By Rose Marinaccio, Real Estate Watch The holiday season is here, and buyers and sellers often think that this is not the time to buy or sell real estate. It’s actually the most wonderful time of the year. Literally. For years, selling homes during the holidays has received an undeserved bad rap. We’re all certainly busy ... [Continue Reading]
By George L. Winship, Anderson Valley Post Anticipating the federal government’s desire to consolidate health services for Northern California veterans closer to the new Veterans Home on Knighton Road, former State Sen. K. Maurice Johannessen announced he recently purchased 15.9 acres directly across the road. Johannessen said he intends to build 90 to 100 independent ... [Continue Reading]
Accidental Landlords An increasing number of people are choosing to rent out their house instead of selling at a loss. But managing a property has its headaches. By Amy Hoak, The Wall Street Journal Jeannette Boccini thought she had found a great renter, someone who would take extra good care of her townhouse. Then the ... [Continue Reading]
California attorney general Kamala Harris may have stepped away from the table when it comes to the AG’s coalition against foreclosure fraud in Washington D.C., but she’s not turning down the heat on lenders she believes fraudulently foreclosed on thousands of California homeowners. Harris and Nevada AG Catherine Masto, who also has expressed dissatisfaction with ... [Continue Reading]
Are you looking for a new situation? A change of scene? Have you considered owning/operating your own business? The notion might seem daunting, what with buying inventory and equipment, securing the perfect location, building a customer base, etc, etc….BUT there’s a successful, established local business seeking new ownership and the best part? It’s fully turn-key. ... [Continue Reading]
5 Steps to Avoid Buying a Money Pit by Tara-Nicholle Nelson, via Trulia What did Cary Grant, Tom Hanks and Richard Pryor have in common? They all starred in hilarious movies with plots built around their money pit homes (“Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” [1948], “The Money Pit” [1986] and “Moving” [1988], respectively). But ... [Continue Reading]
Home values were down on a yearly basis in August, but showed relative stability in the near term, according to indices that track home values nationwide. Home values fell 4.5 percent year over year in August, to $172,600, and remained essentially flat compared to July, according to the Zillow Home Value Index, released today. CoreLogic’s ... [Continue Reading]
Selling or considering a sale? These simple, affordable projects from Realtor magazine can increase your home’s resale value more than you might’ve suspected. (Costs and returns are estimated.) -Cleaning and de-cluttering. Remove personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make your home sparkling clean. Cost: free with a little elbow grease, or around ... [Continue Reading]
The following news roundup is from Beth Peerce, president of the CA Association of Realtors. Important news on the housing policy front. Despite efforts by C.A.R. and NAR to fight for an extension of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA conforming loan limits, Congress failed to extend the $729,750 loan limits and allowed them to expire Sept. ... [Continue Reading]
The National Association of Realtors and Harris Interactive surveyed 1800 home owners and 1100 renters to see what they had to say about their community and quality of life. Here’s how owning stacked up to renting: 56% of owners and only 36% of renters said they were “very/extremely satisfied with the overall quality of life.” ... [Continue Reading]
