When you’re ready to downsize, figuring out what to do with your existing home is often the most difficult decision. The good news is that there are more options than you may realize. Consider the pros and cons of each option before finalizing your decision. Get Roommates While many people strictly recall their college days … Read more
The State of California allows public school districts to impose impact fees (also called developer fees) on new residential and commercial construction, based on the idea that new homes and workplaces will translate into additional students—and thus, new demands on local schools. In December, the Ukiah Unified School District (UUSD) Board of Trustees approved developer … Read more
Last week, I wrote about some of the tax benefits that come with home ownership. Here are more ways to maximize the financial benefits of home ownership. Home Equity Line of Credit If the market value of your home is significantly greater than the amount you owe on your home loan, you may be able … Read more
Home ownership comes with many benefits, including tax advantages. Here are a few ways that owning a home can save you money. Mortgage Interest Deduction When you take out a loan to buy your house, you get a deed of trust (mortgage), requiring you to make monthly payments to a bank or other lender. Usually, … Read more
Most folks in Mendocino County have heard of the Assessor’s Office, the Auditor’s Office, and the Tax Collector’s Office, but very few could tell you exactly what they do. As thousands of Mendocino County residents begin receiving notices about back property taxes, knowing who to turn to could become of great interest. It all started … Read more
As I mentioned last week, spring cleaning is kind of like exercising—the benefits are great, but it’s hard to get yourself to do it. Here’s are a few more recommendations to keep your house in peak condition. HVAC Filters Like most appliances, heating and air conditioning systems run more efficiently when their filters aren’t covered … Read more
Spring cleaning is kind of like exercising—the benefits are great, but it’s hard to get yourself to do it. Here’s a little pep talk about why spring cleaning is worth the effort (and hey, I believe cleaning can count as exercise, so you can feel twice as good about your efforts). Refrigerator Coils If you … Read more
When you apply for mortgage to buy a home, the options can be confusing, even overwhelming. Figuring out which loan is right for you depends on several factors. How long do you plan to hold the loan? How much cash do you have? What is your monthly income and credit score? To make matters more … Read more
If you’ve ever looked at a property tax statement, you’ll notice there’s at least one parcel number listed. This is your assessor’s parcel number (APN), and APNs are used to determine your property tax burden. When buying property, you may see the term “legal parcel” and this is not necessarily the same as your assessor’s … Read more