https://blog.realestateburt.com Get all your questions answered about buying, selling, or investing in San Mateo County/Bay Area real estate from local expert Burt Tsuei. en Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:30:40 +0000 Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Business Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group false Get all your questions answered about buying, selling, or investing in San Mateo County/Bay Area real estate from local expert Burt Tsuei. Get all your questions answered about buying, selling, or investing in San Mateo County/Bay Area real estate from local expert Burt Tsuei. https://blog.realestateburt.com/escrow-in-california-the-30-days-that-decide-if-your-deal-closes.html Real Estate Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/Escrow%20in%20California_%20The%2030%20Days%20That%20Decide%20If%20Your%20Deal%20Closes.mp4 Buying or selling a home in California works differently than almost anywhere back East, and the gap catches transplants off guard. There is no closing attorney here. Instead, a neutral escrow officer moves the money and the paperwork while the contract calendar quietly runs in the background, and missing one deadline can put your deposit at risk. In our latest video, we walk through the full 21-to-30-day process, who really controls your close, and the local San Mateo County rule that adds weeks to more closings than the loan ever does. Watch the video before you write or accept your next offer. false In California, an escrow officer runs your close instead of an attorney, and the contract calendar decides whether your deposit stays protected. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group In California, an escrow officer runs your close instead of an attorney, and the contract calendar decides whether your deposit stays protected. https://blog.realestateburt.com/why-selling-your-condo-first-could-cost-you-the-house-you-want.html Real Estate Market Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/Trading%20Your%20First%20Condo%20for%20a%20House_%20Sequence%20It%20Like%20This.mp4 Trading up from your first condo to a house on the Peninsula sounds simple, until you realize you’re navigating two completely different markets at once, one fast and one slow. Get the order wrong, and you could end up carrying two mortgages you didn’t plan for, or selling your condo only to lose out on every house you chase. In this video, I break down why Peninsula condos and houses move at such different speeds, the three ways to sequence your move-up, and the one prep move that surprises almost every first-time seller. Watch the video before you list or make an offer. false On the Peninsula, condos and houses move at completely different speeds, and the order you buy and sell decides whether your move-up goes smoothly. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group On the Peninsula, condos and houses move at completely different speeds, and the order you buy and sell decides whether your move-up goes smoothly. https://blog.realestateburt.com/50-units-gone-should-you-sell-your-condo-now.html Real Estate Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/50%20Units%20Gone%20-%20Should%20You%20Sell%20Your%20Condo%20Now_%20(1).mp4 A six-alarm fire tore through a Foster City condo complex on August 2nd, and every Peninsula condo owner should be paying attention. Rising HOA costs don't just make your unit pricier to hold; they quietly shrink the pool of buyers who can afford it. In our latest video, we walk through why these costs are coming, how they thin out your buyer pool, and a four-point check that tells you whether your building is one to get ahead of. Watch our video to see whether yours is fine or one to watch. false After the Foster City fire, here's what rising condo costs could mean for your sale, and how to tell if your building is exposed. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group After the Foster City fire, here's what rising condo costs could mean for your sale, and how to tell if your building is exposed. https://blog.realestateburt.com/how-long-will-it-take-before-you-can-buy-a-peninsula-home.html San Mateo Real Estate Market Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/It%20Takes%207%20YEARS%20to%20Save%20for%20a%20Bay%20Area%20Home%20(Here's%20the%20Math).mp4 A household earning $240,000 and saving a quarter of it is doing everything right, and on the Peninsula, that still means almost seven years of saving before the down payment is even covered. It's a number most first-time buyers never run before they start looking. In this video, I walk through the exact plan Peninsula buyers need, what to cut first, why a 20% down payment still wins, and what putting less down really costs in a jumbo-loan market like ours. Watch my video before you start house hunting here. false Even a couple earning $240,000 and saving aggressively needs nearly seven years to save a 20% down payment. A smarter plan gets you there faster. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Even a couple earning $240,000 and saving aggressively needs nearly seven years to save a 20% down payment. A smarter plan gets you there faster. https://blog.realestateburt.com/how-the-vlf-formula-costs-san-mateo-157-million.html San Mateo Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/How%20the%20VLF%20Formula%20Costs%20San%20Mateo%20%24157%20Million.mp4 If you live on the peninsula, you already pay some of the highest taxes in the state, so you should probably know that more than $157 million that legally belongs to San Mateo County and its 20 cities is currently being withheld. It's money meant for police, fire, mental health programs, and the basic services our cities need to function. In our latest video, we break down what the vehicle license fee is, why San Mateo County gets treated differently than almost every other county in California, and what that means for cities across the peninsula. Watch our video to understand where your money is actually going. false Only three of California's 58 counties get shortchanged on this funding. Here's why we're one of them, and what it costs the peninsula. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Only three of California's 58 counties get shortchanged on this funding. Here's why we're one of them, and what it costs the peninsula. https://blog.realestateburt.com/why-homes-cost-51-more-than-condos-in-san-mateo-county.html Real Estate Market San Mateo Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/Why%20Homes%20Cost%2051%25%20More%20Than%20Condos%20in%20San%20Mateo%20County.mp4 Prices of single-family homes in San Mateo County went up again this year, but condos went down, and the gap between the two has never been wider on the peninsula. Most condo buyers we talk to haven't realized that for the first time in a long time, the leverage has shifted to their side of the table. In this video, we walk through exactly what the Q1 2026 MLS numbers show, where the divergence is most extreme city by city, and the three specific advantages condo buyers have right now that single-family buyers simply don't. Watch our video before you make your next move. false Single-family prices kept climbing while condos slipped, and that split has handed condo buyers real room to negotiate for the first time in years. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Single-family prices kept climbing while condos slipped, and that split has handed condo buyers real room to negotiate for the first time in years. https://blog.realestateburt.com/what-san-mateo-s-hillsdale-redevelopment-means-for-your-home.html San Mateo Real Estate Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/What%20San%20Mateo's%20Hillsdale%20Redevelopment%20Means%20for%20Your%20Home.mp4 Forty-four acres beside the Hillsdale Caltrain station are on track to become a four-million-square-foot neighborhood, and if you own a home within a mile of the mall, the decisions shaping your property value happen over the next 18 months. Most of what circulates at open houses isn't quite right. In this video, we walk through what the application actually proposes, the upside nobody's discussing, and three game plans depending on whether you're selling soon, holding a decade, or staying for good. Watch our video before you decide how you feel. false The Hillsdale project is real, the timeline is long, and the conversation has been one-sided. Both the risks and the genuine upside deserve a look. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group The Hillsdale project is real, the timeline is long, and the conversation has been one-sided. Both the risks and the genuine upside deserve a look. https://blog.realestateburt.com/your-insurance-got-canceled-in-escrow-now-what.html Real Estate Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/Your%20Insurance%20Got%20Canceled%20in%20Escrow.%20Now%20What_.mp4 Your home insurance just fell through, and you're already weeks into escrow. Before you panic, know this: it's fixable far more often than it isn't, and the next 48 hours decide everything. A carrier pulling your coverage mid-deal feels like the whole thing just died, but it usually didn't, as long as you move fast and in the right order. In this video, we walk through what actually happened to your coverage, the calls to make today, and the state backstop that can keep your deal alive. Watch our video before you make a single move. false A carrier pulling your coverage mid-deal feels like the end. It usually isn't, if you move fast and in the right order. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group A carrier pulling your coverage mid-deal feels like the end. It usually isn't, if you move fast and in the right order. https://blog.realestateburt.com/7-san-mateo-county-cities-require-this-to-sell.html Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 If you're selling a home in San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Pacifica, South San Francisco, or San Bruno, there's an inspection most first-time sellers don't even know exists, and it can stop your sale dead at the closing table. No matter how clean your contract is or how qualified your buyer is, if the city hasn't signed off on your sewer lateral, escrow isn't closing. In this video, I walk through exactly how this requirement works, what it costs, what happens when the line fails during escrow, and the simple steps that keep it from blowing up your timeline. Watch my video before you put your home on the market. false Most first-time sellers don't know about the sewer lateral inspection until escrow is already open. By then, it can cost thousands or kill the deal. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Most first-time sellers don't know about the sewer lateral inspection until escrow is already open. By then, it can cost thousands or kill the deal. https://blog.realestateburt.com/what-prop-19-means-if-you-inherit-a-home-in-san-mateo-county.html Real Estate Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/What%20Prop%2019%20Means%20If%20You%20Inherit%20a%20Home%20in%20San%20Mateo%20County.mp4 If your parents bought their San Mateo County home decades ago and you inherit it, your property tax bill could jump from around $4,000 a year to over $20,000. Most heirs don't find out until the assessor's notice shows up in the mail. In this video, I walk through how Prop 19 changed the rules for inherited homes and what you need to know before the one-year window closes. Watch our video before you make a decision you can't undo. false A $4,000 property tax bill can jump past $20,000 the moment a home gets reassessed. The decisions you make in the first six months as an heir matter more than almost anything else. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group A $4,000 property tax bill can jump past $20,000 the moment a home gets reassessed. The decisions you make in the first six months as an heir matter more than almost anything else. https://blog.realestateburt.com/do-home-buyers-really-have-to-pay-their-own-agent-in-2026.html Real Estate Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/Do%20Home%20Buyers%20Really%20Have%20to%20Pay%20Their%20Own%20Agent%20in%202026_.mp4 Do home buyers really have to pay their own agent in 2026? A lot of people formed a strong opinion after those headlines in 2024 and never updated it. And right now, some of those people are sitting on the sidelines, making flat-out wrong assumptions. In this video, I break down what the commission changes actually did, what stayed the same, and what it means for San Mateo County buyers and sellers making a move right now. Watch my video before your next transaction. false You heard the headlines in 2024 and probably never got the update. Here's what the NAR settlement actually changed about how Realtors get paid. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group You heard the headlines in 2024 and probably never got the update. Here's what the NAR settlement actually changed about how Realtors get paid. https://blog.realestateburt.com/how-ai-is-creating-real-estate-opportunity-in-san-mateo.html Real Estate Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/How%20AI%20Is%20Creating%20Real%20Estate%20Opportunity%20in%20San%20Mateo.mp4 What happens to a local housing market when employees from NVIDIA, OpenAI, and Oracle start moving in with cash offers? That's exactly what's playing out right now across San Mateo County. Even one or two new hires entering the market each month can move prices, especially in towns like Belmont, Burlingame, Hillsborough, and San Mateo where inventory is tight. In this video, we share four things every buyer and seller needs to understand about this shift, from how AI professionals are behaving in the market to why local data matters more than general trends. Watch our video to see what we are seeing on the ground. false Employees from NVIDIA, OpenAI, and Oracle are moving into San Mateo County with serious buying power. Here is what that means for buyers and sellers right now. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Employees from NVIDIA, OpenAI, and Oracle are moving into San Mateo County with serious buying power. Here is what that means for buyers and sellers right now. https://blog.realestateburt.com/4-major-shifts-in-the-san-mateo-county-housing-market.html Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/4%20Major%20Shifts%20in%20the%20San%20Mateo%20County%20Housing%20Market.mp4 San Mateo County is going through some real changes right now. A lot of people see uncertainty, but there is actually an opportunity depending on where you are and how you are positioned. That’s why today, we’ll break down what’s driving growth, where development is already happening, and why some neighborhoods will change more than others. You’ll see how location is becoming more important than ever. Click below to understand what is really happening in your area. false New housing laws, redevelopment projects, and transit-focused growth are starting to reshape parts of San Mateo County, but not every neighborhood will be affected the same way. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group New housing laws, redevelopment projects, and transit-focused growth are starting to reshape parts of San Mateo County, but not every neighborhood will be affected the same way. https://blog.realestateburt.com/how-to-sell-your-home-fast-in-san-mateo-county-in-2026.html Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/Don%E2%80%99t%20Wait%20for%20Summer_%20The%20Secret%20to%20Selling%20Fast%20in%20San%20Mateo%20County.mp4 If you’re thinking about selling your home in San Mateo County and need to move quickly, the process can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is there’s a clear way to approach it without guessing. That’s why today, we’ll walk you through three practical steps that are working right now in the local market. From pricing to preparation to timing, small adjustments can make a big difference in how fast your home sells. Click below to get a clear plan before you list. false A practical breakdown of what’s working right now in the San Mateo County market, including pricing strategy, preparation, and timing based on current local data. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group A practical breakdown of what’s working right now in the San Mateo County market, including pricing strategy, preparation, and timing based on current local data. https://blog.realestateburt.com/should-you-sell-or-rent-your-san-mateo-county-home-in-2026.html Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/Should%20You%20Sell%20or%20Rent%20Your%20San%20Mateo%20County%20Home%20in%202026_.mp4 If you own a home with strong equity, you may be asking a common question right now. Should you sell the property or keep it and rent it out? In the Bay Area, where home values have grown significantly, this decision can have a major financial impact. In this video, we break down the pros and cons of selling versus renting using real numbers from our local market. Let’s get you through the decision clearly so you can choose the option that fits your long-term plans in the link below. false A clear guide to the pros, risks, and financial tradeoffs of selling or renting in San Mateo County. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group A clear guide to the pros, risks, and financial tradeoffs of selling or renting in San Mateo County. https://blog.realestateburt.com/why-saving-for-a-down-payment-is-not-enough-when-buying-a-home.html Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/Why%20Saving%20for%20a%20Down%20Payment%20Is%20Not%20Enough%20When%20Buying%20a%20Home.mp4 So you’ve saved enough for the down payment for your next home, but is it really enough? The answer is no. There’s a lot more that goes into a home purchase—closing costs, emergency reserves, maintenance, and more. That’s why in this video, I’m breaking down what smart buyers plan for after closing day, from closing costs to emergency funds. If you want to know what you need to prepare for beyond the down payment, check out my latest video. Let’s make sure your plan is built for real life, not just the purchase. false There’s a lot more that goes into a home purchase—closing costs, emergency reserves, maintenance, and more. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group There’s a lot more that goes into a home purchase—closing costs, emergency reserves, maintenance, and more. https://blog.realestateburt.com/what-are-the-must-disclose-items-when-selling-your-home-in-2026.html Real Estate Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/What%20Are%20the%20%E2%80%9CMust-Disclose%E2%80%9D%20Items%20When%20Selling%20Your%20Home%20in%202026_.mp4 Thinking about skipping one detail in your home disclosure? Before you do, think again. Failing to disclose some issues in the past (even if they’ve already been resolved) will not only derail your sale, but it might even land you in legal trouble. That’s why today, we’re walking you through the key disclosures that protect you and keep your sale on track. Understanding what buyers expect and being upfront from the start not only prevents legal problems but also builds trust that can help your home sell faster. If you want to learn exactly what to disclose when selling your property, check out our video. false Hiding one thing from a buyer can derail your entire sale…and might even land you in legal trouble. Here’s what to disclose to protect your sale. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Hiding one thing from a buyer can derail your entire sale…and might even land you in legal trouble. Here’s what to disclose to protect your sale. https://blog.realestateburt.com/home-didn-t-sell-in-2025-here-s-your-2026-relaunch-guide.html Real Estate Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/Home%20Didn%E2%80%99t%20Sell%20in%202025_%20Here%E2%80%99s%20Your%202026%20Relaunch%20Guide.mp4 Did your home sit on the market in 2025 without selling? The problem likely wasn't your home; it was the strategy. In this breakdown, I’ll show you exactly why so many listings grew stale last year and reveal the four critical steps for a January 2026 relaunch that makes your home feel brand new to buyers. Check out my video to learn how to turn a stale listing into a sold sign. false Don’t worry - you still have hope. I’ll go over everything you need to know to secure strong offers and sell fast. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Don’t worry - you still have hope. I’ll go over everything you need to know to secure strong offers and sell fast. https://blog.realestateburt.com/2025-wrap-up-san-mateo-county-housing-market-report.html Real Estate Real Estate Market San Mateo Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/2025%20Wrap-Up_%20San%20Mateo%20County%20Housing%20Market%20Report.mp4 The headlines about San Mateo County real estate have been all over the place lately. It’s left a lot of buyers and sellers feeling unsure about what’s really happening or what to do next. In this video, I break down the actual numbers as we wrap up 2025 and explain what they mean heading into 2026. I’ll walk through recent sales activity, pricing trends, inventory levels, and where competition still exists. You’ll have a clear picture of where the market stands and how to plan your next move with confidence. To get the full details, check out my latest video. false If you’ve been following San Mateo County real estate lately, it probably feels confusing. One headline says the market is cooling. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group If you’ve been following San Mateo County real estate lately, it probably feels confusing. One headline says the market is cooling. https://blog.realestateburt.com/how-the-2025-condo-surge-helps-san-mateo-county-sellers.html Real Estate Real Estate Market Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/How%20the%202025%20Condo%20Surge%20Helps%20San%20Mateo%20County%20Sellers.mp4 Are you wondering what’s happening in the San Mateo housing market this 2025? The price gap between condos and single-family homes has reached a breaking point, and buyers are shifting rapidly. Today, I’ll break down why condos are positioned for a major surge next year and how this trend can actually help both buyers and home sellers. For example, as more buyers move into condos, the move-up chain strengthens and demand rises for single-family homes. Get all the data and insights in my latest video. false The one-million-dollar gap between condos and houses is reaching a breaking point, and I’ll show you how this shift can create new demand for your San Mateo home. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group The one-million-dollar gap between condos and houses is reaching a breaking point, and I’ll show you how this shift can create new demand for your San Mateo home. https://blog.realestateburt.com/top-reasons-buyers-cancel-a-home-sale.html Real Estate Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Burt%20Tsuei/Top%20Reasons%20Buyers%20Cancel%20a%20Home%20Sale.mp4 Selling your home? Here’s one thing sellers never anticipate: Even if you've accepted an offer, you're still not guaranteed a sale. It's incredibly frustrating to invest time and energy only to have the deal fall through from a surprise inspection or financing issue. In this video, we’ll walk you through the five most common reasons buyers back out and how to prevent them. Whether you're selling soon or already have an offer in hand, this will help you stay one step ahead and make it to closing day with confidence. false Don't let a "clean" offer turn into a costly cancellation. We’re going over how to vet pre-approval letters and spot high-risk contingencies before you sign. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Don't let a "clean" offer turn into a costly cancellation. We’re going over how to vet pre-approval letters and spot high-risk contingencies before you sign. https://blog.realestateburt.com/should-i-sell-my-home-during-the-holidays.html Real Estate San Mateo Burt@RealEstateBurt.com Mon, 09 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000 https://example.com/podcast.mp4 I explain why it still makes sense to sell your home during the holidays, from motivated buyers to lower housing inventory. false I explain why it still makes sense to sell your home during the holidays, from motivated buyers to lower housing inventory. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group I explain why it still makes sense to sell your home during the holidays, from motivated buyers to lower housing inventory. Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group Realtor at Burt Tsuei Real Estate Group nonadult Get all your questions answered about buying, selling, or investing in San Mateo County/Bay Area real estate from local expert Burt Tsuei.