No one likes paying property taxes, but if you own a home (or real estate of any sort), property taxes are part of the deal. While many of us pay property taxes, few of us seem to have a good grasp on how those taxes are calculated, where the money goes, and what happens … Read more
In light of the recent Lake County fires, I’ve been thinking about how important it is to plan for an emergency. While taking the time to do this is usually right up there with having my teeth cleaned and doing my taxes, it’s worth the trouble. Before you begin packing an emergency kit to … Read more
In June, I was talking with Ukiah Police Chief, Chris Dewey. We were reminiscing over the success of the Safe Ukiah contest, and we started talking about whether a Safe Mendocino County contest could produce even more good ideas on ways to keep our local communities safe. The next thing you know, we’re having lunch … Read more
If you plan to undertake major repairs or structural improvements to your home, you will undoubtedly need a permit to do so legally. Whether you live within the Ukiah city limits or in the unincorporated part of Mendocino County, there’s a planning and building department for you! When do you need a permit? Any time … Read more
Whether the real estate market is booming or crawling, having a property appraised is a major hurdle for sellers, buyers and lenders. The appraisal is an objective, third-party report that reviews your property, the neighborhood, and comparable sales in the area to determine the value of your property. Before the appraiser schedules his inspection, I … Read more
Right now it’s a buyer’s and a seller’s market. How can it be both? It’s these low interest rates. Low rates allow more people to qualify for loans, bringing renters into the home-buying market. Low rates also make it easier for homeowners who want to upgrade to afford more expensive homes. On a typical $300,000 … Read more
Purchasing a to-be-built home is completely different from buying an existing home. When building your own home, whether it’s customizing a spec home or creating a custom home from scratch, you can avoid expensive misunderstandings by asking your contractor some key questions up front. Building a custom home on land you’ve purchased is a big … Read more
One of the most common questions any Realtor gets is, “Which lender can get me the lowest rates?” While rates are vital, the better question is, “Which lender provides the best value?” The loan officer handing your loan can either make life fairly simple or incredibly miserable. The one you found online may have promised … Read more
Okay, so you sold your property and allowed the buyer to pay you some of the purchase price over time: you are now in the business of loan servicing, a business so full of rules that many banks have opted out. Some of the rules are easy to comply with; others border on the impossible. … Read more