Many people want simple answers to their simple questions, but sometimes that is not possible. In real estate, as in so many things in life, seemingly simple questions can open the door to complex issues. Here are a few common questions regarding home buying that require a nuanced response. What’s the best amount for a … Read more
When selling residential real estate, there’s no escaping all sorts of inspections—home inspections, pest and fungus, septic, well, soil, roof, and more. Streamlining this process not only speeds up the sale, it can be the difference between a sale that closes and one the falls apart. When you get inspections up front, you get two … Read more
Like scheduling preventive maintenance on your car or going in for an annual physical for your health, it’s hard to get ourselves to spend money on home inspections unless something’s wrong. The only time most of us get home inspections is when we’re trying to sell our property and the inspections are required as part … Read more
Most of us don’t buy and sell homes very often, so when we hear a myth that sounds plausible, we believe it. Last week I shared home buying myths and debunked them. This week, I thought I’d jump to the seller’s side and debunk common myths people have about how best to sell their … Read more
If you plan to undertake major repairs or structural improvements to your home, you will undoubtedly need a permit to do so legally. Whether you live within the Ukiah city limits or in the unincorporated part of Mendocino County, there’s a planning and building department for you! When do you need a permit? Any time … Read more
Last week I talked about pest and fungus reports. This week, I’m sharing information about home inspections—what they cover and why they’re important. To find a home inspector you’ll be happy with, check references, read contracts, look at sample reports, and most of all ask your realtor for a recommendation. Once you’ve found a good … Read more
After reading last week’s article, if you’re brave enough to buy in winter let me tell you about one of the most vitally important inspections you’ll need to get: a pest and fungus inspection. This is sometimes referred to as the Termite Report, but it is so much more. Of course, a good inspector will … Read more
When you sell a house, you are legally obligated to disclose anything that would negatively affect the value of the property or a buyer’s interest in owning it. So, if you’re selling your home, you probably have quite a list to compile. In Mendocino County, real estate agents typically use an 11-page document that covers … Read more
With so little inventory available, the market is shifting to a seller’s market, even with rates at record lows. So, if you’re a buyer fortunate enough to have signed a purchase contract and gone into escrow, here’s what you need to know to complete the process. First, let’s define “escrow.” Escrow is a neutral place … Read more