My friend Ginny Richards, a senior loan officer at Kind Lending in Ukiah, was just telling me about a new loan program from the California Finance Housing Agency (CalFHA). It’s called the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan, and if you’re a first-time home buyer, it could be worth looking into. What is the … Read more
Jumping into home ownership isn’t for everyone, but there are some big upsides, including getting to live in a place that you can make your own, a comfortable home that reflects your style and meets your needs—not to mention the amazing tax benefits. Here are some factors to consider as you embark on this journey. … Read more
Home ownership isn’t right for everyone, but it can be a great investment and provide a huge sense of satisfaction. Before you cross home ownership off your list because you don’t think you can afford it, let me tell you what it takes. The median house price in the Ukiah Valley is about $425,000. Since … Read more
Many renters are under the mistaken impression that they cannot afford to buy a house. Some believe they need a substantial down payment; others believe they cannot afford the monthly expenses of home ownership. While these assumptions may be true, it’s best to review the facts before crossing home ownership off your list. We’ll assume … Read more
An escrow process is the process you go through when a property changes owners, so whether you’re a buyer or a seller, you generally don’t want to delay it. These days most escrows take about 45 days; a few can be quicker and some can be much, much longer. To keep things moving it’s best … Read more
If you’re interested in owning your own home, it’s time to go for it. Home prices have started increasing faster than inflation, and interest rates are at historic lows—but probably not for long. Even if you do not have a down payment, you might be able to qualify for a home loan. Both the United … Read more