As the headline implies, this is the third column in a series about real estate investing. I started with single-family homes, moved to duplexes and four-plexes, and now I’m on to small apartment complexes (residential real estate with 5-12 units). These come with advantages and disadvantages; they have a better price-to-income ratio than the smaller … Read more
Last week I shared information about investing in real estate, specifically purchasing a single-family home for use as a rental. This week, I’ll share why duplexes and four-plexes can be even better investments if they fit within your budget. Let’s use a four-plex as an example. In Ukiah, you can purchase one for about $650,000 … Read more
Years ago, I wrote a series of columns about investing in real estate. Since I’ve recently gotten questions on this topic, I thought I’d dust off the old columns and bring them out for an encore. The most important question to start with is this: why should anyone invest in real estate? The answer: because … Read more
2020 Changes Starting in 2020, U.S. military veterans will be able to qualify for more expensive home loans without having to come up with a down payment. When it comes to home loans, there’s a dividing line between conforming loans and jumbo loans. The maximum amount for a conforming loan right now in Mendocino County … Read more
As I mentioned last week, recent California wildfires have caused insurance companies to increase premiums and deny coverage to many of the homeowners who need it most. What I didn’t mention was the increased need for flood insurance in this new wildfire era, because flooding and mudslides are far more likely when the vegetation that … Read more
Each year, many of us make new year’s resolutions to eat better, exercise more, invest in our relationships, learn a new skill, and lots of other self-improvement activities. Well, I propose we all add one to the list: to shop locally. I know this isn’t a new idea, but with the closing of two School … Read more
When you’re ready to downsize, figuring out what to do with your existing home is often the most difficult decision. The good news is that there are more options than you may realize. Consider the pros and cons of each option before finalizing your decision. Get Roommates While many people strictly recall their college days … Read more
Whether you’re renovating a home in preparation to sell or simply to enjoy living in it, it’s best to go into the process with clear goals in mind. A well-planned project will typically cost less and look better than a rushed job. Sleeping on big decisions is a great way to avoid impulse-buys that leave … Read more
On December 16, 2019, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted 3 to 2 in favor of allowing the Harris Quarry in Willits to expand its operations by increasing its aggregate output and developing an asphalt plant. This has been 15 years in the making. Years ago, opponents of this expansion sued Harris Quarry on … Read more