Open houses are a great way for REALTORS to promote properties for sale, allowing prospective buyers to kick the tires, so to speak. It’s one thing to look at pictures of a home for sale. It’s a whole different experience to test whether the mirrored closet doors roll smoothly on their tracks. When you walk … Read more
If you are contemplating a real estate transaction in the near future (or if you’re involved in one right now), it can be difficult to translate all the acronyms and vocabulary used in the industry. Here’s a guide to the terms you need to know. DRE (Department of Real Estate) – The California Department of … Read more
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 them if they downsized to a smaller home in town. Thanks to Proposition 19, the Property Tax Transfers, Exemptions, and Revenue for Wildfire Agencies and Counties Amendment (2020), the answer … Read more
Besides satisfying your curiosity, knowing your home’s value can come in handy. A home appraisal is an unbiased evaluation to determine your property’s market value. This is the third of a three-part series. Eminent domain Litigation can generate the need for an appraisal in several ways. Let’s say the government plans to expand a roadway … Read more
Besides satisfying your curiosity, knowing your home’s value can come in handy whether you’re litigating a legal case, dealing with estate issues, or managing an insurance claim. A home appraisal is an unbiased evaluation to determine your property’s market value. This is the second of a three-part series. Bankruptcy or other litigation In the event … Read more
Besides satisfying your curiosity, knowing your home’s value can come in handy whether you’re selling, refinancing, or managing your taxes. A home appraisal is an unbiased evaluation to determine your home’s market value. Engaging in a For Sale By Owner I cannot urge you strongly enough to hire a Realtor when buying or selling property … Read more
I’ve talked about home inspections many times, but I don’t usually talk about the impact of timing. If you’re buying a home, it’s important to know which inspections to get and when to do a final investigation of the property’s condition. You’ll want to make sure that all the agreed-upon work has been done to … Read more
During hot Ukiah summers, those of us who can’t live without air conditioning receive eye-popping energy bills. One way to reduce those bills is to stop using so much air conditioning, but who wants to sit around and sweat? A far more comfortable way to reduce costs is to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Energy … Read more
In early 2022, mortgage rates were down around 2.5 percent. Today, they’re closer to 7.5 percent. On a 30-year, fixed-rate loan, this means your monthly payment would be up by 77 percent. Talk about financial whiplash! Even though, historically speaking, interest rates have returned to normal for single family homes (between 6 and 8 percent), … Read more