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
Last week, I shared a list of common mistakes first-time home sellers often make. Here are several more. Hopefully, this will help you avoid them! Seeing Only Dollar Signs Once a prospective buyer makes an offer, it’s important to remember that price is only one piece of an offer. Contingencies and loan problems can stop … Read more
If you’ve never sold a home before, allow me to share a few common mistakes so you can avoid them. Overpricing Especially in this market, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overpricing. Given how much housing values have risen in recent years, it would be natural to assume that the trend will continue. … Read more
Last week, I shared a few important factors to consider when buying a home for the first time, including getting your finances in shape and saving for the down payment. Home ownership isn’t for everyone, but there are some big upsides, including getting to live in a comfortable home that reflects your style and meets … 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
Now that Governor Newsom’s executive order from October 2017 has expired, rent increases are no longer limited to 10 percent of 2017 rates. This allows landlords to increase rents to keep up with the cost of inflation. If you own a rental, you may struggle with the idea of raising the rent each year. It … Read more
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, I’ve been asked how this might affect the housing market. First, let me say that the housing market is not the most important thing about this war. I dearly hope the people of Ukraine are able to defend their country’s sovereignty and that this war ends soon. Back at home, it … Read more
When I was a kid, my father was a do-it-yourself man. I remember when he remodeled our bathroom, he installed a bathtub that drained down the hillside instead of into the sewer or septic, and that wasn’t the only rule he broke. He also didn’t install a p-trap, that p-shaped bend pipe under sinks and … Read more