I’ve had people ask why they need a home inspector and a pest and fungus inspector. Can’t the home inspector just do both reports? In response, I ask: if you went to the optometrist to get your eyes checked, would you expect him to diagnose the bunion on your big toe? No, you wouldn’t. Same … Read more
I was recently talking with Colton Thompson, an entrepreneur who started as a Realtor, then used his real estate knowledge to fuel his successful photography business. Colton is an expert in real estate photography, and not just traditional photos but also drone photography and virtual 3D modeling. The technology he employs allows him to take … Read more
Since fire season is now an annual event, we need to look at neighborhoods differently. How are people reducing risk? Are there exits that will allow people to flee quickly enough in the event of an ever-more-likely wildfire? Since I live in the Ukiah Valley’s eastern hills, I am particularly interested in this area. I … Read more
Spring rains help us reduce the drought—which is good. But they also make it possible for lots of vegetation to grow—which can become fuel for wildfires. Have you hardened your home against wildfire? In the face of a raging fire, there’s nothing any of us can do but evacuate; however, by following the California Fire … Read more
Almost everyone who buys a house needs a home loan. If you’re in the market for a new home and you want to show lenders you’re a safe bet, what should you do? Some answers are obvious. Others, not so much. Basically, lenders want to know how much money you have, how much money you’ll … Read more
If you own a residential rental property, be sure to review Assembly Bill 2710. This proposed bill is a prime example of the government stepping in to “fix” the free market, but causing more harm than good in the process. At Selzer Property Management, we manage several hundred residential units, so we’re in touch with … Read more
As the housing market continues to tighten, buyers find themselves trying to outbid competitors to purchase their dream home. As it turns out, there are several ways to lose a bidding war. Here are a few things to consider before you inadvertently make a decision that could mean financial ruin. Spending Every Penny If you’re … Read more
In 2020, California voters approved Proposition 19, the Property Tax Transfers, Exemptions, and Revenue for Wildfire Agencies and Counties Amendment (2020) to take effect February 1, 2022. Presumably, they thought disadvantaged homeowners (those who are disabled, older than 55, or wildfire victims) should be able to transfer their property tax base when they purchase a … Read more
This is a real estate column, not a political column, but sometimes proposed legislation connected to real estate is so bad that I simply cannot remain quiet. Assembly bills AB 2050 and AB 1771 warrant significant examination with the following considerations in mind. Do we have a housing shortage issue? Do we have a housing … Read more