Real Estate Newsletter
Cynthia's Real Estate Newsletter first came into print October 1999 as a vehicle to focus on the needs and interests of longtime homeowners. The first edition stated, "Even if you are not a Senior, statistics show that sooner or later you will be helping a parent or a friend make decisions about their real estate matters. If you are a trusted advisor to a Senior, this newsletter gives you insight into some of the special issues facing mature adults." Based on positive feedback, Cynthia's objective has been achieved for the Senior market: To educate longtime homeowners about their (presumably) biggest asset; their housing options; their tax saving advantages and their property concerns.
Inside the Current Edition:
Oct-Dec 2026
User vs. Investor
An owner-user evaluates a home differently than an investor. An investor looks at return on investment, seeking a profit margin. An owner-user looks at livability, emotion, and long-term value; stability, lifestyle, long-term appreciation and personalization.
The Family Home
Inheriting the family home is a mixture of memories, confusion, sadness, responsibilities and tension.
Property Tax
When a property owner dies, the property continues to be taxed. The county issues the regular property tax bill until ownership transfers and reassessment rules apply.
Previous Editions
Jan-Mar 2026 Edition
High Fire Areas
CalFire recently revised the fire zone maps for the first time in almost 20 years. Find out if your property is located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone.
Income Props
At some point, selling an income property becomes not only a reasonable choice, but also the smart one.
Loan Rate Buydown
Instead of lowering the asking price to close a sale, a Seller could give funds to the lender at closing to reduce the Buyer's loan rate. In return, the Buyer would increase the purchase price by the subsidized amount.
Oct-Dec 2025 Edition
Elder Abuse - Bad Apples
Sadly, elder abuse is not a new issue and exploitation can take many forms including physical, emotional, verbal and financial. Senior citizens continue to be targeted by unscrupulous people.
When to ReFi
The old rule of thumb was, if you can lower your rate by 2%, you should refi. Today, that rule may still apply; however, many other considerations should be factored.
The MLS
According to a survey, 76% of consumers don’t know about one of the most powerful tools in real estate, the multiple listing service, commonly known as the MLS.
July-Sept 2025 Edition
Pricing To Sell
There is much to be said about first impressions; a Buyer can ascertain a Seller's motivation by the listing price. Is the property priced to sell, or is the owner being unrealistic?
New Landlord Laws
CA implemented two laws this year requiring a Housing Provider (HP), a.k.a. Landlord, to take added steps during a property inspection.
Who's Buying?
Boomers account for 42% of all Buyers, while Millennials fall to 29%.
April-June 2025 Edition
Backup Offers
Learn what a backup offers are, their pros and cons, and alternatives.
Contractor Scams
One in 10 homeowners has been a victim of a contractor scam, costing thousands of dollars in losses.
Making the Move
Fill your move with more joy by following these stress relief strategies provided by Verywell Mind.
