Why Do Homes Sell Over Market Value?

Question: “I used to be an agent and I remember once in awhile seeing a home sell at a price that was clearly over market value. I never could figure out why that happened. Can you hazard a guess?” Answer: I’d love to. There are few reasons homes very occasionally sell at a price clearly
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Does a Cracked Driveway Mean Settlement Problems?

Question: “I saw a house that I liked, but the driveway has a lot of cracks in it. Does that mean that the house has settlement problems?” Answer: Maybe. Maybe not. Driveway slabs are almost always poured at a different time than the house slab. And they typically aren’t as thick, aren’t reinforced with metal
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Zhongyuan Tower

Zhongyuan Tower by Meritguy licensed under the terms of CC BY-SA 3.0
This week’s crazy building is Zhongyuan Tower in Zhengzhou, China. Completed in 2011, it was briefly the tallest steel tower in the world (at 1273 feet) until surpassed by Tokyo Skytree. While the core of the building is tube shaped, there are structural elements surrounding it that widen at the top and bottom to create
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Should You Sell Your Rental to Your Tenant?

Question: “Hi Gary. I want to sell my rental and my tenant is interested in buying. Can you handle that for me?” Answer: Yes, I’d be happy to. But first, excuse me if I’m a Negative Nancy or, if you’re a Saturday Night Live fan, Debbie Downer. In my 30 years selling homes for clients,
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Should You Wait Till Summer to Sell Your San Diego Home?

Question: “Do you think it’s a good idea to wait to sell until next summer when prices are up?” Answer: You’re making a BIG assumption that prices will be up next summer. How do you know this? Do you have a time machine?  Is it because everyone says – incorrectly – that summer is
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How Many Homes to See Before Buying

Question: “My wife and I are first time homebuyers. How many homes do you think we should see before we decide on one to buy?” Answer: Once you start seriously looking for a home, I’ve found most people physically walk through about ten (not counting open houses) before they choose the one they want to
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Cuba’s Russian Embassy

Cuba's Russian Embassy by Manuel Castro licensed under the terms of CC BY-SA 2.0
This week’s crazy building is the Russian embassy in Havana, Cuba. Constructed starting in 1978 and completed in 1987, what is now the embassy of Russia opened as a haven of the Soviets. This was a time when the USSR had enormous influence in Cuba—at one time they had 7,000 troops stationed on site! The embassy is built in
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The 10 Commandments of Home Loans

When you’re applying for a home loan, there are several things you should avoid at all costs. Here are the ten biggest, in the form of a Home Loan Ten Commandments: Thou shalt not change jobs, quit or become self-employed. Thou shalt not make a major purchase such as a new car. Thou shalt not
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5 Reasons to Invest in Real Estate Over Stocks

Question: “I think I know what you’re going to say, but do you recommend investing in stocks or real estate?” Answer: Not being a stock expert, you don’t really want me advising you about stocks. But I can share with you 5 advantages that real estate has over stocks: 1. You can personally impact the
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How Long After Selling Can You Buy Another Home & Avoid Taxes?

Question: “I’d like to avoid paying taxes on the profit from my home. How long do I have after I sell my home to buy another one?” Answer: Well my friend, you’re either 1) behind the times or 2) confusing the rules for your principal residence with those for investment property: Until 1997, you had
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