TheCollinsTeam

For a growing number of homeowners, retirement isn’t some distant idea anymore. It’s starting to feel very real. According to Realtor.com and the Census, nearly 12,000 people will turn 65 every day for the next two years . And the latest data shows as many as 15% of those older Americans are planning to retire in 2026. And another 23% will do the same in 2027. If you’re considering retiring soon too, here’s what you should be thinking about. Why Downsize? Now's the perfect time to reflect on what you want your life to look like in retirement. Even though your finances will be going through a big change, you don’t necessarily want to feel like you’re living with less . But odds are, what you do want is for life to feel easier . Easier to enjoy. Easier to manage. Easier to maintain day-to-day. The Top Reasons People Over 60 Move You can see these benefits show up in the data when you look at why people over 60 are moving. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds the top 4...

Selling your home is a significant undertaking, and one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is setting the right price. In a dynamic market like 2026, getting the price wrong can lead to your home sitting on the market, or worse, leaving money on the table. To help you navigate this, here are five essential tips for homeowners looking to price their home properly for sale. - Don't Just Rely on Online Estimates – Get a Professional CMA While handy, online home valuation tools like Zillow's Zestimate or Redfin's Estimate are just starting points. They use algorithms based on publicly available data, which might not account for the unique features, upgrades, or even specific nuances of your neighborhood. For a truly accurate assessment, you need a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from an experienced local real estate agent. A CMA involves a deep dive into recently sold homes in your area, properties currently on the market, and even expired listings, giving you a...

Welcome to Your New Community! Thinking about making Porter Ranch your home? You’re not alone. This master-planned community is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the entire San Fernando Valley, and for good reason. This guide will give you an insider’s look at what makes Porter Ranch so special. 🏡 Chapter 1: The Vibe & Lifestyle Designed for modern, comfortable living. Expect: - Family-Friendly Atmosphere:  Wide, clean streets, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community. - Upscale & Modern:  The architecture is primarily newer (post-2000), with well-maintained homes and landscaping. - Active & Outdoor-Oriented:  With the Aliso Canyon trails right in your backyard, hiking, biking, and enjoying nature is a way of life. 🎓 Chapter 2: Top-Rated Schools (A Major Draw) Families choose this area for its exceptional schools within the  Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)  but with a local feel. - Porter Ranch Community School  (K-5): A newer, highly-rated...

Welcome to Your New Community! Thinking about making Porter Ranch your home? You’re not alone. This master-planned community is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the entire San Fernando Valley, and for good reason. This guide will give you an insider’s look at what makes Porter Ranch so special. 🏡 Chapter 1: The Vibe & Lifestyle Designed for modern, comfortable living. Expect: - Family-Friendly Atmosphere:  Wide, clean streets, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community. - Upscale & Modern:  The architecture is primarily newer (post-2000), with well-maintained homes and landscaping. - Active & Outdoor-Oriented:  With the Aliso Canyon trails right in your backyard, hiking, biking, and enjoying nature is a way of life. 🎓 Chapter 2: Top-Rated Schools (A Major Draw) Families choose this area for its exceptional schools within the  Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)  but with a local feel. - Porter Ranch Community School  (K-5): A newer, highly-rated...

You may not want to put your homebuying plans into hibernation mode this winter. While a lot of people assume spring is the ideal time to buy a house, new data shows January may actually be the best time of year for budget-conscious buyers.  Kind of surprising, right? Here’s why January deserves a serious look. 1. Prices Tend To Be Lower This Time of Year Lending Tree says January is the least expensive month to buy a home. And there’s something to that. January has historically offered one of the lowest price-per-square-foot points of the entire year. But the spring? That’s when demand (and prices) usually peak. And that’s not speculation – it's a well-known trend based on years of market data. So, how much less are we talking? Here’s a look at the numbers. According to the last full year of data, for the typical 1,500 square foot house, buyers who closed on their home in January paid around $23,000 less compared to those who bought in May. And that general trend typically hold...

As 2025 draws to a close, California’s housing market is finishing the year on a cautiously optimistic note. Despite ongoing affordability challenges, the state continued to show remarkable adaptability, supported by steadier mortgage rates, gradual inventory growth, and shifting buyer behavior. Mortgage Rates and Buyer Momentum After two turbulent years of rate fluctuations, 2025 finally brought a welcome sense of predictability. The average 30-year fixed mortgage settled between 6.2% and 6.8% , allowing both buyers and sellers to plan with greater confidence. Many who stepped back during the pandemic recovery years decided 2025 was the right time to reengage. Suburban markets and second-tier metros became the real story of the year. Places just beyond major job centers—like parts of the Inland Empire and Central Valley —saw strong activity as buyers sought affordability and space. Creative lending tools, including rate buydowns and hybrid products, helped more transactions move forwa...