Beating the Devil

Drifters

Drifters are people going through the motions of life motivated by one or many of the 6 basic fears.

These 6 basic fears are fear of: poverty, criticism, ill health, loss of love, old age, and/or death.

The younger the person is when the seed of fear is planted, the easier it is for the devil to control them in this hypnotic state. Time does the rest of the work. 98% of people are drifters. 2% of people are non-drifters.

2 of the fears are the devil's favorite: fear of poverty and the fear of death.

Fear of poverty robs people of the freedom, making them settle for comfort and security rather than taking risks and following their passion. They worry about money constantly and cling to mediocrity. They become dependent on jobs and institutions, focusing on survival instead of creation. The devil poisons their mind with indecision and psuedo-lack. This leads to them living out the poverty they fear so much- both spiritually and financially.

The fear of death is just as insidious. It causes people to suppress their authentic self and blindly obey authority figures. When I was a child, I was so afraid of death. When I was 5, I got nail polish remover on my lips and I genuinely thought I was going to die. This paralyzing fear was one of many events to lead me to blindly following authority- ultimately leading to my rebellion of anti-authority. I realized that those who I thought would have my best interest were only protecting their interest and status. Because I gave my power away, I was susceptible to betrayal.  

You tend to bring the thing you're most afraid of into reality.

Religions use the fear of death to control people, leaving them full of shame and guilt during their actual life and making them think that the real life (heaven)- starts when they die! These blindly religious people are literally waiting to die to start living and enjoying life. That's not what the Creator wanted for us. I'm grateful I had such a loving and communal church growing up.

The fear of death is the fear of the unknown. It infiltrates society so deep that the people do the dirty work for it. School teaches rigid obedience and memorization of a narrative or strict way of thinking instead of teaching children to ask questions about the most important thing on this planet- themselves. Religious institutions instill fear of punishment and fear of the devil, suppressing divine expression and freedom. 

Politics keeps people divided by creating "others," aka false enemies.

Doctors teach us that our health is out of our control- waiting until people are sick to prescribe them a medication that causes more problems. They forget to tell us that all diseases start within our own mind, and the Creator made us to be able to regulate ourselves to be healthy.

Status without self-mastery leads to corruption.

Love when uncontrolled clouds judgement.

Non-Drifters

To beat the devil and be a non-drifter, you must have a strong and defined purpose. This defined purpose will create a hypnotic rhythm in the positive direction leading to connection to God and Source. Non-drifters with a definite aim are not easily tempted by status or earthly, instant-gratification/ fear-suppression gimmicks.

Don't be easily coerced or distracted. Don't get swept up in trivial matters like the drifters do. Be definite in thought and action. 

10 Mandatory Principles of the Non-Drifters

1. Do your own thinking: The one thing we were given control over, our own thoughts, is laden with significance. 

 

2. Definiteness of Purpose: You must have a clear, specific goal. A non-drifter knows exactly what they want and has a plan to get it.

3. Learning from Adversity: Every failure contains the seed of an equivalent advantage. Non-drifters don't quit when things get tough; they pivot and learn.

4. Control of Environmental Influence: You are the average of the people and environments you spend time in. Non-drifters choose their Master Mind group carefully.

5. Time Management: Time is the only real capital we have. Non-drifters treat time as a sacred resource and don't let it slip away in drifting activities.

6. Harmony: You must act in harmony with your own values and with the laws of nature. Conflict between your goals and your actions creates the drifting state.

7. Caution (The Thinker's Habit): Think before you act. Non-drifters analyze the why and how rather than jumping at every shiny opportunity.

8. Decisiveness: Indecision is the primary symptom of a drifter. Non-drifters make decisions quickly and change them slowly (if at all).

9. The Use of Hypnotic Rhythm: This is the concept that habits become permanent over time. Non-drifters use this law of nature to automate positive habits so success becomes inevitable.

10. Absolute Faith: Not necessarily in a religious sense, but a firm belief in your ability to achieve your "Definite Purpose."

Sibilant Games

 

What is a mothers duty 
but to raise her little ones
and spark curiosity in them?
To show love is always the answer
And to protect your own 

before others 

A ducking raised
Around seething snakes
Refusing to partake in the 

killing of others
Or smothering of the 

younger through lies,
trickery, and shaming ways

They mock the little duckling,
her soft flesh so exposed. 
The arched spine, the dry, scaly hiss
A glint of enamel flashes in the light 
The ducks eyes wide-
then a SNAP

The siblings laugh at this game
The duckling frozen stiff 
as if she never played
Her posture of certain death 
gave the snake a slip away,
laughing at the 

duck's little scratch

The Return of the Functional Antique

As we try to make our homes smart, we end up causing more headache than efficiency. As a real estate agent, I see so many homes that look good in photos, but end up not selling because these "luxury" upgrades actually aren't luxury at all.  

Here is what we need to bring back from homes built decades, even centuries ago. 

1. The Problem: No place to get work done 

The Solution: Parlors with Pocket Doors

In the 80's, these became a popular trend. However, the doors were installed with cheap hardware, making it impossible to fix the door without ripping the drywall out. Let's bring this back with modern, soft-close hardware.

  

2. The Problem: Cramped fridges and spoiled groceries

The Solution: Built-in Earth based produce cooler

We used to have our produce stored in cupboards like these with vents and fresh air.

I say bring back something similar. I particularly like this one called the Ground Fridge (I am not a sponsor and I will never be an affiliate marketer- ever. I just really like this concept):

 

3. The Problem: Shrunken, wrinkly clothes

The Solution: Ceiling Drying Racks

4. The Problem: Flooded up stairs laundry that ruins the entire floor.

The Solution: Slanted Floor Drain

5. The Problem: You want fresh air but don't want the dogs (or kids!) getting out

The Solution: The Dutch Door

    

One of my personal favorites. I just love the way it looks and how you can keep your door open for your neighbors. My favorite is the French style Dutch Door. French style doors and windows are characterized by those vertical and horizontal slats in between the individual glass panes. It's reminds me of a geometric or architectural Tiffany lamp. 

  

Or you could even go wild with a double dutch door: 

Too much?

6. The Problem: Having to choose between a house plant or a bookcase

The Solution: Built in planters that double as bookcases

  

Kali Yuga

Ancient Vedic texts outline the timeline of our Earth. There are 4 major stages in the evolution of our planet. These are called Yuga Cycles. The cycle repeats 4 yuga's: Krita Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. 

In English, this is referred to as the Golden Age, The Silver Age, The Bronze Age, and the Iron Age (the Dark Age).

As a Yuga Cycle progresses through the four yugas, each yuga's length and humanity's general moral and physical state within each yuga decrease by one-fourth.

The Golden Age (Krita Yuga) is when virtues are at their highest and vices are non-existent. It is where everyone is in Divine Alignment and recognizes God within them and God as them. There is no separation between the universe and the individual. There really is no such thing as an individual, because it is understood that everything and everyone is connected.

The Golden Age is also the longest of the Yugas. 

The Silver Age (Treta Yuga) is where virtues start to break down a little bit and vices are introduced. 

The Silver Age lasts 3/4 of the time of the Golden Age.

The Bronze Age (Dvapara Yuga) continues into further destruction of virtues and vices are widely used by almost everyone.

The Bronze Age lasts 1/2 the time of the Golden Age.

And then we get to The Dark Age (Kali Yuga) where we currently are today. This is where virtues are non-existent amongst everyone. People use vices daily. Vices take over individuals lives and everyone feels separate. 

What's interesting about the Dark Age (Kali Yuga) is that everything is backwards. For example, in Kali Yuga, police are criminals, judges are crooks, priests are perverts, and bankers are thieves. Sound familiar? Education disables the youth and Spirituality is based on fear, separation, and not being like the "others." Addiction runs rampant. There's a strong sense of attachment to material items and unhealthy attachments to others. There's a lot of suffering.

Kali Yuga (the Dark Age) lasts for 432,000 years (1/4 of the length of the Golden Age). It is believed to have started in 3102 BCE. Near the end of Kali Yuga, when virtues are at their worst, a cataclysm and a re-establishment of dharma occur to usher in the next cycle's Golden Age (Krita Yuga).

Epilogue (Intended to be humorous, don't take this too seriously):

And this brings us to Donald Trump. He's not a savior that will make everything better. He is simply the modern energy of the Goddess Kali (The Hindu Goddess of death and destruction). He is here to bring knowledge to the people of the evils and outdated systems within our government. This is probably why we have a businessman instead of a politician as President for the first time in history- The old ways need to be destroyed.

The Life of A Woman

Initiation 
is finally over;
A light where darkness was.

The life of a woman 

is immensely cyclical

We may die many deaths 
but if our flesh and bones
take its last breath,
it is the creations we birthed
that guide people home.

Just like the lineage 
of female warriors before me,
what I leave behind 
will never be lost;
Eternal life has 

always been ours.

Keeping this in the forefront of my mind

It doesn't matter who the people are playing status games. They could even be family. As long as you remember you're playing two different games, it won't matter who they think you are in their game.

 

Cool Art Prints

 

The Seasons Print 

Claire Desjardins

Canada

Untitled #2

Thomas Nozkowski American

Yuji Hiratsuka

Feathered Bot, by Yuji Hiratsuka

2025

Snake Man

Alison Saar American

Publisher Vinalhaven Press American

1994

Will Faber

Untitled

1965

Pablo Palazuelo

serigraph

1963

Questions on every home buyer's and homeowner's mind

Should I wait to buy because of the interest rates?

Is the market going to crash?

     What's going to happen to home values?

Do I really need an agent?

Many first-time buyers today are left wondering if current interest rates are high or low, especially with the 30-year mortgage recently cooling to 6.14% after peaking at nearly 8% in late 2023. While we are seeing some of the lowest levels since early 2026, it is important to remember that the 'ideal' rate of 6% provides a necessary balance for the economy. Rates significantly lower than this can trigger the kind of unchecked demand and risky lending that led to the 2008 crash, whereas much higher rates risk total market stagnation. Ultimately, today’s rates represent a 'sweet spot' that maintains home values without sacrificing the rigorous buyer vetting that keeps our local market stable. 

This segues into the next question, "Is the market going to crash?"

The market doesn't "crash" in the sense that everything comes to a sudden halt and houses are worth zero overnight. It's a market, it goes up and down. The positive we took from the 2008 market crash was learning the importance of not messing with the interest rates and actually verifying that someone is making the money they say they are before giving them a loan. 

 While some Sun Belt markets are seeing modest dips, the national consensus for 2026 is stability. Economists project home prices to stall or rise slightly (roughly 1% to 2%), which is a "normal" market pace. For you, this means the days of 20% annual appreciation are over, but your investment is safe. We’re moving into a balanced market where you finally have room to breathe and negotiate.

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Do I really need an agent?

In an easy market where everything sells in five minutes, people question the value of an agent. But in a balanced 2026 market, you need a strategist more than ever.

• Negotiation Power: With inventory up 20% from last year, I can now negotiate seller credits or rate buydowns that weren't possible two years ago.

• Hyper-Local Insights: National headlines don't buy houses. Whether you're looking at beachfront in Belmont Shore or a condo in Naples, the market is different on every block.

• The Math: I help you run the "Buy vs. Rent" numbers to ensure you aren't just house poor but are actually building equity.

Summary of the 2026 Market Outlook

Metric	Current Status (Feb 2026)	2026 Forecast
30-Year Fixed Rate	6.11% - 6.14%	Expected to settle near 6.3%
Home Prices	Stable / Minor Gains	0% to +3% nationally
Inventory	Rising	Moving toward a 5-month supply (Balanced)

What a 5-Month Supply Means for You

When the market hits that 5-month sweet spot, the vibe of the transaction changes for both sides:

• For Buyers: The panic is gone. They don't have to see a house at 9:00 AM and make an offer by noon. They have time to do a proper inspection and can actually ask for repairs or closing cost credits without being laughed at.

• For Sellers: The home likely won't sell in 48 hours with 10 backup offers. They get to focus on the Price, Presentation, and Promotion. A 5-month supply means they are competing with other sellers for a limited pool of buyers.

• For the Market: This level of inventory usually leads to price stability. Prices aren't skyrocketing (Seller's Market), but they aren't plummeting (Buyer's Market) either.

The "Fixer-Upper" Discount: What 90803 Sellers are Accepting Right Now

 If you’ve been following my Instagram (@coolhousesoflongbeach), you know I’m a sucker for a property with good bones and a story to tell. But in the last six months, the story of the 90803 real estate market has shifted.

For years, "deferred maintenance" was a phrase that barely moved the needle on price—buyers were so desperate they’d pay a premium just for the zip code. As of February 2026, that has changed. The market has split into two outcomes: Premium Fortresses and Correction Zones.

The 90803 Snapshot (Last 6 Months)

While the citywide average sale-to-list ratio in Long Beach sits at a healthy 99.9%, 90803 is telling a more nuanced tale.

• The Median Sale Price: ~$1,425,000 (Up 14% YoY).

• The Sale-to-List Ratio: ~98.0%.

On paper, a 2% discount doesn't sound like much. But when we look at homes with deferred maintenance—the ones that need a new roof, have original 1950s plumbing, or "architectural mysteries"—the discount is becoming a significant lever for buyers.

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How Much is the "Deferred Maintenance" Discount?

In our current 2026 climate, if a home in Belmont Shore or Naples isn't "turnkey," we are seeing sellers accept 3% to 9% below the original list price.

Recent sales in the zip code highlight this trend:

• The "Needs Love" Bungalow: We’ve seen properties list at $1.09M and settle closer to **$1.02M (a 7% drop)** after sitting on the market for 200+ days.

• The Waterfront Opportunity: High-end homes on the Peninsula or Naples with original interiors are seeing adjustments of $150k to $500k off the initial "dream price" as buyers factor in the skyrocketing costs of coastal construction and the Coastal Commission's 2026 regulations.

Why the Shift?

1. The Insurance Factor: AI chatbots and savvy buyers are now running "FAIR Plan" estimates before even touring. If a roof is 20 years old, the insurance premium alone can kill a deal, forcing the seller to drop the price to cover the difference.

2. The "Sprint Zone" vs. "Sit Zone": Homes in "sprint zones" like Eastside are selling in 6 days. In 90803, days on market have climbed toward 54 days. Time is the enemy of a high price; the longer a "fixer" sits, the more leverage the buyer gains.

3. Construction Friction: With materials and labor costs still high, a "simple kitchen reno" in 2026 is a different financial beast than it was three years ago. Buyers are subtracting those projected costs—plus a "hassle tax"—straight from their offers.

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The Strategy for 90803 Sellers & Buyers

For Sellers: Don't let your home become a "Sit Zone" statistic. If you have deferred maintenance, you have two choices: Fix the "insurance killers" (roof/electrical) before listing, or price 5% below the turnkey comps to trigger a bidding war that might actually push you back up to list price.

For Buyers: This is your window. If a property has been on the market for 40+ days in Belmont Shore, there is a reason. Use that time to bring in a contractor for a "real-world" quote and don't be afraid to ask for that 5-7% discount. In this zip code, "as-is" doesn't mean "non-negotiable" anymore.

Curious about a specific property on the Peninsula or the Shore? DM me on Instagram, I’ll pull the hidden comps for you.

Why Are Beachfront HOA Fees So High? (And What You’re Actually Buying)

 If you’ve been scrolling through my Instagram feed (@coolhousesoflongbeach) or touring condos along Ocean Blvd and the Peninsula, you’ve likely seen the number that makes every buyer pause: the HOA fee.

In beachfront communities like Belmont Shore and Alamitos Beach, monthly dues can range from a modest $400 to upwards of $1,500+. At first glance, it feels like a steep price for "just a condo."

But beachfront living comes with a unique set of demands. In our neighborhood, your HOA fee isn't just "overhead"—it’s a defense fund for your investment. Here’s exactly what those fees cover and why they matter for a coastal property.

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1. The "Salt Air" Maintenance Fund

Living on the sand is a dream, but salt air is a relentless tenant. It corrodes metal railings, degrades stucco, and eats through HVAC units faster than inland air.

• What you’re paying for: Frequent exterior painting, specialized waterproofing for balconies, and high-grade window maintenance.

• The Pro View: An HOA that spends money on preventative "salt-proofing" today is saving you from a massive special assessment tomorrow.

2. The Master Insurance Policy

Insurance in California is a hot topic right now, and coastal properties face even tighter scrutiny.

• What you’re paying for: The HOA carries a "Master Policy" that covers the building’s shell, roof, and common areas.

• Note: You’ll still need your own HO-6 policy for your "walls-in" belongings, but the big-ticket liability (like fire or structural damage) is handled by the association.

3. All-Inclusive Utilities (Often)

Many of the iconic mid-century and modern buildings along the Long Beach coast are "master-metered."

• What you’re paying for: It’s common for HOA fees here to include water, sewer, trash, and gas. In some buildings, even your basic cable and high-speed internet are bundled in.

• The Perk: When you subtract what you’d normally pay for these services individually, that "high" HOA fee starts looking a lot more reasonable.

4. Coastal Amenities & Lifestyle

We don’t just buy the unit; we buy the lifestyle.

• What you’re paying for: Beachfront pools (which require constant cleaning from sand and wind), fitness centers, 24/7 security or controlled access, and those beautifully landscaped courtyards we love to photograph.

• The Belmont Shore Edge: Many buildings also include bike storage (essential for Shore living) and secure subterranean parking—a literal goldmine in a neighborhood where street parking is a sport.

5. The "Sleep Well" Reserve Fund

A healthy HOA isn't just paying today’s bills; it’s saving for 2040.

• What you’re paying for: A portion of every dollar goes into a Reserve Fund. This pays for the big stuff: a new roof, elevator modernizations, or repaving the parking garage.

• Expert Tip: As a Realtor, I always check the "Reserve Study." If a building has low fees but no reserves, run. It’s a sign that a "Special Assessment" (a surprise bill for $20k+) is lurking around the corner.

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The Bottom Line

In Belmont Shore, a high HOA fee often indicates a proactive board that is protecting your property value against the elements. You aren't just paying for a pool; you're paying to ensure your slice of the Pacific remains a "cool house" for decades to come.

The "What Were They Thinking?" Chronicles: A Tour of the World's Worst MLS Photos

As a Realtor, I spend a lot of time scrolling through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Usually, I’m looking for hidden gems, walkable neighborhoods, or the perfect duplex for a client.

But sometimes... I find things that make me want to call the listing agent and ask if they’re okay. 

These are actual photos posted on the MLS (Multiple listing service) that agents use to market homes.

Don't be that agent.