Jon Ettelson Team Real Estate

06/09/2026

Could Moving a Bit Further Out Change Everything About Your Budget?

Whether you're dreaming about buying your first home or wondering if it’s time to move on from the one you're in, affordability is probably weighing on your mind. Home prices are still high in many markets, and even though things have improved a bit over the past year, making the numbers work can still feel like a stretch. But the people finding ways to move right now usually have one thing in common. They didn't wait for affordability to come to them. They went looking for it.

According to PODS, 61% of people across all generations say affordability is the biggest factor when deciding where to move. And it's led a growing number of people to do one thing – broaden their search to include more affordable areas they hadn't seriously considered before.

But finding more affordable homeownership doesn't have to mean a cross-country move. It doesn't even have to mean leaving your state, your family, or your favorite coffee shop behind.
Every market has more affordable pockets that most buyers never think to explore – neighborhoods, towns, and communities where home prices are lower, property taxes are more manageable, and the overall cost of living just works better.

Affordability is a real challenge, but it's not an unsolvable one. The key is being open to places you might not have considered before. I can help you find them. Let’s connect!

Jon Ettelson
Coldwell Banker
DRE 01884179

06/09/2026

Those who understand this don’t quit when progress feels slow; they trust the process, knowing that persistence is the price of greatness.

Keep showing up. Time is your ally. 🙌

06/06/2026

Wondering how to clean leather car seats? It’s easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to keep your seats looking fresh and well-maintained. 🚗✨

If you need to know how to clean leather car seats, keep reading. We'll go through the process step by step and simplify the whole thing.

06/05/2026

Thinking About Moving? How To Know if It’s Time To Stay or Sell

At some point, as you start thinking about the years ahead, this question tends to come up: “Could I stay here long-term… or would it make more sense to move?”

It’s not always urgent. It often shows up in small moments, like going up and down the stairs, keeping up with the maintenance, or just thinking about what the next chapter of your life might look like in this home. But even if staying feels like the right answer, it’s still worth thinking ahead about what that might actually look like.

Aging in place is definitely possible. But it’s better if you have a plan. Other times, you’ll have to make bigger decisions: like reworking layouts or moving key spaces to the first floor. Just remember, if you’re thinking about making updates, it’s always worth having a quick conversation before you start. I can help you understand which changes tend to make sense for your situation and how they may impact your home’s value based on your local market.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some people stay and make updates. Others move to simplify things. Either can be the right choice. The goal isn’t to pick one today. It’s to understand your options early, so when the time comes, you feel confident instead of rushed.

And if you ever want a sounding board to think through what the future could look like for you, let’s connect.

Jon Ettelson
Coldwell Banker
DRE 01884179

06/04/2026

Transform your garage into a pet-friendly haven with these smart design ideas. Enhance comfort and functionality for your pets while keeping your space organized and welcoming. 😉

Well-designed garages add extra functionality to the home. Find out how to create a more pet-friendly garage.

06/02/2026

The Real Reason Some People Are Still Moving Right Now

You may be telling yourself you’re going to wait to move – maybe you’re hoping mortgage rates will come down, prices will fall, or the market will feel a little easier. And honestly? A lot of people feel that way right now. But here’s what some are starting to realize. Waiting doesn’t usually fix the thing that made you want to move in the first place.

Eventually, life can reach a point where waiting feels harder than moving. That’s why some people are still deciding to buy right now, even in today’s market. Not because conditions are perfect. But because the life changes behind their move never really went away. And maybe that’s exactly where you are too. If so, you’re certainly not alone.

Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 1 in 5 buyers last year said they felt like they had to purchase a home at that time, no matter the market. That's an important reminder right now. Sure, the dollars and cents of your move have to make sense for you. But big life changes happen whether mortgage rates and home prices are high, low, or somewhere in between.

So, if you’ve been putting your plans on hold, maybe the question isn’t just: “What’s the market doing?” or “When will it get better?” Maybe ask yourself this, too: “Can I still live where I'm at right now and make it work?”

If the answer to that second question is “no,” it may be worth having a conversation about what your options look like today – despite where rates or prices are. You could find your move is still possible after all. With more homes for sale, there’s a better chance to find one that fits your life (and your budget) right now. Life can’t always wait for perfect market conditions. Maybe you don’t have to either.

Jon Ettelson
Coldwell Banker
DRE 01884179

06/02/2026

Choosing the perfect floor plan can be stressful, whether you prefer a single story or a multi-story home with all bedrooms on the top floor. 😫

Here are 5 tips to help you decide on a plan right for your family. 😉

Regardless if you live in an apartment, a condominium or a house, the layout of the rooms and how they flow will largely depend on your lifesty

05/30/2026

Get tips on decluttering kids' toys and creating an organized playroom that’s both functional and fun! Take a tour of smart storage solutions that make cleanup easy. 😉

Let's create beautiful, organized spaces where you and your family can thrive

05/28/2026

A beautiful environment can have a positive effect on a person’s well-being, so check out the gallery below for ideas on how to make your office space calming, productive, and a place you actually want to spend your day in! 😉

Whether your home comes with an office, or you need to find a place for your newly-needed desk, you can find design solutions that will make the most of your office space. Not only does