Title Insurance is a Worthy Investment – Part I
When Realtors explain the importance of title insurance to prospective homebuyers, many homebuyers understandably assume that title insurance is like other insurance—a policy for which…
Category: Real Estate
Why Do Loans Cost So Much?
Recently, a fellow called me looking for a small, private-money loan of $14,000 to fund some home renovations. He had a credit score of 840,…
Less Regulation, Less Expense
On April 28, the Ukiah Daily Journal reprinted a CalMatters.org story about how housing prices have hit a record high in California. The story opens…
Expensive Mistakes Homeowners Make
Owning a home can be costly in the best of times, so there’s no reason to waste money on expensive mistakes. Here are a few…
Spring Selling
Spring is a wonderful time to sell your house. The sun is out. Flowers are blooming. And especially this spring, people are ready to do…
Are We in a Housing Bubble?
Recently, several people have asked me whether I think housing prices are inflated and likely to lead to a market correction. It’s an understandable question,…
Competing in a Hot Housing Market
If you’ve been house hunting, you know the local market is tight. Supply is down which forces prices up. Although Mendocino County is more affordable…
Drought is Coming
In case you haven’t noticed, the whole state of California—including Mendocino County—has been short on rainfall this year. Between October and March (the rainy season),…
Well-Informed Versus Over-Regulated
I was talking with recently elected District 1 Mendocino County Supervisor Glenn McGourty about the challenges we face with housing in the Ukiah area—both a…
Get the Most (Money) Out of Your Home Office
When the pandemic hit, many people were forced to work from home. Now, a significant number of those folks are choosing to work from home…