Covenants, conditions and restrictions, or CC&Rs, are almost always put in place when a subdivision is created. They cover a large range of property rights and uses, determining issues as broad as the height of your fence to whether you can park an RV in your driveway. Some CC&Rs can be quite restrictive; governing details … Read more
This summer I’ve written three “Real Estate Investing” columns covering single family residential properties; duplexes, four-plexes and apartment complexes with fewer than five units; and larger apartment complexes (with up to sixteen units). I recently received a request to write a column on investing in commercial real estate, so here you go. Commercial property is … Read more
A couple weeks ago, I talked about title insurance and how it can help you guard against unexpected liens on your property (someone having legal rights to your property that trump yours). I made a reference to an easement and promised to define it, so here you go. According to legaldictionary.law.com, an easement is “ the … Read more
When you’re trying to sell your home, you want to engage in all the activities that encourage buyers and none of the activities that don’t. Common sense, right? Then why do I see so many sellers sabotaging the sale of their property when it comes to open houses? Realtors have many marketing techniques to get … Read more
A few months back, I wrote about why you should consider hiring a realtor if you plan to buy or sell a home. What I neglected to mention was how to hire a realtor. Like anything, if you’ve never done it before, it’s hard to be an expert out of the gate. Briefly, here’s a … Read more
It’s a seller’s market, but whether you’re talking about a sales transaction or a lease situation, it’s important to know the value of your property, and which home improvements will pay off. Here are some of the factors that affect a property’s value the most. Size. Square footage is the single biggest factor in determining … Read more
The real estate market continues to evolve into a seller’s market. Prices are up, inventory is down, and buyers outnumber sellers. However, if you would rather rent than buy right now, here are some tips on how to be a savvy renter. Find a property that fits your needs. You can find places for rent … Read more
Owning a home isn’t right for everyone, which is why many people invest in rental properties. This week I’m sharing my thoughts on how to prepare a home to be rented, and what it means to be a good landlord. To prepare a home for rent, consider these six suggestions: Really clean your house. As … Read more
For those of you who may not have noticed, the real estate market has changed recently. Prices are up, inventory is down, and buyers outnumber sellers. This makes it a seller’s market. Buyers are in the market because rates are still at historic lows (and have only one way to go in the future). Prices … Read more