Beware of Agents Illegally Inventing Offers

“I just made an offer on a Pacific Beach home that had been on the market for 8 months. Now suddenly there’s a second offer. Why is it that when I decide to make an offer, suddenly and mysteriously another offer appears? I’m a little suspicious.” Answer: While RARE, agents have been known to unethically
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Price Appreciation in San Diego Neighborhoods

“Hi Gary. I’m thinking of buying a home and I’m trying to decide where. Don’t you think that all neighborhoods in San Diego tend to appreciate at the same rate over the long run?” Answer: I agree that most San Diego neighborhoods should appreciate at about the same rate… unless there’s what I’ll call a
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Signing a Buyer-Broker Agreement

“Hi Gary. It’s been about 10 years since my wife and I bought our home. We recently met with an agent to talk about finding a bigger home. When we were done, he asked us to sign a Buyer-Broker Agreement. I’ve never heard of this. What do you advise?” Answer: A “Buyer-Broker Agreement” outlines how
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Tips for Buying a Cheap San Diego Home

“We’re trying to buy our first home, but just can’t find anything we can afford in a safe area. Any ideas?” Answer: Here are a few ideas for you: 1. Buy a small, basic, inexpensive condo in an ugly complex. 2. Buy a duplex with friend or family, each living on one side. 3. Buy
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Offering on the San Diego Home You’re After

“My wife and I found a Pacific Beach home we want to buy. The list price is $525,000. What do you think a good offer would be?” Answer: Probably $515,000. Or $535,000. Or perhaps $400,000. Your question is impossible to answer until you tell me: 1. What is the home worth? (You should have a
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How We Can Help You Buy Outside San Diego

“Hi Gary. Thanks for your emails. You did a great job when you sold our condo in San Diego. Now that I’ve moved to Los Angeles, I’ve decided to go ahead and buy a home here. Can you help me buy a home in L.A.?” Answer: I’m honored that you want me to help you.
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Having Defects Fixed vs. Dollar Credit

“My wife and are planning to buy a La Jolla home. We know to hire a home inspector to find any major defects in the home. If such defects are found, do you suggest asking for the item to be fixed or for a dollar credit?” Answer: I usually recommend to all my clients, be
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Buying a Messy San Diego Home

“My wife and I have been looking at San Diego homes and can’t believe how much of a mess some are. We went into one that had piles of old newspapers and junk stacked all the way to the ceiling. I’d never buy a home in the disgusting condition some are offered in. Do agents
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Are Owners Carrying Back Notes?

“Are many owners carrying back notes nowadays? I almost never see it offered. With savings interest rates in the 1% range, you’d think it would be very common.” Answer: Good question. I agree with you that many owners would benefit by “being the bank” and letting the buyer make payments on a first or second
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How Big Your Down Payment Should Be

“Is it wise to put down a large down payment or put down the smallest amount possible? We have a lot of cash from the home we sold in Boston and can put down almost 50%. Or should we go 10% down and borrow the rest?” Answer: Simple question, not as simple to answer. Regarding
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