The Unexpected Upside of Downsizing: Finding Freedom, Flexibility, and a Fresh Start
Guest blog by Alice Robertson Downsizing — whether it’s a smaller home, a reduced workload, or a simpler daily routine — can seem like a loss at first glance. But in reality, it’s an invitation. When you strip away what’s unnecessary, you uncover what truly matters: flexibility, clarity, and the …
An Honest Gratitude List for a Busy Family
With Thanksgiving and the holidays upon us, now seems like the perfect time to put together a list of things we’re grateful for. Aside from the on-the-spot “giving of thanks” around the table over turkey and stuffing, this is not something we articulate as often as we should. Life moves …
The Case for Market Stability in Playa Vista (Part 2)
Last month we discussed the possibility of a sharp decrease in property values in Playa Vista over the next two years, but market conditions in Playa Vista suggest stability, not decline. While affordability challenges and macroeconomic uncertainty exist, the fundamentals of supply, demand, and long-term value appreciation point toward continued …
The Case for a Playa Vista Real Estate Market Correction (Part 1)
The possibility of a real estate market crash or significant correction has been debated for years. Many believe housing is overvalued given current economic conditions. Memories of the Great Recession, though driven by different factors than exist today, still linger. Could it happen again? For this article, a “correction” is …
Summers with the Kaplan Crew
If you ask me, my birthday, July 3rd, is the best birthday on the calendar. It sits far enough from the winter holidays to feel special and comes with a guaranteed day off the next day. As a kid, it meant pool parties, barbecues, and always, fireworks. Now, as a …
How to Relocate for a New Career Without Losing Your Mind, Money, or Time
Guest blog by Alice Robertson Career relocation can feel like trying to steer a ship through a storm. There’s a new job waiting on the other shore, but between here and there are endless moving boxes, hidden costs, and sleepless nights wondering if you’ve made the right choice. It doesn’t …
Is U.S. Government Debt Still a Safe Haven Asset?
If you’ve been watching mortgage rates tick up again recently, contrary what you might assume, this latest rise isn’t primarily due to a spike in inflation. Instead, a more complex financial storm is brewing; one tied to rising deficits, a recent U.S. credit downgrade, and growing global skepticism about U.S. …
A Tale of Two Phases: How Playa Vista’s Real Estate Market Is Splitting in Two
Playa Vista has long been admired as one of Los Angeles’ most thoughtfully designed and livable communities, along with a thriving real estate scene. But a growing divergence has caught the attention of agents and homeowners alike: the widening performance gap between Phase I and Phase II homes. For those …
Why This Summer Could Be Playa Vista’s Smartest Selling Season Yet
If you’ve ever thought “spring is the best time to sell,” you’re not alone – it’s long been real estate gospel. But Playa Vista is no ordinary market, and this summer may be shaping up to be surprisingly strong for sellers who are ready to make a move. As a …
What is Stagflation and What Does it Mean for Real Estate?
In the aftermath of the pandemic, the United States, and much of the world, has experienced elevated inflation. CPI inflation has reached an annual rate as high as 9% in this cycle, and while we are now closer to 3%, this still requires restrictive monetary policy. Despite elevated interest rates …