This column is in response to a community member’s request. I’m about to provide information that should be used as a basis for discussion with your accountant or financial planner. I’m not either, so I’m simply sharing my opinion, NOT giving advice here. The question I received was, “Should I use my Individual Retirement Account … Read more
As I mentioned last week, sometimes life goes in a direction you don’t expect. This week, I’ll share some information about liquidated damages, specific performance, arbitration, and mediation. Before you put the paper down from unbearable boredom, let me put this another way. Here’s how to save yourself expensive court fees and legal hassles, and … Read more
Sometimes life goes in a direction you don’t expect—either positive or negative. So this week, I thought I’d write about one way to prepare for surprises of the unpleasant variety. (Most of us can handle the happy surprises without too much preparation.) Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, I strongly recommend investing in homeowner’s or … Read more
Last week I shared ideas about how to improve your home’s energy efficiency by making changes to your home’s interior (replacing old appliances, adding a whole-house fan, etc.). This week, I’ll share some thoughts on exterior improvements to reduce your costs and increase your comfort. As with many things, improvements come in all shapes and … Read more
It’s a seller’s market, and if you’re thinking of selling, one way to be successful is to make your home more energy efficient. Even if you’re not thinking of selling, it’s nice to have your home remain comfortable without high utility bills. In real estate lingo, the first “improvement” to a piece of property is … Read more
I was reading one of the many emails I receive daily, and I came across one from the California Association of realtors that was pretty good so I thought I’d share some of it. Basically, it talked about why there’s good reason to be optimistic about the housing market. Home values are on the rise. … Read more
I’ve referred to the MLS in previous blogs, but I don’t know that I’ve explained what it is and why it’s so valuable, so here you go. MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service, and it is a system whereby real estate agents in a specific geographic area share information about all the properties for sale … Read more
It’s a seller’s market, but whether you’re talking about a sales transaction or a lease situation, it’s important to know the value of your property, and which home improvements will pay off. Here are some of the factors that affect a property’s value the most. Size. Square footage is the single biggest factor in determining … Read more
The real estate market continues to evolve into a seller’s market. Prices are up, inventory is down, and buyers outnumber sellers. However, if you would rather rent than buy right now, here are some tips on how to be a savvy renter. Find a property that fits your needs. You can find places for rent … Read more