Should You Have Your Buyer Move In Early?

Question: “As I told you, I’m going to have you sell that rental house I own on [address removed].  The tenant moved out last week.  Once we get a buyer, what do you think of having them move in early so I can get some rent going?” Answer: Risky! Sure, everything could work out great. 
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Can Stressed Seniors Have the Kids Sell the House?

Question: “My mother is getting up there in years, and wants to move to a retirement home where she can get the care she needs. But she’s very anxious about selling her house, so she wants me to handle it. Is there any way I can do everything for her so she doesn’t have to
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Premium Price for Your Remodeled San Diego Home

Question: “We remodeled our home about 20 years ago.  It’s still in great condition, so we feel we should get a premium price for it…” Answer: I hate to tell you this… Today’s San Diego homebuyers are spoiled. My theory is it started about 10 years ago when thousands of apartments were converted to condos. 
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Will Xeriscaping Add Value to Your San Diego Home?

Question: “Gary, I’m going to xeriscape the front of my house to conserve water and lower my water bill.  How much value do you think that will add?” Answer: [Note: Xeriscaping is landscaping that needs little or no watering by using less-thirsty plants like cacti and succulents.] First, I highly commend you for conserving water.
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Should Your Agent Attend Your San Diego Home Showings?

Question: “I really don’t want to be bothered with showings of my home.  I talked with one agent who promised he’d accompany other agents for all the showings.  Would you be willing to do that?” Answer: No matter what happens, if you live in the house, somehow you’re going to be involved in the showings.
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What Marshmallows Can Teach You About Dealing with Agents

Question: “I’ve got a confession. Although I’ve been reading your newsletter for years, I didn’t follow your advice. I had to sell my mom’s house in Anaheim. I interviewed 3 agents and unfortunately chose the one who told me what was by far the highest price. It ended badly. She overpriced the house and I
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Sell Your San Diego Home Without Becoming Homeless

Question: “Gary, my wife and I want to move near the beach.  We need to sell to afford a new home.  But we’re afraid of selling and not finding a home and becoming homeless.  You must run into this all the time.  How do we handle this?” Answer: Great question!  Rest assured that in my
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How Does a Neighbor’s Ugly Home Affect Your Sale?

Question: “Does it make a difference when you sell your home if the neighbor’s property is unkept and ugly?  The house next door is a rental and the lawn is a mix of dead grass and tall weeds.  The paint is peeling and the garage door is broken.  How much will that impact selling my
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Getting Your San Diego Home Inspected Before Selling

Question: “What do you think of having a contractor inspecting my home before I put it on the market?” Answer: It’s a GREAT idea. The one and only downside is it’ll cost you about $350.  But the many benefits to you include: 1. If there are any health or safety items, you can have them
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Does Reducing the Price on Your Home Look Desperate?

Question: “I’m not sure I should reduce the price on my home.  Won’t that give the impression that I’m desperate or there’s something wrong with my home?” Answer: Quite the contrary. The typical reaction of agents and buyers is something like, “Oh, look, they’ve reduced the price on that one.  With a more attractive price,
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