Market Pulse · August 2026 What to Expect as the Summer Market Winds Down August marks the turn toward the fall market. The frenzy of early summer eases, and the tone of the market changes with it. Here is what that shift can mean for you, whether you are buying or getting ready to. The…

NestMade Tip · August 2026 Get Mortgage-Ready Before the Fall Market The fall buying season is just around the corner, and it tends to bring serious sellers and motivated buyers to the table. A little preparation now puts you a step ahead of the crowd. Here are four moves that make you ready to act…

Recipe of the Month · July 2026 Watermelon, Feta & Mint Skewers Makes about 12 skewers · About 5 minutes Nothing says July like fresh, crisp watermelon. Cubed and skewered with savory feta and cool mint, then finished with a drizzle of thick balsamic glaze, this is summer on a stick. It comes together in…

Local Spotlight · Orange County Your OC July Culture & Arts Guide July in Orange County belongs to the beaches and the fairgrounds. Between a summer of live art in Laguna and the return of the county’s biggest fair, there is plenty to fill a weekend. Here are the highlights. The OC Fair returns to…

Local Spotlight · Inland Empire Your IE July Culture & Arts Guide When the valley heat peaks in July, the Inland Empire gives you two great options: head up to the cooler mountains, or settle in for a free movie under the stars. Here are some July highlights across the region. Escape to the Big…

Local Spotlight · San Gabriel Valley Your SGV July Culture & Arts Guide July heats up in the San Gabriel Valley, and the warm evenings are made for getting outside. Here are some free and family-friendly July highlights worth putting on the calendar. Summer in San Gabriel at Mission Playhouse Plaza The city’s free outdoor…

Rate Strategy · July 2026 Why a “Lock and Shop” Strategy Wins in a Shifting Summer Market Summer markets can move in unexpected ways, and few things are harder to plan around than a rate that changes while you are still house hunting. A “Lock and Shop” strategy is built for exactly that problem. It…

Market Pulse · July 2026 Navigating the Mid-Summer Market: Why July Can Favor Serious Buyers The frantic pace of the late spring market usually settles into something steadier by July. For a buyer who is ready to move, that shift can work in your favor. Here is how to read the mid-summer market and use…

NestMade Tip · July 2026 Keep Your Cool (And Keep Your Cash): Smart Ways to Beat the July Heat July brings the hottest stretch of the Southern California year, and your air conditioner feels every degree of it. When the AC runs hard, your energy bill climbs right along with the thermometer. The good news…

NestMade Tip Your Summer Home Prep Checklist: Small Tweaks, Big Savings By Team NestMade  |  May 2026  |  5 min read May in Southern California means one thing is coming fast: heat. Before the temperature climbs and your AC kicks into overdrive, taking a weekend to prepare your home can save you hundreds of dollars…