Disclosures – Might as Well Tell the Truth

In the dictionary, “disclosure” is defined as the action of making new or secret information known. Having recently written a column about selling properties as-is, I thought I’d elaborate on the disclosures sellers are required to make in Mendocino County. Selling a property in its current condition isn’t the same as hiding information about its … Read more


Sonoma Clean Power Comes to Town

  If you live in an unincorporated part of Mendocino County, or in the cities of Fort Bragg, Willits or Point Arena, you should have received a letter from Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) in June, letting you know they’re taking over for PG&E as the region’s electricity supplier. PG&E will continue to maintain the wires … Read more


Buying Existing Loans

  Last week, I shared information about hard-money loans, which are loans that often work when conventional loans won’t. This week, I’ll talk about buying and selling notes secured by real estate, a close cousin to real estate-backed, hard-money loans. If you sold a property and carried the financing, you are now the proud owner … Read more


Buying Existing Loans, called “Real-Estate-Backed Notes”

Last week, I shared information about hard-money loans, which are loans that often work when conventional loans won’t. This week, I’ll talk about buying and selling notes secured by real estate, a close cousin to real estate-backed, hard-money loans. If you sold a property and carried the financing, you are now the proud owner of … Read more


The TRUE Cost of Building

I’m frequently asked why we don’t have more houses available in Ukiah for sale or rent. Although the Realty World Selzer Realty property management division manages about 800 properties, we typically have almost no vacancies—and that’s been true for at least a couple years. The reason, of course, follows the laws of supply and demand. … Read more


Reverse Deferred Exchanges – Not for the Faint of Heart

Once in a while, it’s fun to discuss a topic that’s a little esoteric. While 90 percent of real estate investors will probably never have reason to be involved in a reverse deferred exchange, for those who do, here’s a little introduction. Before I continue, I must give my regular disclaimer. As I’ve said many … Read more


Save Yourself a Little Time and Hassle: Fill Out the Right Forms

  Each time a property’s ownership changes hands, a small avalanche of documentation must accompany the transaction. Your Realtor will walk you through the process, but it’s still nice to know what’s coming. Here’s some information on a couple forms, forms that will save you time and money if you complete them in a timely … Read more


New State Law Governs Granny Units

  Recently, the State of California passed a law eliminating the ability of local governments to unreasonably restrict homeowners from adding a second unit to their property. One of the first considerations was to change the name of these units. They are no longer mother-in-law units or granny units; they are now Accessory Dwelling Units … Read more