Typically, when a property changes ownership, a new tax base is established. Since property taxes are paid at the same time every year, new property owners have to pay a “supplemental property tax” to cover the time from the close of escrow (purchase date) to the beginning of the fiscal year when property taxes are … Read more
I’ve written three “Real Estate Investing” columns covering single-family residential properties; duplexes and four-plexes, apartment complexes with fewer than five units and larger apartment complexes (with up to sixteen units). I recently received a request to write a column on investing in commercial real estate, so here you go. Commercial Property Rentals Commercial property is … Read more
As the headline implies, this is the third column in a series about real estate investing. I started with single-family homes, moved to duplexes and four-plexes, and now I’m on to small apartment complexes (residential real estate with 5-12 units). These come with advantages and disadvantages; they have a better price-to-income ratio than the smaller … Read more
Last week I shared information about investing in real estate, specifically purchasing a single-family home for use as a rental. This week, I’ll share why duplexes and four-plexes can be even better investments if they fit within your budget. Let’s use a four-plex as an example. In Ukiah, you can purchase one for about $650,000 … Read more
Years ago, I wrote a series of columns about investing in real estate. Since I’ve recently gotten questions on this topic, I thought I’d dust off the old columns and bring them out for an encore. The most important question to start with is this: why should anyone invest in real estate? The answer: because … Read more
2020 Changes Starting in 2020, U.S. military veterans will be able to qualify for more expensive home loans without having to come up with a down payment. When it comes to home loans, there’s a dividing line between conforming loans and jumbo loans. The maximum amount for a conforming loan right now in Mendocino County … Read more
Because of California wildfires in recent years, insurance companies have issued substantial payouts to thousands of customers, which negatively affected their bottom line. In response, insurance companies are increasing premiums and denying coverage to the people who need it most. Here are some tips on how to maintain the insurance coverage we need in this … Read more
Richard Selzer recently announced the expansion of his real estate company. “We are now Selzer Realty & Associates RE/MAX GOLD,” he said. Selzer says he plans to take full advantage of RE/MAX’s extensive digital marketing tools to continue “to provide our local clients with the exceptional service they’ve come to expect from us.” RE/MAX GOLD … Read more
As I mentioned last week, recent California wildfires have caused insurance companies to increase premiums and deny coverage to many of the homeowners who need it most. What I didn’t mention was the increased need for flood insurance in this new wildfire era, because flooding and mudslides are far more likely when the vegetation that … Read more