This Week’s Crazy Building: Thorncrown Chapel

The Thorncrown Chapel feels at home among the trees of Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains. This unique structure receives over 2,000 visitors each day. It was designed by E. Fay Jones and built in 1980. Jones, one of the top students of Frank Lloyd Wright was recognized with the 1990 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal for a
Read more
No Comments

This Week’s Crazy Building: Ryugyong Hotel

The imposing Ryugyong Hotel towers above its neighboring buildings in Pyongyang, North Korea. The name means “capital of willows” and comes from a historical nickname of the city. Its unusual shape is thought to be symbolic of a mountain and determined by the exclusive use of concrete as a construction material. Normally a building of
Read more
No Comments

How do I transfer my property taxes to a new house?

Question: “Is it true that if I’m over 55, I can sell my house and use the property ‘tax base’ as the tax base for a new purchase?” Answer: Under Proposition 60, if you sell a San Diego home that qualifies as your principal residence and buy another principal residence in San Diego, you can
Read more
No Comments

Should we still buy a house even if the seller won’t lower their price?

Question: “We found a house we like that just hit the market, but the seller won’t budge off his price. Do you think we should still buy it?” Answer: You haven’t provided me the most important information: What are they asking? What do you think it’s worth? If you like the home and it’s worth
Read more
No Comments

Do houses make good rental properties?

Question: “I live in University City and the house next door just came up for sale for $900,000. Do you think that would make a good rental?” Answer: Maybe. While I do own one rental house, I’ve found that less expensive condos and houses, as well as 2-4 unit properties, make better investments. However, since
Read more
No Comments

29 Critical Questions to Ask Your Realtor

Any agent you work with should have the skills to maximize your success. Here’s how to find an agent who can just that. Click here to get the report. If you’re thinking of selling your home, then I highly recommend you order my team’s exclusive home seller’s guide: 29 Critical Questions to Ask a Realtor
Read more
No Comments

Are condos good investments?

Question: “What do you think of a condo as an investment?” Answer: Excellent question! I own several condos as investments and they’ve been great. Here are some situations where I recommend condos to my clients looking for investment property: You’re a beginning investor and want to start easy. You want to keep things simple so
Read more
No Comments

Why NOT to use open houses to price your home

Question: “Hey Gary: We stopped in at an open house at the home at XXXX XXXX. It’s listed at $700,000. We weren’t impressed with it compared to ours. We assume the main draw for that house is location and it’s on a bigger lot. Have you seen it? What’s your opinion?  It makes us think
Read more
No Comments

Should I buy a home with an unpermitted addition?

Question: “I was looking at a home that had one of those California Rooms built without a permit.  Is there a downside to buying a home with an unpermitted addition?” Answer: (A California room is typically a patio style room with many windows. FYI, in Florida they call these Florida Rooms!) Three possible issues come
Read more
No Comments

This Week’s Crazy Building: Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

The undulating walls and movement of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health are a vast departure from other health physicalities. Designed by renowned architect, Frank Gehry, he feels the center represents hope. The Center treats patients with Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease, among others. Started in 2009 the Center came about as a partnership
Read more
No Comments
TOP