Let’s Do It Again: Safe Mendocino Contest Builds on Success of Safe Ukiah Contest

In June, I was talking with Ukiah Police Chief, Chris Dewey. We were reminiscing over the success of the Safe Ukiah contest, and we started…

10 Tips to Prepare for a Home Appraisal

Whether the real estate market is booming or crawling, having a property appraised is a major hurdle for sellers, buyers and lenders. The appraisal is…

Building Your Own Home – Get the Skinny Up Front

Purchasing a to-be-built home is completely different from buying an existing home. When building your own home, whether it’s customizing a spec home or creating…

Servicing Loans — Not for the Faint of Heart

Okay, so you sold your property and allowed the buyer to pay you some of the purchase price over time: you are now in the…

FHA 203K Loans – Right for the Just Right Buyer

When it’s time to buy a house, many different types of loans are available, depending on your status: are you a first-time homebuyer, a California…

Why Getting Permits Up Front Saves Time, Money, and Headaches

If you plan to undertake major repairs or structural improvements to your home, you will undoubtedly need a permit to do so legally. Whether you…

It’s a Buyer’s and a Seller’s Market

Right now it’s a buyer’s and a seller’s market. How can it be both? It’s these low interest rates.Low rates allow more people to qualify…

There’s More to a Loan Officer Than Rates

One of the most common questions any Realtor gets is, “Which lender can get me the lowest rates?” While rates are vital, the better question…

So You’ve Closed Escrow—Now What?

So you’ve closed escrow and are now proud homeowners. You’re ready to move in, but it’ll take more than arranging furniture to finish the job.Here…

Foreclosures – A Last Resort for All Parties: Part III

Last week I reviewed non-judicial foreclosures, but since this is a complicated subject, there’s more to be said.To bring you up to speed, here’s what…