First-time homebuyers or people with poor credit and limited cash can ease into home ownership with a rent-to-own (or lease) option. While the idea of rent-to-own sounds simple and straightforward, legally the agreements are incredibly complex and require significant expertise to navigate. Unlike a conventional transaction, in which a sale price is agreed upon, and … Read more
Recently, rural properties in California have had a harder time qualifying for homeowner’s insurance. After the big fires in 2014 (and the not-so-big Black Bart Fire locally), many insurance companies have declined new requests for coverage and even opted not to renew existing policies. Why? Because the Department of Insurance disallowed a rate increase for … Read more
Did you know that many real estate companies offer assistance with more than buying and selling property? They also help people buy or sell businesses. Before a transaction can take place, however, a value for the business must be established. The first step in valuing a business is quantifying the value of its assets, including … Read more
I’ve talked in the past about all the ways real estate agents can help you, but I thought it is time to revisit this, and to share the reason I’d choose a realtor over a real estate agent who chooses not to be a realtor. On the selling side, a real estate agent will assess … Read more
Last week I encouraged prospective homebuyers to get preapproved for a loan before they look for a new home. This week I’ll share what happens next. Your preapproval provides information about how much house you can afford, allowing your realtor to recommend which properties to consider. Be aware that listing price and sales price do … Read more
Recently, I was asked about the future value of homes in Ukiah because home sales have slowed and property values have dipped a little. Here’s why I’m not concerned: the cost to develop real estate still far exceeds the cost to purchase comparable property A typical 1500 square foot home with three bedrooms and two … Read more
If you’re an investor or lender interested in commercial property, you’ll want to be sure to investigate whether a property has contaminants in, on, or underneath it. (While any real estate can be contaminated, commercial properties are far more susceptible than residential properties.) Exposure for single-family homes is typically a buried fuel oil tank that … Read more
Last week I talked about pest and fungus reports. This week, I’m sharing information about home inspections—what they cover and why they’re important. To find a home inspector you’ll be happy with, check references, read contracts, look at sample reports, and most of all ask your realtor for a recommendation. Once you’ve found a good … Read more
Once winter weather hits in California, the housing market slows: homeowners don’t want to spend time outside sprucing up their property in cold, wet conditions and this weather usually means the holidays are approaching—when most people would rather spend time with family than focus on selling their home. It’s much more fun to think about … Read more