House of Zonshine:
The Blog

Straight answers about buying, selling, commission, and how Los Angeles real estate actually works.

Julia Zonshine standing in the doorway of a Los Angeles home

Latest writing

The questions worth answering clearly.

Julia Zonshine standing in front of a purple archway Buying, off-market How Do Agents Find Off-Market Properties in Los Angeles? There's no secret database, just a network, and sometimes the best ones are the listings nobody bothered to stage. Read the article Julia Zonshine standing in a wood-paneled Los Angeles home Buying, what I actually look for What Are the Biggest Red Flags When Buying a House in Los Angeles? The mismatched square footage, the thin cupboard doors, the ceiling fan in every photo—and what each one is really telling you. Read the article Julia Zonshine standing in the arched doorway of a Los Angeles home Selling, timing What's the Worst Month to Sell a House in Los Angeles? There's a real calendar answer, and I'll give it to you. But it's not the one that actually sinks a sale. Read the article Julia Zonshine seated beside a sunlit window Buying and market strategy Is It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market in Los Angeles Right Now? The leverage buyers have right now, what waiting costs, and why affordability matters more than timing the market. Read the article Julia Zonshine standing in the doorway of a Los Angeles home Buying and representation Do I Really Have to Sign a Contract Before My Agent Shows Me a House? What California's buyer-agreement rules mean for home tours, compensation, and your ability to move on. Read the article Julia Zonshine smiling beside a fireplace in a Los Angeles living room FAIR Plan, practical steps What Should I Actually Do About My FAIR Plan Bill Going Up? Fire-hardening discounts, re-shopping private coverage, and the move to make before you offer. Read the article Julia Zonshine standing in the doorway of a Los Angeles home Commission calculator Real Estate Commission Calculator Enter any sale price and rate to see the gross commission on one side of a real estate transaction. Use the calculator Julia Zonshine smiling in front of a warm wood door Buying in Los Angeles How Much Money Do You Actually Need to Buy a House in Los Angeles? Real down payment numbers, closing costs, assistance programs, and where buyers are getting traction. Read the article Julia Zonshine smiling at home Choosing representation What Questions Should I Ask My Real Estate Agent? Don't pick the agent who always agrees with you. Read the article Julia Zonshine smiling in the doorway of a Los Angeles home Insurance and wildfire zones Can I Get Homeowners Insurance in LA in 2026? A confirmed rate hike is about to change when insurance needs to happen in your timeline, not just what it costs. Read the article Julia Zonshine, Los Angeles real estate agent Commission and representation How Much Commission Does a Real Estate Agent Actually Make? The percentage on a closing statement is not the same thing as the agent’s paycheck. Read the article