An appraisal is a professional assessment of a property’s value, and it is a critical part of the home-buying (and refinancing) process. Before lenders will agree to finance a home loan, they want to be sure they can recoup their money, should the need arise. If you find a cute little house on the Westside … Read more
If you’ve been looking for a house to rent, then you know how hard it is. Almost nothing’s available in Ukiah, and the houses that are, feel overpriced. Rather than wasting time looking for a rental or spending too much for a house you don’t really want to live in, I have a suggestion: … 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
Have you ever walked into a house and wondered, “What were they thinking when they designed this place?” Most of us have. If you plan to remodel, here are some tips to prevent your house from becoming that house. Color Colors evoke moods, so be aware of the message you’re sending or the mood you’re … Read more
Most people believe that spring is the best time to put their house on the market. Flowers are blooming, weather is warm, and people seem to be more optimistic. When the weather is cold and wet, people prefer to stay indoors and curl up in front of a fire with a good book (or Kindle)—not … Read more
As a landlord of residential properties, can you throw away whatever tenants leave behind when they vacate the premises? The quick answer is no, you cannot simply discard someone else’s belongings, tempting as it may be. California Civil Code provides both forms and a procedure to clarify the rights of tenants and landlords. The law … Read more
As the year draws to a close and you begin thinking about adventures for next year, you may be telling yourself, “Gee, I’d like to own a vineyard.” Before you embark on this adventure, there are a few things you should consider. If what you really want out of a vineyard is the ability to … Read more
Last week I debunked the first four myths related to selling your home. Here’s four more myths people often believe, but shouldn’t. Myth #5: I have to carry the financing. Seller financing occurs when you, the seller, take the position of the bank. While in many cases it’s appropriate, depending on the circumstances, if bank … Read more