There’s a reason why I’ve dragged my feet in converting my fixer garage into an ADU: Every year California improves statewide laws with regulations for building accessory dwelling units (ADUs). In 2025 some of the most exciting laws squash rules that some local cities were hoping to impose. Maxable is a company that provides end-to-end…
The Getty Center and Getty Villa emerged from the 2025 Los Angeles fire disaster as examples of fire hardening best practices. Yes, they had staff to supplement all of the measures the Getty team took to stop fire approaching and stop smoke from penetrating the buildings. But they also meticulously followed best practices for fire hardening…
Is the reward worth the risk of collaborating with a flipper / developer to update an older home in an affluent neighborhood before selling? The idea of transforming a million dollar home into a $3 million property — rather than selling it to someone else who will do just that — is worth exploring. Partnering…
“Eighty-two percent of home buyers express regrets about their recent property purchase. Their most common regret: buying a home that requires too much maintenance.” (Clever Real Estate survey) Is fear stopping you from buying a home when you really want to own and invest in your future, instead of renting? The answer is to address…
Imagine opening up your home to show off your remodeled kitchen. That’s what 8-10 Rockridge homeowners do every other year along with their builders, architects, and interior designers. Seeing these renovated and reimagined kitchens with the latest cabinetry, space-saving ideas, and glowing cabinet hardware is the ultimate inspiration to refresh your kitchen — especially if…
If you own rental property — whether an entire rental or you are renting part of your house out or some other type of investment property — you may qualify for a tax-deferred 1031 exchange when you sell. As of this moment, investors can usually exchange one investment for up to three investments of “like…
Thinking of a budget remodel to update or fix things about your house that you don’t like? Join the club! There’s nothing like living in a space for a while to figure out what you would like to change in layout or use of the space. That’s why I give my home buying clients a…
Do you feel like home buying has its ups and downs and winding road with plenty obstacles and hopefully triumphs? Congratulations! You are living Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey — the story of adventure, challenge and “finding home” that you see in every hit movie (think: Nemo, Ice Age, Star Wars, Under the Tuscan Sun, Wizard…
You know that viral SNL Zillow video where they say “pick up your phone, open the app, and tell us what you reallllly want.” Ah, those were the good, old days when house hunting with a Zillow agent like me was like dating. Zillow addicts (maybe you?) would tap “Tour This Home.” Within seconds you…
The choices: A. No landlord rulesB. Peace of mind and securityC. Investment and building equityD. Decorating/home design After many many years as I renter, I finally bought a home. Since then, I’ve gone through buying, owning, maintaining, paying for two East Bay homes, the first which I regretted. Although at the time, it seemingly met…
