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.

Mortgage Servicer vs. Mortgage Lender: Understanding the Difference

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel like learning a new language. Mortgage terminology like lender, servicer, escrow, and underwriting...

How a Demographic Turning Point Could Reshape Real Estate

Every housing cycle has a storyline, and the newest one forming may not look like anything we’ve seen before... With projections showing that U.S. deaths...

Weekly Market Update: Mortgage Rates are Dropping & Home Sales are Rising

The housing market has thrown a curveball lately, and it’s one most people didn’t expect. Even in the middle of a historic 43-day government...

What Is Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)?

If you’ve ever dipped a toe into the world of mortgages, you’ve probably heard the term loan-to-value ratio thrown around like everyone is supposed...

Cost of Living in California Breakdown (2025)

California has long been known for its sunny beaches, vibrant cities, and booming economy. But it’s also famous—or perhaps infamous—for its high cost of...

Deed vs. Title: Understanding Property Ownership

Buying a home is exciting, but it can also feel like stepping into a world of unfamiliar terms and paperwork. Two of the most...

Are Home Prices Finally Falling?

For years, the U.S. housing market has felt like a roller coaster ride with soaring home prices, intense competition, and affordability challenges that have...

What is Days on Market, and What Does it Mean for Me?

When you're buying or selling a home, you’ve likely heard the term “days on market” (DOM) tossed around. But what does it really mean,...