Matt Helganz's (mhelganz) Blog

Under current federal tax law, homeowners can exclude up to: $250,000 in capital gains (single filer), or $500,000 (married, filing jointly) when they sell a primary residence, provided they’ve lived in it for at least two of the past five years. These thresholds were established in 1997 and have...

One year ago, our Pasadena and Altadena communities faced a day that forever changed the meaning of home for so many. Sirens pierced the stillness of the morning, smoke rolled across the foothills, and families were forced to make sudden decisions no one is ever prepared for. In a matter of hours...

Let’s be honest—most people don’t wake up excited to open a real estate email. That doesn’t mean email is dead. In fact, in Los Angeles, email is still one of the most powerful tools Realtors have when it’s done right. The problem isn’t email marketing—it’s boring email marketing. The agents who ...

If you own or manage multifamily property in California, you’ve probably heard about the state’s balcony inspection laws—SB 721 (for apartments) and SB 326 (for condominiums/HOAs). And if you haven’t? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. These two laws have caused more confusion than a Los Angeles free...

In Los Angeles, multiple-offer situations are the norm—not the exception. With limited inventory, rising demand, and a constant flow of buyers ready to act fast, standing out is essential. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner looking for your next move, knowing how to strengt...

Let’s be honest—selling a home in Los Angeles can feel like juggling a dozen things while sitting in 405 traffic. Between prepping the house, pricing it right, and marketing like a pro, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: with the right strategy, you can sell your LA home fas...

Let’s be real—selling real estate in Los Angeles is a different game altogether. You’re not just selling homes; you’re selling lifestyle, opportunity, and the dream of living under palm trees with a city view. But in 2025, having a nice website or a few Instagram ads isn’t enough anymore. If you ...

Let’s be real—Los Angeles real estate doesn’t wait for anyone. One minute you’re scrolling through listings with your morning coffee, and the next, boom, your dream home hits the market… and by lunchtime, someone’s already writing an offer. In a city where homes can get multiple offers before you...

Let’s be real—if you’re a real estate agent in Los Angeles and you’re not on Instagram or TikTok, you might as well be whispering your listings into the wind. In a city where everyone’s scrolling, posting, and double-tapping, social media isn’t just for selfies—it’s your new open house to the wor...

Modern Sophistication Meets Timeless Comfort in Los AltosWelcome to 1881 Tulane Avenue, a true standout in Long Beach’s highly desirable Los Altos neighborhood. This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is where modern design meets timeless California comfort — a perfect match for today’s d...