Are There Any Condos Without HOA Fees?

Question: “We rent right now and can barely afford a house, so my wife and I were thinking condo.  But I don’t want to pay those monthly association fees.  They’re a waste of money.  Are there any condos without fees?” Answer: Sorry.  Buying a condo almost always means you’ll be paying those pesky “HOA fees.” 
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Can the Bank Require Home Repairs?

“I’m buying a house with 20% down and my bank just said that there’s a cracked window and some electrical items that need to be fixed.  Can they do that?” Answer: Remember the golden rule: “He who has the gold makes the rules.” So yes, the bank can require that. This is more common on
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Does Reducing the Price on Your Home Look Desperate?

Question: “I’m not sure I should reduce the price on my home.  Won’t that give the impression that I’m desperate or there’s something wrong with my home?” Answer: Quite the contrary. The typical reaction of agents and buyers is something like, “Oh, look, they’ve reduced the price on that one.  With a more attractive price,
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Are Agents Required to Write Your Offer on a San Diego Home?

Question: “Gary, I’m ticked off.  I wanted to write an offer on a house and your agent refused to write it.  That’s unethical and illegal and I want you to give me a call.” Answer: My agent came said you wanted to write an offer more than 20% below the market value of the home
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You’re Taxed on Taxable Gain When Selling, Not Net

Question: “I have no mortgage on my home and I know when I sell I’m going to pay a lot in taxes.  Can I just put a big loan against it so I pay less tax when I sell?” Answer: Sorry, but you’re taxed on your taxable gain, not on your net. Here’s the basic
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Can the Seller Ever Back Out of a Contract?

Question: “It seems like the buyer has all the rights to get out of a contract.  Can the seller back out if he gets a better offer or for some other reason?” Answer: Here’s the idea: The buyer is coming into many unknowns when buying a home, including: The physical condition of the home Whether
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Do Agents Also Get People Loans?

“Hi Gary.  My husband and I met an agent at an open house.  We liked her and want to work with her to find a home.  But she also said she can get us the loan.  I’ve never heard of that.  Do agents also get people loans?” Answer: This is less common than it used
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Must You Stay in San Diego to Keep Your Low Tax Base?

Question: “I heard that if you’re over 55 and sell your home, you can keep your low Proposition 13 tax base.  Do you have to stay in San Diego County to do that?” Answer: (I’ve addressed this before, but so many seniors are unfamiliar with it, I’m happy to go over it again…) Many seniors
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How Much Do Remodels Increase Your San Diego Home Value?

Question: “We redid our baths a couple of years ago and now we’re considering remodeling our kitchen.  We plan to sell the house in 2015 when I retire.  How much will a kitchen remodel increase our home value?” Answer: Someone asked me the same question TODAY. The answer: it depends.  It depends on: How much
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Pest Control Clearance Covers More Than Termites

Question: “I just looked at a house that’s overrun with fleas.  Does pest control clearance cover termites only or all bugs and pests?” Answer: A “pest control clearance” is often called a “termite clearance.”  Both are misnomers. “Pest control…” implies all kinds of bugs, rodents, and other pests will be eradicated. “Termite…” sure sounds like
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