As the headline implies, this is the third column in a series about real estate investing. I started with single-family homes, moved to duplexes and four-plexes, and now I’m on to small apartment complexes (residential real estate with 5-12 units). Before I move on, however, I need to correct last week’s column. I said duplexes … 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
April 22, 2014 is Earth Day. To celebrate, you may want to go green and save a little green in the process. You can help the planet while you save a little cash with energy efficient upgrades. Improving energy efficiency can be done on any budget. Of course, larger improvements often yield larger savings. For … Read more
Moving can be exciting, but it tends to come with a few drawbacks (like getting all your earthly possessions from one location to another). So, this column is about some important steps to take to make your move as smooth as possible. As I’ve mentioned before, if you’re selling your house, it is best to … Read more
Consumer confidence is a funny thing. As adults, we understand that wanting something doesn’t necessarily make it so (for example, no matter how much we want our favorite dessert to have zero calories, it doesn’t); however, with consumer confidence it’s the opposite. When enough people believe something, it becomes true. It’s not actually the belief, … Read more
COSTCO is coming! Before I get going, I want to disclose that Realty World Selzer Realty is the listing agent for the property COSTCO will build on. That doesn’t change what I’m about to write, but it’s always important to be up front. Will COSTCO mean boom or bust for Ukiah? When you ask someone … Read more
If you are in the fortunate position of having a little money to invest, or if you are just curious about investing, here’s a bit on real estate as an investment. Before I get started, I’ll remind you that I am neither a financial advisor nor a tax professional. I am not advising any action; … Read more
Last week, I talked about how to hire a realtor. This week, I thought I’d review the basics of hiring a lender. A lender’s job is to find a loan with the best rate available for you. With the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, banks now have very little flexibility, … Read more
Last week I shared ideas about how to improve your home’s energy efficiency by making changes to your home’s interior (replacing old appliances, adding a whole-house fan, etc.). This week, I’ll share some thoughts on exterior improvements to reduce your costs and increase your comfort. As with many things, improvements come in all shapes and … Read more