Can you give me an overview of things I should know when buying a home?

Question: “Last time we bought a home, the agent didn’t explain anything or give us any guidance. Can you give me an overview of things I should know?” Answer: There’s a lot to know, but here are some basics and smart tips not everyone thinks about: Upon acceptance: Get your deposit into escrow within 3
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Is selling my house to a flipper safe?

Question: “We may sell our house to a flipper who contacted us…” Answer: Be careful! A cautionary note about home flippers, aka investors who buy, fix, and resell homes… I deal with them regularly, and many follow a strategy of: Make a “cash” offer, often sight unseen. Get the offer accepted, “tying up” the home.
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A February Market Update for You

  Interest rates have unexpectedly dropped, leaving a window of opportunity open for homebuyers. Here’s what you need to know.   I’m coming to you today with your February 2019 market update. This update is particularly geared toward those who are considering buying a home or should consider buying one. “The market is starting to
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Hilton London Metropole

The unusual facade of the Hilton London Metropole seems to bend the laws of space. It is one of the largest hotels in Europe and can accomodate about 3,000 people in its conference space. It contains over 1,000 rooms and can dine about 2,000. The Metropole is centrally located in London, nearby Hyde park. The
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Do I have to talk to a lender before I see a home?

Question: “A real estate agent told me she wouldn’t show me any homes unless I talked with a lender to see if I was qualified. Isn’t that a bit much? Having to talk with a lender just to see one home?” Answer: It doesn’t sound like the agent explained the benefits to you of talking
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Does getting several offers mean you listed your home at too low a price?

Question: “My neighbors just listed their home and I know they got several offers the first week. Do you think that means they should have asked a higher price?” Answer: Not necessarily. Yes, homes that are priced too low usually attract multiple offers.  However, even in today’s “normal” market, you can also get multiple offers
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Do Home Buyers Have 3-Day Rescission Rights?

Question: “Hi Gary, thanks for your newsletter. I really learn a lot from it. I have a question for you. When you sign an offer to buy a home, do you have 3-day right of rescission?” Answer: People ask me that now and then. No, real estate contracts do NOT have any rescission rights for
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This Week’s Crazy Building: California Building

This week we are looking at the California Building in Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Museum Of Man. The amount of ornate detail is a sight to see! It was built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition. Designed by Bertram Goodhue, he drew inspiration from styles such as Baroque and Rococo as well
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Are You Qualified to Buy a Home? The Answer Might Surprise You

  Are you qualified to buy a home? The answer may surprise you.   Are you qualified to buy a home? My answer to this is that it may surprise you, but let me get a little more specific. Some people, when they talk about real estate, say something to the effect of, “Oh, I’d
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How do I sell my home and buy another at the same time?

Question: “We’re ready for a bigger house, but I don’t know how to go about this. I don’t want to sell mine until I’ve got another one, but I have to sell to get the money to buy the next one. How do people do this?” Answer: I hear this question all the time. Let’s
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