Be Careful with an Escalation Clause

Have you ever wanted to own the property next to yours? Maybe it would allow you to protect a beautiful view. Maybe it would allow…

Plan to Retire Someday? Choose the Real Estate

Choosing the right house for your retirement years depends on several factors. Many people downsize to a smaller home, either because their economic situation demands…

Title Insurance is a Worthy Investment – Part II

Last week, I shared some information about why title insurance is so valuable. This week, I’ll share a few more compelling reasons to get the…

Are We in a Housing Bubble?

Recently, several people have asked me whether I think housing prices are inflated and likely to lead to a market correction. It’s an understandable question,…

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…

The New Rules of Selling and Buying a Home

Right now, people who want to sell their current home and buy a different one find themselves in a bit of a quandary. The market…

Buy Now

If you’ve been thinking of buying a home, now is the time, especially if Congress passes the First-Time Homebuyer Act, which would allow low- and…

Title Insurance is a Worthy Investment – Part I

When Realtors explain the importance of title insurance to prospective homebuyers, many homebuyers understandably assume that title insurance is like other insurance—a policy for which…

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…