Technology continues to evolve, and with it, so do the ways we can be deceived. I’m not talking about artificial intelligence, but rather old-fashioned fraud perpetrated with new tools. In real estate, at least two types of fraud have happened right here in Mendocino County. Lest you think you’re immune, beware. The people who got … Read more
In 2019, the City of Ukiah completed three of the four phases required to build a water recycling system, often referred to as the purple pipe project. The fourth phase is currently underway. As of now, the City produces about 1,000-acre feet of recycled water annually, which it uses for agricultural irrigation, parks, the golf … Read more
In a recent nationwide survey of more than 1,600 people, respondents shared some of the reasons they would consider leaving their hometown (or their home state) as opposed to what kept them there. This is interesting to me both as a real estate broker and as a community member. One of the hot topics was … Read more
Last year was a perfect storm for the housing market: interest rates and homeowner’s insurance premiums skyrocketed, wages were stagnant, and fewer houses were on the market. So, it’s no wonder that last year was the least affordable year on record for single-family homes. “Affordable” indicates that people with the median income for an area … Read more
Traditionally, spring is the time when people put their houses up for sale. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the hope is that the beauty of the season will render the homes on the market irresistible to prospective buyers. This spring, we’re likely to see quite a bit more inventory. People have mostly recovered … Read more
On Your Mark, Get Ready, Close! You’re almost there. You’ve found the home you want to buy. You’ve made an offer. The seller has accepted. Now you’re on the home stretch. Be sure to do the following tasks for a smooth close of escrow. Clear contingencies When you and the seller signed the sales agreement, … Read more
With interest rates higher than they’ve been in years, those who want to buy a home are looking for ways to make it more affordable. According to Zillow, younger generations are willing to get creative when it comes to home ownership. One of the most common housing hacks among Millennials (ages 29-43) and Gen Z … Read more
Many renters are under the impression that they can’t afford to buy a house. Some think they need to save a bunch of cash for a down payment. Others believe the monthly expenses are too high. While these assumptions may be true, loan programs for first-time homebuyers can make it much easier to become a … Read more
When it comes to home loans, many lenders offer special programs for those who have never owned a home or who haven’t owned one for years. By offering loans with little or no down payment, lenders support people who can afford the monthly expenses of home ownership, but who have struggled to save significant cash … Read more