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When the Market Slows Down, Some People Start Paying Attention
There’s something about this time of year that makes people pause.
Not because they’re sure. But because they’re… not.
Not sure whether to wait.
Not sure whether to act.
Not sure what the market is doing, or what it might do next.
And in real estate, that kind of pause tends to reveal the truth.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve watched the market shift again.
Not dramatically. Not with headlines. But subtly.
Homes are sitting longer.
Inventory is building.
Buyers are negotiating again - not from panic, but from patience.
And price cuts are showing up on listings that would’ve flown a year ago.
But here’s the part that’s most interesting:
Even with all of that, prices are still strong.
And the sellers who plan ahead - the ones who position their homes well - are still walking away with impressive results.
Most people are waiting for the market to “do something.”
But in reality, it already is.
The ultra-competitive frenzy has softened.
The flood of new listings hasn’t arrived yet - but it’s coming.
And many of the sellers who sat tight over the last two years are quietly re-entering the conversation. Not loudly. Not urgently. Just… thoughtfully.
They’re reaching out and saying:
“I don’t know if I’m ready yet. But I’d like to understand what’s happening.”
And to be honest, that’s the smartest thing anyone can do in this kind of market.
Because when it feels uncertain on the surface, that’s usually when opportunity is hiding just underneath.
This market favors the calm, the strategic, the quietly prepared.
It doesn’t reward impulsive moves - but it does reward those who plan early.
If you’re in a home that no longer fits, or you’ve been thinking about making a change - even if it’s six months or a year away - this is a moment worth paying attention to.
Because when everyone else is still unsure, you have room to move with clarity.
And sometimes, that makes all the difference.
If you want to talk through what this shift means - not in theory, but for you - I’m always here.
Whether you’re planning now or just thinking ahead, we’ll make a plan that fits your timing, your goals, and the bigger picture.
The Secret Behind Auctions (And Why You Should Care)
I’ve been in this world for years - whether it’s luxury or non-luxury real estate auctions, Christie's, Bonhams, Sotheby’s for art and rare luxury items, or high-end car auctions - even the early days of eBay, where I was flipping antiques and rare finds. I’ve studied the psychology of auctions - how competition, scarcity, and social proof create a frenzy that drives prices higher than logic ever could.
And real estate? It’s no different.
I’ve seen firsthand how a well-executed bidding war can turn a home into an event. And in a city like LA, where people don’t just want a home but openly compete for status and exclusivity, the psychology cannot be ignored.
The Real Estate “Auction” No One Calls an Auction
In the U.S., the word auction and real estate in the same sentence tends to raise eyebrows. People assume it means a distressed sale or that there’s some kind of catch. But here’s the truth: it’s happening every single day, right under your nose.
If you think auctions are only for bank-owned properties or desperate sellers - think again.
Remember The One - the absurdly massive Bel-Air mansion that was originally priced at $500 million? It didn’t sell at first. It sat on the market. Eventually my team headed by Aaron Kirman auctioned it off for $126 million to the owner of Fashion Nova. A $374 million price cut from the developers expectations.
Meanwhile, in Australia, live real estate auctions happen in the front yard everyday.
But here’s the thing: half of all real estate sales in LA already function like an auction.
We just don’t call it that.
A home is listed at a sharp price (often lower than what it’s worth).
Buyers rush in, offers (or bids) stack up.
The listing agent counters everyone: “Best and final, please.”
Buyers scramble, outbidding themselves in the process.
The highest number wins.
The Biggest Pricing Mistake Sellers Make
The key to a bidding war? Start low. Sell high.
This is where most sellers screw up. They think: Let’s price high and leave room to negotiate.
That’s not how human psychology - or auctions - work.
At Christie's, they didn’t slap a price tag on Salvator Mundi and hope for the best. They estimated its value as $100m but they started low, let the competition build, and let the momentum - and the fear of missing out - push the final price into the stratosphere - a whopping $450m.
The opposite strategy? Overpricing.
You start high.
No one bites.
You lower the price.
Still no one bites.
Eventually, you’re forced to slash it again.
That’s called a Dutch auction. And if you’ve never heard of it, that’s because it doesn’t work.
How This Plays Out in Today’s Market
Right now, demand is outpacing supply. One home we just sold received as many as 31 offers.
That’s not normal. But it tells you something: underpricing is safer than overpricing.
There is no “market price” for a home - just a range. My job is to make the market, to be the conductor over your masterpiece of a home - the symphony.
And a well-run bidding war? That’s the crescendo.
Buyers: The only time you’re not in an auction is when you’re the only offer. Otherwise, assume you’re bidding against the crowd.
Sellers: Your best bet is to create an auction environment, even if it’s not technically called one.
And if you’re a seller working with an agent who doesn’t know how to run this process properly, you’ll never even know how much money you left on the table.
LA Doesn’t Trust You - Until You Earn It
When I moved to LA, I thought everyone was just… friendly.
I mean, why wouldn’t they be? Sunshine, palm trees, the whole ‘laid-back California’ vibe. But what I didn’t expect was the mistrust.
At first, I thought it was just me - maybe I was too direct, maybe I wasn’t reading the social cues right. But then something happened that made me realize...
LA doesn’t give trust. You have to earn it.
A Minor Mistake, A Major Lesson
I was heading to an important meeting - everything was timed to perfection. But then, LA traffic. A minor accident turned a comfortable drive into a full-blown race against the clock.
I pull into the parking structure, find a spot, walk over to the meter - reach into my pocket - and realize… I left my credit card at home.
No problem, I thought. I had Venmo.
So I turn to the guy behind me - normal enough, sunglasses, AirPods, finance guy vibes - and say, “Would you mind paying for my meter? I’ll Venmo you ten dollars right now—it’s only two bucks.”
He just… stared at me. Then, with a slight smirk, he shook his head.
“Nah man, I don’t do that.”
And walked off.
That’s when it hit me - LA doesn’t trust you. Not at first.
Why LA is Like This
I started paying more attention, and it was everywhere. People here have trust issues. And honestly? It makes sense.
Decades of Scams & Hustles
Everyone in LA knows someone who’s been burned. A bad business deal, a shady landlord, a “friend” who never paid them back. This city is full of people trying to ‘make it,’ which means a fair share of over-promisers and outright scammers.
Survival Mode Thinking
In LA, getting screwed over isn’t just annoying - it’s expensive. When rent is sky-high and valet parking for one night costs more than a full tank of gas, people don’t hand out trust freely. Every decision feels like a calculation.
The ‘What’s In It for Me?’ Mentality
People here assess: Does this person add value to my life? before they even acknowledge you. So when you ask for a favor, the first instinct is to question the angle.
Fear of Looking Stupid
Nobody wants to be the one who got played. In a city obsessed with status, getting tricked isn’t just about money - it’s about saving face. And the easiest way to avoid looking foolish? Assume everyone is trying to take advantage of you.
Real Estate is the Same Way
I see this every day in real estate.
Buyers don’t trust agents because they assume we just want a commission. Sellers think we’re lowballing them. Even when we’re genuinely helping, people still ask, “Why are you being so nice?”
But here’s what I’ve learned - once you prove yourself?
The skepticism disappears.
And then?
LA people are ride or die. Some of the most loyal people you’ll ever meet. But you have to earn it first.
Earning Trust in LA: A $2 Experiment
Back to the parking meter - I could’ve walked away. But instead, I looked at the next person in line and said:
"Look, I get it. It’s LA. No one trusts anyone. But I just need two bucks for parking, and I’ll Venmo you ten right now - worst case, you make eight dollars for tapping your card."
He hesitated. Thought about it.
Then, finally - he sighed, pulled out his card, and tapped the meter. Parking paid.
I sent him the ten dollars immediately, and for the first time that day, someone actually smiled at me.
That’s LA in a nutshell. At first, they don’t trust you. But if you prove you’re real? They’ll have your back.
And that’s exactly how I approach real estate.
If you’re looking for an agent and team that actually earns your trust - let’s talk.
The #1 Mistake That’s Costing Buyers Homes (And Money)
Let’s cut to it - working with multiple agents doesn’t give you the upper hand. It actually hurts you in ways you don’t even realize.
And yet, so many buyers in LA fall into this trap.
I get it. People here overthink everything. They hesitate, worry, second-guess, and - let’s be real - mistrust just about everyone.
But here’s the thing: we move differently.
If you’re serious about buying, this one mistake could be the reason you keep missing out.
1. No Real Representation = No Priority
Agents aren’t running around doing favors for buyers they don’t have a real relationship with. They prioritize people who trust them.
If you’re bouncing between agents, you’re always second in line - behind the buyers who have committed.
2. You Wouldn’t Use the Same Divorce Attorney - So Why Trust the Listing Agent?
Thinking you can “go direct” to get a better deal? That’s like hiring your ex’s lawyer in a divorce.
The listing agent’s job is to get the seller the highest price possible. Who’s protecting you? No one.
3. You’ll Never Hear About Off-Market Deals
Some of the best deals happen before a home even hits Zillow.
But those deals aren’t going to the buyers working with five different agents. They go to the buyers that agents trust and prioritize.
4. Weak Offers = No Leverage
A great agent doesn’t just submit offers - they position you to win in a competitive market.
Buyers who “agent-hop” end up losing out because no agent is fully invested in fighting for them.
5. Wasting Time, Energy, and Losing Money
If you’re working with multiple agents, you’re having the same conversation over and over again - and getting nowhere.
A dedicated agent makes the process seamless, efficient, and built for results.
I Get It - It’s Hard to Trust Anyone in LA.
I know, because I talk to buyers every day who feel the same way.
Every agent claims to be different, but we actually move differently.
We don’t just “find homes.”
We create unfair advantages for our buyers.
Here’s the hard truth—this market doesn’t wait for anyone.
In real estate, hesitation costs you. While you’re debating, another buyer is making an offer. In a competitive market, waiting isn’t a strategy - it’s a lost opportunity. A dedicated agent doesn’t just guide you; they ensure you stay ahead, act fast, and secure the home before someone else does.
✅ Stop overthinking. Get real representation.
✅ Work with someone who has your back - exclusively.
✅ Make buying a home easier, not harder.
👉 The best buyers get the best homes, the best deals, and the best representation.
The #1 Mistake LA Sellers Keep Making (and How to Avoid It)
Imagine this.
You walk into a bakery, starving, ready to buy a croissant. The first one you see looks amazing - golden, flaky, perfect layers. You check the price. $28.
You blink. Maybe it’s a joke? Maybe it comes with a VIP brunch experience? Nope. Just a $28 croissant.
You put it down and keep looking. Meanwhile, the guy behind the counter watches you walk out, still holding the overpriced pastry, wondering why no one is biting.
That’s your house when you price it too high.
Buyers aren’t clueless. They’ve been scanning listings like it’s their second job. They know what’s overpriced. And in a market like this? They move fast on the homes that feel like a deal and ignore the ones that sit.
And when a home sits, the whispers start:
“What’s wrong with it?”
“Maybe they’ll take a low offer.”
“We’ll wait for a price drop.”
What happens next? Price cuts. Showings slow down. The momentum you could have had in the first two weeks is gone. And now you’re not negotiating from strength - you’re playing defense.
Why Naming a Price Hurts Your Bottom Line
When a home is listed at $1,999,000 and the true expectation is $2,500,000, most people assume the best thing to do is guide buyers toward that number.
But that’s the easiest way to cap your final sale price.
💬 Buyer #1 hears “$2.5M” and thinks, “Forget it, I can’t afford that,” so they don’t write an offer. That’s one less competing bidder.
💬 Buyer #2 hears “$2.5M” and thinks, “Well, if that’s what they want, I’ll write $2.5M.” Great - except without guidance, they might have stretched to $2.6M just to win.
💬 Buyer #3 never hears a number, gets emotionally invested, and will do “whatever it takes” to outbid everyone else. They may not have planned to go that high, but emotion, competition, and urgency drive price - logic does not.
The second a number is suggested, buyers negotiate against the seller. But when they don’t have an anchor, they negotiate against each other.
The Hard Truth About Overpricing
🚨 LA buyers aren’t stupid. They’re price-sensitive, especially with high rates. If you’re overpriced, they won’t even bother looking.
🚨 Time is your enemy. The longer your home sits, the more it loses perceived value. A 30-day-old listing in LA might as well be a year old.
🚨 Competing with turn-key homes? Good luck. Buyers will happily pay more for a fully updated home. If yours isn’t? You’re competing on price, whether you like it or not.
🚨 Testing the market is a trap. Listing high “just to see” doesn’t attract buyers - it repels them. The ones who would’ve fought for your house at the right price now see it as damaged goods.
How to Win Instead
✅ Price it right from Day 1. The best-priced homes attract multiple offers, pushing the price up.
✅ Leverage presentation. In LA, visuals matter. Staged, well-marketed homes get buyers emotionally invested.
✅ Create urgency. A well-priced home that looks amazing? Buyers feel like they have to act - now.
The Bottom Line
You don’t set the price. The market does. Your job is to position your home so buyers chase it, not avoid it.
Because in real estate - just like at the bakery - once people start passing on what you’re selling, they’re not coming back.
Thinking about selling? Let’s price it right from the start - so you don’t end up with a stale listing that buyers treat like a clearance rack.
The #1 Pricing Mistake That Costs Sellers Thousands
How Sellers Accidentally Cap Their Own Bidding Wars (And How to Avoid It)
You’ve probably heard the advice: “Price your home strategically to spark competition.”
And you’ve already made the smart decision to list at an attractive price - one designed to get as many buyers through the door as possible.
But here’s where most sellers (and even agents) go wrong:
They start talking numbers.
A buyers’ agent calls and asks, “Where do you think this will land?”
A buyer’s friend whispers, “What do you think the sellers are really hoping for?”
And the moment an answer is given - whether it’s a range, a ballpark, or even a vague expectation - the entire strategy unravels.
Why Naming a Price Hurts Your Bottom Line
When a home is listed at $1,999,000 and the true expectation is $2,500,000, most people assume the best thing to do is guide buyers toward that number.
But that’s the easiest way to cap your final sale price.
💬 Buyer #1 hears “$2.5M” and thinks, “Forget it, I can’t afford that,” so they don’t write an offer. That’s one less competing bidder.
💬 Buyer #2 hears “$2.5M” and thinks, “Well, if that’s what they want, I’ll write $2.5M.” Great - except without guidance, they might have stretched to $2.6M just to win.
💬 Buyer #3 never hears a number, gets emotionally invested, and will do “whatever it takes” to outbid everyone else. They may not have planned to go that high, but emotion, competition, and urgency drive price - logic does not.
The second a number is suggested, buyers negotiate against the seller. But when they don’t have an anchor, they negotiate against each other.
The Art of Price Discovery: Letting the Market Decide
Think about an auction. The auctioneer doesn’t stop in the middle of a bidding war and say, “Just so you all know, the seller was only hoping for $2.5M.”
No, they let the bidders keep going until someone gives up.
And that’s exactly how we play this.
The moment I disclose “where I think this will land,” it plants an artificial ceiling in buyers’ minds. Suddenly, instead of making their best offer, they aim for what they think will be enough.
And in doing so, they leave money on the table.
Let Demand, Not Opinions, Set the Market Value
So, when agents call me asking, “What price are you looking for?” - I don’t take the bait.
Instead, I tell them:
"We have a lot of interest and are expecting multiple offers, so I’d recommend writing a very strong offer.”
That’s it. No numbers. No guidance. No artificial limit on where this can go.
Because the market, not me, determines the final price.
And when the right buyers fall in love with your home?
They’ll write the strongest offer they can - because the only way to know what it will take to win…
Is to beat everyone else.
Not Quite Ready to Sell Yet?
That’s okay, the door is open.
The Silent Threat to Your Home’s Value (No One’s Talking About It)
Buying a home is supposed to be a step toward financial security. A hedge against inflation. A wealth-building asset that appreciates over time.
But what happens when that asset suddenly costs you more to keep?
This isn’t about property taxes or rising mortgage rates. This is something creeping up quietly in the background - often overlooked until it’s too late.
Insurance.
It’s a line item most homeowners skim over. But in California, skyrocketing premiums and shrinking coverage are turning insurance into a financial landmine. And if you think this doesn’t affect you because you’re not in a wildfire zone, think again.
The ripple effects of this crisis are reshaping the housing market in ways that could directly impact your home’s value - and your ability to sell when the time comes
Real Estate Domino Effect: No Insurance, No Mortgage, No Sale
Imagine waking up to a letter from your insurance provider.
Not only has your premium gone up (again), but they’re also reducing coverage. Or worse - your policy is canceled altogether because your home is now considered “too risky.”
For many California homeowners, this isn’t a hypothetical. It’s happening right now.
Insurance companies are retreating from fire-prone areas, leaving homeowners scrambling for new policies - often at double or triple the cost.
Some buyers are discovering mid-escrow that they can’t get coverage at all, killing deals at the last minute.
And the worst part? Without insurance, banks won’t issue a mortgage. That means homes in high-risk areas are becoming uninsurable, unsellable, and effectively… worthless.
How Rising Premiums Are Quietly Hurting Your Home Value
Real estate isn’t just about what buyers want - it’s about what they can afford.
When insurance premiums skyrocket, monthly housing costs rise along with them. And when buyers have to factor in an extra $500, $800, or even $1,500 per month just for insurance, it changes what they’re willing (or able) to pay for a home.
That means:
✔ Higher costs = fewer qualified buyers – Buyers who were stretching to afford a home now get priced out before they even make an offer.
✔ Falling home values in high-risk areas – Sellers are forced to drop prices to attract buyers willing to take on the insurance burden.
✔ Lenders are tightening restrictions – If an insurance quote makes the total cost of ownership too high, the deal may not get funded at all.
✔ Longer time on market – Uninsurable homes are sitting unsold for months, if not years.
This is what we call a slow-motion housing correction - one that most homeowners won’t realize is happening until they’re in the middle of trying to sell.
How to Avoid Insurance Surprises That Scare Off Buyers
You can’t control the insurance market, but you can take steps to keep your home protected and marketable.
1. Get Ahead of the Uninsurability Crisis
✔ Check your wildfire risk score – Even if you’re not in a traditional fire zone, shifting climate models could change your home’s risk category overnight.
✔ Document all fire-resistant upgrades – A well-maintained property with defensible space, fireproof roofing, and upgraded vents can be easier (and cheaper) to insure.
✔ Join a Firewise Community – Some insurance companies offer discounts for homes in designated Firewise zones.
2. Lower Your Insurance Costs Without Sacrificing Coverage
✔ Increase your deductible – Raising it from $1,000 to $5,000 (or higher) can significantly reduce your premium.
✔ Shop through an independent broker – Captive agents can only sell one company’s policies. An independent broker can compare multiple options for you.
✔ Ask about hidden discounts – Bundling, security systems, and even gated community access can lead to major savings.
3. Make Your Home More Marketable for Future Buyers
✔ Ensure your policy is transferable – Buyers will ask about your current coverage. Having a locked-in policy can be a selling point.
✔ Disclose insurance costs upfront – Buyers don’t like surprises. If your insurance costs are high, be prepared to explain the value they’re getting in return.
✔ Know your exit strategy – If you’re considering selling in the next few years, plan now. The insurance crisis isn’t going away, and buyers will become more selective.
For years, homeowners worried about market crashes or rising interest rates.
Today, the biggest financial risk could be the very thing that’s supposed to protect you—your insurance policy.
If you own a home, it’s time to think like a seller. And if you’re buying, insurance needs to be as much a priority as your mortgage.
We’ve got experts and resources to help you navigate rising premiums, policy changes, and hidden costs. Just reply to this email with your concerns, and we’ll connect you with the right expert.
Affordability vs. Proximity: What’s Your Move?
You know the scene all too well: staring at brake lights on the 405, watching minutes of your life tick away while the podcast you started an hour ago is still buffering through another ad read.
Los Angeles traffic isn’t just an inconvenience - it’s a lifestyle tax.
The average commute time for LA County workers is 30.8 minutes each way. That adds up to nearly five full days per year spent in transit. Five days you could have spent with family, on passion projects, or simply not losing your mind on the freeway.
Most homebuyers start their search prioritizing affordability, square footage, and neighborhood quality - as they should. But proximity to work? That’s where things get flexible.
"What’s an extra 20 minutes in the car if it gets me a bigger house, a yard, and a great school district?"
It’s a real trade-off. Which is why so many buyers start looking further out - Burbank, Glendale, Mount Washington, Woodland Hills, Calabasas. These areas offer more space, a better price per square foot, and a quieter, suburban lifestyle - but at the cost of a longer commute.
For many, this is the right move. They want more than just a house; they want room to breathe, space to grow, and a sense of community. But even a dream home comes with trade-offs, and one of the biggest is time.
Finding “The One” (And Fighting for It)
Here’s what most buyers experience:
🏡 Step 1: Get pre-approved. See a big number. Feel rich.
🔍 Step 2: Start looking at homes… and realize what’s actually available at that price in LA.
😖 Step 3: Question reality. Adjust expectations. Maybe this dream home is further out than expected.
🚀 Step 4: Find the one. It checks all the boxes. Offers roll in. Competition is fierce.
😨 Step 5: "Wait… am I really the buyer paying the most for this house?"
🎉 Step 6: Win the offer. Reality sets in. It’s happening.
That’s the rollercoaster - and it’s completely normal.
The key is remembering: this isn’t your forever home.
It’s a stepping stone. A launchpad. A place to add value, leverage your equity, and truly learn what matters to you as you live in it.
Nothing teaches you about real estate like actually owning real estate.
Your Future Self Will Thank You
Real estate isn’t just about buying a house. It’s about building your future.
And here’s the hard truth: putting off your future only sets you back.
The longer you wait, the more you lose in appreciation, tax benefits, and equity-building.
That’s why we approach home buying differently. We don’t just help you find a house - we build a strategy around your life, just like a financial planner would. We look at where you are, where you want to be, and how to get you there faster.
If you’re in the process of finding your next home - or just starting to think about it - let’s talk.
We’ll make sense of the market, weigh your options, and set you up for a move that makes sense today, and in the long run.
Let’s make your next move the right one.
Strikes, Fires, and Survival: A New Era for Hollywood
From Pandemic to Fires: Is Hollywood at Its Breaking Point?
Hollywood is no stranger to drama, but this time, the script hits too close to home. The pandemic, industry strikes, and now devastating wildfires have left many in the entertainment world reeling. Dreams feel further out of reach as homes are destroyed, livelihoods are disrupted, and stability becomes harder to find.
The stolen Emmy from a fire-damaged home in Altadena - it’s more than a story; it’s a symbol of what so many are experiencing. A city once filled with boundless opportunity now feels like a place where survival outweighs ambition. Rising crime, endless bureaucratic delays, and environmental challenges are pushing people to the brink, questioning whether Los Angeles can still be the city of dreams.
The winters of unpredictability have arrived. But they don’t have to be permanent.
The Resolution: Stability Beyond the Unpredictable
There’s hope. Hollywood is trying to reclaim its status as the entertainment capital of the world. Governor Newsom has proposed raising the state’s film and television production incentives to $750 million annually - a move to bring back productions lost to competing cities.
It’s a step in the right direction, but let’s face it: government timelines move slower than a line at a DMV. And after everything you’ve been through, waiting is a luxury you don’t have.
What can you do now? Start building your financial resilience.
Creating stability doesn’t mean giving up your dreams. It means building a safety net so your creativity can thrive, no matter what’s happening around you. Here’s how:
House Hack Your Home: Turn your garage into an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) or rent out a spare room. That space could start generating income while you sleep.
Leverage Equity: In 2024, Los Angeles homeowners saw their equity grow by an average of $72,000. That’s untapped potential sitting in your home, waiting to work for you.
Buy a Second Property: Use that equity to invest in an income-producing property. With the right strategy, it’s not just a second home - it’s a stepping stone to financial freedom.
These aren’t just ideas; they’re real strategies that Angelenos are already using to combat rising living costs.
What’s the Cost of Waiting for Things to Improve?
This isn’t about pie-in-the-sky dreams. It’s about taking control of your future. If you’re ready to explore how to turn your equity into stability - or even your first investment property - let’s sit down and create a plan.
No strings, no pressure. Just a clear roadmap to help you move forward with confidence.
What’s Next After the Flames: Are You Prepared to Rebuild?
Rebuild, Relocate, or Wait: How Do You Decide?
The recent wildfires - the most destructive and expensive natural disaster in California’s history - have left our communities reeling. From the Eaton Fire’s destruction of over 14,000 acres to historic homes in Altadena reduced to rubble, entire neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades are unrecognizable.
Thousands of families are displaced, unsure of where to turn. For many, this is more than just a loss of property - it’s a loss of history, memories, and stability. These homes told the story of our city, and now they’re gone.
Meanwhile, the questions mount faster than answers:
How long will it take to rebuild?
How do I navigate my insurance? What if I wasn’t directly affected - will my premiums still go up?
Who can I trust to clear debris and start the process?
Should I rebuild, or is it time to relocate?
Confusion over what comes next is paralyzing progress. Between stalled insurance claims, price gouging, and endless bureaucracy, it’s no wonder many are questioning if rebuilding is even worth it.
We understand how overwhelming this moment is, and we’ve put together a free guide [here] to help you take immediate next steps. Whether you’ve lost your home, know someone who has, or are watching your community struggle to rebuild, one thing is clear: navigating this crisis requires expertise, action, and clarity.
We’re here to help you, reach out to us with any questions and advice, and we’ll use all our resources to get you the answers and supply you with ‘of-the-minute’ information to get you on the road to recovery and rebuilding.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Clearing the Path
The rubble must be cleared before anything else can happen. We have recommendations of specialists who can work with your insurance company to clear the debris.
Insurance Realities
This is the time to fight for what you’re owed. Document every loss in detail, take photos, and insist on second opinions for any lowball estimates. Remember: your insurance company’s adjuster works for them, not you. Talk to us first before hiring a public adjuster who will fight for your full claim, but also takes a cut. Allow us to protect you.
The Rebuild Process
Permits, zoning laws, and rebuilding codes are changing fast. Historic neighborhoods like those in Altadena face unique challenges in preserving their character while meeting modern fire-resistant standards. Filing your rebuild plans now is critical to securing your place in line before the permitting offices are overwhelmed. There are also many options if you want to move away, before you accept any offer talk to us because you could be leaving a lot of money on the table.
How do I Find a Rental?
We’ve got a database full of available leases but they’re going fast. Many are price gouging so be careful. Lets explore your options together, and we’ll help find you a lease with no charge for victims of the fires.
Where Do You Go From Here?
If you’ve been asking yourself what to do next, here’s where to start:
Debris Removal: Get on the list for debris removal services today. Contact trusted professionals or government programs to handle the cleanup safely.
Secure Your Rights: Review your insurance policy and file claims immediately. Hire experts who understand the fine print and can negotiate on your behalf.
Plan Your Rebuild: Work with architects and contractors experienced in fire rebuilds. Reach out to your neighbors to coordinate efforts and reduce costs through shared resources.
Stay Informed: Local policies like Measure ULA and the Wildlife Ordinance could impact your rebuild. Stay connected to advocacy efforts pushing for streamlined rebuilding regulations.
Strength Through Unity: Rebuilding Together
Whether you’ve been directly affected or are supporting someone who has, the strength of our community will determine how we rebuild. This is a moment to come together, to share resources, and to ensure no one is left behind.
How I Can Help
There’s a lot of questions, and everyone's situation is unique. We all need a steady hand and a shoulder in times of crisis. That’s what we’re here for - for you.
Whether it’s guiding you through the insurance maze, connecting you with reliable contractors, or helping you plan for what’s next, I’m here to help make this less overwhelming and bounce back stronger.