“I’m so frustrated. My wife and I are looking for a good deal on a home. We’ve talked to a lot of agents but none of them have found us anything. What should we be doing?” Answer: The opposite of what you’re doing. Dozens of people contact me and my team every month looking for

“What type of rental real estate investment do you recommend buying?” Answer: It depends. If this is your first investment, you might want to buy a little condo or house near you, especially if you’re going to manage it yourself. If you’re a bit more experienced, consider a 2-4 unit property in a blue-collar area

“I listed my P.B. home with an agent at $1.3 million. When it didn’t sell, I listed with my current agent for $1.15 million. Now she wants me to reduce my price again, but I’ve already come down 150K. I don’t think she’s doing a good job. What should I do?” Answer: You didn’t tell

“I’m planning to exchange my San Diego rental house for an apartment building in Texas. I know there’s different kinds of exchanges. I heard I should do a Starker Exchange. What exactly is that?” Answer: Yes. Wow, I haven’t heard someone mention “Starker” for a good 10 years. The name is from a 1979 court

“We’re planning to buy a home and my wife wants to use her friend’s sister who has a full-time job and sells real estate on the side. I think we’re headed for problems. Do you agree?” Answer: Using a part-time agent is dangerous. Any agent can put you in his car and show you homes.

“Hi Gary… We’re planning to sell our home and would like to have you list it, so please call us at (858)XXX-XXXX. Quick question: Our model in our housing tract in Carmel Valley has been selling for $1,000,000 to $1,100,000. Now one just like ours sold for $950,000. Do you think our property values have

“We’ve been looking at homes in North County and sometimes we see an extra fee called Mello Roos for a few hundred bucks a month. I wouldn’t want to buy a property with an extra fee. What is that?” Answer: In California’s “taxpayer revolt” of 1978, voters passed Proposition 13 that: 1. Limited property taxes

“What do you think of buying at a sheriff’s auction trustee sale?” Answer: It’s only for the faint of heart. While there are some deals to be had, here are the downsides: 1. Generally can’t see the home before bidding It would be more than awkward to casually knock on the owner’s door and say,

“Hi Gary. I inherited a house 4 years ago and haven’t lived in it for awhile. I want to sell it but am concerned about paying taxes. I’m not sure if it’s still my principal residence for tax reasons. I’m not sure how to proceed…” Answer: I’ll share my thoughts, but you should talk to

“I want to buy a short sale. Should I inspect now or when the short sale is approved?” Answer: Great question. Here are the two perspectives: 1. Save TIME / Inspect NOW It could be months before you know if the short sale is approved. Inspect now and find out what defects the home has