From the field

Market notes & guides.

Practical, honest writing about the San Diego County market — written by Troy, not ghostwritten, not AI-spun.

Market Reports · 6 min read

Spring Market Report: San Diego County, 2026

Inventory ticked up nine percent quarter-over-quarter while median days on market held steady. Here's what it means for buyers and sellers this season.

Troy Andrews · April 14, 2026

Buyer Guides · 8 min read

The First-Time Buyer Checklist We Actually Use

A no-jargon, twelve-step path from 'maybe' to 'closed' — written from a hundred-plus first-time purchases in East County.

Troy Andrews · March 02, 2026

Seller Guides · 5 min read

Staging on a Budget: Five Moves That Pay for Themselves

You don't need a full staging contract to sell well. These five small investments consistently lift list price and reduce days on market.

Troy Andrews · February 19, 2026

Financing · 7 min read

Mortgage Basics for 2026 Buyers

Fixed vs. ARM, conforming vs. jumbo, points vs. rate buy-downs — plain English explanations of the choices in front of you.

Troy Andrews · January 28, 2026

Neighborhoods · 9 min read

An Honest Guide to East County Neighborhoods

Mount Helix, Bonita, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, La Mesa village, Lemon Grove — who each one fits, and who it doesn't.

Troy Andrews · December 11, 2025

Seller Guides · 5 min read

Selling in the Fall: Why September Often Beats June

The conventional wisdom says spring is the selling season. The data — and our experience — says it's more complicated than that.

Troy Andrews · November 04, 2025