The Unintended Consequences of Regulation

You’ll have to excuse me while I step onto my soapbox for a moment. Government regulation is not only getting in the way of efficiency, which is bad for business, but it is also harming the very people it purports to help. When it comes to rent control, casualty insurance, and financial regulations, the government … Read more


Say Thanks to the Good Guys

When people’s perceptions about community safety take a negative turn, I pay attention because it usually means there will soon be a decline in property values. People don’t want to live in unsafe neighborhoods. As a real estate broker, this affects my business. However, the real reason I care so much about community safety is … Read more


The Finances of Downsizing May Surprise You

Recently, I received an inquiry from a retired couple living in Ukiah’s El Dorado subdivision. They asked whether they could take their tax basis with them if they downsized to a smaller home in town. Thanks to Proposition 19, the Property Tax Transfers, Exemptions, and Revenue for Wildfire Agencies and Counties Amendment (2020), the answer … Read more


Getting Your Finances in Order

Unless you have enough cash to buy a home outright, acquiring a home requires finding a lender who thinks you’re a safe bet. This means it’s time to get your finances in order. Affording a home includes both short-term and long-term costs. Lenders can confirm that you have enough money for a down payment, but … Read more


Tips for a Quick Sale

When it comes to selling your house, it can be tempting to ignore some of your Realtor’s advice, especially when they want you to do a bunch of work that may seem unnecessary. The fact is you are not objective about your house. No one is. A Realtor can help you see your own blind … Read more


When to Get Appraisal – Part 3

Besides satisfying your curiosity, knowing your home’s value can come in handy. A home appraisal is an unbiased evaluation to determine your property’s market value. This is the third of a three-part series. Eminent domain Litigation can generate the need for an appraisal in several ways. Let’s say the government plans to expand a roadway … Read more


When to Get Appraisal – Part 2

Besides satisfying your curiosity, knowing your home’s value can come in handy whether you’re litigating a legal case, dealing with estate issues, or managing an insurance claim. A home appraisal is an unbiased evaluation to determine your property’s market value. This is the second of a three-part series. Bankruptcy or other litigation In the event … Read more


When Should You Get an Appraisal?

Besides satisfying your curiosity, knowing your home’s value can come in handy whether you’re selling, refinancing, or managing your taxes. A home appraisal is an unbiased evaluation to determine your home’s market value. Engaging in a For Sale By Owner I cannot urge you strongly enough to hire a Realtor when buying or selling property … Read more


To Save on Taxes, Timing Matters (Part II)

When it comes to income and investing, understanding how timing affects your taxes is a big deal. Profits from your investment property are affected by the timing of sales as well as how you hold the property (including how you manage depreciation). Installment Sale If you own property free and clear (or with very little … Read more