Is There Demand for Fixer-Upper San Diego Homes?

Question: “My brother and I inherited a rental house that has been very neglected and is in horrible condition. Can we even sell it?” Answer: Definitely. There’s still good demand for fixer upper homes. Most people buying are “flippers” who fix and resell for profit. Others are just regular potential homeowners looking for a less
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Do Termite Inspections Cover Fungus?

Question: “I saw a house that has a lot of fungus damage to the wood. Does a termite inspection cover that?” Answer: Yes. While it’s often called a “termite inspection”, the correct term is “pest control inspection,” which covers anything that can decay or eat the wood. And that includes fungus.
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Should You Cosign a Loan on a San Diego Home?

Question: “My son asked me to cosign on a loan so he can buy his first home. Is there any risk to me doing that?” Answer: Cosigning on a loan makes you as liable as the person you’re cosigning for. So if your son is late on his mortgage, his and YOUR credit will be
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Why Do Homes Sell Over Market Value?

Question: “I used to be an agent and I remember once in awhile seeing a home sell at a price that was clearly over market value. I never could figure out why that happened. Can you hazard a guess?” Answer: I’d love to. There are few reasons homes very occasionally sell at a price clearly
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Does a Cracked Driveway Mean Settlement Problems?

Question: “I saw a house that I liked, but the driveway has a lot of cracks in it. Does that mean that the house has settlement problems?” Answer: Maybe. Maybe not. Driveway slabs are almost always poured at a different time than the house slab. And they typically aren’t as thick, aren’t reinforced with metal
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Should You Sell Your Rental to Your Tenant?

Question: “Hi Gary. I want to sell my rental and my tenant is interested in buying. Can you handle that for me?” Answer: Yes, I’d be happy to. But first, excuse me if I’m a Negative Nancy or, if you’re a Saturday Night Live fan, Debbie Downer. In my 30 years selling homes for clients,
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Should You Wait Till Summer to Sell Your San Diego Home?

Question: “Do you think it’s a good idea to wait to sell until next summer when prices are up?” Answer: You’re making a BIG assumption that prices will be up next summer. How do you know this? Do you have a time machine?  Is it because everyone says – incorrectly – that summer is
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How Many Homes to See Before Buying

Question: “My wife and I are first time homebuyers. How many homes do you think we should see before we decide on one to buy?” Answer: Once you start seriously looking for a home, I’ve found most people physically walk through about ten (not counting open houses) before they choose the one they want to
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5 Reasons to Invest in Real Estate Over Stocks

Question: “I think I know what you’re going to say, but do you recommend investing in stocks or real estate?” Answer: Not being a stock expert, you don’t really want me advising you about stocks. But I can share with you 5 advantages that real estate has over stocks: 1. You can personally impact the
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How Long After Selling Can You Buy Another Home & Avoid Taxes?

Question: “I’d like to avoid paying taxes on the profit from my home. How long do I have after I sell my home to buy another one?” Answer: Well my friend, you’re either 1) behind the times or 2) confusing the rules for your principal residence with those for investment property: Until 1997, you had
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