Last week, I began this series, answering questions about the ins and outs of property management. From the outside looking in, property management seems fairly straightforward, but the truth is there are all sorts of situations that can crop up that are not clearly covered by lease agreements or legal precedent. Here are some more … Read more
From the outside looking in, property management seems fairly straightforward. You own a property. You rent it to someone. They agree to stay for an agreed-upon term and take relatively good care of the place. You promise to fix appliances, plumbing and electrical problems should they arise. And everyone lives happily ever after. Except, that’s … Read more
Like scheduling preventive maintenance on your car or going in for an annual physical for your health, it’s hard to get ourselves to spend money on home inspections unless something’s wrong. The only time most of us get home inspections is when we’re trying to sell our property and the inspections are required as part … Read more
You’ve heard the well-worn phrase, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Well, this column is about trying to minimize taxes upon your death, so your money and property end up where you want them to go rather than in Uncle Sam’s pocket. If you own a home, you should have a will. It’s as … Read more
I have been contemplating how people can make their homes more marketable in a world where PG&E Planned Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are now the norm. In the coming years, homes with backup sources of electricity may be more popular than those without. Before we get to those backup options, I’d like to take a … Read more
With climate change, those of us who are homeowners may need to put in extra effort to take care of our houses. Exterior Paint & Siding Ukiah has always had hot summers, but if they get even hotter, exterior paint can’t hold up as well. Look for bubbling, chipping, and flaking paint for surfaces that … Read more
Since your home is typically the biggest single financial investment most people make, it’s important to take care of it and to do your best to save money where you can. Here are some common ways homeowners waste money. Incandescent Light Bulbs I am not one to throw away perfectly good light bulbs but doing … Read more
There are really only two factors that influence the speed with which your house sells: price and exposure. If your house isn’t selling, one of these things needs improvement. Market Research To help you figure out what your house is worth, your Realtor will generally do a little research to find out what comparable houses … Read more
I was recently asked, “What is the difference between a mobile, manufactured, and modular home?” Turns out that even after 40 years in real estate, some questions still stump me. So, I did a little homework. Whether you are considering buying one of these to use as your primary residence or investing in one, it’s … Read more