Many renters are under the mistaken impression that they cannot afford to buy a house. Some believe they need a substantial down payment; others believe they cannot afford the monthly expenses of home ownership. While these assumptions may be true, it’s best to review the facts before crossing home ownership off your list. We’ll assume … Read more
Every year at this time, people contemplate new beginnings. When it comes to our happiness, jobs can have a big impact, so if you’re in a job that makes you unhappy for whatever reason, this might be a great time to consider a change to real estate. The housing market in Mendocino County and throughout … Read more
With interest rates remaining low and nice weather making it easy for people to get out and see new properties, the housing market is likely to remain hot. This is often when we see multiple offers on a single property. A seller’s first reaction to multiple offers is usually, “Yay! Lots of offers.” The reaction … Read more
Last week, I shared the importance of disclosing what are called “material facts,” information a seller knows or should have known that could influence a buyer’s decision to buy—or the amount they’d be willing to pay. Disclosures cover everything from natural hazards to underground utilities, storage tanks, septic systems, short sales, mother-in-law units, proximity to … Read more
I’m frequently asked why we don’t have more houses available in Ukiah for sale or rent. Although the Realty World Selzer Realty property management division manages about 800 properties, we typically have almost no vacancies—and that’s been true for at least a couple years. The reason, of course, follows the laws of supply and demand. … Read more
Every weekend, Realtors hold open houses so prospective buyers can walk through properties and imagine themselves in a new space. Some open houses are more successful than others, because the sellers plan ahead. If you’d like to get the most out of your open house, consider these recommendations. 4 WEEKS BEFORE Several weeks before your … Read more
If you’re in the market to buy a home, it can be hard to resist a place with brand new features: new flooring, new paint, new countertops, new bathroom fixtures, and/or new appliances. While newer can certainly mean better, it’s important to make sure upgrades were done properly and the fresh coat of paint wasn’t … Read more
When you decide to sell your house, it can be hard to let go emotionally, because many of us associate our house with the memories we created there: the birthday parties, the holiday celebrations, and all the firsts—from your child’s first steps to your first day as empty nesters. This can be problematic when it … Read more
When it comes to offering home loans to prospective homebuyers, lenders often provide more favorable terms to borrowers with good credit—because for them, good credit means less risk. Your credit score helps lenders determine the likelihood of whether you will pay your mortgage payments, and pay them on time. The most common credit score is … Read more