Should I use a discount broker to sell my Tierra Santa Home? “What do you think of those discount brokers, the ones who say they’ll sell your home for 1 or 2%? My friend used one and said it was a disaster. Once she called her agent and he didn’t even know who she was.

Appraisal Question “My friend is looking at a house that’s listed in Clairemont for $550,000, but was appraised for $575,000. He thinks it must be underpriced, but I’ve heard that appraisals aren’t always accurate. Do you agree?” ***ANSWER: Yup. The appraisers I know are hard-working, smart professionals and usually the figures they come up with

What about IRS Code 121? “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

1031 Exchanges – Reverse Exchanges “Hello Gary… We’re interested in selling our investment properties in North Park and Downtown San Diego. We like the 1031 exchange concept. However, we are scared off by the 45 day identification process.” ***ANSWER: Here’s the 2nd part of the answer to this question from last week: Two other ideas:

How Can I find out about my Credit Report? “Gary, Thank you for your newsletter, I enjoy it a lot. I have some info that your readers may find helpful. To further clarify your 2nd answer to the q: ‘Hi Gary. How do I find out my credit score?’ Please check out the website below.

What about the 1031 Exchange 45 day Identification process? “Hello Gary… We’re interested in selling our investment properties, we have a duplex in Bankers Hill and 3 condos in Mission Valley. We like the 1031 exchange concept. However, we are scared off by the 45 day identification process.” ***ANSWER: I understand the hesitation due to

Negative Amortization “We’re starting to shop lenders and loans before we buy a condo in University City. One gal we talked to told us about a loan that has negative amortization. What exactly is that, and is it something we should avoid?” ***ANSWER: Some adjustable loans allow payments that don’t cover all the interest due,

Real Estate Fees: You Realtors are overpaid and make way too much money! When I sell this summer there’s no way I’ll pay all that. I’d like to have your job. Why should a Realtor make 6% profit when all you guys do is run some ads, stick up a sign, and wait for someone

Open House “Hi Gary, We’re starting to look for a house in either San Diego or Chula Vista. We saw one that just came up for sale down our street and we’re waiting for the open house so we can see it. If we like it, can you help us buy it?” ***ANSWER: Yes, we

“When I was a kid in the 60’s, my dad was in the navy and we moved a lot. When we sold a home, my mom baked bread when people were coming to look. The whole house smelled great and my folks said it helped with the sale. Now I’ll be selling soon, but I