7 Disclosure Tips to Help Keep You Out of Court

Question: “We’ll be selling our home in University City next year. I’m an honest person and plan to disclose everything, even though I don’t know of anything wrong with our home. But with all the lawyers and litigation in California, I’m afraid of being sued by the buyer for some technicality. What can I do
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Adding a Second Story to Your San Diego Home

Question: “We’re looking to buy a house in the I-5 corridor. We either want a view or one where we can build up to get one. How do I know if I can add a 2nd story? What kind of restrictions are there on building up?” Answer: Great question. Here are some things you need
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Know the Rules of a 1031 Exchange

Question: “I’d like to sell my rental and buy another property. I have 45 days after I sell to buy the next one, correct?” Answer: Not exactly. You’re talking about what’s called a 1031 exchange, named after IRS Code Section 1031. Contrary to popular belief, 1031 exchanges are fairly simple, with just a few rules
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Lots to Consider When Finding “Comps” for Your Home

Question: “Hi Gary. I’m trying to find out what my rental property will sell for and am sending you the four comps another agent sent me. He said to look at the ones for sale and price it just under them and I should get about that price. Two of them are in a much
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What to Do if You Can’t Find a San Diego Home

Question: “My wife and I have been looking on our own and are getting very frustrated trying to find a home. Can you give us any tips?” Answer: The first thing you need to do is start working with a good, active, experienced agent. I’m guessing you haven’t done so yet because you don’t want
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Do People Film San Diego Homes with Drones?

Question: “I saw a drone flying around a house in my neighborhood. Do you think they were filming it because it’s coming on the market?” Answer: Possibly. However, that would be illegal. I’ve researched this and the FAA currently prohibits almost all private commercial use of drones.
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Can You Just Tell Sellers to Buy As-Is?

Question: “Can I just tell buyers they have to buy my home As Is with no repairs?” Answer: Yes and no. Before I explain what that means, try this fun game: Ask your significant other, “Do you promise you won’t get mad if I tell you something?” If they agree, then say, “Those pants make
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Can Sellers Make Electrical Repairs Themselves?

Question: “Hi Gary. We made an offer on a home and the inspector found a few electrical issues. We asked for them to be fixed by a licensed electrician. Then right before closing we found out the seller made the repairs himself, not a licensed electrician. He can’t do that, can he?” Answer: The seller
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Can You Avoid Taxes by Exchanging into a Property You Own?

Question: “An agent told me that if sell my triplex rental and put $$ into the other side of the duplex I live in that I can avoid taxes. Is that correct?” Answer: Sorry, but no. To defer your taxes, IRS Code Section 121 requires you to exchange into a property that you buy. You
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Why Don’t Buyers Do Home Inspections Up Front?

Question: “Hi Gary. I haven’t bought or sold a home in 30 years, so I don’t know the process.  I just sold my mother’s home and the buyers asked me to discount the price $12,000 after they had their inspection due to electrical and roof issues.  Why didn’t they do their inspection upfront instead of
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