Blog

Notes on the local market

Every article here is written from Lodi, about buying and selling around Lodi and the Central Valley. I write them to answer the questions my clients ask me most, so you can get a head start before we ever meet.

Looking for something specific? Head to buyer blogs for a reading guide that walks you from "am I ready?" to your first year as a homeowner. Seller and downsizing articles are on the way.

Prefer the big picture? See how I help you buy or how I sell a home, or browse the latest posts below, newest first.

2026-08-25 · 5 min read

Touring Homes in Lodi: A First-Time Buyer's Guide

What "good bones" really means, what to look for in an older neighborhood like Parkwest, and the questions to ask when touring new construction at Rose Gate.

2026-08-23 · 6 min read

You Don't Need 20% Down to Buy a Home in Lodi

The 20% down myth keeps good buyers on the sidelines for years. Here's what it really takes to buy a home in Lodi.

2026-08-09 · 6 min read

First-Time Home Buyer Myths in Lodi, and What's True

A lot of what gets passed around about buying your first home isn't true anymore. Here's what is, plus what three real Lodi buyers did differently.

2026-08-06 · 6 min read

Taking Care of Your First Home in Lodi

Nobody hands you a manual with the keys. Here's a simple maintenance schedule, a plan for repairs, and how to start making your home yours.

2026-07-26 · 6 min read

Welcome Home: The Money Side of Owning a Home in Lodi

You got the keys. Here's the money side nobody prepares you for: property taxes, insurance, a maintenance fund, and building equity.

2026-07-20 · 5 min read

From Offer to Keys: What Happens After You Find the One

Making an offer, surviving escrow, and the day you get your keys. Here's what happens from the moment you find the one.

2026-07-17 · 6 min read

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home in Lodi?

Should you buy a home in Lodi now, or wait? It depends on you more than the market. Here's how to tell.

2026-07-16 · 5 min read

What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Home in Lodi?

You don't need perfect credit to buy a home. Here's where most Lodi buyers land, and what matters more than your score.

2026-07-15 · 6 min read

How to Buy a Home in Lodi, Step by Step

Where do you start, what comes first, and are you missing anything? Here's the whole path to buying a home in Lodi, one step at a time.

2026-06-27 · 6 min read

Is Homeownership Really for Me? Buying Your First Home in Lodi

That quiet fear, "Is this even for someone like me?", is one of the most common things I hear. Here's why it doesn't have to stop you.