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Blog Posts in Category: Planning

05/08/2022

The New California program for first-time homebuyers will let you borrow a down payment at 0% interest!

The New California program for first-time homebuyers will let you borrow a down payment at 0% interest!

Photo by Kindel Media.   more...

04/28/2022

Economists and Real Estate Pros Predict Mortgage Rates Will Hit 6%

Economists and Real Estate Pros Predict Mortgage Rates Will Hit 6%

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk   more...

04/01/2022

Mortgage Refinances Fall Amid Higher Rates!

Mortgage Refinances Fall Amid Higher Rates!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio.   more...

02/22/2022

Tenant protection bill is failing in California Legislature, again

Tenant protection bill is failing in California Legislature, again

Photo by Kimson Doan on Unsplash   more...

02/22/2022

Building Materials Prices Jump in January

Building Materials Prices Jump in January

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash According to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the prices of goods used in residential construction ex-energy climbed 3.6% in January (not seasonally adjusted). The index was higher by a 25.4% jump in softwood lumber prices and 9.0% price increases for indoor and outdoor paint.   more...

01/28/2022

ATTOM Reports: Home Ownership Is More Affordable Than Renting!

ATTOM Reports: Home Ownership Is More Affordable Than Renting!

On January 6th, 2022, ATTOM released its 2022 Rental Affordability Report, which proves that owning a median-priced home is more affordable than average rents on a three-bedroom property in 666, or 58%, of the 1,154 U.S. counties analyzed in this report. That means major homeownership expenses consume a smaller portion of average local wages than renting.   more...

01/28/2022

Lumber Prices Nearly Triple in Last Four Months

Lumber Prices Nearly Triple in Last Four Months

Following a few months of moderating prices last spring and summer, lumber prices are soaring once again; Disrupting the housing market and harming housing affordability.   more...

08/27/2021

A New Fannie Mae Rule Could Help Renters Qualify for Mortgages

A New Fannie Mae Rule Could Help Renters Qualify for Mortgages

Photo by RODNAE Productions via. Pexels.com   more...

07/29/2021

The Pros and Cons of Owning Multiple Rental Properties

The Pros and Cons of Owning Multiple Rental Properties

Being a rental property owner is something many strive for in their lives. Most of the time, financial advisors recommend owning a rental home is a great investment strategy in building wealth. But, “with great power comes great responsibility,” as you’ll always be required to adhere to the ever-changing local and statewide housing policies and laws. Owning multiple rental properties only ups the stakes, and as with anything else, there are plenty of pros and cons — but that’s where hiring a Property Management company plays a role; we’ll get into that throughout this article too.   more...

07/26/2021

The Cost of Construction Materials is Rising Nationwide

The Cost of Construction Materials is Rising Nationwide

Nationwide, the challenges contractors are experiencing with fast-rising materials costs, uncertain delivery times, and rationing of vital inputs are due to the ongoing global construction struggles with materials shortages and prices.   more...

07/15/2021

The Latest COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act Extension

The Latest COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act Extension

The California Apartment Association has published an array of compliance materials — including an Industry Insight document, an FAQ, and related forms — to help rental housing providers comply with AB 832, legislation signed into law earlier this month that extends the state’s COVID-19 eviction moratorium by three months.   more...

05/28/2021

Reopening the economy is stabilizing the Bay Area rental market, but to what extent?

Reopening the economy is stabilizing the Bay Area rental market, but to what extent?

It’s no secret that rent prices were dropping quickly during the pandemic – especially in major Bay Area cities. But according to a recent analysis, there are signs the pandemic-weary rental market is edging up just a bit.   more...

05/28/2021

Facts About Selling a Home to Your Family

Facts About Selling a Home to Your Family

It’s not uncommon to wish to sell a home to a family member, but it can become a tricky situation. You have to be mindful of not only the personal elements that can come with doing this type of transaction with a relative, but the IRS may also scrutinize the transaction if you don’t avoid certain red flags. It’s perfectly legal to sell a home to a family member as long as you’re not just doing it to avoid taxes. If you’re selling the property at a steeply discounted rate, you might have to pay an estate and gift tax, but beyond that, it’s just like any other real estate transaction.   more...

05/28/2021

Spring Real Estate Trends to Lookout For

Spring Real Estate Trends to Lookout For

Spring is always an interesting and exciting time in real estate, so what are analysts expecting we can see this year?   more...

05/12/2021

Housing Interest Continues to Fall as Mortgage Rates Drop to a Two-Month Low!

Housing Interest Continues to Fall as Mortgage Rates Drop to a Two-Month Low!

Lower mortgage rates are not prompting homeowners or potential homebuyers to contact their lenders, as other obstacles stand in their way. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index, the total mortgage application volume fell 2.5% last week from the previous week.   more...