How long does the 1031 exchange process take?

Question: “I’m thinking about doing a 1031 exchange, how long does the whole process take?” Answer: It’s MUCH faster than you might think. In fact, it only takes a couple of days to set up. So it shouldn’t delay your transaction. That being said, never wait until the last minute to set up your exchange.
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Do real estate networks sell homes?

Question: “Are you a member of a big network? We went to a seminar at a retirement community and an agent spoke and said a reason to use them is that they’re with a big firm that has a network that will sell our house.” Answer: Yes, I’m a member of several large networks, including
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Chongqing Guotai Arts Center

China’s Chongqing Guotai Arts Center draws inspiration from various sources such as the white fig tree and traditional Chinese architecture. Construction took 8 years but its history began in 1937 when the Chongqing Theater was founded. The Arts Center is important to locals due to its history and the performances that took place at the
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Oodi

The undulating shape of Oodi evokes the feeling of a passing cloud. While that image may conjure the feeling of a daydream, this new public library is the opposite, being practical and well thought out. Designed by ALA Architects it sits across the street from the parliament building in Helsinki, Finnland. Oodi means “ode” in
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Can I still sell my San Diego duplex even if my rents are way below market value?

Question: “We own a duplex and are considering selling it. Our rents are way below market because we’re just not very good landlords and our tenants have been there forever. Will that be a problem?” Answer: You’ll still be able to sell your duplex. But because a large percentage of potential buyers are investors, and
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What is the proper etiquette for gift giving during a home sale?

Question: “We really love the young couple who are buying our home and want to leave them a gift. What’s the normal etiquette for this? Do you think it’s a good idea?” Answer: First of all, how nice you are to be so thoughtful. This is relatively uncommon, so there’s no accepted etiquette. You can
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How do you make a backup offer?

Question: “My wife and I made an offer on a home. They accepted another offer, but we asked and they said they’d keep us as a backup. But we found out the offer they accepted fell through and they sold to someone else without even telling us. Is that legal?” Answer: From your question, it
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What Is “Confirmation Bias”?

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, you need to avoid confirmation bias. Here’s what I mean by that. Have you heard of the term “behavioral economics”? I was an economics major in college, and this term explains why people don’t always make rational decisions in their self-interest. One of the tendencies of behavioral economics
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This Week’s Crazy Building: U.S. Bank Stadium

The U.S. Bank Stadium is crazy by design. Inspired by the local landscape of Minnesota as well as Viking longboats this structure by HKS Architects is a landmark piece in several ways. The stadium is LEED Gold certified, meaning it meets international criteria for best in class strategies and practices to make it a sustainable
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Located in Dallas, Texas, the monolithic Perot Museum of Nature and Science was inspired by the local landscape and designed to spark the imagination. The original museum dates back to 1936. Its current form represents the merger of the Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place, and the Dallas Children’s Museum. The new building,
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