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Summer Adventures Await: Top East Bay Spots for the Whole Family
Whether you're looking for scenic trails, interactive museums, or exciting theme parks, Solano and Contra Costa Counties are full of family-friendly places to beat the heat and make lasting memories this summer.

Allison Costelow
3 hours ago6 min read


Supporting Aging Parents Through a Major Home Transition
A Gentle and Practical Guide for Families Facing One of Life’s Biggest Transitions

Allison Costelow
Jun 257 min read


Retired but Still Paying a Mortgage? You’re Not Alone
For many Americans, the dream of entering retirement mortgage-free is just that—a dream. In fact, a growing number of retirees in the U.S. are carrying mortgage debt well into their golden years.

Allison Costelow
Jun 115 min read


Discover Benicia: Your Ultimate Guide to Local Favorites and Must-Dos
Whether you call Benicia home or you’re just swinging by for a day trip, this little waterfront town has a way of drawing you inne of life’s most challenging experiences, and for many seniors in the Bay Area, it also comes with difficult decisions.
ALLISON COSTELOW
May 228 min read


Maximize Your Home’s Value in Benicia: Simple Upgrades & Smarter Downsizing
Selling your home can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re 65 or older. You want to get the best price for your property without overspending on unnecessary fixes or exhausting yourself with renovations. The good news? Small, strategic upgrades can make a big difference—while some expensive projects won’t give you a good return.
ALLISON COSTELOW
May 75 min read


Moving After Loss: How Seniors Can Transition After Losing a Spouse
Losing a spouse is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and for many seniors in the Bay Area, it also comes with difficult decisions.

Allison Costelow
Apr 26 min read


Will vs. Living Trust: What East Bay Homeowners Should Know About Probate and Real Estate
Do you own a home in places like Benicia, Vallejo, Martinez, or Concord, and you're thinking about how to pass that property on someday?

Allison Costelow
Mar 196 min read


Marketing Strategies for a Successful Open House in the Bay Area
Hosting an open house is one of the best ways to generate interest in a home for sale. In the competitive Bay Area real estate market, a...

Allison Costelow
Mar 56 min read


Navigating Downsizing: Estate Sale or Donate?
Deciding between an estate sale and donating is a personal choice that depends on financial needs, and emotional attachments.

Allison Costelow
Feb 195 min read


Navigating Tax Season to Prepare for Your Next Home in the East Bay Area
Get ready for tax season 2025 and how your financial picture can impact your ability to buy a home in Solano County.

Allison Costelow
Feb 56 min read


Debunking Myths About Downsizing: A Guide for Seniors
Let’s tackle some common myths about downsizing and uncover the truth to help seniors and their families transition smoothly.

Allison Costelow
Jan 226 min read


Why Bay Area Homebuyers Shouldn’t Wait to Purchase Their Dream Home in 2025
Buying a home in the Bay Area is a smart move today, what’s driving home price appreciation, and what makes Solano County an attractive cho

Allison Costelow
Jan 86 min read


Renting vs. Owning: Why Owning May Be the Smarter Choice in the East Bay Area
For many individuals and families, the question of whether to rent or own a home is a defining moment in their financial and personal...

Allison Costelow
Dec 27, 20245 min read


Navigating Home Inspections in 2025: Key Changes to Building Codes for Bay Area Homeowners
As we step into 2025, the real estate world in the Bay Area is buzzing with updates to building codes that could impact your next move.

Allison Costelow
Dec 11, 20246 min read


Avoiding Pitfalls When Selling Your Home "As-Is" in the Bay Area
Selling a home "as-is" is an appealing option for many homeowners in the Bay Area, particularly in Solano and Contra Costa counties.

Allison Costelow
Nov 20, 20245 min read


Aging Smart: Finding the Right Fit for Your Golden Years in the East Bay Area
Over 70% of seniors report a willingness to downsize or transition to more manageable living situations to improve their quality of life.

Allison Costelow
Nov 6, 20245 min read


Navigating the Real Estate Market in Benicia, Martinez, and Concord, CA: A Guide for Families Downsizing
When it’s time to help your aging parents downsize and move, it can be an emotional and challenging experience.

Allison Costelow
Sep 18, 20243 min read


Tips For Selling Your Home and Finding a Space for Everyone
Tips for Selling Your Home and Finding a Space for Everyone

Allison Costelow
Aug 21, 20244 min read


7 Essential Tips for the Sandwich Generation Navigating Senior Housing Transitions in the Bay Area
As a real estate professional specializing in the San Francisco East Bay Area, I understand the unique challenges faced by the sandwich...

Allison Costelow
Aug 7, 20243 min read


4 Reasons to Work With an Exclusive Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) in the Bay Area
4 Reasons to Work with a Senior's Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) in the Bay Area

Allison Costelow
Aug 3, 20242 min read
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