Should You Get a Stager for Your San Diego Home?

Question: “I’ll be selling my 1-bedroom condo that’s worth about 200K. At what point is it worth hiring a professional stager?” Answer: In my opinion, a good stager will return at least 3 and up to 10 times the fee, depending on the cost and the home price. Because your condo is small, it should
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Can You Sell Without Paying Taxes on the Gain?

Question: “I’ve heard about avoiding taxes when you sell your home. There’s some rule about owning and living in the house two years. My wife and I rented a house nine years and finally bought it in 2012. Then in 2013 we moved to Seattle. So we didn’t own and live in it at the
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A Real Estate License Isn’t a “Golden Ticket”

Question: “A friend of the family just got a real estate license, so we’re going to have him sell our home.” Answer: This reminds me of what I call the “Golden Ticket Syndrome.” Remember Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? If you had a Golden Ticket you got the grand tour of Willy’s candy factory
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The Crystal Ball Question & The Definition of Value

Question: “I know the market has recovered most of what it lost, but I still don’t think I can get what my home is worth. When do you think we’ll fully recover to 2006 prices?” Answer: First, a non-answer, then a comment… Non-Answer Your question of when will we retake the peak of the 2006
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Is It Okay For Buyer’s Agents to Contact the Seller?

Question: “We have our home listed and an agent who showed the house called us asking about why we’re selling, when we’d like to move, and if we had other offers. Is that normal?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! That practice is unethical and possibly illegal. The only communication the buyer’s agent should initiate with you should
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Do Repairs Increase Home Value or Just Make It Sell Faster?

Question: “I’m not sure if this makes sense. An agent told me that remodeling and new paint and carpet don’t increase the value of my home, they just make it sell faster?” Answer: That’s nonsense. I’ve heard that many times and never understood the “logic.” All smart improvements should increase the value of your home,
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Beware Letters Asking to Buy Your San Diego Home

Question: “I got two letters today. One was from someone saying they wanted to buy my rental condo. Another was from an agent saying he has someone who wants to buy my home. Do you think these are for real?” Answer: Yes and no. Almost all letters saying someone (or some group) wants to buy
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Don’t Hire a Property Manager to Do an Agent’s Job

Question: “My property manager is licensed, so we’re going to go ahead and list our rental with her and…” Answer: Hey, did you hear the news about the Chargers?! This season quarterback Philip Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates are going to swap positions. Gates at QB and Rivers playing tight end. No big deal.
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How to Avoid Being Sued When Selling Your San Diego Home

Question: “I’ve never sold a home and I’m very worried about being sued for not disclosing something. Do you have any tips to avoid being sued?” Answer: It’s all about disclosure. If you disclose everything to a buyer, they’re unlikely to sue you later or win if they do sue you. And the proper way
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How Long Does It Take to Sell a San Diego Home Right Now?

Question: “How long does it take to sell a home right now?” Answer: There are many variables, such as location, condition, property type, price range, etc. But by far the biggest two variables are price and agent. If you price your home near market value and have a good agent, you’re going to sell it
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