I received a letter recently asking if Mendocino County has “local traditions” around what is revealed when selling real estate. This gentleman sold his house in the Bay Area, where he disclosed everything he was supposed to. He then bought a property locally where the seller failed to mention some rather important details, not least … Read more
Water heaters are one of those appliances most of us don’t think much about until a cold shower reminds us that it is, in fact, our favorite appliance. When your water heater goes out, or when its warranty is coming to its end (guaranteeing it will soon go out), it is wise to review your … Read more
In late 2020, nearly half of Americans were working from home. Although the pandemic will eventually end and people will be allowed to return to a more traditional office space, it seems likely that many will opt to continue to work from home, and this could have a significant impact on the housing market—where people … Read more
Interest rates can have a dramatic effect on the cost of real property over time. To guard against rate changes during the escrow process, buyers sometimes opt for a rate-lock. That is, when a property is in escrow and interest rates are favorable, a buyer can pay a fee (called points) or pay with a … Read more
As I mentioned last week, Mendocino County staffers in the Planning Department have published their proposed County Oak Tree and Oak Woodlands ordinance, an ordinance required as part of local cannabis regulation. Staffers were supposed to write an ordinance that prevented the wholesale clearing of oak woodlands to plant cannabis, which has some merit. Instead, … Read more
On November 5, I attended a public workshop to review the proposed Mendocino County Oak Tree and Oak Woodlands ordinance, an ordinance intended to prevent the wholesale clearing of oak woodlands to plant cannabis. While I support its intent, it is so poorly written that even my tree-hugging, environmental-crusader friends will likely take issue with … Read more
Recently, a local woman who’s lost her extended family to moves out of state asked me for advice. She’s concerned that her remaining grandchild will move away, too. She said, “Our last grandchild (a young adult) and her boyfriend would love to buy a house here and we are thrilled. But finding one they can … Read more
If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably been receiving mailers encouraging you to refinance your property. For once, your junk mail is giving you good advice. In my 45 years in real estate, I have never seen such low interest rates. If you have not refinanced recently, I highly recommend calling your Realtor for a referral … Read more
Eventually, scientists will develop a vaccine for COVID-19 and life will return to some semblance of normal. Kids will attend school in classrooms with peers, grocery shopping won’t require masks, and we’ll be able to gather with friends and family to celebrate special occasions. However, some things will never go back to the old normal. … Read more