Who Pays for a Home Warranty?

Question: “Who usually pays for a home warranty, the buyer or the seller? And if the seller won’t or doesn’t pay, is it worth buying one?” Answer: A home warranty policy is an insurance policy purchased during a home sale that covers some things that can go wrong with the plumbing, heating, electrical, and built-in
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When Must the Seller Be Out of the Home?

Question: “We’re planning to buy a home. A realtor told me that the seller has to be out of the home 5 days before the sale closes. Is that correct?” Answer: No. My guess is the Realtor had that confused with the “default” in the contract for tenants. The contract says tenants are to be
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Do All Homes Have to Be Tented for Termites?

Question: “Gary, do all homes have to be tented for termites before you buy them?” Answer: No. It depends on a few things: 1. What does your contract say? There’s no law that says a home must be free and clear of termites when it’s sold. Most people buying a home expect it to be
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How Big a Deposit Must You Make?

Question: “How much deposit am I required to make to have a binding contract?” Answer: This may surprise you and many readers, but you’re not legally required to make a deposit at all. While contracts require what is called “consideration” to be valid, that doesn’t mean you need to have a deposit. Per the good
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Who’s Buying San Diego Homes?

Question: “Who are you seeing out there buying homes in San Diego? Are they first-time homebuyers, people moving up or down, foreign buyers, or ???” Answer: Of course, we’re seeing all of those groups, and a few more. But I think you’re asking about major trends… There’s an unusually high percentage of cash buyers, many
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3 Reasons a San Diego Home Is Listed “As Is”

Question: “If a house is advertised ‘as is,’ does that mean that the house has problems? And can you still inspect it and ask for something to be fixed?” Answer: Great questions. Homes are typically advertised “As Is” for three different but related reasons: First, the home may indeed have problems, ranging from ugly cosmetics
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Do Buyers & Sellers Attend the Closing on a San Diego Home?

Question: “Hi Gary. I really enjoy reading your newsletter. I have a question. My wife and I will be buying our first home in San Diego. Do the buyer and seller both attend the closing, or just the agents?” Answer: None of the above. Practices vary by geography. In some states, the buyer, seller, agents,
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Doing a San Diego Home Inspection

Question: “Hi Gary. When I buy a home, I’ll take your advice and definitely have it inspected. A few questions: When should I do it? How much does one cost? How long does it take?” Answer: You should do your home inspection ASAP after your offer is accepted. You typically have 7 to 17 days
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Do Agents Lie & Say There’s a Second Offer?

Question: “My wife and I rent and there’s been a house for sale down the street. After driving by it for 4 months, we decided to make an offer. When we did, suddenly the seller’s agent said he had another offer. It seems all too coincidental. How often do agents lie and say there’s a
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What San Diego Home Utilities Are Required?

Question: “My wife and I have never bought a home before. I heard that legally the home has to be of a certain condition to sell. Specifically that the plumbing, heating, electrical, and appliances must work, and that the roof is watertight. Is this correct?” Answer: No. There is no such law. The old California
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