Play to Your Strengths
For the past couple columns, you may have noticed that I’ve written about financial equations and analysis. This is my happy place. My favorite part…
Author: Richard Selzer
Basic Finance 101: Compounding Interest
When it comes to buying real estate, many people tend to get a little overwhelmed by the financial side of things as they try to…
Water Rights for Homeowners
Many of us don’t think much about the water we use. If we turn on the tap and water comes out, we’re satisfied. When we…
What Are Landlords Responsible For?
Many people rent rather than own their homes. If this is true for you, you depend on a landlord to maintain your residence in good…
The Tax Benefits of Investing in Residential Real Estate
Whenever I discuss the tax benefits of investing in real estate, I start with this disclaimer: I am not a tax professional and I am…
Basic Finance: Internal Rate of Return
This is the second in a series about finance. Because saving for a down payment can have such an enormously positive impact on which property…
Homeowners Insurance and Wildfire Coverage
If your home burned in last fall’s wildfires, you may be interested in the following bills going through the state legislature right now.AB 1797: Replacement cost…
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
When you get a loan to buy a house, you can choose a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate mortgage. A fixed rate means the interest rate…
The Accidental Realtor
In a typical real estate transaction, buyers and sellers each have a licensed real estate agent to represent them. Realtors are legally obligated to work…
Opportunity Zones
Before I begin, please note I am not an attorney, nor am I an accountant, and the information currently available about the program I’m about…