Why Do Loans Cost So Much?

Recently, a fellow called me looking for a small, private-money loan of $14,000 to fund some home renovations. He had a credit score of 840,…

Less Regulation, Less Expense

On April 28, the Ukiah Daily Journal reprinted a CalMatters.org story about how housing prices have hit a record high in California. The story opens…

Well-Informed Versus Over-Regulated

I was talking with recently elected District 1 Mendocino County Supervisor Glenn McGourty about the challenges we face with housing in the Ukiah area—both a…

Get the Most (Money) Out of Your Home Office

When the pandemic hit, many people were forced to work from home. Now, a significant number of those folks are choosing to work from home…

Good for Buyers and Sellers

Since homebuyers want to purchase their new house at the lowest possible price and sellers want to sell that house at the highest possible price,…

Competing in a Hot Housing Market

If you’ve been house hunting, you know the local market is tight. Supply is down which forces prices up. Although Mendocino County is more affordable…

Drought is Coming

In case you haven’t noticed, the whole state of California—including Mendocino County—has been short on rainfall this year. Between October and March (the rainy season),…

Spring Selling

Spring is a wonderful time to sell your house. The sun is out. Flowers are blooming. And especially this spring, people are ready to do…

Home Hardening – Preparing for Wildfires

On January 1, 2021, a new law took effect that requires sellers to disclose whether their residential property has been hardened against the threat of…

Finding the Best Interest Rate

The two biggest buyers of home loans just increased their fee on refinanced loans by a half of a percentage point, thereby reducing the price…