Design Review Isn’t About Taste: How Architecture Boards Evaluate Homes

Many buyers assume that if they own a home, they can redesign it however they like. Throughout much of the Monterey Peninsula, however, that assumption runs into a powerful layer of oversight: architectural review. Before significant exterior changes can be approved, many projects must pass through

Homes Without Sewers: All About Septic Systems

Outside of denser neighborhoods, a significant number of properties rely on septic systems to manage wastewater. These systems operate underground and, when functioning properly, most homeowners rarely think about them. But when buying a property, understanding how a septic system works and what con

The Reality of Private Roads

What Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing a Home Without Public Street Access Not every home is reached by a public street. Across the Monterey Peninsula, many properties are accessed by private roads. Some are quiet shared lanes. Others are longer rural driveways that serve multiple homes tucked in