As I mentioned last week, spring cleaning is kind of like exercising—the benefits are great, but it’s hard to get yourself to do it. Here’s are a few more recommendations to keep your house in peak condition. HVAC Filters Like most appliances, heating and air conditioning systems run more efficiently when their filters aren’t covered … Read more
Spring cleaning is kind of like exercising—the benefits are great, but it’s hard to get yourself to do it. Here’s a little pep talk about why spring cleaning is worth the effort (and hey, I believe cleaning can count as exercise, so you can feel twice as good about your efforts). Refrigerator Coils If you … Read more
When you apply for mortgage to buy a home, the options can be confusing, even overwhelming. Figuring out which loan is right for you depends on several factors. How long do you plan to hold the loan? How much cash do you have? What is your monthly income and credit score? To make matters more … Read more
If you’ve ever looked at a property tax statement, you’ll notice there’s at least one parcel number listed. This is your assessor’s parcel number (APN), and APNs are used to determine your property tax burden. When buying property, you may see the term “legal parcel” and this is not necessarily the same as your assessor’s … Read more
My friend Ginny Richards, a senior loan officer at Kind Lending in Ukiah, was just telling me about a new loan program from the California Finance Housing Agency (CalFHA). It’s called the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan, and if you’re a first-time home buyer, it could be worth looking into. What is the … Read more
Exactly 10 years ago this week, I started writing this weekly real estate column. Here was the inaugural column. By way of introduction, I’m Dick Selzer and I’ve been in Real Estate in the Ukiah Valley since the 1970s. After more than 35 years in the industry, I thought I’d share a few facts and … Read more
In the past, I’ve addressed the risks posed by asbestos and lead. This week, I’ll tackle the dangers of mold. Not all mold is created equal, but all mold in a house (unless it’s on cheese by design) should be assessed so you know if it’s allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic. Allergenic mold triggers allergic reactions … Read more
When it comes to buying an older home, some problems are annoying while others can pose a serious threat to your health. If you don’t like the color of the walls or the style of the kitchen, you can fix them. If the house contains lead or asbestos, the damage to your health can be … Read more
When it comes to making the biggest purchase of your life, a lack of experience and strong emotions can get in the way. Here are a few tips to be the best buyer you can be. Be Persistent Start by setting realistic expectations. It’s rare that the first house you see will be the one … Read more