How to Know What Repairs to Ask For

Question: “I plan to buy my first home soon and want to learn as much as possible. I know I should have a home inspection done. But how do I know which findings are serious and what to ask to be repaired?” Answer: Great question! There are only 6 major systems of a home: Foundation
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Fix-And-Flips: For Now, Just Say No

Question: “What’s the best advice you’ve ever given for flipping real estate?” Answer: Right now, it’s “DON’T DO IT.” Competition is fierce, prices are up, and you’re not in a rapidly appreciating market that will bail you out. Many professional home flippers are leaving the San Diego market or getting out of the flipping business
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6 Reasons Agents Overprice Your San Diego Home

Question: “I just suffered through six months of having my home for sale, and it didn’t sell. I’m sure it’s because my agent over-priced my home. Why would an agent do that?” Answer: Could be one of many reasons: — 1. Honest Mistake — Agents are human. I’ve overpriced a few homes in my 30+
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A Real Estate License Is No Golden Ticket

Question: “My husband and I have never bought a home before. I’m a full-time nurse and I’m thinking about getting a real estate license so I can get the commission when we buy. Do you think that’s a good idea?” Answer: Your question is a different version of what I call the “Golden Ticket Syndrome.”
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Can You Get a Loan on a Fixer-Upper House?

Question: “Is it possible to get a loan on a fixer-upper house?” Answer: It depends on the condition. Conventional Loans If the house needs cosmetics and/or miscellaneous minor to moderate repairs, you can probably get a regular “conventional” mortgage. Purchase/Renovation Loans If it needs more than that, you could possibly get a rehab/purchase loan. These
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7 Downsides of Selling Your Home “As Is”

Question: “Our house needs some minor repairs, but we want to sell it completely As Is and we found an agent who promises she can do that…” Answer: Selling As Is ain’t as easy as it’s cracked up to be, despite what some agents may promise you. So here’s what you need to know about
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Should I Buy a San Diego Home With a Cracked Slab?

Question: “What do you think about buying a house with a cracked slab?” Answer: I tell my clients there are two kinds of cracked slabs: those that ARE a problem and those that are NOT a problem. Experts say that all house slabs have cracks in them. Drying cracks or other hairline cracks are common
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Can I Use VA to Buy Investment Property?

Question: “Can I use my VA to buy an investment property?” Answer: Sorry. VA loans are only for owner-occupants. However, you can move out of the home at a later date and keep your VA loan. Verify with your lender or the VA, but I think you must intend to live there for at least
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Containing Pets (And Pet Odors) When Selling

Question: “We want to sell and have a couple of big dogs. Any tips you can offer on how to deal with that?” Answer: I LOVE dogs, even though I’ve been cornered and almost attacked by dogs several times. And I understand that they’re part of your family. At the same time, they can present
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Should You Get a Home Warranty?

Question: “What exactly is a home warranty and who pays for it?” Answer: It’s an insurance policy that sellers usually pay for that covers certain things that can go wrong with the systems of the house and (depending on coverage) the appliances, pool, spa, and roof. The policy is for one year after closing and
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