Every property has a special designation that defines how it can be used, and knowing this before you buy the property can make a huge difference in what you can do after you buy it. I’m talking about zoning. Here in Mendocino County the following zoning categories exist: residential, civic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and extractive. … Read more
Overall, 2015 was a good year for real estate. Home sales in inland Mendocino County were up 6.5 percent from 248 in 2014 to 264 in 2015. Home prices rose 10.5 percent and the time houses remained on the market decreased by 14.5 percent from 103 days in 2014 to 88 days in 2015. Interest … Read more
Many people around town are curious about when Costco might finally receive approval to build so it can open a store in Ukiah. Regardless of whether you’re a supporter or detractor, it looks like Costco has overcome a few of the major hurdles delaying its arrival. In the spirit of full disclosure, Realty World Selzer … Read more
After years of drought, many of us are pleased to hear that it is supposed to be a wet winter; however, some of us get a little nervous when we hear meteorologists predicting an especially strong El Nino year, because that can mean flooding. If you buy a home in a federally designated flood zone … 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
When it’s time to buy a house, many different types of loans are available, depending on your status: are you a first-time homebuyer, a California veteran, or planning to renovate? This week, I’ll highlight the pros and cons of a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) 203K loan. The FHA 203K loan is appropriate for those with … Read more
Last week I reviewed non-judicial foreclosures, but since this is a complicated subject, there’s more to be said. To bring you up to speed, here’s what happened so far: you determined your borrower will no longer pay on the loan, so you began foreclosure proceedings by contacting a foreclosure service company. They did their part … Read more
When homeowners receive a property tax bill, some see more than one assessor’s parcel number listed for a single property. Ever wonder why? Well, let me explain. An assessor’s parcel number, or APN, is simply a number assigned by the tax assessor to assure the property is taxed appropriately. A unique APN does not equate to a legal parcel. A … Read more
First-time homebuyers or people with poor credit and limited cash can ease into home ownership with a rent-to-own (or lease) option. While the idea of rent-to-own sounds simple and straightforward, legally the agreements are incredibly complex and require significant expertise to navigate. Unlike a conventional transaction, in which a sale price is agreed upon, and … Read more