“Do you usually get the oven and refrigerator included when you buy a home?” ***ANSWER: Unless otherwise agreed in the contract, all built-in appliances are automatically included. Be careful about stoves that look built-in but are actually slide in. Tell your agent to list them in your offer. Freestanding appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers

“Not only do I not like paying mortgage insurance, it isn’t even tax deductible. Can you still get zero down loans without paying mortgage insurance?” ***ANSWER: They’re hard to come by. But my lender has something unique they call “tax advantaged mortgage insurance” or TAMI for short. Instead of charging you mortgage insurance, which is

“Does pest control clearance cover just termites, or does it also cover rats and ants, etc.?” ***ANSWER: The term “pest control clearance” is a misnomer, as it implies all kinds of bugs, rodents, and other pests will be eradicated. In reality, a pest control clearance covers “wood-destroying pests and organisms”, which are mainly termites, dryrot,

“I’m looking for a little investment house or condo in San Diego county. Something that’s a real bargain. What areas do you recommend?” ***ANSWER: In my opinion, the areas that have seen the biggest price drops are, in very rough declining order: 1. Spring Valley 2. Paradise Hills 3. EastLake (east Chula Vista) 4. Oceanside

“We really want to sell our home, but we owe more than our home is worth. What options do we have?” ***ANSWER: A. Do Nothing / Don’t Sell That’s an option, though it may not work for you. B. Come Up With The Difference Again, this may not work for you, but it’ll save your

“I know the seller has to fix health and safety items, but don’t they also have to fix code violations?” ***ANSWER: No, no, and no. There are very few physical requirements a homeseller in San Diego County is legally to fulfill, and they don’t include health, safety, or code items. Here’s the short list: 1.

“We’re interested in a foreclosure you have listed on XXXXX Road. But we just wasted a lot of time trying to buy two short sales and don’t want to go through that again. Is this also a short sale?” ***ANSWER: Here’s the sad and scary thing: The person who asked this question is a real

“Hi Gary. With all the dangerous loan programs out there, do you think the safest thing is to get a basic 30 year fixed loan?” ***ANSWER: I’m about to say something you and many people will disagree with: There are NO dangerous loan programs. Not one. Not the pay-option ARM loans. Not the short-term adjustable

“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 fixed

“I have a problem I hope you can help me with. I’m buying a home and the seller agreed to credit me $18,000 for closing costs. The problem is that my bank will not allow a credit over 3% of the sales price, and the price is about $500,000. So there’s $3,000 the bank won’t