local experiences and connections. Start planning your dream San Francisco real estate journey with Heather Stoltz —contact her today to create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs and goals! Image via Pexels