My friend Ginny Richards, a senior loan officer at Kind Lending in Ukiah, was just telling me about a new loan program from the California Finance Housing Agency (CalFHA). It’s called the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan, and if you’re a first-time home buyer, it could be worth looking into. What is the … Read more
Exactly 10 years ago this week, I started writing this weekly real estate column. Here was the inaugural column. By way of introduction, I’m Dick Selzer and I’ve been in Real Estate in the Ukiah Valley since the 1970s. After more than 35 years in the industry, I thought I’d share a few facts and … Read more
In the past, I’ve addressed the risks posed by asbestos and lead. This week, I’ll tackle the dangers of mold. Not all mold is created equal, but all mold in a house (unless it’s on cheese by design) should be assessed so you know if it’s allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic. Allergenic mold triggers allergic reactions … Read more
When it comes to buying an older home, some problems are annoying while others can pose a serious threat to your health. If you don’t like the color of the walls or the style of the kitchen, you can fix them. If the house contains lead or asbestos, the damage to your health can be … Read more
When it comes to making the biggest purchase of your life, a lack of experience and strong emotions can get in the way. Here are a few tips to be the best buyer you can be. Be Persistent Start by setting realistic expectations. It’s rare that the first house you see will be the one … Read more
I don’t know if you’ve been watching the news, but the price of eggs has gone sky high. Apparently, the Avian flu has wiped out scores of birds, and the increasing costs of fuel and feed have only made matters worse. I was at the Lucky supermarket recently, and the egg cabinet was down to … Read more
Real estate transactions can be complex and often require the expertise of many different people, from lenders to licensed contractors. Realtors can help you navigate the whole experience by providing support within the scope of their license, and by referring you to others as needed. Public Records Search One way Realtors can support buyers is … Read more
When it comes to buying a home, it’s important to know exactly what you’re buying, its condition, and all the expenses you’ll be expected to cover. Real estate transactions can be complex and often require the expertise of many different people, from lenders to licensed contractors. Realtors can help you navigate the whole experience, providing … Read more
As a board member of a statewide organization, I must sign an annual confidentiality agreement. This year, rather than signing a paper document, I received a request for an electronic signature. If you’ve read this column for any length of time, you know one of my favorite sayings: In any agreement, the large print giveth … Read more