How do you transfer property and keep the same tax assessment?

Question: “Are propositions 60 and 90 the ones that let people who inherit property from a parent or grandparent keep the low property tax assessment?” Answer: It’s not propositions 60 and 90. Those allow people 55 or older to transfer their Proposition 13 tax assessment to a new home under certain conditions. You’re thinking of
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How quickly should I make an offer on a home in San Diego I really like?

Question: “Hi Gary. Love your newsletter. I want to know, when you’re looking for a home and find one you really like, how long do you think it’s OK to think about it before making an offer?” Answer: He who hesitates is lost.  If a home is attractive and/or well-priced, someone else may have seen
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Selling a Home Can Be a Price War and a Beauty Contest

To be an effective seller, you need to focus in on two key aspects of your home: its price and its appearance. In today’s real estate market, your home’s price and appearance are both crucial to your home selling success. If your home is beautiful and listed at a fair price, you’ll be far more
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Does lowering the price make buyers and agents think I’m desperate?

Question: “If I lower my price, does that make buyers and agents think I’m getting desperate? I definitely don’t want that.” Answer: Neither would I! And the good news is that it doesn’t send that message at all. There’s an old “joke” in marketing: “What’s everyone’s favorite radio station? WIIFM, also known as What’s In
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How do I sell my rental property if I still have tenants?

Question: “I’d like to have you handle the sale of my rental house.  We told the tenant there would be no lockbox and the home would be shown with 24 hour notice during business hours…” Answer: Let me stop you right there before you cost yourself any more time and money. In theory we’d like
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How do I get out of my lease early?

Question: “Hi Gary. I’m currently renting near UTC with a lease through December. I wasn’t really planning to buy, but my girlfriend wanted to go out and look at homes. We’ve seen several at good prices that we can afford. So now I’ve got the bug and want to buy before rates go up. But
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How do I buy a fixer-upper in San Diego?

Question: “We currently live with family, which isn’t great, but oh well. My wife and I are handy and while we’re living here, we’d like to buy a little fixer-upper to resell and make some money towards buying a bigger house down the line. Where do we start?” Answer: Keep in mind that buying fix
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Where’s the best neighborhood to buy a home?

Question: “Where’s the best neighborhood to buy a home?” Answer: Good question, but impossible to answer. Sure, I could say La Jolla or Rancho Santa Fe, right? After all, they’re the most expensive, so they should be the best. But for you (and anyone), it all depends on: Your budget What type of home you
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Should I get a second pest control report?

Question: “I’m going to sell my home and got a pest control report calling for almost $10,000 in repairs. So I’m getting a second report. The termite inspector told me that as the owner I can choose the lowest report and use that one…” Answer: Let me stop you right there.  That well-meaning pest control
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You’re invited to our latest Open House Extravaganza on April 20!

My latest open house is at 2351 Beryl Street, and I hope to see you there. You’re officially invited to my latest Open House Extravaganza coming up on April 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2351 Beryl Street. This beautiful home features four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a two-car garage.
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