Blog Archives

How lenders, the IRS and California classify a second home versus an investment property, and why local short-term rental rules in Sonoma, Marin and San Francisco can decide it for you.

A Bay Area-wide guide to Eichler homes: tracts from Palo Alto and the San Mateo Highlands to Walnut Creek and Marin, local rules, inspections and selling.

How to identify San Francisco Victorian styles and what to check before buying one: historic status, Mills Act, 3R permits, seismic work, lead paint and rent rules.

What a private road maintenance agreement covers in California, how Civil Code 845 splits costs without one, what Fannie Mae requires, and a buyer's checklist.

What is a pocket listing? How NAR's Clear Cooperation Policy, the 2025 seller options policy, MLS rules, Zillow and California law apply in 2026.

High value home insurance in California fire zones: the FAIR Plan's $3 million limit, DIC policies, admitted vs surplus lines carriers, lender rules and timing.

Buying a vineyard in Sonoma County: property types, 2025 grape prices and removals, AVAs by acreage, VESCO, water and frost rules, taxes and investment math.

20 practical home décor tips to make a house warm and inviting: layered lighting, rugs, textiles, art, plants and earthquake-safe styling, room by room.

Licensed agents serving Rohnert Park, CA with verified DRE licenses, plus Census housing data, first-time buyer and rental rules, and what to ask an agent.

Licensed agents serving Sebastopol and west Sonoma County with verified DRE licenses, plus city vs county rules, rural property checks and what to ask.

Licensed agents serving St. Helena, CA with DRE license links, plus 2026 prices, rental and co-ownership limits, water and fire issues, and interview tips.

Licensed agents serving Yountville, CA with DRE license links, plus housing counts, the 30-day rental rule, zoning and fire maps, and 2026 prices.

Licensed agents serving Petaluma, CA with verified DRE licenses, plus why the market is so competitive, the city transfer tax and what to ask an agent.

Napa vineyard property explained: 2025 grape prices, per-acre values, AVAs, the Ag Preserve, winery and hillside rules, and steps for buyers and sellers.

Licensed agents serving San Anselmo, CA with verified DRE records, plus creek flood history, sewer and fire rules at sale, and how fast homes sell.

Licensed agents serving Sausalito, CA with verified DRE records, plus the short-term rental ban, floating homes, ferry service and 2026 market data.

Licensed agents serving Tiburon, CA with verified DRE records, plus design review and tree rules, the ferry, fire and sewer districts, and 2026 prices.

Licensed agents serving San Rafael, CA with verified DRE records, plus the city transfer tax, 2026 market data, SMART and ferry links and what to ask.

Can you rent a Sonoma County home by the night? City of Sonoma ban, county permits, licenses, TOT, zones, caps and exclusion areas, and a buyer's checklist.

Buying a home with a well or septic in Sonoma County: well permits, metering and yield tests, septic permits and monitoring, ADU limits, a buyer checklist.