
Back-to-School Checklist
Hard to believe it’s that time again…few things to help ‘ease’ the transition…

June 2025
To be fair to my own Dad, Stepdad, and Grandfather — times have changed. The role of the modern father has evolved, and frankly, expectations are higher. Dads are more involved than ever — not just in bedtime routines and carpools, but in the daily decisions that shape our families. We help guide our kids’ relationships with technology, food, friends, social media — and we do it all while trying to be present, available, emotionally in tune, and productive at work.
I wouldn’t want it any other way. But I’ll be the first to admit: it’s not easy.…

Headed Out This Summer? 10 Smart Ways to Vacation-Proof Your Home
Here are 10 Tips for Homeowners Going on Summer Vacation — Coming home is hard enough! Make sure you protect your biggest asset while you’re away!.…

May 2025
My sister Joanna and I were being particularly annoying at the grocery store, sneaking snacks and candy into the cart. Eventually, Mom cracked and bought a candy bar to shut us up. As we settled into the car, she held up the candy and asked, “Is this what you wanted?” We yelled “YES!” with big grins. Then she calmly rolled down the window… and chucked it out…

What Every Homeowner Should Know About HOAs—and Why They’re More Common Than Ever
As a realtor, I often get questions about what HOAs do, how much they cost, and whether they’re “worth it.” Here’s a breakdown of what homeowners should know before buying into an HOA community.…

Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Best Padres Ticket Options for Families
Looking for a fun, family-friendly outing in San Diego? A Padres game at Petco Park is hard to beat. With beautiful weather, great food, and activities for all ages, it’s an ideal way to spend a day together. Here are the top ticket options and experiences perfect for families…

April 2025
But maybe that’s the essence of parenthood—doing things you have no idea how to do, but diving in headfirst because you love your kid…

What you need to know about Homeowner’s Insurance
The California Department of Insurance has approved State Farm's request to increase home insurance premiums by an average of 22% for approximately one million customers…

March 2025
Many of you know that life is pretty full for me these days. Between running a business and raising a family, most of my time is spoken for. What’s left is dedicated to my health, serving others, and the occasional moment with friends. This season of life demands a lot from Shelby and me as parents, and while the challenges won’t disappear, I do believe the intensity will ease over time. Right now, we’re potty training the twins…
February 2025
I help people buy and sell houses. My 5-year-old, who has tagged along to many listings over the years, loves to “help” me—especially when it involves trash duty. But recently, I realized he doesn’t quite understand what I do. To him, a house is just a place we visit...

Protecting Your Home: Why Your Trust Should Be Named on Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
I’ll be honest—I didn’t know this myself. When my wife and I bought our home, we insured it in our names, assuming that was all we needed to do. Later, when we put the house into a trust, we never thought to go back and update our homeowners insurance…

Springtime Projects and Average ROI
Your hard-earned money deserves to be spent wisely, especially when it comes to home improvements. It’s important to know which projects will give you a strong return on investment if you decide to sell your home. Here’s a breakdown of common upgrades and how they measure up.
January 2025
The word "intention" gets tossed around a lot, and for a while, it felt a bit too “crunchy” for me. But as life gets busier and fuller, I’m realizing I’m not necessarily more efficient—just stretched thinner..…

10 Tips on Creating New Habits in 2025
Forget resolutions—it’s all about building lasting habits! Here are 10 practical tips inspired by Atomic Habits by James Clear.

December 2024
Monday, 12/9, would have been my mom’s 70th birthday. My brother Gunnar reached out to check in, and our dear friend Mary Hansen, truly an angel on earth, sent a sweet text about her.…

November 2024
Experiencing something new has become a way of life for the Gail family. With four young kids, we're always in a season of transition, whether it’s mastering a new skill or figuring out how to meet everyone’s needs…

March 2024
I feel like my whole life has led to this moment in time. It’s well documented I was a sensitive and incredibly shy kid. I see those genes at work in my kids (for better or worse). It reaffirms exactly what I believe; I came into the world that way…

February 2024
It just hit me like a lighting bolt, “Kevin’s life and strength was forged by tragedy but not defined by it”. WOAH. Many of us that have come on hard times live continually in that state, we cannot rid ourselves of the trauma and pain that is so prevalent in the human condition. I will be the first to stand up and say, I have lived TOO many days in that time. I made my life about this seemingly unescapable hell…

January 2024
One of the most difficult things about my sister’s untimely death is that it took me back to a really difficult time in my life. In 2009 my Stepdad Josh (53 years old) took his own life while my Mom Kate (55 years old) was terminally ill with cancer, she would pass in 2011. Soon after my grandfather Wally (78 years old), passed after suffering with Parkinson’s and lastly my Yia Yia (82 years old), Susan passed away in 2016 while dealing with complications with her lungs. From 2009 – 2016 it was a period of loss…