Should You Sell Your San Diego Home “As Is”?

“My husband and I are planning to sell our large 2-story home in University City. We’re in our 70s and don’t want to do a lot of fixing to it. Our daughter’s friend who is an agent told us to just sell our home ‘As Is’ and then we won’t have to fix anything. Will
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Listing Your San Diego Home with the “Neighborhood Specialist”

“Hello… My wife and I will be selling our La Jolla home this spring and don’t know any agents. There is one who seems to work the neighborhood. She calls herself the neighborhood specialist. Do you think we should list with her?” Answer: Excellent question. Let me share a story with you… Years ago at
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Do Sellers Always Need to Tent for Termites?

“I have a question. Does the seller always have to tent their home for termites when they sell?” Answer: First of all, there’s no law requiring a termite clearance. So, if you want a termite clearance, you must request it in your offer. The two main categories of pest control work are “Section 1” and
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Using a Friend to Sell Your San Diego Home

“Hello Gary. I have a dilemma. I want to sell my home and move to Riverside. Because my friend is an agent and having money problems, I feel obligated to list with her. But I’d much rather use another agent I know who’d do a much better job. Any ideas?” Answer: First of all, you’re
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Buying a San Diego Home From an Auction Site

“I keep seeing these ads for an auction company. I went on their sites and the opening bids are very low compared to what the homes previously sold for. What do you think of buying a San Diego home from an auction site?” Answer: I’m not going to call it a scam. Let’s just say
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The Wrong Way to Find a Lender

“I’m looking to refi my condo and I’m calling lenders out of the phone book trying to find the lowest rate. Can you recommend me the lender you think has the lowest rates?” Answer: STOP! Shopping rates is NOT the way to find your lender. Here’s why: 1. There’s more to a loan than interest
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Beware of Agents Illegally Inventing Offers

“I just made an offer on a Pacific Beach home that had been on the market for 8 months. Now suddenly there’s a second offer. Why is it that when I decide to make an offer, suddenly and mysteriously another offer appears? I’m a little suspicious.” Answer: While RARE, agents have been known to unethically
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Selling San Diego Real Estate Without Too Much Tax

“I’ve owned San Diego real estate for 40 years and I’m tired. I’m 71 and want out of being a property manager. My wife and I own a 7-unit apartment complex in Normal Heights. Any ideas on how to sell it without paying a lot of tax?” Answer: Here are SIX ideas for you: 1.
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Price Appreciation in San Diego Neighborhoods

“Hi Gary. I’m thinking of buying a home and I’m trying to decide where. Don’t you think that all neighborhoods in San Diego tend to appreciate at the same rate over the long run?” Answer: I agree that most San Diego neighborhoods should appreciate at about the same rate… unless there’s what I’ll call a
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Don’t Let Fluctuating Prices Control Your Decisions

“I could have sold my San Diego home in 2005 for $600,000, but now it’s only worth $475,000. I don’t want to take such a big loss.” Answer: (Question from reader who paid $290,000 for his home in 1998.) You need to have a short memory. What you could have gotten was an unrealized number
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