The Alfano Group's Blog

There’s something special about wearing a great watch. You can put on a fancy suit or drive a nice car but that little timepiece on your wrist beats them all, conveying class and confidence to the gentleman wearing it.  But we seldom think about where they came from, and how they’ve evolved over ...

No matter who you are or where you’re from, you probably have the same financial goals as everyone else – to be comfortable and build wealth.  Lucky for us, we can learn from the habits and traits that successful people all share. They have a certain relationship with money that allows them to g...

America’s real estate recovery is being bolstered by an unexpected and reluctant ally – Chinese investors, who are gobbling up both commercial and residential properties.  The Asian country with over a billion people have a booming economy that’s led to unprecedented financial expansion, and now...

Some time this year, we’ll hit a milestone that will pass without much fanfare – the 10-year anniversary of social media.  The exact dates our modern social media originated are subject to interpretation and debatable, but most give credit to the inception of Facebook in 2004 as a way for colleg...

  California has a history intertwined with precious natural resources.  First, it was gold that led people to go west, young man, establishing our home state around the epicenter of Sacramento and its well-panned hills and rivers.  Next, it was oil in the 1970’s and 1980’s, as shortages drove th...

Are you a savvy homebuyer?  Do you know the in's and out's of selling your home?  Are you so knowledgeable about the world of real estate and mortgages that you think you could pass the state exam today?     Take our real estate and mortgage quiz and let's see what you've got!   1. How long is th...

1. Over borrowing: Homebuyers sometimes get caught up in the frenzy when searching for homes and start putting offers down for much more than they can afford.  Your dream home will be a nightmare if you can’t really afford it!   2. Underestimating home improvement costs. The rule of fixing up or...

Wikihood: If buying real estate is all about location then this neighborhood information app should be your best friend.  It allows you to take a mini tour of almost any neighborhood I the world and learn its history, culture, demographics, and what companies operate there.  Free.   Suburb Scout...

The world’s third richest man has something he wants to tell you.  He’s practically imploring you to listen as he dispenses a parcel of the wisdom that’s made him the third-richest man in the world.  We hardly need to check his resume to convince us to listen, but the billionaire Chairman of Ber...

Glass wallsLooking out at the world is in vogue like never before as glass walls blur the lines between private living spaces and grand views. Advancements in glass technology and building techniques allow for ultra sleek, UV resistant transparent walls and roofs with seamless corners.  Worried ...