The 50/20/10 Rule for Looking at Homes

Question: “I’ve only been looking at homes for a couple of weeks and seen about 25. There’s one I really like, but I’m afraid it’s too soon. I know there’s no magic number, but how many homes do you suggest I see before buying one?” Answer: Because it’s very subjective, I’m going to just make
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Robarts Library

Robarts Library by Sascha Noyes is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
This week’s crazy building is Robarts Library at the University of Toronto. This fortress-like structure is one of the most prominent examples of Brutalist architecture: raw concrete with strong lines and a plain, stark feel. It’s appropriately nicknamed “Fort Book.” Opened in 1973 and created by Mathers & Haldenby Architects, it features over 4.5 million
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Can You Get a VA Loan to Buy a Rental?

Question: “Hi Gary. I’d like to buy a property to rent to my son and his family. Can I use my VA eligibility to get a VA loan?” Answer: Unfortunately, no. You can only get a VA loan on a home that you intend to live in. This is a longshot, but if you don’t
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7 Disclosure Tips to Help Keep You Out of Court

Question: “We’ll be selling our home in University City next year. I’m an honest person and plan to disclose everything, even though I don’t know of anything wrong with our home. But with all the lawyers and litigation in California, I’m afraid of being sued by the buyer for some technicality. What can I do
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Adding a Second Story to Your San Diego Home

Question: “We’re looking to buy a house in the I-5 corridor. We either want a view or one where we can build up to get one. How do I know if I can add a 2nd story? What kind of restrictions are there on building up?” Answer: Great question. Here are some things you need
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Hundertwasser House

This week’s crazy building is the Hundertwasser House in Vienna, Austria. This strange apartment building is the brainchild of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser (a name that truly rolls off the tongue!). He convinced city planners to go along with his idea of a building with undulating floors, bright contrasting colors and even a forested roof
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Know the Rules of a 1031 Exchange

Question: “I’d like to sell my rental and buy another property. I have 45 days after I sell to buy the next one, correct?” Answer: Not exactly. You’re talking about what’s called a 1031 exchange, named after IRS Code Section 1031. Contrary to popular belief, 1031 exchanges are fairly simple, with just a few rules
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What Effect Is the California Drought Having on Real Estate?

Looking to sell your San Diego home? Get a free home value report Buying a San Diego home? Search all homes for sale As you know, we are in the midst of a terrible drought here in California. While it hasn’t been a good thing, we can say that it has not really had an impact
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Lots to Consider When Finding “Comps” for Your Home

Question: “Hi Gary. I’m trying to find out what my rental property will sell for and am sending you the four comps another agent sent me. He said to look at the ones for sale and price it just under them and I should get about that price. Two of them are in a much
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How Do Negotiations Work in Real Estate?

Looking to sell your San Diego home? Get a free home value report Buying a San Diego home? Search all homes for sale If you are selling your home, one of the most important things you have to determine is your list price. When determining this list price, you want to know how much negotiating
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