A More Affordable Housing Market
Last year was a perfect storm for the housing market: interest rates and homeowner’s insurance premiums skyrocketed, wages were stagnant, and fewer houses were on…
Tag: homeowner tips
On Your Mark, Get Ready, Close!
On Your Mark, Get Ready, Close!You’re almost there. You’ve found the home you want to buy. You’ve made an offer. The seller has accepted. Now…
Increase the Value of Your Home with Tax Incentives and Rebates
As a rule, homeowners want low utility bills and high home values. So, it stands to reason that if you are selling your house, your…
The Department of Justice Has It Wrong
The Department of Justice is suing the National Association of Realtors for price fixing and restraint of trade. Several major real estate franchises have settled…
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…
Get Ready to Buy
Traditionally, spring is the time when people put their houses up for sale. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the hope is that the…
House Hacking: Making Home Ownership More Affordable
With interest rates higher than they’ve been in years, those who want to buy a home are looking for ways to make it more affordable.…
New Rules About Accessory Dwelling Units
In 2017, the State of California passed a law preventing local governments from unreasonably restricting homeowners from adding a second unit to their property, commonly…
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,…
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…