The Discount Broker Bait and Switch

Can you trust a discount brokerage? Let’s discuss.   As you probably know, our real estate market runs in cycles. Now that conditions have cooled from the super-hot activity we were seeing a few months back, discount brokerages have begun to come out of the woodwork.   Full-service brokerages are far more trustworthy and a
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How do I find my property line?

Question: “When I bought my house, I was told the property line is at the fence. Do you think that’s correct? Should I look at a map?” Answer: Ever played the kid’s game of “Telephone”? One person whispers a phrase to the next person, who whispers it to the next person, and so on. The
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Not every power of attorney allows you to sell property

Question: “My mother owns her home in her trust. She’s not well, so I’m handling the sale for her. I have power of attorney and…” Answer: Before we go on, we need to determine if that power of attorney is actually valid to sell the house. Now, you may be thinking, “Of course it is.
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Are real estate investing seminars worthwhile?

Question: “I’d like to start investing in San Diego real estate. What do you think of those real estate investing seminars?” Answer: Most of them are a waste of your hard-earned money. Here’s why: Foreclosure seminars – we have VERY few foreclosures in San Diego. Tax lien seminars – ditto. Flipping seminars – too competitive
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A Sign He Wasn’t Ready For

A little bit of a mix-up can lead to a lot of confusion, which is exactly what happened in today’s story.
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How to find homes for sale

Question: “I’m so frustrated. I keep calling about homes for sale on Zillow and other sites, as well as on for sale signs, and they’re always sold. Any suggestions?” Answer: Let me answer that in multiple parts… WEBSITESMany well-known websites have inaccurate and outdated information about homes for sale and home values. They can be
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What is the reinvestment requirement when I sell my home?

Question: “I just sold my house. How long do I have to reinvest and buy another home?” Answer: There’s no reinvestment requirement when you sell your home. The law that applies is IRS Section 121, known as the Principal Residence Exclusion. Under that law, you don’t pay tax on the first 250K of gain (singles)
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Why Getting a Home Inspection Is Important

Home inspections are part of every real estate sale, but a seller isn’t required to get one. Here’s why I think you should if you’re considering listing your home.     You’re about to sell your home in the near future. Should you get a home inspection? This is a question I hear a lot
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Calgary Central Library

If you thought a library was just a musty storehouse for old books, think again! Calgary’s Central Library is a contemporary structure in both design and functionality equipped to handle the needs of its people. Situated between the Downtown and East Village, a light rail line crosses the library. Upon entering visitors are greeted with
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Mercat Encants

Don’t be fooled by the Mercat Encants’ contemporary look, this site is home to a 100-year old market! b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos created the new structure. The ostentatious gold canopy acts as a sunscreen while also reflecting the city into the market, connecting the two. One of the challenges was the limited location size which
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