“Hi Gary, I’m thinking of selling my rental house in the College Area. I’ll probably offer it to tenant first? How do I find out value? Should I get an appraisal?” ***ANSWER: It’s smart to offer the house to your renter first. I usually ask my landlord-clients if they’ve checked to see if their tenants

“[Last week you wrote…] ‘There are other creative ways to avoid taxes. Under current tax laws, you can move into your rental property for 2 years, converting it into your personal residence, and then sell it and likely pay very little taxes.’ I think the government has made a modification to this. I’m not sure

“I know that in this market overpricing my home will make it very hard to sell, if it sells at all. How will I know if my home is priced right?” ***ANSWER: Follow the “10/30 Rule”: Once your home has been on the market 30 days or been shown 10 times, if you haven’t received

“I’ve been dying to buy our first home for since last summer, but my husband keeps putting it off because he doesn’t know where to start. What do you suggest?” ***ANSWER: Many of our clients say the same thing. Buying a home is a big deal and it all seems so complicated and overwhelming. Where

“Hi Gary. I know that curb appeal is important when you sell. Can you share any tips on increasing a home’s curb appeal?” ***ANSWER: Here are 10 Smart Curb Appeal Tips for you: 1. Drive up to your home like you’re a potential buyer. You may be shocked at what you notice with this different

“Both the stock market and the real estate market have been so unpredictable. Do you mind if I ask you where you put your money, in stocks or real estate?” ***ANSWER: You won’t be surprised to hear that I’m mainly invested in real estate. For me, that’s because I know, live, and breathe the stuff.

“I’ve bought a home a few times and I don’t understand why we need to pay an escrow company all that money. Can’t I just give the seller a check from my lender and get the deed and record it?” ***ANSWER: If only it were that simple… You wouldn’t want to get a letter from

“Hello Gary. My wife and I just got married and we’re planning to buy our first home and I have a question. What happens if a house fails a home inspection?” ***ANSWER: Home inspectors don’t pass/fail a home. They inspect it, describe its condition, and indicate what needs attention. If your inspector finds items that

“Hi Gary. The only home I’ve ever owned is a little condo I bought from my parents, so I’m a rookie at homebuying. Now I need something bigger, with a yard for my dog, so I want to buy a house. Can you tell me how much my deposit will be and do I lose

“My friend recommended that I use you to sell my property. I have an 8 unit apartment building in Pacific Beach that I want you to sell. When I do, will I have to pay 25% capital gains?” ***ANSWER: I’ve got bad news and good news and better news for you… Bad Many people I