Realtor Heather Watkins, MBA

05/30/2026

JUST SOLD! 🏡🎉

I'm so excited for my buyer, who just closed on her new home!

After touring many properties, she kept coming back to this one. While there were a few hurdles along the way, everyone stayed focused on the same goal: getting her to the finish line.

The home needed some FHA-required repairs, and thanks to an amazing team of people collaborating together and our construction company, Oak & Iron Construction, we were able to complete the work during escrow and keep the transaction moving forward.

This transaction is proof that when everyone works together and focuses on solutions, great things can happen.

Congratulations to my buyer on her new home! ❤️🏡

Heather Watkins | Realtor®
Heather Helps Humboldt
DRE #02111228 | Real Brokerage DRE #01963964
📍 1655 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540
📞 (707) 599-4658 | 🌐 heatherhelpshumboldt.com

05/29/2026

JUST SOLD! 🎉🏡

This transaction was a great reminder that real estate doesn't always go according to plan.

We accepted an offer quickly and headed into escrow. My seller was incredibly committed to making the transaction work. Despite everyone's best efforts, we ultimately couldn't come to an agreement, and the first escrow fell apart.

Thankfully, we had an amazing backup buyer ready to step in, and the second escrow ended up being smooth, fast, and successful!

One of the biggest lessons in real estate: don't underestimate the power of a backup offer. I've seen buyers secure homes as the second or even third offer when circumstances unexpectedly change.

A huge thank you to the buyer's agent, the title and escrow team, and my incredible transaction coordinator for helping make this a successful closing. Real estate is truly a team effort, and I'm grateful to work alongside such dedicated professionals.

Most importantly, I'm thrilled for my seller as she begins her next chapter. ❤️

Heather Watkins | Realtor®
Heather Helps Humboldt
DRE #02111228 | Real Brokerage DRE #01963964
📍 1655 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540
📞 (707) 599-4658 | 🌐 heatherhelpshumboldt.com

05/28/2026

Wisdom Wednesday 💡 | Don't Let Interest Rates Keep You On The Sideline

A lot of buyers are waiting for rates to drop back into the 5% range before making a move.

But here’s the reality: today’s buyers have access to loan programs and financing tools that can make homeownership possible right now.

🏡 FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down.
🇺🇸 VA loans offer zero down for eligible veterans.
🌾 USDA loans provide zero down in many rural areas (including parts of Humboldt County).
💰 Seller credits can help buy down your interest rate and reduce monthly payments.

The best time to buy isn’t when rates are perfect.

It’s when the payment works for your budget and the home fits your long-term goals.

Remember: you can refinance a rate later, but you can’t go back and buy today’s home at yesterday’s price.

Questions about what loan program might be the best fit for you? I’d be happy to connect you with a great lender and walk you through your options.

Heather Watkins | Realtor®
Heather Helps Humboldt
DRE #02111228 | Real Brokerage DRE #01963964
📍 1655 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540
📞 (707) 599-4658 | 🌐 heatherhelpshumboldt.com

05/21/2026

Back on the market at zero fault to this beautiful home!
Tucked among towering redwoods with a peaceful river backdrop, this inviting home offers a rare blend of space, character, and natural beauty. Set on a quiet street, the setting feels private and serene while remaining conveniently close to town. The flexible layout features two living rooms filled with natural light and large windows that bring the outdoors in. A standout upper-level bonus room showcases vaulted wood ceilings, skylights, and expansive windows, making it ideal as a game room or studio. Outside, enjoy a spacious yard with a pear tree and surrounded by redwoods, plus an included hot tub for year-round relaxation.

Location: 1065 Riverside Dr, Rio Dell
Price: $445,000

Heather Watkins | Realtor®
Heather Helps Humboldt
DRE #02111228 | Real Brokerage DRE #01963964
📍 1655 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540
📞 (707) 599-4658 | 🌐 https://onereal.com/heather-watkins

05/21/2026

One of the most interesting things about California’s proposed AB 1850 is that it could completely flip the current relationship between real estate brokerages and wholesaling.

Today, most brokerages do not allow their agents to wholesale properties through the brokerage because of the additional compliance and liability concerns.

But if AB 1850 passes, California may effectively require wholesalers to hold a real estate license.

In other words, the exact activity many brokerages currently prohibit could become something that only licensed professionals are allowed to do.

Personally, I’ve always believed licensed real estate agents are often better equipped to wholesale ethically and professionally because they understand contracts, disclosures, agency relationships, and fiduciary duties.

If structured correctly, this bill could bring more transparency, accountability, and professionalism to the real estate investing world.

It will be interesting to see how brokerages adapt if wholesaling becomes an activity reserved for licensed professionals.

What are your thoughts? Is this a positive step for consumer protection, or will it create unnecessary barriers for investors?

Heather Watkins | Realtor®
Heather Helps Humboldt
DRE #02111228 | Real Brokerage DRE #01963964
📍 1655 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540
📞 (707) 599-4658 | 🌐 heatherhelpshumboldt.com

05/20/2026

A great opportunity for VA and FHA buyers! This beautifully updated home features a brand new kitchen with quartz countertops, new cabinetry, stainless appliances, and updated wiring and electrical. New flooring runs throughout and the entire interior has been freshly painted, creating a bright, clean feel. The living room offers a cozy fireplace and flows into the dining area and kitchen with breakfast bar. Comfortable bedrooms, an updated bathroom, and a laundry room with new utility sink add convenience. Outside, enjoy a spacious backyard with mature trees and room to relax or garden. A fully remodeled home where the upgrades are already done.

Location: 507 W Everding St, Eureka
Price: $399,000

Heather Watkins | Realtor®
Heather Helps Humboldt
DRE #02111228 | Real Brokerage DRE #01963964
📍 1655 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540
📞 (707) 599-4658 | 🌐 heatherhelpshumboldt.com

04/29/2026

Ageana and I have the only physical office for Real Brokerage here locally — and we’re constantly getting asked, “wait… who are you guys with?”

Well… now a lot more people are going to know.

Real just bought RE/MAX — forming Real RE/MAX Group.

This is HUGE.

Old-school, globally known brand + cloud-based, tech-driven brokerage? That’s a big shift in the industry. We’re talking about a combined network of over 180,000 agents across 120+ countries 😳 This is literally creating a global, tech-enabled real estate platform.

When I was in Texas and saw Real signs everywhere, I remember thinking… this company is going somewhere. I knew I had to jump on board.

For my clients and clients of RE/MAX agents — nothing changes. Same service, same local focus.

But behind the scenes? Things are evolving in a big way.

Also… genuinely curious what local RE/MAX agents are thinking about this 👀

04/22/2026

This one is a cutie, with an ADU and potential for value add!

Great starter home with ADU fixer for supplemental income. Call for a showing😊

04/13/2026

Open House THIS weekend!
Sunday, April 19th, from 12–2 PM in Eureka

🚨 FULLY REMODELED UNDER $400K 🚨

Brand new kitchen, new flooring, updated electrical — completely move-in ready.

VA & FHA buyers welcome 👏

Message me for details or come check it out this Sunday!

Heather Watkins | Realtor®
Heather Helps Humboldt
DRE #02111228 | Real Brokerage DRE #01963964
📍 1655 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540
📞 (707) 599-4658 | 🌐 https://sarahwagnerphoto.hd.pics/507WEverding