Who Pays for San Diego Condo Renovations?

Question: “I’m thinking about buying a condo that was built in the 1960s.  It’s fine right now, but what happens in, say, another 50 years? If it has to undergo major renovations or be rebuilt entirely, who pays for that?” Answer: Great question. It’s not likely that a condo complex or even individual buildings will
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Do Security Bars Mean a Bad Neighborhood?

Question: “My wife and I are looking at homes.  We like one, but it has security bars on every door and window.  Do you think that means it’s a bad neighborhood?” Answer: If a high percentage (25%?) of homes in the area have bars, that’s a good indication that it may be a neighborhood with
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Avoid Making a Vague Offer on a San Diego Home

Question: “I’d like to make an offer on a house. I want to put in that it’s subject to the seller making any necessary repairs. And…” Answer: Hold on. I’m already seeing problems. First of all, “necessary repairs” is extremely vague. “Necessary” according to whom? When I receive offers on my sellers’ homes with vague terms,
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Can You Still Get an Inspection on a Home Sold As Is?

Question: “If a home is sold as is, can I still get an inspection?” Answer: Yes, unless you agreed to remove your inspection contingency from the contract.  But that’s unlikely. So yes, you can and should get an inspection. AND, contrary to semi-popular belief, you still have the right to request repairs or to cancel
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Why Do Bad Agents Use Price Per Square Foot?

Question: “I saw a home and asked the agent what she thought of the price. She told me homes were selling for $400 per square foot, so the list price was about right. Even I know you can’t figure out a home value that way. Why do agents use something that doesn’t work?” Answer: Great
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What Will Convince Sellers to Let You Move In Early?

Question: “My fiancé and I are about to make an offer on a condo and REALLY want to be in by Christmas. My lender said there’s no way we can close by then. Since the condo is vacant, what can we say to let us move in early?” Answer: I always advise my seller-clients against
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Why Agents Won’t Tell You a Home’s Preliminary Sale Price

Question: “Hi Gary, we see a sold sign on a house you have listed in Bay Park.  What did it sell for?” Answer: Great question! Many agents would (and do) answer such a question and tell you the price. However, those same agents are likely damaging their client and violating their fiduciary duty to look
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What Is a Processing or Transaction Fee?

Question: “Hi Gary.  I made an offer on a condo last week.  The agent wrote in that I had to pay their company a $395 transaction fee?  I didn’t get what that was for.  Do you know?” Answer: Some real estate agents and/or firms charge clients an extra fee they call by various names, such
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Are There Any Condos Without HOA Fees?

Question: “We rent right now and can barely afford a house, so my wife and I were thinking condo.  But I don’t want to pay those monthly association fees.  They’re a waste of money.  Are there any condos without fees?” Answer: Sorry.  Buying a condo almost always means you’ll be paying those pesky “HOA fees.” 
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Are Agents Required to Write Your Offer on a San Diego Home?

Question: “Gary, I’m ticked off.  I wanted to write an offer on a house and your agent refused to write it.  That’s unethical and illegal and I want you to give me a call.” Answer: My agent came said you wanted to write an offer more than 20% below the market value of the home
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