How Property Taxes Are Calculated in Monterey County

Property taxes are one of the largest ongoing costs of owning real estate on the Monterey Peninsula, and they are also one of the least understood. Most new buyers know their annual tax bill approximately — it appeared on the net sheet, it factors into the carrying cost model — but far fewer underst

Home Warranties: Are They Worth It?

A home warranty is not an insurance policy. It's a service contract that covers repair or replacement of specific home systems and appliances when they fail due to normal wear and use. It is one of the most commonly misunderstood components of a real estate transaction, offered by sellers as a marke

What the Coastal Commission Reviews (and What Triggers It)

"The California Coastal Commission ruined all my plans."People love to blame the Coastal Commission for projects taking longer than expected (or falling apart) when they lack a clear understanding of what this important body does, what it reviews, and what triggers its involvement in the first place