When it comes to real estate, you can invest in several types of properties. The question is, why would you? Well, because it can pay handsomely. A reader asked, “If I were interested in investing in real estate, where should I start?” Well, there are several different types of real estate investments: single family homes, … Read more
Before I jump into the topic of who pays for what on a rental property, let me say that contracts trump all. If you sign a contract that gives away your rights or requires you to pay for uncommon expenses, it doesn’t matter what’s “typical.” You have to comply with the contract. When you own … Read more
Hey, I had the opportunity to give away another one of my Schat’s Bakery gift cards with this column, since it was in response to a question from a reader. The reader asked, “What are the costs and benefits of hiring a property management company to deal with my rental property, and what’s typically required … 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 you have the funds. I’ll use a four-plex as my example. In Ukiah, you can purchase one for about $450,000 and … Read more
Moving comes with some unavoidable expenses, but you can cut some moving expenses by following these tips. The most obvious way to save money is to move yourself rather than hiring a moving company to pack your belongings and truck them to your new place. If you have a choice about when to move, and … Read more
Like I mentioned last week, it’s time for spring cleaning. Last time I focused on seasonal or annual chores for the outside of your property. Now we’ll move inside, starting with the laundry room. In the laundry room, be sure to check the water hoses to the washing machine. Those hoses are designed to last … Read more
The sunny weather and beautiful wildflowers are here to tell you it’s spring, and with spring comes spring-cleaning. Maintaining a home requires time, effort, and a little planning. While many chores must be done daily, weekly, or monthly, some only need to be done seasonally or annually—so they’re easier to forget. Let’s look at some … Read more
I am happy to announce that I have to get back to Schat’s Bakery to pick up some more gift cards because I’m getting several excellent column ideas. Thank you! Although I had planned to talk about rules for renters, this week I’m responding to a question about fireplaces. Spring in Ukiah can be chilly, … Read more
People often spend a lot of time thinking about the house they want to live in, but not as much time considering the neighborhood. Here are some important questions to consider before making an offer on a house. Since the answers to these questions are different for different people, I’ll just pose the questions and … Read more