Spring rains help us reduce the drought—which is good. But they also make it possible for lots of vegetation to grow—which can become fuel for wildfires. Have you hardened your home against wildfire? In the face of a raging fire, there’s nothing any of us can do but evacuate; however, by following the California Fire … Read more
Almost everyone who buys a house needs a home loan. If you’re in the market for a new home and you want to show lenders you’re a safe bet, what should you do? Some answers are obvious. Others, not so much. Basically, lenders want to know how much money you have, how much money you’ll … Read more
If you own a residential rental property, be sure to review Assembly Bill 2710. This proposed bill is a prime example of the government stepping in to “fix” the free market, but causing more harm than good in the process. At Selzer Property Management, we manage several hundred residential units, so we’re in touch with … Read more
As the housing market continues to tighten, buyers find themselves trying to outbid competitors to purchase their dream home. As it turns out, there are several ways to lose a bidding war. Here are a few things to consider before you inadvertently make a decision that could mean financial ruin. Spending Every Penny If you’re … Read more
In 2020, California voters approved Proposition 19, the Property Tax Transfers, Exemptions, and Revenue for Wildfire Agencies and Counties Amendment (2020) to take effect February 1, 2022. Presumably, they thought disadvantaged homeowners (those who are disabled, older than 55, or wildfire victims) should be able to transfer their property tax base when they purchase a … Read more
This is a real estate column, not a political column, but sometimes proposed legislation connected to real estate is so bad that I simply cannot remain quiet. Assembly bills AB 2050 and AB 1771 warrant significant examination with the following considerations in mind. Do we have a housing shortage issue? Do we have a housing … Read more
Last week, I shared a list of common mistakes first-time home sellers often make. Here are several more. Hopefully, this will help you avoid them! Seeing Only Dollar Signs Once a prospective buyer makes an offer, it’s important to remember that price is only one piece of an offer. Contingencies and loan problems can stop … Read more
If you’ve never sold a home before, allow me to share a few common mistakes so you can avoid them. Overpricing Especially in this market, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overpricing. Given how much housing values have risen in recent years, it would be natural to assume that the trend will continue. … Read more
Last week, I shared a few important factors to consider when buying a home for the first time, including getting your finances in shape and saving for the down payment. Home ownership isn’t for everyone, but there are some big upsides, including getting to live in a comfortable home that reflects your style and meets … Read more