Jennifer Thomas Blog

Quick Answer: When you sell, escrow pays off your mortgage and any other loans or liens on the property directly from the sale proceeds, then sends you what is left. Escrow requests a payoff statement from each lender, which includes interest through the payoff date. The most common surprises are…

This 92708 market report covers October 2026 in Fountain Valley, from a seller’s point of view. Fountain Valley is the fastest market in our series this month, and sellers here hold the stronger hand. Numbers come from the California Regional MLS, pulled on October 1, 2026. They include every home…

This 92649 market report covers October 2026 in northwest Huntington Beach, including Huntington Harbour, from a seller’s point of view. 92649 is the slowest market in our Huntington Beach series this month, and sellers who price for that are the ones closing. Numbers come from the California Regional MLS, pulled…

This 92648 market report covers October 2026 in coastal Huntington Beach, including Downtown, from a seller’s point of view. 92648 has more homes for sale than any nearby zip, so pricing and presentation decide who sells this month. Numbers come from the California Regional MLS, pulled on October 1, 2026.…

This 92647 market report covers October 2026 in north central Huntington Beach, from a seller’s point of view. 92647 houses are selling quickly in a tight price band, while condos and townhomes are taking their time. Numbers come from the California Regional MLS, pulled on October 1, 2026. They include…

This 92646 market report covers October 2026 in southeast Huntington Beach, from a seller’s point of view. Houses in 92646 are in a seller’s market this month. Condos and townhomes are not. Numbers come from the California Regional MLS, pulled on October 1, 2026. They include every home in 92646…

Quick Answer: In California, a seller can only back out of an accepted offer in limited situations, usually when the buyer fails to meet a contract deadline or when a contingency written in the seller’s favor is not satisfied. Backing out simply because you changed your mind or received a…

Quick Answer: When the appraisal comes in low, the buyer’s lender will only lend based on the appraised value, not the contract price. That creates a gap someone has to solve. Sellers usually have four options: challenge the appraisal, lower the price, split the difference with the buyer, or let…

Quick Answer: A contingent offer can be a good offer, but it carries more risk than one without conditions. The most important contingency to understand is a home sale contingency, where the buyer must sell their own home before buying yours. You can reduce the risk with a short timeline,…

Quick Answer: A seller rent-back is an agreement that lets you stay in your home for a set period after the sale closes, as a temporary occupant of the buyer. In California it is usually written on a standard form for short stays, with a separate lease for longer ones.…