When it comes to building wealth, the choice between real estate and the stock market has been a long-standing debate. Popular media often highlights stock market booms, cryptocurrency surges, or tech IPOs, but they rarely dig into the long-term reliability and tangible advantages of real estate. In regions like Humboldt County, where the real estate market includes vibrant communities such as Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, and Ferndale, the conversation becomes even more relevant. While both investment paths have their merits, there are critical differences, overlooked factors, and regional dynamic... Read more

Rent prices across California have climbed to historic levels, and Humboldt County is no exception. For prospective buyers in areas like Eureka, CA, the high cost of renting a home is becoming harder to justify. Monthly rents now rival or even exceed what a mortgage payment might be for comparable properties. This shift has made owning a home more financially appealing than ever.

In communities such as Arcata and Fortuna, the rental market is extremely tight, with high demand and limited availability. Many renters find themselves renewing leases at increased rates year after year, wit... Read more

In today’s real estate market, homebuyers often face challenges with rising mortgage rates and affordability. One financing strategy gaining popularity is the seller buydown. A seller buydown occurs when the seller of a property contributes funds to reduce the buyer’s mortgage interest rate for a set period or the entire life of the loan. This contribution is typically paid upfront at closing and credited toward the buyer’s mortgage, making the loan more affordable. For many buyers, this is the difference between being priced out of the market and comfortably affording a new home.

The... Read more

Buying a home is one of the biggest milestones in life, and it often comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For many buyers, the biggest sticking point is interest rates. It is tempting to wait for rates to drop before committing to a mortgage, but in reality, waiting can mean missing out on the home that truly fits your needs. The phrase “date the rate, marry the house” has gained popularity among realtors, especially in competitive markets like California and Humboldt County, because it captures an important truth: interest rates are temporary, but the home you buy can shape your fu... Read more

As the year draws to a close, many potential homebuyers in California begin weighing the financial impact of purchasing property before December 31. Buying a home in the fall can unlock valuable tax benefits that provide immediate financial relief. For instance, closing on a property before the year ends allows buyers to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and in some cases, mortgage insurance premiums from their taxable income. This can lower your tax liability for the current year, giving you a head start on building wealth through real estate.

In markets like Humboldt County,... Read more

The Golden State is known not just for its beautiful coastlines and booming tech hubs, but also for its dynamic real estate market. Whether you’re looking to launch a new career or seeking a fresh start in a thriving industry, understanding how to become a real estate agent in California is the first step to entering this competitive but rewarding field. From statewide licensing requirements to regional nuances like working in Humboldt County, the journey involves dedication, education, and strategic preparation.

Understanding the Licensing Requirements in California
To beco... Read more

Humboldt County, nestled along California’s rugged northern coast, is well known for its towering redwoods, scenic coastline, and vibrant countercultural heritage. Yet beyond the picturesque views and laid-back lifestyle, safety is a key concern for residents and newcomers alike. This sprawling, rural county encompasses a mix of small towns, unincorporated communities, and urban areas with varying levels of crime, infrastructure, and community cohesion. For those seeking the safest places to settle in Humboldt, several key locales stand out due to low crime rates, strong community ties, ... Read more

The weekly market update from Mike Simonsen of Altos Research. Today’s highlight is the focus on how Home prices have started to slip in a few states. Here are the highlights of the report:
Mortgage rates have recently surged into the 7% range, contributing to a slowdown in immediate home sales and an increase in price reductions, especially in states like Florida, Arizona, and Texas.
National home prices remain slightly higher compared to last year, but specific states are beginning to see declines.
There’s a significant rise in housing inventory, with a 1.7% increase this w... Read more

Two consecutive solid monthly gains for builder confidence, spurred in part by easing mortgage rates, signal that the housing market may be turning a corner even as builders continue to contend with high construction costs and building material supply chain logjams.
Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes in February rose seven points to 42, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This is the strongest reading since September of last year.
With the largest monthly increase for builder sentiment s... Read more

Sometimes its fun to see homes in other areas, good for decorating ideas, landscaping ideas or even moving ideas. Here is October’s edition of Haven Magazine:... Read more

Home Values Projected to Keep Rising

As we enter the final months of 2020 and continue to work through the challenges this year has brought, some of us wonder what impact continued economic uncertainty could have on home prices. Looking at the big picture, the rules of supply and demand will give us the clearest idea of what is to come.

Due to the undersupply of homes on the market today, there’s upward pressure on prices. Consider simple economics: when there is high demand for an item and a low supply of it, consumers are willing to pay more for that item. That’s what’s hap... Read more

2020 Homeowner Wish List [INFOGRAPHIC]
2020 Homeowner Wish List [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights
In a recent study by realtor.com, homeowners noted some of the main things they would change about their homes to make them more livable.
Not surprisingly, more space, an updated kitchen, and a home gym rose to the top of the list.
If you’re thinking of selling this year, having these items in your listing might make your house more desirable than ever to potential buyers.... Read more