4 Winter Prep Tasks to Finish in Nevada County Before the First Storm
I grew up here, and I can tell you the first big storm of the season always catches somebody off guard. If you own a home in Grass Valley, Nevada City, Penn Valley, Alta Sierra, or one of the lake communities, Nevada County winter prep is a short list that saves real money. Here are the four jobs I
2-1 Buydown vs. ARM: 3 Questions to Ask Your Nevada County Lender
With 30-year rates near 7.4%, a lot of Nevada County buyers are asking me the same thing: should I take a 2-1 buydown or an adjustable-rate mortgage? The 2-1 buydown vs ARM question is a good one, because both lower your payment early and both can bite you later if you don't understand them. I'm not
5 Hidden Gems Near Alta Sierra Worth Knowing Before You Buy
Most buyers look at Alta Sierra for the golf course, the tall pines, and the room to spread out. Fair enough. But after more than 40 years in Nevada County, I can tell you the hidden gems near Alta Sierra are what people end up bragging about to their friends in the Bay Area. Alta Sierra sits just s
Should I List My Nevada County Home Now or Wait Until Spring?
It is the question I get every October: should I list my Nevada County home now, or wait for spring? Most sellers assume spring wins, because that is what everyone says. The numbers tell a more mixed story, and the right answer depends on your house and your timeline. Here is what the monthly MLS da
Will Mortgage Rates Drop Soon? What 7.4% Means for Nevada County Buyers
The question I hear most from buyers right now is simple: will mortgage rates go back down? Freddie Mac's latest weekly survey has the average 30-year fixed rate at about 7.4%, the highest it has been since late 2023. A year ago it was around 6.3%. If you are shopping for a home, mortgage rates in N
Grass Valley Halloween on Oct. 30: What Downtown Living Feels Like
On Friday, October 30, downtown Grass Valley fills up with tiny witches, dinosaurs, and a few very serious superheroes. The Grass Valley Downtown Association's Halloween Safe Trick-or-Treat runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for preschoolers, and if you are curious what living in Grass Valley is really lik
Selling a Home With Septic in Nevada County: What Must You Disclose?
If you are selling a home with septic in Nevada County, you are in good company. Outside the town centers of Grass Valley and Nevada City, most homes in Penn Valley, Alta Sierra, and the rural Sierra Foothills run on a septic system, not city sewer. The question I hear from sellers is always the sam
Can You Negotiate Price in Grass Valley Right Now? What MLS Shows
It is the question I hear most from buyers this fall. Can you negotiate price in Grass Valley right now, or will you lose the house if you try? My honest answer is that it depends on the house. Some sellers will deal. Some will not move a dollar. The trick is telling them apart before you write the
5 Hidden Gems Near Lake of the Pines Worth Knowing Before You Buy
Most buyers look at Lake of the Pines for the lake, the golf course, and the gate. Fair enough. But after more than 40 years in Nevada County, I can tell you the hidden gems near Lake of the Pines are what people talk about a year after they move in. Lake of the Pines sits near Auburn on the Nevada