How Long Do You Have to Make an Offer?

Question: “A house just hit the market that we like.  How long do you think we have to make an offer?” Answer: A day? An hour? I don’t know how long it will take other potential buyers to offer on the specific home you like.  But I’ve received offers in as little as an hour
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Should You Present Your Offer to the Seller in Person?

Question: “I read in the paper that a good way to help get your offer accepted is for your agent to present it in person to the seller. Is that what you recommend?” Answer: Wow, that brings back memories! Way, way back in the dark ages of real estate…before e-signatures…before email…before faxes(!), that’s how we
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Why Most Real Estate Sites Aren’t Helpful

Question: “I’ve been researching the web about buying a home.  There is SO MUCH information out there, much of it contradictory.  I’ve learned a few things.  But on some topics, I’m actually more confused than when I started.  Is there one website you recommend that’s got accurate, useful info?” Answer: I think it’s great that
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Where to Start When Buying a San Diego Home

Question: “We want to buy a home, but have never bought a home before.  Where do we start?” Answer: The first thing you should do is make a list of questions you have. The next thing is to call an agent you know and trust.  Depending on how soon you plan to buy, you might
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Do Sellers Have to Accept the Highest Offer?

Question: “I made an offer on a home and was one of three offers.  The seller made a counter offer and asked everyone to submit the highest price they’d pay.  After we did, the seller asked us to go higher.  This all sounds a little iffy.  Don’t they have to take the highest offer, or
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What Appliances Are Included with My San Diego Home?

Question: “How do I know what appliances are included when I buy a home?” Answer: The timing for your question couldn’t be better. I just sold one of my client’s homes.  The range/oven was mentioned as included and the refrigerator was not.  The buyer didn’t request either in his offer. However, a week into escrow
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Can Loan Buyers Compete with Cash Buyers?

Question: “I keep hearing about homes selling with people paying all cash and not getting a loan.  Is it possible to buy a home if I need to get a loan and still compete with cash buyers?  And why are there so many cash buyers?” Answer: Bad news / good news if you need to
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Are San Diego Short Sales & Foreclosures Gone?

Question: “I rarely see any foreclosures or short sales any more.  Are they pretty much gone?” Answer: Almost. After the tsunami of foreclosures, the flood of short sales, and the wave of loan modifications, most people in trouble on their homes either lost them or got in a position to keep them. Throw in our
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So Your Offer Was Accepted—Or Was It?

Question: “The seller’s agent texted my agent that our offer on a home was accepted, but now they say they sold the home to someone else.  Is that legal?” Answer: For a real estate contract to be accepted and binding, there must be: A written offer Written acceptance Delivery of written acceptance to the party
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How Much to Offer on a San Diego Home

Question: “When we find the home we want, how much below the asking price do people offer?” Answer: Sorry, there’s no set formula.  What you should offer depends on 4 things: 1. Value This is the #1 factor in what you should offer.  Forget “always offer X% below list price” or “if you want it,
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