A reader recently expressed surprise and dismay about what she called a “deed exclusion clause” that restricted what she could do on her property. Likely, she was referring to the covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), a set of rules that govern how a group of properties will be used and maintained. The goal of CC&Rs … Read more
When selling residential real estate, there’s no escaping all sorts of inspections—home inspections, pest and fungus, septic, well, soil, roof, and more. Streamlining this process not only speeds up the sale, it can be the difference between a sale that closes and one the falls apart. When you get inspections up front, you get two … Read more
I received a letter recently asking if Mendocino County has “local traditions” around what is revealed when selling real estate. This gentleman sold his house in the Bay Area, where he disclosed everything he was supposed to. He then bought a property locally where the seller failed to mention some rather important details, not least … Read more
Water heaters are one of those appliances most of us don’t think much about until a cold shower reminds us that it is, in fact, our favorite appliance. When your water heater goes out, or when its warranty is coming to its end (guaranteeing it will soon go out), it is wise to review your … Read more
Like almost everything else in 2020, the housing market has provided some surprises. One would think that during a pandemic, people would hunker down, delay any plans to relocate, and wait out the storm. Instead, the housing market is red hot. Record-low interest rates combined with COVID-related changes have spurred people to buy and sell … Read more
In late 2020, nearly half of Americans were working from home. Although the pandemic will eventually end and people will be allowed to return to a more traditional office space, it seems likely that many will opt to continue to work from home, and this could have a significant impact on the housing market—where people … Read more
Interest rates can have a dramatic effect on the cost of real property over time. To guard against rate changes during the escrow process, buyers sometimes opt for a rate-lock. That is, when a property is in escrow and interest rates are favorable, a buyer can pay a fee (called points) or pay with a … Read more
As I mentioned last week, Mendocino County staffers in the Planning Department have published their proposed County Oak Tree and Oak Woodlands ordinance, an ordinance required as part of local cannabis regulation. Staffers were supposed to write an ordinance that prevented the wholesale clearing of oak woodlands to plant cannabis, which has some merit. Instead, … Read more
On November 5, I attended a public workshop to review the proposed Mendocino County Oak Tree and Oak Woodlands ordinance, an ordinance intended to prevent the wholesale clearing of oak woodlands to plant cannabis. While I support its intent, it is so poorly written that even my tree-hugging, environmental-crusader friends will likely take issue with … Read more