http://sandiegorealestateinsider.com/moreinpocket.htm

“I have heard from a couple of people that El Centro is going to become the next Palm Springs. Have you heard anything about that, Gary? Also a lot of things happening in Pahrump NV. Thank you…” ***ANSWER: I’ve heard there are a lot of homes being built in El Centro, but I haven’t heard

“I’m looking into buying apartments and I’ve heard brokers talk about A, B, C, & D areas. I think I understand, but can you explain?” ***ANSWER: A, B, C, & D are subjective grades used to describe both location and property quality. For location, here’s how I’d describe it. It’s a bit tongue in cheek,

“Hello and thanks for your newsletter :o) I’m trying to keep track of real estate, with an eye to moving from a house to a condo. What’s all this about being able to keep your Prop 13 taxes if you’ve passed your 55th birthday? Are there any catches? Keep up the informative (and entertaining) work!”

“I just went to a real estate seminar about investing in XXX XXX Duplexes. They build beautiful new duplexes in various cities for you to buy. Did you go to the seminar? It seemed interesting and I wanted to get your opinion. Is this a scam or an opportunity?” ***ANSWER: I did not, but I

“Hi Gary, Your newsletter is interesting and informative. We enjoy reading it and learning from it. I have a question that I would like to ask you. I know that by law if you live 2 of the five years in a house when you sell it you would get $500,000 tax break. Please explain

“Hi Gary. I’m ready to buy my first home and my uncle who’s a self-proclaimed real estate investor keeps telling me to make a bunch of low offers using a letter of intent. What exactly is a letter of intent and do you recommend using one? ***ANSWER: A Letter of Intent is a simple, fast,

“Hi Gary. We make good income, but we don’t have a lot of money to put down on a home. I’ve heard if you don’t put at least 20% down you have to pay mortgage insurance. Is there any way around that?” ***ANSWER: Yes! Mortgage insurance is generally required for home loans with a “loan-to-value”

“How important is it to have a for sale sign up when we sell our home? We’d rather that our neighbors not know that we’re moving.” ***ANSWER: I highly recommend you go with the for sale sign. A sign is an important tool in marketing and selling your home. And believe me, when your neighbors

“My uncle is very sick and I’m his only heir. He’s deeding me his home now to make it easier for me to sell it after he’s gone. Of course he’ll stay there as long as he lives. Is there any downside to what we’re planning to do?” ***ANSWER: STOP! Do nothing until you consult