East Contra Costa home prices by city, fall 2026
What homes sold for in seven East Contra Costa cities in September 2026, and what Croskey’s 7 seller-side Pittsburg closings since 2024 show.
10 min readRead
Office
745 Railroad Ave, Pittsburg, CA
Call
(925) 219-8488Hours
Mon to Fri, 9:00 to 5:00
California DRE
#01990430
California’s altered listing photo law: what sellers should know
A licensed agent must put a note and a link to the original next to a digitally altered listing photo. Lighting and similar common fixes are excluded.
12 min readRead
New California housing laws that take effect January 1, 2027
Six California housing bills start January 1, 2027. Plus what Senate Bill 9 (2021) already lets owners do, and what to ask your city.
10 min readRead
How to avoid buying a haunted house: what California sellers must tell you, and what they do not
The haunted house checklist, Croskey style: what California sellers must disclose, what changed on January 1, 2026, and what an inspection finds that a ghost story never will.
8 min readRead
5 Tips for First-Time Real Estate Investors: Why Choose Croskey Real Estate
5 Tips for First-Time Real Estate Investors: Why Choose Croskey Real Estate Are you thinking about stepping into the exciting world of real estate investing? It’s a thrilling venture that can offer substantial financial rewards. However, success requires preparation and the right guidance. Here are 5 essential tips for first-time investors, with reasons why Croskey…
3 min readRead
Homeownership Made Easier: Busting Credit Myths for Your Dream Home
Homeownership Made Easier: Busting Credit Myths for Your Dream Home Homeownership is a dream for many, but credit misconceptions can often be a roadblock. At Croskey Real Estate, we believe everyone deserves the chance to own a home. Let’s clear up some common credit myths to help you achieve your homeownership goals. Understanding Your Credit…
3 min readRead
How to Defer Capital Gains Taxes
When you sell an investment property, you may have to pay capital gains taxes on the profit from the sale. However, there are a number of ways to defer capital gains taxes, with or without a 1031 exchange. 1031 Exchange: A 1031 exchange is a tax-deferred exchange of investment properties. This means that you can…
3 min readRead
California Homeowners Face Insurance Crisis as Major Companies Pull Out
Insurance companies are increasingly pulling out of California for new fire insurance policies, citing the state’s high risk of wildfires. This could significantly impact the local economy, as homeowners and businesses will have to find alternative ways to protect themselves from financial loss. What does this mean for the local economy? The loss of insurance…
3 min readRead
What is a Combination 1031 Exchange?
A combination 1031 exchange is a type of 1031 exchange that allows you to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of two or more properties. This is done by exchanging the properties for one or more replacement properties that are of equal or greater value. What are the Benefits of a Combination 1031 Exchange? There are several benefits to using a combination 1031 exchange. These include: Tax deferral: As mentioned…
3 min readReadFinancial Planning for Homeownership
Buying a home is a major life milestone, but it’s also one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make. A home purchase can impact your finances for many years, so creating a financial plan before purchasing is essential. *It helps you determine what you Can Afford. Determining what you can afford is…
3 min readReadSix reasons tenants should consider buying a home in this real estate market
As a tenant, renting a property may seem the most accessible and convenient option. However, with the current state of the real estate market, there are several compelling reasons why tenants should consider purchasing their own homes. Here are six reasons why buying a home in this real estate market may be a smart move:…
2 min readRead
Why an Experienced Realtor is Essential for Real Estate Investment
Real estate investment can be a great way to build wealth and secure your financial future. However, investing in real estate can also be complex and challenging, especially for those new to the game. That’s why having an experienced realtor by your side is so important. In this post, we’ll explore why you should never…
2 min readRead
Your Pittsburg home is listed for sale. What should you do if…
When your Pittsburg home is listed for sale, you’ll be getting showingrequests, either from your listing agent or from a showing servicethat your agent has employed. What should you do if a potential buyer knocks on your door, wantingto see the house without an appointment? You may be sorely tempted to let them in, but don’t….
3 min readRead
Features to showcase when selling a Pittsburg home
Features to showcase when selling a Pittsburg home Since the COVID-19 pandemic caused so many families to essentially not leave their homes for weeks on end, many people’s housing priorities have changed. Features that weren’t important last year may be very important now. In previous years, the most important features might have included:…
3 min readRead
Your mortgage loan pre-approval has a limited life-span
You know that before you present an offer on a house today, you need proof that you either have the funds or a mortgage loan pre-approval. In fact, in today’s “COVID world,” you may need to present such proof before even touring a Pittsburg home for sale. Do keep in mind that your mortgage loan…
2 min readRead
Refinancing your home, have you been offered an appraisal waiver?
Some homeowners who are refinancing to take advantage of today’s super low interest rates have gotten a pleasant surprise, an appraisal waiver. What is that? It’s the opportunity to refinance without going through the inconvenience or expense of a traditional appraisal. In its place, banks are using sophisticated computer programs to determine the market…
2 min readRead
How to choose the best mortgage lender in Pittsburg, CA
When you’re getting ready to purchase a Pittsburg, CA home, the first step(unless you have plenty of cash) is to become pre-approved for amortgage loan. Pre-approval gives you the confidence to make an offer, knowing thatyes, you can afford that house. It also gives the home sellerconfidence that yes, you can close the transaction. Some…
3 min readRead
Is THIS Your #2 Concern in Purchasing a Pittsburg, CA House?
A 2018 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors askedhome buyers about their primary concerns in purchasing a home. While most talked about the difficulty of finding the home they lovedat the price they could afford, another concern stood out as #2. Thiswas especially true for Millennials. That concern: Not knowing and understanding the…
2 min readRead
Listing your Pittsburg, CA house soon? Consider this low cost, high impact upgrade.
When your house is on the market, the first thing both internet browsers and visitors see is the exterior. Visitors will get an overall impression from the curb. They’ll notice the lawn, the flowers, the shrubbery, the trees, and how allof them are maintained. They’ll also get a first impression of thehouse itself. And…
2 min readRead
Is It Time for You to Stop Buying a House from Your Pittsburg, Ca Housing Provider?
If you’re still renting your Pittsburg, CA home, it might be time to give buying some serious thought. Renting is the correct plan for you if: You plan to relocate within the next year or two.You want to be free to move if the mood strikes you.You really don’t want to be responsible for maintenance…
3 min readRead
Make Extra Money with Airbnb. A good idea or not?
Homeowners across the country are adding to their incomes by renting a guest house or a room or two in their own homes to travelers. Some charge several hundred dollars per night for a fully-equipped guest house. That could go a long way toward paying off a mortgage, and even paying it off early. Before…
3 min readRead
Grandma wants to gift you the down payment for your new home in Pittsburg, CA, but…
When Grandma, or any other family member, wants to provide the funds for the down payment on your new Pittsburg, CA home, you’re a fortunate individual. However, you and Grandma have rules to follow. These rules come from two sources: Your mortgage lender and the Internal Revenue Service. First, your lender: The rules…
3 min readRead
Four points to consider before you choose your Pittsburg CA home
If you’ve just started looking, you’re probably concentrating onthe home you want: the size, the number of rooms, the yard, andperhaps the layout of the kitchen or the size of the closets. In other words, you’re looking at the house and lot themselves, andnot what’s around them. Before you focus on the house, however, there…
3 min readRead
Good reasons to smile this April
While this month promises to be a wild ride concerning the Coronavirus, the state of the stock market, and social distancing, it’s good to step back and focus on some positive things. For instance, April is National Humor Month, and April 14 is International Moment of Laughter Day. The object of the day is to…
2 min readRead
How to help your Pittsburg CA agent sell your home
As you probably know, when you list your home, your agent will write a narrative about it to accompany the photos and statistical information in the Multiple Listing Service. This narrative accompanies the listing to dozens of Internet real estate portals where it can be found by prospective home buyers. You can help your agent…
2 min readRead
Buying a home in Pittsburg CA? Choose your agent with care
Choosing the right agent to help you purchase a home is just as important as choosing the right agent to help you sell a home. When you’re serious about buying a Pittsburg CA home, interview buyer agents just as you would interview listing agents. You’re looking for someone specific, someone who is knowledgeable about…
2 min readRead
Moving is tough for kids, so make it fun
Unless you’re moving to a new home within your current Pittsburg CA neighborhood, this transition can be both exciting and terrifying for your school-age children. In addition to leaving a home they just might love, they’re leaving their friends, their playgrounds, their school, their favorite neighbors, family members who lived nearby, everything they’re familiar…
3 min readRead
Will Real Estate Return to the Days of “Buyer Beware?”
Decades ago every agent worked for the seller, and buyers were on their own. Some companies want that back. The history, and why representation still wins.
3 min readRead
Should you have your Pittsburg, CA home inspected prior to listing?
Today, many agents are recommending a pre-listing home inspection, for a few good reasons. A pre-listing inspection: * Gives buyers an added level of confidence over and above the seller’s property condition report * Alerts sellers to problems that can or should be addressed prior to listing * Allows sellers to have repairs made less…
3 min readRead
How to choose the right Pittsburg real estate agent for YOU
Whether you’re getting ready to buy or sell a home in Pittsburg, the agent you choose will play a significant role in both your success and your peace of mind during the transaction. One of the most common complaints real estate clients have about agents regards communication. * Their agents don’t return calls, emails, or…
3 min readRead
If You’re Planning To Sell, You May Be Planning To Buy
Right now buyers and sellers alike are frustrated. Real estate is moving slowly due to the restrictions imposed by social distancing. What that means is that while some homes will be sold now, when the current health threat has passed, we should see buyers flooding into the market. Instead of waiting until that happens, take…
2 min readRead
One Simple Way to Get Million Dollar Listings on Your Pittsburg Home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xjnyDMdDXg&feature=youtu.be There are a lot of homes for sale out there in Contra Costa County that are million dollar listings and if you take a look at them, you’ll see outstanding videos and pictures and websites. They make these houses look absolutely amazing. The rooms look huge, and the pictures are bright and colorful. The…
2 min readReadWhat Makes the Best Real Estate Agent?
Buying or selling a property is one of the most significant decisions you can make in your lifetime. That’s why finding the right real estate agent who can help you navigate the complex process and achieve your goals is essential. But what makes the best real estate agent? Here are some qualities to look for:…
3 min readRead
BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR SEARCH FOR A PITTSBURG HOME…
Before you make those important “Want, would like, and won’t accept” lists for your Pittsburg real estate agent, take some time to consider the home you’re living in right now. Think about everything, beginning with the neighborhood and the yard or building amenities. Most homes or places have a few features we love. They also…
2 min readRead
CAUTION, AN APPRAISAL IS NOT AN INSPECTION
Home buyers in Pittsburg sometimes look at the cost of a home inspection as an unnecessary expense because, after all, the house will be appraised. Yes, it will, but an appraisal is not an inspection. An appraisal only reflects the appraiser’s opinion of the value of the house as compared to other homes in Pittsburg…
2 min readRead
BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR PITTSBURG HOME SEARCH…
Before you begin your home search in Pittsburg, CA, consider your long-range plans. The first question to ask yourself is “How long do I plan to live in this house?” Your answer will hinge on other questions. For instance: Do I expect to be transferred to another city as I move up a corporate ladder?…
2 min readRead
Fico 10 Credit Scoring Is Coming. Will It Affect Your Pittsburg Home Buying Plans?
The Fair Isaac Corporation has announced that by the end of 2020 their new credit scoring method will be available for use by lenders. Reports are that about 40 million Americans will see their credit scores rise by 20 points or more, while another 40 million will see their scores drop by 20 points or…
2 min readRead
Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Pittsburg, California Home
Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Pittsburg, California Home When preparing to put a Pittsburg, California, home on the market, sellers should consider the condition of their home. Stepping back to look at the property as a potential buyer will help you recognize the items in your home that need attention in order to get…
3 min readRead
Did Your Pittsburg House Expire Off The Market Unsold?
If so, there’s a reason why. Your first impulse might be to blame your Pittsburg real estate agent. While you could be correct, he or she might NOT be at fault. There are other reasons why a house doesn’t sell. It could be that the market is flooded with homes at the moment, although that’s…
2 min readRead
CAUTION: USE YOUR PITTSBURG HOME EQUITY WITH CARE
Now that home prices have risen in most cities across the nation, homeowners are once again gaining equity, and that equity is like cash in a savings account. In fact, if prices continue to rise, it’s better than cash in a savings account, because it is appreciating at a far higher rate. It’s also…
2 min readRead
Buying New Construction? You Still Need an Inspection
Some might tell you that because your Pittsburg home will be newly constructed, you don’t need an inspection. But you do. The truth is, not every newly constructed house is well constructed. Some have corner-cutting defects while others have honest mistakes that can cause trouble later. A case in point is the story of an inspector…
2 min readRead
Show Buyers Your Yard in Every Season
Your yard’s appearance changes with the seasons. It can be breathtakingly beautiful in one season and simply ho-hum in another. But, if you need to move you can’t wait until the grass is green and all teh flowers are in bloom to go on the market. What you CAN do, however, is make it…
2 min readRead
Should you consider an open listing when you sell your Pittsburg home or property?
First, what is an open listing? This is an agreement by which a seller agrees to pay a set commission percentage to any broker who brings him or her an acceptable offer on the property offered for sale. It does not bind the seller to any one broker or agent, and generally does not…
2 min readRead
How to move my stuff?
How exciting that you made the decision to move to another state. Your future home is picked out, and your finances are aligned with your relocation plan. The next step is figuring out, “How do I move my stuff?” An easy answer would be to just hire movers (which can be costly), but there are…
2 min readRead
What paperwork do I need to do if leaving California?
In preparation for moving out of state there is important paper to be completed. You will want to have documents in order to prove residency in your new state. Some utility companies require your closing statement/ rental agreement (for your new home) to set up utilities in your name. There is certain documentation you will…
3 min readRead
Getting Your Financing Ready to Buy a Pittsburg Home
Nobody reliably knows where mortgage rates are headed, and this page will not pretend to. What a buyer can control is the file a lender sees: credit, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, and documentation.
3 min readReadComplex spendthrift trusts and capital gains: what the IRS says, and the legal ways to defer the tax
The IRS calls the “complex spendthrift trust” that promises to defer capital gains an abusive scheme. What the law says, and the legal ways to defer or exclude the tax.
6 min readRead