Most buyers begin their search focused on the purchase price, yet the true cost of buying a home includes several additional expenses that appear at closing. Closing costs are a routine part of every transaction, and buyers who understand them early are better prepared to make confident decisions. Lindsay Woolf and Josh Woolf bring clarity to this part of the process by helping buyers see the complete financial picture before moving forward.

When financing is involved, the lender provides a breakdown of projected expenses. These figures outline the cost of originating the loan, the services required to support and verify the file, and the charges associated with transferring ownership. Lindsay and Josh help clients interpret these details so they can evaluate the financial commitment with accuracy and ease.

Most people hear the names Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and assume they are individuals or private lenders. They are not. They are two of the most influential institutions in the American housing finance system, yet their work often happens entirely behind the scenes. Having a clear understanding of who they are and how they operate gives you a meaningful advantage as a buyer, seller, or homeowner.

Lindsay Woolf and Josh Woolf are real estate professionals serving the South Bay and Los Angeles. With fraud reports increasing across California, we believe it is important for buyers, sellers, and homeowners to stay informed about common scams affecting real estate transactions. Recent alerts from the California Association of REALTORS® also known as C A R and the National Association of REALTORS® also known as N A R highlight several types of fraudulent activity consumers should be aware of.

Below is a general overview of these scams and steps you can consider when making real estate related decisions.

Within the real estate industry, the terms agent and broker are often used interchangeably, which creates understandable confusion for buyers and sellers. The distinction may seem subtle, but these roles serve different functions and shape how your transaction is supported from beginning to end.

Lindsay Woolf and Josh Woolf often see this misunderstanding during conversations with clients, so we wanted to clearly explain what each role means and how they work together within a brokerage.

Many self-employed buyers earn strong income but struggle to qualify for a traditional mortgage. This is often not because they cannot afford a home, but because their tax returns do not show the full picture of their earnings. Business owners commonly take legitimate write-offs, which can lower taxable income on paper. As a result, qualifying for a conventional loan can feel limiting.

A conventional loan is one of the most common mortgage options available. It follows the guidelines created by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Because these programs have clear standards for credit, income, and debt-to-income ratios, they often offer competitive interest rates and predictable terms.

For borrowers who earn a steady paycheck, qualifying can be straightforward. Lenders review W-2s, pay stubs, and tax returns to verify income and determine what you qualify for. These loans must also fit within the conforming loan limits, which adjust every year and are higher in many coastal areas of Southern California.

California’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) classify land into three levels of wildfire hazard: Moderate, High, or Very High. These zones are determined by the Office of the State Fire Marshal using scientific modeling and long-term hazard projections.

If you're selling a home in Los Angeles County, you may hear the term retrofit inspection. But what does it mean, and does every city require it?

As a real estate agent working throughout the South Bay, the coast, and greater Los Angeles, I often get asked about retrofit requirements. Here’s a clear breakdown.

This question comes up more often than you’d think. Can you keep showing a property once you're in escrow? In California, the answer is yes, under the right circumstances.

Once you’ve accepted an offer and both buyer and seller have signed, the home is considered under contract or in escrow. But the deal isn’t final until contingencies are removed, and that can take several days or even weeks.

If you’re buying or selling a home in California or even just doing renovations, you might come across the term mechanic’s lien. These liens are legal claims filed by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who haven’t been paid for labor or materials provided to improve a property.

Mechanic’s liens can be filed against any type of real estate, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, multi-unit buildings, and even vacant land. They must be taken seriously, especially during escrow.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Los Angeles County, the general home inspection is a key part of the escrow process. For buyers, it provides a closer look at the home’s condition before committing to the purchase. For sellers, it helps anticipate questions or repair requests that may come up once the inspection report is in.

If you lease commercial property to small businesses or nonprofits in California, there's a new law you should know about.

Senate Bill 1103, also known as the Commercial Tenant Protection Act, was signed into law on September 30, 2024, and took effect on January 1, 2025. This law provides new protections for certain small business tenants, referred to as "qualified commercial tenants.

If you’re a landlord or property manager in California, there’s a new rule to know about.

Starting April 1, 2025, you’ll be required to take photos of your rental property at three key points:

• When the tenant moves out, before any cleaning or repairs
• After cleaning or repairs are completed
• And for any new tenancy beginning July 1, 2025 or later, just before move-in

Keeping an up-to-date inventory of your belongings is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring you’re fully covered in the event of theft, fire, or natural disasters. While homeowners insurance provides coverage for personal property, having detailed documentation makes filing a claim significantly easier and more accurate.