As a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, I spend a lot of time on phone consult calls. Many of my friends, some of whom are attorneys, think I am crazy for not charging for my time. I invest whatever time it takes to provide whatever help I can offer people, even when I know it will not result in a real estate transaction.  I've established great relationships with many local attorneys whom I trust and am comfortable referring people.Recently, I consulted with a gentleman who was calling from the East Coast.  He had a lot of questions regarding an estate that had property locally that would need to be sold. I answered all of his questions except the areas that leaned legal in nature. He was gracious and thanked me for my time.  Following the initial consult call, he sent a few que... 11/03/2025

Thankful November: My Assistant-CelesteIn May of 2022, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  It was in early stages, but after several MRI assisted biopsies, tests, and appointments through the summer,  I chose to have a double mastectomy.  I did not want to live with the uncertainty and fear of wondering when cancer would return.  My surgeon and oncologist agreed that it was the best option.  Some time that stressful summer, I received a phone call from a neighbor down the street named Celeste Varela.  I knew of her, she was a single-Mom who had raised her daughter in our neighborhood- and I knew she was a licensed Realtor. We had run into each other at real estate classes and of course I had seen her coming and going.  But I didn't know her.  She said she had heard about my diagnosis a... 11/03/2025

Collecting Culture. . .Consuming Some Too - Not So Coincidentally   The word and concept of culture have been playing around in my mind.  And the world of quotes prompted me to ponder additional possibilities to explore. Perhaps, you will digest these as food for thought to consume a few or a bunch as bounties of many kinds are being served this month:   A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.Attributed to Marcus Garvey You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.Attributed to Ray Bradbury Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.Attributed to Cesar Chavez  If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must... 11/05/2025

What’s the Value of My Del Mar Home?Del Mar Home Sales for September 2025 Del Mar is a small community and one of the more expensive communities in North San Diego County. Per the MLS the highest priced San Diego County property sold publicly was an oceanfront estate in Del Mar (sold for a little over $48,000,000 in 2007). The home was sold again at $43M in September 2020. It’s important that buyers and sellers have up-to-date information on local housing market conditions in Del Mar in order to make informed decisions about Del Mar homes for sale. The information in this report is from the MLS (the data are believed to be accurate at the time this report was written, but are not guaranteed, and do not include private/non-MLS sales).  READ MORE: Del Mar – Affluent Seaside Town (A Commun... 11/02/2025