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
Jumping into home ownership isn’t for everyone, but there are some big upsides, including getting to live in a place that you can make your own, a comfortable home that reflects your style and meets your needs—not to mention the amazing tax benefits. Here are some factors to consider as you embark on this journey. … Read more
Now that Governor Newsom’s executive order from October 2017 has expired, rent increases are no longer limited to 10 percent of 2017 rates. This allows landlords to increase rents to keep up with the cost of inflation. If you own a rental, you may struggle with the idea of raising the rent each year. It … Read more
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, I’ve been asked how this might affect the housing market. First, let me say that the housing market is not the most important thing about this war. I dearly hope the people of Ukraine are able to defend their country’s sovereignty and that this war ends soon. Back at home, it … Read more
When I was a kid, my father was a do-it-yourself man. I remember when he remodeled our bathroom, he installed a bathtub that drained down the hillside instead of into the sewer or septic, and that wasn’t the only rule he broke. He also didn’t install a p-trap, that p-shaped bend pipe under sinks and … Read more
When it comes to renting your property to a new tenant, it is worth investing the time to screen the tenant thoroughly, because the process of evicting the wrong tenant is no fun. Trust But Verify In low-stakes situations, it’s fine to assume the best of people; however, when it comes to renting your property … Read more
Several people have asked recently whether they should wait a couple of years before plunging into the housing market because they believe housing prices may drop. It is almost impossible to time the market, so in general, my advice is to buy a house when you need and can afford one. However, it’s interesting to … Read more
For years, Mendocino County Realtors have had to explain to clients why their pricing recommendations don’t match the ones on Zillow. Countless sellers have said, “Wait, Zillow says my home is worth $500,000. Why are you only saying $450,000?!” The answer is simple. Zillow uses an algorithm. No one from Zillow ever steps foot inside … Read more
If you ever decide to sell your house, you’ll be required to disclose information to potential buyers about anything that could influence their decision to buy the property or the price they would be willing to pay for it. This disclosure rule is the law and the right thing to do. When agents ask me … Read more