Sean Eliott

I've been a contributor to Living in California since its launch, bringing over a decade of real estate experience to the table. My journey began in 2013 as a freelance writer for local real estate agencies, where I developed a passion for exploring market trends, home financing, and the ins and outs of the industry. Over the years, my role has expanded to include real estate marketing and transaction coordination. I’m a dedicated researcher who enjoys diving deep into the real estate world and sharing insights that help buyers, sellers, and agents navigate the dynamic housing market in California and beyond.

What’s the Difference Between Interest Rate and APR?

If you’ve started shopping for a home—or even just poked around a mortgage calculator—you’ve probably come across two terms that sound suspiciously similar: interest...

The Housing Market Has Flipped: Why Buyers Now Have the Upper Hand

Let me start with this: something big just shifted in the housing market. According to a brand-new report from Redfin, sellers now outnumber buyers by...

Mortgage Rates in 2025: The Harsh Reality

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for mortgage rates to finally cool off, you’re not alone. But let’s cut to the chase:...

From the Golden State to Canada’s Ocean Playground: Why Californians Are Eyeing Nova Scotia for Their Next Chapter

California has long been the stuff of dreams—golden beaches stretching endlessly along the Pacific, multicultural scenes in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco,...

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Let’s face it—buying a home is a big deal, and navigating the mortgage process can feel like trying to decode a foreign language. You’ll...

A Big Change Could Be Coming in the Housing Industry

Buying a home in today’s market feels like trying to thread a needle during an earthquake—prices are high, mortgage rates are stubborn, and competition...

The Costly Mistake Home Sellers Are Making in Today’s Market

Thinking about selling your home? Before you list, there’s one major mistake you’ll want to avoid—one that’s becoming more common and can seriously impact...

What is Mello-Roos? Everything You Need to Know About This California Tax

If you're shopping for a home in California—especially in newer communities—there’s a good chance you’ve come across the term Mello-Roos. But what exactly does...