Last week I reviewed a list of items to consider when buying a home. As a homebuyer, you typically know how many bedrooms you need, how many bathrooms you’d like and a basic layout that matches your lifestyle. But you may not realize the impact of little things like a lack of adequate storage space … Read more
When considering which house to buy, something that seems unimportant at first blush can become a nagging pain in the back (or lower) over time. Since spring is here, many people are thinking about either remodeling or buying a new home. This being the case, let’s consider how important some of these items can … Read more
I’ve been asked why we don’t see more new homes constructed in our valley, and the answer is simple: it’s too expensive. Right now it is significantly more expensive to build than to buy because building costs don’t stop with time and materials. Let’s say you are driving along and you see a beautiful meadow … Read more
As a rule, people who sell their real estate holdings want to receive top dollar, whether it’s a family residence or a commercial building. The challenge is how to price a property to sell relatively quickly without undervaluing it. Ultimately, the market will determine the value of a property, and the market is fluid. Value … Read more
With the end of the rain and the blooming of wildflowers comes that undeniable itch to put your home in order—it’s time for spring-cleaning. Maintaining a home requires time, effort, and a little planning. While many chores must be done daily, weekly, or monthly, some only need to be done seasonally or annually—so they’re easier … Read more
When you decide to sell your house, you’ll want to share the news with every potential buyer out there. But how? The way you market your home will typically affect its final sale price, so you should spend some time thinking about it. You’ll be selling yourself short if you simply put a “For Sale” … Read more
Lately Ukiahans have been complaining about the lack of available rental housing in the area. Here’s a little perspective on why it’s tough to find a rental, and whether things are likely to change in the near future. If we look at our recent past, it all started with the housing recession in 2008. While … Read more
We are at the tail end of the rainy season, and as the weather warms we’ll want to spend more time outdoors. If you’re thinking about building a deck, here are a few ideas. In Mendocino County, most people build decks out of redwood or composite material. A third option, one most folks don’t know … Read more
Most of us don’t have several hundred thousand dollars in cash lying around, so when we want to purchase real estate (or invest in a business or embark on other expensive endeavors), we need a loan. Conventional bank loans require borrowers to follow strict guidelines regarding proof of income and creditworthiness. This works well for … Read more